Executive
summary
This Quarterly EM&A Report
presents the monitoring works conducted at Zones 2A, 2B & 2C from 01 February 2026 to 30 April 2026.
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
2 environmental complaint was 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) ; Zone 2B
& 2C consisting of Piling Works for Integrated Basement and Underground
Road (Contract No.: CC/2020/2B/088); and Zones 2A, 2B & 2C consisting of
Excavation and Lateral Support Works (Stages 1 & 2) for The Integrated
Basement and Underground Road (Contract No.: CC/2023/2B/095) at WKCD. The
construction works and EM&A programme for Zone 2A (Contract No.:
GW/2020/05/073) was commenced on 03 October 2020 and handed over on 31 March
2023; while the construction works and EM&A programme for Zone 2B & 2C
(Contract No.: CC/2020/2B/088) was commenced on 30 September 2021 and handed
over on 05 July 2024. The construction works and EM&A programme for Zones
2A, 2B & 2C (Contract No.: CC/2023/2B/095) was commenced on 05 July 2024.
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 Zones 2A, 2B & 2C is to reserve for
Integrated Basement (IB) and Underground Road (UR). The Zone 2A (Contract No.: GW/2020/05/073)
construction activities involve the foundation, excavation and lateral support
(ELS) works, road works, drainage diversion works, and temporary car parking.
The Zone 2B & 2C (Contract No.: CC/2020/2B/088) construction activities involve the
piling works. The Zones 2A, 2B & 2C (Contract No.: CC/2023/2B/095) construction activities involve the excavation and lateral support 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 Zones 2A, 2B & 2C from 01 February 2026 to 30 April 2026. 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 Zones 2A, 2B & 2C (Contract No.: CC/2023/2B/095) undertaken include:
●
Pipe Pile and King Post Works
●
Jet Grouting Works
●
Double Deck Hoarding Works
●
Temporary Steel Platform
● ELS Work
● Operation of Barging Point
● Hoarding Work
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 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.
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 is presented in Table 3.1.
Table 3.1: Summary
of Monitoring Data
|
Parameter
|
Monitoring Location
|
Minimum
|
Maximum
|
Average
|
|
Air Quality
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 hour TSP
|
AM3A
|
31
|
56
|
44
|
|
1 hour TSP
|
AM4A
|
32
|
59
|
44
|
|
1 hour TSP
|
AM5A
|
31
|
58
|
44
|
|
24
hour
TSP
|
AM3A
|
31
|
52
|
40
|
|
24
hour
TSP
|
AM4A
|
31
|
54
|
40
|
|
24
hour
TSP
|
AM5A
|
33
|
52
|
41
|
|
Construction Noise
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leq(30min)
|
NM2A
|
63
|
63
|
63
|
|
Leq(30min)
|
NM3A
|
60
|
61
|
61
|
|
Leq(30min)
|
NM4A
|
58
|
59
|
58
|
|
Leq(30min)
|
NM5A
|
63
|
64
|
64
|
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
|
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. No
Action/ 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.
4.1
Zones 2A, 2B & 2C (Contract No.: CC/2023/2B/095)
As
advised by the Zones 2A, 2B & 2C Contractor, 48852.22 tonne and 0.0 tonne of
inert C&D material were disposed of as public fill to Tseung Kwan O
Area 137 and Tuen Mun Area 38 in the reporting quarter, while 160.05 tonne of
general refuse were disposed of at SENT and WENT 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. 0.0 tonne of inert C&D material were reused
on site. 0.0 tonne of inert C&D material was imported for reuse at site and
61209.41 tonne of
inert C&D material were reused in other projects. 277.72 tonne of inert
C&D material was disposed to sorting facility and 1.4 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 Zones 2A, 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) and Noise in the reporting quarter.
Two complaints were received
in the reporting quarter. No notifications of summons
and successful prosecutions were received in the reporting quarter.
On 2 March 2026, the WKCDA referred a complaint case received via
hotline on 1 Mar 2026 regarding noise disturbance caused by ongoing
construction work near Artist Square Bridge from 9 a.m. on 1 March 2026. The
Complaint enquired about the duration of construction work, whether a permit
has been obtained from Environmental Protection Department as the construction
activity is carrying out on Sunday, whether it will continue every Sunday, and
the contact point of the construction site. Further to the complaint email
received on 02 March 2026, investigation was carried out at WKCD Zone 2A, 2B
& 2C site. According to the message from the complaint, noise nuisance from
construction site near Artist Square Bridge was observed starting from 9am on
01 March 2026. During the inspection after received the enquiry, it was found
that cleansing work at grouting station in Zone 2C near Zone 3 conducted on 1
Mar 2026. After reviewing the concerned site activities, the cleansing works
was originally meant to be conducted with water jet and brushes only, however,
the workers found certain valve or joint stuck and they tried to overcome, and
so caused the noise nuisance.
To minimize the
environmental impacts to the surrounding, number of mitigation measures were
implemented. After notification of the complaint, immediate actions have been taken
on site to improve the noise control and mitigation measures. In addition, as preventive measure,
machinery shall be rinsed immediately after use to avoid the components got
stuck, and the noisy cleansing work at grout station is now prohibited to be
conducted in restricted hours. According to the noise
monitoring results on 1 March 2026, the measured noise levels (dB(A)) were
below the limit level of 70dB(A). It was concluded that the
concerned environmental impact might be due to the site works, especially the
cleansing at grout station in the site. And under current site planning
procedures, the works beyond normal working hours were planned to be conducted
occasionally throughout the project under effective construction noise permit
(CNP). However, as to minimize the impact to the surrounding, the noisy
cleansing work at grout station would be prohibited in restricted hours. A
direct contact to our site agent, Mr. Gary Wong, is welcome to any further
queries. On-site mitigation measures have already been implemented and
maintained on site and prompt actions have been taken. The contractor will keep
maintain good practice on site, and strengthen the implementation of mitigation
measures to reduce impacts to the nearby neighbors.
On 17 April 2026 (Friday), the site received a complaint from the
Harbourside Owners Committee through WKCDA regarding dust pollution arising
from ongoing construction activities within the West Kowloon Cultural District
area. The Committee has expressed doubts in the proper operation of the dust
suppression measures as three mist cannons were observed to be idled on-site
and their further concerns about the negative impact this dust is having on the
residents' living environment and health. Further to the complaint email
received on 17 April 2026, investigation was carried out at WKCD Zone 2A, 2B
& 2C site. According to the message from the complaint, the construction
dust has significantly degraded the living environment and raised serious
public health concerns. Complaint also expressed their doubts in the proper
operation of the dust suppression measures as three mist cannons were observed
to be idled on-site. During the inspection, the condition of the dust
suppression measures was checked. On-site dust suppression measures were found
in place and functioning. According to the site record, the concerned mist
cannons were temporarily disconnected on 27 Mar 26 as to facilitate the
relocation for setup of the new C&D material stockpiling area. The mist
cannons have resumed operation on 17 Apr 26. During the interim period, manual
water spaying by worker was conducted as an intermediate dust suppression
measures.
As advised by the
Contractor, the major construction works undertaken in March 2026 were Excavation
and Installation of ELS & Erection of Temporary Steel Platform. To minimize
the environmental impacts to the surrounding, number of mitigation measures
were implemented. During ET’s regular site
inspections on 4, 11, 18, 25, 31 March 2026 and 8, 15 April 2026, three areas
for attention regarding dust suppression were noted: full coverage of dusty
material stockpiles, timely and increased watering of access road, and targeted
and sufficient watering prior to soil transport. During the follow-up visit, it
was observed that the contractor had strengthened the relevant dust suppression
measures. After notification of the complaint, immediate actions have been
taken on site to improve the dust control for vehicles. A detail dust control
plan has been updated. The operation frequency for all dust suppression measure
is now regulated at a minimum of once per hour. The actual frequency will be
adjusted dynamically based on prevailing weather conditions. Furthermore, a
supervision staff would monitor the site conditions to ensure the ground
surface and material stockpiles maintain adequate moisture
levels at all times. According to the recent
dust monitoring results in March & April 2026, the measured dust levels
(µg/m3) were below the action levels at each monitoring point and
the limit level of 500µg/m3. It was
concluded that the concerned environmental impact might be due to the
construction works and transportation in the site. The mist cannons were
temporarily taken offline on 27 Mar 2026 for relocation. During this period,
manual water spraying was used as an interim dust suppression measure, adjusted
based on moisture content. On-site mitigation measures have already been
implemented and maintained and prompt actions have been taken. The contractor
shall keep maintain good practice on site, and strengthen the implementation of
mitigation measures to reduce impacts to the nearby neighbours.
The cumulative statistics
on complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions were
provided in Appendix G.
6
Comments, Recommendations and Conclusion
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.
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. The construction works and EM&A programme for Zone 2A
(Contract No.: GW/2020/05/073) was commenced on 03 October 2020 and handed over
on 31 March 2023; while the construction works and EM&A programme for Zone
2B & 2C (Contract No.: CC/2020/2B/088) was commenced on 30 September 2021
and handed over on 05 July 2024. The construction works and EM&A programme
for Zones 2A, 2B & 2C (Contract No.: CC/2023/2B/095) was commenced on 05
July 2024.
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.
