The
proposed widening of Tolo Highway and Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling (the Project) is a Designated Project under the Environmental
Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499) (EIAO) and is governed by an Environmental Permit (EP-324/2008)(EP) issued by EPD on 23
December 2008.
Subsequently, EPD issued a Variation of Environmental Permit (EP-324/2008/A)
(VEP) on 31 January 2012.
The
Project aims to widen Tolo
Highway and Fanling Highway to dual 4-lane
carriageway in order to alleviate the current traffic congestion problems and
to cope with the increasing transport demands to and from the urban areas and
also cross boundary traffic.
The construction works for this Project will be delivered in
2 stages i.e. Stage 1 (between Island House Interchange and Tai Hang) and Stage
2 (between Tai Hang and Wo Hop Shek
Interchange). The construction works of Stage 1 commenced on 23 November 2009
and will tentatively be completed in March 2014. This report focuses on Stage 1
of the Project only.
The construction phase of Stage 1 under the EPs and the Environmental
Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) programme for Stage 1 of the Project commenced on 23 November 2009.
The impact environmental monitoring and audit includes air quality and noise
monitoring.
This
report documents the findings of EM&A works conducted in the period between
1 November 2013 and 31 January 2014. As informed by the Contract 1 Contractor
(CSHK), construction activities in the reporting period were:-
-
Temporary
shoring, sheetpiling and excavation;
-
At-grade
road construction;
-
Widening
and demolition of central dividers;
-
Retaining
wall construction;
-
Noise
barrier footing construction;
-
Noise
barrier panels installation;
-
Asphalt
laying;
-
Installation
of Drainage Pipes; and
-
Modification
of Edge coping.
The construction works carried out by the Contract 2
Contractor (GCL) in the reporting period were:-
-
Condition
survey of existing structures;
-
Setting
up the temporary traffic arrangement;
-
Excavation
of trial trenches to locate existing utilities;
-
Construction
of haul road;
-
Construction
of concrete profile barrier and beam barrier;
-
Construction
of Pilecap / Spread footing of Noise Barrier / Semi
Noise Enclosure;
-
Slope
works, including installation of soil nails;
-
NTHA
mitigation works;
-
Construction
of retaining walls;
-
Noise
barrier construction;
-
Modification
of existing bridge structures;
-
Entrusted
watermains works;
-
Sewer
Installation;
-
Road
and drainage works; and
-
Landscaping
works.
-
Environmental
Monitoring Works
A summary of monitoring and audit activities conducted
in the reporting quarter is listed below:-
|
24-hour
TSP monitoring
|
17
sessions
|
|
1-hour
TSP monitoring
|
51
sessions
|
|
Daytime
Noise monitoring
|
13
regular sessions
|
|
Environmental
Site inspection
|
13 sessions (Contract 1) / 13 sessions (Contract
2)
|
Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Air
Quality
No exceedance of Action and Limit
Level was recorded for 1-hour TSP monitoring in the reporting quarter.
No exceedance of Action and Limit
Level was recorded for 24-hour TSP monitoring in the reporting quarter.
Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Noise
No exceedance of Limit and
Action Levels was recorded for noise monitoring in the reporting quarter.
Complaint, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution
There
were four (4) complaints (including one (1) air-related complaint, one (1)
air-and-water-related complaint and two (2) noise-related complaints) followed up by the Environmental
Team (ET) in the reporting quarter.
There
was one (1) follow-up complaint (including one (1) air-related complaint)
followed up by the ET in the reporting quarter.
Investigations were carried out. Findings
and proposed mitigation measures of the complaints were submitted to all
relevant parties.
No
notifications of summons and successful prosecutions was
received in the reporting quarter.
Background
1.1.
Tolo Highway and Fanling
Highway are expressways in the North East New Territories connecting Sha Tin, Tai Po and Fanling.
These highways form a vital part of the strategic Route 9, which links Hong
Kong Island to Shenzhen. At present, this section of Route 9 is dual 3-lane
carriageway. However, at several major interchanges along this section of Route
9, the highway is only dual-2 lane. Severe congestion is a frequent occurrence
during peak periods, particularly in the Kowloon bound direction.
1.2.
The objective of the Project “Widening of Tolo Highway / Fanling Highway
between Island House Interchange and Fanling” is to
widen Tolo Highway and Fanling
Highway to dual 4-lane carriageway in order to alleviate the current traffic
congestion problems and to cope with the increasing transport demands to and
from the urban areas and also cross boundary traffic.
1.3.
The Project is a designated project and is
governed by an Environmental Permit (EP-324/2008)(EP) issued by EPD on 23 December 2008. Subsequently,
EPD issued a Variation of Environmental Permit (EP-324/2008/A) (VEP) on 31
January 2012.
1.4.
The scope of the Project comprises mainly:
|
(i)
|
Widening of a 5.7 km section of Tolo Highway and 3.0 km section of Fanling
Highway between Island House Interchange and Wo Hop
Shek Interchange from the existing dual 3-lane to
dual 4-lane, including construction of new vehicular bridges;
|
|
(ii)
|
Widening
of interchange sections at Island House Interchange, Tai Po North
Interchange, and Lam Kam Road Interchange from dual
2-lane to dual 3-lane, except Sha Tin bound carriageway
at Tai Po North Interchange, which is widened from 3-lane to 4-lane,
including realignment of various slip roads;
|
|
(iii)
|
Modification and reconstruction of highways,
vehicular bridges, underpasses and footbridges.
|
1.5.
The construction works for this Project will be
delivered in 2 stages i.e. Stage 1 (between Island House Interchange and Tai
Hang) and Stage 2 (between Tai Hang and Wo Hop Shek Interchange). The construction works of Stage 1
commenced on 23 November 2009 and will tentatively be completed in March 2014. This
report focuses on Stage 1 of the Project only.
1.6.
The construction works for Stage 1 of the Project
will be implemented under 2 works contracts (Contract 1 and Contract 2). Contract 1 covers the section of Tolo Highway between Island House Interchange and Ma Wo,
Contract 2 covers the section of Tolo Highway between
Ma Wo and Tai Hang.
1.7.
Hyder-Arup-Black and Veatch Joint Venture (HABVJV)
are appointed by Highways Department (HyD) as the
consultants for the design and construction assignment for the Tolo project under Agreement No. CE 58/2000 Supplementary
Agreement No. 3 (SA3) (i.e. the Engineer for the Contracts).
1.8.
China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong)
Ltd. (CSHK) was commissioned as the Contractor of Contract 1 of Stage 1 of the
Project, while Gammon Construction Limited (GCL) was commissioned as the
Contractor of Contract 2 of Stage 1 of the Project.
1.9.
AECOM Asia Co. Ltd. was employed by Highways
Department as the Environmental Team (ET) to undertake the Environmental
Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) works for Stage 1 of the Project and Mott MacDonald
Hong Kong Ltd. acts as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) for the
Contracts.
1.10.
The construction phase of Stage 1 under the EPs
commenced on 23 November 2009.
1.11.
According to the updated EM&A
Manual of Stage 1 of the Project, there is a need of an EM&A programme including air quality and noise monitoring. The
EM&A programme for Stage 1 of the Project
commenced on 23 November 2009.
Scope of Report
1.12.
This is the seventeenth Quarterly EM&A Summary Report under the Agreement No. CE 20/2009
(EP) - Widening of Tolo Highway between Island House
Interchange and Tai Hang – Investigation.
This report presents a summary of the environmental monitoring and audit
works, list of activities and mitigation measures proposed by the ET for Stage
1 of the Project between 1 November 2013 and 31 January 2014.
Project
Organization
1.13.
The project organization structure 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
|
|
ER of Stage 1, Contract 1
(Hyder-Arup-Black & Veatch Joint Venture)
|
Chief Resident Engineer /TOLO1
|
James Tsang
|
9038 8797
|
2667 4000
|
|
ER of Stage 1, Contract 2
(Hyder-Arup-Black & Veatch Joint Venture)
|
Chief Resident Engineer /TOLO2
|
Paul Appleton
|
9097 5833
|
2653 2348
|
|
IEC of Stage 1
(Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited)
|
Independent
Environmental Checker
|
Terence Kong
|
2828 5919
|
2827 1823
|
|
Contractor
of Stage 1, Contract 1
(China State Construction Engineering
(Hong Kong) Limited)
|
Site Agent
|
Eddie Tang
|
9863 7686
|
2667 5666
|
|
Environmental Officer
|
Michael Tsang
|
9277 4956
|
2667 5666
|
|
Contractor
of Stage 1, Contract 2
(Gammon Construction Limited)
|
Site Agent
|
John Chan
|
3126 1202
|
2559 3410
|
|
Environmental
Officer
|
Thomson Chang
|
9213 6569
|
2559 3410
|
|
Crispin Ao
|
9223 8773
|
2559 3410
|
|
Jason Cheng
|
9837
9323
|
2559 3410
|
|
ET of Stage 1
(AECOM
Asia Company Limited)
|
ET Leader
|
Y T Tang
|
3922 9393
|
3922 9797
|
Summary of Construction Works
1.14.
The construction
phase of Stage 1 under the EPs commenced on 23 November 2009. Details of the construction works carried out by the Contract 1 Contractor (CSHK) in this reporting period are listed
below:-
-
Temporary
shoring, sheetpiling and excavation;
-
Pile
cap construction (Noise Barrier);
-
At-grade
road construction;
-
Widening
and demolition of central dividers;
-
Retaining
wall construction;
-
Noise
barrier footing construction;
-
Noise
barrier panels installation;
-
Asphalt
laying;
-
Installation
of Drainage Pipes; and
-
Modification
of Edge coping.
1.15. The
construction works carried out by the Contract 2 Contractor (GCL) in the
reporting period were:-
-
Condition
survey of existing structures;
-
Setting
up the temporary traffic arrangement;
-
Excavation
of trial trenches to locate existing utilities;
-
Construction
of haul road;
-
Construction
of concrete profile barrier and beam barrier;
-
Construction
of Pilecap / Spread footing of Noise Barrier / Semi
Noise Enclosure;
-
Slope
works, including installation of soil nails;
-
NTHA
mitigation works;
-
Construction
of retaining walls;
-
Noise
barrier construction;
-
Modification
of existing bridge structures;
-
Entrusted
watermains works;
-
Sewer
Installation;
-
Road
and drainage works; and
-
Landscaping
works.
1.16. The
Construction Programmes are shown in Appendix B.
1.17. The general
layout plan of the Project site showing the contract areas is shown in Figure
1.1.
1.18. The environmental
mitigation measures implementation schedule are presented in Appendix C.
Monitoring Parameters
2.
2.1.
The updated EM&A Manual designated 4 air quality
monitoring stations and 7 noise monitoring stations to monitor environmental
impacts on air quality and noise due to Stage 1 of the Project.
2.2.
For air quality, monitoring locations AM2 (Shan
Tong New Village) and AM3 (Riverain Bayside) were set
up at the proposed locations in accordance with updated EM&A Manual.
However, for monitoring locations: Dynasty View and Tai Po Garden, proposed in
the updated EM&A Manual, as approval could not be obtained from the owner’s
corporation of the premises, impact air quality monitoring was conducted at
alternative monitoring locations: AM1 (Ha Wun Yiu)
and AM4 (Tai Kwong Secondary School). The monitoring
station at 13 Ha Wun Yiu (AM1) was relocated to Fan
Sin Temple, 3 Sheung Wun
Yiu (AM1A) in February 2010.
2.3.
For noise, monitoring stations NM3 (Wong Shiu Chi
Middle School), NM6 (PLK Tin Ka Ping Primary School) and NM7 (Riverain Bayside) were set up at the proposed locations in
accordance with updated EM&A Manual. However, for monitoring locations: Tai
Po Garden, Dynasty View, Hong Kong Teachers’ Association Lee Heng Kwei Secondary School and Grand Palisades, proposed in the
updated EM&A Manual, as approval of access could not be obtained from the
owner’s corporation of the premises or the principal of the education institutes,
impact noise monitoring was conducted at alternative monitoring locations: NM1
(Tai Kwong Secondary School), NM2 (Ha Wun Yiu), NM4 (Uptown Plaza) and NM5 (The Paragon).
2.4.
As Tai Kwong Secondary School was closed down with effect from 1
September 2011, air quality (AM4) and noise (NM1) monitoring stations were
relocated to 168 Shek Kwu
Lung Village, naming AM4A and NM1A respectively, starting from 1 September
2011. The same air quality Action and Limit of AM4 were adopted for AM4A. For
the measured construction noise level, the same noise Action Level of NM1 was
adopted for NM1A, whereas Limit Level for residential noise sensitive receiver
was adopted for NM1A.
2.5.
The monitoring locations used during the reporting
period are depicted in Figure 2.1.
2.6.
The updated EM&A Manual also required
environmental site inspections for air quality, noise, water quality, chemical,
waste management, ecology and landscape and visual impact.
Environmental Quality Performance Limits (Action/Limit Levels)
2.1
2.7.
The environmental quality performance limits (i.e.
Action/Limit Levels) of air quality monitoring were derived from the baseline
air quality monitoring results at the respective monitoring stations (AM1, AM2,
AM3 and AM4), while the environmental quality performance limits of noise
monitoring were defined in the EM&A Manual.
2.8.
The environmental quality performance limits of air
quality and noise monitoring and are given in Appendix D.
Environmental Mitigation Measures
2.2
2.9.
Relevant environmental mitigation measures were stipulated
in the Particular Specification and EPs (EP-324/2008 and EP-324/2008/A) for the Contractor to adopt. A list of environmental mitigation
measures and their implementation statuses are given in Appendix C.
3
Air Quality Monitoring
3.
3.1.
Air quality monitoring, including 1-hour and
24-hour TSP, was conducted at least 3 times every 6 days and at least once
every 6 days respectively at the 4 monitoring stations (AM1A, AM2, AM3 and AM4A), in accordance with the updated EM&A Manual.
3.2.
The weather was mostly sunny, with several fine,
cloudy and rainy days in the reporting
quarter. The major dust source in the reporting period included construction
activities from Stage 1 of the Project, as well as nearby traffic emissions.
3.3.
The number of monitoring events and exceedances recorded in each month of the reporting quarter
are presented in Table 3.1 and Table 3.2 respectively.
Table 3.1
Summary
of Number of Monitoring Events for 1-hr & 24-hr TSP Concentration
|
Monitoring Parameter
|
Location
|
No. of monitoring events
|
|
Nov
13
|
Dec
13
|
Jan
14
|
|
1-hr TSP
|
AM1A
|
15
|
18
|
18
|
|
AM2
|
15
|
18
|
18
|
|
AM3
|
15
|
18
|
18
|
|
AM4A
|
15
|
18
|
18
|
|
24-hr TSP
|
AM1A
|
5
|
6
|
6
|
|
AM2
|
5
|
6
|
6
|
|
AM3
|
5
|
6
|
6
|
|
AM4A
|
5
|
6
|
6
|
Table 3.2 Summary of Number of Exceedances for 1-hr & 24-hr TSP
Monitoring
|
Monitoring Parameter
|
Location
|
Level of Exceedance
|
Level of Exceedance
|
|
Nov
13
|
Dec 13
|
Jan 14
|
|
1-hr
TSP
|
AM1A
|
Action
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
AM2
|
Action
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
AM3
|
Action
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
AM4A
|
Action
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
|
Total
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
24-hr
TSP
|
AM1A
|
Action
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
AM2
|
Action
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
AM3
|
Action
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
AM4A
|
Action
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
|
Total
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
3.4.
All 1-hour TSP results were below the Action and
Limit Level at all monitoring locations in the reporting quarter.
3.5.
All 24-hour TSP results were below the Action and Limit
Level at all monitoring locations in the reporting period.
3.6.
The graphical plots of the impact air quality
monitoring results are provided in Appendix E.
4.
4.1.
Construction noise monitoring was conducted at the
7 monitoring stations (NM1A, NM2, NM3, NM4,
NM5, NM6 and NM7) for at least once per week during 07:00 – 19:00 in the
reporting quarter.
4.2.
The major noise sources
during the noise monitoring included construction activities of Stage 1 of the
Project and nearby traffic noise. In addition, for NM3 and NM6, general school
activities are also a major noise source during the noise monitoring.
4.3.
The number of
construction noise monitoring events and exceedances
are summarized in Table 4.1 and Table 4.2 respectively.
Table 4.1
Summary of Number of Monitoring Events for Construction
Noise
|
Monitoring Parameter
|
Location
|
No. of monitoring events
|
|
Nov
13
|
Dec
13
|
Jan
14
|
|
NM1A
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
|
NM2
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
|
NM3
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
|
NM4
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
|
NM5
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
|
NM6
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
|
NM7
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
Table 4.2 Summary of
Number of Monitoring Exceedances for Construction Noise
|
Monitoring Parameter
|
Location
|
Level of Exceedance
|
Level of Exceedance
|
|
Nov 13
|
Dec
13
|
Jan
14
|
|
NM1A
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
NM2
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
NM3
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
NM4
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
NM5
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
NM6
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
NM7
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
|
Total
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
4.4.
All measured construction noise levels were below
the Limit level and the graphical plots of the trends of the monitoring results
are provided in Appendix F. No Limit and Action level exceedance
of construction noise monitoring was recorded in the reporting quarter.
5.
5.1.
Site Inspections were carried out on a weekly basis
to monitor the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and
mitigation measures for Stage 1 of the Project. In the reporting quarter, 13 site inspections were carried out for Contract 1 and 13 site
inspections were carried out for Contract 2 of the Project.
5.2.
Particular observations and reminder during the site inspections
for Contract 1 are described below:-
Air Quality
5.2.1. Dry soil surface was observed on
access roads and the Contractor was reminded to spray the access road with
water or dust suppression chemicals to maintain the entire surface wet.
5.2.2. Dry surfaces were observed on
access roads near the site exit. The Contractor was reminded to spray water to
maintain the entire surface wet and wash the wheels of vehicles before leaving
the construction site.
Noise
5.2.3. No adverse observation was
identified in the reporting quarter.
Water Quality
5.2.4. No adverse observation was
identified in the reporting quarter .
Chemical and Waste Management
5.2.5.
5.2.6. The
Contractor was reminded to provide a drip tray to hold the oil can.
5.2.7. Oil drums were observed without
drip tray and the Contractor was reminded to provide trays to oil drums as a
mitigation measure.
5.2.8. The Contractor was reminded to
clear the construction waste at the waste skip.
Landscape and Visual Impact
5.2.9.
No adverse observation was identified in the reporting quarter.
Miscellaneous
5.2.10. The Contractor was reminded to
clear the stagnant water at the drip tray so as to prevent mosquito breeding.
5.3.
Particular observations during the site inspections for Contract 2
are described below:-
Air Quality
5.3.1. The
Contractor was reminded to cover the exposed slope at Gate 48 with tarpaulin
sheets.
5.3.2. Mud was observed at the edge of
the footpath at NLKP3. The Contractor was reminded to clear the mud and
increase the height of sand bags to prevent the overflow of sand from the
construction site.
Noise
5.3.3.
The Contractor was reminded to wrap
the breaker properly with sound-absorptive materials.
Water Quality
5.3.4.
The Contractor was reminded to provide a drip
tray to hold the oil can or remove the oil can.
5.3.5.
Oil leakage was observed under the
generator. The Contractor was reminded to clear the oil stain, and identify and
eliminate the source of leakage.
5.3.6.
Muddy water was observed at the
edge of the road at W74. The contractor was reminded to direct the water to an
appropriate discharge point so that it will not mix with sand to produce muddy
water.
5.3.7.
The Contractor was reminded to
clear the muddy water at the wheel-washing facilities in Shek
Kwu Lung.
Chemical and Waste Management
5.3.8.
The Contractor was reminded to cover the
stockpiles at Gate 7B.
5.3.9.
The Contractor was reminded to
clear the general refuse at Bridge 13.
5.3.10.
The Contractor was reminded to
provide a drip tray to oil cans at Gate 2 or remove the oil cans.
5.3.11.
The Contractor was reminded to clear the refuse
at the waste skip at G40A.
5.3.12.
The Contractor was reminded to provide a drip
tray to the chemical container on Lam Kam Flyover or
remove the chemical container.
5.3.13.
The Contractor was reminded to
clear the general refuse inside and next to the rubbish bin
Landscape and Visual Impact
5.3.14. No adverse observation was
identified in the reporting quarter.
Miscellaneous
5.3.15.
No adverse observation was identified in the reporting quarter.
6
Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management
Status
6.
6.1.1
The
Contract 1 Contractor (CSHK) and the Contract 2 Contractor (GCL) are registered
as chemical waste producers for Stage 1 of the Project. C&D material
sorting was carried out on site. Sufficient numbers of receptacles were
available for general refuse collection.
6.1.2
As advised by the Contract 1 Contractor (CSHK), 677m3
of inert C&D material was disposed as public fill to Tuen
Mun 38(of which 146m3 was broken concrete), while 410m3
of general refuse were disposed at NENT landfill. 36,741kg of
metal, 286kg of
paper/cardboard and 8,852kg of plastic were collected by
recycling contractor in the reporting quarter. 4,653m3 and 2,556m3 of inert C&D materials were reused on site and in NENT
for backfilling respectively.
On
the other hand, 0kg of chemical
waste was collected by licensed contractor in the reporting
period.
6.1.3
As advised by the Contract 2 Contractor (GCL), 590m3
of inert C&D material were disposed to Tuen Mun 38 and 680m3 of general refuse was disposed to NENT
landfill in the reporting period. 0m3
of paper/cardboard
packaging was collected by the recycling contractor in the reporting period. 0kg of plastics and 0kg of metals were collected by the recycling contractor in the reporting period.
No inert C&D materials was reused on site. 260m3 of inert C&D materials was reused in other projects. No chemical waste was collected by the licensed contractor in the reporting period.
6.1.4
The Contract 1 Contractor (CSHK) and the Contract 2
Contractor (GCL) are advised to maintain on site waste sorting and recording
system and maximize reuse / recycle of C&D wastes.
7
Summary
of Non-compliance (Exceedances) of the Environmental Quality
7.
7.1.
All 1-hour TSP monitoring results complied with the Action / Limit
Levels in the reporting period.
7.2.
All 24-hour TSP monitoring results complied with the Action / Limit
Levels in the reporting period.
7.3.
No Limit and Action Level exceedance
of construction noise monitoring was recorded in the reporting period.
8
Environmental Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful
Prosecutions
8.
8.1.
A 24-hour complaint hotline at 6628 8366 has been
established for Stage 1 (both Contract 1 and Contract 2) of the Project. Also a
24-hour hotline at 8201 6669 is established for Contract 1 of the Project. The
hotline numbers are displayed at the site entrances, fencings and project
signboards, as well as printed on publications for the public, such as
newsletters.
8.2.
No notifications of summons and prosecutions was received in
the reporting quarter.
8.3.
There were four (4) complaints (including one
(1) air-related complaint, one (1) air-and-water-related complaint and two (2)
noise-related complaints) followed up by the Environmental Team (ET) in the reporting
quarter.
8.4.
There was one (1) follow-up complaint (including
one (1) air-related complaint) followed up by the ET in the reporting quarter.
8.5.
The
investigation details are given below:
-
8.1.1
Environmental Enquiry No.: EC-34
8.6.
One (1) noise-related complaint was received on
4 November 2013 and followed up by the Environmental Team in November and
December 2013.
8.7.
EPD referred a noise complaint from a resident
living near Uptown Plaza at Tai Po on 4 November 2013. The complainant
expressed that the construction work between late-night hours on 2 November and
early morning of 3 November at Tolo Highway disturbed
the resident’s sleep.
8.8.
According to the information provided by the
Contractor (China State Construction Engineering (HK) Ltd.) and confirmed by
the Engineer of the Project, road marking alternation works was carried out at Tolo Highway between 23:00 on 2 November 2013 and 05:00 on
3 November 2013. The permitted works area and the exact working area for road
marking alternation are indicated in the site location plan.
8.9.
A valid Construction Noise Permit (CNP no.:
GW-RN0607-13) has been obtained for the use of certain specified Powered
Mechanical Equipments (PMEs) and carrying out of certain prescribed
construction work at Tolo Highway (Shatin Bound) between Grand Dynasty View and the Paragon
between 23:00 on Saturdays and 05:00 on Sundays, subject to the conditions
imposed in the CNP. The numbers and types of PMEs operated between 23:00 on 2
November 2013 and 05:00 on 3 November 2013 complied with the CNP. The list of
plants used during the construction works (provided by the Contractor and
confirmed by the Engineer) on 2 and 3 November 2013 was also checked for
verification.
8.10. Notification
was sent to EPD at 13:18 hours on 1 November 2013 prior to the commencement of
the construction work but the notification period was less than the required 48
hours before the said works carried out at 23:00 on 2 November 2013.
8.11. The
Contractor notified the nearby residents in advance of the construction work by
disseminating a public notice to the estates management offices of the affected
residential buildings on 1 November 2013.
8.12. However,
the noise complaint is considered project-related.
8.13. Upon
the receipt of the complaint, the Contractor stopped the road works as soon as
practicable as determined by The Highways Department. A safety net had been set
up to cover the skip of dump trucks to reduce the dropping height of milling
materials (rubbles) to reduce the impact noise for any future works conducted
under CNP no.: GW-RN0607-13, but the results were not satisfactory. Hence, this
measure will not be implemented. However, the Contractor was urged to shorten
the time of handling rubbles as much as possible to minimize the nuisance
caused to the nearby residents. Additionally, the Contractor has shut off
idling plants at once. The Contractor also wrapped up the reversing alarm of
the PMEs with sound-absorbing materials to reduce noise generated from similar
works so as to minimize the impacts to nearby residents.
8.14. The
Contractor has been setting up permanent noise barriers at both sides of the
section of the road where road marking alternation works were carried out. Most
of the noise barriers have been erected and the Contractor will install all the
remaining noise barrier panels by January 2014. The Contractor was prompted to
install the remaining permanent noise barriers as soon as it can.
8.15. The
Contractor also visited the Management Offices of nearby estates thereafter to
introduce them about its works programme and night
works of the coming two months. Meanwhile, a public notice was disseminated to
the estates on 6 November 2013 and is displayed at the lift lobby of the
estates to inform the residents about its works.
8.16. According
to the Contractor, no further works in relation to CNP no.: GW-RN0607-13 is
scheduled before the CNP expires at 05:00 on 22 December 2013, even though the
CNP permits such prescribed use of the specified PMEs for a total of 10 nights
during its validity period. However, the Contractor was urged to comply with
conditions of this and subsequent CNPs for future works and make advance
notifications to the EPD at least 48 hours before the scheduled commencement of
works. The Contractor was prompted to improve their management and schedule
night works as early as possible to prevent late notification. The Contractor
was reminded to review the current working method and implement noise
mitigation measures so as to minimize nuisance caused to sensitive receivers.
8.17. In
addition, the Contractor is advised to implement the mitigation measures as
stated in “Recommended Mitigation Measures” below:
-
Strictly comply with the requirements of the
approved CNP for works carried out in restricted hours;
-
Have better scheduling of works to minimize
noise nuisance;
-
Instruct the site workers to keep the noise in
minimum during construction works in restricted hours; and
-
Foster better public relations with the
sensitive receivers nearby.
Environmental
Enquiry No.: EC-35
8.18. One
(1) air-related complaint was received on 13 December 2013 and followed up by
the Environmental Team in December 2013.
8.19. EPD
referred a complaint from a resident of Ma Wo Tsuen about the dust
emission at the construction site of the Tolo Highway
widening construction works at Ma Wo on 13 December
2013. The complainant has complained about the air pollution problem for three
years and that no improvement has been seen.
8.20. The
complainant stated that there are no water sprinklers in the construction site
and the residents of Ma Wo Tsuen have requested the Contractor to use tarpaulin
sheets.
8.21. As
informed by the Contractor (Gammon Construction Ltd) and confirmed by the
Engineer of the Project, catchment drain, backfilling and compaction work of
general fill materials at W38 and delivery of fill materials from W48 to W38 by
dump truck on 12 December 2013 (Thursday) and 13 December 2013 (Friday) were
carried out at the work areas near the residential flat of the complainant.
8.22. Mitigation measures, including water
spraying by sprinklers on haul roads and exposed slopes, covering non-working
slopes by tarpaulin sheets at a sight distance from the complainant before the
complete construction of permanent footpath, full-time manual water spraying,
and the tarpaulin dust screen of appropriately 1.8 m in height set on the top
of W45-47 which is along W44 and NB31, and a section of footpath on W38, were
taken by the Contractor. As shown in Figure 4B, water is sprayed manually to
the leaves of the trees to minimize the emitted dust from dropping to the
complainant’s house and Ma Wo
Tsuen through the trees. As shown in Figure 5, the loading
and unloading height of general fill materials at W38 was kept to a minimum.
Besides, in case any dump truck passes through W45-47, the mechanical covering
will not open until they reach the unloading point.
8.23. Wheel washing has been carried out at the site
entrance. The dump truck responsible for the delivery of fill materials for W38
only moved within W48 and W38, which was not exiting from the site entrance on
12 and 13 December 2013.
8.24. With reference to the monitoring results
recorded on the day closest to the day of complaint at the nearest EM&A
monitoring station (AM1A- Sheung Wun
Yiu), the 24-hour TSP level on 10 December 2013 was 133.8 ug/m3, which was below the action level of 176.6 ug/m3. Besides, the average 1-hour TSP 10 December 2013 at
the nearest EM&A monitoring station (AM1A- Sheung
Wun Yiu) was 83.5 ug/m3, which was also below the action level of
302.3ug/m3.
8.25. Nevertheless, the complaint was considered
project-related.
8.26. Therefore,
the Contractor is reminded to enhance the dust mitigation measures as stated in
the “Recommended Mitigation Measures” below:
-
Confirm the implementation of dust mitigation
measures (erection of tarpaulin dust screens along the work areas W38-48,
spraying water manually by workers and sprinkler systems for the haul roads and
exposed slopes at work areas W38-48, covering non-working slopes by tarpaulin
sheets within work areas, covering dusty materials carried in dump trucks
within work areas W38-48) during all construction and dusty activities to
minimize fugitive dust generation;
-
Increase the frequency of watering in the work
areas (specially at the entrance of the construction site, and on site haul
roads and exposed slopes / areas in the work areas W38-48), so that site haul
roads and exposed surfaces are in a wet condition;
-
Cover the backfilling surface after work;
-
Keep soil surfaces wet before loading and
unloading activities;
-
Maintain the frequency of the environmental
supervision (by the Contractor) to regularly review the adequacy and
effectiveness of dust suppression measures to suit the construction progress;
-
Inform the complainant before dusty activities
(e.g. rock breaking, excavation, grouting and backfilling) are carried out; and
-
Foster better public relations with the
sensitive receivers and complainants nearby.
Environmental
Enquiry No.: EC-35 (Follow-up)
8.27. One
(1) air-related follow-up complaint was received on 22 January 2014 and
followed up by the Environmental Team in January 2014.
8.28. EPD
referred a follow-up complaint from a resident of Ma Wo
on 22 January 2014. The complaint is about the dust emission at the
construction site of the Tolo Highway widening
construction works at Ma Wo on 21 January 2014
afternoon and 22 January 2014 morning. The complainant complained that there
was insufficient water spraying and tarpaulin sheets were not used. He
expressed that the air pollution problem has caused nuisance to him for three
years. He requests improvements by the Contractor and follow-up by the EPD.
8.29. As
informed by the Contractor (Gammon Construction Ltd) and confirmed by the
Engineer of the Project, slope trimming and U-channel construction were carried
out in work area W36, and slope trimming was carried out in work areas W39-W40
on 21 and 22 January 2014.
8.30. The
following mitigation measures have been done by the Contractor. The loading and
unloading height of general fill materials was kept to a minimum. Wheel washing
has been carried out at the site entrance. There have been water spraying by
sprinklers on haul roads and exposed slopes, covering non-working slopes by
tarpaulin sheets at a sight distance from the complainant before the complete
construction of permanent footpath, full-time manual water spraying, and the
tarpaulin dust screen of appropriately 1.8 m in height set on the top of W45-47
which is along W44 and NB31, and a section of footpath on W38. Water is sprayed
manually to the leaves of the trees to minimize the emitted dust from dropping
to the complainant’s house and Ma Wo
Tsuen through the trees. Besides, in case any dump
truck passes through W45-47, the mechanical covering will not open until they
reach the unloading point.
8.31. With
reference to the monitoring results recorded on the day closest to the day of
complaint at the nearest EM&A monitoring station (AM1A- Sheung
Wun Yiu), the 24-hour TSP level on 21 January 2014
was 123.0 ug/m3, which was
below the action level of 176.6 ug/m3. Besides, the
average 1-hour TSP level 21 January 2014 at AM1A- Sheung
Wun Yiu was 87.3 ug/m3, which was also below the action level of
302.3ug/m3.
8.32. Nevertheless,
the complaint was considered project-related.
8.33. Therefore,
the Contractor is reminded to enhance the dust mitigation measures as stated in
the “Recommended Mitigation Measures” below:
-
Confirm the implementation of dust mitigation
measures (erection of tarpaulin dust screens along the work areas W38-48, spraying
water manually by workers and sprinkler systems for the haul roads and exposed
slopes at work areas W38-48, covering non-working slopes by tarpaulin sheets
within the work areas, covering dusty materials carried in dump trucks within
work areas W38-48) during all construction and dusty activities to minimize
fugitive dust generation;
-
Increase the frequency of watering in the work
areas (specially at the entrance of the construction site, and on site haul
roads and exposed slopes / areas in the work areas W38-48), so that site haul
roads and exposed surfaces are in a wet condition;
-
Cover the backfilling surface after work;
-
Keep soil surfaces wet before loading and
unloading activities;
-
Maintain the frequency of the environmental
supervision (by the Contractor) to regularly review the adequacy and
effectiveness of dust suppression measures to suit the construction progress;
-
Inform the complainant before dusty activities
(e.g. rock breaking, excavation, grouting and backfilling) are carried out; and
-
Foster better public relations with the
sensitive receivers and complainants nearby.
Environmental
Enquiry No.: EC-36
8.34. One
(1) noise-related complaint was received on 13 January 2014 and followed up by
the Environmental Team in January 2014. The summary of investigation is
described in Sections 4.6.3 to 4.6.5.
8.35. EPD
referred a noise complaint on 13 January 2014 from a resident living in Grand
Palisades at Tai Po. The complainant complained about the persistent
construction noise emitted between late-night hours on Saturdays and early
morning of Sundays at Tolo Highway.
8.36. According
to the information provided by the Contractor (China State Construction
Engineering (HK) Ltd.) and confirmed by the Engineer of the Project, road
resurfacing works were carried out at Tolo Highway
over Shan Tong Road between 23:00 on 11 January 2014 and 07:00 on 12 January 2014.
8.37. A valid Construction Noise Permit (CNP no.:
GW-RN0815-13) has been obtained for the use of certain specified Powered
Mechanical Equipments (PMEs) and carrying out of certain prescribed
construction work at Tolo Highway (Fanling Bound) between The Balmoral
and The Paragon near Tat Wan Road between 23:00 on Saturdays and 07:00 on
Sundays, subject to the conditions imposed in the CNP. All restricted hours
works were supervised by senior staff of the Contractor and Representatives of
the Engineer to ensure all CNP conditions were complied with. The list of
plants used during the construction works (provided by the Contractor and
confirmed by the Engineer) on 11 and 12 January 2014 was checked for
verification.
8.38. Notification had been sent to the EPD on 9
January 2014 prior to the commencement of construction works before the said
works was carried out at 23:00 on 11 January 2014.
8.39. Other Advance Notifications of
Restricted-hour Construction Work to the EPD have also been attached since the
complaint is concerned with persistent construction noise emitted. The
notifications were sent to the EPD 2 days prior to the commencement of the said
works.
8.40. The Contractor notified the nearby residents
in advance of the construction work by disseminating a public notice to the
estates management offices of the affected residential buildings on 6 November
2013.
8.41. The warning buzzer of the road miller used
between 23:00 on 11 January 2014 and 00:30 on 12 January 2014 was enclosed that
night to reduce noise impacts from the road resurfacing works.
8.42. However, the noise complaint is considered
project-related.
8.43. Upon the receipt of the complaint, there has
not been road resurfacing works under the CNP no.: GW-RN0815-13 being arranged
at the same location at night since 11 and 12 January 2014.
8.44. Moreover, the Contractor was urged to
shorten the time of handling rubbles as much as possible to minimize nuisance
caused to the nearby residents. The Contractor has been setting up permanent
noise barriers at both sides of the section of the road where road resurfacing
works were carried out. Most of the noise barriers have been erected. The
Contractor was prompted to install the remaining permanent noise barriers as
soon as it can.
8.45. The Contractor met Mr
Chan Siu-kuen, The Tai Po District Council Member, in
the morning of 13 January 2014 to explain their works and progress. Mr Chan agreed to contact the complainant and the
complainant has been satisfied with Mr Chan’s
explanations.
8.46. According to the Contractor, no further
works in relation to CNP no.: GW-RN0607-13 is scheduled before the CNP expires
at 07:00 on 23 February 2014, even though the CNP permits such prescribed use
of the specified PMEs for a total of 6 nights during its validity period.
8.47. There are still outstanding works to be
carried out at night in the coming months before the South Bound of Tolo Highway is open. However, the works will be less
frequent and cause less impacts compared to those in previous months. The
Contractor was urged to comply with conditions of existing and subsequent CNPs
for future works and make advance notifications to the EPD at least 48 hours
before the scheduled commencement of works. The Contractor was prompted to
improve their management and schedule night works as early as possible to
prevent late notification. The Contractor was reminded to review the current
working method and implement noise mitigation measures so as to minimize
nuisance caused to sensitive receivers.
8.48. In
addition, the Contractor is advised to implement the mitigation measures as
stated in “Recommended Mitigation Measures” below:
-
Strictly comply with the requirements of the
approved CNP for works carried out in restricted hours;
-
Have better scheduling of works to minimize
noise nuisance;
-
Instruct the site workers to keep the noise in
minimum during construction works in restricted hours; and
-
Foster better public relations with the
sensitive receivers nearby.
Environmental
Enquiry No.: EC-37
8.49. One
(1) air-and–water-related complaint was received on 21 January 2014 and
followed up by the Environmental Team in January 2014.
8.50. EPD
referred a complaint on 21 January 2014.The complainant drove via Tai Po Tai Wo Road section of Tolo Highway
on 21 January 2014 morning. He observed a lot of muddy water generated from the
Tolo Highway widening construction works. Besides, he
saw from Google Earth Image Satellite that a pipe was used to draw water for
ground washing, causing the outflow of muddy runoff. As the mud on the road
becomes dry, dust is generated when vehicles are passing by.
8.51. The
complainant requests follow-up as soon as possible.
8.52. As
informed by the Contractor (Gammon Construction Ltd) and confirmed by the
Engineer of the Project, concrete breaking at Bridge 15A North abutment was
carried out at the work areas from 8:30am to 5:30pm on 21 January 2014.
8.53. Mitigation measures have been implemented in
relation to water quality impact when construction activities are carried out.
The measures include ensuring the works areas are well paved by concrete and
keeping the paved area clean by sweeping to prevent mud and debris from
depositing on the paved area. Besides, temporary channels are set up to control
runoff.
8.54. Mitigation measures have been implemented in
relation to dust control when construction activities are carried out. The
measures include ensuring the works areas are well paved by concrete, wetting
the breaking surfaces regularly for dust suppression of concrete breaking works
and providing wheel washing of vehicles before vehicles leave the construction
site.
8.55. With reference to the monitoring results
recorded on the day closest to the day of complaint at the nearest EM&A
monitoring station (AM4A- 168 Shek Kwu Lung Village), the 24-hour TSP level on 22 January 2014
was 96.1 ug/m3, which is
below the action level of 176.6 ug/m3. Besides, the
average 1-hour TSP level on 22 January 2014 at AM4A was 85.8 ug/m3, which is also below the action level of
302.3ug/m3.
8.56. The complaint was received by the Contractor
at around 2:15pm on 21 January 2014 and site inspection was immediately carried
out at 3 pm on the same day. Inspection was conducted along the concerned
carriageway and no muddy water or mud trails were observed on both the
carriageway and access gates. Moreover, referring to the complainant’s
description, the Google earth image was capturing the condition in April 2011,
which is deviated from the current site situation. Although no muddy water was
observed on 21 January 2014 afternoon, the Contractor was urged to monitor the
road surfaces regularly and rectify whenever muddy water is observed by
sweeping to prevent mud and debris from depositing on paved road areas.
8.57. Nevertheless, the complaint was considered
project-related.
8.58. Therefore,
the Contractor is reminded to enhance the water quality impacts and dust
mitigation measures as stated in the “Recommended Mitigation Measures” below:
-
Rectify the muddy water overflowing and propose
preventive measures for muddy runoff;
-
Review the methodology of collecting the wheel
washing water to prevent recurrence in the future;
-
Confirm the implementation of dust mitigation
measures during all construction and dusty activities to minimize fugitive dust
generation;
-
Maintain the frequency of environmental
supervision (by the Contractor) to regularly review the adequacy and
effectiveness of dust suppression measures to suit the construction progress;
-
Inform the complainant before dusty activities
are carried out; and
-
Foster better public relations with the
sensitive receivers and complainants nearby.
8.59.
Cumulative statistics on
complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions are summarized
in Appendix G.
9
Comments, recommendations and Conclusions
Comments on Mitigation Measures
9.1.
According to the environmental site inspections
performed in the reporting quarter, the following recommendations were
provided:-
Air Quality Impact
l
All plants on site should be properly maintained to
avoid dark smoke emission.
l All vehicles should be washed to remove any
dusty materials before leaving the site.
l Haul roads should be sufficiently dampened
to minimize fugitive dust generation.
l Wheel washing facilities should be properly
maintained to ensure properly functioning.
l Temporary exposed slopes and open stockpiles
should be properly covered.
l Enclosure should be erected for cement
mixing operations.
l Provide water
spraying to suppress fugitive dust for any dusty construction activity.
l Exposed cemented
bags should be covered.
Construction Noise Impact
l Properly erect the temporary noise barriers
in accordance with the Environmental Permit requirement.
l Noise barriers should be closely packed and
properly aligned to ensure effective noise reduction.
l Noisy operations should be oriented to a
direction away from sensitive receivers as far as possible.
l Sound insulation materials shall be wrapped at the
breaker tip for concrete breaking works.
l Noise Emission Label (NEL) shall be affixed
to the air compressor and hand-held breaker operating within works area.
l Better scheduling of construction works to
minimize noise nuisance.
Water Quality Impact
l Silt, debris and leaves accumulated at
public drains, wheel washing bays and perimeter u-channels and desilting facilities should be cleaned up regularly.
l Silty
effluent should be treated/desilted
before discharged. Untreated effluent should be prevented from entering public
drain channel.
l Proper drainage channels/bunds should be
provided at the site boundaries to collect/intercept the surface run-off from
works areas.
l Exposed slopes and stockpiles should be
covered up properly during rainstorm.
l Stagnant water accumulated within works area
should be removed.
Chemical and Waste Management
l C&D materials and wastes should be
sorted, recycled/treated and removed timely.
l All chemical containers and oil drums should
be properly stored.
l All plants and vehicles on site should be
properly maintained to prevent oil leakage.
l All drain holes of the drip trays utilized
within works areas should be properly plugged to avoid any oil leakage.
l Oil stains on soil surface and empty
chemical containers should be cleared and disposed of as chemical waste.
l Only the recycling materials should be
dumped into the recycling bins.
l Refuse should not be placed near the
retained trees.
Landscape and Visual Impact
l All retained trees should be properly fenced
off at the works area.
Recommendations on EM&A Programme
9.2.
The impact air quality and noise monitoring programme ensured that any deterioration in environmental
condition was readily detected and timely actions taken to rectify any
non-compliance. Assessment and analysis of monitoring results collected demonstrated
the environmental acceptability of Stage 1 of the Project. The weekly
environmental site inspections ensured that all the environmental mitigation
measures recommended in the ERR were effectively implemented.
9.3.
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
9.4.
Air quality and noise monitoring, weekly site
inspections were carried out in the reporting quarter, in accordance with the
updated EM&A manual.
9.5.
All 1-hour TSP monitoring results complied with the
Action / Limit Level in the reporting quarter.
9.6.
All 24-hour TSP monitoring results complied with
the Action / Limit Level in the reporting quarter.
9.7.
No Action and Limit Level exceedance
of construction noise monitoring was recorded in the reporting period.
9.8.
There
were four (4) complaints (including one (1) air-related complaint, one (1)
air-and-water-related complaint and two (2) noise-related complaints) followed
up by the Environmental Team (ET) in the reporting quarter.
9.9.
There was one (1) follow-up complaint (including
one (1) air-related complaint) followed up by the ET in the reporting quarter.
9.10.
Investigations were carried out. Findings and
proposed mitigation measures of the complaints were submitted to all relevant
parties.
9.11.
No notifications of summons
and successful prosecutions was received in the reporting quarter.
