Contents

Executive summary

1       Introduction

1.1      Background

1.2      Project Organisation

1.3      Environmental Status in the Reporting Period

2       Summary of EM&A Requirements and Mitigation Measures

2.1      Monitoring Requirements

2.2      Environmental Mitigation Measures

3       Summary of EM&A Results

3.1      Monitoring Data

3.2      Monitoring Exceedances

3.2.1         1-hour TSP Monitoring

3.2.2         24-hour TSP Monitoring

3.2.3         Construction Noise Monitoring

3.2.4         Landscape and Visual Monitoring

4       Waste Management

4.1      Zone 2A

4.2      Zone 2B & 2C

5       Environmental Non-conformance

6       Comments, Recommendations and Conclusion

6.1      Comments

6.2      Recommendations

6.3      Conclusion

Figure 1      Site Layout Plan and Monitoring Stations

Appendices

A.      Project Organisation

B.      Construction Programme

C.      Environmental Mitigation Measures – Implementation Status

D.      Meteorological Data Extracted from Hong Kong Observatory

E.      Graphical Plots of the Monitoring Results

F.      Waste Flow table

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

 

  


Executive summary

This Quarterly EM&A Report presents the monitoring works conducted at Zone 2A from 1 February 2023 to 31 March 2023 and Zone 2B & 2C from 1 February 2023 to 30 April 2023. The construction work for Zone 2A (Contract No.: GW/2020/05/073) was completed and handover to WKCDA on 31 March 2023. No construction work and only maintenance work is carried out by Zone 2B & 2C Contractor at Zone 2A.

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) 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 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

Two 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 major construction work for Zone 2A (Contract No.: GW/2020/05/073) was completed and handover to WKCDA on 31 March 2023. No construction work and only maintenance work is carried out by Zone 2B & 2C Contractor at Zone 2A.

The overall works for the WKCD fall under two separate categories of Designated Project (DP) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO), namely an “engineering feasibility study of urban development projects with a study area covering more than 20 ha or involving a total population of more than 100 000” (Item 1 of Schedule 3) and “an underpass more than 100m in length under the built areas” (Item A.9, Part I, Schedule 2). An Environmental Permit No. EP-453/2013/B (EP) was issued with respect to the “Underpass Road and Austin Road Flyover Serving the West Kowloon Cultural District” which specifically includes the abovementioned category of DP under Item A.9, Part I, Schedule 2 of the EIAO. The captioned projects include part of the abovementioned underpass road located within the site boundary falls under this same category.

The purpose of the development in Zone 2A and Zone 2B & 2C is to reserve for Integrated Basement (IB) and Underground Road (UR). The Zone 2A construction activities involve the foundation, excavation and lateral support (ELS) works, road works, drainage diversion works, and temporary car parking. The Zone 2B & 2C construction activities involve the piling works.

The Quarterly EM&A Report is prepared in accordance with the Clause 3.4 of the Environmental Permit No. EP-453/2013/B. This Quarterly EM&A Report presents the monitoring works at Zone 2A from 1 February 2023 to 31 March 2023 and Zone 2B & 2C from 1 February 2023 to 30 April 2023. 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 A&A Works

    WEK B1/F

    Sand Removal

    WEK G/F

    Dismantling the Metal Roof Trusses at the Subcontractor's Works Area

Zone 2A

    Maintenance Work

 

During the reporting period, construction works at Zone 2B & 2C undertaken include:

KD05 (Section 1), KD06 (Section 2), KD07 (Section 3), KD08 (Section 4), KD09 (Section 5)

    Bored Pile Works

    RCD Drilling, Airlifting, Cage Installation & Concreting and Excavation

 

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 2A. 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

43

107

70

1 hour TSP

AM4A

43

107

70

1 hour TSP

AM5A

42

106

69

24 hour TSP

AM3A

43

109

66

24 hour TSP

AM4A

43

100

66

24 hour TSP

AM5A

41

102

64

Construction Noise

 

 

 

 

Leq(30min)

NM2A

61

62

62

Leq(30min)

NM3A

62

63

62

Leq(30min)

NM4A

61

62

62

Leq(30min)

NM5A

64

65

64

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)

0

0

N/A

NM3A

Leq(30min)

0

0

N/A

NM4A

Leq(30min)

0

0

N/A

NM5A

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 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. No Action/ 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, 0 tonne and 0 tonne of inert C&D material were disposed of as public fill to Tseung Kwan O Area 137 and Tuen Mun Area 38 respectively in the reporting quarter, while 23.67 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 plastic and 0.0 tonne of timber were collected by recycling contractors in the reporting quarter. 0 tonne of inert C&D materials were reused on site. 0.0 tonne of fill materials were imported for use at site and 641.32 tonnes of inert C&D materials was reused in other projects. 0 tonne of inert C&D materials were disposed to sorting facility and 0.0 tonne 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, 48875.09 tonnes and 43196.98 tonnes of inert C&D material were disposed of as public fill to Tseung Kwan O Area 137 and Tuen Mun Area 38 respectively in the reporting quarter, while 103.65 tonnes and 1.98 tonnes of general refuse were disposed of at SENT and WENT landfill respectively. 48.00 tonnes 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. 12585.25 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 6776.73 tonnes of inert C&D material were reused in other projects. 0.0 tonne of inert C&D material was disposed to sorting facility and 4.80 tonnes 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) and Noise in the reporting quarter.

Two complaints in March 2023 were received in the reporting quarter. No notifications of summons and successful prosecutions were received in the reporting quarter.

The EPD has received a recent water pollution complaint lodged by the district councillor against construction site of WKCD, and referred to the WKCDA on 21 March 2023. The original context of the complaint is quoted below: “本辦事處近日再次收到有九龍站居民投訴,指西九文化區地盤多日排出污水至維港,不少污濁的泡沫在海面漂浮” (The complainant claimed that the construction site of WKCD has discharged polluted water into the Victoria Harbour for days, and some turbid bubble was floating on the sea surface). The complainant has also provided a video clip demonstrating the concerned water pollution. Investigation at Zone 2A site revealed that the concerned location was not within the site boundary of Zone 2A site. Thereby, the complaint might not be attributable to the Zone 2A site. Nevertheless, the Contractor has been reminded to strictly implement and maintain good site practices to avoid water pollution to the nearby waterbody. Investigation at Zone 2B & 2C site revealed that the complaint might not be attributable to the Zone 2B & 2C site. Nonetheless, the Contractor has been reminded to strictly implement and maintain good practice to avoid water pollution to the nearby waterbody.

The EPD has received a recent water pollution complaint lodged by a member of public against construction site of WKCD, and referred to the WKCDA on 23 March 2023. The original context of the complaint is quoted below: “地盤污水排出公眾地方” (The complainant claimed that polluted water from construction site was discharged into public area). A photo record was provided by the complainant. Investigation at Zone 2A site revealed that the concerned location was not within the site boundary of Zone 2A site. Thereby, the complaint might not be attributable to the Zone 2A site. Nevertheless, the Contractor has been reminded to strictly implement and maintain good site practices to reduce impacts to the nearby residents. Investigation at Zone 2B & 2C site revealed that the concerned water might possibly due to water runoff from the construction vehicles after wheel washing and lead to ponding. Prompt actions have been taken immediately by the Contractor to enhance the preventive and mitigation measures. The Contractor is recommended to maintain good practice on site and strengthen the implementation of mitigation measures to reduce impacts to the nearby residents.

The cumulative statistics on complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions were provided in Appendix G.

 

 

 

6        Comments, Recommendations and Conclusion

6.1             Comments

Based on the observations made during site audits and landscape inspections, and construction dust and noise monitoring results, no non-compliances and exceedances of air quality and construction 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 since the construction works of Zone 2A and Zone 2B & 2C commenced on 3 October 2020 and 30 September 2021 respectively. The construction work for Zone 2A (Contract No.: GW/2020/05/073) was completed and handover to WKCDA on 31 March 2023. No construction work and only maintenance work is carried out by Zone 2B & 2C Contractor at Zone 2A.

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 or Limit Levels for Air Quality (1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP) and Noise in this reporting quarter.

Two 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.