The raison d’etre for this Project is encapsulated in the concept of enhancing tourism and in the particular context of Lantau of “getting back to nature”.

The experience enjoyed by tourists and residents alike will begin at a state-of-the-art terminal in the vibrant and energetic Tung Chung New Town. The journey will continue with gondolas gently traversing the Sea Channel, leaving behind the panorama of the airport and the hustle and bustle of urban life. A slow ascent of the majestic and imposing Nei Lek Shan will unexpectedly reveal the first glimpse of the spectacular Giant Buddha surrounded by the collected monastic buildings and village houses. Upon arrival at the Ngong Ping terminus the tranquil atmosphere and the context of the religious setting will prevail. The terminus will therefore be of a very different style to the one in Tung Chung, in order to blend into its environs.

The proposal to construct a cable car system between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping for enhancing tourism on Lantau was first promulgated in the North Lantau Development Study (NLDS) 1992. The concept was further developed through the Visitor and Tourism Study for Hong Kong (VISTOUR) which was prepared for the Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) and Planning Department in 1995.

A preliminary appraisal of the engineering feasibility, ridership, cost and revenue was undertaken by the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) in 1996, followed by a further study of the proposal (with alternative locations suggested for termini and alignments) undertaken as part of the “Comprehensive Feasibility Study for Remaining Development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho” for Territory Development Department (TDD) in 1997.

In 1998 MTRC commissioned a Feasibility Study, which included an Initial Environmental Planning Assessment as well as an ecological assessment of the possible routes. The Feasibility Study also examined a series of locations for termini, alignments, towers and cable car systems. A Project Profile was prepared on the basis of the Feasibility Study. Subsequently the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) issued a Study Brief under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) (Cap.499), Section 5(7) “Tung Chung – Ngong Ping Cable Car Project” to the Applicant, viz. the Territory Development Department.

The Project includes the following:

· construction of a cable car system of about 5.7km long between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping;

· construction of associated towers and other support structures and ancillary works;

· construction of two termini, one at Tung Chung and the other at Ngong Ping; and

· construction of associated turning (angle) station(s) and other associated infrastructure.

1.2 Purpose of the Manual

The purpose of this Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual, hereafter referred to as the Manual, is to guide the set up of an EM&A programme to ensure compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study recommendations, to assess the effectiveness of the recommended mitigation measures and to identify any further need for additional mitigation measures or remedial action. This Manual outlines the monitoring and audit programme proposed for the Tung Chung to Ngong Ping Cable Car project.

This Manual contains the following:

(a) responsibilities of the Contractor, the Engineer or Engineer’s Representative (ER) and the Environmental Team (ET) with respect to the environmental monitoring and audit requirements during the course of the project;

(b) information on project organisation and programming of construction activities for the project;

(c) the hypotheses of potential impacts, the basis for and description of the broad approach underlying the environmental monitoring and audit programme;

(d) requirements with respect to the construction schedule and the necessary environmental monitoring and audit programme to track the varying environmental impacts;

(e) the specific questions and testable hypotheses that the monitoring programme is designed to answer;

(f) details of the methodologies to be adopted, including all field, laboratory and analytical procedures, and details on quality assurance and quality control programme;

(g) the rationale on which the environmental monitoring data will be evaluated and interpreted and the details of the statistical procedures that will be used to interpret the data;

(h) definition of Action and Limit levels (AL Levels);

(i) establishment of Event and Action Plans;

(j) requirements for reviewing pollution sources and working procedures required in the event of non-compliance of the environmental criteria and complaints;

(k) requirements for presentation of environmental monitoring and audit data and appropriate reporting procedures; and

(l) requirements for review of EIA predictions and effectiveness of the environmental monitoring and audit programme.

This EM&A Manual is a Working Document and should be reviewed and updated as required.

For the purpose of this Manual, the “Engineer” shall refer to the Engineer as defined in the Contract and the Engineer’s Representative, in cases where the Engineer’s powers have been delegated to the ER, in accordance with the Contract. The ET Leader shall refer to the person delegated the role of executing the Environmental Permit.

Environmental Team

There are a number of prevailing conditions that will allow a streamlining of the environmental team and its checking.

· MTRC has received ISO 14001 Certification for its Operations and Project Divisions Environmental Management System. The certification will apply to the Cable Car Project.

· As in the past, MTRC will not require any Further Environmental Permits from contractors for the construction of the Cable Car Project, but will undertake the environmental site management, monitoring, auditing, checking and reporting of all construction activities themselves. There will only be two construction contracts for this project.

· It is to be noted that MTRC has followed this procedure in the past and has been fully compliant with all previous EM&A programme requirements implemented under the EIAO: the Tseung Kwan O Project as well as Penny’s Bay Line and the Tsim Sha Tsui Station Modification Works. MTRC has been one of the pioneers in implementing management and computer systems for EM&A activities in Hong Kong with the Lantau and Airport Railway and Quarry Bay Extension Project’s EM&A programmes. In addition, MTRC was one of the first companies to voluntarily post its EM&A reports on the Internet for public review.

· Having successfully pioneered partnership with contractors in the Tseung Kwan O Project, MTRC will partner with its contractors on environmental issues in this project as well. This will allow the most judicial use of resources to attain the best environmental results through the closest liaison between MTRC construction management staff, the contractor’s site staff and the ET.

· The scale and complexity of the project is not great.

· MTRC will be using its well established computer based Environmental Quality Protection Management System (EQPMS) to record data and produce reports. The system has been in operation since 1995 as is the model for EPD’s SEEMA system.

· As a result, there will not be any need for an Independent Environmental Checker for this project and these resources will be better used in focused site management.

1.3 Site Location

The site location encompasses the “envelope between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping” and also takes into consideration the Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok (for the provision of an angle station) as shown on the location plan given as Figure 1.1.

1.4 Sensitive Receivers

Sensitive receivers (SRs) have been identified within the study area of the Project in the EIA Report. These include scattered village houses at Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery, Tin Tan Buddha Statue, Lin Chi Monastery, SG Davis Youth Hostel, Tung Chung Crescent, Fu Tung Estate, Seaview Crescent, Wan Ho Kan Primary School.

1.5 Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirements

The likely environmental impacts arising from construction of cable car including dust/noise, water quality, ecology, waste management, landscape and visual, and cultural heritage have been identified in the EIA report. These impacts can be minimised to acceptable levels provided that appropriate environmental mitigation measures and environmental monitoring and audit requirements are implemented. An Implementation Schedule of the environmental mitigation measures recommended in the EIA Report is described in Annex A. In order to ensure the acceptability, monitoring and audit requirements for dust/noise and ecology have been identified and are described in detail in the subsequent sections.

EQPMS operated by MTRC in various recent projects such as Penny’s Bay Line, Tsim Sha Tsui Station Extension and Tseung Kwan O Extension will be applied to this project for data recording and reporting. A dedicated webpage within MTRC website has already been provided for relevant EM&A reporting.

1.6 Project Organisation

The proposed project organisation includes the ET (MTRC), Contractor and the ER. The roles of ER and ET will both be played by MTRC like all other MTRC projects. This organisation structure will allow optimal lines of communications between ER, ET and the Contractor and will ensure the Contractor will perform the implementation measures effectively and in a timely fashion. The proposed project organisation is shown in Figure 1.2.

The responsibilities of respective parties are:

The Contractor

· provide assistance to ET in carrying out monitoring

· submit proposals on mitigation measures in case of exceedances of Action and Limit levels in accordance with the Event and Action Plans

· implement measures to reduce impact where Action and Limit levels are exceeded

· adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation in accordance with MTRC internal procedures.

The Engineer or Engineers Representative

· supervise the Contractors activities and ensure that the requirements in the EM&A Manual and the contract are fully complied with

· inform the Contractor when action is required to reduce impacts in accordance with the Event and Action Plans

· adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation in accordance with MTRC internal procedures.

The Environmental Team (MTRC)

· monitor the various environmental parameters as required in the EM&A Manual

· carry out site inspection to investigate and audit the Contractor’s site practice, equipment and work methodologies with respect to pollution control and environmental mitigation, and anticipate environmental issues for proactive action before problems arise

· analyse the EM&A data, review the success of EM&A programme to confirm the adequacy of mitigation measures implemented and the validity of the EIA predictions and to identify any adverse environmental impacts arising and report EM&A results to the public, contractor, ER.

· audit and prepare audit reports on the environmental monitoring data and the site environmental conditions

· recommend suitable mitigation measures to the Contractor in the case of exceedance of action and Limit levels in accordance with the Event and Action Plans

The ET leader shall have a minimum of 7 years relevant professional experience in EM&A. ET leader shall ensure that sufficient and suitably qualified professional and technical staff shall be employed by the respective parties.

1.7 Construction Programme

The Cable Car Project was awarded to MTR after competitive bid and is now the subject of a franchise agreement. All necessary approvals and licences must be in place before 1^st August 2003 to allow the committed date of opening of the Project to the public by August 2005.

The tentative overall programme for completion of the Project is given as Figure 1.3.

2 AIR QUALITY

2.1 Introduction

The Contractor shall follow the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation to implement dust mitigation measures during construction to minimise the dust impact to the nearby air sensitive receivers and to ensure the effectiveness of the implementation of dust mitigation measures recommended in the EIA Report.

2.2 Air Quality Parameters

Monitoring and audit of the TSP levels shall be carried out by the ET to ensure that any deteriorating air quality could be readily detected and timely actions taken to rectify the situation.

Monitoring will examine 1 hour TSP levels where exceedances have been predicted. 1-hour TSP levels shall be measured by direct reading methods to indicate the impacts of construction dust on air quality.

All relevant data including temperature, pressure, weather conditions, reading for the start and stop of the sampler, and other special phenomena and work progress of the concerned site etc. shall be recorded down in details. A sample data sheet is shown inAnnex B.

2.3 Monitoring Equipment

The ET Leader is responsible for provision of the monitoring equipment. He shall ensure that sufficient number of equipment with appropriate calibration kits are available for carrying out the baseline monitoring, regular impact monitoring and ad hoc monitoring. All the equipment shall be clearly labelled.

Calibration of dust monitoring equipment shall be conducted as specified by the manufacturer The calibration data shall be properly documented for future reference. All the data shall be converted into standard temperature and pressure condition.

2.4 Monitoring Locations

The dust monitoring locations are summarised in Table 2.1. As approval is needed from the premises landlord for dust monitoring equipment installation, it is not certain that a suitable location will be approved. The status and locations of dust sensitive receivers may change after issuing this manual. If such cases exist, the ET Leader shall propose updated monitoring locations and seek agreement from EPD.

Table 2.1 Dust Monitoring Stations

Location	Monitoring Station	Description
Village House – Kam Wai Yuen	ASR 1	Residential
Tung Chung Crescent	ASR 9	Residential

When alternative monitoring locations are proposed, the following criteria, as far as practicable, shall be followed:

a) at the site boundary or such locations close to the major dust emission source;

b) close to the sensitive receptors; and

c) take into account the prevailing meteorological conditions.

When positioning the samplers, the following points shall be noted:

a) only one at each location.

b) the distance between the sampler and an obstacle, such as buildings, must be at least twice the height that the obstacle protrudes above the sampler;

c) a minimum of 2 metres of separation from walls, parapets and penthouses is required;

d) a minimum of 2 metres separation from any supporting structure, measured horizontally is required;

e) no furnace or incinerator flue or building vent is nearby;

f) airflow around the sampler is unrestricted;

g) the sampler is more than 20 metres from the dripline;

h) any wire fence and gate, to protect the sampler, shall not cause any obstruction during monitoring;

i) permission must be obtained to gain access to the monitoring stations; and

j) if needed, a secured supply of electricity shall be obtained to operate the samplers.

2.5 Baseline Monitoring

The ET shall carry out 1-hr baseline sampling 3 times per day at all of the designated monitoring locations for at least 14 consecutive days prior to the commissioning of the construction works.

During the baseline monitoring, there shall not be any construction or dust generation activities in the vicinity of the monitoring stations.

In case the baseline monitoring cannot be carried out at the designated monitoring locations during the baseline monitoring period, the ET shall carry out the monitoring at alternative locations which can effectively represent the baseline conditions at the impact monitoring locations.

In exceptional cases, when insufficient baseline monitoring data or questionable results are obtained, the ET shall liaise with the EPD to agree on an appropriate set of data to be used as a baseline reference.

Ambient conditions may vary seasonally and shall be reviewed as required. If the ET considers that the ambient conditions have been changed and a repeat of the baseline monitoring is required to be carried out for obtaining the updated baseline levels, the monitoring shall be at times when the contractor's activities are not generating dust, at least in the proximity of the monitoring stations. Should a change in ambient conditions be determined, the baseline levels and, in turn, the air quality criteria, shall be revised. The revised baseline levels and air quality criteria shall be agreed with EPD.

2.6 Impact Monitoring

The ET is responsible for impact monitoring during the course of the works. For 1-hr TSP monitoring, the sampling frequency of at least three times in every six-days shall be undertaken when the highest dust impact occurs.

In case of non-compliance with the air quality criteria, more frequent monitoring exercise, as specified in the Action Plan in Section 2.7, shall be conducted within 24 hours after the result is obtained. This additional monitoring shall be continued until the excessive dust emission or the deterioration in air quality is rectified.

2.7 Event and Action Plan for Air Quality

The baseline monitoring results form the basis for determining the air quality criteria for the impact monitoring. The ET shall compare the impact monitoring results with air quality criteria set up for 1-hour TSP. Table 2.2 shows the air quality criteria, namely Action and Limit (AL) Levels to be used. Should non-compliance of the air quality criteria occurs, actions in accordance with the Action Plan in Table 2.3 shall be carried out.

Table 2.2 Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality

Parameters

Action

Limit

(µg/m³)

1 Hour TSP Level in µg/m³

For baseline level £ 384 µg/m³,

Action level = (Baseline level *1.3 + Limit level)/2

For baseline level > 384 µg/m³,

Action level = Limit Level

500

Table 2.3 Event/Action Plan for Air Quality

EXCEEDANCE	ACTION
	ET Leader		ER		Contractor
Action Level	1 2 3	Repeat measurement to confirm findings. Identify source(s) of impact. If cause by MTRC’s work. Inform ER in writing.	1	Confirm receipt of notification of exceedance and notify Contractor.		1	Submit proposals for remedial actions to ER within three working days of notification.
	4	Discuss remedial actions required with ER.	2	Check Contractor’s working methods.		2	Amend proposals if required by the ER.
	5	Increase monitoring frequency to assess efficiency of remedial measures.	3	Ensure that the agreed remedial actions properly implemented.		3	Implement the agreed remedial actions.
	6 7	If exceedance continues, arrange meeting with ER and the Contractor to review implementation and identify further appropriate mitigation measures. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.	4	Assess the efficiency of remedial actions and keep the Contractor informed.		4	Liaise with ER to optimize the effectiveness of the agreed mitigation.

Limit Level	1 2 3	Repeat measurement to confirm findings. Identify source(s) of impact. Inform ER and EPD in writing.	1 2	Confirm receipt of notification of exceedance and notify Contractor. Check Contractor’s working methods.		1 2	Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance. Submit proposals for remedial actions to ER within three working days of notification
	4 5 6	Discuss remedial actions required with ER. Increase monitoring frequency to assess efficiency of remedial measures. Keep ER and EPD informed of the monitoring results.	3 4	Discuss with Contractor the remedial actions to be implemented. Ensure that the agreed remedial actions properly implemented.		3 4	Amend proposals if required by the ER. Implement the agreed remedial actions.
	7 8	If exceedance continues, arrange meeting with ER and the Contractor to review implementation and identify further appropriate mitigation measures. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.	4	Assess the efficiency of remedial actions and keep the Contractor informed.		4	Liaise with ER to optimize the effectiveness of the agreed mitigation.

3 NOISE

3.1 Introduction

The monitoring programme shall be carried out by the ET to ensure that the noise level of construction works complies with the 75dB(A) criterion with 70 dB(A) for schools with a further reduction to 65dB(A) during examination periods.

3.2 Noise Parameters

The construction noise level shall be measured in terms of the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level (L_eq) L_{eq(30 min)} shall be used as the monitoring parameter for the time period between 0700-1900 hours on normal weekdays.

3.3 Monitoring Equipment

As referred to in the Technical Memorandum (TM) issued under the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO), sound level metres in compliance with the International Electrotechnical Commission Publications 651: 1979 (Type 1) and 804: 1985 (Type 1) specifications shall be used for carrying out the noise monitoring. The calibration of the sound level meters and their respective calibrators shall be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements.

Noise measurements shall not be made in the presence of fog, rain, wind with a steady speed exceeding 5 ms-1 or wind with gusts exceeding 10 ms-1.

The ET Leader is responsible for the provision and maintenance of the monitoring equipment. He shall ensure that sufficient noise measuring equipment and associated instrumentation are available for carrying out the baseline monitoring, regular impact monitoring and ad hoc monitoring.

3.4 Monitoring Locations

The noise monitoring locations are summarised in Table 3.1. The status and locations of noise sensitive receivers may change after issuing this manual. If such cases exist, the ET Leader shall propose updated monitoring locations and seek agreement from EPD .

Table 3.1 Noise Monitoring Stations

Location	Monitoring Station	Description
Village House – Kam Wai Yuen	NSR1a	Residential
Tung Chung Crescent	NSR4	Residential

When alternative monitoring locations are proposed, the monitoring locations shall be chosen based on the following criteria:

a) at locations close to the major site activities which are likely to have noise impacts;

b) close to the noise sensitive receivers (N.B. For the purposes of this section, any domestic premises, hotel, hostel, temporary housing accommodation, hospital, medical clinic, educational institution, place of public worship, library, court of law, performing art centre shall be considered as a noise sensitive receiver); and

c) for monitoring locations located in the vicinity of the sensitive receivers, care shall be taken to cause minimal disturbance to the occupants during monitoring.

The monitoring station shall normally be at a point 1m from the exterior of the sensitive receivers building facade and be at a position 1.2m above the ground. If there is a problem with access to the normal monitoring position, an alternative position may be chosen, Once the positions for the monitoring stations are chosen, the baseline monitoring and the impact monitoring shall be carried out at the same positions.

3.5 Baseline Monitoring

The ET shall carry out baseline noise monitoring prior to the commencement of the construction works. The baseline monitoring shall be carried out daily for a period of at least 14 days.

There shall not be any construction activities in the vicinity of the stations during the baseline monitoring. Baseline monitoring measurements shall be evenly spread throughout the assessment period to be conducted at the some frequency and duration throughout all periods of the day

In exceptional cases, when insufficient baseline monitoring data or questionable results are obtained, the ET shall liaise with EPD to agree on an appropriate set of data to be used as a baseline reference.

3.6 Impact Monitoring

Noise monitoring shall be carried out, by the ET at all the designated monitoring stations once every six days. The monitoring frequency shall depend on the scale of the construction activities.

General construction work carried out during restricted hours is controlled by CNP system under the NCO.

In case of non-compliance with the construction noise criteria, more frequent monitoring as specified in the Action Plan in Section 3.7 shall be carried out. This additional monitoring shall be continued until the recorded noise levels are rectified or proved to be irrelevant to the construction activities.

3.7 Event and Action Plan for Noise

The AL Levels for construction noise are defined in Table 3.2. Should non-compliance of the criteria occurs, action in accordance with the Action Plan in Table 3.3, shall be carried out.

Table 3.2 Action and Limit Levels for Construction Noise

Time Period	Action	Limit
0700-1900 hrs on normal weekdays	When one documented complaint is received	75* dB(A)

* Reduce to 70 dB(A) for schools and 65 dB(A) during school examination periods.

Table 3.3 Event/Action Plan for Construction Noise

EXCEEDANCE	ACTION
	ET Leader		ER		Contractor
Action Level	1 2 3	Undertake measurement to establish validity of complaint. Identify source(s) of complaint. Inform ER in writing.	1	Confirm receipt of notification of complaint and notify Contractor.	1	Submit proposals for remedial actions to ER within three working days of notification.
	4	Discuss remedial actions required with ER.	2	Check Contractor’s working methods.	2	Amend proposals if required by the ER.
	5	Increase monitoring frequency to assess efficiency of remedial measures.	3	Ensure that the agreed remedial actions properly implemented.	3	Implement the agreed remedial actions.
	6 7	If exceedance continues, arrange meeting with ER and the Contractor to review implementation and identify further appropriate mitigation measures. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.	4 5	Assess the efficiency of remedial actions and keep the Contractor informed. Inform complainant of actions taken.	4	Liaise with ER to optimise the effectiveness of the agreed mitigation.

Limit Level

Repeat measurement to confirm findings.

Identify source(s) of impact.

Inform ER and EPD in writing.

Confirm receipt of notification of exceedance and notify Contractor.

Check Contractor’s working methods.

Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance.

Submit proposals for remedial actions to ER within three working days of notification

Discuss remedial actions required with ER.

Increase monitoring frequency to assess efficiency of remedial measures.

Keep ER and EPD informed of the monitoring results.

Discuss with Contractor the remedial actions to be implemented.

Ensure that the agreed remedial actions properly implemented.

Amend proposals if required by the ER.

Implement the agreed remedial actions.

If exceedance continues, arrange meeting with ER and the Contractor to review implementation and identify further appropriate mitigation measures.

If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.

Assess the efficiency of remedial actions and keep the Contractor informed.

Liaise with ER to optimise the effectiveness of the agreed mitigation.

4 ECOLOGY

4.1 Introduction

It is stipulated that EM&A for ecology is undertaken throughout the design, construction and operational phases of the project to ensure that all mitigation measures are fully complied with. In particular, the objectives of the design audit shall be to ensure that the design process clearly implements the design ecology mitigation specified in the Section 7 of the EIA Report and to ensure that such designs are ecologically feasible and effective. The construction and operational EM&A objectives shall be to ensure that the ecological contract works and construction mitigation procedures recommended are carried out as specified and are effective. The construction and operational phase EM&A will be carried out as part of the site audit programme.

As stated in Annex 16 of the TM, the purpose of ecological monitoring of the audit are:

· to monitor the effectiveness of the mitigation measures;

· to detect unpredicted ecological impacts arising from the proposed development;

· to verify the accuracy of the predictions of the ecological assessment study; and

· to recommend action plans in response to unpredicted impacts, and/ or failed mitigation.

The Cable Car Project will involve the construction of a terminus building at Ngong Ping with the associated necessary drainage and infrastructure development and the erection of a number of towers bases across an extensive area of remote countryside that contains a variety of different ecosystems. Some of the proposed works are located on or near sensitive ecological habitats and rare or protected flora and fauna species which will need protection.

4.2 Ecological Monitoring during the Construction Phase

It is recommended that ecological monitoring shall be undertaken by the MTR’s Environmental Team which shall include specialist ecologists who will be involved in the:

· the briefing and training of MTRC staff, construction contractors/ subcontractor crews;

· attending site meetings to agree on appropriate construction practices etc. prior to work commencing on site and to highlight areas of ecological importance;

· identifying rare or protected species in the vicinity of the works are the appropriate time of year, marking species/ features and areas to be avoided and advising on methods an details of protection;

· liaison with survey and construction crews to modify layouts as needed to avoid sensitive areas

· monitoring and reporting performance of construction crews though the submission of regular monthly progress reports; and

· immediate correction of situations which violate the intent of the mitigation plan.

Before commencement of any works on site or any setting out of works or storage areas, the baseline ecological surveys should be checked against final rehabilitation proposals to ensure minimum damage to existing vegetation and streams. It will be necessary to rope off and protect specific plants or habitats of special interest identified during ecological surveys. The habitat and ecological constraint maps should enable this to be carried out effectively.

It is also recommended that the ecologist conducts regular field surveys and sampling of impacted flora and fauna species using the site and its surrounding during project construction and operation.

In general, the performance of monitoring and audit from an ecological prospective will need to be integrated with the overall monitoring and audit plan for the project as a whole. The commencement and program of the engineering works, which is currently unknown, would once established enable the ecological monitoring program to be prepared based on seasonality factors.

4.3 Ecological Monitoring during the Operational Phase

Of potential concern during early years of operation could be erosion of recently revegetated areas. This should be monitored visually following storms and corrective measures should take place if any form of erosion occurs. Mitigation should respond to the nature and type of impact and should be assessed on an individual basis.

The risk of contamination of surface and groundwaters by chemical should be reduced if the principles given in Section 5 of the EIA Report (screen all materials for hazard potential) are followed. Because of the importance of the general areas for wildlife, it is considered necessary to maintain close liaison with local nature conservation experts.

Success of the replanting should be monitored by regular visual inspection and special care should be undertaken to ensure that any damaged, diseased or dying trees or shrubs are replaced as required. A detailed program of visits should be agreed prior to commencement of the contact but is likely to be at least twice a year during the maintenance period for three years.

4.4 Monitoring and Auditing of Mitigation Measures

Mitigation measures must be audited to ensure effective implementation and to quantify results. Detailed monitoring plans shall be developed and agreed prior to commencement to construct in the Country Park. There will be an opportunity to benefit from experiences gained in early stages of the contract.

The ecological monitoring and auditing will be conducted by an Environmental Specialist who is preferably be a member of the Hong Kong Institute of Environmental Impact Assessment with a minimum of 5 years experience of work in Hong Kong and preferably has a suitable background in natural history and a professional qualification in terrestrial ecology or botany.

Monitoring should be undertaken as per Table 4.1 below.

Table 4.1 Monitoring during the Construction and Operation Phases and the Mitigation Measures

Trigger	Immediate Response	Follow up Action Required	Monitoring	Duration
Visible sedimentation or pollution (i.e. hydrocarbon sheen) in stream/ watercourse in the study area.	ER, Contractor, AFCD and EPD will be notified	ER and Contractor investigate the source of sedimentation/ contamination. Additional sediment traps to be installed at appropriate locations by contractor as determined by the ET/ER	Visual inspection should be undertaken at the stream that is impacted upon.	Daily for 3 days or until the visible sheen is not present.
Amber, Red or Black Rain Storm event , Cyclone and Typhoon Warnings as predicted by the Hong Kong Observatory.	Contractor shall inspect of all construction sites for potential erosion and sedimentation.	Additional measures to prevent erosion and run off from site by contractor before the actual raining start	Ensure the additional measures are adequate	Until at least 24 hours after rainfall resulting from Amber, Red or Black Rain Storm event , Cyclone and Typhoon Warnings cease
Fuel or chemical spill.	Contractor shall notify ER/ET. AFCD and EPD shall then be notified by ET. Immediate bunding of spill by Contractor.	Assessment of the spill and further action as determined by the ER/ET.	Ensure remedial measures properly implemented. Monitoring of spill and drainage channel/ waterway (if present) for contaminants.	Daily for five days.
The presence of rare or protected flora or fauna species within or adjacent of a construction area (to approximately 10m)	ER, Contractor, AFCD and EPD will be notified. Cessation of construction activities until determination by the ER/ET.	Submit proposal for remedial actions by Contractor for ER/ET approval.	None.	N/A
Wastes/ litter within the study area.	ER and contractor will be notified.	Litter to be removed with one day by contractor	Ensure remedial measures properly implemented	None
The presence of any potential sources of fire (i.e. lanterns, cigarettes etc) on site.	ER and Contractor will be notified. Immediate removal from site by Contractor.	Investigation by ER and Contractor	None.	N/A
Unauthorized clearing/ areas not adequate fenced for construction activities, evidence of trampling outside existing paths and construction areas.	ER, Contractor and AFCD will be notified. Cease further clearing and fencing of construction areas by Contractor.	None	Checking of all work areas and trails for other unauthorised clearing, trampling etc..	As required
Transplantation of flora species.	None.	None.	Checking plant survival and health.	Weekly for the first month and bi-annually for the next two years.

5 VISUAL AND LANDSCAPE

5.1 General

It is recommended the EM&A for landscape and visual resources is undertaken during the detailed design stage as well as the construction and operational phases of the project. The incorporation of design guidelines and implementation and maintenance of landscape compensatory and restoration planting measures is a key aspect of this and should be checked to ensure that they are fully realised. Potential conflicts between the proposed landscape measures and any other project works and operational requirements should be resolved at the earliest possible date and without compromise to the intention of the mitigation measures.. In addition, implementation of the mitigation measures recommended by the EIA will be monitored throughout the construction phase site audit programme.

5.2 Mitigation measures

The landscape and visual impacts assessment of the EIA recommended a series of mitigation measures to ameliorate the landscape and visual impacts of the project. The measures include:

· tree transplanting;

· tree protection;

· topsoil conservation for reuse;

· hydroseeding and replanting to temporarily disturbed areas;

· new planting for amenity and screening;

· construction of boardwalk footpath;

· reinstatement of obsolete hillside trail;

· reuse of excavated stone material for upgrading existing footpath.;

· sensitive design of terminal buildings;

· use of recessive colour scheme for towers; and

· consideration of the use of interchangeable roof panels or similar on Nei Lak Shan angle station.

5.3 Baseline monitoring

The landscape and visual baseline will be determined with reference to the habitat maps included in the EIA Report and detailed tree survey to be completed before the works can commence as well as preliminary site conditions verification surveys.

5.4 Construction and Operational Phase Audit

A competent landscape architect should be employed as a third party auditor to ensure the landscape design guidelines and mitigation measures proposed in the EIA are incorporated as intended during the detail design phase of the buildings, paths and structures associated with the cable car.

A competent landscape architect should be employed by the Contractor for the implementation of landscape construction works and subsequent maintenance operations during the 12-month establishment period. The establishment works will be undertaken throughout the Contractor’s one-year maintenance period, which will be within the first operational year of the cable car.

All measures undertaken by both the Contractor and Landscape Contractor during the construction phase and first year of the operational phase shall be audited by a Landscape Architect, as a member of the ET, on a regular basis to ensure compliance with the intended aims of the measures. Site inspections should be undertaken at least once every two weeks throughout the construction period and once every two months during the operational phase. The broad scope of the audit is detailed below.

· The extent of the agreed works areas should be regularly checked during the construction phase. Any trespass by the contractor outside the limit of the works, including any damage to existing trees and woodland shall be noted.

· The progress of the engineering works should be regularly reviewed on site to identify the earliest practical opportunities for the landscape works to be undertaken.

· The tree and shrub transplanting and planting operations.

· Topsoil protection and storage operations.

· All existing trees and vegetation within the study area which are not directly affected by the works are retained and protected.

· The methods of protecting existing vegetation proposed by the Contractor are acceptable and enforced.

· All landscaping works are carried out in accordance with the specifications, with particular attention to approved use of herbicides or pesticides.

· The species and mix of new plant species to be planted are suitable.

· The newly planted trees, shrubs and grassed areas are maintained throughout the establishment period, particularly in respect of the following:

a. regular watering, weeding and fertilising of all planting and grass reinstatement;

b. regular grass cutting for reinstated areas;

c. firming up of plants after periods of strong winds or heavy rain;

d. regular checks for and eradication of pests, fungal infection etc.;

e. pruning of dead or broken branches; and

f. prompt replacement of dead plants and re-grassing of failed areas.

7 SITE ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT

7.1 Site Inspections

Site inspections provide a direct means to trigger and enforce the specified environmental protection and pollution control measures. They shall be undertaken routinely by the ET to inspect the construction activities in order to ensure that appropriate environmental protection and pollution control mitigation measures are properly implemented. With well defined pollution control and mitigation specifications and a well established site inspection, deficiency and action reporting system, the site inspection is one of the most effective tools to enforce the environmental protection requirements on the construction site.

The ET Leader is responsible for formulation of the environmental site inspection, deficiency and action reporting system, and for carrying out the site inspection works.

Regular site inspections shall be carried out at least once per week. The areas of inspection shall include but not be limited to the pollution control and mitigation measures within the site; it shall also review the environmental situation outside the site area which is likely to be affected, directly or indirectly, by the site activities. The ET shall make reference to the following information in conducting the inspection:

a) the EIA recommendations on environmental protection and pollution control mitigation measures;

b) works progress and programme;

c) individual works methodology proposals (which shall include proposal on associated pollution control measures);

d) the relevant environmental protection and pollution control laws; and

e) previous site inspection results.

The Contractor shall update the ET with all relevant information of the construction contract for him to carry out the site inspections. The inspection results and its associated recommendations on improvements to the environmental protection and pollution control works shall be submitted to the ER and the Contractor for reference and for taking immediate action. The Contractor shall follow the procedures and time-frame as stipulated in the environmental site inspection.

Ad hoc site inspections shall also be carried out if significant environmental problems are identified. Inspections may also be required subsequent to receipt of an environmental complaint, or as part of the investigation work, as specified in the Action Plan for environmental monitoring and audit.

7.2 Compliance with Legal Requirements

There are legal environmental protection and pollution control requirements in Hong Kong which the construction activities shall comply with.

The ET shall review the works method statements, the progress and programme of the works to check that relevant environmental laws have not been violated, and that any foreseeable potential for violating the laws can be prevented.

The Contractor shall regularly copy relevant documents to the ET so that the checking of works can be carried out. The document shall at least include the updated Work Progress Reports, the updated Works Programme, the application letters for different licenses/permits under the environmental protection laws, and all the valid licenses/permits. The site diary shall also be available for the ET inspection upon his request.

After reviewing the document, the ET shall advise the ER and the Contractor of any non-compliance with legislative requirements on environmental protection and pollution control for them to take follow-up actions. If the ET Leader's review concludes that the current status on license/permit application and any environmental protection and pollution control preparation works may not cope with the works programme or may result in potential violation of environmental protection and pollution control requirements by the works in due course, he shall advise the Contractor and the ER accordingly.

Upon receipt of the advice, the Contractor shall undertake immediate action to remedy the situation. The ER shall follow up to ensure that appropriate action has been taken by the Contractor in order that the environmental protection and pollution control requirements are fulfilled.

7.3 Environmental Complaints

Complaints shall be referred to the ET Leader for carrying out complaint investigation procedures. The ET shall undertake the following procedures upon receipt of complaint:

a) log complaint and date of receipt onto the complaint database and inform the ER immediately;

b) investigate the complaint to determine its validity, and to assess whether the source of the problem is due to works activities;

c) if a complaint is valid and due to works, identify mitigation measures;

d) if mitigation measures are required, advise the Contractor accordingly;

e) review the Contractor's response on the identified mitigation measures, and the updated situation;

f) if the complaint is transferred from EPD, submit interim report to EPD on status of the complaint investigation and follow-up action within the time frame assigned by EPD;

g) undertake additional monitoring and audit to verify the situation if necessary, and review that any valid reason for complaint does not recur;

h) report the investigation results and the subsequent actions to the source of complaint for responding to complainant (If the source of complaint is EPD, the results shall be reported within the time frame assigned by EPD); and

i) record the complaint, investigation, the subsequent actions and the results in the monthly EM&A reports.

During the complaint investigation work, the Contractor and ER shall cooperate with the ET Leader in providing all the necessary information and assistance for completion of the investigation. If mitigation measures are identified in the investigation, the Contractor shall promptly carry out the mitigation. The ER shall ensure that the measures have been carried out by the Contractor. A copy of tentative compliant log is shown in Annex C.

8 REPORTING

8.1 General

Computer-based monitoring and audit software named Environmental Quality Protection Management System (EQPMS) will be applied for data recording. The reporting are based upon a computer-based system and appropriate data will be published on the MTR Corporate website. Various recent MTRC’s projects such as Tsim Sha Tsui Station Extension and Tseung Kwan O Extension, have been successfully adopted this system.

8.2 Baseline Monitoring Report

The ET Leader shall prepare and submit a Baseline Environmental Monitoring Report to EPD upon completion of the baseline monitoring.

8.3 EM&A Reports

The results and findings of all EM&A work required in the Manual shall be recorded in the monthly EM&A reports prepared by the ET. The EM&A report shall be endorsed by ET Leader, and submitted within 10 working days of the end of each reporting month, with the first report due in the month after construction commences. MTRC proposes that only one hard copy will be provided to EPD as the results will be posted on the project’s webpage. The ET shall liaise with EPD regarding (the format of the report prior to the first issue. The ET shall review the number and location of monitoring stations and parameters to monitor on as needed basis in order to cater for the changes in surrounding environment and nature of works in progress.

The Monthly EM&A Report shall include the following :

(a) 1-2 pages executive summary;

· Reporting month’s key issues

· Breaches of AL levels;

· Complaints Log;

· Reporting Changes;

· Future key issues.

(b) Basic Project Information

Works undertaken during the month and coming month;

Advice on the compliance with the Environmental Permit Conditions, and the implementation status of environmental protection and pollution control/mitigation measures, as recommended in the project EIA Report, summarised in the updated implementation schedule (in Annex A);

(d) Monitoring Results

To provide monitoring results together with the following information:

· Drawing showing the project area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations;

· Parameters monitored;

· Monitoring locations (and depth);

· Monitoring date, time, frequency, and duration;

· Weather conditions during the period; and

· Interpretation of the significance of monitoring results and any other factors which might affect the monitoring results;

(e) Report on Non-compliance, Complaints, Notifications of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

· Summary of all noncompliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (AL Levels);

· Summary of all complaints received (written or verbal) for each media, including locations and nature of complaints investigation, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken, results and summary;

· Review of the reasons for and the implications of non-compliance, complaints, summons and prosecutions including review of pollution sources and working procedures; and

· Summary of the actions taken in the event of noncompliance and deficiency reporting and any follow-up procedures related to earlier noncompliance;

(f) Others

· Graphical plots of trends of monitored parameters at key stations over the recent reporting periods for representative monitoring stations

· Cumulative statistics on complaints, and

· Outstanding issues and deficiencies

Bi-Annually (i.e. twice per year) EM&A Summary Reports

The bi-annual EM&A Summary Report which shall generally be around 5 pages (including about 3 of text and tables and 2 of figures) shall contain at least the following information.

a) up to half a page executive summary;

b) basic project information including a synopsis of the project organisation, programme, contacts of key management, and a synopsis of work undertaken during the last 6 months;

c) a brief summary of EM&A requirements including:

· monitoring parameters;

· environmental quality performance limits (AL Levels); and

· environmental mitigation measures, as recommended in the EIA Report;

d) advice on the implementation status of environmental protection and pollution control/mitigation measures, as recommended in the project EIA Report, summarised in the updated implementation schedule;

e) drawings showing the project area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations;

f) graphical plots of the trends of monitored parameters over the past 4 months (the last month of the previous quarter and the present quarter) for representative monitoring stations annotated against;

· the major activities being carried out on site during the period;

· weather conditions during the period; and

· any other factors which might affect the monitoring results;

g) a summary of noncompliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (AL Levels);

h) a brief review of the reasons for and the implications of non-compliance including review of pollution sources and working procedures;

i) a summary description of the actions taken in the event of non-compliance and any follow-up procedures related to earlier non-compliance;

j) a summary record of all complaints received (written or verbal) for each media, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken;

k) comments (e.g. effectiveness and efficiency of the mitigation measures), recommendations (e.g. any improvement in the EM&A programme) and conclusions for the quarter; and

l) proponents' contacts and any hotline telephone number for the public to make enquiries.

Final EM&A Review Reports

The Final EM&A Report shall contain at least the following information:

a) Executive Summary (1-2 pages);

b) drawings showing the project area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations:

c) basic project information including a synopsis of the project organization contacts of key management, and a synopsis of work undertaken during the course of the project or past twelve months;

d) a brief summary of EM&A requirements including:

(i) environmental mitigation measures, as recommended in the project EIA Report;

(ii) environmental impact hypotheses tested;

(iii) AL Levels;

(iv) all monitoring parameters

(v) Event-Action Plans;

e) a summary of the implementation status of environmental protection and pollution control/mitigation measures as recommended in the project EIA study report summarized in the updated implementation schedule;

f) graphical plots and the statistical analysis of the trends of monitored parameters over the course of the project, including the post project monitoring (for the past twelve months for annual report) for all monitoring stations against:

· the major activities being carried out on site during the period;

· weather conditions during the period; and

· any other factors which might affect the monitoring results

g) a summary of non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (AL Levels);

h) a review of the reasons for and the implications of non-compliance including review of pollution sources and working procedures as appropriate;

i) a description of the actions taken in the event of non-compliance;

j) a summary record of all complaints received (written or verbal) for each media liaison and consultation undertaken, action and follow-up procedures taken;

k) a summary record of notifications of summons and successful prosecutions for breaches of the current environmental protection/pollution control legislations including locations and nature of the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken and results;

l) a review of the validity of EIA Report predictions and identification of shortcomings in EIA Report recommendations; and

m) a review of the effectiveness and efficiency of the mitigation measures; and

n) a review of success of the EM&A programme to cost effectively identify deterioration and to initiate prompt effective mitigation action when necessary.

8.4 Data Keeping

The site document such as the monitoring field records, laboratory analysis records, site inspection forms, etc. are not required to be included in the monthly EM&A reports for submission. However, the document shall be well kept by the ET and be ready for inspection upon request. All relevant information shall be clearly and systematically recorded in the document. The monitoring data shall also be recorded in EQPMS. All the electronic documents and data shall be kept for at least one year after completion of the construction contract.

8.5 Interim Notifications of Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances

With reference to Event/Action Plans in Tables 2.3 and 3.3, when the environmental quality limits are exceeded, the ET shall immediately notify the ER and EPD, as appropriate. The notification shall be followed up with advice to EPD on the results of the investigation, proposed action and success of the action taken, with any necessary follow-up proposals. A sample template for the interim notifications is shown inAnnex D.

Rev	Date	Originator (Print) (Signature)	Checker (Print) (Signature)	Approver (Print) (Signature)	Description
A	23/12/02	Dr. Anne Watker-Zeris	Terry Chung	K M Yeung
B	30/01/03	Dr. Anne Watker-Zeris	Terry Chung	K M Yeung
C	14/03/03	Dr. Anne Watker-Zeris	Terry Chung	K M Yeung