Contents

Executive summary

This Quarterly EM&A Report presents the monitoring works at Lyric Theatre Complex conducted from 1 August 2022 to 31 October 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

Six 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 August 2022 to 31 October 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

– Hoarding works

● DSC cofferdam (Cofferdam A)

– Backfill and const. additional blinding layer & retaining wall

– Excavation

● Extended basement

– ABWF & MEP work

– Cabling works

– RC water tank

– Late cast RC works (top slab/ backfill sunken etc.)

– Carpark area plaster and paint

– Doors permanent frames

● 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

– Construct dog houses

– RC works

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	12	70	33
1 hour TSP	AM2	21	72	43
24 hour TSP	AM1	7	26	16
24 hour TSP	AM2	16	49	24
Construction Noise
Leq(30min)	NM1A	66	68	67

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), 768.2 tonnes, 528.3 tonnes and 0.0 tonne 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 1,111.9 tonnes of general refuse were disposed of at SENT and WENT landfill. 34.9 tonnes of metals, 0.4 tonnes of paper/cardboard packaging, 0.2 tonnes 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 tonne 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.

Six complaints were received in the reporting quarter: two complaints in August, two complaints in September and two complaints in October. No notifications of summons and successful prosecutions were received in the reporting quarter.

On 23 August 2022, the EPD received a complaint regarding polluted water discharge at WKCD construction site, and the complaint was referred by EPD on 24 August 2022. The complainant claimed that the WKCD construction site near to Tsim Sha Tsui was discharging polluted water to the water body on 21 August 2022 (Sunday). Photos were also provided by the complainant showing the situation. As from the photos provided by the complainant, the concerned location was not within the boundary of Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract), and no construction works was undertaken on 21 August 2022 (Sunday). As concluded from the above investigation and findings, it could not directly imply the complaint was attributable to Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract). However, the contractor is reminded to strictly implement and maintain good site practices to avoid water pollution to the water body of Victoria Harbour.

On 26 August 2022, a complaint regarding construction noise, dust and visual impact at the WKCD construction site was received via the dedicated website. On 29 August 2022, the same complaint was received by the EPD and the complaint was referred on the same day. A video was also provided by the complainant illustrating the noise impact from the construction site. The complainant claimed that construction works were commenced from 7:00 a.m. and continued after 6:00 p.m., that the construction noise at early morning and dust impact have disturbed the complainant’s living. Also, the complainant claimed that the construction site was not yet closed at around 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., that the strong lighting disturbed nearby residents, with the tall crane seriously affecting the view from the flat.

From the information provided by the contractor, the major construction activities for Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract) were carried out between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. which is compliant with the statutory requirement, with the potential noisy works scheduled after 9:00 a.m. to minimise the impact to nearby residents. Preventive and mitigation measures for noise, dust and visual impacts are well-deployed and maintained by the Contractor. The regular environmental monitoring results for air quality and noise were also well below the action/limit levels such that the construction works of Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract) should not be posing significant impacts to the nearby sensitive receivers. As concluded from the above investigation and findings, it could not directly imply the complaint was attributable to Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract). However, the contractor is reminded to strictly implement and maintain good site practices to avoid noise, dust and visual impact to the nearby residents and sensitive receivers.

On 4 September 2022, the EPD received a complaint regarding polluted water discharge at the WKCD construction site on 26 July 2022, and the complaint was referred by the EPD on 5 September 2022. The complainant has provided photos showing the situation. From the information provided by the contractor, no construction activities involving muddy materials or muddy water discharge were undertaken on 26 July 2022. And from the daily self-checking on the effluent quality, the wastewater was properly treated and was within compliance, and various mitigation measures and trainings were properly implemented. From the on-site observation and prompt investigation during the site inspection on 27 July 2022, the brownish layer with bubbles observed was believed to be due to natural fluctuation or algae bloom in hot weather, and the white splash was believed to be due to the elevated outflow of water from M+ cooling main, which was not related to the construction works of Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract). As concluded from the above investigation and findings, it could not directly imply the complaint was attributable to Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract). However, the contractor is reminded to strictly implement and maintain good site practices to avoid water pollution to the water body of Victoria Harbour.

On 8 September 2022, the EPD has received a complaint from nearby resident regarding noise impact, and the complaint was referred by the EPD on the same day. The complainant claimed that the pilling works of WKCD Zone 3B construction site commenced from 7:00 a.m. which was too early. From the information provided by the contractor, the major construction activities for Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract) were carried out between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. which is compliant with the statutory requirement. Preventive and mitigation measures are well-deployed and maintained by the Contractor including noise insulating fabric for breaking works. And from the regular noise monitoring results, the results were well below the action/limit levels such that the construction works of Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract) should not be posing significant impacts to the nearby sensitive receivers.

On 7 October 2022, the EPD and Communications and Public Affairs Department of WKCDA have received a complaint from nearby resident regarding noise impact, and the complaint was referred by the EPD on the same day. The complainant claimed that large machineries were operating starting from 7:00 a.m., and loud construction noise was still being heard till 8:00 p.m. A video was provided by the complainant to demonstrate the situation. The complainant demanded that no high intrusive construction works should be undertaken before 9:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m. as well as on public holidays. From the information provided by the contractor, the major construction activities for Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract) were carried out between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. which is compliant with the statutory requirement. The potential noisy works (e.g. breaking) were rescheduled after 9:00 a.m. to minimise the potential impact to the nearby residents. Preventive and mitigation measures are well-deployed and maintained by the Contractor including noise insulating fabric for breaking works, as well as regular briefings and meetings with subcontractors. And from the regular noise monitoring results, the results were well below the action/limit levels such that the construction works of Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract) should not be posing significant impacts to the nearby sensitive receivers.

On 29 October 2022, EPD received a complaint from the office of District Councillor Mr. Derek Hung regarding construction noise at WKCD construction site, and the complaint was referred by EPD on 31 October 2022. The complainant (nearby residents) claimed that construction works were undertaken at the WKCD construction site at 10:00 p.m., such that the construction noise affects residents’ living. A video clip was also provided to demonstrate the construction noise. The complainant also demanded the Contractors to reinforce the noise insulation measures and avoid undertaking noisy works before 9:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m. It was concluded that the complaint was not related to Lyric Theatre Complex. As confirmed by the Contractor, no construction works were carried out after 7:00 p.m. on 28 October 2022, 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.

As concluded from the above investigation and findings, it could not directly imply the noise-related complaints were attributable to Lyric Theatre Complex (L2 Contract). However, the contractor is reminded to strictly implement and maintain good site practices to avoid noise impact to the nearby residents and sensitive receivers.

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.

Six complaints were received in the reporting quarter. No notifications of summons and successful prosecutions were received during the reporting quarter.

Weekly construction phase site inspections and bi-weekly landscape and visual impact inspections were conducted during the reporting quarter as required. It was observed that the Contractor had implemented all possible and feasible mitigation measures to mitigate the potential environmental impacts during construction phase works.