This
Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual (“the Manual”) has been
prepared by ERM-Hong Kong, Limited (ERM) on behalf of The Castle Peak Power
Company Limited (CAPCO), a joint venture between CLP Power Hong Kong Limited
(CLP) and ExxonMobil Energy Limited (EMEL). The Manual is a supplementary document
of the EIA Study of the Liquefied
Natural Gas (LNG) Receiving Terminal and Associated Facilities at
The
Manual has been prepared in accordance with the EIA Study Brief (No. ESB-126/2005) and the Technical Memorandum of the Environmental
Impact Assessment Process (EIAO TM). The purpose of the Manual is to provide
information, guidance and instruction to personnel charged with environmental
duties and those responsible for undertaking EM&A work during construction
and operation. It provides
systematic procedures for monitoring and auditing of potential environmental impacts
that may arise from the works.
This
Manual contains the following information:
·
Responsibilities
of the Contractor(s), Environmental Team (ET), and the Independent
Environmental Checker (IEC) with respect to the environmental monitoring and
audit requirements during the course of the project;
·
The
basis for, and description of, the broad approach underlying the EM&A
programme;
·
Requirements
with respect to the construction and operational programme schedule and the
necessary environmental monitoring and audit programme to track the varying
environmental impact;
·
Details
of the methodologies to be adopted including field, laboratory and analytical
procedures, and details on quality assurance and quality control programme;
·
The
rationale by which the environmental monitoring data will be evaluated and
interpreted;
·
Preliminary
definition of Action and Limit levels;
·
Establishment
of Event and Action plans;
·
Requirements
for reviewing pollution sources and working procedures required in the event of
exceedances of applicable environmental criteria
and/or receipt of complaints;
·
Requirements
for presentation of environmental monitoring and audit data and appropriate
reporting procedures; and
·
Requirements
for review of EIA predictions and the effectiveness of the mitigation
measures/environmental management systems and the EM&A programme.
For
the purpose of this manual, the ET Leader (ETL), who will be responsible for
and in charge of the ET, will refer to the person delegated the role of
executing the EM&A requirements.
1.2.1
Background to the Study
CAPCO
is proposing the development of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Receiving
Terminal in the Hong Kong SAR for a sustainable supply of natural gas,
primarily to fuel CAPCO’s power plant at Black
Point. CAPCO has conducted a series
of studies examining the optimum approach to provide a long-term secure supply
of natural gas to
At
the same time CAPCO commenced a dialogue with other key stakeholders including
Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) to seek feedback on their proposals and
factor some of the issues raised into the design plans prior to commencing the
formal EIAO process.
The
outcome of the discussions with Government and other stakeholders was that
1.2.2
The Proposed
The
Project will involve the construction and operation of a LNG receiving terminal
and its associated facilities at
The
Project constitutes a Designated Project by virtue of Item H.2 of Part I of
Schedule 2 under the EIAO. The following elements of the Project
addressed in this EIA Report are classified as Designated Projects under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance
(Cap. 499) (EIAO).
·
Construction
of a storage facility of liquefied natural gas with a storage capacity of more
than 200 tonnes (item L.2 of Part I of Schedule 2 of EIAO);
·
Dredging
operation for the approach channel and turning circle that exceeds 500,000 m3
(item C.12 of Part I of Schedule 2 of EIAO).
·
Installation
of a submarine gas pipeline connecting the proposed LNG terminal at the
·
Dredging
operation for the installation of a submarine power cable connecting Shek Pik with the proposed LNG
terminal at South Soko which is less than 500m from
the nearest boundary of an existing Site of Cultural Heritage (item C.12(a) of Part I of Schedule 2 of EIAO); and,
·
Potential
dredging operation for the installation of a submarine water main connecting Shek Pik with the proposed LNG
terminal at South Soko which is less than 500m from
the nearest boundary of an existing Site of Cultural Heritage (item C.12(a) of Part I of Schedule 2 of EIAO). This item is to be confirmed following a
condition survey of the existing decommissioned watermain.
The
broad objective of this EM&A Manual is to define the procedures of the
EM&A programme for monitoring the environmental performance of the LNG
project during design, construction and operation. The construction and operational impacts
arising from the implementation of the Project are specified in the EIA Report. The EIA Report also specifies mitigation
measures
and construction practices that may be needed to ensure compliance
with the environmental criteria.
These mitigation measures and their implementation requirements are
presented in the Implementation Schedule of Mitigation Measures (Annex
A).
The
main objectives of the EM&A programme are to:
·
provide
a database of environmental parameters against which to determine any short
term or long term environmental impacts, such as through detailed baseline
monitoring;
·
provide
an early indication should any of the environmental control measures or
practices fail to achieve the acceptable standards;
·
ensure
the mitigation recommendations of the EIA are included in the design of the
project;
·
clarify
and identify potential sources of pollution, impact and nuisance arising from
the works for the
responsible parties;
·
confirm
compliance with regulatory requirements, contract specifications and EIA study
recommendations;
·
confirm
compliance of environmental designs during the design phase of the Project with
the specifications stated in the EIA Report and the EP;
·
monitor
performance of the mitigation measures and to assess their effectiveness;
·
take
remedial action if unexpected issues or unacceptable impacts arise;
·
verify
the environmental impacts predicted in the EIA; and
·
audit environmental
performance.
EM&A
procedures are required during the design, construction, post-construction and
operational phases of the project implementation and a summary of the
requirements for each of the environmental parameters is detailed in Table
1.1 below.
Table 1.1 Summary
of EM&A Requirements
Parameter |
EM&A Phase |
|||
Design Phase (2) |
Construction
Phase |
Post-Construction
Phase |
Operation
Phase |
|
Air Quality |
- |
Yes |
- |
- |
Noise |
- |
Yes |
- |
- |
Water Quality |
- |
Yes |
Yes |
- |
Waste |
- |
Yes |
- |
- |
Terrestrial Ecology |
- (1) |
- |
- |
- |
Marine Ecology |
- (1) |
Yes |
Yes |
- |
Fisheries |
- (1) |
- |
Yes |
- |
Landscape and Visual |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Cultural Heritage |
Yes |
Yes |
- |
- |
Quantitative Risk |
Yes |
- |
- |
- |
Land Contamination Prevention |
Yes |
- |
- |
- |
Note:
(1) Although
pre- construction monitoring may overlap the design phase, the focus of this monitoring
will be to provide additional information on which to assess potential
impacts through construction. (2) EM&A requirements in the design
phase shall include confirmation on the compliance for environmental designs
which were specified in the EIA Report and the EP for all parameters. |
1.4
The Scope of the
EM&A Programme
The
scope of this EM&A programme is to:
·
establish
baseline water quality levels at specified locations;
·
implement
monitoring and inspection requirements for water quality monitoring programme;
·
implement
inspection and audit requirements for marine ecology (marine mammals, False
Pillow Coral and Amphioxus) monitoring programme;
·
liaise
with, and provide environmental advice (as requested or when otherwise
necessary) to construction site staff on the significance and implications of
the environmental monitoring data;
·
identify
and resolve environmental issues and other functions as they may arise from the
works;
·
check
and quantify the Contractor(s)’s overall environmental performance,
implementation of Event and Action Plans (EAPs), and
remedial actions taken to mitigate adverse environmental effects as they may
arise from the works;
·
conduct
monthly reviews of monitored impact data as the basis for assessing compliance
with the defined criteria and to ensure that necessary mitigation measures are
identified and implemented, and to undertake additional ad hoc monitoring and auditing as required by special
circumstances;
·
evaluate
and interpret environmental monitoring data to provide an early indication
should any of the environmental control measures or practices fail to achieve
the acceptable standards, and to verify the environmental impacts predicted in
the EIA;
·
manage
and liaise with other individuals or parties concerning other environmental
issues deemed to be relevant to the construction process;
·
conduct
regular site inspections of a formal or informal nature to assess:
-
the
level of the Contractor(s)’s general environmental awareness;
-
the
Contractor(s)’s implementation of the recommendations in the EIA and their
contractual obligations;
-
the
Contractor(s)’s performance as a measured by the EM&A;
-
the need
for specific mitigation measures to be implemented or the continued usage of
those previously agreed;
-
to
advise the site staff of any identified potential environmental issues;
-
submit
monthly EM&A reports which summarise project monitoring and auditing data,
with full interpretation illustrating the acceptability or otherwise of any
environmental impacts and identification or assessment of the implementation
status of agreed mitigation measures; and
·
develop environmental
contract clauses for contractor contract.
1.5
Works Programme and Works Locations
The
construction works are anticipated to commence in 2007. The preliminary construction programme
is given in Annex B.
The locations of works are shown in Figure 1.1. The Sensitive Receivers in the vicinity
of the proposed LNG terminal at
1.6
Organisation and
Structure of the EM&A
1.6.1
General
CAPCO
will appoint an Environmental Team (ET) to conduct the monitoring and auditing
works and to provide specialist advice on undertaking and implementation of
environmental responsibilities.
The
ET will have previous relevant experience with managing similarly sized
EM&A programmes and the Environmental Team Leader (ET Leader) will be a
recognised environmental professional, preferably with a minimum of seven years
relevant experience in impact assessments and impact monitoring programmes.
To
maintain strict control of the EM&A process, CAPCO will appoint independent
environmental consultants to act as an Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)
to verify and validate the environmental performance of the Contractor(s) and
his Environmental Team. The IEC
will have previous relevant experience with checking and auditing similarly
sized EM&A programmes and the IEC will be a recognised environmental
professional, preferably with a minimum of seven years relevant experience in
impact assessments and impact monitoring programmes.
1.6.2
Project Organisation
The
roles and responsibilities of the various parties involved in the EM&A
process are further expanded in the following sections and in Figure
1.2. The ET Leader will be responsible for,
and in charge of, the Environmental Team; and will be the person responsible
for executing the EM&A requirements, and to develop environmental Contract
Clauses for Contractor Contract.
CAPCO
will:
·
retain
an Environmental Team (ET) to undertake monitoring, laboratory analysis and
reporting of environmental monitoring and audit data;
·
retain
an Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) to audit and verify the overall
environmental performance of the works and to assess the effectiveness of the ET
in their duties;
·
supervise
the Contractor(s)’ activities and ensure that the requirements in the EM&A
Manual and the Contract Document are fully complied with;
·
develop
appropriate contract clauses to ensure that the Contractor(s) will have
qualified professionals to interface with the ETL/CAPCO/IEC to fulfil the
EIA/EP requirements;
·
inform
the Contractor(s) when action is required to reduce impacts in accordance with
the Event and Action Plans;
·
adhere
to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation; and
·
participate
in joint site inspections undertaken by the ET and IEC.
The Contractor(s)
The
Contractor(s) will:
·
work
within the scope of the construction contract and other tender conditions;
·
provide
assistance to the 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;
·
implement
the corrective actions instructed by CAPCO/ET/IEC;
·
participate
in the site inspections undertaken by the ET and the IEC, as required, and
undertake any corrective actions instructed by CAPCO/ETL/IEC; and
·
adhere to the procedures
for carrying out complaint investigation.
The
Environmental Team (ET) will:
·
monitor
various environmental parameters as required in this EM&A Manual;
·
assess
the EM&A data and review the success of the EM&A programme determining
the adequacy of the mitigation measures implemented and the validity of the EIA
predictions as well as identify any adverse environmental impacts before they
arise;
·
carry
out regular site inspection to investigate and audit the Contractor(s)’s site
practice, equipment and work methodologies with respect to pollution control
and environmental mitigation, and effect proactive action to pre-empt issues;
·
review
the Contractor(s)’s working programme and methodology, and comment as
necessary;
·
provide
advice (if required) to CAPCO for the development of environmental contract
clauses for contractor contract;
·
review
and prepare reports on the environmental monitoring data, site environmental
conditions and audits;
·
report
on the environmental monitoring and audit results and conditions to the IEC,
Contractor(s), EPD and CAPCO;
·
recommend
suitable mitigation measures to the Contractor(s) in the case of exceedance of Action and Limit levels in accordance with
the Event and Action Plans;
·
adhere
to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation; and
·
the ET Leader will keep
a contemporaneous log-book and record each and every instance or circumstance
or change of circumstances which may affect the environmental impact assessment
and every non-conformance with the recommendations of the EIA Reports or the EPs.
The
ET will be led and managed by the ET Leader. The ET leader will have relevant
education, training, knowledge, experience and professional qualifications and
the appointment will be subject to the approval of the Director of
Environmental Protection. Suitably
qualified staff will be included in the ET, and ET should not be in any way an
associated body of the Contractor(s).
Independent Environmental Checker
The
IEC will:
·
review
and monitor the implementation of the EM&A programme and the overall level
of environmental performance being achieved;
·
arrange
and conduct monthly independent site inspections/audits of the works;
·
validate
and confirm the accuracy of monitoring results, monitoring equipment,
monitoring stations, monitoring procedures and locations of sensitive
receivers;
·
carry
out random sample check and audit on monitoring data and sampling procedures,
etc;
·
audit
the EIA recommendations and requirements against the status of implementation
of environmental protection measures on site;
·
on needed
basis, audit the Contractor(s)’s construction methodology and agree the
appropriate, reduced impact alternative in consultation with CAPCO, the ET and
the Contractor(s);
·
provide
specialist advice to CAPCO and the Contractor(s)
on environmental matters;
·
check
complaint cases and the effectiveness of corrective measures;
·
check
that the necessary mitigation measures recommended in the EIA, EP and Contract
documents, or as subsequently required, are effectively implemented;
·
review
EM&A report submitted by the ET leader and feedback audit results to ET by
signing off relevant EM&A proformas;
·
report
the findings of site inspections/ audits and other environmental performance
reviews to CAPCO, ET, EPD and the Contractor(s); and
·
Sufficient
and suitably qualified professional and technical staff will be employed by the
respective parties to ensure full compliance with their duties and
responsibilities, as required under the EM&A programme for the duration of
the Project.
1.6.3
Key Contact Information
Key
contact information will be provided in a similar format as in Table 1.2.
Table 1.2 Contact
Information - to be completed prior to commencement of construction
Name |
Position |
Telephone |
Facsimile |
E-mail |
CAPCO – Environmental Permit Holder |
||||
To be confirmed |
|
|
|
|
Contractor(s) |
||||
To be confirmed |
|
|
|
|
Environmental Team |
||||
To be confirmed |
|
|
|
|
Independent Environmental Checker |
||||
To be confirmed |
|
|
|
|
1.7
Structure of the
EM&A Manual
The
remainder of the Manual is set out as follows:
·
Section 2
sets out the EM&A general requirements and EIAO Permit Conditions;
·
Section 3
sets out the EM&A requirement for air quality;
·
Section 4
sets out the EM&A requirement for noise;
·
Section 5
details the requirements for water quality baseline and impact monitoring, and
lists relevant monitoring equipment, compliance and Event and Action Plans (EAPs);
·
Section 6
details the requirements for waste management;
·
Section 7
details the requirements for terrestrial ecology;
·
Section 8
details the requirements for marine ecology and fisheries;
·
Section 9
sets out the EM&A requirements for cultural heritage;
·
Section 10
sets out the EM&A requirements for landscape and visual;
·
Section 11
sets out the EM&A requirements for land contamination prevention and
quantitative risk;
·
Section 12
describes the scope and frequency of site environmental auditing; and
·
Section 13
details the reporting requirements for the EM&A.
In
this section, the general requirements of the EM&A programme for the
Project are presented with reference to the relevant findings from the EIA
Report that have formed the basis of the scope and
content of the programme.
2.2.1
General
The
environmental issues, which were identified during the EIA process and are
associated with the construction phase of the Project
will be addressed through the monitoring and controls specified in this
EM&A Manual and in the construction contracts.
During
the construction phases of the Project, air quality, noise quality, water
quality, ecology, landscape and visual, waste and cultural heritage will be
subject to EM&A, with environmental monitoring being undertaken for water
quality, cultural heritage (archaeology) and marine ecology. Monitoring of the effectiveness of the
mitigation measures will be achieved through the environmental monitoring
programme as well as through site inspections. The inspections will include within
their scope, mechanisms to review and assess the Contractor(s)’s environmental
performance, ensuring that the recommended mitigation measures have been
properly implemented, and that the timely resolution of received complaints are
managed and controlled in a manner consistent with the recommendations of the
EIA Report.
2.2.2
Environmental Monitoring
The
environmental monitoring work throughout the Project period will be carried out
in accordance with this EM&A and reported by the ET. Monitoring works will comprise of
quantitative assessment of physical parameters such as water quality and marine
ecology impacts which also form an important part of the whole monitoring programme. The monitoring programme will be conducted
at the chosen representative sensitive receivers in the vicinity of the
construction site.
2.2.3
Action and Limit Levels
Action
and Limit (A/L) Levels are defined levels of impact recorded by the environmental
monitoring activities which represent levels at which a prescribed response is
required. These Levels are
quantitatively defined later in the relevant sections of this manual and
described in principle below:
Action
Levels: beyond which there is a clear indication
of a deteriorating ambient environment for which appropriate remedial actions
are likely to be necessary to prevent environmental quality from falling
outside the Limit Levels, which would be unacceptable; and
Limit
Levels: statutory and/or agreed contract limits
stipulated in the relevant pollution control ordinances, HKPSG or Environmental
Quality Objectives established by the EPD.
If these are exceeded, works will not proceed without appropriate
remedial action, including a critical review of plant and working methods.
2.2.4
Event and Action Plans
The purpose of the Event and Action Plans
(EAPs) is to provide, in association with the
monitoring and audit activities, procedures for ensuring that if any
significant environmental incident (either accidental or through inadequate
implementation of mitigation measures on the part of the Contractor(s)) does
occur, the cause will be quickly identified and remediated,
and the risk of a similar event recurring is reduced. This also applies to the exceedances of A/L criteria identified in the EM&A
programme.
2.2.5
Site Inspections
In addition to monitoring water quality
and marine ecology as a means of assessing the ongoing performance of the
Contractor(s), the ET will undertake site inspections and audits of on-site
practices and procedures twice per month.
The primary objective of the inspection and audit programme will be to
assess the effectiveness of the environmental controls established by the
Contractor(s) and the implementation of the environmental mitigation measures
recommended in the EIA Report. The
IEC will undertake monthly site inspection and audit to assess the performance
of the Contractor(s).
Whilst the audit and inspection programme
will undoubtedly complement the monitoring activity with regard to the
effectiveness of controlling impacts to water quality and marine ecology, the
criteria against which the audits will be undertaken will be derived from the
Clauses within the Contract Documents which seek to enforce the recommendations
of the EIA Report and the established management systems.
The findings of site inspections and
audits will be made known to the Contractor(s) at the time of the inspection to
enable the rapid resolution of identified non-conformities. Non-conformities, and the corrective
actions undertaken, will also be reported in the monthly EM&A Reports.
Section 12 of this Manual presents details of the scope and
frequency of on-site inspections and defines the range of issues that the audit
protocols will be designed to address.
2.2.6
Enquiries, Complaint and Requests for
Information
Enquiries, complaints and requests for
information may occur from a wide range of individuals and organisations
including members of the public, Government departments, the press and
television media and community groups.
Enquiries concerning the environmental
effects of the construction works, irrespective of how they are received, will
be reported to CAPCO and directed to the ET which will set up procedures for
the handling, investigation and storage of such information. The following steps will then be
followed:
1)
The
ET Leader will notify CAPCO of the nature of the enquiry.
2)
An
investigation will be initiated to determine the validity of the complaint and
to identify the source of the issue.
3)
The Contractor(s)
will undertake the following steps, as necessary:
·
investigate
and identify source of the issue;
·
if
considered necessary by CAPCO following consultation with the IEC, undertake
additional monitoring to verify the existence and severity of the alleged
complaint;
·
liaise
with EPD to identify remedial measures;
·
liaise
with the IEC to identify remedial measures;
·
implement
the agreed mitigation measures;
·
repeat
the monitoring to verify effectiveness of mitigation measures; and
·
repeat review procedures to identify further practical
areas of improvement if the repeat monitoring results continue to substantiate
the complaint.
4)
The
outcome of the investigation and the action taken will be documented on a
complaint log (Annex
C). A formal response to
each complaint received will be prepared by the Contractor(s) within five
working days and submitted to CAPCO, in order to notify the concerned person(s)
that action has been taken.
5)
Enquires
which trigger this process will be reported in the monthly reports which will
include results of inspections undertaken by the Contractor(s), and details of
the measures taken, and additional monitoring results (if deemed
necessary). It should be noted that
the receipt of complaint or enquiry will not be, in itself, a sufficient reason
to introduce additional mitigation measures.
The complainant will be notified of the
findings, and audit procedures will be put in place to ensure that the issue
does not recur.
2.2.7
Reporting
Baseline, construction phase and
post-construction phase monitoring, monthly, quarterly and final reports will
be prepared and certified by the ET Leader and verified by the IEC. The reports will be submitted to the Contractor(s),
CAPCO and EPD. The monthly reports
will be prepared and submitted within two weeks of the end of each calendar
month.
2.2.8
Cessation of EM&A
The cessation of EM&A programme is
subject to the satisfactory completion of the EM&A Final Review Report, agreement with the IEC and approval from EPD.
As no unacceptable impacts were identified
during the operation phase of the Project no operation phase
EM&A is considered necessary.
However, other operational licenses will require specific monitoring or
audit conditions or practices, and a non EIA EM&A practice will need to be
put in place.
The EIA study has concluded that no
sensitive receivers will be affected by construction dust. Dust levels will be reduced through the
implementation of mitigation measures.
During the operational phase, emissions will be controlled by integrated
measures, regular inspections, relevant emissions
licenses and are not predicted to yield concentrations that would lead to
significant air quality impacts.
Therefore, no air quality monitoring will be required for either the
construction or operational phase aside from that required by specific
emissions licenses.
3.2
Air Quality
Mitigation Measures
Regular site inspections should be carried
out during the construction phase in order to ensure that the mitigation
measures are implemented and are working effectively. The Contractor(s) will be responsible
for the design and implementation of the mitigation measures which are
presented in Annex
A.
The EIA study of the Project
has concluded that no sensitive receivers will be affected by construction
noise. Based upon this, no noise
monitoring is considered necessary during the construction phase. However, audit of the construction noise
is recommended.
Regular site inspections
should be carried out to audit the compliance of the Contractor(s) with regard
to noise control, contract conditions and the relevant noise impact criteria,
and to recommend further mitigation measures if found to be necessary.
No operational phase noise
impacts were predicted at sensitive receiver locations and hence no operational
phase monitoring is required.
In accordance with the recommendations of
the EIA, water quality EM&A is required during dredging, backfilling and
submarine utility installation activities.
In addition, baseline water quality monitoring will be required prior to
the commencement of construction activities. The following Section provides details
of the water quality monitoring to be undertaken by the ET to verify the
distance of sediment plume dispersion and to identify whether the potential
exists for any indirect impacts to occur to ecological sensitive
receivers. The water
quality monitoring programme will be carried out to ensure that any
deteriorating water quality is readily detected and timely action taken to
rectify the situation. The status and locations of water quality
sensitive receivers and the marine works location may change after issuing this
Manual. If required, the ET in
consultation with the Contractor(s) will propose updated monitoring locations
and seek approval from CAPCO, the IEC and EPD.
5.2.1
Water Quality Parameters
Measurements of
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentration (mg L-1), DO saturation (%),
Salinity (mg L-1), Temperature (ºC) and Turbidity (NTU) will be
taken in situ by the ET at monitoring
stations identified in Sections 5.2.4,
5.2.5 and 5.3 below. Water samples for the measurements of SS
(mg L-1) will also be collected for laboratory analysis.
In addition to the water quality
parameters, other relevant data will also be measured and recorded in Water
Quality Monitoring Logs (Annex D), including
the location of the sampling stations, water depth, time, weather conditions,
sea conditions, tidal stage, current direction and speed, special phenomena and
work activities undertaken around the monitoring and works area that may
influence the monitoring results.
Observations on any special phenomena and work underway at the
construction site at the time of sampling will also be recorded.
5.2.2
Sampling Procedures and Monitoring
Equipment
For water quality monitoring, the
following equipment will be supplied and used by the ET. The use of similar equipment is subject
to prior approval from the IEC.
· Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature Measuring
Equipment - The instrument will be a portable,
weatherproof dissolved oxygen measuring instrument complete with cable, sensor,
comprehensive operation manuals, and will be operable from a DC power
source. It will be capable of
measuring: dissolved oxygen levels
in the range of 0 - 20 mg L-1 and 0 - 200% saturation; and a temperature of 0 -
45 degrees Celsius. It will have a
membrane electrode with automatic temperature compensation complete with a
cable of not less than 35 m in length.
Sufficient stocks of spare electrodes and cables will be available for
replacement where necessary (e.g. YSI model 59 metre, YSI 5739 probe, YSI 5795A
submersible stirrer with reel and cable or an approved similar instrument).
·
Turbidity Measurement Equipment - Turbidity within the water will be
measured in situ by the nephelometric method.
The instrument will be a portable, weatherproof turbidity-measuring unit
complete with cable, sensor and comprehensive operation manuals. The equipment will be operated from a DC
power source, it will have a photoelectric sensor capable of measuring
turbidity between 0 - 1000 NTU and will be complete with a cable with at least
35 m in length (for example Hach 2100P or an approved
similar instrument).
·
Salinity
Measurement Instrument
- A portable salinometer capable of measuring
salinity in the range of 0 - 40 ppt will be provided
for measuring salinity of the water at each monitoring location.
·
Suspended Solid Measurement
Equipment - A water
sampler (eg Kahlsico Water
Sampler), which is a PVC cylinder (capacity not less than 2 litres), which can
be effectively sealed with latex cups at both ends, will be used for
sampling. The sampler will have a
positive latching system to keep it open and prevent premature closure until
released by a messenger when the sampler is at the selected water depth. Water samples for suspended solids
measurement will be collected in high-density polythene bottles, packed in ice
(cooled to 4°C
without being frozen), and delivered to the laboratory in the same day as the
samples were collected.
·
Water
Depth Gauge - A
portable, battery-operated echo sounder (Seafarer 700 or a similar approved
instrument) will be used for the determination of water depth at each
designated monitoring station. This
unit will preferably be affixed to the bottom of the work boat if the same
vessel is to be used throughout the monitoring programme. The echo sounder should be suitably
calibrated.
·
pH Measuring Equipment - A portable pH meter capable of measuring a range
between 0.0 and 14.0 will be provided to measure pH under the specified
conditions (eg. Orion Model 250A or an approved
similar instrument).
·
Positioning
Device - A hand-held
or boat-fixed type differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) or other
equivalent instrument of similar accuracy will be used during monitoring to
ensure the accurate recording of the position of the monitoring vessel before
taking measurements. The DGPS or
equivalent instrument, should be suitably calibrated
at appropriate checkpoint (e.g. Quarry Bay Survey Nail at Easting 840683.49, Northing
816709.55). For remote locations
such as Sokos, suitable checkpoint should be
identified by the ET/IEC to ensure the monitoring station is at the correct
position before the water quality monitoring commence. Marine anchors will not be used when sampling
the impact stations within or on the boundaries of the Lung Kwu
Chau and
·
Water
Sampling Equipment -
A water sampler, consisting of a PVC or glass cylinder of not less than two
litres, which can be effectively sealed with cups at both ends, will be used
(e.g. Kahlsico Water Sampler 13SWB203 or an approved
similar instrument). The water
sampler will have a positive latching system to keep it open and prevent
premature closure until released by a messenger when the sampler is at the
selected water depth.
In-situ monitoring instruments will be checked, calibrated
and certified by a laboratory accredited under HOKLAS or any other
international accreditation scheme before use, and subsequently re-calibrated
at 3 monthly intervals throughout the stages of the water quality
monitoring. Responses of sensors
and electrodes will be checked with certified standard solutions before each
use. Wet bulb calibration for the
DO meter will be carried out before measurement at each monitoring location. The turbidity meter will be calibrated
to establish the relationship between turbidity readings (in NTU) and levels of
SS (in mg L-1) where possible.
For the on site calibration of field
equipment, the BS 1427:1993, "Guide
to Field and on-site test methods for the analysis of waters" will be
observed.
Sufficient stocks of spare parts will be
maintained for replacements when necessary. Back-up monitoring equipment will also
be available so that monitoring can proceed uninterrupted even when some equipment
is under maintenance, calibration, etc.
5.2.3
Laboratory Measurement and Analysis
Analysis of suspended solids will be
carried out in a HOKLAS or other international accredited laboratory. Water samples of about 500mL will be
collected at the monitoring stations for carrying out the laboratory SS
determination. The SS determination
work will start within 24 hours after collection of the water samples. The analyses will follow the standard
methods as described in APHA Standard
Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 19th Edition, unless otherwise specified (APHA 2540D for SS) with a
detection limit of 1 mg L-1 or less.
The submitted information should include
the chain of custody forms, pre-treatment procedures, instrument use, Quality
Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) details (such as blank, spike recovery,
number of duplicate samples per-batch etc), detection limits and accuracy. The QA/QC details will be in accordance
with requirements of HOKLAS or another internationally accredited scheme that
HOKLAS has an agreement with. The
limits of detection for the in-situ and laboratory measurements that
will be obtained are shown in Table 5.1.
Table 5.1 Detection
Limits and Precision for Water Quality Parameters
Parameter |
Limit of Detection |
Dissolved Oxygen |
0.1 mg L-1 |
Salinity |
0.01 ppt |
Temperature |
0.1 °C |
pH |
0.01 units |
Turbidity (NTU) |
0.1 NTU |
Suspended Solids |
1 mg L-1 |
5.2.4
Monitoring Locations, Frequency and
Actions - Pilot Test
Introduction
In order to verify the modelling
predictions in the EIA Report a pilot test will be established during the
dredging works and jetting works for submarine cable/water main at a suitable
location to be agreed with EPD and AFCD.
The pilot test will consist of intensive water quality monitoring on the
first three days of the dredging/jetting operation designed to verify the
predictions from the modelling work.
Pilot test will also include the testing on the effectiveness of silt
curtains with reference to the reduction factors used in the water quality
models.
The details below are indicative and will
be agreed with AFCD and EPD in advance of conduct of the pilot test.
Stations
Three sets of monitoring stations will be
arranged perpendicularly to the dredging/jetting path with respect to the three
days monitoring. Monitoring
locations will be fixed throughout the whole day of monitoring.
Frequency
Monitoring should be conducted hourly of
turbidity and suspended solids (SS) for correlation (the methods for taking and
analysing the samples should be as presented above).
Each station will be sampled and
measurements will be taken at three depths, 1 m below the sea surface, mid
depth and 1 m above the seabed.
Where water depth is less than 6 m the mid-depth station may be
omitted. If water depth is less
than 3 m, only the mid-depth station will be monitored. Duplicate water samples shall be taken
and analyzed at all monitoring stations.
Reporting
The turbidity monitoring results should be
submitted on a daily basis and the SS results should be submitted within 24
hours of collection by the ET Leader to EPD and AFCD for review.
Actions
The results of the pilot test will be
utilised to indicate how the dredging/jetting works are performing in
comparison to the modelling predictions presented in the EIA. The results will act essentially as an early
warning tool to advise the Contractor how the dredging/jetting plant is
performing. Should the results
indicate that the modelling predictions are being exceeded then the Contractor
will be able to take remedial action. In order to ensure that exceedances of the appropriate Action and Limit levels for
the Impact Monitoring do not occur in the more environmentally sensitive areas
of West and Northwest Lantau.
It should be noted that the Contractor is
not obliged to reduce the dredging/jetting rates based on the results of the
pilot test but is strongly advised to review their working methods and take
remedial measures prior to any exceedances being
triggered during actual construction work.
5.2.5
Monitoring Locations for Dredging and
Backfilling Activities
Water quality monitoring will be conducted
within Hong Kong Waters during dredging and backfilling activities. The monitoring stations for dredging and
backfilling activities are shown in Figure 5.1
and detailed in Table 5.2.
The monitoring locations were determined
based upon the areas required for the dredging and backfilling activities for
the submarine utilities as well as for the approach channel and reclamation
areas (backfilling only). As seen
in Figure 5.1,
Impact Stations are defined as at a distance of approximately 500 m away from
the construction works area.
Depending on the works this typically represents the maximum extent of
the zone of influence predicted by the modelling exercises resulting from the
dredging activities. At the Impact
locations, impact from the dredging activities should be at minimum.
In addition, Reference Stations have been chosen to facilitate comparison of the
water quality of the Impact Stations with ambient water quality conditions,
Reference Stations are located in areas not expected to be affected by other
projects and which lie within the path of water body movements affecting the
Impact Stations but are well outside the predicted influence of the construction
works. Monitoring data from these
Reference Stations could be used as upstream and downstream controls for the
Impact Stations.
Locations of Reference Stations would be subject to
change depending on the location and timing of dredging and other marine works
projects in the Study Area. Any
proposal to change the locations of Control / Impact Stations would be subject
to the EPD’s approval.
Apart from the Impact and Reference
Stations, Control Stations have been proposed to assist in the identification
of the source of any impact. They
are approximately 1000 m away from the construction works area and 500 m away
from the Impact Stations. Control
Stations are particularly useful for the identification of the pollution source
and pathway if exceedances are found at Impact
Stations but not at the Reference Stations.
In addition, subject to the locations of
dredging works, water quality monitoring will also be conducted at the
Sensitive Receiver Stations including Fish Fry habitat at Pak Tso Wan (M2), Seawater intake at Black Point Power Station
(M3) and Intertidal mudflat/horseshoe crab nursery
ground at Pak Nai (M4) when dredging works are
located close to these locations.
In order to monitor the water quality in
the area where Pseudosiderastea tayami is
located (Figure
A1.1), water quality monitoring at Station M1 (both inside and outside
the silt curtain) is required during the dredging activities at the Approaching
Channel at
Table 5.2 Location
of Marine Water Quality Monitoring Stations for Dredging Activities
Monitoring Station Identification |
Type |
Location |
Coordinates |
I1 (ebb & flood) |
Impact |
North of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IF2 |
Impact |
West of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IF3 (flood) |
Impact |
Southwest of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
CF3 (flood) |
Control |
Southwest of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IE3 (ebb) |
Impact |
Southeast of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
CE3 (ebb) |
Control |
Southeast of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IE4 (ebb) |
Impact |
East of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
CE4 (ebb) |
Control |
East of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IE5 (ebb) |
Impact |
Shek Pik |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
CE5 (ebb) |
Control |
Shek Pik |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IE6 (ebb) |
Impact |
West of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
CE6 (ebb) |
Control |
West of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IF6 (flood) |
Impact |
West of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
CF6 (flood) |
Control |
West of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IE7 (ebb) |
Impact |
South of Fan Lau (D2) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
CE7 (ebb) |
Control |
South of Fan Lau (D2) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IF7 (flood) |
Impact |
South of Fan Lau (D2) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
CF7 (flood) |
Control |
South of Fan Lau (D2) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IE8 (ebb) |
Impact |
West of Peaked Hill (D3) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IF8 (flood) |
Impact |
West of Peaked Hill (D3) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
CF8 (flood) |
Control |
West of Peaked Hill (D3) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IE9 (ebb) |
Impact |
West of Tai O (D4) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IF9 (flood) |
Impact |
West of Tai O (D4) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
CF9 (flood) |
Control |
West of Tai O (D4) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IE10 (ebb) |
Impact |
Northwest of Tai O (D5) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IF10 (flood) |
Impact |
Northwest of Tai O (D5) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
CF10 (flood) |
Control |
Northwest of Tai O (D5) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IE11 (ebb) |
Impact |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
|
CE11 (ebb) |
Control |
West of Black Point (D8) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IF11 (flood) |
Impact |
West of Black Point (D8) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
CF11 (flood) |
Control |
West of Black Point (D8) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IE12 (ebb) |
Impact |
West of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
CE12 (Ebb) |
Control |
West of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IF12 (flood) |
Impact |
Northwest of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
CF12 (flood) |
Control |
Northwest of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IE13 (ebb) |
Impact |
West of Chek Lak Kok (D6) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IF13 (flood) |
Impact |
West of Chek Lap Kok
(D6) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
CF13 (flood) |
Control |
West of Chek Lap Kok
(D6) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IF14 (flood) |
Impact |
Lung Kwu Chau/Sha Chau Marine Park (D7) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
CF14 (flood) |
Control |
Lung Kwu Chau/Sha Chau Marine Park (D7) |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
IF15 (flood) |
Impact |
North of LKC/SC |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
CF15 (flood) |
Control |
North of LKC/SC |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
R1 |
Reference |
East of Fan Lau |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
R2 |
Reference |
West of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
R3 |
Reference |
East of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
R4 |
Reference |
North of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
R6 |
Reference |
Northeast of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
R7 |
Reference |
Northwest of Black Point |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
M1 |
Monitoring for Pseudosiderastea tayami |
South of |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
M2 |
Monitoring for Fish Fry Habitat at Pak Tso Wan
(inside silt curtain) |
|
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
M3 |
Monitoring for Seawater Intake at Black Point Power Station |
West of Black Point |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
M4 |
Monitoring for Intertidal Habitat at Pak Nai |
Pak Nai, Northeast of Black Point |
Please refer to Figure 5.1 |
Due to the separation of the project works
areas, monitoring at specified stations will be required only for the
corresponding construction activities.
Table 5.3 shows the monitoring
requirements for different areas of work for the Project.
For the gas pipeline, water monitoring for
each specified Area (i.e. Areas D1 and D2) is only required when dredging is
conducted within the area. For
example, if dredging takes place in Area D2, only the water monitoring stations
in Area D2 plus specified Reference stations and Sensitive Receiver stations
(if appropriate) will be sampled.
Flood tide stations will be monitored during flood tide and ebb tide
stations will be monitored during ebb tide.
Table 5.3 Water
Monitoring Stations for Dredging Works in Different Areas
Dredging Area (tidal status) |
Impact Stations |
Control Stations |
Reference Stations |
Sensitive Receiver Stations |
Gas/Water
Pipeline/Submarine Cable / Western Berth Seawall - |
I1, IF2 |
- |
R3 |
M2 |
Gas/Water
Pipeline/Submarine Cable / Western Berth Seawall - |
I1 |
- |
R2 |
M2 |
Approaching
Channel/ Eastern Berth Seawall - |
IF3 |
CF3 |
R3 |
M1 |
Approaching
Channel/ Eastern Berth Seawall - |
IE3, IE4 |
CE3, CE4 |
R2 |
M1 |
Water
Pipeline/Submarine Cable – Shek Pik
(Ebb) |
IE5 |
CE5 |
R1 |
- |
Water
Pipeline – Mid Section (Flood) |
IF6 |
CF6 |
R4 |
- |
Water
Pipeline – Mid Section (Ebb) |
IE6 |
CE6 |
R1 |
- |
Gas
Pipeline – Area D1 (Flood) |
IF12 |
CF12 |
R2 |
M2 |
Gas
Pipeline – Area D1 (ebb) |
IE12 |
CE12 |
R1 |
M2 |
Gas
Pipeline – Area D2 (Flood) |
IF7 |
CF7 |
R2 |
- |
Gas
Pipeline – Area D2 (Ebb) |
IE7 |
CE7 |
R5 |
- |
Gas
Pipeline – Area D3 (Flood) |
IF8 |
CF8 |
R2 |
- |
Gas
Pipeline – Area D3 (Ebb) |
IE8 |
- |
R5 |
- |
Gas
Pipeline – Area D4 (Flood) |
IF9 |
CF9 |
R2 |
- |
Gas
Pipeline – Area D4 (Ebb) |
IE9 |
- |
R5 |
- |
Gas
Pipeline – Area D5 (Flood) |
IF10 |
CF10 |
R2 |
- |
Gas
Pipeline – Area D5 (Ebb) |
IE10 |
- |
R5 |
- |
Gas
Pipeline – Area D6 (Flood) |
IF13 |
CF13 |
R2 |
- |
Gas
Pipeline – Area D6 (Ebb) |
IE13 |
- |
R5 |
- |
Gas
Pipeline – Area D7 (Flood) |
IF14,
IF15 |
CF14,
CF15 |
R5 |
- |
Gas
Pipeline – Area D8 (Flood) |
IF11 |
CF11 |
R6 |
M3, M4 |
Gas
Pipeline – Area D8 (Ebb) |
IE11 |
CE11 |
R7 |
M3, M4 |
|
|
|
|
|
Water quality monitoring would be
undertaken by suitably qualified members of the ET. Water quality monitoring results from the
Reference, Control and Impact stations would be compared to EPD’s
Water Quality Objectives (WQOs), for the Southern
(SWCZ), North West (NWWCZ), and Deep Bay Water Control Zones (DBWCZ), as
follows:
·
Suspended
Solids (SS): SS should not be
raised above ambient levels by an excess of 30% nor cause the accumulation of
SS which may adversely affect aquatic communities.
·
Dissolved
Oxygen (DO): DO within 2 m of the
bottom should not be less than 2 mg L-1 for 90% of the samples;
depth averaged DO should not be less than 4 mg L-1 for 90% of the
samples during the whole year.
Prior to the commencement of the EM&A
programme, the ET would seek approval of the proposed changes to the water
monitoring stations from the IEC, EPD and AFCD.
5.2.6
Monitoring Locations for Jetting
Activities
The Impact Stations for jetting activities
will be determined by the location of the jetting barge.
For the jetting works along the water pipe
and submarine cable, water monitoring will be conducted at the distances of 500
m and 1000 m to the east of the barge (i.e. approximately 90°) during ebb tide and at the same
distances to the west of the barge (i.e. approximately 270°) during flood tide.
Table
5.4 summarises the reference
monitoring stations for jetting activities at different areas.
Sediment laden plumes observed from the
works area or elsewhere in the vicinity of the control stations during sampling
will be recorded and brought to the immediate attention of the ET.
Water quality monitoring should be
undertaken by suitably qualified members of the ET. Water quality monitoring results from
the Reference, Control and Impact stations would be compared to EPD’s Water Quality Objectives (WQOs)
for the Southern (SWCZ), as follows:
·
Suspended Solids (SS):
SS should not be raised above ambient levels by an excess of 30% nor
cause the accumulation of SS which may adversely affect aquatic communities.
·
Dissolved Oxygen (DO):
DO within 2 m of the bottom should not be less than 2 mg L-1
for 90% of the samples; depth averaged DO should not be less than 4 mg L-1
for 90% of the samples during the whole year.
Prior to the commencement of the EM&A
programme, the ET would seek approval of any proposed changes to the water monitoring
stations from the IEC, EPD and AFCD.
Table 5.4 Water
Monitoring Reference Stations for Jetting Works in Different Areas
Jetting Area (tidal status) |
Reference Station |
Power Cable/Water
Pipeline - |
R4 |
Power
Cable/Water Pipeline - |
R2 |
Baseline monitoring will be conducted to
collect representative water quality data from the key areas where marine works
will be undertaken. This baseline
monitoring will provide data for comparison with water quality data collected
during impact monitoring works.
Baseline monitoring will be conducted at
Impact (I1, IF2 to IF15, IE3 to IE13,), Control stations (CE3/CF3 to CE7/CF15,
CE11), Reference stations (R1 to R7) as well as at Sensitive Receiver stations
(M1 to M4) specified in Table 5.2
three times a week at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides for four consecutive weeks
prior to the commencement of any marine works for the Project. The tidal range selected for the
baseline monitoring should be at least 0.5m for both flood and ebb tides. There shall not be any marine
construction activities in the vicinity of the stations during the baseline
monitoring. The interval between 2
sets of consecutive monitoring shall not be less than 36 hours. Baseline monitoring will commence no
earlier than two months before construction works are due to commence. Baseline monitoring programme should be
passed to EPD at least two weeks prior to commencement of baseline monitoring.
During baseline monitoring, measurements
will be taken at each station at three depths, 1 m below the sea surface, mid
depth and 1 m above the seabed.
Where water depth is less than 6 m the mid-depth station may be omitted. If water depth is less than 3 m, only
the mid-depth station will be monitored, to avoid natural resuspension
of sediments from confounding the results.
The ET will be responsible for undertaking the
baseline monitoring and submitting the results within 10 working days from the
completion of the baseline monitoring work to the IEC for certification prior
to onward transmission to EPD and AFCD.
During the course of the marine works,
impact monitoring would be undertaken at the relevant Reference, Control,
Impact and Sensitive Receiver Stations three times a week. Monitoring locations would be based upon
the locations of the dredging, backfilling and jetting activities detailed in Sections 5.2.5 and 5.2.6. Monitoring at
each station would be undertaken at both mid-ebb and mid-flood tides on the
same day. The tidal range selected
for the baseline monitoring should be at least 0.5m for both flood and ebb
tides. The interval between two
sets of monitoring would not be less than 36 hours. The monitoring frequency would be
increased in the case of exceedances of Action/Limit
Levels if considered necessary by ET and IEC. Monitoring frequency would be maintained
as far as practicable. Impact
monitoring schedules should be passed to EPD at least two weeks prior to
commencement of impact monitoring.
Two consecutive measurements of DO
concentration (mgL-1), DO saturation (%) and turbidity (NTU) would
be taken in-situ according the stated
sampling method. The monitoring
probes would be retrieved out of water after the first measurement and then
redeployed for the second measurement.
Where the difference in value between the
first and second measurement of DO or turbidity parameters is more than 25% of
the value of the first reading, the reading would be discarded and further
readings would be taken. Water
samples for SS (mgL-1) measurements would be collected at the same
depths and as for the in-situ
measurements, duplicates would be taken at Control, Reference, Impact and
Sensitive Receiver Stations.
In addition to the above in-situ measurements temperature and
salinity would be determined at Control, Reference, Impact and Sensitive
Receiver Stations at the same depths, as specified above.
The monitoring location/position, time, water
depth, water temperature, salinity, weather conditions, sea conditions, tidal
stage, special phenomena and work underway at the marine works site will be
recorded.
Upon completion of all marine construction
activities, a post-project water quality monitoring exercise would be carried
out for four weeks, in the same manner as the baseline monitoring.
Water
quality monitoring will be evaluated against Action and Limit Levels. The key assessment parameters are
dissolved oxygen and suspended sediment and thus Action and Limit Levels based on the assessment
criteria are identified for these.
However turbidity can also provide valuable instantaneous information on
water quality and thus an Action Limit is also recommended for this parameter
to facilitate quick responsive action in the event of any apparent unacceptable
deterioration attributable to the works.
The proposed Action and Limit Levels are shown in Table 5.5.
Action and Limit levels are used to
determine whether operational modifications are necessary to mitigate impacts
to water quality. In the event that
the levels are exceeded, appropriate actions in Event and Action Plan (Table 5.6) should be undertaken and a
review of works should be carried out by the Contractor(s).
Any noticeable change to water quality
will be recorded in the survey reports and will be investigated and remedial
actions will be undertaken to reduce impacts. Particular attention will be paid to the
Contractor(s)’s implementation of the recommended mitigation measures.
Table 5.5 Action
and Limit Levels for Water Quality
Parameters |
Action (mg L-1) |
Limit (mg L-1) |
For all marine construction works |
||
DO in mgL-1
(surface, middle, bottom) |
Data from impact
stations show a depletion of 30% compared with corresponding data from
control stations |
DO levels are <
5 mgL-1 at the surface and middle depths or are < 2 mg L-1
for the bottom depth. |
Turbidity in NTU in mg L-1 (depth averaged) |
120% of reference station’s mean Turbidity (at the same tide of the
same day) |
130% of reference station’s mean SS (at the same tide of the same day) |
|
|
|
For all marine construction works |
||
Suspended Solids in mg L-1 (depth averaged), |
120% of reference station’s mean SS (at the same tide of the same
day). |
130% of reference station’s mean SS (at the same tide of the same day) |
|
|
|
Notes: - For
DO, exceedance of the water quality limits occurs when
monitoring result is lower than the limits. - For
SS, exceedance of the water quality limits occurs
when monitoring result is higher than the limits. -
All the figures
given in the table are for reference only and these may be amended with the
agreement of EPD. -
“Depth
Averaged” is calculated by taking the arithmetic mean of the in-situ parameters readings at all
three depths. For suspended
solids “depth averaged” is calculated by combining all three samples into one
mixed sample which is analysed to produce a physical arithmetic mean. |
It should be noted that all Action Limit
levels presented in Table 5.5 may be revised based on the baseline data
to be collected in advance of construction works. If deemed necessary, the ET in
consultation with the Contractor(s) will propose revised Action Limit levels
and seek approval from CAPCO, the IEC and EPD.
The IEC will be empowered to audit the
environmental performance of construction, aspects of
the EM&A programme, validate and confirm the accuracy of monitoring
results, monitoring equipment, monitoring locations and procedures. If any exceedance
occurs, the ET, IEC and the Contractor(s) will follow the actions stated in the
Event and Action Plan (Table 5.6).
Table 5.6 Event
and Action Plan for Water Quality Monitoring during Construction Phase
EVENT |
ACTION |
|||
ET(1) |
IEC(1) |
Contractor(s) |
CAPCO |
|
Action Level being exceeded by one sampling day |
1. Repeat in-situ
measurement to confirm findings; 2. Identify
source(s) of impact; 3. Inform the
IEC, the Contractor(s) and CAPCO; 4. Check monitoring
data, plant, equipment and the Contractor(s)’s working methods; 5. Discuss
mitigation measures with the IEC and the Contractor(s); |
1. Discuss with
the ET and the Contractor(s) on the mitigation measures; 2. Review
proposals on mitigation measures submitted by the Contractor(s) and advise
CAPCO accordingly; 3. Assess the
effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures. |
1. Inform
CAPCO and confirm notification of the exceedance in
writing; 2. Rectify
unacceptable practice; 3. Check plant
and equipment; 4. Consider
changes of working methods; 5. Discuss
with the ET and the IEC and propose mitigation measures to the IEC and CAPCO; 6. Implement
the agreed mitigation measures. |
1. Discuss with the
IEC on the proposed mitigation measures; 2. Make agreement on
the mitigation measures to be implemented. |
Action Level being exceeded by more than one consecutive
sampling days |
1. Repeat
in-situ measurement to confirm findings; 2. Identify
source(s) of impact; 3. Inform
the IEC, the Contractor(s) and CAPCO; 4. Check
monitoring data, plant, equipment and Contractor(s)’s working methods; 5. Discuss
mitigation measures with the IEC and the Contractor(s); 6. Ensure
mitigation measures are implemented; |
1. Discuss
with the ET and the Contractor(s) on the mitigation measures; 2. Review
proposals on mitigation measures submitted by the Contractor(s) and advise
CAPCO accordingly; 3. Assess
the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures. |
1. Inform
CAPCO and confirm notification of the exceedance in
writing; 2. Rectify
unacceptable practice; 3. Check
plant and equipment; 4. Consider
changes of working methods; 5. Discuss
with the ET and the IEC and propose mitigation measures to the IEC and CAPCO
within 3 working days; 6. Implement
the agreed mitigation measures. |
1. Discuss with
the IEC on the proposed mitigation measures; 2. Make
agreement on the mitigation measures to be implemented; 3.
Assess
effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures; |
Limit Level being exceeded by one consecutive sampling day |
1. Repeat
in-situ measurement to confirm findings; 2. Identify
source(s) of impact; 3. Inform
the IEC, the Contractor(s) and EPD; 4. Check
monitoring data, plant, equipment and the Contractor(s)’s working methods; 5. Discuss
mitigation measures with the IEC, CAPCO and the Contractor(s); 6. Ensure
mitigation measures are implemented. |
1. Discuss with
the ET / Contractor(s) on the mitigation measures; 2. Review proposals
on mitigation measures submitted by the Contractor(s) and advise CAPCO
accordingly; 3. Assess the
effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures. |
1. Immediate
stoppage of works; 2.
Inform CAPCO and confirm notification of the exceedance
in writing; 3. Rectify
unacceptable practice; 4. Check
plant and equipment; 5. Consider
changes of working methods; 6. Discuss
with the ET, the IEC and CAPCO and propose mitigation measures to the IEC and
CAPCO within 3 working days; 7. Implement
the agreed mitigation measures. |
1. Discuss
with the IEC, the ET and the Contractor(s) on the proposed mitigation
measures; 2. Request
the Contractor(s) to critically review the working methods; 3. Make
agreement on the mitigation measures to be implemented; 4. Assess
the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures. |
Limit Level being exceeded by more than
one consecutive sampling days |
1. Repeat in-situ
measurement to confirm findings; 2. Identify
source(s) of impact; 3. Inform the IEC,
the Contractor(s) and DEP; 4. Check
monitoring data, plant, equipment and Contractor(s)’s working methods; 5. Discuss
mitigation measures with the IEC, CAPCO and the Contractor(s); 6. Ensure
mitigation measures are implemented; |
1. Discuss with
ET and Contractor(s) on the mitigation measures; 2. Review
proposals on mitigation measures submitted by the Contractor(s) and advise
CAPCO accordingly; 3. Assess the
effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures. |
1. Immediate
stoppage of works; 2. Inform CAPCO and confirm notification of the exceedance in writing; 3. Rectify
unacceptable practice; 4. Check plant
and equipment; 5. Consider
changes of working methods; 6. Discuss with
the ET, the IEC and CAPCO and propose mitigation measures to the IEC and
CAPCO within 3 working days; 7. Implement
the agreed mitigation measures; 8. As directed
by CAPCO, slow down or stop all or part of the construction activities. |
1. Discuss with
the IEC, the ET and the Contractor(s) on the proposed mitigation measures; 2. Request
Contractor(s) to critically review working methods; 3. Make
agreement on the mitigation measures to be implemented; 4. Assess
effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures; 5. Consider and
instruct, if necessary, the Contractor(s) to slow down or to stop all or part
of the marine work until no exceedance of Limit
Level. |
Note: (1) ET –
Environmental Team, IEC – Independent Environmental Checker
5.6
Water Quality
Mitigation Measures
The EIA report has outlined a variety of
recommended water quality mitigation measures. These are summarised in the
Implementation Schedule of Mitigation Measures (Annex
A).
During the construction phase, waste
management will be the Contractor(s)’s responsibility to ensure that wastes produced
during the construction phase are managed in accordance with appropriate waste
management practices and `EPD’s regulations and
requirements. The construction
Contractor(s) will also follow the Waste Management Plan when managing the
different types of wastes on site.
The Project is expected to generate the
following during the construction phase:
·
Dredged
marine sediment;
·
C
& D Materials;
·
Chemical
waste;
·
Sewage;
and
·
General
refuse.
Auditing of waste management practices weekly
during site inspections will ensure that these solid and liquid wastes
generated during construction are not disposed of into the surrounding storm
drains. The construction
Contractor(s) will be responsible for the implementation of any mitigation measures
to reduce waste or redress issues arising from the waste materials.
6.2
Waste Management
Practices
The
construction Contractor(s) will submit a Waste Management Plan (WMP) for the
construction works to EPD for approval.
The WMP will describe arrangements for avoidance, re-use, recover and
recycling, storage, collection, treatment and disposal of different categories
of waste to be generated from construction activities and will include the
recommended mitigation measures on waste management detailed in Annex A of this EM&A Manual. The WMP will indicate the disposal
location(s) of all surplus excavated spoil and other waste.
Prior to
the commencement of dredging activities, the disposal strategy for the dredged
sediment will be determined in accordance with the ETWBTC No. 34/2002: Management
of Dredged/Excavated Sediment.
A Trip
Ticket system will be included in the WMP.
Surplus excavated spoil and other wastes will not be disposed at any
other designated disposal locations unless otherwise approved in writing by
EPD, Secretary of Public Fill Committee and/or other authorities as
appropriate.
The
Implementation Schedule (Annex A) provides details on the
appropriate mitigation measures for avoiding and preventing adverse
environmental impacts associated with dredged marine mud, construction and
demolition (C&D) materials, chemical wastes, general refuse and sewage from
the workforce. The WMP should be
refined and updated as more detailed information is generated on the volume of
dredged marine mud. Similarly, it
should be regularly reviewed, and updated as appropriate, throughout the course
of the construction works to ensure that it remains current with the latest
detailed information and works practices.
The WMP
should also outline the requirements for a waste audit program to ensure the
measures outlined in the plan are effectively implemented and adhered too.
In order
to ensure that the construction Contractor(s) has implemented the
recommendations of the EIA Report, the ET will conduct regular site audits of
the waste streams, to determine if wastes are being managed in accordance with
the procedures in the approved WMP.
The audits should look at the aspects of waste management including
waste generation, storage, recycling, transport and disposal. An appropriate audit programme should be
undertaken with the first audit conducted at the commencement of the
construction works. Routine weekly
site inspections should also include waste management. The scope of the waste management audits
is presented below.
6.3.1
Objectives of Waste Audit
The waste
management audit programme will include, but is not limited to, the following:
·
ensuring
that the wastes arising from works are handled, stored, collected, transferred
and disposed of an environmentally acceptable manner and comply with the
relevant requirements under the Waste
Disposal Ordinance (WDO) and its regulations;
·
ensuring that the construction
Contractor(s) properly implements the appropriate environmental protection and
waste pollution control mitigation measures, as outlined in the Implementation
Schedule and presented in Annex A, to reduce and control the
potential for waste impacts.
·
ensuring
the effective implementation of the Contractor(s)’s WMP; and
·
to encourage the reuse and
recycling of materials.
6.3.2
Methodology and Criteria
The
construction Contractor(s) must ensure that the necessary disposal permits or licences
are obtained from appropriate authorities in accordance with the various
Ordinances. In addition to the ET
audits, each construction Contractor(s) will designate a member of staff as
being responsible for inspecting and auditing the on-site waste management
practices on a monthly basis, with reference to the relevant legislation and
guidelines as well as the recommendations given in the Implementation Schedule
contained in Annex A of this EM&A Manual, and
defined below:
General Legislation
·
Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap
354);
·
Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General)
Regulation (Cap 354);
·
Waste Disposal (Charges for Disposal of
Construction Waste) Regulation;
·
Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap 28);
·
Public Health and Municipal Services
Ordinance (Cap 132) – Public Cleansing and Prevention of
Nuisances (Urban Council) and (Regional Council) By-laws;
·
Dumping at Sea Ordinance (1995);
and,
·
The
storage, handling and disposal of chemical waste should be audited with
reference to the requirements of the Code
of Practice on the Package, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes
published by the EPD.
Other Relevant Guidelines
· Waste
Disposal Plan for Hong Kong (December 1989), Planning, Environment and
Lands Branch Government Secretariat,
· Environmental
Guidelines for Planning In Hong Kong (1990), Hong Kong Planning and
Standards Guidelines,
· New
Disposal Arrangements for Construction Waste (1992), Environmental
Protection Department & Civil Engineering Department,
· Code
of Practice on the Packaging, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes (1992),
Environmental Protection Department,
·
Works Branch Technical Circular, 32/92,
The Use of Tropical Hard Wood on Construction Site; Works
Branch,
·
Works Branch Technical Circular No. 2/93
and 2/93B, Public Dumps, Works Branch,
·
Works Branch Technical Circular No. 16/96,
Wet Soil in Public Dumps; Works Branch,
·
Works Bureau Technical Circular No. 4/98
and 4/98A, Use of Public Fill in Reclamation and Earth Filling Projects; Works
Bureau,
·
Waste Reduction Framework Plan, 1998 to
2007, Planning, Environment and Lands Bureau, Government Secretariat, 5
November 1998;
·
Works Bureau Technical Circular No.
12/2000, Fill Management; Works Bureau,
· Environmental
Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular No 31/2004, Trip-ticket System
for Disposal of Construction and Demolition Material; Environmental Transport and Works Bureau,
Hong Kong SAR Government;
· Works
Bureau Technical Circular No. 25/99A and 25/99C, Incorporation of Information
on Construction and Demolition Material Management in Public Works
Sub-committee Papers; Works Bureau,
· Works
Bureau Technical Circular No. 19/2001, Metallic Site Hoardings and Signboards, Works
Bureau,
· Environment,
Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No.34/2002, Management of
Dredged/Excavated Material, Environment, Transport and Works Bureau,
· Environment,
Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No.19 /2005,
Environmental Management on Construction Sites,
Environment, Transport and Works Bureau,
· Environment,
Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No.33 /2002, Management
of Construction and Demolition Material including Rock,
Environment, Transport and Works Bureau, Hong Kong SAR Government.
· Environment,
Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No 19/2005, Environmental
Management on Construction Sites, Environment, Transport and
Works Bureau.
· Environment,
Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No 31/2004, Trip Ticket
System for Disposal of Construction & Demolition Materials,
Environment, Transport and Works Bureau.
The
Contractor(s)’s waste management practices will be audited with reference to
the checklist detailed in Table 6.2 below:
Table 6.2 Waste
Management Checklist
Activities |
Timing |
Checking Frequency |
If non-compliance noted, Action Required |
Necessary waste disposal permits or licences
have been obtained |
Before the commencement of works |
Once |
The ET will inform the Contractor(s),
CAPCO and IEC. The Contractor(s)
should apply for the necessary permits/ licences prior to disposal of the
waste. The ET will ensure that corrective
action has been taken. |
Dredged sediments are managed and
disposed in accordance with the ETWBTC
No. 34/2002: Management of
Dredged/Excavated Sediment. |
Throughout the dredging works. Sediment
assessment to be completed prior to dredging |
Twice a Month |
The ET will inform the Contractor(s),
CAPCO and IEC. CAPCO will
instruct the Contractor(s) to manage and dispose the dredged materials
properly. The Contractor(s) will
immediately suspend dredging until the dredging materials are properly
managed and disposed. |
Only licensed waste haulier
are used for waste collection. |
Throughout the works |
Twice a Month |
The ET will inform the Contractor(s),
CAPCO and IEC. CAPCO will
instruct the Contractor(s) to use a licensed waste haulier. The Contractor(s) will temporarily
suspend waste collection of that particular waste until a licensed waste
haulier is used. Corrective
action will be undertaken within 48 hours. |
Records of quantities of wastes
generated, recycled and disposed are properly kept. For demolition material/waste, the
number of loads for each day will be recorded (quantity of waste can then be
estimated based on average truck load.
For landfill charges, the receipts of the charge could be used for
estimating the quantity). |
Throughout the works |
Twice a Month |
The ET will inform the Contractor(s),
CAPCO and IEC. The Contractor(s)
will estimate the missing data based on previous records and the activities
carried out. The ET will audit the
results and forward to CAPCO and IEC for approval. |
Wastes are removed from site in a timely
manner. General refuse is
collected on a daily basis. |
Throughout the works |
Twice a Month |
The ET will inform the Contractor(s),
CAPCO and IEC. CAPCO will
instruct the Contractor(s) to remove waste accordingly. |
Waste storage areas are properly cleaned
and do not cause windblown litter and dust nuisance. |
Throughout the works |
Twice a Month |
The ET will inform the Contractor(s),
CAPCO and IEC. CAPCO will
instruct the Contractor(s) to clean the storage area and/or cover the waste. |
Different types of waste are segregated
in different containers or skip to enhance recycling of material and proper
disposal of waste. |
Throughout the works |
Twice a Month |
The ET will inform the Contractor(s),
CAPCO and IEC. CAPCO will
instruct the Contractor(s) to provide separate skips/ containers. The Contractor(s) will ensure the workers
place the waste in the appropriate containers. |
Chemical wastes are stored, handled and
disposed of in accordance with the Code of Practice on the Packaging,
Handling and Storage of Chemical Wastes, published by the EPD. |
Throughout the works |
Twice a Month |
The ET will inform the Contractor(s),
CAPCO and IEC. CAPCO will
instruct the Contractor(s) to rectify the issues immediately. Warning will be given to the
Contractor(s) if corrective actions are not taken within 24 hrs. |
Demolition materials are properly
covered before leaving the site. |
Throughout the works |
Twice a Month |
The ET will inform the Contractor(s),
CAPCO and IEC. CAPCO will
instruct the Contractor(s) to comply.
The Contractor(s) will ensure the demolition materials are properly
covered when transport out of the site. |
Wastes are disposed at licensed sites. |
Throughout the works |
Twice a Month |
The ET will inform the Contractor(s),
CAPCO and IEC. CAPCO will warn
the Contractor(s) and instruct the Contractor(s) to ensure the wastes are
disposed of at the licensed sites.
Should it involve chemical waste, the Waste Control Group of EPD will
be notified. |
Note: ET – Environmental Team, IEC –
Independent Environmental Checker
Details of
the required mitigation measures are included within the Implementation
Schedule of Annex A of this EM&A Manual.
The EIA
study has concluded that the impact on the natural habitats is considered to be
low and no adverse residual impact is expected after the implementation of the
mitigation measures. During the
operational phase, adverse impacts are not expected to occur. Therefore, no terrestrial ecology
monitoring will be required for either the construction or operational phase.
Before the
works commence, a detailed
vegetation survey on the Golden Eulophia would be conducted within the impacted shrubland
and Project Area by a suitably qualified botanist / ecologist to identify and
record the affected individuals prior to the commencement of site clearance
works. Feasibility and suitability
of transplanting the affected plant species would be carefully studied and
suitable receptor sites would be identified. A detailed transplantation proposal
providing information on transplantation methodology, recipient site,
implementation programme, water requirement, post-transplanting monitoring and
personnel involved shall be submitted to and approved by EPD and AFCD. Transplantation would be undertaken and supervised by a
suitably qualified botanist / horticulturist. After
transplantation, monitoring will be undertaken to check the performance and
health conditions of the transplanted individuals on weekly basis in the first
month after transplantation and monthly basis for additional eleven
months. Remedial actions will be
discussed with AFCD in the event of unsuccessful transplantation.
7.2
Terrestrial
Ecology Mitigation Measures
Regular site
inspections should be carried out in order to ensure that the mitigation
measures are implemented and are working effectively. The Contractor(s) will be responsible
for the design and implementation of the mitigation measures which are
presented in Annex A.
Compensatory
tree and shrub planting will be provided at the locations detailed in the EIA
report, for the loss of secondary woodland (approximately 0.2 ha), shrubland (1.9 ha), grassland (1.3 ha) and revegetate the temporary lost habitat including the areas
of the temporary construction stores and spoil storage area. The selection of planting species shall
be made with reference to the species identified in Annex 8 and be native to Hong Kong or the South China region, and
will include food plants of the butterfly species of conservation interest, to
provide additional measures for the butterflies.
The constraints on construction works
defined within the EIA will act as appropriate mitigation measures to control
the environmental impacts to marine ecological resources to within acceptable
levels. In addition to the
Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis)
and Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides)
exclusion zone monitoring and monitoring of the condition of colonies of False
Pillow Coral (Pseudosiderastrea tayami),
impacts of construction activities will be monitored through impacts to water
quality (see Section 5 of this EM&A Manual).
In accordance with the recommendations of
the EIA for the
Although adverse impacts to colonies of
the coral species, Pseudosiderastrea tayami
located on the south coast of
In accordance with the recommendation of
the EIA for
The following sections provide details of
the measures to be undertaken by the ET to ensure that the additional measures
recommended in the EIA are carried out.
8.2
Marine Mammal
Exclusion Zone: Around the Piling and Submarine Pipeline Dredging Vessel
8.2.1
Visual Monitoring
Marine mammal exclusion zones for various
construction activities are listed in Table
8.1. The marine mammal
exclusion zone should be monitored by the qualified person(s) ([1])
with an unobstructed, elevated view of the area. The view may be undertaken from the
piling barge, dredging vessel and/or from the hillside on the south of
Table 8.1 Exclusion
Zone Requirement for Various Activities
Activity |
Exclusion Zone |
Requirement |
Marine
Percussive Piling Works for Jetty |
500m from
piling barge |
30 minutes clear of marine mammals before
percussive piling activities begin.
If cetaceans are observed in the exclusion zone, percussive piling
will be delayed until they have left the area. When dolphins/ porpoises are spotted
within the exclusion zone, percussive piling works will cease and will not
resume until the observer confirms that the zone has been continuously clear
of dolphins/ porpoises for a period of 30 minutes. Piling works
will be restricted to a daily maximum of 12 hours with daylight operations. No piling works will be conducted during the finless
porpoises calving period between October and January. |
Dredging Works for Gas Pipeline Installation and
Approaching Channel/Turning Basin |
250m from
dredger |
30 minutes
clear of marine mammals before dredging activities begin. If cetaceans are observed in the
exclusion zone, dredging will be delayed until they have left the area. As per previous practice in Dredging work
in the Approaching Channel / Dredging work
along the west Lantau pipeline route as well as the
pipeline route along the border of the Except the
pipeline section along |
The qualified
person for the above visual monitoring must be suitably trained to conduct the visual
monitoring works
and may be part of the ET. The IEC
will be required to verify the qualification and experience of the qualified
person.
8.2.2
Additional Marine Mammal Monitoring
CAPCO,
as part of their Enhancement Plan proposal (refer to Part 4 of this EIA Report) will conduct long-term monitoring of the
distribution and abundance of dolphins and porpoises during the construction
and post-construction phase of the project.
8.3
Tagged False
Pillow Coral Monitoring: Adjacent to the Dredging
8.3.1
Objective
The
objective of the coral monitoring will be to detect if any adverse impacts
occur to Pseudosiderastrea tayami
colonies in the vicinity of the turning circle and approach channel during dredging
and, where such impacts are identified and are found to be associated with the
dredging works, to ensure appropriate action is undertaken to effectively
reduce such impacts.
The
coral monitoring will be reviewed in conjunction with the water quality
monitoring results, which will detect concentrations of suspended solids
generated during dredging.
8.3.2
Monitoring Locations
The
monitoring programme will involve undertaking dive surveys at the impact
station both before and during the construction phase. Since there are no P. tayami assemblages suitable as a
control site, the impacts to coral colonies during works will be inferred
through a comparison between these two sets of baseline and impact monitoring
data and using the water quality monitoring results.
The
location of the monitoring will correspond to the area corresponding to
Transects J surveyed during the EIA Study, as illustrated in Figure A1.1.
P. tayami
was recorded as common at this site with numerous small colonies surrounded by
thick layers on silt. Colonies
ranged from 2-3 cm to >20 cm in diameter indicating active recruitment at
this site.
The
number and location of the corals to be monitored at the impact station (the
corals to be tagged) shall be identified in the field in the shallow depth zone
(<6m depth). Ideally 20 colonies
will be tagged though this will depend on how many individuals are present
during the baseline survey.
8.3.3
Monitoring Techniques
The
coral monitoring work shall be undertaken by observers hired by the ET that are
experienced in the field identification of sessile benthic taxa
using SCUBA gear. The observers
shall be qualified marine biologists with a postgraduate degree in marine
biology and specialist knowledge of corals. As the amount of monitoring work is
quite high the ET should retain the services of a minimum of two coral
specialists for the survey works.
The same coral specialists shall be used for each dive survey to
maintain consistency in the documentation of the tagged coral condition and
shall be approved by AFCD in advance of undertaking the monitoring work.
The
survey programme will be divided into Baseline Monitoring Surveys and Impact
Monitoring Surveys:
·
Baseline
monitoring surveys will be conducted prior to the commencement of dredging
works. Four surveys will be
required at weekly intervals for baseline monitoring, the first of which will
include coral tagging. The baseline surveys will gauge ambient variations in
sedimentation conditions at the site; and,
·
Impact
monitoring surveys will be scheduled to be conducted at regular intervals once
each week following commencement of the dredging works. It is expected that dredging works for
the turning circle and approach channel will occur for a period of about 3
months.
The
approach to undertaking this work is described as follows.
8.3.4
Baseline Monitoring / False Pillow Coral
Tagging
The
first Baseline Monitoring Survey will be undertaken at the impact station at
least 4 weeks prior to commencement of the dredging works for the turning
circle and approach channel. The
first survey will include a general reconnaissance swim to identify and gain
information on the distribution and characteristics of the P. tayami colonies. The corals will then be tagged. Priority will be given to tagging the
largest, undamaged corals as these colonies are likely to be the most prone to
sediment damage and the recording of the condition of the corals will be more
clearly identified in colonies not damaged in prior incidents. The approach for tagging will be
discussed with the ET Leader and AFCD.
As P. tayami has
an encrusting massive growth form, there is no feasible way of using a ring
tag, as is used for table corals.
The corals shall, therefore, be tagged using small stones, which shall
be painted a bright orange or green colour and marked with mahjong
tags. At each tagged colony a
numbered stone shall be placed next to the coral head and a matching numbered
tag nailed into an adjacent piece of hard substrate (boulder or bedrock). A fine rope trail may also be laid down
linking all tagged colonies to aid future re-locations – the feasibility of
this will be determined during the baseline survey.
Following
the tagging exercise, Baseline Monitoring will then be collected, as outlined
below. In total, Baseline
Monitoring Survey data will be collected from 4 surveys conducted at weekly
intervals prior to the commencement of the dredging works. The aim of these surveys will be to
determine whether there is any natural variation in sedimentation on the corals
in the absence of dredging works.
This baseline will then be compared to the data gathered during the
impact monitoring.
Monitoring Parameters
Information
on the coral colonies shall be recorded, including their specific location,
size and general condition of their environment. Other information shall also be recorded
such as the survey date, time, atmospheric, sea and tidal conditions.
The
sediment cover of each tagged coral colony shall be recorded including the
percent of coverage, colour and texture of the sediment and the approximate
thickness of the sediment layer both on the colony and on adjacent bedrock or
boulder substrate. Any contiguous
patches of sediment cover >10% shall be counted. The health status of each tagged coral
colony, including bleaching effect and live/dead ratio, shall also be
recorded. Three parameters are to
be recorded for each tagged coral and these are:
·
Percentage
sediment cover;
·
Percentage
bleached tissue; and,
·
Percentage
dead - total or partial mortality.
Each
parameter will be assessed as a percentage of the total colony area. To aid percentage cover estimates a 50 x
50 cm quadrat (with a ten cm2 lined grid)
will be used.
Sediment cover - it
will be important to note the colouration and texture of the sediment and the
approximate thickness of the sediment layer both on the colony and on adjacent
bedrock or boulder substrate. All
sediment areas must be documented.
Contiguous patches of sediment cover >10 % must be counted and
accumulated patches documented with time.
Bleaching -
two bleaching categories will be recorded:
·
Blanched
or pale - a loss of zooxanthellae or photosynthetic
pigments; and,
·
Bleached
- a total loss of zooxanthellae and coral tissue
still present. White colouration as
skeleton is visible through transparent coral tissue. It is possible that lower portions of
the coral remain unbleached and therefore help to differentiate bleaching as
opposed to partial mortality where tissue is absent.
All
bleached tissue must be noted and percentage cover estimated for both blanched
and bleached areas. Contiguous
patches of bleached tissue >10 % cover must be counted and accumulated
patches documented with time.
Total or partial mortality -
coral tissue death may be through sediment deposition, bleaching, bacterial
infection etc and this may lead to rapid algal overgrowth and colonisation of
exposed skeleton by fouling organisms.
Dead skeletal areas will appear white if recently dead and within a few
days sediment settlement and algal overgrowth will change the appearance of
such areas to a duller colouration.
Partial mortality must be recorded and contiguous patches of dead tissue
>10 % must be counted and accumulated patches documented with time.
Upon
relocation of the tagged colony the condition of the coral will be assessed by
noting areas of settled sediment, bleaching or partial/total mortality on a
pre-printed sheet of underwater paper.
The extent and location of such measurable parameters will be sketch by chinagraft pencil (or equivalent) on laminated photographs
of the tagged colony. These sketch
outlines will be redrawn over the scanned images to verify field notes when
compiling the data. Other
observations will also be noted.
Physical
damage to colonies, tissue distension, mucous production and any other factors
considered relevant will be noted in the field and included in the survey
report.
8.3.5
Impact Monitoring
The
focus of the impact monitoring will be to determine whether impacts are
occurring to P. tayami
colonies during dredging works for the approach channel and turning circle from
sedimentation or elevated SS levels.
The results of the coral monitoring will be reviewed in association with
the water quality monitoring results.
The water quality data reviewed should be from the stations
corresponding to the relevant coral station, M1 (refer to Table 5.2). Impact
monitoring will be undertaken on a twice per week basis during the dredging
works, and the Proforma report together with
evidentiary photographs would be submitted to EPD, AFCD and other concerned
parties within 2 days for scrutiny.
The
information to be obtained will be as for the Baseline Monitoring, including
information on: the health status of the corals, condition of their
environment, survey date, time, atmospheric, sea and tidal conditions during
the survey and sediment cover in terms of percentage of coverage and
approximate thickness. Each tagged
coral colony shall also be photographed.
It
should be noted all tags must be removed after the study.
8.4
Additional
Amphioxus Monitoring
As an
additional marine ecology measure CAPCO will conduct a pre-construction survey
of Tung Wan at
CAPCO
will also undertake a post-construction survey within Tung Wan one year
following completion of all marine construction works for the Project. This survey will follow the same
protocols as the pre-construction survey.
The
results of the two rounds of surveys will be provided to EPD and AFCD for
information purpose.
8.5
Marine Ecology
Compliance – Action Event Plan
The
main focus of the ecological monitoring will be to determine whether impacts
are occurring to the P. tayami colonies on the south coast of
The
action plan for the introduction of mitigation measures has been prepared based
on the assessment of changes from the baseline in the following parameters:
·
Sediment
Cover (% of coral surface);
·
Bleaching
(% of surface bleached white); and,
·
Partial
Mortality (% of surface exhibiting mortality).
Decision
points for the Action Limit Levels have been based on protocols adapted from
monitoring on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Sai
Kung, West Po Toi and Tolo
Channel in Hong Kong ([2]) ([3]) ([4]) ([5]). EM&A results from the studies in
Table 8.2 Step-wise
‘False Pillow Coral’ Monitoring Action Event Plan
Step |
|
Step
1 |
Commence
tagged coral monitoring at the impact site following methodology described in
Section 8.3.4. If
no increase in sedimentation cover/ bleaching/partial mortality is observed
on the P. tayami
colonies no action is required.
The coral survey specialist should present this information to the ET
Leader at the end of each survey day for verification. Monitoring should continue according
to the normal schedule. If
an increase in sedimentation cover/ bleaching/ partial mortality is observed
on the P. tayami
colonies, Step 3 should be enacted, if not, Step 2. |
Step
2 |
If no actions are triggered a formal
report should be issued to the Contractor, CAPCO, EPD and AFCD and the IEC
along with evidentiary photographs the day following completion of the
survey. Meanwhile monitoring work
and dredging works should continue uninterrupted. If no actions are triggered for the
reminder of the dredging works the ET Leader should issue a formal report
every week to all parties detailing the findings of the monitoring. |
Step
3 |
If during the Impact Monitoring a 15%
increase in the percentage of sedimentation on the hard corals occurs at more
than 20% of the tagged coral colonies at the Impact Monitoring Station, then
the Action Level is exceeded (Step 4). If during the Impact Monitoring a 15%
increase in the percentage of bleaching of hard corals occurs at more than
20% of the tagged coral colonies at the Impact Monitoring Stations, then the
Action Level is exceeded. (Step 4). If during the Impact Monitoring a 15%
increase in the percentage of partial mortality of corals occurs at more than
20% of the tagged coral colonies at the Impact Monitoring Station, then the
Action Level is exceeded (Step 4). If the Action Level is not exceeded,
Step 2 is enacted. |
Step
4 |
If the Action Level is exceeded the ET
Leader should inform all parties (Contractor, CAPCO, EPD, AFCD and IEC). The data from the water quality
monitoring should also be reviewed.
If the water quality monitoring shows no attributable
effects of the installation works, then the Action Level is not
triggered. If the water quality
data indicate exceedances (for SS and/or turbidity)
the ET Leader should discuss with the Contractor the most appropriate method
of reducing suspended solids during dredging (eg
reduce dredging rates). The water
quality data reviewed should be from the stations corresponding to the coral
station, M1 (refer to Table 5.2). This mitigated method should then be
enacted on the next working day (Step 5). |
Step
5 |
Monitoring should proceed the following
day as per Step 1. If during the Impact Monitoring a 25%
increase in the percentage of sedimentation on the hard corals occurs at more
than 20% of the tagged coral colonies at the Impact Monitoring Station, then
the Limit Level is exceeded (Step 6). If during the Impact Monitoring a 25%
increase in the percentage of bleaching of hard corals occurs at more than
20% of the tagged coral colonies at the Impact Monitoring Stations then the
Limit Level is exceeded (Step 6). If during the Impact Monitoring a 25%
increase in the percentage of partial mortality of corals occurs at more than
20% of the tagged coral colonies at one or more Impact Monitoring Stations
then the Limit Level is exceeded (Step 6). If the Limit Level is not exceeded Step
2 is enacted and work continues according to the mitigated method. |
Step
6 |
If the Limit Level is exceeded the ET Leader
should inform all parties (Contractor, CAPCO, EPD, AFCD and IEC)
immediately. The ET Leader should
inform the Contractor to suspend dredging operations until an effective
solution is identified. Once the
solution has been identified and agreed with all parties dredging works may
recommence. |
It should be noted, that for the success of the
monitoring programme there should be an element of review and revision
throughout the ecological monitoring aspects of the programme as more data are gathered. This will ensure that the programme
takes account of the data as they are collected and allow for full utilisation
of the available information. If no
actions have been triggered during the initial impact monitoring events then
the ET Leader may propose to reduce the scale of the monitoring works for
agreement by CAPCO, EPD, AFCD and the IEC.
The
EIA has highlighted that as part of the construction procedure for the marine
percussive piling works a bubble jacket will be installed to aid in reducing
the levels of underwater sounds generated by the percussive piling
activities. A silt curtain will be
provided along the southern coast of
A
pilot test will be conducted to verify the effectiveness of the design of bubble
jacket proposed by the Contractor at reducing underwater sound levels generated
from marine percussive pile driving.
The methodology for the test will be developed once the detailed design
and methodology for marine percussive piling has been developed. It is envisioned that the pilot test
methodology will reference previous similar tests that have been conducted in
The
methodology and protocol for the test will be agreed with EPD and AFCD in
advance and will take place on the first pile to be percussively piled into the
seabed on site at
This section
will provide details of the cultural heritage monitoring to be undertaken
during the Project period.
Relocation of impacted standing heritage had been recommended in the EIA
Study (comprising the Tai A Chau
Tin Hau Temple, seven earth shrines (S001 to S005 and
S007 to S008) and 21 graves (G001 to G014, G016 to G022) and a tables
(TA001)). The Study Team in
consultation with the local seafarers and village representatives have identified a location to the west of Pak Tso Wan for relocation of the Tai A Chau
Tin Hau Temple.
Continuous consultation activities with the local seafarers worshipping
at the seven shrines and grave descendants are being undertaken. Prior to removal relocation of these
sites, a photographic and cartographic record will be prepared, in accordance
with the AMO’s requirements.
In addition, an archaeological survey will be undertaken to confirm if
there is any archaeological impact to the suitable relocation site for the Tai A Chau Tin Hau
Temple. If archaeological deposits
are identified, appropriate measures will be implemented prior to relocation
work commence.
As the EIA
concluded that no antiquity or relic of the marine archaeological interests were found, no
marine archaeology EM&A is required.
9.4
Archaeology at
9.4.1
Rescue Excavation
Archaeological interests were identified
at
Table 9.1 listed out the
impacted sites required rescue excavation.
Their location is presented in Figure 9.1.
Table 9.1 Summary
Findings of Archaeological Deposit Areas within Tai A Chau Survey Area
Site |
Impacted Area Coverage (m2) |
Chronology |
Site
A |
Maximum
of 900 m2 subject to detailed design review on the soil nailing
works area required. |
Late
Phase of Middle Neolithic Age (3,600B.C.-2,900B.C.) |
Site
B |
800
m2 |
Late
Neolithic Age (2,400B.C.-1,500B.C.) & Late Ming to Middle Qing Dynasties
(the 17th to 18th century) |
Site C |
1,600 m2 |
Late
Neolithic and Bronze Ages (2,400B.C.-800B.C.) |
Site D |
100 m2 |
Late
Neolithic Age, Tang to Song Dynasties (A.D.618-1279) |
Site E1 |
80 m2 |
Late Neolithic to Bronze Age
(4,000B.C.-800B.C.) |
Site E2 |
250 m2 |
Song
and late Qing Dynasties (A.D.960-1279, the late 19th to the early
20th centuries) |
Site E3 |
120 m2 |
Late Neolithic Age |
A separate Archaeological Action Plan will be
prepared detailing the rescue excavation plan as described in Section 9.4.3.
No mitigation is considered necessary for Site G as
the EIA has indicated that it will not be impacted by the project works.
9.4.2
Archaeological Watching Brief
Archaeological watching brief
(archaeological monitoring) will be undertaken at the buffer zones (within 10 m
from the sites) for Sites B to E and impacted buffer zone for Site A during
construction phase of the project.
The buffer zones are shown in Figure
9.1 which are
subject to amendment if significant archaeological findings are unearthed in
the course of rescue excavation.
Personnel
The qualified archaeologist must apply for the Licence to Excavate and Search for Antiquities under the Antiquities and Monument Ordinance (Cap.53, section 13) from the Antiquity Authority before the monitoring works commence.
Overall Procedure
1. The monitoring process will involve a qualified archaeologist observing the construction works to determine whether any archaeological deposits are present in areas being excavated.
2.
Upon
identification of deposits, the archaeologist will be given access to record
the deposits. The
archaeological finds will be collected, treated, packaged and recorded in
accordance with requirement of either common archaeological practice or AMO
guidelines.
3.
Upon
the completion of monitoring, the archaeological finds, field records and the
monitoring report will be submitted to AMO.
Recording
for Monitoring
The full set of recording sheets, drawings
and photography for the recording of any archaeological deposits identified and
any archaeological finds found during the monitoring process must be submitted
to AMO upon completion of monitoring.
Monitoring
Report
The results of the monitoring will be
presented in report form, following standards set by either common
archaeological practice or AMO relevant guidelines. This includes a non-technical summary,
project background, geological, topographical, archaeological and historic
background, field methodology, implementation, finds assessment and conclusion.
9.4.3
Archaeological Action
Plan
A separate Archaeological Action Plan (AAP)
following the Criteria for Cultural
Heritage Impact Assessment as stated in the Study Brief No. ESB-126/2006 will be prepared detailing the
archaeological actions required to mitigate impacted archaeological deposits as
described in Sections 9.4.1 and 9.4.2 above. The plan will include the following:
a) a detailed plan for rescue excavation for Sites B to E and
impacted area of Site A;
b) a detailed plan for archaeological watching brief (watching
brief) at the buffer areas for Sites A to E; and
c) a contingency plan to address possible arrangement when
significant archaeological findings are unearthed for items (a) and (b).
Sufficient funding, time and personnel will be allowed
to implement the plan prior to construction work commencement. The AAP will be submitted and agreed
with AMO by the project proponent prior to licence application by a qualified
archaeologist. The
qualified archaeologist and any personnel of the project should inform AMO of
the discovery of any antiquities or supposed antiquities in the course of
excavation. The relevant provision of AM
Ordinance should also be observed and complied.
This Section
defines the EM&A requirements that have been recommended to ensure that the
proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures are effectively
implemented.
The EIA has recommended that EM&A for
landscape and visual resources is undertaken during both construction and
initial operational phases (post –construction) of the project. The implementation and maintenance of
landscape mitigation measures (Annex A) should be checked to ensure that they are
fully realised and that potential conflicts between the proposed landscape
measures and any other project works and operational requirements are resolved
at the earliest practical date and without compromise to the intention of the
mitigation measures.
Landscape Plans
for the Project should be prepared before the commencement of landscape works
of the Project. The Landscape Plan
will include the locations, design details, implementation schedules, and
drawings in the scale of 1:1000 or other appropriate scale showing the
landscape and visual mitigation measures. The Landscape Plan will be
certified by the ET Leader and verified by the IEC as conforming to the
requirements set out in Section 11.11
of the EIA Report before deposit to EPD.
10.3
Construction and Post-Construction Phase Audit
A specialist Landscape Sub-Contractor
should be employed for the implementation of landscape construction works and
subsequent maintenance operations during a 24 month establishment period.
Measures undertaken by both the
Contractor(s) and the specialist Landscape Sub-Contractor during the
construction phase and first year post-construction will be audited by a
Landscape Architect of the ET, ensure compliance with the intended aims of the
measures. Site inspections should
be undertaken at least once every two weeks throughout the first half of the
landscaping plants establishment period when planting works are being
undertaken.
Post-construction phase auditing will be
restricted to the last 12 months of the establishment works of the landscaping proposals
and thus only the items in the list below related to this period are relevant
to the post-construction audit; the remainder are for the construction phase
site inspections. The broad scope
of the audit/inspections is detailed below but should also be undertaken with
reference to the more specific checklist provided in Table 10.1.
·
the extent of the agreed works areas should be
regularly checked during the construction phase. Any trespass by the Contractor(s) outside
the limit of the works, including any damage to existing trees will 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;
·
existing trees and vegetation within the study area which are not
directly affected by the works are retained and protected to the extent safely
practical;
·
the methods of protecting existing vegetation proposed by the
Contractor(s) are acceptable and enforced;
·
preparation, lifting transport and re-planting operations for any
transplanted trees;
·
landscaping works are carried out in accordance with the specifications;
·
the planting of new trees, shrubs, groundcover, climbers, ferns, grasses
and other plants, together with the replanting of any transplanted trees are
carried out properly and within the right season; and
·
necessary horticultural operations and replacement
planting are undertaken throughout the Establishment Period to ensure the
healthy establishment and growth of both transplanted trees and newly
established plants.
Table
10.1 Construction/Post-Construction
Phase Audit Checklist
Area of Works |
Items to be
Checked |
Advance planting |
monitoring of implementation and maintenance of planting,
and against potential incursion, physical damage, fire, pollution, surface
erosion, etc. |
Protection of trees to be retained |
identification and demarcation of trees / vegetation to be retained, erection
of physical protection (e.g. fencing), monitoring against potential
incursion, physical damage, fire, pollution, surface erosion, etc. |
Clearance of existing vegetation |
identification and demarcation of trees / vegetation to be cleared, checking
of extent of works to reduce damage, monitoring of adjacent areas against
potential incursion, physical damage, fire, pollution, surface erosion, etc. |
Transplanting of trees |
identification and demarcation of trees / vegetation to be transplanted,
monitoring of extent of pruning / lifting works to reduce damage, timing of
operations, implementation of the stages of preparatory and translocation
works, and maintenance of transplanted vegetation, etc. |
Plant supply |
monitoring of
operations relating to the supply of specialist plant material (including the
collecting, germination and growth of plants from seed) to ensure that plants
will be available in time to be used within the construction works. |
Soiling, planting, etc. |
monitoring of implementation and maintenance of soiling and planting
works and against potential incursion, physical damage, fire, pollution,
surface erosion, etc. |
Architectural design and treatment
of all structures (where practicable), retaining walls, elevated road
structures and other engineering works. |
implementation and maintenance of mitigation measures, to ensure
conformity with agreed designs. |
Erection of Site Hoardings/Fences |
Erection of site hoardings/fences during
the construction phase to reduce visual impacts. |
Establishment Works |
monitoring of implementation of
maintenance operations during Establishment Period |
In the event of non-compliance
from the Environmental Permit, EIA Study, EM&A Manual and Landscape Plan,
the responsibilities of the relevant parties is detailed in the Event /Action
plan provided on Table 10.2.
Table 10.2 Event and Action Plan for Landscape and
Visual Monitoring during Construction Phase
EVENT |
ACTION |
|
|
|
|
ET(1) |
IEC(1) |
Contractor(s) |
CAPCO |
Non-compliance on one occasion |
1. Identify Source 2. Inform the
Contractor(s), IEC and CAPCO 3. Discuss
remedial actions with the IEC, CAPCO and the Contractor(s) 4. Monitor remedial
actions until rectification has been completed |
1. Check
report 2. Check
the Contractor(s)'s working
method 3. Discuss with the ET and
the Contractor(s) on practical
remedial measures 4. Advise
CAPCO on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures. 5. Check
implementation of remedial measures. |
1. Amend
working methods 2. Rectify
damage and undertake any necessary replacement |
1. Notify
Contractor(s) 2. Ensure
remedial measures are properly implemented |
Repeated
Non-compliance |
1. Identify
Source 2. Inform the
Contractor(s), IEC and CAPCO 3. Increase
monitoring frequency 4. Discuss
remedial actions with the IEC, CAPCO and the Contractor(s) 5. Monitor
remedial actions until rectification has been completed 6. If
non-compliance stops, cease additional monitoring |
1. Check monitoring report 2. Check the
Contractor(s)'s working method 3. Discuss with
the ET and the Contractor(s) on practical remedial measures 4. Advise CAPCO
on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures 5. Supervise
implementation of
remedial measures. |
1. Amend
working methods 2. Rectify
damage and undertake any necessary replacement |
1. Notify
the Contractor(s) 2. Ensure
remedial measures are properly implemented |
Note: (1) ET – Environmental
Team, IEC – Independent Environmental Checker
The Landscape and Visual
Assessment of the EIA recommended a series of mitigation measures for the
construction and operation phase to ameliorate the landscape and visual impacts
of the project. Details of the
recommended mitigation measures are included within the Implementation Schedule
provided in Annex A.
Implementation of the mitigation measures
for landscape and visual resources recommended by the EIA will be monitored
through the site audit programme. Section 12 of this EM&A Manual sets out the requirements
of the auditing programme.
This
Section defines the EM&A requirements that have
been recommended to ensure that appropriate measures to reduce land
contamination and quantitative risk be undertaken during the design phase of
the project. A design phase audit
is recommended to ensure that the design of the Project, including the spill
response plan, comprise the necessary elements to control, detect, contain,
clean up, handle and dispose any material that could lead to contaminated land
or pose a risk to life or the environment.
A
series of mitigation measures were recommended to be integrated into the
design, concerning considerations of land contamination and quantitative
risk. These mitigation measures
were developed to reduce the likelihood of the loss of fuels from the system,
hence reduce the associated contamination and risk. These measures are based on the need to
specify procedures for detecting a leak and containing a leak if it occurs, and
to define methods for clean up and disposal of the leak.
These
measures are summarised in the Implementation Programme of Mitigation Measures
(Annex A).
The
measures proposed within the EIA to prevent land contamination and risk to life
and the environment should be embodied into the detailed design drawings and
contract documents. Designs should
be checked to ensure that the measures are incorporated and that potential
conflicts with civil engineering, geo-technical, structural, lighting, signage,
drainage, underground utility and operational requirements are resolved prior
to construction.
The
EM&A requirements for land contamination and quantitative risk to the
environment comprise the audit during design phase. The audit will focus on the integration
of fuel spill control, leakage detection and leakage/spill containment into
detailed engineering design.
The
design items for audit will include:
·
pipeline leak detection and automatic shut-off system;
·
pipeline rock armour protection;
·
bunding of
fuel/oil/grease storage areas;
·
tank leak detection, drainage isolation and containment system;
·
on-site fire service installations and equipment;
·
jetty fire protection; and
·
fuel delivery shut off
valves.
CAPCO
will carry out the audit to ensure appropriate measures have been incorporated
in the design and have been specified to the Contractor(s) for implementation.
Site inspections provide a direct means to
assess and ensure the Contractor(s)’s environmental protection and pollution
control measures are in compliance with the contract specifications. The site inspection will be undertaken
routinely by the ET to ensure that appropriate environmental protection and
pollution control mitigation measures are properly implemented in accordance
with the EIA. In addition, the ET
will be responsible for defining the scope of the inspections, detailing any
deficiencies that are identified, and reporting any necessary action or
additional mitigation measures that were implemented as a result of the
inspection.
Regular site inspections will be carried
out twice a month. The areas of inspection will not be limited to the site area
and should also include the environmental conditions outside the site which are
likely to be affected, directly or indirectly, by the site activities. The ET will make reference to the
following information while conducting the inspections:
·
the
EIA and EM&A recommendations on environmental protection and pollution
control mitigation measures;
·
ongoing
results of the EM&A programme;
·
work
progress and programme;
·
individual
works methodology proposals;
·
the
contract specifications on environmental protection;
·
the
relevant environmental protection and pollution control laws; and
·
previous site inspection results.
A monthly waste management audit will be
carried out as part of the site audit programme.
The Contractor(s) will update the ET with
relevant information on the construction works prior to carrying out the site
inspections. The site inspection
results will be submitted to the IEC, CAPCO and the Contractor(s) within 24
hours. Should actions be necessary,
the ET will follow up with recommendations on improvements to the environmental
protection and pollution control works and will submit these recommendations in
a timely manner to the IEC, CAPCO and the Contractor(s). They will also be presented, along with
the remedial actions taken, in the monthly EM&A report. The Contractor(s) will follow the
procedures and time frame stipulated in the environmental site inspection for
the implementation of mitigation proposal and the resolution of deficiencies in
the Contractor(s)’ EMS. An action
reporting system will be formulated and implemented to report on any remedial
measures implemented subsequent to the site inspections.
Ad
hoc site inspections will
also be carried out by the ET and IEC if significant environmental issues 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.
12.2
Compliance with
Legal and Contractual Requirements
There are contractual environmental
protection and pollution control requirements as well as environmental
protection and pollution control laws in
In order that the works are in compliance
with the contractual requirements, the works method statements submitted by the
Contractor(s) to CAPCO for approval will be sent to the ET for review.
The ET will also review the progress and
programme of the works to check the regulatory compliance.
The Contractor(s) will regularly copy
relevant documents to the ET so that the checking and auditing work can be
carried out. The relevant documents
are expected to include at a minimum the updated Work Progress Reports, the
updated Works Programme, the application letters for different licence/permits
under the environmental protection laws and all valid licences/permits. The
site diary will also be available for the ET inspection upon request.
After reviewing the document, the ET will
advise the IEC, CAPCO and the Contractor(s) of any non-compliance from the
contractual and legislative requirements on environmental protection and
pollution control for follow-up actions.
The ET will also advise the IEC, the Contractor(s) and CAPCO on the
current status on licence/permit applications and any environmental protection
and pollution control preparation works that may not be suitable for the works
programme or may result in potential nonconformity of environmental protection
and pollution control requirements.
Upon receipt of the advice, the
Contractor(s) will undertake immediate action to remedy the situation. The ET, IEC and CAPCO will follow up to
ensure that appropriate action will be taken by the Contractor(s) in order that
the environmental protection and pollution control requirements are fulfilled.
The complaints handling procedure will be
as follows:
The ET will undertake the following
procedures upon receipt of a complaint:
(i) log
complaint and date of receipt into the complaint database and inform the IEC
immediately;
(ii) investigate the complaint and discuss with the Contractor(s)
and CAPCO to determine its validity and to assess whether the source of the
issue is due to works activities;
(iii) if a complaint is considered valid due to the works , the ET
will identify mitigation measures in consultation with the Contractor(s), CAPCO
and IEC;
(iv) if mitigation measures are required, the ET will advise the
Contractor(s) accordingly;
(v) review the Contractor(s)'s response on the identified
mitigation measures and the updated situation;
(vi) if the complaint is transferred from EPD, an interim report
will be submitted to EPD on the status of the complaint investigation and
follow-up action within the time frame assigned by EPD;
(vii) undertake additional monitoring and audit to verify the
situation if necessary and ensure that any valid reason for complaint does not
recur;
(viii) report the investigation results and the subsequent actions
on the source of the complaint for responding to complainant. If the source of complaint is EPD, the
results should be reported within the time frame assigned by EPD; and
(ix) record the complaint, investigation, the subsequent actions
and the results in the monthly EM&A reports.
During the complaint investigation work,
the ET, Contractor(s) and CAPCO will cooperate with the IEC in providing the
necessary information and assistance for completion of the investigation. If mitigation measures are identified in
the investigation, the Contractor(s) will promptly carry out the mitigation
measures. CAPCO will approve the
proposed mitigation measures and the ET and IEC will check that the measures
have been carried out by the Contractor(s).
The ET Leader will keep a contemporaneous
log-book of each and every instance or circumstance or change of circumstances
which may affect the environmental impact assessment and every
non-compliance from the recommendations of the EIA Reports or the
Environmental Permit. The
ET Leader will notify the IEC within one working day of the occurrence of any
such instance or circumstance or change of circumstance. The ET Leader’s
log-book will be kept readily available for inspection by persons assisting in
supervision of the implementation of the EIA Reports recommendations (such as
CAPCO, IEC and Contractor(s)) and the EPs or by EPD or his authorised officers.
Reports can be provided in an electronic
medium upon agreeing the format with CAPCO and EPD. The monitoring data (baseline and
impact) will also be made available through a dedicated internet website that
would be agreed with relevant authority.
Types of reports that the ET Leader will
prepare and submit include baseline monitoring report, monthly EM&A report,
quarterly EM&A summary report and final EM&A review report. In accordance with Annex 21 of
the EIAO-TM, a copy of the monthly, quarterly summary and final review
EM&A reports will be made available to the Director of Environmental
Protection.
13.2
Design Phase
Audit Report
The Design Phase Audit Report will provide
the means for CAPCO to certify that the completed environmental design elements
have been completed in accordance with the EIA requirements. The ET will include in the report a
signed off proforma (see Annex
C) to confirm that there are no outstanding environmental measures,
identified as requiring design phase audit, that require further action. The IEC will confirm that the report
meets these requirements.
13.3
Baseline
Monitoring Report
In respect of the construction phase
EM&A works, the ET will prepare and submit a Baseline Environmental
Monitoring Report at least 2 weeks before commencement of the works for the
Project. Copies of the Baseline
Environmental Monitoring Report will be submitted to the following: the
Contractor(s), the IEC, CAPCO, the EPD, the AFCD, the AMO and the PlanD/LPU, as appropriate. The ET will liaise with the relevant
parties on the exact number of copies required.
The baseline monitoring reports for the
construction phase will include at least the following:
(i) up to half a page executive summary.
(ii) brief project background information.
(iii)
drawings showing locations of the baseline monitoring
stations.
(iv)
monitoring
results (in both hard and diskette copies) together with the following
information:
-
monitoring
methodology;
-
name
of laboratory and types of equipment used and calibration details;
-
parameters
monitored;
-
monitoring
locations (and depth);
-
monitoring
date, time, frequency and duration; and
-
quality assurance (QA)/quality control (QC) results and
detection limits.
(v) details
on influencing factors, including:
-
major
activities, if any, being carried out on the site during the period;
-
weather
conditions during the period; and
-
other factors which might affect the results.
(vi) determination of the Action
and Limit Levels for each monitoring parameter and statistical analysis of the
baseline data, the analysis will conclude if there is any significant
difference between control and impact stations for the parameters monitored;
(vii) revisions for inclusion in the EM&A Manual; and
(viii) comments, recommendations and conclusions.
Construction Phase
The results and findings of the
construction phase EM&A work required in this Manual will be recorded in
the monthly EM&A reports prepared by the ET Leader. The EM&A report will be prepared and
submitted within 2 weeks of the end of each reporting month, with the first
report due the month after construction commences. Each monthly EM&A report will be
submitted to the following parties: the Contractor(s), the IEC, CAPCO and the
EPD, as well as to other relevant departments as required. Before submission of the first EM&A
Report, the ET will liaise with the parties on the exact number of copies and
format of the reports in both hard copy and electronic medium.
The ET Leader will review the number and
location of monitoring stations and parameters every six months, or on as needed
basis, in order to cater for any changes in the surrounding environment and the
nature of works in progress.
Post-Construction Phase
The post-construction phase landscape
EM&A will be reported on a bi-monthly basis for a period of one year after
the commission of the project. The
ET will prepare operational phase EM&A Reports on a bi-monthly (once every
two months) basis to be submitted within two weeks of the end of the reporting
period. The reports will be
submitted to the Contractor(s), the IEC, CAPCO, EPD and PlanD/LPU,
as appropriate.
13.4.2
Contents of First Monthly EM&A Report
(i) 1-2 pages
executive summary, comprising:
-
breaches
of
-
complaint
Log;
-
notifications
of any summons and successful prosecutions;
-
reporting
changes; and
-
forecast of impact predictions.
(ii) basic project
information including a synopsis of the project organisation, programme and
management structure, and a drawing of the Project area showing the
environmentally sensitive receivers and the locations of monitoring and control
stations, programme, management structure and the work undertaken during the
month.
(iii) Environmental Status, comprising:
-
works
undertaken during the month with illustrations (such as location of works,
daily dredging/filling rates, percentage fines in the fill material used); and
-
drawing showing the project area, any environmental
sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations.
(iv) A brief summary of EM&A requirements
including:
-
monitoring
parameters;
-
environmental
quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels);
-
Event-Action
Plans;
-
environmental
mitigation measures, as recommended in the Project EIA study final report; and
-
environmental requirements in contract documents.
(v) Advice on the implementation of
environmental protection, mitigation and pollution control measures as
recommended in the Project EIA study report and summarised in the updated
implementation schedule.
(vi) monitoring results (in both hard and diskette copies)
together with the following information:
-
monitoring
methodology;
-
name
of laboratory and equipment used and calibration details;
-
parameters
monitored;
-
monitoring
locations (and depth);
-
monitoring
date, time, frequency, and duration; and
(vii) graphical plots of trends
of monitored parameters over the past four reporting periods for representative
monitoring stations annotated against the following:
-
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;
(viii) Advice on the solid and liquid
waste management.
(ix) a summary of
non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental
quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels).
(x) a review of the reasons
for and the implications of non-compliance including a review of pollution
sources and working procedures.
(xi) a description of
the actions taken in the event of non-compliance and deficiency reporting and
any follow-up procedures related to earlier non-compliance.
(xii) a summary record of
complaints received (written or verbal) for each media, including locations and
nature of complaints, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and
follow-up procedures taken and summary of complaints.
(xiii) a summary record of
notifications of summons, successful prosecutions for breaches of environmental
protection/pollution control legislation and actions to rectify such breaches.
(xiv) a forecast of the works
programme, impact predictions and monitoring schedule for the next one month;
and
(xv) Comments, recommendations and conclusions for the
monitoring period.
13.4.3
Contents of the Subsequent Monthly
EM&A Reports
(i) Title page.
(ii) Executive summary (1-2 pages), including:
- breaches of Action and
Limit levels;
- complaint log;
- notifications of any
summons and successful prosecutions;
- reporting changes; and
- forecast of impact
predictions.
(iii) Contents page.
(iv) Environmental status,
comprising:
- drawing showing the Project area, any environmental
sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations;
- summary of non-compliance
with the environmental quality performance limits; and
- summary of complaints.
(v) Environmental issues and actions,
comprising:
- review issues carried
forward and any follow-up procedures related to earlier non-compliance
(complaints and deficiencies);
- description of the
actions taken in the event of non-compliance and deficiency reporting;
- recommendations (should
be specific and target the appropriate party for action); and
- implementation status of
the mitigatory measures and the corresponding
effectiveness of the measures.
(vii) Appendices, including:
- action and limit levels;
- graphical plots of trends of monitored parameters at
key stations over the past four reporting periods for representative monitoring
stations annotated against the following: 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;
- monitoring schedule for the present and next
reporting period;
- cumulative complaints
statistics; and
- details of complaints,
outstanding issues and deficiencies.
13.4.4
Quarterly EM&A Summary Report
The ET Leader will submit Quarterly EM&A Summary Reports for the construction phase EM&A
works only. These reports should
contain at least the following information:
(i)
Up to half a page
executive summary.
(ii)
basic project information including a synopsis
of the Project organisation, programme, contacts of key management, compliance
with EP condition (status of submission) and a synopsis of work undertaken
during the quarter.
(iii) a brief summary of EM&A requirements including:
-
monitoring
parameters;
-
environmental
quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels); and
-
environmental mitigation measures, as recommended in the Project
EIA study final report.
(iv) advice on the implementation of environmental protection and
pollution control/mitigation measures as recommended in the Project EIA study
report and summarised in the updated implementation schedule.
(v) drawings
showing the Project area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the
locations of the monitoring and control stations.
(vi) graphical plots of the trends of monitored parameters over
the past four 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.
(vii) advice on
the solid and liquid waste management.
(viii) a summary of non-compliance (exceedances)
of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels).
(ix) An Impact Prediction Review
will be prepared to compare project predictions with actual impacts for the
purpose of assessing the accuracy of predictions on the EIA study. The review will focus on the comparison
between the EIA study prediction with the EM&A
monitoring result. If any excessive
variation was found, a summary of investigation and follow up procedure taken
will be addressed accordingly.
(x) a brief review of the reasons for and the implications of
non-compliance including review of pollution sources and working procedures.
(xi) An assessment of the
construction impacts on suspended solids, including but not limited to, a
comparison of the difference between the quarterly mean and the 1.3 times the
ambient mean value, the latter being defined as a 30% increase of the baseline
data or EPD data, using appropriate statistical procedures. Suggestions of appropriate mitigation
measures will be made if the quarterly assessment analytical results
demonstrate that the quarterly mean is significantly higher than the 1.3
ambient mean value (p <0.05).
(xii) a summary
description of the actions taken in the event of non-compliance and any
follow-up procedures related to earlier non-compliance.
(xiii) a summarised record of complaints received (written or
verbal) for each media, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and
follow-up procedures taken.
(xiv) Comments
(eg effectiveness and efficiency of the mitigation
measures), recommendations (eg any improvement in the
EM&A programme) and conclusions for the quarter.
(xv) Proponents'
contacts for the public to make enquiries.
13.5
Annual/Final
EM&A Review Reports
An annual EM&A report will be prepared
by the ET at the end of each construction year during the course of the
project. A final EM&A report
will be prepared by the ET at the end of each of the construction and
operational phases. The
annual/final EM&A reports will contain at least the following information:
(i) Executive Summary
(1-2 pages).
(ii) drawings showing the project area any environmental
sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations.
(iii) basic project information including a synopsis of the
project organization, contacts for key management staff and a synopsis of work
undertaken during the course of the project or past twelve months.
(iv) a
brief summary of EM&A requirements including:
-
environmental
mitigation measures as recommended in the project EIA study final report;
-
environmental
impact hypotheses tested;
-
environmental
quality performance limits (Action and Limit Levels);
-
monitoring
parameters; and
-
Event-Action
Plans.
(v) a
summary of the implementation status of environmental protection and pollution
control/mitigation measures as recommended in the project EIA study report and
summarised in the updated implementation schedule.
(vi) graphical plots and the statistical analysis of the trends
of monitored parameters over the course of the projects including the
post-project monitoring (or the past twelve months for annual reports) for
monitoring stations annotated against the following:
-
the
major activities being carried out on site during the period;
-
weather
conditions during the period;
-
any
other factors which might affect the monitoring results; and
(vii) a
summary of non-compliance (exceedances) of the
environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels).
(viii) a review of the reasons for and the implications of non-compliance
including review of pollution sources and working procedures as appropriate.
(ix) a description of the actions taken in the event of
non-compliance.
(x) a summary record of complaints received (written or verbal) for
each media, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up
procedures taken.
(xi) a summary record of notifications of summonses and
successful prosecutions for breaches of the current environmental
protection/pollution control legislations, locations and nature of the breaches
investigation, follow-up actions taken and results.
(xii) a comparison of the EM&A data with the EIA predictions
with annotations and explanations for any discrepancies, including a review of
the validity of EIA predictions and identification of shortcomings in the EIA
recommendations.
(xiii) A
review of the monitoring methodology adopted and with the benefit of hindsight,
comment on its effectiveness, including cost effectiveness;
(xiv) A review of the success
of the EM&A programme, including a review of the effectiveness and efficiency of the
mitigation measures, and recommendations for any improvements in the EM&A
programme.
(xv)
A
clear cut statement on the environmental acceptability of the project with
reference to specific impact hypotheses and a conclusion to state the return to
ambient and/or the predicted scenario as the EIA findings.
The site documents such as the monitoring
field records, laboratory analysis records, site inspection forms, etc. are not
required to be included in the EM&A Reports for submission. However, the documents will be kept by
the ET Leader and be ready for inspection upon request. Relevant information
will be clearly and systematically recorded in the documents. The monitoring data will also be
recorded in magnetic media, and the software copy will be available upon
request. The documents and data
will be kept for at least one year after the completion of the operational
phase EM&A works.
13.7
Electronic
Reporting of EM&A Information
To enable the public inspection of the
Baseline Monitoring Report and monthly EM&A Reports via the EIAO Internet
Website and at the EIAO Register Office, electronic copies of monthly EM&A
Reports will be prepared in Hyper Text Markup
Language (HTML) (version 4.0 or later) and in Portable Document Format (PDF,
version 4.0 or later), unless otherwise agreed by EPD and will be submitted at
the same time as the hard copies.
For the HTML version, a content page capable of providing hyperlink to
each section and sub-section of the EM&A Reports will be included in the
beginning of the document.
Hyperlinks to figures, drawings and tables in the EM&A Reports will
be provided in the main text where the respective references are made. Graphics in the reports will be in
interlaced GIF format unless otherwise agreed by EPD. The content of the electronic copies of
the monthly EM&A Reports must be the same as the hard copies.
Environmental monitoring data will be made available
to the public via the internet access in the form of a website, in the shortest
practical time and in no event later 2 weeks after the relevant environmental
monitoring data are analysed and validated. The internet address and the
environmental monitoring data will be made available to the public via the EIAO
Internet Website and the EIAO Register Office.
The internet website as described above
will enable user friendly public access to the monitoring data and with
features capable of:
·
providing
access to environmental monitoring data collected since the commencement of
works;
·
searching
by data;
·
searching
by types of monitoring data (water quality);
·
hyperlinks
to relevant monitoring data after searching; and
·
or otherwise as agreed by EPD.
Details
of suitable real time reporting of monitoring data for the project will be
agreed with EPD prior to commencement of the works at the site.
13.8
Interim
Notifications of Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances
With reference to Event/Action Plans, when
the environmental quality limits are exceeded, the ET will notify the
Contractor(s), CAPCO, EPD and the AFCD as appropriate within 24 hours of the
identification of the exceedance. The notification will be followed up
with each party 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 in Annex C.