Content

Chapter    Title                                                                                                                                   

1.1              Purpose of the Manual

1.2              Project Description

1.3              Tentative Construction Programme

1.4              Project Organisation

2.1              Construction Air Quality Monitoring

2.2              Operational Odour Monitoring

3.1              Construction Airborne Noise Monitoring

3.2              Operational Noise Monitoring

4.1              Construction Water Quality Monitoring

4.2              Operational Water Quality Monitoring

5.1              Construction Phase Monitoring

5.2              Operation Phase Monitoring

6.1              Construction Phase Monitoring

6.2              Operation Phase Monitoring

7.1              Construction Phase Monitoring

7.2              Operation Phase Monitoring

9.1              Introduction

9.2              Baseline Monitoring

9.3              Mitigation Measures

9.4              Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirements

9.5              Monitoring Programs

9.6              Event and Action Plan

10.1            Introduction

10.2            Project Description

10.3            Air Quality Impact

10.4            Noise Impact

10.5            Water Quality Impact

10.6            Sewerage and Sewage Treatment Implication

10.7            Waste Management Implications

10.8            Land Contamination

10.9            Ecological Impact

10.10          Landscape and Visual Impact

11.1            Introduction

11.2            Project Description

11.3            Air Quality Impact

11.4            Noise Impact

11.5            Water Quality Impact

11.6            Sewerage and Sewage Treatment Implication

11.7            Waste Management Implication

11.8            Land Contamination

11.9            Ecological Impact

11.10          Landscape and Visual Impact

12.1            Site Inspections

12.2            Compliance with Legal and Contractual Requirements

12.3            Environmental Complaints

13.1            Introduction

13.2            Baseline Monitoring Report

13.3            Monthly EM&A Reports

13.4            Quarterly EM&A Reports

13.5            Final EM&A Review Report

13.6            Data Keeping

13.7            Interim Notifications of Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances

 

Tables

Table 2.1:__ Construction Air Quality Monitoring Stations 10

Table 2.2:__ Typical Action and Limit Level for Air Quality 13

Table 2.3:__ Typical Event and Action Plan for Air Quality 13

Table 3.1:__ Construction Noise Monitoring Stations 17

Table 3.2:__ Action and Limit Level for Construction Noise_ 19

Table 3.3:__ Event and Action Plan for Construction Noise_ 19

Table 4.1:__ Construction Water Quality Monitoring Stations 24

Table 4.2:__ Typical Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality 25

Table 4.3:__ Event and Action Plan for Water Quality for Construction Phase_ 26

Table 6.1:__ Summary of Waste Arising during Construction Phase_ 32

Table 9.1:__ Landscape mitigation measures during construction phase_ 36

Table 9.2:__ Visual mitigation measures during construction phase_ 37

Table 9.3:__ Landscape mitigation measures during operation phase_ 38

Table 9.4:__ Visual mitigation measures during operation phase_ 38

Table 9.5:__ Monitoring Program for Landscape and Visual Impact 41

Table 9.6:__ Event and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual Impact 41

Table 10.1:_ Construction Air Quality Monitoring Stations for Underpass Roads 47

Table 10.2:_ Typical Action and Limit Level for Air Quality 49

Table 10.3:_ Typical Event and Action Plan for Air Quality 50

Table 10.4:_ Construction Noise Monitoring Stations for Underpass Roads 52

Table 10.5:_ Action and Limit Level for Construction Noise_ 54

Table 10.6:_ Event and Action Plan for Construction Noise_ 54

Table 10.7:_ Summary of Waste Arising during Construction Phase_ 58

Table 10.8:_ Landscape mitigation measures during construction phase_ 61

Table 10.9:_ Visual mitigation measures during construction phase_ 62

Table 10.10: Landscape mitigation measures during operation phase_ 62

Table 10.11: Visual mitigation measures during operation phase_ 63

Table 10.12: Monitoring Program for Landscape and Visual Impact 64

Table 10.13: Event and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual Impact 64

Table 11.1:_ Construction Air Quality Monitoring Stations for the proposed Austin Road flyover 70

Table 11.2:_ Typical Action and Limit Level for Air Quality 72

Table 11.3:_ Typical Event and Action Plan for Air Quality 72

Table 11.4:_ Construction Noise Monitoring Stations 75

Table 11.5:_ Action and Limit Level for Construction Noise_ 76

Table 11.6:_ Event and Action Plan for Construction Noise_ 76

Table 11.7:_ Summary of Waste Arisings during Construction Phase_ 80

Table 11.8:_ Landscape mitigation measures during construction phase_ 81

Table 11.9:_ Visual mitigation measures during construction phase_ 82

Table 11.10: Landscape mitigation measures during operation phase_ 83

Table 11.11: Visual mitigation measures during operation phase_ 83

Table 11.12: Monitoring Program for Landscape and Visual Impact 84

Table 11.13: Event and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual Impact 84

 

Figures

Figure 1.1       Project Layout

Figure 1.2       Project Organisation Chart

Figure 2.1       Proposed Locations of Construction Air Monitoring Stations

Figure 2.2       Proposed Locations of Odour Patrol Route

Figure 3.1       Proposed Locations of Construction Noise Monitoring Stations

Figure 4.1       Proposed Locations of Water Quality Monitoring Stations

Figure 10.1     Project Layout for Underpass Roads

Figure 10.2     Proposed Locations of Construction Air Monitoring Stations for Underpass Roads

Figure 10.3     Proposed Locations of Construction Noise Monitoring Stations for Underpass Roads

Figure 11.1     Project Layout for Flyover

Figure 11.2     Proposed Locations of Construction Air Monitoring Stations for Flyover

Figure 11.3     Proposed Locations of Construction Noise Monitoring Stations for Flyover

Figure 12.1     Flow Chart of Complaint Investigation Procedures

 

Appendices

Appendix A           Tentative Construction Programme

Appendix B           Sample Environmental Monitoring Data Recording Sheet

Appendix C          Implementation Schedule for Environmental Mitigation Measures for WKCD Schedule 3 EIA

Appendix D          Implementation Schedule for Environmental Mitigation Measures for Underpass Roads Serving the Planned WKCD

Appendix E           Implementation Schedule for Environmental Mitigation Measures for Austin Road Flyover Serving the Planned WKCD

Appendix F           Sample Template for the Interim Notifications

 

 


1.          Introduction

1.1          Purpose of the Manual

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 “West Kowloon Cultural District” (The Project).

It should be noted that this EM&A Manual would be further reviewed and updated where necessary.

1.2          Project Description

The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA), empowered by the WKCDA Ordinance (Cap. 601), was set up by the Government with the full support of the Legislative Council (LegCo) in October 2008 to take forward the WKCD project.

The WKCDA is responsible for the preparation of a comprehensive Development Plan (DP). The WKCDA intends to prepare the DP in three stages, namely:

i.       To conduct an exercise to gauge stakeholders’ expectations and aspirations for the DP of the WKCD as well as their views on the design and functional requirements of the CACF;

ii.      To prepare three Conceptual Plan (CP) Options; and

iii.     In the light of public comments on the CP Options collected in a Public Engagement (PE) exercise, select one option out of the three with any modifications as deemed fit by the WKCDA.

The Selected Option with modifications would then be developed into a DP for submission to the Town Planning Board (TPB) for consideration, and then to the Chief Executive in Council for approval. Upon approval, the DP would serve as the basis for implementation.

Further to the submission of the DP on 30 December 2011, and agreement of the DP by TPB on 9 March 2012, the project area and project layout to be taken forward is shown in Figure 1.1.

1.2.1        Existing Site Conditions

The West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) site is located on the West Kowloon Reclamation south of Austin Road West and the Western Harbour Crossing Toll Plaza as shown in Figure 1.1. The site is currently zoned as “West Kowloon Cultural District Development Plan Area” under the approved South West Kowloon Outline Zoning Plan (No. S/K20/27) gazetted on 8 January 2013, and comprises approximately 40ha of land bordering the Jordan/Tsim Sha Tsui area. The site reserved for the WKCD development is currently occupied by works sites, local roads, temporary storage / parking facilities, a temporary promenade at the Waterfront and a number of existing infrastructure and utility facilities such as ventilation buildings for the Western Harbour Crossing and the MTR railway line, a sea water pumping station, etc. Parts of the WKCD site are also currently occupied by the Tsim Sha Tsui Fire Station and by the works site and temporary works areas for the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) project.

1.2.2        Project Components

Following from recommendations by the Consultative Committee on the Core Arts and Cultural Facilities (CACF) of WKCD in 2006, a number of CACF were proposed, including both performing arts and visual arts venues. Other facilities including hotel, offices and residential (HOR) and Government, Institution or Community facilities (GIC) were also recommended. Plans to embed sustainability into these core facilities and the WKCD area include adoption of green building designs, renewable energy technologies, water and energy conservation measures, and green transportation.

The proposed WKCD development will comprise the following major facilities.

Core Arts and Cultural Facilities (CACF)

The CACF will consist of:

¡  A Mega Performance Venue, an enclosed facility designed for popular amplified music events, with the flexibility to accommodate other art forms and large-scale entertainment events;

¡  Exhibition Centre Complex designed for large-scale cultural, entertainment and commercial events with facilities to support entrepreneurial arts related events and cultural activities – extending from art fairs and book fairs to fashion shows, performance installations, product launches and celebrations and galas;

¡  A Great Theatre, designed for large-scale productions optimised for a wide range of amplified music theatrical performances with supporting facilities such as spacious foyer designed to accommodate small-scale informal performances and temporary exhibitions, VIP rooms, box lounges, integrated retail and dining facilities, and ample rehearsal spaces;

¡  A Musical Theatre, intended primarily for broadway-style musicals and performances of other art forms, including western and Chinese opera and dance;

¡  A Lyric Theatre, a facility with an orchestra pit for dance, ballet, opera, musicals and theatrical performances, which is designed principally for operatic and dramatic performances, various forms of dance and a wide range of art forms, incorporating unamplified and amplified music accompaniment;

¡  A Centre for Contemporary Performance (CCP) comprising three flexible performing spaces of different sizes (blackbox theatres) and additional workshop/classrooms for educational programs. The CCP will be a facility for contemporary performing arts, mulit- and cross disciplinary, multimedia theatre, music and dance;

¡  Thrust Theatres, primarily designed to meet the needs of larger contemporary dance ensembles and spoken-word drama with amplified music;

¡  Proscenium Theatre, designed for medium-scale theatrical and dance performances with amplified music, primarily to meet the needs of spoken word theatre and various forms of dance;

¡  Outdoor Theatre, integrated within the landscape design of the Great Park, designed as a space primarily for both free and ticketed amplified or electronically reinforced music performance;

¡  A Music Centre comprising a Concert Hall and a Recital Hall, designed for the acoustics and performance requirements of large scale unamplified instrumental and vocal music, of both western and Chinese origin;

¡  A Xiqu Centre with Large Theatre and Small Theatre as well as a commercially operated teahouse –  showcase and education venue for Chinese opera, and a single balcony courtyard type venue with integrated catering facilities;

¡  An enclosed Freespace with Music Box – a physical cluster of two indoor venues. The two indoor venues are namely Music Box and Freespace Theatre. Music Box is intended for the presentation of pop culture events with a focus on music, and is highly flexible for stage position and seating configuration. Freespace theatre is intended for popular and experimental performances such as music, theatre and dance. This venue is highly flexible and offers an opportunity for the presentation of broad range of performance types with stalls format; and 

¡  A museum (Museum Plus) for visual culture – contemporary art, design, architecture, moving image and popular culture – looking at the world from a Hong Kong perspective.

Other Arts and Cultural Facilities (OACF)

The CACF will be supported by the OACF which include Resident Company Centres, Arts and Craft Studios, Pavilions and Literary Arts Centre.

Infrastructure and Support Facilities

The WKCD will also involve the following infrastructure and support facilities:

¡  Government, Institution or Community (GIC) facilities including electricity substation, police post etc.;

¡  Various retail, dining and entertainment (RDE) facilities; and hotel, office and residential (HOR) developments. All residential buildings inside WKCD will be mixed with commercial components such as RDE and office at lower floors to support the leisure lifestyle and minimize the environmental impacts at residential floors;

¡  A district cooling system to provide chilled water for WKCD facilities for substantial energy saving, with possible extension to Government, Institution or Community facilities and hotel, office and residential developments subject to technical, financial and implementation mechanisms;

¡  On-site renewable energy systems e.g., wind turbines and photovoltaics for local electricity supply;

¡  A green transportation system in the form of travellators and eco-buses (operating in the underpass road), coupled with substantial pedestrianisation within the WKCD;

¡  Local road networks comprising a main underpass of approximately 1400m in length, a flyover bridge of approximately 200m in length across the Western Harbour Crossing toll plaza, at-grade link roads, lay-bys and emergency vehicular access;

¡  Other accessibility features including possible external footbridge connections from WKCD to Kowloon Park, China Ferry Pier, the International Commerce Centre, Elements mall, and pedestrian links  (e.g. subway and landscape deck) to West Kowloon Terminus and Austin Station;

¡  One optional viewing platform and two possible piers for water access subject to the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance (Cap. 531). The viewing platform is an extension of the waterfront promenade, possibly composed of cantilever structure on top of seabed and foreshore. The two possible piers aims to enable marine connectivity for visitor to the MPV/EC and the Great Theatre;

¡  Park – extensive areas of grass and open space with trees offering shade for open air leisure, recreation, refreshment and walking, allow people to relax and find quiet spaces together;

¡  Modification of seawalls for the construction of seawater discharges/outfalls and landing steps near south or south-west boundary of the WKCD site;

¡  Optional water reuse facilities – options to be considered include green building initiatives such as rainwater harvesting and/or reuse of condensate from air conditioning systems;

¡  Optional automatic refuse collection system, if technically feasible and financially viable; The system aims to enhance recycling and to minimize nuisance to be caused from typical waste collection. Should the automatic refuse collection system be implemented, the piping network will be installed underground and rely on transport of waste by vacuum, replacing the traditional refuse room and waste container;

¡  Possible relocation of the existing Tsim Sha Tsui Fire Station located at the south east boundary of the WKCD site in stages; and

¡  Associated utilities, drainage, sewerage, sewage pump sumps, waterworks, engineering works, landscaping and environmental mitigation measures.

1.3          Tentative Construction Programme

It is targeted to commence construction of the critical elements of the WKCD in 2013 so as to commission the Phase 1 arts and cultural facilities in stages starting from 2014/2015. A tentative construction programme and sequence of works are shown in Appendix A.

1.4          Project Organisation

The proposed project organisation is shown in Figure 1.2. The responsibilities of respective parties are set out below.

West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA)

WKCDA is the Project Proponent for the development of the Project, and will assume overall responsibility for the Project.

Environmental Protection Department (EPD)

EPD is the statutory enforcement body for environmental protection matters in Hong Kong.

Engineer or the 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 include:

¡  to monitor the Contractor’s compliance with Contract Specifications, including the effective implementation and operation of the environmental mitigation measures;

¡  to employ an Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) to audit the results of the EM&A works carried out by the Environmental Team (ET);

¡  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.

The Contractor

The Contractor should report to the ER. The duties and responsibilities of the Contractor include:

¡  to comply with the relevant contract conditions and specifications on environmental protection;

¡  to employ an ET to undertake monitoring, laboratory analysis and reporting of EM&A;

¡  to facilitate ET’s monitoring and site inspection activities;

¡  to participate in the site inspections undertaken 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 / 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.

Environmental Team (ET)

The ET should be employed by the WKCDA / Contractor to conduct the EM&A programme. The ET should be managed by the ET Leader. ET Leader should have relevant professional qualifications in environmental control and possess at least 7 years experience in EM&A. Suitably qualified staff should be included in the ET, and resources for the implementation of the EM&A programme should be allocated in the time under the Contract, to enable fulfilment of the Project’s EM&A requirements as specified in the EM&A Manual during construction of the Project. The ET should report to WKCDA and the duties should include:

¡  to monitor and audit various environmental parameters as required in this EM&A Manual;

¡  to analyse the environmental monitoring and audit 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 environmental monitoring and audit 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 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 WKCDA 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 WKCDA 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 / 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, to the ER and WKCDA 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.

 

2.          Air Quality Impact

2.1          Construction Air Quality Monitoring

2.1.1        General

It is proposed to carry out environmental monitoring and audit during the construction phase of the Project to check and ensure compliance with the relevant air quality standards by effective implementation of the recommended construction dust mitigation measures. Potential air quality impact arising from the construction works would mainly be due to excavation, materials handling, spoil removal, wind erosion and land formation, as well as the operation of a concrete batching plant and barging facilities.

The key objectives of the construction phase dust monitoring are:

¡  to identify the extent of dust impact during construction phase on sensitive receivers;

¡  to audit the compliance of the Contractor with regard to dust control, contract conditions and the relevant dust impact criteria;

¡  to determine the effectiveness of mitigation measures to control fugitive dust emission from activities during the construction phase;

¡  to recommend further mitigation measures if found to be necessary, and;

¡  to comply with Action and Limit Levels for air quality as defined in this Manual.

Details of the environmental monitoring and audit requirements during construction phase are presented below.

2.1.2        Air Quality Parameters

Monitoring and audit of the Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) levels during the construction phase should be carried out by the Environmental Team (ET) to ensure that any deteriorating air quality could be readily detected and timely actions taken to rectify the situation.

The TSP levels should be measured by following the standard method as set out in High Volume Method for Total Suspended Particulates, Part 50 Chapter 1 Appendix B, Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations of the USEPA (HVS method).

One-hour and 24-hour TSP levels should be measured to indicate the impacts of construction dust on air quality. Upon approval of the IEC, one-hour TSP levels can be measured by direct reading methods which are capable of producing comparable results as that by the HVS method, to indicate short event impacts.

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 record sheet is shown Appendix B. The ET may develop a project specific record sheet to suit this EM&A programme.

2.1.3        Monitoring Equipment

High Volume Sampler (HVS) in compliance with the following specifications should be used for carrying out the one-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 with +/- 5 minutes accuracy for 24 hours operation;

¡  installed with elapsed-time meter with +/- 2 minutes accuracy for 24 hours operation;

¡  capable of providing a minimum exposed area of 406 cm2 (63 in2);

¡  flow control accuracy: +/- 2.5% deviation over 24-hr sampling period;

¡  incorporated with an electronic mass flow rate controller or other equivalent devices;

¡  equipped with a flow recorder for continuous monitoring;

¡  provided with a peaked roof inlet;

¡  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.

The ET is responsible for provision of the monitoring equipment. They should ensure that sufficient numbers of HVSs with an appropriate calibration kit are available for carrying out the baseline monitoring, regular impact monitoring and ad hoc monitoring. The HVSs should be equipped with an electronic mass flow controller and be calibrated against a traceable standard at regular intervals. All the equipment, calibration kit, filter papers, etc., should be clearly labelled.

Initial calibration of dust monitoring equipment should be conducted upon installation and thereafter at bi-monthly intervals. The transfer standard should be traceable to the internationally recognised primary standard and be calibrated annually. The concern parties such as Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) should properly document the calibration data for future reference. All the data should be converted into standard temperature and pressure condition.

The flow-rate of the sampler before and after the sampling exercise with the filter in position should be verified to be constant and be recorded in the data sheet, shown in Appendix B.

If the ET proposes to use a direct reading dust meter to measure one-hour TSP levels, sufficient information should be submitted to the IEC to prove that the instrument is capable of achieving a comparable result to the HVS. The instrument should also be calibrated regularly, and the one-hour sampling should be determined periodically by the HVS to check the validity and accuracy of the results measured by direct reading method.

Wind data monitoring equipment should be provided and set up for logging wind speed and wind direction near the dust monitoring locations. The equipment installation location should be proposed by the ET and agreed with the IEC. For installation and operation of wind data monitoring equipment, the following points should be observed:

¡  the wind sensors should be installed 10 m above ground so that they are clear of obstructions or turbulence caused by buildings;

¡  the wind data should be captured by a data logger. The data should be downloaded for analysis at least once a month;

¡  the wind data monitoring equipment should be re-calibrated at least once every six months, and;

¡  wind direction should be divided into 16 sectors of 22.5 degrees each.

In exceptional situations, the ET may propose alternative methods to obtain representative wind data upon approval from the WKCDA and agreement from the IEC.

2.1.4        Laboratory Measurement / Analysis

A clean laboratory with constant temperature and humidity control, and equipped with necessary measuring and conditioning instruments to handle the dust samples collected, should be available for sample analysis, equipment calibration and maintenance. The laboratory should be HOKLAS accredited.

If a site laboratory is set up or a non-HOKLAS accredited laboratory is hired for carrying out the laboratory analysis, the laboratory equipment should be approved by the WKCDA and the measurement procedures should be witnessed by the IEC. Any measurement performed by the laboratory should be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the WKCDA and IEC. IEC should regularly audit to the measurement performed by the laboratory to ensure the accuracy of measurement results. The ET Leader should provide the WKCDA with one copy of the Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (Part 50), Appendix B for his reference.

Filter paper of size 8" x 10" should be labelled before sampling. It should be a clean filter paper with no pinholes, and should be conditioned in a humidity-controlled chamber for over 24-hours and be pre-weighed before use for the sampling.

After sampling, the filter paper loaded with dust should be kept in a clean and tightly sealed plastic bag. The filter paper should then be returned to the laboratory for reconditioning in the humidity-controlled chamber followed by accurate weighing by an electronic balance with readout down to 0.1 mg. The balance should be regularly calibrated against a traceable standard.

All collected samples should be kept in good condition for six months before disposal.

2.1.5        Monitoring Location

Five air quality monitoring locations are proposed and summarised in Table 2.1 and shown in Figure 2.1, subject to approval from the premises landlord for dust monitoring equipment installation. The status and locations of dust sensitive receivers may change after issuing this report. If such cases exist, the ET should propose updated monitoring locations and seek agreement from EPD, and agreement from WKCDA and IEC before baseline monitoring commences.

Table 2.1:      Construction Air Quality Monitoring Stations

ID

Description

AM1

International Commerce Centre

AM2

The Harbourside Tower 1

AM3

The Victoria Towers - Tower 1

AM4

Canton Road Government Primary School

AM5

Topside Developments at West Kowloon Terminus Site

(Monitoring to start after completion of development in 2015, subject to the construction programme of XRL)

When alternative monitoring locations are proposed, the proposed site should, as far as practicable:

¡  be at the site boundary or such locations close to the major dust emission source;

¡  be close to the sensitive receptors, and;

¡  take into account the prevailing meteorological conditions.

Monitoring equipment must be positioned, sited and orientated properly.  The ET should agree with the WKCDA in consultation with the IEC on the position of the HVS for the installation of the monitoring equipment. When positioning the samplers, the following points should be noted:

¡  a horizontal platform with appropriate support to secure the samplers against strong wind should be provided;

¡  no two samplers should be placed less than two meters apart;

¡  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;

¡  a minimum of two meters of separation from walls, parapets and penthouses is required for rooftop samplers;

¡  a minimum of two meters separation from any supporting structure, measured horizontally is required;

¡  no furnace or incinerator flue is nearby;

¡  airflow around the sampler is unrestricted;

¡  the sampler is more than 20 meters from the dripline;

¡  wire fence or gates used to protect the sampler, should not cause any obstruction during monitoring;

¡  permission must be obtained to set up the samplers and to obtain access to the monitoring stations, and;

¡  a secured supply of electricity is needed to operate the samplers.

The ET may, depending on site conditions and monitoring results, decide whether additional monitoring locations should be included or any monitoring locations could be removed / relocated during any stage of the construction phase.

2.1.6        Baseline Monitoring

Baseline monitoring should be conducted at all designated monitoring locations, see Table 2.1, for at least 14 consecutive days before commencement of construction work to obtain daily ambient 24-hour TSP samples. The selected baseline monitoring stations should reflect baseline conditions at the stations. One-hour sampling should also be done at least three times per day when the highest dust impacts are expected. The baseline monitoring will provide data for the determination of the appropriate Action Levels with the Limit Levels set against statutory or otherwise agreed limits. General meteorological conditions (wind speed, wind direction and precipitation) and notes regarding any significant adjacent dust producing sources should also be recorded throughout the baseline monitoring period.

During the baseline monitoring, there should not be any construction or dust generating activities in the vicinity of the monitoring stations. Before commencing baseline monitoring, the ET should inform the IEC of the baseline monitoring programme such that IEC can conduct on-site audit to ensure accuracy of the baseline monitoring results.

In case the baseline monitoring cannot be carried out at the designated monitoring locations during the baseline monitoring period, the ET leader should carry out the monitoring at alternative locations that can effectively represent the baseline conditions at the impact monitoring locations. The alternative baseline monitoring locations should be approved by the WKCDA and agreed with the IEC.

In exceptional cases, when insufficient baseline monitoring data or questionable results are obtained, the ET should liaise with the IEC and EPD to agree on an appropriate set of data to be used as a baseline reference and submit to WKCDA for approval. If the ET considers that significant changes in the ambient conditions have arisen, a repeat of the baseline monitoring may be carried out to update the baseline levels and air quality criteria, after consultation and agreement with WKCDA, the IEC and the EPD.

Ambient conditions may vary seasonally and should be reviewed once every six months. When the ambient conditions have 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 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 the IEC and EPD.

2.1.7        Impact and Compliance Monitoring

The monthly schedule of the compliance and impact monitoring programme should be drawn up by the ET one month prior to the commencement of the scheduled construction period

The ET should carry out impact monitoring at all the proposed monitoring stations, except AM5, throughout the entire construction work period.  The impact monitoring at AM5 will be started after completion of the XRL project. For regular impact monitoring, the sampling frequency of at least once in every six days, should be strictly observed at all the monitoring stations for 24-hour TSP monitoring. For one-hour TSP monitoring, the sampling frequency of at least three times in every six days should be undertaken when the highest dust impact occurs. Before commencing baseline monitoring, the ET should inform the IEC of the impact monitoring programme. The IEC can carry out on-site audit to ensure accuracy of the impact monitoring results.

The specific time to start and stop the 24-hour TSP monitoring should be clearly defined for each monitoring location and be strictly followed by the operator.

In case of non-compliance with the air quality criteria, more frequent monitoring, as specified in the Action Plan, 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 and agreed with WKCDA and the IEC.

2.1.8        Audit Requirements

Audit of the TSP levels should be carried out by the ET to ensure that any deteriorating air quality could be readily detected and timely action taken to rectify the situation.

2.1.9        Event and Action Plan for Air Quality

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 one-hour TSP level. Air quality criteria which name Action and Limit (AL) Levels to be used are shown in Table 2.2, AL are to be agreed between the ET, IEC and WKCDA prior to air monitoring commencement. Event and Action Plan (Table 2.3) list the action should be carried out when non-compliance of the air quality criteria occurs.

Table 2.2:      Typical Action and Limit Level for Air Quality

Parameter

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-hr 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 2.3:      Typical Event and Action Plan for Air Quality

Event

ET

IEC

WKCDA

Contractor

Action Level

 

1. Exceedance for one sample

1. Identify source, investigate the causes of exceedance and propose remedial measures;

2. Inform IEC and WKCDA;

3. Repeat measurement to confirm finding;

4. Increase monitoring frequency to daily.

1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET;

2. 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. Identify source;

2. Inform IEC and WKCDA;

3. Advise the WKCDA on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures;

4. Repeat measurements to confirm findings;

5. Increase monitoring frequency to daily;

6. Discuss with IEC and Contractor on remedial actions required;

7. If exceedance continues, arrange meeting with IEC and WKCDA;

8. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.

1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET;

2. Check Contractor’s working method;

3. Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial measures;

4. Advise the ET on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures;

5. Monitor the implementation of remedial measures.

1. Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing;

2. Notify Contractor;

3. Ensure remedial measures properly implemented.

1. Submit proposals for remedial to WKCDA 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, investigate the causes of exceedance and propose remedial measures;

2. Inform WKCDA, Contractor and EPD;

3. Repeat measurement to confirm finding;

4. Increase monitoring frequency to daily;

5. Assess effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IEC, EPD and WKCDA informed of the results.

1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET;

2. Check Contractor’s working method;

3. Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial measures;

4. Advise the WKCDA on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures;

5. Monitor the implementation of remedial measures.

1. Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing;

2. Notify Contractor;

3. Ensure remedial measures properly implemented.

1. Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance;

2. Submit proposals for remedial actions to IEC 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. Notify IEC, WKCDA, Contractor and EPD;

2. Identify source;

3. Repeat measurement to confirm findings;

4. Increase monitoring frequency to daily;

5. Carry out analysis of Contractor’s working procedures to determine possible mitigation to be implemented;

6. Arrange meeting with IEC and WKCDA to discuss the remedial actions to be taken;

7. Assess effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IEC, EPD and WKCDA informed of the results;

8. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.

1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET;

2. Check Contractor’s working method;

3. Discuss amongst WKCDA, ET, and Contractor on the potential remedial actions;

4. Review Contractor’s remedial actions whenever necessary to assure their effectiveness and advise the WKCDA accordingly;

5. Monitor the implementation of 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. Ensure remedial measures properly implemented;

5. 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 IEC within three working days of notification;

3. Implement the agreed proposals;

4. Resubmit proposals if problem still not under control;

5. Stop the relevant portion of works as determined by the WKCDA until the exceedance is abated.

2.1.10     Mitigation Measures

Appropriate dust suppression measures should be adopted as required under the relevant requirements stipulated in the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation and EPD’s Guidance Note on the Best Practicable Means for Cement Works (Concrete Batching Plant) BPM 3/2(93) as well as 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.

2.2          Operational Odour Monitoring

2.2.1        General

While the odour emission from the nearby New Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter (NYMTTS) is not attributable to the WKCD Project, the odour emission would have potential impacts on the proposed developments within WKCD.  In view of this, the key objectives of the odour monitoring are:

¡  to ascertain the effectiveness of the proposed improvement measures for NYMTTS in reducing the odour emissions; and

¡  to monitor any on-going odour impacts on the proposed developments within WKCD.

2.2.2        Odour Patrol

Odour patrol should be conducted by independent trained personnel / competent persons (at least 2 odour patrol members) patrolling and sniffing along an odour patrol route surrounding the watercourse boundary of NYMTTS to determine any potential odour impacts arising from NYMTTS. The odour patrol member should participate in a set of screening tests using a certified n-butanol gas with their individual thresholds (n-butanol) that comply with the requirement of European Standard Method (EN13725) in the range of 20 to 80 ppb. They should also be free from any respiratory diseases and do not normally work at or live in the area in the vicinity of typhoon shelter.

The proposed odour patrol route and the proposed sniffing locations along the watercourse boundary of the NYMTTS during operation phase are shown in Figure 2.2.

It is proposed to conduct the odour patrol on a monthly basis during summer season (from July to September) of the following two years as a minimum:

¡  Year 2016 when some of the WKCD facilities such as the Park (Phases 1A and 1B) and Xiqu Center will be in operation and yet the improvement measures for Cherry Street Box Culvert are yet to be completed; and

¡  Year 2019 when a significant amount of the WKCD facilities will be in operation and the improvement measures for Cherry Street Box Culvert would be completed.

Each odour patrol should be carried out during daytime and evening / night time covering high tide and low tide conditions. No odour patrol should be conducted during rainy days.  The need to continue the odour patrol at the end of 2016 would be subject to the odour patrol results and should be agreed with EPD.

The need to further extend the odour patrol after the end of 2019 would depend on the odour patrol results. If the results of detected odour intensity at any sniffing location is higher than 1 due to potential odour emission from NYMTTS in two consecutive months, the odour patrol programme should be extended until the odour intensity at all the sniffing locations have dropped to below 1 in three consecutive months.

The independent trained personnel / competent persons should:

¡  have their individual odour threhold of n-butanol in nitrogen gas in the range of 20 to 80 ppb/v as required by the European Standard Method (EN 13725);

¡  be at least 16 year of age and willing and able to follow instructions;

¡  be free from any respiratory illnesses;

¡  be engaged for a sufficient period to build up and monitor / detect at several monitoring location;

¡  not be allowed to smoke, eat, drink (except water) or use chewing gum or sweets 30 min before and during odour intensity analysis;

¡  take great care not to cause any interference with their own perception or that of others by lack of personal hygiene or the use of perfumes, deodorants, body lotions or cosmetics; and

¡  not communicate with each other about the results of their choices.

At least two independent trained personnel /  competent persons should be selected to form a patrol team to conduct the odour intensity analysis, who should participate in a set of screening tests.

Subject to the prevailing weather forecast condition, odour patrol should be conducted by independent trained personnel / competent persons along the proposed odour patrol route as shown in Figure 2.2. During the patrol, the sequence should start from less odorous locations to stronger odorous locations.

The independent trained personnel / competent persons should use their nose (olfactory sensors) to sniff odours at different locations. The main odour emission sources and the areas to be affected by the odour nuisance should be identified.

The perceived odour intensity is to be divided into 5 levels which are ranked in the descending order as follows:

¡   0 - Not detected. No odour perceived or an odour so weak that it cannot be easily characterised or described;

¡  1 - Slight Identifiable odour, and slight chance to have odour nuisance;

¡  2 - Moderate Identifiable odour, and moderate chance to have odour nuisance;

¡  3 - Strong Identifiable, likely to have odour nuisance;

¡  4 - Extreme Severe odour, and unacceptable odour level.

The independent trained personnel / competent persons should record the findings including time of survey, tidal condition, weather condition such as sunny, fine, cloudy and rainy, odour intensity, odour nature and possible odour sources, and also the local wind speed and direction at each location. In addition, some relevant meteorological data such as daily average temperature, and daily average humidity, on that surveyed day should be obtained from the nearest Hong Kong Observatory Station for reference. A sample data record sheet is shown in Appendix B.

2.2.3        Mitigation Measures

The improvement measures for NYMTTS that would help reduce odour emissions have been recommended in the EIA Report.  The implementation schedule of these measures are presented in Appendix C.

 

3.          Noise Impact

3.1          Construction Airborne Noise Monitoring

3.1.1        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 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.

3.1.2        Monitoring Equipment

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.

3.1.3        Monitoring Locations

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 WKCDA and the IEC before baseline monitoring commences.

Table 3.1:          Construction Noise Monitoring Stations

ID

ID adopted in Construction Noise Assessment

Description

NM1

HT1

The Harbourside Tower 1

NM2

AST

The Arch - Sun Tower

NM3

VT1

The Victoria Towers - Tower 1

NM4

CRGPS

Canton Road Government Primary School

NM5

RD

Development next to Austin Station

(Monitoring to start after completion of development in 2015, subject to the construction programme of the development)

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 Technical Memorandum; 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.

3.1.4        Baseline Monitoring

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 WKCDA, EPD and IEC to agree on an appropriate set of data to be used as a baseline reference and submit to the WKCDA and IEC for agreement and EPD for approval.

3.1.5        Impact Monitoring

Noise monitoring should be carried out at all the designated monitoring stations, except NM5, throughout the entire construction work period. The impact monitoring at NM5 will be started after completion of the XRL project. The monitoring frequency should depend on the scale of the construction activities. 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 hours periods. Applicable permits under NCO should also be obtained by the Contractor.

If a school exists near the construction activity, 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.

3.1.6        Event and Action Plan

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.

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.

Table 3.3:      Event and Action Plan for Construction Noise

Event

Action

ET

IEC

WKCDA

Contractor

Action Level

1. Notify WKCDA, IEC and Contractor;

2.  Carry out investigation;

3. Report the results of investigation to the IEC, WKCDA 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 WKCDA accordingly;

3. Advise the WKCDA 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 WKCDA;

2. Implement noise mitigation proposals.

Limit Level

1. Inform IEC, WKCDA, 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 WKCDA on remedial measures required;

7. Assess effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IEC, EPD and WKCDA informed of the results;

8. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.

1. Discuss amongst WKCDA, ET, and Contractor on the potential remedial actions;

2. Review Contractor’s remedial actions whenever necessary to assure their effectiveness and advise the WKCDA 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 WKCDA 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 WKCDA until the exceedance is abated.

3.1.7        Mitigation Measures

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.

3.2          Operational Noise Monitoring

3.2.1        Traffic Noise Monitoring

With implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, no adverse road/marine traffic noise impacts are anticipated from the operation of the Project, hence no environmental monitoring and audit is proposed.

3.2.2        Fixed Plant Noise Monitoring

3.2.2.1      Maximum Permissible Sound Power Levels of Fixed Plant

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.

3.2.2.2      Commissioning Test

Prior to the operation of the Project, the Contractor should conduct noise commissioning tests for all major fixed noise sources within WKCD.  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 WKCDA for approval.  

3.2.3        Mitigation Measures

The relevant noise mitigation measures have been recommended in the EIA Report.  The implementation schedule of the mitigation measures are given in Appendix C.

 

4.          Water Quality Impact

4.1          Construction Water Quality Monitoring

4.1.1        Introduction

Marine construction works that have potential water quality impacts include the modification of seawall and construction of landing steps and possible piers/viewing platform. Marine water quality monitoring should be carried out during the course of marine construction works, to ensure that any unacceptable increase in suspended solids/turbidity and decrease in dissolved oxygen due to marine construction activities could be readily detected and timely action be taken to rectify the situation.

4.1.2        Water Quality Parameters

Monitoring of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Dissolved Oxygen Saturation (DO%), pH, temperature, turbidity, salinity, Suspended Solid (SS) and water depth should be undertaken at designated monitoring locations described in Section 4.1.3. 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.

Sampling should be taken at three water depths, namely, 1m below water surface, mid-depth and 1m above sea bed, except at where the water depth is less than 6m and in which case the mid-depth station may be omitted. When the water depth is less than 3m, only the mid-depth station will be monitored.

The following sections describe the sampling procedure and monitoring equipments recommended for conducting the monitoring.

4.1.2.1      Sampling Procedure and Monitoring Equipment

Water samples for all monitoring parameters should be collected, stored, preserved and analysed according to Standard Methods, APHA 21st ed. and/or methods agreed by EPD. In-situ measurements at monitoring locations including DO, temperature, pH, turbidity and water depth should be collected by equipment with the characteristics and functions listed in the following sections.  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.

A sample data record sheet is shown in Appendix B for reference.

The following equipments and facilities should be provided by the ET and used for the monitoring of water quality impacts.

4.1.2.2      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.

4.1.2.3      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.

4.1.2.4      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.

4.1.2.5      Water Depth Detector

A portable, battery-operated echo sounder should 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.

4.1.2.6      Calibration of In-Situ Instruments

All in-situ monitoring instruments should be calibrated and certified by a laboratory accredited under HOKLAS or any other international accreditation scheme before use, and subsequently re-calibrated at 3-month 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 before measurement at each monitoring station. 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.

4.1.2.7      Sample Containers and Storage for Suspended Solids Measurement

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).

Water samples for SS analysis should be stored in high density polythene bottles with no preservative added, packed in ice (cooled to 4oC without being frozen), delivered to the laboratory, and analysed as soon as possible after collection.

4.1.2.8      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. If in-house or non-standard methods are proposed, details of the method verification may also be required to submit to EPD. In any circumstance, the sample testing should have comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programmes. The laboratory should prepare to demonstrate the programmes to EPD or his representatives when requested.

4.1.3        Monitoring Locations

It is proposed to monitor the water quality at six locations close to the marine construction works. Three control stations, within the same water body but is outside the area of influence of the construction works as far as practicable, are proposed to be monitored. The locations of the proposed stations are shown in Figure 4.1. The final locations and number of the monitoring points should be agreed with EPD at least 2 weeks before undertaking any works.  The status and locations of water sensitive receivers may change after issuing this Manual. If such case exists, the ET Leader should propose updated monitoring locations and seek approval from the IEC and EPD.

Table 4.1:      Construction Water Quality Monitoring Stations

Station ID

Descriptions

Co-ordinates

Easting (m)

Northing (m)

WM1

Possible Pier 1

834656

817884

WM2

Landing steps

834422

817809

WM3

Landing steps

834320

817700

WM4

Landing steps

833901

817829

WM5

Possible Pier 2

833893

818074

WM6

Kowloon South Salt Water Pumping Station Intake

833992

818268

Control1

Control station for WM1, WM2 & WM3

834822

817696

Control2

Control station for WM1 to WM5

833939

817670

Control3

Control station for WM4 & WM5

833795

818115

4.1.4        Baseline Monitoring

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, for at least 4 consecutive weeks prior to the commencement of marine construction works.

Two consecutive measurements of DO concentration (mg/L), 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 (mg/L) measurements should be collected at the same depths.

There should not be any construction activities over water in the vicinity of the points during baseline monitoring.

The interval between two sets of monitoring should not be less than 36 hours.

4.1.5        Impact Monitoring

During the course of marine construction works, impact monitoring should be undertaken at all designated monitoring stations, including the control stations, three days per week, with sampling/measurement. The interval between two sets of monitoring should not be less than 36 hours except when the Action and/or Limit levels is/are exceeded, in which case the monitoring frequency should be increased.

Two consecutive measurements of DO concentration (mg/L), 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 (mg/L) measurements should be collected at the same depths. Duplicate water samples should be taken and analysed.

In addition to the above in-situ measurements, water temperature and pH should be determined at all designated monitoring stations at the same depths, as specified above. Note that in addition to the water depth, monitoring location/position, time, weather conditions and any special phenomena should be recorded (refer to Appendix B).

4.1.6        Post-Construction Monitoring

Upon completion of all marine construction works, a post project water quality monitoring exercise should be carried out for four weeks upon completion of all marine construction works, in the same manner as the impact monitoring during construction phase.

4.1.7        Audit Requirements

Implementation of regular site audits (at least once per week) is to ensure that the recommended mitigation measures are to be properly undertaken during construction phase of the Project. It can also provide an effective control of any malpractices and therefore achieve continual improvement of environmental performance on site.

4.1.8        Event and Action Plan for Water Quality

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

5 percentile of baseline data for surface, middle layer and bottom layer

4mg/L or 1 percentile of baseline data

 for surface and middle layer

2mg/L or 1 percentile of baseline data for bottom layer

SS in mg/L

95 percentile of baseline data or 120% of upstream control station’s SS at the same tide of the same day4

99 percentile of baseline data or 130% of upstream control station’s SS at the same tide of the same day5

Turbidity in NTU

95 percentile of baseline data or 120% of upstream control station’s turbidity at the same tide of the same day

99 percentile of baseline data or 130% of upstream control station’s turbidity at the same tide of the same day

Notes:     1. For DO measurement, non-compliance occurs when monitoring result is lower than the limits.

               2. For SS and turbidity, non-compliance of water quality results when monitoring results is higher than the limits.

               3. All the figures given in the table are used for reference only and the EPD may amend the figures whenever necessary.

4. The action level of SS for WM6 (Kowloon South Salt Water Pumping Station Intake) should be 95 percentile of baseline data or 120% of upstream control station’s SS at the same tide of the same day or 10mg/L.

5. The limit level of SS for WM6 (Kowloon South Salt Water Pumping Station Intake) should be 99 percentile of baseline data or 130% of upstream control station’s SS at the same tide of the same day or 10mg/L.

 


Table 4.3:      Event and Action Plan for Water Quality for Construction Phase

Event

 

 

 

Action

 

ET

IEC

WKCDA

Contractor

Action level being exceed by one sampling day

1.  Repeat in-situ measurement to confirm findings;

2.  Identify reasons for non-compliance and sources of impact;

3.  Inform IEC and Contractor;

4.  Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor’s working methods;

5.  Discuss mitigation measures with IEC and Contractor;

6.  Repeat measurement on next day of exceedance.

1.  Discuss with ET and Contractor on the mitigation measures;

2.  Review proposals on mitigation measures submitted by Contractor and advise the WKCDA accordingly;

3.  Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.

1.  Discuss with IEC on the proposed mitigation measures;

2.  Make agreement on the mitigation measures to be implemented;

3.  Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.

1.   Inform the WKCDA and confirm notification of the non-compliance in writing;

2.   Rectify unacceptable practice;

3.   Check all plant and equipment;

4.   Consider changes of working methods;

5.   Discuss with ET and IEC and propose mitigation measures to IEC and WKCDA;

6.   Implement the agreed mitigation measures.

Action level being exceeded by more than one consecutive sampling days

1.  Repeat in-situ measurement to confirm findings;

2.  Identify reasons for non-compliance and sources of impact;

3.  Inform IEC and Contractor;

4.  Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor’s working methods;

5.  Discuss mitigation measures with IEC and Contractor;

6.  Ensure mitigation measures are implemented;

7.  Prepare to increase the monitoring frequency to daily;

8.  Repeat measurement on next day of exceedance.

1.  Discuss with ET and Contractor on the mitigation measures;

2.  Review proposals on mitigation measures submitted by Contractor and advise the WKCDA accordingly;

3.  Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.

1.   Discuss with IEC on the proposed mitigation measures;

2.   Make agreement on the mitigation measures to be implemented;

3.   Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.

1.   Inform the WKCDA and confirm notification of the non-compliance in writing;

2.   Rectify unacceptable practice;

3.   Check all plant and equipment;

4.   Consider changes of working methods;

5.   Discuss with ET and IEC and propose mitigation measures to IEC and WKCDA within 3 working days;

6.   Implement the agreed mitigation measures.

Limit level being exceed by one sampling day

1.  Repeat in-situ measurement to confirm findings;

2.  Identify reasons for non-compliance and sources of impact;

3.  Inform IEC and Contractor;

4.  Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor’s working methods;

5.  Discuss mitigation measures with IEC and Contractor;

6.  Ensure mitigation measures are implemented;

7.  Increase the monitoring frequency to daily until no exceedance of Limit Level.

1.  Discuss with ET and Contractor on the mitigation measures;

2.  Review proposals on mitigation measures submitted by Contractor and advise the WKCDA accordingly;

3.  Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.

1.   Discuss with IEC, ET and Contractor on the proposed mitigation measures;

2.   Request Contractor to critically review the working methods;

3.   Make agreement on the mitigation measures to be implemented;

4.   Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.

1.   Inform the WKCDA and confirm notification of the non-compliance in writing;

2.   Rectify unacceptable practice;

3.   Check all plant and equipment;

4.   Consider changes of working methods;

5.   Discuss with ET and IEC and propose mitigation measures to IEC and WKCDA;

6.   Implement the agreed mitigation measures.

Limit level being exceeded by more than one consecutive sampling days

1.  Repeat in-situ measurement to confirm findings;

2.  Identify reasons for non-compliance and sources of impact;

3.  Inform IEC and Contractor;

4.  Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor’s working methods;

5.  Discuss mitigation measures with IEC and Contractor;

6.  Ensure mitigation measures are implemented;

7.  Increase the monitoring frequency to daily until no exceedance of Limit Level for two consecutive days.

1.  Discuss with ET and Contractor on the mitigation measures;

2.  Review proposals on mitigation measures submitted by Contractor and advise the WKCDA accordingly;

3.  Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.

1.   Discuss with IEC, ET and Contractor on the proposed mitigation measures;

2.   Request Contractor to critically review the working methods;

3.   Make agreement on the mitigation measures to be implemented;

4.   Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures;

5.   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.  Inform the WKCDA and confirm notification of the non-compliance in writing;

2.  Rectify unacceptable practice;

3.  Check all plant and equipment;

4.  Consider changes of working methods;

5.  Discuss with ET, IEC and WKCDA and propose mitigation measures to IEC and WKCDA within 3 working days;

6.  Implement the agreed mitigation measures;

7.  As directed by the WKCDA, to slow down or to stop all or part of the construction activities.

4.1.9        Mitigation Measures

The implementation schedule of the recommended water quality mitigation measures is presented in Appendix C.

4.2          Operational Water Quality Monitoring

Monitoring for the spent cooling water discharge from District Cooling System (DCS) during operation phase should follow the requirements as specified in the discharge license to be issued under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO). Details of monitoring including the locations, parameters, method of monitoring should be referred to the discharge license to be issued under the WPCO.

 

5.          Sewerage and Sewage Treatment Implications

5.1          Construction Phase Monitoring

The sewage generated during the construction stage from the on-site workers will be collected in chemical toilets and disposed of off-site. Therefore, no sewerage impacts are expected from the site during the construction phase. As such, environmental monitoring and audit of the sewerage system is considered not required.

5.2          Operation Phase Monitoring

With the implementation of the proposed sewerage system according to the specifications and guidelines stated in Section 6 of the EIA report, no sewerage or sewage treatment implications are anticipated. No specific sewerage monitoring programme is thus required for the WKCD Development.

 

6.          Waste Management Implications

6.1          Construction Phase Monitoring

6.1.1        Monitoring Requirements

The Contractor is responsible for waste management activities during the construction phase.  The Contractor must ensure that all wastes produced during the construction phase are handled, stored and disposed of in accordance with EPD’s regulations and requirements and in line with good waste management practices. A Waste Management Plan should be prepared and implemented in accordance with ETWB TC (W) No. 19/2005 Environmental Management on Construction Site.

During construction phase, regular site inspection (at least once per week) 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 Waste Management Plan. Waste materials generated during the construction works, such as Construction and Demolition (C&D) material, general refuse and chemical wastes, are recommended to be monitored on a weekly basis to ensure that proper storage, transportation and disposal practices are being implemented. This monitoring of waste management practices will ensure that these solid and liquid wastes are not disposed into the nearby harbour waters. The Contractor would be responsible for the implementation of any mitigation measures to minimise waste or redress problems arising from the waste materials.

6.1.2        Audit Requirements

It is recommended that the waste generated during the construction activities should be audited periodically (at least once per week) to determine if wastes are being managed in accordance with approved procedures and the site Waste Management Plan. The audits should look at all aspects of waste management including waste generation, storage, transport and disposal. An appropriate audit programme would be to undertake a first audit near the commencement of the construction works, and then to audit periodically thereafter. In addition, the routine site inspections should check the implementation of the recommended good site practices and other waste management mitigation measures.

A summary of all key types of waste arising and the reuse and disposal methods proposed during the construction phase of the Project is presented in Table 6.1.

6.1.3        Mitigation Measures

The implementation schedule of the recommended waste management mitigation measures is presented in Appendix C.

6.2          Operation Phase Monitoring

The key waste types generated during the operation phase will include general refuse from the Core Arts and Cultural Facilities (CACF) and Other Arts and Cultural Facilities (OACF) operation, residential, office, hotel, retail and restaurant activities; as well as chemical waste from regular servicing and maintenance activities for different electrical and mechanical equipment.  Provided that all these wastes are handled, transported and disposed of in strict accordance with the relevant legislative requirements and the recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented, no adverse environmental impact is expected during the operation phase. Therefore, no specific waste monitoring is required.

 


Table 6.1:      Summary of Waste Arising during Construction Phase

Waste Type

Key Sources of Waste Generation

Timing of Waste Generation

Estimated Quantity of Waste Generation

Waste Reuse or Disposal

Waste Handling

Inert C&D Materials

Majority from excavation work for the WKCD basement (including the underpass road and the flyover); and minority from construction of superstructures and substructures  

(Note: Excavation of marine sediments is not anticipated)   

Tentatively from 2013 to 2020

About 1,910,200 m3 in total

About 156,400 m3 to be reused on-site as fill materials for the Park

About 905,000 m3 to be reused by two potential projects, viz., HZMB project and 3rd runway project.

Remaining quantity of about 848,800 m3  to be disposed of at the Government’s PFRFs for beneficial use by other projects in Hong Kong (subject to endorsement by the relevant authorities including PFC of CEDD and EPD)

(Note: During the detailed design stage, further alternative disposal arrangement, e.g., other potential projects that could receive inert C&D materials from the WKCD Project, shall be continuously explored and identified. If no potential projects could receive the surplus inert C&D materials, the remaining inert C&D materials could be disposed of at the Government's Public Fill Reception Facilities (PFRFs) for beneficial use by any other projects in Hong Kong. No construction work is allowed to proceed until the issues on management of C&D materials have been resolved and all relevant arrangements have been endorsed by the relevant authorities (i.e. CEDD and EPD).)

Segregate inert C&D materials to avoid contamination from other waste arising

C&D Materials from Site Clearance

General site clearance

Tentatively from 2013 to 2017

About 108,300 m3 in total

Any inert materials segregated from the C&D materials to be reused on-site as far as practicable or disposed of at the Government’s PFRFs for beneficial use by other projects in Hong Kong

Non-inert materials segregated from the C&D materials to be disposed of at the designated landfill sites

Segregate on site the C&D materials into inert and non-inert materials

General Refuse

Waste paper, discarded containers, etc. generated from the site workforce

Tentatively from 2013 to 2020 (completion of Phase 1) and beyond

0.65 kg per worker per day, the maximum daily arising of general refuse during the construction period would be approximately 975 kg 

 

 

Refuse station for compaction and containerisation and then to landfill for disposal

Provide on-site refuse collection points

Chemical Waste

Used solvents, contaminated rags, waste lubricating oil, etc., from maintenance and servicing of construction plant and equipment

Tentatively from 2013 to 2020 (completion of Phase 1) and beyond

Few cubic metres per month

(preliminary estimate)

 

Disposal of at the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre or other licensed recycling facilities

Stored on-site by suitably designed containers for off-site disposal or recycling


7.          Land Contamination

7.1          Construction Phase Monitoring

In view of the desktop review results and the site inspection findings, bulk excavation of soil for land remediation is not expected at this stage. As such, any environmental monitoring in relation to land remediation is not required, unless a need for land remediation is identified during the future site investigation for the Tsim Sha Tsui Fire Station area. Since the TST Fire Station will remain in operation during the period between now and 2020, and leakage or spillage from the underground fuel oil tanks or pipes, or during refilling might occur. Therefore, further site visit and site investigation/laboratory chemical analysis are suggested to be conducted after land acquisition so that the investigation results will be up to date.

During construction phase, Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) should be carried out in the form of regular site inspection. All related procedures and facilities for 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.

7.2          Operation Phase Monitoring

The planned land uses within WKCD will mainly include arts and cultural facilities, public open space, commercial establishments, retails, hotels and residential developments. There will be no industrial activities taking place at the Project area during operation phase. Therefore, no contaminated land issue is anticipated.  Monitoring programme during operational phase is considered not necessary.

 

 

8.          Ecological Impact

Since no specific ecological mitigation measure is required, environmental monitoring and audit activities for ecology are not required.

 

9.          Landscape and Visual Impact

9.1          Introduction

In addition to ensuring the effective implementation of mitigation measures recommended in Section 10.7 of the EIA report and compliance with relevant environmental standards, this section proposes systematic procedures for monitoring the anticipated landscape and visual impacts and implementation of proposed mitigation measures.

9.2          Baseline Monitoring

The baseline monitoring aims to establish a baseline that collects information on the current site characteristics prior to the development in order to:

¡  Make comparisons between pre-development and post-development;

¡  Detect changes; and

¡  Make comparisons against a standard.

Baseline studies on landscape and visual amenity of the site and its surroundings have been provided in Section 10.4 of the EIA report which documents the existing environmental conditions prior to the development.  A one-off survey shall be undertaken to update and record the baseline conditions with photographs prior to the commencement of construction works.

9.3          Mitigation Measures

9.3.1        Mitigation Measures for Construction Phase Impacts

Mitigation measures are proposed in the EIA report to minimise the landscape and visual impacts during the construction phase. Tables 9.1 and 9.2 summarise these proposed mitigation measures for landscape and visual impacts respectively.

Table 9.1:      Landscape mitigation measures during construction phase

Ref. No.

Mitigation Measures during Construction Phase

Funding Agency

Implementation Agency

Management/ Maintenance Agency

CM1

Trees should be retained in situ on site as far as possible. Should tree removal be unavoidable due to construction impacts, trees will be transplanted or felled with reference to the stated criteria in the Tree Removal Applications to be submitted to relevant government departments for approval in accordance to ETWB TCW No. 29/2004 and 3/2006.

WKCDA

Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

CM2

Compensatory tree planting shall be incorporated to the proposed project and maximise the new tree, shrubs and other vegetation planting to compensate tree felled and vegetation removed. Also, implementation of compensatory planting should be of a ratio not less than 1:1 in terms of quality and quantity within the site.

WKCDA

Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

CM3

Buffer trees for screening purposes to soften the hard architectural and engineering structures and facilities.

Same as above

Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

CM4

Softscape treatments such as vertical green wall panel /planting of climbing and/or weeping plants, etc, to maximize the green coverage and soften the hard architectural and engineering structures and facilities.

Same as above

Detailed Design Consultant/ Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

CM5

Roof greening by means of intensive and extensive green roof  to maximize the green coverage and improve aesthetic appeal and visual quality of the building/structure.

Same as above

Detailed Design Consultant/ Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

CM6

Sensitive streetscape design should be incorporated along all new roads and streets.

Same as above

Detailed Design Consultant/ Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

CM7

Structure, ornamental planting shall be provided along amenity strips to enhance the landscape quality.

Same as above

Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

CM8

Landscape design shall be incorporated to architectural and engineering structures in order to provide aesthetically pleasing designs.

Same as above

Detailed Design Consultant / Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

CM9

Minimize the structure of marine facilities to built on the seabed and foreshore in order to minimize the affected extent to the waterbody

Same as above

Detailed Design Consultant / Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

Table 9.2:      Visual mitigation measures during construction phase

 

Mitigation Measure

Target VSRs

Funding Agency

Implementation Agency

Management/ Maintenance Agency

MCP1

Use of decorative screen hoarding / boards

Mostly the VSRs located in proximity to the WKCD site and the transient VSRs

VSR 1, VSR 2, VSR 3, VSR 8, VSR 9, VSR10,VSR 11, VSR 12, VSR 15, VSR 16, VSR 17, VSR 18, VSR 20, VSR 21, VSR 24, VSR 29, VSR 33, VSR 34, VSR 35, VSR 40, VSR 41& VSR 42

WKCDA

Contractor

Contractor

MCP2

The early introduction of landscape treatments

All VSRs except VSR 5, VSR 6, VSR 7, VSR 13, VSR 14, VSR 22, VSR 23, VSR 32, VSR 33, VSR 34,VSR 35, VSR 36, VSR 37, VSR 38, VSR 39 & VSR 43

WKCDA

Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

MCP3

During the transition period, the temporary ventilation shafts for the basement will adopt a light colour

All VSRs except VSR 5, VSR 6, VSR 7, VSR 14,VSR 19, VSR 20, VSR 34, VSR 35, VSR 36 & VSR 39

WKCDA

Design Architect / Contractor

WKCDA

MCP4

Control of night time lighting.

Mostly the nearby residential VSRs

VSR 8, VSR 9, VSR 10,

VSR 11, VSR 12, VSR 14, VSR 16, VSR 18, VSR  20, VSR 21, VSR 22, VSR 25 & VSR 28

WKCDA

Contractor

Contractor

MCP5

The use of greenery such as grass cover for the temporary landscaped areas during transition period will help achieve the visual balance and reduce the visual impacts

Mostly the VSRs located to the south and in proximityof the WKCD site, and across the Harbour

VSR 1, VSR 2, VSR 3, VSR 4, VSR 8, VSR 9, VSR 10, VSR 11, VSR 12, VSR 16, VSR 17, VSR 18, VSR 20, VSR 21, VSR 25, VSR 26 & VSR 28

WKCDA

Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

9.3.2        Mitigation Measures for Operation Phase Impacts

Mitigation measures to minimise the landscape and visual impacts during the operation phase are proposed in the EIA report. Tables 9.3 and 9.4 summarise these proposed mitigation measures for landscape and visual impacts respectively.

Table 9.3:      Landscape mitigation measures during operation phase

Ref. No.

Mitigation Measures during Operation Phase

Funding Agency

Implementation Agency

Management/ Maintenance Agency

OM1

Provide proper planting establishment works, including watering, pruning, weeding, pest control, replacement of dead plant, etc, on the new planting areas to enhance the aesthetic design degree

WKCDA

Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

OM2

Provision of open space in various forms and at different levels on or above ground, including park, waterfront promenade, piazzas and terrace garden and associated green connections for public enjoyment.

WKCDA

Detailed Design Consultant / Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

Table 9.4:      Visual mitigation measures during operation phase

 

Mitigation Measure

Target VSRs

Funding Agency

Implementation Agency

Management / Maintenance Agency

Good Design Feature

GDF1

Control of Development Heights and Massing and Distinctive Architectural Design)

With well designed low to medium-rise buildings, the proposed WKCD development is anticipated to be highly compatible with the surroundings.

 

Mostly the VSRs located to the south and the southeast of the site, across the Harbour and in proximity

VSR 1, VSR 2, VSR 3, VSR 4, VSR 24, VSR 25, VSR 26, VSR 27, VSR 28,  VSR 29, VSR 30,VSR 31, VSR 40.

WKCDA

Design Architect / Contractor

WKCDA / developer of individual buildings

GDF2

Creation of View Corridor

The buildings on the WKCD are designed to allow visual permeability from the WKT to Victoria Harbour, which is achieved by alignment of the buildings on the WKCD.

VSRs located close to WKT

VSR9, VSR 10, VSR 11, VSR 12, VSR 15, VSR 16 & VSR 41.

WKCDA

Design Architect

WKCDA

GDF3

Preservation of Open Vista from the Heritage Sites

An open vista and green corridor from the heritage sites consisting of the declared monuments of St. Andrew’s Church, former Kowloon British School (now Antiques and Monuments Office) and Hong Kong Observatory through Kowloon Park, and along the WKCD waterfront promenade towards the Victoria Harbour will be preserved.

VSR 37, VSR 38 & VSR 39.

WKCDA

Design Consultant / WKCDA

n/a

GDF4

Provision of Open Space at Grade

The open space will be provided in various forms at grade in the WKCD, including piazzas, a landscaped waterfront promenade and various green spaces.

All VSRs except VSR 36, VSR 37, VSR 38, VSR 39 & VSR 43.

WKCDA

Design Architect / Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

GDF 5

Provision of Terrace Gardens

As one of the requirements of the proposed WKCD development, the unique designed terrace gardens could be also considered as a good design feature to lessen the visual impacts and provide new visual resources when viewed from the VSRs at higher levels.

Mostly the VSRs located at the upper levels, e.g.

VSR 4,VSR 8, VSR 10, VSR 11, VSR 12, VSR 16, VSR 18, VSR 20, VSR 21, VSR 24, VSR 25, VSR 26, VSR 27 & VSR 28.

WKCDA

Design Architect / Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor / developer of individual buildings

Mitigation Measure

MOP1

Undulating berms and the trees planted in the surroundings of the existing WHC and MTR ventilation buildings.

Mostly the VSRs located to the south, the southeast and the west of the site, e.g. VSR 1, VSR 2, VSR 3, VSR 4, VSR 8, VSR 10, VSR 24, VSR 25, VSR 26, VSR 27, VSR 28, VSR 29, VSR 30, VSR 31 & VSR 41.

WKCDA

Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

MOP2

Clusters of shade planting and appropriate landscaping are designed to provide a relaxing waterfront environment, soften the water edge and helps mitigate the visual impacts associated with the existing WHC and MTR ventilation buildings.

Mostly the VSRs located to the south and the west of the site, and those located across the harbour, e.g. VSR 1, VSR 2, VSR 3, VSR 4, VSR 24, VSR 25, VSR 26, VSR 27, VSR 28, VSR 29, VSR 30, VSR 31 & VSR 40.

WKCDA

Landscape Architect / Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

MOP3

As provision of roof top gardens/green roof is not one of the requirements of the WKCD development, they could be also considered as a mitigation measure to lessen the visual impacts and provide new visual resources when viewed from the VSRs at higher levels.

Mostly the VSRs located at the upper levels, e.g.

VSR 4,VSR 8, VSR 10, VSR 11, VSR 12, VSR 16, VSR 18, VSR 20, VSR 21, VSR 24, VSR 25, VSR 26, VSR 27 & VSR 28.

WKCDA

Design Architect / Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor / developer of individual buildings

MOP4

Buffer trees for screening purposes or other softscape treatments such as vertical greening /climbers /roof  top garden shall be incorporated to soften the hard architectural and engineering structures and facilities.

All VSRs except VSR 36, VSR 43

WKCDA

Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

MOP5

Mitigation measures for wind turbines located along the waterfront include use of natural colour tones (e.g. green colour), to make them visually more compatible with the surroundings.

Mostly the VSRs located to the south and the west of the site (e.g. VSR 1, VSR 2, VSR 4, VSR 25, VSR 26, VSR 27 VSR 28, VSR 29, VSR 30, VSR 31 & VSR 40)

WKCDA

Design Architect / Contractor

WKCDA

MOP6

Appropriate positioning and angling of the solar panels to avoid significant visual impacts on the VSRs located at upper levels in close proximity.

VSRs located at upper levels in close proximity, e.g.

VSR 9, VSR 10, VSR 11, VSR 12, VSR 16, VSR 18, VSR 20, VSR 21, VSR 25, VSR 26, VSR 27 & VSR 28. 

WKCDA / developer of individual buildings

WKCDA / developer of individual buildings

WKCDA / developer of individual buildings

MOP7

Aesthetic design of roads and streetscapes

 

VSRs located to immediately to the north and east of the WKCD site eg.

VSR 8, VSR 9, VSR10,

VSR 11, VSR 12, VSR 15, VSR 16, VSR 17, VSR 18, VSR 20, VSR 21, VSR 33, VSR 34, VSR 35, VSR 36

and transient VSRs

(ie VSR 41 & VSR 42)

WKCDA

Design Architect / Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

MOP8

Human scale design for the WKT Plaza and the Intersection of Canton Road and Austin Road West

 

VSRs located close to the WKT Plaza and the Intersection of Canton Road and Austin Road West

VSR 9, VSR 11, VSR 15,

VSR 16, VSR 17, VSR 18,

VSR 20, VSR 21

and transient VSRs

(ie VSR 41 & VSR 42)

WKCDA / MTRC

Design Architect / Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

MOP9

Night time lighting control measures such as the use of sensors and timers could help reduce usage after hours.

Mostly the nearby residential VSRs, e.g. VSR 8, VSR 9, VSR 10, VSR 11, VSR 12,

VSR 16, VSR 18, VSR 21, VSR 22, VSR 25 & VSR 28

WKCDA

WKCDA / developer of individual buildings

WKCDA / developer of individual buildings

9.4          Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirements

An Environmental Team (ET) should be employed by the WKCDA to undertake the EM&A works. The ET should include a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA), or capable person, as landscape auditor. The Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) will be engaged by the WKCDA to audit the works of the ET, who is responsible for reviewing the EM&A works performed by the ET, auditing the monitoring activities and results and reviewing proposals on mitigation measures submitted by the Contractor.

During the landscape and visual impact monitoring, any changes in relation to the landscape and visual amenity should be monitored with reference to the baseline conditions of the site.  In addition, proposed mitigation measures as shown in Tables 9.1 to 9.4 should be checked for proper implementation.

9.5          Monitoring Programs

The proposed monitoring program for landscape and visual impact is detailed in Table 9.5.

Table 9.5:      Monitoring Program for Landscape and Visual Impact

Stage

Monitoring Task

Frequency

 Report

 Approval

Design

Design check by ET to make sure the design complies with the proposed mitigation measures in the EIA report.

Once at completion of Design Stage

ET to confirm that the design complies with the proposed mitigation measures in the EIA report.

WKCDA

Construction

Monitor implementation of proposed mitigation measures during the construction stage.

Bi-weekly

ET to report on Contractor’s compliance

Counter-signed by IEC

Operation

Monitor soft landscape works during the 12-month establishment period after construction completes.

Monthly

ET to report on Contractor’s compliance

Counter-signed by IEC

9.6          Event and Action Plan

In case of non-compliance of landscape and visual impacts, procedures in accordance with the action plan as shown in Table 9.6 should be followed.

Table 9.6:      Event and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual Impact

Event/ Action

Action

ET

IEC

WKCDA

Contractor

Design Check

1. Design check to make sure the design complies with all the proposed mitigation measures in the EIA report;

2. Prepare and submit report.

1. Check report submitted by ET;

2. Recommend remedial design if necessary.

1. Undertake remedial design if necessary.

 

Non-conformity on one occasion

1. Identify source of non-conformity;

2. Report to IEC and WKCDA;

3. Discuss remedial actions with IEC, WKCDA and Contractor;

4. Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed.

1. Check and verify source of non-conformity;

2. Discuss remedial actions with ET and Contractor;

 3. Advise WKCDA on effectiveness of proposed remedial actions;

4. Check implementation of remedial actions.

1. Notify Contractor;

2. Ensure remedial actions are properly implemented.

1. Amend working method as necessary;

2. Rectify damage and undertake necessary replacement and remedial actions.

Repeated non-conformity

1. Identify source of non-conformity;

2. Report to IEC and WKCDA;

3. Increase monitoring frequency;

4. Discuss remedial actions with IEC, WKCDA and Contractor;

5. Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed;

6. If non-conformity rectified, reduce monitoring frequency back to normal.

1. Check and verify source of non-conformity;

2. Check Contractor’s working method;

3. Discuss remedial actions with ET and Contractor;

4. Advise WKCDA on effectiveness of proposed remedial actions;

5. Supervise implementation of remedial actions.

 

1. Notify Contractor;

2. Ensure remedial actions are properly implemented.

1. Amend working method as necessary;

2. Rectify damage and undertake necessary replacement and remedial actions.

 


10.    EM&A on Underpass Road Serving the Planned WKCD

 

10.1       Introduction

This section details the specific EM&A requirements for Schedule 2 Designated Project “an underpass more than 100m in length under the built areas (Item A.9, Part I, Schedule 2)”. The requirements, methodology, equipment, monitoring locations, criteria and protocols for the monitoring and audit for this Designated Project are presented. The Project organisation, environmental auditing and reporting requirements are stipulated in Chapters 1, 12 & 13 of this Manual respectively.

10.2       Project Description

10.2.1     Existing Site Conditions

The site for the underpass road is located within the proposed WKCD site as shown in Figure 10.1. The site is currently zoned as “West Kowloon Cultural District Development Plan Area” under the Approved South West Kowloon Outline Zoning Plan (No. S/K20/28) gazetted on 8 January 2013, and combined with the proposed WKCD basement, comprises approximately 15ha of land bordering the Jordan/Tsim Sha Tsui area. The site reserved for the underpass road is currently occupied by works sites, local roads, temporary storage / parking facilities, some existing infrastructure and utility facilities, the existing Tsim Sha Tsui Fire Station and the works site and temporary works areas for the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) project.

10.2.2     Project Components

The underpass road forms part of the infrastructure and supporting facilities for the WKCD development, in particular it is an integral part of the WKCD basement structure. The underpass road is located mainly on the WKCD Basement Level 1 (between 0.6mPD and 1.65 mPD), except at the vehicular access points where the underpass road connects to existing ground level roads adjacent to the WKCD site. There are three access points to the underpass road (shown in Figure 10.1), one at Lin Cheung Road underpass, one at the junction with the proposed WKCD Park drive (extension of Nga Cheung Road), and one at Canton Road. Due to the delayed relocation of the Tsim Sha Tsui Fire Station, the access point at Canton Road will not be constructed until after relocation of the Fire Station, and an interim access point will be provided at Austin Road West until the permanent access point at Canton Road is constructed, after which the interim access road will be closed off permanently. After entering WKCD, there will be a carriageway route along the centre of the basement at +0.6mPD which provides access to each building development. In addition, the access also connects the carpark, coach parking and loading/unloading areas inside the basement.

The proposed underpass road is approximately 1400m in length which is comprised of three distinct sections (shown in Figure 10.1).

Section I comprises the underpass road with approach ramps linking up the Canton Road / Interim Austin Road West entrance (at level +5mPD) and the central roundabout at the Lin Cheung Road entrance (at level +0.6mPD) is a 10.3m standard wide single 2 lane carriageway with service roads on either side for loading / unloading facilities. A full highway standard headroom of 5.1m is provided such that all vehicle types can enter into the basement level. The central Lin Cheung Road roundabout is designed as a free flow roundabout with 30m inner radius. The roundabout will enable traffic from the Lin Cheung Road Access to go into the internal circulation system of WKCD without delay.

Section II (at level +0.6mPD) continues from Section I as a 6.75m standard dual 2 lane road east-west to an internal roundabout of 45m in diameter. Pick up/drop off lay-bys are provided along the basement driveway. This section has links to a service road running along the northern perimeter of the site, and access points to the carpark at Basement Level 2 (at level -5mPD).

Section III continues from the internal roundabout and routes south and then west before rising in level to clear the existing MTRC railway tunnels and connect to the Park Drive. This section is a 10.3m standard wide single 2 lane carriageway with lay-bys and servicing accesses. The west entrance will be connected to the new at-grade access road running along the outside perimeter of the portal of the Western Harbour Crossing which will connect to both the at-grade and elevated junctions of Austin Road West and Nga Cheung Road.

Vehicles accessing the district will mainly use the depressed junction at Austin Road West and Lin Cheung Road. 

10.2.3     Tentative Construction Programme

It is targeted to commence construction of the critical elements of the WKCD in 2013 so as to commission the Phase 1 arts and cultural facilities in stages starting from 2014/2015. As construction of the underpass road is integrated with construction of the WKCD basement, the programme for this Schedule 2 Project is the same as that for Zones 1 to 3 shown in Appendix A.

10.3       Air Quality Impact

10.3.1     Construction Air Quality Monitoring

10.3.1.1    General

It is proposed to carry out environmental monitoring and audit during the construction phase of the proposed underpass roads within the WKCD site to check and ensure compliance with the relevant air quality standards by effective implementation of the recommended construction dust mitigation measures. Potential air quality impact arising from the construction works would mainly be due to excavation, foundation works, site formation and movement of mobile plant and vehicles on haul roads, as well as the operation of a concrete batching plant and barging facilities. During operation phase, no environmental monitoring and audit is considered necessary.

The objectives of the dust monitoring are:

¡  to identify the extent of dust impact during construction phase on sensitive receivers;

¡  to audit the compliance of the Contractor with regard to dust control, contract conditions and the relevant dust impact criteria;

¡  to determine the effectiveness of mitigation measures to control fugitive dust emission from activities during the construction phase;

¡  to recommend further mitigation measures if found to be necessary, and;

¡  to comply with Action and Limit Levels for air quality as defined in this Manual.

Details of the environmental monitoring and audit requirements during construction phase are presented below.

10.3.1.2    Air Quality Parameters

Monitoring and audit of the Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) levels during the construction phase should be carried out by the Environmental Team (ET) to ensure that any deteriorating air quality could be readily detected and timely actions taken to rectify the situation.

The TSP levels should be measured by following the standard method as set out in High Volume Method for Total Suspended Particulates, Part 50 Chapter 1 Appendix B, Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations of the USEPA (HVS method).

One-hour and 24-hour TSP levels should be measured to indicate the impacts of construction dust on air quality. Upon approval of the IEC, one-hour TSP levels can be measured by direct reading methods which are capable of producing comparable results as that by the HVS method, to indicate short event impacts.

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 record sheet is shown in Appendix B. The ET may develop a project specific record sheet to suit this EM&A programme.

10.3.1.3    Monitoring Equipment

High Volume Sampler (HVS) in compliance with the following specifications should be used for carrying out the one-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 with +/- 5 minutes accuracy for 24 hours operation;

¡  installed with elapsed-time meter with +/- 2 minutes accuracy for 24 hours operation;

¡  capable of providing a minimum exposed area of 406 cm2 (63 in2);

¡  flow control accuracy: +/- 2.5% deviation over 24-hr sampling period;

¡  incorporated with an electronic mass flow rate controller or other equivalent devices;

¡  equipped with a flow recorder for continuous monitoring;

¡  provided with a peaked roof inlet;

¡  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.

The ET is responsible for provision of the monitoring equipment. They should ensure that sufficient numbers of HVSs with an appropriate calibration kit are available for carrying out the baseline monitoring, regular impact monitoring and ad hoc monitoring. The HVSs should be equipped with an electronic mass flow controller and be calibrated against a traceable standard at regular intervals. All the equipment, calibration kit, filter papers, etc., should be clearly labelled.

Initial calibration of dust monitoring equipment should be conducted upon installation and thereafter at bi-monthly intervals. The transfer standard should be traceable to the internationally recognised primary standard and be calibrated annually. The concern parties such as Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) should properly document the calibration data for future reference. All the data should be converted into standard temperature and pressure condition.

The flow-rate of the sampler before and after the sampling exercise with the filter in position should be verified to be constant and be recorded in the data sheet, shown in Appendix B.

If the ET proposes to use a direct reading dust meter to measure one-hour TSP levels, sufficient information should be submitted to the IEC to prove that the instrument is capable of achieving a comparable result to the HVS. The instrument should also be calibrated regularly, and the one-hour sampling should be determined periodically by the HVS to check the validity and accuracy of the results measured by direct reading method.

Wind data monitoring equipment should be provided and set up for logging wind speed and wind direction near the dust monitoring locations. The equipment installation location should be proposed by the ET and agreed with the IEC. For installation and operation of wind data monitoring equipment, the following points should be observed:

¡  the wind sensors should be installed 10 m above ground so that they are clear of obstructions or turbulence caused by buildings;

¡  the wind data should be captured by a data logger. The data should be downloaded for analysis at least once a month;

¡  the wind data monitoring equipment should be re-calibrated at least once every six months, and;

¡  wind direction should be divided into 16 sectors of 22.5 degrees each.

In exceptional situations, the ET may propose alternative methods to obtain representative wind data upon approval from the WKCDA and agreement from the IEC.

10.3.1.4    Laboratory Measurement / Analysis

A clean laboratory with constant temperature and humidity control, and equipped with necessary measuring and conditioning instruments to handle the dust samples collected, should be available for sample analysis, equipment calibration and maintenance. The laboratory should be HOKLAS accredited.

If a site laboratory is set up or a non-HOKLAS accredited laboratory is hired for carrying out the laboratory analysis, the laboratory equipment should be approved by the WKCDA and the measurement procedures should be witnessed by the IEC. Any measurement performed by the laboratory should be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the WKCDA and IEC. IEC should regularly audit to the measurement performed by the laboratory to ensure the accuracy of measurement results. The ET Leader should provide the WKCDA with one copy of the Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (Part 50), Appendix B for his reference.

Filter paper of size 8" x 10" should be labelled before sampling. It should be a clean filter paper with no pinholes, and should be conditioned in a humidity-controlled chamber for over 24-hours and be pre-weighed before use for the sampling.

After sampling, the filter paper loaded with dust should be kept in a clean and tightly sealed plastic bag. The filter paper should then be returned to the laboratory for reconditioning in the humidity-controlled chamber followed by accurate weighing by an electronic balance with readout down to 0.1 mg. The balance should be regularly calibrated against a traceable standard.

All collected samples should be kept in good condition for six months before disposal.

10.3.1.5    Monitoring Location

Five air quality monitoring locations are proposed and summarised in Table 10.1 and shown in Figure 10.2, subject to approval from the premises landlord for dust monitoring equipment installation. The status and locations of dust sensitive receivers may change after issuing this report. If such cases exist, the ET should propose updated monitoring locations and seek agreement from EPD, and agreement from WKCDA and IEC before baseline monitoring commences.

Table 10.1:    Construction Air Quality Monitoring Stations for Underpass Roads

ID

Description

AM1

International Commerce Centre

AM2

The Harbourside Tower 1

AM3

The Victoria Towers - Tower 1

AM4

Canton Road Government Primary School

AM5

Topside Developments at West Kowloon Terminus Site

(Monitoring to start after completion of development in 2015, subject to the construction programme of XRL)

When alternative monitoring locations are proposed, the proposed site should, as far as practicable:

¡  be at the site boundary or such locations close to the major dust emission source;

¡  be close to the sensitive receptors, and;

¡  take into account the prevailing meteorological conditions.

Monitoring equipment must be positioned, sited and orientated properly.  The ET should agree with the WKCDA in consultation with the IEC on the position of the HVS for the installation of the monitoring equipment. When positioning the samplers, the following points should be noted:

¡  a horizontal platform with appropriate support to secure the samplers against strong wind should be provided;

¡  no two samplers should be placed less than two meters apart;

¡  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;

¡  a minimum of two meters of separation from walls, parapets and penthouses is required for rooftop samplers;

¡  a minimum of two meters separation from any supporting structure, measured horizontally is required;

¡  no furnace or incinerator flue is nearby;

¡  airflow around the sampler is unrestricted;

¡  the sampler is more than 20 meters from the dripline;

¡  wire fence or gates used to protect the sampler, should not cause any obstruction during monitoring;

¡  permission must be obtained to set up the samplers and to obtain access to the monitoring stations, and;

¡  a secured supply of electricity is needed to operate the samplers.

The ET may, depending on site conditions and monitoring results, decide whether additional monitoring locations should be included or any monitoring locations could be removed / relocated during any stage of the construction phase.

10.3.1.6    Baseline Monitoring

The ET should carry out baseline monitoring at least 14 consecutive days before commencement of construction work to obtain daily ambient 24-hour TSP samples. The selected baseline monitoring stations should reflect baseline conditions at the stations. One-hour sampling should also be done at least three times per day when the highest dust impacts are expected. The baseline monitoring will provide data for the determination of the appropriate Action Levels with the Limit Levels set against statutory or otherwise agreed limits. General meteorological conditions (wind speed, wind direction and precipitation) and notes regarding any significant adjacent dust producing sources should also be recorded throughout the baseline monitoring period.

During the baseline monitoring, there should not be any construction or dust generating activities in the vicinity of the monitoring stations. Before commencing baseline monitoring, the ET should inform the IEC of the baseline monitoring programme such that IEC can conduct on-site audit to ensure accuracy of the baseline monitoring results.

In case the baseline monitoring cannot be carried out at the designated monitoring locations during the baseline monitoring period, the ET leader should carry out the monitoring at alternative locations that can effectively represent the baseline conditions at the impact monitoring locations. The alternative baseline monitoring locations should be approved by the WKCDA and agreed with the IEC.

In exceptional cases, when insufficient baseline monitoring data or questionable results are obtained, the ET should liaise with the IEC and EPD to agree on an appropriate set of data to be used as a baseline reference and submit to WKCDA for approval. If the ET considers that significant changes in the ambient conditions have arisen, a repeat of the baseline monitoring may be carried out to update the baseline levels and air quality criteria, after consultation and agreement with WKCDA, the IEC and the EPD.

Ambient conditions may vary seasonally and should be reviewed once every six months. When the ambient conditions have 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 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 the IEC and EPD.

10.3.1.7    Impact and Compliance Monitoring

The monthly schedule of the compliance and impact monitoring programme should be drawn up by the ET one month prior to the commencement of the scheduled construction period

The ET should carry out impact monitoring at all the proposed monitoring stations, except AM5, throughout the entire construction work period.  The impact monitoring at AM5 will be started after completion of the XRL project. For regular impact monitoring, the sampling frequency of at least once in every six days, should be strictly observed at all the monitoring stations for 24-hour TSP monitoring. For one-hour TSP monitoring, the sampling frequency of at least three times in every six days should be undertaken when the highest dust impact occurs. Before commencing baseline monitoring, the ET should inform the IEC of the impact monitoring programme. The IEC can carry out on-site audit to ensure accuracy of the impact monitoring results.

The specific time to start and stop the 24-hour TSP monitoring should be clearly defined for each monitoring location and be strictly followed by the operator.

In case of non-compliance with the air quality criteria, more frequent monitoring, as specified in the Action Plan, 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 and agreed with WKCDA and the IEC.

10.3.1.8    Audit Requirements

Audit of the TSP levels should be carried out by the ET to ensure that any deteriorating air quality could be readily detected and timely action taken to rectify the situation.

10.3.1.9    Event and Action Plan for Air Quality

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 one-hour TSP level. Air quality criteria which name Action and Limit (AL) Levels to be used are shown in Table 10.2, AL are to be agreed between the ET, IEC and WKCDA prior to air monitoring commencement. Event and Action Plan (Table 10.3) list the action should be carried out when non-compliance of the air quality criteria occurs.

Table 10.2:    Typical Action and Limit Level for Air Quality

Parameter

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-hr 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 10.3:    Typical Event and Action Plan for Air Quality

Event

ET

IEC

WKCDA

Contractor

Action Level

 

1. Exceedance for one sample

1. Identify source, investigate the causes of exceedance and propose remedial measures;

2. Inform IEC and WKCDA;

3. Repeat measurement to confirm finding;

4. Increase monitoring frequency to daily.

1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET;

2. 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. Identify source;

2. Inform IEC and WKCDA;

3. Advise the WKCDA on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures;

4. Repeat measurements to confirm findings;

5. Increase monitoring frequency to daily;

6. Discuss with IEC and Contractor on remedial actions required;

7. If exceedance continues, arrange meeting with IEC and WKCDA;

8. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.

1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET;

2. Check Contractor’s working method;

3. Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial measures;

4. Advise the ET on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures;

5. Monitor the implementation of remedial measures.

1. Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing;

2. Notify Contractor;

3. Ensure remedial measures properly implemented.

1. Submit proposals for remedial to WKCDA 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, investigate the causes of exceedance and propose remedial measures;

2. Inform WKCDA, Contractor and EPD;

3. Repeat measurement to confirm finding;

4. Increase monitoring frequency to daily;

5. Assess effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IEC, EPD and WKCDA informed of the results.

1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET;

2. Check Contractor’s working method;

3. Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial measures;

4. Advise the WKCDA on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures;

5. Monitor the implementation of remedial measures.

1. Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing;

2. Notify Contractor;

3. Ensure remedial measures properly implemented.

1. Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance;

2. Submit proposals for remedial actions to IEC 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. Notify IEC, WKCDA, Contractor and EPD;

2. Identify source;

3. Repeat measurement to confirm findings;

4. Increase monitoring frequency to daily;

5. Carry out analysis of Contractor’s working procedures to determine possible mitigation to be implemented;

6. Arrange meeting with IEC and WKCDA to discuss the remedial actions to be taken;

7. Assess effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IEC, EPD and WKCDA informed of the results;

8. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.

1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET;

2. Check Contractor’s working method;

3. Discuss amongst WKCDA, ET, and Contractor on the potential remedial actions;

4. Review Contractor’s remedial actions whenever necessary to assure their effectiveness and advise the WKCDA accordingly;

5. Monitor the implementation of 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. Ensure remedial measures properly implemented;

5. 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 IEC within three working days of notification;

3. Implement the agreed proposals;

4. Resubmit proposals if problem still not under control;

5. Stop the relevant portion of works as determined by the WKCDA until the exceedance is abated.

10.3.1.10 Mitigation Measures

Appropriate dust suppression measures should be adopted as required under the relevant requirements stipulated in the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation and EPD’s Guidance Note on the Best Practicable Means for Cement Works (Concrete Batching Plant) BPM 3/2(93) as well as 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 D.

10.3.2     Operational Air Quality Monitoring

With the full implementation of the recommended mitigation measures during operation phase, no residual impacts due to vehicle and marine emissions are anticipated. Operational phase air quality monitoring is not considered necessary.

10.4       Noise Impact

10.4.1     Construction Airborne Noise Monitoring

10.4.1.1    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 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.

10.4.1.2    Monitoring Equipment

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.

10.4.1.3    Monitoring Locations

The noise monitoring locations (refer to Figure 10.3) are summarised in Table 10.4. 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 WKCDA and the IEC before baseline monitoring commences.

Table 10.4:    Construction Noise Monitoring Stations for Underpass Roads

ID

ID adopted in Construction Noise Assessment

Description

NM1

HT1

The Harbourside Tower 1

NM2

AST

The Arch - Sun Tower

NM3

VT1

The Victoria Towers - Tower 1

NM4

CRGPS

Canton Road Government Primary School

NM5

RD

Development next to Austin Station

(Monitoring to start after completion of development in 2015, subject to the construction programme of the Project)

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 Technical Memorandum; 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.

10.4.1.4    Baseline Monitoring

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 WKCDA, EPD and IEC to agree on an appropriate set of data to be used as a baseline reference and submit to the WKCDA and IEC for agreement and EPD for approval.

10.4.1.5    Impact Monitoring

Noise monitoring should be carried out at all the designated monitoring stations, except NM5, throughout the entire construction work period. The impact monitoring at NM5 will be started after completion of the XRL project. The monitoring frequency should depend on the scale of the construction activities. 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 hours periods. Applicable permits under NCO should also be obtained by the Contractor.

If a school exists near the construction activity, 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 10.6, 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.

10.4.1.6    Event and Action Plan

The Action and Limit (AL) Levels for construction noise are defined in Table 10.5. Should non-compliance of the criteria occur, action in accordance with the Event and Action Plan in Table 10.6 should be carried out.

Table 10.5:    Action and Limit Level 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.

Table 10.6:    Event and Action Plan for Construction Noise

Event

Action

ET

IEC

WKCDA

Contractor

Action Level

1. Notify WKCDA, IEC and Contractor;

2.  Carry out investigation;

3. Report the results of investigation to the IEC, WKCDA 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 WKCDA accordingly;

3. Advise the WKCDA 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 WKCDA;

2. Implement noise mitigation proposals.

Limit Level

1. Inform IEC, WKCDA, 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 WKCDA on remedial measures required;

7. Assess effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IEC, EPD and WKCDA informed of the results;

8. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.

1. Discuss amongst WKCDA, ET, and Contractor on the potential remedial actions;

2. Review Contractor’s remedial actions whenever necessary to assure their effectiveness and advise the WKCDA 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 WKCDA 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 WKCDA until the exceedance is abated.

10.4.1.7    Mitigation Measures

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 D.

10.4.2     Operational Noise Monitoring

10.4.2.1    Traffic Noise Monitoring

With implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, no adverse traffic noise impacts are anticipated from the operation of the Project, hence no environmental monitoring and audit is proposed.

10.4.2.2    Fixed Plant Noise Monitoring

Maximum Permissible Sound Power Levels of Fixed Plant

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.

Commissioning Test

Prior to the operation of the Project, the Contractor should conduct noise commissioning tests for all major fixed noise sources within WKCD.  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 WKCDA for approval.  

10.4.2.3    Mitigation Measures

The relevant noise mitigation measures have been recommended in the EIA Report.  The implementation schedule of the mitigation measures are given in Appendix D.

10.5       Water Quality Impact

10.5.1     Construction Phase Monitoring

Adverse water quality impact was not predicted during the construction phase of the proposed underpass road. Nevertheless, appropriate mitigation measures are recommended to minimize potential water quality impacts.

Regular audit of the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures during the construction phase at the work areas should also be undertaken to ensure the recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented. Proposed mitigation measures for containing and minimizing water quality impacts are listed in the implementation schedule given in Appendix D.

10.5.2     Operation Phase Monitoring

With the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures during operational phase, no adverse water quality impact is anticipated. Operational phase water quality monitoring is therefore not considered necessary.

10.6       Sewerage and Sewage Treatment Implication

The underpass road is part of a network of infrastructure within the WKCD development to meet the connectivity and accessibility requirements of the WKCD. This underpass roads do not require or generate any sewage or sewerage related facilities. Consequently, there are no sewerage and sewage treatment implications associated with the underpass road. Therefore, environmental monitoring and audit activities are not required.

10.7       Waste Management Implications

10.7.1     Construction Phase Monitoring

10.7.1.1    Monitoring Requirements

The Contractor is responsible for waste management activities during the construction phase.  The Contractor must ensure that all wastes produced during the construction phase are handled, stored and disposed of in accordance with EPD’s regulations and requirements and in line with good waste management practices. A Waste Management Plan should be prepared and implemented in accordance with ETWB TC (W) No. 19/2005 Environmental Management on Construction Site.

During construction phase, regular site inspection (at least once per week) 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 Waste Management Plan. Waste materials generated during the construction works, such as Construction and Demolition (C&D) material, general refuse and chemical wastes, are recommended to be monitored on a weekly basis to ensure that proper storage, transportation and disposal practices are being implemented. This monitoring of waste management practices will ensure that these solid and liquid wastes are not disposed into the nearby harbour waters. The Contractor would be responsible for the implementation of any mitigation measures to minimise waste or redress problems arising from the waste materials.

10.7.2     Audit Requirements

It is recommended that the waste generated during the construction activities should be audited periodically (at least once per week) to determine if wastes are being managed in accordance with approved procedures and the site Waste Management Plan. The audits should look at all aspects of waste management including waste generation, storage, transport and disposal. An appropriate audit programme would be to undertake a first audit near the commencement of the construction works, and then to audit periodically thereafter. In addition, the routine site inspections should check the implementation of the recommended good site practices and other waste management mitigation measures.

A summary of all key types of waste arising and the reuse and disposal methods proposed during the construction phase of the Project is presented in Table 10.7.

10.7.3     Mitigation Measures

The implementation schedule of the recommended waste management mitigation measures is presented in Appendix D.

10.7.4     Operation Phase Monitoring

During operation phase, the underpass roads will not involve any waste generating activities. Therefore, no adverse waste management impact is anticipated during operation phase and hence, no specific waste monitoring is required.


Table 10.7:    Summary of Waste Arising during Construction Phase

Waste Type

Key Sources of Waste Generation

Timing of Waste Generation

Estimated Quantity of Waste Generation

Waste Reuse or Disposal

Waste Handling

Inert C&D Materials

Majority from excavation work for the WKCD (including the underpass road and the flyover) basement; and minority from construction of superstructures and substructures  

(Note: Excavation of marine sediments is not anticipated)   

Tentatively from 2013 to 2017

About 1,882,830 m3 in total

About 147,740 m3 to be reused on-site as fill materials for the Park

About 905,000 m3 to be reused by two potential projects, viz., HZMB project and 3rd runway project.

Remaining quantity of about 831,090 m3  to be disposed of at the Government’s PFRFs for beneficial use by other projects in Hong Kong (subject to endorsement by the relevant authorities including PFC of CEDD and EPD)

(Note: During the detailed design stage, further alternative disposal arrangement, e.g., other potential projects that could receive inert C&D materials from the WKCD Project, shall be continuously explored and identified. If no potential projects could receive the surplus inert C&D materials, the remaining inert C&D materials could be disposed of at the Government's Public Fill Reception Facilities (PFRFs) for beneficial use by any other projects in Hong Kong. No construction work is allowed to proceed until the issues on management of C&D materials have been resolved and all relevant arrangements have been endorsed by the relevant authorities (i.e. CEDD and EPD).)

Segregate inert C&D material to avoid contamination from other waste arising

C&D Materials from Site Clearance

General site clearance

Tentatively from 2013 to 2017

About 108,300 m3 in total

Any inert materials segregated from the C&D materials to be reused on-site as far as practicable or disposed of at the Government’s PFRFs for beneficial use by other projects in Hong Kong

Non-inert materials segregated from the C&D materials to be disposed of at the designated landfill sites

Segregate on site the C&D materials into inert and non-inert materials

General Refuse

Waste paper, discarded containers, etc. generated from the site workforce

Tentatively from 2013 to 2017

0.65 kg per worker per day, the maximum daily arising of general refuse during the construction period would be approximately 975 kg 

 

 

Refuse station for compaction and containerisation and then to landfill for disposal

Provide on-site refuse collection points

Chemical Waste

Used solvents, contaminated rags, waste lubricating oil, etc., from maintenance and servicing of construction plant and equipment

Tentatively from 2013 to 2017

Few cubic metres per month

(preliminary estimate)

 

Disposal of at the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre or other licensed recycling facilities

Stored on-site by suitably designed containers for off-site disposal or recycling


10.8       Land Contamination

10.8.1     Construction Phase Monitoring

In view of the desktop review results and the site inspection findings, bulk excavation of soil for land remediation is not expected at this stage. As such, any environmental monitoring in relation to land remediation is not required, unless a need for land remediation is identified during the future site investigation for the Tsim Sha Tsui Fire Station area. Since the TST Fire Station will remain in operation during the period between now and 2020, and leakage or spillage from the underground fuel oil tanks or pipes, or during refilling might occur. Therefore, further site visit and site investigation/laboratory chemical analysis are suggested to be conducted after land acquisition so that the investigation results will be up to date.

During construction phase, Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) should be carried out in the form of regular site inspection. All related procedures and facilities for 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.

10.8.2     Operation Phase Monitoring

During operation phase, the underpass road will be used as an access for vehicles moving to and from the WKCD site and its associated facilities. There will be no industrial activities taking place at the Project area during operation phase. Therefore, no contaminated land issue is anticipated and hence, no specific monitoring is required.

10.9       Ecological Impact

Since no significant ecological impact will arise from the proposed underpass roads, no specific ecological monitoring programme is thus required for the underpass roads.

10.10   Landscape and Visual Impact

10.10.1  Introduction

In addition to ensuring the effective implementation of mitigation measures recommended in Section 14.10 of the EIA report and compliance with relevant environmental standards, this section proposes systematic procedures for monitoring, auditing and minimizing the environmental impacts associated with the construction works and operation.

10.10.2  Baseline Conditions

10.10.2.1 Baseline Monitoring

The baseline monitoring aims to establish a baseline that collects information on the current site characteristics prior to the development in order to:

¡  Make comparisons between different pre-development and post development;

¡  Detect changes; and

¡  Make comparisons against a standard.

Baseline studies on landscape and visual amenity of the site and its surroundings have been provided in Section 14.10.4 of the EIA report which documents the existing environmental conditions prior to the development. A one-off survey shall be undertaken to update and record the baseline conditions with photographs prior to the commencement of construction works.

10.10.3  Mitigation Measures

10.10.3.1 Mitigation Measures for Construction Phase Impacts

Mitigation measures are proposed in the EIA report to minimize the landscape and visual impacts during the construction phase. Tables 10.8 and 10.9 summarize these proposed mitigation measures for landscape and visual impacts respectively.

Table 10.8:    Landscape mitigation measures during construction phase

Ref. No.

Mitigation Measures during Construction Phase

Funding Agency

Implementation Agency

Management/ Maintenance Agency

CM1

Trees should be retained in situ on site as far as possible. Should tree removal be unavoidable due to construction impacts, trees will be transplanted or felled with reference to the stated criteria in the Tree Removal Applications to be submitted to relevant government departments for approval in accordance to ETWB TCW No. 29/2004 and 3/2006.

WKCDA -for works area within WKCD site

CEDD - for works area of external connections

Private Developer -for works area within private land sale lots

 Contractor

Appointed landscape contractor

CM2

Compensatory tree planting shall be incorporated to the proposed project and maximize the new tree, shrubs and other vegetation planting to compensate tree felled and vegetation removed. Also, implementation of compensatory planting should be of a ratio not less than 1:1 in terms of quality and quantity within the site.

Same as above

Contractor

Appointed landscape contractor

CM3

Buffer trees for screening purposes to soften the hard architectural and engineering structures and facilities.

Same as above

Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

CM4

Softscape treatments such as vertical green wall panel /planting of climbing and/or weeping plants, etc, to maximize the green coverage and soften the hard architectural and engineering structures and facilities.

Same as above

Detailed Design Consultant/ Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

CM5

Roof greening by means of intensive and extensive green roof  to maximize the green coverage and improve aesthetic appeal and visual quality of the building/structure.

Same as above

Detailed Design Consultant/ Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

CM6

Sensitive streetscape design should be incorporated along all new roads and streets.

Same as above

Detailed Design Consultant/ Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

CM7

Structure, ornamental planting shall be provided along amenity strips to enhance the landscape quality.

Same as above

Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

CM8

Landscape design shall be incorporated to architectural and engineering structures in order to provide aesthetically pleasing designs.

Same as above

Detailed Design Consultant / Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

Table 10.9:    Visual mitigation measures during construction phase

 

Mitigation Measures

Target VSRs

Funding Agency

Implementation Agency

Management/ Maintenance Agency

MMC1

Use of decorative screen hoarding/ boards

All of the VSRs

WKCDA – for works area within WKCD site

CEDD – for works area of external connection

Contractor

Contractor

MMC2

During the transition period, the temporary ventilation shafts for the basement associated with the underpass road will adopt light colour

All of the VSRs

WKCDA

Design Architect / Contractor

WKCDA

MMC3

The early introduction of landscape treatments

All of the VSRs

WKCDA

Contractor

Contractor

MMC4

The temporary landscaped areas will help achieve the visual balance

All of the VSRs

WKCDA

Contractor

WKCDA

MMC5

Control of night time lighting such as avoidance of lighting from spilling onto nearby residential developments

Residential VSR (ie. VSR 3)

WKCDA – for works area within WKCD site

Contractor

Contractor

10.10.3.2 Mitigation Measures for Operation Phase Impacts

Mitigation measures to minimize the landscape and visual impacts during the operation phase are proposed in the EIA report. Tables 10.10 and 10.11 summarize these proposed mitigation measures for landscape and visual impacts respectively.

Table 10.10: Landscape mitigation measures during operation phase

Ref. No.

Mitigation Measures during Operation Phase

Funding Agency

Implementation Agency

Management/ Maintenance Agency

OM1

Provide proper planting maintenance on the new planting areas to enhance the aesthetic design degree

WKCDA -for work area within WKCD site

CEDD- for work areas of external connections

Private Developer -for works areas within private land sale lots

Contractor

LCSD -for public roadside and pedestrian footbridge planting1

Private Developers -for all landscaping within the private land sale lots

WKCDA -for all other areas within WKCD

OM2

Provision of open space in various forms and at different levels on or above ground, including park, waterfront promenade, piazzas and terrace garden and associated green connections for public enjoyment.

WKCDA

Detailed Design Consultant / Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

1 in accordance with ETWB No. 2/2004

Table 10.11: Visual mitigation measures during operation phase

 

Mitigation Measures

Target VSRs

Funding Agency

Implementation Agency

Management/ Maintenance Agency

MMO1

Adoption of light colour for the temporary ventilation shafts associated with the underpass road  during operation  phase (day 1)

All of the VSRs

WKCDA

Design Architect/ Contractor

WKCDA/ developer of Individual Buildings

MMO2

The temporary landscape areas will help achieve the visual balance during operation phase (Day 1)

All of the VSRs

WKCDA

Contractor

WKCDA

MMO3

Use of planter and other softscape treatments during operation phase

(Day 1)

All of the VSRs

WKCDA

Contractor

Contractor

MMO4

Use of decorative screen hoarding/boards. during operation phase (day 1)

All of the VSRs

WKCDA – for works area within WKCD site

CEDD – for works area of external connection

Contractor

Contractor

MMO5

Aesthetic design of

roads and

roadside planting

during operation

 phase (year 10)

 

VSRs abutting the entrance of the underground roads

VSR 2 (The Elements) and VSR 7 (Austin Station)

WKCDA

Contractor

Contractor

MMO6

Control of night time lighting such as avoidance of lighting from spilling onto nearby residential developments during operation

 phase (day 1 and year 10)

Residential VSR (i.e. VSR 3)

WKCDA – for works area within WKCD site

Contractor

Contractor

10.10.4     Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirements

An Environmental Team (ET) should be employed by the WKCDA to undertake the EM&A works. The ET should include a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA), or capable person, as landscape auditor. The Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) will be engaged by the WKCDA to audit the works of the ET, who is responsible for reviewing the EM&A works performed by the ET, auditing the monitoring activities and results and reviewing proposals on mitigation measures submitted by the Contractor.

During the landscape and visual impact monitoring, any changes in relation to the landscape and visual amenity should be monitored with reference to the baseline conditions of the site.  In addition, proposed mitigation measures as shown in Tables 10.8 to 10.11 should be checked for proper implementation.

10.10.5  Monitoring Programs

The proposed monitoring program for landscape and visual impact is detailed in Table 10.12.

Table 10.12: Monitoring Program for Landscape and Visual Impact

Stage

Monitoring Task

Frequency

 Report

 Approval

Design

Design check by ET to make sure the design complies with the proposed mitigation measures in the EIA report.

Once at completion of Design Stage

ET to confirm that the design complies with the proposed mitigation measures in the EIA report.

WKCDA

Construction

Monitor implementation of proposed mitigation measures during the construction stage.

Bi-weekly

ET to report on Contractor’s compliance

Counter-signed by IEC

Operation

Monitor soft landscape works during the 12-month establishment period after construction completes.

Monthly

ET to report on Contractor’s compliance

Counter-signed by IEC

10.10.6  Event and Action Plan

In case of non-compliance of landscape and visual impacts, procedures in accordance with the action plan as shown in Table 10.13 should be followed.

Table 10.13: Event and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual Impact

Event/ Action

Action

ET

IEC

WKCDA

Contractor

Design Check

1. Design check to make sure the design complies with all the proposed mitigation measures in the EIA report;

2. Prepare and submit report.

1. Check report submitted by ET;

2. Recommend remedial design if necessary.

1. Undertake remedial design if necessary.

 

Non-conformity on one occasion

1. Identify source of non-conformity;

2. Report to IEC and WKCDA;

3. Discuss remedial actions with IEC, WKCDA and Contractor;

4. Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed.

1. Check and verify source of non-conformity;

2. Discuss remedial actions with ET and Contractor;

 3. Advise WKCDA on effectiveness of proposed remedial actions;

4. Check implementation of remedial actions.

1. Notify Contractor;

2. Ensure remedial actions are properly implemented.

1. Amend working method as necessary;

2. Rectify damage and undertake necessary replacement and remedial actions.

Repeated non-conformity

1. Identify source of non-conformity;

2. Report to IEC and WKCDA;

3. Increase monitoring frequency;

4. Discuss remedial actions with IEC, WKCDA and Contractor;

5. Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed;

6. If non-conformity rectified, reduce monitoring frequency back to normal.

1. Check and verify source of non-conformity;

2. Check Contractor’s working method;

3. Discuss remedial actions with ET and Contractor;

4. Advise WKCDA on effectiveness of proposed remedial actions;

5. Supervise implementation of remedial actions.

 

1. Notify Contractor;

2. Ensure remedial actions are properly implemented.

1. Amend working method as necessary;

2. Rectify damage and undertake necessary replacement and remedial actions.

 

11.    EM&A on Austin Road Flyover Serving the Planned WKCD

11.1       Introduction

This section details the specific EM&A requirements for Schedule 2 Designated Project “a flyover more than 100m in length between abutments over the Western Harbour Crossing toll plaza (Item A.8, Part I, Schedule 2)”. The requirements, methodology, equipment, monitoring locations, criteria and protocols for the monitoring and audit for this Designated Project are presented. The Project organisation, environmental auditing and reporting requirements are stipulated in Chapters 1, 12 & 13 of this Manual respectively.

11.2       Project Description

11.2.1     Existing Site Conditions

The site for the Austin Road flyover is located outside the proposed WKCD site as shown in Figure 11.1. The site is currently occupied mainly by the Western Harbour Crossing (WHC) and its toll plaza, and part of the existing West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade on either side of the WHC.

11.2.2     Project Components

This Schedule 2 Project is for extension of the existing elevated deck at the junction of Austin Road West / Nga Cheung Road to the New Yau Ma Tei Public Cargo Working Area (NYMTPCWA) via a flyover above the WHC toll plaza at +14.0mPD. Its aim is to provide a second access for the Mega Performance Venue and Exhibition Centre, and flexibility for event management. The flyover will also enhance the accessibility and robustness of the arrangements including post event traffic dispersal for serving the MPV and second emergency vehicle route. The flyover starts at the elevated junction of Austin Road West / Nga Cheung Road, spanning across the WHC toll plaza westward, turns southward and lands at the northwest corner of WKCD area adjacent to the NYMTPCWA area. This will provide an alternative return loop for the road access running along the outside perimeter of the portal of the WHC which connects with the roundabout at the junction of Nga Cheung Road and Austin Road West at ground level.

The proposed flyover will be a single two-lane two-way elevated highways structure supported by four piers (which had already been constructed under two previous projects as explained in Section 15.2.4 of the EIA Report); and its approach ramps span between piers and conventional abutments. The abutments will be located at the two ends of the bridge deck. The flyover is about 200m long and 7.3m width with 1m marginal strip at each side.

A new approach ramp adjacent to the existing WHC administration building is also proposed to connect with the elevated roundabout junction of Austin Road West / Nga Cheung Road. The new ramp will be constructed from the elevated roundabout junction to join at +5.0mPD of the new at-grade carriageway and the carriageway at WKCD Basement B1 level. Additional piers and abutments will be constructed for the ramps of the flyover. Existing facilities on top of the WHC toll plaza which conflicts with the flyover structures will need to be rearranged, and utilities at the piers and abutments of the flyover will also need to be diverted.

11.2.3     Tentative Construction Programme

The flyover is a supplementary component of the WKCD development project, proposed mainly to support certain WKCD facilities. Implementation of this Schedule 2 Project is subject to factors such as funding and associated arrangements, as well as interface with and restrictions imposed by the operators of the existing WHC tunnel entrance and toll plaza. Despite such factors and restrictions, it is tentatively scheduled to complete construction of this flyover by 2017 (see Appendix A).

11.3       Air Quality Impact

11.3.1     Construction Air Quality Monitoring

11.3.1.1    General

It is proposed to carry out environmental monitoring and audit during the construction phase of the proposed Austin Road flyover to check and ensure compliance with the relevant air quality standards by effective implementation of the recommended construction dust mitigation measures. Potential air quality impact arising from the construction works would mainly be due to excavation, foundation works, site formation, movement of mobile plant and vehicles on haul roads, as well as the operation of a concrete batching plant and barging facilities. During operation phase, no environmental monitoring and audit is considered necessary.

Although there are some exceedances of AQOs because of air quality impacts due to vehicle emissions these are considered to be adequately dealt with through the proposed mitigation measures. No significant residual operational impacts are anticipated.

The objectives of the dust monitoring are:

¡  to identify the extent of dust impact during construction phase on sensitive receivers;

¡  to audit the compliance of the Contractor with regard to dust control, contract conditions and the relevant dust impact criteria;

¡  to determine the effectiveness of mitigation measures to control fugitive dust emission from activities during the construction phase;

¡  to recommend further mitigation measures if found to be necessary, and;

¡  to comply with Action and Limit Levels for air quality as defined in this Manual.

Details of the environmental monitoring and audit requirements during construction phase are presented below.

11.3.1.2    Air Quality Parameters

Monitoring and audit of the Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) levels during the construction phase should be carried out by the Environmental Team (ET) to ensure that any deteriorating air quality could be readily detected and timely actions taken to rectify the situation.

The TSP levels should be measured by following the standard method as set out in High Volume Method for Total Suspended Particulates, Part 50 Chapter 1 Appendix B, Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations of the USEPA (HVS method).

One-hour and 24-hour TSP levels should be measured to indicate the impacts of construction dust on air quality. Upon approval of the IEC, one-hour TSP levels can be measured by direct reading methods which are capable of producing comparable results as that by the HVS method, to indicate short event impacts.

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 record sheet is shown in Appendix B. The ET may develop a project specific record sheet to suit this EM&A programme.

11.3.1.3    Monitoring Equipment

High Volume Sampler (HVS) in compliance with the following specifications should be used for carrying out the one-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 with +/- 5 minutes accuracy for 24 hours operation;

¡  installed with elapsed-time meter with +/- 2 minutes accuracy for 24 hours operation;

¡  capable of providing a minimum exposed area of 406 cm2 (63 in2);

¡  flow control accuracy: +/- 2.5% deviation over 24-hr sampling period;

¡  incorporated with an electronic mass flow rate controller or other equivalent devices;

¡  equipped with a flow recorder for continuous monitoring;

¡  provided with a peaked roof inlet;

¡  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.

The ET is responsible for provision of the monitoring equipment. They should ensure that sufficient numbers of HVSs with an appropriate calibration kit are available for carrying out the baseline monitoring, regular impact monitoring and ad hoc monitoring. The HVSs should be equipped with an electronic mass flow controller and be calibrated against a traceable standard at regular intervals. All the equipment, calibration kit, filter papers, etc., should be clearly labelled.

Initial calibration of dust monitoring equipment should be conducted upon installation and thereafter at bi-monthly intervals. The transfer standard should be traceable to the internationally recognised primary standard and be calibrated annually. The concern parties such as Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) should properly document the calibration data for future reference. All the data should be converted into standard temperature and pressure condition.

The flow-rate of the sampler before and after the sampling exercise with the filter in position should be verified to be constant and be recorded in the data sheet, shown in Appendix B.

If the ET proposes to use a direct reading dust meter to measure one-hour TSP levels, sufficient information should be submitted to the IEC to prove that the instrument is capable of achieving a comparable result to the HVS. The instrument should also be calibrated regularly, and the one-hour sampling should be determined periodically by the HVS to check the validity and accuracy of the results measured by direct reading method.

Wind data monitoring equipment should be provided and set up for logging wind speed and wind direction near the dust monitoring locations. The equipment installation location should be proposed by the ET and agreed with the IEC. For installation and operation of wind data monitoring equipment, the following points should be observed:

¡  the wind sensors should be installed 10 m above ground so that they are clear of obstructions or turbulence caused by buildings;

¡  the wind data should be captured by a data logger. The data should be downloaded for analysis at least once a month;

¡  the wind data monitoring equipment should be re-calibrated at least once every six months, and;

¡  wind direction should be divided into 16 sectors of 22.5 degrees each.

In exceptional situations, the ET may propose alternative methods to obtain representative wind data upon approval from the WKCDA and agreement from the IEC.

11.3.1.4    Laboratory Measurement / Analysis

A clean laboratory with constant temperature and humidity control, and equipped with necessary measuring and conditioning instruments to handle the dust samples collected, should be available for sample analysis, equipment calibration and maintenance. The laboratory should be HOKLAS accredited.

If a site laboratory is set up or a non-HOKLAS accredited laboratory is hired for carrying out the laboratory analysis, the laboratory equipment should be approved by the WKCDA and the measurement procedures should be witnessed by the IEC. Any measurement performed by the laboratory should be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the WKCDA and IEC. IEC should regularly audit to the measurement performed by the laboratory to ensure the accuracy of measurement results. The ET Leader should provide the WKCDA with one copy of the Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (Part 50), Appendix B for his reference.

Filter paper of size 8" x 10" should be labelled before sampling. It should be a clean filter paper with no pinholes, and should be conditioned in a humidity-controlled chamber for over 24-hours and be pre-weighed before use for the sampling.

After sampling, the filter paper loaded with dust should be kept in a clean and tightly sealed plastic bag. The filter paper should then be returned to the laboratory for reconditioning in the humidity-controlled chamber followed by accurate weighing by an electronic balance with readout down to 0.1 mg. The balance should be regularly calibrated against a traceable standard.

All collected samples should be kept in good condition for six months before disposal.

11.3.1.5    Monitoring Location

Two air quality monitoring locations are proposed and summarised in Table 11.1 and shown in Figure 11.2, subject to approval from the premises landlord for dust monitoring equipment installation. The status and locations of dust sensitive receivers may change after issuing this report. If such cases exist, the ET should propose updated monitoring locations and seek agreement from EPD, and agreement from WKCDA and IEC before baseline monitoring commences.

Table 11.1:    Construction Air Quality Monitoring Stations for the proposed Austin Road flyover

ID

Description

AM1

International Commerce Centre

AM2

Parcel 39 (Office +  Planned Performance Art Venues within WKCD)

 (Monitoring to start after occupation of development in 2017, subject to the construction programme of the Project)

When alternative monitoring locations are proposed, the proposed site should, as far as practicable:

¡  be at the site boundary or such locations close to the major dust emission source;

¡  be close to the sensitive receptors, and;

¡  take into account the prevailing meteorological conditions.

Monitoring equipment must be positioned, sited and orientated properly.  The ET should agree with the WKCDA in consultation with the IEC on the position of the HVS for the installation of the monitoring equipment. When positioning the samplers, the following points should be noted:

¡  a horizontal platform with appropriate support to secure the samplers against strong wind should be provided;

¡  no two samplers should be placed less than two meters apart;

¡  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;

¡  a minimum of two meters of separation from walls, parapets and penthouses is required for rooftop samplers;

¡  a minimum of two meters separation from any supporting structure, measured horizontally is required;

¡  no furnace or incinerator flue is nearby;

¡  airflow around the sampler is unrestricted;

¡  the sampler is more than 20 meters from the dripline;

¡  wire fence or gates used to protect the sampler, should not cause any obstruction during monitoring;

¡  permission must be obtained to set up the samplers and to obtain access to the monitoring stations, and;

¡  a secured supply of electricity is needed to operate the samplers.

The ET may, depending on site conditions and monitoring results, decide whether additional monitoring locations should be included or any monitoring locations could be removed / relocated during any stage of the construction phase.

11.3.1.6    Baseline Monitoring

The ET should carry out baseline monitoring at least 14 consecutive days before commencement of construction work to obtain daily ambient 24-hour TSP samples. The selected baseline monitoring stations should reflect baseline conditions at the stations. One-hour sampling should also be done at least three times per day when the highest dust impacts are expected. The baseline monitoring will provide data for the determination of the appropriate Action Levels with the Limit Levels set against statutory or otherwise agreed limits. General meteorological conditions (wind speed, wind direction and precipitation) and notes regarding any significant adjacent dust producing sources should also be recorded throughout the baseline monitoring period.

During the baseline monitoring, there should not be any construction or dust generating activities in the vicinity of the monitoring stations. Before commencing baseline monitoring, the ET should inform the IEC of the baseline monitoring programme such that IEC can conduct on-site audit to ensure accuracy of the baseline monitoring results.

In case the baseline monitoring cannot be carried out at the designated monitoring locations during the baseline monitoring period, the ET leader should carry out the monitoring at alternative locations that can effectively represent the baseline conditions at the impact monitoring locations. The alternative baseline monitoring locations should be approved by the WKCDA and agreed with the IEC.

In exceptional cases, when insufficient baseline monitoring data or questionable results are obtained, the ET should liaise with the IEC and EPD to agree on an appropriate set of data to be used as a baseline reference and submit to WKCDA for approval. If the ET considers that significant changes in the ambient conditions have arisen, a repeat of the baseline monitoring may be carried out to update the baseline levels and air quality criteria, after consultation and agreement with WKCDA, the IEC and the EPD.

Ambient conditions may vary seasonally and should be reviewed once every six months. When the ambient conditions have 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 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 the IEC and EPD.

11.3.1.7    Impact and Compliance Monitoring

The monthly schedule of the compliance and impact monitoring programme should be drawn up by the ET one month prior to the commencement of the scheduled construction period

The ET should carry out impact monitoring at all the proposed monitoring stations, except AM2, throughout the entire construction work period.  The impact monitoring at AM2 will be started after occupation of the development. For regular impact monitoring, the sampling frequency of at least once in every six days, should be strictly observed at all the monitoring stations for 24-hour TSP monitoring. For one-hour TSP monitoring, the sampling frequency of at least three times in every six days should be undertaken when the highest dust impact occurs. Before commencing baseline monitoring, the ET should inform the IEC of the impact monitoring programme. The IEC can carry out on-site audit to ensure accuracy of the impact monitoring results.

The specific time to start and stop the 24-hour TSP monitoring should be clearly defined for each monitoring location and be strictly followed by the operator.

In case of non-compliance with the air quality criteria, more frequent monitoring, as specified in the Action Plan, 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 and agreed with WKCDA and the IEC.

11.3.1.8    Audit Requirements

Audit of the TSP levels should be carried out by the ET to ensure that any deteriorating air quality could be readily detected and timely action taken to rectify the situation.

11.3.1.9    Event and Action Plan for Air Quality

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 one-hour TSP level. Air quality criteria which name Action and Limit (AL) Levels to be used are shown in Table 11.2, AL are to be agreed between the ET, IEC and WKCDA prior to air monitoring commencement. Event and Action Plan (Table 11.3) list the action should be carried out when non-compliance of the air quality criteria occurs.

Table 11.2:    Typical Action and Limit Level for Air Quality

Parameter

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-hr 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 11.3:    Typical Event and Action Plan for Air Quality

Event

ET

IEC

WKCDA

Contractor

Action Level

 

1. Exceedance for one sample

1. Identify source, investigate the causes of exceedance and propose remedial measures;

2. Inform IEC and WKCDA;

3. Repeat measurement to confirm finding;

4. Increase monitoring frequency to daily.

1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET;

2. 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. Identify source;

2. Inform IEC and WKCDA;

3. Advise the WKCDA on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures;

4. Repeat measurements to confirm findings;

5. Increase monitoring frequency to daily;

6. Discuss with IEC and Contractor on remedial actions required;

7. If exceedance continues, arrange meeting with IEC and WKCDA;

8. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.

1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET;

2. Check Contractor’s working method;

3. Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial measures;

4. Advise the ET on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures;

5. Monitor the implementation of remedial measures.

1. Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing;

2. Notify Contractor;

3. Ensure remedial measures properly implemented.

1. Submit proposals for remedial to WKCDA 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, investigate the causes of exceedance and propose remedial measures;

2. Inform WKCDA, Contractor and EPD;

3. Repeat measurement to confirm finding;

4. Increase monitoring frequency to daily;

5. Assess effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IEC, EPD and WKCDA informed of the results.

1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET;

2. Check Contractor’s working method;

3. Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial measures;

4. Advise the WKCDA on the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures;

5. Monitor the implementation of remedial measures.

1. Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing;

2. Notify Contractor;

3. Ensure remedial measures properly implemented.

1. Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance;

2. Submit proposals for remedial actions to IEC 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. Notify IEC, WKCDA, Contractor and EPD;

2. Identify source;

3. Repeat measurement to confirm findings;

4. Increase monitoring frequency to daily;

5. Carry out analysis of Contractor’s working procedures to determine possible mitigation to be implemented;

6. Arrange meeting with IEC and WKCDA to discuss the remedial actions to be taken;

7. Assess effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IEC, EPD and WKCDA informed of the results;

8. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.

1. Check monitoring data submitted by ET;

2. Check Contractor’s working method;

3. Discuss amongst WKCDA, ET, and Contractor on the potential remedial actions;

4. Review Contractor’s remedial actions whenever necessary to assure their effectiveness and advise the WKCDA accordingly;

5. Monitor the implementation of 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. Ensure remedial measures properly implemented;

5. 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 IEC within three working days of notification;

3. Implement the agreed proposals;

4. Resubmit proposals if problem still not under control;

5. Stop the relevant portion of works as determined by the WKCDA until the exceedance is abated.

11.3.1.10 Mitigation Measures

Appropriate dust suppression measures should be adopted as required under the relevant requirements stipulated in the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation and EPD’s Guidance Note on the Best Practicable Means for Cement Works (Concrete Batching Plant) BPM 3/2(93) as well as 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 E.

11.3.2     Operational Air Quality Monitoring

With the full implementation of the recommended mitigation measures during operation phase, no adverse air impact is anticipated. Operational phase air quality monitoring is not considered necessary.

11.4       Noise Impact

11.4.1     Construction Airborne Noise Monitoring

11.4.1.1    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 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.

11.4.1.2    Monitoring Equipment

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.

11.4.1.3    Monitoring Locations

The noise monitoring locations (refer to Figure 11.3) are summarised in Table 11.4. 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 WKCDA and the IEC before baseline monitoring commences.

Table 11.4:    Construction Noise Monitoring Stations

ID

ID adopted in Construction Noise Assessment

Description

NM1

HT3

The Harbourside Tower 3

NM2

P29

Parcel 29 in WKCD

(Monitoring to start after occupation of development in 2019, subject to the construction programme of the Project)

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 Technical Memorandum; 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.

11.4.1.4    Baseline Monitoring

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 WKCDA, EPD and IEC to agree on an appropriate set of data to be used as a baseline reference and submit to the WKCDA and IEC for agreement and EPD for approval.

11.4.1.5    Impact Monitoring

Noise monitoring should be carried out at all the designated monitoring stations, except NM2, throughout the entire construction work period. The impact monitoring at NM2 will be started after occupation of the development. The monitoring frequency should depend on the scale of the construction activities. 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 hours periods. Applicable permits under NCO should also be obtained by the Contractor.

If a school exists near the construction activity, 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 11.6, 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.

11.4.2     Event and Action Plan

The Action and Limit (AL) Levels for construction noise are defined in Table 11.5. Should non-compliance of the criteria occur, action in accordance with the Event and Action Plan in Table 11.6 should be carried out.

Table 11.5:    Action and Limit Level 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.

Table 11.6:    Event and Action Plan for Construction Noise

Event

Action

ET

IEC

WKCDA

Contractor

Action Level

1. Notify WKCDA, IEC and Contractor;

2.  Carry out investigation;

3. Report the results of investigation to the IEC, WKCDA 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 WKCDA accordingly;

3. Advise the WKCDA 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 WKCDA;

2. Implement noise mitigation proposals.

Limit Level

1. Inform IEC, WKCDA, 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 WKCDA on remedial measures required;

7. Assess effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IEC, EPD and WKCDA informed of the results;

8. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring.

1. Discuss amongst WKCDA, ET, and Contractor on the potential remedial actions;

2. Review Contractor’s remedial actions whenever necessary to assure their effectiveness and advise the WKCDA 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 WKCDA 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 WKCDA until the exceedance is abated.

11.4.2.1    Operational Noise Monitoring

No monitoring is considered necessary.

11.4.2.2    Mitigation Measures

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 E.

11.5       Water Quality Impact

11.5.1     Construction Phase Monitoring

Adverse water quality impact was not predicted during the construction and operation phases of the proposed flyover. Nevertheless, appropriate mitigation measures are recommended to minimize potential water quality impacts.

Regular audit of the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures during the construction phase at the work areas should also be undertaken to ensure the recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented. Proposed mitigation measures for containing and minimizing water quality impacts are listed in the implementation schedule given in Appendix E.

11.5.2     Operation Phase Monitoring

With the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures during operational phase, no adverse water quality impact is anticipated. Operational phase water quality monitoring is therefore not considered necessary.

11.6       Sewerage and Sewage Treatment Implication

The flyover is part of a network of infrastructure within the WKCD development to meet the connectivity and accessibility requirements of the WKCD. The flyover does not require or generate any sewage or sewerage related facilities. Consequently, there are no sewerage and sewage treatment implications associated with the flyover. Therefore, environmental monitoring and audit activities are not required.

11.7       Waste Management Implication

11.7.1     Construction Phase Monitoring

11.7.1.1    Monitoring Requirements

The Contractor is responsible for waste management activities during the construction phase.  The Contractor must ensure that all wastes produced during the construction phase are handled, stored and disposed of in accordance with EPD’s regulations and requirements and in line with good waste management practices. A Waste Management Plan should be prepared and implemented in accordance with ETWB TC (W) No. 19/2005 Environmental Management on Construction Site.

During construction phase, regular site inspection (at least once per week) 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 Waste Management Plan. Waste materials generated during the construction works, such as Construction and Demolition (C&D) material, general refuse and chemical wastes, are recommended to be monitored on a weekly basis to ensure that proper storage, transportation and disposal practices are being implemented. This monitoring of waste management practices will ensure that these solid and liquid wastes are not disposed into the nearby harbour waters. The Contractor would be responsible for the implementation of any mitigation measures to minimise waste or redress problems arising from the waste materials.

11.7.1.2    Audit Requirements

It is recommended that the waste generated during the construction activities should be audited periodically (at least once per week) to determine if wastes are being managed in accordance with approved procedures and the site Waste Management Plan. The audits should look at all aspects of waste management including waste generation, storage, transport and disposal. An appropriate audit programme would be to undertake a first audit near the commencement of the construction works, and then to audit periodically thereafter. In addition, the routine site inspections should check the implementation of the recommended good site practices and other waste management mitigation measures.

A summary of all key types of waste arising and the reuse and disposal methods proposed during the construction phase of the Project is presented in Table 11.7.

11.7.1.3    Mitigation Measures

The implementation schedule of the recommended waste management mitigation measures is presented in Appendix E.

11.7.2     Operation Phase Monitoring

During operation phase, the proposed flyover will not involve any waste generating activities. Therefore, no adverse waste management impact is anticipated during operation phase and hence, no specific waste monitoring is required.


Table 11.7:    Summary of Waste Arisings during Construction Phase

Waste Type

Key Sources of Waste Generation

Timing of Waste Generation

Estimated Quantity of Waste Generation

Waste Reuse or Disposal

Waste Handling

Inert C&D Materials

Minority from excavation at bridge piers and abutments, and from construction of the flyover superstructure

Tentatively from 2014 to 2017

Up to 3,000 m3 in total

All inert C&D materials would be reused on-site as fill materials for the Park.

In case of any surplus inert C&D materials, such materials may be disposed of at the Government’s PFRFs for beneficial use by other projects in Hong Kong (subject to endorsement by the relevant authorities including PFC of CEDD and EPD)

Segregate inert C&D materials to avoid contamination from other waste arising

C&D Materials from Site Clearance

General site clearance

Tentatively from 2014 to 2017

About 600 m3 in total

Any inert materials segregated from the C&D materials to be reused on-site as far as practicable or disposed of at the Government’s PFRFs for beneficial use by other projects in Hong Kong

Non-inert materials segregated from the C&D materials to be disposed of at the designated landfill sites

Segregate on site the C&D materials into inert and non-inert materials

General Refuse

Waste paper, discarded containers, etc. generated from the site workforce

Tentatively from 2014 to 2017

0.65 kg per worker per day, the maximum daily arising of general refuse during the construction period would be approximately 65 kg 

 

 

Refuse station for compaction and containerisation and then to landfill for disposal

Provide on-site refuse collection points

Chemical Waste

Used solvents, contaminated rags, waste lubricating oil, etc., from maintenance and servicing of construction plant and equipment

Tentatively from 2014 to 2017

Less than one cubic metre per month

(preliminary estimate)

 

Disposal of at the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre or other licensed recycling facilities

Stored on-site by suitably designed containers for off-site disposal or recycling


11.8       Land Contamination

Since no potential land contamination issues associated with the proposed flyover, therefore,  environmental monitoring and audit activities are not required.

11.9       Ecological Impact

Since no specific ecological mitigation measure is required, therefore environmental monitoring and audit activities for ecology are not required.

11.10   Landscape and Visual Impact

11.10.1  Introduction

In addition to ensuring the effective implementation of mitigation measures recommended in Section 15.10 of the EIA report and compliance with relevant environmental standards, this section proposes systematic procedures for monitoring, auditing and minimizing the anticipated landscape and visual impacts and implementation of proposed mitigation measures.

11.10.2  Baseline Monitoring

The baseline monitoring aims to establish a baseline that collects information on the current site characteristics prior to the development in order to:

¡  Make comparisons between different pre-development and post development;

¡  Detect changes; and

¡  Make comparisons against a standard.

Baseline studies on landscape and visual amenity of the site and its surroundings have been provided in Section 15.10.4 of the EIA report which documents the existing environmental conditions prior to the development. A one-off survey should be undertaken to update and record the baseline conditions with photographs prior to the commencement of construction works.

11.10.3  Mitigation Measures

11.10.3.1 Mitigation Measures for Construction Phase Impacts

Mitigation measures are proposed in the EIA report to minimize the landscape and visual impacts during the construction phase. Tables 11.8 and 11.9 summarize these proposed mitigation measures for landscape and visual impacts respectively.

Table 11.8:    Landscape mitigation measures during construction phase

Ref. No.

Mitigation Measures during Construction Phase

Funding Agency

Implementation Agency

Management/ Maintenance Agency

CM1

Trees should be retained in situ on site as far as possible. Should tree removal be unavoidable due to construction impacts, trees will be transplanted or felled with reference to the stated criteria in the Tree Removal Applications to be submitted to relevant government departments for approval in accordance to ETWB TCW No. 29/2004 and 3/2006.

WKCDA – for works area within WKCD site

CEDD- for works area of external connections

Private Developer – for works area within private land sale lots

 Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

CM2

Compensatory tree planting shall be incorporated to the proposed project and maximize the new tree, shrubs and other vegetation planting to compensate tree felled and vegetation removed. Also, implementation of compensatory planting should be of a ratio not less than 1:1 in terms of quality and quantity within the site.

Same as above

Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

CM3

Buffer trees for screening purposes to soften the hard architectural and engineering structures and facilities.

Same as above

Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

CM4

Softscape treatments such as vertical green wall panel /planting of climbing and/or weeping plants, etc, to maximize the green coverage and soften the hard architectural and engineering structures and facilities.

Same as above

Detailed Design Consultant / Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

CM7

Structure, ornamental planting shall be provided along amenity strips to enhance the landscape quality.

Same as above

Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

CM8

Landscape design shall be incorporated to architectural and engineering structures in order to provide aesthetically pleasing designs.

Same as above

Detailed Design Consultant / Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

Table 11.9:    Visual mitigation measures during construction phase

Mitigation Measures

Target VSRs

Funding Agency

Implementation Agency

Management/ Maintenance Agency

MMCP1

Use of decorative screen hoarding/ boards

All of the VSRs

WKCDA – for works area within WKCD site

CEDD – for works area of external connections

Contractor

Contractor

MMCP2

Control of night time lighting such as avoidance of lighting from spilling onto nearby developments

Residential VSR (i.e. VSR 3)

WKCDA – for works area within WKCD site

Contractor

Contractor

11.10.3.2 Mitigation Measures for Operation Phase Impacts

Mitigation measures to minimize the landscape and visual impacts during the operation phase are proposed in the EIA report. Tables 11.10 and 11.11 summarize these proposed mitigation measures for landscape and visual impacts respectively.

Table 11.10: Landscape mitigation measures during operation phase

Ref. No.

Mitigation Measures during Operation Phase

Funding Agency

Implementation Agency

Management/ Maintenance Agency

OM1

Provide proper planting establishment works, including watering, pruning, weeding, pest control, replacement of dead plant, etc, on the new planting areas to enhance the aesthetic design degree

WKCDA – for works area within WKCD site

CEDD- for works area of external connections

Private Developer – for works areas within private land sale lots

Contractor

LCSD – for public roadside and pedestrian footbridge planting1

Private Developers – for all landscaping within the private land sale lots

WKCDA – for all other areas within WKCD

OM2

Provision of open space in various forms and at different levels on or above ground, including park, waterfront promenade, piazzas and terrace garden and associated green connections for public enjoyment.

WKCDA

Detailed Design Consultant / Contractor

WKCDA or appointed landscape contractor

1 in accordance with ETWB No. 2/2004

Table 11.11: Visual mitigation measures during operation phase

 

Mitigation Measures

Target VSRs

Funding Agency

Implementation Agency

Management/Maintenance Agency

MMOP1

Integrated design of the flyover with the existing flyover located to the west of the Elements

All VSRs

WKCDA – for works area within WKCD site

CEDD – for works area of external connections

Contractor

n/a

MMOP2

Softscape treatments such as climber shall be incorporated to soften the hard engineering structures.

All VSRs

Same as above

Contractor

LCSD – for public roadside and pedestrian footbridge planting1

WKCDA – for all other areas within WKCD

MMOP3

Compensatory planting in close proximity of the flyover structure

All VSRs

Same as above

Contractor

LCSD – for public roadside and pedestrian footbridge planting1

WKCDA – for all other areas within WKCD

MMOP4

Ornamental planting shall be provided along amenity strips to enhance the landscape quality.

All VSRs

Same as above

Contractor

LCSD – for public roadside and pedestrian footbridge planting1

WKCDA – for all other areas within WKCD

MMOP5

Control of night time lighting such as careful considerations for the locations and the angle of the lighting

Residential VSR (i.e. VSR 3)

WKCDA – for works areas within WKCD site

Contractor

WKCDA /  Contractor

1 in accordance with ETWB No. 2/2004

11.10.4  Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirements

An Environmental Team (ET) should be employed by the WKCDA to undertake the EM&A works. The ET should include a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA), or capable person, as landscape auditor. The Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) will be engaged by the WKCDA to audit the work of the ET, who is responsible for reviewing the EM&A works performed by the ET, auditing the monitoring activities and results and reviewing proposals on mitigation measures submitted by the Contractor.

During the landscape and visual impact monitoring, any changes in relation to the landscape and visual amenity should be monitored with reference to the baseline conditions of the site.  In addition, proposed mitigation measures as shown in Tables 11.8 to 11.11 should be checked for proper implementation.

11.10.5  Monitoring Programs

The proposed monitoring program for landscape and visual impact is detailed in Table 11.12.

Table 11.12: Monitoring Program for Landscape and Visual Impact

Stage

Monitoring Task

Frequency

 Report

 Approval

Design

Design check by ET to make sure the design complies with the proposed mitigation measures in the EIA report.

Once at completion of Design Stage

ET to confirm that the design complies with the proposed mitigation measures in the EIA report.

WKCDA

Construction

Monitor implementation of proposed mitigation measures during the construction stage.

Bi-weekly

ET to report on Contractor’s compliance

Counter-signed by IEC

Operation

Monitor soft landscape works during the 12-month establishment period after construction completes.

Monthly

ET to report on Contractor’s compliance

Counter-signed by IEC

11.10.6  Event and Action Plan

In case of non-compliance of landscape and visual impacts, procedures in accordance with the action plan as shown in Table 11.13 should be followed.

Table 11.13: Event and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual Impact

Event/ Action

Action

ET

IEC

WKCDA

Contractor

Design Check

1. Design check to make sure the design complies with all the proposed mitigation measures in the EIA report;

2. Prepare and submit report.

1. Check report submitted by ET;

2. Recommend remedial design if necessary.

1. Undertake remedial design if necessary.

 

Non-conformity on one occasion

1. Identify source of non-conformity;

2. Report to IEC and WKCDA;

3. Discuss remedial actions with IEC, WKCDA and Contractor;

4. Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed.

1. Check and verify source of non-conformity;

2. Discuss remedial actions with ET and Contractor;

 3. Advise WKCDA on effectiveness of proposed remedial actions;

4. Check implementation of remedial actions.

1. Notify Contractor;

2. Ensure remedial actions are properly implemented.

1. Amend working method as necessary;

2. Rectify damage and undertake necessary replacement and remedial actions.

Repeated non-conformity

1. Identify source of non-conformity;

2. Report to IEC and WKCDA;

3. Increase monitoring frequency;

4. Discuss remedial actions with IEC, WKCDA and Contractor;

5. Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed;

6. If non-conformity rectified, reduce monitoring frequency back to normal.

1. Check and verify source of non-conformity;

2. Check Contractor’s working method;

3. Discuss remedial actions with ET and Contractor;

4. Advise WKCDA on effectiveness of proposed remedial actions;

5. Supervise implementation of remedial actions.

 

1. Notify Contractor;

2. Ensure remedial actions are properly implemented.

1. Amend working method as necessary;

2. Rectify damage and undertake necessary replacement and remedial actions.

 

 


12.    Environmental Auditing

12.1       Site Inspections

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 Leader is responsible for formulating the environmental site inspection, the deficiency and action reporting system, and for carrying out the site inspection works. He should prepare a proposal for site inspection and deficiency and action reporting procedures to the IEC for agreement, and to the ER for approval. The Contractor’s proposal for rectification would be made known to the ER and IEC.

Regular site inspections led by the ET leader should be carried out at least once per week. The areas of inspection should not be limited to the environmental situation, pollution control and mitigation measures within the site; it should also review the environmental situation outside the Project sites which is likely to be affected, directly or indirectly, by the site activities. The ET should make reference to the following information in conducting the inspection:

¡  the EIA and EM&A recommendations on environmental protection and pollution control mitigation measures;

¡  the Environmental Permit 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.

The Contractor should keep the ET Leader updated with all relevant information on the construction contract necessary for him to carry out the site inspections. Inspection results and associated recommendations for improvements to the environmental protection and pollution control works should be submitted to the IEC and the Contractor within 24 hours for reference and for taking immediate action. The Contractor should follow the procedures and time-frame stipulated in the environmental site inspection, and the deficiency and action reporting system formulated by the ET Leader, to report on any remedial measures subsequent to the site inspections.

The ET should also carry out ad hoc site inspections 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.

12.2       Compliance with Legal and Contractual Requirements

There are contractual environmental protection and pollution control requirements as well as environmental protection and pollution control laws in Hong Kong with which construction activities must comply.

In order that the works are in compliance with the contractual requirements, relevant sections (e.g. sections related to environmental measures) of works method statements submitted by the Contractor to the ER for approval should be sent to the ET Leader for vetting to see whether sufficient environmental protection and pollution control measures have been included.

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.

After reviewing the documentation, the ET Leader should advise the Contractor of any noncompliance with contractual and legislative requirements on environmental protection and pollution control for them to take follow-up actions, including any potential violation of requirements.

Upon receipt of the advice, the Contractor should undertake immediate action to correct the situation.  The ER should follow up to ensure that appropriate action has been taken in order to satisfy contractual and legal requirements.

12.3       Environmental Complaints

Complaints should be referred to the ET for action.  The ET should undertake the following procedures upon receipt of any valid complaint:

 

¡  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 the 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 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 the EPD;

¡  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 12.1.

During the complaint investigation work, the Contractor and ER should cooperate with the ET in providing all 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 works.  The ER should ensure that the measures have been carried out by the Contractor.

 

13.    Reporting

13.1       Introduction

The reporting requirements of EM&A are based upon a paper-documented approach. However, the same information can be provided in an electronic medium upon agreeing the format with the IEC, the ER and EPD (for construction phase), and with the Environmental Consultant, WKCDA and EPD (for operation phase). This would enable a transition from a paper / historic and reactive approach to an electronic / real time proactive approach.

For construction phase of EM&A, types of reports that the ET Leader should 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 should be submitted to the Director of Environmental Protection. The exact details of the frequency, distribution and time frame for submission should be agreed with the IEC, the ER and EPD prior to commencement of works

13.2       Baseline Monitoring Report

The ET Leader should prepare and submit a Baseline Environmental Monitoring Report within 10 working days of completion of the baseline monitoring. Copies of the Baseline Environmental Monitoring Report should be submitted to the Contractor, the IEC, the ER, WKCDA and EPD. The ET Leader should liaise with the relevant parties on the exact number of copies they require. The report format and baseline monitoring data format should be agreed with the IEC, the ER and EPD prior to submission.

The baseline monitoring report should include at least the following:

(i)         up to half a page executive summary

(ii)        brief project background information

(iii)        drawings showing locations of the baseline monitoring stations

(iv)          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

(v)        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

(vi)       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

(vii)       revisions for inclusion in the EM&A Manual

(viii)      comments and conclusions

13.3       Monthly EM&A Reports

The results and findings of all EM&A work carried out during the month should be recorded in the monthly EM&A reports prepared by the ET Leader. The EM&A report should be prepared and submitted within 10 working days after the end of each reporting month. Each monthly EM&A report should be submitted to the following parties: the Contractor, the IEC, the ER, WKCDA and the EPD. Before submission of the first EM&A report, the ET Leader should liaise with the parties on the required number of copies and format of the monthly reports in both hard copy and electronic medium.

The ET leader should review the number and location of monitoring stations and parameters every six months, or on as needed basis, in order to cater for any changes in the surrounding environment and the nature of works in progress.

13.3.1     First Monthly EM&A Report

 

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-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 environmental permit including the status of submissions under the environmental permit

(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

13.3.2     Subsequent Monthly EM&A Reports

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 environmental permit including the status of submissions under the environmental permit

(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.

13.4       Quarterly EM&A Reports

A quarterly EM&A report should be produced and should contain at least the following information. In addition, the first quarterly summary report should also confirm if the monitoring work is proving effective and that it is generating data with the necessary statistical power to categorically identify or confirm the absence of impact attributable to the works.

(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 status 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 improvement in the EM&A programme and conclusions for the quarter

(xiii)      proponents' contacts and any hotline telephone number for the public to make enquiries.

13.5       Final EM&A Review Report

The EM&A program could be terminated upon completion of those construction activities that have the potential to cause significant environmental impacts, and / or the completion of operational traffic noise monitoring.

The proposed termination by the Contractor should only be implemented after the proposal has been endorsed by the IEC, the ER and WKCDA followed by final approval from the Director of Environmental Protection.

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 monitored 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

13.6       Data Keeping

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 software copy must be available upon request. Data format should be agreed with the IEC, the ER, WKCDA 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.

13.7       Interim Notifications of Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances

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, WKCDA 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 F. 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.