TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  1

Reporting Change  1

1       introduction  3

1.1     Background  3

1.2     Scope of Report 4

1.3     Project Organization  4

1.4     Summary of Construction Works  5

1.5     Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements  5

2       AIR QUALITY MONITORING   6

2.1     Monitoring Requirements  6

2.2     Monitoring Equipment 6

2.3     Monitoring Locations  6

2.4     Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration  6

2.5     Monitoring Methodology  7

2.6     Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month  8

2.7     Monitoring Results  9

2.8     Results and Observations  9

3       Noise MONITORING   10

3.1     Monitoring Requirements  10

3.2     Monitoring Equipment 10

3.3     Monitoring Locations  10

3.4     Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration  11

3.5     Monitoring Methodology  11

3.6     Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month  12

3.7     Monitoring Results  12

4       ENVIRONMENTAL SITE INSPECTION AND AUDIT  13

4.1     Site Inspection  13

4.2     Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status  14

4.3     Environmental Licenses and Permits  15

4.4     Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures  17

4.5     Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit 17

4.6     Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions  17

5       FUTURE KEY ISSUES  18

5.1     Construction Programme for the Coming Months  18

5.2     Key Issues for the Coming Month  18

5.3     Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Month  19

6       ConclusionS AND RECOMMENDATIONS  19

6.1     Conclusions  19

6.2     Recommendations  19

 

 

 

List of Tables

           

Table 1.1       Contact Information of Key Personnel

Table 2.1       Air Quality Monitoring Equipment

Table 2.2       Locations of Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations

Table 2.3       Air Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Table 2.4       Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period

Table 2.5       Summary of 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period

Table 3.1       Noise Monitoring Equipment

Table 3.2       Locations of Impact Noise Monitoring Stations

Table 3.3       Noise Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Table 3.4       Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period

Table 4.1       Summary of Environmental Licensing and Permit Status

 

 

Figures

 

Figure 1.1      General Project Layout Plan

Figure 2.1      EM&A Monitoring Locations

Figure 4.1      Environmental Complaint Handling Procedures                                            

 

 

List of Appendices

 

Appendix A       Project Organization Structure

Appendix B       Construction Programmes

Appendix C       Implementation Schedule of Environmental Mitigation Measures (EMIS)

Appendix D      Summary of Action and Limit Levels

Appendix E       Calibration Certificates of Monitoring Equipments

Appendix F       EM&A Monitoring Schedules

Appendix G      Impact Air Quality Monitoring Results and their Graphical Presentation

Appendix H       Meteorological Data for the Reporting Month

Appendix I        Impact Daytime Construction Noise Monitoring Results and their Graphical Presentation

Appendix J       Event Action Plan

Appendix K       Site Inspection Summaries

Appendix L       Statistics on Complaints, Notifications of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

 

 

 


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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 30 September 2012. As informed by the Contract 1 Contractor (China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd.), construction activities in the reporting period were:-

 

-            Temporary Shoring, Sheetpiling and Excavation;

-            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.

 

1.1        Reporting Change

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 Action/Limit Level exceedance of construction noise was recorded in the reporting month.

Complaint, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution

There were one (1) air quality related complaints followed up by Environmental Team in September 2012. Investigation was carried out. The findings, proposed mitigation measures and follow-up site visit findings were submitted to all relevant parties. Summary of investigation is described in Section 4.6.2.

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.

 

 

2             introduction

2.1       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 9, which links other major strategic routes 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.

 

2.2           Scope of Report

2.2.1       This is the thirty-fifth 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 September 2012.

2.3          Project Organization

2.3.1       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

Eddie Tang

9863 7686

2667 5666

Environmental Officer

Michael Tsang

9277 4956

2667 5666

Contractor of    Stage 1, Contract 2

 

(Gammon Construction Limited)

Site Agent

John Chan

3126 1202

2559 3410

Environmental Officer

Thomson Chang

9213 6569

2559 3410

Crispin Ao

9223 8773

2559 3410

Ao Ho Fo

9220 5848

2559 3410

ET of Stage 1

 (AECOM Asia Company Limited)

ET Leader

Y T Tang

3922 9393

   2371 7609

 

 

2.4          Summary of Construction Works

2.4.1       The construction phase of Stage 1 under the EP commenced on 23 November 2009.

2.4.2       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:-

-            Temporary Shoring, Sheetpiling and Excavation;

-            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

 

2.4.3       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.

 

2.4.4       The Construction Programmes are shown in Appendix B.

2.4.5       The general layout plan of the Project site showing the contract areas is shown in Figure 1.1.

2.4.6       The environmental mitigation measures implementation schedule are presented in Appendix C.

2.5          Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

2.5.1       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.

 

 

 

3             AIR QUALITY MONITORING

3.1       Monitoring Requirements

3.1.1       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.

3.2       Monitoring Equipment

3.2.1       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)

 

3.3       Monitoring Locations

3.3.1       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.

3.3.2       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

 

3.4       Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

3.4.1       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

 

3.5       Monitoring Methodology

3.5.1       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)          A minimum of 2 meters separation from any supporting structure, measured horizontally.

(v)           No furnace or incinerator flues nearby.

(vi)          Airflow around the sampler was unrestricted.

(vii)         Permission was obtained to set up the samplers and access to the monitoring stations.

(viii)        A secured supply of electricity was obtained to operate the samplers.

(ix)          The sampler was located more than 20 meters from any dripline.

(x)           Any wire fence and gate, required to protect the sampler, did not obstruct the monitoring process.

(xi)          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.

 

3.5.2       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.

 

 

3.6          Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

3.6.1       The schedule for environmental monitoring in September 2012 is provided in Appendix F.


 

3.7          Monitoring Results

3.7.1       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.

3.8          Results and Observations

3.8.1       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 ((g/m3)

Range ((g/m3)

Action Level  ((g/m3)

Limit Level ((g/m3)

AM1A

77.5

60.7 ¨C 83.8

302.1

500

AM2

77.9

60.9 ¨C 85.5

301.9

500

AM3

77.4

61.1 ¨C 83.7

301.9

500

AM4A

77.9

62.2 ¨C 84.0

302.3

500

 

Table 2.5          Summary of 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period

 

Average ((g/m3)

Range ((g/m3)

Action Level  ((g/m3)

Limit Level ((g/m3)

AM1A

37.4

11.3 ¨C 73.5

176.6

260

AM2

16.1

7.7 ¨C 24.6

178.6

260

AM3

37.5

12.5 ¨C 66.3

193.1

260

AM4A

43.7

15.5 ¨C 74.0

198.5

260

 

3.8.2       The major dust source in the reporting period included construction activities from Stage 1 of the Project, as well as nearby traffic emissions.

3.8.3       All 1-hour and 24-hour TSP results were below the Action and Limit Level at all monitoring locations in the reporting month.

3.8.4       The event action plan is annexed in Appendix J.

3.8.5       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 September 2012 from the Tai Mei Tuk Automatic Weather Station were missing, the weather data from Tai Po Automatic Weather Station in September 2012 are included in Appendix H for supplementary purpose.


4             Noise MONITORING

4.1          Monitoring Requirements

4.1.1       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.

4.2          Monitoring Equipment

4.2.1       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

Rion NL-31; B&K 2250-L

Acoustic Calibrator

Rion NC-73

 

4.3          Monitoring Locations

4.3.1       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.

4.3.2       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

 

4.4          Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

4.4.1       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

 

4.5          Monitoring Methodology

4.5.1       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.

 

4.5.2       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.

 

4.6          Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

4.6.1       The schedule for environmental monitoring in September 2012 is provided in Appendix F.

4.7          Monitoring Results

4.7.1       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

62.0

54.0 ¨C 64.1

75

NM2

65.3*

60.5 ¨C 68.1*

75

NM3

63.8

58.9 ¨C 64.8

70#

NM4

65.5

63.9 ¨C 67.1

75

NM5

61.0

48.9 ¨C 64.0

75

NM6

62.8*

59.5 ¨C 64.2*

70#

NM7

59.5

55.6 ¨C 63.5

75

              *+3dB(A) Façade correction included

# Limit Level of 70dB(A) applies to education institutes while 65dB(A) applies during school examination period.

4.7.2       There was no noise related complaint followed up by Environmental Team in the reporting period. Hence, no Action Level exceedance was recorded.

4.7.3       No noise monitoring result exceeding the Limit Level was recorded at all monitoring stations in the reporting month.

4.7.4       Major noise sources during the noise monitoring included construction activities of Stage 1 of the Project and nearby traffic noise and general school activities. 

4.7.5       The event action plan is annexed in Appendix J.


 

5             ENVIRONMENTAL SITE INSPECTION AND AUDIT

5.1          Site Inspection

5.1.1       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, 4 site inspections were carried out on 5, 14, 19 and 26 September 2012 for Contract 1 of the Project, and 5 site inspections for Contract 2 of the Project were carried out on 6, 13, 20 and 27 September 2012.

5.1.2       The environmental site inspections summaries are provided in Appendix K.

5.1.3       Particular observations during the site inspections for Contract 1 are described below:

Air Quality

 

5.1.4       No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

Noise

 

5.1.5       No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

Water Quality

 

5.1.6       Stagnant water was accumulated at Area NB16. The Contractor was reminded to remove the stagnant water regularly. The Contractor was also recommended to maintain the drainage system properly.

5.1.7       Broken sandbags were observed near the entrance of Gate 26. The Contractor was reminded to replace all broken sandbags and maintain the sandbag bunding properly to prevent surface runoff from construction work flowing outside the work area and discharging to public drain. Silt accumulated near the broken sandbags should be removed as soon as possible to avoid any silty water discharging to nearby gully. The Contractor was also recommended to review and maintain the effectiveness of sandbag bunding regularly.

5.1.8       Oil drums were observed placed on ground without drip tray at New Banyan West Bridge. The Contractor was reminded to provide drip trays for all oil drums on site to prevent oil leakage.

Chemical and Waste Management

 

5.1.9       No drip tray provided for a generator at Area NB16 was observed and oil leakage was also found from the generator. The Contractor was reminded to provide drip tray for the generator to retain any leaked oil. Oil stain on ground should be removed and disposed as chemical wastes.

Landscape and Visual Impact

 

5.1.10    No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

Miscellaneous

 

5.1.11    No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

 

5.1.12    Particular observations and reminder during the site inspections for Contract 2 are described below:

Air Quality

 

5.1.13    No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

Noise

 

5.1.14    No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

Water Quality

5.1.15     

5.1.16    Oil drum was observed placed on ground at Area NLKP9 without drip tray. The Contractor was reminded to provide drip tray or equivalent measures for all oil drums on site to avoid any oil leakage occurred.

5.1.17    Oily water was accumulated inside the drip trays at Area W45. The Contractor was reminded to remove the oily water and handle it chemical waste. The Contractor was recommended to remove the oily water / leaked oil inside the drip trays regularly to prevent any overflow.

Chemical and Waste Management

 

5.1.18    General refuse were accumulated at Gate 30 and LB3 WA. The Contractor was reminded to dispose the general refuse more frequently and provide sufficient receptacles for general refuse collection on site. The Contractor was also reminded to maintain the site cleanness and tidiness.

Landscape and Visual Impact

 

5.1.19    No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

Miscellaneous

 

5.1.20    No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

 

5.2          Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status

5.2.1       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.

5.2.2       As advised by the Contract 1 Contractor (CSHK), 363m3 of inert C&D material was disposed as public fill to Tuen Mun 38 (of which 0m3 was broken concrete), while 130m3 of general refuse was disposed at NENT landfill. 109kg of paper/cardboard packaging and 15kg of metals were collected by recycling contractor in the reporting month. 3,326m3 and 2,113m3 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.

5.2.3       As advised by the Contract 2 Contractor (GCL), 255m3 of inert C&D material were disposed to Tuen Mun 38 and 845m3 general refuse was disposed to NENT landfill in the reporting period. No chemical waste was collected by licensed contractor in the reporting period.

5.2.4       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.

 

5.3          Environmental Licenses and Permits

5.3.1       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/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

.NCO

Construction Noise Permit

GW-RN0113-12

18/3/2012

9/9/2012

CSHK

NB16 Construction

GW-

RN184-12

22/4/2012

21/10/2012

CSHK

Construction of W4 - NLKRB South Abutment

GW-RN0350-12

22/7/2012

13/1/2013

CSHK

Modification of Sign Gantries along Tolo Highway

GW-RN0351-12

19/7/2012

18/1/2013

CSHK

TB1&2 Construction

GW-RN0417-12

28/8/2012

17/11/2012

CSHK

Bridge 10A Deck Stitching

GW-RN0415-12

30/8/2012

29/11/2012

CSHK

Works next to MTRC¡¯s Tracks

GW-RN0428-12

08/09/2012

01/10/2012

CSHK

Road Marking Alternation near W8

GW-RN0434-12

13/09/2012

16/02/2013

CSHK

Routine Road Maintenance

GW-RN0454-12

29/09/2012

29/10/2012

CSHK

Road Marking Alternation near W8

GW-RN0462-12

25/09/2012

1/12/2012

CSHK

Tree felling works at slip road from Tolo Highway to Tai Po Road

GW-RN0463-12

04/10/2012

3/12/2012

CSHK

Road Marking Alternation near Lam Kam Railway Bridge and Tai Po Road

GW-RN0464-12

27/09/2012

10/11/2012

CSHK

Demolition of Portal Frame in TB1&2

GW-RN0461-12

27/09/2012

5/10/2012

CSHK

Road Repaving Work at Tolo Highway near Island House Interchange

GW-RN0478-12

04/10/2012

29/03/2013

CSHK

Road Marking Alternation for slip road from Tolo Highway to Yuen Shin Road

GW-RN0476-12

07/10/2012

16/12/2012

CSHK

Noise Barrier Installation at Tolo Highway near Shan Tong New Village

GW-RN0262-12

31/07/2012

07/09/2012

GCL

Construction of the slip Road of Tai Po Tai Wo Road to Tolo Highway

GW-RN0297-12

15/06/2012

30/11/2012

GCL

A section of Tolo Highway (North bound) near Shek Lin Road, Tai Po

GW-RN0330-12

29/08/2012

28/02/2013

GCL

Tolo Highway and Fanling Highway near Tai Po Tai Wo Road, Lam Kam Interchange

GW-RN0406-12

25/08/2012

03/11/2012

GCL

Dismantle of Overhead Falsework Between Pier 5 and 6

GW-RN0398-12

27/08/2012

24/02/2013

GCL

Construction fo Bridge 12A at Tolo Highway

GW-RN0429-12

12/09/2012

10/11/2012

GCL

Slip Road of Tai Po Tai Wo Road to Tolo Highway

GW-RN0433-12

11/09/2012

23/11/2012

GCL

NLKP1 Tower Crane Erection

 

5.4          Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures

5.4.1       In response to the site audit findings, the Contractors carried out corrective actions.

5.4.2       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.

 

5.5          Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit

5.5.1       All 1-hour and 24-hour TSP monitoring results complied with the Action / Limit Levels in the reporting period.

5.5.2       For construction noise, no Action and Limit Level exceedance was recorded at all monitoring stations in the reporting period.

 

5.6          Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

5.6.1       The Environmental Complaint Handling Procedure is annexed in Figure 4.1.

5.6.2       There were one (1) air quality related complaints followed up by Environmental Team in September 2012.

EPD referred a complaint (from a resident at Ma Wo) about no water spraying was provided for construction activities and caused dust emission in construction site of the Tolo Highway widening works near Ma Wo on 20 September 2012. As informed by the Contractor (Gammon Construction Ltd) and confirmed by the Engineer of the Project, backfilling work and concreting work were being carried out on 20 September 2012 at the work areas (W45-47 & W40) nearby the residential flat of the complainant. Mitigation measures, including erection of dust screen and water spraying of haul road and exposed slope, were taken by the Contractor during the construction activities

 

With reference to the monitoring results recorded on days near to the day of complaint at the nearest monitoring station (AM1A- Sheung Wan Yiu), the 24-hour TSP level on 17 September 2012 was found to be 47.8ug/m3, which was below the action level of 176.6 ug/m3.

 

Nevertheless, the complaint was considered as project-related. Therefore, the Contractor is reminded to enhance the dust mitigation measures (e.g. sufficient water spraying) during backfilling works to prevent any fugitive dust generation. The Contractor should properly cover the non-working slopes and stockpiles by tarpaulin. The Contractor is recommended to implement automatic water sprinklers in site areas and increase the frequency of watering for haul road and exposed slope. For future dusty construction works (such as rock breaking, excavation, grouting, concreting and backfilling etc), the Contractor is recommended to inform the complainant before dusty activities to be carried out. The Contractor should review the adequacy and effectiveness of dust suppression measures regularly to suit the construction progress.

 

As photo records provided by the Contractor (Gammon Construction Ltd) on 21 September 2012, several dust mitigation measures (such as Tarpaulin sheet coverage for exposed slope, dust screen along site boundary, auto-water sprinkler at site haul road and exposed slope, continues water spraying at haul road / site area) were implemented in the work areas W45-47 & W40.

 

5.6.3       Follow-up site visit was conducted on 27 September 2012 to confirm the implementation of mitigation measure. During the follow-up site inspection, no fugitive dust generation arising from the construction works at the areas (W45-47 & W40) was observed (dust screen along the site boundary had been erected; auto-water sprinkler for water spraying of haul road had been implemented; exposed slope, site haul road and stockpiles had been dampened).

5.6.4        No notification of summons and prosecution was received in the reporting period.

5.6.5       Statistics on complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions are summarized in Appendix L.

 

6             FUTURE KEY ISSUES

6.1          Construction Programme for the Coming Months

6.1.1       The major construction works for Contract 1 in October 2012 will be:-

-        Temporary Shoring, Sheet-piling and Excavation;

-        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;

-        Drainage works and 

-        Demolition of temporary bridges.

 

6.1.2       The major construction works for Contract 2 in October 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.

 

6.2          Key Issues for the Coming Month

6.2.1       Key issues to be considered in October 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.

 

6.3          Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Month

6.3.1       The tentative schedule for environmental monitoring in October 2012 is provided in Appendix F.

 

7             ConclusionS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1          Conclusions

7.1.1       The construction phase and EM&A programme of Stage 1 of the project commenced on 23 November 2009.

7.1.2       1-hour TSP, 24-hour TSP and noise monitoring were carried out in the reporting period.

7.1.3       All 1-hour and 24-hour TSP monitoring results complied with the Action / Limit Levels in the reporting period.

7.1.4       No Action and Limit Level exceedance for construction noise was recorded at all monitoring stations in the reporting month.

7.1.5       Environmental site inspection was carried out 8 times in September 2012. Recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractors for the deficiencies identified during the site audits.

7.1.6       There were one (1) air quality related complaints followed up by Environmental Team in September 2012. Investigation was carried out. The findings, proposed mitigation measures and follow-up site visit findings were submitted to all relevant parties.

7.1.7       No notification of summons and prosecution was received in the reporting period.

7.2          Recommendations

7.2.1       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.