Contents

Executive summary

1       Introduction

1.1      Background

1.2      Project Organisation

1.3      Construction Works Status in the Reporting Period

1.4      Summary of EM&A Requirements and Alternative Monitoring Locations

1.4.1         EM&A Requirements

1.4.2         Alternative Monitoring Locations

2       Impact Monitoring Methodology

2.1      Introduction

2.2      Air Quality

2.2.1         Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

2.2.2         Monitoring Locations

2.2.3         Monitoring Equipment

2.2.4         Monitoring Methodology

2.3      Noise

2.3.1         Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

2.3.2         Monitoring Location

2.3.3         Monitoring Equipment

2.3.4         Monitoring Methodology

2.4      Landscape and Visual

2.4.1         Monitoring Program

3       Monitoring Results

3.1      Impact Monitoring

3.2      Air Quality Monitoring

3.2.1         1-hour TSP

3.2.2         24-hour TSP

3.3      Noise Monitoring

3.4      Landscape and Visual Impact

4       Site Environmental Management

4.1      Site Inspection

4.2      Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status

4.3      Status of Environmental Licenses and Permits

4.4      Recommended Mitigation Measures

5       Compliance with Environmental Permit

6       Report in Non-compliance, Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

6.1      Record on Non-compliance of Action and Limit Levels

6.2      Record on Environmental Complaints Received

6.3      Record on Notifications of Summons and Successful Prosecution

7       Future Key Issues

7.1      Construction Works for the Coming Month(s)

7.2      Key Issues for the Coming Month

7.3      Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Month

8       Conclusions and Recommendations

8.1      Conclusions

8.2      Recommendations

Figure 1      Site Layout Plan and Monitoring Stations

Appendices

A.      Project Organisation

B.      Tentative Construction Programme

C.      Action and Limit Levels for Construction Phase

D.      Event and Action Plan for Air Quality, Noise, Landscape and Visual Impact

E.      Monitoring Schedule

F.      Calibration Certifications

G.      Graphical Plots of the Monitoring Results

H.      Meteorological Data Extracted from Hong Kong Observatory

I.        Waste Flow table

J.       Environmental Mitigation Measures – Implementation Status

K.      Cumulative Statistics on Complaints, Notifications of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

 

 

  


Executive summary

Apex Testing & Certification Limited (Apex) was commissioned to undertake the Environmental Team (ET) services (including environmental monitoring and audit (EM&A)) for the construction activities in Zone 2A at WKCD, consisting of Foundation, Excavation and Lateral Support Works for Integrated Basement and Underground Road (Contract No.: GW/2020/05/073). The construction works and EM&A programme for Zone 2A commenced on 3 October 2020.

The Project Proponent is the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA). The overall works for the WKCD fall under two separate categories of Designated Project (DP) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO), namely an “engineering feasibility study of urban development projects with a study area covering more than 20 ha or involving a total population of more than 100 000” (Item 1 of Schedule 3) and “an underpass more than 100m in length under the built areas” (Item A.9, Part I, Schedule 2). An Environmental Permit No. EP-453/2013/B (EP) was issued with respect to the “Underpass Road and Austin Road Flyover Serving the West Kowloon Cultural District” which specifically includes the abovementioned category of DP under Item A.9, Part I, Schedule 2 of the EIAO.

This Monthly EM&A Report presents the monitoring works at Zone 2A from 1 to 31 December 2020.

Exceedance of Action and Limit Levels

There was no breach of Action or Limit levels for Air Quality (1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP) in this reporting month.

One Action Level exceedance due to one complaint with no Limit Level exceedance of construction noise was recorded in the reporting month.

Implementation of Mitigation Measures

Construction phase weekly site inspections were carried out on 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 December 2020 for Foundation, Excavation and Lateral Support Works in Zone 2A to confirm the implementation measures undertaken by the Contractors in the reporting month. The outcomes are presented in Section 4 and the status of implementation of mitigation measures in the site is shown in Appendix J.

Landscape and visual impact inspections were conducted as part of the abovementioned weekly site inspections during the reporting month. No adverse comment on landscape and visual aspects was made during these inspections.

FEHD site inspection was conducted on 8 December 2020.

Record of Complaints

One environmental complaint was recorded in the reporting month

Record of Notifications of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

No notifications of summons and successful prosecutions were recorded in the reporting month.

Future Key Issues

The major site works for Zone 2A scheduled to be commissioned in the coming month include:

    Grouting Curtain Works (Trial 1 & Trial 2)

    Trial Grouting (Trial 1 & Trial 2)

    Bored Pile Works

    Bored Pile Construction

    ELS (Stage 1)

    King Post

    Grouting Works

    Pipe Pile Construction

 

Potential environmental impacts due to the construction activities, including air, noise, water quality, waste, landscape and visual, will be monitored or reviewed. The recommended environmental mitigation measures shall be implemented on site and regular inspections as required will be carried out to ensure that the environmental conditions are acceptable.

1        Introduction

1.1             Background

Apex Testing & Certification Limited (Apex) was commissioned to undertake the Environmental Team (ET) services (including environmental monitoring and audit (EM&A)) for the construction activities in Zone 2A at WKCD, consisting of Foundation, Excavation and Lateral Support Works for Integrated Basement and Underground Road (Contract No.: GW/2020/05/073). The purpose of the development in Zone 2A is to reserve for Integrated Basement (IB) and Underground Road (UR). The Zone 2A construction activities involve the foundation, excavation and lateral support (ELS) works, road works, drainage diversion works, and temporary car parking. The construction works and EM&A programme for Zone 2A commenced on 3 October 2020.

The overall works for the WKCD fall under two separate categories of Designated Project (DP) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO), namely an “engineering feasibility study of urban development projects with a study area covering more than 20 ha or involving a total population of more than 100 000” (Item 1 of Schedule 3) and “an underpass more than 100m in length under the built areas” (Item A.9, Part I, Schedule 2). An Environmental Permit No. EP-453/2013/B (EP) was issued with respect to the “Underpass Road and Austin Road Flyover Serving the West Kowloon Cultural District” which specifically includes the abovementioned category of DP under Item A.9, Part I, Schedule 2 of the EIAO. The captioned projects include part of the abovementioned underpass road located within the site boundary falls under this same category.

The Monthly EM&A Report is prepared in accordance with the Condition 3.4 of the Environmental Permit No. EP-453/2013/B. This Monthly EM&A Report presents the monitoring works at Zone 2A from 1 to 31 December 2020. The purpose of this report is to summarise the findings in the EM&A of the project over the reporting period.

1.2             Project Organisation

The organisation chart and lines of communication with respect to the on-site environmental management structure together with the contact information of the key personnel are shown in Appendix A.

1.3             Construction Works Status in the Reporting Period

During the reporting period, construction works at Zone 2A undertaken include:

    Grouting Curtain Works (Trial 1 & Trial 2)

    Trial Grouting (Trial 1 & Trial 2)

    Bored Pile Works

    Bored Pile Works (Predrilling)

    Bored Pile Construction

    ELS (Stage 1)

    Grouting Works

    Pipe Pile Construction

 

The Construction Works Programme of Zone 2A is provided in Appendix B. A layout plan of the Project is provided in Figure 1. Please refer to Table 4.2 on the status of the environmental licenses.

1.4             Summary of EM&A Requirements and Alternative Monitoring Locations

1.4.1         EM&A Requirements

The EM&A programme requires environmental monitoring of air quality, noise, landscape and visual as specified in the approved EM&A Manual.

A summary of impact EM&A requirements is presented in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1:         Summary of Impact EM&A Requirements

Parameters

Descriptions

Locations

Frequencies

Air Quality

24-Hours TSP

AM3-The Victoria Towers Tower 1

At least once every 6 days

1-Hour TSP

AM3-The Victoria Towers Tower 1

At least 3 times every 6 days

24-Hours TSP

AM4-Canton Road Government Primary School

At least once every 6 days

1-Hour TSP

AM4-Canton Road Government Primary School

At least 3 times every 6 days

24-Hours TSP

AM5-Topside Developments at West Kowloon Terminus Site

At least once every 6 days

1-Hour TSP

AM5-Topside Developments at West Kowloon Terminus Site

At least 3 times every 6 days

Noise

Leq, 30 minutes

NM2-The Arch, Sun Tower

Weekly

Leq, 30 minutes

NM3-The Victoria Towers Tower 1

Weekly

Leq, 30 minutes

NM4-Canton Road Government Primary School

Weekly

Leq, 30 minutes

NM5-Development next to Austin Station

Weekly

Landscape & Visual

Monitor implementation of proposed mitigation measures during the construction stage

As described in Table 9.1 and 9.2 of the EM&A Manual

Bi-Weekly

 

1.4.2         Alternative Monitoring Locations

The EM&A programme for the Project should require 5 noise monitoring station and 5 air quality monitoring stations located closest to the Project area. With regard to the monitoring activities at M+ Museum and the Lyric Complex, three monitoring stations had been considered, including AM1 (International Commerce Centre), AM2 (The Harbourside Tower 1) for air monitoring, and NM1 (The Harbourside Tower 1) for noise monitoring.

In the context of the construction activities in Zone 2A, all other monitoring locations including AM3 (The Victoria Towers Tower 1), AM4 (Canton Road Government Primary School), and AM5 (Topside Developments at West Kowloon Terminus Site) for air monitoring; and NM2 (The Arch, Sun Tower), NM3 (The Victoria Towers Tower 1), NM4 (Canton Road Government Primary School) and NM5 (Development next to Austin Station) for noise monitoring, have been taken into account. However, access to all these originally designated monitoring stations was declined as described below point-by-point.

The Arch management office and owners’ committee have formally declined the proposal of setting up noise monitoring instrument on its premises at the podium level of Sun Tower (NM2) on 24 July 2014. Thus, alternative noise monitoring location was identified at the ground floor in front of The Arch – Sun Tower (NM2A), which is at the same location as stated in the EM&A Manual for consistency. No management approval is required at the ground floor for conducting the noise monitoring. This alternative air monitoring location was approved by EPD on 29 September 2020.

The Victoria Towers management office formally declined the proposal of setting up air quality and noise monitoring instruments on its premises at the podium area of Tower 1 (AM3/NM3) on 16 June 2020. Alternative air monitoring location was identified at ground floor at the Northeast corner of West Kowloon Station’s station box (AM3A), in the same direction to the area of major construction site activities in Zone 2A. This alternative air monitoring location was approved by EPD on 29 September 2020. An alternative noise monitoring location was identified at the ground floor in front of the Xiqu Centre (NM3A), which is set closer to the construction site boundary with more direct line sight to the major site activities and higher exposure to the construction noise with no disturbance to the premises’ occupants during noise monitoring activities. No management approval is required at the ground floor for conducting the noise monitoring. This alternative air monitoring location was approved by EPD on 29 September 2020.

Canton Road Government Primary School formally declined the proposal of setting up air quality and noise monitoring instruments on its premise at the podium level (AM4/NM4) on 16 June 2020. Alternative air monitoring location was identified at ground floor at the Southeast corner of West Kowloon Station’s station box (AM4A), in same direction to the area of major construction site activities in Zone 2A. This alternative air monitoring location was approved by EPD on 29 September 2020. An alternative noise monitoring location was identified at the ground floor next to Tsim Sha Tsui Fire Station (NM4A), which is set closer to the construction site boundary with more direct line sight to the major site activities and higher exposure to the construction noise with no disturbance to the premisesoccupants during noise monitoring activities. No management approval is required at the ground floor for conducting the noise monitoring. This alternative air monitoring location was approved by EPD on 29 September 2020.

MTR also formally declined the access to the designated AM5 location (topside developments at West Kowloon Terminus Site) on 15 July 2020. Alternative air monitoring location was identified at ground floor at the North of West Kowloon Station’s station box (AM5A), in same direction to the area of major construction site activities in Zone 2A. This alternative air monitoring location was approved by EPD on 29 September 2020.

Grand Austin property management office formally declined our proposal of setting up noise monitoring instrument on its premises at the podium level (NM5) on 10 July 2020. Alternative noise monitoring location was identified at the Pedestrian road (ground floor) outside West Kowloon Station (NM5A), which is set closer to the construction site boundary with more direct line sight to the major site activities and higher exposure to the construction noise with no disturbance to the premises’ occupants during noise monitoring activities. No management approval is required at the ground floor for conducting the noise monitoring. This alternative air monitoring location was approved by EPD on 29 September 2020.

The Environmental Quality Performance Limits for air quality and noise are shown in Appendix C.

The Event and Action Plan for air quality, construction noise, and landscape and visual are shown in Appendix D.

The EM&A programme followed the recommended mitigation measures in the EM&A Manual. The EM&A requirements as well as the summary of implementation status of the environmental mitigation measures are provided in Appendix J.

2        Impact Monitoring Methodology

2.1             Introduction

Air quality and noise monitoring methodology, including the monitoring locations, equipment used, parameters, frequency and duration etc., are described in this Section. The environmental monitoring schedules for the reporting period and the tentative monitoring Schedule for the coming month are provided in Appendix E.

The relevant EM&A monitoring requirements and details for landscape and audit impact, are also presented in this Section.

2.2             Air Quality

2.2.1         Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Table 2.1 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of the TSP monitoring.

Table 2.1:         Air Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Parameter

Frequency

Duration

24-hour TSP

At least once in every six-days

24 hours

1-hour TSP

At least 3 times every six-days

60 minutes

2.2.2         Monitoring Locations

Monitoring stations and locations are given in Table 2.2 and shown in Figure 1.

Table 2.2:         Air Quality Monitoring Station

Monitoring Station

Location Description

AM3A

Northeast corner of West Kowloon Station’s station box (G/F)

AM4A

Southeast corner of West Kowloon Station’s station box (G/F)

AM5A

North of West Kowloon Station’s station box (G/F)

2.2.3         Monitoring Equipment

Continuous 24-hour TSP air quality monitoring was conducted using High Volume Sampler (HVS) (Model: TE-5170) located at the designated monitoring station. The HVS meets all the requirements stated in of the EM&A Manual. Portable direct reading dust meter was used to carry out the 1-hour TSP monitoring. Table 2.3 summarizes the equipment used in the impact air quality monitoring. Copies of the calibration certificates for the HVS, calibration kit and portable dust meters are attached in Appendix F.

 

Table 2.3:         TSP Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Model

24-hour TSP monitoring

High Volume Sampler

TE-5170 (Serial No.: 4340; 3998; 4344)

Calibrator

TE-5025A (Orifice I.D.: 3543)

1-hour TSP monitoring

Portable direct reading dust meter

Sibata LD-3B (Serial No.: 235811, 336338, 567188)

Calibration of the HVS (five-point calibration) using Calibration Kit was carried out every two months. The HVS calibration orifice will be calibrated annually. Calibration certificate of the TE-5025A Calibration Kit and the HVS are provided in Appendix F.

The 1-hour TSP monitoring should be determined periodically (e.g. annually) by the HVS to check the validity and accuracy of the results measured by direct reading method.

2.2.4         Monitoring Methodology

24-hour TSP Monitoring

Installation

The HVS was installed at the site boundary.  The following criteria were considered in the installation of the HVS.

     A horizontal platform with appropriate support to secure the sampler against gusty wind was provided.

     The distance between the HVS and any obstacles, such as buildings, was at least twice the height that the obstacle protrudes above the HVS.

     A minimum of 2 metres separation from walls, parapets and penthouse was required for rooftop sampler.

     A minimum of 2 metres separation from any supporting structure, measured horizontally was required.

     No furnace or incinerator flues or building vent were nearby.

     Airflow around the sampler was unrestricted.

     The sampler has been more than 20 metres from any drip line.

     Permission was obtained to set up the sampler and to obtain access to the monitoring station.

     A secured supply of electricity is needed to operate the sampler.

Preparation of Filter Papers

     Glass fibre filters were labelled and sufficient filters that were clean and without pinholes were selected.

     The filters used are specified to have a minimum collection efficiency of 99 percent for 0.3 µm (DOP) particles.

     All filters were equilibrated in the conditioning environment for 24 hours before weighing. The conditioning environment temperature was around 25 °C and not variable by more than ±3 °C with relative humidity (RH) < 50% and was not variable by more than ±5 %.  A convenient working RH was 40%. All preparation of filters was done by Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) accredited laboratory.

Field Monitoring Procedures

     The power supply was checked to ensure the HVS works properly.

     The filter holder and the area surrounding the filter were cleaned.

     The filter holder was removed by loosening the four bolts and a new filter, with stamped number upward, on a supporting screen was aligned carefully.

     The filter was properly aligned on the screen so that the gasket formed an airtight seal on the outer edges of the filter.

     The swing bolts were fastened to hold the filter holder down to the frame.  The pressure applied should be sufficient to avoid air leakage at the edges.

     The shelter lid was closed and was secured with the aluminium strip.

     The HVS was warmed-up for about 5 minutes to establish run-temperature conditions.

     A new flow rate record sheet was set into the flow recorder.

     The flow rate of the HVS was checked and adjusted at around 1.3 m3/min. The range specified in the EM&A Manual was between 0.6-1.7 m3/min.

     The programmable timer was set for a sampling period of 24 hours, and the starting time, weather condition and the filter number were recorded.

     The initial elapsed time was recorded.

     At the end of sampling, the sampled filter was removed carefully and folded in half length so that only surfaces with collected particulate matter were in contact.

     It was then placed in a clean plastic envelope and sealed.

     All monitoring information was recorded on a standard data sheet.

     Filters were sent to a Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) accredited laboratory for analysis.

Maintenance and Calibration

     The HVS and its accessories are maintained in good working condition, such as replacing motor brushes routinely and checking electrical wiring to ensure a continuous power supply.

     HVSs were calibrated upon installation and thereafter at bi-monthly intervals. The calibration kits were calibrated annually.

     Calibration records for HVS and calibration kit are shown in Appendix F.

1-hour TSP Monitoring

Field Monitoring

The measuring procedures of the 1-hour dust meter are in accordance with the Manufacturer’s Instruction Manual as follows:

     Turn the power on.

     Close the air collecting opening cover.

     Push the “TIME SETTING” switch to [BG].

     Push “START/STOP” switch to perform background measurement for 6 seconds.

     Turn the knob at SENSI ADJ position to insert the light scattering plate.

     Leave the equipment for 1 minute upon “SPAN CHECK” is indicated in the display.

     Push “START/STOP” switch to perform automatic sensitivity adjustment. This measurement takes 1 minute.

     Pull out the knob and return it to MEASURE position.

     Setting time period of 1 hour for the 1-hour TSP measurement.

     Push “START/STOP” to start the 1-hour TSP measurement.

     Regular checking of the time period setting to ensure monitoring time of 1 hour.

Maintenance and Calibration

     The 1-hour dust meter would be checked at 3-month intervals and calibrated at 1-year intervals throughout all stages of the air quality monitoring.

     Calibration records for direct dust meters are shown in Appendix F.

Weather Condition

     Meteorological data extracted from Hong Kong Observatory for the reporting month is provided in Appendix H.

2.3             Noise

2.3.1         Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Table 2.4 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of noise monitoring. The noise in A-weighted levels Leq, L10 and L90 are recorded in a 30-minute interval between 0700 and 1900 hours.

Table 2.4:         Noise Monitoring Parameters, Period and Frequency

Time Period

Parameters

Frequency

Daytime on normal weekdays

(0700-1900 hours)

Leq(30 min), L90(30 min) & L10 (30 min)

Once every week

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.

2.3.2         Monitoring Location

Noise monitoring stations and locations are given in Table 2.5 and shown in Figure 1.

Table 2.5:         Noise Monitoring Station

Monitoring Station

Location

NM2A

The Arch – Sun Tower (G/F)

NM3A

Xiqu Centre (G/F)

NM4A

Next to Tsim Sha Tsui Fire Station (G/F)

NM5A

Pedestrian road (G/F) outside West Kowloon Station

2.3.3         Monitoring Equipment

Integrating Sound Level Meter was used for noise monitoring. It was a Type 1 sound level meter capable of giving a continuous readout of the noise level readings including equivalent continuous sound pressure level (LAeq) and percentile sound pressure level (Lx). They comply with International Electrotechnical Commission Publications 651:1979 (Type 1) and 804:1985 (Type 1). Table 2.6 summarizes the noise monitoring equipment model being used.

Table 2.6:         Noise Monitoring Equipment

Equipment Model

 

Integrating Sound Level Meter

Calibrator

AWA5661 (Serial No.: 304723)                      

Pulsar 100B (Serial No.: 039507)

2.3.4         Monitoring Methodology

Field Monitoring

     The microphone of the Sound Level Meter was set at least 1.2 m above the ground.

     Free Field measurement was made at NM5A monitoring location.

     The battery condition was checked to ensure the correct functioning of the meter.

     Parameters such as frequency weighting, the time weighting and the measurement time were set as follows:

- frequency weighting: A

- time weighting: Fast

- time measurement: 30 minutes intervals (between 0700-1900 on normal weekdays)

     Prior to and after each noise measurement, the meter was calibrated using a Calibrator for 94 dB at 1 kHz.  If the difference in the calibration level before and after measurement was more than 1 dB, the measurement would be considered invalid and has to be repeated after re-calibration or repair of the equipment.

     During the monitoring period, the Leq, L10 and L90 were recorded.  In addition, any site observations and noise sources were recorded on a standard record sheet.

     A correction of +3dB(A) was made to the free field measurements.

Maintenance and Calibration

     The microphone head of the sound level meter and calibrator is cleaned with soft cloth at quarterly intervals.

     The sound level meter and calibrator are sent to the supplier or HOKLAS laboratory to check and calibrate at yearly intervals.

     Calibration records are shown in Appendix F.

Weather Condition

     Meteorological data extracted from Hong Kong Observatory for the reporting month is provided in Appendix H.

2.4             Landscape and Visual

2.4.1         Monitoring Program

Table 2.7 details the monitoring program (as proposed in the WKCD EIA report) for landscape and visual impact during the construction phase.

Table 2.7:         Monitoring Program for Landscape and Visual Impact during Construction Phase

Stage

Monitoring Task

Frequency

Report

Approval

Construction

Monitor implementation of proposed mitigation measures during the construction stage.

Bi-weekly

ET to report on Contractor’s compliance

Counter-signed by IEC

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, mitigation measures were proposed in the WKCD EIA report to minimise the landscape and visual impacts during the construction phase. The proposed mitigation measures as shown in Table 9.1 and Table 9.2 of the EM&A Manual should be checked for proper implementation.

3        Monitoring Results

3.1             Impact Monitoring

Air quality, noise and landscape and visual impact monitoring was undertaken in compliance with the EM&A Manual during the reporting month.

3.2             Air Quality Monitoring

3.2.1         1-hour TSP

Results of 1-hour TSP are summarised in Table 3.1. Graphical plots of the monitoring results are shown in Appendix G.

Table 3.1:         Summary of 1-hour TSP monitoring results

Monitoring Station

Monitoring Date

Start Time

1-hour TSP (μg/m3)

Range (μg/m3)

Action Level (μg/m3)

Limit Level (μg/m3)

1st Result

2nd Result

3rd Result

AM3A

04-Dec-20

8:27

57

51

53

46-77

280.4

500

10-Dec-20

14:13

52

58

60

16-Dec-20

8:31

51

46

49

22-Dec-20

14:14

70

77

74

28-Dec-20

8:23

55

59

50

AM4A

04-Dec-20

8:35

52

55

49

45-78

278.5

500

10-Dec-20

14:21

59

54

57

16-Dec-20

8:39

45

50

54

22-Dec-20

14:22

78

72

69

28-Dec-20

8:31

49

52

54

AM5A

04-Dec-20

8:50

50

58

55

46-77

275.4

500

10-Dec-20

14:38

55

51

53

16-Dec-20

8:54

54

52

46

22-Dec-20

14:39

71

75

77

28-Dec-20

8:46

58

55

49

3.2.2         24-hour TSP

Results of 24-hour TSP are summarised in Table 3.2. Graphical plots of the monitoring results are shown in Appendix G.

Table 3.2:         Summary of 24-hour TSP monitoring results

Monitoring Station

Monitoring Date

Start Time

Monitoring Results (μg/m3)

Range (μg/m3)

Action Level (μg/m3)

Limit Level (μg/m3)

AM3A

04-Dec-20

10:00

56.7

45.5-68.9

152.4

260

10-Dec-20

10:00

62.0

16-Dec-20

10:00

45.5

22-Dec-20

10:00

68.9

28-Dec-20

10:00

54.9

AM4A

04-Dec-20

10:00

50.2

50.2-71.5

152.6

260

10-Dec-20

10:00

60.3

16-Dec-20

10:00

51.9

22-Dec-20

10:00

71.5

28-Dec-20

10:00

50.5

AM5A

04-Dec-20

10:00

48.1

43.2-66.6

141.1

260

10-Dec-20

10:00

58.0

16-Dec-20

10:00

43.2

22-Dec-20

10:00

66.6

28-Dec-20

10:00

52.9

No exceedance of 1-hour and 24-hour TSP (Action or Limit Level) was recorded in the reporting period.

3.3             Noise Monitoring

The construction noise monitoring results are summarized in Table 3.3. Graphical plots of the monitoring data and the station set-up as façade and free-field measurements are shown in Appendix G.

Table 3.3:         Summary of noise monitoring results during normal weekdays

Monitoring

Stations

Monitoring Date

Start Time

End Time

Leq (30 mins) dB(A)

Limit Level for Leq (dB(A))

NM2A

04-Dec-20

08:27

08:57

63.9

75

10-Dec-20

14:13

14:43

63.6

16-Dec-20

08:31

09:01

63.3

22-Dec-20

14:14

14:44

62.9

28-Dec-20

08:23

08:53

63.5

NM3A

04-Dec-20

09:57

10:27

73.4

75

10-Dec-20

15:46

16:16

73.8

16-Dec-20

10:01

10:31

74.1

22-Dec-20

15:47

16:17

73.9

28-Dec-20

09:53

10:23

74.1

NM4A

04-Dec-20

10:32

11:02

68.0

70/65^#

10-Dec-20

16:21

16:51

67.7

16-Dec-20

10:36

11:06

68.1

22-Dec-20

16:22

16:52

67.9

28-Dec-20

10:28

10:58

67.6

NM5A*

04-Dec-20

09:17

09:47

64.2

75

10-Dec-20

15:05

15:35

64.9

16-Dec-20

09:21

09:51

63.5

22-Dec-20

15:06

15:36

64.3

28-Dec-20

09:13

09:43

65.3

Remarks:

* +3dB (A) correction was applied to free-field measurement.

^ 70 dB(A) for schools and 65 dB(A) during school examination periods. 

# No school examination was conducted during the reporting period.

One Action Level exceedance due to one complaint with no Limit Level exceedance of construction noise was recorded in the reporting month.

Construction works were extended to 1900-2300 hours on 1 to 5 December, 7 to 12 December, 14 to 19 December, 21 to 24 December, and 28-31 December 2020 and to holidays on 6 and 25, to 27 December 2020. In accordance with the EM&A Manual, additional monitoring was carried out during the restricted hours on 4, 6, 10, 16, 22, 27 and 28 December 2020. The Leq (5 mins) is in the range of 54.3-69.9 dB(A). Construction Noise Permits for the works carried out during restricted hours were obtained and listed in Table 4.2.

One noise related environmental complaint was received during the reporting period and noise levels recorded during the monitoring period were below the limit level.

3.4             Landscape and Visual Impact

Landscape and visual impact inspections were conducted as part of the weekly site inspections on 10 and 24 December 2020 for Zone 2A during the reporting month. As reviewed by the registered Landscape Architect, no adverse comment on landscape and visual aspects was made during these inspections.

The landscape and visual mitigation measures were implemented during the reporting period. The summary of implementation status of the environmental mitigation measures is provided in Appendix J.

 

4        Site Environmental Management

4.1             Site Inspection

Construction phase weekly site inspections were carried out on 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 December 2020. The joint site inspection with IEC, ET, ER and Contractor was held on 17 December 2020. All observations have been recorded in the site inspection checklist and passed to the Contractor together with the appropriate recommended mitigation measures where necessary. The key observations from the site inspections and associated recommendations are summarized in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1:         Summary of Site Inspections and Recommendations for Zone 2A

Inspection Date

Parameter

Observation / Recommendation

Contactor’s Responses / Action(s) Undertaken

Close-out (Date)

03-Dec-20

Air Quality

Dusty haul road was observed. Contractor was reminded to implement more frequent dust suppression measures.

The contractor has sprayed water on road regularly to supress dust.

03-Dec-20

03-Dec-20

Air Quality

Idle stockpile was found on site. Contractor was reminded to cover it with impervious sheeting or removed it from the site.

The contractor has removed the stockpile from the site.

04-Dec-20

03-Dec-20

Noise

Noise barrier are suggested to cover the plant as far as possible.

The contractor has provided more noise barriers to cover the plant as far as possible minimise construction noise impact.

05- Dec-20

03-Dec-20

Water Quality

Muddy water was observed in the U-channel. Contractor was reminded to pump the wastewater to the treatment facility.

The contractor has pumped the muddy water to the treatment facility.

04-Dec-20

10-Dec-20

Noise

Noise barrier are suggested to cover the plant as far as possible.

The contractor has provided more noise barriers to minimise construction noise impact.

12- Dec-20

10-Dec-20

Water Quality

The contractor was reminded to prevent the mud from entering the U-channel.

The contractor has provided obstacle to prevent mud entering the U-channel.

12-Dec-20

17-Dec-20

Air Quality

Idle stockpile was found on site. Contractor was reminded to cover it with impervious sheeting or removed it from the site.

The contractor has removed the stockpile from the site.

18-Dec-20

17-Dec-20

Air Quality

Dusty haul road was observed. Contractor was reminded to implement more frequent dust suppression measures.

The contractor has sprayed water on road regularly to supress dust.

17-Dec-20

24-Dec-20

Noise

The contractor was reminded to pull up the noise barriers above the water filled barriers to improve the noise insulation.

The contractor has pulled up the noise barriers above the water filled barriers to improve noise insulation.

26-Dec-20

24-Dec-20

Water Quality

Stockpile was found without proper cover. Contractor was reminded to cover it with impervious sheeting or removed it from the site.

The stockpile was fully covered by impervious sheet.

24-Dec-20

24-Dec-20

Water Quality

The contractor was reminded to provide barrier to avoid muddy water flow out from the working area.

The contractor has confined the working area to prevent muddy water flow out.

24-Dec-20

31-Dec-20

Air Quality

Idle stockpile was found on site. Contractor was reminded to cover it with impervious sheeting or removed it from the site.

The contractor has removed the stockpile from the site.

04-Jan-21

31-Dec-20

Noise

The contractor was reminded to pull up the noise barriers above the water filled barriers to improve the noise insulation.

The contractor has pulled up the noise barriers above the water filled barriers to improve noise insulation.

04-Jan-21

31-Dec-20

Water Quality

The contractor was suggested to provide higher soil bunding near the U-channel.

The contractor has provided soil bunding near the U-channel.

06-Jan-21

FEHD site inspection was conducted on 8 December 2020. General site condition was inspection. No adverse comment was made.

4.2             Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status

The Contractors have been registered as a chemical waste producer for the Project. Construction and demolition (C&D) material sorting will be carried out on site. A sufficient number of receptacles were available for general refuse collection.

As advised by the Contractor, 13.18 tonnes, 83.11 tonnes, 6608.61 tonnes of inert C&D material were disposed of as public fill to Chai Wan Public Fill Barging Point, Tseung Kwan O Area 137 Public Fill, and Tuen Mun Area 38 Public Fill respectively, while 11.75 tonnes of general refuse were disposed of at SENT landfill. 0.0 tonne of metals, 0.0 tonne of paper/cardboard packaging, 0.0 tonne of plastics and 0.0 tonne of timber was collected by recycling contractors in the reporting month. 510.59 tonnes of inert C&D material were reused on site. 1675.21 tonnes of inert C&D material were reused in other projects and 51.51 tonnes of inert C&D material was imported for reuse at site in the reporting month. 0.0 tonne of inert C&D material was disposed to sorting facility and 0.0 tonne of chemical waste was collected by licensed contractors in the reporting period.

The cumulative waste generation records for Zone 2A are shown in Appendix I.

4.3             Status of Environmental Licenses and Permits

The environmental permits, licenses, and/or notifications on environmental protection for this Project which were valid during the period are summarised in Table 4.2.

Table 4.2:         Status of Environmental Submissions, Licenses and Permits for Zone 2A

Permit / License No.

/ Notification /

Reference No.

Valid Period

Status

Remarks

From

To

Chemical Waste Producer Registration

WPN5113-256-B2597-01

10-Sep-20

--

Valid

--

Billing Account Construction Waste Disposal

7037500

09-Jun-20

--

Account Active

--

Construction Noise Permit

GW-RE-0944-20

11-Nov-20

10-Dec-20

Valid in the reporting period

Piling Works

GW-RE-1040-20

11-Dec-20

10-Jan-21

Valid

Piling Works

Wastewater Discharge License

457581

--

--

Under EPD Approval

--

Notification under Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation

456376

21-May-20

--

Notified

--

Permit to Dump Material at sea under Dumping at Sea Ordinance

461895

--

--

Under EPD Approval

--

4.4             Recommended Mitigation Measures

The EM&A programme followed the recommended mitigation measures in the EM&A Manual. The EM&A requirements as well as the summary of implementation status of the environmental mitigation measures are provided in Appendix J. In particular, the following mitigation measures were brought to attention during the site inspections:

Air Quality

    Maintain water spraying for active construction area and main haul road.

    Stockpile should be fully covered while not in use or removed from the site.

Noise Control

    Provide more noise barrier to cover the plant as far as possible to minimise construction noise impact.

    Noise barrier should be erected properly to enhance proper function to minimise the noise impact to the surrounding environment.

Temporary Water Drainage System & Water Quality

    The temporary drainage system should be updated with the site condition.

    U-channel should be cleaned regularly.

    The water treatment facilities should be cleaned regularly to maintain proper function.

    Provide barrier to avoid muddy water flow out from the working area.

    Open stockpiles should be fully covered with tarpaulin or similar fabric while not in use to prevent the washing away of materials into any drainage system.

 

5        Compliance with Environmental Permit

The status of the required submission under the EP during the reporting period is summarized in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1:         Status of Submissions under the Environmental Permit

EP Condition

Submission

Submission Date

Condition 3.4

Monthly EM&A Report for November 2020

14 December 2020

 

6        Report in Non-compliance, Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

6.1             Record on Non-compliance of Action and Limit Levels

There was no breach of Action or Limit Levels for Air Quality in the reporting month.

One Action Level exceedance due to one complaint with no Limit Level exceedance of construction noise monitoring in the reporting month.

6.2             Record on Environmental Complaints Received

One environmental complaint was recorded in the reporting month.

An environmental complaint in relation to WKCD construction activities was referred by EPD. On 10 December 2020, EPD sent a photo taken by the public complainant showing the drilling machine installed at WKCD site area. EPD officer requested to advise the type of Powered Mechanical Equipment (PME) adopted and any noise mitigation measure was adopted in the photo.

After investigation, it is noticed that the PME shown on attached photo to the complaint was a drilling machine located at WKCD-Zone 2A site. However, the drilling machine is not included in list of QPMEs in Table 14.4.14 of the EIA Report (Register No.: AEIAR-178/2013). As recommended in Appendices 4.10a to 4.10i, and Table 14.4.15 of the EIA Report (Register No.: AEIAR-178/2013), the drilling rig has been set with noise insulating fabric as noise mitigation measure to screen noise. In addition, the drilling rig is set and operated with an enclosure for both dust and noise reduction. In this regard, the noise mitigation measures have been implemented to minimize construction noise impact in accordance with the Section 2.7 of the Environmental Permit (EP-453/2013/B). Also, the drilling machine is operated in daytime only.

The Contractor has also displayed QPME labels for generators and air compressors to show the commitment to the noise reduction on site. In addition, noise barriers are implemented to enhance the noise reduction during construction activities. Nonetheless, the Contractor is recommended to maintain good practice on site, and strengthen the implementation of noise mitigation measures to reduce impacts to the nearby residents.

The cumulative statistics on complaints were provided in Appendix K.

6.3             Record on Notifications of Summons and Successful Prosecution

No notifications of summons or successful prosecutions were received this month. The cumulative statistics on notifications of summons and successful prosecutions were provided in Appendix K.

7        Future Key Issues

7.1             Construction Works for the Coming Month(s)

    Grouting Curtain Works (Trial 1 & Trial 2)

    Trial Grouting (Trial 1 & Trial 2)

    Bored Pile Works

    Bored Pile Construction

    ELS (Stage 1)

    King Post

    Grouting Works

    Pipe Pile Construction

7.2             Key Issues for the Coming Month

Key issues to be considered in the coming month include:

     Generation of dust from construction works;

     Noise impact from piling works;

     Generation of site surface runoffs and wastewater from activities on-site;

     Management of stockpiles and slopes, particularly on rainy days;

     Sorting, recycling, storage and disposal of general refuse and construction waste; and

     Management of chemicals and avoidance of oil spillage on-site.

 

7.3             Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Month

The environmental site inspection and environmental monitoring will be continued in the coming month. Impact monitoring for air quality and noise in accordance with the approved EM&A Manual has commenced since 3 October 2020 for Zone 2A. The tentative monitoring schedule for the coming month is shown in the Appendix E.

 

8        Conclusions and Recommendations

8.1             Conclusions

The EM&A programme as recommended in the EM&A Manual has been undertaken with the commencement of the construction activities at Zone 2A on 3 October 2020.

Monitoring of air quality and noise with respect to the Projects is underway. In particular, the 1-hour TSP, 24-hour TSP, noise level (as Leq, 30 minutes) under monitoring have been checked against established Action and Limit levels. There was no breach of Action and Limit Levels for 1-hour TSP, 24-hour TSP in the reporting month. One Action Level exceedance due to one complaint with no Limit Level exceedance of construction noise was recorded in the reporting month.

One environmental complaint was recorded in the reporting month. No notifications of summons or successful prosecutions were received during the reporting month.

Weekly construction phase site inspections and bi-weekly landscape and visual impact inspections were conducted during the reporting month as required. It was observed that the Contractors had implemented all possible and feasible mitigation measures to mitigate the potential environmental impacts during construction phase works.

8.2             Recommendations

Potential environmental impacts due to the construction activities, including air quality, noise, water quality, waste, landscape and visual, will be monitored or reviewed. The recommended environmental mitigation measures shall be implemented on site and regular inspections as required will be carried out to ensure that the environmental conditions are acceptable.