Executive
summary
This Quarterly EM&A Report
presents the monitoring works conducted at Zone 2A and Zone 2B & 2C from 1 February
2022 to 30 April 2022.
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.
Seven Action Level exceedances (due to noise related environmental
complaints) 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
Eleven
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 and
Zone 2B & 2C 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.
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
● ELS (Stage 1) – Grouting / Pipe Pile Works
–
King Post & Erection of Steel Column for
Working Platform
–
Stage 2 Grouting
Zone 2A-2
● ELS (Stage 1) – Grouting / Pipe Pile Works
–
Stage 1a & 1b Grouting
–
Pipe Pile Construction
–
Stage 2 Grouting
● Pumping
Test
–
Installation of Pump Wells
During the reporting period, construction works
at Zone 2B & 2C undertaken include:
KD01 (Stage 1-1), KD05 (Section 1), KD06 (Section 2)
● Predrilling
● Bored Pile Works
– RCD
Drilling, Airlifting, Cage Installation & Concreting and Excavation
KD02 (Stage 5-1)
● Bored Pile Works
– RCD
Drilling, Airlifting, Cage Installation & Concreting and Excavation
KD03 (Stage 3-1)
●
Predrilling
●
Bored
Pile Works
– RCD
Drilling and Excavation
KD04 (Stage 4-1)
●
Bored
Pile Works
– RCD
Drilling and Excavation
KD07 (Section
3)
●
Predrilling
●
Trial
Pile Works
– RCD
Drilling, Airlifting, Cage Installation & Concreting and Excavation
●
Bored
Pile Works
– RCD
Drilling, Airlifting, Cage Installation & Concreting and Excavation
KD08 (Section 4)
●
Bored
Pile Works
– RCD
Drilling, Airlifting, Cage Installation & Concreting and Excavation
●
Socketed
Steel H Piling
KD09 (Section 5)
●
Predrilling
●
Trial
Pile Works
– RCD
Drilling, Airlifting, Cage Installation & Concreting and Excavation
●
Bored
Pile Works
– RCD
Drilling, Airlifting, Cage Installation & Concreting and Excavation
●
Socketed
Steel H Piling
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
|
35
|
85
|
54
|
|
1
hour
TSP
|
AM4A
|
31
|
83
|
54
|
|
1
hour
TSP
|
AM5A
|
31
|
85
|
54
|
|
24
hour
TSP
|
AM3A
|
38
|
79
|
54
|
|
24
hour
TSP
|
AM4A
|
36
|
79
|
55
|
|
24
hour
TSP
|
AM5A
|
33
|
87
|
56
|
|
Construction Noise
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leq(30min)
|
NM2A
|
58
|
62
|
60
|
|
Leq(30min)
|
NM3A
|
65
|
70
|
69
|
|
Leq(30min)
|
NM4A
|
64
|
68
|
68
|
|
Leq(30min)
|
NM5A
|
64
|
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)
|
7
exceedances due to noise related environmental complaints
|
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. Seven Action Level exceedances (due to noise related environmental
complaints) 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, 32.09 tonnes, 708.14 tonnes, 3019.99 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 25.02 tonnes of general refuse were
disposed of at SENT landfill. 19.88
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 1077.83 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 0.40 tonnes of
chemical wastes was collected by licensed contractors in the reporting quarter.
As
advised by the Zone 2B & 2C Contractor, 23066.25 tonnes and 11279.51 tonnes
of inert C&D material were disposed of at Tuen Mun Area 38
and Tseung Kwan O Area 137 Public Fill in the
reporting quarter, while 39.84 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. 5576.85 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 35835.07 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 1.40 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.
Seven Action Level exceedances due to noise
related environmental complaints with no Limit Level exceedance of Construction
Noise was recorded 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 24 February 2022, WKCDA
has received a complaint from EPD regarding construction noise at WKCD
construction site on 23 February 2022. The complainant has expressed concern
about the construction noise in WKCD site area, which continued until 7:15pm
during weekday. The continuous noise nuisance was heard even on the weekend. Investigation revealed that the identified major noise source by the
complainant on 23 February 2022, might be possibly due to casing extraction
(with mobile crane) and site tidying up activities over 19:00-19:30 on WKCD
Zone 2B & 2C site. One unit of generator (for site lighting) and one unit
of mobile crane (for casing extraction and site tidying up activities) from
Group C powered mechanical equipment were used over 19:00-19:30 on 23 February 2022.
However, the mobile crane has been labelled as QPME by EPD. Also, these site
activities were in compliance with the permitted
nighttime working hours in accordance with the CNP No: GW-RE0148-22. No
construction work was carried out in nighttime in Zone 2A site in February
2022. Noise mitigation measures have already been implemented and maintained on
both Zone 2A and 2B & 2C sites. 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 nearby neighbors.
The second complaint was referred
by EPD on 01 March 2022. Referring to the photo provided by the complainant,
feculent water was spotted in the waterbody of Victoria Harbour near WKCD
construction site on 01 March 2022. Investigation revealed that, feculent water
was observed near the coastal area of Zone 2B & 2C site on 01 March 2022.
After investigation, there was no identified source of wastewater leakage from
Zone 2 sites into the waterbody of Victoria Harbor.
In addition, good effluent quality has been properly maintained on both sites.
Thereby, the complaint might not be attributable to Zone 2 sites. Nonetheless,
the Contractors are recommended to strictly maintain good site practices to
avoid wastewater flowing into to the waterbody of Victoria Harbor.
On 02 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 02 March 2022.
The complainant (a resident from The Arch) claimed that construction noise was
from WKCD construction site next to M+ and opposite to the Harbourside in the
early morning (around 7am) from 28 February to 02 March 2022. which caused
disturbance. Investigation revealed that no noisy construction work was
conducted before 9:00am on WKCD Zone 2A site at the concerned period. The
identified construction noise source at 7:00am on 28 February to 02 March 2022
might possibly due to site preparation for concreting and air-lifting
activities over 7:00am-7:30am on WKCD Zone 2B & 2C site. The complaint
might be possibly attributable to Zone 2B & 2C site. Accordingly, in
addition to existing noise mitigation measures (which have been properly
maintained daily on site), prompt actions have been taken (after notification
of the complaint) to enhance the noise barriers in order to minimize the noise.
Moreover, noise measurement and monitoring were carried out with no exceedance.
Nonetheless, the Contractors are reminded and recommended to avoid noisy works
before 9am, maintain good practices on site, and strengthen the implementation
of noise mitigation measures to reduce impact to the nearby neighbors.
Main contractors will carry out inspection and close supervision to ensure
noise mitigation measures had been implemented.
On 11 March 2022, WKCDA has
received a noise-related complaint referred by EPD. On 11 March 2022, EPD has
received a complaint referred by Mr. Hung, member of Yau
Tsim Mong District Council (YTMDC). YTMDC has
recently received a complaint from a resident who lived near Kowloon Station
and expressed concern about noise disturbance in high frequency was being
generated from WKCD construction site for consecutive Sundays. On 15 March
2022, additional information was received from the same complainant, claiming
that construction activity was observed in WKCD construction sites near which
generated construction noise on 13 March 2022. The complainant expressed
concern about noise disturbance to the nearby resident and noise mitigation
measures on site. Investigation revealed that some
noise emissions on Sundays in February 2022 might possibly due to the
construction activities carried out on WKCD Zone 2B & 2C site on Sundays 13
and 27 February 2022. Therefore, the noise source on 13 and 27 February 2022
might be possibly attributable to Zone 2B & 2C site. However, no construction
work was conducted on Zone 2B & 2C site on 06 and 13 March 2022 (only one
generator was used). In addition, the site activities on 13 February 2022 were in compliance with the permitted working hours
(09:00-23:00) in accordance with the CNP No: GW-RE1288-21. The site activities
on 27 February 2022 were in compliance with the
permitted working hours (09:00-23:00) in accordance with the CNP No:
GW-RE0148-22. The air compressor and generator are labelled as QPME by EPD. No
construction work was undertaken on recent Sundays on WKCD Zone 2A site over
the concerned period. Noise mitigation measures have already been implemented
and maintained on both Zone 2A and 2B & 2C sites. Moreover, noise
measurement and monitoring were carried out with no exceedance. Nonetheless,
the Contractors are reminded maintain good practices on site, and strengthen
the implementation of noise mitigation measures to reduce impact to the nearby
neighbors. On the other hand, construction works not related to WKCD project
were observed close to the noise sensitive receivers nearby the Austin Road
Flyover on 13 March 2022. These activities might be possibly the noise source
identified by the complainant on 13 March 2022.
The fifth complaint was
received on 21 March 2022. WKCDA has received a complaint referred by EPD regarding dust
emission generated from WKCD construction site on 11 March 2022. The
complainant has expressed concern of construction sand and rock on the ground
without proper dust mitigation measures near M+ Construction Site (opposite to
The Arch), which has caused damage to the private car. Investigation revealed
that there was no finding of dust pollution from WKCD-Zone 2A and 2B & 2C
sites on 11 March 2022. However, some sand on public road might possibly due to
WKCD Zone 2B & 2C site activities. Thereby, the identified sand on public
road might be attributable to Zone 2B & 2C site activities. In response,
prompt actions have been taken to clean the public road in addition to existing
mitigation measures mitigation measures on Zone 2B & 2C site (wheel
washing, on-site dust suppression, regular removal of sand from the public road
at the boundary of Zone 2B & 2C site). Moreover, dust monitoring is
regularly conducted at the site boundary with no exceedance. Nonetheless, the
Contractors are recommended to maintain good practice on site, and strengthen
the implementation of mitigation measures to reduce impacts to the nearby neighbors.
On 21 March 2022, WKCDA has
also received a complaint referred by EPD regarding construction dust pollution
and muddy water discharge generated from WKCD construction site. On 21 March
2022, the complainant has expressed concern of muddy water and sand flow into
public road without proper mitigation measures near WKCD Construction Site
which seriously affecting the environment. Investigation revealed that, there
was no dust pollution or muddy water discharge from Zone 2A and 2B & 2C
sites. However, some sand on the nearby public road might possibly due to Zone
2B & 2C site activities. Thereby, observed sand on the public road (by the
complainant) might be attributable to Zone 2B & 2C site activities. In
response, prompt actions have been taken by the Contractor to clean the public
road in addition to existing migration measures (dust control, wheel washing,
regular cleaning of sand from the public road at the site boundary, sealing of
the bottom of site hoarding with concrete) to avoid disturbance to the public.
Dust monitoring is also regularly conducted at the site boundary with no exceedance.
Nonetheless, the Contractors are recommended to maintain good practice on site,
and strengthen the implementation of dust water control measures to reduce
impacts to the nearby neighbors.
On 04 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 has expressed concern about
the construction noise was being generated from WKCD construction site during
daytime. Investigation revealed that the identified noise by the complainant
might possibly come from WKCD Zone 2B & 2C site. Thereby, the complaint
might possibly attributable to the Zone 2B & 2C site. No construction
activities were undertaken before 8am at Zone 2A site, while the construction
activities carried out from 8am to 7pm were within compliance. However, noise
mitigation measures have already been implemented and maintained on both Zone
2A and 2B & 2C sites. Moreover, noise measurement and monitoring were
carried out with no exceedance. Nonetheless, the Contractors are reminded
maintain good practices on site, and strengthen the implementation of noise
mitigation measures to reduce impact to the nearby neighbors.
On 06 April 2022, EPD
has received a complaint from a public regarding construction dust pollution at
WKCD construction site and the complaint was referred by EPD on the same day.
The complainant claimed that dust and debris were observed at the Gammon
construction site near the Museum Drive M+ Park entrance, and the complainant’s
car was scratched while he passed the road every day. Investigation revealed
that the identified location (Gammon construction site near the Museum Drive M+
Park entrance) was not related to WKCD Zone 2A and 2B & 2C sites (Zone 2
sites). Also, there was no dust pollution on Zone 2 sites during the concerned
period. Moreover, dust monitoring is regularly conducted at the site boundary
with no exceedance. Thereby, the complaint might not be attributable to Zone 2
sites. However, as the public road at the site boundary is also used by on-road
construction trucks of Zone 2B & 2C project, regular cleaning of the public
road (daily basis) has been implemented and properly maintained at Zone 2B
& 2C site boundary. In addition, wheel washing system has been set and
properly maintained at Zone 2B & 2C site entrance to prevent debris and
sand spreading on the nearby public road. Moreover, after notification of the
complaint, further action has been taken to enhance the road cleaning along
Zone 2B & 2C site boundary. Nonetheless, the Contractors are recommended to
maintain good practice on site, and strengthen the implementation of mitigation
measures to reduce impacts to the nearby neighbors.
The nineth complaint
was received on 21 April 2022. EPD has received a complaint regarding
construction noise at WKCD construction site on 21 April 2022 and the complaint
was referred to WKCDA on the same day. The complainant has expressed concern
about the construction noise during restricted hours and claimed that construction
noise was observed from about 6am to 11pm. Knowing that CNP has been issued to
WKCD construction sites, however the complainant did not understand why EPD
would issue the CNPs that caused serious noise disturbance. Investigation
revealed that based on the investigation of site activities on 20 and 21 April
2022, no construction works were carried out during restricted hours on WKCD
Zone 2A site. Some noise emissions might be possibly related to construction
works on Zone 2B & 2C site. However, these construction activities were in compliance with the permitted nighttime working
hours. No construction activities were carried out on site before 7am and after
9pm over the concerned period. The nighttime works (19:00-21:00) were carried
out in compliance with the CNP No: GWRE0148-22 on Zone 2B & 2C site. Noise
mitigation measures on Zone 2 sites have been also implemented and properly
maintained to reduce the noise impact to the neighbors. Moreover, after
notification of the complaint, actions have been promptly taken to further
adjust and enhance the noise mitigation measures with self-monitoring of
construction in night (with no exceedance) on Zone 2B & 2C site. Regular
statutory noise measurements were also carried out with no exceedance. Nonetheless,
the Contractor is recommended to maintain good practice on site, and strengthen
the implementation of mitigation measures to reduce impacts to the nearby
neighbors.
On 25 April 2022,
WKCDA has received a complaint referred by EPD regarding construction noise at
WKCD construction site on 24 April 2022. A video was recorded by complainant
and reported that construction work was conducted on Sunday. Further to the
complaint email dated 25 April 2022 referred by EPD, investigation was carried
out at WKCD Zone 2A, 2B & 2C (Zone 2) sites. Investigation revealed that no
construction work was conducted on WKCD Zone 2A site on 24 April 2022 (Sunday).
Some noise emissions might be possibly related to drilling and maintenance
works on Zone 2B & 2C site. However, these construction activities on Zone
2B & 2C site were in compliance with the permitted
working hours on Sundays in accordance with the CNP No: GW-RE0148-22. Moreover,
noise mitigation measures have been implemented and properly maintained on Zone
2B & 2C site on 24 April 2022 with self-monitoring of construction noise in
order to reduce the noise impact to the neighbors. In addition, after
notification of the complaint, actions have been promptly taken to further
adjust and enhance the noise mitigation measures on Zone 2B & 2C site.
Regular statutory noise measurements were also carried out with no exceedance.
Nonetheless, the Contractor is recommended to maintain good practice on site,
and strengthen the implementation of mitigation measures to reduce impacts to
the nearby neighbors.
The eleventh complaint
was received on 27 April 2022. EPD and WKCD Contact Centre have received the
same complaint regarding construction noise at WKCD construction site on 26 and
27 April 2022 respectively, and the complaint was referred on 27 April 2022.
The complainant (Ms Chung) has expressed concern
about the construction noise during restricted hours and public holidays. Noise
generated from WKCD construction site at 7am has seriously disturbed the sleep
quality of the complainant, especially on public holiday (i.e. 15 April 2022).
The complainant suggested the Contractors to implement further sound proof
equipment to reduce the noise level to a minimum. Based on site investigation
relating to the complaint dated 27 April 2022 referred by EPD, possible noise
emission from Zone 2A site might due to drilling / piling activities. However,
these construction activities were in compliance with
the statutory weekdays working hours. In addition, the drilling / piling
machine has been set with noise insulating fabric and enclosure to reduce the
noise in accordance with the EIA requirements. No construction activity was
undertaken on Zone 2A site during nighttime hours, general holidays and Sundays
in April 2022. On the other hand, the investigation also highlighted that some
noise emissions might be possibly related to construction activities carried
out on Zone 2B & 2C site. However, these construction activities were in compliance with the statutory working hours on
weekdays (7:00-19:00) and the CNP No: GW-RE0148-22 (for nighttime, public
holidays and Sundays). No construction activities were carried out before 9am
on 15 April 2022 (public holiday) on Zone 2B & 2C site. Moreover, noise
mitigation measures have been implemented and properly maintained on Zone 2B
& 2C site over the concerned period with self-monitoring of construction
noise in order to reduce the noise impact to the neighbors. In addition, after
notification of the complaint, actions have been promptly taken to enhance the
noise mitigation measures on Zone 2B & 2C site. Regular statutory noise
measurements were also carried out with no exceedance. Nonetheless, the
Contractor is recommended to maintain good practice on site, and strengthen the
implementation of mitigation measures to reduce impacts to the nearby
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 were recorded while seven Action
Level exceedances (due to noise related environmental complaints) with no Limit
Level exceedance of construction noise was 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 Zone 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 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) in this reporting quarter. Seven Action Level exceedances (due to noise related environmental complaints)
with no Limit Level exceedance of Construction Noise was recorded in the
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.
