Executive
summary
This Quarterly EM&A Report
presents the monitoring works conducted at Zone 2A from 1 August 2021 to 31
October 2021 and at Zone 2B & 2C from 30 September 2021 to 31 October 2021.
The impact stage EM&A
programme for the Project includes air quality, noise, water quality, waste,
landscape and visual monitoring. The recommended environmental mitigation
measures were implemented on site and regular inspections were carried out to
ensure that the environmental conditions are acceptable.
The EM&A programme was
carried out by the ET in accordance with the EM&A Manual requirements. It
is concluded from the environmental monitoring and audit works that adequate
environmental mitigation measures have been implemented by the contractors
where appropriate in the reporting quarter.
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 the reporting quarter.
One Action Level exceedance due to one complaint with no Limit Level
exceedance of Construction Noise was recorded in the reporting quarter.
Implementation of Mitigation Measures
Construction phase weekly site inspections
were carried out to confirm the implementation measures undertaken by the
Contractors in the reporting quarter. The status of implementation of
mitigation measures during the reporting quarter is shown in Appendix C.
Landscape and visual impact inspections were conducted as part of
the above-mentioned weekly site inspections during the reporting quarter. No
adverse comment on landscape and visual aspects were made during these
inspections.
Record of
Complaints
Six environmental complaints were received during the reporting quarter.
Record of Notifications of Summons and Successful Prosecutions
No notifications of summons and successful prosecutions were recorded
in the reporting quarter.
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,
consisting of Foundation, Excavation and Lateral Support Works for Integrated
Basement and Underground Road (Contract No.: GW/2020/05/073) ; and Zone 2B
& 2C consisting of Piling Works for Integrated Basement and Underground
Road (Contract No.: CC/2020/2B/088) at WKCD. The major construction works and
EM&A programme for Zone 2A and Zone 2B & 2C commenced on 3 October 2020
and 30 September 2021 respectively.
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 purpose of the development in Zone
2A and Zone 2B & 2C 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 Zone 2B & 2C construction
activities involve the piling works.
The Quarterly EM&A Report is
prepared in accordance with the Clause 3.4 of the Environmental Permit No.
EP-453/2013/B. This Quarterly EM&A Report presents the monitoring works at Zone 2A from 1 August 2021 to 31 October 2021 and at Zone 2B & 2C from 30
September 2021 to 31 October 2021. The purpose of this report is to summarise the findings in the EM&A
of the project over the reporting period.
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.
During the reporting period,
construction works at Zone 2A undertaken include:
Zone 2A-1
● Grouting Works (Trial 1)
–
Install Pump Wells
– Pumping
Test
● ELS (Stage 1) – Grouting / Pipe Pile Works
–
King Post & Erection of Steel Column for
Working Platform
● Socketed
H-Pile Works
–
Remaining Socketed H-Pile Works
● Bored Pile Works
–
Bored Pile Construction
Zone 2A-2
● Bored Pile Works
– Additional
Bored Pile Construction
● ELS (Stage 1) – Grouting / Pipe Pile Works
–
King Post
–
Stage 1a & 1b Grouting
–
Pipe Pile Construction
During the reporting period, construction works
at Zone 2B & 2C undertaken include:
Stage (4-1)
● Bored Pile Works
–
Predrilling
Section 1, Section
2, Section 3, Section 4, Section 5
●
Bored Pile Works
–
Predrilling
The Construction Works Programme of the
Project is provided in Appendix B. A
layout plan of the Project is provided in Figure 1.
In accordance with the EM&A Manual,
environmental parameters including air quality, noise, landscape and visual have
been monitored. The specific parameters, monitoring frequency and the
respective Action and Limit levels are given in Table 2.1. Locations of the
monitoring stations are provided in Figure 1.
Table 2.1: Summary
of Impact EM&A Requirements
|
Parameters
|
Descriptions
|
Locations
|
Frequencies
|
Action
level
|
Limit
level
|
|
Air Quality
|
24-Hour TSP
|
AM3 - The Victoria Towers Tower 1
|
At
least once every 6 days
|
152.4 μg/m3
|
260
μg/m3
|
|
1-Hour TSP
|
AM3 - The Victoria Towers Tower 1
|
At
least 3 times every 6 days
|
280.4 μg/m3
|
500
μg/m3
|
|
24-Hour
TSP
|
AM4
- Canton Road Government Primary School
|
At
least once every 6 days
|
152.6 μg/m3
|
260
μg/m3
|
|
1-Hour
TSP
|
AM4
- Canton Road Government Primary School
|
At
least 3 times every 6 days
|
278.5 μg/m3
|
500
μg/m3
|
|
24-Hour
TSP
|
AM5
- Topside Developments at West Kowloon Terminus Site
|
At
least once every 6 days
|
141.1 μg/m3
|
260
μg/m3
|
|
1-Hour
TSP
|
AM5
- Topside Developments at West Kowloon Terminus Site
|
At
least 3 times every 6 days
|
275.4 μg/m3
|
500
μg/m3
|
|
Noise
|
Leq,
30 minutes
|
NM2 - The Arch, Sun Tower
|
Weekly
|
When one documented complaint is received
from any one of the sensitive receivers
|
75
dB(A)
|
|
Leq,
30 minutes
|
NM3 - The Victoria Towers Tower 1
|
Weekly
|
When one documented complaint is received
from any one of the sensitive receivers
|
75
dB(A)
|
|
Leq,
30 minutes
|
NM4 - Canton Road Government Primary
School
|
Weekly
|
When one documented complaint is received
from any one of the sensitive receivers
|
70/65
dB(A)^
|
|
Leq,
30 minutes
|
NM5 -Development next to Austin Station
|
Weekly
|
When one documented complaint is received
from any one of the sensitive receivers
|
75
dB(A)
|
|
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
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Note:
^70 dB(A) for schools
and 65 dB(A) during school examination periods.
The EM&A programme
for the Project require 5 air monitoring stations and 5 noise 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, AM2 for air
monitoring, and NM1 for noise monitoring. In the context of the construction
activities in Zone 2A and Zone 2B & 2C, all other monitoring locations
including AM3, AM4, and AM5 for air monitoring; and NM2, NM3, NM4 and NM5 for
noise monitoring, have been taken into account.
However, access to all these originally designated monitoring stations was
declined. Therefore, alternative monitoring stations was identified and
proposed.
With regard to air monitoring, alternative
monitoring locations (AM3A, AM4A, and AM5A) were identified at ground floor at
the Northeast corner of West Kowloon Station’s station box, at ground floor at
the Southeast corner of West Kowloon Station’s station box, and at ground floor
at the North of West Kowloon Station’s station box respectively. AM3A, AM4A,
and AM5A were set in same direction to the area of major construction site
activities in Zone 2A0. These alternative air monitoring locations (AM3A, AM4A,
and AM5A) were approved by EPD on 29 September 2020.
For noise monitoring, alternative noise monitoring
location (NM2A) was identified at the ground floor in front of The Arch - Sun
Tower, which is at the same location as stated in the EM&A Manual for
consistency. This alternative noise monitoring location was approved by EPD on
29 September 2020. Other alternative noise monitoring locations (NM3A, NM4A,
and NM5A) were identified at the ground floor in front of the Xiqu Centre, at the ground floor next to Tsim Sha Tsui Fire Station, and
at the Pedestrian road (ground floor) outside West Kowloon Station respectively.
NM3A, NM4A and NM5A were 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. These alternative noise monitoring locations (NM3A,
NM4A, and NM5A) were approved by EPD on 29 September 2020.
Therefore, 3 air quality monitoring stations and 4
noise impact monitoring station were confirmed for the impact monitoring for
construction activities in Zone 2A and Zone 2B & 2C.
2.2
Environmental Mitigation Measures
Environmental mitigation measures have been recommended in the
EM&A Manual. Summary of implementation status of the environmental
mitigation measures is provided in Appendix C.
In accordance with the EM&A Manual, impact
monitoring has been conducted in the reporting quarter. Meteorological data for
the reporting quarter have been extracted from Hong Kong Observatory and
presented in Appendix D.
Monitoring data with graphical presentation for the reporting quarter are shown
in Appendix E.
A summary on the monitoring results are presented in Table 3.1.
Table 3.1: Summary
of Monitoring Data
|
Parameter
|
Monitoring Location
|
Minimum
|
Maximum
|
Average
|
|
Air Quality
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
hour
TSP
|
AM3A
|
32
|
83
|
51
|
|
1
hour
TSP
|
AM4A
|
32
|
81
|
52
|
|
1
hour
TSP
|
AM5A
|
32
|
83
|
53
|
|
24
hour
TSP
|
AM3A
|
31
|
76
|
48
|
|
24
hour
TSP
|
AM4A
|
31
|
79
|
49
|
|
24
hour
TSP
|
AM5A
|
31
|
78
|
49
|
|
Construction Noise
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leq(30min)
|
NM2A
|
58
|
58
|
58
|
|
Leq(30min)
|
NM3A
|
69
|
71
|
70
|
|
Leq(30min)
|
NM4A
|
68
|
69
|
68
|
|
Leq(30min)
|
NM5A
|
65
|
67
|
66
|
Summary of the exceedances in the reporting
quarter is tabulated in Table 3.2.
Table 3.2: Summary
of Exceedances
|
Monitoring
Station
|
Parameter
|
No. of Exceedance
|
Action Taken
|
|
Action
Level
|
Limit
Level
|
|
Air
Quality
|
|
|
|
|
|
AM3A
|
1
hour TSP
|
0
|
0
|
N/A
|
|
24
hour TSP
|
0
|
0
|
N/A
|
|
AM4A
|
1
hour TSP
|
0
|
0
|
N/A
|
|
24
hour TSP
|
0
|
0
|
N/A
|
|
AM5A
|
1
hour TSP
|
0
|
0
|
N/A
|
|
24
hour TSP
|
0
|
0
|
N/A
|
|
Construction
Noise
|
|
|
|
|
|
NM2A
|
Leq(30min)
|
1 exceedance due to
one complaint
|
0
|
Strengthen
the implementation of noise mitigation measures
|
|
NM3A
|
Leq(30min)
|
0
|
|
NM4A
|
Leq(30min)
|
0
|
|
NM5A
|
Leq(30min)
|
0
|
All 1-hour TSP monitoring was conducted as scheduled in the
reporting quarter. No Action/ Limit Level exceedance of 1-hour TSP for Air
Quality was recorded.
All 24-hour TSP monitoring was conducted as scheduled in the
reporting quarter. No Action/ Limit Level exceedance of 24-hour TSP for Air
Quality was recorded.
All construction noise monitoring was
conducted as scheduled in the reporting quarter. One Action Level exceedances (due to one noise complaint related to
Zone 2A) with no Limit Level exceedance of Noise was recorded in the reporting
quarter.
All landscape and visual impact inspections were conducted as
scheduled in the reporting quarter. No adverse comment on landscape and visual
aspects were recorded.
As advised by the Contractor, 35.81 tonnes, 1538.68 tonnes, 9483.62 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 respectively in the reporting quarter, while 48.96 tonnes of general refuse were
disposed of at SENT landfill. 10.70
tonnes of metals, 0.0 tonne of paper/cardboard packaging, 0.0 tonne of plastic
and 0.0 tonne of timber were collected by recycling contractors in the
reporting quarter. 0.0 tonne of inert C&D materials were reused on site. 0.0
tonne of fill materials were imported for use at site and 1275.76 tonnes of
inert C&D materials was reused in other projects. 0.0 tonne of inert
C&D materials was disposed to sorting facility and 1.00 tonnes of
chemical wastes was collected by licensed contractors in the reporting quarter.
As
advised by the Zone 2B & 2C Contractor, 22.58 tonnes of inert C&D
material were disposed of at Tuen Mun Area 38 in the reporting
quarter, while 13.19 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
quarter. 37.75 tonnes of inert C&D material were reused on site. 0.0 tonne
of inert C&D material was imported for reuse at site and 0.0 tonne of inert
C&D material were reused in other projects. 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 quarter.
The actual amounts of different
types of waste generated by the activities of construction works at Zone 2A and
Zone 2B & 2C in the reporting quarter are shown in Appendix F.
There was no
breach of Action or Limit levels for Air Quality (1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP)
in the reporting quarter.
One Action
Level exceedance due to one complaint with no Limit Level exceedance of Construction
Noise was recorded in the reporting quarter.
Six
complaints were received in the reporting quarter. No notifications
of summons and successful prosecutions were received in the reporting quarter.
The first complaint was received on 2 August
2021. WKCDA received a complaint from the office of Mr. Derek hung (YTMDC
member) regarding noise generated from WKCD construction site. The complainant
has expressed concern about the construction noise between 19 and 31 July 2021,
especially before 9am on 21 & 31 July 2021 (Wed & Sat). The complainant
understands that the working hours permitted by the government is 7am - 7pm,
except public holidays. However, he/she and Derek Hung would like to seek if
the noise disturbance could be reduced before 9am. Video shot was taken by the
complainant on 31 July 2021 to show the evidence of noise generated from WKCD
construction site. Investigation result revealed that the identified major
noise source by the complainant over 19-31 July 2021, was not from WKCD Zone 2A
site (Zone 2B & 2C project was not commenced at that time). Thereby, the
complaint might not be attributable to the Zone 2A site. However, the Contractor is recommended to maintain good practice on site, and
strengthen the implementation of noise mitigation measures to reduce impacts to
the nearby neighbors.
The
second complaint was received on 19 August
2021. WKCDA has received a complaint from the
Office of Mr. Derek Hung (YTMDC member) regarding noise generated from WKCD
construction site. The complainant has expressed concern about the construction
noise before 9am on 18 & 19 August 2021. The complainant understands that
the working hours permitted by the government is 7am - 7pm, except public
holidays. However, he/she and Mr. Derek Hung would like to seek if the noise
disturbance could be reduced before 9am. Video shot was taken by the
complainant on 18 & 19 August 2021 to show the evidence of noise generated
from WKCD construction site. After carrying out the investigation with the
contractors, the noise source before 9am on 18 & 19
August 2021 might be from the site clearance and preparation activities carried
out on Zone 2B & 2C site for safe logistic operations on the main haul
road. As such, the complaint might be attributable to Zone 2B & 2C site. In
response, the Contractor has promptly implemented noise mitigation measures on
site to minimize the noise impact on neighbors. On the other hand, although the
site clearance and preparation activities on Zone 2B & 2C site in this time
interval (before 9am) is in compliance with the local regulation, the
Contractor has been recommended to avoid noisy works before 9am as practicable
as possible (as expected by the complainant) to prevent disturbance to nearby
residents.
The third
complaint was referred by EPD on 20 August 2021. EPD has received a complaint
regarding dust emission generated from WKCD Zone 2A site. The complainant has
expressed concern of construction dust generated by rock breaking work at B1/F
of Zone 2A site without proper dust mitigation measures. As a response,
dust control measures on B1/F of Zone 2A site have been improved and properly
maintained on site. Moreover, existing dust control measures have been properly
maintained and will continue to be strictly implemented on site (through
trainings to frontline staff, apply water spray on rock breaking works, water
spraying at working area to suppress dust, dust monitoring with no exceedance).
Nonetheless, the Contractor is recommended to maintain good practice on site,
and strengthen the implementation of dust mitigation measures to reduce impacts
to the nearby neighbors.
The
fourth complaint was received on 27 August
2021. WKCDA has received a complaint from the Office of Mr. Derek Hung (YTMDC
member) and WKCDA Enquiry Hotline regarding noise generated from WKCD
construction site. The complainant has expressed concern about the pile driving
noise on 27 August 2021 at the construction site next to the Lyric Theatre. The
complainant claimed that she could hear the noise from 08:00 to 18:00 even when
the windows are closed. The complainant would like to enquire when the pile
driving works will be completed. After carrying out the investigation with
the contractors, the most plausible noise source might be the demolition
of ex-MTR storage shed and concrete footing removal for site clearance and
preparation on WKCD Zone 2B & 2C site (which is located nearby and close to
Lyric Complex site as specified by the complainant). The complaint might be
therefore attributable to Zone 2B & 2C site. In response, prompt action has
been taken to erect noise barrier on site for these clearance and preparation
works. Noise measurement and monitoring were carried out nearby the Harbourside
with no exceedance. The Contractors has been recommended to avoid noisy
activities before 9am, maintain good practice on site, and strengthen the
implementation of noise mitigation measures to reduce impacts to the nearby neighbors.
The fifth complaint
was referred by
EPD on 12 October 2021. Refer to photos provided by the complainant,
water discharge was spotted at the waterbody of Victoria Harbour near WKCD
construction site on 8 October 2021. Reminder was given by EPD to the main
contractors of the WKCD construction sites to take all necessary measures to
prevent water discharging from the construction sites into the nearby marine
water. After carrying out the investigation with the
contractors, on 8 October 2021, existing mitigation measures were properly maintained
on both Zone 2A and Zone 2B & 2C sites. However, due to the extreme weather
condition on 08 October 2021, it might be possible that rainwater from upper
stream of adjacent sites has breached through the sandbags system next to the
seafront. The other possible source is the upper stream water from the
stormwater outlet near the pier of Tsim Sha Tsui Fire Station at the Victoria Harbor.
Thereby, the complaint might be possibly attributable to Zone 2 sites.
Subsequently, prompt actions have been taken to improve the seafront site
boundary, and avoid surface water leakage from the site during the following
typhoon – Kompasu. Nonetheless, the Contractors are
recommended to strictly maintain good site practices to avoid surface water
flowing into to the waterbody of Victoria Harbour.
The sixth complaint
was referred by EPD on 27 October 2021. As shown in the video and photos taken by the
complainant around 9pm on 25 October 2021, construction activity was found at
WKCD Zone 2A site. The complainant has also expressed concern about the
construction noise generated from 9am to 9pm even on Sunday. Investigation
result reveal that the noise source might be possibly from the mobile crane and
generator operation for pile extraction works in WKCD Zone 2A site. However,
the mobile crane and generator have been labelled as QPME by EPD. During the
construction works in nighttime (i.e. 19:00 to 21:00)
on 25 October 2021, only one single group of PME was used and the work process
fully complied with permitted time. In addition, noise mitigation measures have
already been implemented and properly maintained on site. No construction work
was conducted after permitted time (i.e. 23:00) on 25 October 2021 in WKCD Zone
2A site. On the other hand, no construction work was carried out in nighttime in Zone 2B & 2C site and Sundays in Zone 2A,
2B & 2C site in October 2021. Moreover, noise measurement and monitoring
were carried out with no exceedance. Nonetheless, the Contractors are
recommended to maintain good practice on site, and strengthen the
implementation of noise mitigation measures to reduce impacts to the neighbors.
The cumulative statistics
on complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions were
provided in Appendix G.
Based on the observations made during site audits and landscape
inspections, and construction dust and noise monitoring results, no
non-compliances and exceedances of air quality and construction were recorded
in the reporting quarter.
Reviewing the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures
in the EM&A Manual, it was observed that they were effective and efficient
in controlling the potential impacts due to construction of the project during
the reporting period. Review of the effectiveness and efficiency of the
EM&A programme will continue, and recommendations will be provided to
remediate any potential impacts due to the project and to improve the EM&A
programme if deficiencies of the existing EM&A programme are identified.
The EM&A programme as recommended in the EM&A Manual has
been undertaken since the construction works of Zone 2A and 2B & 2C
commenced on 3
October 2020 and 30
September 2021 respectively.
Monitoring of air quality and noise with respect to the
Project 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 or Limit levels for Air Quality (1-hour
TSP and 24-hour TSP) in the reporting quarter. One Action Level exceedance due
to one complaint with no Limit Level exceedance of Construction Noise was
recorded in the reporting quarter.
Six complaints were
received in the reporting quarter. No notifications
of summons and successful prosecutions were received during the reporting
quarter.
Weekly
construction phase site inspections and bi-weekly landscape and visual impact
inspections were conducted during the reporting quarter as required. It was
observed that the Contractor had implemented all possible and feasible
mitigation measures to mitigate the potential environmental impacts during
construction phase works.
