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 31 December
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;
-
Construction of haul road;
-
Extension of box culvert and subway;
-
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 / demolition of existing bridge structures;
-
Entrusted watermains works; and
-
Sewer Installation.
There was no reporting change
required in the reporting month.
Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Air
Quality
No exceedance of Action and Limit
Level was recorded for 1-hour and 24-hour TSP monitoring in the reporting
month.
Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Noise
No Action Level exceedances
of construction noise was recorded in the reporting month, since no noise complaints related to 0700 ¨C 1900 hours on normal weekdays was 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 three (3) complaints (included one (1) air
related complaint and two (2) noise related complaints) followed up by
Environmental Team in December 2012. For the air related complaint, investigation
was carried out and the findings and proposed mitigation measures were
submitted to all relevant parties. For the noise related complaints, the
complaints were still under investigation in December 2012 and the
investigation result will be reported in next Monthly EM&A Report (January
2013). Summary of investigation is described in Section 4.6.2 ¨C 4.6.5.
Follow-up site inspections were conducted on 13 December
2012 (by ET) and 27 December 2012 (by ET and IEC) to confirm the implementation of mitigation
measure for a noise complaint received by EPD on 12 November 2012 (about
construction noise generated from breaking activites
at the construction site of Gammon Construction Ltd. nearby Lot no. 450 of Wai
Tau Tsuen at Lam Tsuen of
Tai Po). Summary of follow-up inspection is described in Section 4.6.6.
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-eighth monthly EM&A Report under the
Agreement No. CE 20/2009 (EP) - Widening of Tolo Highway between Island House Interchange and Tai Hang
¨C Investigation. This report
presents a summary of the environmental monitoring and audit works, list of
activities and mitigation measures proposed by the ET for Stage 1 of the
Project in December 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;
-
Construction of haul road;
-
Extension of box culvert and subway;
-
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 / demolition 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
¡À2.5% deviation over 24-hour sampling period.
(b)
Preparation of Filter Papers
(i)
Glass fibre
filters, G810 were labelled and sufficient filters
that were clean and without pinholes were selected.
(ii)
All filters were equilibrated in the
conditioning environment for 24 hours before weighing. The conditioning
environment temperature was around 25 ¡ãC
and not variable by more than ¡À3 ¡ãC;
the relative humidity (RH) was < 50% and not variable by more than ¡À5%. A
convenient working RH was 40%.
(iii)
All filter papers were prepared and analysed by ALS Technichem (HK)
Pty Ltd., which is a HOKLAS accredited laboratory and has comprehensive quality
assurance and quality control programmes.
(c)
Field Monitoring
(i)
The power supply was checked to ensure
the HVS works properly.
(ii)
The filter holder and the area
surrounding the filter were cleaned.
(iii)
The filter holder was removed by
loosening the four bolts and a new filter, with stamped number upward, on a
supporting screen was aligned carefully.
(iv)
The filter was properly aligned on the
screen so that the gasket formed an airtight seal on the outer edges of the
filter.
(v)
The swing bolts were fastened to hold
the filter holder down to the frame.
The pressure applied was sufficient to avoid air leakage at the edges.
(vi)
Then the shelter lid was closed and was
secured with the aluminum strip.
(vii)
The HVS was warmed-up for about 5
minutes to establish run-temperature conditions.
(viii)
A new flow rate record sheet was set
into the flow recorder.
(ix)
On site temperature and atmospheric
pressure readings were taken and the flow rate of the HVS was checked and
adjusted at around 1.1 m3/min, and complied
with the range specified in the updated EM&A Manual (i.e. 0.6-1.7 m3/min).
(x)
The programmable digital timer was set
for a sampling period of 24 hrs, and the starting time, weather condition and
the filter number were recorded.
(xi)
The initial elapsed time was recorded.
(xii)
At the end of sampling, on site
temperature and atmospheric pressure readings were taken and the final flow
rate of the HVS was checked and recorded.
(xiii)
The final elapsed time was recorded.
(xiv)
The sampled filter was removed
carefully and folded in half length so that only surfaces with collected
particulate matter were in contact.
(xv)
It was then placed in a clean plastic
envelope and sealed.
(xvi)
All monitoring information was recorded
on a standard data sheet.
(xvii)
Filters were then sent to ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. for analysis.
(d)
Maintenance and Calibration
(i)
The HVS and its accessories were
maintained in good working condition, such as replacing motor brushes routinely
and checking electrical wiring to ensure a continuous power supply.
(ii)
5-point calibration of the HVS was
conducted using TE-5025A
Calibration Kit prior to the commencement of baseline monitoring. Bi-monthly
5-point calibration of the HVS will be carried out during impact monitoring.
(iii)
Calibration certificate of the HVSs are
provided in Appendix E.
2.5.2
1-hour TSP Monitoring
(a)
Measuring Procedures
The measuring procedures of the
1-hour dust meter were in accordance with the Manufacturer¡¯s Instruction Manual
as follows:-
(i)
Turn the power on.
(ii)
Close the air collecting opening cover.
(iii)
Push the ¡°TIME SETTING¡± switch to [BG].
(iv)
Push ¡°START/STOP¡± switch to perform
background measurement for 6 seconds.
(v)
Turn the knob at SENSI ADJ position to
insert the light scattering plate.
(vi)
Leave the equipment for 1 minute upon
¡°SPAN CHECK¡± is indicated in the display.
(vii)
Push ¡°START/STOP¡± switch to perform automatic
sensitivity adjustment. This measurement takes 1 minute.
(viii)
Pull out the knob and return it to
MEASURE position.
(ix)
Push the ¡°TIME SETTING¡± switch the time
set in the display to 3 hours.
(x)
Lower down the air collection opening
cover.
(xi)
Push ¡°START/STOP¡± switch to start
measurement.
(b)
Maintenance and Calibration
(i)
The 1-hour TSP meter was calibrated at
1-year intervals against a continuous particulate TEOM Monitor, Series 1400ab.
Calibration certificates of the Laser Dust Monitors are provided in Appendix E.
(ii)
1-hour validation checking of the TSP
meter against HVS is carried out yearly at the air quality monitoring
locations.
2.6
Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month
2.6.1
The schedule for environmental monitoring in December
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
|
74.1
|
60.7 ¨C 83.9
|
302.1
|
500
|
|
AM2
|
74.6
|
60.9 ¨C 83.8
|
301.9
|
500
|
|
AM3
|
74.3
|
60.6 ¨C 83.9
|
301.9
|
500
|
|
AM4A
|
74.3
|
60.1 ¨C 84.6
|
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
|
43.0
|
20.2 ¨C 70.5
|
176.6
|
260
|
|
AM2
|
37.6
|
16.8 ¨C 63.9
|
178.6
|
260
|
|
AM3
|
33.0
|
15.5 ¨C 49.9
|
193.1
|
260
|
|
AM4A
|
53.2
|
36.3 ¨C 78.0
|
198.5
|
260
|
2.8.2
The major dust source in the reporting period
included construction activities from Stage 1 of the Project, as well as nearby
traffic emissions.
2.8.3
All 1-hour and 24-hour TSP results were below the Action
and Limit Level at all monitoring locations in the reporting month.
2.8.4
The event action plan is annexed
in Appendix J.
2.8.5
Weather information including wind speed and
wind direction is annexed in Appendix H. The information was obtained from Hong
Kong Observatory Sha Tin and Tai Mei Tuk Automatic Weather Station. As some of the weather data
in December 2012 from
the Tai Mei Tuk Automatic Weather Station were
missing, the weather data from Tai Po Automatic Weather Station in December 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 / B&k 2238
|
|
Acoustic Calibrator
|
Rion
NC-73
|
3.3.1
Monitoring stations NM3, NM6 and NM7 were set up at the
proposed locations in accordance with updated EM&A Manual. However, for
monitoring locations: Tai Po Garden (NM1), Dynasty View (NM2), Hong Kong
Teachers¡¯ Association Lee Heng Kwei Secondary School
(NM4) and Grand Palisades (NM5), proposed in the updated EM&A Manual,
impact noise monitoring was conducted at alternative monitoring locations, as
approval of access could not be obtained from the owner¡¯s corporation of the
premises or the principal of the education institutes. The monitoring station
at Tai Kwong Secondary School (NM1) was relocated to 168 Shek Kwu Lung Village (NM1A) in September 2011.
3.3.2
Figure 2.1 shows the locations of the monitoring stations.
Table 3.2 describes the details of the monitoring stations.
Table 3.2 Locations
of Impact Noise Monitoring Stations
|
Monitoring Station
|
Location
|
Description
|
|
NM1A
|
168 Shek Kwu Lung
Village
|
1m from the exterior wall of the village house
|
|
NM2
|
38 Ha Wun Yiu
|
1.2m from the ground floor free-field of the
village house
|
|
NM3
|
Wong Shiu Chi Middle School
|
1m from the exterior of the roof top façade of the
New Wing
|
|
NM4
|
Uptown Plaza
|
1m from the exterior of the roof top façade of Block
4
|
|
NM5
|
The Paragon
|
1m from the exterior of the roof top façade of the
club house
|
|
NM6
|
PLK Tin Ka Ping Primary School
|
1.2m ground floor free-field near the entrance
|
|
NM7
|
Riverain Bayside
|
1m from the exterior of the roof façade of the
switch room
|
3.4.1
Table 3.3 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency
and duration of impact noise monitoring.
Table 3.3 Noise
Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration
|
Parameter
|
Frequency and
Duration
|
|
30-mins
measurement at each monitoring station between 0700 and 1900 on normal
weekdays. Leq, L10 and L90
would be recorded.
|
At least once per week
|
3.5.1
Monitoring Procedure
(a)
Façade measurements were made at all monitoring
locations, except monitoring stations NM2 and NM6.
(b)
The sound level meter was set on a tripod at a
height of 1.2 m above the ground
for free-field measurements at NM2 and NM6.
(c)
The battery condition was checked to ensure the
correct functioning of the meter.
(d)
Parameters such as frequency weighting, the time
weighting and the measurement time were set as follows:-
(i)
frequency weighting: A
(ii)
time weighting: Fast
(iii)
time measurement: Leq(30-minutes)
during non-restricted hours i.e. 07:00 ¨C 1900 on normal weekdays; Leq(5-minutes) during restricted hours
i.e. 19:00 ¨C 23:00 and 23:00 ¨C
07:00 of normal weekdays, whole day of Sundays and Public Holidays
(e)
Prior to and after each noise measurement, the
meter was calibrated using the acoustic calibrator for 94dB(A)
at 1000 Hz. If the difference in
the calibration level before and after measurement was more than 1 dB(A), the measurement would be considered invalid and
repeat of noise measurement would be required after re-calibration or repair of
the equipment.
(f)
During the monitoring period, the Leq, L10 and L90 were
recorded. In addition, site
conditions and noise sources were recorded on a standard record sheet.
(g)
Noise measurement was paused during periods of high
intrusive noise (e.g. dog barking, helicopter noise) if possible. Observations
were recorded when intrusive noise was unavoidable.
(h)
Noise monitoring was cancelled in the presence of
fog, rain, wind with a steady speed exceeding 5m/s, or wind with gusts exceeding 10m/s.
3.5.2
Maintenance and Calibration
(a)
The microphone head of the sound level meter was
cleaned with soft cloth at regular intervals.
(b)
The meter and calibrator were sent to the supplier
or HOKLAS laboratory to check and calibrate at yearly intervals.
(c)
Calibration certificates of the sound level meters
and acoustic calibrators are provided in Appendix E.
3.6.1
The schedule for environmental
monitoring in December 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
|
62.7
|
60.3 ¨C 63.8
|
75
|
|
NM2
|
66.0*
|
63.3 ¨C 67.8*
|
75
|
|
NM3
|
61.3
|
51.5 ¨C 63.2
|
70#
|
|
NM4
|
63.6
|
62.0 ¨C 65.1
|
75
|
|
NM5
|
62.7
|
59.3 ¨C 64.9
|
75
|
|
NM6
|
62.5*
|
62.0 ¨C 63.4*
|
70#
|
|
NM7
|
56.9
|
48.2 ¨C 59.4
|
75
|
*+3dB(A) Façade correction included
# Limit Level of 70dB(A) applies to education
institutes while 65dB(A) applies during school examination period.
3.7.2
There was no noise complaint related to 0700 ¨C 1900 hours
on normal weekdays was received and followed up by Environmental Team in the reporting period.
Hence, no Action Level exceedance was recorded.
3.7.3
No noise monitoring result exceeding the Limit Level was
recorded at all monitoring stations in the reporting month.
3.7.4
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 7, 12, 19
and 27 December 2012 for Contract 1 of
the Project, and 4 site inspections for Contract 2 of the Project were carried
out on 6, 13, 20 and 27 December 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
Broken concretes were accumulated at TB1
without proper dust mitigation measure. The Contractor was reminded to dampen
the broken concretes or cover the broken concretes by impervious sheet properly
to prevent any fugitive dust generation.
4.1.5
Site haul road at Area TB1 was observed in dry
condition. Although, no vehicle was traveling on the site haul road during the
site inspection, the Contractor was reminded to dampen the site haul road and
maintain the road surface wet to prevent any fugitive dust generation
Noise
4.1.6
No adverse observation was identified in the
reporting month.
Water Quality
4.1.7
Stagnant water was accumulated at Area NB19.
The Contractor was reminded to remove the stagnant water regularly.
4.1.8
Silt was accumulated at the site boundary of
Gate 26 and public road. The Contractor was reminded to remove the silt as soon
as possible to avoid any silty water discharging to
nearby gully. The Contractor was also reminded to maintain the sandbag bunding properly to prevent surface runoff from
construction work flowing outside the work area and discharging to public
drain. The Contractor was recommended to review and maintain the effectiveness
of sandbag bunding regularly.
Chemical and Waste Management
4.1.9
Breaking tip of breaker was found placed on
bare ground at Area TB2. The Contractor was reminded to place the breaking tip
onto the tarpaulin sheet to avoid oil leakage from the breaking tip to the
ground.
Landscape and Visual Impact
4.1.10
No adverse observation was identified in the
reporting month.
Miscellaneous
4.1.11
No adverse observation was identified in the
reporting month.
4.1.12 Particular
observations and reminder during the site inspections for Contract 2 are
described below:
Air Quality
4.1.13
Stockpile of sand was accumulated at Area NB42
without proper dust mitigation measure. The Contractor was reminded to dampen
the stockpile or cover the stockpile by impervious sheet properly to prevent
any fugitive dust generation.
4.1.14
Mud trails were observed at the site
entrance/exit of Area NLK South Ramp. 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 before leaving the
construction site and combine with cleaning of public roads wherever necessary
and practical. Mud trails should be removed as soon as possible. Proper
drainage channels/bunds/wheel washing bay should be provided to collect the
run-off from wheel washing facilities.
Noise
4.1.15
No adverse observation was identified in the
reporting month.
Water Quality
4.1.16
Muddy water was observed accumulated inside the
u-channel at Area W46 and likely flowing outside to the public drain. The
Contractor was reminded to properly maintain and review the drainage systems
provided within works area and ensure that the muddy water was properly desilted prior to discharging to public drains. Any
untreated water should be avoided from flowing to public drains.
4.1.17
Oil drums were observed placed on the ground at
Area 13A5A. The Contractor was reminded to provide drip trays for all oil drums
on site to prevent any oil leakage.
Chemical and Waste Management
4.1.18
Chemical containers were placed on ground
without providing drip trays at Trunk Sewer Manhole (STS 10_160-170). The
Contractor was reminded to provide drip trays for all chemical containers or
oil drums to prevent any chemical / oil leakage.
4.1.19
Debris and oily water were accumulated inside
the drip tray of oil drums at Area NLK P3. The Contractor was reminded to
remove the debris and oily water and handle it as chemical wastes. The
Contractor was also reminded to provide a larger size of drip tray with
sufficient capacity for the oil drums.
4.1.20
Breaking tip of breaker was found placed on
bare ground at Area NLK South Ramp. The Contractor was reminded to place the
breaking tip onto the tarpaulin sheet to avoid oil leakage from the breaking
tip to the ground.
Landscape and Visual Impact
4.1.21 No
adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.
Miscellaneous
4.1.22
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),
195m3 of inert
C&D material was disposed as public fill to Tuen Mun 38 (of which 70m3 was broken concrete), while
91m3
of general refuse was disposed at NENT landfill. 146kg of
paper/cardboard packaging, 2,369kg of plastics and 31,378kg of metals were collected by recycling contractor in the
reporting month. 1,127m3 and 944m3 of inert
C&D materials were reused on site and reused in NENT for backfilling
purpose respectively. 0kg 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 355m3 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-RN0434-12
|
13/09/2012
|
16/02/2013
|
CSHK
|
Routine Road Maintenance
|
|
GW-RN516-12
|
24/10/2012
|
23/04/2013
|
CSHK
|
Construction of W4 - NLKRB South Abutment
|
|
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-RN0622-12
|
28/12/2012
|
09/03/2013
|
CSHK
|
Demolition of Temporary Bridge
(TB1&2)
|
|
GW-RN0001-13
|
06/01/2013
|
10/03/2013
|
CSHK
|
Noise Barrier Installation near Classical Garden
|
|
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-RN0398-12
|
27/08/2012
|
24/02/2013
|
GCL
|
Construction fo Bridge 12A at Tolo Highway
|
|
GW-RN0493-12
|
15/10/2012
|
14/04/2013
|
GCL
|
Construction of Bridge 15A
|
|
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-RN0551-12
|
16/11/2012
|
09/03/2013
|
GCL
|
Construction of Bridge 15A
|
|
GW-RN0602-12
|
28/12/2012
|
28/05/2013
|
GCL
|
Renewal of GW-RN0297-12 with one additional powered mechanical
equipment
|
|
GW-RN0609-12
|
28/12/2012
|
28/02/2013
|
GCL
|
New Lam Kan Bridge Pier 4 and 5
|
4.4.1
In response to the site audit findings, the Contractors
carried out corrective actions.
4.4.2
A summary of the Implementation Schedule of
Environmental Mitigation Measures (EMIS) is presented in Appendix C. Most of
the necessary mitigation measures were implemented properly.
4.5
Summary of Exceedances
of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit
4.5.1
All 1-hour and 24-hour TSP monitoring results
complied with the Action / Limit Levels in the reporting period.
4.5.2
For construction noise, no Action and Limit
Level exceedance was recorded at all monitoring
stations in the reporting period.
4.6
Summary of Complaints, Notification of
Summons and Successful Prosecutions
4.6.1
The Environmental Complaint Handling Procedure
is annexed in Figure 4.1.
4.6.2
There were three (3) complaints (included one (1) air
related complaint and two (2) noise related complaints) followed up by
Environmental Team in December 2012.
4.6.3
An air complaint (from
a resident of Ma Wo at Tai Po), was received by
EPD on 14, 17 & 21 December 2012, and referred from EPD in the same days.
The complaint was about dust emission in construction site of the Tolo Highway widening construction works at Ma Wo. The complainant contacted the Contractor (Gammon
Construction Ltd.) on 14 December 2012 and the Contractor promised that
water-spraying would be provided at the entrance of the construction site.
Although the complainant waited for 5 hours, no water-spraying was provided by
the Contractor. Fugitive dust was generated and caused serious nuisance to the
complainant¡¯s dwelling.
Subsequently, the
complainant made another call on 17 December 2012 saying that an EPD personnel contacted him in the morning on 17 December
2012. However, still no water-spraying was provided by the Contractor in the
construction site on 17 December 2012. Fugitive dust generated overwhelmed the
entrance of complainant¡¯s dwelling. The complainant thereby
requested the EPD to follow-up and reply the complainant as soon as
possible.
Afterwards, the
complainant also made other call on 21 December 2012 strongly complaining that
there are no water-spraying provided in the construction site as requested by
EPD and caused continuous dust nuisance to the complainant.
As informed by the
Contractor (Gammon Construction Ltd) and confirmed by the Engineer of the
Project, rebar fixing at NB31 on 14 December 2012, formwork erection and
concreting at NB31 on 17 December 2012 and general fill & compaction at
NB31 on 21 December 2012 were being carried out at the work areas nearby the
residential flat of the complainant (shown in Figure 1 ¨C Site Layout near Ma Wo at Tai Po). Mitigation measures, including erection of tarpaulin
dust screen along the work areas W45-47, manual spraying by workers for haul
roads and exposed slopes, 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 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 12 December 2012 and 18 December 2012 were found to be 58.3ug/m3 and 27.3ug/m3
respectively, 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,
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 (specially in the entrance of the construction site, site
haul roads and exposed slopes / areas in the work areas NB31) to maintain the
surface of site haul roads and exposed surfaces in wet condition;
-
Implement automatic sprinkler system
in the work area NB31 nearby the residential flat of the complainant;
-
Cover the backfilling surface after
work;
-
Maintain soil surface wet before
loading and unloading activities;
-
Maintain the frequency of the
environmental supervision (by the Contractor) to regular 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.
The matter will be followed-up in the
next reporting month (January 2013) and will be reported in next Monthly
EM&A Report (January 2013).
4.6.4
The (1st) noise complaint, was received by EPD
on 24 December 2012, and referred from EPD in the same day. EPD referred a
complaint about hammering noise generated from construction activities at the
construction site for bridge construction at Lam Kam Road and Tai Wo Service Road West (near Wai Tau Tsuen)
during the period from 00:00 to 06:00 in the recent two weeks caused nuisance
to nearby residents. The complainant called the Police before. However, the
police expressed that as Construction Noise Permit (CNP) had been issued by EPD
for the construction works, the complaint could not be handled by the Police
and requested the complainant contacted EPD for help. The complainant strongly
dissatisfied that EPD issued the CNP for the construction works and no
government staff had been seen to monitor the noise. The complainant opposed
the related CNP and strongly requested to reply and follow-up as soon as
possible. The complainant expressed if the construction works were still carried
out at night time again, he would lodge the complaint to the Director and he
would contact the Media immediately for reporting. The complaint was still
under investigation in December 2012 and the investigation result will be reported
in next Monthly EM&A Report (January 2013).
4.6.5
The (2nd) noise complaint, was received by EPD
on 24 December 2012, and referred from EPD in the same day. The complaint was about
noise nuisance generated from construction activities, at the construction site
for bridge construction between Lam Kam Road and Tai Wo
Service Road West at mid-night on Monday to Friday and ongoing for two weeks,
caused nuisance to Wai Tau Tsuen. The complainant
called the Police before and found out the related Construction Noise Permit
(CNP) in EPD¡¯s website. However, the complainant did not provide the reference
number of the CNP. The Complaint requested the Highways Department to stop the
construction works as soon as possible. The complaint was still under
investigation in December 2012 and the investigation result will be reported in
next Monthly EM&A Report (January 2013).
4.6.6
Follow-up site inspections were conducted on 13 December
2012 (by ET) and 27 December 2012 (by ET and IEC) to
confirm the implementation of mitigation measure for a noise complaint received
by EPD on 12 November 2012 and reported in the previous Monthly EM&A Report
for November 2012 (about construction noise generated from breaking activites at the construction site of Gammon Construction
Ltd. nearby Lot no. 450 of Wai Tau Tsuen at Lam Tsuen of Tai Po). During the site inspection, no sheet-pile
works and breaking activity was observed at the construction site of Gammon
Construction Ltd. nearby Lot no. 450 of Wai Tau Tsuen
at Lam Tsuen of Tai Po. Acoustic blanket was erected
at the gap of NB41 (near the Lot no. 450 of Wai Tau Tsuen)
as noise suppression measure until the permanent noise barriers at NB41 were
implemented. Technical data of the acoustic blanket was also checked. As
indicated by the Contractor, the Contractor rescheduled the sheet-pile works
and started on / after 9:00am after the complaint received and no negative news
was received during the period. The Contractor would study the feasibility of
keeping the practice (starting the sheet-pile works on / after 9:00am) in the
future. Beside, the weekly noise monitoring measurements by the Contractor were
carried out near Lot no. 450 of Wai Tau Tsuen at Lam Tsuen of Tai Po during 13 November 2012 to 21 December
2012. The noise monitoring results were checked by ET and IEC during the site
inspection on 27 December 2012 and no noise monitoring (Leq30min) result
exceeding the Limit Level (75dB(A)) was recorded.
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 January 2013 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;
-
Demolition of Temperate bridge TB1 & TB2; and
-
Pre-bored socket H-pile.
5.1.2
The major construction works for Contract 2 in January 2013 will
be:-
-
Condition survey of existing structures;
-
Excavation of trial trenches to locate existing utilities;
-
Construction of haul road;
-
Extension of box culvert and subway;
-
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 /demolition 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
No Action
and Limit
Level exceedance for construction noise was recorded
at all monitoring stations in the reporting month.
6.1.5
Environmental site inspection was carried out 8 times
in December 2012. Recommendations
on remedial actions were given to the Contractors for the deficiencies
identified during the site audits.
6.1.6
There were three (3) complaints (included one
(1) air related complaint and two (2) noise related complaints) followed up by
Environmental Team in December 2012. For the air related complaint,
investigation was carried out and the findings and proposed mitigation measures
were submitted to all relevant parties. For the noise related complaints, the
complaints were still under investigation in December 2012 and the
investigation result will be reported in next Monthly EM&A Report (January
2013).
6.1.7
Follow-up site inspections were conducted on 13
December 2012 (by ET) and 27 December 2012 (by ET and IEC) to confirm the
implementation of mitigation measure for a noise complaint received
by EPD on 12 November 2012 (about construction noise generated from breaking activites at the construction site of Gammon Construction
Ltd. nearby Lot no. 450 of Wai Tau Tsuen at Lam Tsuen of Tai Po).
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.
