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
1 November 2010 and 31 October 2011.
As
informed by the Contract 1 Contractor (China State
Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd.), construction activities in the
reporting period included:
-
Temporary shoring, sheetpiling
and excavation;
-
Bored piling;
-
Pre-bored H-piles construction;
-
Pipe pile wall construction;
-
Pile cap construction;
-
Bridge construction;
-
Tree felling and transplanting of trees;
-
At-grade road construction;
-
Demolition of existing central dividers;
-
Demolition of existing bridges;
-
Retaining wall construction;
-
Slope works;
-
Site investigation;
-
Installation of noise barrier;
-
Road paving;
-
Bridge Jacking;
-
Soil Nails Works;
-
Noise Barrier Footing Construction and Panel
Installation; and
-
Drainage works.
The construction works carried out by the Contract 2 Contractor (Gammon Construction Ltd.) in the
reporting period included:
-
Condition
survey of existing structures;
-
Excavation
of trial trenches to locate existing utilities;
-
Ground
investigation and predrilling;
-
Construction
of haul road;
-
Extension
of box culvert and subway;
-
Piling
and structural works of bridges;
-
Piling
and pile cap of bridges;
-
Construction
of pile cap / spread footing of noise barrier / semi noise enclosure;
-
Slope
works, including installation of soil nails;
-
Retaining
wall construction;
-
Noise
barrier construction;
-
Modification
of existing bridge structures;
-
Entrusted
watermains works; and
-
Sewer
Installation.
Breaches of Action and Limit
Levels for Air Quality
No exceedance of Action and Limit Level was
recorded for both 1-hour and 24-hour TSP monitoring in the reporting period.
Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Noise
No Action/Limit
Level exceedance of construction noise monitoring was
recorded in the reporting period.
There
were three (3) noise related complaints followed up by Environmental Team in the
reporting period.
Investigations were carried out. The findings and the proposed mitigation
measures were submitted to all relevant parties. Summary of investigation is described in
Section 7.1.
Complaint, Notification of
Summons and Successful Prosecution
Four (4) environmental complaints were
followed up by Environmental Team in the reporting period. Investigations were carried out.
The findings and the proposed mitigation measures were submitted to all
relevant parties. Summary of
investigation is described in Section 7.1.
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 second 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 1 November 2010 to 31 October 2011.
Project
Organization
1.13.
The project organization structure 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
|
Terence Kong
|
2828 5919
|
2827 1823
|
|
Contractor
of Stage 1, Contract 1
(China State Construction
Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd.)
|
Site Agent
|
David Lau (1 Nov 2010 - 4 Sep 2011)
|
9499 0818
|
2667 5666
|
|
S Y Tse (5 September
2011 -to date)
|
9078 0458
|
2667 5666
|
|
Environmental Officer
|
Michael Tsang
|
9277 4956
|
2667 5666
|
|
Contractor
of Stage 1, Contract 2
(Gammon Construction Ltd.)
|
Site Agent
|
Edmond Chan
|
9483 8885
|
2559 3410
|
|
Environmental Officer
|
Ir Thomson Chang
|
9213 6569
|
2559 3410
|
|
ET of Stage 1
(AECOM)
|
ET Leader
|
Y T Tang
|
3922 9393
|
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, sheetpiling
and excavation;
-
Bored piling;
-
Pre-bored H-piles construction;
-
Pipe pile wall construction;
-
Pile cap construction;
-
Bridge construction;
-
Tree felling and transplanting of trees;
-
At-grade road construction;
-
Demolition of existing central dividers;
-
Demolition of existing bridges;
-
Retaining wall construction;
-
Slope works;
-
Site investigation;
-
Installation of noise barrier;
-
Road paving;
-
Bridge jacking;
-
Soil nails works;
-
Noise barrier footing construction and panel
installation; and
-
Drainage works.
1.15. The construction works
carried out by the Contract 2 Contractor (GCL) in the reporting period were:
-
Condition
survey of existing structures;
-
Excavation
of trial trenches to locate existing utilities;
-
Ground
investigation and predrilling;
-
Construction
of haul road;
-
Extension
of box culvert and subway;
-
Piling
and structural works of bridges;
-
Piling
and pile cap of bridges;
-
Construction
of pile cap / spread footing of noise barrier / semi noise enclosure;
-
Slope
works, including installation of soil nails;
-
Retaining
wall construction;
-
Noise
barrier construction;
-
Modification
of existing bridge structures;
-
Entrusted
watermains works; and
-
Sewer
Installation.
1.16. The general
layout plan of the Project site showing the contract areas is shown in Figure
1.1.
1.17. The environmental
mitigation measures implementation schedule (EMIS) 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. Also, the monitoring station at Tai Kwong Secondary School (AM4) was relocated to 168 Shek Kwu Lung Village (AM4A) in September 2011.
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). The monitoring station at Tai Kwong Secondary School (NM1) was relocated to 168 Shek Kwu Lung Village (NM1A) in September 2011.
2.4.
The monitoring locations used during the reporting
period 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, 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 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 environmental
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 used during the reporting period. Table 3.1 describes the details of
the monitoring stations.
Table 3.1 Locations of Impact Air Quality
Monitoring Stations
|
Monitoring
Station
|
Location
|
Description
|
|
AM1A
|
3 Sheung Wun Yiu
|
Ground floor at the boundary outside Fan Sin
Temple
|
|
AM2
|
12 Shan Tong New Village
|
Ground floor outside the premise
|
|
AM3
|
Riverain Bayside
|
Roof of the switch room
|
|
AM4*
|
Tai Kwong
Secondary School
|
Roof of the school
|
|
AM4A*
|
168
Shek Kwu Lung Village
|
Roof of the switch room
|
* AM4 1-hr and 24-hr TSP monitoring station was relocated
to AM4A on 1 September 2011.
3.3.
The weather was mostly sunny with several cloudy periods within the reporting period. Also, occasional
downpours were noted between May 2011 and July 2011. The major dust source in the reporting period
included construction 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 10 – Oct 11
|
|
1-hr TSP
|
AM1A
|
192
|
|
AM2
|
192
|
|
AM3
|
192
|
|
AM4*
|
162
|
|
AM4A*
|
30
|
|
24-hr TSP
|
AM1A
|
64
|
|
AM2
|
64
|
|
AM3
|
64
|
|
AM4*
|
54
|
|
AM4A*
|
10
|
* AM4
1-hr and 24-hr TSP monitoring station
was relocated to AM4A on 1 September 2011.
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 10 – Oct 11
|
|
1-hr TSP
|
AM1A
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
AM2
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
AM3
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
AM4*
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
AM4A*
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
|
Total
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
24-hr TSP
|
AM1A
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
AM2
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
AM3
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
AM4*
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
AM4A*
|
Action
|
0
|
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
|
Total
|
0
|
* AM4 1-hr and 24-hr TSP monitoring station was
relocated to AM4A on 1 September 2011.
3.5.
All 1-hour and 24-hour TSP results were below the
Action and Limit Level at all monitoring locations in the reporting period.
3.6.
The graphical plots of the impact 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 used during the reporting period. 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
|
|
NM1A*
|
168 Shek Kwu Lung Village
|
1m
from the exterior wall of the village house
|
|
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
|
* NM1 impact construction noise monitoring
station was relocated to NM1A on 1 September 2011.
4.3.
Major noise sources during the noise monitoring
included construction activities of Stage 1 of the Project and nearby traffic
noise. In addition, for NM1, NM3 and NM6, general school activities are also a potential
noise source during the noise monitoring.
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 10 – Oct 11
|
|
Construction Noise
|
NM1*
|
44
|
|
NM1A*
|
8
|
|
NM2
|
52
|
|
NM3
|
52
|
|
NM4
|
52
|
|
NM5
|
52
|
|
NM6
|
52
|
|
NM7
|
52
|
* NM1 impact construction noise monitoring station was relocated to NM1A on 1
September 2011.
Table 4.3 Summary of Number of Monitoring Exceedances for Construction Noise
|
Monitoring Parameter
|
Location
|
Level of Exceedance
|
Level of Exceedance
|
|
Nov 10 – Oct 11
|
|
Construction Noise
|
NM1*
|
Limit
|
0
|
|
NM1A*
|
0
|
|
NM2
|
0
|
|
NM3
|
0
|
|
NM4
|
0
|
|
NM5
|
0
|
|
NM6
|
0
|
|
NM7
|
0
|
|
|
Total
|
0
|
* NM1 impact construction noise
monitoring station was relocated to NM1A on 1 September 2011.
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 E. No Action/Limit exceedance of
construction noise monitoring was recorded in the reporting period.
4.6.
There were three (3) noise related complaints followed up by Environmental Team in the
reporting period. Investigations were carried out. The findings
and the proposed mitigation
measures were submitted to all relevant parties. Summaries of investigations are described in
Section 7.1 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, 52 and 52 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.
The stock of cement bags near the vehicle site entrance of
Wall 8 and behind the grout mixer at Bridge 10A were not covered. The
Contractor was reminded to cover the stock of cement bags with tarpaulin
sheets.
5.2.2.
Several stockpiles of dusty material were not covered at
Slope 13 and observed dry at site entrance 24. The Contractor was reminded to
properly cover the stockpiles to prevent fugitive dust generation and implement
dust suppression measure on the soil stockpile.
5.2.3.
Dark smoke was emitted from an excavator at S14. The
Contractor was reminded to properly service the excavator to avoid dark smoke
emission.
5.2.4.
The haul road at Wall 4-7 was dry. The Contractor was reminded
to take dust suppression measures more frequently to minimize fugitive dust generation.Exposed slopes near work area NB1 and at S17 were not completely covered by tarpaulin sheet. The Contractor was reminded to fully cover
the exposed slopes with tarpaulin sheet
5.2.5.
Cement was observed on the ground at Wall 4-7. The
Contractor was reminded to clean up or spray water on the cement.
5.2.6.
Slightly smoky emission was observed from an excavator
working at Wall 10. The Contractor was reminded to conduct regular maintenance
of the machineries working on site to avoid any dark smoke emission. (Reminder)
Noise
5.2.7.
Noise Emission Label (NEL) was found missing for the air
compressor at Bridge 10A West Abutment and bridge level of
Wall 8. The Contractor was reminded to
affix NEL at obvious location on the air compressor.
Water Quality
5.2.8. Bunding was missing on the
temporary bridge at Bridge 11A. The Contractor was reminded to provide bunding at both sides of the bridge. General refuse and
C&D materials were observed inside the u-channel at TP7 whereas leaves were
found accumulated inside the u-channel along Wall 10 and Wall 17. The
Contractor was reminded to remove the general refuse, C&D materials and
leaves from the u-channel and properly maintain the drainage system on-site.
5.2.9. To avoid any silty surface run-off overflowing outside the works area,
the Contractor was reminded to provide sand bags/bunds at the site boundaries
at Wall 8 riverbank works area to intercept the surface run-off from works
areas, especially during rainstorm.
5.2.10. Tarpaulin sheet
coverage on the exposed slopes at NB21 was found incomplete. The Contractor was
reminded to fully cover up the exposed slopes with tarpaulin sheet to avoid any
soil erosion, especially during rainstorm.
Chemical and Waste Management
5.2.11. Oil stains were
observed near the drip tray of chemical containers at bridge level of Wall 8
and on the bridge surface at Bridge 11A. The Contractor was reminded to
properly handle the chemicals and to clean up the oil stains and dispose them
of as chemical wastes.
5.2.12. Two chemical
containers were placed on ground without drip tray at Bridge 10A. The
Contractor was reminded to provide drip tray to all chemicals stored on site.
5.2.13. Stockpile of
C&D wastes was observed within works area at Bridge 11A and Bridge 10A. The
Contractor was reminded to clear the C&D wastes accumulated within the
works area regularly and sort and dispose of them properly.
5.2.14. Waste inside the
waste skip placed near work area W8 was found mixing with some recyclable
waste. The Contractor was reminded to sort the recyclable waste and clean up
regularly.
Landscape and Visual Impact
5.2.15. Construction
materials were placed very close to the retained trees at Retaining Wall 10 and
work area TB1. The Contractor was reminded to keep all construction materials
away from the retained trees and provide proper protection measures to the
retained trees.
5.2.16. Ropes were tied on
some retained trees and, in particular, a nail was found nailed into the tree
branch to hang electric wires at Bridge 11A. Ropes to hang clothes were also found
tied on retained trees at Bridge 10A. The Contractor was requested to untie the
ropes, pull out the nail and not to hang wires onto the retained trees in the
future.
Miscellaneous
5.2.17. Stagnant water was
observed inside a waste skip at Wall 4-7 and pile cap at Wall 8.
The Contractor was reminded to clear the stagnant water and take mitigation
measures to prevent mosquito breeding.
5.3.
Particular
observations during the site inspections for Contract 2 are described below:
Air Quality
5.3.1. Exposed soil
stockpile was found on site without covering in work area NB41, S28, Bridge
15ASA, NLKP Pier 10, next to the waste storage area at NB42, underneath Lam Kam
Flyover and Area B. The Contractor was reminded to cover up the stockpile with
tarpaulin sheet to avoid soil erosion.
5.3.2. Uncovered opened cement
bags were left on the ground near the grout mixing plant and near the u-channel
at Bridge 12A. The Contractor was advised to cover the opened bags of cement
and properly handle cement in the future.
5.3.3.
Dark smoke was observed emitted from a drill rig at Bridge
13A Pier 2. The Contractor was reminded to properly maintain the plants on
site.
5.3.4. Mud trails were
observed on ground at the vehicle site entrance of W73. The Contractor was
reminded to properly wash the vehicles before they leave the site.
5.3.5.
Cement powder was scattered on ground at Bridge 13A, Area C, W38 and Bridge 18 C35.
The Contractor was advised to clean up the cement powder and properly handle
them in the future.
5.3.6.
Grouting mixing process was found carrying out in an area
without shelter at work area 15AP1. The Contractor was reminded to cover up
with tarpaulin sheet on the top and at the 3 sides.
5.3.7. Stockpile of soil
at work area NB42 was found
without dust suppression measure. The Contractor was reminded to spray water
frequently or cover up with tarpaulin sheet especially in the coming dry
season. (Reminder)
5.3.8.
Access roads in works area W38, NB41 and Area B was found
dry. The Contractor was reminded to provide dust suppression measures such as
regular water spraying on access roads within works area to minimize the dust
impacts.
Noise
5.3.9.
The flap of an air compressor at NLKP 7 was opened during
operation. The Contractor was reminded to close the flaps of mechanical
equipments during operation.
5.3.10. Noise Emission
Label (NEL) was found missing for the air compressor at 18A. The Contractor was
reminded to affix NEL to the air compressor.
Water Quality
5.3.11. Accumulation of
silt and stagnant water was observed in the tray next to the sedimentation tank
at Bridge 12A. The Contractor was reminded to clear the silt and stagnant water
in the tray regularly.
5.3.12. Seepage of muddy
water was observed from the gaps of concrete blocks under the piling area at
Bridge 13A Pier2. To prevent muddy water from running off to the adjacent
stream, the Contractor was requested to align a bunding
at the foot of the concrete blocks to divert the seeped water to desilting facility.
5.3.13. The sand bag bunding at the bottom of the concrete blocks at Bridge 13A
Pier2 was covered up by shotcrete layer which
rendered the sand bags ineffective to prevent untreated water from running off
to the adjacent stream. The Contractor was advised to provide an effective bunding to divert the untreated water to desilting facility.
5.3.14. The level of the
concrete layer at NLKP Pier 2 had become higher than the sand bag bunding next to the u-channel. The Contractor was reminded
to improve the bunding to intercept site runoff from
entering the u-channel.
5.3.15. Exposed slope was
observed near the u-channel at NLKP Pier 2. The Contractor was reminded to
either cover the slope with tarpaulin or hydro-seed the slope to prevent
surface runoff into the u-channel.
5.3.16. Accumulation of silty water and deposited silt was observed inside the
wheel washing bays provided in Retaining Wall W65 works area and Gate G11. The
Contractor was reminded to clear the deposited silt inside the wheel washing
bays regularly and maintain the wheel washing facilities properly.
5.3.17. A sedimentation
tank placed near the AquaSed at Gate G11 was almost
full of silty water. The Contractor was reminded to
treat the silty water before discharge and provide
mitigation measures to avoid overflowing of untreated water and mosquito
breeding.
5.3.18. Muddy run-off was
found discharging to public drainage at 15AP4 and at work area W51. Muddy water
was found accumulated on the ground under NLKP Pier 5. The Contractor was
requested to construct bunds to divert the muddy run-off to desilting
facility and closely monitor the drainage system to ensure the drainage system
is working properly and well maintained. Muddy water accumulated on ground
should be cleared to prevent muddy water flowing to nearby public drainage.
5.3.19. Silty water and
deposited silt was observed inside the u-channel along the site boundaries of
works area W38, slope at Gate 30, sump pit of the u-channel near work area W73
and desilting pit at 15AP4. Moreover, debris and
weeds were found accumulated inside the drainage channels near work area W53
and 15AP3 respectively. Felled trees and leaves were also observed accumulated
inside the u-channel at W38 and Gate 28.The Contractor was recommended to
properly maintain the drainage systems/channels with regular clearance of
deposited silt, weeds, felled trees, leaves and debris.
Chemical and Waste Management
5.3.20. An oil drum was
placed on ground without drip tray underneath Lam Kam Flyover and two bottles
of chemical were placed on ground without drip tray at W73. The Contractor was
reminded to provide drip tray to all chemical containers on site.
5.3.21. Excavated materials
and non-inert C&D waste were accumulated near the sump pit at W73. The
Contractor was reminded to keep excavated materials and C&D waste away from
the sump pit and dispose of the waste in a timely manner.
5.3.22. A drip tray of
chemical containers at Gate 30 was filled with silt. The Contractor was advised
to clear the silt and prevent silt from getting into drip trays.
5.3.23. Soil nail
installation controller was placed on ground without drip tray at Bridge 18
C35. The Contractor was reminded to provide drip tray to all soil nail
installation controllers on site.
5.3.24. Oil stain was
observed on ground at W49 and W56 and underneath a boring machine near the site
entrance of W72B. The Contractor was reminded to clean up the oil stain, properly maintain the vehicles and plants on site and provide a
tarpaulin sheet underneath all the equipments requiring repair and maintenance.
5.3.25. Empty cement bags
were accumulated on ground at Gate 2, W56,
W38
and Gate 15. Although they were dampened, the Contractor was reminded to remove
empty cement bags off site in a timely manner and disposed of them properly
5.3.26. Lid or cover was
missing for a chemical container at Lam Kam Flyover and rainwater was
accumulating inside the container. The Contractor was reminded to provide lid
for all chemicals on site to prevent accumulation of water and hence overflow
of the chemical contents.
5.3.27. Waste inside the
waste skips near work area RW72, S29, and W66 were found mixing with some
recyclable waste, like steel, aluminum cans, cardboards and plastic bottles. Similar
case was also noted in waste skips placed in Area B where non-inert C&D
wastes, general refuse and metal were mixed up.
The Contractor was reminded to implement the waste sorting system
properly, clear the waste skip regularly and convey the message to the sub-contractors.
5.3.28. A hole was found on
a drip tray at work area S29 and drain hole of drip tray was found damaged
at work area W56. The Contractor was reminded to seal up and repair
the hole before placing chemical inside the drip tray.
5.3.29. Parts of equipment were
found stored up at W66. The Contractor was reminded to clear up the plants to
suitable area or place them onto tarpaulin sheet to avoid contamination to the
soil from the oil leaked from parts.
5.3.30. General refuse and
C&D materials were found accumulated inside the u-channel at Slope 41. The
Contractor was reminded to remove them from the u-channel and maintain the site
in a clean and tidy condition.
Landscape and Visual Impact
5.3.31. Identification was
missing for the transplanted trees within the site at Area B. The Contractor
was reminded to tag the transplanted trees with the identification numbers.
Miscellaneous
5.3.32. Stagnant water was
observed inside the waste skip and inside the drip tray at Gate 7, on the
bridge at NLKP Pier 5, trays and a pile cap at Gate 2 and inside the bay of
base slab of retaining wall under construction near work area W73. The
Contractor was reminded to clear the stagnant was and take mitigation measures
to prevent mosquito breeding.
6
Summary
AND REVIEW of Non-compliance (Exceedances) of the Environmental Quality
6.
6.1.
There was no 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP and construction
noise monitoring exceedance recorded in the reporting
period.
6.2.
No Action/Limit Level exceedance
of construction noise monitoring was recorded in the reporting quarter.
6.3.
There were three (3) noise related complaints followed up by Environmental Team in the
reporting period. Investigations were carried out. The findings and the proposed mitigation measures were submitted to all
relevant parties. Summary of investigation is described in Section 7.1.
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.
Four (4) environmental complaints were followed up by Environmental Team in the
reporting period. Details of the complaints are shown below:
7.1.1.
EPD referred a public
complaint about renovation noise from roadwork at Ha Wun
Yiu, Tai Po, at midnight on 10 December 2010. As informed by the Contract 1
(HY/2008/09) Contractor (CSHK) and Contract 2 (HY/2009/08) Contractor (GCL) of
Stage 1 of the Project, and confirmed by the Engineer, no construction activity
was carried out by the Contractors of Stage 1 of the Project at the concerned
area during the concerned timeslot. The complaint was considered unrelated to
the Project works.
7.1.2.
EPD
referred a public complaint on 4 January 2011 about construction noise was
still generated on Sunday from the construction site of China State
Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd. (CSHK) at Tolo
Highway near Lai Chi Shan. The noise was particularly serious on 2 January 2011
(Sunday) starting from 09:00am. As informed by the Contractor (CSHK) and
confirmed by the Engineer of the Project, floor cleaning and wood surface
gluing works were carried out on the bridge deck next to Lai Chi Shan on 2
January 2011. Although a valid CNP was obtained for the use of certain powered
mechanical equipments, no mechanical equipment was in operation on the date.
The complaint could be project
related and the Contract 1 Contractor (CSHK) was recommended the mitigated
measures as follows:
- Strictly comply
with the requirements of the approved CNP for works carried out in restricted
hours;
- Better scheduling
of works to minimize noise nuisance;
- Instruct the site
workers to keep the noise from manual works to minimum; and
- Foster better
public relations with the sensitive receivers nearby.
7.1.3.
EPD
referred a public complaint about the noise generated from formwork
construction on 6 March 2011 (Sunday) starting from 09:00am at the Tolo Highway Widening construction site opposite to Tak Nga Court affected the residents. As informed by
the Contract 1 (HY2008/09 - Between Island House Interchange and Ma Wo) Contractor, China State Construction Engineering (Hong
Kong) Limited, of Stage 1 of the Project, and confirmed by the Engineer of the
Project, only water barrier laying work, general site cleanliness and tidiness
works were carried out at the area close to Tak Nga
Court on 6 March 2011. No activity likely to cause the noise nuisance was
performed on the date at the area. The complaint could be project
related and the Contract 1 Contractor (CSHK) was recommended the mitigated
measures as follows:
- Strictly comply
with the requirements of the approved CNP for works carried out in restricted
hours;
- Better scheduling
of works to minimize noise nuisance;
- Instruct the site
workers to keep the noise from manual works to minimum; and
- Foster better
public relations with the sensitive receivers nearby.
7.1.4. EPD
referred a complaint from Mr. Lai
about dust emission from construction site of the Tolo
Highway widening works near Ma Wo on 9 September
2011. As informed by the Contract 2 (HY2009/08 -
Between Ma Wo and Tai Hang)’s Contractor, Gammon
Construction Ltd, of Stage 1 of the Project and confirmed by the Engineer of
the Project, no substantial
dusty construction activity was being carried out on that day at the work area
nearby the residential flat of the complainant. The dust was likely from the haul road of
the construction site without sufficient dust suppression measure. Although the 24-hour
TSP monitoring at the nearest monitoring station (Sheung
Wan Yiu, AM1A) on 6 September 2010 was 30.4 ug/m3,
which was below the action level of 176.6 ug/m3,
the Contractor was recommended and agreed the mitigation measures as follows:
- Frequently
watering the haul road above Ma Wo subway;
- Watering the dry
soil during excavation for W45 near the subway;
- Erect canvas to control
the cement flying in the open air during shotcreting;
and
- Nominate a direct
labour to monitor the agreed measures like water
spraying etc.
Follow-up site visit
was conducted on 22 September 2011 to conform the implementation of mitigation
measures. No fugitive dust was observed
arising from the construction works area. Water spraying on haul road near Ma Wo was observed during the site audit and a worker was
assigned for the water spraying works.
7.2.
No notification of summons and prosecutions was received
in the reporting period.
7.3.
Cumulative statistics on complaints, notifications
of summons and successful prosecutions are summarized in Appendix F.
8.
8.1.
No 1-hour and 24-hour TSP
monitoring exceedance was recorded in the reporting
period. All 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 impact air quality and noise monitoring programme ensured that any environmental impact to the
receivers would be readily detected and timely actions could be taken to
rectify any non-compliance. The
environmental monitoring results indicated that the construction activities in
general were in compliance with the relevant environmental requirements and
were environmentally acceptable. The weekly site inspection ensured that all
the environmental mitigation measures recommended in the EIA/ERR were
effectively implemented. 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 and 24-hour TSP monitoring
results complied with the Action / Limit Level in the reporting period.
11.4.
There were three (3) noise related complaints
followed up by Environmental Team in the reporting period.
Investigations were carried out.
The findings and the proposed mitigation measures were submitted to all
relevant parties.
11.5.
Four (4) 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.
