Expansion of Hong Kong

International Airport into a

Three-Runway System

Construction Phase Quarterly EM&A Report

No.32 (1 October to 31 December 2023)

 

February 2024

 

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      Post-construction Phase Water Quality Monitoring

2.4.1         Summary of Monitoring Results

2.4.2         Conclusion

2.5      Waste Monitoring

2.5.1         Action and Limit Levels

2.5.2         Summary of Monitoring Results

2.5.3         Marine Sediment Management

2.6      Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

2.6.1         Action and Limit Levels

2.6.2         Summary of Monitoring Results

2.7      Environmental Site Inspection

2.7.1         Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

2.7.2         Land Contamination Assessment

2.8      Audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries

2.9      Audit of Construction and Associated Vessels

2.10     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

Table 1.2: Contact Information of the Project

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

Table 2.1: Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations 

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

Table 2.3: General Meteorological Condition during Impact Air Quality Monitoring 

Table 2.4: Impact Noise Monitoring Stations 

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

Table 2.6: General Meteorological Condition during Impact Noise Monitoring 

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

Table 2.8: Action and Limit Levels for General Impact Water Quality Monitoring 

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

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

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

Table 2.12: Summary of SS Compliance Status (Mid-Ebb Tide)

Table 2.13: Monitoring Locations for Post-construction Phase Water Quality Monitoring 

Table 2.14: The Control and Impact Stations during Flood Tide and Ebb Tide for Post-construction Phase Water Quality Monitoring 

Table 2.15: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Waste 

Table 2.16: Construction Waste Statistics 

Table 2.17: Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey Station Details 

Table 2.18: Derived Values of Action Level and Limit Level for Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring 

Table 2.19: Summary of Number of CWD Sightings and Number of Dolphins for the Same Quarter Last Year, Previous Quarter, and Current Reporting Period 

Table 2.20: 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 

Table 2.21: Summary of Photo Identification 

Table 2.22: Summary of Survey Effort and CWD Group of Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey 

Table 2.23: Landscape and Visual – Construction Phase Audit Summary 

Table 2.24: Summary of the Number of Retained, Transplanted and To-be-transplanted Trees in the Reporting Period 

Table 2.25: Summary of the Transplanted Trees Updated in the Reporting Period 

Table 2.26: Photos of the Existing Transplanted Trees Inspected in the Reporting Period 

Table 3.1: Summary of Environmental Complaints 

Table 3.2: Statistics for Valid Exceedances for the Environmental Monitoring 

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

 

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 2.2a

Post-construction Phase 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

C&D

Construction and Demolition

CAP

Contamination Assessment Plan

CAR

Contamination Assessment Report

CTCC

Construction Traffic Control Centre

CWD

Chinese White Dolphin

DCM

Deep Cement Mixing

DEZ

Dolphin Exclusion Zone

DO

Dissolved Oxygen

EIA

Environmental Impact Assessment

EM&A

Environmental Monitoring & Audit

EMIS

Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule

EP

Environmental Permit

EPD

Environmental Protection Department

EPSS

Emergency Power Supply Systems

ET

Environmental Team

FCZ

Fish Culture Zone

HKBCF

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

HKIA

Hong Kong International Airport

HSF

High Speed Ferry

IEC

Independent Environmental Checker

LKC

Lung Kwu Chau

MMHK

Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited

MMWP

Marine Mammal Watching Plan

MSS

Maritime Surveillance System

MTRMP-CAV

Updated Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for Construction and Associated Vessel

NEL

Northeast Lantau

NWL

Northwest Lantau

PAM

Passive Acoustic Monitoring

SC

Sha Chau

SCZ

Speed Control Zone

SCLKCMP

Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park

SS

Suspended Solids

STG

Encounter Rate of Number of Dolphin Sightings

SWL

Southwest Lantau

T2

Terminal 2

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 32nd 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 2023 to 31 December 2023.  

Key Activities in the Reporting Period

The key activities of the Project carried out in the reporting period included reclamation areas and existing airport island respectively. Works in the reclamation areas included rock armour laying works, land improvement works and filling works, pavement works, concourse superstructure works, tunnel work for Automated People Mover (APM) and Baggage Handling System (BHS) and associated works. Land-based works on existing airport island involved Terminal 2 expansion works, modification and tunnel work for APM and BHS, utilities works, road and drainage works, demolition, piling, excavation works and 132kV cable laying 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

50

Water quality monitoring

12

Post-construction phase water quality monitoring

12

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

6

Land-based theodolite tracking survey effort for CWD monitoring

6

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 and Dolphin Exclusion Zone (DEZ) Plan, were conducted in the reporting period. Based on the 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.

The general impact water quality monitoring was terminated after 31 October 2023 and the post-construction phase water quality monitoring was conducted from 14 November 2023 to 9 December 2023. The construction phase CWD monitoring was continued until the end of December 2023 so as to collect a full-year set of monitoring data to facilitate evaluation of CWD abundance on an annual basis. The post-construction phase CWD monitoring would be commenced in January 2024.

Snapshots of Good Environmental Practices in the Reporting Period

image

Installed speed cameras at the main haul road to monitor the speed of vehicle

Bunds were provided along temporary drains

Dust screen was erected next to the public road

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

1.     Speed cameras were installed at the main haul road by the contractor to monitor the speed of vehicles in order to reduce generation of fugitive dust during vehicle travelling.

2.     Bunds were provided along the temporary drains to prevent site runoff.

3.     Dust screen was erected next to the piling works to prevent dust nuisance on nearby public road.

Summary Findings of the EM&A Programme

The monitoring works for construction dust, construction noise, general impact water quality monitoring, post-construction phase water quality monitoring, 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 general impact water quality monitoring results for all parameters, except suspended solids (SS), obtained in October 2023 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 EM&A programme if the corresponding Action and Limit Levels are triggered. For SS, one testing result triggered the relevant Action Level, an investigation was conducted accordingly. The investigation findings concluded that the case was not related to the Project. To conclude, the construction activities during the reporting period did not introduce adverse impact to all water quality sensitive receivers.

The detailed post-construction phase water quality monitoring results are presented in Appendix C. The comparison between the baseline, construction phase and post-construction phase monitoring results will be presented in Annual EM&A report for 2023 and Final EM&A report.  

The key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period are 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

Complaint received in this reporting period

 

A complaint regarding dust nuisance at 3RS reclaimed area was received on 4 October 2023.

ET requested the relevant contractors to provide information regarding the complaint. During the ET’s site inspection, water spraying was provided on the related haul road, yet part of the road was observed dry with fugitive dust. The concerned contractor updated their dust suppression plan and an additional water truck was provided plus two sets of water sprinkler systems were installed as mitigation enhancements. Hence, the case was considered closed.

A complaint regarding dust nuisance at Northeast Quay (NE Quay) was received on 9 October 2023.

ET requested the relevant contractors to provide information regarding the complaint and the replies indicated dust suppression measures such as water spraying and wheel washing were provided at NE Quay. During the ET’s site inspections, no dust nuisance was observed. Having said that, the relevant contractors were reminded to properly implement and enhance dust measures at NE Quay. Hence, the case was considered closed.

A complaint regarding noise and dust nuisance at Sky Plaza Road was received on 16 October 2023.

ET requested the relevant contractor to provide information regarding the complaint and reply indicated dust suppression measures and noise control measures were implemented at the related works area. Although no dust and noise nuisance issues were recorded during ET’s site inspection, as an enhanced mitigation measure, the relevant contractor erected an additional layer of noise insulation materials to enclose the boundary of the works area and also adjusted the works schedule to start later in the morning to minimize noise and dust nuisance to the public. The relevant contractor was reminded to keep on review and continuously implement their enhanced dust and noise mitigation measures. Hence, the case was considered closed.

A complaint regarding sand and gravel at South Perimeter Road was received on 20 October 2023.

ET requested the relevant contractors to provide information regarding the complaint and replies indicated the automatic wheel washing facility and provision of water spraying on vehicle wheels were both operating in normal condition. Despite no sand and gravel issue was recorded during ET’s site inspections, the relevant contractors deployed water trucks to spray the ground at the concerned area, reminded all drivers to go through the wheel washing arrangement before exiting to public road and provided refresher training on manual wheel washing for their frontline workers. The relevant contractors were reminded to keep review and continuously provide proper wheel washing efforts and implement their enhanced mitigation measures. Hence, the case was considered closed.

A complaint regarding dust nuisance from sand barge near Castle Peak Bay was received on 30 October 2023.

ET requested the relevant contractors to provide information regarding the complaint and replies indicated they had delivery barges moored at Marine Department’s Designated Tuen Mun Immigration Anchorage Area during this period in which dust mitigation measures including water spraying were implemented on the barges. ET’s checking in the Maritime Surveillance System indicated no barges under 3RS were moored near the Castle Peak Bay during the period of the complaint. Having said that, the relevant contractors were reminded to continuously and properly implement dust mitigation measures on their delivery barges. Hence, the case was considered closed.

A complaint regarding dust nuisance at South Perimeter Road was received on 21 November 2023.

ET requested the relevant contractor to provide information regarding the complaints and replies indicated both the wheel washing and road washing arrangements were enhanced by the contractor. During the ET’s inspections, manual and automatic wheel washing, and road sweeping and washing were observed in operation at the concerned area. Having said that, the relevant contractor was reminded to ensure vehicles are properly washed before leaving works areas and ensure no sand and gravel would be deposited outside works areas. Hence, the case was considered closed.

Another complaint regarding dust nuisance at South Perimeter Road was received on 21 November 2023.

A complaint regarding sand and gravel issue at South Perimeter Road was received on 21 November 2023.

A complaint regarding sand and gravel issue at South Perimeter Road was received on 27 November 2023.

A complaint regarding alleged environmental nuisance at Cheong Yip Road was received on 12 December 2023.

The complaint was under investigation. Findings would be reported in the next Quarterly EM&A Report.

A complaint regarding alleged dust nuisance at South Perimeter Road was received on 18 December 2023.

The complaint was under investigation. Findings would be reported in the next Quarterly EM&A Report.

Notification of any summons and status of prosecutions

 

No notification of summons nor prosecution was 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.

In accordance with Condition 2.6 of EP, AAHK has assisted Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) in taking forward the statutory procedures for the designation of the North Lantau Marine Park (NLMP). A gazette notice regarding the approved map was published by the Government on 29 September 2023 with a Draft Designation Order and a relevant Executive Council paper now under preparation. The designation date (i.e. effective date of the NLMP) shall tie in with the commissioning of the 3RS.

 

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 summary of construction works programme can be referred to the corresponding Monthly EM&A Reports. Description of relevant contracts in the reporting period was presented in Appendix A of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 94.

1.2        Scope of this Report

This is the 32nd 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 2023 to 31 December 2023.

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, Environmental Compliance, Sustainability

Lawrence Tsui

2183 2734

Environmental Team (ET)

(Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited)

Environmental Team Leader

Terence Kong

2828 5919

Deputy Environmental Team Leaders

Heidi Yu

2828 5704

Ken Wong

2828 5817

Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)

(AECOM Asia Company Limited)

Independent Environmental Checker

Roy Man

3729 0380

Deputy Independent Environmental Checker

Jackel Law

3856 5312

 

Reclamation Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3206

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

Project Manager

Alan Mong

3763 1352

Environmental Officer

Zhang Bin Wang

3763 1525

 

Airfield Works:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3302

Eastern Vehicular Tunnel Advance Works

(China Road and Bridge Corporation)

Project Manager

Dickey Yau

5699 4503

Environmental Officer

Dennis Ho

5645 0563

Contract 3305

Airfield Ground Lighting System

(ADB Safegate Hong Kong Limited)

Project Manager

Allam Al-Turk

2944 9725

Environmental Officer

Ivan Ting

9222 9490

Contract 3306

Observation Facility Control System Supporting Interim 2RS and 3RS

(Chinney Alliance Engineering Limited)

Project Director

Dennis Yam

9551 9920

Environmental Officer

Richard Liu

9216 8990

Contract 3307

Fire Training Facility

(Paul Y. Construction Company Limited)

Project Manager

Ken Tang

9640 5397

Environmental Officer

Ferddy Leung

5585 6746

Contract 3308

Foreign Object Debris Detection System

(DAS Aviation Services Group)

Project Manager

Jeffrey Yau

9873 7422

Contract 3310

North Runway Modification Works (China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd.)

Project Manager

Kingsley Chiang

9424 8437

Environmental Officer

Federick Wong

9842 2703

Third Runway Concourse:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3402 New Integrated Airport Centres Enabling Works

(Wing Hing Construction Co., Ltd.)

Project Manager

Wyman Lau

6112 9753

Health Safety Environmental Manager

Mike Leung

6625 2550

Contract 3403 New Integrated Airport Centres Building and Civil Works

(Sun Fook Kong Construction Limited)

Project Manager

Alice Leung

9220 3162

Environmental Officer

Ray Cheung

9785 1566

Contract 3404

Integrated Airport Control System

(Shun Hing Systems Integration Co., Ltd.)

Project Manager

Andy Ng

9102 2739

Safety and Environmental Manger

Josephine Chang

9383 7705

Contract 3405 Third Runway Concourse Foundation and Substructure Works

(China Road and Bridge Corporation – Bachy Soletanche Group Limited – LT Sambo Co., Ltd. Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Francis Choi

9423 3469

Environmental Officer

Jacky Lai

9028 8975

Contract 3408

Third Runway Concourse and Apron Works

(Beijing Urban Construction Group Company Limited and Chevalier (Construction) Company Limited Joint Venture)

Senior HSE Manager

Qian Zhang

5377 7976

Environmental Officer

Malcolm Leung

7073 7559

 

Terminal 2 (T2) Expansion:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3508 Terminal 2 Expansion Works

(Gammon Engineering & Construction Company Limited)

Project Director

Richard Ellis

6201 5637

Environmental Officer

Endy Tse

6228 7768

 

Automated People Mover (APM) and Baggage Handling System (BHS):

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3601 New Automated People Mover System (TRC Line)

(CRRC Puzhen Bombardier Transportation Systems Limited and CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co., Ltd. Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Hongdan Wei

158 6180 9450

Environmental Officer

H Y Yue

9185 8186

Contract 3602 Existing APM System Modification Works (Niigata Transys Co., Ltd.)

Project Manager

Xia Bo

6586 4950

Environmental Officer

Y M Tong

5316 9801

Contract 3603 3RS Baggage Handling System (VISH Consortium)

Project Manager

K C Ho

9272 9626

Environmental Officer

Richard Ng

9802 9577

 

Construction Support (Facilities):

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3721 Construction Support Infrastructure Works

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

Senior Project Manager

Thomas Lui

9011 5340

Environmental Officer

John Mak

6273 8703

Contract 3728 Minor Site Works

(Shun Yuen Construction Company Limited)

Contract Manager

C K Liu

9194 8739

Environmental Officer

Dan Leung

6856 5899

Contract 3733 Emergency Repair Service

(Wing Hing Construction Co., Ltd.)

 

Project Manager

Michael Kan

9206 0550

Safety Health Environmental Manager

Mike Leung

6625 2550

 

Airport Support Infrastructure:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3801 APM and BHS Tunnels on Existing Airport Island

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

Project Manager

Kingsley Chiang

9424 8437

Environmental Officer 

Eunice Kwok

9243 1331

Contract 3802 APM and BHS Tunnels and Related Works

(Gammon Engineering & Construction Company Limited)

Project Director

John Adams

6111 6989

Environmental Officer

Yan Ng

5345 8555

Contract 3804 East and Landside Fire Stations

(Beijing Urban Construction Group Company Limited - Beijing Urban Construction International Company Limited - Kin Shing (Leung's)

General Contractors Ltd Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Mr. Zhang Xianda

4661 6818

Environmental Officer

Ms. Kimberly Wong

5542 1669

Contract 3805 New Airport District Police Operational Base

(Chinney Construction Co., Ltd.)

Project Manager

Cheuk Wing Wai

9339 8321

Environmental Officer

Mike Li

6306 8547

 

 

Construction Support (Services / Licences):

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contract 3901A Concrete Batching Facility

(K. Wah Concrete Company Limited)

Project Manager

Benedict Wong

9553 2806

Environmental Officer

C P Fung

9874 2872

Contract 3901B Concrete Batching Facility

(Gammon Construction Limited)

General Manager

Gabriel Chan

2435 3260

Environmental Officer

Rex Wong

2695 6319

Contract 3908 Quay Management Services

(Gitanes – Crown Asia Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Mr. Ian Li

9750 6438

Environmental Officer

Mr. Tang Kai Fun

9406 3526

Contract 3913 Asphalt Batching Plant

(SPR Joint Venture)

Project Manager

Xie Yi Sheng

6580 6005

Environmental Officer

Kenneth Chan

9300 2182

 

Utilities:

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

132kV Cable (CLP Power Hong Kong Limited / Kum Shing (K.F.) Construction Company Limited)

Engineer

Ken Fung

6391 9087

Project Engineer

Ivan Shek

9822 5836

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 are located in reclamation areas and existing airport island respectively. Works in the reclamation areas included rock armour laying works, land improvement works and filling works, pavement works, concourse superstructure works, tunnel work for APM and BHS and associated works. Land-based works on existing airport island involved Terminal 2 expansion works, modification and tunnel work for APM and BHS, utilities works, road and drainage works, demolition, piling, excavation works and 132kV cable laying. 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 are 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 was 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 was 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 was 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.

General impact water quality monitoring for water jetting works was completed on 23 May 2017.

The general impact water quality monitoring was terminated after 31 October 2023.

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.

Due to the completion of all marine-based DCM works within April 2022, regular DCM monitoring was ceased at all monitoring stations starting from 28 April 2022.

Post-construction Phase Water Quality Monitoring

Three days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides for four weeks

The four-week post-construction phase water quality monitoring exercise was commenced on 14 November 2023 and completed on 9 December 2023.

Sewerage and Sewage Treatment

Methodology for carrying out annual sewage flow monitoring for concerned gravity sewer

Methodology to be prepared and submitted to EPD one year before the scheduled commencement of operation of the proposed third runway.

The proposed methodology of the annual sewage flow monitoring was approved by EPD. The annual flow monitoring was started from June 2021 and completed in 2022.

Details of the routine H2S monitoring system for the sewerage system of 3RS

Details to be prepared and submitted to EPD at least one year before commencement of the operation of 3RS.

The H2S monitoring proposal was accepted by EPD in June 2023.

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 under EP condition 2.20.

Site Re-appraisal Summary Report for Fire Training Facility

Site Re-appraisal Summary Report for Fire Training Facility

Site Re-appraisal Summary Report for Fire Training Facility was accepted by EPD.

Contamination Assessment Report (CAR) for Golf Course

CAR to be submitted for golf course

The CAR for Golf Course was submitted and accepted by EPD.

CAR for Terminal 2 Emergency Power Supply System

CAR to be submitted for Terminal 2 Emergency Power Supply Systems

 

The CARs for Terminal 2 Emergency Power Supply Systems were submitted and accepted by EPD.

Terrestrial Ecology

 

 

Pre-construction Egretry Survey Plan

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

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

Ecological Monitoring

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

The 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.

The construction phase CWD monitoring was completed in December 2023.

Post-construction Phase Monitoring

12 months of post monitoring upon the completion of marine construction works; and

Vessel line transect surveys: Two full surveys per month.

Post-construction phase monitoring will be commenced from January 2024.

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 and approved by 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 was reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4.

Impact Monitoring

Weekly

On-going

Establishment Works Monitoring

Bi-monthly

On-going

Long Term Management (10 years) Monitoring

Annually

On-going

Environmental Auditing

 

Regular site inspection

Weekly

On-going

Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP) implementation measures

Monitor and check

No Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP) implementation measures during this reporting period.

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

Silt Curtain Deployment Plan implementation measures

Monitor and check

No Silt Curtain Deployment Plan implementation measures during this reporting period.

Spill Response Plan 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:

   Fifty-one 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.

In accordance with Condition 2.6 of EP, AAHK has assisted AFCD in taking forward the statutory procedures for the designation of the NLMP. A gazette notice regarding the approved map was published by the Government on 29 September 2023 with a Draft Designation Order and a relevant Executive Council paper now under preparation. The designation date (i.e. effective date of the NLMP) shall tie in with the commissioning of the 3RS.

 

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 2023

100%

100%

Nov 2023

100%

100%

Dec 2023

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 2023

Sunny to Drizzle

Northwest to East

Oct 2023

Sunny

Northwest to East

Nov 2023

Sunny to Cloudy

North to East

Dec 2023

Sunny

Northwest to East

2.1.3          Conclusion

No dust emission source was observed at the monitoring stations during the monitoring sessions. As the sensitive receivers were far away from the construction activities, with the implementation of dust control measures, there was no adverse impact at the sensitive receivers attributable to the works of the Project.

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 70 dB(A) for being an educational institution. During school examination period, the Limit Level is further reduced to 65 dB(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 2023

100%

100%

100%

100%

Nov 2023

100%

100%

100%

100%

Dec 2023

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.

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 2023

Sunny to Drizzle

Oct 2023

Sunny to Overcast

Nov 2023

Sunny to Cloudy

Dec 2023

Sunny to Cloudy

2.2.3         Conclusion

Major sources of noise dominating the monitoring stations observed during the construction noise impact monitoring were traffic noise near NM1A, school activities near NM4, and aircraft noise near NM6. As the sensitive receivers were far away from the construction activities, with the implementation of noise control measures, there was no adverse impact at the sensitive receivers attributable to the works of the Project.

2.3         Water Quality Monitoring

With the completion of land formation works in the first quarter of 2023, termination of the construction phase water quality impact monitoring was proposed to EPD with approval granted on 30 October 2023 and the water quality impact monitoring was terminated after 31 October 2023.

During October 2023, the general impact water quality monitoring was conducted three days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides at a total of 14 water quality monitoring stations, comprising 6 impact (IM) stations, 5 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 and Figure 2.2 shows the locations of the water quality monitoring stations.

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

Monitoring Station

Description

Coordinates

Parameters

 

 

Easting

Northing

 

C1

Control Station

804247

815620

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

C2

Control Station

806945

825682

C3(2)

Control Station

817803

822109

IM1(4)

Impact Station

806458

818351

IM2(4)

Impact Station

806236

819183

IM7(4)

Impact Station

806835

821349

IM10(4)

Impact Station

809838

822240

IM11(4)

Impact Station

810545

821501

IM12(4)

Impact Station

811519

821162

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

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

814166

821463

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

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

SR8(3)

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. To better reflect the water quality in the immediate vicinity of the intake, the monitoring location of SR1A has been shifted closer to the intake starting from 5 January 2019.

(2)    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.

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

(4)    With the seawall completion and removal of enhanced open sea silt curtains, these monitoring stations were relocated back to their original locations. For IM2, there was minor adjustment of the monitoring location.

2.3.1         Action and Limit Levels

The Action and Limit Levels for general impact water quality 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 impact water quality monitoring are presented in Table 2.9.

Table 2.8: Action and Limit Levels for General Impact Water Quality Monitoring

Parameters

Action Level (AL)

Limit Level (LL)

Action and Limit Levels for general impact water quality monitoring

(excluding SR1A & SR8)

General Water Quality Monitoring

DO in mg/l (Surface, Middle & Bottom)

Surface and Middle

4.5mg/l

Surface and Middle

4.1mg/l

Bottom

3.4mg/l

Bottom

2.7mg/l

Suspended Solids (SS) in mg/l

23

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

37

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

Turbidity in NTU

22.6

36.1

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.

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

Control Station

Impact Stations

Flood Tide

 

C1

IM1, IM2, IM7, SR3

SR2(1)

IM7, IM10, IM11, IM12, SR1A, SR3, SR4A, SR8

Ebb Tide

 

C1

SR4A

C2

IM1, IM2, IM7, IM10, IM11, IM12, SR1A, SR2, SR3, 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 of general impact water quality results within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels in October 2023 are presented in Table 2.10. The weather and sea conditions in the last month of the previous quarter and October 2023 were recorded and summarised in Table 2.11.

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

General Impact Water Quality Monitoring

DO

(Surface and Middle)

DO

(Bottom)

SS

Turbidity

Oct 2023

100%

(204/204)

100%

(204/204)

99.6%

(251/252)

100%

(204/204)

Overall

100%

100%

99.6%

100%

Notes:

1.    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.

2.    The number in the bracket under the percentage represents the total number of depth-averaged results complying with their corresponding Action and Limit Levels over the total number of depth-averaged results.

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

 

Weather

Sea Condition

Sep 2023

Sunny to Rainy

Moderate to Rough

Oct 2023

Sunny to Rainy

Calm to Rough

The general impact water quality monitoring results for all parameters, except suspended solids (SS), obtained in October 2023 were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels stipulated in the EM&A programme. The detailed monitoring results are presented in Appendix C.

For SS, one testing result triggered the Action Level in October 2023, and an investigation was conducted accordingly. Summaries of results triggering Action Level for SS are presented in Table 2.12.

Details of the investigation findings were presented in Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 94, which concluded that the result triggering the Action Level was not related to the Project.

Table 2.12: Summary of SS Compliance Status (Mid-Ebb Tide)

IM1

IM2

IM7

IM10

IM11

IM12

SR2

SR3

SR4A

17/10/2023

D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of result triggering Action or Limit Level

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Note: The monitoring results compiled with their corresponding Action or Limit Levels are presented in Appendix C.

Legend:

 

Result within corresponding Action and Limit Levels

 

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

D

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

 

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 October 2023, it is noted that most of the monitoring results were within their corresponding Action and Limit Levels while one testing result triggered the corresponding Action Level of SS. An investigation was conducted accordingly. Based on the findings presented in Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No. 94, the case that triggered the corresponding Action Level was 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.

2.4        Post-construction Phase Water Quality Monitoring

A post-construction phase water quality monitoring exercise was carried out for four weeks according to Section 5.1.10.1 of the Updated EM&A Manual, in the same manner as the impact monitoring at all monitoring stations during construction phase, from 14 November 2023 to 9 December 2023.

Post-construction phase water quality monitoring of DO, pH, temperature, salinity, turbidity, and suspended solids (SS), total alkalinity, Chromium, and Nickel has been conducted three days per week, at mid-ebb and mid-flood 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 water quality sensitive receivers around the airport island in accordance with the Manual. The details of the monitoring stations are shown in Table 2.13 and the control and impact stations during ebb tide and flood tide for post-construction phase water quality monitoring are presented in Table 2.14. Figure 2.2a shows the locations of the monitoring stations for post-construction phase water quality monitoring.

Table 2.13: Monitoring Locations for Post-construction Phase Water Quality Monitoring

Monitoring Station

Description

Coordinates

Parameters

 

 

Easting

Northing

 

C1

Control Station

804247

815620

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

 

DCM Parameters

Total Alkalinity, Heavy Metals

C2

Control Station

806945

825682

C3(2)

Control Station

817803

822109

IM1

Impact Station

806458

818351

IM2

Impact Station

806193

818852

IM3

Impact Station

806019

819411

IM4

Impact Station

805039

819570

IM5

Impact Station

804924

820564

IM6

Impact Station

805828

821060

IM7

Impact Station

806835

821349

IM8

Impact Station

807838

821695

IM9

Impact Station

808811

822094

IM10

Impact Station

809838

822240

IM11

Impact Station

810545

821501

IM12

Impact Station

811519

821162

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

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

SR3

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

807571

822147

General Parameters

DO, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity, SS

SR4A

Sha Lo Wan

807810

817189

SR5A

San Tau Beach SSSI

810696

816593

SR6(3)

Tai Ho Bay, Near Tai Ho Stream SSSI

814663

817899

SR7

Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone (FCZ)

823742

823636

SR8

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

811623

820390

Notes:   

(1)    With the operation of HKBCF, water quality monitoring at SR1A station was commenced on 25 October 2018. To better reflect the water quality in the immediate vicinity of the intake, the monitoring location of SR1A has been shifted closer to the intake starting from 5 January 2019.

(2)    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.

(3)    Since construction activities and temporary structures for Tung Chung New Town Extension no longer exist, SR6 is adopted according to the Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report.

Table 2.14: The Control and Impact Stations during Flood Tide and Ebb Tide for Post-construction Phase Water Quality Monitoring

Control Station

Impact Stations

Flood Tide

 

C1

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

SR2(1)

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

Ebb Tide

 

C1

SR4A, SR5A, SR6

C2

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

Note:

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

2.4.1         Summary of Monitoring Results

The four-week post-construction phase water quality monitoring was conducted from 14 November 2023 to 9 December 2023. The detailed monitoring results and summary table are presented in Appendix C.

2.4.2         Conclusion

The four-week post-construction phase water quality monitoring was conducted from 14 November 2023 to 9 December 2023. The comparison between the baseline, construction phase and post-construction phase monitoring results will be presented in the Annual EM&A report for 2023 and Final EM&A report.

2.5        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.

2.5.1         Action and Limit Levels

The Action and Limit Levels of the construction waste are provided in Table 2.15.

Table 2.15: 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

2.5.2         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 took actions to implement the recommended measures. Waste management audits were carried out by ET according to the requirements of the Waste Management Plan, updated EM&A Manual and the implementation schedule of the waste management mitigation measures in Appendix B.

Based on updated contractors’ information, summary of construction waste generated in the reporting period is presented in Table 2.16. ET and IEC carried out site audits regularly and reviewed the trip ticket system.

The contractors established the recycling strategy for C&D materials with proper planning and design to maximize recycling and reuse. Dedicated recyclers were employed for different kinds of recyclable materials by the contractors. Dedicated areas for sorting of materials are established on site. Recyclable materials such as steel bar, metal strip, aluminium, paper and plastic are sorted on-site and transported off-site for recycling during this reporting period.

Table 2.16: Construction Waste Statistics

 

C&D(1) 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(2)

(m3)

Chemical Waste

(kg)

Chemical Waste

(l)

General Refuse (tonne)

Oct 2023(3)

0

2,440

64

6,902

0

0

3,958

Nov 2023(3)

0

4,170

0

7,731

1,200

7,200

5,029

Dec 2023(3)

0

3,498

0

4,467

450

940

4,135

Total

      0

10,108

64

19,100

1,650

8,140

13,122

Notes:

1.      C&D refers to Construction and Demolition.

2.      C&D materials not suitable for reuse on-site, including asphalt waste and sediment slurry, were transferred to public fill during the reporting period.

3.      Updated figures were provided by contractors.

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

2.5.3         Marine Sediment Management

Marine sediment is managed according to the EIA Report, Updated EM&A Manual and Waste Management Plan and the proposal of Further Development on Treatment Level / Details and the Reuse Mode for Marine Sediment (hereinafter referred to as “Further Development Proposal”) of the Project. The, storage conditions of the excavated marine sediment, treatment process, final backfilling location as well as associated records were inspected and checked by ET and verified by IEC to ensure they were in compliance with the requirements as stipulated in the Waste Management Plan and Further Development Proposal.

Treatment and backfilling works for marine sediment generated from the reclaimed land area were conducted during the reporting period. The details of the marine sediment sampling, treatment and backfilling can be referred to Annual EM&A Report No.7.

2.6        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. 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 are shown in Figure 2.3, whilst the land-based theodolite tracking survey stations are described in Table 2.17 and depicted in Figure 2.4. The location of the PAM device is shown in Figure 2.10.

Table 2.17: 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

Although the 3RS land formation works were completed in the first quarter of 2023, the construction phase CWD monitoring was continued until the end of December 2023 so as to collect a full-year set of monitoring data to facilitate evaluation of CWD abundance on an annual basis. The post-construction phase CWD monitoring will be commenced in January 2024. The post-construction phase CWD monitoring will be conducted by vessel line transect survey at a frequency of two full surveys per month.

2.6.1         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 2.18.

Table 2.18: 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

2.6.2         Summary of Monitoring Results

2.6.2.1           Vessel Line Transect Survey

Survey Effort

During the reporting period from October to December 2023, 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 1,351 km of survey effort was collected from these surveys, with around 97.1% 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 2023, there were a total of 33 sightings of CWD, with 99 dolphins sighted (Table 2.19). All these sightings were recorded during on-effort searches under favourable weather condition.

When breaking down the sightings by survey areas, 24 sightings with a total of 67 dolphins and 8 sightings with a total of 29 dolphins were recorded in, WL and SWL respectively during the current reporting period. One sighting of three dolphins was recorded on AW transect within NWL survey area. No CWD was sighted in NEL survey area.

Compared with the previous quarter (i.e. July to September 2023), the total number of CWD sightings and the total number of the dolphins have decreased by 25% and 26% respectively. There was a notable reduction in dolphin sightings and the number of dolphins in both WL and SWL survey area in the current reporting quarter.

Compared with the same quarter of last year (i.e., October to December 2022), there were slight increases in both the total number of sightings and the total number of dolphins by 3% and 10% respectively. In WL, there was a slight decrease in both the number of sightings and number of dolphins by 4% and 9% respectively. On the other hand, there were notable increase in both number of sightings and number of dolphins in SWL by 60% and 123% respectively.

Table 2.19 below shows the comparison of the numbers of sightings and dolphins amongst the current reporting period, last quarter, and the same quarter of last year.

Table 2.19: 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 2022

July to September 2023

October to December 2023

NEL

0 (0)

0 (0)

0 (0)

NWL

2 (3)

0 (0)

0 (0)

AW

0 (0)

0 (0)

1 (3)

WL

25 (74)

30 (87)

24 (67)

SWL

5 (13)

14 (46)

8 (29)

Total

32 (90)

44 (133)

33 (99)

Note: Values in ( ) represent number of dolphins

The distribution of CWD sightings recorded from October to December 2023 is illustrated in Figure 2.5. In WL, CWD sightings were clustered at the waters between Tai O and Fan Lau. In SWL, CWD sightings mostly scattered in waters between Fan Lau and Shek Pik. In NWL including the AW transects, the only sighting was recorded in waters west to the Airport. No CWD sightings were recorded in NEL survey area during the reporting period. Details of the sighting data are presented in Appendix C.

Figure 2.5: Sightings Distribution of Chinese White Dolphins from October to December 2023

Remarks: (1) Please note that there are 33 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. (2) Marine Park excludes land area and the landward boundary generally follows the high water mark along the coastline.

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 2023 are summarised in Table 2.20.

In this reporting period, the monthly STG increased significantly from October to December (STG: from 1.54 to 2.56 and reach 3.50). Meanwhile, the monthly ANI increased significantly from October to November, followed by a decrease in December (ANI: increased from 4.41 to 11.17 and dropped to 7.22). For running quarterly encounter rates, the running quarterly STG has decreased from October to November and rebounded slightly in December. The running quarterly ANI decreased gradually from October to December. No Action Level for CWD monitoring was triggered during the reporting period.

Compared with the previous reporting period (i.e. July to September 2023), overall both the running quarterly STG and ANI decreased from August 2023 to December 2023 (STG: from 3.76 to 2.51; ANI from 11.90 to 7.54). While comparing with the same quarter of last year (i.e. October to December 2022), the running quarterly STG remained at similar levels while the running quarterly ANI was slightly higher (i.e. 7.54 in Dec 2023 versus 6.73 in Dec 2022). Encounter rates for these periods are summarised in Table 2.20 and graphical presentation is provided in Appendix C.

Table 2.20: 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 22

Nov 22

Dec 22

Jul 23

Aug 23

Sep 23

Oct 23

Nov 23

Dec 23

Monthly STG

3.46

 

2.68

 

1.47

 

2.67

4.23

3.02

1.54

2.56

3.50

Monthly ANI

10.66

 

5.59

 

4.65

 

8.91

13.58

7.43

4.41

11.17

7.22

Running Quarterly STG

3.11

 

2.77

 

2.49

 

3.32

3.76

3.31

2.93

2.36

2.51

Running Quarterly ANI

11.03

 

7.67

 

6.73

 

10.42

11.90

10.01

8.48

7.61

7.54

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 Nos. 94, 95, and 96.

Group Size

Between October and December 2023, the group size of CWD sightings ranged from one to 15 dolphins. The average group size of CWD was 3.00 dolphins per group, which is similar to that of the last quarter (3.02 dolphins per group). The average group size of CWD in this reporting quarter is slightly larger than that of the same quarter of last year (2.81 dolphins per group).

In this reporting quarter, the number of CWD sightings with small group size (i.e., 1-2 dolphins) was dominant. There was one CWD sighting with large group size (i.e., 10 or more dolphins) recorded in SWL in this reporting period.

There was no apparent pattern in the distribution of small-sized dolphin groups and medium-sized dolphin groups in all survey areas. 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: (1) Please note that there are 33 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. (2) Marine park excludes land area and the landward boundary generally follows the high water mark along the coastline.

 

Activities and Association with Fishing Boats

From October to December 2023, 13 sightings of CWD were recorded with foraging activities. Amongst them, the three sightings were observed associated with operating purse seiners, shrimp trawler and gillnetter respectively. Two of these sightings were recorded in WL and one in SWL.

Sightings with foraging activities recorded in the current reporting period was higher than that in the previous reporting period (i.e., nine sightings involved foraging activities between July and September 2023). The number of CWD sightings with foraging activities in this reporting period was higher than that in the same quarter of last year (i.e., 10 sightings between October and December 2022).

The sighting locations of CWDs engaged in different behaviours during the current reporting period are illustrated in Figure 2.7.

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

Remarks: (1) Marine park excludes land area and the landward boundary generally follows the high water mark along the coastline.


Mother-calf Pairs

From October to December 2023, five sightings of CWD were recorded with the presence of mother-and-unspotted juvenile pairs and/or mother-and-calf pair, which was similar to that recorded in the previous reporting quarter (i.e., seven sightings between July and September 2023). The number of CWD sightings with the presence of mother-calf pairs was higher than that recorded in the same quarter of last year (i.e., four sightings between October and December 2022).

These five sightings with the presence of mother-calf pairs recording during the reporting period were all recorded in WL and AW survey area (four pairs in WL and one pair in AW respectively). The locations of CWD sightings with the presence of mother-calf pairs are shown in Figure 2.8.

Figure 2.8: Sighting Locations of Mother-calf Pairs

Remarks: Marine park excludes land area and the landward boundary generally follows the high water mark along the coastline.

Photo Identification

Between October and December 2023, a total number of 41 different CWD individuals were identified altogether for 58 times. Re-sighting information of CWD individuals provides an initial idea of their range use and apparent connection between different areas of Lantau waters. Amongst these 41 different CWD individuals, 12 animals (i.e., NLMM023, SLMM003, SLMM023, SLMM031, SLMM034, SLMM037, SLMM044, WLMM001, WLMM007, WLMM056, WLMM065, WLMM109) were sighted for more than once.

Five individuals including NLMM023, SLMM003, WLMM001, WLMM007 and WLMM056 were re-sighted in different survey areas during this reporting period. The most frequently re-sighted individuals in this reporting quarter were SLMM003 and SLMM034 that both were successfully identified for four times each. The numbers of CWD individuals re-sighted more than once and showed cross-area movement were lower than that of the last reporting period from July to September 2023 (i.e. 18 and 11 CWD individuals respectively).

A summary of photo identification works is presented in Table 2.21. Representative photos of the 41 identified individuals and figures depicting the sighting locations of the aforementioned 5 individuals re-sighted in different survey areas in this reporting period are presented in Appendix C.

Table 2.21: Summary of Photo Identification

Individual ID

Date of sighting

Sighting Group No.

Area

 

Individual
ID

Date of sighting

Sighting Group No.

Area

NLMM001

15-Nov-23

2

WL

 

SLMM058

27-Dec-23

7

WL

NLMM023

20-Oct-23

1

WL

 

SLMM060

13-Oct-23

3

WL

 

06-Nov-23

8

SWL

 

SLMM064

13-Oct-23

4

WL

NLMM041

13-Oct-23

1

WL

 

SLMM070

15-Nov-23

5

WL

NLMM058

06-Nov-23

8

SWL

 

WLMM001

06-Nov-23

8

SWL

SLMM002

27-Dec-23

7

WL

 

 

27-Dec-23

7

WL

SLMM003

06-Nov-23

8

SWL

 

WLMM003

13-Nov-23

1

WL

 

13-Nov-23

1

WL

 

WLMM007

13-Oct-23

4

WL

 

 

2

WL

 

 

06-Nov-23

8

SWL

 

27-Dec-23

5

WL

 

 

13-Nov-23

1

WL

SLMM007

13-Oct-23

4

WL

 

WLMM056

06-Nov-23

7

SWL

SLMM010

13-Nov-23

1

WL

 

 

13-Nov-23

1

WL

SLMM014

13-Oct-23

4

WL

 

WLMM065

06-Nov-23

7

SWL

SLMM022

15-Nov-23

5

WL

 

 

 

8

SWL

SLMM023

13-Oct-23

4

WL

 

WLMM068

27-Dec-23

4

WL

 

27-Dec-23

9

WL

 

WLMM071

15-Nov-23

1

AW

SLMM031

27-Dec-23

6

WL

 

WLMM079

13-Nov-23

2

WL

 

 

8

WL

 

WLMM109

13-Oct-23

4

WL

SLMM034

06-Nov-23

7

SWL

 

 

27-Dec-23

7

WL

 

 

8

SWL

 

WLMM112

27-Dec-23

4

WL

 

11-Dec-23

1

SWL

 

WLMM113

27-Dec-23

4

WL

 

 

2

SWL

 

WLMM118

06-Nov-23

8

SWL

SLMM037

27-Oct-23

2

SWL

 

WLMM149

13-Oct-23

1

WL

 

11-Dec-23

2

SWL

 

WLMM150

06-Nov-23

8

SWL

SLMM044

13-Nov-23

1

WL

 

WLMM162

27-Dec-23

4

WL

 

27-Dec-23

9

WL

 

WLMM168

06-Nov-23

8

SWL

SLMM050

27-Dec-23

7

WL

 

WLMM192

13-Oct-23

4

WL

SLMM052

13-Oct-23

4

WL

 

WLMM193

15-Nov-23

1

AW

SLMM055

06-Nov-23

7

SWL

 

WLMM194

27-Dec-23

8

WL

2.6.2.2           Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey

Survey Effort

Between October and December 2023, a total of six days of land-based theodolite tracking survey effort were completed, including three days on Lung Kwu Chau and three days on Sha Chau. During the reporting quarter, two CWD groups were tracked from the Lung Kwu Chau station while no CWD group was tracked from the Sha Chau station, with an overall 0.06 CWD group sighted per survey hour. Information on survey effort and CWD groups sighted during land-based theodolite tracking surveys are presented in Table 2.22.

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 2023 are shown in Figure 2.9.

Table 2.22: 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 2023

Lung Kwu Chau

1

06:00

0

0

Sha Chau

1

06:00

0

0

TOTAL

2

12:00

0

0.00

November 2023

Lung Kwu Chau

1

06:00

0

0.00

Sha Chau

1

06:00

0

0

TOTAL

2

12:00

0

0.00

December 2023

Lung Kwu Chau

1

06:00

2

0.33

Sha Chau

1

06:00

0

0

TOTAL

2

12:00

2

0.17

OVERALL

6

36:00

2

0.06

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

2.6.2.3           Progress Update on PAM

PAM device has been deployed and positioned to the south of Sha Chau within the SCLKCMP (Figure 2.10) to supplement the detection of CWD presence in the south Sha Chau area that are not recorded visually by the land-based theodolite tracking survey and to coincide the theodolite data when there is sighting from the land-based station at Sha Chau. Both C-POD and F-POD are considered as effective PAM devices in detecting CWD occurrence, and F-POD was the main PAM device deployed where feasible. In this reporting period, the F-POD was retrieved on 1 November 2023 for data collection and subsequently re-deployed. 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.

2.6.2.4           Site Audit for CWD-related Mitigation Measures

During the reporting period, teams of at least two dolphin observers were deployed at 2 dolphin observation stations by the contractors for continuous monitoring of the DEZ for armour rock laying works in accordance with the DEZ Plan. One training session for the proposed dolphin observers on the implementation of DEZ monitoring were provided by the ET during this reporting period, with a cumulative total of 709 individuals being trained and the training records were kept by the ET. From the contractors’ DEZ monitoring records, no dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within or around the DEZ in this reporting period. The contractor’s records were also audited by the ET during site inspection.

Summary of audits of SkyPier HSFs route diversion and speed control and construction vessel management are presented in Section 2.8 and Section 2.9 respectively.

2.7        Environmental Site Inspection

Site inspections of the construction works to audit the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project were conducted by ET and IEC on a weekly and bi-weekly basis, respectively. Besides, ad-hoc site inspections were also 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 implemented in the Project are highlighted as below:

1.     Speed cameras were installed at the main haul road by the contractor to monitor  the speed of vehicles in order to reduce generation of fugitive dust during vehicle travelling.

2.     Bunds were provided along the temporary drains to prevent site runoff.

3.     Dust screen was erected next to the piling works to prevent dust nuisance on nearby public road.

image

 

Installed speed cameras at the main haul road to monitor the speed of vehicle

Bunds were provided along temporary drains

Dust screen was erected next to the public road

Besides, advice was 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.

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.

2.7.1         Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

Implementation of applicable landscape and visual mitigation measures (reference to the environmental protection measures CM1 – CM10 and OM7 in Appendix B) is monitored regularly in accordance with the Manual. The implementation status of the environmental protection measures is summarised in Table 2.23. For trees which were managed under the Project during the reporting period, relevant measures (i.e., CM1 CM9) were implemented by Contracts 3508 and 3801. For CM10, the advanced hydroseeding works around taxiways and runways were partially completed and would resume in next phase. The total number of retained trees, transplanted trees and to-be-transplanted trees under the management of Project are summarized in Table 2.24.

The total number of retained trees of the Project as of December 2023 remained unchanged (i.e. 37) comparing to the previous reporting period.

The cumulative total number of transplanted trees of the Project remained unchanged (i.e. 26 nos.) comparing with previous reporting quarter. Details of the summary of transplanted trees are shown in Table 2.25. Photos of the transplanted trees are presented in Table 2.26. For OM7, the bi-monthly site inspections for 12-month establishment period were undertaken in October and December 2023 during the reporting period. Next inspection will be conducted in February 2024.

Table 2.23: Landscape and Visual – Construction Phase Audit Summary

Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures during Construction

Implementation Status

Implementation Status

Relevant Contract(s) in the Reporting Period

CM1- The construction area and contractor’s temporary works areas shall be minimised to avoid impacts on adjacent landscape.

The implementation of mitigation measures were checked by ET during weekly site inspection and clarified by the Contractors during the monthly Environmental Management Meetings. Implementation of the measures CM5, CM6 and CM7 by Contractors was observed.

All works contracts

CM2 – Reduction of construction period to practical minimum.

CM3 – Phasing of the construction stage to reduce visual impacts during the construction phase.

CM4 – Construction traffic (land and sea) including construction plants, construction vessels and barges shall be kept to a practical minimum.

CM5 – Erection of decorative mesh screens or construction hoardings around works areas in visually unobtrusive colours.

CM6 – Avoidance of excessive height and bulk of site buildings and structures

CM7 – Control of night-time lighting by hooding all lights and through minimisation of night working periods

CM8 – All existing trees shall be carefully protected during construction.  Detailed Tree Protection Specification shall be provided in the Contract Specification. Under this specification, the Contractor shall be required to submit, for approval, a detailed working method statement for the protection of trees prior to undertaking any works adjacent to all retained trees, including trees in contractor’s works areas

Tree Protection Specifications were provided in the relevant Contract Specifications respectively for implementation by the Contractors under the Project. 

 

The Contractors’ performance on the implementation of the trees maintenance and protection measures were observed and checked by the ET weekly during construction period.

3508, 3801

 

 

CM9 – Trees unavoidably affected by the works shall be transplanted where practical.  A detailed Tree Transplanting Specification shall be provided in the Contract Specification, if applicable. Sufficient time for necessary tree root and crown preparation periods shall be allowed in the project programme

Tree Transplanting Specifications were provided in the relevant Contract Specifications respectively for implementation by the Contractors under the Project where trees will unavoidably be affected by the construction works. 

 

The Contractors were required to submit Method Statements for tree transplanting prior to the transplanting works. Tree inspections were conducted by ET to check the tree transplanting works implemented by the Contractors on site.

 

The Contractors’ performance on the implementation of trees maintenance and protection measures on transplanted trees were observed and checked by the ET bi-monthly during the 12-month establishment period after the completion of each batch of transplanting works.

 

Long term management of the transplanted trees were currently monitored by ET annually.  

3508, 3801

CM 10 – Land formation works shall be followed with advanced hydroseeding around taxiways and runways as soon as practical

The advanced hydroseeding works around taxiways and runways were partially completed at this stage and would resume in next phase.

To be implemented

OM7- Compensatory tree planting for all felled trees shall be provided to the satisfaction of relevant Government departments.  Required numbers and locations of compensatory trees shall be determined and agreed separately with Government during the Tree Felling Application process under the relevant technical circulars.(1)

The first batch of compensatory trees was planted and the bi-monthly site inspection for the 12-month establishment period was commenced in June 2023. During the reporting period, the bi-monthly site inspection was undertaken in October and December 2023.   Next inspection will be conducted in February 2024.

AAHK

Note:

(1) AAHK is the management and maintenance agency of the compensatory trees. Tree Felling Application is not required for 3RS project.

Table 2.24: Summary of the Number of Retained, Transplanted and To-be-transplanted Trees in the Reporting Period

Contract No.

Retained (nos.)

Transplanted (nos.)

To-be-transplanted (nos.)

 

 

 

 

Establishment Period

Maintenance Period

 

3503(1)

0

0

9

0

3508

34

0

12

0

3801

3

0

5

0

Grand Total

37

0

26

0

Notes:

(1)   Contract 3503 was completed and the 9 transplanted trees have been handed over to AAHK.

Table 2.25: Summary of the Transplanted Trees Updated in the Reporting Period

Tree ID

Transplant Date

Management Stage

Management Agency

Remarks

CT276

3 May 2018

Long Term Management period

Jun 2019 – May 2028

Southern Landside Petrol Filling Station

Next inspection will be conducted in February 2024. Photos of the last inspection in February 2023 can be referred to Table 7.7 of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.86.

CT1253

4 May 2018

Long Term Management period

Jun 2019 – May 2028

Southern Landside Petrol Filling Station

T835

22 Jan 2020

Long Term Management period

Feb 2021 – Jan 2030

AAHK

 

Next inspection will be conducted in February 2024. Photos of the last inspection in February 2023 can be referred to Table 7.7 of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.86.

T836

13 Dec 2019

Long Term Management period

Feb 2021 – Jan 2030

AAHK

T838

22 Jan 2020

Long Term Management period

Feb 2021 – Jan 2030

AAHK

T812

21 Dec 2020

Long Term Management period

Jan 2022 – Dec 2031

AAHK

 

Next inspection will be conducted in December 2024. Photos of the last inspection in December 2023 were shown in Table 2.26.

T814

20 Dec 2020

Long Term Management period

Jan 2022 – Dec 2031

AAHK

T815

15 Dec 2020

Long Term Management period

Jan 2022 – Dec 2031

AAHK

T829

18 Dec 2020

Long Term Management period

Jan 2022 – Dec 2031

AAHK

T830

14 Dec 2020

Long Term Management period

Jan 2022 – Dec 2031

AAHK

T831

19 Dec 2020

Long Term Management period

Jan 2022 – Dec 2031

AAHK

T1493

6 Jul 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

 

Next inspection will be conducted in July 2024. Photos of the last inspection in July 2023 can be referred to Table 7.7 of the Construction Phase Monthly EM&A Report No.91.

T1494

6 Jul 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

 

T1495

10 Jul 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

 

T1496

5 Jul 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

 

T1497

5 Jul 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

 

T1498

29 Jun 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

 

T1499

29 Jun 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

T1500

30 Jun 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

T1501

30 Jun 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

T1502

5 Jul 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

 

T1503

6 Jul 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

 

T1504

24 Jun 2021

Long Term Management period

Aug 2022 – Jul 2031

Contract 3508

CT1194

4 May 2018

Long Term Management period

Jun 2019 – May 2028

Southern Landside Petrol Filling Station

Uprooted and collapsed due to Typhoon Higos on 18 August 2020. Tree removal was conducted as recommended by tree specialist of the contractor of Southern Landside Petrol Filing Station.

CT1794

3 May 2018

Long Term Management period

Jun 2019 – May 2028

 

 

 

 

AsiaWorld-Expo

The tree within the land parcel was acquired by the government for construction of emergency hospital to handle COVID19 pandemic at AsiaWorld-Expo. The tree was felled in late 2020.

CT1795

3 May 2018

Long Term Management period

Jun 2019 – May 2028

AsiaWorld-Expo

The tree within the land parcel was acquired by the government for construction of emergency hospital to handle COVID19 pandemic at AsiaWorld-Expo. The tree was felled in late 2020.

 

Table 2.26: Photos of the Existing Transplanted Trees Inspected in the Reporting Period

Under 10-year Long-term Management: 

T812

T814

T815

T829

T830

T831

2.7.2         Land Contamination Assessment

The Supplementary CAP was submitted to EPD pursuant to EP Condition 2.20. The CARs for Golf Course and T2 Emergency Power Supply Systems (EPSS) were submitted to EPD in accordance with EP Condition 1.9 and the Supplementary CAP in which no land contamination issues were identified. EPD has issued no further comment for aforesaid CARs.  No leakage was found after the removal of underground fuel pipelines and all required additional photos were submitted to EPD.

According to the approved supplementary CAP, there are 3 remaining locations where site re-appraisal / additional site investigation are proposed. Site re-appraisal was conducted at one of the above remaining locations, fire training facilities on 22 August 2023. In view of the relevant information from government departments, facility setup and site survey observations, it is considered that the contamination potential of the kerosene tank and the associated pipes is very unlikely. The site summary re-appraisal report for Fire Training Facility was accepted by EPD on 20 December 2023. The status of site re-appraisal/ additional site investigation of the 2 remaining locations shall be further updated upon latest development programme is available.

2.8        Audit of SkyPier High Speed Ferries

The Marine Travel Routes and Management Plan for High Speed Ferries of SkyPier (the SkyPier Plan) was submitted to the Advisory Council on the Environment for comment and subsequently submitted to and approved by EPD in November 2015 under EP Condition 2.10. The approved SkyPier Plan is available on the dedicated website of the Project. In the SkyPier Plan, AAHK has committed to implement the mitigation measure of requiring HSFs of SkyPier travelling between HKIA and Zhuhai / Macau to start diverting the route with associated speed control across the area, i.e. Speed Control Zone (SCZ), with high CWD abundance. The route diversion and speed restriction at the SCZ have been implemented since 28 December 2015.

Due to the operational need, the SkyPier HSF services to/from Zhuhai has been suspended from 25 March 2020 until further notice. In total, 76 ferry movements between HKIA SkyPier and Macau were audited in the reporting period. The daily movements of all SkyPier HSFs in the reporting period, including those not using the diverted route, ranged between 6 and 54, which fell within the maximum daily cap number of 125.

The average speed of the HSF travelling through the Speed Control Zone (SCZ) ranged from 10.6 to 13.5 knots. All HSFs travelled through the SCZ with average speed within 15 knots, used diverted route and entered / left SCZ through gate access points in compliance with the SkyPier Plan. The summary of the SkyPier Plan monitoring result is presented in Graph 1.

Graph 1: Summary of SkyPier High Speed Ferries Monitoring Results

 

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

2.10     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

Eleven environmental complaints were received during the reporting period. All were attended to and investigated by the ET in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan. A summary of the complaints and analyses is presented in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1: Summary of Environmental Complaints

Date of Complaint Received

Details

Analysis/ Remedial Actions

Status

4 October 2023

A complaint regarding dust nuisance at 3RS reclaimed area was received.

A complaint regarding dust nuisance observed on reclaimed land area was received on 4 October 2023. The case was investigated by ET in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan of the Project. ET requested the relevant contractors to provide information regarding the complaint. During the ET’s site inspection, water spraying was provided on the related haul road, yet part of the road was observed dry with fugitive dust generated during vehicle movements. The concerned contractor updated their dust suppression plan and an additional water truck was provided plus two sets of water sprinkler systems were installed to enhance their dust mitigation measures. The ET would continue to monitor their performance on their enhanced dust mitigation measures. Hence, the case was considered closed.

Closed

9 October 2023

A complaint regarding dust nuisance at Northeast Quay (NE Quay) was received.

A complaint regarding dust nuisance at Northeast Quay (NE Quay) was received on 9 October 2023. The case was investigated by ET in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan of the Project. ET requested the relevant contractors to provide information regarding the complaint. Contractors replied dust suppression measures such as water spraying and wheel washing were provided at NE Quay. During the ET’s site inspections, water spraying was observed at the NE Quay and wheel washing was also provided to all vehicles before the vehicles embark Roro barges. No dust nuisance was observed during the inspections. Having said that, the relevant contractors were reminded to properly implement and enhance dust measures at NE Quay. Hence, the case was considered closed.

Closed

16 October 2023

A complaint regarding noise and dust nuisance at Sky Plaza Road was received.

A complaint regarding noise and dust nuisance at Sky Plaza Road was received on 16 October 2023. The case was investigated by ET in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan of the Project. ET requested the relevant contractor to provide information regarding the complaint and reply indicated dust suppression measures and noise control measures were implemented at the related works area. During the ET’s site inspections, no dust and noise nuisance issues were recorded. Nevertheless, the relevant contractor erected an additional layer of noise insulation materials to enclose the boundary of the works area and also adjusted the works schedule to start later in the morning to minimize noise and dust nuisance to the public. The relevant contractor was reminded to keep on review and continuously implement their enhanced dust and noise mitigation measures. Hence, the case was considered closed.

Closed

20 October 2023

A complaint regarding sand and gravel at South Perimeter Road was received.

A complaint regarding sand and gravel at South Perimeter Road was received on 20 October 2023. The case was investigated by ET in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan of the Project. ET requested the relevant contractors to provide information regarding the complaint and replies indicated the automatic wheel washing facility and provision of water spraying on vehicles wheels were both operating in normal condition. During the ET’s site inspections, no sand and gravel issue was recorded. Nevertheless, the relevant contractors deployed water trucks to spray the ground at the concerned area, reminded all drivers to go through the wheel washing arrangement before exiting to public road and provided refresher training on manual wheel washing for their frontline workers. The relevant contractors were reminded to keep review and continuously provide proper wheel washing efforts and implement their enhanced mitigation measures. Hence, the case was considered closed.

Closed

30 October 2023

A complaint regarding dust nuisance from sand barge near Castle Peak Bay was received.

A complaint regarding dust nuisance from sand barge near Castle Peak Bay was received on 30 October 2023. The case was investigated by ET in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan of the Project. ET requested the relevant contractors to provide information regarding the complaint and replies indicated contractors had delivery barges moored at Marine Department’s Designated Tuen Mun Immigration Anchorage Area during the period of the complaint in which dust mitigation measures including water spraying were implemented on the barges. ET’s checking in the Maritime Surveillance System indicated no barges under 3RS moored near the Castle Peak Bay during the period of the complaint. Having said that, the relevant contractors were reminded to continuously and properly implement dust mitigation measures on their delivery barges. Hence, the case was considered closed.

Closed

21 November 2023

A complaint regarding dust nuisance at South Perimeter Road was received.

Three complaints were received on 21 November 2023 regarding dust nuisance and sand and gravel at South Perimeter Road. Another similar complaint regarding sand and gravel issue at South Perimeter Road was received on 27 November 2023. The case was investigated by ET in accordance with the Manual and the Complaint Management Plan of the Project. ET requested the relevant contractor to provide information regarding the complaints and replies indicated the manual and automatic wheel washing facilities, and road washing and sweeping arrangements were all enhanced by the contractor. During the ET’s inspections, manual and automatic wheel washing, road washing by water trucks and road sweeping by sweeper trucks were observed in operation at the concerned area.   Having said that, the relevant contractor was reminded to ensure vehicles are properly washed before leaving works areas and ensure no sand and gravel would be deposited outside works areas. Hence, the case was considered closed.

Closed

21 November 2023

Another complaint regarding dust nuisance at South Perimeter Road was received.

21 November 2023

A complaint regarding sand and gravel issue at South Perimeter Road was received.

27 November 2023

A complaint regarding sand and gravel issue at South Perimeter Road was received.

12 December 2023

A complaint regarding alleged environmental nuisance at Cheong Yip Road was received.

The complaint was under investigation during the reporting period. Findings would be reported in the next Quarterly EM&A Report.

 

18 December 2023

A complaint regarding alleged dust nuisance at South Perimeter Road was received.

The complaint was under investigation during the reporting period. Findings would be reported in the next Quarterly EM&A Report.

 

3.2.2         Notifications of Summons or Status of Prosecution  

Neither 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 3.2 and Table 3.3.

Table 3.2: Statistics for Valid Exceedances for the Environmental Monitoring

 

 

Total No. Recorded in the Reporting Period

Total No. Recorded since the Project Commenced

1-hr TSP

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

Noise

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

Waste

Action Level

0

1

 

Limit Level

0

0

Water

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

CWD

Action Level

0

0

 

Limit Level

0

0

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

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

Reporting Period

Cumulative Statistics

 

Non-compliance

Complaints

Notifications of Summons

Prosecutions

This reporting period

0

11

0

0

From 28 December 2015 to end of the reporting period

0

70

2

2

 

4        Conclusion and Recommendation

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the EM&A programme has been implemented as planned, including 96 sets of air quality measurements, 50 sets of construction noise measurements, 12 sets of water quality measurements, 12 sets of post-construction phase water quality measurements, 6 complete sets of vessel line transect surveys and 6 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 are located in reclamation area and existing airport island respectively. Works in the reclamation areas included rock armour laying works, land improvement works and filling works, pavement works, concourse superstructure works, tunnel work for APM and BHS and associated works. Land-based works on existing airport island involved Terminal 2 expansion works, modification and tunnel work for APM and BHS, utilities works, road and drainage works, demolition, piling, excavation works and 132kV cable laying work.

Monitoring results of construction dust, construction noise, construction waste and CWD monitoring did not trigger the corresponding Action and Limit Levels during the reporting period.

With the completion of 3RS land formation works in the first quarter of 2023, the impact water quality monitoring was terminated after 31 October 2023. The impact water quality monitoring results for all parameters, except suspended solids (SS), obtained for October 2023 were within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels stipulated in the EM&A programme. For SS, one testing result triggered the relevant Action Level, an investigation was conducted accordingly. The investigation findings concluded that the case was not related to the Project. To conclude, the construction activities during the reporting period did not introduce adverse impact to all water quality sensitive receivers.

Four weeks of post-construction phase water quality monitoring exercise was conducted from 14 November 2023 to 9 December 2023, in the same manner as the impact monitoring at all monitoring stations during the construction phase. The comparison between the baseline, construction phase and post-construction phase monitoring results will be presented in Annual EM&A report for 2023 and Final EM&A report.

Although the 3RS land formation works were completed in the first quarter of 2023, the construction phase CWD monitoring was continued until the end of December 2023 so as to collect a full-year set of monitoring data to facilitate evaluation of CWD abundance on an annual basis. 12 months of the post-construction phase CWD monitoring would be commenced in January 2024.

Site inspections of the construction works to audit the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project were conducted by ET and IEC on a weekly and bi-weekly basis, respectively. Site inspection findings were recorded in the site inspection checklists and provided to the contractors to follow up.

In total of 76 HSF movements under the SkyPier Plan were audited in the reporting period. All HSFs were travelled through the SCZ with average speed under 15 knots, used diverted route and entered / left SCZ through gate access points in compliance with the SkyPier Plan. In summary, the ET and IEC audited the HSF movements against the SkyPier Plan and conducted follow up investigations or actions accordingly.

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.

On the implementation of DEZ Plan, dolphin observers were deployed by the contractor in accordance with the plan. No dolphin or other marine mammals were observed within or around the DEZ in this reporting period. Audits of contractor’s implementation and records were carried out by the ET during site inspection.

In accordance with Condition 2.6 of EP, AAHK has assisted AFCD in taking forward the statutory procedures for the designation of the NLMP. A gazette notice regarding the approved map was published by the Government on 29 September 2023 with a Draft Designation Order and a relevant Executive Council paper now under preparation. The designation date (i.e. effective date of the NLMP) shall tie in with the commissioning of the 3RS.

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 )