7.                 COMMENTS AND CONCLUSIONS

 

The baseline environmental monitoring was conducted between 22 July 2014 and 15 August 2014. The  baseline  monitoring  results  were  used  to  determine  the appropriate Action and Limit Levels with the Limit Levels set against statutory or otherwise agreed limit.

 

Supplementary baseline noise monitoring was conducted at The Victoria Towers – Tower 1 during 22 January 2015 and 25 January 2015 to eliminate interference from outlier data recorded between 22 July 2014 and 15 August 2014.

 

The baseline air quality and noise monitoring were carried out in accordance with the EM&A Manual, in respect of the methodology, equipment, location and monitoring parameters.

 

The baseline air quality (1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP levels) monitoring was conducted at four monitoring locations (AM1, AM2, AM3 and AM4).

 

The baseline air quality monitoring results for AM1, AM2, AM3 and AM4 are considered representative to the ambient air quality conditions of the respective sensitive receivers. The Action and Limit Levels for the air quality were established based on the baseline monitoring results.

 

Baseline noise monitoring was conducted at monitoring stations NM3 and NM4. The baseline noise monitoring results for NM3 and NM4 are considered representative to the ambient conditions of the respective sensitive receivers.

 

Baseline noise monitoring station NM1 and NM2 could not be carried out due to rejections from both property management offices of The Harbourside and The Arch.  After all the alternative approaches had been explored and exhausted due to site constraints or rejections, it is therefore decided to make reference to the measured noise level from baseline monitoring of the Hong Kong Section of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) project with MTR’s consent.

 

Baseline landscape and visual monitoring was conducted for the WKCD site, the underpass, and the flyover. The baseline conditions of landscape resources, landscape character areas and visually sensitive receivers are generally consistent with those in the EIA report, while changes have been documented and incorrect information has been amended.

 

Baseline water quality monitoring has not been carried out because there is no marine construction works to be carried out in WKCD.   If any marine construction works including modification of seawall and construction of landing steps and possible piers are to be carried out in the future, baseline water quality monitoring shall be conducted according to the methodologies set out in the EM&A manual.

 

In conclusion, the Contractor is advised to be aware of any site practice that may give rise to significant pollution to the existing environment. Implementation of necessary remedial measures should be instigated to rectify the potential impact on sensitive receivers located in the vicinity of the construction area.