Tai Shue Wan Development at Ocean Park
Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual
Content
Chapter Title
It should be noted that this EM&A Manual would be further reviewed and updated where necessary.
The Project will redevelop the existing theme park areas at Tai Shue Wan (TSW) into a Water Park to enhance the attractiveness of Ocean Park into a world-class theme park and provide a must-see destination to the visitor. The Project area, of approximately 6.63 ha, is expected to comprise of a series of platforms matching with the natural topography of TSW and will not involve any marine works. The proposed Project can be largely categorised into the following parts:
¡ An Indoor Zone – water park with a wave pool, lazy river, play structure, water slides, surf-rider, various pools, food and beverage (F&B) facilities, electrical and mechanical (E&M) utilities, back of house and car-parking.
¡ An Outdoor Zone – water park with a wave pool, lazy river, water slides, ride platforms, various pools; ‘sea turtle’ exhibit; and some small-scale F&B facilities
¡ General Approach Area – coach and taxi drop-off point and Emergency Vehicular Access Road (EVA)
¡ Sewerage Facilities – sewage sump pit and twin above-ground rising mains of 150mm diameter each
The earliest advance site work is expected to be physically commenced by the third quarter of year 2014. The tentative programme for operation of the Project will be in 2017. The tentative construction programme is provided in Appendix A.
Environmental Protection Department (EPD)
EPD is the statutory enforcement body for environmental protection matters in Hong Kong.
Engineer or the Engineer’s
Representative (ER)
¡ to monitor the Contractor’s compliance with Contract Specifications, including the effective implementation and operation of the environmental mitigation measures;
¡ to monitor Contractors’, ET’s and IEC’s compliance with the requirements in the Environmental Permit (EP) and EM&A Manual;
¡ to facilitate ET’s implementation of the EM&A programme;
¡ participate in joint site inspection by the ET and IEC;
¡ to oversee the implementation of the agreed Event / Action Plan in the event of any exceedance; and
¡ to adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation.
¡ to comply with the relevant contract conditions and specifications on environmental protection;
¡ to facilitate ET’s monitoring and site inspection activities;
¡ to participate in the site inspections undertake by the ET and IEC, and undertake any corrective actions;
¡ to provide information / advice to the ET regarding works programme and activities which may contribute to the generation of adverse environmental impacts;
¡ to submit proposals on mitigation measures in case of exceedance of Action and Limit levels in accordance with the Event and Action Plans;
¡ to implement measures to reduce impact where Action and Limit levels are exceeded; and
¡ to adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation.
¡ to monitor and audit various environmental parameters as required in this EM&A Manual;
¡ to analyse the EM&A data, review the success of EM&A programme and the adequacy of mitigation measures implemented, confirm the validity of the EIA predictions and identify any adverse environmental impacts arising;
¡ to monitor compliance with conditions in the EP, environmental protection, pollution prevention and control regulations and contract specifications;
¡ to audit environmental conditions on site;
¡ to report on the EM&A results to EPD, the ER, the IEC and Contractor or their delegated representatives;
¡ to recommend suitable mitigation measures to the Contractor in the case of exceedance of Action and Limit levels in accordance with the Event and Action Plans;
¡ to liaise with the IEC on all environmental performance matters, and ensure timely submission of all relevant EM&A pro forma for IEC’s approval;
¡ to provide advice to the Contractor on environmental improvement, awareness and enhancement matters, etc on site;
¡ to adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation;
¡ to prepare reports on the environmental monitoring data and the site environmental conditions;
¡ to submit the EM&A report to Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) timely;
¡ to review proposals of mitigation measures from the Contractor in case of exceedance of Action and Limit levels, in accordance with the Event and Action Plan; and
¡ to carry out site inspection to investigate and audit the Contractor’s site practice, equipment and work methodologies with respect to pollution control and mitigation measures.
Independent Environmental Checker
(IEC)
The IEC is empowered to audit the environmental performance of construction, but is independent from the management of construction works. As such, the IEC should not be in any way an associated body of the Contractor or the ET for the Project. The IEC should be employed by OPC prior to the commencement of 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:
¡ to provide proactive advice to the ER and OPC on EM&A matters related to the project;
¡ to review and verify the monitoring data and all submissions in connection with the EP and EM&A Manual submitted by the ET;
¡ to arrange and conduct regular, at least monthly site inspections of the works during the construction phase, and to carry out ad hoc inspections if significant environmental problems are identified;
¡ to check compliance with the agreed Event and Action Plan in the event of any exceedance;
¡ to check compliance with the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation;
¡ to check the effectiveness of corrective measures;
¡ to feedback audit results to the ET by signing off relevant EM&A pro forma;
¡ to check that mitigation measures are effectively implemented;
¡ to report the works conducted, and the findings, recommendations and improvements of the site inspections, after reviewing ET’s and Contractor’s works, the ER and OPC on a monthly basis;
¡ to verify the investigation result of the environmental complaint cases and the effectiveness of corrective measures;
¡ to verify EM&A report that has been certified by ET leader; and
¡ to audit EIA recommendations and requirements against the status of implementation of environmental mitigation measures on site.
An assessment of potential air quality
impacts during both the construction and operation phases of the Project has
been assessed in Section 3 of the EIA report.
With implementation of the recommended mitigation measures, no significant dust impact is expected and regular dust monitoring is therefore not considered necessary during the construction phase of the Project.
However, regular site audits are suggested to ensure the dust control measures are properly implemented.
Appropriate dust suppression measures should be adopted as required under the relevant requirements stipulated in the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation and the good practices for dust control should be implemented to reduce the dust impact. 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 recommended air quality mitigation measures is presented in Appendix C.
No ASRs are predicted to exceed the relevant criteria under the AQOs. No monitoring during operation is required.
An assessment of potential noise impacts
during both the construction and operational phases of the Project has been
assessed in Section 5 of the EIA report.
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
between 0700 and 1900 hours on normal weekdays. For all other time periods, Leq (5 minutes) should be employed for comparison with the
Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) criteria.
Supplementary
information for data auditing, statistical results such as L10 and L90 should
also be obtained for reference.
As
referred to in the Technical Memorandum (TM) issued under the NCO, sound level
meters in compliance with the International Electrotechnical
Commission Publications 651:1979 (Type 1) and 804:1985 (Type 1) specifications
should be used for carrying out the noise monitoring. Immediately prior to and
following each noise measurement the accuracy of the sound level meter should
be checked using an acoustic calibrator generating a known sound pressure level
at a known frequency. Measurements may
be accepted as valid only if the calibration level from
before and after the noise measurement agree to within 1.0 dB.
Noise
measurements should not be made in fog, rain, wind with a steady speed
exceeding 5 m/s or wind with gusts exceeding 10 m/s. The wind speed should be
checked with a portable wind speed meter capable of measuring the wind speed in
m/s.
The
ET is responsible for the provision of the monitoring equipment. He 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.
A sample data record sheet is shown in Appendix B for reference.
The noise monitoring locations (refer to Figure 3.1) are summarised in Table
3.1. 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,
the OPC and the IEC before baseline monitoring commences.
Table 3.1: Construction Noise Monitoring Stations
|
ID |
ID
adopted in Construction Noise Assessment |
Description |
|
NM1 |
VSA |
|
|
NM2 |
HKJCC |
|
When
alternative monitoring locations are proposed, the monitoring locations should
be chosen based on the following criteria:
¡ monitoring at sensitive receivers close to the major site activities which are likely to have noise impacts;
¡ monitoring at the noise sensitive receivers as defined in the TM; and
¡ assurance of minimal disturbance to the occupants during monitoring.
The
monitoring station should normally be at a point 1 m from the exterior of the
sensitive receiver building facade and be at a position 1.2 m above the ground.
If there is problem with access to the normal monitoring position, an
alternative position may be chosen, and a correction to the measurements should
be made. For reference, a correction of +3 dB(A)
should be made to the free field measurements. The ET should agree with the IEC
on the monitoring position and the corrections adopted. Once the positions for
the monitoring stations are chosen, the baseline monitoring and the impact
monitoring should be carried out at the same positions.
The
ET should carry out baseline noise monitoring prior to the commencement of the
construction works. The baseline monitoring should be carried out daily for a
period of at least two weeks. Before commencing the baseline monitoring, the ET
should develop and submit to the IEC the baseline monitoring programme such
that the IEC can conduct on-site audit to check accuracy of the baseline
monitoring results.
There
should not be any construction activities in the vicinity of the stations during
the baseline monitoring.
In exceptional cases, when insufficient baseline monitoring data or questionable results are obtained, the ET Leader should liaise with the OPC, EPD and IEC to agree on an appropriate set of data to be used as a baseline reference and submit to the OPC and IEC for agreement and EPD for approval.
Noise monitoring should be carried out at
all the designated monitoring stations throughout the entire construction work
period. The following is an initial guide on the regular monitoring frequency
for each station on a weekly basis when noise generating activities are
underway:
¡ one set of measurements between 0700 and 1900 hours on normal weekdays
If construction works are extended to
include works during the hours of 1900 – 0700 as well as public holidays and
Sundays, additional weekly impact monitoring should be carried out during
respective restricted hour periods. Applicable permits under NCO should also be
obtained by the Contractor.
Noise monitoring should be carried out at
the monitoring stations for the schools during the school examination periods.
The ET Leader should liaise with the school’s personnel and the Examination
Authority to ascertain the exact dates and times of all examination periods
during the course of the contract.
In case of non-compliance with the
construction noise criteria, more frequent monitoring, as specified in the
Action Plan in Table 3.3,
should be carried out. This additional monitoring should be continued until the
recorded noise levels are rectified or demonstrated to be unrelated to the
construction activities.
The Action and Limit (AL) Levels for construction noise are defined in Table 3.2. Should non-compliance of the criteria occur, action in accordance with the Event and Action Plan in Table 3.3 should be carried out.
Table 3.2: Action and Limit Level for Construction Noise
|
Time
Period |
Action |
Limit |
|
0700-1900 hrs on normal weekdays |
When one
valid documented complaint is received. |
70* dB(A) |
Note: * 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.
Table 3.3: Event and Action Plan for Construction Noise
|
Event |
Action |
|||
|
ET |
IEC |
ER |
Contractor |
|
|
Action
Level |
1. Notify ER, IEC and Contractor; 2. Carry out investigation; 3. Report the results of investigation to the IEC, ER and Contractor; 4. Discuss with the IEC and Contractor on remedial measures required; 5. Increase monitoring frequency to check mitigation effectiveness. |
1. Review the investigation results submitted by the ET; 2. Review the proposed remedial measures by the Contractor and advise
the ER accordingly; 3. Advise the ER on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial
measures. |
1. Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing; 2. Notify Contractor; 3. In consolidation with the IEC, agree with the Contractor on the
remedial measures to be implemented; 4. Supervise the implementation of remedial measures. |
1. Submit noise mitigation proposals to IEC and ER; 2. Implement noise mitigation proposals. |
|
Limit
Level |
1. Inform IEC, ER, Contractor and EPD; 2. Repeat measurements to confirm findings; 3. Increase monitoring frequency; 4. Identify source and investigate the cause of exceedance; 5. Carry out analysis of Contractor’s working procedures; 6. Discuss with the IEC, Contractor and ER on remedial measures
required; 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 ER accordingly. |
1. Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing; 2. Notify Contractor; 3. In consolidation with the IEC, agree with the Contractor on the
remedial measures to be implemented; 4. Supervise the implementation of remedial measures; 5. If exceedance continues, consider
stopping the Contractor to continue working on that portion of work which
causes the exceedance until the exceedance
is abated. |
1. Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance; 2. Submit proposals for remedial actions to IEC and ER within 3
working days of notification; 3. Implement the agreed proposals; 4. Submit further proposal if problem still not under control; 5. Stop the relevant portion of works as instructed by the ER until
the exceedance is abated. |
Recommended construction noise control and mitigation measures are proposed in the EIA report. The Contractor should be responsible for the design and implementation of these measures under the supervision of the ER and monitored by the ET. The implementation schedule of the recommended noise mitigation measures is presented in Appendix C.
The maximum permissible sound power levels
of the identified fixed noise sources of the Project were predicted in the EIA
report. The
specified sound power levels should be implemented and refined by the
Contractor as appropriate to ensure that the noise impact associated with the
fixed plant operations would comply with the noise standards stipulated in the
EIAO-TM and NCO.
Prior to the operation of the Project, the Contractor should conduct noise commissioning tests for all major fixed noise sources within OPC. The test should be carried out by a qualified person possessing at least 7 years of noise control experience and a corporate membership of Hong Kong Institute of Acoustics or equivalent. The noise commissioning test report should be submitted to the ET Leader, IEC and OPC for approval.
The relevant noise mitigation measures have been recommended in the EIA report. The implementation schedule of the mitigation measures are given in Appendix C.
The
implementation schedule of the recommended water quality mitigation measures is
presented in Appendix C.
The
implementation schedule of the recommended design measures is presented in Appendix C.
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.
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 C.
Desktop study and site appraisal have been
conducted during EIA study and potential land contamination hotspots was not identified in the Project area.
However, during construction, EM&A is to be carried out in the form of regular site inspections. All related procedures and facilities for handling or storage of chemicals and chemical wastes will be audited regularly to ensure they are in order, intact and reported in the EM&A reports accordingly.
The implementation schedule of the
recommended land contamination mitigation measures is presented in Appendix
C.
The
ecological impact assessment in the EIA report has evaluated the ecological
consequences of the Project and concluded that the overall impacts would be of
minor significance with the implementation of mitigation measures.
The major
mitigation measures proposed for the identified ecological impact include
enhancement for ardeid roosting, woodland
compensation and in-situ preservation of plant species of conservation
interest. The proposed ecological mitigation measures to avoid, minimise and compensate the identified impacts arising from
the proposed project should be checked as part of the EM&A programme during the construction and operation phases.
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 C. The major ecological mitigation measures
proposed include habitat enhancement for ardeid
roosting, provision of woodland area (approx 1.62 ha
proposed) and in-situ preservation of plant species of conservation interest.
According to the EIA finding, flora species of conservation interest Platycodon grandiflorus within the site formation boundary will be preserved in-situ. As the abundance of plants recorded in the EIA stage may be varied in the detailed design stage, conducting a detailed vegetation survey to confirm the number and location of the potentially affected plants prior to the commencement of site clearance is recommended. A qualified botanist/ecologist with 5 years of experience in flora study or survey shall be appointed to carry out the vegetation survey. The scope of the vegetation survey shall include the following:
¡ Checking and updating of the number, locations and condition of the Platycodon grandiflorus identified in the EIA and any other flora species of conservation interest by actively searching within the site formation boundary;
¡ Preparation of an updated location plan showing the individuals of Platycodon grandiflorus and any other flora species of conservation interest identified within the site formation boundary during the detailed vegetation survey;
¡ Confirmation on whether any of the individuals of Platycodon grandiflorus and any other flora species of conservation interest identified within the site formation boundary during the detailed vegetation survey will likely be affected by the proposed works of the Project; and
¡ Recommendation on protective measures of identified individuals of Platycodon grandiflorus and any other flora species of conservation interest identified within the site formation boundary during the detailed vegetation survey should in situ preservation be considered feasible. Otherwise, remedial actions, such as transplantation, shall be proposed.
A Vegetation Survey Report summarising the findings and recommendations of the detailed vegetation survey shall be prepared as attachment to the Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to AFCD for approval no later than one month prior to commencement of site clearance.
Prior to any
proposed arboricultural works of the trees,
particularly the Chinese Fan-palms,
daytime inspection shall be carried out to confirm no Short-nosed Fruit Bat is present on the fronds of
the trees. If any Short-nosed Fruit Bat is observed roosting on tree,
suitably sized buffer area shall be established around the tree to minimise human
or machinery disturbance until the bat has left.
Protective fence shall be erected along the area
where flora species of conservation interest identified under the detailed
vegetation survey would be retained within the site formation boundary. The
protective fence shall be properly maintained and monitored for the
effectiveness. Monthly monitoring of individuals of Platycodon grandiflorus
and any other flora species of conservation interest identified in the detailed
vegetation survey shall be conducted during the construction phase to make sure
that the flora species of conservation interest are not affected by the
construction works of the Project. The ET shall inspect whether the protective
fence is properly erected and maintained during construction for adequate
protection of the individuals and record the conditions of the individuals of Platycodon grandiflorus and
any other flora species of conservation interest identified in the detailed
vegetation survey.
After
commencement of construction phase, the Site shall be checked monthly in
breeding season (April to July) for any potential breeding and nesting
activities. If active ardeid nest is observed,
suitably sized buffer area shall be established to avoid human or machinery
disturbance until the nest is abandoned. A qualified ecologist with at least 5
years of experience in ardeids monitoring or survey
shall be appointed to carry out the monitoring.
The existing ardeid
night roost location as illustrated in Figure 8.1 shall be monitored monthly during peak
wintering season (November to March) within construction phase by a qualified
ecologist to check its status. The survey shall be conducted using point count
method at evening time from an hour before sunset, and last until the nightfall.
Direct observation shall be made from a vantage point which enables an
unobstructed view over the area and the potential roosting area. The seawall at
TSW should be taken as first priority of the vantage point.
As the plantation and pond area to be
permanently lost was used by a small group of ardeids
for roosting, it is recommended to enhance part of the TSW area to become
suitable for ardeid use. An area enhanced with
following features shall be provided. The location of the enhancement area
shall be at the southern part within the project boundary as indicated in Figure 8.1. The enhancement area shall include a
Flamingo Pond. Native tree species Macaranga tanarius and Celtis sinensis and tree species which was used by ardeids for roosting Mallotus paniculatus, Ficus hispida and Cratoxylum cochinchinense shall be used in the
enhancement area. Heavy standard sized trees shall be used for planting to
allow early establishment of the trees around the Flamingo Pond.
Implementation of the above design features
shall be checked and endorsed by a qualified ecologist having at least 5 years
of experience in ardeids monitoring or survey with an
aim to ensure the setting is feasible for ardeid use.
Monitoring
Requirements
After establishment of the enhancement area
for the ardeid roosting site, it shall be monitored
monthly for one year during operation phase to check the effectiveness of the
setting. The survey shall be conducted using point count method at evening time
from an hour before sunset, and last until the nightfall. Direct observation
shall be made from a vantage point which enables an unobstructed view over the
area. The seawall at TSW should be taken as first priority of the vantage
point. Any aggregation of night roosting ardeids in
the enhancement area or adjacent area shall be located and the ardeid species shall be identified and counted. Monitoring
results shall be reported monthly in EM&A reports.
In order to mitigate the ecological impact on
woodland habitats, woodland area of about 1.62 ha, which is constituted of 0.84 ha woodland compensation together with
0.78 ha on-site woodland reinstatement (for temporary lost woodland), is proposed on-site area adjoining to existing woodland habitat
and tall shrubland.
Location of the woodland area for compensation and reinstatement is illustrated in Figure 8.2. In the woodland compensation area, whips
shall be planted with predominately native tree species similar to the affected
woodland, such as Celtis sinensis, Cratoxylum cochinchinense,
Polyspora axillaris and
Sterculia lanceolata. A
Woodland Compensation Plan with an aim to form the basis to guide the
implementation of the proposed woodland mitigation shall be prepared by a
qualified botanist/ecologist of the ET and submitted to AFCD for
approval no later than one month prior to commencement of site clearance.
Apart from the standard inspection and
establishment works for landscape softworks, a 3-year
ecological monitoring programme covering planting
phases is proposed. The necessity for further monitoring would be reviewed
after the 3-year ecological monitoring programme. The
monitoring of planting includes parameters of: general health condition and
survival rate; with establishment works would include basic replacement of dead
plants, weeding and watering. Monitoring is proposed to be carried out in inspection
walk to observe the overview/ progress of the planting within the whole
woodland compensation area.
Monitoring
Requirements
The monitoring shall be conducted by the ET
and supervised by a qualified botanist/ecologist of the ET.
The routes of the general inspection walk
shall be selected to cover the whole woodland compensation area as far as
possible. The general health condition (good/fair/poor/dead) and survival (%)
of individual species of planted trees and whips shall be recorded by direct
observation.
The frequency of the monitoring is proposed
to be bi-monthly. Change of monitoring frequency shall be advised by the
Project Ecologist/Botanist and approved by EPD and AFCD.
The Trigger and Action Levels for Monitoring
and Action Plan of the woodland compensation area are presented in Table 8.1.
Table 8.1: Trigger and Action Levels for Monitoring and Action Plan of the Woodland Compensation Area
|
Parameters |
Trigger and Action Level |
Action Plan |
|
General Health Condition |
Trigger Level: % of individual plant species in poor health condition >20% |
· the ET should inform OPC/ Contractor appointed by OPC and IEC immediately; · identify the cause(s) of the increased % in poor condition; · advise OPC/ Contractor appointed by OPC the necessity of replanting. |
|
|
Action Level: % of individual plant species in poor health condition >30% |
· the ET should inform OPC/ Contractor appointed by OPC and IEC immediately; · identify the cause(s) of the increased % in poor condition; · advise remedial action and work out solution including change of species in re-planting, re-soiling of the target areas; and seek acceptance from AFCD; · Once the remedial action has been accepted by AFCD, OPC/ Contractor appointed by OPC should implement the remedial action. |
|
Survival of Plants |
Trigger Level: Survival rate of individual plant species < 80% |
· the ET should inform OPC/ Contractor appointed by OPC and IEC immediately; · identify the cause(s) of the drop in survival rate; · advise OPC/ Contractor appointed by OPC the necessity of replanting. |
|
|
Action Level: Survival rate of individual plant species < 70% |
· the ET should inform OPC/ Contractor appointed by OPC and IEC immediately; · identify the cause(s) of the drop in survival rate; · advise remedial action and work out solution including change of species in re-planting, re-soiling of the target areas; and seek acceptance from AFCD; · Once the remedial action has been accepted by AFCD, OPC/ Contractor appointed by OPC should implement the remedial action. |
The
implementation of mitigation measures stated in Section 8.2 of this Manual shall be routinely
audited, during the implementation of the Project. Requirements of the
environmental audit are given in Section 10 of this Manual. Implementation of the
recommended ecological mitigation measures, detailed in Section 15 of the EIA
report and Appendix C of this Manual, shall be examined during the
routine environmental audit. Any observations and recommendations shall be
reported in periodic EM&A reports.
¡
to verify the status of the Landscape Resources
(LRs) within and in close proximity to the construction site and works areas;
¡
to determine whether any change has occurred to the
status of the LRs since the EIA;
¡
to determine whether amendments in the design of
the landscape and visual mitigation measures are required for any identified
changes in the status of the LRs; and
¡
to
recommend any necessary amendments to the design of the landscape and visual
mitigation measures.
Table
9.1: Recommended
Construction Phase Mitigation Measures
|
Mitigation
Code |
Responsible
Agent for Mitigation Implementation |
Mitigation Measure |
|
CP01 |
OPC via Contractor |
Minimisation of Construction Period – The construction programme should
be carefully designed to minimise the length of the construction period. |
|
CP02 |
OPC via Contractor |
Minimisation of Works Areas – The footprint of the proposed
hard structures as well as the extent of temporary works areas should be
minimised as far as practicable. |
|
CP03 |
OPC via Contractor |
Construction Site Controls – Construction site controls should
be enforced, where possible, to ensure that the landscape and visual impacts
arising from the construction phase activities, such as the storage of
materials, the location and appearance of site accommodation, etc. are
minimised. |
|
CP04 |
OPC via Contractor |
Preservation of Existing Vegetation – The development proposal should
avoid disturbance to existing vegetation as far as practicable. A formal tree removal application should be
submitted for approval by relevant authorities in accordance with LAO PN No.
07/2007 “Tree Preservation and Tree Removal Application for Building
Development in Private Projects” during the detailed design phase of the
Project. Where possible, all trees which are not in direct conflict with the
development proposals should be retained in
situ. |
|
CP05 |
OPC via Contractor |
Transplantation of Existing Trees – Trees which are in direct conflict with the development
proposals and suitable for transplantation should be transplanted as far as
practicable. A tree transplantation
proposal should be submitted together with the tree removal application. Trees proposed to be transplanted should
preferably be transplanted from their original locations directly to their
final recipient locations in one go.
If this is infeasible, the trees should be held in a temporary tree
nursery, preferably within the Project area, where the trees will be properly
maintained. |
|
CP06 |
OPC via Contractor |
No Intrusion Zones – Where practicable, “no intrusion
zones” should be designated within the Project area for protection of
existing vegetation. Durable boundary
fences should be erected to clearly demarcate these “no intrusion
zones”. No construction activities,
storage of materials and vehicular access will be allowed within the “no
intrusion zones” to prevent potential damage to canopies and root zones of
vegetation. |
|
CP07 |
OPC via Contractor |
Temporary Tree Nurseries – Temporary tree nurseries may be
set up within the Project area at an early stage to allow small trees to grow
during the construction period. By the
time these trees are needed for landscape planting at the end of the
construction phase, they will have grown larger, require minimal pruning and
suffer much less damage during transplanting, as the moving distance from an
on-site rather than off-site nursery will be much smaller. The temporary tree nurseries can also
temporarily hold the existing trees to be transplanted if direct
transplantation from their original locations to the final recipient location
is impracticable. The locations of the
temporary tree nurseries should be carefully selected so that the trees can
also act as screen planting to block the views of the Project area from the
VSRs during the construction phase, if practicable. |
|
CP08 |
OPC via Contractor |
Advance Planting – Advance planting should be undertaken
at the earliest possible stage of the construction phase of the project. Plant species, preferably native ones,
should be carefully selected to blend in with the existing preserved
vegetation. Landscape planting in
movable planters should also be considered as a temporary greening measure
for the Project area. |
|
CP09 |
OPC via Contractor |
Construction Site Hoardings – Two types of hoardings should be
considered. One is used for areas in
close contact with visitors and for areas where visual intrusion is a key
concern. It should be graphical and
thematic, and visually ‘impermeable’ to block the views of construction
activities from the VSRs. The other is
used for areas to be viewed at a distance. It should be subtle and
camouflaged so that it blends in with the surrounding landscape. |
|
CP10 |
OPC via Contractor |
Dust and Erosion Control for Exposed
Soil
– Exposed soil shall be covered or “camouflaged” and watered frequently. Areas that are expected to be left with bare
soil for a long period of time should be hydroseeded
and / or covered with suitable protective fabrics. |
|
CP11 |
OPC via Contractor |
Appearance of Construction Plant /
Machinery
– To minimise the visual intrusion of construction activities to visitors and
other VSRs, a suitable colour scheme of construction machines and plants
should be adopted where possible. |
|
CP12 |
OPC via Contractor |
Construction Lighting Control - All security floodlights for construction
sites should be equipped with adjustable shield, frosted diffusers and
reflective covers, and be carefully controlled to minimise light pollution
and night-time glare to the VSRs. |
|
CP13 |
OPC via Contractor |
Appearance of Construction Workers – To protect Ocean Park’s image,
construction workers should be required to enter the park areas with their
helmets and safety vests properly stored or carried in non-transparent
bags. They should also dress properly
and cleanly. |
Table 9.2: Recommended Operation Phase Mitigation
Measures
|
Mitigation
Code |
Responsible Agent for Mitigation Implementation |
Mitigation
Measure |
|
OP01 |
OPC via Contractor |
Sensitive Design and Disposition – All proposed hard structures should be sensitively designed in a
manner that responds to the existing and planned landscape context, and
minimises potential adverse landscape and visual impacts. The structural design should seek to reduce
the apparent visual mass through the use of natural materials such as wooden
frame and semi-transparent panels.
Subdued tones should be considered for the colour palette with
non-reflective finishes to reduce glare effect. Site specific measures, such
as the disposition of the key structures closer to the northern slopes, the
design of building forms as extension along the existing slope topography,
the use of concave roof form and the location of ride platforms on or near
the slopes to minimise structural support, should also be considered for
better integration with the surroundings and minimisation of potential visual
impacts. |
|
OP02 |
OPC via Contractor |
Compensatory Tree
Planting – Existing trees to be felled should be compensated as far as
practicable. Native species should be
proposed as far as practicable to re-create a native landscape, restore the
ecological habitats and blend in with the existing native vegetation. A compensatory tree planting proposal
should be submitted together with the tree removal application for approval
by relevant authorities in accordance with LAO
Practice Note No. 7/2007. It is recommended that approximately 608 heavy
standard trees and approximately 18,202 whip trees could be planted on-site.
The availability of off-site compensatory tree planting area is still subject
to further investigation and agreement with relevant authorities. |
|
OP03 |
OPC via Contractor |
Enhancement Planting – Other than compensatory tree planting, additional trees, shrubs,
groundcovers and lawn should also be considered to maximise greening within
the redevelopment area. |
|
OP04 |
OPC via Contractor |
Green Roofs and
Vertical Greening – Green Roofs and
Vertical Greening should be provided where feasible and appropriate to screen
and soften the hard edges of building structures. |
|
OP05 |
OPC via Contractor |
Reprovision of Flamingo Pond – A pond is
recommended to replace the demolished Flamingo Pond as compensation for the
loss of semi-natural ponds, where wildlife, such as birds, can utilise. |
|
OP06 |
OPC via Contractor |
Responsive Lighting
Design – Overall lighting design would carefully consider a reasonable
level of functional and thematic lighting with due consideration of possible
light pollution and night-time glare to the surroundings. Consideration shall be made by the lighting
designers to the following measures: -
Lighting shall be designed with due
consideration of mounting height and direction of light fixtures so as not to
point directly towards any sensitive receiver. -
Lighting shall be arranged with due
consideration of reflectance so as to avoid glare effect. -
Lighting shall be regularly monitored
during operation. -
Lights located adjacent or in proximity to
neighbours shall be carefully designed to prevent possible light intrusion. -
Lighting operation schedule shall specify
only lights necessary for security to be left on after business hours. -
Paving materials should be selected as
necessary to reduce potential glare from surface reflectance. -
Particular attention should be paid to the
use of lighting having a high intensity or harsher tone (e.g. metal halide
lamps). -
Lights shall generally be models having
precise cut-off range (such as full cut-off optics where available and
practicable) and if necessary be fitted with adjustable anti-glare shields. |
|
OP07 |
OPC via Contractor |
Woodland Compensation – 1.53ha of affected woodland is recommended to be
reinstated / compensated by 1.62ha of whip tree planting adjacent to the
existing unaffected woodland and tall shrubland. Native species should be proposed as far as
practicable to re-create a native landscape, restore the ecological habitats
and blend in with the existing native vegetation. |
¡ The extent
of the agreed works areas should be regularly checked. No construction
activities or storage shall be undertaken outside the limit of the works;
¡ The
progress of the engineering works should be regularly reviewed on site to
identify the earliest practical opportunities for the landscape works to be
undertaken;
¡ All
landscaping works are carried out in accordance with the specifications; and
¡ All new
planting are carried out properly and within the right season.
¡ All
necessary horticultural operations and replacement planting are undertaken
throughout the 12-month establishment period to ensure healthy establishment.
Table 9.3: Event
and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual Impact during Construction Phase
|
Action
Level |
Environmental
Team Leader (ETL) |
Independent
Environmental Checker (IEC) |
Engineer’s
Representative (ER) |
Contractor |
|
Non-conformity on one occasion |
1. Identify
source 2. Inform
the IEC and the ER 3. Discuss
remedial actions with the IEC, the ER and the Contractor 4. Monitor
remedial action until rectification has been completed |
1. Check
report 2. Check
the Contractor’s working method 3. Discuss
with the ER and the Contractor on possible remedial measures 4. Advise
the ER on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures |
1. Notify
the Contractor 2. Ensure
remedial measures are properly implemented |
1. Amend
working methods 2. Rectify
damage and undertake remedial measures or any necessary replacement |
|
Repeated Non-conformity |
1.
Identify source 2. Inform
the IEC and the ER 3.
Increase monitoring (site audit) frequency 4. Discuss
remedial actions with the IEC, the ER and the Contractor 5. Monitor
remedial actions until rectification has been completed 6. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring (site
audit) |
1. Check
report 2. Check
the Contractor’s working method 3. Discuss
with the ER and the Contractor on possible remedial measures 4. Advise
the ER on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures 5.
Supervise implementation of remedial measures |
1. Notify
the Contractor 2. Ensure
remedial measures are properly implemented |
1. Amend
working methods 2. Rectify
damage and undertake remedial measures or any necessary replacement |
¡
the EIA and EM&A recommendations on
environmental protection and pollution control mitigation measures;
¡
the EP conditions;
¡
ongoing results of the EM&A program;
¡
works progress and programme;
¡
individual works methodology proposals (which
should include proposal on associated pollution control measures);
¡
contract specifications on environmental
protection;
¡
relevant environmental protection and pollution
control laws; and
¡
previous site
inspection results undertaken by the ET and others.
There are
contractual environmental protection and pollution control requirements as well
as environmental protection and pollution control laws in Hong Kong with which
construction activities must comply.
The ET Leader should also keep himself informed of
the progress and programme of the works to check that relevant
environmental laws have not been violated, and that any foreseeable potential
for violation can be prevented.
The Contractor should regularly copy relevant
documents to the ET Leader so that works checking can be carried out. The
document should at least include the updated Works Progress Reports, updated
Works Programme, any application letters for different licences / permits under the environmental protection laws,
and copies of all valid licences / permits. The site
diary should also be made available for the ET Leader’s inspection upon his
request.
¡
The Contractor to log complaint and date of receipt
onto the complaint database and inform the ER, ET and IEC immediately;
¡
The Contractor to investigate the complaint to
determine its validity, and assess whether the source of the problem is due to
construction works of the Project with the support of additional monitoring
frequency, stations and parameters, if necessary;
¡
The Contractor to identify mitigation measures in
consultation with IEC, ET and ER if a complaint is valid and due to the
construction works of the Project;
¡
The Contractor to implement the remedial measures
as required by the ER and to agree with the ET and IEC any additional
monitoring frequency, stations and parameters, where necessary, for checking
the effectiveness of the mitigation measures;
¡
The ER, ET and IEC to review the effectiveness of
the Contractor’s remedial measures and the updated situation;
¡
The ET to undertake additional monitoring and audit
to verify the situation if necessary, and oversee that circumstances leading to
the complaint do not recur;
¡
If the complaint is referred by the EPD, the
Contractor is to prepare interim report on the status of the complaint
investigation and follow-up actions stipulated above, including the details of
the remedial measures and additional monitoring identified or already taken,
for submission to EPD within the time frame assigned by EPD; and
¡
The ET to record the details of the complaint,
results of the investigation, subsequent actions taken to address the complaint
and updated situation including the effectiveness of the remedial measures,
supported by regular and additional
monitoring results in the monthly EM&A reports.
Handling of environmental complaints should follow
the environmental complaint flow diagram and reporting channel as presented in
Figure 10.1.
For
construction phase EM&A, types of reports that the
ET Leader shall prepare and submit include baseline monitoring report, monthly
EM&A report, quarterly EM&A summary report and final EM&A review
report. In accordance with Annex 21 of
the EIAO-TM, a copy of the monthly, quarterly summary and final review EM&A
reports shall be made available to the Director of Environmental Protection.
The exact details of the frequency, distribution and time frame for submission
shall be agreed with the IEC, the ER and EPD prior to commencement of works.
The baseline monitoring report should include at
least the following:
i.
up to half a page of executive summary
ii.
brief project background information
iii.
drawings showing locations of the baseline
monitoring stations
iv.
an updated construction programme
with milestones of environmental protection / mitigation activities annotated
v.
monitoring results (in both hard and diskette
copies) together with the following information:
¡
monitoring methodology
¡
name of laboratory and types of equipment used and
calibration details
¡ parameters
monitored
¡ monitoring
locations (and depth, where relevant)
¡ monitoring
date, time, frequency and duration
¡ quality assurance
(QA) / quality control (QC) results and detection limits
vi.
details of influencing factors, including:
¡
major activities, if any, being carried out on the
site during the period/monitoring
¡
weather conditions during the period/monitoring
¡
other factors which might affect results
vii. determination
of the Action and Limit Levels for each monitoring parameter and statistical
analysis of the baseline data, the analysis should conclude if there is any
significant difference between control and impact stations for the parameters
monitored
viii. revisions
for inclusion in the EM&A Manual
ix.
comments and conclusions
The first monthly EM&A report should
include at least but not be limited to the following:
i. executive
summary (1-2 pages):
¡
breaches of Action and Limit levels
¡
complaint log
¡
notifications of any summons and status of
prosecutions
¡
changes made that affect the EM&A
¡
future key issues
ii. basic
project information:
¡ project organisation including key personnel contact names and
telephone numbers
¡ scope of
works of the project
¡ construction
programme
¡ works
undertaken during the month with illustrations (such as location of works etc)
¡
drawings showing
the project area, any environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of
the monitoring and control stations(with co-ordinates of the monitoring
locations).
iii. a brief
summary of EM&A requirements including:
¡ all
monitoring parameters
¡ environmental
quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels)
¡ Event and
Action Plans
¡ environmental
mitigation measures, as recommended in the project EIA study final report
¡ environmental
requirements in contract documents
iv. environmental
status
¡ advice on
status of compliance with EP including the status of submissions under the EP
v. implementation
status
¡
implementation status of environmental protection
and pollution control / mitigation measures, as recommended in the EIA report
vi. monitoring
results (in both hard and diskette copies) together with the following information:
¡
monitoring methodology
¡
name of laboratory and types of equipment used and calibration details
¡
parameters monitored
¡
monitoring locations
¡
monitoring date, time frequency, and duration
¡
weather conditions during the period / monitoring
¡
graphical plots of the monitored parameters in the
month annotated against
¡
the major activities being carried out on site
during the period
¡
weather conditions that may affect the monitoring
results
¡
any other factors which might affect the monitoring
results
¡
QA / QC results and detection limits
vii. analysis
of monitoring results, non-compliance, complaints, and notifications of summons
and status of prosecutions:
¡ analysis
and interpretation of monitoring results in the month
¡ any
non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental
quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels)
¡ changes
made that affect the EM&A during the month
¡ complaints
received (written or verbal) for each media, including locations and nature of
complaints, investigation, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and
follow-up procedures taken, results and summary
¡ notification
of summons and status of prosecutions for breaches of current environmental
protection / pollution control legislation, including locations and nature of
the breaches, investigation, follow-up actions taken, results and summary
¡ reasons
for and the implications of non-compliance, complaints, summons and
prosecutions including review of pollution sources and working procedures
¡ actions taken
in the event of non-compliance and deficiency, and follow-up actions related to
earlier non-compliance
viii. others
¡
an account of the future key issues as reviewed
from the works programme and work method statements
¡
comment on the solid and liquid waste management
status during the month including waste generation and disposal records
¡
outstanding issues and deficiencies
¡
comments on effectiveness of the environmental
management systems, practices, procedures and mitigation measures,
recommendations (for example, any improvement in the EM&A programme) and conclusions
ix. appendix
¡
monitoring schedule for the present and next
reporting period
¡
cumulative statistics on complaints, notifications
of summons and successful prosecutions
¡
outstanding issues and deficiencies
The subsequent monthly EM&A reports
should include the following:
i. executive
summary (1-2 pages):
¡ breaches
of Action and Limit levels
¡ complaint
log
¡ notifications
of any summons and status of prosecutions
¡ changes
made that affect the EM&A
¡ future
key issues
ii. environmental
status:
¡ advice on
status of compliance with EP including the status of submissions under the EP
iii. implementation
status:
¡ implementation
status of environmental protection and pollution control / mitigation measures,
as recommended in the EIA report
iv. monitoring
results (in both hard and diskette copies) together with the following
information:
¡ monitoring
methodology
¡ name of
laboratory and types of equipment used and calibration details
¡ parameters
monitored
¡ monitoring
locations
¡ monitoring
date, time frequency, and duration
¡ weather
conditions during the period / monitoring
¡ graphical
plots of the monitored parameters in the month annotated against:
-
the major activities being carried out on site
during the period
-
weather conditions that may affect the monitoring
results
-
any other factors which might affect the monitoring
results
-
QA / QC results and detection limits
v. analysis of
monitoring results, non-compliance, complaints, and notifications of summons
and status of prosecutions:
¡ analysis
and interpretation of monitoring results in the month
¡
any non-compliance (exceedances)
of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels)
¡
changes made that affect the EM&A during the
month
¡
complaints received (written or verbal) for each
media, including locations and nature of complaints, investigation, liaison and
consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken, results and
summary
¡
notification of summons and status of prosecutions
for breaches of current environmental protection / pollution control
legislation, including locations and nature of the breaches, investigation,
follow-up actions taken, results and summary
¡
reasons for and the implications of non-compliance,
complaints, summons and prosecutions including review of pollution sources and
working procedures
¡ actions
taken in the event of non-compliance and deficiency, and follow-up actions
related to earlier non-compliance
vi. others
¡
an account of the future key issues as reviewed
from the works programme and work method statements
¡
comment on the solid and liquid waste management
status during the month including waste generation and disposal records
¡
outstanding issues and deficiencies
¡ comments
on effectiveness of the environmental management systems, practices, procedures
and mitigation measures, recommendations (for example, any improvement in the
EM&A programme) and conclusions
vii. appendix
¡ monitoring
schedule for the present and next reporting period
¡ cumulative
statistics on complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions
¡ outstanding
issues and deficiencies
Some information concerning the EM&A works,
such as the EM&A requirements would remain unchanged throughout the
EM&A programme. In the subsequent Monthly EM&A Reports,
the First Monthly EM&A Report can be referred instead of repeating the
description of the unchanged information.
i. up to
half a page executive summary
ii.
basic project information including a synopsis of
the project organisation and programme,
and a synopsis of works undertaken during the quarter
iii.
a brief summary of EM&A requirements including:
¡ monitoring
parameters
¡ environmental
quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels)
¡ environmental
mitigation measures, as recommended in the project EIA Final Report
iv.
drawings showing the project area, environmental
sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and control stations
v.
implementation status of environmental protection
and pollution control / mitigation measures, as recommended in the EIA report
vi.
graphical plots of the monitored parameters over
the past four months (the last month of the previous quarter and the present
quarter) for representative monitoring stations annotated against:
¡ the major
activities being carried out on site during the period
¡ weather
conditions during the period
¡ any other
factors which might affect the monitoring results
vii. advice on
the solid and liquid waste management during the quarter including waste
generation and disposal records
viii. a summary
of non-compliance (exceedances) of the environmental
quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels)
ix.
a brief review of the reasons for and the
implications of any non-compliance, including a review of pollution sources and
working procedures
x.
a summary description of actions taken in the event
of non-compliance and any follow-up procedures related to any earlier
non-compliance
xi.
a summary of all complaints received (written or
verbal) for each media, liaison and consultation undertaken, actions and
follow-up procedures taken
xii. comments on
the effectiveness and efficiency of the mitigation measures; recommendations on
any improvements in the EM&A programme and
conclusions for the quarter
xiii. proponents’ contacts and any hotline telephone number for the
public to make enquiries.
The final EM&A report should include, inter
alia, the following information:
i.
an executive summary
ii.
basic project information including a synopsis of
the project organisation and programme,
contacts of key management, and a synopsis of work undertaken during the entire
construction period
iii.
a brief summary of EM&A requirements including:
¡
monitoring parameters
¡
environmental quality performance limits (Action
and Limit levels)
¡
environmental mitigation measures, as recommended
in the project EIA study final report
iv.
drawings showing the project area, any
environmental sensitive receivers and the locations of the monitoring and
control stations
v.
advice on the implementation status of environmental
and pollution control / mitigation measures, as recommended in the project EIA
study final report, summarised in the updated
implementation status pro forma
vi.
graphical plots of the monitoring parameters over
the construction period for representative monitoring stations, including the
post-project monitoring annotated against:
¡
the major activities being carried out on site
during the period
¡ weather
conditions during the period
¡ any other
factors which might affect the monitoring results
¡ the baseline
condition
vii.
compare the EM&A data with the EIA predictions
viii.
effectiveness of the solid and liquid waste
management
ix.
a summary of non-compliance (exceedances)
of the environmental quality performance limits (Action and Limit levels)
x.
a brief account of the reasons the non-compliance
including a review of pollution sources and working procedures
xi.
a summary of the actions taken against the
non-compliance
xii. a summary
of all complaints received (written or verbal) for each media, liaison and
consultation undertaken, actions and follow-up procedures taken
xiii. a review
of the monitoring methodology adopted and with the benefit of hindsight,
comment on its effectiveness (including cost effectiveness)
xiv. a summary
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
xv. a review
of the practicality and effectiveness of the EM&A programme
(e.g. effectiveness and efficiency of the mitigation measures), and
recommendation on any improvement in the EM&A programme
xvi. a
conclusion to state the return of ambient and / or the predicted scenario as
per EIA findings
No site-based documents (such as monitoring field
records, laboratory analysis records, site inspection forms, etc.) are required
to be included in the EM&A reporting documents. However, any such document
should be retained by the ET Leader / Monitoring Team and be ready for
inspection upon request. All relevant information should be clearly and
systematically recorded in the document. Monitoring data should also be
recorded in digital format, and the soft copy must be available upon request.
Data format should be agreed with the IEC, the ER, OPC and EPD. All documents
and data should be kept for at least one year following completion of the
construction contract and one year after the completion of
operation phase monitoring for construction phase EM&A and operational
phase EM&A respectively.
For construction phase EM&A, with reference to
the Event and Action Plan, when the environmental quality performance limits
are exceeded, the ET Leader should immediately notify the IEC, the ER, OPC and
EPD, as appropriate and should keep them informed of the results of the
investigation, proposed remedial measures, actions taken, updated situation on
site, need for further follow-up proposals, etc. A sample template for the
interim notifications is shown in Appendix
D. The ET Leader may modify the interim
notification form for this EM&A programme, the
format of which should be approved by the ER and agreed by the IEC.