TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  1

Reporting Change  2

1       introduction  2

1.1     Background  2

1.2     Scope of Report 3

1.3     Project Organization  3

1.4     Summary of Construction Works  4

1.5     Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements  5

2       AIR QUALITY MONITORING   5

2.1     Monitoring Requirements  5

2.2     Monitoring Equipment 6

2.3     Monitoring Locations  6

2.4     Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration  6

2.5     Monitoring Methodology  7

2.6     Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month  8

2.7     Monitoring Results  9

2.8     Results and Observations  9

3       Noise MONITORING   10

3.1     Monitoring Requirements  10

3.2     Monitoring Equipment 10

3.3     Monitoring Locations  10

3.4     Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration  11

3.5     Monitoring Methodology  11

3.6     Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month  12

3.7     Monitoring Results  12

4       ENVIRONMENTAL SITE INSPECTION AND AUDIT  13

4.1     Site Inspection  13

4.2     Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status  14

4.3     Environmental Licenses and Permits  14

4.4     Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures  18

4.5     Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit 18

4.6     Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions  18

5       FUTURE KEY ISSUES  20

5.1     Construction Programme for the Coming Months  20

5.2     Key Issues for the Coming Month  20

5.3     Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Month  21

6       ConclusionS AND RECOMMENDATIONS  21

6.1     Conclusions  21

6.2     Recommendations  21

 

 

 

 

 

List of Tables

                                                                                                                                              

Table 1.1       Contact Information of Key Personnel

Table 2.1       Air Quality Monitoring Equipment

Table 2.2       Locations of Impact Air Quality Monitoring Stations

Table 2.3       Air Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

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

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

Table 3.1       Noise Monitoring Equipment

Table 3.2       Locations of Impact Noise Monitoring Stations

Table 3.3       Noise Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

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

Table 4.1       Summary of Environmental Licensing and Permit Status

 

 

Figures

 

Figure 1.1      General Project Layout Plan

Figure 2.1      EM&A Monitoring Locations

Figure 4.1      Environmental Complaint Handling Procedures                                            

 

 

List of Appendices

 

Appendix A       Project Organization Structure

Appendix B       Construction Programmes

Appendix C       Implementation Schedule of Environmental Mitigation Measures (EMIS)

Appendix D      Summary of Action and Limit Levels

Appendix E       Calibration Certificates of Monitoring Equipments

Appendix F       EM&A Monitoring Schedules

Appendix G      Impact Air Quality Monitoring Results and their Graphical Presentation

Appendix H       Meteorological Data for the Reporting Month

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

Appendix J       Event Action Plan

Appendix K       Site Inspection Summaries

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

 


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The proposed widening of Tolo Highway and Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling (the Project) is a Designated Project under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499) (EIAO) and is governed by an Environmental Permit (EP-324/2008)(EP) issued by EPD on 23 December 2008. Subsequently, EPD issued a Variation of Environmental Permit (EP-324/2008/A) (VEP) on 31 January 2012.

The Project aims to widen Tolo Highway and Fanling Highway to dual 4-lane carriageway in order to alleviate the current traffic congestion problems and to cope with the increasing transport demands to and from the urban areas and also cross boundary traffic.

The construction works for this Project will be delivered in 2 stages i.e. Stage 1 (between Island House Interchange and Tai Hang) and Stage 2 (between Tai Hang and Wo Hop Shek Interchange). The construction works of Stage 1 were commenced on 23 November 2009 and will tentatively be completed in December 2013; while construction programme of Stage 2 is currently under review. This report focuses on Stage 1 of the Project only.

The construction phase of Stage 1 under the EP and the Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) programme for Stage 1 of the Project commenced on 23 November 2009. The impact environmental monitoring and audit includes air quality and noise monitoring.

This report documents the findings of EM&A works conducted in the period between 1 and 31 March 2013. 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

-       Pre-bored socket H-pile

 

The construction works carried out by the Contract 2 Contractor (Gammon Construction Ltd.) in the reporting period were:-

-            Condition survey of existing structures;

-            Initial and record survey;

-            Survey Setting out works for slopes and structures;

-            Setting up the temporary traffic arrangement;

-            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;

-            NTHA mitigation works;

-            Retaining wall construction;

-            Noise barrier construction;

-            Modification / Demolition of existing bridge structures;

-            Entrusted watermains works;

-            Sewer Installation; and

-            Road and drainage works.

 

Reporting Change

There was no reporting change required in the reporting month.

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality

No exceedance of Action and Limit Level was recorded for 1-hour and 24-hour TSP monitoring in the reporting month.

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Noise

One Action Level exceedance of construction noise was recorded in the reporting month, since one noise complaint was received 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 was one (1) complaint (included one (1) noise related complaint) received on 5 March 2013 and followed up by Environmental Team in March 2013. Summary of investigation is described in Section 4.6.3. No complaint was received in the reporting month.

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             introduction

1.1       Background

1.1.1.     Tolo Highway and Fanling Highway are expressways in the North East New Territories connecting Sha Tin, Tai Po and Fanling. These highways form a vital part of the strategic Route 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 Ą°Widening of Tolo Highway / Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and FanlingĄą 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           Scope of Report

1.2.1       This is the forty-first 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 March 2013.

1.3          Project Organization

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          Summary of Construction Works

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

-            Pre-bored socket H-pile

 

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;

-            Initial and record survey;

-            Survey Setting out works for slopes and structures;

-            Setting up the temporary traffic arrangement;

-            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;

-            NTHA mitigation works;

-            Retaining wall construction;

-            Noise barrier construction;

-            Modification / Demolition of existing bridge structures;

-            Entrusted watermains works;

-            Sewer Installation; and

-            Road and drainage works.

.

 

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          Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

1.5.1       The EM&A programme required environmental monitoring for air quality, noise and environmental site inspections for air quality, 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             AIR QUALITY MONITORING

2.1       Monitoring Requirements

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       Monitoring Equipment

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       Monitoring Locations

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 ownerĄ¯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       Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

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       Monitoring Methodology

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 ĄĀ2.5% 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 ĄãC and not variable by more than ĄĀ3 ĄãC; the relative humidity (RH) was < 50% and not variable by more than ĄĀ5%. 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 ManufacturerĄ¯s Instruction Manual as follows:-

(i)             Turn the power on.

(ii)            Close the air collecting opening cover.

(iii)           Push the Ą°TIME SETTINGĄą switch to [BG].

(iv)          Push Ą°START/STOPĄą 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 Ą°SPAN CHECKĄą is indicated in the display.

(vii)         Push Ą°START/STOPĄą 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 Ą°TIME SETTINGĄą switch the time set in the display to 3 hours.

(x)           Lower down the air collection opening cover.

(xi)          Push Ą°START/STOPĄą switch to start measurement.

 

(b)           Maintenance and Calibration

 

(i)             The 1-hour TSP meter was calibrated at 1-year intervals against a continuous particulate TEOM Monitor, Series 1400ab. Calibration certificates of the Laser Dust Monitors are provided in Appendix E.

(ii)            1-hour validation checking of the TSP meter against HVS is carried out yearly at the air quality monitoring locations.

 

 

2.6          Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

2.6.1       The schedule for environmental monitoring in March 2013 is provided in Appendix F.


 

2.7          Monitoring Results

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          Results and Observations

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

81.7

78.9 ¨C 84.0

302.1

500

AM2

81.4

78.8 ¨C 83.5

301.9

500

AM3

81.8

78.7 ¨C 83.8

301.9

500

AM4A

81.5

78.9 ¨C 83.9

302.3

500

 

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

 

Average (mg/m3)

Range (mg/m3)

Action Level  (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AM1A

59.6

36.1 ¨C 78.7

176.6

260

AM2

45.7

20.0 ¨C 70.4

178.6

260

AM3

32.6

21.7 ¨C 40.4

193.1

260

AM4A

62.1

38.7 ¨C 92.9

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 March 2013 from the Tai Mei Tuk Automatic Weather Station were missing, the weather data from Tai Po Automatic Weather Station in March 2013 are included in Appendix H for supplementary purpose.


3             Noise MONITORING

3.1          Monitoring Requirements

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          Monitoring Locations

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 TeachersĄ¯ 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 ownerĄ¯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          Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

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          Monitoring Methodology

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          Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

3.6.1       The schedule for environmental monitoring in March 2013 is provided in Appendix F.

3.7          Monitoring Results

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

61.6

59.2 ¨C 63.3

75

NM2

 65.4*

60.0 ¨C 67.9*

75

NM3

62.5

58.4 ¨C 63.9

 70#

NM4

63.0

60.6 ¨C 63.9

75

NM5

62.3

60.6 ¨C 64.1

75

NM6

 61.0*

56.9 ¨C 63.5*

 70#

NM7

57.6

48.2 ¨C 60.7

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 one noise complaint received and followed up by Environmental Team in the reporting period. Hence, one 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             ENVIRONMENTAL SITE INSPECTION AND AUDIT

4.1          Site Inspection

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 6, 13, 20 and 27 March 2013 for Contract 1 of the Project, and 4 site inspections for Contract 2 of the Project were carried out on 7, 14, 21 and 28 March 2013.

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       Stockpiles of dusty materials were exposed without being covered at Area NB 22. The Contractor was reminded to cover the materials with tarpaulin.

Noise

 

4.1.5       No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

Water Quality

 

4.1.6       Oil stains were observed on the ground at Area NB 19. The Contractor was reminded to remove the oil stains.

4.1.7       Turbid water was accumulated around the chemical storage at area Wall 20A. The Contractor was reminded to remove the turbid water.

 

Chemical and Waste Management

 

4.1.8       No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

Landscape and Visual Impact

 

4.1.9       No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

Miscellaneous

 

4.1.10    No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

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

Air Quality

 

4.1.12    No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

 

Noise

 

4.1.13    No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

 

 

 

 

Water Quality

 

4.1.14    The U-channel at Gate 23 was blocked by some debris. The Contractor was reminded to remove the debris and maintain the U-channel properly.

Chemical and Waste Management

 

4.1.15    Recycling bins at Area Bridge 15A were not labeled. The Contractor was reminded to label the recycling bins properly.

4.1.16    Oil was spilled from the construction machine at area Bridge 12A. The Contractor was reminded to remove the oil stains.

4.1.17    Some oil leaked out from the excavator at Area Trunk Sewer. The Contractor was reminded to remove the oil stains on the ground.

 

Landscape and Visual Impact

 

4.1.18    No adverse observation was identified in the reporting month.

Miscellaneous

 

4.1.19    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), 540m3 of inert C&D material was disposed as public fill to Tuen Mun 38 (of which 37m3 was broken concrete), while 117m3 of general refuse was disposed at NENT landfill. 125kg of paper/cardboard packaging, 2,384kg of plastics and 0kg of metals were collected by recycling contractor in the reporting month. 1,014m3 and 837m3 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), 140m3 of inert C&D material were disposed to Tuen Mun 38 and 255m3 general refuse was disposed to NENT landfill in the reporting period. No paper/cardboard packaging was collected by recycling contractor in the reporting month. Besides, 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-

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-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-RN0020-13

03/02/2013

24/03/2013

CSHK

Road Marking Alternation at Tolo Highway near Classical Garden

GW-RN0024-13

27/01/2013

17/03/2013

CSHK

Road Marking Alternation at Tolo Highway near Tai Po Road to

Yuen Chau Tsai

GW-RN0034-13

29/01/2013

30/06/2013

CSHK

Modification of Sign Gantries (G75)

GW-RN0043-13

26/01/2013

24/03/2013

CSHK

Road Marking Alternation at Tolo Highway near Slip Road to Tat Wan Road

GW-RN0040-13

24/01/2013

06/04/2013

CSHK

Pavement and Road Marking Alternation Works at Tolo Highway near Island House Interchange

GW-RN0029-13

21/01/2013

20/07/2013

CSHK

TB1&2 Construction

GW-RN0080-13

14/02/2013

27/04/2013

CSHK

Bridge 10A Deck Stitching

GW-RN0095-13

23/02/2013

15/04/2013

CSHK

Road Marking Alteration at Tolo Highway near Lam Kam Railway Bridge

GW-RN0096-13

19/02/2013

04/06/2013

CSHK

Modification of Sign Gantry near Shatin Section (G12 & G74)

GW-RN0097-13

23/02/2013

24/03/2013

CSHK

Road Marking Alteration at Tolo Highway near Tat Wan Road

GW-RN0122-13

04/03/2013

17/08/2013

CSHK

Routine Road Maintenance

GW-RN0125-13

01/03/2013

01/06/2013

CSHK

Modification of Sign Gantry near Tai Po Section (G13, G65 & G70)

GW-RN0127-13

01/03/2013

30/04/2013

CSHK

NLKRB Construction during I&P of MTRĄ¯s Tracks

GW-RN0147-13

16/03/2013

29/04/2013

CSHK

Road Marking Alternation_Interface (Stage 3)

GW-RN0144-13

19/03/2013

13/04/2013

CSHK

Laying of Cross Road Duct at Slip Road from Tai Po Road-Yuen Chau Tsai to Tolo Highway

GW-RN0161-13

24/03/2013

09/06/2013

CSHK

Noise Barrier Installation at Tolo Highway near Classical Garden

GW-RN0176-13

26/03/2013

31/05/2013

CSHK

Laying of Cross Road Duct at Tolo Highway near Island House Interchange

GW-RN0177-13

24/03/2013

02/06/2013

CSHK

Installation of Permanent Lighting at Tolo Highway from Shan Tong Road to Ma Wo

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-RN0551-12

16/11/2012

09/03/2013

GCL

Slip Road of Tai Po Tai Wo Road to Tolo Highway

GW-RN0602-12

28/12/2012

28/05/2013

GCL

Erection of Overhead Falsework Between NLKP9 and NLKP10

GW-RN0056-13

29/01/2013

24/07/2013

GCL

Tolo Highway Northbound (CH 18.39 - 19.1)

GW-RN0064-13

 

03/02/2013

 

21/07/2013

GCL

Near Lam Kam Interchange

GW-RN0091-13

 

27/02/2013

 

27/08/2013

 

GCL

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

 

 

GW-RN0132-13

 

01/03/2013

 

31/08/2013

 

GCL

Dismantle of B18A, erection and removal of sign gantry at Tolo Northbound

GW-RN0113-13

 

01/03/2013

 

31/08/2013

 

GCL

Dismantle of B18A, erection of sign gantry at Tolo Southbound

GW-RN0139-13

 

19/03/2013

 

24/08/2013

 

GCL

Dismantling of Overhead Falsework at NLKP6 and NLKP7

GW-RN0146-13

 

13/03/2013

 

10/08/2013

 

GCL

Tai Po Tai Wo Road North Bound

GW-RN0149-13

 

17/03/2013

 

29/04/2013

 

GCL

North bound near Dynasty View

 

4.4          Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures

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, one Action Level exceedance was recorded as one noise complaint was received in the reporting period. 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 was one (1) complaint (included one (1) noise related complaint) received on 5 March 2013 and followed up by Environmental Team in March 2013.

4.6.3       The noise complaint, was received by EPD on 5 March 2013, and referred from EPD on 5 March 2013. The complainant expressed that it was very noisy when vehicles passed through Tolo Highway towards Tai Po North in a direction to Yuen Long, causing impact on the residents. The complainant requested to construct noise barrier.

According to the information provided by the Contractor (Gammon Construction Limited) and confirmed by the Engineer of the Project[n1] , mitigation measures had been implemented to minimise the noise emission from the Project area. As shown from Figure 1 below, permanent noise barrier 37 had been constructed to minimise the noise when vehicles pass through newly opened slip road K. Moreover, the construction of Noise Barrier 36 and the noise barrier at bridge 15A will be completed at the end of May 2013 before Bridge 15A, which is located near the complained traffic location, is opened to traffic as shown from Figure 1. Construction of other Noise Barriers including RWTW3 and RWTW3A will also be completed at the end of May 2013 before Linkbridge 1,2 and 3, which are also located near Parc Versailles, are opened to traffic.

With reference to the noise monitoring results recorded near the days of complaint at the nearest EM&A monitoring station (NM1A ¨C 168 Shek Kwu Lung Village), the noise levels (Leq 30mins) on 27 February 2013 and 5 March 2013 were found to be 63.2 dB(A) and 62.1dB(A) respectively, which were below the limit level of 75dB(A).

Based on the complaint details and our investigation, the noise mentioned in the complaint was considered due to traffic noise and was not related to the noise from construction activities. Therefore, the noise complaint was considered as non project-related.

 

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

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


 

5             FUTURE KEY ISSUES

5.1          Construction Programme for the Coming Months

5.1.1       The major construction works for Contract 1 in April 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

-        Noise barrier footing construction

-        Noise barrier panels installation

-        Asphalt laying

-        Installation of drainage pipes

-        Modification of edge coping

 

5.1.2       The major construction works for Contract 2 in April 2013 will be:-

-            Condition survey of existing structures;

-            Initial and record survey;

-            Survey Setting out works for slopes and structures;

-            Setting up the temporary traffic arrangement;

-            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;

-            NTHA mitigation works;

-            Retaining wall construction;

-            Noise barrier construction;

-            Modification / Demolition of existing bridge structures;

-            Entrusted watermains works;

-            Sewer Installation;

-            Road and drainage works; and

-            Landscaping works.

 

 

5.2          Key Issues for the Coming Month

5.2.1       Key issues to be considered in April 2013:-

-       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 April 2013 is provided in Appendix F.

 

6             ConclusionS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1          Conclusions

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       One Action Level exceedance for construction noise was recorded as one noise complaint was received in the reporting period. No 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 March 2013. Recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractors for the deficiencies identified during the site audits.

6.1.6       There was one (1) complaint (included one (1) noise related complaint) received on 5 March 2013 and followed up by Environmental Team in March 2013. Investigation was carried out and the findings were submitted to all relevant parties.

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

6.2          Recommendations

6.2.1       According to the environmental site inspections performed in the reporting month, the following recommendations were provided:-

Air Quality Impact

l  The soil stockpiles should be properly covered.

 

Construction Noise Impact

l  Properly erect the temporary noise barriers in accordance with the Environmental Permit requirement.

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.

 

Water Quality Impact

l  Preventive measures should be implemented to avoid the spread of mud trails on the public road.

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  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.

l  Recycling bins should be properly labeled.

 

Landscape and Visual Impact

l  All retained trees should be properly fenced off at the works area.

 

 

 

 


 [n1]We havenĄ¯t asked the Engineer for confirmation in this case, right?