1.                       INTRODUCTION

 

1.1                   Purpose of the Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual

 

1.1.1             The purpose of this Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual is to guide the setup of an EM&A programme to ensure the effective implementation of mitigation measures recommended in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study, relevant environmental protection, and pollution prevention and control legislation. The EM&A programme will be used to assess the effectiveness of, inter alia, the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures, and to identify any further need for additional mitigation measures or remedial actions.

 

1.1.2             This Manual outlines the monitoring and audit programme for the construction and operation phases of the proposed Project, namely “Drainage Improvement in Northern New Territories – Package C” (hereinafter referred to as “the Project”). It aims to provide systematic procedures for monitoring, auditing and minimizing the environmental impacts associated with the construction works.

 

1.1.3             Findings, recommendations and requirements of the EIA, all relevant requirements under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) and other environmental legislation, the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) are adopted in the preparation of this EM&A Manual.

 

1.1.4             The EM&A requirements are prepared in accordance with the requirements stipulated in Annex 21 of the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process (EIAO-TM). Reference has also been made to EPD’s “Environmental Monitoring and Audit Guidelines for Development Projects in Hong Kong”.

 

1.1.5             This EM&A Manual contains the following information:

 

(a)                 duties of the Environmental Team (ET), the ET Leader, the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC), Engineer’s Representative (ER) and the Contractor, in relation to the project’s environmental monitoring and audit requirements during construction;

 

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

 

(c)                 the project construction schedule and the necessary environmental monitoring and audit programme to track the environmental impacts;

 

(d)                requirements for the review of pollution sources and working procedures in the event of non-compliance of the project’s environmental performance criteria;

 

(e)                 environmental monitoring protocols and their technical requirements;

 

(f)                  environmental auditing procedures;

 

(g)                 requirements for the documentation of environmental monitoring and audit data, and appropriate reporting procedures; and

 

(h)                 complaint resolution procedures.

 

1.1.6             For the purpose of this EM&A Manual, the “Engineer” shall refer to the engineer as defined in the Contract and the Engineer’s Representative (ER), in cases where the Engineer’s powers have been delegated to the ER, in accordance with the Contract. The ET Leader, who shall be responsible for and in charge of the ET, shall refer to the person delegated the role of executing the environmental monitoring requirements. The IEC shall undertake the auditing role.

 

1.2                   Project Background

 

1.2.1             The project is entitled “Drainage Improvement in Northern New Territories – Package C” (hereinafter referred to as “the Project”). It is one of the work packages recommended by the Drainage Master Plan in the Northern New Territories (DMP Study). The Preliminary Project Feasibility Study (PPFS) completed in August 2001 under the DMP Study concluded that rapid developments in the study area have resulted in higher runoff and some existing drainage systems are inadequate in respect to flood protection capacities. Consequently, severe flooding occurs in these low-lying areas during heavy rainfall.

 

1.2.2             The proposed drainage improvements to DP channels under the Project involve the construction of the secondary local drainage channels at Lin Ma Hang in the Ganges Basin and the secondary and local channels at Man Uk Pin in the Indus Basin. The purpose of the Project is to alleviate recurring flooding problems in Man Uk Pin and Lin Ma Hang areas by improving the secondary and local stormwater drainage systems in accordance with the recommendation of the DMP Study.

 

1.2.3             An Environmental Review (ER) was completed in May 2000 under the DMP Study to assess potential environmental impacts of the proposed drainage improvement works. The ER concluded that several components of the proposed drainage improvement works in the Indus Basin are regarded as a Designated Project (DP) under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO).

 

1.3                   Project Location and Scope

 

1.3.1             The Project (Figure 1.1) involves construction of river channels in the identified flood-prone regions. The proposed works consist of improving the river channels to convey a 10 year return period event including freeboard within the channel banks meeting the flood protection standard for villages. Details of the proposed works are provided below and shown in Figures 1.2 – 1.5.

 

               Man Uk Ping Region

 

1.3.2             Works within this region consist of upgrading and improving the River Indus, its tributaries and two roadside drains within Man Uk Pin region. The works are subdivided into five reaches, three of which are DPs as it discharges into an area within 300 m from the nearest boundary of an existing Conservation Area land use zoning.

 

1.3.3             The proposed channel MUP03 (Figures 1.2 & 1.3) is located to the north of Loi Tung Village running in an east-west direction. Improvement works are proposed to the existing crossroad pipe and roadside drains on the southern verge of Sha Tau Kok Road (Wo Hang Section) westbound carriageway. The works include about 90 m of trapezoidal channel with a base width of 1.2 m and about 150 m of U-channel with 600 mm nominal width. MUP03 will connect with River Indus (Channel MUP05) through the proposed crossroad box culvert of internal size of 1 m high and 3 m wide and the 600 mm diameter crossroad drainage pipe under Sha Tau Kok Road. For ease of differentiation, the proposed trapezoidal channel is also referred as MUP03B while the U-channel is referred as MUP03A.

 

1.3.4             The proposed channel MUP04B (Figure 1.3) is located to the west of Loi Tung Village along the southern verge of Sha Tau Kok Road (Wo Hang Section). The proposed channel MUP04A (Figure 1.3) is located at the southwestern side of Man Uk Pin running in north-south direction.

 

1.3.5             Surface roadside drains (MUP04B) and a trapezoidal gabion channel (MUP04A) are proposed to collect flow from upland and Loi Tung areas. The existing local stream at Loi Tung is to be upgraded as the trapezoidal channel (MUP04A) of size 4.5 m (base width) by 1.75 m (depth) which will tie into River Indus at the downstream via three proposed 1950 mm diameter crossroad drainage pipes underneath Sha Tau Kok Road. Surface drains (MUP04B) consist of U-channels and carrier pipes to be constructed alongside the southern verge of Sha Tau Kok Road westbound carriageway.

 

1.3.6             The proposed channel MUP05 (Figures 1.2, 1.3 and 1.5) is located at the existing River Indus at the southwest of Loi Tung Village running along the northern verge of Sha Tau Kok Road (Wo Hang Section). The improvement to the existing River Indus is proposed from its confluence with MUP01 and MUP02 extending to the existing culvert underneath Wo Keng Shan Road over a length of approximately 690 m. A further 320 m of roadside drain along the north of Sha Tau Kok Road from the confluence with MUP01 and MUP02 to the access to Man Uk Pin Village will also be improved.  The proposed channel of the River Indus is a ‘Two-Stage Channel’ of maximum 2.5 m deep, while the roadside drain is proposed to be a 3 m (base width) by 2.8 m (depth) trapezoidal gabion channel with a short section of single cell box culvert.

 

1.3.7             The other proposed channels in the region (MUP01 and MUP02) are non-DP. These are included in the EIA for potential cumulative impacts.

 

               Lin Ma Hang Region

 

1.3.8             The adopted proposed drainage improvement works along the existing Lin Ma Hang stream, LMH01 (Figure 1.4), consist of replacing the existing sub-standard screen with a combination of flap valve and security grille underneath the Border Road at the confluence with the Shenzhen River. The primary function is to avoid accumulation of obstacles and to provide a secure boundary. The improvement works also include modifying short section of concrete lined channel to gabion channel just upstream of the Border Road, localized bank improvement and reconstruction of vehicular crossings just upstream of Lin Ma Hang Village. Level recorders / sensors will be installed at the watercourse which will be linked to flood sirens within the village.

 

1.3.9             The general location plan of the proposed DP channels is shown in Figure 1.1. The major items of works under this Project are summarized in Table 1.1 below and shown in Figures 1.2 – 1.5.

 

Table 1.1

Summary of Works for the Proposed Designated Projects of Channel Improvement Works

 

Channel

Proposed Works

Extent of Works

Approximate Length

Approximate Width

Approximate Depth

MUP03
(Figures 1.2 & 1.3)

U-channel (Diameter = 0.6m)

150m

-

-

Drainage pipe (Diameter = 0.6m)

12m

-

-

Box culvert connecting MUP05

28m

3m

1m

Trapezoidal channel with gabion walls and mattress lining

93m

Top = 2.4m – 2.7m
Base = 1.2m

1.2m – 1.5m

Re-provision of crossings

One footbridge

MUP04A
(Figure 1.3)

Trapezoidal channel with gabion walls and mattress lining

163m

Top = 6.3m
Base = 4.5m

1.75m

Drainage pipes (Diameter = 1.95m)

21m

-

-

Re-provision of crossings

Two vehicular bridges

MUP04B
(Figure 1.3)

U-channel (Diameter = 0.9m)

58m

-

-

Drainage pipes (Diameter = 1.35m)

138m

-

-

MUP05
(Figures 1.2 & 1.3)

Trapezoidal channel with gabion walls and mattress lining

287m

2m – 3m

2m – 2.8m

Trapezoidal channel with gabion walls and mattress lining

54m

Top = 15.4m
Base = 13m

2.5m

Two-stage channel with existing natural river bed retained

554m

Top = 15.4m
Base = 13m

2.5m

Trapezoidal channel with gabion walls and mattress lining

69m

Top = 20.3m
Base = 13.7m

2.2m

Box culvert

50 m

3m

2m

Re-provision of crossings

Five footbridges, four vehicular bridges

LMH01
(Figure 1.4)

Gabion channel and localised bank improvement

190m

5m

1.5m

Re-provision of crossings

Three vehicular bridges

 

Notes:

Other ancillary works include provision of inlet/outlet pipes, maintenance ramps & accesses and final landscaping works.

 

 

1.4                   Project Implementation Programme

 

1.4.1             The implementation programme for the Project is tentatively expected to start in end 2007 for completion by mid 2011.

 

1.5                   Mitigation Measures listed in the EIA Report

 

1.5.1             The construction and operational phases impacts of the Project are assessed and presented in the EIA Report. Mitigation measures to be implemented for air quality, noise, water quality, waste management, ecology, landscape & visual impact and cultural heritage are included in separate Chapters of this EM&A Manual. The implementation schedule for the full list of mitigation measures proposed under the EIA is included in Appendix A of this Manual.

 

1.6                   Project Organization

 

1.6.1             The project organisation and lines of communication with respect to environmental protection works is shown in Figure 1.6.

 

1.6.2             The general duties / responsibilities of various parties comprise the following:

 

               Contractor

 

1.6.3             The Contractor shall be responsible for:

 

(a)                 employ an ET to undertake monitoring, laboratory analysis and reporting of environmental monitoring and audit;

 

(b)                work within the scope of the relevant contract and other tender conditions;

 

(c)                 implement environmental controls and mitigation as set out in this manual as well as any additional measures necessary for compliance with the environmental control standards;

 

(d)                participate in the site inspections undertaken by the ET and IEC, as required, and undertake any corrective actions as instructed by the Engineer;

 

(e)                 provide information / advice to the ET regarding works activities which may contribute, or be continuing to the generation of adverse environmental conditions;

 

(f)                  implement measures to reduce impact whenever Action and Limit Levels are exceeded; and

 

(g)                 take responsibility and strictly adhere to the guidelines of the EM&A programme.

 

(h)                 comply with and observe all Ordinances, bye-laws, regulations and rules for the time being in force in Hong Kong governing the control of any form of pollution, including air, noise, water and waste pollution; and

 

(i)                   operate and strictly adhere to the guidelines of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) developed by the contractor.

 

               The Engineer

 

1.6.4             The term Engineer, or Engineer’s Representative (ER), refers to the organisation responsible for overseeing the construction works or operation of the Project and monitoring the works undertaken by various Contractors, and for ensuring that the works are undertaken in accordance with the specification and contractual requirements. The Engineer shall be responsible for:

 

(a)                 ensure that the EM&A programme is fully implemented in accordance with the Environmental Permit issued upon approval of the EIA and this EM&A Manual;

 

(b)                ensure that the Contractor is implementing environmental controls and mitigation as set out in the contract specifications, Environmental Permit issued upon approval of the EIA and this EM&A Manual as well as any additional measures necessary for compliance with the environmental control standards;

 

(c)                 ensure that the Contractor is implementing and enforcing Event / Action Plans when exceedances of Action and Limit Levels or complaints occur;

 

(d)                provide assistance to the ET as necessary in the implementation of the environmental monitoring and audit programme; and

 

(e)                 implementing a `stop work' action if necessary when repeated exceedance of target levels justifies this action.

 

               Environmental Team (ET)

 

1.6.5             The ET Leader and the ET shall not be in any way an associated body of the Contractor. The ET shall be led and managed by the ET Leader. The ET Leader shall have relevant education, training, professional qualification and at least 7 years experience in EM&A for environmental management works subject to approval of the ER and EPD.

 

1.6.6             Suitable qualified staff shall be included in the ET, and resources for the implementation of the EM&A programme shall be allocated in time under the Contract, to enable fulfilment of the Project’s EM&A requirements as stipulated in the EM&A Manual.

 

1.6.7             The ET Leader and the ET shall be employed to conduct the EM&A programme and ensure the Contractor’s compliance with the Project’s environmental performance requirements during construction and operation of the Project. The duties shall include:

 

(a)                 sampling, analysis and statistical evaluation of monitoring parameters with reference to the EIA study final report recommendations and requirements;

 

(b)                establishing the Action and Limit Levels of air quality and water quality;

 

(c)                 environmental site inspections;

 

(d)                audit of compliance with the environmental protection, and pollution prevention and control regulations;

 

(e)                 monitor the implementation of environmental mitigation measures;

 

(f)                  monitor the compliance with the environmental protection clauses / specifications in the Contract;

 

(g)                 review construction and operation programme and comment as necessary;

 

(h)                 review construction and operation methodology and comment as necessary;

 

(i)                   complaint investigation, evaluation and identification of corrective measures;

 

(j)                  liaison with the IEC on all environmental performance matters, and timely submission of all relevant EM&A proforma for the approval by IEC;

 

(k)                liaison with all relevant parties during the implementation of action plans when exceedance of Action and Limit Levels occur;

 

(l)                   advice to the Contractor on environmental improvement, awareness, enhancement matters, etc. on site;

 

(m)               modify the EM&A programme in consultation with ER, IEC, EPD and AFCD if necessary throughout the period of works; and

 

(n)                 timely submission of the EM&A report to the project proponent and the EPD.

 

               Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)

 

1.6.8             The IEC shall advise the ER on environmental issues related to the Project. The role of the IEC shall be independent from the management of construction and operation activities, but shall be empowered to audit the environmental performance of the Project.

 

1.6.9             The IEC shall be employed before the commencement of the Project. The IEC shall have at least 7 years experience in EM&A or environmental management. The IEC shall not be in any way an associated body of the Contractor. The appointment of the IEC is subject to the approval of the ER and project proponent.

 

1.6.10         The IEC shall audit the overall EM&A programme including the implementation of all environmental mitigation measures, submissions relating to EM&A, and any other submission required under the environmental permit.

 

1.6.11         In addition, the IEC shall be responsible for verifying the environmental acceptability of permanent and temporary works, relevant design plans, contemporaneous log-book and submissions under the environmental permit.

 

1.6.12         The IEC shall arrange and conduct monthly general site inspections of the work site during the construction period. The IEC shall ensure the impact monitoring is conducted according to the prescribed schedule at the correct locations as identified in this Manual.

 

1.6.13         The IEC shall report the findings of the site inspections and other environmental performance reviews to the project proponent and the EPD.

 

1.6.14         The main duty of the IEC is to carry out environmental audit of the construction and operation of the Project, which shall include, inter alia, the following:

 

(a)                 review and audit all aspects of the EM&A programme;

 

(b)                validate and confirm the accuracy of the monitoring results, monitoring equipment, monitoring locations, monitoring procedures and locations of sensitive receivers;

 

(c)                 carry out random sample check and audit on monitoring data and sampling procedures, etc;

 

(d)                conduct random site inspection;

 

(e)                 audit the EIA recommendations and requirements against the status of implementation of environmental protection measures on site;

 

(f)                  review the effectiveness of environmental mitigation measures and project environmental performance;

 

(g)                 on a needs basis, verify and certify the environmental acceptability of the Contractor’s construction methodology, relevant design plans and any submissions under the environmental permit. Where necessary, IEC should seek the least impact alternative in consultation with the ER, ET Leader and the Contractor;

 

(h)                 verify the investigation results of complaint cases and the effectiveness of corrective measures;

 

(i)                   review and audit in an independent, objective and professional manner in all aspects of the EM&A programme;

 

(j)                  feedback audit results to ET Leader, ER and the Contractor according to Event and Action Plans in the EM&A Manual; and

 

(k)                verify and certify EM&A Reports prepared by the ET Leader.

 

1.7                   Approved EIA Report and Environmental Permit

 

1.7.1             To deal with key project changes after the approval of the EIA report, the project proponent or the person in charge of the project shall seek written agreement from the Director of Environmental Protection (the Director) on those project changes that would affect the findings and recommendations of the approved EIA report, and shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Director that the same environmental performance requirements in the approved EIA report can be met by equivalent or additional measures.  All such information shall be reviewed by the ET Leader and verified by the IEC before submitting to the Director.  Such information shall be made available to the public, as directed by the Director.

 

1.7.2             All parties described in Section 1.6 (where applicable) are required to comply with all the environmental permit conditions.