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 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        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 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.

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

    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.

 

 

 

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

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

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)

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

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. Seven Action Level exceedances (due to noise related environmental complaints) 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, 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.

4.2        Zone 2B & 2C

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.

 

 

 

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.

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.

 

 

 

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 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.

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 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.