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) issued by EPD
on 23 December 2008.
Subsequently, EPD issued a Variation of Environmental Permit (EP-324/2008/A)
(VEP) on 31 January 2012.
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 Environmental Monitoring and
Audit (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 29 February 2012. As informed by the Contract 1 Contractor (China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd.), construction activities
in the reporting period were:-
-
Site investigation;
-
Temporary shoring, sheetpiling and
excavation;
-
Pre-bored H-piles construction;
-
Pipe pile wall construction;
-
Pile cap construction;
-
Bridge construction;
-
Tree felling & transplantation;
-
At-grade road construction;
-
Demolition of central dividers;
-
Retaining wall construction;
-
Slope works;
-
Soil nails works;
-
Noise barrier footing construction and panel installation;
-
Road paving; and
-
Drainage works.
The
construction works carried out by the Contract 2
Contractor (Gammon Construction Ltd.) 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;
-
Construction of pilecap / 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.
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 and 24-hour TSP monitoring in the reporting
month.
Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Noise
No Limit Level exceedance of construction noise was recorded in the
reporting month.
There was one (1) noise related complaint followed up by
Environmental Team in February 2012. Investigation was carried out.
The findings and the proposed mitigation measures and follow-up site visit findings
were submitted to all relevant parties. One (1) Action Level exceedance of construction noise was recorded in the
reporting month. Summary of investigation is described in Section 4.6.2.
Complaint, Notification of Summons and
Successful Prosecution
One (1) noise
related complaint was followed up by Environmental Team
in February
2012.
No notification of summons and
successful prosecution was 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,
chemical waste and waste management;
- Collection of
construction waste should be carried out regularly;
- Site runoff
should be properly collected and treated prior to discharge;
- Properly
maintain all drainage facilities and wheel washing facilities on site;
- Exposed slopes
should be covered up properly if no temporary work will be conducted;
-
Suppress dust generated from excavation, breaking and
drilling activities, haul road traffic and grout mixing process;
-
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
-
Tree protective measures for all retained trees should be
well maintained.
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 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.
1.1.2.
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) issued by EPD on 23 December 2008. Subsequently, EPD issued a Variation of Environmental Permit
(EP-324/2008/A) (VEP) on 31 January 2012.
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, 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.
|
1.1.5.
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.
Hyder-Arup-Black and Veatch Joint Venture (HABVJV)
are appointed by Highways Department (HyD) 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).
1.1.8.
China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong)
Ltd. (CSHK) 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.
1.1.9.
AECOM Asia Co. Ltd. was employed by HyD as the Environmental Team (ET) to undertake the Environmental
Monitoring and Audit (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.
1.1.10.
The construction phase of Stage 1 under the EP
commenced on 23 November 2009.
1.1.11.
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.
1.2.1
This is the twenty-eighth monthly EM&A
Report under the Agreement No. CE 20/2009 (EP) - Widening of Tolo Highway between Island House Interchange and Tai Hang
¨C 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 February 2012.
1.3.1
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 Limited)
|
Independent Environmental Checker
|
Terence Kong
|
2828 5919
|
2827 1823
|
|
Contractor
of Stage 1, Contract 1
(China State Construction Engineering
(Hong Kong) Limited)
|
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 Limited)
|
Site Agent
|
Edmond Chan
|
9483 8885
|
2559 3410
|
|
Environmental Officer
|
Ir Thomson Chang
|
9213 6569
|
2559 3410
|
|
ET of Stage 1
(AECOM Asia Company Limited)
|
ET Leader
|
Y T Tang
|
3922 9393
|
2371 7609
|
1.4.1 The construction phase of Stage 1 under the EP
commenced on 23 November 2009.
1.4.2 Details of the construction works carried out by the Contract 1 Contractor
(China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong)
Ltd.) in this reporting period are listed below:-
-
Site investigation;
-
Temporary shoring, sheetpiling and
excavation;
-
Pre-bored H-piles construction;
-
Pipe pile wall construction;
-
Pile cap construction;
-
Bridge construction;
-
Tree felling & transplantation;
-
At-grade road construction;
-
Demolition of central dividers;
-
Retaining wall construction;
-
Slope works;
-
Soil nails works;
-
Noise barrier footing construction and panel installation;
-
Road paving; and
-
Drainage works.
1.4.3 Details of the construction works carried out by the
Contract 2 Contractor (Gammon Construction Ltd.) in this reporting period are
listed below:-
-
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;
-
Construction of pilecap / 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.
1.4.4 The Construction Programmes are
shown in Appendix B.
1.4.5 The general layout plan of the Project site showing the contract areas is
shown in Figure 1.1.
1.4.6 The environmental mitigation measures implementation schedule are
presented in Appendix C.
1.5.1 The EM&A programme required environmental
monitoring for air quality, noise and environmental site inspections for air
quality, water 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.
2.2.1
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
and LD-3B)
|
|
High Volume Sampler
(24-hour TSP)
|
Tisch Total Suspended Particulate Mass
Flow Controlled High Volume Air Sampler (Model No. TE-5170
& GMW-2310)
|
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 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, baseline and impact air quality monitoring was conducted at 13
Ha Wun Yiu (AM1) and Tai Kwong
Secondary School (AM4) respectively. 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.
2.3.2
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 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 premises
|
|
AM3
|
Riverain Bayside
|
Roof of the switch
room
|
|
AM4A
|
168 Shek Kwu
Lung Village
|
Roof of the switch
room
|
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
|
2.5.1
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 ¡À2.5%
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 ¡ãC
and not variable by more than ¡À3 ¡ãC;
the relative humidity (RH) was < 50% and not variable by more than ¡À5%. 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 February 2012 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 monitoring results for 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP are
summarized in Table 2.4 and 2.5 respectively. Detailed impact 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
|
75.7
|
70.2 ¨C 80.6
|
302.1
|
500
|
|
AM2
|
74.1
|
68.6 ¨C 79.2
|
301.9
|
500
|
|
AM3
|
75.7
|
71.1 ¨C 79.0
|
301.9
|
500
|
|
AM4A
|
74.8
|
70.1 ¨C 80.2
|
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
|
25.0
|
14.2 ¨C 35.8
|
176.6
|
260
|
|
AM2
|
28.3
|
16.2 ¨C 40.7
|
178.6
|
260
|
|
AM3
|
25.4
|
15.9 ¨C 34.0
|
193.1
|
260
|
|
AM4A
|
41.2
|
23.9 ¨C 66.0
|
198.5
|
260
|
2.8.2
The major dust source in the reporting period included construction
activities from Stage 1 of the Project, as well as nearby traffic emissions.
2.8.3
All 1-hour and 24-hour TSP results were below the Action
and Limit Level at all monitoring locations in the reporting month.
2.8.4
The event action plan is annexed in Appendix J.
2.8.5
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 February 2012 from
the Tai Mei Tuk Automatic Weather Station were
missing, the weather data from Tai Po Automatic Weather Station in February 2012 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
2238
Rion
NL-31
|
|
Acoustic Calibrator
|
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. The monitoring station at Tai Kwong
Secondary School (NM1) was relocated to 168 Shek Kwu
Lung Village (NM1A) in September 2011.
3.3.2
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
|
|
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
|
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 ¨C 1900 on normal weekdays; Leq(5-minutes) during restricted
hours i.e. 19:00 ¨C 23:00 and
23:00 ¨C 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 February 2012 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)
|
|
NM1A
|
60.4
|
55.1 ¨C 62.5
|
75
|
|
NM2
|
66.3*
|
63.5 ¨C 67.5*
|
75
|
|
NM3
|
64.6
|
64.5 ¨C 64.7
|
65/70#
|
|
NM4
|
64.6
|
61.5 ¨C 65.7
|
75
|
|
NM5
|
63.5
|
62.4 ¨C 64.3
|
75
|
|
NM6
|
59.6*
|
51.2 ¨C 63.6*
|
70#
|
|
NM7
|
60.7
|
58.0 ¨C 64.4
|
75
|
*+3dB(A) Façade correction included
# Limit
Level of 70dB(A) applies to education institutes while
65dB(A) applies during school examination period.
3.7.2
No noise monitoring result exceeding the Limit Level was
recorded at all monitoring stations in the reporting month.
3.7.3
There was one (1) noise related complaint followed up by
Environmental Team in the reporting period. Investigation was carried out. The
findings and the proposed mitigation measures were submitted to all relevant
parties. One (1) Action Level exceedance of
construction noise was recorded in the reporting month. Summary of
investigation is described in Section 4.6.2.
3.7.4
Major noise sources during the noise monitoring included
construction activities of Stage 1 of the Project and nearby traffic
noise. In addition, for NM3 and
NM6, general school activities are also a major noise source during the noise
monitoring.
3.7.5
The event action plan is annexed in Appendix J.
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 1, 10,
15, 22 and 29 February 2012 for Contract 1 of the Project, and 5 site inspections for
Contract 2 of the Project were carried out on 2, 9, 16, 23 and 29 February 2012.
4.1.2 The
environmental site inspections summaries are provided in Appendix K.
4.1.3
Particular observations during the site
inspections for Contract 1 are described below:
Air Quality
4.1.4
Exposed soil stockpile was observed stored up
at S15. The Contractor was reminded to cover up the exposed soil stockpile with
tarpaulin sheet to minimize the fugitive dust arising.
4.1.5
Cement was observed on the ground at W8. The
Contractor was reminded to clear it up or spray water on the cement.
Noise
4.1.6
No adverse observation was identified in the
reporting month.
Water Quality
4.1.7
No adverse observation was identified in the
reporting month.
Chemical and Waste Management
4.1.8
No adverse observation was identified in the
reporting month.
Landscape and Visual Impact
4.1.9
No adverse observation was identified in the
reporting month.
Miscellaneous
4.1.10
No adverse observation was identified in the
reporting month.
4.1.11 Particular
observations and reminder during the site inspections for Contract 2 are
described below:
Air Quality
4.1.12
Mud trails were
found on ground at the exit point near NLKP 9. The Contractor was reminded to
clear up the mud trails and provide measure to ensure the vehicles bodies and
wheels were kept clean of deposited silt before leaving the site.
4.1.13
Dusty construction
material was found placed on ground at W65b. The Contractor was reminded to
remove the dusty construction material to avoid fugitive dust spreading.
4.1.14
Exposed slope near
Bridge 15 AP4 was incompletely covered with tarpaulin sheet. The Contractor was
reminded to cover up the exposed slope with tarpaulin sheet completely or
provide shotcreting to prevent generation of silty surface run-off.
4.1.15
The Contractor was
reminded to provide regular water spraying or tarpaulin sheet coverage to the
exposed soil surfaces/slopes at NB42 to minimize dust impacts. (Reminder)
Noise
4.1.16
Sound insulation
material wrapping at the breaking tip at W65b should be improved. The
Contractor was advised to completely wrap the breaking tip of the breaker with
sound insulation materials.
Water
Quality
4.1.17
Desilting
facility near Bridge 15 AP4 should be improved. The Contractor was recommended
to install additional inlet pipe to the sedimentation tank for the wastewater
collection from the desilting pit to prevent overflowing of untreated water
from the desilting pit in coming wet season.
4.1.18
Mud and silt
accumulated inside the u-channel and mud trails were observed on ground at
Bridge 15 AP4. The Contractor was recommended to clear the mud and silt inside the u-channel and provide sufficient sand bags/bundings to intercept the muddy surface run-off before
discharge. Mud trail on ground should be cleared and regularly review the
drainage system to ensure the drainage system is properly maintained.
4.1.19
Substandard
wastewater was found discharging at W51. The Contractor was recommended to
clear the deposited silt regularly and provide additional sand bags around the
sump pit to prevent overflowing of untreated water. Regular review and
monitoring on the drainage system should be carried out to ensure the drainage
system is properly maintained.
Chemical and Waste Management
4.1.20
Oil stains were
observed on the ground at NLKP 7. The Contractor was reminded to clear the oil
stains.
4.1.21
Two
chemical containers were placed on ground without drip tray at W38. The
Contractor was reminded to provide drip tray to the chemical containers on site.
4.1.22
Vegetation wastes
were found accumulated along the site boundary at W56. The Contractor was
reminded to clear up the vegetation wastes to keep the site in a tidy
condition.
Landscape and Visual Impact
4.1.23
No adverse observation was identified in the
reporting month.
Miscellaneous
4.1.24
Stagnant water with
silt and weeds were observed inside the u-channel at S34. The Contractor was
reminded to remove the stagnant water with silt and weeds inside the drainage
channel to maintain the drainage system properly. Also, sand bags should be provided to intercept the silt to prevent muddy
water discharge to the public drainage.
4.2
Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste
Management Status
4.2.1
The Contract 1 Contractor (CSHK) and the Contract 2
Contractor (GCL) are registered as chemical waste producers 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 (CSHK), 34m3 of inert C&D material was disposed as public
fill to Tuen Mun 38, while 111m3
of general refuse was disposed at NENT landfill. 132kg of
paper/cardboard packaging was collected by recycling contractor in the
reporting month. 4,748m3 and 4,730m3
of inert C&D materials were reused on site and reused in NENT for
backfilling purpose respectively. No chemical waste was collected by licensed
contractor in the reporting period.
4.2.3
As advised by the Contract 2 Contractor (GCL), 305m3
of inert C&D material were disposed to Tuen Mun 38 and 240m3 general refuse was disposed to
NENT landfill in the reporting period.
4.2.4
The Contract 1 Contractor (CSHK) and the Contract 2
Contractor (GCL) are advised to maintain on site waste sorting and recording
system and maximize reuse / recycle of C&D wastes.
4.3
Environmental Licenses and Permits
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
|
30/01/2012
(Superseded by by EP-324/2008/A
with effect from 31/01/2012)
|
HyD
|
Tolo Highway/Fanling
Highway between Island House Interchange and Ma Wo
|
|
EP-324/2008/A
|
31/01/2012
|
N/A
|
HyD
|
Tolo Highway/Fanling
Highway between Island House Interchange and Ma Wo
|
|
WPCO
|
Discharge License (Office)
|
WT00005096-2009
|
03/12/2009
|
31/12/2014
|
CSHK
|
Discharge at Site Office
|
|
Discharge License (Site)
|
WT00005445-2009
|
15/12/2009
|
31/12/2014
|
CSHK
|
Discharge of Construction
Runoff
|
|
Discharge License (Office)
|
WT00006782-2010
|
25/06/2010
|
30/06/2015
|
GCL
|
Discharge at Site Office
|
|
Discharge License (Site)
|
WT00007162-2010
|
09/08/2010
|
31/07/2015
|
GCL
|
Discharge of Construction
Runoff
|
|
WDO
|
Chemical Waste Producer
Registration
|
5213-727-C3249-46
|
25/09/2009
|
N/A
|
CSHK
|
Chemical waste produced in
Contract HY/2008/09
|
|
5213-722-G2347-18
|
18/05/2010
|
N/A
|
GCL
|
Chemical waste produced in
Contract HY/2009/08
|
|
WDO
|
Billing
Account for Disposal of
Construction Waste
|
7009328
|
08/09/2009
|
N/A
|
CSHK
|
Waste disposal in Contract
HY/2008/09
|
|
7010320
|
02/03/2010
|
N/A
|
GCL
|
Waste disposal in
Contract HY/2009/08
|
|
|
|
GW-RN0361-11
|
1/10/2011
|
11/3/2012
|
CSHK
|
NB16 Construction
|
|
|
|
GW-RN0391-11
|
21/10/2011
|
20/4/2012
|
CSHK
|
Construction of
W4-7 & LKB
|
|
NCO
|
Construction Noise Permit
|
GW-RN0466-11
|
30/11/2011
|
19/5/2012
|
CSHK
|
Installation of
Noise Panel from W8 to W10
|
|
GW-RN0493-11
|
15/12/2011
|
14/6/2012
|
CSHK
|
Loading &
Unloading Along Tolo Highway
|
|
GW-RN0525-11
|
30/12/2011
|
15/6/2012
|
CSHK
|
Road Marking
Alternation near Ma Wo & W10
|
|
GW-RN0028-12
|
15/1/2012
|
14/7/2012
|
CSHK
|
TB1&2
Construction
|
|
GW-RN0049-12
|
1/2/2012
|
31/7/2012
|
CSHK
|
Routine Road
Maintenance
|
|
GW-RN0050-12
|
13/2/2012
|
12/5/2012
|
CSHK
|
Construction of
TB1 & TB2 - Nightime Work
|
|
GW-RN0055-12
|
5/2/2012
|
15/7/2012
|
CSHK
|
Modification of
Sign Gantries along Tolo Highway
|
|
GW-RN0083-12
|
21/2/2012
|
31/3/2012
|
CSHK
|
Yuen Shin Road road resurfacing
|
|
GW-RN0021-12
|
13/01/2012
|
21/04/2012
|
GCL
|
Erection of
Overhead Falsework between Piers 6 and 7 of New Lam
Kam Flyover
|
|
GW-RN0086-12
|
29/02/2012
|
28/08/2012
|
GCL
|
Entire site
|
4.4.1
In response to the site audit findings, the Contractors
carried out corrective actions.
4.4.2
A summary of the Implementation Schedule of Environmental
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 and 24-hour TSP monitoring results complied with
the Action / Limit Levels in the reporting period.
4.5.2
For construction noise, no Action and Limit Level exceedance 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
There was one (1) noise related complaint
followed up by Environmental Team in February 2012.
EPD refer a
complaint about construction noise was generated from the construction site of
Widening of Tolo Highway near Ma Wo
Tsuen on 22
February 2012 starting from 8:30a.m. As informed by the
Contractor (Gammon Construction
Ltd) and confirmed by the Engineer of the Project, excavation of base at retaining wall W56 and
fixing rebar of base slab at bay 11 at retaining wall W38
were being carried out on 22 February 2012. The
Contractor was reminded to carry out mitigation measures, including informing the nearby residents in advance for any noisy works to be
carried out in the morning; erecting temporary
noise barriers fitted with noise absorbing materials at W56 and other
noisy construction works areas near Ma Wo Tsuen in the future; and regularly review
the adequacy and effectiveness of noise mitigation measure. Erection of temporary noise barrier at W56 was implemented by the
Contractor to minimize the noise impact from the works area on 7 March 2012.
4.6.3
No notification of summons and prosecution was received in
the reporting period.
4.6.4
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 March 2012 will be:-
-
Temporary shoring, sheetpiling and excavation;
-
Pre-bored H-piles construction;
-
Pipe pile wall construction;
-
Pile cap construction;
-
Bridge construction;
-
Tree felling & transplantation;
-
Soil nails works;
-
Slope works;
-
At-grade road construction;
-
Demolition of central dividers;
-
Retaining wall construction;
-
Noise barrier footing construction and panel Installation;
-
Installation of soil nails;
-
Road paving; and
-
Drainage works.
5.1.2
The major construction works for Contract 2 in March 2012 will
be:-
-
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;
-
Construction of pilecap / 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.
5.2
Key Issues for the Coming Month
5.2.1
Key issues to be considered in March 2012:-
-
Properly store and label oils and chemicals on site;
-
Chemical, chemical waste and waste management;
-
Collection of construction waste should be carried out regularly;
-
Site runoff should be properly collected and treated prior to
discharge;
-
Properly maintain all drainage facilities and wheel washing
facilities on site;
-
Exposed slopes should be covered up properly if no temporary work
will be conducted;
-
Suppress dust generated from excavation, breaking and drilling
activities, haul road traffic and
grout mixing process;
-
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
- Tree protective measures for all
retained trees should be well maintained.
5.3
Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Month
5.3.1
The tentative schedule for environmental monitoring in March 2012 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 and 24-hour TSP monitoring results complied
with the Action / Limit Level.
6.1.4
No Limit Level exceedance for
construction noise was recorded at all monitoring stations in the reporting
month.
6.1.5
There was one (1) noise related complaint followed up by
Environmental Team in the reporting period. Investigation was carried out. The
findings and the proposed mitigation measures were submitted to all relevant
parties. One (1) Action Level exceedance of
construction noise was recorded in the reporting month.
6.1.6
Environmental site inspection was carried out 10 times in February 2012. Recommendations on remedial actions
were given to the Contractors for the deficiencies identified during the site
audits.
6.1.7
There
was one
(1) noise related complaint
followed up by Environmental Team in February 2012.
6.1.8
No notification of summons and prosecution was received in
the reporting period.
6.2.1
According to the environmental
site inspections 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.
l Provide water
spraying to suppress fugitive dust for any dusty construction activity.
Construction Noise Impact
l Properly erect the temporary noise barriers
in accordance with the Environmental Permit requirement.
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 Noise Emission Label (NEL) shall be affixed
to the air compressor and hand-held breaker operating within works area.
l Better scheduling of construction works to
minimize noise nuisance.
Water Quality Impact
l Silt, debris and leaves accumulated at
public drains, wheel washing bays and perimeter u-channels and desilting facilities should be cleaned up regularly.
l Silty effluent should be treated/desilted before discharged. Untreated effluent
should be prevented from entering public drain channel.
l Proper drainage channels/bunds should be
provided at the site boundaries to collect/intercept the surface run-off from
works areas.
l Exposed slopes and stockpiles should be
covered up properly during rainstorm.
l Stagnant water accumulated within works area
should be removed.
Chemical and Waste
Management
l C&D materials and wastes, general refuse
should be sorted properly and removed timely.
l All chemical containers and oil drums should
be properly stored.
l All plants and vehicles on site should be
properly maintained to prevent oil leakage.
l All drain holes of the drip trays utilized
within works areas should be properly plugged to avoid any 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.
