Contents

Executive summary

This Quarterly EM&A Report presents the monitoring works at Lyric Theatre Complex conducted from 1 February 2022 to 30 April 2022. The construction works and EM&A programme for M+ Museum was commenced on 31 October 2015 and completed on 28 February 2021; while the construction works and EM&A programme for Lyric Theatre Complex (L1 and L2 Contracts) was commenced on 1 March 2016, and the EM&A programme for L1 Contract was completed on 30 June 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 and Limit levels for Air Quality (1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP) and Noise in this 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 abovementioned weekly site inspections during the reporting quarter. No adverse comment on landscape and visual aspects were made during these inspections.

Record of Complaints

Eleven 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

Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited (MMHK) was commissioned to undertake the Environmental Team (ET) services (including environmental monitoring and audit (EM&A)) for the construction of M+ Museum Main Works (Contract No.: CC/2015/3A/022) and Lyric Theatre Complex including the Foundation Works (Contract No.: CC/2015/3A/014), L1 Contract (Contract No. CC/2017/3A/030) and L2 Contract (Contract No. CC/2017/3A/031) at West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) (The Project) as part of the WKCD development. The Project Proponent is the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA). The construction works and EM&A programme for M+ Museum was commenced on 31 October 2015 and completed on 28 February 2021; while the construction works and EM&A programme for Lyric Theatre Complex (L1 and L2 Contracts) was commenced on 1 March 2016, and the EM&A programme for L1 Contract was completed on 30 June 2021.

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 also falls under this same category.

The M+ museum development aims to provide an iconic presence for the M+ museum, semi-transparent vertical plane, housing education facilities, a public restaurant and museum offices. At ground and lower levels, generous access will be provided to the park and other West Kowloon Cultural District facilities, alongside a public resource centre, theatres, retail and dining, and back-of-house functions.

The 1,200-seat Lyric Theatre Complex will be Hong Kong’s first world-class facility for dance performances, including ballet, contemporary and Chinese dance forms. In the run up to the opening of further major performing arts venues in the WKCD, it will also be used for a wide variety of performing arts events including drama, opera and musical performances. The Lyric Theatre Complex will act as a platform for Hong Kong’s leading arts organisations and be a new major venue to show programmes from Asia and worldwide.

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 conducted from 1 February 2022 to 30 April 2022. 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 Status of Construction Works in the Reporting Period

During the reporting period, construction works at L2 undertaken include:

● LTC construction

Structure (Slab, wall, columns and beam)

– Falsework and formwork erection

– Reinforcement work

– Concrete work

ABWF & MEP work

● ASDA and Lyric Theatre Promenade

– Structure and BS works

● DSC cofferdam (Cofferdam A)

– Backfilling

– Removal of S1 strut and trim down portion of pipe pile

● Extended basement

– ABWF & MEP work

– RC water tank

– RC duct slab (Forms/Rebar/Concrete)

– Carpark area plaster and paint

● Underpass and Associated Area

– RC Structure

– ABWF & MEP work

● M+ Day 2 Works

– Remove Plenum Block Wall & make good opening for Louvre

● P32 Interim Development

– Structure works (Scaffold/forms/rebar concrete)

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	AM1 - International Commerce Centre	At least once every 6 days	143.6 μg/m³	260 μg/m³
	1-Hour TSP	AM1 - International Commerce Centre	At least 3 times every 6 days	273.7 μg/m³	500 μg/m³
	24-Hour TSP	AM2 - The Harbourside Tower 1	At least once every 6 days	151.1 μg/m³	260 μg/m³
	1-Hour TSP	AM2 - The Harbourside Tower 1	At least 3 times every 6 days	274.2 μg/m³	500 μg/m³
Noise	Leq, 30 minutes	NM1- The Harbourside Tower 1	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

In the context of 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. Other monitoring locations were so far away from M+ Museum and the Lyric Complex and could not be representative for impact monitoring.

The Harbourside management office formally rejected our proposal of setting up air quality and noise monitoring equipment on its premises at the podium level of Tower 1 (AM2/NM1) on 10 November 2015. Nevertheless, a suitable air quality monitoring location at AM2 was identified on the ground floor in front of The Harbourside Tower 1, which is at the same location as that of baseline monitoring for consistency. No management approval is required on the ground floor for conducting the air monitoring. However, the electricity supply at AM2 was suspended from 31 August 2016. In order to have a more secure electricity supply, an alternative air monitoring location (AM2A) was identified at Austin Road West opposite to The Harbourside Tower 1, which is close to Lyric Theatre Complex site entrance. This alternative air monitoring location was approved by EPD on 28 September 2016. Due to the works programme, the air monitoring location AM2A has been relocated to the alternative monitoring location AM2B at the 1st floor of Gammon’s site office, which was approved by EPD on 21 February 2019. In view of the upcoming construction works to be undertaken at the air monitoring station AM2B, AM2B was no longer available for conducting the impact air quality monitoring. Hence, an alternative air monitoring location was identified on the ground floor in front of The Harbourside Tower 1 (AM2) which is at the same location as the baseline monitoring and this previously approved monitoring location had also been used for the EM&A Programme from November 2015 to August 2016, the relocation was approved by EPD on 27 May 2021.

Alternative noise monitoring location was identified at The Arch (NM2); however, The Arch management office formally rejected our proposal of setting up noise monitoring equipment on its premises on 23 November 2015. On the other hand, noise monitoring at G/F of Harbourside could not be representative. However, approval from the management office of the International Commerce Centre has been granted on 29 February 2016 for conducting noise monitoring at the alternative noise monitoring location identified at the podium floor (NM1A) which is free from screening to the construction activities.

In short, 2 air quality monitoring stations and 1 noise impact monitoring station were confirmed for the impact monitoring.

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

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 is presented in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1: Summary of Monitoring Data

Parameter	Monitoring Location	Minimum	Maximum	Average
Air Quality
1 hour TSP	AM1	14	74	36
1 hour TSP	AM2	23	82	46
24 hour TSP	AM1	3	47	29
24 hour TSP	AM2	10	52	34
Construction Noise
Leq(30min)	NM1A	67	69	68

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
Monitoring Station	Parameter	Action Level	Limit Level	Action Taken
Air Quality
AM1	1 hour TSP	0	0	N/A
AM1	24 hour TSP	0	0	N/A
AM2	1 hour TSP	0	0	N/A
AM2	24 hour TSP	0	0	N/A
Construction Noise
NM1A	Leq(30min)	0	0	N/A

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 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 was recorded.

3.2.3 Construction Noise Monitoring

All construction noise monitoring was conducted as scheduled in the reporting quarter. No Action/ Limit Level exceedance was recorded.

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 Lyric Theatre Complex

As advised by the Contractor (L2 Contract), 572.6 tonnes, 281.5 tonnes and 7.7 tonnes of inert C&D material were disposed of as public fill to Tseung Kwan O Area 137, Tuen Mun Area 38, and Chai Wan Public Fill Barging Point respectively in the reporting quarter, while 902.9 tonnes of general refuse were disposed of at SENT and WENT landfill. 37.2 tonnes of metals, 0.3 tonnes 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 was reused on site. 0.0 tonne of fill materials was imported for use at site and 0.0 tonne of inert C&D materials was reused in other projects. 0.0 tonnes of inert C&D materials were disposed to sorting facility and 0.0 tonne of chemical waste were collected by licensed contractors in the reporting quarter.

The actual amount of different types of waste generated by the activities of construction works at Lyric Theatre Complex 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) and Noise in the reporting quarter.

Eleven complaints were received in the reporting quarter: one complaint in February, five complaints in March and five complaints in April. No notifications of summons and successful prosecutions were received in the reporting quarter.

On 23 February 2022, Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has received a complaint regarding construction noise at WKCD construction site and the complaint was referred by EPD on 24 February 2022. The complainant claimed that construction noise continued until 7:15 pm on 23 February 2022 which affected the students who were taking online school classes and preparing for examination at home. The complainant also claimed that the noise has become louder recently even on weekend. Thus, the complainant would like to seek if construction noise could be reduced by constructing high fences around the construction site and implementing plans for noise-generating process within a certain period of intense time. After investigation, it was found that no noisy works were undertaken during the weekends, and no construction activities were undertaken with all generators turned off after 7:00 pm on 23 February 2022. The noise monitoring results in February 2022 also show that the noise levels were well below the corresponding limit levels. Therefore, the complaint could not be attributable to Lyric Theatre Complex.

On 1 March 2022, EPD received a complaint regarding muddy water discharge at the WKCD construction site opposite to the Elements. It was concluded that the complaint was not related to Lyric Theatre Complex. As from the photo provided by the complainant, the concerned area was not within Lyric Theatre Complex’s site boundary, hence it could not directly imply the complaint was attributable to Lyric Theatre Complex.

On 2 March 2022, a noise-related complaint was received from the security control room of The Arch through the WKCD Hotline and the case was referred by WKCDA on 2 March 2022. A resident from The Arch claimed that there was loud noise coming from the construction site next to M+ and opposite to the Harbourside in the early morning, and the construction noise was generated at around 7:00 a.m. during 28 February 2022 to 2 March 2022 which caused disturbance. The complainant also enquired about the schedule of the construction. Based on the investigation findings, it was found that no noisy works were undertaken before 9:30 a.m. between 28 February and 2 March 2022. Therefore, the complaint could not be attributable to Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract).

On 11 March 2022, EPD received a complaint from a district councillor Mr Hung, who received a complaint from nearby resident claiming that the construction sites of WKCD have been continuously generating high frequency construction noise for several consecutive Sundays. The complainant also requested that no works with high intrusive noise shall be conducted on Sundays. On 15 March 2022, additional information was received from the same complainant, claiming that several construction sites of WKCD near to The Harbourside were undertaking construction works which generated construction noise on 13 March 2022 with no noise barrier being observed, which seriously affected the nearby residents. After the investigation, it was concluded that the complaint was not related to Lyric Theatre Complex. As confirmed by the Contractor, no construction works were carried out on Sundays in February and March 2022, such that there was no possible noise source that would generate high frequency construction noise, hence it could not directly imply the complaint was attributable to Lyric Theatre Complex.

On 11 March 2022, EPD received a complaint from a public regarding construction dust issue at WKCD construction site and referred the case on 21 March 2022. The complainant claimed that the M+ construction site opposite to The Arch generated rocks and debris on the ground with no water spraying undertaken, which damaged the complainant’s car. Based on the investigation, it was found that no earth work and excavation works were undertaken from 1 to 11 March 2022. Proper dust mitigation measures have been actively carried out by the contractor of Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract), including the concrete-paved haul road at the vehicle gate entrance, proper wheel washing facility with designated personnel to ensure all vehicle wheels are washed, and the mechanical cover of dump trucks are properly closed before leaving the construction site. Therefore, the complaint could not be attributable to Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract).

On 21 March 2022, EPD received a complaint from a public regarding construction dust and muddy water issue at WKCD construction site and referred the case on the same day. The complainant claimed that the M+ and nearby construction sites generated muddy water and dust which discharged to the public road, seriously affecting the environment. Based on the investigation, it was found that the site boundary of Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract) is not adjacent to the public road, and the condition of the wastewater treatment facility on-site was closely monitored that was within compliance. The discharge point of Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract) is properly maintained to ensure there is no potential leakage to the public road. Therefore, the complaint could not be attributable to Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract).

On 4 April 2022, EPD has received a complaint regarding construction noise at WKCD construction site and the complaint was referred by EPD on the same day. The complainant claimed that the construction site at the WKCD produced construction noise at daytime. Based on the investigation findings together with the noise monitoring results, it was found that no construction activities were undertaken before 8 am from 1 to 4 April, while the construction activities carried out from 8 am to 7 pm were within compliance and with proper mitigation measures deployed. The noise monitoring results in March 2022 also show that the noise levels were well below the corresponding limit levels. Therefore, the complaint could not be attributable to Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract).

On 6 April 2022, EPD received a complaint from a public regarding construction dust issue at WKCD construction site and referred the case on the same day. The complainant claimed that debris and dust were observed at the Gammon construction site near to the Museum Drive M+ Park entrance, and the complainant’s car was scratched. The complainant requested the cleaning of the road near to the Museum Drive M+ Park entrance, and enquired if compensation could be made in the case of the car getting scratched. Photos were provided by the complainant showing the concerned location. Based on the investigation, it was found that the concerned location was not within the site boundary of Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract). In spite of that, proper dust mitigation measures have been actively carried out by the contractor of Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract), including the concrete-paved haul road at the vehicle gate entrance, proper wheel washing facility with designated personnel to ensure all vehicle wheels are washed, and the mechanical cover of dump trucks are properly closed before leaving the construction site. Therefore, the complaint could not be attributable to Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract).

On 21 April 2022, EPD has received a complaint regarding construction noise at WKCD construction site and the complaint was referred by EPD on the same day. The complainant claimed that the construction site opposite to The Harbourside generated construction noise from around 6 am to 11 pm. The complainant also acknowledged that the construction site holds valid construction noise permit. Based on the investigation findings together with the noise monitoring results, it was found that no construction activities were undertaken before 8 am, and all generators for construction works were turned off after 7 pm, while the construction activities carried out from 8 am to 7 pm were within compliance and with proper mitigation measures deployed. The noise monitoring results in April 2022 also show that the noise levels were well below the corresponding limit levels. Therefore, the complaint could not be attributable to Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract).

On 24 April 2022, EPD received a complaint from a public regarding construction noise at WKCD construction site, the complaint was referred by EPD on 25 April 2022. The complainant claimed that there were construction works even it was a Sunday (24 April 2022), and a video clip was provided by the complainant. As confirmed by the Contractor, no construction works were carried out on 24 April 2022 (Sunday), such that there was no possible noise source that would generate construction noise. Moreover, as from the video provided by the complainant, the concerned area was not within the boundary of Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract), hence it could not directly imply the complaint was attributable to Lyric Theatre Complex.

On 27 April 2022, EPD and West Kowloon Cultural District Contact Centre have received a complaint regarding construction noise at WKCD construction site. The complainant claimed that there was serious noise problem in recent months from the WKCD construction site, which is in close proximity to The Harbourside, and construction noise was also heard in early morning and on public holidays. The complainant demanded higher standard of mitigation measures, which include rescheduling of construction works, no undertaking of construction works during public holidays, regular noise monitoring, and implementation of further sound-proofing equipment. Based on the investigation findings, it was found that no construction activities were undertaken on public holidays. For weekdays (except public holidays), no construction activities were undertaken before 8:00 a.m., and all generators for construction works were turned off after 7:00 p.m., while the construction activities carried out from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. were within compliance and with proper mitigation measures deployed. The noise monitoring results in April 2022 also show that the noise levels were well below the corresponding limit levels. Therefore, the complaint could not be attributable to Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract).

Although the above complaints may not be attributable to Lyric Theatre Complex, noise, dust and water mitigation measures will continue to be strictly implemented on site. Nevertheless, the contractors are reminded to strengthen the implementation of the recommendations for dust and noise mitigation measures to reduce impacts to the nearby residents, while at the same time strictly implement and maintain good site practices to avoid water pollution to the water body of Victoria Harbour.

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, landscape inspections, and construction dust and noise monitoring results, no non-compliances and exceedances of air quality and noise 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. The construction works and EM&A programme for M+ Museum was commenced on 31 October 2015 and completed on 28 February 2021; while the construction works and EM&A programme for Lyric Theatre Complex (L1 and L2 Contracts) was commenced on 1 March 2016, and the EM&A programme for L1 Contract was completed on 30 June 2021.

Monitoring of air quality and noise with respect to the Project is underway. In particular, the 1-hour TSP, 24-hour TSP and 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 Air Quality (1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP) and Noise in this reporting quarter.

Eleven 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.