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 commenced on 23 November 2009.
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 and 31 March 2010. As informed by the Contract 1 Contractor (CSCE),
construction activities in the reporting period were:
-
Site investigation;
-
Install temporary shoring, sheetpiling and
excavation;
-
Demolition and re-build of box culverts;
-
Erection of hoardings, temporary shoring and
excavation;
-
Bored piling;
-
Tree felling & transplantation;
-
Installation of soil nails;
-
Construction of footings and foundation for
temporary bridges;
-
Widening & demolition of existing central
dividers;
-
Retaining wall construction; and
-
Erection of temporary bridges.
Site clearance and preparatory works were carried
out by the Contract 2 Contractor (Gammon) in the reporting period.
There was no reporting change required in the reporting month.
Breaches of Action and Limit
Levels for Air Quality
No exceedance of Action and Limit Level was recorded for 1-hour TSP
monitoring in the reporting month.
However, one (1) Limit Level exceedance was recorded for 24-hour TSP
monitoring at AM2 in the reporting month.
Breaches of Action and Limit
Levels for Noise
There was no noise
related complaint followed up by Environmental Team in the reporting month,
hence no Action Level exceedances of noise were recorded.
No Limit Level exceedance of noise was recorded in the reporting
month.
Complaint, Notification of
Summons and Successful Prosecution
No environmental
complaint was followed up by Environmental Team in March 2010.
No notification of
summons and successful prosecution were received in the reporting month.
Future Key Issues
Key issues to be
considered in the coming month included:
- Properly store and label oils and chemicals on site;
- Chemical
and waste management;
- Collection
of construction waste should be carried out regularly;
- Site
runoff should be properly collected and treated prior to discharge;
- Suppress
dust generated from excavation activities and haul road traffic;
- Quieter
powered mechanical equipment should be used;
- Closely check and
replace the sound insulation materials wrapped at the concrete breaker tip
regularly;
- Better scheduling
of construction works to minimize noise nuisance; and
- Properly
maintain all drainage faculties on site.
1.1. Background
1.1.1.
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 1, which links Hong Kong
Island to Shenzhen. At
present, this section of Route 1 is dual 3-lane carriageway. However, at
several major interchanges along this section of Route 1, the highway is only
dual-2 lane. Severe congestion is a frequent occurrence during peak periods,
particularly in the Kowloon
bound direction.
1.1.2.
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.
1.1.3.
The Project is a designated project and is governed
by an Environmental Permit (EP-324/2008)(EP).
1.1.4.
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,
including realignment of various slip roads;
|
|
(iii)
|
Modification
and reconstruction of highways, vehicular bridges, underpasses and
footbridges.
|
1.1.5.
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.
1.1.6.
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.
1.1.7.
China State Construction Engineering Ltd. (CSCE)
was commissioned as the Contractor of Contract 1 of Stage 1 of the Project,
while Gammon Construction
Limited was commissioned as the Contractor of Contract 2 of Stage 1 of the
Project. 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.
1.1.8.
Hyder-Arup-Black
and Veatch Joint Venture are appointed by Highways Department as the
consultants for the design and construction assignment for the Tolo project
under Agreement No. CE 58/2000 (i.e. the Engineer for the Contracts) and Mott
MacDonald Hong Kong Ltd. acts as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)
for the Contracts.
1.1.9.
The
construction phase of Stage 1 under the EP commenced on 23 November 2009.
1.1.10.
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.
1.2.
Scope of Report
1.2.1.
This is the fifth monthly Environmental
Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) 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 in March
2010.
1.3.
Project
Organization
1.3.1. 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
|
To be advised
|
|
IEC of Stage 1
(Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited)
|
Independent
Environmental Checker
|
Joseph Chan
|
2828 5920
|
2827 1823
|
|
Contractor
of Stage 1, Contract 1
(CSCE)
|
Site Agent
|
S Y Tse
|
9078 0458
|
2667 5666
|
|
Environmental Officer
|
Michael Tsang
|
9277 4956
|
2667 5666
|
|
Contractor
of Stage 1, Contract 2
(Gammon)
|
Construction
Manager
|
K F Tam
|
9032 1133
|
To be advised
|
|
ET of Stage 1
(AECOM)
|
ET Leader
|
Y T Tang
|
2893 1551
|
2891 0305
|
1.4.
Summary of
Construction Works
1.4.1.
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:
-
Site investigation;
-
Install temporary shoring, sheetpiling and
excavation;
-
Demolition and re-build of box culverts;
-
Erection of hoardings, temporary shoring and
excavation;
-
Bored piling;
-
Tree felling & transplantation;
-
Installation of soil nails;
-
Construction of footings and foundation for
temporary bridges;
-
Widening & demolition of existing central
dividers;
-
Retaining wall construction; and
-
Erection of temporary bridges.
1.4.2.
Site clearance and
preparatory works were carried out by the Contract 2 Contractor (Gammon)
in the reporting period.
1.4.3.
The Construction Programmes are shown in
Appendix B.
1.4.4.
The general layout plan of the Project site
showing the contract area is shown in Figure 1.1.
1.4.5.
The mitigation measures implementation schedule
are presented in Appendix C.
1.5.
Summary of
EM&A Programme Requirements
1.5.1.
The EM&A programme required environmental
monitoring for air quality, noise and environmental site inspections for air
quality, noise, waste management, ecology, and landscape and visual impact. The
EM&A requirements for each parameter described in the following sections
include:
-
All monitoring parameters;
-
Monitoring schedules for the reporting month
and forthcoming months;
-
Action and Limit levels for all environmental
parameters;
-
Event / Action Plan;
-
Environmental mitigation measures, as
recommended in the Project EIA study final report; and
- Environmental
requirement in contract documents.
2.1.1
In accordance with the updated EM&A Manual, baseline
1-hour and 24-hour TSP levels at 4 air quality monitoring stations were
established. Impact 1-hour TSP monitoring was conducted for at least three
times every 6 days, while impact 24-hour TSP monitoring was carried out for at
least once every 6 days. The Action and Limit level of the air quality
monitoring is provided in Appendix D.
2.2
2.2.1
24-hour TSP air quality monitoring was performed using High
Volume Sampler (HVS) located at each designated monitoring station. The HVS
meets all the requirements of the updated EM&A Manual. Portable direct reading dust meters were used
to carry out the 1-hour TSP monitoring.
Brand and model of the equipment is given in Table 2.1.
Table
2.1 Air
Quality Monitoring Equipment
|
Equipment
|
Brand and
Model
|
|
Portable direct reading dust meter (1-hour TSP)
|
Sibata Digital Dust Monitor (Model No. LD-3)
|
|
High Volume Sampler
(24-hour TSP)
|
Tisch Total Suspended Particulate Mass Flow
Controlled High Volume Air Sampler (Model No. TE-5170)
|
2.3
2.3.1
Monitoring locations AM2 and AM3 were set up at the
proposed locations in accordance with updated EM&A Manual. However, for
monitoring locations: Dynasty View (AM1) and Tai Po Garden (AM4), 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.
2.3.2
The monitoring station at 13 Ha Wun Yiu (AM1) was relocated
to Fan Sin Temple,
3 Sheung Wun Yiu (AM1A) in February 2010.
2.3.3 Figure 2.1 shows
the locations of monitoring stations. Table 2.2 describes the details of the
monitoring stations.
Table 2.2 Locations of Impact Noise 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 premises
|
|
AM3
|
Riverain Bayside
|
Roof of the switch room
|
|
AM4
|
Tai Kwong Secondary School
|
Roof of the school
|
2.4
2.4.1
Table 2.3 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency
and duration of impact TSP monitoring.
Table 2.3 Air Quality Monitoring Parameters,
Frequency and Duration
|
Parameter
|
Frequency and
Duration
|
|
1-hour TSP
|
Three
times every 6 days while the highest dust impact was expected
|
|
24-hour TSP
|
Once
every 6 days
|
2.5
2.5.1
24-hour TSP Monitoring
(a)
The HVS was installed in the vicinity of the air
sensitive receivers. The following
criteria were considered in the installation of the HVS.
(i)
A horizontal platform with appropriate support to
secure the sampler against gusty wind was provided.
(ii)
The distance between the HVS and any obstacles,
such as buildings, was at least twice the height that the obstacle protrudes
above the HVS.
(iii)
A minimum of 2 meters separation from walls,
parapets and penthouse for rooftop sampler.
(iv)
No furnace or incinerator flues nearby.
(v)
Airflow around the sampler was unrestricted.
(vi)
Permission was obtained to set up the samplers and
access to the monitoring stations.
(vii)
A secured supply of electricity was obtained to
operate the samplers.
(viii)
The sampler was located more than 20 meters from
any dripline.
(ix)
Any wire fence and gate, required to protect the
sampler, did not obstruct the monitoring process.
(x)
Flow control accuracy was kept within ±2.5%
deviation over 24-hour sampling period.
(b)
Preparation of Filter Papers
(i)
Glass fibre filters, G810 were labelled and
sufficient filters that were clean and without pinholes were selected.
(ii)
All filters were equilibrated in the conditioning
environment for 24 hours before weighing. The conditioning environment
temperature was around 25 °C
and not variable by more than ±3
°C; the relative humidity (RH) was < 50% and not variable by
more than ±5%. A convenient working RH was 40%.
(iii)
All filter papers were prepared and analysed by ALS
Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd., which is a HOKLAS accredited laboratory and has
comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programmes.
(c)
Field Monitoring
(i)
The power supply was checked to ensure the HVS
works properly.
(ii)
The filter holder and the area surrounding the
filter were cleaned.
(iii)
The filter holder was removed by loosening the four
bolts and a new filter, with stamped number upward, on a supporting screen was
aligned carefully.
(iv)
The filter was properly aligned on the screen so
that the gasket formed an airtight seal on the outer edges of the filter.
(v)
The swing bolts were fastened to hold the filter
holder down to the frame. The pressure
applied was sufficient to avoid air leakage at the edges.
(vi)
Then the shelter lid was closed and was secured
with the aluminum strip.
(vii)
The HVS was warmed-up for about 5 minutes to
establish run-temperature conditions.
(viii)
A new flow rate record sheet was set into the flow
recorder.
(ix)
On site temperature and atmospheric pressure
readings were taken and the flow rate of the HVS was checked and adjusted at
around 1.1 m3/min, and complied with the range specified in the
updated EM&A Manual (i.e. 0.6-1.7 m3/min).
(x)
The programmable digital timer was set for a
sampling period of 24 hrs, and the starting time, weather condition and the
filter number were recorded.
(xi)
The initial elapsed time was recorded.
(xii)
At the end of sampling, on site temperature and
atmospheric pressure readings were taken and the final flow rate of the HVS was
checked and recorded.
(xiii)
The final elapsed time was recorded.
(xiv)
The sampled filter was removed carefully and folded
in half length so that only surfaces with collected particulate matter were in
contact.
(xv)
It was then placed in a clean plastic envelope and
sealed.
(xvi)
All monitoring information was recorded on a
standard data sheet.
(xvii)
Filters were then sent to ALS Technichem (HK) Pty
Ltd. for analysis.
(d)
Maintenance and Calibration
(i)
The HVS and its accessories were maintained in good
working condition, such as replacing motor brushes routinely and checking
electrical wiring to ensure a continuous power supply.
(ii)
5-point calibration of the HVS was conducted using
TE-5025A Calibration Kit
prior to the commencement of baseline monitoring. Bi-monthly 5-point
calibration of the HVS will be carried out during impact monitoring.
(iii)
Calibration certificate of the HVSs are provided in
Appendix E.
2.5.2
1-hour TSP Monitoring
(a)
Measuring Procedures
The measuring procedures of the 1-hour dust
meter were in accordance with the Manufacturer’s Instruction Manual as follows:
(i)
Turn the power on.
(ii)
Close the air collecting opening cover.
(iii)
Push the “TIME SETTING” switch to [BG]
(iv)
Push “START/STOP” switch to perform background
measurement for 6 seconds.
(v)
Turn the knob at SENSI ADJ position to insert the
light scattering plate.
(vi)
Leave the equipment for 1 minute upon “SPAN CHECK”
is indicated in the display.
(vii)
Push “START/STOP” switch to perform automatic
sensitivity adjustment. This measurement takes 1 minute.
(viii)
Pull out the knob and return it to MEASURE
position.
(ix)
Push the “TIME SETTING” switch the time set in the
display to 3 hours.
(x)
Lower down the air collection opening cover.
(xi)
Push “START/STOP” switch to start measurement.
(b)
Maintenance and Calibration
(i)
The 1-hour TSP meter was calibrated at 1-year
intervals against a continuous particulate TEOM Monitor, Series 1400ab.
Calibration certificates of the Laser Dust Monitors are provided in Appendix E.
(ii)
1-hour validation checking of the TSP meter against
HVS is carried out yearly at the air quality monitoring locations.
2.6
Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month
2.6.1
The schedule for environmental monitoring in March 2010 is
provided in Appendix F.
2.7.1
The baseline condition of air quality in the Project site
was reviewed in October and November 2009. A baseline monitoring of air
quality, in terms of 1-hour Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) and 24-hour TSP,
was carried out from 20 October 2009 to 4 November 2009 for 14 days. The
baseline monitoring report was submitted by ETL and approved by the ER and the
IEC on 9 November 2009. Action Levels for air quality were established and are
summarized in Table 2.4, Table 2.5 and Appendix D.
2.8.1
The 24-hour TSP monitoring scheduled on 19 March 2010 at 12
Shan Tong New Village (AM2) could not be completed due to power interruption. A
supplementary 24-hour TSP monitoring was carried out on 22 March 2010 at AM2.
2.8.2
The monitoring results for 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP are
summarized in Table 2.4 and 2.5 respectively. Detailed air quality monitoring
results are presented in Appendix G.
Table
2.4 Summary of 1-hour TSP
Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period
|
|
Average (mg/m3)
|
Range (mg/m3)
|
Action Level (mg/m3)
|
Limit Level (mg/m3)
|
|
AM1A
|
82.4
|
74.1 – 91.8
|
302.1
|
500
|
|
AM2
|
81.3
|
73.5 – 92.1
|
301.9
|
500
|
|
AM3
|
81.0
|
72.0 – 91.8
|
301.9
|
500
|
|
AM4
|
82.1
|
73.9 – 91.9
|
302.3
|
500
|
Table 2.5 Summary of 24-hour TSP Monitoring
Results in the Reporting Period
|
|
Average (mg/m3)
|
Range (mg/m3)
|
Action Level (mg/m3)
|
Limit Level (mg/m3)
|
|
AM1A
|
69.9
|
45.2 – 112.1
|
176.6
|
260
|
|
AM2
|
81.5
|
9.5 – 298.3
|
178.6
|
260
|
|
AM3
|
58.4
|
34.7 – 103.8
|
193.1
|
260
|
|
AM4
|
71.8
|
34.8 – 111.0
|
198.5
|
260
|
2.8.3
All 1-hour TSP results were below the Action and Limit Level
at all monitoring locations in the reporting month.
2.8.4
However, one (1) Limit Level exceedance of 24-hour TSP
monitoring was recorded on 22 March 2010 at AM2. From the information of EPD,
the Air Pollution Index (API) at Tai Po exceeded 300 and even reached 500 at
some time during the same monitoring period. Soil nailing works, bore piling
and excavation works were carried out on 22/3/2010. 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.
While the
abovementioned construction activities had been carried out since January 2010
along with the dust mitigation measures implemented, no air quality monitoring
exceedance was recorded in previous monitoring works. The dust exceedance was
therefore considered not due to the Project works.
2.8.5
The event action plan is annexed in Appendix J.
2.8.6
Weather information including wind speed and wind direction
is annexed in Appendix H. The information was obtained from Hong Kong
Observatory Sha Tin and Tai Mei Tuk Automatic Weather Station. As some of the
weather data in March 2010 from the Tai Mei Tuk Automatic Weather Station were
missing, the weather data from Tai Po Automatic Weather Station in March 2010
are included in Appendix H for supplementary purpose.
3.1.1
In accordance with the EM&A Manual, impact noise
monitoring was conducted for at least once per week during the construction
phase of Stage 1 of the Project. The Action and Limit level of the noise
monitoring is provided in Appendix D.
3.2
Monitoring Equipment
3.2.1
Noise monitoring was performed using sound level meter at
each designated monitoring station. The
sound level meters deployed comply with the International Electrotechnical
Commission Publications (IEC) 651:1979 (Type 1) and 804:1985 (Type 1)
specifications. Acoustic calibrator was
deployed to check the sound level meters at a known sound pressure level. Brand and model of the equipment is given in
Table 3.1.
Table 3.1 Noise Monitoring Equipment
|
Equipment
|
Brand and Model
|
|
Integrated Sound Level
Meter
|
B&K (Model No.
2238)
|
|
Rion NL-31
|
|
Acoustic Calibrator
|
B&K (Model No.
4231)
|
|
Rion NC-73
|
3.3.1
Monitoring stations NM3, NM6 and NM7 were set up at the
proposed locations in accordance with updated EM&A Manual. However, for
monitoring locations: Tai Po Garden (NM1), Dynasty View (NM2), Hong Kong
Teachers’ Association Lee Heng Kwei Secondary School (NM4) and Grand Palisades
(NM5), proposed in the updated EM&A Manual, impact noise monitoring was
conducted at alternative monitoring locations, as approval of access could not
be obtained from the owner’s corporation of the premises or the principal of
the education institutes. Figure 2.1 shows the locations of the monitoring
stations. Table 3.2 describes the details of the monitoring stations.
Table 3.2 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
|
3.4.1
Table 3.3 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency and
duration of impact noise monitoring.
Table 3.3 Noise
Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration
|
Parameter
|
Frequency and
Duration
|
|
30-mins
measurement at each monitoring station between 0700 and 1900 on normal
weekdays. Leq, L10 and L90 would be
recorded.
|
At least once per week
|
3.5.1
Monitoring Procedure
(a)
Façade measurements were made at all monitoring
locations, except monitoring stations NM2 and NM6.
(b)
The sound level meter was set on a tripod at a
height of 1.2 m above the
ground for free-field measurements at NM2 and NM6.
(c)
The battery condition was checked to ensure the
correct functioning of the meter.
(d)
Parameters such as frequency weighting, the time
weighting and the measurement time were set as follows:
(i)
frequency weighting: A
(ii)
time weighting: Fast
(iii)
time measurement: Leq(30-minutes) during
non-restricted hours i.e. 07:00 – 1900 on normal weekdays; Leq(5-minutes)
during restricted hours i.e. 19:00
– 23:00 and 23:00 – 07:00 of normal weekdays, whole day of Sundays and Public
Holidays
(e)
Prior to and after each noise measurement, the
meter was calibrated using the acoustic calibrator for 94dB(A) at 1000 Hz. If the difference in the calibration level
before and after measurement was more than 1 dB(A), the measurement would be considered
invalid and repeat of noise measurement would be required after re-calibration
or repair of the equipment.
(f)
During the monitoring period, the Leq, L10
and L90 were recorded. In
addition, site conditions and noise sources were recorded on a standard record
sheet.
(g)
Noise measurement was paused during periods of high
intrusive noise (e.g. dog barking, helicopter noise) if possible. Observations
were recorded when intrusive noise was unavoidable.
(h)
Noise monitoring was cancelled in the presence of fog,
rain, wind with a steady speed exceeding 5m/s, or wind with gusts exceeding 10m/s.
3.5.2
Maintenance and Calibration
(a)
The microphone head of the sound level meter was
cleaned with soft cloth at regular intervals.
(b)
The meter and calibrator were sent to the supplier
or HOKLAS laboratory to check and calibrate at yearly intervals.
(c)
Calibration certificates of the sound level meters
and acoustic calibrators are provided in Appendix E.
3.6.1
The schedule for environmental monitoring in March 2010 is
provided in Appendix F.
3.7.1
The monitoring results for construction noise are
summarized in Table 3.4 and the monitoring data is provided in Appendix I.
Table 3.4 Summary of Construction Noise
Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period
|
|
Average, dB(A),
Leq
(30 mins)
|
Range, dB(A),
Leq
(30 mins)
|
Limit Level, dB(A),
Leq
(30 mins)
|
|
NM1
|
58.1
|
52.7 – 62.9
|
65/70#
|
|
NM2
|
66.5*
|
66.0 – 67.5*
|
75
|
|
NM3
|
58.7
|
48.5 – 64.5
|
65/70#
|
|
NM4
|
57.8
|
51.1 – 67.0
|
75
|
|
NM5
|
64.3
|
63.9 – 64.5
|
75
|
|
NM6
|
63.3*
|
62.9 – 63.5*
|
65/70#
|
|
NM7
|
59.5
|
57.9 – 60.3
|
75
|
*+3dB(A)
Façade correction included
#
Limit Level of 65 dB(A) during school examination period
3.7.2
There was no noise related complaints followed up by
Environmental Team in the reporting period. Hence, no Action Level exceedance
was recorded.
3.7.3
No noise monitoring result exceeding the Limit Level was
recorded at all monitoring stations in the reporting month.
3.7.4
The event action plan is annexed in Appendix J.
3.7.5
Major noise sources during the noise monitoring included
construction activities of Stage 1 of the Project, nearby traffic noise and
general school activities.
4.1.1 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 month, 5 site inspections were carried out on 3, 10,
17, 24 and 31 March 2010 for Contract 1 of the Project. As only site
preparatory works were conducted in the reporting month, no environmental site
inspections were carried out for Contract 2 in March 2010.
4.1.2 The environmental
site inspection summarizes are provided in Appendix K. Particular observations
are described below:
Air Quality
4.1.3
A few stockpile of sediment was not properly covered at
Bridge 10A. The Contractor was reminded to cover the stockpile with tarpaulin
sheets.
Noise
4.1.4
No adverse observation was identified in the reporting
month.
Water Quality
4.1.5
Stagnant water was observed at 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.
4.1.6
Silt was observed accumulated inside the u-channel at
Bridge 10A pier 2. The Contractor was reminded to clear the silt inside
u-channels regularly.
Chemical and Waste Management
4.1.7
Oil drums were found placed on ground without drip tray at
Bridge 10A and at Tat Wan Road Slope 13. The Contractor was reminded to provide
drip tray to all chemicals containers on site.
4.1.8
A chemical container at Tat Wan Road Slope 13 was found
without label. The Contractor was reminded to provide chemical label to all
chemicals on site.
4.1.9
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.
Landscape and Visual Impact
4.1.10
No adverse observation was identified in the reporting
month.
Others
4.1.11 Environmental
Permit was not observed posted at the site entrance of Bridge 10A. The
Contractor was reminded to post a copy of EP at all site entrances.
4.2
Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste
Management Status
4.2.1
The Contract 1 Contractor (CSCE) is registered as a
chemical waste producer for Stage 1 of the Project. C&D material sorting
was carried out on site. Sufficient numbers of receptacles were available for
general refuse collection.
4.2.2
As advised by the Contract 1 Contractor (CSCE), 2772 m3
of inert C&D material was disposed as public fill to Tuen Mun 38 while
157kg and 59 m3 of general refuse were disposed at NENT landfill in
the reporting month. 478m3 of inert C&D materials were reused on
site.
4.2.3
As advised by the Contract 2 Contractor (Gammon), no waste
or C&D material was disposed in the reporting period.
4.2.4
The Contractors are advised to maintain on site waste
sorting and recording system and maximize reuse / recycle of C&D wastes.
4.3.1
The environmental licenses and permits for Stage 1 of the
Project and valid in the reporting month is summarized in Table 4.1.
Table 4.1 Summary
of Environmental Licensing and Permit Status
|
Statutory Reference
|
License/ Permit
|
License or Permit No.
|
Valid Period
|
License/ Permit Holder
|
Remarks
|
|
From
|
To
|
|
EIAO
|
Environmental Permit
|
EP-324/2008
|
23/12/2008
|
N/A
|
HyD
|
Tolo Highway/Fanling Hignway
between Island House Interchange and Ma Wo
|
|
WPCO
|
Discharge License (Office)
|
WT00005096-2009
|
03/12/2009
|
31/12/2014
|
CSCE
|
Discharge at Site Office
|
|
Discharge License (Site)
|
WT00005445-2009
|
15/12/2009
|
31/12/2014
|
CSCE
|
Discharge of Construction
Runoff
|
|
WDO
|
Chemical Waste Producer Registration
|
5213-727-C3249-46
|
25/09/2009
|
N/A
|
CSCE
|
Chemical waste produced in
Contract HY/2008/09
|
|
WDO
|
Billing
Account for Disposal of
Construction Waste
|
7009328
|
08/09/2009
|
N/A
|
CSCE
|
Waste disposal in Contract
HY/2008/09
|
|
7010320
|
02/03/2010
|
N/A
|
Gammon
|
Waste disposal in Contract
HY/2009/08
|
|
NCO
|
Construction Noise Permit
|
GW-RN0012-10
|
27/01/2010
|
03/06/2010
|
CSCE
|
Construction of TB1 & TB2
|
|
GW-RN0389-09
|
05/01/2010
|
04/07/2010
|
CSCE
|
Loading and unloading along Tolo Highway
|
|
GW-RN0015-10
|
01/02/2010
|
24/04/2010
|
CSCE
|
Road Maintenance
|
|
GW-RN0055-10
|
12/03/2010
|
11/09/2010
|
CSCE
|
Construction of TB1 & TB2
|
|
GW-RN0072-10
|
22/03/2010
|
21/06/2010
|
CSCE
|
Construction of W4 to W7
|
|
GW-RN0089-10
|
08/04/2010
|
22/04/2010
|
CSCE
|
Construction of Site Entrance
No.8
|
4.4.1
In response to the site audit findings, the Contractor
carried out corrective actions.
4.4.2
A summary of the Implementation Schedule of Mitigation
Measures (EMIS) is presented in Appendix C. Most of the necessary mitigation
measures were implemented properly.
4.5
Summary
of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit
4.5.1
All 1-hour TSP monitoring results complied with the Action
/ Limit Levels in the reporting period.
4.5.2
However, one (1) Limit Level exceedance of 24-hour TSP
monitoring was recorded on 22 March 2010 at AM2. From the information of EPD,
the Air Pollution Index (API) at Tai Po exceeded 300 and even reached 500 at
some time during the same monitoring period. Soil nailing works, bore piling
and excavation works were carried out on 22/3/2010. 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.
While the
abovementioned construction activities had been carried out since January 2010
along with the dust mitigation measures implemented, no air quality monitoring
exceedance was recorded in previous monitoring works. The dust exceedance was
therefore considered not due to the Project works.
4.5.3
No noise related complaints were followed up by
Environmental Team in the reporting period. Hence, no Action Level exceedance
was recorded.
4.5.4
No monitoring Limit Level exceedance for noise was recorded
at all monitoring stations in the reporting period.
4.6
Summary of Complaints, Notification of
Summons and Successful Prosecutions
4.6.1
The Environmental Complaint Handling Procedure is annexed
in Figure 4.1.
4.6.2
No environmental complaint was followed up by Environmental
Team, and no notification of summons and prosecution was received in the
reporting period.
4.6.3
Statistics on complaints, notifications of summons and
successful prosecutions are summarized in Appendix L.
5
FUTURE KEY ISSUES
5.1.1
The major construction works for Contract 1 in April 2010
will be:
-
Site Investigation;
-
Install Temporary Shoring, Sheetpiling and
Excavation;
-
Demolition and Re-build of Box Culverts;
-
Erection of Hoardings, Temporary Shoring and
Excavation;
-
Bored Piling;
-
Tree Felling & Transplantation;
-
Installation of Soil Nails;
-
Construction of Footings and Foundation for
Temporary Bridges;
-
Widening & Demolition of Existing Central
Dividers;
-
Retaining Wall Construction; and
-
Erection of Temporary Bridges.
5.1.2
The major construction works for Contract 2 in April 2010
will be:
-
Excavation for noise barrier footings; and
-
Piling works.
5.2
Key Issues for the Coming Month
5.2.1
Key issues to be considered in the coming month included:
- Properly store and label oils and chemicals on site;
-
Chemical and waste management;
-
Collection of construction waste should be
carried out regularly;
-
Site runoff should be properly collected and
treated prior to discharge;
-
Suppress dust generated from excavation
activities and haul road traffic;
-
Quieter powered mechanical equipment should
be used;
-
Closely check and replace the sound insulation
materials wrapped at the concrete breaker tip regularly;
-
Better scheduling of construction works to minimize
noise nuisance; and
-
Properly maintain all drainage faculties on
site.
5.3
Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Month
5.3.1
The tentative schedule for environmental monitoring in
April 2010 is provided in Appendix F.
6.1.1
The construction phase and EM&A programme of Stage 1 of
the project commenced on 23 November 2009.
6.1.2
1-hour TSP, 24-hour TSP and noise monitoring were carried
out in the reporting period.
6.1.3
All 1-hour TSP monitoring results complied with the Action
/ Limit Level.
6.1.4
However, one (1) Limit Level exceedance was recorded for
24-hour TSP monitoring at AM2 in the reporting month.
6.1.5
No noise related complaint was followed up by Environmental
Team in the reporting period. Hence, no excedance was recorded. No Limit Level
exceedance for noise was recorded at all monitoring stations in the reporting
month.
6.1.6
Environmental site inspection was carried out 5 times in
March 2010. Recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractor
for the deficiencies identified during the site audits.
6.1.7
No environmental complaint was followed up by Environmental
Team, and no notification of summons and prosecution was received in the
reporting period.
6.2.1
According to the environmental site inspection performed in
the reporting month, the following recommendations were provided:
Air Quality Impact
l All plants on site should be properly
maintained to avoid dark smoke emission.
l All
vehicles should be washed to remove any dusty materials before leaving the
site.
l Haul
roads should be sufficiently dampened to minimize fugitive dust generation.
l Wheel
washing facilities should be properly maintained to ensure properly
functioning.
l Temporary
exposed slopes and open stockpiles should be properly covered.
l Enclosure
should be erected for cement mixing operations.
Construction Noise Impact
l Noise
barriers should be closely packed and properly aligned to ensure effective
noise reduction.
l Noisy
operations should be oriented to a direction away from sensitive receivers as
far as possible.
l Sound
insulation materials shall be wrapped at the
breaker tip for concrete breaking works.
l Better
scheduling of construction works to minimize noise nuisance.
Water Quality Impact
l Stagnant water accumulated in drip trays
should be removed.
l Silt,
debris and leaves accumulated at public drains and perimeter u-channels should
be cleaned up regularly.
l Silty
effluent should be treated/desilted before discharged. Untreated effluent
should be prevented from entering public drain channel.
Chemical and Waste
Management
l C&D material should be sorted and
removed timely.
l All
plants and vehicles on site should be properly maintained to prevent oil
leakage.
l Oil stains on soil surface and empty
chemical containers should be cleared and disposed of as chemical waste.
Landscape and Visual
Impact
l All retained trees should be properly fenced
off at the works area.
