Contents

Executive summary

1       Introduction

1.1      Background

1.2      Project Organisation

1.3      Environmental Status in the Reporting Period

2       Summary of EM&A Requirements and Mitigation Measures

2.1      Monitoring Requirements

2.2      Environmental Mitigation Measures

3       Summary of EM&A Results

3.1      Monitoring Data

3.2      Monitoring Exceedances

3.2.1         1-hour TSP Monitoring

3.2.2         24-hour TSP Monitoring

3.2.3         Construction Noise Monitoring

3.2.4         Landscape and Visual Monitoring

4       Waste Management

4.1      Zone 2A

4.2      Zone 2B & 2C

5       Environmental Non-conformance

6       Comments, Recommendations and Conclusion

6.1      Comments

6.2      Recommendations

6.3      Conclusion

Figure 1      Site Layout Plan and Monitoring Stations

Appendices

A.      Project Organisation

B.      Construction Programme

C.      Environmental Mitigation Measures – Implementation Status

D.      Meteorological Data Extracted from Hong Kong Observatory

E.      Graphical Plots of the Monitoring Results

F.      Waste Flow table

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

 

  


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        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, 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.

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             Environmental Status in the Reporting Period

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.

 

 

 

2        Summary of EM&A Requirements and Mitigation Measures

2.1             Monitoring Requirements

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.

 

 

 

3        Summary of EM&A Results

3.1             Monitoring Data

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

3.2             Monitoring Exceedances

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

3.2.1         1-hour TSP Monitoring

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.

3.2.2         24-hour TSP Monitoring

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.

3.2.3         Construction Noise Monitoring

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.

3.2.4         Landscape and Visual Monitoring

All landscape and visual impact inspections were conducted as scheduled in the reporting quarter. No adverse comment on landscape and visual aspects were recorded.

 

 

 

4        Waste Management

4.1        Zone 2A

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.

4.2        Zone 2B & 2C

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.

5        Environmental Non-conformance

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.

 

 

6        Comments, Recommendations and Conclusion

6.1             Comments

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.

6.2             Recommendations

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.

6.3             Conclusion

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.