Contents

                       

                        Abbreviations                                                                         

                        Executive Summary                                                              

1                      Introduction                                                                           

1.1                   Background                                                                            

1.2                   Scope of the EM&A Report                                                

1.3                   Organization Structure                                                   

1.4                   Summary of Construction Works                                

1.5                   Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements          

1.6                   Status of Statutory Environmental Compliance with the Environmental Permit                                                

1.7                   Status of Other Statutory Environmental Requirements                                                                         

2                      EM&A Results for Tung Chung East                             

2.1                   Air Quality                                                                                

2.2                   Noise Monitoring                                                                   

2.3                   Water Quality Monitoring                                                

2.4                   Soft Shore Ecological Monitoring                             

2.5                   EM&A Site Inspection                                                            

2.6                   Waste Management Status                                              

2.7                   Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures                                                                                  

2.8                   Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit                                               

2.9                   Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions                                                

3                      Future Key Issues                                                                 

3.1                   Construction Programme for the Coming Month

3.2                   Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Month          

4                      Conclusion and Recommendation                                 


 

Annexes

Annex A   Project Organisation

Annex B   Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule

Annex C   Status of Submissions and Implementation Status of Mitigation Measures under EP

Annex D   Status of Statutory Environmental Requirements

Annex E   Air Quality
Annex E1
Calibration Certificates
Annex E2
Monitoring Schedule
Annex E3
Monitoring Results
Annex E4
Event and Action Plan

Annex F   Noise
Annex F1
Calibration Certificates
Annex F2
Monitoring Schedule
Annex F3
Monitoring Results
Annex F4
Event and Action Plan

Annex G  Water Quality
Annex G1
Calibration Certificates
Annex G2
Monitoring Schedule
Annex G3
Monitoring Results
Annex G4
Event and Action Plan

Annex H   Cumulative Statistics on Exceedances, Environmental Complaints, Notification of Summons and Status of Prosecutions

Annex I    Monitoring Schedule for the Next Reporting Period

 

 

Abbreviations

C&D

Construction and Demolition

CAP

Contamination Assessment Plan

CEDD

Civil Engineering and Development Department

CWD

Chinese White Dolphin

DCM

Deep Cement Mixing

DO

Dissolved Oxygen

EIA

Environmental Impact Assessment

EIAO

Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance

EIS

Ecologically Important Stream

EM&A

Environmental Monitoring and Audit

EP

Environmental Permit

EPD

Environmental Protection Department

ER

Engineer's Representative

ERM

ERM-Hong Kong, Limited

ET

Environmental Team

HVS

High Volume Sampler

IEC

Independent Environmental Checker

PDA

Planned Development Area

PME

Powered Mechanical Equipment 

QPME

Quality Powered Mechanical Equipment 

RAP

Remediation Action Plan

RR

Remediation Report

RTTM

Real Time Tracking and Monitoring

SS

Suspended Solid

TCB

Tung Chung Bay

TCE

Tung Chung East

TCNTE

Tung Chung New Town Extension

TCW

Tung Chung West

The Project

Tung Chung New Town Extension (East)

THW

Tai Ho Wan

TSP

Total Suspended Particulate

Updated EM&A Manual

Updated Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual for Tung Chung New Town Extension prepared by ERM under Agreement No. CE 60/2017 (EP) and deposited to EPD under Environmental Permit No. EP-519/2016

 


Executive Summary

Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) is one of the major initiatives under the Government's multi-pronged approach to increase land supply to meet Hong Kong's medium- to long-term needs for housing, economic and social developments.  The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for TCNTE (Register No. AEIAR-196/2016) was approved on 8 April 2016 and the Environmental Permit (EP) No. EP-519/2016, covering the construction and operation of TCNTE, was granted on 9 August 2016. The EIA Report and EP cover both Tung Chung East (TCE) and Tung Chung West (TCW).  ERM-Hong Kong, Limited (ERM) is commissioned to undertake the role of Environmental Team (ET) for the construction and operation of TCE Project (“the Project”) in accordance with the requirements specified in the EP, Updated Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual, EIA Report of the TCNTE project and other relevant statutory requirements.  The construction of the Project commenced on 9 July 2018.

This is the Monthly EM&A report presenting the EM&A works carried out during the period from 1 to 30 November 2020 for the Project in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual. 

A summary of monitoring and audit activities conducted in the reporting period is listed below:

Air Quality Monitoring                               5 sessions

Noise Monitoring                              5 sessions

Water Quality Monitoring                          13 sessions

Environmental Site Inspection                  4 sessions

Environmental Management Meeting       1 session

Environmental auditing works, including weekly site inspections of construction works conducted by the ET, audit of works vessels, audit of implementation of Dolphin Watching Plan, Works Vessel Travel Route Plan, Silt Curtain Deployment Plan, Spill Response Plan and Waste Management Plan were conducted in the reporting period.  Based on the audit results and the observation for the reporting period, environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project were properly implemented.

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality

No exceedance of Action and Limit Levels was recorded for construction air quality monitoring in the reporting period.

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Noise

No exceedance of Limit Levels was recorded for construction noise monitoring in the reporting period.  However, one (1) Action Level was triggered from one (1) environmental complaint related to noise nuisance in the reporting period.  Investigations were conducted for the exceedance in accordance with the Event and Action Plan.

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality

Dissolved oxygen (DO), Turbidity and Suspended Solids (SS) exceedances were recorded during the reporting period.  Relevant investigations and follow-up actions were conducted according to the EM&A programme.  The exceedances were considered not related to this Project after investigations.

Soft Shore Ecological Monitoring

No impact soft shore ecological monitoring at Tung Chung Bay and Tai Ho Wan was scheduled during the reporting period.

Environmental Complaints, Non-compliance & Summons

There was no notification of summons or prosecution recorded in the reporting period.

A total of seven (7) environmental complaints were received in the reporting period, including three (3) environmental complaints related to dust, two (2) environmental complaint related to muddy water/water pollution, one (1) environmental complaint related to water pond/stagnant water and one (1) environmental complaint related to noise nuisance were received in the reporting period.  Investigations were conducted for the environmental complaints in accordance with the complaint handling process as stated in the Complaint Management Plan.

Reporting Change

There was no reporting change in the reporting period.

Key Issues For The Coming Month

Potential environmental impacts arising from the upcoming construction activities in the next reporting period of December 2020 are mainly associated with dust emission, noise from barge and plant operation during normal working hours and restricted hours, elevation in SS due to sediment loss from laying of sand blanket and marine filling works, disturbance to Chinese White Dolphin (CWD) during marine works, handling and storage of C&D materials generated from construction activities, efficiency of wastewater and drainage management.  The ET will keep track on the construction works to confirm compliance of environmental requirements and the proper implementation of all necessary mitigation measures.  The ET will also recommend to the Contractor about the environmental toolbox topics on the abovementioned key issues for the coming month.

 


1                                    Introduction

1.1                               Background

Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) is one of the major initiatives under the Government's multi-pronged approach to increase land supply to meet Hong Kong's medium- to long-term needs for housing, economic and social developments. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for TCNTE (Register No. AEIAR-196/2016) was approved on 8 April 2016 and the Environmental Permit (EP) No. EP-519/2016, covering the construction and operation of TCNTE, was granted on 9 August 2016. The EIA Report and EP cover both Tung Chung East (TCE) and Tung Chung West (TCW).

ERM-Hong Kong, Limited (ERM) is commissioned to undertake the role of Environmental Team (ET) for the construction and operation of TCE Project (“the Project”) in accordance with the requirements specified in the EP, Updated Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual ([1]), EIA Report of the TCNTE project ([2]) and other relevant statutory requirements.

The TCE Project (“the Project”) comprises the following elements:

1.         Reclamation of the seabed by a non-dredged method at TCE to form a total of about 130 hectares of land;

2.         Construction of about 4.9 kilometres of seawalls, with an eco-shoreline, three drainage box culvert outfalls, three circulation drains and a seawater intake at TCE;

3.         Construction of a 470-metre (m) long multi-cell drainage box culvert at TCE;

4.         Provision of infrastructure for Tung Chung Area 58, including construction of a single two-lane road with a footpath of about 270 m in length and the associated utility works;

5.         Construction of roads, footbridges, drainage, sewerage, waterworks, sewage and salt water pumping stations, fresh water and salt water service reservoirs, and flood protection measures;

6.         Provision of new cycle tracks connecting to the existing cycle track network;

7.         Landscaping, reprovisioning and ancillary works; and

8.         Implementation of environmental mitigation measures and environmental monitoring and audit works.

The location of the Project, including the associated infrastructure works, is shown in Figure 1.1.  The construction and the reclamation related marine works of the Project commenced on 9 and 13 July 2018, respectively. 

1.2                               Scope of the EM&A Report

This is the Monthly EM&A Report for the Project which summarises the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 30 November 2020 for the construction works.

1.3                               Organization Structure

The organization structure of the Project is shown in Annex A.  The key personnel contact names and contact details are summarized in Table 1.1 below.

Table 1.1        Contact Information of Key Personnel

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Civil Engineering and Development Department

 

Senior Engineer

Lo Siu Keung

2231 4426

Marine Conservation Officer

 

Wo King Tai

3894 9707

Engineer’s Representative

(ER)

(AECOM Asia Company Limited)

 

Principal Resident Engineer

Chief Resident Engineer

Frankie Fan

 

Dennis Leung

3894 9403

 

3894 9404

Senior Resident Engineer

Chris Cheung

3894 9605

Resident Engineer

Vincent Leung

3894 9645

Senior Inspector of Works

 

C K Liu

3894 9733

Environmental Team (ET)

(ERM-Hong Kong, Limited)

 

ET Leader

Jovy Tam

3894 9507

Deputy ET Leader

Kelvin So

3894 9504

Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)

(Black & Veatch Hong Kong Limited)

 

 

IEC

Manuel Chua

3894 9501

Deputy IEC

 

Ivan Ting

3894 9502

Contractor (Contract No. NL/2017/03 TCNTE – Reclamation and Advance Works)

(Build King – SCT Joint Venture)

 

Site Agent

Keith Tse

3903 1503

Construction Team Leader

Lee Wai Man

3903 1520

Environmental Officer

Donna Tso

3903 1580

24-hour Complaint Hotline

 

-

9862 2910

1.4                               Summary of Construction Works

As informed by the Contractor, details of the major works carried out in this reporting period are listed below:

Table 1.2        Major Activities in the Reporting Period

Activities

Key Issues

Key Mitigation Measures

Land-based Works

 

 

·        Ground investigation works

·        Land DCM works and jet grouting

·        Placing of sorted public fill

·        Box culvert construction

·        Chain link fence erection and U-channel construction

·        Dust emission

·        Handling and storage of C&D materials generated from construction activities

·        Noise from plant operation

·        Emission of dark smoke from PMEs

·        Efficiency of wastewater and drainage management

·        Good site practices

·        Regular water spraying on stockpiles, unpaved haul road and land filling area

·        Provide tarpaulin sheets coverage on stockpiles

·        Sorting and reuse of C&D materials as far as practicable

·        Use of QPME and noise barrier/acoustic mat

·        Regular maintenance of PMEs

·        Implementation of wastewater and drainage management

Marine-based Works

 

 

·        Laying of geotextile and sand blanket for reclamation works and DCM works

·        Marine-based instruments monitoring works

·        Placing of sorted public fill

·        DCM works

·        Seawall construction

·        Elevation in impact on Water Quality due to sediment loss from sand blanket laying and marine filling works

·        Potential surface runoff

·        Potential filling material drop from barges

·        Disturbance to Chinese White Dolphin

·        Noise from marine vessels and plant operation during normal working hours or restricted hours

·        Dust emission during storage and transfer of sand/ sorted public fill

·        Emission of dark smoke from marine vessel

 

 

 

 

·        Provision of perimeter silt curtain

·        Provision of a leading seawall of at least 200m before marine filling works

·        Regular cleaning of accumulated sand/fill materials at the edge of the barges

·        Implementation of Dolphin Watching for the marine-based works

·        Strictly follow requirement under CNP for the use of PMEs and works within restricted period

·        Use of acoustic mat and other noise mitigation measures when necessary

·        Regular maintenance of engines and mechanical equipment

 

The environmental mitigation implementation schedule is presented in Annex B.

1.5                               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 the Environmental Aspects under the Updated EM&A Manual

Parameters

Status

Air Quality

Baseline Monitoring

The results of baseline air quality monitoring for TCE were reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4

 

Impact Monitoring

On-going for TCE, monitoring conducted three times every six days

 

 

Noise

Baseline Monitoring

The results of baseline noise monitoring for TCE were reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4

 

Impact Monitoring

On-going for TCE, monitoring conducted once per week

 

Impact Monitoring for Road Traffic Noise during Operational Phase

 

To be conducted during operational phase

Fixed Noise Commissioning Test

To be implemented by the Contractor before operation of TCNTE

 

 

Water Quality

Baseline Monitoring

The results of baseline water quality monitoring for TCE were reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4

 

Impact Monitoring

On-going for TCE, monitoring conducted three times per week

 

 

Waste Management

Waste Monitoring

On-going

 

 

Land Contamination

Contamination Assessment Plan (CAP), Remediation Action Plan (RAP) and Remediation Report (RR)

Pending environmental site investigation and lab testing works for TCW

 

 

Ecology

Monitoring for Compensation Woodland

 

To be conducted when compensation woodland are planted

Monitoring for Emergent Plant inside the future River Park

 

To be conducted in the future River Park

Monitoring for Translocated Amphibians of Conservation Importance

 

To be conducted after translocation

Monitoring for Preserved/Transplanted Plant Species of Conservation Importance

 

To be conducted after preservation/ transplantation

Monitoring for Tung Chung Stream EIS and Wong Lung Hang EIS

 

To be conducted under TCW

Eco-shoreline Monitoring

To be conducted when eco-shoreline at TCE PDA and Road P1 is built

 

Tung Chung Bay and Tai Ho Wan Baseline Monitoring

The results of baseline soft shore ecological monitoring at Tung Chung Bay and Tai Ho Wan were reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4

 

Tung Chung Bay and Tai Ho Wan Impact Monitoring

On-going for TCE, monitoring conducted quarterly

 

 

Landscape and Visual

 

Baseline Monitoring

The results of baseline landscape and visual monitoring were reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.4

 

 

Site Environmental Audit

Regular Site Inspection

 

On-going

Dolphin Watching Plan implementation measures

 

Under implementation by the Contractor

Works Vessel Travel Route Plan implementation measures

 

Under implementation by the Contractor

Silt Curtain Deployment Plan implementation measures

Under implementation by the Contractor

 

 

Spill Response Plan implementation measures

Under implementation by the Contractor

 

 

Waste Management Plan implementation measures

Under implementation by the Contractor

 

 

Complaint Hotline and Email Channel

 

Under implementation by the Contractor

Environmental Log Book

On-going

Taking into account the construction works, impact monitoring of air quality, noise, water quality and waste management were carried out in the reporting period.  The monitoring schedule of air quality, noise and water quality monitoring are provided in Annex E2, Annex F2 and Annex G2, respectively.

The EM&A programme also involved environmental site inspections and related auditing conducted by the ET for checking the implementation of the required environmental mitigation measures recommended in the approved EIA Report and relevant EP submissions, including Dolphin Watching Plan, Works Vessel Travel Route Plan, Silt Curtain Deployment Plan, Spill Response Plan and Waste Management Plan.  

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 summarized as below:

Ÿ   One (1) environmental management committee meeting was held with the Contractor, ER, ET, IEC and CEDD on 19 November 2020; and

Ÿ   Environmental toolbox trainings on dark smoke prevention, oil leakage handling, Construction Noise Permit, light pollution, dust control, requirement of AIS/GPS tracking system for work vessels, the use of drip tray for chemicals and chemical waste management on 4, 6, 7, 13, 20, 25 and 27 November 2020.

1.6                               Status of Statutory Environmental Compliance with the Environmental Permit

The status of statutory environmental compliance with the EP conditions under the EIAO, submission status under the EP and implementation status of mitigation measures are presented in Annex C.  

1.7                               Status of Other Statutory Environmental Requirements

The environmental licenses and permits, including environmental permit, waste discharge license, registration as chemical waste producer and construction noise permit, which were valid in the reporting period are presented in Annex D.  No non-compliance with environmental statutory requirements was recorded.  

 

 

2                                    EM&A Results for Tung Chung East

The EM&A programme for the Project required environmental monitoring for air quality, noise, water quality and marine ecology as well as environmental site inspections for air quality, noise, water quality, waste management, marine ecology and landscape and visual impacts.  The EM&A requirements and related findings for each component are summarized in the following sections.

2.1                               Air Quality

2.1.1                          Monitoring Requirements and Equipment

According to the Updated EM&A Manual of the Project, impact air quality monitoring in terms of 1-hour Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) was conducted three (3) times every six (6) days when the highest dust impact was expected.  The Action and Limit Levels of the air quality monitoring is provided in Table 2.1 below.

Table 2.1 Action and Limit Levels for 1-hour TSP

Location

Action Level, µg/m3

Limit Level, µg/m3

Monitoring station for Tung Chung East

279

500

Portable direct reading dust meters were used to measure 1-hour TSP levels in undertaking the air quality monitoring for the Project.  The proposed use of portable direct reading dust meters was submitted to IEC and obtained agreement from the IEC as stated in Section 5.5 of the Updated EM&A Manual.  With the use of direct reading dust meter, it can allow prompt and direct results for the EM&A reporting and the implementation of the event and action plan.  The portable direct reading dust meter would be calibrated every year against High Volume Sampler (HVS) to check the validity and      accuracy of the results measured by direct reading method.

The monitoring location and equipment used in the impact air quality monitoring programme are summarized in Table 2.2 and illustrated in Figure 2.1.  Copies of the calibration certificates for the equipment are presented in Annex E1, which showed that the portable direct reading dust meter is capable of providing comparable results with that provided by a HVS.

 

Table 2.2         Air Quality Monitoring Details

Monitoring Station

Location

Parameter

Frequency and Duration

Monitoring Dates

Equipment

DM-1

Tung Chung Area 56 – Ying Tung Estate

1-hour TSP

Three times per six days during the construction period of the Project

4, 10, 16, 21 and 27 November 2020

1-hour TSP Dust Meter

SIBATA LD-3B (S/N: 436553)

Remark:

It should be noted that impact monitoring at other construction dust monitoring locations at TCE as stated in the Updated EM&A Manual will commence after the flat intake (for Monitoring Stations DM-2, DM-3 and DM-4).

2.1.2                          Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

The schedule for air quality monitoring during the reporting period is provided in Annex E2.

2.1.3                          Results and Observations

The monitoring results for 1-hour TSP are summarized in Table 2.3.  The monitoring data and the graphical presentation are provided in Annex E3.

Table 2.3        Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period

Monitoring Station

Average (µg/m3)

Range (µg/m3)

Action Level  (µg/m3)

Limit Level  (µg/m3)

DM-1

44

22-71

279

500

The dust sources in the reporting period included haul road traffic, unloading of sand/fill material, filling works and operation of marine vessels under the Project. 

No exceedance of Action and Limit Levels was recorded for construction air quality monitoring in the reporting period.  No action is thus required to be undertaken in accordance with the Event and Action Plan presented in Annex E4.

2.2                               Noise Monitoring

2.2.1                          Monitoring Requirements and Equipment

According to the Updated EM&A Manual of the Project, impact noise monitoring was conducted once per week during the construction phase of the Project.  The Action and Limit Level for construction noise of the Project is provided in Table 2.4 below. 

Table 2.4        Action and Limit Levels for Construction Noise

Time Period

Action Level

Limit Level

0700 - 1900 hours on normal weekdays

When one documented complaint is received

75 dB(A) *

Notes:      

Limit level is exceeded when Leq ≥ 75 dB(A).  If works are to be carried out during restricted hours, the conditions stipulated in the construction noise permit issued by the Noise Control Authority have to be followed.

* Reduce to 70 dB (A) for schools and 65 dB (A) during school examination periods.

Noise monitoring was performed using sound level meter at the designated monitoring stations NMS-CA-1A ([3]) ([4]) and NMS-CA-4 (Figure 2.2; Table 2.5) in accordance with the requirements stipulated in the Updated EM&A Manual.  Acoustic calibrator was deployed to check the sound level meters at a known sound pressure level.  Details of the deployed equipment are provided in Table 2.5.  Copies of the calibration certificates for the equipment are presented in Annex F1

Table 2.5        Noise Monitoring Details

Monitoring Station (a)

Location

Parameter

Frequency and Duration

Monitoring Dates

Equipment

NMS-CA-1A (b)

Residential premise in Tung Chung East – Century Link/Ying Hong Road (c)

 

30-minute measurement between 0700 and 1900 on normal weekdays (Monday to Saturday). Leq, L10 and L90 would be recorded.

Once per week for 30 mins during the construction period of the Project

4, 10, 16, 21 and 27 November 2020

Sound Level Meter: Rion NL-52 (S/N: 00331805); Rion NL-52 (S/N: 00643039)

 

Acoustic Calibrator: LARSON DAVIS CAL200 (S/N: 16878)

NMS-CA-4

Residential premise in the reclamation area next to Tung Chung East – Ying Tung Estate

 

 

Remarks:

(a)     It should be noted that impact monitoring at other construction noise monitoring locations at TCE as stated in the Updated EM&A Manual will commence after the flat intake of residential premise in TCE (for Monitoring Station NMS-CA-1) and operation of schools (for Monitoring Stations NMS-CA-2 and NMS-CA-3).

(b)     Impact monitoring at monitoring station NMS-CA-1A commenced on 19 September 2018 in view of the close vicinity of the construction works near the residential area at Century Link.

(c)     Due to land handover issue, NMS-CA-1A was relocated to Ying Hong Road which is located 60m away from the original location.  Proposal on the relocation of NMS-CA-1A was approved by IEC on 23 November 2018.  Noise monitoring at the relocated location commenced since 24 November 2018.

2.2.2                          Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

The schedule for noise monitoring during the reporting period is provided in Annex F2.

2.2.3                          Results and Observations

Results for noise monitoring are summarized in Table 2.6.  The monitoring data and the graphical presentation are provided in Annex F3.

Table 2.6        Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period

Monitoring Station

Average , dB(A),

Leq (30mins)

Range, dB(A),

Leq (30mins)

Limit Level, dB(A),

Leq (30mins)

NMS-CA-1A

65.9

65.0-67.1

75

NMS-CA-4

70.8

70.2-72.4

75

Major noise sources during the noise monitoring included noise from barge and plant operation, DCM works, craning, haul road traffic as well as nearby traffic noise and aircraft noise and nearby construction sites.  

 

No Limit Level exceedance was recorded for construction noise monitoring in the reporting period.  However, one (1) Action Level was triggered from one (1) environmental complaint related to noise nuisance received in the reporting period.  Investigations were conducted for the complaint in accordance with the Event and Action Plan (Annex F4) and the details are provided in Section 2.9.

2.3                               Water Quality Monitoring

2.3.1                          Monitoring Requirements and Equipment

Impact water quality monitoring was carried out to ensure that any deterioration of water quality was detected, and that timely action was taken to rectify the situation.  Impact water quality monitoring was undertaken three days per week since the commencement of marine works during the reporting period in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual.  Each impact water quality monitoring was scheduled such that the interval between two impact water quality monitoring was more than 36 hours to record representative water quality data throughout the week during the marine works.

Two (2) replicate in-situ measurements and samples were collected at each monitored water depth of each designated monitoring stations.  Dissolved Oxygen (DO), pH value, salinity, temperature and turbidity were measured in-situ whereas the level of suspended solids (SS) were determined by ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd which is a HOKLAS accredited laboratory.

The Action and Limit Levels of the water quality monitoring are provided in Table 2.7.

Table 2.7        Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality

Parameters

Action Level

Limit Level

DO in mg/L

(Surface, Middle & Bottom)

Surface and Middle

5.9 mg/L [1]

 

Bottom

5.6 mg/L

Surface and Middle

4 mg/L [1]

 

Bottom

2 mg/L

 

SS in mg/L (Depth-averaged)

13.5 mg/L
or
120% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day, whichever is higher. [2]

 

 

23.5 mg/L
or
130% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day, whichever is higher. [2]

Turbidity in NTU (Depth-averaged)

17.1 NTU
or
120% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day, whichever is higher. [2]

23.5 NTU
or
130% of upstream control station at the same tide of the same day, whichever is higher. [2]

Notes:

(1) For DO, non-compliance occurs when monitoring results is lower than the limits.

(2) For SS and Turbidity, non-compliance occurs when monitoring results is larger than the limits

The locations of the monitoring stations under the Project are shown in Figure 2.3 and Table 2.8.

Table 2.8        Locations of Impact Water Quality Monitoring Stations and the Corresponding Monitoring Requirements

Monitoring Station

Description

Coordinates

Parameters (a)

Frequency

Monitoring Dates

Depth

 

 

Easting

Northing

 

 

 

TCE-WQM1

Near Airport Channel

811838

817341

Ÿ Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L and % saturation)

Ÿ Temperature (°C)

Ÿ Turbidity (NTU)

Ÿ Salinity (ppt)

Ÿ pH

Ÿ Water depth (m)

Ÿ Suspended Solid (SS) (mg/L)

Impact monitoring: 3 days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides during the construction period of the Project

 

2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27 and 30 November 2020

3 water depths: 1m below sea surface, mid-depth and 1m

above seabed.  If the water depth is less than 3m, mid-depth sampling only.  If water depth less than 6m, mid-depth may be omitted

TCE-WQM2a

Marine Park 1

814439

819879

TCE-WQM2b

Marine Park 2

814439

821905

TCE-WQM3A

Outlet of Tai Ho Wan

814705

817859

TCE-WQM4

HKBCF

813344

818849

TCE-C1

Control Station - Outside Airport Channel

804247

815620

TCE-C2

Control Station - Sunny Bay

819460

821473

 

Notes:

 

(a) In addition to the abovementioned parameters, other relevant data shall also be recorded, including monitoring location / position, time, water depth, tidal stages, weather conditions and any special phenomena or work underway at the construction site.

Table 2.9 summarizes the equipment used in the impact water quality monitoring works.  Copies of the calibration certificates are attached in Annex G1.


 

Table 2.9        Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Model

Water Sampler

Kahlsico Water Samplers

Multi-parameter Water Quality System (measurement of DO, Temperature, Turbidity, Salinity and pH) (Note 1)

YSI ProDSS (S/N: 17E100747);

YSI 6920 v2 (S/N: 0001C6A7, 00019CB2)

 

 

Note 1: One multi-parameter water quality system was used at each monitoring station during each survey day.

2.3.2                          Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

The schedule for water quality monitoring during the reporting period is provided in Annex G2.

2.3.3                          Results and Observations

A total of 13 monitoring events for impact water quality monitoring were conducted at all designated monitoring stations during the reporting period.  Impact water quality monitoring results and graphical presentations are provided in Annex G3

Action and Limit level exceedances were recorded for water quality impact monitoring in the reporting period and the event and action plan (Annex G4) was undertaken.  Investigations on the action and limit level exceedances were conducted and summarized in Table 2.10 below.  


 

Table 2.10       Details of Exceedances Recorded for Water Quality Monitoring

Date

Tide

Parameter

Station

Type

Justification

13 November 2020

MF

SS

TCE-WQM3A

Action

(a) (b)

MF

SS

TCE-WQM4

Action

18 November 2020

MF

DO (B)

TCE-WQM2a

Action

(c) (d)

MF

SS

TCE-WQM1

Action

(a) (b) (e)

23 November 2020

ME

SS

TCE-WQM3A

Action

(b)

MF

SS

TCE-WQM1

Action

(b)

MF

Turbidity

TCE-WQM3A

Limit

(f)

MF

SS

TCE-WQM3A

Limit

(f)

MF

SS

TCE-WQM4

Action

(b)

 

Remarks:

(a)

The exceedance was not considered as caused by the construction of the Project due to areas of reclamation related marine works undertaken under the Project were surrounded by silt curtain which were inspected daily by the Contractor and inspected periodically by ER.  The silt curtain nearby the water quality monitoring stations was observed to be in good condition/well-functioning.

(b)

The exceedance was not considered as caused by the construction of the Project due to no sediment plume was observed nearby the water quality monitoring station during the sampling in mid-ebb/mid-flood tide.

(c)

The exceedance was not considered as caused by the construction of the Project due to the monitoring result was similar to/higher than the corresponding upstream/control station(s).

(d)

The exceedance was not considered as caused by the construction of the Project due to the station was located further away from the Project works area.

(e)

The exceedance was not considered as caused by the construction of the Project due to no marine construction activity under the Project was conducted near to the water quality monitoring station.

(f)

The exceedance was likely contributed by propeller wash during marine vessel operation.

Based on the investigations conducted for each of the monitoring day with exceedances, the exceedances of DO, Turbidity and SS were not likely caused by the work activities related to the Project.  

Nevertheless, the Contractor was reminded to implement all relevant mitigation measures for the marine works, including regular checking of silt curtain integrity, provide periodic maintenance and maintain good site practice.  The ET will keep on checking monitoring data, plant, equipment and Contractor’s working methods.

2.4                               Soft Shore Ecological Monitoring

No impact soft shore ecological monitoring at Tung Chung Bay and Tai Ho Wan was scheduled during the reporting period.  The impact soft shore ecological monitoring at Tung Chung Bay and Tai Ho Wan is scheduled to be conducted in December 2020 in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual.

2.5                               EM&A Site Inspection

Site inspections were carried out on a weekly basis with the Contractor and ER to monitor the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for air quality, noise, water quality, waste management, marine ecology and landscape and visual impacts under the Project.  In the reporting period, four (4) site inspections were carried out on 5, 12, 19 and 26 November 2020. 

Key observations during the site inspections are summarized in Table 2.11.

Table 2.11      Key Observations Identified during the Site Inspection in this Reporting Month

Inspection Date

Environmental Observations

Recommendations/ Remarks

5 November 2020

 

Portion VIII

Ÿ   Oil drum was not placed on drip tray.

Ÿ   Oil stain was observed on the unpaved area.

Ÿ   Chemical waste storage was not locked.

Portion VIII

Ÿ   The Contractor was reminded to place oil drum on drip tray.

Ÿ   The Contractor was reminded to remove the oil stain through proper spillage and chemical waste handling procedure.

Ÿ   The Contractor was reminded to provide lock for chemical waste storage.

12 November 2020

 

Grab barge (Kiu Chi)

·        Chemical containers were not placed on drip tray.

 

Area C1 & C2

·        Dust was observed from haul road.

 

 

Tung Chung East Reclamation Area

·        Cement leakage was observed from the cement silo.

·        Defect on silt curtain was observed.

 

Grab barge (Kiu Chi)

Ÿ   The Contractor was reminded to place chemical containers on drip tray.

 

Area C1 & C2

Ÿ   The Contractor was reminded to maintain watering and enhance watering frequency.

 

Tung Chung East Reclamation Area

Ÿ   The Contractor was urged to stop the current activities and provide rectification.

Ÿ   The Contractor was reminded to provide rectification.

19 November 2020

Berth 6

·        Oil stain was observed next to drip tray.

Berth 6

Ÿ   The Contractor was reminded to remove the oil stain and follow with the chemical waste handling procedure.

26 November 2020

Tug boat (T3)

Ÿ   Dark smoke was observed emitted from tug boat.

 

 

Portion VIII

·        Dust was observed from unpaved area.

 

 

Grab barge (Pacific 38)

·        Oil stain was observed on the deck.

 

Tug boat (T3)

Ÿ   The Contractor was reminded to provide proper maintenance to tug boat and conduct regular checking.

 

Portion VIII

Ÿ   The Contractor was reminded to provide dust suppression.

 

Grab barge (Pacific 38)

Ÿ   The Contractor was reminded to remove the oil stain and follow the correct chemical waste handling procedure.

The Contractor has rectified all of the observations identified during environmental site inspections in the reporting period.  The Contractor was reminded to implement all relevant mitigation measures related to construction dust, construction noise, water quality and waste management outlined in the EIA Report and EM&A Manual. 

2.6                               Waste Management Status

The Contractor has registered as chemical waste producer under the Contract.  Sufficient numbers of receptacles were available for general refuse collection and sorting.

All dump trucks engaged on site was equipped with RTTM system during the reporting period.  The Surveillance Team of the ET conducted regular site inspection on the dump trucks and their track records.  No illegal dumping and landfilling of C&D materials was found during the reporting period.

Wastes generated during this reporting period include mainly non-inert construction wastes, chemical waste and recyclable materials.  The Project imports fill materials including mainly sand and public fill.  In addition, the Project reuses inert construction materials from other projects which are not generated by the Project for reclamation activities i.e. imported fill (sand) for sand blanket.  Reference has been made to the waste flow table prepared by the Contractor.  The quantities of different types of wastes and imported fill materials are summarised in Table 2.12

Table 2.12      Quantities of Different Waste Generated and Imported Fill Materials

Month/

Year

Inert C&D Materials (a)  (m3)

Imported Fill (d) (sand) (m3)

Imported Fill (d) (public fill) (m3)

Inert Construction Waste Re-used

(m3)

Non-inert Construction Waste (b) (m3)

Recyclable Materials (c) (kg)

Chemical Wastes (kg)

 

1 to 30 Sep 20

0

232,861

239,125

0

160.0

398,630

3,200

1 to 31 Oct 20

0

189,292

386,569

0

207.0

549,175 (f)

3,200

1 to 30 Nov 20

0

264,167

249,575

0

117.0

639,119 (f)

3,600

Notes:

(a) Inert construction wastes include hard rock and large broken concrete, and materials disposed as public fill.

(b) Non-inert construction wastes include general refuse disposed at landfill.

(c) Recyclable materials include metals, paper, cardboard, plastics and others.

(d) Imported fill materials include sand and public fill.

(e) No glass cullet was imported in the reporting period.

(f) High quantities of metals were recycled due to removal of sheetpiles.

 

2.7                               Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures

A summary of the Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule is presented in Annex B.  The necessary mitigation measures were implemented properly for the Project.

2.8                               Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit

The monitoring results for air quality monitoring (1-hour TSP) and construction noise monitoring complied with the Action/ Limit levels in the reporting period. 

Action level and limit level exceedances were recorded for water quality impact monitoring in the reporting period.  The investigations on the action level and limit level exceedances were conducted and the results were summarized in Section 2.3.3.  

Cumulative statistics on exceedances is provided in Annex H.

2.9                               Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

There was no notification of summons or prosecution recorded in the reporting period. 

A total of seven (7) environmental complaints were received in the reporting period.  Investigations were conducted for the environmental complaints in accordance with the complaint handling process as stated in the Complaint Management Plan.  Environmental complaints in the reporting period are summarized below.

 

Complaint(s)

Investigation/Follow up action(s)

 

 

 

1

Environmental enquiry related to sharp noise from an excavator was received on 29 October 2020 and the case was classified as complaint on 11 November 2020.

 

Based on the information provided by the Contractor, the sharp noise generated was likely due to the operation of excavator when travelling along the haul road located near Portion VIII.  The Contractor would avoid mobilization of the excavator and construction vehicles in the early morning near Portion VIII to minimize any potential noise disturbance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

Environmental complaint related to water pollution was received on 9 November 2020.

 

Based on the information provided by the Contractor and RSS, the muddy water was likely to be the propeller wash due to the operation of the tug boats and barges.  The Contractor have reviewed the schedule of delivery of fill materials and reduced the number of vessels allowed to be berthed at the berthing point. In addition, the tug boat operators were reminded to sail at reduced speed to avoid the formation of propeller wash.

 

 

3

 

Environmental complaint related to dust was received from EPD on 12 November 2020.

 

Based on the information provided by the Contractor and supplemented follow up inspection, the dust generation was likely due to the existing watering system could not maintain a damped condition to some exposed area.  The Contractor was agreed to extend the sprinkler system and re-adjust the water truck routing to improve the watering efficiency.  In addition, the Contractor would deploy heaved materials which contain cement with stronger wind resistance to the exposed area for further dust suppression.

4

 

Environmental complaint related to dust and water splash near Ying Hei Road was received on 13 November 2020.

 

 

Based on the information provided by the Contractor and supplemented follow up inspection, this complaint case was due to the excessive water used for road cleaning at the road section near the Ying Hei Road bus stop which created water ponds on road causing resident splashed by the stagnant water when vehicles pass by.  In order to avoid water pond/stagnant water causing disturbance to resident waiting for transport, Contractor will avoid watering/cleaning at the section near the bus stop to minimize disturbance to the surrounding.

5

Environmental complaint related to water pond/stagnant water at the junction between Man Tung Road and Ying Hei Road was received from CEDD on 16 November 2020 and referred by EPD on 20 November 2020.

Based on the information provided by the Contractor, supplemented follow up inspection, the case was due to the excessive water used for wheel washing and road cleaning at the junction.  The Contractor would conduct the additional cleaning works inside the site area and away from the junction.

 

6

 

Environmental complaint related to dust was received on 20 November 2020.

 

Based on the information provided by the Contractor and supplemented follow up inspection, this complaint case was likely due to the internal transportation (i.e movement of shuttle bus for labour and construction vehicles for preparation) within site before 8:00am. The Contractor agreed to extend the sprinkler system to increase the watering coverage and adjust the timing so that sprinkler could provide watering before 8:00am.

 

 

7

 

Environmental complaint related to suspected illegal muddy water discharge at the construction site of Tung Chung New Town Extension was received on 20 November 2020.

 

 

Based on the information provided by the Contractor and supplemented follow up inspection, this complaint case was likely due to the fact that the operator of the excavator was not aware of the correct procedure of handling trimmed materials with high water content.

To rectify the situation, the following improvement measures have been implemented:

(a)       Unloading of trimmed materials will be carried out at another berth located within the silt curtain covered area.

(b)       More time will be allowed for draining out seawater during grabbing of trimmed materials from the seabed in order to reduce excessive seawater kept on barges.

(c)       The foreman will check for any risk of overflowing of seawater from the barge before towing the barge to the unloading berth.

(d)       Additional tool box talks and training for foremen and operators involved in the operation were conducted.  Only trained foremen and operators will be deployed to carry out the unloading works.

(e)       Full time site supervision will be provided during the unloading works.

 

 

 

 

Statistics on complaints, notifications of summons, successful prosecutions are summarised in Annex H.

 

3                 Future Key Issues

3.1                               Construction Programme for the Coming Month

Works to be undertaken in the next monitoring period of December 2020 are summarized in Table 3.1 below, together with the key issues and the key mitigation measures:

 

Table 3.1        Major Activities for the Next Reporting Period

Activities

Key Issues

Key Mitigation Measures

Land-based Works

 

 

·        Ground investigation works

·        Land DCM works and jet grouting

·        Placing of sorted public fill

·        Box culvert construction

·        Chain link fence erection and U-channel construction

·        Dust emission

·        Handling and storage of C&D materials generated from construction activities

·        Noise from plant operation

·        Emission of dark smoke from PMEs

·        Efficiency of wastewater and drainage management

·        Good site practices

·        Regular water spraying on stockpiles, unpaved haul road and land filling area

·        Provide tarpaulin sheets coverage on stockpiles

·        Sorting and reuse of C&D materials as far as practicable

·        Use of QPME and noise barrier/acoustic mat

·        Regular maintenance of PMEs

·        Implementation of wastewater and drainage management

Marine-based Works

 

 

·        Laying of geotextile and sand blanket for reclamation works and DCM works

·        Marine-based instruments monitoring works

·        Placing of sorted public fill

·        DCM works

·        Seawall construction

·        Elevation in impact on Water Quality due to sediment loss from sand blanket laying and marine filling works

·        Potential surface runoff

·        Potential filling material drop from barges

·        Disturbance to Chinese White Dolphin

·        Noise from marine vessels and plant operation during normal working hours or restricted hours

·        Dust emission during storage and transfer of sand/ sorted public fill

·        Emission of dark smoke from marine vessel

 

 

 

 

·        Provision of perimeter silt curtain

·        Provision of a leading seawall of at least 200m before marine filling works

·        Regular cleaning of accumulated sand/fill materials at the edge of the barges

·        Implementation of Dolphin Watching for the marine-based works

·        Strictly follow requirement under CNP for the use of PMEs and works within restricted period

·        Use of acoustic mat and other noise mitigation measures when necessary

·        Regular maintenance of engines and mechanical equipment

The ET will keep track on the construction works to confirm compliance of environmental requirements and the proper implementation of all necessary mitigation measures.  The ET will also recommend to the Contractor about the environmental toolbox topics on the abovementioned key issues for the next reporting period.

3.2                               Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Month

The tentative schedules for environmental monitoring in December 2020 are provided in Annex I.

4                                   Conclusion and Recommendation

This EM&A Report presents the findings of the EM&A activities undertaken during the period from 1 to 30 November 2020 in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual and the requirements of the Environmental Permit (EP-519/2016).

Air quality (1-hour TSP), noise and water quality (DO, turbidity and SS) were carried out in the reporting period. 

The monitoring results for air quality monitoring (1-hour TSP) complied with the Action/ Limit levels in the reporting period.  

No exceedance of Limit Levels was recorded for construction noise monitoring in the reporting period.  However, one (1) Action Level was recorded in the reporting period.

No Project-related Action/ Limit level exceedances were recorded for water quality after investigations.   

No impact soft shore ecological monitoring at Tung Chung Bay and Tai Ho Wan was scheduled during the reporting period.

Environmental site inspections were carried out during the reporting period.  Recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractor for the deficiencies identified during the site inspections.

There was no notification of summons or prosecution recorded in the reporting period.  A total of seven (7) environmental complaints were received in the reporting period, including three (3) environmental complaints related to dust, two (2) environmental complaint related to muddy water/water pollution, one (1) environmental complaint related to water pond/stagnant water and one (1) environmental complaint related to noise nuisance were received in the reporting period.  Investigations were conducted for the environmental complaints in accordance with the complaint handling process as stated in the Complaint Management Plan.

The ET will keep track on the construction works to confirm compliance of environmental requirements and the proper implementation of all necessary mitigation measures.

 

 



([1])       ERM (2018a).  Updated Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual for Tung Chung New Town Extension. Deposited to EPD under EP-519/2016

([2])       Arup (2015).  Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Tung Chung New Town Extension. Deposited to EPD under Register No. AEIAR-196/2016

([3])       Impact monitoring at monitoring station NMS-CA-1A commenced on 19 September 2018 in view of the close vicinity of the construction works near the residential area at Century Link.

([4])       Due to land handover issue, NMS-CA-1A was relocated to Ying Hong Road which is located 60m away from the original location.  Proposal on the relocation of NMS-CA-1A was approved by IEC on 23 November 2018.  Noise monitoring at the relocated location commenced since 24 November 2018.