The
proposed widening of Tolo
Highway and Fanling Highway between Island House
Interchange and Fanling (the Project) is a Designated Project under the
Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499) (EIAO) and is governed by an Environmental Permit (EP-324/2008)(EP). The Project aims to widen Tolo Highway
and Fanling Highway
to dual 4-lane carriageway in order to alleviate the current traffic congestion
problems and to cope with the increasing transport demands to and from the
urban areas and also cross boundary traffic.
The
construction works for this Project will be delivered in 2 stages i.e. Stage 1
(between Island House Interchange and Tai Hang) and Stage 2 (between Tai Hang
and Wo Hop Shek Interchange). The construction works of Stage 1 were commenced
on 23 November 2009 and will tentatively be completed in December 2013; while
construction programme of Stage 2 is currently under review. This report
focuses on Stage 1 of the Project only.
The
construction phase of Stage 1 under the EP and the EM&A programme for Stage
1 of the Project commenced on 23 November 2009. The impact environmental
monitoring and audit includes air quality and noise monitoring.
This
report documents the findings of EM&A works conducted in the period between
23 November 2009 and 31 October 2010.
As
informed by the Contract 1 Contractor (China State
Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd.), construction activities in the
reporting period included:
-
Temporary shoring and sheetpiling;
-
Demolition and re-construction of box culverts;
-
Excavation and backfilling;
-
Pipe pile wall construction;
-
Pile cap construction;
-
Bridge column and pier head construction;
-
Bored piling;
-
Tree felling and transplanting of trees;
-
Installation of soil nails;
-
Construction of retaining wall;
-
Construction of at-grade road;
-
Widening and demolition of central dividers;
-
Formation of slip road;
-
Construction of temporary access;
-
Construction of step channel;
-
Construction of retaining wall;
-
Construction of temporary bridges; and
-
Demolition of bridges.
The construction works carried out by the Contract 2 Contractor (Gammon Construction Ltd.) in the
reporting period included:
-
Construction of haul roads and temporary site
accesses;
-
Tree felling and tree transplant;
-
Piling and pile cap of bridges;
-
Construction of pilecap / spread footing of
noise barrier / semi noise enclosure;
-
Slope works, including installation of soil
nail;
-
Entrusted watermain works;
-
Retaining wall construction; and
-
Modification of existing bridge structure.
Breaches of Action and Limit
Levels for Air Quality
No exceedance of Action and Limit Levels was recorded for 1-hour TSP
monitoring in the reporting period.
However, one (1) Limit Level exceedance was recorded for 24-hour TSP
monitoring at AM2 in the reporting period.
Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Noise
There were six
noise related complaints followed up by Environmental Team in the reporting
period, hence six (6) Action Level exceedances of noise were recorded.
No Limit Level
exceedance of construction noise monitoring was recorded in the reporting
period.
Complaint, Notification of
Summons and Successful Prosecution
Nine (9)
environmental complaints were followed up by Environmental Team in the
reporting period.
No notification of
summons and successful prosecution was received in the reporting period.
Background
1.1.
Tolo Highway and Fanling Highway are
expressways in the North
East New
Territories connecting
Sha Tin, Tai Po and Fanling. These highways form a vital part of the strategic
Route 9, which links Hong Kong Island to Shenzhen. At present, this section of
Route 9 is dual 3-lane carriageway. However, at several major interchanges
along this section of Route 9, the highway is only dual-2 lane. Severe
congestion is a frequent occurrence during peak periods, particularly in the Kowloon bound direction.
1.2.
The objective of the Project “Widening of Tolo
Highway / Fanling Highway
between Island House Interchange and Fanling” is to widen Tolo Highway and Fanling Highway to dual 4-lane
carriageway in order to alleviate the current traffic congestion problems and
to cope with the increasing transport demands to and from the urban areas and
also cross boundary traffic.
1.3.
The Project is a designated project and is governed
by an Environmental Permit (EP-324/2008)(EP).
1.4.
The scope of the Project comprises mainly:
|
(i)
|
Widening of a
5.7 km section of Tolo Highway and 3.0 km section of Fanling Highway between
Island House Interchange and Wo Hop Shek Interchange from the existing dual
3-lane to dual 4-lane, including construction of new vehicular bridges;
|
|
(ii)
|
Widening of
interchange sections at Island House Interchange, Tai Po North Interchange,
and Lam Kam Road Interchange from dual 2-lane to dual 3-lane, except Sha Tin
bound carriageway at Tai Po North Interchange, which is widened from 3-lane
to 4-lane, including realignment of various slip roads;
|
|
(iii)
|
Modification
and reconstruction of highways, vehicular bridges, underpasses and
footbridges.
|
1.5.
The construction works for this Project will be
delivered in 2 stages i.e. Stage 1 (between Island House Interchange and Tai
Hang) and Stage 2 (between Tai Hang and Wo Hop Shek Interchange). The
construction works of Stage 1 commenced on 23 November 2009 and will
tentatively be completed in December 2013; while construction programme of
Stage 2 is currently under review. This report focuses on Stage 1 of the
Project only.
1.6.
The construction works for Stage 1 of the Project
will be implemented under 2 works contracts (Contract 1 and Contract 2). Contract 1 covers the section of Tolo Highway
between Island House Interchange and Ma Wo, Contract 2 covers the section of Tolo Highway
between Ma Wo and Tai Hang.
1.7.
Hyder-Arup-Black and Veatch Joint Venture (HABVJV)
are appointed by Highways Department as the consultants for the design and
construction assignment for the Tolo project under Agreement No. CE 58/2000
Supplementary Agreement No. 3 (SA3) (i.e. the Engineer for the Contracts).
1.8.
China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd.
(CSCE) was commissioned as the Contractor of Contract 1 of Stage 1 of the
Project, while Gammon Construction Limited (GCL) was commissioned as the
Contractor of Contract 2 of Stage 1 of the Project.
1.9.
AECOM Asia Co. Ltd. was employed by Highways Department
as the Environmental Team to undertake the EM&A works for Stage 1 of the
Project and Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Ltd. acts as the Independent Environmental
Checker (IEC) for the Contracts.
1.10.
The construction phase of Stage 1 under the EP
commenced on 23 November 2009.
1.11.
According to the updated EM&A Manual of Stage 1
of the Project, there is a need of an EM&A programme including air quality
and noise monitoring. The EM&A programme for Stage 1 of the Project
commenced on 23 November 2009.
Scope of Report
1.12.
This is the first Annual Environmental Monitoring
and Audit (EM&A) Review Report under the Agreement No. CE 20/2009 (EP) -
Widening of Tolo Highway between Island House Interchange and Tai Hang –
Investigation. This report presents a
summary of the environmental monitoring and audit works, list of activities and
mitigation measures proposed by the ET for Stage 1 of the Project from 23
November 2009 to 31 October 2010.
Project
Organization
1.13.
The project organization is shown in Appendix A.
The key personnel contact names and numbers are summarized in Table 1.1.
Table 1.1 Contact
Information of Key Personnel
|
Party
|
Position
|
Name
|
Telephone
|
Fax
|
|
ER of Stage 1, Contract 1
(Hyder-Arup-Black
& Veatch Joint Venture)
|
Chief Resident Engineer /TOLO1
|
James Tsang
|
9038 8797
|
26674000
|
|
ER of Stage 1, Contract 2
(Hyder-Arup-Black
& Veatch Joint Venture)
|
Chief Resident Engineer /TOLO2
|
Paul Appleton
|
9097 5833
|
2653 2348
|
|
IEC of Stage 1
(Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Ltd.)
|
Independent
Environmental Checker
|
Joseph Chan
(up to 22 Aug 2010)
|
2828 5920
|
2827 1823
|
|
Terence Kong (with effect from 23 Aug 2010)
|
2828 5919
|
2827 1823
|
|
Contractor
of Stage 1, Contract 1
(China State Construction
Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd.)
|
Site Agent
|
David Lau
|
9499 0818
|
2667 5666
|
|
Environmental Officer
|
Michael Tsang
|
9277 4956
|
2667 5666
|
|
Contractor
of Stage 1, Contract 2
(Gammon Construction Ltd.)
|
Site Agent
|
K F Tam
(up to 9 Aug 2010)
|
9032 1133
|
2559 3410
|
|
Edmond Chan
(with effect from
10 Aug 2010)
|
9483 8885
|
2559 3410
|
|
Environmental
Officer
|
Kenneth Chan
|
9300 2182
|
2559 3410
|
|
ET of Stage 1
(AECOM Asia Co. Ltd.)
|
ET Leader
|
Y T Tang
|
2893 1551
|
2891 0305
|
Summary of
Construction Works
1.14. The construction
phase of Stage 1 under the EP commenced on 23 November 2009. Details of the
construction works carried out by the Contract 1 Contractor (CSCE) in this reporting period are listed below:
-
Temporary shoring and sheetpiling;
-
Demolition and re-construction of box culverts;
-
Excavation and backfilling;
-
Pipe pile wall construction;
-
Pile cap construction;
-
Bridge column and pier head construction;
-
Bored piling;
-
Tree felling and transplanting of trees;
-
Installation of soil nails;
-
Construction of retaining wall;
-
Construction of at-grade road;
-
Widening and demolition of central dividers;
-
Formation of slip road;
-
Construction of temporary access;
-
Construction of step channel;
-
Construction of retaining wall;
-
Construction of temporary bridges; and
-
Demolition of bridges.
1.15. The construction
works carried out by the Contract 2 Contractor (GCL) in the reporting period
were:
-
Construction of haul roads and temporary site
accesses;
-
Tree felling and tree transplant;
-
Piling and pile cap of bridges;
-
Construction of pilecap / spread footing of
noise barrier / semi noise enclosure;
-
Slope works, including installation of soil
nail;
-
Entrusted watermain works;
-
Retaining wall construction; and
-
Modification of existing bridge structure.
1.16. The general
layout plan of the Project site showing the contract areas is shown in Figure
1.1.
1.17. The mitigation
measures implementation schedule are presented in Appendix B.
2
Environmental
Monitoring and Audit Requirements
Monitoring Parameters
2.
2.1.
The updated EM&A Manual designated 4 air
quality monitoring stations and 7 noise monitoring stations to monitor
environmental impacts on air quality and noise due to Stage 1 of the Project.
2.2.
For air quality, monitoring locations AM2 (Shan
Tong New Village) and AM3 (Riverain Bayside) were set up at the proposed
locations in accordance with updated EM&A Manual. However, for monitoring
locations: Dynasty View and Tai Po Garden, proposed in the updated EM&A
Manual, as approval could not be obtained from the owner’s corporation of the
premises, impact air quality monitoring was conducted at alternative monitoring
locations: AM1 (Ha Wun Yiu) and AM4 (Tai Kwong Secondary School). The monitoring
station at 13 Ha Wun Yiu (AM1) was relocated to Fan Sin Temple, 3 Sheung Wun
Yiu (AM1A) in February 2010.
2.3.
For noise, monitoring stations NM3 (Wong Shiu Chi
Middle School), NM6 (PLK Tin Ka Ping Primary School) and NM7 (Riverain Bayside)
were set up at the proposed locations in accordance with updated EM&A
Manual. However, for monitoring locations: Tai Po Garden, Dynasty View, Hong
Kong Teachers’ Association Lee Heng Kwei Secondary School and Grand Palisades,
proposed in the updated EM&A Manual, as approval of access could not be
obtained from the owner’s corporation of the premises or the principal of the
education institutes, impact noise monitoring was conducted at alternative
monitoring locations: NM1 (Tai Kwong Secondary School), NM2 (Ha Wun Yiu), NM4 (Uptown
Plaza) and NM5 (The Paragon).
2.4.
The monitoring locations are depicted in Figure
2.1.
2.5.
The updated EM&A Manual also required
environmental site inspections for air quality, noise, water quality, chemical,
waste management, ecology and landscape and visual impact.
Environmental Quality Performance Limits
(Action/Limit Levels)
2.1
2.6.
The environmental quality performance limits (i.e.
Action/Limit Levels) of air quality monitoring were derived from the baseline air
quality monitoring results at the respective monitoring stations (AM1(A), AM2,
AM3 and AM4), while the environmental quality performance limits of noise
monitoring were defined in the EM&A Manual.
2.7.
The environmental quality performance limits of air
quality and noise monitoring and are given in Appendix C.
Environmental Mitigation Measures
2.2
2.8.
Relevant environmental mitigation measures were
stipulated in the Particular Specification and EP (EP-324/2008) for the Contractor to adopt. A list of mitigation
measures and their implementation statuses are given in Appendix B.
3
Air
Quality Monitoring
3.
3.1.
Air quality monitoring, including 1-hour and
24-hour TSP, was conducted at least 3 times every 6 days and at least once
every 6 days respectively at the 4 monitoring stations, in accordance with the
updated EM&A Manual.
3.2.
Figure 2.1 shows the locations of monitoring
stations. Table 3.1 describes the details of the monitoring stations.
Table 3.1 Locations of Impact Air Quality
Monitoring Stations
|
Monitoring
Station
|
Location
|
Description
|
|
AM1*
|
13 Ha Wun Yiu
|
Ground floor outside the premises
|
|
AM1A
|
3 Sheung Wun
Yiu
|
Ground floor at
the boundary outside Fan Sin Temple
|
|
AM2
|
12 Shan Tong
New Village
|
Ground floor outside
the premises
|
|
AM3
|
Riverain
Bayside
|
Roof of the
switch room
|
|
AM4
|
Tai Kwong Secondary School
|
Roof of the school
|
*
AM1 1-hr TSP monitoring station was relocated to AM1A on 26 February
2010; and
AM1
24-hr TSP monitoring station was relocated to AM1A on 25 February 2010
3.3.
The weather was mostly sunny within the reporting
period, but with several downpours between July 2010 and October 2010. The
major dust source of the construction work area included concrete breaking,
soil nail installation and excavation activities from Stage 1 of the Project,
as well as nearby traffic emissions.
3.4.
The number of monitoring events and exceedances
recorded in each month of the reporting period are presented in Table 3.2 and Table
3.3 respectively.
Table 3.2 Summary of
Number of Monitoring Events for 1-hr & 24-hr TSP Concentration
|
Monitoring Parameter
|
Location
|
No. of monitoring events
|
|
Nov 09 – Oct 10
|
|
1-hr TSP
|
AM1
|
48*
|
|
AM1A
|
129
|
|
AM2
|
177
|
|
AM3
|
177
|
|
AM4
|
177
|
|
24-hr TSP
|
AM1
|
13**
|
|
AM1A
|
43
|
|
AM2
|
58
|
|
AM3
|
59
|
|
AM4
|
59
|
* AM1 1-hr
TSP monitoring station was relocated to AM1A on 26 February 2010
** AM1
24-hr TSP monitoring station was relocated to AM1A on 25 February 2010
Table 3.3
Summary of Number of
Exceedances for 1-hr & 24-hr TSP Monitoring
|
Monitoring Parameter
|
Location
|
Level of Exceedance
|
Level of Exceedance
|
|
Nov 09 – Oct 10
|
|
1-hr TSP
|
AM1
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
AM1A
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
AM2
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
AM3
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
AM4
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
|
Total
|
0
|
|
24-hr TSP
|
AM1
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
AM1A
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
AM2
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
1
|
|
AM3
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
AM4
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
|
Total
|
1
|
3.5.
All 1-hour TSP results were below the Action and
Limit Levels at all monitoring locations in the reporting period.
3.6.
However, one (1) Limit Level exceedance was
recorded for 24-hour TSP monitoring at AM2 on 22 March 2010.
Soil nailing works, bored piling and excavation works were carried out
on 22 March 2010. The following dust mitigation measures have been implemented
by the Contract 1 Contractor (CSCE):
-
Covering the stockpile of excavated material and slope
surface with tarpaulin;
-
Soil was dampened before excavation;
-
Erecting dust screen during soil nail drilling work;
-
Haul roads were dampened by water truck;
-
Vehicle washing facility was provided at vehicle exit
points, and every vehicle was washed to remove any dusty materials from its
body and wheels before leaving the sites.
However, there was a territory-wide air quality issue on the date due to
the dust storm from Mainland China. From the information of the EPD, the Air
Pollution Index (API) at Tai Po exceeded 300 and even reached 500 at some time
during the same monitoring period. The dust exceedance was therefore considered
not due to the Project works.
3.7.
The graphical plots of the air quality monitoring
results are provided in Appendix D.
4.
4.1.
Construction noise monitoring was conducted at 7
monitoring stations for at least once per week during 07:00 – 19:00 in the
reporting period.
4.2.
Figure 2.1 shows the locations of the monitoring
stations. Table 4.1 describes the details of the monitoring stations.
Table
4.1 Locations of Impact Noise
Monitoring Stations
|
Monitoring Station
|
Location
|
Description
|
|
NM1
|
Tai Kwong Secondary School
|
1m from the exterior of the roof top façade of the
School
|
|
NM2
|
38 Ha Wun Yiu
|
1.2m from the ground floor free-field of the
village house
|
|
NM3
|
Wong Shiu Chi Middle School
|
1m from the exterior of the roof top façade of the
New Wing
|
|
NM4
|
Uptown Plaza
|
1m from the exterior of the roof top façade of
Block 4
|
|
NM5
|
The Paragon
|
1m from the exterior of the roof top façade of the club house
|
|
NM6
|
PLK Tin Ka Ping
Primary School
|
1.2m ground floor
free-field near the entrance
|
|
NM7
|
Riverain Bayside
|
1m from the exterior of the roof façade of the
switch room
|
4.3.
The major noise source during the noise monitoring
included construction activities of Stage 1 of the Project, nearby traffic
noise and general school activities.
4.4.
The number of construction noise monitoring events
and exceedances are summarized in Table 4.2 and Table 4.3 respectively.
Table 4.2 Summary of
Number of Monitoring Events for Construction Noise
|
Monitoring Parameter
|
Location
|
No. of monitoring events
|
|
Nov 09 – Oct 10
|
|
Construction Noise
|
NM1
|
49
|
|
NM2
|
49
|
|
NM3
|
49
|
|
NM4
|
49
|
|
NM5
|
49
|
|
NM6
|
49
|
|
NM7
|
49
|
Table 4.3 Summary of
Number of Monitoring Exceedances for Construction Noise
|
Monitoring Parameter
|
Location
|
Level of Exceedance
|
Level of Exceedance
|
|
Nov 09 – Oct 10
|
|
Construction Noise
|
NM1
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
NM2
|
0
|
|
NM3
|
0
|
|
NM4
|
0
|
|
NM5
|
0
|
|
NM6
|
0
|
|
NM7
|
0
|
|
|
Total
|
0
|
4.5.
All measured construction noise levels were below the
Limit level and the graphical plots of the trends of the monitoring results are
provided in Appendix F.
4.6.
There were six (6) noise related complaints
followed up by Environmental Team in the reporting period. Hence, six (6)
Action Level exceedances were recorded.
4.7.
The details of the noise related complaints are
described in Section 7, paragraphs 7.3, 7.5, 7.6, 7.10, 7.11 and 7.12 of this
report.
5.
5.1.
Site Inspections were carried out on a weekly basis
to monitor the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and
mitigation measures for Stage 1 of the Project. In the reporting period, 49 and
23 site inspections were carried out for Contract 1 and
Contract 2 of the Project respectively.
5.2.
Particular
observations during the site inspections for Contract 1 are described below:
Air Quality
5.2.1.
Stockpiles of stonefine and sediment were not properly
covered at Wall 8 and at Bridge 10A respectively. The Contractor was reminded
to cover the stockpiles with tarpaulin sheet.
5.2.2.
Excessive smoke emission was observed from an excavator at
W1 at Banyan Bridge. The Contractor was reminded to properly maintain the
plants on site.
5.2.3.
Mud trails were observed on the public road at the site
entrances of Wall 8 and Wall 10. The Contractor was reminded to properly wash
the wheels of all vehicles leaving the site.
Noise
5.2.4.
Moderate noise level was generated during the concrete
breaking activity at Bridge 10A. The Contractor was recommended to wrap the
breaker tip with sound insulation material.
Water Quality
5.2.5.
Leaves and debris was observed accumulated inside the
perimeter u-channel at Banyan Bridge and stagnant water was resulted inside the
u-channel. The Contractor was reminded to unblock the u-channel.
5.2.6.
Leaves and general refuse were accumulated inside the
u-channel at Retaining Wall W8 and at box culverts TP4 and TP5. The Contractor
was reminded to clear the u-channel regularly.
5.2.7.
Muddy water was found discharged to Tai Po River outside
Retaining Wall W10. The Contractor was requested to properly maintain the
drainage system on site, as well as to closely check the water quality of the
discharge to public drains.
5.2.8.
Silt was observed deposited in the u-channel at Wall 8,
Bridge 10A pier 2 and along Bridge 11A to Retaining Wall 10. The Contractor was
reminded to clear the u-channel regularly, especially during rainy seasons.
5.2.9.
Stagnant water was observed at Retaining Wall W8, W10,
inside a drip tray under a generator at Lam Kam Bridge area, the wheel washing
bay at Banyan Bridge and near the sedimentation tanks at Bridge 10A. The
Contractor was reminded to clear the stagnant water or to spray larvicide to
the water to prevent mosquito breeding.
5.2.10. The water in Tai Po
River outside Wall 10 was muddy. The Contractor was requested to investigate
the cause of the muddy water and suspend the work of the possible source
immediately.
5.2.11. Muddy water from
vehicle wheel washing overflowed to the public road at the site entrance of
Wall 8. The Contractor was requested to review the methodology of the wheel
washing facility at the site entrance.
5.2.12. A portion of
perimeter u-channel or bunding was missing at Wall 8. The Contractor was
reminded to provide u-channel or bunding at that section.
Chemical and Waste Management
5.2.13. Oil stain was
observed on the top soil layer at Bridge No. 10A and on the ground at Banyan
Bridge. The Contractor was reminded to clear the contaminated soil and treat it
as chemical waste.
5.2.14. Oil stains were
observed on the ground near the site entrance of Retaining Wall W8. The
Contractor was reminded to clear the oil stains and properly maintain the site
vehicles to prevent oil seepage.
5.2.15. Oil stain was
observed on the ground underneath an excavator under maintenance at Retaining
Wall W8. The Contractor was advised to provide a tarpaulin sheet underneath the
excavator.
5.2.16. Some chemical
containers at Tat Wan Road Slope 13 and at Retaining Wall W10 were not provided
with chemical labels. The Contractor was reminded to provide proper labels to
all chemical containers on site.
5.2.17. Construction
materials were scattered on the slope facing the MTR rail and general refuse
was mixed with C&D materials at Lam Kam Bridge area. The Contractor was
reminded to sort the C&D materials and maintain housekeeping on site
properly.
5.2.18. Oil drums were
observed placed inside the general refuse storage area near the site entrance
at Wall 8. The Contractor was reminded that chemicals and their containers
should be stored separately from general refuse.
5.2.19. A hole was observed
on the drip tray underneath an oil drum at Banyan Bridge. The Contractor was
reminded to seal off the hole.
5.2.20. Oil drums were
found placed on ground without drip tray at Bridge 10A, at Wall 14, at Bridge
11A and at Tat Wan Road Slope 13. The Contractor was reminded to provide drip
tray to all chemicals containers on site.
5.2.21. The drip tray
underneath a water pump at Tat Wan Road was full. The Contractor was reminded
to remove the content inside the drip tray.
5.2.22. Oil seepage was
observed underneath an idle excavator at Banyan Bridge and underneath a crawler
crane at Bridge 10A. The Contractor was reminded to provide a tarpaulin sheets
underneath the idle excavator, remove the contaminated soil as chemical waste
and properly maintain the machineries on site.
Landscape and Visual Impact
5.2.23. A few retained
trees were not properly fenced off at Retaining Wall W10 and at box culverts
TP4 and TP5. The Contractor was reminded to fence off all retained trees on
site.
5.2.24. One of the fencings
for protecting the retained trees was broken at Banyan Bridge. The Contractor
was reminded to fix the fencing.
5.2.25. A few rocks were
observed placed against a retained tree at Banyan Bridge. The Contractor was
reminded to keep all construction materials away from retained trees and
properly fence off the retained trees.
Miscellaneous
5.2.26. Display of
Environmental Permit is missing at the site entrance at TP7. The Contractor was
reminded to post the EP at all the site entrances.
5.3.
All the
observations during the site inspections had been rectified by the Contract 1 Contractor
(CSCE) in the reporting period.
5.4.
Particular
observations during the site inspections for Contract 2 are described below:
Air Quality
5.4.1.
A truck was not washed properly before it left the site at
W73. The Contractor was requested to manually wash the wheels and body of all
vehicles leaving the site at W73.
5.4.2.
Cement powder was scattered on the ground at W72B. The
Contractor was requested to clean up the cement powder.
5.4.3.
Empty cement bags were accumulated next to the grouting
station at Lam Kam Flyover Pier 3. The Contractor was advised to dispose of the
empty cement bags properly.
Noise
5.4.4.
Noise emission labels were missing on air compressors at
Lam Kam Flyover Pier 3 and Bridge 12A P1. The Contractor was reminded to fit
noise labels at obvious location of the air compressors.
5.4.5.
The flap of a piling crane was opened during operation at
Bridge 12A P1. The Contractor was reminded to close the flaps of the mechanical
equipments during operation.
5.4.6.
Noise was generated from the pavement breaking work
underneath Bridge 12 at Shek Lin Road. The Contractor was advised to erect
additional movable noise barriers for noisy activities to reduce the noise
nuisance to the nearby residents.
Water Quality
5.4.7.
The water discharged through the trapezoidal channel at W73
was silty. Although sand bags were provided in the channel to trap the sediment
in the water, the Contractor was advised to collect and divert the water to
proper desilting facility before discharge.
5.4.8.
Bunding was missing at one of the sides and several holes
were observed on the temporary bridge leading to Bridge 12B. The Contractor was
advised to provide bunding at both sides and to seal the holes on the temporary
bridge to prevent runoff to the stream underneath.
5.4.9.
The water discharged to the public drain at the site entrance
of Bridge 12A was observed muddy. The Contractor was requested to stop the
water discharge immediately and check the functioning of the desilting facility
before further discharge.
5.4.10. A drip tray underneath
an air compressor at Bridge 12A was overflowed with water. The Contractor was
reminded to remove the water in the drip tray.
5.4.11. Stagnant water was
observed on the ground next to the concrete mixing area at Bridge 12. The
Contractor was reminded to remove the stagnant water.
Chemical and Waste Management
5.4.12. Chemical containers
and empty oil drums at Slope 37 and S30A were placed on ground without drip
tray. The Contractor was reminded to provide drip tray to all chemicals and
remove the empty oil drums on site.
5.4.13. Oil stains were
observed on the ground at Bridge 12A P1. The Contractor was advised to clear
the oil stains and treat the contaminated soil as chemical waste.
5.4.14. Oil stain was
observed on ground next to the drip tray of a generator at Area 25 near Tai Wo
Road. The Contractor was advised to provide a large drip tray to the generator.
5.4.15. Excavated mud was
overflowed into a drip tray underneath an air compressor at Bridge 12A P1. The
Contractor was requested to remove the mud inside the drip tray and keep
excavated materials away from drip trays.
5.4.16. General refuse and
felled trees were scattered at the soil nailing area on Slope 41. The
Contractor was reminded to maintain waste sorting and proper housekeeping.
5.4.17. A chemical
container together with the drip tray was placed on top of the u-channel at
Bridge 12. The Contractor was reminded to keep all chemicals away from the
drainage system.
5.4.18. A chemical
container was found placed inside a 610-diameter pile casing at Lam Kam
Flyover. The Contractor was requested to properly place all chemicals with drip
tray.
Landscape and Visual Impact
5.4.19. Electric wires were
found tied onto retained trees and a metal bar was found stuck on the retained
trees at Tai Wo Road Gate 3. The Contractor was reminded not to tie electric
wires on retained trees nor use them as physical support. The Contractor was
also advised to wrap the trunks of the easily accessible retained trees with
hessian for protection.
5.4.20. An electric wire
was observed hung on the branch of a retained tree at Lam Kam Flyover. The
Contractor was reminded not to hang anything on the trees that have to be
retained.
5.5.
All the
observations during the site inspections had been rectified by the Contract 2
Contractor (GCL) in the reporting period.
6
Summary
AND REVIEW of Non-compliance (Exceedances) of the Environmental Quality
6.
6.1.
There was no 1-hour TSP and construction noise
monitoring exceedance recorded in the reporting period.
6.2.
One (1) Limit Level exceedance of 24-hour TSP
monitoring was recorded in the reporting period. It was considered not Project
related, as mentioned in Section 3.6 of this report.
6.3.
There were six (6) noise related complaints
followed up by Environmental Team in the reporting period. Hence, six (6)
Action Level exceedances were recorded. The details of the exceedances are
described in Section 7, paragraphs 7.3, 7.5, 7.6, 7.10, 7.11 and 7.12 of this
report.
Summary
of Actions Taken in the event of Non-Compliance
6.4.
In the event of non-compliance, actions were taken
in accordance with the Event-Action Plan in the updated EM&A Manual.
Investigation was carried out within three working days of identification of
non-compliance, checking the implementation status of the mitigation measures,
etc. Assessments showed that
the monitoring exceedance was not due to the Project works and therefore no
further action was required to be taken.
7.
7.1.
No notification of summons and prosecutions was
received in the reporting period.
7.2.
Nine (9) environmental complaints were followed up
by Environmental Team in the reporting period.
7.3.
A public complaint about construction noise at Box
Culverts TP4 and TP5 was received from Contractor’s complaint hotline at
09:15am on 19 December 2009. As informed by the Contractor, concrete breaking
works were carrying out at box culverts TP4 and TP5 at the time. Although,
under the Noise Control Ordinance, construction works are permitted during the
period from 07:00am to 07:00pm on Saturdays, to minimize the noise nuisance to
the public, the Contractor had suspended the concrete breaking works at once,
upon receipt of the complaint, until 01:00pm of the date. The temporary noise
barrier opposite to King Nga Court had been erected in accordance with the EP
requirement. Regular impact noise monitoring record at PLK Tin Ka Ping Primary
School (NM6) on 30 December 2009 at 10:15am was 64.4 dB(A). Follow-up site
visit to Wan Tau Tong Estate was carried out on 30 December 2009 at 9:45am. No
noisy construction work was carried out at the time. The Contractor deferred
the noisy construction activities in the morning.
7.4.
A complaint was lodged by Drainage Services
Department on 23 December 2009 regarding muddy water discharged from
construction site into Tai Po River near Shan Tong Road observed during routine
inspection on 16 December 2009. As advised by the Contractor, muddy water
collected in the sump pit on ground level was found leaked to the drainage
system. The Contractor immediately blocked the u-channel to prevent further
leakage on 24 December 2009 and built a metal tank to replace the original soil
type sump pit on 28 December 2009. Water discharged to Tai Po River near Shan
Tong Road was observed clear during the follow-up site inspection on 30
December 2009.
7.5.
EPD, on 20 January 2010, referred a public
complaint about noise nuisance from the highway opposite to Wan Tau Tong
Estate, Wan Lam House from Monday to Saturday starting in the morning until
04:00am at the midnight in the recent 2 months. The complainant did not know if
the noise came from road works or slope maintenance works. As informed by the
Engineer and the Contractor, the Contractor only carried out night works on 12
and 15 January 2010 before 12:00am for unloading plant and material, with a
valid CNP. The noise in midnights is suspected to be related to pavement
resurfacing (routine maintenance) night work, carried out by others. The noise
nuisance in the midnight is considered not Project related. As for the noise
issue at daytime, breaking of box culvert, sheet piling and soil nail works
were carrying out at Retaining Wall W10 and box culverts TP4 and TP5, as
observed during weekly site inspections in December 2009 and January 2010. While temporary noise barrier opposite to
King Nga Court had been erected in accordance with the EP requirement since
early December 2009 and no noise monitoring exceedance was recorded at the
nearest monitoring station - PLK Tin Ka Ping Primary School (NM6) in December
2009 and January 2010, the Contractor was reminded to ensure mitigation measures
are implemented properly.
7.6.
Another noise complaint, also from Wan Lam House,
was referred by HyD about construction works of the Project near Wan Tau Tong
Estate started at 09:00am affecting the public. On 20 January 2010, the
complainant informed that the condition of noise nuisance became worse and
asked if the noise level between 15 January 2010 and 20 January 2010 exceeded
the allowable standard under the EPD permit and he/she also requested for
supporting data. As informed by the Engineer and the Contractor, as well as our
weekly environmental site inspections on 13 and 20 January 2010, demolition of
box culvert by excavator mounted hydraulic breaker was carrying out at box
culverts TP4 and TP5. Temporary noise barrier required under the EP had already
been erected since early December 2009. Also, the Contractor has deferred the
starting time of concrete breaking up operation to 09:00am and 10:00am on
weekdays and Saturday respectively. Weekly noise monitoring in accordance with
the EM&A Manual was scheduled on 11 and 22 January 2010 and no continuous
noise monitoring was required in the EP and EM&A Manual, hence no noise
monitoring result was obtained between 15 and 20 January 2010. Additional noise
monitoring was arranged on 22 January 2010 upon receipt of the complaint. While
no noise monitoring exceedance was recorded at the nearest monitoring station -
PLK Tin Ka Ping Primary School (NM6) in December 2009 and January 2010, the
Contractor was reminded to ensure mitigation measures are implemented properly.
7.7.
Following up with the noise complaint in December
2009, ad hoc monitoring was conducted on 30 December 2009 at King Nga Court –
King Yuet House G/F 2.5m above ground facing Tolo Highway, at 1:15pm during
rock breaking and sheet piling works being taken place. The noise level was
69.6 dB(A), which complied with the noise Limit Level of 75 dB(A).
7.8.
Following up with the noise complaints in January
2010, another ad hoc monitoring was conducted at King Nga Court – King Yuet
House Rooftop 1m façade facing Tolo Highway, during rock breaking being taken
place at box culverts TP4 and TP5 and soil nailing works at Retaining Wall W10
on 22 January 2010 at 10:30, and the noise level (Leq) was 72.9 dB(A), which
complied with the noise Limit Level of 75 dB(A).
7.9.
An anonymous public complaint regarding muddy water
running out from the construction site of HY/2008/09 to existing public
drainage system at Shan Tong Road was received on 21 July 2010. Site inspection
conducted on the same date found that muddy water from vehicle wheel washing
was overflowing the concrete road hump and running off to the public road at
the site entrance of Wall 8. The Contractor was requested to rectify the muddy
water overflowing and to propose preventive measures for muddy runoff. The Contractor
was also recommended to review the methodology of collecting the wheel washing
water to prevent recurrence in the future. During the follow-up site inspection
conducted on 28 July 2010, another concrete road hump (higher in height) to
divert water to a newly constructed temporary water collection pit for
prevention of water from flowing out from the site area had been constructed
behind the gate of the site entrance of Wall 8. No muddy water running out from
the site was observed.
7.10.
A complainant expressed that noisy construction
activities, including road breaking works, at the section of Tolo Highway near
Wun Yiu towards Kowloon had already been started at 07:20am on 7 August 2010
(Saturday). As informed by the Contractor and the Engineer, the noise was
generated from a breaker for breaking an existing retaining wall at Bridge 10A
East Abutment, which started at 07:20am. It was within the non-restricted hours
for general construction work of the Noise Control Ordinance. Although there
was no noise monitoring exceedance recorded at the nearest noise monitoring
station at PLK Tin Ka Ping Primary School and the construction period was in
compliance with the NCO, the Contractor was recommended to take further
mitigation measures to reduce the disturbance to the nearby residents. Upon
receipt of the complaint, an ad-hoc noise monitoring was conducted on 9 August
2010 at 11:15am – 11:45am on the ground floor at King Nga Court. The Leq
(30mins) was 69.3 dB(A) which was within the standard of 75 dB(A).
7.11.
A complainant expressed that noise was generated
from piling and breaking works, with heavy mechanical plants, still taking
place after 07:00pm on 7 August 2010 (Saturday) at the construction site for
expressway construction facing Tai Po, King Nga Court. According to the site
diary provided by the Engineer, no construction work was carried out after
06:00pm on 7 August 2010 (Saturday). Besides, according to the Contractor’s
record, most of the staffs had got off duty before 07:00pm on 7 August 2010.
Noise from heavy mechanical plants was unlikely to be generated from the
Project after 07:00pm on 7 August 2010.
7.12.
A complainant expressed that noise from piling
works began from 07:00am on general days and noise was still generated from
construction works on Sunday. In accordance with the Noise Control Ordinance,
07:00am-07:00pm of any general days are the non-restricted hours of general
construction work. Therefore, commencement of construction work at 07:00am on
general days is in compliance with the NCO. No noise monitoring exceedance was
recorded at the nearest noise monitoring station at PLK Tin Ka Ping Primary
School. However, according to the site diary provided by the Engineer, only
general site cleaning works, without utilizing any mechanical plant, were
carried out by the Contractor’s staffs on Sunday (8 August 2010). The
construction noise was unlikely to be generated from the Project on 8 August
2010 (Sunday).
7.13.
EPD referred a public complaint regarding generation
of construction dust from road extension construction site at Tolo Highway,
near Pun Chun Yuen, and requested follow-up. As informed by the Contract 2
(HY/2009/08) Contractor (GCL), drilling works of pre-bored H-pile at Bridge 12A
(the site opposite to Pun Chun Yuen) was taking place on 17 September 2010 and
mitigation measures taken included circular dust cover surrounding the drill
rod and casing; u-shape tarpaulin sheet covering the mast and drill rod; and
water spraying to suppress the dust. However, there was a period on the date
when water pressure for water spraying was low due to water hose being twisted
and the dust from the drilling works could not be suppressed efficiently.
Although the 24-hour TSP monitoring at Tai Kwong Secondary School Roof/F – AM4
on 17 September 2010 was below the Action Level, the Contractor was advised to
ensure the mitigation measures on dust suppression were implemented properly
throughout their construction activities.
7.14.
Statistics on complaints, notifications of summons
and successful prosecutions are summarized in Appendix F.
8.
8.1.
Only one (1) 24-hour TSP monitoring exceedance was
recorded in the reporting period and it was considered not related to the
Project works. All the rest of the air quality monitoring results in the
reporting period were below the Action Levels established in the baseline air
quality monitoring carried out in October and November 2009. The result was in
line with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Review
Report (ERR) prediction that dust generation would be controlled and would not
exceed the acceptable criteria, with proper implementation of the recommended
dust mitigation measures.
8.2.
No construction noise monitoring exceedance was
recorded in the reporting period. This is generally in line with the EIA and
ERR prediction that with the implementation of noise mitigation measures, the
construction noise from the Project works will meet the stipulated criterion at
the residential NSRs and at a majority of the education institutions, except
that elevated construction noise level at Wong Shiu Chi Middle School (NM3) was
predicted by the EIA and ERR.
9.
9.1.
The environmental monitoring results indicated that
the construction activities in general were in compliance with the relevant
environmental requirements and were environmentally acceptable. Despite the minor deficiencies found during
site audits, the relevant contractor had taken appropriate actions to rectify
deficiencies within reasonable timeframe. Therefore, the effectiveness and
efficiency of the mitigation measures were considered high in most of the time.
9.2.
For all the parameters under monitoring as
mentioned in Section 8, the measured levels were in line with the EIA and ERR
predictions generally. This indicates that the mitigation measures were
effectively implemented.
10
Review of
EM&A Programme
10.
10.1. The environmental
monitoring methodology was considered well established as the monitoring
results were found in line with the EIA predictions.
10.2. As effective
follow up actions were promptly taken once exceedances were recorded, no
further exceedance occurred for each case. The EM&A programme was
considered successfully and adequately conducted during the course of the
reporting period.
11
Conclusions
11.
11.1.
The construction phase and EM&A programme of
Stage 1 of the Project commenced on 23 November 2009.
11.2.
Air quality and noise monitoring, and weekly site
inspections were carried out in the reporting period, in accordance with the
updated EM&A manual.
11.3.
All 1-hour TSP monitoring results complied with the
Action / Limit Level in the reporting period. However, one (1) Limit Level
exceedance of 24-hour TSP was recorded, but it was considered not related to
the Project works.
11.4.
There were six (6) noise related complaints
followed up by Environmental Team in the reporting period. Hence, six (6)
Action Level exceedances were recorded. No Limit Level exceedance for
construction noise was recorded at all monitoring stations in the reporting
period.
11.5.
Nine (9) environmental complaints were followed up
by Environmental Team in the reporting period.
11.6.
No notification of summons and prosecution was
received in the reporting period.
11.7.
Mitigation measures had been implemented by the
Contractors to minimize the environmental impacts due to construction
activities. Site inspections carried out by ET and IEC showed that the
Contractors rectified the problems observed promptly and no major environmental
deficiency was induced. The EM&A programme was considered successfully and adequately
conducted during the course of the reporting period.
