Contract No. HY/2011/03

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road

Section between Scenic Hill and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monthly EM&A Report No.53 (February 2017)

                                                                                                     

14 March 2017

 

Revision 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Main Contractor                                                                                                                     Designer

 

 

 


 

 

Contents

Executive Summary

1...... Introduction.. 1

1.1                          Basic Project Information. 1

1.2                          Project Organisation. 2

1.3                          Construction Programme. 2

1.4                          Construction Works Undertaken During the Reporting Month. 2

2....... Air Quality Monitoring.. 4

2.1                          Monitoring Requirements. 4

2.2                          Monitoring Equipment 4

2.3                          Monitoring Locations. 4

2.4                          Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration. 5

2.5                          Monitoring Methodology. 5

2.6                          Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month. 7

2.7                          Monitoring Results. 7

3....... Noise Monitoring.. 9

3.1                          Monitoring Requirements. 9

3.2                          Monitoring Equipment 9

3.3                          Monitoring Locations. 9

3.4                          Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration. 9

3.5                          Monitoring Methodology. 10

3.6                          Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month. 10

3.7                          Monitoring Results. 11

4....... Water Quality Monitoring.. 12

4.1                          Monitoring Requirements. 12

4.2                          Monitoring Equipment 13

4.3                          Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration. 13

4.4                          Monitoring Locations. 13

4.5                          Monitoring Methodology. 14

4.6                          Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month. 15

4.7                          Monitoring Results. 15

5....... Dolphin Monitoring.. 18

5.1                          Monitoring Requirements. 18

5.2                          Monitoring Methodology. 18

5.3                          Monitoring Results. 20

5.4                          Reference. 22

6....... Environmental Site Inspection and Audit 23

6.1                          Site Inspection. 23

6.2                          Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status. 25

6.3                          Environmental Licenses and Permits. 25

6.4                          Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures. 25

6.5                          Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit 25

6.6                          Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution. 25

7....... Future Key Issues. 27

7.1                          Construction Programme for the Coming Months. 27

7.2                          Environmental Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Month. 28

8....... Conclusions. 29

8.1                          Conclusions. 29

 

 

Figures

 

Figure 1.1        Location of the Site

Figure 2.1         Environmental Monitoring Stations

                           

Appendices

Appendix A       Environmental Management Structure

Appendix B       Construction Programme

Appendix C       Calibration Certificates

Appendix D       Monitoring Schedule

Appendix E       Monitoring Data and Graphical Plots

Appendix F       Event and Action Plan

Appendix G      Wind Data

Appendix H       Dolphin Monitoring Results

Appendix I         Waste Flow Table

Appendix J        Cumulative Statistics on Complaints

Appendix K       Environmental Licenses and Permits  

Appendix L      Implementation Schedule of Environmental Mitigation Measures  

Appendix M      Record of ¡§Notification of Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances¡¨ and Record of ¡§Notification of Summons and Prosecutions¡¨

Appendix N       Location of Works Areas

Executive Summary

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) serves to connect the HZMB Main Bridge at the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Boundary and the HZMB Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) located at the north eastern waters of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

The HKLR project has been separated into two contracts. They are Contract No. HY/2011/03 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road-Section between Scenic Hill and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (hereafter referred to as the Contract) and Contract No. HY/2011/09 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road-Section between HKSAR Boundary and Scenic Hill.

China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd. was awarded by Highways Department as the Contractor to undertake the construction works of Contract No. HY/2011/03. The main works of the Contract include land tunnel at Scenic Hill, tunnel underneath Airport Road and Airport Express Line, reclamation and tunnel to the east coast of the Airport Island, at-grade road connecting to the HKBCF and highway works of the HKBCF within the Airport Island and in the vicinity of the HKLR reclamation.  The Contract is part of the HKLR Project and HKBCF Project, these projects are considered to be ¡§Designated Projects¡¨, under Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Ordinance (Cap 499) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports (Register No. AEIAR-144/2009 and AEIAR-145/2009) were prepared for the Project.  The current Environmental Permit (EP) EP-352/2009/D for HKLR and EP-353/2009/K for HKBCF were issued on 22 December 2014 and 11 April 2016, respectively. These documents are available through the EIA Ordinance Register. The construction phase of Contract was commenced on 17 October 2012.

BMT Asia Pacific Limited has been appointed by the Contractor to implement the Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM&A) programme for the Contract in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0) and will be providing environmental team services to the Contract.

This is the fifty-third Monthly EM&A report for the Contract which summarizes the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 28 February 2017.

Environmental Monitoring and Audit Progress

The monthly EM&A programme was undertaken in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0).  A summary of the monitoring activities during this reporting month is listed below:

1-hr TSP Monitoring

2, 7, 13, 17 and 23 February 2017

24-hr TSP Monitoring

1, 6, 10, 16, 22 and 28 February 2017

Noise Monitoring

2, 7, 13 and 23 February 2017

Water Quality Monitoring

1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24 and 27 February 2017

Chinese White Dolphin Monitoring

7, 9, 16 and 21 February 2017

Site Inspection

3, 8, 15, 22 and 28 February 2017

Due to weather condition, the dolphin monitoring schedule was rescheduled from 14 February 2017 to 16 February 2017. Due to boat availability, the dolphin monitoring schedule was rescheduled from 20 February 2017 to 21 February 2017.

 

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels                                                                               

A summary of environmental exceedances for this reporting month is as follows:

Environmental Monitoring

Parameters

Action Level (AL)

Limit Level (LL)

Air Quality

1-hr TSP

0

0

24-hr TSP

0

0

Noise

Leq (30 min)

0

0

Water Quality

Suspended solids level (SS)

1

0

Turbidity level

0

0

Dissolved oxygen level (DO)

0

0

Dolphin Monitoring

Quarterly Analysis (Dec 2016 to Feb 2017)

0

1

There was a Limit Level exceedance of dolphin monitoring for the quarterly monitoring data (between December 2016 to February 2017). The exceedance will be reported in the quarterly report for December 2016 to February 2017.

Complaint Log       

There was one complaint received in relation to the environmental impacts during the reporting period. A summary of environmental complaint for this reporting month is as follows:

Environmental Complaint No.

Date of Complaint Received

Description of Environmental Complaints

COM-2017-108

23 February 2017 and 2 March 2017

Cleanliness problem at East Coast Road

Notifications of Summons and Prosecutions

There were no notifications of summons or prosecutions received during this reporting month.

Reporting Changes

This report has been developed in compliance with the reporting requirements for the subsequent EM&A reports as required by the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0). 

The proposal for the change of Action Level and Limit Level for suspended solid and turbidity was approved by EPD on 25 March 2013.

The revised Event and Action Plan for dolphin monitoring was approved by EPD on 6 May 2013.

The original monitoring station at IS(Mf)9 (Coordinate: 813273E, 818850N) was observed inside the perimeter silt curtain of Contract HY/2010/02 on 1 July 2013, as such the original impact water quality monitoring location at IS(Mf)9 was temporarily shifted outside the silt curtain.  As advised by the Contractor of HY/2010/02 in August 2013, the perimeter silt curtain was shifted to facilitate safe anchorage zone of construction barges/vessels until end of 2013 subject to construction progress.  Therefore, water quality monitoring station IS(Mf)9 was shifted to 813226E and 818708N since 1 July 2013.  According to the water quality monitoring team¡¦s observation on 24 March 2014, the original monitoring location of IS(Mf)9 was no longer enclosed by the perimeter silt curtain of Contract HY/2010/02. Thus, the impact water quality monitoring works at the original monitoring location of IS(Mf)9 has been resumed since 24 March 2014.

Transect lines 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 11 for dolphin monitoring have been revised due to the obstruction of the permanent structures associated with the construction works of HKLR and the southern viaduct of TM-CLKL, as well as provision of adequate buffer distance from the Airport Restricted Areas.  The EPD issued a memo and confirmed that they had no objection on the revised transect lines on 19 August 2015.

The water quality monitoring stations at IS10 (Coordinate: 812577E, 820670N) and SR5 (811489E, 820455N) are located inside Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Approach Restricted Areas. The previously granted Vessel's Entry Permit for accessing stations IS10 and SR5 were expired on 31 December 2016. During the permit renewing process, the water quality monitoring location was shifted to IS10(N) (Coordinate: 813060E, 820540N) and SR5(N) (Coordinate: 811430E, 820978N) on 2, 4 and 6 January 2017 temporarily. The permit has been granted by Marine Department on 6 January 2017. Thus, the impact water quality monitoring works at original monitoring location of IS10 and SR5 has been resumed since 9 January 2017.

 

Future Key Issues

The future key issues include potential noise, air quality, water quality and ecological impacts and waste management arising from the following construction activities to be undertaken in the upcoming month:

¡P         Stockpiling at WA7;

  • Dismantling/trimming of Temporary 40mm Stone Platform for Construction of Seawall at Portion X;
  • Construction of Seawall at Portion X;
  • Loading and Unloading Filling Materials at Portion X;
  • Backfilling at Scenic Hill Tunnel (Cut & Cover Tunnel) at Portion X;
  • Construction of Tunnel Box Structure at Scenic Hill Tunnel (Cut & Cover Tunnel) at Portion X;
  • Excavation for HKBCF to Airport Tunnel & construction of tunnel box structure at Portion X;
  • Excavation for Diversion of culvert PR9 and PR14 at Portion X;

¡P         Works for Diversion of Airport Road;

  • Utilities Detection at Airport Road / Airport Express Line/ East Coast Road;
  • Establishment of Site Access at Airport Road / Airport Express Line/East Coast Road;
  • Mined Tunnel Excavation / Box Jacking underneath Airport Road and Airport Express Line;

¡P         Construction of Tunnel box structure at Package T1.12.1 near Kwo Lo Wan Road;

¡P         Construction of Tunnel box structure at Shaft 3 Extension South Shaft; 

  • Excavation and Lateral Support Works & Construction of Tunnel Box Structure for HKBCF to Airport Tunnel West (Cut & Cover Tunnel) at Airport Road;
  • Excavation and Lateral Support Works & Construction of Tunnel Box Structure for HKBCF to Airport Tunnel East (Cut & Cover Tunnel) at Portion X;
  • Sub-structure & superstructure works for Highway Operation and Maintenance Area Building at Portion X; and

¡P         Superstructure works for Scenic Hill Tunnel West Portal Ventilation building at West Portal.

 

1.1.1       The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) serves to connect the HZMB Main Bridge at the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Boundary and the HZMB Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) located at the north eastern waters of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

1.1.2       The HKLR project has been separated into two contracts.  They are Contract No. HY/2011/03 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road-Section between Scenic Hill and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (hereafter referred to as the Contract) and Contract No. HY/2011/09 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road-Section between HKSAR Boundary and Scenic Hill.

1.1.3       China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd. was awarded by Highways Department (HyD) as the Contractor to undertake the construction works of Contract No. HY/2011/03.  The Contract is part of the HKLR Project and HKBCF Project, these projects are considered to be ¡§Designated Projects¡¨, under Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Ordinance (Cap 499) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports (Register No. AEIAR-144/2009 and AEIAR-145/2009) were prepared for the Project.  The current Environmental Permit (EP) EP-352/2009/D for HKLR and EP-353/2009/K for HKBCF were issued on 22 December 2014 and 11 April 2016, respectively. These documents are available through the EIA Ordinance Register. The construction phase of Contract was commenced on 17 October 2012.  Figure 1.1 shows the project site boundary. The works areas are shown in Appendix N.

1.1.4       The Contract includes the following key aspects:

¡P                     New reclamation along the east coast of the approximately 23 hectares.

¡P                     Tunnel of Scenic Hill (Tunnel SHT) from Scenic Hill to the new reclamation, of approximately 1km in length with three (3) lanes for the east bound carriageway heading to the HKBCF and four (4) lanes for the westbound carriageway heading to the HZMB Main Bridge.

¡P                     An abutment of the viaduct portion of the HKLR at the west portal of Tunnel SHT and associated road works at the west portal of Tunnel SHT.

¡P                     An at grade road on the new reclamation along the east coast of the HKIA to connect with the HKBCF, of approximately 1.6 km along dual 3-lane carriageway with hard shoulder for each bound.

¡P                     Road links between the HKBCF and the HKIA including new roads and the modification of existing roads at the HKIA, involving viaducts, at grade roads and a Tunnel HAT.

¡P                     A highway operation and maintenance area (HMA) located on the new reclamation, south of the Dragonair Headquarters Building, including the construction of buildings, connection roads and other associated facilities.

¡P                     Associated civil, structural, building, geotechnical, marine, environmental protection, landscaping, drainage and sewerage, tunnel and highway electrical and mechanical works, together with the installation of street lightings, traffic aids and sign gantries, water mains and fire hydrants, provision of facilities for installation of traffic control and surveillance system (TCSS), reprovisioning works of affected existing facilities, implementation of transplanting, compensatory planting and protection of existing trees, and implementation of an environmental monitoring and audit (EM&A) program.

1.1.5       This is the fifty-third Monthly EM&A report for the Contract which summarizes the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 28 February 2017.

1.1.6       BMT Asia Pacific Limited has been appointed by the Contractor to implement the EM&A programme for the Contract in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0) for HKLR and will be providing environmental team services to the Contract. Ramboll Environ Hong Kong Ltd. was employed by HyD as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) and Environmental Project Office (ENPO) for the Project. The project organization with regard to the environmental works is as follows.

1.2.1       The project organization structure and lines of communication with respect to the on-site environmental management 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

Supervising Officer¡¦s Representative
(Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Limited)

(Chief Resident Engineer, CRE)

Robert Antony Evans

3968 0801

2109 1882

Environmental Project Office / Independent Environmental Checker
(Ramboll Environ Hong Kong Limited)

Environmental Project Office Leader

Y. H. Hui

3465 2888

3465 2899

Independent Environmental Checker

Antony Wong

3465 2888

3465 2899

Contractor
(China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd)

Project Manager

S. Y. Tse

3968 7002

2109 2588

Environmental Officer

Federick Wong

3968 7117

2109 2588

Environmental Team
(BMT Asia Pacific)

Environmental Team Leader

Claudine Lee

2241 9847

2815 3377

24 hours complaint hotline

---

---

5699 5730

---

1.3                Construction Programme

1.3.1       A copy of the Contractor¡¦s construction programme is provided in Appendix B.

1.4                Construction Works Undertaken During the Reporting Month

1.4.1       A summary of the construction activities undertaken during this reporting month is shown in Table 1.2.

 

Table 1.2          Construction Activities During Reporting Month

Description of Activities

Site Area

Stockpiling

WA7

Dismantling/trimming of temporary 40mm stone platform for construction of seawall

Portion X

Construction of seawall

Portion X

Loading and unloading of filling materials

Portion X

Pipe piling

Portion X

Construction of tunnel box structure at Scenic Hill Tunnel (Cut & Cover Tunnel)

Portion X

Excavation and backfilling at Scenic Hill Tunnel (Cut & Cover Tunnel)

Portion X

Excavation for HKBCF to Airport Tunnel & construction of tunnel box structure

Portion X

Excavation for diversion of culvert PR9 and PR14

Portion X

Works for diversion

Airport Road

Utilities detection

Airport Road/ Airport Express Line/ East Coast Road

Establishment of site access

Airport Road/ Airport Express Line/ East Coast Road

Mined tunnel excavation/ box jacking underneath  Airport Road and Airport Express Line

Airport Road and Airport Express Line

Excavation works at shaft 3 extension north shaft (Package T1.12.1)

Kwo Lo Wan Road

Construction of Tunnel box structure at Package T1.12.1

Near Kwo Lo Wan Road

Construction of Tunnel box structure

Shaft 3 Extension South Shaft

Excavation and lateral support works & Construction of Tunnel Box Structure for HKBCF to Airport Tunnel West (Cut & Cover Tunnel)

Airport Road

Excavation and lateral support works & construction of tunnel box structure for HKBCF to Airport Tunnel East (Cut & Cover Tunnel)

Portion X

Sub-structure & superstructure works for Highway Operation and Maintenance Area Building

Portion X

Superstructure works for Scenic Hill Tunnel West Portal Ventilation building

West Portal

Excavation for Scenic Hill Tunnel

West Portal

 

 

2        Air Quality Monitoring

2.1                Monitoring Requirements

2.1.1       In accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual, baseline 1-hour and 24-hour TSP levels at two air quality monitoring stations were established.  Impact 1-hour TSP monitoring was conducted for at least three times every 6 days, while impact 24-hour TSP monitoring was carried out for at least once every 6 days.  The Action and Limit Level for 1-hr TSP and 24-hr TSP are provided in Table 2.1 and Table 2.2, respectively.

Table 2.1          Action and Limit Levels for 1-hour TSP

Monitoring Station

Action Level, µg/m3

Limit Level, µg/m3

AMS 5 ¡V Ma Wan Chung Village (Tung Chung)

352

500

AMS 6 ¡V Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA)

360

 

Table 2.2         Action and Limit Levels for 24-hour TSP

Monitoring Station

Action Level, µg/m3

Limit Level, µg/m3

AMS 5 ¡V Ma Wan Chung Village (Tung Chung)

164

260

AMS 6 ¡V Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA)

173

260

2.2                Monitoring Equipment

2.2.1       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 Contract Specific EM&A Manual.  Portable direct reading dust meters were used to carry out the 1-hour TSP monitoring. Brand and model of the equipment is given in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3          Air Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model

Portable direct reading dust meter (1-hour TSP)

Sibata Digital Dust Monitor (Model No. LD-3B)

High Volume Sampler
(24-hour TSP)

Tisch Environmental Mass Flow Controlled Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) High Volume Air Sampler (Model No. TE-5170)

2.3.1       Monitoring locations AMS5 and AMS6 were set up at the proposed locations in accordance with Contract Specific EM&A Manual.

2.3.2       Figure 2.1 shows the locations of monitoring stations. Table 2.4 describes the details of the monitoring stations.

Table 2.4          Locations of Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station

Location

AMS5

Ma Wan Chung Village (Tung Chung)

AMS6

Dragonair / CNAC (Group) Building (HKIA)

2.4.1       Table 2.5 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of impact TSP monitoring.

Table 2.5          Air Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Parameter

Frequency and Duration

1-hour TSP

Three times every 6 days while the highest dust impact was expected

24-hour TSP

Once every 6 days

2.5.1       24-hour TSP Monitoring

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

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

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

(iii)        A minimum of 2 meters separation from walls, parapets and penthouse for rooftop sampler was provided.

(iv)        No furnace or incinerator flues are nearby.

(v)        Airflow around the sampler was unrestricted.

(vi)        Permission was obtained to set up the samplers and access to the monitoring stations.

(vii)       A secured supply of electricity was obtained to operate the samplers.

(viii)      The sampler was located more than 20 meters from any dripline.

(ix)        Any wire fence and gate, required to protect the sampler, did not obstruct the monitoring process.

(x)        Flow control accuracy was kept within ¡Ó2.5% deviation over 24-hour sampling period.

(b)          Preparation of Filter Papers

(i)         Glass fibre filters, G810 were labelled and sufficient filters that were clean and without pinholes were selected.

(ii)        All filters were equilibrated in the conditioning environment for 24 hours before weighing. The conditioning environment temperature was around 25 ¢XC and not variable by more than ¡Ó3 ¢XC; the relative humidity (RH) was < 50% and not variable by more than ¡Ó5%.  A convenient working RH was 40%.

(iii)       All filter papers were prepared and analysed by ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd., which is a HOKLAS accredited laboratory and has comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programmes.

(c)          Field Monitoring

(i)         The power supply was checked to ensure the HVS works properly.

(ii)         The filter holder and the area surrounding the filter were cleaned.

(iii)        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.

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

(v)        The swing bolts were fastened to hold the filter holder down to the frame.  The pressure applied was sufficient to avoid air leakage at the edges.

(vi)        Then the shelter lid was closed and was secured with the aluminium strip.

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

(viii)      A new flow rate record sheet was set into the flow recorder.

(ix)       On site temperature and atmospheric pressure readings were taken and the flow rate of the HVS was checked and adjusted at around 1.1 m3/min, and complied with the range specified in the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0) (i.e. 0.6-1.7 m3/min).

(x)        The programmable digital timer was set for a sampling period of 24 hours, and the starting time, weather condition and the filter number were recorded.

(xi)        The initial elapsed time was recorded.

(xii)       At the end of sampling, on site temperature and atmospheric pressure readings were taken and the final flow rate of the HVS was checked and recorded.

(xiii)      The final elapsed time was recorded.

(xiv)     The sampled filter was removed carefully and folded in half length so that only surfaces with collected particulate matter were in contact.

(xv)      It was then placed in a clean plastic envelope and sealed.

(xvi)      All monitoring information was recorded on a standard data sheet.

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

(d)          Maintenance and Calibration

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

(ii)         5-point calibration of the HVS was conducted using TE-5025A Calibration Kit prior to the commencement of baseline monitoring. Bi-monthly 5-point calibration of the HVS will be carried out during impact monitoring.

(iii)        Calibration certificate of the HVSs are provided in Appendix C.

2.5.2       1-hour TSP Monitoring

(a)        Measuring Procedures

The measuring procedures of the 1-hour dust meter were in accordance with the Manufacturer¡¦s Instruction Manual as follows:-

(i)                   Turn the power on.

(ii)        Close the air collecting opening cover.

(iii)       Push the ¡§TIME SETTING¡¨ switch to [BG].

(iv)       Push ¡§START/STOP¡¨ switch to perform background measurement for 6 seconds.

(v)        Turn the knob at SENSI ADJ position to insert the light scattering plate.

(vi)       Leave the equipment for 1 minute upon ¡§SPAN CHECK¡¨ is indicated in the display.

(vii)      Push ¡§START/STOP¡¨ switch to perform automatic sensitivity adjustment. This measurement takes 1 minute.

(viii)      Pull out the knob and return it to MEASURE position.

(ix)       Push the ¡§TIME SETTING¡¨ switch the time set in the display to 3 hours.

(x)        Lower down the air collection opening cover.

(xi)       Push ¡§START/STOP¡¨ switch to start measurement.

(b)           Maintenance and Calibration

(i)         The 1-hour TSP meter was calibrated at 1-year intervals against a Tisch Environmental Mass Flow Controlled Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) High Volume Air Sampler. Calibration certificates of the Laser Dust Monitors are provided in Appendix C.

2.6.1       The schedule for air quality monitoring in February 2017 is provided in Appendix D.

2.7                Monitoring Results

2.7.1       The monitoring results for 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP are summarized in Tables 2.6 and 2.7 respectively. Detailed impact air quality monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are presented in Appendix E.

Table 2.6         Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results During the Reporting Month

Monitoring Station

Average (mg/m3)

Range (mg/m3)

Action Level (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AMS5

107

32 - 191

352

500

AMS6

138

54 - 329

360

500

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 2.7         Summary of 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results During the Reporting Month

Monitoring Station

Average (mg/m3)

Range (mg/m3)

Action Level  (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AMS5

72

36 - 98

164

260

AMS6

75

52 - 104

173

260

 

2.7.2       No Action and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hr TSP and 24-hr TSP were recorded at AMS5 and AMS6 during the reporting month.

2.7.3       The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

2.7.4       The wind data obtained from the on-site weather station during the reporting month is shown in Appendix G.


 

3.1.1       In accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual, 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 Table 3.1.

Table 3.1          Action and Limit Levels for Noise during Construction Period

Monitoring Station

Time Period

Action Level

Limit Level

NMS5 ¡V Ma Wan Chung Village (Ma Wan Chung Resident Association) (Tung Chung)

0700-1900 hours on normal weekdays

When one documented complaint is received

75 dB(A)

3.2                Monitoring Equipment

3.2.1       Noise monitoring was performed using sound level meters at each designated monitoring station.  The sound level meters deployed comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission Publications (IEC) 651:1979 (Type 1) and 804:1985 (Type 1) specifications.  Acoustic calibrator was deployed to check the sound level meters at a known sound pressure level.  Brand and model of the equipment are given in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2         Noise Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model

Integrated Sound Level Meter

B&K 2238

Acoustic Calibrator

B&K 4231

3.3                Monitoring Locations

3.3.1       Monitoring location NMS5 was set up at the proposed locations in accordance with Contract Specific EM&A Manual.

3.3.2       Figure 2.1 shows the locations of monitoring stations. Table 3.3 describes the details of the monitoring stations.

Table 3.3          Locations of Impact Noise Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station

Location

NMS5

Ma Wan Chung Village (Ma Wan Chung Resident Association) (Tung Chung)

3.4.1       Table 3.4 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of impact noise monitoring.

 

Table 3.4         Noise Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Parameter

Frequency and Duration

30-mins measurement at each monitoring station between 0700 and 1900 on normal weekdays (Monday to Saturday). Leq, L10 and L90 would be recorded.

At least once per week

 

3.5.1       Monitoring Procedure

(a)        The sound level meter was set on a tripod at a height of 1.2 m above the podium for free-field measurements at NMS5. A correction of +3 dB(A) shall be made to the free field measurements.

(b)        The battery condition was checked to ensure the correct functioning of the meter.

(c)        Parameters such as frequency weighting, the time weighting and the measurement time were set as follows:-

(i)            frequency weighting: A

(ii)           time weighting: Fast

(iii)          time measurement: Leq(30-minutes) during non-restricted hours i.e. 07:00 ¡V 1900 on normal weekdays

(d)        Prior to and after each noise measurement, the meter was calibrated using the acoustic calibrator for 94.0 dB(A) at 1000 Hz.  If the difference in the calibration level before and after measurement was more than 1.0 dB(A), the measurement would be considered invalid and repeat of noise measurement would be required after re-calibration or repair of the equipment.

(e)        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.

(f)        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.

(g)        Noise monitoring was cancelled in the presence of fog, rain, wind with a steady speed exceeding 5m/s, or wind with gusts exceeding 10m/s. The wind speed shall be checked with a portable wind speed meter capable of measuring the wind speed in m/s.

3.5.2       Maintenance and Calibration

(a)          The microphone head of the sound level meter was cleaned with soft cloth at regular intervals.

(b)           The meter and calibrator were sent to the supplier or HOKLAS laboratory to check and calibrate at yearly intervals.

(c)        Calibration certificates of the sound level meters and acoustic calibrators are provided in Appendix C.

3.6.1       The schedule for construction noise monitoring in February 2017 is provided in Appendix D.


 

3.7                Monitoring Results

3.7.1       The monitoring results for construction noise are summarized in Table 3.5 and the monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are provided in Appendix E.  

Table 3.5          Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results During the Reporting Month

Monitoring Station

Average Leq (30 mins), dB(A)

Range of Leq (30 mins), dB(A)

Limit Level Leq (30 mins), dB(A)

NMS5

61

58 - 63

75

*A correction factor of +3dB(A) from free field to facade measurement was included. 

3.7.2       There were no Action and Limit Level exceedances for noise during daytime on normal weekdays of the reporting month.

3.7.3       Major noise sources during the noise monitoring included construction activities of the Contract and nearby traffic.

3.7.4       The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

4        Water Quality Monitoring

4.1.1       Impact water quality monitoring was carried out to ensure that any deterioration of water quality is detected, and that timely action is taken to rectify the situation.  For impact water quality monitoring, measurements were taken in accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual. Table 4.1 shows the established Action/Limit Levels for the environmental monitoring works.  The ET proposed to amend the Acton Level and Limit Level for turbidity and suspended solid and EPD approved ET¡¦s proposal on 25 March 2013.  Therefore, Action Level and Limit Level for the Contract have been changed since 25 March 2013.

4.1.2       The original and revised Action Level and Limit Level for turbidity and suspended solid are shown in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1          Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality

Parameter (unit)

Water Depth

Action Level

Limit Level

Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) (surface, middle and bottom)

Surface and Middle

5.0

4.2 except 5 for Fish Culture Zone

Bottom

4.7

3.6

Turbidity (NTU)

Depth average

27.5 or 120% of upstream control station¡¦s turbidity at the same tide of the same day;

The action level has been amended to ¡§27.5 and 120% of upstream control station¡¦s turbidity at the same tide of the same day¡¨ since 25 March 2013.

47.0 or 130% of turbidity at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day;

The limit level has been amended to ¡§47.0 and 130% of turbidity at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day¡¨ since 25 March 2013.

Suspended Solid (SS) (mg/L)

Depth average

23.5 or 120% of upstream control station¡¦s SS at the same tide of the same day;

The action level has been amended to ¡§23.5 and 120% of upstream control station¡¦s SS at the same tide of the same day¡¨ since 25 March 2013.

34.4 or 130% of SS at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day and 10mg/L for Water Services Department Seawater Intakes;

The limit level has been amended to ¡§34.4 and 130% of SS at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day and 10mg/L for Water Services Department Seawater Intakes¡¨ since 25 March 2013

Notes:

                        (1)      Depth-averaged is calculated by taking the arithmetic means of reading of all three depths.

                        (2)      For DO, non-compliance of the water quality limit occurs when monitoring result is lower that the limit.

                        (3)      For SS & turbidity non-compliance of the water quality limits occur when monitoring result is higher than the limits.

                        (4)      The change to the Action and limit Levels for Water Quality Monitoring for the EM&A works was approved by EPD on 25 March 2013.

4.2.1       Table 4.2 summarizes the equipment used in the impact water quality monitoring programme.

Table 4.2          Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment      

Brand and Model

DO and Temperature Meter, Salinity Meter, Turbidimeter and pH Meter

YSI Model 6820 V2-M, 650

Positioning Equipment

DGPS ¡V KODEN : KGP913MkII, KBG3

Water Depth Detector

Layin Associates: SM-5 & SM5A

Water Sampler

Wildlife Supply Company : 5487-10

4.3.1       Table 4.3 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency and monitoring depths of impact water quality monitoring as required in the Contract Specific EM&A Manual.

Table 4.3          Impact Water Quality Monitoring Parameters and Frequency

Monitoring Stations

Parameter, unit

Frequency

No. of depth

Impact Stations:
IS5, IS(Mf)6, IS7, IS8, IS(Mf)9 & IS10,

 

Control/Far Field Stations:
CS2 & CS(Mf)5,

 

Sensitive Receiver Stations:
SR3, SR4, SR5, SR10A & SR10B

¡P    Depth, m

¡P    Temperature, oC

¡P    Salinity, ppt

¡P    Dissolved Oxygen (DO), mg/L

¡P    DO Saturation, %

¡P    Turbidity, NTU

¡P    pH

¡P   Suspended Solids (SS), mg/L

Three times per week during mid-ebb and mid-flood tides (within ¡Ó 1.75 hour of the predicted time)

3

(1 m below water surface, mid-depth and 1 m above sea bed, except where the water depth is less than 6 m, in which case the mid-depth station may be omitted. Should the water depth be less than 3 m, only the mid-depth station will be monitored).

 

4.4.1       In accordance with the Contract Specific EM&A Manual, thirteen stations (6 Impact Stations, 5 Sensitive Receiver Stations and 2 Control Stations) were designated for impact water quality monitoring.  The six Impact Stations (IS) were chosen on the basis of their proximity to the reclamation and thus the greatest potential for water quality impacts, the five Sensitive Receiver Stations (SR) were chosen as they are close to the key sensitive receives and the two Control Stations (CS) were chosen to facilitate comparison of the water quality of the IS stations with less influence by the Project/ ambient water quality conditions.

4.4.2       The locations of these monitoring stations are summarized in Table 4.4 and shown in Figure 2.1.

 

Table 4.4         Impact Water Quality Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Stations

Description

Coordinates

Easting

Northing

IS5

Impact Station (Close to HKLR construction site)

811579

817106

IS(Mf)6

Impact Station (Close to HKLR construction site)

812101

817873

IS7

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

812244

818777

IS8

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

814251

818412

IS(Mf)9

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

813273

818850

IS10

Impact Station (Close to HKBCF construction site)

812577

820670

SR3

Sensitive receivers (San Tau SSSI)

810525

816456

SR4

Sensitive receivers (Tai Ho Inlet)

814760

817867

SR5

Sensitive receivers (Artificial Reef In NE Airport)

811489

820455

SR10A

Sensitive receivers (Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone)

823741

823495

SR10B

Sensitive receivers (Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone)

823686

823213

CS2

Control Station (Mid-Ebb)

805849

818780

CS(Mf)5

Control Station (Mid-Flood)

817990

821129

4.5                Monitoring Methodology

4.5.1       Instrumentation

(a)        The in-situ water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity and turbidity, pH were measured by multi-parameter meters.

4.5.2       Operating/Analytical Procedures

(a)        Digital Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS) were used to ensure that the correct location was selected prior to sample collection.

(b)        Portable, battery-operated echo sounders were used for the determination of water depth at each designated monitoring station.

(c)        All in-situ measurements were taken at 3 water depths, 1 m below water surface, mid-depth and 1 m above sea bed, except where the water depth was less than 6 m, in which case the mid-depth station was omitted. Should the water depth be less than 3 m, only the mid-depth station was monitored.

(d)        At each measurement/sampling depth, two consecutive in-situ monitoring (DO concentration and saturation, temperature, turbidity, pH, salinity) and water sample for SS. The probes were retrieved out of the water after the first measurement and then re-deployed for the second measurement. Where the difference in the value between the first and second readings of DO or turbidity parameters was more than 25% of the value of the first reading, the reading was discarded and further readings were taken.

(e)        Duplicate samples from each independent sampling event were collected for SS measurement. Water samples were collected using the water samplers and the samples were stored in high-density polythene bottles. Water samples collected were well-mixed in the water sampler prior to pre-rinsing and transferring to sample bottles. Sample bottles were pre-rinsed with the same water samples. The sample bottles were then be packed in cool-boxes (cooled at 4oC without being frozen), and delivered to ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. for the analysis of suspended solids concentrations. The laboratory determination work would be started within 24 hours after collection of the water samples. ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. is a HOKLAS accredited laboratory and has comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programmes.

(f)        The analysis method and detection limit for SS is shown in Table 4.5.

Table 4.5    Laboratory Analysis for Suspended Solids

Parameters

Instrumentation

Analytical Method

Detection Limit

Suspended Solid (SS)

Weighting

APHA 2540-D

0.5mg/L

 

(g)        Other relevant data were recorded, including monitoring location / position, time, water depth, tidal stages, weather conditions and any special phenomena or work underway at the construction site in the field log sheet for information.

4.5.3       Maintenance and Calibrations

(a)        All in situ monitoring instruments would be calibrated by ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. before use and at 3-monthly intervals throughout all stages of the water quality monitoring programme. The procedures of performance check of sonde and testing results are provided in Appendix C.

4.6.1       The schedule for impact water quality monitoring in February 2017 is provided in Appendix D.

4.7                Monitoring Results

4.7.1       Impact water quality monitoring was conducted at all designated monitoring stations during the reporting month. Impact water quality monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are provided in Appendix E.

4.7.2       Water quality impact sources during water quality monitoring were the construction activities of the Contract, nearby construction activities by other parties and nearby operating vessels by other parties.

4.7.3       For marine water quality monitoring, no Action Level and Limit Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen level and turbidity level were recorded during the reporting month. An Action Level exceedance of suspended solid level was recorded during the reporting month. No Limit Level exceedance of suspended solid level was recorded during the reporting month. Number of exceedances recorded during the reporting month at each impact station are summarised in Table 4.6.

Table 4.6     Summary of Water Quality Exceedances

Station

Exceedance Level

DO

(S&M)

DO

(Bottom)

Turbidity

SS

Total number of exceedances

Ebb

Flood

Ebb

Flood

Ebb

Flood

Ebb

Flood

Ebb

Flood

IS5

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

IS(Mf)6

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

IS7

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

IS8

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

IS(Mf)9

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

IS10

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

SR3

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

SR4

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

SR5

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

SR10A

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

SR10B

Action Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

15 Feb 2017

--

1

0

Limit Level

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0

0

Total

Action

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

1**

Limit

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0**

 

Notes:

S: Surface;

M: Mid-depth;

**   The total number of exceedances

 

4.7.4       For marine water quality monitoring, An Action Level exceedances of suspended solid was recorded at station SR10B during mid-ebb tide on 15 February 2017. The construction activities including removal of surcharge, box culvert construction at Zones 1 and 2, drilling of pipe pile at Zone 1, seawall construction at Zones 2 and 3A, and transportation of fill material on land at Zone 3A were carried out within the properly aligned silt curtain as recommended in the EIA Report.

4.7.5       Stockpiling of public fill materials was conducted on land at Work Area 7 (WA7). If there was suspended sediment plume at WA7 during mid-ebb tide, suspended solid will be generally carried to the downstream of work area instead of to the upstream (i.e. station SR10B). On the other hand, no muddy runoff was observed during the sampling exercise and bunding covered with geotextile has been constructed as control measures to prevent site runoff entering into marine water.

4.7.6       No marine transportation of fill material under this contract was conducted on that day. There were no specific activities recorded during the monitoring period that would cause any significant impacts on the monitoring results. No marine works was conducted near monitoring station SR10B. No leakage of turbid water or any abnormity or malpractice for all contract works was observed during the sampling exercise.

4.7.7       The exceedance of suspended solids level was considered to be attributed to other external factors such as sea condition, rather than the contract works. Therefore, the exceedance was considered as non-contract related. Records of ¡§Notification of Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances¡¨ are provided in Appendix M.

4.7.8       The event action plan is annexed in Appendix F.

 

 

 

5.1.1       Impact dolphin monitoring is required to be conducted by a qualified dolphin specialist team to evaluate whether there have been any effects on the dolphins.

5.1.2       The Action Level and Limit Level for dolphin monitoring are shown in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1          Action and Limit Levels for Dolphin Monitoring

 

North Lantau Social Cluster

NEL

NWL

Action Level

STG < 4.2 & ANI < 15.5

STG < 6.9 & ANI < 31.3

Limit Level

(STG < 2.4 & ANI < 8.9) and (STG < 3.9 & ANI < 17.9)

Remarks:

1.      STG means quarterly encounter rate of number of dolphin sightings.

2.      ANI means quarterly encounter rate of total number of dolphins.

3.      For North Lantau Social Cluster, AL will be trigger if either NEL or NWL fall below the criteria; LL will be triggered if both NEL and NWL fall below the criteria.

5.1.3       The revised Event and Action Plan for dolphin Monitoring was approved by EPD in 6 May 2013. The revised Event and Action Plan is annexed in Appendix F.

Vessel-based Line-transect Survey

5.2.1       According to the requirements of the Updated EM&A Manual for HKLR (Version 1.0), dolphin monitoring programme should cover all transect lines in NEL and NWL survey areas (see Figure 1 of Appendix H) twice per month. The co-ordinates of all transect lines are shown in Table 5.2.  The coordinates of several starting points have been revised due to the obstruction of the permanent structures associated with the construction works of HKLR and the southern viaduct of TM-CLKL, as well as provision of adequate buffer distance from the Airport Restricted Areas.  The EPD issued a memo and confirmed that they had no objection on the revised transect lines on 19 August 2015, and the revised coordinates are in red and marked with an asterisk in Table 5.2.

Table 5.2          Co-ordinates of Transect Lines

Line No.

Easting

Northing

 

Line No.

Easting

Northing

1

Start Point

804671

815456*

 

13

Start Point

816506

819480

1

End Point

804671

831404

 

13

End Point

816506

824859

2

Start Point

805475

815913*

 

14

Start Point

817537

820220

2

End Point

805477

826654

 

14

End Point

817537

824613

3

Start Point

806464

819435

 

15

Start Point

818568

820735

3

End Point

806464

822911

 

15

End Point

818568

824433

4

Start Point

807518

819771

 

16

Start Point

819532

821420

4

End Point

807518

829230

 

16

End Point

819532

824209

5

Start Point

808504

820220

 

17

Start Point

820451

822125

5

End Point

808504

828602

 

17

End Point

820451

823671

6

Start Point

809490

820466

 

18

Start Point

821504

822371

6

End Point

809490

825352

 

18

End Point

821504

823761

7

Start Point

810499

820880*

 

19

Start Point

822513

823268

7

End Point

810499

824613

 

19

End Point

822513

824321

8

Start Point

811508

821123*

 

20

Start Point

823477

823402

8

End Point

811508

824254

 

20

End Point

823477

824613

9

Start Point

812516

821303*

 

21

Start Point

805476

827081

9

End Point

812516

824254

 

21

End Point

805476

830562

10

Start Point

813525

820872

 

22

Start Point

806464

824033

10

End Point

813525

824657

 

22

End Point

806464

829598

11

Start Point

814556

818853*

 

23

Start Point

814559

821739

11

End Point

814556

820992

 

23

End Point

814559

824768

12

Start Point

815542

818807

 

 

 

 

 

12

End Point

815542

824882

 

 

 

 

 

Note:
Co-ordinates in red and marked with asterisk are revised co-ordinates of transect line. 

 

5.2.2       The survey team used standard line-transect methods (Buckland et al. 2001) to conduct the systematic vessel surveys, and followed the same technique of data collection that has been adopted over the last 18 years of marine mammal monitoring surveys in Hong Kong developed by HKCRP (see Hung 2015).  For each monitoring vessel survey, a 15-m inboard vessel with an open upper deck (about 4.5 m above water surface) was used to make observations from the flying bridge area. 

5.2.3       Two experienced observers (a data recorder and a primary observer) made up the on-effort survey team, and the survey vessel transited different transect lines at a constant speed of 13-15 km per hour.  The data recorder searched with unaided eyes and filled out the datasheets, while the primary observer searched for dolphins and porpoises continuously through 7 x 50 Fujinon marine binoculars.  Both observers searched the sea ahead of the vessel, between 270o and 90o (in relation to the bow, which is defined as 0o).  One to two additional experienced observers were available on the boat to work in shift (i.e. rotate every 30 minutes) in order to minimize fatigue of the survey team members.  All observers were experienced in small cetacean survey techniques and identifying local cetacean species.

5.2.4       During on-effort survey periods, the survey team recorded effort data including time, position (latitude and longitude), weather conditions (Beaufort sea state and visibility), and distance traveled in each series (a continuous period of search effort) with the assistance of a handheld GPS (Garmin eTrex Legend).

5.2.5       Data including time, position and vessel speed were also automatically and continuously logged by handheld GPS throughout the entire survey for subsequent review.

5.2.6       When dolphins were sighted, the survey team would end the survey effort, and immediately record the initial sighting distance and angle of the dolphin group from the survey vessel, as well as the sighting time and position.  Then the research vessel was diverted from its course to approach the animals for species identification, group size estimation, assessment of group composition, and behavioural observations.  The perpendicular distance (PSD) of the dolphin group to the transect line was later calculated from the initial sighting distance and angle.

5.2.7       Survey effort being conducted along the parallel transect lines that were perpendicular to the coastlines (as indicated in Figure 1 of Appendix H) was labeled as ¡§primary¡¨ survey effort, while the survey effort conducted along the connecting lines between parallel lines was labeled as ¡§secondary¡¨ survey effort.  According to HKCRP long-term dolphin monitoring data, encounter rates of Chinese white dolphins deduced from effort and sighting data collected along primary and secondary lines were similar in NEL and NWL survey areas.  Therefore, both primary and secondary survey effort were presented as on-effort survey effort in this report.

5.2.8       Encounter rates of Chinese white dolphins (number of on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort and number of dolphins from all on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort) were calculated in NEL and NWL survey areas in relation to the amount of survey effort conducted during each month of monitoring survey.  Only data collected under Beaufort 3 or below condition would be used for encounter rate analysis.  Dolphin encounter rates were calculated using primary survey effort alone, as well as the combined survey effort from both primary and secondary lines.

Photo-identification Work

5.2.9       When a group of Chinese White Dolphins were sighted during the line-transect survey, the survey team would end effort and approach the group slowly from the side and behind to take photographs of them.  Every attempt was made to photograph every dolphin in the group, and even photograph both sides of the dolphins, since the colouration and markings on both sides may not be symmetrical.

5.2.10    A professional digital camera (Canon EOS 7D or 60D model), equipped with long telephoto lenses (100-400 mm zoom), were available on board for researchers to take sharp, close-up photographs of dolphins as they surfaced.  The images were shot at the highest available resolution and stored on Compact Flash memory cards for downloading onto a computer.

5.2.11    All digital images taken in the field were first examined, and those containing potentially identifiable individuals were sorted out.  These photographs would then be examined in greater detail, and were carefully compared to the existing Chinese White Dolphin photo-identification catalogue maintained by HKCRP since 1995. 

5.2.12    Chinese White Dolphins can be identified by their natural markings, such as nicks, cuts, scars and deformities on their dorsal fin and body, and their unique spotting patterns were also used as secondary identifying features (Jefferson 2000).

5.2.13    All photographs of each individual were then compiled and arranged in chronological order, with data including the date and location first identified (initial sighting), re-sightings, associated dolphins, distinctive features, and age classes entered into a computer database.  Detailed information on all identified individuals will be further presented as an appendix in quarterly EM&A reports.

Vessel-based Line-transect Survey

5.3.1       During the month of February 2017, two sets of systematic line-transect vessel surveys were conducted on the 7th, 9th, 16th and 21st to cover all transect lines in NWL and NEL survey areas twice.  The survey routes of each survey day are presented in Figures 2 to 5 of Appendix H.

5.3.2       From these surveys, a total of 288.25 km of survey effort was collected, with 65.0% of the total survey effort being conducted under favourable weather conditions (i.e. Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with good visibility) (Annex I of Appendix H). Among the two areas, 111.41 km and 176.84 km of survey effort were collected from NEL and NWL survey areas respectively.  Moreover, the total survey effort conducted on primary lines was 207.74 km, while the effort on secondary lines was 80.51 km.

5.3.3       During the two sets of monitoring surveys in February 2017, seven groups of 25 Chinese White Dolphins were sighted (see Annex II of Appendix H). All seven dolphin sightings were made in NWL, while none was sighted in NEL.

5.3.4       For the surveys conducted in February 2017, five of the seven dolphin groups were sighted during on-effort search, while four of the five on-effort sightings were made on primary lines (Annex II of Appendix H).  None of these dolphin groups was associated with any operating fishing vessel. 

5.3.5       Distribution of these dolphin sightings made in February 2017 is shown in Figure 6 of Appendix H. Four groups were sighted to the north of Lung Kwu Chau, while one group was sighted near Sha Chau (Figure 6 of Appendix H).  Two sightings were also made at the southwestern end of the NWL survey area, with one sighted to the west of airport platform and the other one near HKLR09 alignment (Figure 6 of Appendix H).

5.3.6       Notably, one group of two individuals was sighted near the HKLR09 alignment, while the other six dolphin groups were sighted far away from the HKLR03/HKBCF reclamation sites as well as the TMCLKL alignment (Figure 6 of Appendix H).

5.3.7       During the February¡¦s surveys, encounter rates of Chinese White Dolphins deduced from the survey effort and on-effort sighting data made under favourable conditions (Beaufort 3 or below) are shown in Table 5.3 and Table 5.4.

Table 5.3     Individual Survey Event Encounter Rates

 

Encounter rate (STG)

(no. of on-effort dolphin sightings per 100 km of survey effort)

Encounter rate (ANI)

(no. of dolphins from all on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort)

Primary Lines Only

Primary Lines Only

NEL

Set 1: February 7th / 9th

0.0

0.0

Set 2: February 16th / 21th

0.0

0.0

NWL

Set 1: February 7th / 9th

0.0

0.0

Set 2: February 16th / 21th

9.0

42.7

Remarks:

1.     Dolphin Encounter Rates Deduced from the Two Sets of Surveys (Two Surveys in Each Set) in February 2017 in Northeast Lantau (NEL) and Northwest Lantau (NWL).

Table 5.4          Monthly Average Encounter Rates

 

Encounter rate (STG)

(no. of on-effort dolphin sightings per 100 km of survey effort)

Encounter rate (ANI)

(no. of dolphins from all on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort)

Primary   Lines Only

Both Primary and Secondary Lines

Primary   Lines Only

Both Primary and Secondary Lines

Northeast Lantau

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Northwest Lantau

5.4

3.9

25.7

18.8

Remarks:

1.     Monthly Average Dolphin Encounter Rates (Sightings Per 100 km of Survey Effort) from All Four Surveys Conducted in February 2017 on Primary Lines only as well as Both Primary Lines and Secondary Lines in Northeast Lantau (NEL) and Northwest Lantau (NWL).

 

5.3.8       The average dolphin group size in February 2017 was 3.6 individuals per group, which was similar to the ones in previous months of monitoring surveys.  Five of the seven groups were small in size with 1-3 animals per group, while two medium-size groups of seven and eight animals respectively were sighted to the north of Lung Kwu Chau during the monitoring surveys.

 

 

Photo-identification Work

5.3.9       Fourteen known individual dolphins were sighted 15 times during February¡¦s surveys (Annex III and IV of Appendix H).  All except one (WL275 was re-sighted twice) were re-sighted only once during the monthly surveys in February.

5.3.10    Notably, four of these individual dolphins (NL104, NL202, WL145 and WL179) were accompanied with their calves during their re-sightings in February 2017.

Conclusion

5.3.11    During this month of dolphin monitoring, no adverse impact from the activities of this construction project on Chinese White Dolphins was noticeable from general observations.

5.3.12    Due to monthly variation in dolphin occurrence within the study area, it would be more appropriate to draw conclusion on whether any impacts on dolphins have been detected related to the construction activities of this project in the quarterly EM&A report, where comparison on distribution, group size and encounter rates of dolphins between the quarterly impact monitoring period (December 2016 ¡V February 2017) and baseline monitoring period (3-month period) will be made.

5.3.13    There was a Limit Level exceedance of dolphin monitoring for the quarterly monitoring data (between December 2016 to February 2017). The exceedance will be reported in the quarterly report for December 2016 to February 2017.

5.4                Reference

5.4.1       Buckland, S. T., Anderson, D. R., Burnham, K. P., Laake, J. L., Borchers, D. L., and Thomas, L.  2001.  Introduction to distance sampling: estimating abundance of biological populations.  Oxford University Press, London.

5.4.2       Hung, S. K.  2015.  Monitoring of Marine Mammals in Hong Kong waters: final report (2014-15).  An unpublished report submitted to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, 198 pp.

5.4.3       Jefferson, T. A.  2000.  Population biology of the Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin in Hong Kong waters.  Wildlife Monographs 144:1-65.

6        Environmental Site Inspection and Audit

6.1.1       Site Inspections were carried out on a weekly basis to monitor the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project. During the reporting month, five site inspections were carried out on 3, 8, 15, 22 and 28 February 2017. 

6.1.2       A summary of observations found during the site inspections and the follow up actions taken by the Contractor are described in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1          Summary of Environmental Site Inspections

Date of Audit

Observations

Actions Taken by Contractor / Recommendation

Date of Observations Closed

27 Jan 2017

1. Rubbish was observed at N1.

2. Drip tray was not provided for chemical containers at N1.

3. Mud was observed in drainage channel at N1.

1. The rubbish was removed from N1.

2. The chemical containers were removed from N1.

3. The mud was removed from the drainage channel at N1.

3 Feb 2017

3 Feb 2017

1. Waste was accumulated on the ground of S15.

2. Waste was accumulated on the ground floor of N1.

3. Waste was accumulated in the tunnel of N1.

4. Chemical drums were found without drip tray at S15.

5. More than 20 bags of cement were not covered at West Portal.

1. The accumulated waste was removed from S15.

2. The accumulated waste was removed from the ground floor of N1.

3. The accumulated waste was removed from the tunnel of N1.

4. The chemical drums were removed from S15.

5. The cement bags were covered entirely by impervious sheeting at West Portal.

8 Feb 2017

8 Feb 2017

1. Gap of silt curtain was observed at Portion X.

2. Waste was accumulated in a skip at S8.

3. Gap of earth bund was observed at S11.

4. No drip tray was provided for a chemical drum at S11.

5. No drip tray was provided for chemical containers at S11.

6. Concrete was disposed of on the construction area of S15.

7. Waste was accumulated on the ground of S16.

8. Waste was accumulated in a wheelie bin at HMA.

9. Cover of dump truck was not closed at S25.

10. More than 20 bags of cement were not covered at S25.

11. More than 20 bags of cement were not covered at HMA.

 

1. The silt curtain was maintained at Portion X.

2. The waste accumulated in the skip was removed from S8.

3. The gap of earth bund was filled up by concrete at S11.

4. The chemical drum was removed from S11.

5. The chemical containers were removed from S11.

6. The concrete disposed of on the construction area was removed from S15.

7. The accumulated waste was removed from S16.

8. The waste accumulated in the wheelie bin was removed from HMA.

9. The cover of dump truck was closed at S25.

10. The cement bags were removed from S25.

 

 

11. The cement bags were covered by impervious sheeting at HMA.

 

15 Feb 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22 Feb 2017

15 Feb 2017

1. More than 20 bags of cement were not covered at HMA.

2. Gaps of earth bund were observed at S7.

3. Waste was accumulated inside a skip at S15.

4. No drip tray was provided for chemical drums at S15.

5. Cover of dump truck was not closed at S15.

6. Waste was accumulated on the ground of S25.

7. More than 20 bags of cement were not covered at S25.

1. The cement bags were covered by impervious sheeting at HMA.

2. The gaps of earth bund were filled up by sand bags at S7.

3. The accumulated waste was removed from the skip at S15.

4. Drip tray was provided for the chemical drums at S15.

5. The cover of dump truck was closed at S15.

6. The accumulated waste was removed from the ground of S25.

7. The cement bags were covered by impervious sheeting at S25.

22 Feb 2017

22 Feb 2017

1. Gap of silt curtain was observed at Portion X.

2. Waste was accumulated at HyD Workshop.

3. No drip tray was provided for a chemical drum at HyD Workshop.

4. No drip tray was provided for chemical containers at HMA.

5. No drip tray was provided for a generator at S25.

6. Waste was accumulated on soil at S25.

7. Waste was accumulated near the entrance of N1.

8. Waste was accumulated in the tunnel of N1.

1. The silt curtain was maintained at Portion X.

2. The waste accumulated was removed from HyD Workshop.

3. The chemical drum was removed from HyD Workshop.

4. The chemical containers were removed from HMA.

5. Drip tray was provided for the generator at S25.

6. The waste accumulated on soil was removed from S25.

7. The accumulated waste was removed from the entrance of N1.

8. The accumulated waste was removed from the tunnel of N1.

28 Feb 2017

28 Feb 2017

1.  Enclosure was not provided for grouting station at N26. However, the grouting station was not in operation.

2.  Drip tray was not provided for a chemical drum at N26.

3.  Drip tray was not provided for chemical drums at N26.

4.  Drip tray was not provided for chemical drum at N26.

 

The Contractor was recommended to:

1. Provide enclosure for the grouting station at N26.

2. Provide drip tray for the chemical drum at N26.

3. Provide drip tray for the chemical drums at N26.

4. Provide drip tray for the chemical drum at N26.

 

 

 

 

Follow-up actions for the observations issued for the last weekly site inspection of the reporting month will be inspected during the next site inspections

 

6.1.3       The Contractor has rectified most of the observations as identified during environmental site inspections within the reporting month. Follow-up actions for outstanding observations will be inspected during the next site inspections. 

6.2               Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status

6.2.1       The Contractor registered as a chemical waste producer for the Project. Sufficient numbers of receptacles were available for general refuse collection and sorting.

6.2.2       Monthly summary of waste flow table is detailed in Appendix I.

6.2.3       The Contractor was reminded that chemical waste containers should be properly treated and stored temporarily in designated chemical waste storage area on site in accordance with the Code of Practice on the Packaging, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes.

6.3.1       The valid environmental licenses and permits during the reporting month are summarized in Appendix K.

6.4               Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures

6.4.1       In response to the site audit findings, the Contractors have rectified most of the observations as identified during environmental site inspections during the reporting month. Follow-up actions for outstanding observations will be inspected during the next site inspections.

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

6.4.3       Regular marine travel route for marine vessels were implemented properly in accordance to the submitted plan and relevant records were kept properly.

6.4.4       Dolphin Watching Plan was implemented during the reporting month. No dolphins inside the silt curtain were observed. The relevant records were kept properly. 

6.5.1       No Action and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hr TSP and 24-hr TSP were recorded at AMS5 and AMS6 during the reporting month.

6.5.2       For construction noise, no Action and Limit Level exceedances were recorded at the monitoring station during the reporting month.

6.5.3       For marine water quality monitoring, no Action Level and Limit Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen level and turbidity level were recorded during the reporting month. An Action Level exceedance of suspended solid level was recorded during the reporting month. No Limit Level exceedance of suspended solid level was recorded during the reporting month.

6.6               Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution

6.6.1       There was one complaint received in relation to the environmental impacts during the reporting month. The summary of environmental complaint is presented in Table 6.2. The details of cumulative statistics of Environmental Complaints are provided in Appendix J.

Table 6.2          A Summary of Environmental Complaint for the Reporting Month

Environmental Complaint No.

Date of Complaint Received

Description of Environmental Complaint

COM-2017-108

23 February 2017 and 2 March 2017

Air Quality, Water Quality and Cleanliness problem at East Coast Road

 

6.6.2       For Environmental Complaint No. COM-2016-108, complaint investigation is being undertaken and will be reported in next reporting month.No notification of summons and prosecution was received during the reporting period. Statistics on notifications of summons and successful prosecutions are summarized in Appendix M.


 

7        Future Key Issues

7.1.1       As informed by the Contractor, the major construction activities for March 2017 are summarized in Table 7.1.

Table 7.1          Construction Activities for March 2017

Site Area

Description of Activities

WA7

Stockpiling

Portion X

Dismantling/Trimming of Temporary 40mm Stone Platform for Construction of Seawall

Portion X

Construction of Seawall

Portion X

Loading and Unloading of Filling Materials

Portion X

Backfilling at Scenic Hill Tunnel (Cut & Cover Tunnel)

Portion X

Construction of Tunnel Box Structure at Scenic Hill Tunnel (Cut & Cover Tunnel)

Portion X

Excavation for HKBCF to Airport Tunnel & construction of tunnel box structure

Portion X

Excavation for Diversion of culvert PR9 and PR14

Airport Road

Works for Diversion of Airport Road

Airport Road / Airport Express Line / East Coast Road

Utilities Detection

Airport Road / Airport Express Line/ East Coast Road

Establishment of Site Access

Airport Road / Airport Express Line

Mined Tunnel Excavation / Box Jacking underneath Airport Road and Airport Express Line

Near Kwo Lo Wan Road

Construction of Tunnel box structure at Package T1.12.1

Shaft 3 Extension South Shaft

Construction of Tunnel box structure

Airport Road

Excavation and Lateral Support Works & Construction of Tunnel Box Structure for HKBCF to Airport Tunnel West (Cut & Cover Tunnel)

Portion X

Excavation and Lateral Support Works & Construction of Tunnel Box Structure for HKBCF to Airport Tunnel East (Cut & Cover Tunnel)

Portion X

Sub-structure & superstructure works for Highway Operation and Maintenance Area Building

West Portal

Superstructure works for Scenic Hill Tunnel West Portal Ventilation building

 

The tentative schedule for environmental monitoring in March 2017 is provided in Appendix D.

 

 

 

 

8.1.1       The construction phase and EM&A programme of the Contract commenced on 17 October 2012. This is the fifty-third Monthly EM&A report for the Contract which summarizes the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 28 February 2017.

Air Quality

8.1.2       No Action and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hr TSP and 24-hr TSP were recorded at AMS5 and AMS6 during the reporting month.

Noise

8.1.3       For construction noise, no Action and Limit Level exceedances were recorded at the monitoring station during the reporting month.

Water Quality

8.1.4       For marine water quality monitoring, no Action Level and Limit Level exceedances of dissolved oxygen level and turbidity level were recorded during the reporting month. An Action Level exceedance of suspended solid level was recorded during the reporting month. No Limit Level exceedance of suspended solid level was recorded during the reporting month.

Dolphin

8.1.5       During the December¡¦s surveys of the Chinese White Dolphin, no adverse impact from the activities of this construction project on Chinese White Dolphins was noticeable from general observations.

8.1.6       Due to monthly variation in dolphin occurrence within the study area, it would be more appropriate to draw conclusion on whether any impacts on dolphins have been detected related to the construction activities of this project in the quarterly EM&A report, where comparison on distribution, group size and encounter rates of dolphins between the quarterly impact monitoring period (December 2016 ¡V February 2017) and baseline monitoring period (3-month period) will be made.

8.1.7       There was a Limit Level exceedance of dolphin monitoring for the quarterly monitoring data (between December 2016 to February 2017). The exceedance will be reported in the quarterly report for December 2016 to February 2017.

Environmental Site Inspection and Audit

8.1.8       Environmental site inspections were carried out on 3, 8, 15, 22 and 28 February 2017. Recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractors for the deficiencies identified during the site inspections.

8.1.9       There was one complaint received in relation to the environmental impact during the reporting period. Complaint investigation is being undertaken and will be reported in next reporting month.

8.1.10    No notification of summons and prosecution was received during the reporting period.