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., which was integrated into AECOM Asia Company Limited as of 1 May 2009, 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 between 1 and 30 September 2009. As informed by the Contractor, construction activity in the reporting period was:

- Slope reinstatement works at Portion A2, B1 and B2.

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 month, 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 month.

Reporting Change

There was no reporting change required in the reporting month.

Future Key Issues

The weather in the forthcoming month is expected to be dry and windy. The Contractor should maintain sufficient dust suppression measures, such as proper treatment of exposed slope and earth, and provide water spraying to any dusty construction activities.

It is also recommended to implement all necessary preventive measures to avoid oil leakage on ground / soil, such as provision of drip trays for all oil drums / chemical containers. In the event of oil leakage, the Contractor should properly remove the contaminated soil and dispose of as chemical waste. Construction waste and general refuse should be properly collected and disposed of.

1. INTRODUCTION

Background

1.1 The project site is located at the mostly undeveloped hillside above the residential development at Po Shan Road and adjacent to the trimmed back slope on the site of the catastrophic 1972 Po Shan Road failure. Previous studies had been carried out and results indicated that the natural hillside above Po Shan Road is affected by high groundwater level and unfavourable geology. Sub-surface drainage measures by means of sub-horizontal drains had been installed in 1984-85. These measures have been successful in lowering the main ground water table, thus improving the stability of the slopes such that large-scale failure has not occurred in the last twenty years.

1.2 The objective of the Project “Landslide Preventive Works at Po Shan, Mid-levels – Design and Construction (Natural Terrain Risk Mitigation Works)” under Contract CE 28/2004 (GE) is to carry out detailed design and supervision of landslide preventive works on local repair of the hillside to minimize slope deterioration and shallow instability.

1.3 The proposed landslide preventive works would be constructed to protect the existing residential developments at the toe of the project site.

1.4 The scope of works of this Project includes the installation about 700 numbers of soil nails and about 60 numbers of raking drains on the natural terrain within the concerned area. The length of the soil nails is about 20m with a spacing of 2m horizontally and 3m vertically; the length of raking drains is about 10m with a spacing of 5m horizontally and 15m vertically.

1.5 According to the Environmental Permit (EP-235/2005/B) and the EM&A Manual of the Project, there is a need of an EM&A programme including air quality, noise, ecology, and landscape and visual monitoring.

1.6 AECOM Asia Company, integrating the operation of ENSR Asia (HK) Ltd. as of 1 May 2009, was employed by the Contractor, China State – China Railway Joint Venture, as the Environmental Team (ET) to undertake the Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) works for the Project. In accordance with the EM&A Manual of the Project, environmental monitoring of air quality, noise, ecology, landscape and visual and environmental site inspections would be required for this Project.

Scope of Report

1.7 This is the seventeenth monthly Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) 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, list of activities, and mitigation measures proposed by the ET for the Project in September 2009.

Project Organization

1.8 The project organization is shown in Appendix A. The key personnel contact names and numbers are summarized 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	Lawrence Shek	3188 0400	3188 0775
ER (MGS)	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	C. Y. Mak	3188 0538	3188 1710
Contractor (CCJV)	Safety and Environmental Officer	Brian Yam	3188 0538	3188 1710
ET (ENSR)	ET Leader	Edith Ng	3105 8525	2891 0305

Summary of Construction Works

1.9 The Contactor has carried out major activities in the reporting month. The construction work undertaken in this reporting period is listed below:

- Slope reinstatement works at Portion A2, B1 and B2.

1.10 The general layout plan of the Project site showing the contract area is shown in Figure 1.1. The construction programme is provided in Appendix B.

1.11 The mitigation measures implementation schedule are presented in Appendix C.

Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

1.12 The EM&A programme required environmental monitoring for air quality, noise, ecology and landscape and visual and environmental site inspections for air quality, noise, ecology, landscape and visual and waste management. The EM&A requirements for each parameter described in the following sections include:

- All monitoring parameters;

- Monitoring schedules for the reporting month and forthcoming months;

- Action and Limit levels for all environmental parameters;

- Event / Action Plan;

- Environmental mitigation measures, as recommended in the Project EIA study final report; and

- Environmental requirement in contract documents.

2. AIR QUALITY

Monitoring Requirements

2.1 In accordance with the EM&A Manual, 1-hour and 24-hour TSP levels at 2 air quality monitoring stations were established. Impact 1-hour and 24-hour TSP monitoring was conducted for at least once every 7 days during the construction phase of the Project. The Action and Limit level of the air quality monitoring is provided in Appendix D.

Monitoring Equipment

2.2 24-hour TSP air quality monitoring was performed using High Volume Sampler (HVS) located at each designated monitoring station. The HVS meets all the requirements of the EM&A Manual. Portable direct reading dust meters were used to carry out the 1-hour TSP monitoring. Table 2.1 summarises the equipment used.

Table 2.1 Air Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment	Model
High Volume Sampler	GS 2310 Accu-vol system
Calibrator	GMW 25
1-hour TSP Dust Meter	Laser Dust Monitor – Model LD-3

Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

2.3 Table 2.2 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of impact TSP monitoring.

Table 2.2 Air Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Monitoring Station	Parameter	Frequency and Duration
CA1 & CA2	24-hour TSP	At least once every 7 days
CA1 & CA2	1-hour TSP	At least 3 times every 7 days

Monitoring Locations

2.4 Both monitoring stations were set up at the proposed locations in accordance with EM&A Manual. Table 2.3 describes details of the two monitoring stations. The monitoring locations are shown in Figure 2.1.

Table 2.3 Locations of Air Quality Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station	Identity / Description
CA1	Access road to Po Shan Mansions
CA2	Podium of Hamilton Court

Monitoring Methodology

24-hour TSP Monitoring

Installation

2.5 The HVS was installed in the vicinity of the air sensitive receivers. The following criteria were considered in the installation of the HVS.

· A horizontal platform with appropriate support to secure the sampler against gusty wind was provided.

· The distance between the HVS and any obstacles, such as buildings, was at least twice the height that the obstacle protrudes above the HVS.

· A minimum of 2 meters separation from walls, parapets and penthouse was required for rooftop sampler.

· No furnace or incinerator flues were nearby.

· Airflow around the sampler was unrestricted.

· Permission was obtained to set up the samplers and to obtain access to the monitoring stations.

· A secured supply of electricity is needed to operate the samplers.

Preparation of Filter Papers

· Glass fibre filters, G810 were labeled and sufficient filters that were clean and without pinholes were selected.

· All filters were equilibrated in the conditioning environment for 24 hours before weighing. The conditioning environment temperature was around 25 °C and not variable by more than ±3 °C; the relative humidity (RH) was < 50% and not variable by more than ±5%. A convenient working RH was 40%.

· ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. has comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programmes.

Field Monitoring

· The power supply was checked to ensure the HVS works properly.

· The filter holder and the area surrounding the filter were cleaned.

· The filter holder was removed by loosening the four bolts and a new filter, with stamped number upward, on a supporting screen was aligned carefully.

· The filter was properly aligned on the screen so that the gasket formed an airtight seal on the outer edges of the filter.

· The swing bolts were fastened to hold the filter holder down to the frame. The pressure applied should be sufficient to avoid air leakage at the edges.

· Then the shelter lid was closed and was secured with the aluminum strip.

· The HVS was warmed-up for about 5 minutes to establish run-temperature conditions.

· A new flowrate record sheet was set into the flow recorder.

· The range specified in the EM&A Manual was between 0.6-1.7 m³/min.

· The programmable timer was set for a sampling period of 24 hrs + 1 hr, and the starting time, weather condition and the filter number were recorded.

· The initial elapsed time was recorded.

· At the end of sampling, the sampled filter was removed carefully and folded in half length so that only surfaces with collected particulate matter were in contact.

· It was then placed in a clean plastic envelope and sealed.

· All monitoring information was recorded on a standard data sheet.

· Filters were sent to ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. for analysis.

Maintenance and Calibration

· The HVS and its accessories are maintained in good working condition, such as replacing motor brushes routinely and checking electrical wiring to ensure a continuous power supply.

· HVSs are calibrated using GMW-25 Calibration Kit prior to the commencement of baseline air quality monitoring, and will be calibrated at bi-monthly intervals throughout all stages of the impact monitoring.

· Calibration records are shown in Appendix E.

1-hour TSP Monitoring

Measuring Procedures

2.6 The measuring procedures of the 1-hour dust meter are in accordance with the Manufacturer’s Instruction Manual as follows:

· Set POWER to “ON”, push BATTERY button, make sure that the meter’s indicator is in the range with a red line and allow the instrument to stand for about 3 minutes (Then, the air sampling inlet has been capped).

· Push the knob at MEASURE position.

· Push “O-ADJ” button. (Then meter’s indication is 0).

· Push the knob at SENSI ADJ position and set the meter’s indication to S value described on the Test Report using the trimmer for SENSI ADJ.

· Pull out the knob and return it to MEASURE position.

· Push “START” button.

Maintenance and Calibration

· The 1-hour TSP meter would be checked at 3-month intervals and calibrated at 1-year intervals throughout all stages of the air quality baseline monitoring. Calibration records are shown in Appendix E.

Monitoring Results

2.7 The monitoring results for 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP are summarized in Table 2.4 and 2.5 respectively and the monitoring results are provided in Appendix F.

Table 2.4 Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period

	Average (mg/m³)	Range (mg/m³)	Action Level (mg/m³)	Limit Level (mg/m³)
CA1	68.8	55.7 – 81.6	309.3	500
CA2	67.6	54.7 – 80.2	319.6	500

Table 2.5 Summary of 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period

	Average (mg/m³)	Range (mg/m³)	Action Level (mg/m³)	Limit Level (mg/m³)
CA1	22.9	15.1 – 33.6	166.8	260
CA2	32.7	10.3 – 47.3	187.0	260

2.8 Air quality monitoring was carried out for both 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP at all the monitoring stations in the reporting month.

2.9 The air quality monitoring results, in terms of 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP, were below the action and limit level at both monitoring locations in the reporting month. The event action plan is annexed in Appendix G.

2.10 Weather information including wind speed and wind direction is annexed in Appendix H. The information was obtained from Hong Kong Observatory Victoria Peak Automatic Weather Station and Central Pier Anemometer Station.

3. NOISE MONITORING

Monitoring Requirements

3.1 In accordance with the EM&A Manual, impact noise levels should be obtained at 2 noise monitoring stations. Impact noise monitoring was conducted for at least once per week during the construction phase of the Project. The Action and Limit level of the noise monitoring is provided in Appendix D.

Monitoring Equipment

3.2 Integrating Sound Level Meter was employed for noise monitoring. They were Type 1 sound level meters capable of giving a continuous readout of the noise level readings including equivalent continuous sound pressure level (L_eq) and percentile sound pressure level (Lx). They comply with International Electrotechnical Commission Publications 651:1979 (Type 1) and 804:1985 (Type 1). Portable electronic wind speed indicator capable of measuring wind speed in m/s was employed to check the wind speed. Table 3.1 details the noise monitoring equipment used.

Table 3.1 Noise Monitoring Equipment

Equipment	Model
Integrating Sound Level Meter	Rion NL-31
Calibrator	Rion NC-73

Monitoring Locations

3.3 Two monitoring stations were set up in accordance with EM&A Manual. Table 3.2 describes details of the two monitoring stations. The monitoring locations are shown in Figure 2.1.

Table 3.2 Locations of Noise Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station	Identity / Description
CN1	Block A, Po Shan Mansions
CN2	Block A, Po Shan Mansions

Monitoring Parameters

3.4 One set of 30-mins measurement at each monitoring station between 0700 and 1900 on normal weekdays at a frequency of once per week was required to determine the impact noise level. L_eq, L₁₀ and L₉₀ would be recorded.

Monitoring Methodology

Monitoring Procedures

· The Sound Level Meter was set on a tripod at a height of 1.2 m above the ground.

· Façade measurements were made at all three monitoring locations.

· The battery condition was checked to ensure the correct functioning of the meter.

· Parameters such as frequency weighting, the time weighting and the measurement time were set as follows:

- frequency weighting: A

- time weighting: Fast

- time measurement: L_eq(30 minutes) during non-restricted hours i.e. between 07:00 and 19:00 on normal weekdays

· Prior to and after each noise measurement, the meter was calibrated using a Calibrator for 94 dB at 1000 Hz. If the difference in the calibration level before and after measurement was more than 1 dB(A), the measurement would be considered invalid and repeat of noise measurement would be required after re-calibration or repair of the equipment.

· The wind speed was frequently checked with a portable wind meter.

· During the monitoring period, the L_eq , L₁₀and L₉₀ were recorded. In addition, site conditions and noise sources were recorded on a standard record sheet.

· Noise measurement was paused during periods of high intrusive noise (e.g. dog barking, helicopter noise) if possible. Observations were recorded when intrusive noise was unavoidable.

· Noise monitoring was cancelled in the presence of fog, rain, wind with a steady speed exceeding 5 m/s, or wind with gusts exceeding 10 m/s.

Maintenance and Calibration

· The microphone head of the sound level meter and calibrator is cleaned with soft cloth at quarterly intervals.

· The meter should be checked and calibrated at yearly intervals.

· Calibration details for the sound level meter and calibrator are provided in Appendix E.

Monitoring Results

3.5 The monitoring results for noise are summarized in Table 3.3 and the monitoring data is provided in Appendix I.

Table 3.3 Summary of Noise Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period

	Average, dB(A), L_eq_{(30 mins)}	Range, dB(A), L_eq_{(30 mins)}	Limit Level, dB(A), L_eq_{(30 mins)}
CN1	63.2	62.7 – 64.4	75.0
CN2	62.3	61.6 – 63.2	75.0

3.6 There was no noise complaint received in the reporting month, hence, no action level exceedance was recorded. At both monitoring locations, CN1 and CN2, all the monitoring results (daytime) were below the limit level of 75 dB(A).

3.7 All the monitoring results lied within the range of the predicted noise levels in the EIA report.

3.8 Major noise sources during the noise monitoring included the construction activities from the Project and nearby traffic noise.

4. VEGETATION MONITORING

Monitoring Requirement

4.1 As required under Environmental Permit No. EP-235/2005/B, the Permit Holder is required to carry out monitoring of the plant species of conservation interest to check on the health and condition of the plants twice a month during the construction period of the Project.

4.2 It is required to undertake the ecological tasks to fulfill the requirements of the Environmental Permit (EP). As required by Conditions 2.11 and 3.5 of the EP, a suitably qualified ecologist with 7 or more years of relevant experience shall be employed to conduct the ecological monitoring.

Monitoring Location

4.3 The ecological monitoring was carried out for plant individuals of conservation interest identified within the proposed works area.

Monitoring Methodology

4.4 The ecological monitoring was conducted twice in the reporting month on 8 and 15 September 2009 by Ms. Gigi C C Lam, who had over 7 years of relevant ecological experience.

4.5 The plants of conservation interest, which were tagged during the baseline survey, were checked during each monitoring.

Monitoring Results

4.6 Site clearance and hydroseeding were in progress during the monitoring visits.

4.7 General refuse was accumulated within demarcated area with vegetation of conservation interest. The Contractor was reminded to remove the general refuse.

4.8 Sandbags and stones were observed piled against a few trees. The Contractor was requested to keep the sandbags and stones away from the trees.

5. LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Monitoring Requirement

5.1 During the construction phase of the Project, landscape and visual monitoring should be carried out bi-weekly by a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) to check if the design, implementation and maintenance of the landscape and visual mitigation measures are fully realized. A detailed report is annexed in Appendix J.

Summary of Inspection – 8 September 2009

Matters Arising from Previous Inspections

5.2 Further rectification of the tree ID numbers on site was not carried since the last inspection, with only approximately 80% completed. The Contractor was reminded to finish the rectification of missing tree ID numbers works for the remaining existing trees as soon as possible.

5.3 It was noted that compensatory planting proposal for the replacement of dead tree T611 was outstanding. The Contractor was recommended to seek Engineer’s agreement on the replacement planting as soon as possible.

5.4 It was noted that the Contractor’s clarification of the status of existing trees T516, T517, T666, and T698 located immediately outside of the works boundary was outstanding. The Contractor was reminded to provide necessary information as soon as possible.

Protection of Existing Trees

5.5 It was observed sacks of construction waste materials were piled against the base and trunk of existing tree. The Contractor was requested to clear the materials away from the tree.

Recommendations

5.6 The Contractor was again reminded to rectify all remaining ineligible tree ID numbers for all remaining existing trees.

5.7 The Contractor was again reminded to clarify the status of missing trees as soon as possible.

5.8 The Contractor was again reminded to seek Engineer’s agreement on the replacement planting for dead tree.

5.9 The Contractor was recommended to clear all existing sacks of construction waste materials away from the base and trunk of existing tree as soon as possible.

Summary of Inspection – 22 September 2009

Matters Arising from Previous Inspections

5.10 The Contractor had cleared the sacks of construction waste materials previously piled against the base and trunk of existing tree.

5.11 Further rectification of the tree ID numbers on site was carried, with only approximately 85% completed. The Contractor was reminded to finish the rectification of missing tree ID numbers works for the remaining existing trees as soon as possible.

5.12 It was noted that compensatory planting proposal for the replacement of dead tree T611 was outstanding. The Contractor was recommended to seek Engineer’s agreement on the replacement planting as soon as possible.

5.13 It was noted that the Contractor’s clarification of the status of existing trees T516, T517, T666, and T698 located immediately outside of the works boundary was outstanding. The Contractor was reminded to provide necessary information as soon as possible.

Protection of Existing Trees

5.14 As the project is nearing completion, as previously mentioned, for safety consideration when to area is to be re-open for the general public use, it is recommend that the side branch of existing tree T678 overhanging the footpath with its low headroom be pruned back to prevent any possible accidents in future. Also, the dead tree T612 with half broken branch along the footpath is also recommended to be removed.

Recommendations

5.15 The Contractor was reminded to rectify all remaining ineligible / missing tree ID numbers for all remaining existing trees.

5.16 The Contractor was again reminded to clarify the status of missing trees as soon as possible.

5.17 The Contractor was again reminded to seek Engineer’s agreement on the replacement planting for dead trees.

5.18 The Contractor was recommended to prune all unsafe tree branches and dead trees as soon as possible.

Next Landscape and Visual Audit Schedule

5.19 The landscape and visual audits in the next reporting month was tentatively scheduled to 6 and 20 October 2009.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL SITE INSPECTION AND AUDIT

Site Inspection

6.1 Site Inspections were carried out on a weekly basis to monitor the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project. In the reporting month, 4 site inspections were carried out on 1, 8, 15 and 22 September 2009. The site inspection scheduled on 29 September 2009 was postponed due to safety concern during adverse weather condition. The detail findings of the landscape and visual audits in the reporting month are presented separately in Section 5. The environmental site inspection summaries are attached in Appendix K. Particular observations are described below.

Air Quality

6.2 No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

Noise

6.3 No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

Water Quality

6.4 No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

Chemical and Waste Management

6.5 No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

Ecology

4.9 Sandbags and stones were observed piled against a few trees. The Contractor was requested to keep the sandbags and stones away from the trees.

4.10 General refuse was accumulated within demarcated area with vegetation of conservation interest. The Contractor was reminded to remove the general refuse.

Landscape and Visual

5.20 It was noted that compensatory planting proposal for the replacement of dead tree T611 was outstanding. The Contractor was recommended to seek Engineer’s agreement on the replacement planting as soon as possible.

5.21 It was noted that the Contractor’s clarification of the status of existing trees T516, T517, T666, and T698 located immediately outside of the works boundary was outstanding. The Contractor was reminded to provide necessary information as soon as possible.

5.22 It was observed sacks of construction waste materials were piled against the base and trunk of existing tree. The Contractor was requested to clear the materials away from the tree.

5.23 Further rectification of the tree ID numbers on site was carried, with only approximately 85% completed. The Contractor was reminded to finish the rectification of missing tree ID numbers works for the remaining existing trees as soon as possible.

5.24 As the project is nearing completion, as previously mentioned, for safety consideration when to area is to be re-open for the general public use, it is recommend that the side branch of existing tree T678 overhanging the footpath with its low headroom be pruned back to prevent any possible accidents in future. Also, the dead tree T612 with half broken branch along the footpath is also recommended to be removed.

Assessment of Environmental Monitoring Results

6.6 All monitoring results were audited against the Action / Limit levels and any exceedance would be validated and issued when necessary.

6.7 The monitoring results in the reporting period were comparable with the EIA predictions. Detailed discussions are given in Section 2 and 3.

Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status

6.8 The Contractor is 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 month.

6.9 As advised by the Contractor, 4.83 tons of non-inert C&D waste was disposed offsite to SENT landfill in the reporting month. C&D waste generated was reused on site as much as possible.

Environmental Licenses and Permits

6.10 The environmental licenses and permits for this Project and valid in the reporting month is summarized in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1 Summary of Environmental Licensing and Permit Status

Description	Permit No.	Valid Period		Remarks
Description	Permit No.	From	To	Remarks
Environmental Permit	EP-235/2005/B	23/11/07	--	- Installation of about 700 nos. of soil nails and about 60 nos. of raking drains in the natural terrain; - Rock slope stabilisation works at upper portion of the natural terrain; and - Other associated works.
Registration as a Chemical Waste Producer	5213-141-C3250-02	13/12/06	--	Spent lubricating oil and mineral oil
Effluent Discharge License	EP880/W10/XX0261	07/11/06	31/12/11	--
Notification of Constriction Work under APCO (Construction Dust)	001012125	18/07/06	--	--

Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures

6.11 In response to the site audit findings, the Contractor carried out corrective actions.

6.12 A summary of the Implementation Schedule of Mitigation Measures (EMIS) is presented in Appendix C. Most of the necessary mitigation measures were implemented properly.

Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit

6.13 All 1-hour TSP, 24-hour TSP and noise monitoring results complied with the Action / Limit levels.

6.14 No exceedance was recorded in the reporting month.

Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

6.15 The Environmental Complaint Handling Procedure is annexed in Figure 6.1.

6.16 No environmental complaint, notification of summons and successful prosecutions was received in the reporting month.

7. FUTURE KEY ISSUES

Construction Programme for the Coming Months

7.1 The construction programme for the Project is provided in Appendix B.

7.2 The major construction work in Octobber 2009 will be:

- Slope reinstatement works at Portion A2, B1 and B2.

Key Issues for Coming Month

7.3 Key issues to be considered in the coming month included:

- Sufficient dust suppression measures should be maintained;

- Collection of construction waste should be carried out regularly;

- Site runoff should be properly collected and treated prior to discharge;

- Construction activities should avoid causing damage to the trees and to plants species of conservation interest; and

- Quieter powered mechanical equipment should be used.

7.4 The following mitigation measures are required:

Air Quality Impact

- Regular watering should be used during soil nailing;

- Dusty material stockpiled should be completely covered;

- Dusty activities should be re-scheduled if high-wind conditions encountered;

- Open burning should be strictly prohibited;

- All dusty vehicle loads transporting to, from and between site locations should be covered with tarpaulin;

- Vehicle wheel and body washing facilities should be used at all exit points of the site;

- Wind shield, dust extraction units or water spraying should be used at the loading points.

Construction Noise Impact

- Quieter powered mechanical equipment should be used;

- Insulating fabric should be used for drill rigs during drilling process;

- Noise generating construction works should be carried out during daytime only;

- Noise barriers or other measures should be used to minimize disturbance to the bat roost;

- Plant on site should be properly maintained and serviced regularly;

- Mobile plants should be sited as far from NSRs as possible;

- Machines and plant in intermittent use should be throttled down;

- Strong noise emitting plants, wherever possible, should be oriented so that noise is directed away from the nearby NSRs;

- Material stockpiles, wherever possible, should be effectively utilized to screen noise from construction activities;

- Movable noise barrier with surface mass in excess of 7kg/m² should be used for PME wherever possible;

- Noise insulating fabric should be adopted for drill rig operating in Works Area E.

Water Quality Impact

- Prevent runoff water from entering the nearby water-bodies;

- Silt traps and oil / grease separators should be regularly cleaned and maintained;

- Outlet pipe extending above the slope surface should be installed;

- Air should be used as the flushing medium of the drilling equipment;

- Earth bunds or sand bag barriers should be provided on-site to direct storm water to silt removal facilities;

- Exposed slope / soil surface and opened stockpile of more than 50m³ should be covered with tarpaulin;

- Oils and fuels should be used and stored in designated area.

Chemical and Waste Management

- Debris and rubbish on-site should be collected, handled and disposed of properly;

- Waste skips should be provided to collect general refuse and construction wastes;

- Soil contamination with fuel leaked from construction plants should be removed off-site;

- Sufficient waste disposal points with regular collection should be provided;

- Appropriate measures should be provided to minimize windblown litter and dust during transportation of waste;

- Different containers should be used to segregate and store different types of waste;

- Encourage collection of aluminum cans, PET bottles and paper by providing separate bins;

- Unused chemicals should be recycles wherever possible;

- Proper storage and site practices should be adopted to minimize the potential for damage and contamination of construction materials;

- Oils and fuels should be stored in designated area;

- Plan and stock construction materials carefully to minimize waste generation.

Ecological Impact

- Soil nail installation should avoid / minimize damage of root system to the existing plants;

- Fences should be erected along the boundary of the works area

- Disturbance to the natural woodland and shrubland habitats should be minimized by preventing tipping, vehicle movements and encroachment of personnel onto the adjacent area;

- Permanent casing should be provided to the drillhole of soil nail;

- Placement of equipment or stockpile should be located in designated areas to minimize disturbance to natural or moderate-high ecological value habitats;

- Construction activities should be restricted to works areas;

- Disturbance to existing vegetation should be minimized wherever possible.

Landscape and Visual Impact

- Designation of “no-intrusion zones” and record any trespass and damage to existing vegetation;

- Soil nails on site should avoid tree trunks and tree roots;

- Dust and erosion control should be provided for exposed soil;

- For tree planting operations, method statement should be checked against specification requirements;

- All retained trees within the working boundary should be checked regularly;

- Control over appearance of hoarding, construction plants / machines;

- Security floodlights should be carefully selected to avoid light pollution.

Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Months

7.5 The tentative schedule for environmental monitoring in October 2009 is provided in Appendix L.

8. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusions

8.1 The construction phase of the project commenced in April 2008.

8.2 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP monitoring was carried out in the reporting month. All monitoring results complied with the action / limit level. No exceedance was recorded.

8.3 All impact daytime noise monitoring results complied with the limit level in the reporting month.

8.4 Environmental site inspections were carried out 4 times in September 2009. Recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractor for the deficiencies identified during the site audit.

8.5 Two landscape and visual audits were carried out in the reporting month. The Contractor was advised that the side branch of existing tree T678 overhanging the footpath with its low headroom be pruned back to prevent any possible accidents in future. Also, the dead tree T612 with half broken branch along the footpath is also recommended to be removed.

8.6 Two ecological audits were carried out in the reporting month. The Contractor was reminded to keep general refuse, construction materials and debris away from existing trees and demarcated area with vegetation of conservation interest.

8.7 No environmental complaint, notification of summons and prosecution was received in the reporting month.

Recommendations

8.8 According to the environmental site inspections performed in the reporting month, the following recommendations were provided:

Air Quality Impact

- Soil nail workstations on site should be properly enclosed; and

- Water spraying should be provided during soil nailing works.

Construction Noise Impact

- Nil

Water Quality Impact

- Sedimentation tanks on site should be properly maintained;

- Site effluent must be collected and treated prior to discharge to public drain;

- U-channels should be kept clear of mud, debris, leaves, construction waste and materials; and

- Soil and exposed earth at all working platforms and slopes should be cleaned up.

Chemical and Waste Management

- Drip trays should be provided to all plants and chemical containers on site;

- Oils and fuels should be stored in designated area;

- Empty chemical containers should be disposed of as chemical waste;

- C&D waste, debris and general refuse on-site should be collected, handled and disposed of properly; and

- Waste skips should be provided to collect general refuse and construction wastes.

Ecological Impact

- All identified vegetation of conservation interest should be preserved;

- All site access should be clearly demarcated and no excessive removal of vegetation in natural areas adjacent to the site access should be allowed;

- All plant species of conservation interest should be fenced off and tagged properly with clear sign, especially for those located near major access road and areas likely to be impacted by construction activities;

- The Contractor was recommended to take necessary measures to prevent damage to all vegetation within the construction site; and

- Dust and soil on vegetation should be washed away in a timely manner.

Landscape and Visual Impact

- The Contractor was reminded to rectify all remaining ineligible tree ID numbers for all remaining existing trees.

- The Contractor was reminded to clarify the status of missing trees as soon as possible.

- The Contractor was reminded to seek Engineer’s agreement on the replacement planting for dead tree.

- The Contractor was recommended to clear all existing sacks of construction waste materials away from the base and trunk of existing tree as soon as possible.

- The Contractor was recommended to prune all unsafe tree branches and dead trees as soon as possible.