8. Waste Management Implications

8.1 Introduction

This section identifies the types of solid wastes that are likely to be generated during the construction and operation phases of the Project and evaluates the potential environmental impacts that may result from these wastes in accordance with the criteria and guidelines outlined in Annex 7 and Annex 15 of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM), respectively.

Wastes arising from construction works are mainly from railway tunnel excavation, and other construction activities for the viaducts, stations and ventilation shafts/buildings. Wastes arising during operation phase would mainly be general refuse from the staff and public at the stations and industrial and chemical wastes from maintenance works. Environmental mitigation measures and good site practices, including waste handling, storage and disposal, are recommended with reference to the applicable waste legislation and guidelines.

8.2 Environmental Legislations, Standards and Guidelines

The criteria and guidelines for assessing waste management implications are outlined in Annexes 7 and 15 of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM), respectively.

The following legislation relates to the handling, treatment and disposal of wastes in the Hong Kong and has been used in assessing potential impacts:

¡ Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap. 354)

¡ Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation (Cap. 354C)

¡ Waste Disposal (Charges for Disposal of Construction Waste) Regulation (Cap. 354)

¡ Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132) - Public Cleansing and Prevention of Nuisances Regulation

¡ Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 28)

¡ Dumping at Sea Ordinance (Cap. 466)

8.2.1 Waste Management

The Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO) prohibits the unauthorised disposal of wastes. Construction waste is defined as any substance, matter or thing that is generated from construction work and abandoned, whether or not it has been processed or stockpiled before being abandoned, but does not include any sludge, screenings or matter removed in or generated from any desludging, desilting or dredging works. Under the WDO, wastes can be disposed of only at designated waste disposal facilities.

Under the WDO, the Chemical Waste (General) Regulation provides regulations for chemical waste control, and administers the possession, storage, collection, transport and disposal of chemical wastes. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has also issued a ‘guideline’ document, the Code of Practice on the Packaging, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes (1992), which details how the Contractor should comply with the regulations on chemical wastes.

The Public Cleansing and Prevention of Nuisances Regulation provides control on illegal tipping of wastes on unauthorised (unlicensed) sites.

8.2.2 Construction and Demolition (C&D) Materials

The current policy related to the dumping of C&D material is documented in the Works Branch Technical Circular No. 2/93, ‘Public Dumps’. Construction and demolition materials that are wholly inert, namely public fill, should not be disposed of to landfill, but taken to public filling areas, which usually form part of reclamation schemes. The Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance requires that dumping licences be obtained by individuals or companies who deliver public fill to public filling areas. The Civil Engineering & Development Department (CEDD) issues the licences under delegated powers from the Director of Lands.

Under the Waste Disposal (Charges for Disposal of Construction Waste) Regulation, enacted in January 2006, construction waste delivered to a landfill for disposal must not contain more than 50% by weight of inert material. Construction waste delivered to a sorting facility for disposal must contain more than 50% by weight of inert material, and construction waste delivered to a public fill reception facility for disposal must consist entirely of inert material.

Measures have been introduced under Environment, Transport and Works Bureau (ETWB) TCW No. 33/2002, “Management of Construction and Demolition Material Including Rock” to enhance the management of construction and demolition material, and to minimize its generation at source. The enhancement measures include: (i) drawing up a Construction and Demolition Material Management Plan (C&DMMP) at the feasibility study or preliminary design stage to minimize C&D material generation and encourage proper management of such material; and (ii) providing the contractor with information from the C&DMMP in order to facilitate him in the preparation of the Waste Management Plan (WMP) and to minimize C&D material generation during construction. Projects generating C&D material less than 50,000m³ or importing fill material less than 50,000 m³ are exempt from the C&DMMP. The ETWB TCW No. 19/2005 “Environmental Management on Construction Sites” includes procedures on waste management requiring contractors to reduce the C&D material to be disposed of during the course of construction. Under ETWB TCW No. 19/2005, the contractor is required to prepare and implement an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and the Waste Management Plan (WMP) becomes part of the EMP.

8.2.3 Marine Dredged Sediment

ETWB TCW No. 34/2002, “Management of Dredged/Excavated Sediment” and PNAP No.252 Management of Dredged/Excavated Sediment set out the procedures for seeking approval to dredge/excavate sediment and the management framework for marine disposal of such sediment. Dredged marine sediment arising from the Project will be managed in accordance with the requirements of ETWB TCW No. 34/2002 and PNAP No.252. The sediment quality criteria for the classification of sediment are presented in Table 8.3.

In accordance with the Dumping at Sea Ordinance, application for dumping permits from EPD is required for marine disposal of dredged materials.

8.3 Assessment Methodology

8.3.1 General

The criteria for assessing waste management implications are outlined in Annex 7 of the EIAO-TM. The methods for assessing potential waste management impacts during construction phase follow those presented in Annex 15 of the EIAO-TM and include the following:

¡ Estimation of the types and quantities of the wastes generated.

¡ Assessment of potential impacts from the management of solid waste with respect to potential hazards, air and odour emissions, noise, wastewater discharges and public transport.

¡ Assessment of impacts on the capacity of waste collection, transfer and disposal facilities.

8.3.2 Potential Locations Requiring Marine Sediment Dredging/Excavation

Geotechnical investigation works along the alignment of SIL(E) was carried out in mid 2008. Drillhole record for drillholes along the proposed SIL(E) alignment were reviewed as follows:

8.3.2.1 Staunton Creek Nullah

The geological section along Staunton Creek Nullah revealed that fill and alluvium were present while marine deposit was not present at the proposed SIL(E) alignment along Staunton Creek Nullah.

Drillhole record for drillholes along Staunton Creek Nullah showed that material including fill, sand, granite and alluvium were present while marine deposit was not present at the proposed SIL(E) alignment along Staunton Creek Nullah[1].

Ground investigation works was also carried out at Staunton Creek Nullah under Drainage Services Department Consultancy on Reconstruction and Improvement of Staunton Creek Nullah in Wong Chuk Hang in 2007/2008. Borehole and trial pit records along Staunton Creek Nullah showed that material including fill, saprolitic soil and weathered rock and rock were present while marine deposit was not present at the proposed SIL(E) alignment along Staunton Creek Nullah[2].

Preliminary assessment based on geological maps, available GI records and geological section drawn from the available information revealed that the material which would be affected by the proposed SIL(E) alignment along the Staunton Creek Nullah in general consist of fill, alluvium and granite.

From the above quoted results, it is believed that marine deposit is not present at the proposed SIL(E) alignment along the Staunton Creek Nullah.

8.3.2.2 Aberdeen Channel

The geological section across Aberdeen Channel revealed that marine deposit and alluvium were present at the proposed SIL(E) alignment across Aberdeen Channel. Drillhole record for drillholes across Aberdeen Channel showed that material including marine deposit (0.5m down from seabed), sand and alluvium were present at the proposed SIL(E) alignment across Aberdeen Channel.

Based on sediment monitoring stations in the open waters of Hong Kong as stated in The Marine Water Quality in Hong Kong in 2007 from EPD, the nearest EPD reference marine sampling points to the proposed railway bridge in Aberdeen Channel with sediments recovered are WS2 and SS2 (locations and records are extracted from this Report and shown in Appendix 8.1 as reference). The most recent available test results from recovered sediments from WS2 and SS2 indicated that all parameters complied with the criteria as per Appendix A of ETWB TC(W) No. 34/2002 Management of Dredged/Excavated Sediment and PNAP No.252 Management of Dredged/Excavated Sediment.

The Marine Water Quality in Hong Kong in 2007 (EPD 2008) indicated that there are two EPD reference marine sampling points (WT1 and WT3) located at Aberdeen South and Aberdeen West Typhoon Shelter respectively which are closest to the proposed railway bridge in Aberdeen Channel. However, sediment at these sampling points had been removed by previous dredging.

From the above quoted results, it is believed that marine deposit is present at the proposed pier/pier structure in Aberdeen Channel and a proportion of the proposed dredged/excavated marine deposit volume may be considered as Category M or H sediment that require chemical and biological screening.

8.3.3 Marine Sediment Sampling and Testing

8.3.3.1 General

Based on the results discussed above and with reference to ETWB TCW No. 34/2002 Management of Dredged/Excavated Sediment and PNAP No.252 Management of Dredged/Excavated Sediment, marine sediment sampling has been carried out at the location where dredging/excavation of sediment will be required for installation of the pier/pier structure in Aberdeen Channel. Based on the proposed alignment of SIL(E), intended construction method, bridge structural form, pier foundations and drillhole record, grab sampling is proposed. Coordinate and proposed depth of the grab sample is summarised in Table 8.1. Location of the grab sampling is presented in Figure 8.1.

Table 8.1: Coordinate and Proposed Depth of Grab Sample

Grab Sample No.	Coordinates	Seabed level mPD	Proposed Depth
G1	834546.04	811878.35	-3.82	0.5m*

Grab Sample No.

Coordinates

Seabed level

mPD

Proposed Depth

Easting

Northing

834546.04

811878.35

-3.82

0.5m*

Notes :-

^* refers to full depth of marine sediment layer.

As mentioned in Section 8.3.7, drillhole record for drillholes across Aberdeen Channel showed that material including marine deposit (0.5m down from seabed), sand and alluvium were present at the proposed alignment across Aberdeen Channel. Laboratory testing of contaminants was carried out in January 2009 to determine the level of contamination in the marine sediments at the existing seabed.

8.3.3.2 Sample Arrangement

Tier II chemical screening was carried out to determine whether the sediment is suitable for open sea disposal without further testing in accordance with the requirements of ETWB TCW No. 34/2002 and PNAP No.252 Management of Dredged/Excavated Sediment.

On recovery of the grab sample, the required subsamples were taken, bagged, labelled and stored in a dark environment in a cool box below 4⁰C immediately after collection on site. On transfer from site to laboratory, samples were kept at below 4⁰C, by regularly replacing the ice packs as set out in ETWB TCW No. 34/2002 Management of Dredged/Excavated Sediment and PNAP No.252 Management of Dredged/Excavated Sediment. All soil subsamples were tested for the suites of tests following the conditions and procedures set out in ETWB TCW No. 34/2002 Management of Dredged/Excavated Sediment and PNAP No.252 Management of Dredged/Excavated Sediment. Tier II Chemical Screening were undertaken for the parameters using the analytical methods and reporting limits described in Table 8.2.

Table 8.2: Parameters Proposed for Chemical Screening for Sediment Samples

Parameter	Preparation Method US EPA method	Determination Method US EPA Method	Reporting Limit (mg/kg)
Metals (mg/kg dry wt.)
Cadmium (Cd)	3050B	6020A or 7000A or 7131A	0.2
Chromium (Cr)	3050B	6010C or 7000A or 7190	8
Copper (Cu)	3050B	6010C or 7000A or 7210	7
Mercury (Hg)	7471A	7471A	0.05
Nickel (Ni)	3050B	6010C or 7000A or 7520	4
Lead (Pb)	3050B	6010C or 7000A or 7420	8
Silver (Ag)	3050B	6020A or 7000A or 7761	0.1
Zinc (Zn)	3050B	6010C or 7000A or 7950	20
Metalloid (mg/kg dry wt.)
Arsenic (As)	3050B	6020A or 7000A or 7061A	1
Organic-PAHs (µg/kg dry wt.)
Lower Molecular Weight PAHs+	3550B or 3540C and 3630C	8260B or 8270C	55
High Molecular Weight PAHs++	3550B or 3540C and 3630C	8260B or 8270C	170
Organic-non-PAHs (µg/kg dry wt.)
Total PCBs+++	3550B or 3540C and 3665A	8082	3
Organometallics (µg TBT/L in interstitial water)
Tributyltin*	Krone et al. (1989)* - GC/MS UNEP/IOC/IAEA**	Krone et al. (1989)* - GC/MS UNEP/IOC/IAEA**	0.015

⁺ Low molecular weight PAHs include acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, anthracene, fluorene, naphthalene, and phenanthrene

⁺⁺High molecular weight PAHs include benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, chrysene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene and benzo[g,h,i]perylene

⁺⁺⁺ The reporting limit is for individual PCB congeners. Total PCBs include 2,4' diCB, 2,2',5 triCB, 2,4,4' triCB, 2,2',3,5' tetraCB, 2,2',5,5' tetraCB, 2,3',4,4' tetraCB, 3,3',4,4' tetraCB, 2,2',4,5,5' pentaCB, 2,3,3',4,4' pentaCB, 2,3',4,4',5 pentaCB, 3,3',4,4',5 pentaCB, 2,2',3,3',4,4' hexaCB, 2,2',3,4,4',5' hexaCB, 2,2',4,4',5,5' hexaCB, 3,3',4,4',5,5' hexaCB, 2,2',3,3',4,4',5 heptaCB, 2,2',3,4,4',5,5' heptaCB, 2,2',3,4',5,5',6 heptaCB (ref: the "summation" column of Table 9.3 of Evaluation of Dredged Material Proposed for Discharge in Waters of the U.S. - Testing Manual (The Inland Testing Manual) published by USEPA).

* Krone et al. (1989), A method for analysis of butyltin species and measurement of butyltins in sediment and English Sole livers from Puget Sound, Marine Environmental Research 27 (1989) 1-18. Interstitial water to be obtained by centrifuging the sediment and collecting the overlying water.

** UNEP/ICO/IAEA refers to IAEA’s Marine Environment Laboratory reference methods. These methods are available free of charge from UNEP/Water or Marine Environmental Studies Laboratory at IAEA’s Marine Environment Laboratory. Interstitial water to be obtained by centrifuging the sediment and collecting the overlying water.

8.3.3.3 Sediment Classification

Dredged sediment destined for marine disposal are classified according to their level of contamination by 13 contaminants as detailed in Table 8.3:

Table 8.3: Sediment Quality Criteria for the Classification of Sediment

Contaminants	LCEL	UCEL
Heavy Metal (mg/kg dry weight)
Cadmium (Cd)	1.5	4
Chromium (Cr)	80	160
Copper (Cu)	65	110
Mercury (Hg)	0.5	1
Nickel (Ni)	40	40
Lead (Pb)	75	110
Silver (Ag)	1	2
Zinc (Zn)	200	270
Metalloid (mg/kg dry weight)
Arsenic	12	42
Organic-PAHs (µg/kg dry weight)
PAHs (Low Molecular Weight)	550	3160
PAHs (High Molecular Weight)	1700	9600
Organic-non-PAHs (µg/kg dry weight)
Total PCBs	23	180
Organometallics (µg-TBT L-1 in interstitial water)
Tributyltin	0.15	0.15

Source: Appendix A of ETWB TCW No. 34/2002 Management of Dredged / Excavated Sediment

Note: LCEL – Lower Chemical Exceedance Level

UCEL – Upper Chemical Exceedance Level

Sediments are categorised with reference to the LCEL and UCEL, as follows:

Category L	Sediment with all contaminant levels not exceeding the LCEL. The material must be dredged, transported and disposed of in a manner that minimises the loss of contaminants either into solution or by suspension.
Category M	Sediment with any one or more contaminant levels exceeding the LCEL and none exceeding the UCEL. The material must be dredged and transported with care, and must be effectively isolated from the environment upon final disposal unless appropriate biological tests demonstrate that the material will not adversely affect the marine environment
Category H	Sediment with any one or more contaminant levels exceeding the UCEL. The material must be dredged and transported with great care, and must be effectively isolated from the environment upon final disposal.

In case of Category M and Category H contamination, the final determination of appropriate disposal options, routing and the allocation of a permit to dispose of material at a designated site would be made by EPD and the Marine Fill Committee (MFC) in accordance with the ETWB TCW No. 34/2002.

8.4 Identification, Prediction and Evaluation of Environmental Impact

8.4.1 Construction Phase

The construction activities to be carried out for construction of the proposed SIL(E) would generate a variety of wastes that can be divided into distinct categories based on their composition and ultimate method of disposal. The identified waste types include:

¡ Construction and demolition (C&D) materials

¡ General refuse

¡ Chemical waste and

¡ Marine dredged sediment

Each type of waste arising is described below, together with an evaluation of the potential environmental impacts associated with generation, handling, storage, transport and disposal for each waste type.

8.4.1.1 Construction and Demolition (C&D) Materials

Tunnelling works and earth works for the depot and underground stations construction would generate C&D materials. It is anticipated that the volume of C&D materials to be generated would be approximately 1,417,100 m³ (estimated with +5% measurement allowance), with approximately 67% or 950,000 m³ would be rock material which is mainly generated from tunnelling works, site formation for WCH Depot and construction of the proposed stations of SIL(E). The amount of C&D material to be generated would be quantified in the site Waste Management Plan to be prepared by the Contractor. As the majority of this material is of volcanic origin, they are unsuitable for re-cycling or reuse for concrete production by the Project, majority of the C&D material would need to be disposed as fill material off site.

In order to minimise the impact resulting from collection and transportation of C&D material for off-site disposal, the excavated material that could be reused on-site as fill material should be reused on-site as backfilling material for the construction of the cut and cover sections as far as practicable. Temporary storage area would be arranged to facilitate the reuse of C&D material. Appropriate measures such as dust suppression measures as required under the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation and good site practices outlined in ProPECC Note PN 1/94 Construction Site Drainage to minimise washing away of stockpiled C&D material should be followed as far as practicable. The ex-Canadian Hospital site, WCH Depot site and Harcourt Garden site are proposed to be the temporary stockpiling area for C&D material to be reused on site. Approximately 0.3% or 5,000 m³ of C&D materials could be reused on site.

The surplus C&D materials generated could be reused by other projects either in the HKSAR or elsewhere. At the initial stage of planning for the proposed Project, consideration had been given to reuse the rock material in local projects that require public fill for reclamation and earth filling purposes, say, Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge (HZMB) in association with Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) and Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR), Central-Wanchai Bypass and Wanchai Development Phase II projects, MTRCL has undertaken the necessary coordination with the relevant project proponents and CEDD in terms of project programme, disposal quantity and fill requirements. It has been agreed in principle between MTRCL and HZMB projects that HZMB projects could receive the spoil materials generated as filling materials (letter attached in Appendix 8.3) and, MTRCL will further coordinate with the project proponent on the detailed arrangement.

The surplus C&D materials requiring off-site disposal is thus approximately 99.7% or 1,412,100 m³. Based on the forecast for public fill demand from these government projects, it is anticipated that approximately 30.8 % or 435,833m³ of surplus C&D materials generated from this project could be reused by these three projects. The actual quantities and arrangement for reusing the surplus C&D material will be subject to the programmes and arrangement of the concerned projects. Summary of C&D materials generated, reused on site and disposed off-site from the various construction works items is given in Table 8.4.

Table 8.4: Summary of C&D Materials Quantity

Works Item	Total C&D Material (m³)	Excavated Rock (m³)	Artificial Hard Material (AHM) (m³)	Material other than Excavated Rock and AHM (m³)	C&D Material to be reused on site (m³)	Surplus C&D Material to be disposed offsite (m³)
ADM Station	267,400	196,200	2,000	69,200	0	267,400
Nam Fung Tunnel	311,200	297,700	1,900	11,600	0	311,200
Nam Fung Portal	20,100	0	0	20,100	0	20,100
OCP to Nam Fung Portal and OCP Station, WCH Station, Viaducts & Aberdeen Channel Bridge	63,700	11,000	100	52,600	0	63,700
WCH Depot	354,300	149,300	18,000	187,000	0	354,300
LET to Ap Lei Chau Bridge	74,100	19,900	4,000	50,200	5,000	69,100
LET Station	84,900	78,400	200	6,300	0	84,900
SOH to LET Station incl. Lee Wing Street Vent Bldg, Magazine Site & Barging Points	103,900	101,400	200	2,300	0	103,900
SOH Station	137,500	96,100	1,000	40,400	0	137,500
Grand Total	1,417,100	950,000	27,400	439,700	5,000	1,412,100*

Note: The delivery programme of the C&D material to each barging point at Telegraph Bay, Lee Nam Road and Western District Public Cargo Working Area (shared use with WIL project) will be provided in the Waste Management Plan, which would be prepared by the Contractor before the commencement of the construction works.

* Approximately 435,833m³ could be reused off-site in the HZMB in association with HKBCF and HKLR, Central-Wanchai Bypass and Wanchai Development Phase II projects.

Apart from abovementioned projects, the surplus rock and other inert C&D material would be disposed of at the Government’s Public Fill Reception Facilities (PFRFs) for beneficial use by other projects in the HKSAR, or transported to Mainland China via CEDD for use by other suitable projects in the Mainland as last resort. Following the signing of the “Implementation Scheme on Hong Kong Disposal of Inert C&D materials in the Mainland” between the HKSAR and the Mainland, the disposal of surplus inert C&D material to the Mainland is expected to be via the official channel coordinated by the Government of the HKSAR at this stage. Appendix 8.4 shows the quantities of surplus C&D materials to be reused in other projects/facilities.

The strategy for handling and disposal of the substantial amount of C&D material off-site from the works area is essential as it would impose road traffic impact and environmental impacts along the haul route to the nearby community and even affect the programme of the construction works.

Harcourt Garden, Hong Kong Park, Nam Fung portal, WCH depot site formation and Lee Wing Street construction adit are the major mucking out points for the generation of C&D materials. In view of the geographic location of these major mucking out points, C&D material generated from the Island North work sites would be mainly transported and disposed at the temporary barging point at Western District Public Cargo Working Area, proposed shared use with WIL project. Temporary barging point facilities would be established at Island South work sites for C&D materials generated such that adverse traffic impact on major road links result in cross-area construction traffic could be avoided.

Temporary barging points at Island South work sites for this Project are proposed at Telegraph Bay and Lee Nam Road. Barging point at Telegraph Bay would mainly handle C&D material from Nam Fung portal and WCH depot formation site while barging point of Lee Nam Road would mainly handle the C&D materials generated at Ap Lei Chau works sites.

As barging point of Lee Nam Road would be located in the vicinity of Lee Wing Street Construction Adit, a conveyor belt would be erected along Lee Nam Road between the construction adit and the barging point site for removal of C&D material generated from the construction of LET station and tunnel, although conventional method by trucks is also a viable alternative for spoil removal from the adit to the barging point. C&D material generated elsewhere would be delivered to the barging point by road traffic. The conveyer belt system would be fully enclosed to minimize dust and noise impact while dust suppression measures such as water spray would be installed at barging point for dust suppression. The estimated handling rate of C&D material removal from the proposed barging points at Telegraph Bay, Lee Nam Road and Western District Public Cargo Working Area and the proposed frequency of barge movements and transportation routing are shown in Table 8.5.

Table 8.5: Summary of Handling Rate and Frequency of Barge Movements and Routings

Barging Point	Telegraph Bay Barging Point	Lee Nam Road	Western District Public Cargo Working Area (Shared use with WIL project)
Main Activities: C&D Material Removal
Operation Period	Approximately from late 2010 to late 2013	Approximately from late 2010 to late 2013	Approximately from late 2010 to mid 2013
Frequency of Barge Movements and Routing	Anticipate 2 to 4 barges per day. Possible routings for barges include local projects that require public fill for reclamation and earth filling purposes, say, Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge in association with Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities and Hong Kong Link Road, Central-Wanchai Bypass and Wanchai Development Phase II projects (subject to further coordination), Government’s Public Fill Reception Facilities (PFRFs) for beneficial use by other projects in the HKSAR, or transport to Mainland China via CEDD for reclamation and site formation projects as last resort	Anticipate 3 to 6 barges per day. Possible routings for barges include local projects that require public fill for reclamation and earth filling purposes, say, Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge in association with Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities and Hong Kong Link Road, Central-Wanchai Bypass and Wanchai Development Phase II projects (subject to further coordination), Government’s Public Fill Reception Facilities (PFRFs) for beneficial use by other projects in the HKSAR, or transport to Mainland China via CEDD for reclamation and site formation projects as last resort	Anticipate 2 to 4 barges per day. Possible routings for barges include local projects that require public fill for reclamation and earth filling purposes, say, Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge in association with Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities and Hong Kong Link Road, Central-Wanchai Bypass and Wanchai Development Phase II projects (subject to further coordination), Government’s Public Fill Reception Facilities (PFRFs) for beneficial use by other projects in the HKSAR, or transport to Mainland China via CEDD for reclamation and site formation projects as last resort
Handling Rate	Max. 1,600 m³/day (Bulk volume)	Max. 2,400 m³/day (Bulk volume)	Max. 1,400 m³/day (Bulk volume)

The possible non-inert C&D waste of around 34,900 m³ would be generated from general site clearance and tree felling works, which is to be disposed of at the designated landfill sites. It is the Contractor responsibility to separate the inert and non-inert C&D materials on site. Opportunities for reusing the non-inert portion should be investigated before disposal at landfill sites.

8.4.1.2 General Refuse

The construction workforce will generate refuse comprising food scraps, waste paper, empty containers, etc. Such refuse should be properly managed so intentional or accidental release to the surrounding environment does not occur. Disposal of refuse at sites other than approved waste transfer or disposal facilities shall be prohibited. Effective collection of site wastes will be required to prevent waste materials being blown around by wind, flushed or leached into the marine environment, or creating an odour nuisance or pest and vermin problem. Waste storage areas shall be well maintained and cleaned regularly. With the implementation of good waste management practices at the site, adverse environmental impacts are not expected to arise from the storage, handling and transportation of workforce wastes. The maximum number of construction workers to be employed is estimated to be about 3,700 workers. Based on a generation rate of 0.65 kg per worker per day, the maximum daily arising of general refuse during the construction period would be approximately 2,405 kg and this waste can be effectively controlled by normal measures.

8.4.1.3 Chemical Waste

The maintenance and servicing of construction plant and equipment may generate some chemical wastes such as cleaning fluids, solvents, lubrication oil and fuel. Maintenance of vehicles may also involve the use of a variety of chemicals, oil and lubricants. It is difficult to quantify the amount of chemical waste that will arise from the construction activities since it will be dependent on the Contractor’s on-site maintenance requirements and the amount of plant utilised. However, it is anticipated that the quantity of chemical waste, such as lubricating oil and solvent produced from plant maintenance, would be small and in the order of a few cubic metres per month. The amount of chemical waste to be generated would be quantified in the site Waste Management Plan to be prepared by the Contractor.

Chemical wastes arising during the construction phase may pose environmental, health and safety hazards if not stored and disposed of in an appropriate manner as stipulated in the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulations. The potential hazards include:

¡ Toxic effects to workers

¡ Adverse impacts on water quality from spills and associated adverse impacts on marine biota; and

¡ Fire hazards.

Materials classified as chemical wastes would require special handling and storage arrangements before removal for appropriate treatment at the approved Chemical Waste Treatment Facility. Wherever possible opportunities should be taken to reuse and recycle materials. Mitigation and control requirements for chemical wastes are detailed in Section 8.5.1.5. Provided that the handling, storage and disposal of chemical wastes are in accordance with these requirements, adverse environmental impacts are not expected.

8.4.1.4 Marine Dredged Sediment

In accordance with ETWB TC(W) No. 34/2002 - Management of Dredged/Excavated Sediment and PNAP No.252 Management of Dredged/Excavated Sediment, review of existing information for site contamination assessment (Tier I) and chemical screening (Tier II) were conducted for the dredging/excavation site to determine the sediment quality.

The chemical testing results is presented in Table 8.6. In accordance with the sediment quality criteria for the classification of sediment as per Appendix A of ETWB TC(W) No. 34/2002 Management of Dredged/Excavated Sediment and PNAP No.252 Management of Dredged/Excavated Sediment, the sediment chemical testing results indicated that Category H sediment was found in terms of Cu and Zn. As the exceedance level is less than 10 times of lower chemical exceedance level for these 2 parameters, sediment sample was not required to proceed to Tier III biological screening. Hence, the sediment is classified as Type 2 - Confined Marine Disposal. The marine sediment quality analytical results of chemical screening from the marine site investigation works are included in Appendix 8.2.

Table 8.6: Contaminant Levels of Grab Sample

LMW	HMW	Total PCBs	Metals									TBT
PAHs	PAHs	Total PCBs	Mg/kg									ng/L
µg/kg	µg/kg	µg/kg	Cd	Cr	Cu	Ni	Pb	Zn	Hg	As	Ag
<55	300	<3	0.28	16	230	6.2	60	280	0.07	6.3	0.39	<0.015

Notes:

LMW = Low molecular weight PAHs, that is, acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, anthracene, fluorene, naphthalene and phenanthrene.

HMW = High molecular weight PAHs, that is, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, chrysene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene and benzo[g,h,i]perylene.

Values in bold indicate Category H sediment under ETWB TCW No. 34/2002.

The existing seabed area would be dredged/excavated for installation of the pier/pier structure in Aberdeen Channel. The Design Consultant estimated that the quantity of dredged/excavated sediment from the pier installation work was less than 100 m³. The potential environmental effects of the removal of these sediments on water quality have been assessed and presented in Section 5 of this Report.

To minimize any potential adverse impacts arising from the dredged marine sediment, the sediment shall be dredged, transported and disposed of in a manner that would minimise the loss of contaminants either into solution or by resuspension. Mitigation measures to minimise potential environmental impacts are described in Sections 8.5.1.6. With the implementation of mitigation measures, no unacceptable impacts would be expected from the transportation and disposal of the dredged sediment.

8.4.2 Operation Phase

It is anticipated that waste management during operation phase of the proposed SIL(E) would have similar arrangement to the other existing MTRCL stations and depots. It is anticipated to involve the following waste generating activities:

¡ Stations operation;

¡ Maintenance works;

¡ Office activities;

¡ Retail stores within new stations; and

¡ Canteens at depot

Variety of wastes would be generated from abovementioned activities through the railway operations. Types of wastes to be generated could be categorised as follows:

¡ General refuse;

¡ Chemical waste; and

¡ Industrial waste

The depot at WCH is planned to support the SIL(E), key activities which would result in generation of a variety of wastes include:

Electric Multiple Units (EMU) related:

¡ Routine checks of trains;

¡ Replacement of consumable parts, e.g. carbon strips, brake pads, etc.;

¡ Corrective maintenance/repair of defective trains;

¡ Detergent washing of trains; and

¡ Wheel turning;

Infrastructure Maintenance Related:

¡ Welding and painting of rail components;

¡ Grinding of metallic parts;

¡ Crane lifting; and

¡ Maintenance of depot plants;

Others:

¡ Depot floor cleaning and pest control;

¡ Canteen operations; and

¡ Wastewater treatment

The nature of each waste is discussed as follows:

8.4.2.1 General Refuse

General refuse from railway operation are mainly generated from trains, stations, retail stores within the new stations, canteen and office activities such as food scraps, waste paper, empty containers, etc. Such refuse should be properly managed so that intentional or accidental release to the surrounding environment does not occur.

Effective collection of general wastes would be required to prevent waste materials creating an odour nuisance or pest and vermin problem. Waste storage areas should be well maintained and cleaned regularly. To reduce waste and improve recycling, it is expected that waste such as waste paper and aluminium could be recycled.

8.4.2.2 Industrial Waste

Industrial waste would be generated from maintenance activities at the maintenance works taken at WCH depot, railway and the proposed SIL(E) stations. Industrial waste would be generated including scrap materials from rail and carriage maintenance, used fluorescent tubes, used welding rods, cleansing materials and discarded electronic equipment. It is difficult to quantify the amount of industrial waste that would arise from those activities at this stage since it would be dependent on the maintenance requirements.

Licensed waste collector should be deployed to transport and dispose of the industrial wastes regularly. Scrap metals collected from wheel lathe and discarded electronic equipment could be recycled. Provided that industrial waste are stored properly and disposed regularly for recycling, adverse environmental impacts are not expected.

8.4.2.3 Chemical Waste

Chemical waste would be generated from various routine maintenance activities, such as maintenance of air compressor, train and depot air conditioning (A/C), electronic equipment, generator and fixed plant equipment, etc. Chemical waste such as waste lube oil, contamination rags, waste paint, waste cleaning solvent, used batteries, oil, acids and alkalis, solvents and spent chemical and lubricant are expected to be generated from these activities. It is difficult to quantify the amount of chemical waste that will arise from those activities at this stage since it would be dependent on the equipment maintenance requirements and the amount of equipment utilised.

As discussed in Section 8.4.1.3, chemical wastes may pose environmental, health and safety hazards if not stored and disposed of in an appropriate manner as stipulated in the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulations. Chemical wastes should require special handling and storage arrangements in accordance with the relevant regulations before removal for appropriate treatment at the approved Chemical Waste Treatment Facility. Wherever possible opportunities should be taken to reuse and recycle materials. Mitigation and control requirements for chemical wastes are detailed in Section 8.5.2.3. Provided that the handling, storage and disposal of chemical wastes are in accordance with these requirements, adverse environmental impacts are not expected. Nevertheless, Chemicals Spillage Management Plan should be prepared by the MTRCL to document the details of response procedures for chemicals spillage incidents.

8.5 Mitigation of Adverse Environmental Impact

8.5.1 Construction Phase

8.5.1.1 Good Site Practices

Adverse impacts related to waste management such as dust, odour, noise and wastewater discharge are not expected to arise, provided that good site practices are strictly followed. Recommendations for good site practices during the construction activities include:

¡ Nomination of an approved person, such as a site manager, to be responsible for good site practices, arrangements for collection and effective disposal to an appropriate facility, of all wastes generated at the site

¡ Training of site personnel in proper waste management and chemical handling procedures

¡ Provision of sufficient waste disposal points and regular collection of waste

¡ Appropriate measures to minimise windblown litter and dust/odour during transportation of waste by either covering trucks or by transporting wastes in enclosed containers

¡ Provision of wheel washing facilities before the trucks leaving the works area so as to minimise dust introduction from public road

¡ Well planned delivery programme for offsite disposal such that adverse environmental impact from transporting the C&D material is not anticipated

¡ Provision of cover for the stockpile material, sand bag or earth bund as barrier to prevent material from washing away and entering the drains

8.5.1.2 Waste Reduction Measures

Good management and control can prevent the generation of a significant amount of waste. Waste reduction is best achieved at the planning and design stage, as well as by ensuring the implementation of good site practices. Recommendations to achieve waste reduction include:

¡ Sort C&D material from demolition and decommissioning of the existing facilities to recover recyclable portions such as metals

¡ Segregation and storage of different types of waste in different containers, skips or stockpiles to enhance reuse or recycling of materials and their proper disposal

¡ Encourage collection of aluminium cans by providing separate labelled bins to enable this waste to be segregated from other general refuse generated by the work force

¡ Proper storage and site practices to minimise the potential for damage or contamination of construction materials

¡ Plan and stock construction materials carefully to minimise amount of waste generated and avoid unnecessary generation of waste

In addition to the above measures, specific mitigation measures are recommended below for the identified waste arising to minimise environmental impacts during handling, transportation and disposal of these wastes.

8.5.1.3 C&D Material

In order to minimise impacts resulting from collection and transportation of C&D material for off-site disposal, the excavated materials should be reused on-site as backfilling material as far as practicable. In addition, C&D material generated from excavation works could be reused as rock material in local projects that require public fill for reclamation and earth filling purposes, say, Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge in association with Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities and Hong Kong Link Road, Central-Wanchai Bypass and Wanchai Development Phase II projects (subject to further coordination). The surplus rock and other inert C&D material would be disposed of at the Government’s Public Fill Reception Facilities (PFRFs) for beneficial use by other projects in the HKSAR, or transported to Mainland China via CEDD for use by other suitable projects in the Mainland. C&D waste generated from general site clearance and tree felling works would require disposal to the designated landfill site. Other mitigation requirements are listed below:

¡ A Waste Management Plan should be prepared and

¡ In order to monitor the disposal of C&D material and solid wastes at public filling facilities and landfills, and to control fly-tipping, a trip-ticket system (e.g. ETWB TCW No. 31/2004) should be included

8.5.1.4 General Refuse

General refuse should be stored in enclosed bins or compaction units separate from C&D material. A reputable waste collector should be employed by the contractor to remove general refuse from the site, separately from C&D material. Preferably an enclosed and covered area should be provided to reduce the occurrence of 'wind blown' light material.

8.5.1.5 Chemical Waste

If chemical wastes are produced at the construction site, the Contractor would be required to register with the EPD as a chemical waste producer and to follow the guidelines stated in the Code of Practice on the Packaging Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes. Good quality containers compatible with the chemical wastes should be used, and incompatible chemicals should be stored separately. Appropriate labels should be securely attached on each chemical waste container indicating the corresponding chemical characteristics of the chemical waste, such as explosive, flammable, oxidizing, irritant, toxic, harmful, corrosive, etc. The Contractor should use a licensed collector to transport and dispose of the chemical wastes, to either the approved Chemical Waste Treatment Centre, or another licensed facility, in accordance with the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation.

8.5.1.6 Marine Dredged Sediment

The basic requirements and procedures for dredged/excavated sediment disposal are specified under the ETWB TCW No. 34/2002 Management of Dredged/Excavated Sediment. The management of the dredging/excavation, use and disposal of marine sediment is monitored by the Marine Fill Committee (MFC), while the licensing of marine dumping is the responsibility of the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The sediment at the pier site would be dredged/excavated and transferred to barges for subsequent disposal. Release of dredged/excavated sediment into the surrounding water should be avoided. It is recommended that the distance between the barge and the dredging point be shortened as far as possible to avoid dropping of sediment to the seawater.

Category H material was identified at the grab sampling location at the dredging/excavation site. As there was no exceedance of 10xLCEL for the tested parameters, the sediment to be dredged/excavated at this location should be disposed of at a confined marine disposal site. Typically East Sha Chau mud pits are the designated disposal site for contaminated sediment and would be suitable for accepting this type of dredged material. Disposal of dredged/excavated marine sediment should follow the requirements specified in ETWB TCW No. 34/2002. The Project Proponent will agree with MFC on the allocation of disposal site and the Contractor will apply a dumping permit from EPD prior to the dredging / excavation works.

Potential environmental impacts arising from handling activities (including stockpiling, storage, collection, transportation and disposal of wastes) are expected to be minimal with the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures as recommended in Section 8.5 above and in relevant sections in Sections 3, 5 and 10 of this Report.

Table 8.7 provides a summary of the various waste types likely to be generated during the construction activities for the Project, together with the recommended handling and disposal methods.

Waste Material Type	Generated from works item	Timing to be Generated	Total Quantity Generated	Quantity to be disposed off-site	Disposal	Handling
Marine Dredged Sediment (Contaminated, Type 2 Confined Marine Disposal)	Proposed pier/pier structure in Aberdeen Channel	Approximately from mid 2011 to late 2011	<100 m³	<100 m³	East Sha Chau contaminated mud pit	Minimise resuspension by tight seal on barges, controlled loading and transfer
C&D Material	Tunnelling works and earth works for the depot and underground stations construction	Approximately from late 2010 to late 2014	1,417,100m³	1,412,100m³	To be reused on-site for construction of the associated works such as backfilling or to be disposed to local projects that require public fill for reclamation and earth filling purposes, say, Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge in association with Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities and Hong Kong Link Road, Central-Wanchai Bypass and Wanchai Development Phase II projects (subject to further coordination), disposed of at the Government’s Public Fill Reception Facilities (PFRFs) for beneficial use by other projects in the HKSAR, or transported to Mainland China via CEDD for reclamation and site formation projects as last resort	Segregate inert C&D material to avoid contamination from other waste arising
C&D Waste	General site clearance and tree felling works for construction of various structures	Approximately from late 2010 to late 2014	34,900m³	34,900m³	To be disposed of to the designated landfill sites	Segregate on site from inert C&D portion-
General Refuse	Waste paper, discarded containers, etc. generated from workforce	Approximately from late 2010 to late 2014	General Refuse to be 2,405 kg per day (preliminary estimate based on workforce of 3,700)	General Refuse to be 2,405 kg per day (preliminary estimate based on workforce of 3,700)	Refuse station for compaction and containerisation and then to landfill	Provide on-site refuse collection points
Chemical Waste	Cleansing fluids, solvent, lubrication oil and fuel from construction plant and equipment	Approximately from late 2010 to late 2014	Few cubic metres per month (preliminary estimate)	Few cubic metres per month (preliminary estimate)	Chemical Waste Treatment Centre	Recycle on-site or by licensed companies. Stored on-site within suitably designed containers