1.1 The purpose of this Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual is to guide the set up of an EM&A programme for the implementation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study recommendations, to evaluate the effectiveness of the recommended mitigation measures and to identify any further need for additional mitigation measures or remedial action. This Manual outlines the monitoring and audit programme for the construction and operation phases of the proposed project, namely “Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) Stage 2A EIA Study – Investigation” (hereinafter referred to as “the Project”). It aims to provide systematic procedures for monitoring, auditing and minimising environmental impacts associated with construction works and operational activities.
1.2
1.3 This Manual contains the following information:
·
responsibilities
of the Project Proponent, Contractor, the Engineer or Engineer’s Representative
(ER), and Environmental Team (ET), Independent Environmental Checker (IEC),
Drainage Services Department (DSD), Monitoring Team and Environmental
Consultant (EC) with respect to the environmental monitoring and audit
requirements during the course of the Project
·
project
organisation for the Project
·
the
basis for, and description of the broad approach underlying the EM&A
programme
·
requirements
with respect to the construction programme and the necessary environmental
monitoring and audit programme to track the varying environmental impact
·
methodologies
to be adopted, including all field, laboratories and analytical procedures, and
quality assurance and quality control programme (e.g. calibration of monitoring
equipment)
·
definition
of Action and Limit levels
·
establishment
of Event and Action plans
·
procedures
for environmental complaints handling
·
requirements
for reviewing pollution sources and working procedures required in the event of
non-compliance with the environmental criteria and complaints
·
requirements
for presentation of environmental monitoring and audit data and appropriate
reporting procedures
·
requirements
for review of EIA predictions and the effectiveness of the mitigation measures
/ environmental management system and the EM&A programme
1.4
The
ET leader, who shall be responsible for and in charge of the ET, is the person
responsible for executing the EM&A requirements.
1.5
The
Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS, formerly known as Strategic Sewage
Disposal Scheme) is to improve water quality in
1.6
In
stage 1 of HATS which was commissioned in the end of 2001, about 75% of sewage
generated around
1.7
The
remaining 25% of the sewage is only subject to preliminary screening prior to
discharge into
1.8
Based
on recommendations of an earlier international review in 2000 and subsequent
environmental & engineering feasibility studies conducted over 2002 and
2003, as well as the public’s views collected through a five-month long
consultation in 2004, the Government is committed to proceeding with Stage 2 of
HATS in two phases, namely Stage
·
Under
Stage
·
Under
Stage 2B, a new secondary level (biological) treatment plant on a site adjacent
to SCISTW is proposed to treat all HATS flow. Planning for Stage 2B is in hand, with a
view to completing it in time to suit actual sewage flow build up and water
quality conditions.
1.9
Under
Stage 2A (hereinafter referred to as the Project), the scope of work includes:
·
Upgrading
of eight existing preliminary treatment works (PTW) on
·
Extension
of the deep sewage conveyance system (SCS) to collect and transfer sewage from
the above PTWs to SCISTW for treatment and disposal
·
Augmentation
of the existing Chemical Enhanced Primary Treatment (CEPT) capacity at SCISTW
from the present design capacity of 1.7million m3/day to the ultimate design
capacity (which is estimated at about 2.45million m3/day based on latest
available information)
·
Provision
of disinfection to all HATS effluent before discharging into the harbour
1.10 The general layout plan of the HATS Stage 2A is shown in Figure 1.1.
1.11
It is intended that HATS Stage
1.12
Noting
that the discharge of un-disinfected sewage effluent from SCISTW is
contributing to unsatisfactory beach water quality at the Tsuen Wan beaches, the
Government has also proposed to advance the provision of part of the permanent
disinfection facilities under HATS Stage
1.13
The
operational philosophy of HATS Stage
·
Firstly,
screened and de-gritted at the PTWs to remove large solid objects and
sediments, so as to protect the downstream sewer tunnels from blockage or
excessive sedimentation
·
Then,
discharged into the SCS, consisting of sewer tunnels or pipelines, which
conveys the screened/de-gritted sewage to SCISTW
·
Finally,
treated (and disinfected) at SCISTW, to a level suitable for discharge via a
marine outfall system into the sea (off the western anchorage area)
1.14 Sludge drawn from the sedimentation process will be dewatered in SCISTW, and then transported offsite for final treatment and/or disposal in accordance with Government’s strategy for sewage sludge management.
1.15 Eight existing PTWs on northern and western Hong Kong Island, including North Point, Wan Chai East, Central, Sandy Bay, Cyberport, Aberdeen, Wa Fu, and Ap Lei Chau would be upgraded/ modified to meet design treatment and flow requirements. Principally, the major upgrading works would include replacement of the following major plant and equipment:
·
Mechanical
screens of various sizes
·
Pumps
·
Grit
traps (sedimentation tanks)
·
Compactors
(for solid residues processing)
·
Deodorising
units (e.g., bio-filters and/or activated carbon filters)
1.16 Construction works would be carried out in phases in order to provide areas for normal PTW operation and SCS construction. Conventional construction plant and equipment (e.g. dozers, backhoes, dump trucks, hydraulic breakers, cranes, etc) would be used to upgrade the PTWs.
1.17
The HATS Stage
1.18
In general, the
1.19 Either mechanical boring or “drill and blast” could be used to excavate the main tunnel sections, depending on the anticipated ground conditions and other site-specific considerations (e.g., construction logistics, proximity to sensitive receivers, etc). The shafts would be constructed using conventional techniques, i.e., mechanical excavation of the near surface softer materials by diaphragm-walling techniques, and blasting/mechanical boring for the deeper harder (rock) materials. For construction of sewage transfer/seawater pumping stations, conventional construction plant and equipment (e.g. dozers, backhoes, dump trucks, hydraulic breakers, cranes, excavators etc) would be used. If piling is required, non-percussive piling method would be used.
1.20 Augmentation of the existing SCISTW to meet design flow and treatment performance requirements includes:
·
A
new Influent Pumping Station, which will be interconnected with the existing
SCISTW Main Pumping Station (constructed in HATS Stage 1)
·
Additional
sedimentation (i.e., CEPT) facilities, to be located adjacent to the existing
CEPT tanks
·
Upgraded
effluent disinfection facilities (over and above the Advance Disinfection
Facilities being implemented ahead of HATS Stage
·
A
new Effluent Conveyance System and associated chamber, consisting of a deep
sewer tunnel connecting the CEPT tanks and the new chlorine contact tank, and
the discharge culvert to Chamber 15.
A new Chamber 15A and an extension of the existing Chamber 15 would be
added to the effluent conveyance system
·
Additional
sludge processing (dewatering) facilities, located adjacent to the existing
sludge building
·
A
new odour treatment system, based on use of bio-filtration and activated carbon
filtration technologies
·
Ancillary
facilities, including high-voltage electrical substation
1.21 The proposed layout of the SCISTW upgrading is shown in Figure 1.2.
1.22 The construction methods for most of the proposed facilities would follow standard practices, involving piling (bored piles) if required to form foundations, building/structure construction, and then equipment installation. Construction of the effluent tunnel would be by either mechanical boring or “drill and blast”. Other elements would be constructed using conventional construction plant and equipment (e.g. dozers, backhoes, dump trucks, hydraulic breakers, cranes, etc), for which the choice of equipment would lead to less environmental impacts.
1.23 With reference to the recommendations made in the EIA Study, the environmental parameters to be monitored in baseline, construction and operation phases are presented as follows. The proposed monitoring programme is presented in subsequent sections of this EM&A Manual.
Baseline
·
Air
quality (dust) impact monitoring
·
Air
quality (odour) impact monitoring
·
Airborne
noise impact monitoring
·
Pre-translocation
monitoring for coral
·
Landscape
and visual monitoring
Construction Phase
·
Air
quality (dust) impact monitoring
·
Airborne
noise impact monitoring
·
Post-translocation
monitoring for coral
·
Cultural
heritage vibration monitoring
·
Landscape
and visual monitoring
·
Ground
vibration/settlement monitoring due to hazard in relation to Potential
Hazardous Installations
Operation Phase
·
Odour
monitoring
·
Water
quality impact monitoring
·
Human
health and ecological risk evaluation
·
Sediment
quality monitoring and benthic survey
·
Landscape
and visual monitoring
1.24
The
roles and responsibilities of the various parties involved in the construction
phase and operation phase of the EM&A process and the implementation of the
EM&A programme are outlined below.
The proposed project organisation and lines of communication during
construction and operation phases with respect to environmental protection
works are shown in Figures 1.4 and 1.5 respectively.
1.25
The Project Proponent is the
organization proposing the development of the Project. The Project Proponent should:
·
Employ
an Environmental Team (ET) to undertake monitoring, laboratory analysis and
reporting of EM&A
·
Employ
an Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) to audit the results of the EM&A
works carried out by the ET
1.26
The
term Engineer or Engineer’s Representative refers to the organisation
responsible for overseeing the construction works of the Project undertaken by
various Contractors in accordance with the specification and contractual
requirements. The ER should:
·
Monitor
the Contractors’ compliance with contract specifications, including the
implementation and operation of the environmental mitigation measures and their
effectiveness
·
Monitor
Contractors’, ET’s and IEC’s compliance with the requirements in the Environmental
Permit (EP) and EM&A Manual
·
Facilitate
ET’s implementation of the EM&A programme
·
Participate
in joint site inspection by the ET and IEC
·
Oversee
the implementation of the agreed Event / Action Plan in the event of any
exceedance
·
Adhere
to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation
1.27
The
term “Contractor” refers to all construction contractors and sub-contractors,
working on site at any one time.
Besides reporting to the Engineer, the Contractor should:
·
Comply
with the relevant contract conditions and specifications on environmental
protection
·
Facilitate
ET’s monitoring and site inspection activities
·
Participate
in the site inspections by the ET and IEC, and undertake any corrective actions
·
Provide
information / advice to the ET regarding works programme and activities which
may contribute to the generation of adverse environmental impacts
·
Submit
proposals on mitigation measures in case of exceedances of Action and Limit
levels in accordance with the Event / Action Plans
·
Implement
measures to reduce impact where Action and Limit levels are exceeded
·
Adhere
to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation
1.28
The
Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) should not be in any way an associated
body of the Contractor or the ET for the Project. The IEC should be employed by the
Project Proponent prior to the commencement of the construction of the
Project. The IEC should have at
least 10 years’ experience in EM&A and have relevant professional
qualifications, which shall include being an Accredited Monitoring Professional
of the HKIEIA. The appointment of
IEC should be subject to the approval of EPD. The IEC should:
·
Provide
proactive advice to the ER and the Project Proponent on EM&A matters
related to the project, independent from the management of construction works,
but empowered to audit the environmental performance of construction
·
Review
and audit all aspects of the EM&A programme implemented by the ET
·
Review
and verify the monitoring data and all submissions in connection with the EP
and EM&A Manual submitted by the ET
·
Arrange
and conduct regular, at least monthly site inspections of the works during
construction phase, and ad hoc inspections if significant environmental
problems are identified
·
Check
compliance with the agreed Event / Action Plan in the event of any exceedance
·
Check
compliance with the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation
·
Check
the effectiveness of corrective measures
·
Feedback
audit results to ET by signing off relevant EM&A proforma
·
Check
that the mitigation measures are effectively implemented
·
Report
the works conducted, the findings, recommendation and improvement of the site
inspections, after reviewing ET’s and Contractor’s works, and advices to the ER
and Project Proponent on a monthly basis
1.29
The
ET shall not be in any way an associated body of the Contractor, and shall be
employed by the Project Proponent to conduct the EM&A programme. The ET should be managed by the ET
Leader. The ET Leader shall be a
person who has at least 10 years’ experience in EM&A and has relevant professional
qualifications, which shall include being an Accredited Monitoring Professional
of the HKIEIA. The appointment of
ET Leader should be subject to the approval of EPD. Suitably qualified staff should be
included in the ET, and resources for the implementation of the EM&A
programme should be allocated in time under the Contract, to enable fulfilment
of the Project’s EM&A requirements as specified in the EM&A Manual
during construction of the Project.
The ET shall report to the Project Proponent and the duties shall
include:
·
Monitor
and audit various environmental parameters as required in this EM&A Manual
·
Analyse
the environmental monitoring and audit data, review the success of EM&A
programme and the adequacy of mitigation measures implemented, confirm the
validity of the EIA predictions and identify any adverse environmental impacts
arising
·
Carry
out regular site inspection to investigate and audit the Contractors' site
practice, equipment/plant and work methodologies with respect to pollution
control and environmental mitigation, and effect proactive action to pre-empt
problems
·
Monitor
compliance with conditions in the EP, environmental protection, pollution
prevention and control regulations and contract specifications
·
Audit
environmental conditions on site
·
Report
on the environmental monitoring and audit results to EPD, the ER, the IEC and
Contractor or their delegated representatives
·
Recommend
suitable mitigation measures to the Contractor in the case of exceedance of Action
and Limit levels in accordance with the Event and Action Plans
·
Liaise
with the IEC on all environmental performance matters and timely submit all
relevant EM&A proforma for approval by IEC
·
Advise
the Contractor on environmental improvement, awareness, enhancement measures
etc., on site
·
Adhere
to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation
1.30
Sufficient
and suitably qualified professional and technical staff should be employed by the
respective parties to ensure full compliance with their duties and
responsibilities, as required under the EM&A programme during the
construction phase of the Project.
1.31
DSD
will be responsible for the operation of the Project and compliance with the
conditions of the environmental permit during its operation. Besides, DSD should:
·
Employ
a Monitoring Team to undertake water quality monitoring, sediment monitoring,
benthic survey, laboratory analysis and Whole Effluent Toxicity Tests (WETTs)
·
Employ
an Environmental Consultant to analyze the monitoring results collected by the
Monitoring Team
1.32
The
Monitoring Team shall be managed by the Monitoring Team Leader to analyze the monitoring
results. The Monitoring Team Leader
shall be a person who has a degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or other
environmental-related discipline from universities and has sufficient
post-graduate experience in chemical tests and ecotoxicity tests. Suitably qualified staff should be
included in the Monitoring Team, and resources for the implementation of the
monitoring programme should be allocated in time under the Contract, to enable
fulfillment of the Project’s monitoring requirements as specified in the
EM&A Manual during operation of the Project. The Monitoring Team should:
·
Monitor
various environmental parameters and conduct various chemical tests,
ecotoxicity tests and benthic survey as required in this EM&A Manual
·
Report
on the environmental monitoring results to EPD, DSD and the Environmental
Consultant or their delegated representatives
Environmental Consultant
1.33
The
Environmental Consultant Team shall be managed by the Environmental Consultant
Team Leader. The Environmental
Consultant Leader shall be a person who has sufficient knowledge and experience
in health risk, ecological risk and ecotoxicity assessment. Suitably qualified staff should be
included in the Environmental Consultant Team, and resources for the
implementation of the EM&A programme should be allocated in time under the
Contract, to enable fulfillment of the Project’s EM&A requirements as
specified in the EM&A Manual during operation of the Project. The Environmental Consultant should:
·
Analyze
monitoring results collected by the Monitoring Team
·
Prepare
Water Quality Monitoring Report for each emergency discharge event
·
Prepare
Human Health and Ecological Risk Evaluation Report based on the monitoring
results collected to EPD and DSD for each set of operational phase monitoring
·
Prepare
Sediment Quality Monitoring and Benthic Survey Report to EPD and DSD for each
set of operational phase monitoring
·
Recommend
suitable actions to DSD in case of exceedance of any health risk / ecological
risk / ecotoxicity target level
1.34
Following
this introductory section, the structure of the EM&A Manual is set out
below:
·
Section
2 details the requirements for impact monitoring for dust during the
construction phase and odour monitoring during the operation phase
·
Section
3 details the requirements for impact monitoring of noise during the
construction phase
·
Section
4 details the requirements for baseline and impact monitoring for water quality
during the operation phase
·
Section
5 details the requirements for the human health risk evaluation during the
operation phase
·
Section
6 details the requirements for the ecological risk and ecotoxicity impact
evaluation during the operation phase
·
Section
7 details the audit requirements with regard to waste management issues during
construction phase
·
Section
8 details the audit requirements for terrestrial ecology during construction
phase
·
Section
9 details the monitoring requirements for marine ecology during construction
phase
·
Section
10 details monitoring requirements for fisheries during operation phase
·
Section
11 details landscape and visual monitoring during construction and operation
phases
·
Section
12 details the monitoring requirements with regard to hazard to life in
relation to potential hazardous installations during construction phase
·
Section
13 details the monitoring requirements with regard to cultural heritage during
construction phase
·
Section
14 describes the scope of environmental auditing and the complaints handling
procedure
·
Section
15 details the EM&A reporting requirements
[1] The objective of the ADF is to reduce the E. coli level in the CEPT effluent at
SCISTW prior to discharge and hence facilitate early improvement to beach water
quality. A separate EIA study - Agreement No. CE 7/2005 (EP) HATS EIA Study
for the Provision of Disinfection Facilities at Stonecutters Island