Content
Chapter Title Page
Figures
Figure 1.1 General Layout Plan for
SIL(E)
Figure 1.2.1 Works Area (Sheet 1 of 10)
Figure 1.2.2 Works Area (Sheet 2 of 10)
Figure 1.2.3 Works Area (Sheet 3 of 10)
Figure 1.2.4 Works Area (Sheet 4 of 10)
Figure 1.2.5 Works Area (Sheet 5 of 10)
Figure 1.2.6 Works Area (Sheet 6 of 10)
Figure 1.2.7 Works Area (Sheet 7 of 10)
Figure 1.2.8 Works Area (Sheet 8 of 10)
Figure 1.2.9 Works Area (Sheet 9 of 10)
Figure 1.2.10 Works Area (Sheet 10 of 10)
Figure 1.2.11 Works Area (Telegraph Bay Barging Point)
Figure 1.2.12 Works Area (Chung Hom Shan Magazine Site)
Figure 1.3 Project
Organisation and Lines of Communication
Figure 2.1.1 Proposed
Location of Construction Noise Monitoring
Stations (Sheet 1 of 2)
Figure 2.1.2 Proposed
Location of Construction Noise Monitoring
Stations (Sheet 2 of 2)
Figure 3.1 Mitigation Measures
to the Impact on Ardeid Night Roost
Figure 4.1 Proposed
Location of Water Quality Monitoring Stations
Figure 9.1.1 Proposed Location of
Construction Air Quality
Monitoring Stations (Sheet 1 of 4)
Figure 9.1.2 Proposed Location of
Construction Air Quality
Monitoring Stations (Sheet 2 of 4)
Figure 9.1.3 Proposed Location of
Construction Air Quality
Monitoring Stations (Sheet 3 of 4)
Figure 9.1.4 Proposed Location of
Construction Air Quality
Monitoring Stations (Sheet 4 of 4)
Figure 11.1 Complaint
Handling Procedures
Appendices
Appendix A Environmental
Mitigation Implementation Schedule
Appendix B Sample
Environmental Monitoring Data Recording Sheets
Appendix D Sample
Interim Notification of Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances
The purpose of this Environmental Monitoring and Audit
(EM&A) Manual (hereafter referred to as the Manual) is to guide the setup
of an EM&A programme to ensure compliance with the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) study recommendations, to assess the effectiveness of the
recommended mitigation measures and to identify any further need for additional
mitigation measures or remedial action. This Manual outlines the monitoring and
audit programme proposed for the “South Island Line (East) SIL(E)” (The
Project).
It
should be noted that this EM&A Manual would be further reviewed and updated
where necessary.
The
South Island Line (SIL) was originally proposed as part of the Second Railway
Development Study (RDS-2) completed in May 2000 as an extension to the existing
railway network to serve the Southern District of Hong Kong. In June 2002, MTRCL submitted a preliminary
proposal for a medium-capacity SIL, which involved a monorail system looping
from University Station of the planned West Island Line (WIL) to the southern
part of
Subsequently,
MTRCL further developed the proposed SIL as part of a Feasibility Study (FS)
entitled “West Island Line and South Island Line Feasibility Study” which was
completed in March 2004. After an
evaluation of various alternative options, the FS recommended the
implementation of the proposed SIL(E) from South Horizons to Admiralty, via
intermediate stations at Lei Tung, Wong Chuk Hang and Ocean Park, for serving
the Southern District and provision of a necessary depot at Wong Chuk Hang to
support the operation of SIL, amongst other recommendations related to
WIL. The FS also evaluated the
feasibility of providing additional intermediate stations at
In December 2007, the Executive Council gave the green light for MTRCL to proceed with preliminary planning and design of the SIL(E), which will be a medium capacity railway line running from Admiralty to South Horizons, with three intermediate stations at Ocean Park, Wong Chuk Hang and Lei Tung. In response to the Government’s decision, MTRCL recruited an Engineering Design Consultant to undertake preliminary design for the SIL(E) in February 2008 and appointed separate Engineering Design Consultants to undertake scheme and detailed design in June 2009. The SIL(E) scheme was gazetted under the Railways Ordinance in July 2009.
The proposed SIL(E) comprises a new medium-capacity
railway system with an approximate total route length of 7km from Admiralty to
South Horizons, via three intermediate stations at
The proposed SIL(E) comprises:
¡
approximately
¡ construction of South Horizons (SOH), Lei Tung (LET), Wong Chuk Hang (WCH) and Ocean Park (OCP) stations as well as Admiralty (ADM) interchange station for SIL(E) and SCL. WCH and OCP Stations are designed to be elevated along the viaduct alignment, while SOH, LET and ADM Stations are designed to be underground associated with above-ground entrances and exits, ventilation shafts and plant buildings, and will be constructed by either drill-and-blast or cut-and-cover tunnelling method;
¡ construction of tunnels by drill-and-blast, mining and cut-and-cover method. Based on the current design, tunnel sections from Admiralty to Nam Fung Portal and from Yi Nam Road to Ap Lei Chau Drive will be constructed by drill-and-blast tunnelling method, whilst tunnel sections from Ap Lei Chau Drive to the portal at the southern side of Aberdeen Channel Bridge will be constructed by mining and cut and cover tunnelling method;
¡ construction
of tunnel portals at southern side of
¡ construction
of ventilation shafts along the alignment associated with the proposed
stations, at
¡ construction of a railway depot at the ex-Wong Chuk Hang Estate site;
¡ construction
of a viaduct section from
¡ construction of a railway bridge alongside the existing Ap Lei Chau Bridge across the Aberdeen Channel;
¡ provision of site offices, areas for construction material storage, construction shafts, temporary barging points and temporary magazine site during construction; and
¡ operation of the railway system and the depot.
1.4
Tentative
Construction Programme
Construction of the
SIL(E) is expected
to commence in 2011 for completion in 2015. The tentative construction
programme is given in Appendix 2.4 of the EIA Report.
The proposed project organisation is shown in Figure 1.3. The roles of ET and ER will both be played by MTRCL like all other MTRCL projects. This organisation structure will allow optimal lines of communications between ET, ER and the Contractor and will ensure the Contractor to perform the implementation measures effectively and in a timely fashion. The responsibilities of respective parties are:
MTRCL
Project
proponent proposing the development of the Project and would be responsible for liaison with EPD on environmental issues associated with the project.
Engineer’s Representative (ER)
The
ER is responsible for overseeing the construction works and for ensuring that the
works are undertaken by the Contractor in accordance with the specification and
contract requirements. The duties and responsibilities of the ER with respect
to EM&A are:
¡ Supervise the Contractor’s activities to ensure that environmental controls and mitigation measures as set out in the Environmental Permit (EP), EIA Report, EM&A Manual and other government’s standards are fully complied with;
¡ Inform the Contractor when action is required to reduce impacts in accordance with the Event and Action Plans as specified in this Manual;
¡ Advise, co-ordinate and give instruction when appropriate for efficient implementation of any specific environmental mitigation measures identified by the Contractor,
¡ Participate in site inspections undertaken by the ET; and
¡ Co-operate with the ET in providing all the necessary information and assistance for completion of the complaint investigation works.
The Contractor
The
Contractor should report to the ER. The duties and responsibilities of the
Contractor are:
¡ Design and implement environmental controls and mitigation measures as set out in the EP, EIA Report, EM&A Manual and other government’s standards;
¡ Participate in site inspections undertaken by the ET;
¡ Provide assistance to ET to carry out monitoring;
¡ Provide requested information to the ET in the event of any exceedance in the environmental criteria (Action/Limit levels) as specified in this Manual or other current environmental standards and to rectify unacceptable practices;
¡ Submit proposals on mitigation measures in case of exceedance in the environmental criteria (Action/Limit levels), in accordance with the Event and Action Plans as specified in this Manual; and
¡ Co-operate with the ET in providing all the necessary information and assistance for completion of the complaint investigation works. If mitigation measures are required following the investigation, the Contractor should promptly carry out these measures.
Environmental Team (ET)
The ET should conduct the EM&A programme and ensure the Contractor’s compliance with the project’s environmental performance requirements during construction. The ET should plan, organise and manage the implementation of the EM&A programme and ensure that the EM&A works are undertaken to the required standards.
The
ET should be led and managed by the ET Leader. The ET Leader should have
relevant professional qualifications in environmental control and possess at
least 7 years experience in EM&A. The
ET Leader should be responsible for the implementation of the EM&A
programme in accordance with the EM&A requirements specified in this Manual
and the EP. The duties and responsibilities of the ET are:
¡ Sampling, analysis and statistical evaluation of monitoring parameters with reference to the EIA study recommendations and requirements;
¡ Environmental site surveillance;
¡ Inspection and audit of compliance with environmental protection, and pollution prevention and control regulations;
¡ Assess the effectiveness of the environmental mitigation measures implemented;
¡ Review work methodologies which may affect the extent of environmental impact during the construction phase and comment as necessary;
¡ Complaint investigation, evaluation and identification of corrective measures;
¡ Liaison with the IEC on all environmental performance matters, and timely submission of all relevant EM&A proforma for IEC’s approval; and
¡ Advice to the Contractor on environmental improvement, awareness and enhancement matters, etc.
Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)
The
IEC should advise the ET and ER on environmental issues related to the project.
The IEC should audit from an independent viewpoint on the environmental
performance during the construction of the project. The IEC should be a person who
has relevant professional qualifications in environmental control and at least
7 years experience in EM&A and environmental management. The duties and
responsibilities of the IEC are:
¡ Review and audit in an independent, objective and professional manner in all aspects of the EM&A programme;
¡ Validate and confirm the accuracy of monitoring results, appropriateness of monitoring equipment, monitoring locations with reference to the locations of the nearby sensitive receivers, and monitoring procedures;
¡ Carry out random sample check and audit on monitoring data and sampling procedures, etc;
¡ Conduct random site inspection;
¡ Audit the EIA recommendations and EP requirements against the status of implementation of environmental protection measures on site;
¡ Review the effectiveness of environmental mitigation measures and project environmental performance;
¡ On an as-need basis, verify and certify the environmental acceptability of the construction methodology (both temporary and permanent works), relevant design plans and submissions under the environmental permit. Where necessary, the IEC should agree in consultation with the ET and the Contractor the least impact alternative;
¡ Check complaint cases and the effectiveness of corrective measures;
¡ Verify EM&A report certified by the ET Leader; and
¡ Feedback audit results to the ER/ET according to the Event/Action Plans specified in this EM&A Manual.
As EIA Report indicated that residual
noise impact is predicted during the construction phase at Wong Chuk Hang
Depot, Wong Chuk Hang Nullah, Entrance A of LET Station and South Horizons, the
mitigation measures stated in the EIA Report are recommended to
be implemented in order to reduce the noise impact to the nearby NSRs.
The monitoring programme should be carried out by the ET.
Commissioning test should be conducted by the ET in order to verify the compliance of the operational air-borne noise levels in accordance with the EIA Report/NCO criterion.
The
implementation schedule of the recommended noise mitigation measures is
presented in Appendix A. The monitoring requirements and
methodology for monitoring of noise impacts are provided below.
2.2.1.1
Monitoring Requirements
The construction noise level should be measured in terms
of the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level (Leq). Leq(30 minutes)
should be used as the monitoring parameter for the time period between
0700-1900 hours on normal weekdays.
Supplementary information for statistical results such as L10 and L90 may also be obtained for reference. A sample data record sheet is shown in Appendix B for reference. The ET may develop project specific data record sheet to suit this EM&A programme.
2.2.1.2 Monitoring Equipment
Noise measurements should not be made in the presence of fog, rain, wind with a steady speed exceeding 5 ms-1 or wind with gusts exceeding 10 ms-1.
The ET is responsible for the provision and maintenance of the monitoring equipment. The ET should ensure that sufficient noise measuring equipment and associated instrumentation are available for carrying out the baseline monitoring, regular impact monitoring and ad hoc monitoring. All the equipment and associated instrumentation should be clearly labelled.
2.2.1.3 Monitoring Locations
The
noise monitoring locations (Refer to Figures 2.1.1 and 2.1.2) are summarised
in Table 2.1. The status and locations of noise sensitive
receivers may change after issuing this manual.
If such cases exist, the ET should propose updated monitoring locations
and seek agreement from EPD.
Table
2.1: Construction Noise Monitoring Stations
|
ID |
ID adopted in EIA |
Description |
Works Area |
|
CN1 |
CPS |
San Wui Commercial Society of HK |
Wong Chuk Hang Depot |
|
CN2 |
HSS2 |
Holy Spirit Seminary (Education |
Viaduct section along Wong Chuk Hang Nullah (west of Wong Chuk Hang |
|
CN3 |
YCB |
|
LET Station Entrance A |
|
CN4 |
SOH5 |
South Horizons Phase III (Residential) |
SOH Station |
When alternative monitoring locations are proposed, the monitoring locations should be chosen based on the following criteria if possible:
¡ at locations close to the major site activities which are likely to have noise impacts;
¡ close to the noise sensitive receivers (any domestic premises, temporary housing accommodation, educational institution, place of public worship, should be considered as a noise sensitive receiver); and
¡ for monitoring locations located in the vicinity of the sensitive receivers, care should be taken to cause minimal disturbance to the occupants during monitoring.
The
monitoring station should normally be at a point 1m from the exterior of the
sensitive receivers building facade and be at a position 1.2m above the ground.
If there is a problem with access to the normal monitoring position, an
alternative nearby position may be chosen, and a correction to the measurements
should be made. For reference, a
correction of +3dB(A) should be made to the free field measurements. The ET should agree with the EPD on the
correction adopted.
The ET should carry out baseline noise
monitoring prior to the commencement of the construction works. There should not be any construction
activities in the vicinity of the stations during the baseline monitoring.
Baseline noise monitoring for the A-weighted levels LAeq, LA10 and LA90 should be carried out daily for a period of at least two weeks at a minimum logging interval of 30 minutes between 0700 and 1900.
In
exceptional case, when insufficient baseline monitoring data or questionable
results are obtained, the ET should liaise with EPD to agree on an appropriate
set of data to be used as a baseline reference.
2.2.1.5 Impact Monitoring
During normal construction working hour (0700-1900 Monday to Saturday), monitoring of LAeq, 30min noise levels should be carried out at the agreed monitoring locations once every week in accordance with the methodology in the TM.
Other
noise sources such as road traffic may make a significant contribution to the
overall noise environment. Therefore, the results of noise monitoring
activities would take into account such influencing factors, which may not be
presented during the baseline monitoring period.
General
construction work carrying out
during restricted hours is controlled by Construction Noise Permit (CNP) under
the NCO.
In case of non-compliance with the construction noise criteria, more frequent monitoring as specified in the Event and Action Plan in Table 2.3 should be carried out. This additional monitoring should be continued until the recorded noise levels are rectified or proved to be irrelevant to the construction activities.
The Action and Limit (AL) Levels for construction noise are defined in Table 2.2. Should non-compliance of the criteria occurs, action in accordance with the Event and Action Plan in Table 2.3, should be carried out.
Table 2.2 : Typical
Action and Limit Levels for Construction Noise
|
Time Period |
Action |
Limit |
|
0700-1900 hrs on normal weekdays |
When one valid documented
complaint is received. |
75* dB(A) |
Note: *70 dB(A) for schools and 65 dB(A) during school
examination periods.
If works are to be carried out during restricted hours, the conditions stipulated in the Construction Noise Permit (CNP) issued by the Noise Control Authority have to be followed.
To account for cases in which ambient noise levels, as identified by baseline monitoring, approach or exceed the stipulated Limit Levels prior to the commencement of construction, a Maximum Acceptable Impact Level, which incorporates the baseline noise levels and the identified construction noise Limit Level, may be defined and agreed with EPD. The amended level will be greater than 75 dB(A) and will represent the maximum acceptable noise level at a specific monitoring station. Correction factors for the effects of acoustic screening and/or architectural features of NSRs may also be applied as specified in the TM.
Table 2.3: Event and Action Plan for Construction Noise
|
Event |
Action |
|||
|
ET |
IEC |
ER |
Contractor |
|
|
Action Level |
1. Undertake
investigation to establish validity of exceedence. Undertake measurement to
establish validity of complaint. 2. Identify
source(s) of complaint. 3. If
valid,notify IEC, ER and Contractor and follow other actions 4. Discuss
jointly with the ER and Contractor and formulate remedial measures 5. Increase
monitoring frequency if necessary to check mitigation effectiveness |
1. Review
the proposed remedial measures by the Contractor and advise the ET
accordingly |
1. Confirm
receipt of notification of exceedance 2. Notify
Contractor 3. Require
Contractor to propose remedial measures for the analysed noise problem 4. Ensure
remedial measures are properly implemented |
1. Submit
noise mitigation proposals to ER with copy to ET 2. Implement
noise mitigation proposals |
|
Limit Level |
1. Identify
source 2. Repeat
measurement to confirm findings 3. If
valid, notify IEC, ER, and Contractor and follow other actions 4. Increase
monitoring frequency if necessary 5. Check
Contractor’s working procedures to determine possible mitigation to be
implemented 6. Discuss
jointly with the ER and Contractor and formulate remedial measures 7. Assess
effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IEC, and ER informed
of the results 8. If
exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring |
1.
Discuss amongst ER, ET and
Contractor on the potential remedial actions 2.
Review Contractor’s remedial
actions whenever necessary to assure their effectiveness and advise the ET
accordingly |
1.
Confirm receipt of notification of
exceedances 2. Notify
Contractor 3. Require
Contractor to propose remedial measures 4. Ensure
remedial measures are properly implemented 5.
Assess the efficiency of remedial
actions and keep the Contractor informed. 6.
If exceedance continues, consider
what portion of the work is responsible and instruct the Contractor to stop that
portion of work until the exceedance is abated |
1. Take
immediate action to avoid further exceedance 2. Submit
proposals for remedial actions to ER with copy to ET 3. Implement
the agreed proposals 4. Liaise
with ER to optimize the effectiveness of the agreed mitigation. 5. Revise
and resubmit proposals if problem still not under control 6. Stop
the relevant portion of works as determined by the ER until the exceedance is
abated |
2.3.1 Airborne Noise
Mitigation measures to alleviate the airborne railway noise impact are recommended in the EIA and presented in Appendix A. In order to ensure the operational airborne noise levels would comply with the noise standards as stipulated in the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM) and NCO, the ET should carry out a noise commissioning test before operation of the Project.
2.3.2 Ground-borne Noise
Trackform
mitigation is recommended in the operation ground borne noise assessment. In
order to ensure no adverse impact from the operation of train, it is
recommended the ET should perform a noise commissioning test at selected key
noise sensitive receivers, say YOC4 (Yue On Court) and SOH8 (
The
ecological impact assessment in the EIA Report has evaluated the ecological
consequences of the proposed Project and concluded that the overall impacts
would be of minor significance with the implementation of mitigation measures.
The proposed ecological mitigation measures to avoid, minimize and compensate the identified impacts arising from the proposed project should be checked as part of the environmental monitoring and audit programme during the construction phase.
3.2 Ecological Mitigation Measures
Mitigation measures were designed in accordance with Annex 16 of the EIAO-TM which states the general policy and guidance in planning of ecological measures. The implementation schedule of the recommended mitigation measures is presented in Appendix A.
It is recommended that auditing of these recommended
mitigation measures should be carried out periodically and recorded in EM&A
reports. The ardeid night roost location should be monitored monthly by qualified
ecologist during the construction phase to check the status. The survey should be
conducted using point count method at evening time from 5:30p.m., approximately
an hour before sunset, and last until the nightfall, when the sky turns dark
totally. Direct observation should be made from a vantage point which enables
an unobstructed view over the area.
As indicated in the EIA Report, adverse water quality impact was not predicted during the construction and operation phase of the Project. Nevertheless, appropriate mitigation measures are recommended to minimize potential water quality impacts.
4.2
Construction Water Quality Impact
Water quality monitoring is recommended during the course of marine construction works at Aberdeen Channel to obtain a robust, defensible database of baseline information of marine water quality before construction, and thereafter, to monitor any variation of water quality from the baseline conditions and exceedances of WQOs at sensitive receivers during construction and to ensure the recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented.
Details of the water quality monitoring and audit programme and the Event and Action Plan are provided below.
4.2.1
Water
Quality Parameter
Monitoring for Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Dissolved Oxygen Saturation (DO%), temperature, pH, turbidity, salinity, suspended solid (SS) and water depth should be undertaken at designated monitoring locations. All parameters should be measured in-situ whereas SS should be determined by the laboratory. DO should be presented in mg/L and in % saturation.
Other relevant data should also be recorded, including monitoring location / position, time, tidal stages, weather conditions and any special phenomena or work underway at the construction site.
4.2.2
Sampling
Procedure and Monitoring Equipment
Water
samples for all monitoring parameters should be collected, stored, preserved
and analyzed according to Standard Methods, APHA 21st ed. and/or methods agreed
by EPD. A sample data record
sheet is shown in Appendix B for reference.
The following equipment and facilities should be provided by the ET and used for the monitoring of water quality impacts:
4.2.2.1 Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature Measuring Equipment
DO and water temperature should be measured in-situ by a DO/ temperature meter. The instrument should be portable and weatherproof using a DC power source. It should have a membrane electrode with automatic temperature compensation complete with a cable. The equipment should be capable of measuring:
¡ a DO level in the range of 0-20 mg/l and 0-200% saturation; and
¡ a temperature of between 0 and 45 degree Celsius.
4.2.2.2 pH Measuring Instrument
A portable pH meter capable of measuring a
range between 0.0 and 14.0 should be provided to measure pH under the specified
conditions accordingly to the Standard Methods, APHA.
4.2.2.3 Turbidity Measurement Instrument
The instrument should be portable and weatherproof using a DC power source. It should have a photoelectric sensor capable of measuring turbidity between 0-1000 NTU.
4.2.2.4 Salinity
A portable salinometer with measuring range of 0-40 mg/L should be used to determine the salinity of the water.
4.2.2.5 Water Depth Detector
A portable, battery-operated echo sounder would be used for the measurement of water depth at each designated monitoring station. The unit would be either handheld or affixed to the bottom of the work boat, if the same vessel is to be used throughout the monitoring programme.
4.2.2.6 Positioning Device
A digital Global Positioning System (GPS) should be used during monitoring to ensure the monitoring vessel is at the correct location before taking measurements.
4.2.2.7 Calibration of In-Situ Instruments
All in-situ monitoring instruments would be 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 all stages of the water quality monitoring programme. Responses of sensors and electrodes should be checked with certified standard solutions before each use.
Wet bulb calibration for a DO probe should be carried out at least once per monitoring day. A zero check in distilled water should be performed with the turbidity probe at least once per monitoring day. The probe should then be calibrated with a solution of known NTU. In addition, the turbidity probe should be calibrated at least twice per month to establish the relationship between turbidity readings (in NTU) and levels of suspended solids (in mg/L).
For
the on-site calibration of field equipment, the BS 127: 1993, Guide to Field
and On-Site Test Methods for the Analysis of Waters should be observed.
Sufficient stocks of spare parts should be maintained for replacements when necessary. Backup monitoring equipment should also be made available so that monitoring could proceed uninterrupted even when some equipment is under maintenance, calibration etc.
4.2.2.8 Water Sampling Equipment
A water sampler comprises a transparent PVC cylinder, with a capacity of not less than 2 litres, and could be effectively sealed with latex cups at both ends should be used. The sampler should 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 (Kahlsico Water Sampler or an approved similar instrument).
4.2.2.9 Storage
Water samples for suspended solids measurement should be collected in high density polythene bottles, packed in ice (cooled to 4°C without being frozen), and delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection.
4.2.2.10 Laboratory Measurement/Analysis
Analysis of suspended solids should be carried out in a HOKLAS or other accredited laboratory. Water samples of about 1L should be collected at the monitoring stations for carrying out the laboratory suspended solids determination. The SS determination work should start within 24 hours after collection of the water samples. The SS analyses should follow the standard method APHA 2540D with a detection limit of 1mg/L as described in APHA Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 21st Edition, unless otherwise specified.
If in-house or non-standard methods are proposed, details of the method verification should, if required, be submitted to EPD. In any circumstances, the sample testing should have comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programmes. The laboratory should be prepared to demonstrate the quality control programmes to EPD or their representative if and when required.
Additional duplicate samples may be required by EPD for inter laboratory calibration. Remaining samples after analysis should be kept by the laboratory for 3 months in case repeat analysis is required.
The proposed water quality monitoring stations are shown in Table 4.1 and Figure 4.1. The monitoring stations proposed in this section are indicative subject to further review before construction phase. The status and locations of water sensitive receivers and the marine activities may change after issuing this Manual. If such case exists, the ET should propose updated monitoring locations and seek approval from EPD.
It is proposed to monitor the water quality at four locations closest to the marine construction works at Aberdeen Channel. It is recommended to conduct the monitoring at the appropriate vertical levels of the abstraction points of the seawater intake to collect information on the mitigated water quality condition if practicable. Two Control Stations are proposed to represent the project site in its undisturbed condition and their respective positions are also shown in Table 4.1 and Figure 4.1.
Table 4.1: Construction Water Quality Monitoring Stations
|
ID |
Description |
Easting |
Northing |
|
WM1 |
Sensitive Receiver ( |
833953 |
811923 |
|
WM2 |
Sensitive Receiver |
834547 |
811966 |
|
WM3 |
Sensitive Receiver (WSD Brick Hill Seawater Intake) |
834896 |
811567 |
|
WM4 |
Sensitive
Receiver ( |
834761 |
811292 |
|
C1 |
Control
Station |
832689 |
811967 |
|
C2 |
Control
Station |
834852 |
810689 |
When alternative monitoring locations are proposed, they should be chosen based on the following criteria:
¡ at locations close to and preferably at the boundary of the mixing zone of the major site activities as indicated in the EIA report, which are likely to have water quality impacts;
¡ close to the sensitive receptors which are directly or likely to be affected;
¡ for monitoring locations located in the vicinity of the sensitive receptors, care should be taken to cause minimal disturbance during monitoring;
¡ two or more control stations which should be at locations representative of the project site in its undisturbed condition. Control stations should be located, as far as is practicable, both upstream and down stream of the works area.
Measurement should be taken at 3 water depths, namely, 1m below water surface, mid-depth and 1m above sea bed, except where the water depth less that 6m, the mid-depth station may be omitted. Should the water depth be less than 3m, only the mid-depth station will be monitored. The ET should agree with EPD on all the monitoring stations.
Duplicate in-situ measurements and samples collected from each independent monitoring event are required for all parameters to ensure a robust statistically interpretable dataset.
The purpose of the baseline monitoring is to establish ambient conditions prior to the commencement of marine construction works and to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed monitoring stations. The measurements should be taken at all designated monitoring stations, 3-days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides, for at least 4 consecutive weeks prior to the commencement of marine construction works.
Two consecutive measurements of DO concentration (mgL-1), DO saturation (%) and turbidity (NTU) should be taken in-situ according to the stated sampling method. 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 should be discarded and further readings should be taken. Water samples for SS (mgL-1) measurements should be collected at the same depths.
In addition to the above in-situ measurements, water temperature, pH and salinity should be determined at all monitoring stations at the same depths, as specified above. Note that in addition to the water depth, monitoring location/position, time, weather conditions, sea conditions (where appropriate), tidal stage (where appropriate), and any special phenomena should be recorded.
The baseline monitoring campaign should be executed prior to commencement of marine construction works. In exceptional cases, when insufficient baseline monitoring data or questionable results are obtained, the ET should liaise with EPD to agree on an appropriate set of data to be used as a baseline reference.
The interval between two sets of monitoring would not be less than 36 hours.
During the course of the marine construction works at Aberdeen Channel, impact monitoring should be undertaken at all monitoring stations three working days per week, at mid-ebb and mid-flood tides, with sampling /measurement. The interval between two sets of monitoring should not be less than 36 hours except where the Action and/or Limit levels is/are exceeded, in which case the monitoring frequency should be increased.
Two consecutive measurements of DO concentration (mgL-1), DO saturation (%) and turbidity (NTU) should be taken in-situ according to the stated sampling method. 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 should be discarded and further readings would be taken. Water samples for SS (mgL-1) measurements should be collected at the same depths. Duplicate water samples should be taken and analyzed.
In addition to the above in-situ measurements, water temperature, pH and salinity should be determined at all monitoring stations at the same depths, as specified above. Note that in addition to the water depth, monitoring location/position, time, weather conditions, sea conditions (where appropriate), tidal stage (where appropriate), and any special phenomena should be recorded.
4.2.6 Post-Construction Monitoring
A post project water quality monitoring exercise should be carried out for four weeks upon completion of marine construction works at Aberdeen Channel, in the same manner as the impact monitoring.
The Action and Limit (AL) Levels for water quality are defined in Table 4.2. The actions in accordance with the Event and Action Plan in Table 4.3 should be carried out if the water quality assessment criteria are exceeded at any designated monitoring points.
Table 4.2: Typical Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality
|
Parameters |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
|
DO in mg/l (Surface, Middle & Bottom) |
5 percentile of baseline data |
Surface and Middle 4 mg/L or 1 percentile of baseline data Bottom 2 mg/L or 1 percentile of baseline data |
|
SS in mg/l (depth-averaged) |
95 percentile of baseline data or 120% of upstream control
station of the same day |
99 percentile of baseline data or 130% of upstream control
station of the same day |
|
Turbidity
in NTU (depth-averaged) |
95 percentile of baseline data or 120% of upstream control
station of the same day |
99 percentile of baseline data or 130% of upstream control
station of the same day |
Notes: 1. “Depth-averaged” is calculated
by taking the arithmetic means of the readings of the three depths.
2. For
DO measurement, non-compliance occurs when monitoring result is lower than the
limits.
3. For
SS and turbidity, non-compliance of water quality results when monitoring results
is higher than the limits.
4. All
the figures given in the table are used for reference only and the EPD may
amend the figures whenever necessary.
Table 4.3: Event and Action Plan for Water Quality
|
EVENT |
ACTION |
|||
|
ET |
IEC |
ER |
CONTRACTOR |
|
|
Action
level being exceeded by one sampling day |
1. Repeat measurement to confirm findings; 2. Identify source(s) of impact; 3.
If valid, inform IEC, Contractor, and ER and follow other actions; 4.
Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor’s working methods; 5. Discuss mitigation measures with IEC, ER and
Contractor; |
1.
Check Contractor’s working methods. 2. Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible mitigation measures; 3. Review the proposed mitigation measures
submitted by Contractor and advise the ET accordingly; |
1. Confirm receipt of notification 2. Discuss with ET and Contractor on the proposed mitigation. 3. Request Contractor to review
the working methods. 4. Ensure mitigation measures
are properly implemented. |
1.
Rectify unacceptable practice; 2 Check all plant and equipment and consider
changes of working methods; 3. Discuss with ET and ER and propose
mitigation measures to ET and ER within 3 working days; 4.
Implement the agreed mitigation measures. |
|
Limit level being exceeded by more than one
consecutive sampling days |
1. Repeat measurement to confirm findings; 2. Identify source(s) of impact; 3.
If valid, inform IEC, Contractor, and ER and follow other actions; 4.
Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment
and Contractor’s working methods; 5.
Discuss mitigation measures with IEC, ER and Contractor; 6. Ensure mitigation measures are implemented; 7. Increase the monitoring frequency until no
exceedance of Limit level for two consecutive days. |
1. Check Contractor’s working methods. 2. Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible
mitigation measures; 3. Review the proposed mitigation measures submitted
by Contractor and advise the ET accordingly. |
1. Confirm receipt of notification of exceedances; 2. Discuss with ET and
Contractor on the proposed mitigation measures; 3. Request Contractor to critically review the working methods; 4. Ensure mitigation measures
are properly implemented 5. Make agreement on the
mitigation measures to be implemented; 6. Assess the efficiency of
mitigation measures and keep Contractor informed; 7. Consider and instruct, if
necessary, the Contractor to slow down or to stop all or part of the
construction activities until no exceedance of Limit level. |
1. Take immediate action to avoid further
exceedance 2. Discuss with ET and ER and propose mitigation
measures to ET and ER; 3.
Implement the agreed mitigation measures; 4.
Liaise with ER to Optimise the effectiveness of the agreed mitigation. 5.
Resubmit proposals of mitigation measures if problem still not under control; 6.
As directed by the Engineer, to slow down or to stop all or part of the
construction activities until no exceedance of Limit level. |
In accordance with the EIAO-TM, the hierarchy for
landscape and visual impact mitigation is first avoidance of impact, then minimisation
of impact and finally compensation of impact. The EIA Report
provided recommendation of landscape and visual mitigation measures for both
construction and operation phases so as to minimise predicted landscape
and visual impacts, and to compensate for lost landscape resources as far as
possible.
The landscape and visual mitigation measures described in the EIA report are at a level which both demonstrates their ability to alleviate the potential landscape and visual impacts identified in the landscape and visual impact assessment and also to allow the proposals to be carried forward during the detailed design stage. The measures are designed to address both the construction and operational phases of the project. More detailed landscape and compensatory planting proposals would be developed by the Detailed Engineering Design Consultant at a later stage during design and construction phase of this project. Following the completion of the detailed Tree Survey Report, a Tree Removal Application would be submitted to the relevant departments for their approval.
The implementation, funding, and management and maintenance for the amenity areas and landscape works associated with the proposed works would be undertaken by MTRCL or relevant government departments. The landscape works would follow completion of the construction of individual stations and section of alignment. The design year is for the purposes of this study taken as approximately 10 – 15 years after the railway operating when the proposed soft landscape mitigation is mature. The landscape works would be implemented at the earliest possible time in the planting season following the sectional completion of the construction works or after the operation of the railway. The implementation schedule of landscape works is presented in Appendix A of in this EM&A Manual.
5.3 Construction and Operation Phase Audit
A registered landscape architect should be employed by the Contractor for the implementation of landscape works and subsequent maintenance during the 12-month after works completion.
All measures undertaken by both the Contractor and the specialist Landscape Sub-Contractor during the construction phase and first year of the operational phase should be audited by the ET on a regular basis to ensure compliance with the recommended mitigation measures in the EIA Report.
Site Inspection should be undertaken at least once every two weeks throughout the construction period and once every two months during operation phase. Operation phase auditing would be restricted to the 12 months of the establishment works of the landscape proposals. Ad-hoc site inspection should also be carried out if significant environmental problems are identified.
Blasting activities regarding the storage and transport of explosives should be supervised and audited by the competent site staff to ensure strict compliance with the blasting permit conditions.
The implementation schedule of the recommended hazard to life mitigation measures is presented in Appendix A of this EM&A Manual should be implemented to meet the EIAO-TM requirements.
Waste
management would be the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that all wastes
produced during the construction of the Project are
handled, stored and disposed of in accordance with good waste management
practices and EPD’s regulations and requirements. The recommended mitigation measures should
form the basis of the site Waste Management Plan to be developed by the
Contractor in the construction phase.
7.2
Construction Waste
Management Implications
During construction phase, regular site inspection
as part of the EM&A procedures should be carried
out to determine if wastes are being managed in accordance with approved
procedures and the site Waste Management Plan. It should look at different
aspects of waste management including waste generation, storage, recycling,
treatment, transport and disposal.
The implementation schedule of the recommended waste management mitigation measures is presented in Appendix A.
8.1.1 Introduction
Desktop study and site appraisal have been conducted during EIA study and potential land contamination hotspots was not identified in the Study Area.
8.1.2
In view of the desktop review results and the Site Investigation Results, bulk excavation of soil for land remediation is not expected. As such, any environmental monitoring in relation to land remediation is not required.
On the
other hand during construction phase, land contamination monitoring could be
carried out in the form of regular site inspection. All related procedures and
facilities in handling or storage of chemicals and chemical wastes should be
audited regularly to make sure they are in order and intact and, reported in
the EM&A reports as such.
8.1.3
Mitigation Measures
The implementation schedule of the recommended land contamination mitigation measures is presented in Appendix A.
The
Contractor should follow the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust)
Regulation to implement dust mitigation measures
during construction to minimise the dust impact to the nearby
air sensitive receivers and to ensure the effectiveness of the implementation
of dust mitigation measures recommended in
the EIA report.
It is recommended that regular site inspections should be carried out by the ET to ensure that the recommended mitigation measures are carried out by the Contractor. Special attention should be paid to the enforcement of dust control measures during construction process. The ET should consider the programme and site for construction works in determining the location to carry out the site inspection.
9.2
Construction Air Quality Impact
Dust monitoring is considered necessary during the construction phase and regular site inspections are required to ensure that the dust control measures are properly implemented.
Monitoring
and audit of the Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) levels should be carried out
by the ET to ensure that any
deteriorating air quality could be readily detected and timely actions taken to rectify the situation.
1 hour or 24-hour TSP levels should be measured to indicate the impacts of construction dust on air quality. The TSP levels should be measured by following the standard high volume sampling method as set out in the Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (Part 50), Appendix B or be measured by direct reading methods which are capable of producing comparable results as that by the high volume sampling method.
All relevant data including temperature, pressure, weather conditions, elapsed-time meter reading for the start and stop of the sampler, identification and weight of the filter paper, other special phenomena and work progress of the concerned project area etc. should be recorded. A sample data sheet is shown in Appendix B. The ET may develop project specific data record sheet to suit this EM&A programme.
The ET is responsible for provision of the monitoring equipment. He should ensure that sufficient number of equipment with appropriate calibration kits are available for carrying out the baseline monitoring, regular impact monitoring and ad hoc monitoring. All the equipment should be clearly labelled.
HVS in compliance with the following specifications should be used for carrying out the 1-hour or 24-hour TSP monitoring:
¡ 0.6 - 1.7 m3/min (20 - 60 standard
cubic feet per minute) adjustable flow range;
¡ equipped with a timing / control device for
24 hours operation;
¡ installed with elapsed-time meter for 24 hours
operation;
¡ capable of providing a minimum exposed area
of 406 cm2 (63 in2);
¡ equipped with a shelter to protect the filter
and sampler;
¡ incorporated with an electronic mass flow
rate controller or other equivalent devices;
¡ equipped with a flow recorder for continuous
monitoring;
¡ incorporated with a manometer;
¡ able to hold and seal the filter paper to the
sampler housing at horizontal position;
¡ easy to change the filter, and
¡ capable of operating continuously for 24-hour
period.
Calibration of dust monitoring equipment should be conducted as specified by the manufacturer. Initial calibration of the dust monitoring equipment should be conducted upon installation and thereafter at bi-annual intervals. The calibration data should be properly documented for future reference. All the data should be converted into standard temperature and pressure condition.
The ET should obtain representative wind data near the dust monitoring locations for reference.
Five air quality monitoring locations are proposed and summarised in Table 9.1 as shown in Figures 9.1.1 to 9.1.4. As approval is needed from the premises landlord for dust monitoring equipment installation, it is not certain that a suitable location would be approved. The status and locations of dust sensitive receivers may change after issuing this manual. If such cases exist, the ET should propose updated monitoring locations and seek agreement from EPD.
Table 9.1: Construction Air Quality Monitoring Stations
|
ID |
ID adopted in EIA |
Description |
Works Area |
|
CD1 |
NFP6 |
Wong Chuk Hang San Wai – No.4C (Residential) |
|
|
CD2 |
WCH2 |
|
Wong Chuk Hang |
|
CD3 |
WCH3 |
San Wui
Commercial Society of HK |
Wong Chuk Hang |
|
CD4 |
LET5 |
Sham On House (Residential) |
Lei Tung |
|
CD5 |
SOH3 |
South Horizons Phase 3 – Block |
South Horizons |
When alternative monitoring locations are proposed, the following criteria, as far as practicable, should be followed:
¡
at the
project area boundary or such locations close to the major dust emission source;
¡
close to
the sensitive receptors; and
¡
take
into account the prevailing meteorological conditions.
When positioning the samplers, the following
points should be noted:
¡
the
distance between the sampler and an obstacle, such as buildings, must be at least
twice the height that the obstacle protrudes above the sampler where possible;
¡
no
furnace or incinerator flue or building vent is nearby;
¡
airflow
around the sampler is unrestricted;
¡
any wire
fence and gate, to protect the sampler, should not cause any obstruction during
monitoring;
9.2.4
Baseline Monitoring
The ET should carry out baseline monitoring at all designated monitoring locations for at least 14 days prior to the commencement of the construction works to obtain daily 24-hr TSP samples. 1-hour sampling should also be done at least 3 times per day while the highest dust impact is expected.
During the baseline monitoring, there should not be any construction or dust generation activities in the vicinity of the monitoring stations.
In case the baseline monitoring cannot be carried out at the designated monitoring locations during the baseline monitoring period, the ET should carry out the monitoring at alternative locations which can effectively represent the baseline conditions at the impact monitoring locations. The alternative baseline monitoring locations should be agreed with EPD prior to commencement of baseline monitoring.
In exceptional cases, when insufficient baseline monitoring data or questionable results are obtained, the ET should liaise with EPD to agree on an appropriate set of data to be used as a baseline reference.
Ambient conditions may vary seasonally and should be reviewed as required. If the ET considers that the ambient conditions have been changed and a repeat of the baseline monitoring is required to be carried out for obtaining the updated baseline levels, the monitoring should be at times when the contractor's activities are not generating dust, at least in the proximity of the monitoring stations. Should a change in ambient conditions be determined, the baseline levels and, in turn, the air quality criteria, should be revised. The revised baseline levels and air quality criteria should be agreed with EPD.
The ET is responsible for impact monitoring during the course of the works. For regular impact monitoring, 24-hr TSP monitoring should be in the sampling frequency of at least once every week. In case of non-compliance with the air quality criteria, more frequent monitoring exercise adopting 1-hr TSP monitoring undertaken when the highest dust impact occur, as specified in the Event and Action Plan in Table 9.3, should be conducted within 24 hours after the result is obtained. This additional monitoring should be continued until the excessive dust emission or the deterioration in air quality is rectified.
The
baseline monitoring results form the basis for determining the air quality
criteria for the impact monitoring. The
ET should compare the impact monitoring results with air quality criteria set
up for 24-hour TSP and 1-hour TSP level.
Table 9.2 shows the air
quality criteria, namely Action and Limit (AL) Levels to be used. Should non-compliance of the air quality
criteria occurs, actions in accordance with the Event and Action Plan in Table 9.3 should be
carried out.
Table 9.2: Typical
Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality
|
Parameters |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
|
24-hr
TSP Level in
µg/m³ |
For baseline level £ 200
µg/m³, Action level = (130% of baseline level + Limit level)/2 For baseline level > 200
µg/m³, Action level = Limit Level |
260 |
|
1-hour TSP Level in µg/m³ |
For baseline level £ 384
µg/m³, Action level = (130% of baseline level + Limit level)/2 For baseline level > 384
µg/m³, Action level = Limit Level |
500 |
Table 9.3: Event and Action Plan for Air
Quality
|
Event |
Action |
|||||||||
|
ET |
IEC |
ER |
Contractor |
|||||||
|
Action Level |
||||||||||
|
1. Exceedance
for one sample |
1. Undertake
investigation to establish validity of exceedence. Identify source and investigate
the causes of impact exceedence; 2. If
valid, inform IEC and ER and propose remedial measures and follow other
actions; 3. Repeat
measurement to confirm finding; 4. Increase
monitoring frequency. |
1. Check
Contractor’s working method. |
1. Notify
Contractor. |
1. Rectify
any unacceptable practice; 2. Amend
working methods if appropriate. |
||||||
|
2. Exceedance
for two or more consecutive samples |
1. Undertake
investigation to establish validity of exceedence.Identify source and
investigate the causes of impact; 2. If
valid, inform IEC and ER and follow other actions; 3. Advise
the ER on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures; 4. Repeat
measurements to confirm findings; 5. Increase
monitoring frequency; 6. Discuss
with IEC and ER (together with the Contractor) on remedial actions required; 7. If
exceedance continues, arrange meeting with IEC and ER; 8.
If exceedance stops, cease
additional monitoring. |
1. Check
Contractor’s working method; 2. Discuss
with ET and ER (together with the Contractor) on possible remedial measures; 3. Advise
the ET on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures; |
1. Confirm
receipt of notification of exceedance; 2. Notify
Contractor; 3. Ensure
remedial measures properly implemented. |
1. Submit proposals for remedial to ER within
three working days of notification; 2. Implement the agreed proposals; 3. Amend
proposal if appropriate. |
||||||
|
Limit Level |
||||||||||
|
1.Exceedance for one sample |
1. Identify source and, investigate the causes
of exceedance; 2. If valid, inform IEC, ER, and Contractor
and follow other actions; 3. Repeat measurement to confirm finding; 4. Increase monitoring frequency; 5. Assess effectiveness of Contractor’s
remedial actions and keep IEC, and ER informed of the results. |
1. Check
Contractor’s working method; 2. Discuss
with ET and ER (together with the Contractor) on possible remedial measures; 3. Advise
the ET on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures; |
1. Confirm
receipt of notification of exceedance; 2. Notify
Contractor; 3. Ensure
remedial measures properly implemented. |
1.
Take immediate action to avoid
further exceedance; 2.
Submit proposals for remedial
actions to ER with a copy to ET within three working days of notification; 3.
Implement the agreed proposals; 4. Amend
proposal if appropriate. |
||||||
|
2. Exceedance
for two or more consecutive samples |
1. Identify
source and, investigate the causes of exceedance; 2. If
valid, notify IEC, ER, Contractor and EPD and follow other actions; 3.
Repeat measurement to confirm
findings; 4.
Increase monitoring frequency; 5.
Check Contractor’s working
procedures to determine possible mitigation to be implemented; 6.
Arrange meeting with IEC and ER to
discuss the remedial actions to be taken; 7.
Assess effectiveness of
Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IEC , EPD and ER informed of the
results; 8. If
exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring. |
1. Discuss
amongst ER, ET, and Contractor on the potential remedial actions; 2. Review
Contractor’s remedial actions whenever necessary to assure their
effectiveness and advise the ET accordingly; |
1. Confirm
receipt of notification of exceedance; 2. Notify
Contractor; 3. Agree
with the Contractor on the remedial measures to be implemented; 4. Ensure
remedial measures properly implemented; 5. Assess the efficiency of remedial measures and keep
the Contractor informed; 6. If
exceedance continues, consider what portion of the work is responsible and
instruct the Contractor to stop that portion of work until the exceedance is
abated. |
1. Take immediate action to avoid further
exceedance; 2. Submit proposals for remedial actions to ER
with a copy to ET within three working days of notification; 3. Implement the agreed proposals; 4. Liaise with ER to optimize the
effectiveness of agreed mitigation 5. Revise and resubmit proposals if problem
still not under control; 6. Stop the relevant portion of works as
determined by the ER until the exceedance is abated. |
||||||
9.2.7
Mitigation Measures
Appropriate dust suppression measures should be adopted as required under the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation. A control programme can be instigated to monitor the construction process in order to enforce dust controls and modify methods of works where feasible to reduce the dust emission down to acceptable levels. The implementation schedule of the recommended air quality mitigation measures is presented in Appendix A.
The cultural heritage resources that would be impacted by the project have been highlighted in the EIA Report and the recommended mitigation measures are presented below. The following mitigation measures would be undertaken by the project proponent. It should be noted that the above mitigation on built heritage will not fall under the EIAO requirements, the details of implementation including responsible parties and the programme will therefore be implemented under a separate mechanism to be agreed with relevant government departments and the AMO.
10.2 Construction Cultural Heritage Impact
10.2.1
Preservation by Record of Shrine (WCH-19)
The project proponent should ensure that a full cartographic and photographic survey and record be undertaken before the shrine is demolished.
10.2.2 Protective
Covering and Safe Public Access of
The project proponent should ensure that protective covering in the form of plastic sheeting should be provided for the exterior walls of the Tai Wong Ye Temple (WCH-1) in the vicinity of the construction works, subject to the agreement with the premise landlord. Safe public access should be provided to the temple, separated from the works area by temporary fencing.
10.2.3 Buffer Zone Provision for Shrine (WCH-17)
The project proponent should ensure that a buffer zone (minimum of 5m or if this is not possible as large as site restrictions allow) should be provided for the shrine (WCH-17). The buffer zone should be marked by temporary fencing.
10.2.4 Vibration Monitoring for Historical Buildings
The appropriate vibration monitoring on the affected built heritage resources will be agreed with BD/ GEO under the requirement of the Building Ordinance. The project proponent should ensure that vibration levels are controlled to levels not exceeding 25mm/s or other appropriate level. Vibration monitoring should be carried out by the contractor. The following structures would require monitoring during the construction phase; , Old Victoria Barrack Former Explosive Magazine (GB-6), Old Victoria Barracks Montgomery Block (GB-7), Old Victoria Barracks Roberts Block (GB-8), Old British Military Hospital Main Building and Annex (GB-5), Hung Shing Temple on Ap Lei Chau (GB-1), Old Victoria Barracks Block GG (ADM-1), Earth God Shrine on Ap Lei Chau (ALC-2) and Remains of the former Aberdeen Barracks on Ap Lei Chau (ALC-3).
10.2.5
Archaeological Watching Brief
Based on the EIA study Archaeological Watching Brief would be required for the identification of archaeological material at the following Works Sites which have highlighted as having archaeological potential:
¡
¡ Southwest of Wong Chuk Hang Tsuen (Works Sites S7c,
d and e) as shown on Figure 11.28 in
the EIA report
¡ West of Wong Chuk Hang Tsuen (Works Site S7)
as shown on Figure 11.28 in the EIA
report
¡ Wong Chuk Hang San
Wai (Pier columns within Works Site S10) as shown on Figure 11.35 in the EIA report
The archaeological watching brief must be undertaken by a qualified archaeologist who should apply for and obtain a licence to conduct the watching brief for the project (as required under section 12 of the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance Cap.53). It should be noted that processing of the licence application may take up to 8 weeks after submission. Details of the scope and methodology including monitoring frequency will be submitted to the AMO for review and approval prior to submission of the licence application.
In addition, the mitigation measures as recommended in the implementation schedule as presented in Appendix A should be conducted.
Site Inspections provide a direct means to trigger and enforce the specified environmental protection and pollution control measures. They should be undertaken routinely by the ET to inspect the construction activities in order to ensure that appropriate environmental protection and pollution control mitigation measures are properly implemented. With well defined pollution control and mitigation specifications and a well established site inspection, deficiency and action reporting system, the site inspection is one of the most effective tools to enforce the environmental protection requirements on the construction site.
The ET is responsible for formulation of the environmental site inspection, deficiency and action reporting system, and for carrying out the site inspection works. The proposal for rectification, if any, should be prepared and submitted to the ET by the Contractor.
Regular site inspections should be carried out by the ET. The areas of inspection should not be limited to the pollution control and mitigation measures within the site; the environmental situation outside the site area which is likely to be affected, directly or indirectly, by the site activities should be reviewed. The ET should make reference to the following information when conducting the inspection:
¡ the EIA recommendations on environmental
protection and pollution control mitigation measures;
¡ works progress and programme;
¡ individual works methodology proposals (which
should include proposal on associated pollution control measures);
¡ the contract specifications on environmental
protection;
¡ the relevant environmental protection and
pollution control laws; and
¡ previous site inspection results.
The Contractor should update the ET with all relevant information of the construction contract for him to carry out the site inspections. The inspection results and its associated recommendations on improvements to the environmental protection and pollution control works should be passed to the ER and the Contractor, for reference and for taking immediate action. The Contractor should follow the procedures and time-frame as stipulated in the environmental site inspection, deficiency and action reporting system formulated by the ET to report on any remedial measures subsequent to the site inspections.
Ad hoc site inspections should also be carried out if significant environmental problems 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.
11.2 Compliance with Legal Requirements
There
are environmental protection and pollution control laws in
In order that the works are in compliance with the requirements, relevant works method statements submitted by the Contractor to the ER for approval should also be sent to the ET for information to see whether sufficient environmental protection and pollution control measures have been included. The implementation schedule of mitigation measures is summarised in Appendix A.
The ET should also review the progress and programme of the works to check that relevant environmental laws have not been violated, and that any foreseeable potential for violating the laws can be prevented.
The Contractor should regularly copy relevant documents to the ET so that the checking work can be carried out. The document should at least include the updated Work Progress Reports, the updated Works Programme, application letters for different license/permits under the environmental protection laws, and all the valid license/permit. The site diary should also be available for the ET's inspection upon his request.
After reviewing the document, the ET will advise the ER and the Contractor of any non-compliance with the legislative requirements on environmental protection and pollution control for them to take follow-up actions. If the ET's review concludes that the current status on license/permit application and any environmental protection and pollution control preparation works may not cope with the works programme or may result in potential violation of environmental protection and pollution control requirements by the works in due course, the ET will advise the Contractor and the ER accordingly.
Upon receipt of the advice, the Contractor should undertake immediate action to remedy the situation. The ER should follow up to ensure that appropriate action has been taken by the Contractor in order that the environmental protection and pollution control requirements are fulfilled.
Complaints should be referred to the ET for action. The ET should undertake the following procedures upon receipt of any valid complaint:
¡ Investigate the complaint to determine its
validity, and assess whether the source of the problem is due to works
activities;
¡ Log complaint and date of receipt onto the
complaint database and inform the ER and IEC if valid;
¡ Identify mitigation measures if a complaint
is valid and due to the works of the Project;
¡ Advise the Contractor if mitigation measures
are required;
¡ Review the Contractor's response to
identified mitigation measures, and the updated situation;
¡ Undertake additional monitoring and audit to
verify the situation if necessary, and review that circumstances leading to the
complaint do not recur;
¡ If the complaint is referred by EPD, keep EPD
informed on the status of the complaint investigation and follow-up action and
report to EPD upon completion of the investigation; and
¡ Record the complaint, investigation, the
subsequent actions and the results in the monthly EM&A reports.
During the complaint investigation work, the Contractor and ER should cooperate with the ET in providing all the necessary information and assistance for completion of the investigation. If mitigation measures are identified in the investigation, the Contractor should promptly carry out the mitigation. The ER should ensure that the measures have been carried out by the Contractor. A flow chart of the complaint response procedures is shown in Figure 11.1. Sample of the complaint log is shown in Appendix C.
A Computer-based environmental monitoring and audit software operated by MTRCL in various recent MTRCL projects such as Tseung Kwan O Line, Tung Chung Cable Car, Penny’s Bay Rail Link and West Island Line would be applied for data recording and reporting.
Types of reports that the ET should 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 and the final
EM&A reports should be made available to the Director of Environmental
Protection.
To facilitate 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 these Reports should be prepared in Portable Document Format (PDF version 4.0 or later), unless otherwise agreed by EPD and should be submitted at the same time as the hard copies. The content of the electronic copies of the EM&A Reports must be the same as the hard copies.
12.1 Baseline Monitoring Report
The ET should prepare and submit to EPD a Baseline Environmental Monitoring Report two weeks prior to the commencement of construction.
The
baseline monitoring report shall include, but not be limited to the following:
a)
executive summary
b)
brief project background
information;
c)
drawings showing locations of the
baseline monitoring stations;
d)
monitoring results together with the following information:
¡
monitoring
methodology;
¡
types of
equipment used and calibration dates;
¡
parameters
monitored;
¡
monitoring
locations;
¡
monitoring
date, time, frequency and duration;
e)
details on influencing factors,
including
¡
major
activities, if any, being carried out on the site during the period;
¡
weather
conditions during the period;
¡
other
factors which might affect the results.
f)
determination of the Action and
Limit Levels (AL Levels) for each monitoring parameter and statistical analysis
of the baseline data;
g)
graphical plots of monitored
parameters;
h)
revisions for inclusion in the
EM&A Manual; and
i)
comments and conclusions.
The results and findings of all construction phase EM&A work required in the Manual should be recorded in the monthly EM&A reports prepared by the ET. The EM&A report should be endorsed by IEC and submitted within 10 working days of the end of each reporting period, with the first report due in one month after construction commences.
12.2.1
First Monthly EM&A Report
The First Monthly EM&A Report should include at least the following:
a)
Executive summary;
¡
Breaches
of
¡
Complaints
Log;
¡
Notifications
of any summons and successful prosecutions;
¡
Reporting
Changes; and
¡
Future
key issues.
b)
Basic Project Information
¡
Project
organisations including key personnel contact names and telephone numbers;
¡
Programme;
¡
Management
structure; and
¡
Works
undertaken during the month and coming month.
c)
Environmental Status
¡
Drawing showing
the project area, any key environmental sensitive receivers and the locations
of the monitoring and control stations.
¡
Advice
on the status of compliance with the Environmental Permit (EP), and submission
status under the EP
d)
A brief summary of EM&A
requirements
¡
Monitoring
parameters;
¡
¡
Event-Action
Plans;
e)
Monitoring Results
¡
Monitoring
methodology;
¡
Types of
equipment used and calibration dates;
¡
Parameters
monitored;
¡
Monitoring
locations;
¡
Monitoring
date, time, and duration;
¡
Weather conditions;
¡
Any
factors which might affect the monitoring results; and
¡
Graphical
plots of monitored parameters in the month.
f)
Report on Non-compliance,
Complaints, Notifications of Summons and Successful Prosecutions
¡
Record
of all non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance
limits (AL Levels);
¡
Record
of all complaints received, including locations and nature of complaints
investigation, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up
procedures taken, results and summary;
¡
Record
of all notifications of summons and successful prosecutions for breaches of the
current environmental protection/pollution control legislations, including
locations and nature of the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken,
results and summary;
¡
Review
of the reasons for and the implications of non-compliance, complaints, summons
and prosecutions including review of pollution sources and working procedures;
and
¡
Description
of the actions taken in the event of non-compliance and deficiency reporting
and any follow-up procedures related to earlier non-compliance.
g)
Others
¡
An
account of the future key issues
¡
Advice
on the solid and liquid waste management status during the month
12.2.2
Subsequent
Monthly EM&A Reports
The subsequent Monthly EM&A Reports should include the following:
a)
Executive Summary
¡
Breaches
of
¡
Complaint
Log;
¡
Notifications
of any summons and successful prosecutions;
¡
Future
key issues.
b)
Environmental Status
¡
Works
undertaken during the month and coming month;
¡
Drawing showing
the project area and the locations of the monitoring and control stations.
c)
Implementation Status
Advice on the
status of compliance with the Environmental Permit (EP), submission status
under the EP and, the implementation status of environmental protection and
pollution control/mitigation measures including measures for air, noise, water
quality and ecological impacts etc, as recommended in the EIA Report.
d)
Monitoring Results
¡
Monitoring
methodology;
¡
Types of
equipment used and calibration dates;
¡
Parameters
monitored;
¡
Monitoring
locations;
¡
Monitoring
date, time, and duration;
¡
Weather
conditions;
¡
Any
factors which might affect the monitoring results;
¡
Graphical
plots of monitored parameters.
e)
Report on Non-compliance, Complaints,
Notifications of Summons and Successful Prosecutions
¡
Record
of all non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental quality performance
limits (AL Levels);
¡
Record
of all complaints received, including locations and nature of complaints investigation,
liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken,
results and summary;
¡
Record
of all notifications of summons and successful prosecutions for breaches of the
current environmental protection/pollution control legislations, including
locations and nature of the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken,
results and summary;
¡
Review
of the reasons for and the implications of non-compliance, complaints, summons
and prosecutions including review of pollution sources and working procedures;
and
¡
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.
f)
Others
¡
An
account of the future key issues; and
¡
Advice
on the solid and liquid waste management status during the month.
¡
Outstanding
issues and deficiencies
The EM& A programme shall be terminated upon completion of those construction activities that have the potential to result in a significant environmental impact.
The Final EM&A Report should contain at least the following information:
a)
Executive Summary;
b)
drawings showing the project area,
and the locations of the monitoring and control stations;
c)
basic project information including a
synopsis of work undertaken during the course of the project or past twelve
months;
d)
a brief summary of EM&A
requirements including:
(i)
(ii) monitoring parameters; and
(iii) Event-Action Plans;
e)
advice on the implementation status
of environmental protection and pollution control/mitigation measures;
f)
graphical plots and the statistical
analysis of the trends of monitored parameters over the course of the project
EM&A, :
g)
a summary of non-compliance
(exceedances) of the environmental quality performance limits (AL
Levels);
h)
a brief review of the reasons for
and the implications of non-compliance including review of pollution sources
and working procedures as appropriate;
i)
a description of the actions taken
in the event of non-compliance;
j)
a summary record of all complaints
received and consultation undertaken, action and follow-up procedures
taken;
k)
a summary record of notifications of
summons 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;
l)
a review of the effectiveness and
efficiency of the mitigation measures; and
m)
a review of success of the EM&A
programme to cost effectively identify deterioration and to initiate prompt
effective mitigatory action when necessary.
All site document such as the monitoring field records, laboratory analysis records, site inspection forms, calibration certificates, etc. are not required to be included in the monthly EM&A reports for submission. However, the document should be well kept by the ET and be ready for inspection upon request. Soft copies of all the documents and data should be kept for at least six months after completion of the construction phase EM&A.
12.5 Interim Notifications of Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances
With reference to Event/Action Plans in Tables 2.3, Table 4.3 and 9.3, when the environmental quality limits are exceeded, the ET should immediately notify the ER and EPD, as appropriate. The notification should be followed up with advice to EPD 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 Appendix D.