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 November
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 (Noise Barrier);
-
Installation of Soil Nails;
-
At-grade Road Construction;
-
Widening and Demolition of Central Dividers;
-
Retaining Wall Construction;
-
Bridge Deck Construction;
-
Noise Barrier Footing Construction;
-
Noise Barrier Panels Installation;
-
Asphalt Laying;
-
Installation of Drainage Pipes;
-
Modification of Edge coping; and
-
Demolition of Temperate bridge TB1 & TB2.
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
Three (3) Action Level exceedances
of construction noise were recorded in the reporting month, since three (3) noise related complaints were
received and followed by Environmental Team in the reporting month.
No Limit Level exceedance
of construction noise was recorded in the reporting month.
Complaint, Notification of Summons and
Successful Prosecution
There were four
(4) complaints (included one (1) air related complaint and three (3) noise
related complaints) followed up by Environmental Team in
November 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.
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.
1.2.1
This is the thirty-seventh monthly EM&A Report under the
Agreement No. CE 20/2009 (EP) - Widening of Tolo Highway between Island House Interchange and Tai Hang
– Investigation. This report
presents a summary of the environmental monitoring and audit works, list of
activities and mitigation measures proposed by the ET for Stage 1 of the
Project in November 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
|
Eddie Tang
|
9863 7686
|
2667 5666
|
|
Environmental Officer
|
Ken Cheung
|
9803 5297
|
2667 5666
|
|
M L Lam
|
9489 4641
|
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
|
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:-
-
Temporary Shoring, Sheetpiling and
Excavation;
-
Pile Cap Construction (Noise Barrier);
-
Installation of Soil Nails;
-
At-grade Road Construction;
-
Widening and Demolition of Central Dividers;
-
Retaining Wall Construction;
-
Bridge Deck Construction;
-
Noise Barrier Footing Construction;
-
Noise Barrier Panels Installation;
-
Asphalt Laying;
-
Installation of Drainage Pipes;
-
Modification of Edge coping; and
-
Demolition of Temperate bridge TB1 & TB2.
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)
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
±2.5% deviation over 24-hour sampling period.
(b)
Preparation of Filter Papers
(i)
Glass fibre
filters, G810 were labelled and sufficient filters
that were clean and without pinholes were selected.
(ii)
All filters were equilibrated in the
conditioning environment for 24 hours before weighing. The conditioning
environment temperature was around 25 °C
and not variable by more than ±3 °C;
the relative humidity (RH) was < 50% and not variable by more than ±5%. A
convenient working RH was 40%.
(iii)
All filter papers were prepared and analysed by ALS Technichem (HK)
Pty Ltd., which is a HOKLAS accredited laboratory and has comprehensive quality
assurance and quality control programmes.
(c)
Field Monitoring
(i)
The power supply was checked to ensure
the HVS works properly.
(ii)
The filter holder and the area surrounding
the filter were cleaned.
(iii)
The filter holder was removed by
loosening the four bolts and a new filter, with stamped number upward, on a
supporting screen was aligned carefully.
(iv)
The filter was properly aligned on the
screen so that the gasket formed an airtight seal on the outer edges of the
filter.
(v)
The swing bolts were fastened to hold
the filter holder down to the frame.
The pressure applied was sufficient to avoid air leakage at the edges.
(vi)
Then the shelter lid was closed and was
secured with the aluminum strip.
(vii)
The HVS was warmed-up for about 5
minutes to establish run-temperature conditions.
(viii)
A new flow rate record sheet was set
into the flow recorder.
(ix)
On site temperature and atmospheric
pressure readings were taken and the flow rate of the HVS was checked and
adjusted at around 1.1 m3/min, and complied
with the range specified in the updated EM&A Manual (i.e. 0.6-1.7 m3/min).
(x)
The programmable digital timer was set
for a sampling period of 24 hrs, and the starting time, weather condition and
the filter number were recorded.
(xi)
The initial elapsed time was recorded.
(xii)
At the end of sampling, on site
temperature and atmospheric pressure readings were taken and the final flow
rate of the HVS was checked and recorded.
(xiii)
The final elapsed time was recorded.
(xiv)
The sampled filter was removed
carefully and folded in half length so that only surfaces with collected
particulate matter were in contact.
(xv)
It was then placed in a clean plastic
envelope and sealed.
(xvi)
All monitoring information was recorded
on a standard data sheet.
(xvii)
Filters were then sent to ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. for analysis.
(d)
Maintenance and Calibration
(i)
The HVS and its accessories were
maintained in good working condition, such as replacing motor brushes routinely
and checking electrical wiring to ensure a continuous power supply.
(ii)
5-point calibration of the HVS was
conducted using TE-5025A
Calibration Kit prior to the commencement of baseline monitoring. Bi-monthly
5-point calibration of the HVS will be carried out during impact monitoring.
(iii)
Calibration certificate of the HVSs are
provided in Appendix E.
2.5.2
1-hour TSP Monitoring
(a)
Measuring Procedures
The measuring procedures of the
1-hour dust meter were in accordance with the Manufacturer’s Instruction Manual
as follows:-
(i)
Turn the power on.
(ii)
Close the air collecting opening cover.
(iii)
Push the “TIME SETTING” switch to [BG].
(iv)
Push “START/STOP” switch to perform
background measurement for 6 seconds.
(v)
Turn the knob at SENSI ADJ position to
insert the light scattering plate.
(vi)
Leave the equipment for 1 minute upon
“SPAN CHECK” is indicated in the display.
(vii)
Push “START/STOP” switch to perform
automatic sensitivity adjustment. This measurement takes 1 minute.
(viii)
Pull out the knob and return it to
MEASURE position.
(ix)
Push the “TIME SETTING” switch the time
set in the display to 3 hours.
(x)
Lower down the air collection opening
cover.
(xi)
Push “START/STOP” switch to start
measurement.
(b)
Maintenance and Calibration
(i)
The 1-hour TSP meter was calibrated at
1-year intervals against a continuous particulate TEOM Monitor, Series 1400ab.
Calibration certificates of the Laser Dust Monitors are provided in Appendix E.
(ii)
1-hour validation checking of the TSP
meter against HVS is carried out yearly at the air quality monitoring
locations.
2.6
Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month
2.6.1
The schedule for environmental monitoring in November
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
|
81.8
|
76.5 – 84.9
|
302.1
|
500
|
|
AM2
|
81.9
|
78.4 – 86.3
|
301.9
|
500
|
|
AM3
|
82.4
|
77.5 – 87.4
|
301.9
|
500
|
|
AM4A
|
81.9
|
78.4 – 85.5
|
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
|
47.8
|
18.4 – 83.1
|
176.6
|
260
|
|
AM2
|
42.3
|
10.5 – 66.6
|
178.6
|
260
|
|
AM3
|
41.9
|
13.3 – 60.8
|
193.1
|
260
|
|
AM4A
|
62.3
|
15.9 – 90.7
|
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 November 2012 from
the Tai Mei Tuk Automatic Weather Station were missing,
the weather data from Tai Po Automatic Weather Station in November 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
|
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 – 1900 on normal weekdays; Leq(5-minutes) during restricted
hours i.e. 19:00 – 23:00 and
23:00 – 07:00 of normal weekdays, whole day of Sundays and Public Holidays
(e)
Prior to and after each noise measurement, the
meter was calibrated using the acoustic calibrator for 94dB(A)
at 1000 Hz. If the difference in
the calibration level before and after measurement was more than 1 dB(A), the measurement would be considered invalid and
repeat of noise measurement would be required after re-calibration or repair of
the equipment.
(f)
During the monitoring period, the Leq, L10 and L90 were
recorded. In addition, site
conditions and noise sources were recorded on a standard record sheet.
(g)
Noise measurement was paused during periods of high
intrusive noise (e.g. dog barking, helicopter noise) if possible. Observations
were recorded when intrusive noise was unavoidable.
(h)
Noise monitoring was cancelled in the presence of
fog, rain, wind with a steady speed exceeding 5m/s, or wind with gusts exceeding 10m/s.
3.5.2
Maintenance and Calibration
(a)
The microphone head of the sound level meter was
cleaned with soft cloth at regular intervals.
(b)
The meter and calibrator were sent to the supplier
or HOKLAS laboratory to check and calibrate at yearly intervals.
(c)
Calibration certificates of the sound level meters
and acoustic calibrators are provided in Appendix E.
3.6.1
The schedule for environmental
monitoring in November 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
|
62.3
|
60.5 – 63.7
|
75
|
|
NM2
|
65.5*
|
62.2 – 67.9*
|
75
|
|
NM3
|
63.2
|
61.9 – 64.7
|
70#
|
|
NM4
|
65.3
|
63.5 – 67.0
|
75
|
|
NM5
|
62.4
|
56.9 – 64.5
|
75
|
|
NM6
|
62.4*
|
57.9 – 63.9*
|
70#
|
|
NM7
|
60.0
|
57.2 – 63.0
|
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
There was three (3) noise related complaint followed up by
Environmental Team in the reporting period. Hence, three (3) Action Level exceedances were recorded.
3.7.3
No noise monitoring result exceeding the Limit Level was
recorded at all monitoring stations in the reporting month.
3.7.4
Major noise sources during the noise monitoring included
construction activities of Stage 1 of the Project and nearby traffic noise and
general school activities.
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, 4 site inspections were carried out on 8, 14, 21
and 28 November 2012 for Contract 1 of
the Project, and 5 site inspections for Contract 2 of the Project were carried
out on 1, 7, 15, 22 and 29 November 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
Soil stockpiles were accumulated near the
receiving pit. The Contractor was reminded to cover the soil stockpile by
tarpaulin sheet properly.
4.1.5
Broken concretes were accumulated at New Banyan
Bridge. The Contractor was reminded to spray the broken concretes with water or
cover the broken concretes by impervious sheet properly to prevent any fugitive
dust generation.
Noise
4.1.6
No adverse observation was identified in the
reporting month.
Water Quality
4.1.7
Broken Sandbags were observed at Area NB19. The
Contractor was reminded to replace the broken sandbags.
4.1.8
Stagnant waters were accumulated inside the
tray and I-joist at Gate 3. The Contractor was reminded to remove the stagnant
water regularly.
Chemical and Waste Management
4.1.9
C&D wastes were accumulated at Gate 30. The
Contractor was reminded to remove the C&D waste regularly.
4.1.10
C&D wastes were accumulated at Area NB6.
The Contractor was reminded to remove the C&D waste more frequently and
maintain the site cleanliness and tidiness.
4.1.11
No drip tray provided for chemical container
was observed at Area NB19. The Contractor was reminded to provide drip trays
for all oil drums / chemical containers on site to prevent any oil / chemical
leakage. The Contractor was also reminded to label all chemical containers
properly.
Landscape and Visual Impact
4.1.12
No adverse observation was identified in the
reporting month.
Miscellaneous
4.1.13
No adverse observation was identified in the
reporting month.
4.1.14 Particular
observations and reminder during the site inspections for Contract 2 are
described below:
Air Quality
4.1.15
The Contractor was reminded to cover the broken
concretes and stockpiles at Hong Lok Yuen road by tarpaulin sheets after works
to prevent any fugitive dust generation.
4.1.16
Mud trails were observed near the site
entrance/exit at Gate 11 and Gate 15 and wheel washing facility at Gate 15 was
also observed malfunction. The Contractor was reminded to repair the wheel
washing facility as soon as possible and provide proper wheel washing
facility during the repairing period. The Contractor should ensure that wheel
washing facilities were operating at all vehicular site entrances/exits to wash
off the deposited silt on vehicles’ wheels and bodies and combine with cleaning
of public roads wherever necessary and practical. The Contractor was
recommended to provide a maintenance schedule for all wheel washing facilities
on site.
Noise
4.1.17
No adverse observation was identified in the
reporting month.
Water Quality
4.1.18
Silt from construction site was observed
accumulated on haul road at Area NB42. The Contractor was reminded to provide
proper mitigation measures (e.g. bunds/sandbags at site work areas) to prevent
any silt or silty water running off from the
construction site to the haul road and nearby public drains. Silt on the haul
road should be removed as soon as possible. The Contractor was also reminded to
maintain the haul road in clean condition.
4.1.19
Silts were accumulated in wheel washing bays at
Gate 11 and Gate 15 and u-channel connecting to sedimentation tank at Gate 15.
The Contractor was reminded to remove the silt from wheel washing bays and
u-channel more frequently.
4.1.20
Broken concretes and stockpile of sands were
placed at Area NLKSA without mitigation measure. The Contractor was reminded to
cover the broken concretes and stockpile of sands by tarpaulin sheets properly
to prevent any silty water surface runoff to nearby
public road due to rainfall.
Chemical and Waste Management
4.1.21
Breaking tip of breaker was found placed on
bare ground at Area NLKSA. The Contractor was reminded to place the breaking
tip onto the tarpaulin sheet to avoid oil leakage from the breaking tip to the
ground
4.1.22
C&D wastes and general refuses were
accumulated at Tai Wo West
services road and Area NLKNA. The Contractor was reminded to remove the C&D
wastes regularly and maintain the site tidiness and cleanliness.
4.1.23
C&D wastes were accumulated at Area RWB12B.
The Contractor was reminded to remove the C&D waste regularly and maintain
the site cleanliness and tidiness.
Landscape and Visual Impact
4.1.24 No
adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.
Miscellaneous
4.1.25
No adverse observation was identified in the
reporting month.
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),
485m3 of inert
C&D material was disposed as public fill to Tuen Mun 38 (of which 17m3 was broken concrete), while
78m3
of general refuse was disposed at NENT landfill. 133kg of
paper/cardboard packaging, 0kg of plastics and 0kg of metals were collected by recycling contractor in the
reporting month. 1,833m3 and 633m3 of inert
C&D materials were reused on site and reused in NENT for backfilling
purpose respectively. 2,200kg chemical waste was collected by licensed
contractor in the reporting period.
4.2.3
As advised by the Contract 2 Contractor (GCL), 280m3
of inert C&D material were disposed to Tuen Mun 38 and 475m3 general refuse was disposed to
NENT landfill in the reporting period. No chemical waste was collected by licensed
contractor 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/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-RN0350-12
|
22/07/2012
|
13/01/2013
|
CSHK
|
Modification of Sign Gantries along Tolo
Highway
|
|
GW-RN0351-12
|
19/07/2012
|
18/01/2013
|
CSHK
|
TB1&2 Construction
|
|
GW-RN0417-12
|
28/08/2012
|
17/11/2012
|
CSHK
|
Bridge 10A Deck Stitching
|
|
GW-RN0415-12
|
30/08/2012
|
29/11/2012
|
CSHK
|
Works next to MTRC’s Tracks
|
|
GW-RN0434-12
|
13/09/2012
|
16/02/2013
|
CSHK
|
Routine Road Maintenance
|
|
GW-RN0462-12
|
25/09/2012
|
01/12/2012
|
CSHK
|
Tree felling works at slip road from Tolo Highway to Tai Po Road
|
|
GW-RN0463-12
|
04/10/2012
|
03/12/2012
|
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
|
05/01/2013
|
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-RN0510-12
|
27/10/2012
|
06/01/2013
|
CSHK
|
Noise Barrier Installation at Slip Road from Tat Wan Road to Tolo Highway
|
|
GW-RN0512-12
|
28/10/2012
|
06/01/2013
|
CSHK
|
Tree Felling at slope along North Bound of Tolo
Highway near Shan Tong New Village and Tat Wan Road
|
|
GW-RN0517-12
|
28/10/2012
|
09/12/2012
|
CSHK
|
Noise Barrier Installation at Tolo Highway near Classical Garden
|
|
GW-RN0515-12
|
03/11/2012
|
26/11/2012
|
CSHK
|
Road Marking Alternation near W8
|
|
GW-RN516-12
|
24/10/2012
|
23/04/2013
|
CSHK
|
Construction of W4 - NLKRB South Abutment
|
|
GW-RN560-12
|
17/11/2012
|
31/01/2013
|
CSHK
|
Demolition of Temporary Bridge (TB1&2)
|
|
GW-RN0550-12
|
20/11/2012
|
02/03/2013
|
CSHK
|
Road Marking Alternation Banyan West
Bridge
|
|
GW-RN0564-12
|
29/11/2012
|
30/04/2013
|
CSHK
|
Installation of Noise Barrier at Tolo
Highway near Yuen Shin Road
|
|
GW-RN0565-12
|
22/11/2012
|
09/02/2013
|
CSHK
|
Bridge 10A Deck Stitching
|
|
GW-RN0566-12
|
30/11/2012
|
28/02/2013
|
CSHK
|
Works next to MTRC's Tracks
|
|
GW-RN0595-12
|
08/12/2012
|
06/01/2013
|
CSHK
|
Road Marking Alternation at Tolo Highway
near Classical Garden
|
|
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
& Tai Wo Service Road West
|
|
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
|
|
GW-RN0453-12
|
30/09/2012
|
23/12/2012
|
GCL
|
Removal and painting of road marking at Tolo
Highway southbound
|
|
GW-RN0493-12
|
15/10/2012
|
14/04/2013
|
GCL
|
Construction of Bridge 15A
|
|
GW-RN0492-12
|
09/10/2012
|
30/11/2012
|
GCL
|
Renewal of GW-RN0297-12 with one additional powered mechanical
equipment
|
|
GW-RN0529-12
|
04/11/2012
|
28/04/2013
|
GCL
|
New Lam Kan Bridge Pier 4 and 5
|
|
GW-RN0546-12
|
20/11/2012
|
28/02/2013
|
GCL
|
Removal of Existing Sign Gantry (Nsn45) at Fanling
Highway
|
|
GW-RN0549-12
|
15/11/2012
|
28/02/2013
|
GCL
|
Erection of Overhead Falsework Between NLKP9
and NLKP10
|
|
GW-RN0551-12
|
16/11/2012
|
10/03/2013
|
GCL
|
Slip Road of Tai Po Tai Wo Road to Tolo Highway
|
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
Three (3) Action Level exceedances
of construction noise were recorded in the reporting period, since three (3) noise related complaints were received and followed by Environmental
Team in the reporting period.
4.5.3
No 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 were four (4) complaints (included one (1) air
related complaint and three (3) noise related complaints) followed up by
Environmental Team in November 2012.
4.6.3
The (1st) noise complaint (from a resident of
The Paragon), was received by EPD on 5 November 2012, and referred from EPD on
6 November 2012. The complaint was about the suspected construction noise
generated from the suspected construction activities at Tolo
Highway on 4 November 2012 at 3:00a.m.
As informed by the
Contractor (China State Construction Engineering (HK) Ltd.) and confirmed by
the Engineer of the Project, road marking and road pavement works for road
diversion were carried out in a section of Tolo
Highway near Wall 8 (near The Paragon at Tai Po) during the period from 3
November 2012 at
22:30 to 4 November 2012 at 05:00[n1] .
No PMEs were operating during 22:30 to 23:00 on 3 November and during 05:00 and
07:00 on 4 November 2012, and no road miller / mini road miller was operating
between 02:00 and 05:00 on 4 November 2012. A valid Construction Noise Permit (CNP No.:
GW-RN0515-12)[n2]
was obtained for the use of certain powered mechanical equipments (PMEs). The
numbers and types of powered mechanical equipments operated on the date were
complied with the CNP. Site dairy and list of plants used during the road
diversion works (provided by the Engineer of the Project) were also checked for
verification. Road marking and road pavement works for road diversion near Wall
8 were completed on 4 November 2012 and no road diversion works at the same
location (near Wall 8) is currently planned in the restricted hours (23:00 – 05:00
of next day) for the coming months. The noise complaint was considered as
project-related. Therefore, the Contractor is advised to implement the noise
mitigation measures as below:
-
Strictly comply with the
requirements of the approved CNP for works carried out in restricted hours;
-
Propose to use of quality powered
mechanical equipments (QPME) for carrying out similar works in the future;
-
Review the feasibility of wrapping
up the buzzers of construction machineries under safety circumstance to
suppress the noise impact;
-
Better scheduling of works to
minimize noise nuisance;
-
Instruct the site workers to keep
the noise to minimum during road diversion works in restricted hours;
-
Review the possibility for
re-sequencing the execution of some remaining road works after completion of
the permanent noise barriers to act as a noise screen for mitigation of noise
nuisance from the road works; and
-
Foster better public relations with
the sensitive receivers nearby.
4.6.4
An air complaint (from
a resident of Ma Wo at Tai Po), was received by
EPD on 6 November 2012, and referred from EPD on 8 November 2012. The complaint
was about no improvement on the dust nuisance from the road widening
construction works by Gammon Construction Ltd. Despite repeated
request of frequent water spraying at the entrance of the construction
site, such measures were only implemented during senior site staff
inspections, while fugitive dust were generated for the rest of
the time, causing serious nuisance to the complainant’s dwelling. The complainant
thereby strongly requested the EPD to monitor the status of water spraying
of the construction site.
As informed by the
Contractor (Gammon Construction Ltd) and confirmed by the Engineer of the
Project, trimming the ground surface for blinding laying at NB31 & W44 was
being carried out on 6 November 2012 at the work areas nearby the residential
flat of the complainant (shown in Figure 1 – Site Layout near Ma Wo at Tai Po). Mitigation measures, including erection of tarpaulin
dust screen along the work areas W45-47, automatic sprinkler system and manual
spraying by workers for haul roads and exposed slopes (at work areas NB31, W44
– W47), covering non-working slopes by tarpaulin sheets within work areas,
covering of dusty materials carrying in dump trucks within work areas W45-47 were
taken by the Contractor. Besides, environmental supervisions (by the
Contractor’s foremen) were conducted two times everyday to review the adequacy
and effectiveness of dust suppression measure at work areas. Checklists of the
Contractor’s environmental supervision were checked for verification.
With reference to the monitoring results recorded on days near to the
day of complaint at the nearest EM&A monitoring station (AM1A- Sheung Wun Yiu), the 24-hour TSP level
on 6 November 2012 were found to be 83.1ug/m3, which were 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 as below:
-
Confirm the implementation of dust
mitigation measures (erection of tarpaulin dust screen along the work areas
W45-47, watering for the haul roads and exposed slopes at work areas NB31, W44
– W47, covering non-working slopes by tarpaulin sheets within work areas,
covering of dusty materials carrying in dump trucks within work areas W45-47) during
all construction / dusty activities to prevent any fugitive dust generation;
-
Increase the frequency of watering
in the work areas (e.g. the entrance of the construction site, site haul roads
and exposed slopes / areas in the work areas NB31, W44-47) to maintain the
surface of site haul roads and exposed surfaces in wet condition;
-
Extend the water spraying areas to
the exposed areas (near work area W45) nearby the residential flat of the complainant;
-
Cover the backfilling surface after
work;
-
Maintain soil surface wet before
loading and unloading activities;
-
Increase the frequency of the
environmental supervision (by the Contractor) to frequently review the adequacy
and effectiveness of dust suppression measures to suit the construction
progress;
-
Inform the complainant before dusty
activities to be carried out, such as rock breaking, excavation, grouting and
backfilling etc; and
-
Foster better public relations with
the sensitive receivers / the complainant nearby.
Follow-up site inspection
was conducted on 22 November 2012 to confirm the implementation of mitigation
measure. During the site inspection, no dusty activity (i.e.
loading and unloading activities) and dump truck was observed in work area
W45-47. Several dust mitigation measures were implemented at the work area
W45-47 as below:
-
Dust screen was erected along the
site boundary at work area W45-47;
-
Impermeable dust screen was erected
along the work area W45-47;
-
Water spraying for site haul roads /
site areas was provided by worker;
-
Site haul road / site areas / exposed
areas were dampened;
-
Non-working slopes was covered by
tarpaulin sheets; and
-
Impermeable sheet was erected in
backfilling area at W47.
Besides, the Contractor’s site logs of
environmental supervision and records of communication between the Contractor
and Ma Wo’s residents were also checked. According to
the Contractor’s site logs of environmental supervision, the frequency of the
environmental supervision increased to 3 times per day. Dust suppression
measures were provided at work areas W44-47 and the deficiencies were also
rectified properly. No fugitive dust arising from the work area W45-47 was
observed.
4.6.5
The (2nd) noise complaint, was received by EPD
on 12 November 2012, and referred from EPD on 13 November 2012. The complaint was
about construction noise generated from breaking activities at the construction
site of Gammon Construction Ltd. nearby Lot no. 450 of Wai Tau Tsuen at Lam Tsuen of Tai Po. The
complainant expressed that the noise from the breaking activities began between
8:00am and 9:00am on 30 October 2012 at the construction site of Gammon
Construction Ltd. nearby Lot no. 450 of Wai Tau Tsuen
at Lam Tsuen of Tai Po, caused nuisance to nearby
residents. The complainant requested EPD to follow-up as soon as possible. The
complainant expressed that the complainant would call the police for help, if
the problem of construction noise could not be handled by the day after the
complaint received. The reply had been communicated to the complainant.
However, the complainant expressed that construction activities were still
carried out by the Contractor after 7:00pm and noise was still generated from
construction works. The complainant thereby requested the EPD to follow-up and
reply again.
According to the
information of the Contractor (Gammon Construction Ltd.) and confirmed by the
Engineer, sheet-pile by vibration hammer, H-pile drilling, minor excavation and
hand-dig were carried out by the Contractor during 8:00am to 9:00am on 30
October 2012 (Tuesday) and no construction work was carried out by the
Contractor after 7:00pm on 30 October 2012 at the construction site nearby Wai
Tau Tsuen at Lam Tsuen of
Tai Po. In accordance with the Noise Control Ordinance, 7:00am – 7:00pm of any
general days are the non-restricted hours of general construction work.
Therefore, commencement of construction work at 8:00am on general days is in
compliance with the NCO. From observation of the site inspection (by ET) on 15
November 2012, permanent noise barriers were observed erected in some portions
of Wai Tau Tsuen at Lam Tsuen
of Tai Po as noise suppression measure. However, the noise complaint was
considered as project-related. Therefore, the Contractor is advised to
implement the noise mitigation measures as below:
-
Wrapping the breaker tip with proper
noise insulation materials during rock breaking works.
-
Wrapping the chain link of
sheet-pile machine.
-
Erecting movable noise barriers
fitted with noise adsorption materials for any noisy activities (e.g. breaking
activity).
-
Informing the nearby residents in
advance (at least one day) of any noisy works to be carried out in the morning.
The
matter will be followed-up in the next Monthly EM&A Report (December 2012).
4.6.6
The (3rd) noise complaint (from a resident of Shek
Kwu Lung Village), was received by EPD on 29 November
2012, and referred from EPD in the same day. The complaint was about the
construction of Widening of Tolo Highway at the
foot of the hill slope. According to the complainant, the
construction works have been conducted by Gammon Construction Ltd.
for a year and the works had been conducted until 20:00 at
night in recent months. Due to the short distance of the
complainant's premises from the construction
site, the nuisance was very annoying. The complainant
requested EPD to follow up. According to the information of the Contractor
(Gammon Construction Ltd.) and confirmed by the Engineer, no construction work
was carried out at Area RWTW2, LB3 (East & West Abutment) & RWTW3 near
Shek Kwu Lung Village after 6:00pm in recent months
except concreting works (at Area RWTW2 / RWTW3) on 5 October 2012, 31 October
2012 & 23 November 2012 and minor activities (e.g. general cleaning and
site tidiness), both of which were completed by 7:00pm. In accordance with the
Noise Control Ordinance, 7:00am – 7:00pm of any general days are the
non-restricted hours of general construction work. Therefore, carrying out of
construction work during 7:00am to 7:00pm on general days is in compliance with
the NCO. In accordance with the observation of the site inspection (by ET) on 6
December 2012, temporary acoustic sheet was erected at Area LB3 (West Abutment)
as a noise mitigation measure. However, the noise complaint was considered as
project-related. Therefore, the Contractor is advised to implement the
mitigation measures as below:
-
Cease all construction activities at
site during restricted hours unless a valid Construction Noise Permit had been
obtained for the site areas; and
-
Apply for a Construction Noise
Permit if any construction work during restricted hours and strictly comply
with all conditions stipulated in CNP issued by EPD.
4.6.7
No notification of summons and prosecution was
received in the reporting period.
4.6.8
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 December 2012 will
be:-
-
Temporary Shoring, Sheetpiling and
Excavation;
-
Pile Cap Construction (Noise Barrier);
-
Installation of Soil Nails;
-
At-grade Road Construction;
-
Widening and Demolition of Central Dividers;
-
Retaining Wall Construction;
-
Bridge Deck Construction;
-
Noise Barrier Footing Construction;
-
Noise Barrier Panels Installation;
-
Asphalt Laying;
-
Installation of Drainage Pipes;
-
Modification of Edge coping; and
-
Demolition of Temperate bridge TB1 & TB2.
5.1.2
The major construction works for Contract 2 in December 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 December 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 December 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 and 24-hour TSP monitoring results
complied with the Action / Limit Levels in the reporting period.
6.1.4
Three (3) Action Level exceedances
of construction noise were recorded in the reporting month, since three (3) noise related complaints were received and followed by
Environmental Team in the reporting month.
6.1.5
No Limit Level exceedance for
construction noise was recorded at all monitoring stations in the reporting
month.
6.1.6
Environmental site inspection was carried out 9 times
in November 2012. Recommendations
on remedial actions were given to the Contractors for the deficiencies
identified during the site audits.
6.1.7
There were four (4) complaints (included one (1) air
related complaint and three (3) noise related complaints) followed up by
Environmental Team in November 2012. Investigation was carried out. The
findings, proposed mitigation measures and follow-up site visit findings were
submitted to all relevant parties.
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.
