1 Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the Manual

This Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual (“the Manual”) has been prepared by ERM-Hong Kong, Limited (ERM) on behalf of the Hong Kong Electric Company Ltd (hereinafter referred to as HK Electric). The Manual is a supplementary document of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study of the development of an offshore wind farm in the Hong Kong SAR (hereafter referred to as the Project).

The Manual has been prepared in accordance with the EIA Study Brief (No. ESB-151/2006) 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;

· Project organisation;

· 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;

· 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 criteria and/or receive 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.

This Manual is considered to be a working document and should be reviewed periodically and updated if necessary during the course of implementing the Project.

1.2 Project Description

1.2.1 Project Scope

The HK Electric is considering the development of a large-scale wind farm in Hong Kong to generate power from renewable sources (the Project). The project will produce around 100 MW of electricity, which will be supplied directly to the HK Electric grid network to help meeting the HKSAR Government commitments to renewable energy generation and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

In summary, the key components of the project include the following:

The construction of around 35 no. 2.3 to 3.6 MW class wind turbine units, including seabed works required for foundation emplacement. Should 3.6MW class wind turbine be selected, the number of wind turbines would be reduced to around 28 to 30 in order to maintain the wind farm capacity of around 100MW.

· The installation of interconnecting submarine electricity cables between turbine units, to the offshore substation and to grid.

· Construction of an offshore substation. There may, however, be an option for the offshore substation to be replaced by an onshore one subject to detailed engineering design.

· Development of an onshore lay down area and quayside for material storage and pre-assembly works.

· Development of an offshore wind monitoring mast.

1.2.2 Site Location

The wind farm and cable route are located in the waters between Lamma Island and Cheung Chau lying adjacent to the Southwest Lamma Channel. The closest distance of the site to land is approximately 3.5 km to Lamma Island. The water depth at the site ranges from -18 to -23mPD. The proposed area for development has been developed to avoid main shipping routes, key nature conservation sensitivities and existing pipeline infrastructure buried in the seabed. The proposed cable route will run from the north of the site and connect to the Lamma Power Station Extension as shown in Figure 1.1.

1.3 Objective of the EM&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;

· 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
Parameter	Design Phase ⁽²⁾	Construction Phase	Post-Construction Phase	Operation Phase
Water Quality	Yes ⁽¹⁾	Yes	Yes	-
Waste	-	Yes	-	-
Terrestrial Ecology	Yes ⁽¹⁾	Yes	Yes	-
Marine Ecology	Yes ⁽¹⁾	Yes	Yes	-
Fisheries	-	-	-	-
Landscape and Visual	Yes	Yes	-	-
Cultural Heritage	Yes	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:

· implement monitoring and inspection requirements for water quality monitoring programme;

· implement inspection and audit requirements for waste management;

· implement inspection and audit requirements for terrestrial ecology monitoring programme;

· implement inspection and audit requirements for marine ecology;

· implement inspection and audit requirements for landscape and visual mitigation measures;

· 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 advice 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; and

· 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.

1.5 Works Programme and Works Locations

The preliminary programme for the Detailed Design and Construction Phases is presented in Figure 1.2.

Figure 1.2 Construction Programme

1.6 Organisation and Structure of the EM&A

1.6.1 General

HK Electric 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, HK Electric 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 1.3. 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.

HK Electric

HK Electric will:

· employ an Environmental Team (ET) to undertake monitoring, laboratory analysis and reporting of environmental monitoring and audit data;

· employ 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 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 HK Electric/ET/IEC;

· participate in the site inspections undertaken by the ET and the IEC, as required, and undertake any corrective actions instructed by HK Electric /ET/IEC; and

· adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation.

Environmental Team

The Environmental Team (ET) will:

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

· analyse 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;

· 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 HK Electric;

· 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; and

· adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation.

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 independent site inspections/audits of the works on an as-need basis;

· validate and confirm the accuracy of monitoring results, monitoring equipment, monitoring stations, monitoring procedures and locations of sensitive receivers;

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

· on a need basis, audit the Contractor(s)’s construction methodology and agree the appropriate, reduced impact alternative in consultation with HK Electric, the ET and the Contractor(s);

· adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation;

· review the effectiveness of environmental mitigation measures and project environmental performance including the proposed corrective measures;

· review EM&A report submitted by the ET leader and feedback audit results to ET by signing off relevant EM&A proformas; and

· report the findings of site inspections/ audits and other environmental performance reviews to HK Electric, ET, EPD and the Contractor(s).

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
HK Electric – 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 details the requirements for water quality baseline and impact monitoring, and lists relevant monitoring equipment, compliance and Event and Action Plans (EAPs);

· Section 4 details the requirements for waste management;

· Section 5 sets out the EM&A requirement for terrestrial ecology;

· Section 6 details the requirements for marine ecology;

· Section 7 sets out the EM&A requirements for landscape and visual;

· Section 8 describes the scope and frequency of site environmental auditing; and

· Section 9 details the reporting requirements for the EM&A.

2 EM&A General Requirement

2.1 Introduction

In this section, the general requirements of the EM&A programme for the Project are presented. The scope of the programme is developed with reference to the findings and recommendations of the EIA Report.

2.2 Construction Phase EM&A

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, water quality, terrestrial ecology, marine ecology, landscape and visual and waste will be subject to EM&A, with environmental monitoring being undertaken for water quality, terrestrial ecology and marine ecology as determined in the EIA. 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, 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 occurs, the cause will be quickly identified and remediated. 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; as a means of assessing the ongoing performance of the Contractor(s), the ET will undertake site inspections and audits of the compliance with stipulated procedures and on-site practices. 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 site inspection and audit on as need basis to assess the performance of the Contractor(s).

Whilst the audit and inspection programme will complement the monitoring activity, 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 EM&A Manual.

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 8 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 community groups.

Enquiries concerning the environmental effects of the construction works, irrespective of how they are received, will be reported to HK Electric 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 HK Electric 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:

i) Investigate and identify source of the issue;

ii) If considered necessary by HK Electric following consultation with the IEC, undertake additional monitoring to verify the existence and severity of the alleged complaint;

iii) Liaise with ET to identify remedial measures;

iv) Implement the agreed mitigation measures;

v) Repeat the monitoring to verify effectiveness of mitigation measures; and

vi) 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 B). A formal response to each complaint received will be prepared by the Contractor(s) within five working days and submitted to HK Electric, 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 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), HK Electric 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.

2.3 Operation Phase EM&A

Based on the findings of the EIA, no operational phase EM&A is considered necessary. Post-construction phase (i.e. within the first year of operation following construction works) are, however, considered necessary for both bird and marine mammal monitoring. 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.

3 Water Quality

3.1 Introduction

In accordance with the recommendations of the EIA, water quality EM&A is required during dredging works in the nearshore cable landing area and jetting for cable installation construction works. 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. 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 HK Electric, the IEC and EPD.

3.2 Sampling Methodology

3.2.1 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 3.2.4 and 3.3 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 C), 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.

3.2.2 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) to ensure the monitoring station is at the correct position before the water quality monitoring commence.

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.

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.

3.2.3 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 3.1.

Table 3.1 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

3.2.4 Monitoring Locations – Marine Works

Water quality monitoring will be conducted within Hong Kong Waters during dredging and jetting construction activities.

Dredging Impact Monitoring

For the dredging activities, the monitoring locations have been determined based upon the location of the dredging activity which is required for cable landing at nearshore seawall area (Figure 3.1).

D1 and D2 are Impact Stations situated within 1,000m (south/west) from the construction works at cable landing point. The 1,000m distance for the Impact stations typically represents the maximum extent of the zone of influence resulting from dredging activities and at these locations impact from the dredging activities should be at a minimum.

SR1 is a Sensitive Receiver used to monitor the water quality conditions of the coral community recorded in the seawall area;

SR2 is a Sensitive Receiver used to monitor the water quality conditions of the Coastal Protection Area of west Lamma;

SR3 is a Sensitive Receiver used to monitor the water quality conditions of Hung Shing Yeh Beach;

SR4 is a Sensitive Receiver used to monitor the water quality conditions of Lo So Shing Beach

SR5 is a Sensitive Receiver used to monitor the water quality conditions of the coral community recorded near Pak Kok;

SR6 is a Sensitive Receiver used to monitor the water quality conditions of the potential marine park of south Lamma;

SR7 is a Sensitive Receiver used to monitor the water quality conditions of the green turtle nesting beach at Sham Wan;

C1 and C2 are Control Stations for D1 and D2 which are located approximately 1,500m from the construction works at the cable landing point and not supposed to be influenced by the construction works; and,

R1 is a Reference Station which is not supposed to be influenced by the construction works. This Reference station has been chosen to facilitate comparison of the water quality of the Impact Stations with ambient water quality conditions. The Reference station is located to the east of the development area and in an area of open water. The Reference station is well outside the predicted influence of the construction works. Monitoring data from this Reference station could be used as upstream and downstream control for the Impact stations.

Measurements of pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentration (mg L^-1), DO saturation (%), Salinity (mg L^-1), Temperature (ºC) and Turbidity (NTU) will be taken in situ at monitoring stations. Water samples for the measurements of SS (mg L^-1) will also be collected for laboratory analysis.

Jetting Impact Monitoring

The monitoring locations have been determined based upon the location of the jetting activities which are required for the remainder of the cable laying works (Figure 3.1).

J1 and J2 are mobile Impact Stations situated at distances of 1,000m (east/west) from the barge along the cable route.

C3 and C4 are mobile Control Stations situated within 1,500m (east/west) from the barge along the cable route and not supposed to be influenced by the construction works.

SR1 is a Sensitive Receiver used to monitor the water quality conditions of the coral community recorded in the seawall area;

SR2 is a Sensitive Receiver used to monitor the water quality conditions of the Coastal Protection Area of west Lamma;

SR3 is a Sensitive Receiver used to monitor the water quality conditions of from Hung Shing Yeh Beach;

SR4 is a Sensitive Receiver used to monitor the water quality conditions of from Lo So Shing Beach

SR5 is a Sensitive Receiver used to monitor the water quality conditions of the coral community recorded near Pak Kok;

SR6 is a Sensitive Receiver used to monitor the water quality conditions of the potential marine park of South Lamma;

SR5 is a Sensitive Receiver used to monitor the water quality conditions of the green turtle nesting beach of Sham Wan;

R1 is a Reference Station which is not supposed to be influenced by the construction works.

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 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 Water Control Zone (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.

3.3 Baseline Monitoring

Baseline monitoring will be conducted to establish the ambient conditions prior to the commencement of the dredging and jetting works and to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed impact and control stations. Where necessary, the baseline monitoring data will be compared with water quality data collected during impact monitoring works.

Baseline monitoring will be conducted at Impact Stations (ie D1, D2, J1 and J2) ([1]), Control Stations (C1, C2, C3 and C4) ([2]), Sensitive Receiver Stations (SR1 to SR5), as well as Reference Station (R1) 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 0.5m for both flood and ebb tides as far as possible. 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. The 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.

3.4 Impact Monitoring

During the course of the marine works (i.e. duing dredging, jetting and foundation works), impact monitoring will be undertaken at the relevant Reference, Control and Impact Stations as shown in Figure 3.1 three times a week. Monitoring at each station will 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 will not be less than 36 hours. The monitoring frequency will be increased in the case of exceedances of Action/Limit Levels if considered necessary by ET and IEC. Monitoring frequency will be maintained as far as practicable. The impact monitoring schedule should be passed to EPD at least two weeks prior to commencement of impact monitoring.

Two consecutive measurements of pH, DO concentration (mgL^-1), DO saturation (%) and turbidity (NTU) will 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 will 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 Impact, Control and Reference Stations.

In addition to the above in-situ measurements temperature and salinity will be determined at the monitoring stations at the same depths, as specified above.

Upon completion of all marine construction activities, a post-project water quality monitoring exercise will be carried out for four weeks, in the same manner as the baseline monitoring.

3.5 Water Quality Compliance

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 3.1.

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 3.2) 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.

It should be noted that all Action Limit levels presented in Table 3.1 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 HK Electric, 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 3.2).

Table 3.1 Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality

Parameters	Action Level	Limit Level
For all marine construction works
DO in mgL^-1 (surface and middle)	The average of the Impact Station readings are <5%ile of baseline data and Less than the Control Stations mean DO (at the same tide of the same day)	The average of the Impact Station readings are <4mg/L or <1%ile of baseline data and Less than the Control Stations mean DO (at the same tide of the same day)
DO in mgL^-1 (bottom)	The average of the Impact Station readings are <5%ile of baseline data and Less than the Control Stations mean DO (at the same tide of the same day)	The average of the Impact Station readings are <2mg/L or <1%ile of baseline data and Less than the Control Stations mean DO (at the same tide of the same day)
Turbidity in NTU in mg L^-1 (depth averaged)	The depth average of the Impact Station readings are >95%ile of baseline data and 120% or more of the Control Stations turbidity (at the same tide of the same day)	The depth average of the impact station readings are >99% of baseline data and 130% or more of the Control Stations turbidity (at the same tide of the same day)
Suspended Solids in mg L^-1 (depth averaged),	The depth average of the Impact Station readings are >95%ile of baseline data and 120% or more of the Control Stations SS (at the same tide of the same day)	The depth average of the Impact Station readings are >99%ile of baseline data and 130% or more of the Control Stations 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.

Parameters

Action Level

Limit Level

For all marine construction works

DO in mgL^-1 (surface and middle)

The average of the Impact Station readings are <5%ile of baseline data

and

Less than the Control Stations mean DO (at the same tide of the same day)

The average of the Impact Station readings are <4mg/L or <1%ile of baseline data

and

Less than the Control Stations mean DO (at the same tide of the same day)

DO in mgL^-1 (bottom)

The average of the Impact Station readings are <5%ile of baseline data

and

Less than the Control Stations mean DO (at the same tide of the same day)

The average of the Impact Station readings are <2mg/L or <1%ile of baseline data

and

Less than the Control Stations mean DO (at the same tide of the same day)

Turbidity in NTU in mg L^-1

(depth averaged)

The depth average of the Impact Station readings are >95%ile of baseline data

and

120% or more of the Control Stations turbidity (at the same tide of the same day)

The depth average of the impact station readings are >99% of baseline data

and

130% or more of the Control Stations turbidity (at the same tide of the same day)

Suspended Solids in mg L^-1

(depth averaged),

The depth average of the Impact Station readings are >95%ile of baseline data

and

120% or more of the Control Stations SS (at the same tide of the same day)

The depth average of the Impact Station readings are >99%ile of baseline data

and

130% or more of the Control Stations 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.

EVENT	ACTION
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 HK Electric; 4. Check monitoring data, plant, equipment and the Contractor(s)’s working methods; and, 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 HK Electric accordingly; and 3. Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.	1. Inform HK Electric 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 HK Electric; and 6. Implement the agreed mitigation measures.	1. Discuss with the IEC on the proposed mitigation measures; and, 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 HK Electric; 4. Check monitoring data, plant, equipment and Contractor(s)’s working methods; 5. Discuss mitigation measures with the IEC and the Contractor(s); and, 6. Ensure mitigation measures are implemented.	1. Discuss the mitigation measures with the ET and the Contractor(s) ; 2. Review proposals on mitigation measures submitted by the Contractor(s) and advise HK Electric accordingly; and, 3. Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.	1. Inform HK Electric 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 HK Electric within 3 working days; and, 6. Implement the agreed mitigation measures.	1. Discuss the proposed mitigation measures with the IEC; 2. Make agreement on the mitigation measures to be implemented; and, 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, HK Electric and the Contractor(s); and, 6. Ensure mitigation measures are implemented.	1. Discuss the mitigation measures with the ET / Contractor(s); 2. Review proposals on mitigation measures submitted by the Contractor(s) and advise HK Electric accordingly; and, 3. Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.	1. Immediate stoppage of works; 2. Inform HK Electric 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 HK Electric and propose mitigation measures to the IEC and HK Electric within 3 working days; and, 7. Implement the agreed mitigation measures.	1. Discuss the proposed mitigation measures with the IEC, the ET and the Contractor(s); 2. Request the Contractor(s) to critically review the working methods; 3. Make agreement on the mitigation measures to be implemented; and, 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 EPD; 4. Check monitoring data, plant, equipment and Contractor(s)’s working methods; 5. Discuss mitigation measures with the IEC, HK Electric and the Contractor(s); and, 6. Ensure mitigation measures are implemented.	1. Discuss the mitigation measures with ET and Contractor(s); 2. Review proposals on mitigation measures submitted by the Contractor(s) and advise HK Electric accordingly; and, 3. Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.	1. Immediate stoppage of works; 2. Inform HK Electric 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 HK Electric and propose mitigation measures to the IEC and HK Electric within 3 working days; 7. Implement the agreed mitigation measures; and, 8. As directed by HK Electric, slow down or stop all or part of the construction activities.	1. Discuss the proposed mitigation measures with the IEC, the ET and the Contractor(s); 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; and, 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.

Construction Activities ([4])	Timing	Checking Frequency	If non-compliance noted, Action Required
The Contractor shall prepare a Waste Management Plan and nominate approved personnel to be responsible for implementation of the Plan.	Before the commencement of works	Once	The ET will inform the Contractor(s), HK Electric and IEC. The ET will ensure the Waste Management Plan is adequate and responsible personnel have been nominated.
Briefing will be provided to site personnel in proper waste management including chemical waste, and include the concept of waste reduction, reuse and recycling.	Before the commencement of works	Once	The ET will inform the Contractor(s), HK Electric and IEC. The ET will ensure the briefing will be provided to site personnel in proper waste management.
Necessary waste disposal permits or licences have been obtained including those for chemical waste and effluent discharges.	Before the commencement of works	Once	The ET will inform the Contractor(s), HK Electric 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 of in accordance with the ETWBTC No. 34/2002: Management of Dredged/Excavated Sediment and under the requirements of the Dumping at Sea Ordinance.	Throughout the dredging works. Sediment assessment to be completed prior to dredging	Once a Month	The ET will inform the Contractor(s), HK Electric and IEC. HK Electric 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 hauliers are used for waste collection.	Throughout the works	Once a Month	The ET will inform the Contractor(s), HK Electric and IEC. HK Electric 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	Once a Month	The ET will inform the Contractor(s), HK Electric 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 HK Electric and IEC for approval.
Storage of material on site should be well planned and kept to a minimum	Throughout the works	Once a Month	The ET will inform the Contractor(s), HK Electric and IEC. HK Electric will instruct the Contractor(s) to store materials accordingly.
Stockpiles should be located away from waterfront or storm drains and measures taken to prevent the washing away of construction materials, soil, silt or debris into any drainage system including covering open stockpiles of more than 50m³.	Throughout the works	Once a Month	The ET will inform the Contractor(s), HK Electric and IEC. HK Electric will instruct the Contractor(s) to manage stockpiles accordingly.
Wastes are removed from site by appropriate means and in a timely manner. General refuse is collected on a daily basis.	Throughout the works	Once a Month	The ET will inform the Contractor(s), HK Electric and IEC. HK Electric will instruct the Contractor(s) to remove waste accordingly.
Waste storage areas are enclosed, properly cleaned and do not cause windblown litter and dust nuisance.	Throughout the works	Once a Month	The ET will inform the Contractor(s), HK Electric and IEC. HK Electric 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	Once a Month	The ET will inform the Contractor(s), HK Electric and IEC. HK Electric will instruct the Contractor(s) to provide separate skips/ containers. The Contractor(s) will ensure the workers place the waste in the appropriate containers.
There are sufficient waste containers provided and they are fitted with lids or covers to prevent waste from escaping or ingress of water.	Throughout the works	Once a Month	The ET will inform the Contractor(s), HK Electric and IEC. HK Electric will instruct the Contractor(s) to provide adequate containers. The Contractor(s) will ensure containers are kept in good condition.
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. They will be sent to the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre for proper treatment.	Throughout the works	Once a Month	The ET will inform the Contractor(s), HK Electric and IEC. HK Electric 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 treated (eg by spraying dusty materials with water) and covered before leaving the site.	Throughout the works	Once a Month	The ET will inform the Contractor(s), HK Electric and IEC. HK Electric will instruct the Contractor(s) to comply. The Contractor(s) will ensure the demolition materials are properly treated and covered when transported out of the site.
Wastes are disposed of at licensed sites.	Throughout the works	Once a Month	The ET will inform the Contractor(s), HK Electric and IEC. HK Electric 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.

4.4 Mitigation Measures

Details of the required mitigation measures are included within the Implementation Schedule of Annex A of this EM&A Manual.

5 Terrestrial Ecology

5.1 Introduction

The EIA study has assessed the potential impacts on the avifauna due to the construction and operation of the wind farm. It concluded that the direct ecological impact due to the construction of the wind turbine is expected to be low. During the operation of the wind farm, the barrier effect to bird movement and bird collisions are perceived as the major ecological concern. A one-year bird monitoring programme will be undertaken to confirm that the operation of the wind farm will not cause adverse impacts to birds.

5.2 Terrestrial Ecology Mitigation Measures

The Contractor(s) will be responsible for the implementation of the mitigation measures which are presented in Annex A.

5.3 Avifauna Monitoring

5.3.1 Objectives of Avifauna Monitoring

The purpose of the construction and operation monitoring is to investigate the temporal variation in species occurrence, abundance and distribution of birds before and after the commencement of the wind farm. Particular focus will be made on species of conservation interest (especially the Birds of Prey including White-bellied Sea Eagle and Black Kite) and migratory birds (eg White-winged Tern, Heuglin’s Gull).

5.3.2 Monitoring Methodology

Traditional vessel-based survey will be applied for pre-construction, construction and operation monitoring. Line transects survey method will be used at designated sampling locations within the Project Site. Indicative locations of sampling transects are presented in Figure 5.1 and will be finalized during the detailed design stage (after confirmation of the types and siting of the turbines).

During each survey, the vessel transited the transect lines during daylight hours at a relatively constant speed of 13-15 km/hr, observations will be made using 8x binoculars and all birds seen within 1 km both sides along the transect lines will be counted and identified to species where possible. Detailed information on bird species, sex and age where feasible, abundance, observed coordinates, bird activities/behaviour, flying height and path will be recorded during the survey. Activities/behaviour of the birds will be categorised into five classes:

Flying - Birds moving in the air following a particular direction without conducting any of the other activities as below.

Soaring - Birds moving in the air usually making a form of circular movement.

Resting – Birds do not move, remain in the same location in certain period of time (eg Birds of Prey perching on trees, Egrets standing on rock, Tern standing on floating objects).

Foraging/Feeding - Birds seen attacking, collecting, pecking or carrying food with their bill or feet could be defined as foraging or feeding.

Swimming – Birds making movements on a water surface or floating on the sea.

5.3.3 Monitoring Frequency

Monitoring should be undertaken according to the following schedule:

Baseline Period – one continuous calendar year prior to the installation of the wind turbines;

Construction – one continuous calendar year following commencement of the installation of the wind turbines ([5]); and,

Post-construction – one continuous calendar year following the commencement of operation of the offshore wind farm.

For each of the above, survey should be undertaken for one day per week during the migratory season (March to May) and one day every two weeks for the rest of the year (June to February).

5.3.4 Data Analysis

Raw sightings records plotted on maps are generally not a good guide to ascertaining bird densities because different areas/seasons are not given the same amount of survey effort. In order to quantify the habitat use of bird within the monitoring areas, corrected sighting densities will be calculated in terms of number of bird individuals per effective trip per unit area (the survey area mapped using a 1 km by 1 km grid (km²)).

All the results will be reviewed and analyzed after the operation monitoring period. Should bird abundance be significantly different (taking into account naturally occurring alterations to distribution patterns such as due to seasonal change) to the pre-construction activity (following the operation monitoring), recommendations for a further operation monitoring survey will be made. Data should then be re-assessed and the need for any further monitoring established. Significance levels will be quantitatively determined following the operation monitoring which will review up-to-date publicly available information on bird distribution to allow for typical variance levels.

If, after the first-year operation monitoring period, insignificant variation in bird abundance have been reported then the monitoring will be ceased, as it will have been confirmed that the wind turbine is not having an adverse impact on bird species, hence further operation monitoring will likely not be required.

6 Marine Ecology

6.1 Introduction

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.

The following sections provide details of the measures to be undertaken by the ET to ensure that the measures recommended in the EIA are carried out.

6.2 Marine Mammal Monitoring

In order to determine the efficacy of the recommended mitigation measures, monitoring of marine mammal abundance is required. Monitoring should cover an updated baseline period, the construction [6] and post-construction monitoring. Monitoring will include the following techniques:

· Vessel based surveys

· Passive acoustic monitoring

· Land-based theodolite tracking

All monitoring should be led by suitably qualified persons (degree in biology or equivalent) and should be independent of the construction contractor and should form part of the independent Environmental Team (ET). The IEC may audit the work of the ET if deemed necessary.

Details on the above monitoring are presented below. The ET shall finalise the marine mammal monitoring programme with AFCD prior to the monitoring being undertaken.

6.2.1 Vessel Based Surveys

General Approach, Schedule and Survey Area

A set of systematic standard line-transect vessel surveys ([7]) on the finless porpoise Neophocaena phocaenoides should be undertaken to examine the abundance, distribution, encounter rate and habitat use of this species in the Study Area. Surveys should be undertaken in accordance with the following schedule:

Baseline Period – one day per month for one continuous calendar year prior to the installation of the wind turbines;

Construction – one day per month for one continuous calendar year following commencement of the installation of the wind turbines ([8]); and,

Post-construction – one day per month for one continuous calendar year following the commencement of operation of the offshore wind farm.

The survey methodology should be consistent and compatible with that adopted during the EIA and that of the long-term marine mammal monitoring programme conducted under the Hong Kong Cetacean Research Project (HKCRP) funded by AFCD since 1995 to allow potential comparisons and pooling of data for analysis.

Survey Method

Vessel surveys should be conducted from one survey vessel (ca. 12-15 m length), weather permitting (Beaufort 0-6, no heavy rain, and visibility > 1,200 m). The vessel should have an open upper deck, affording relatively unrestricted visibility. The observer team should conducted searches and observations from the flying bridge area, 4-5 m eye height above the water's surface. Two experienced observers (a data recorder and a primary observer) should make up the on-effort survey team ([9]).

The survey vessel should transit the transect lines at a constant speed of about 13-15 km/hour (Figure 6.1). The primary observer should search for porpoises continuously through 7 x 35 Brunton marine binoculars, while the data recorder should search with unaided eyes and fill out the datasheets. Both observers should search the sea ahead of the vessel, between 270° and 90° (in relation to the bow, which is defined as 0°). One to two additional experienced observers should be available on the boat to work in shift (i.e. rotate every 30 minutes) in order to minimise fatigue of the survey team members.

Effort data to be collected during on-effort survey periods should include time and position (latitude and longitude) for the start and end of search effort, weather conditions (Beaufort sea state and visibility) and distance travelled in each series (a continuous period of search effort) with the assistance of a GPS (e.g. Garmin Geko 201). When marine mammals are sighted, the survey team should end the survey effort, be taken as off-effort, and immediately record the initial sighting distance and angle of the porpoise group from the survey vessel, as well as sighting time and position, on the sighting datasheet. The research vessel should then divert from its course to approach the marine mammal(s) for group size estimation, assessment of group composition and behavioural observations.

The perpendicular distance (PSD) of the marine mammal group to the transect line should be later calculated from the initial sighting distance and angle. The line-transect data to be collected during the present study should be compatible with the long-term databases of HKCRP/ AFCD in a way that it could be analyzed by established computer programmes (e.g. all recent versions of DISTANCE programme including version 5.0, ArcView^© GIS programme) for examination of population status including trends in abundance, distribution and habitat use.

6.3 Passive Acoustic Monitoring

General Approach, Schedule and Survey Area

In addition to the traditional methods for marine mammal monitoring, Passive Acoustic Monitors (PAMs) are becoming a common tool used in both offshore wind farms and oil and gas exploration for detecting the high frequency clicks of marine mammals as these are easily-distinguished from sounds of other marine animals. Recent developments include specific C-POD (Cetacean Porpoise Detector) devices that more accurately records vocalizations of porpoises plus all other echolocating toothed whales and dolphins. The employment of such devices would allow the activity of finless porpoises to be monitored both day and night in all weather conditions, and are considered to be a useful addition to the marine mammal monitoring programme. As such, C-PODs should be deployed as part of the EM&A for the proposed wind farm.

As Porpoise clicks are substantially above 100 kHz in frequency, it is noted that the detection distance is likely to be on the order of low 100’s of meters from bottom-mounted C-PODs ([10]), initially, up to twelve (12) C-PODs should be deployed on the seabed within and directly outside the wind farm area. C-PODs should be deployed as close to the commencement of the vessel based baseline monitoring described above. C-PODs should be left in place during the entire baseline monitoring, construction of the wind farm and for a period of up to two years following the start of operation of the wind farm. Such duration should allow for a robust record of marine mammal usage of the area to be obtained and allow for the inter-seasonal and inter-year differences already known for finless porpoises. The C-PODs deployed will need to be serviced every three to four months to download accumulated data and replace batteries.

The final number, positioning and duration of the deployment of devices should be agreed in consultation with a marine mammal expert with experience in PAM / C-POD application and the AFCD.

6.3.2 Land-based Theodolite Tracking

General Approach, Schedule and Survey Area

From well positioned vantage points of known height, spatial and temporal movement patterns of marine mammals should be monitored with a theodolite (Lietz/Sokkisha DT5A theodolite with 30-power monocular magnification and 5-sec precision). This technique converts horizontal and vertical angles into geographic positions (Longitude and Latitude) for each theodolite positional recording. The tracking of groups and individuals over time provides information about animal distance from shore, depth of water, distance from anthropogenic activities, and relative speeds and orientations; with measurements of leg (one point to another) speeds, re-orientations, distance made-good over time, and other movement related parameters. The location of the vantage point should have a clear and unobstructed view of the wind farm development area and if possible be consistent with sites used for previous marine mammal observations in Hong Kong.

Surveys should be led by a primary operation with at least ten years of marine mammal theodolite and behavioural data gathering and analysis, supported by a secondary operator with at least five years experience. Each of the main operators needs two less experienced but mature and field-capable assistants. Thus for each survey a total of six field personnel are needed.

Surveys should be undertaken in accordance with the following schedule:

Baseline Period – one day per month for one continuous calendar year prior to the installation of the wind turbines;

Construction – one day per month for one continuous calendar year following commencement of the installation of the wind turbines ([11]); and,

Post-construction – one day per month for one continuous calendar year following the commencement of operation of the offshore wind farm.

Data acquisition should include movement and behavioural information of marine mammals as gained from a 5-sec. resolution conventional theodolite and a 5-sec. resolution“total station” theodolite with laser range-finding capability, appropriate other hand-held range finders, binoculars with distance-measuring reticles and built-in compass, recording gear of digital voice recorder, data sheets, and computer slaved to theodolites.

The final methodology should be agreed in consultation with a marine mammal expert(s) with experience in theodolite tracking and the AFCD.

6.3.3 Monitoring Results

Should marine mammal sighting numbers be significantly different (taking into account naturally occurring alterations to distribution patterns such as due to seasonal change) between the baseline, construction and post-construction monitoring, recommendations for further post-construction monitoring survey will be made. Data should be then be re-assessed and the need for any further monitoring established. Significance levels will be quantitatively determined following the post-construction monitoring which will review up-to-date publicly available information on marine mammal distribution to allow for typical variance levels.

6.4 Marine Mammal / Seaturtle Exclusion Zone

Marine mammal / sea turtle exclusion zones for various construction activities are listed in Table 6.1. The exclusion zone should be monitored by the qualified person(s) with an unobstructed, elevated view of the area. Activities should not begin until the qualified person certifies that the exclusion zone is continuously clear of marine mammals / sea turtle for a period of 30 minutes. Should marine mammals / sea turtle move into the exclusion zone during the activities, cessation of the activities will be commenced as described in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1 Exclusion Zone Requirement for Various Activities

Activity	Exclusion Zone	Requirement
Percussive Piling Works for Foundations of Wind Turbines, Wind Monitoring Mast and Offshore Substation	500m from works area	Before piling commences, the exclusion zone must have been continuously clear of cetaceans/ sea turtles for 30 minutes. During piling, if marine mammals / sea turtles are spotted within the exclusion zone, piling works will cease and will not resume until the observer confirms that the zone has been continuously clear of marine mammals / sea turtles for a period of 30 minutes.

		Piling works will be restricted to a daily maximum of 12 hours with daylight operations

		No piling works for the wind turbines will be conducted during the finless porpoises peak season between December and May.
Marine Dredging	250m from dredging barge	Before dredging commences, the exclusion zone must have been continuously clear of marine mammals / sea turtles for 30 minutes. Should marine mammals / sea turtles move into the dredging area during dredging, it is considered that marine mammals / sea turtles will have acclimatised themselves to the works therefore cessation of dredging is not required.

Marine mammal / sea turtle observers should have a degree in biology or equivalent or have experience in marine mammal observation. Observers may be part of the ET. The IEC will be required to verify the qualification and experience of the qualified person(s).

6.5 Coral Verification Surveys

As a total of four octocoral species and one black coral species were recorded during the baseline surveys on the dumped material in the vicinity of the cable route, prior to the commencement of jetting works for the cable route, a pre-construction survey shall be undertaken at these to confirm the coral existence. Qualitative spot dive surveys should be undertaken at the sites detailed in Table 6.2.

Table 6.2 Coral Species Recorded at the Qualitative Spot-Check Patches and Coordinates of Sites

	Patch 4	Patch 6	Patch 8
Coordinates – Latitude	22° 12' 24.60" N	22° 12' 8.01" N	22° 11' 56.24" N
Coordinates – Longitude	114° 5' 41.41" E	114° 5' 26.43" E	114° 5' 20.57" E

Octocoral Species ^(a)
Dendronephthya sp.	0	0	1
Echinomuricea sp.	1	1	1
Menella sp.	1	1	1

Black Coral Species	0	0	1

Note: (a). 0=absent, 1=present

Should corals be present during the per-construction verification, mitigation will be applied to be agreed with the AFCD at that time. Potential mitigation may include relocation of these corals to a location away from the proposed area of works.

The ET shall propose the detailed procedure to be applied as part of the coral verification survey to be agreed with AFCD prior to the monitoring being undertaken.

6.6 Mitigation Measures

The EIA has highlighted that as part of the construction procedure for dredging activities, a silt curtain will be installed to aid in reducing the levels of suspended solids generated by these works. Mitigation measures for marine ecology especially for marine mammals and marine turtles are presented in Annex A.

7 Landscape and Visual

7.1 Introduction

This Section defines the EM&A requirements that have been recommended to ensure that the proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures are effectively implemented.

7.2 General

The EIA has recommended that EM&A for landscape and visual resources is undertaken during the design and 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.

7.3 Design Phase Audit

The design phase audit should ensure the following visual mitigation measures should be incorporated into the detailed design of the Project:

· Array Layout: The layout of the array should be designed to reduce the number of turbines visible for the most sensitive viewpoints as far as other technical details, such as suitable sea bed and wind flow conditions, are achievable.

· Colours Appropriate: The colours for the wind turbines should be selected to reduce their visibility.

· Blade Rotation: To create a more harmonious visual pattern the blades for all turbines should rotate in the same direction.

7.4 Construction Phase Audit

Measures undertaken by the Contractor(s) during the construction phase will be audited by the ET, ensure compliance with the intended aims of the measures. Site inspections should be undertaken at least once per month throughout the construction phase.

The visual and landscape mitigation measures recommended in the EIA should be included in the construction phase audit:

· All plant materials affected by the works relating to the submarine cable landing are to be replaced with new plantings to match the existing situation. All planting of trees and shrubs is to be carried out in accordance with the relevant best practice guidelines. Plant densities are to be provided in future Detailed Design documents and are to be selected so as to achieve a finished landscape that matches the surrounding, undisturbed, equivalent landscape types.

· Established trees of value to be re-located where practically feasible.

· Site hoardings to be compatible with the surrounding environment. Where possible, site hoardings should be coloured to complement the surrounding areas

· Landscape resources affected by the onshore cable trench are to be reinstated to match existing conditions.

Table 7.1 Landscape and Visual Audit Checklist

Project Phases	Area of Works	Items to be Checked
Design Phase	Array Layout	Design to reduce the number of turbines visible for the most sensitive viewpoints
	Colour Appropriate	The colours for the wind turbines should be selected to reduce their visibility
	Blade Rotation	The blades for all turbines should rotate in the same direction.
Construction / Post – Construction Phase	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.
	Advance planting	All plant materials affected by the works relating to the submarine cable landing are to be replaced with new plantings to match the existing situation. All planting of trees and shrubs is to be carried out in accordance with the relevant best practice guidelines. Plant densities are to be provided in future Detailed Design documents and are to be selected so as to achieve a finished landscape that matches the surrounding, undisturbed, equivalent landscape types.
	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.
	Decorative treatment of site hoarding	Site hoardings to be compatible with the surrounding environment. Where possible, site hoardings should be colored to complement the surrounding areas.

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 7.2.

EVENT	ACTION
Non-compliance on one occasion	1. Identify Source 2. Inform the Contractor(s), IEC and HK Electric 3. Discuss remedial actions with the IEC, HK Electric 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 HK Electric 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 HK Electric 3. Increase monitoring frequency 4. Discuss remedial actions with the IEC, HK Electric and the Contractor(s) 5. Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed 6. If nonconformity 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 HK Electric 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

7.5 Mitigation Measures

The Landscape and Visual Assessment of the EIA recommended a series of mitigation measures for the Project design and during 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.

7.6 Auditing Requirements

Implementation of the mitigation measures for landscape and visual resources recommended by the EIA will be monitored through the site audit programme.

8 Cultural Heritage

As it is concluded that no archaeological material will be impacted by this Project no further marine archaeological investigation is required. The avoidance of direct impacts to the shipwreck identified during the geophysical survey will be verified by the Environmental Team and the Independent Environmental Checker through review of the final design prior to the installation of turbines and submarine cable. Designs and subsequent construction works will be checked to ensure that no works will occur within 50 m of the shipwreck.

9 Site environmental Audit

9.1 Site Inspections

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 per month during the construction phase. 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, HK Electric and the Contractor(s) within 2 working days. 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, HK Electric 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.

9.2 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 Hong Kong with which the construction activities will comply.

In order that the works are in compliance with the contractual requirements, the works method statements submitted by the Contractor(s) to HK Electric 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, HK Electric 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 HK Electric 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 HK Electric 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.

9.3 Environmental Complaints

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;

(ii) investigate the complaint and discuss with the Contractor(s) and HK Electric 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), HK Electric 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 Contractor(s) will cooperate with the ET, HK Electric and 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. HK Electric will approve the proposed mitigation measures and the ET and IEC will check that the measures have been carried out by the Contractor(s).

9.4 Log-Book

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 two working days 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 HK Electric, IEC and Contractor(s)) and the EPs or by EPD or his authorised officers.

10 Report

10.1 General

Reports can be provided in an electronic medium upon agreeing the format with HK Electric 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 and final EM&A review report. In accordance with Annex 21 of the EIAO-TM, a copy of the monthly, summary and final review EM&A reports will be made available to the Director of Environmental Protection.

10.2 Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report

In respect of the construction phase EM&A works, the ET will prepare and submit a Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report at least 2 weeks before commencement of the works for the Project. Copies of the Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report will be submitted to the following: the Contractor(s), the IEC, HK Electric, the EPD and the AFCD as appropriate. The ET will liaise with the relevant parties on the exact number of copies required.

The Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report 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:

a. monitoring methodology;

b. name of laboratory and types of equipment used and calibration details;

c. parameters monitored;

d. monitoring locations (and depth);

e. monitoring date, time, frequency and duration; and

f. quality assurance (QA)/quality control (QC) results and detection limits.

(v) Details on influencing factors, including:

a. major activities, if any, being carried out on the site during the period;

b. weather conditions during the period; and

c. 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.

10.3 Post-Construction Water Quality Monitoring Report

The ET will prepare and submit a Post-Construction Monitoring Report at least six weeks following the completion of the construction works for the Project. Copies of the Post-Construction Water Quality Monitoring Report will be submitted to the following: the Contractor(s), the IEC, HK Electric, the EPD and the AFCD as appropriate. The ET will liaise with the relevant parties on the exact number of copies required.

The Post-Construction Water Quality Monitoring will include at least the following:

(ix) Up to half a page executive summary.

(x) Brief project background information.

(xi) Drawings showing locations of the monitoring stations.

(xii) Monitoring results (in both hard and diskette copies) together with the following information:

a. monitoring methodology;

b. name of laboratory and types of equipment used and calibration details;

c. parameters monitored;

d. monitoring locations (and depth);

e. monitoring date, time, frequency and duration;

f. environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels);

g. Event-Action Plans;

h. environmental mitigation measures, as recommended in the Project EIA study final report;

i. environmental requirements in contract documents;

j. graphical plots of trends of monitored parameters at key stations over the monitoring; and

k. quality assurance (QA)/quality control (QC) results and detection limits.

(xiii) Details on influencing factors, including:

a. major activities, if any, being carried out on the site during the period;

b. weather conditions during the period; and

c. other factors which might affect the results.

(xiv) comments, recommendations and conclusions.

10.4 Monthly EM&A Reports

The results and findings of the 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, HK Electric 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.

10.4.1 Contents of First Monthly EM&A Report

(i) 1-2 pages executive summary, comprising:

- breaches of AL levels;

- 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 rates); 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 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.

10.4.2 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 noncompliance and deficiency reporting;

- recommendations (should be specific and target the appropriate party for action); and

- implementation status of the mitigation 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.

10.5 Avifauna Monitoring Report

After undertaking the baseline pre-construction monitoring, the ET will prepare and submit a Baseline Avifauna Monitoring Report at least 2 weeks before commencement of the wind turbines installation works for the Project. Monitoring results collected during the construction phase monitoring will be presented in the respective Monthly EM&A reports. After the commission of the wind farm, avifauna monitoring programme will be conducted for a period of one year and the ET will prepare an Operation Avifauna Monitoring Reports at least six weeks following the completion of the monitoring works. The reports will be submitted to the Contractor(s), the IEC, HK Electric, EPD and AFCD. Should any bird mortality or injury be confirmed as being due to the operation of the wind turbine, relevant government departments (ie EPD and AFCD) will be notified.

10.6 Marine Mammal Monitoring Report

After undertaking the baseline pre-construction monitoring, the ET will prepare and submit a Baseline Marine Mammal Monitoring Report at least 2 weeks before commencement of the wind turbines installation works for the Project. Monitoring results collected during the construction phase monitoring will be presented in the respective Monthly EM&A reports. After the commission of the wind farm, marine mammal monitoring programme will be conducted for a period of one year and the ET will prepare an Operation Marine Mammal Monitoring Reports at least six weeks following the completion of the monitoring works. The reports will be submitted to the Contractor(s), the IEC, HK Electric, EPD and AFCD.

10.7 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 the construction phase EM&A works. 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.

10.8 Data Keeping

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.

10.9 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.

10.10 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), HK Electric, EPD and the AFCD as appropriate within 2 working days 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 B.

([1]) As these are mobile stations, representative locations should be selected for the baseline monitoring.

([2]) As these are mobile stations, representative locations should be selected for the baseline monitoring.

([3]) Construction phase refers to the one year period including wind turbine construction and pre-commissioning phase, which is the fourth year of the construction programme as stated in Figure 1.2.

([4]) Construction phase refers to the one year period including wind turbine construction and pre-commissioning phase, which is the fourth year of the construction programme as stated in Figure 1.2.

([5]) It is noted that piling activities for the installation of the wind turbines will be avoided during December to May, hence monitoring activities may take place during periods when no piling works are occurring.

([6]) Construction phase refers to the one year period including wind turbine construction and pre-commissiong phase, which is the fourth year of the construction programme as stated in Figure 1.2.

([7]) BucklandST, Anderson DR, Burnham KP, Laake JL, Borchers DL, Thomas L (2001) Introduction to distance sampling: estimating abundance of biological populations. Oxford University Press, London

([8]) It is noted that piling activities for the installation of the wind turbines will be avoided during December to May, hence monitoring activities may take place during periods when no piling works are occurring.

([9]) All observers of the surveys should undergo a training program before the start of data collection. Observers should be trained and calibrated in distance estimation, by asking them to make distance estimates to various objects (e.g., other boats, specific points on shore, floating debris, etc.).

([10]) Hong Kong Offshore Wind Limited (2009) Hong Kong Offshore Wind Farm in Southeastern Waters - Environmental Impact Assessment Report.

([11]) It is noted that piling activities for the installation of the wind turbines will be avoided during December to May, hence monitoring activities may take place during periods when no piling works are occurring.

EVENT	ACTION
	ET⁽¹⁾	IEC⁽¹⁾	Contractor(s)	HK Electric
Non-compliance on one occasion	1. Identify Source 2. Inform the Contractor(s), IEC and HK Electric 3. Discuss remedial actions with the IEC, HK Electric 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 HK Electric 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 HK Electric 3. Increase monitoring frequency 4. Discuss remedial actions with the IEC, HK Electric and the Contractor(s) 5. Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed 6. If nonconformity 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 HK Electric 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