EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Project “Landslide Preventive Works at Po Shan,
Mid-levels – Design and Construction (Natural Terrain Risk Mitigation Works)”
(hereafter called “the Project”) includes the installation of about 700 numbers
of soil nails and about 60 numbers of raking drains on the natural terrain
within the concerned area.
China State – China Railway Joint Venture (CCJV) was
commissioned as the Contractor of the Project. ENSR Asia (HK) Ltd. was employed
by CCJV as the Environmental Team to carry out the EM&A programme.
The impact environmental monitoring and audit for the
Project includes the air quality, noise, ecology, landscape and visual
monitoring. The construction of the Project and the EM&A programme
commenced on 1 April 2008.
This report documented the findings of EM&A works
conducted in the period from April 2008 to June 2008. As informed by the
Contractor, construction activities carried out in the reporting quarter were:
-
Test Nails (5
nos.) for Pull Out Test at Portion A1 (i.e. from Row A to Row P);
-
Permanent Nails
installation at Portion A1;
-
Site Clearance for
soil nail setting out to Portion B2 (i.e. from Row X to Row AK); and
-
Setting out of Locations of Soil Nail at Portion
A2, B1 and B2.
Environmental
Monitoring Works
EM&A
Programme
A
summary of monitoring and audit activities conducted in the reporting quarter
is listed below:
|
24-hour TSP monitoring
|
14(CA1)/16(CA2)
|
sessions
|
|
1-hour TSP monitoring
|
48
|
sessions
|
|
Daytime Noise monitoring
|
13
|
sessions
|
|
Ecology monitoring
|
6
|
sessions
|
|
Landscape and Visual Audit
|
6
|
sessions
|
|
Environmental Site Inspection
|
13
|
sessions
|
|
|
|
|
Breaches of Action and Limit
Levels
There was no action / limit level exceedance recorded
for 1-hour and 24-hour TSP monitoring.
In the reporting quarter, all noise level recorded
complied with the limit level.
Complaint, Notification of
Summons and Successful Prosecution
There was no complaint, notification of summons and
successful prosecution received in the reporting quarter.
.
1.
INTRODUCTION
Scope of Report
1.1
This is the first Quarterly Environmental
Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Summary Report under the Contract CE 28/2004
(GE) – Landslide Preventive Works at Po Shan Road, Mid-Levels – Design and
Construction (Natural Terrain Risk Mitigation Works). This report presented a
summary of the environmental monitoring and audit works, and list of activities
carried out by the ET for the Project for the period from April 2008 to June
2008.
Project
Organization and Contacts of Key Management
1.2
The project organization is shown in Appendix A.
The key personnel contact names and numbers are summarised in Table 1.1
Table 1.1 Contact Information
of Key Personnel
|
Party
|
Position
|
Name
|
Telephone
|
Fax
|
|
CEDD
|
Senior Engineer
|
H. W. Sun
|
2762 5375
|
2714 0247
|
|
ER (MGS)
|
Resident Engineer
|
Andrew J. Westmoreland
|
3188 0400
|
3188 0775
|
|
Assistant Resident Engineer
|
S. F. Chau
|
3188 0400
|
3188 0775
|
|
IEC
(ENVIRON)
|
Independent
Environmental Checker
|
David
Yeung
|
3743
0788
|
3548
6988
|
|
Contractor
(CCJV)
|
Project
Manager
|
Eddie
Tang
|
3188
0538
|
3188
1710
|
|
Safety
and Environmental Officer
|
Ken
Fong
|
3188
0538
|
3188
1710
|
|
ET
(ENSR)
|
ET
Leader
|
Alex
Chan
|
3105
8525
|
2891
0305
|
Summary
of Construction Works
1.3
The Contactor has carried
out major activities in the reporting quarter. Details of the works undertaken
in this reporting period are listed below:
-
Test Nails (5
nos.) for Pull Out Test at Portion A1 (i.e. from Row A to Row P);
-
Permanent Nails installation
at Portion A1;
-
Site Clearance for
soil nail setting out to Portion B2 (i.e. from Row X to Row AK); and
-
Setting out of Locations of Soil Nail at Portion
A2, B1 and B2.
1.4
The general layout plan of the
Project site showing the contract area is shown in Figure 1.1.
1.5
The construction programme
is provided in Appendix B.
1.6
The mitigation measures
implementation schedule are presented in Appendix C.
2. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND AUDIT REQUIREMENTS
Monitoring Parameters
2.1
The
EM&A Manual designated two monitoring stations to monitor environmental
impacts on air quality and noise due to the Project. The monitoring locations
are depicted in Figure 2.1.
2.2
The
EM&A Manual also required ecology monitoring, bi-weekly landscape and
visual audits, and environmental site inspections for air quality, noise, water
quality, chemical, waste management, ecology and landscape and visual.
Environmental Quality Performance Limits (Action/Limit Levels)
2.3
The
environmental quality performance limits (i.e. Action/Limit Levels) were
derived from the baseline air quality monitoring results of Access road to Po Shan Mansions (CA1) and Podium of Hamilton Court (CA2)
and / or as defined in the EM&A Manual (CN1 & CN2), and are given in Appendix D.
Environmental Mitigation Measures
2.4
Relevant
environmental mitigation measures were stipulated in the Particular
Specification and EP (No.: EP-235/2005/B) for the
Contractor to adopt. A list of mitigation measures and their implementation
statuses are given in Appendix C.
3.
MONITORING RESULTS
Air
Quality
3.1
Air quality monitoring,
including 1-hr and 24-hr TSP, was conducted at least 3 times every 7 days and at
least once every 7 days respectively at the 2 monitoring stations (CA1 and
CA2), in accordance with the EM&A Manual. Forty-eight 1-hr TSP monitoring
events were carried out in this reporting quarter.
3.2
24-hour TSP monitoring at CA1
(Po Shan Mansions) was temporary suspended on 10, 16 and 22 April 2008 due to
the complaint received from the Management Office regarding the noise generated
from the HVS during operation. The HVS was relocated to an adjacent location
closer to the site on 24 April 2008 and the 24-hour TSP monitoring resume on
the same day. Fourteen 24-hr TSP monitoring events were conducted for CA1,
while sixteen 24-hr TSP monitoring events were carried out for CA2 in the
reporting quarter.
3.3
The weather was mostly sunny in
April and May 2008, but was becoming wet in June 2008. The trend of air quality
for the reporting quarter are given in Appendix E. Major dust source of the
construction works area included soil nail installation activities from the Project,
construction activities of another project under the same contract (concurrent
project) carried out in the vicinity and nearby traffic emissions.
3.4
There was no Action and Limit
Level exceedance recorded for both 1-hr and 24-hr TSP in the reporting quarter.
3.5
Table 3.1 presents the number
of exceedances recorded in each month of the reporting quarter. The number of
monitoring events included regular monitoring events and additional ones, if
any.
Table 3.1 Summary of Number of Exceedances for 1-hr & 24-hr TSP Concentration
|
Monitoring Parameter
|
Location
|
Level of Exceedance
|
Month
|
|
Apr 08
|
May 08
|
Jun 08
|
|
1-hr TSP
|
CA1
|
No. of monitoring events
|
18
|
15
|
15
|
|
Action
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
CA2
|
No. of monitoring events
|
18
|
15
|
15
|
|
Action
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
|
Total
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
24-hr TSP
|
CA1
|
No. of monitoring events
|
3
|
5
|
6
|
|
Action
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
CA2
|
No. of monitoring events
|
5
|
5
|
6
|
|
Action
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
|
Total
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Construction Noise
3.6
Noise monitoring was conducted
at the 2 monitoring stations (CN1 and CN2) for at least once per week during
0700 – 1900 of the reporting quarter. Thirteen noise monitoring events were
conducted in the reporting quarter.
3.7
As no noise complaint was
received in the reporting quarter, no Action Level exceedance was recorded. All
measured noise levels were below the Limit Level and the graphical plots of
trends of the monitoring results are provided in Appendix F.
3.8
Table 3.2 presents the number
of exceedances recorded in each month of the reporting quarter. The number of
monitoring events included regular monitoring events and additional ones, if
any.
Table 3.2 Summary of Number of Exceedances for Daytime Noise
|
Monitoring Parameter
|
Location
|
Level of Exceedance
|
Month
|
|
Apr 08
|
May 08
|
Jun 08
|
|
Daytime Noise
|
CN1
|
No. of monitoring events
|
5
|
4
|
4
|
|
Action
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
|
Total
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
CN2
|
No. of monitoring events
|
5
|
4
|
4
|
|
Action
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
|
Total
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
3.9
Trends of construction noise
levels at all monitoring stations did not significantly change in the reporting
quarter. Major noise
sources during the noise monitoring included the construction activities from
the Project and another project under the same contract (concurrent project)
carried out in the vicinity and nearby traffic noise.
Ecology
3.10
Ecological monitoring was
carried out twice a month by a suitably qualified local ecologist to check on the
health and condition of the plant species of conservation interest. Six
ecological monitoring were conducted in the reporting quarter.
3.11
A total of 13 plant species of
conservation interest (i.e. V001 to V013) were identified within the area
during an earlier Detailed Vegetation Survey conducted under this Project. V001 to V013 were found to be in good
condition during the monitoring visits in the reporting period, nevertheless,
plastic fencings supported by strong poles were recommended to demarcate plant
locations clearly to prevent tipping and entry of personnel in order to avoid
damage to the plants. Fencings had been set up in the area during the
monitoring visits in May 2008.
3.12
The bark of two individuals of
vegetation located adjacent to the temporary conveyor belt was found to be
slightly damaged. It was recommended that hessian sacking should be wrapped
around the trunk of vegetation to prevent damage during the transportation of
construction materials. The concerned
trunks were found to be wrapped during the second visit in May 2008.
3.13
Construction materials such as
planks, metal rods were found to be placed over or near the lower trunks of
some trees. It was recommended that
these materials should be kept in proper place to avoid damage to vegetation
within works area. The said materials
were immediately removed.
3.14
Concrete was found spilled over
from the soil nailing works zones onto nearby areas. It was recommended that the concrete should
be removed from the soil surface. The
Contractor advised that the concrete will be removed and measures will be
implemented to avoid any further spillage.
Landscape and Visual
3.15
Bi-weekly landscape and visual
audit was conducted by a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) to monitor the implementation
of landscape and visual mitigation measures. Six landscape and visual audits
were conducted in the reporting quarter.
3.16
The bark of existing tree T254
was damaged by the works as no tree protection was provided. The Contractor was requested to carry out
tree protection works for the tree as soon as possible.
3.17
The tree bark of one existing
was damaged by the erection of the temporary conveyor / pulley system on the
slope just immediately outside of the site boundary of Landslide Preventive Works. The Engineer was requested to clarify if it
is considered part of the soil nail works.
3.18
An existing dead tree was
partially uprooted and fallen over. The
Contractor was requested to clear the dead tree for safety consideration.
3.19
One of the temporary shelter
areas was installed against some branches of an existing tree. The Contractor was requested to re-adjust the
temporary shelter to clear of the tree branches so as not to cause damage to the
tree.
3.20
The wrapping of hessian for the
tree protection of some of the trees had been wrapped with two tree trunks
together. The Contractor was reminded to
individually wrap the trees and not to force the tree trunks together.
3.21
Overhead plastic sheets for rain
shelter were tied to existing tree branches.
The Contractor was reminded that the trees should not be used for
temporary anchoring of works and to untie from tree branches as soon as
possible.
3.22
The construction of some of the
soil nail drilling platforms surrounds existing trees, which was protected with
only hessian clothes. The Contractor was
requested to provide more protection to these trees by the use of wooden slats
strapping around the trunks to prevent accidental damage to tree barks by heavy
equipment / tools during the drilling works.
3.23
Minor damage to the tree bark
at the base of one tree on slope was observed.
The Contractor was reminded to be more carefully when carry out works
near existing trees.
3.24
The Contractor had stockpiled /
rested the metal pipes / steel bars against the existing tree trunks at various
locations on site. The Contractor was
requested to urgently remove all metal pipes / steel bars away from the
existing tree trunks in order to prevent damage to the trees.
Environmental Site Inspection
3.25
There were 13 site inspections
conducted in the reporting quarter to monitor the implementation of proper
environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project. The
major concerns for the Project are air quality, noise, water quality, waste
management, ecology and landscape and visual. Observations recorded are
described below. All the observations were rectified
by the Contractor within the agreed time frame.
Air Quality
3.26
The soil nail workstation at
Row O was not fully enclosed. Although immediate action had been taken to
provide tarpaulin sheet for covering the soil nail extraction outlet, the
Contractor was still reminded to fully enclose the workstation.
Noise
3.27
No adverse observation was identified
in the reporting quarter.
Water Quality
3.28
Mud and construction waste was
found inside the U-channel at Row J and Row P. The Contractor was reminded to
clear the waste to prevent blockage of the drainage system and prevent muddy
water discharge during rainfall.
3.29
Leaves were observed
accumulated inside the u-channel at Row H. The Contractor was reminded to
remove the leaves and properly maintain the drainage system.
3.30
Exposed earth surface was observed
on the slope above Row H. The Contractor was reminded to cover the slope and
provide bunding along the edge of the u-channel under the slope to prevent
muddy runoff prior to clearing the mud.
Chemical and Waste Management
3.31
Oil stain was found under a
drill rig at Row K. The Contractor was reminded to clear the oil stain and
provide a drip tray.
3.32
A few chemical containers and
oil containers at Row M, Row D and Row O were placed on ground without drip
tray. The Contractor was reminded to provide drip tray to all chemicals on
site.
3.33
Stockpile of C&D waste was
found at Row E. The Contractor was reminded to clear the C&D waste off-site
regularly.
3.34
Small amount of construction waste
and general refuse was found on slope of Row O. The Contractor was reminded to
clear the waste.
3.35
Drill rigs at Row I, Row J and
Row P were found without drip trays. The Contractor was reminded to provide
drip trays to the plants on site.
3.36
C&D materials were observed
scattered on the slope between Row O and Row P. The Contractor was reminded to
properly collect and recycle the materials.
Ecology
3.37 V001 to V013 were found to be in good condition during the
monitoring visits, nevertheless, plastic fencings supported by strong poles
were recommended to demarcate plant locations clearly to prevent tipping and
entry of personnel in order to avoid damage to the plants.
3.38
The bark of two individuals of
vegetation located adjacent to the temporary conveyor belt was found to be
slightly damaged, it was recommended that hessian sacking should be wrapped
around the trunk of vegetation to prevent damage during the transportation of
construction materials.
3.39
Construction materials placed
near tree trunks and spillage of concrete near soil nailing areas were
observed.
Landscape and Visual
3.40
The Contractor was advised that
retained trees should be properly protected before installation of scaffolding at
PT3. Immediate action had been undertaken by the Contractor and status /
condition was to be followed up.
3.41
The Contractor was recommended
to provide more adequate protection to existing trees in the work areas and not
to use the trees as temporary supports
3.42
The Contractor was recommended
to provide more protection to existing trees which are surrounded by drilling
platforms and avoid stockpiling of any construction materials / equipments
against or near existing trees.
4.
Advice on Solid and liquid
Waste Mangement Status
4.1
The Contractor has registered
as a chemical waste producer for this Project. The Chemical Waste Storage Area
located at the Contractor’s site office area was properly maintained in the
reporting quarter.
4.2
No waste disposal was made in the reporting quarter. Most of the C&D waste generated was
reused on site.
5.
Summary of Non-Compliance
(Exceedances) of environmental qualitY
Summary of Exceedances and Review of the Reasons for
non-compliance
5.1
There was no 1-hr TSP, 24-hr
TSP and noise exceedance recorded in the reporting quarter.
6.
Environmental complaints,
notification of summons and successful prosecutioN
6.1
No environmental complaints, notification
of summons and prosecution was received in the reporting quarter. Table 6.1
summarized the complaint, summons and successful prosecution received in the
reporting period.
Table
6.1 Summary of Environmental
Complaints and Prosecutions
|
|
April 2008
|
May 2008
|
June 2008
|
Total
|
|
Complaint Logged
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Summons
Served
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Successful Prosecution
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Total
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
7.
Comments, Recommendations and
Conclusions
Comments on Mitigation Measures
7.1
According to the environmental
site inspections performed in the reporting quarter, the following comments are
provided:
Air Quality
-
Soil nail installation
workstation should be fully enclosed.
Noise
-
N/A
Water Quality
-
Blockage of the drainage system
and muddy water discharge during rainfall should be prevented.
-
Exposed earth surface should be
covered and bunding along the edge of the u-channel under the slope should be
provided.
Chemical and Waste Management
-
Oil stains should be cleared
and the contaminated soil should be disposed of as chemical waste.
-
Drip tray should be provided to
all the plants and chemical containers on site.
-
Stockpile of C&D waste
should be cleared off-site regularly.
-
Construction waste and general
refuse should be removed regularly.
-
C&D materials should be
properly collected and recycled.
Ecology
-
Plastic fencings supported by
strong poles are recommended to demarcate plant locations clearly to prevent
tipping and entry of personnel in order to avoid damage to the plants.
-
Hessian sacking should be
wrapped around the trunk of vegetation to prevent damage during the
transportation of construction materials.
-
Spillage of concrete near soil
nailing areas should be prevented.
Landscape and Visual
-
Retained trees should be
properly protected before installation of scaffolding.
-
More adequate protection to
existing trees should be provided in the work areas and near drilling
platforms.
-
The use of trees as temporary
supports should be avoided.
-
Stockpiling of any construction
materials / equipments against or near existing trees should be avoided.
Recommendations
on EM&A Programme
7.2
The impact air quality and
noise monitoring programme ensured that any environmental impact to the
receivers would be readily detected and timely actions could be taken to
rectify any non-compliance. Assessment
and analysis of monitoring results collected demonstrated the environmental
acceptability of the Project. The
ecological monitoring, bi-weekly landscape and visual audit and weekly site
inspection ensured that all the environmental mitigation measures recommended
in the EIA report were effectively implemented.
7.3
The EM&A programme
effectively monitored the environmental impacts from the construction activities
and no particular recommendation was advised for the improvement of the
programme.
Conclusions
7.4
Air quality and noise
monitoring, ecological monitoring, bi-weekly landscape and visual audit and
weekly site inspection were carried out from April 2008 to June 2008, in
accordance with the EM&A Manual.
7.5
No Action and Limit Level
exceedance or non-compliance was recorded for the monitoring works in the
reporting quarter.
7.6
No environmental complaint, summons
or prosecution was made against the Project in the reporting quarter.
