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 31 October 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.
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 nineteenth 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 October 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
|
|
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
|
|
Safety and
Environmental Officer
|
Yue Kin Fung
|
3188 0538
|
3188 1710
|
|
ET (AECOM)
|
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.
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
|
|
At least once every 7 days
|
|
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
|
73.1
|
60.4 – 86.0
|
309.3
|
500
|
|
CA2
|
71.3
|
60.1 – 85.6
|
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
|
50.4
|
25.6 – 78.9
|
166.8
|
260
|
|
CA2
|
47.9
|
18.1 – 80.3
|
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.
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 (Leq) 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
|
Access road to Po
Shan Mansions
|
|
CN2
|
Podium of 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. Leq, 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: Leq(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 Leq , L10 and
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), Leq (30 mins)
|
Range, dB(A), Leq (30 mins)
|
Limit Level, dB(A), Leq (30 mins)
|
|
CN1
|
64.4
|
62.6 – 65.6
|
75.0
|
|
CN2
|
63.7
|
61.8 – 64.8
|
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.
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 6 and 20 October
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
No
adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.
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 – 6 October 2009
Matters Arising from Previous Inspections
5.2
Pruning of side branch of existing tree T678
overhanging the footpath and removal of dead tree T612 with half broken branch
was outstanding. The Contractor was
reminded to carry out the works as soon as possible.
5.3
No further rectification of the tree ID numbers
on site was observed since the last inspection, 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.
5.4
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.
5.5
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
5.6
No particular observation was made during the
inspection period.
Recommendations
5.7
The Contractor was reminded to rectify all
remaining ineligible tree ID numbers for all remaining existing trees.
5.8
The Contractor was reminded to clarify the
status of missing trees as soon as possible.
5.9
The Contractor was reminded to seek Engineer’s
agreement on the replacement planting for dead tree.
5.10
The Contractor was recommended to prune tree
T678 and remove dead tree T612 as soon as possible.
Summary of Inspection – 20 October 2009
Matters Arising from Previous Inspections
5.11
Pruning of side branch of existing tree T678
overhanging the footpath and removal of dead tree T612 with half broken branch
was still outstanding. The Contractor
was reminded to carry out the works as soon as possible. The Contractor advised
that the side branch would be pruned in November 2009.
5.12
No further rectification of the tree ID numbers
on site was observed since last month, 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. The Contractor advised that rectification
of the tree ID would be completed by the end of October 2009.
5.13
Replacement of dead tree T611 was not necessary
as confirmed by the Engineer.
5.14
While T666 and T698 were clarified as natural death
prior to construction in the Tree Survey Report, the status of T516 and T517
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
5.15
No particular observation was made during the
inspection period.
Recommendations
5.16
The Contractor was reminded to rectify all
remaining ineligible / missing tree ID numbers for all remaining existing
trees.
5.17
The Contractor was reminded to clarify the
status of missing trees as soon as possible.
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 3 and 17 November 2009.
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, 5 site
inspections were carried out on 2, 6, 13, 20 and 27 October 2009. 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
6.6
No adverse observation was identified in the
reporting month.
Landscape and Visual
6.7
Pruning of side branch of existing tree T678
overhanging the footpath and removal of dead tree T612 with half broken branch
was outstanding. The Contractor was
reminded to carry out the works as soon as possible. The Contractor advised
that the side branch would be pruned in November 2009.
6.8
No further rectification of the tree ID numbers
on site was observed since the last inspection, 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. The Contractor advised that rectification
of the tree ID would be completed by the end of October 2009.
6.9
While T666 and T698 were clarified as natural
death prior to construction in the Tree Survey Report, the status of T516 and
T517 located immediately outside of the works boundary was outstanding. The Contractor was reminded to provide
necessary information as soon as possible.
Assessment of Environmental Monitoring Results
6.10
All monitoring results were audited against the
Action / Limit levels and any exceedance would be
validated and issued when necessary.
6.11
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
6.12
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.
6.13
As advised by the Contractor, 44.62 and 259.40
tons of non-inert and inert C&D waste were disposed offsite to SENT
landfill and Chai Wan Public Filling respectively in
the reporting month. C&D waste generated was reused on site as much as
possible.
Environmental Licenses and Permits
6.14
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
|
|
From
|
To
|
|
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
6.15
In response to the site audit findings, the
Contractor carried out corrective actions.
6.16
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
6.17
All 1-hour TSP, 24-hour TSP and noise monitoring
results complied with the Action / Limit levels.
6.18
No exceedance was
recorded in the reporting month.
Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful
Prosecutions
6.19
The Environmental Complaint Handling Procedure
is annexed in Figure 6.1.
6.20
No environmental complaint, notification of summons
and successful prosecutions was received in the reporting month.
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 November 2009
will be:
- Slope reinstatement works at Portion A1 and A2; and
- Hoarding removal along site boundary from ground to
hillside.
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.
7.4
The following mitigation measures are required:
Air Quality Impact
- 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
- Noise
generating construction works should be carried out during daytime only;
- 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.
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
- 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;
- 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;
- 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 November 2009 is provided in Appendix L.
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 5 times
in October 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 recommended to prune all unsafe tree
branches and dead trees as soon as possible.
8.6
Two ecological audits were carried out in the
reporting month. No specific observation
was identified in the reporting month.
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;
-
The Contractor was recommended to take necessary
measures to prevent damage to all vegetation within the construction site.
Landscape and Visual Impact
- The
Contractor was again reminded to rectify all remaining ineligible tree ID
numbers for all remaining existing trees.
- The
Contractor was again reminded d to clarify the status of missing trees as soon
as possible.
- The
Contractor was recommended to prune tree T678 and remove dead tree T612 as soon
as possible.
