Contents

 

                                                                                                                                                           

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY   v

1       INTRODUCTION   1

1.2         Purpose of the Report 1

1.3         Report Structure. 1

2       PROJECT INFORMATION   2

2.1         Background. 2

2.2         Site Description. 2

2.3         Construction Programme and Activities. 3

2.4         Project Organisation. 3

3       STATUS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSES, NOTIFICATION AND PERMITS   5

4       AIR QUALITY MONITORING   6

4.1         Monitoring Requirement 6

4.2         Monitoring Equipment 6

4.3         Monitoring Location. 6

4.4         Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration. 7

4.5         Monitoring Methodology. 7

4.6         Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting month. 8

4.7         Monitoring Results. 8

5       NOISE MONITORING   9

5.1         Monitoring Requirements. 9

5.2         Monitoring Equipment 9

5.3         Monitoring Locations. 9

5.4         Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration. 9

5.5         Monitoring Methodology. 10

5.6         Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month. 10

5.7         Monitoring Results. 10

6       WATER MONITORING   12

6.1         Monitoring Requirements. 12

6.2         Monitoring Equipment 12

6.3         Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration. 12

6.4         Monitoring Locations. 12

6.5         Monitoring Methodology. 13

6.6         Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month. 13

6.7         Monitoring Results. 13

7       WASTE MANAGEMENT   15

8       ENVIRONMENTAL SITE INSPECTION AND AUDIT   16

8.1         Site Inspection. 16

9       IMPLEMENTATION STATUS OF ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION MEASURES   17

10     ENVIRONMENTAL NON-CONFORMANCE   18

10.1       Summary of Monitoring Exceedances. 18

10.2       Summary of Environmental Non-Compliance. 18

10.3       Summary of Environmental Complaints. 18

10.4       Summary of Environmental Summon and Successful Prosecutions. 18

11     FUTURE KEY ISSUES   19

11.1       Construction Programme for the Next Month. 19

11.2       Key Issues for the Coming Month. 19

11.3       Monitoring Schedule for the Next Month. 19

12     CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS   20

12.1       Conclusions. 20

12.2       Recommendations. 20

 


List of Tables

Table 2.1      Contact Information of Key Personnel

Table 3.1      Status of Environmental Licenses, Notifications and Permits

Table 4.1      Air Quality Monitoring Equipment

Table 4.2      Location of Air Quality Monitoring

Table 4.3      Air Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Table 4.4      Summary of 1-hr TSP Monitoring Results

Table 4.5      Summary of 24-hr TSP Monitoring Results

Table 5.1      Noise Monitoring Equipment

Table 5.2      Location of Noise Monitoring

Table 5.3      Noise Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Table 5.4      Summary of Noise Monitoring Results

Table 6.1      Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

Table 6.2      Water Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Table 6.3      Locations of Water Quality Monitoring

Table 6.4      Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality Monitoring

Table 8.1      Observations and Recommendations of Site Audit

Table 9.1      Status of Required Submission under Environmental Permit

 

 

List of Figures

Figure 1        Demarcation of Entrusted Portion of Widening of Tolo Highway / Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling ¡V Stage 2

Figure 2        Air and Noise Monitoring Locations

Figure 3        Water Quality Monitoring Locations

 

 

List of Appendices

Appendix A  Construction Programme

Appendix B  Project Organization Structure

Appendix C  Calibration Certificates of Monitoring Equipment

Appendix D  EM&A Monitoring Schedules

Appendix E  Meteorological Data Extracted from Hong Kong Observatory

Appendix F  Air Quality Monitoring Results and their Graphical Presentation

Appendix G  Summary of Event and Action Plan

Appendix H  Noise Monitoring Results and their Graphical Presentation

Appendix I    Laboratory Results for Water Quality

Appendix J   Water Quality Monitoring Results and their Graphical Presentation

Appendix K  Waste Flow Table

Appendix L   Implementation Schedule of Environmental Mitigation Measures (EMIS)

Appendix M Investigation Report for Exceedances

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

 


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Entrusted Portion of Widening of Tolo Highway / Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling Stage 2 (hereafter called ¡§the Project¡¨) covers part of the construction of the widening of Tolo Highway / Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling which aimed 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 Project covers construction activities at Yuen Leng along the existing Fanling Highway.

 

The impact EM&A for the Project includes air quality, noise and water quality monitoring.  The EM&A programme commenced on 5 November 2013.

 

This report documents the findings of EM&A works conducted in February 2014.  As informed by the Contractor, the major activities in the reporting period were:

 

¡P         Cable detection and trial trenches;

¡P         Tree felling works;

¡P         Pre-drilling works and piling works;

¡P         Extension of box culvert ID04, ID05 and BC01;

¡P         Bored pile wall construction;

¡P         Construction of haul road and temporary soil platform for geotechnical works;

¡P         Slope upgrading works;

¡P         Noise barrier installation; and

¡P         Waterworks.

Breach of Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality

Two (2) Action Level exceedances of 24-hour TSP monitoring were recorded at the monitoring location AM1(SR77) on 22 and 28 February 2014 in the reporting month.  Investigation for the exceedances was conducted which concluded that the exceedances was not related to the project works.  The investigation reports for the incidents are presented in Appendix M.

 

No exceedance of Action and Limit Level was recorded for 1-hour TSP monitoring at the monitoring location AM1(SR77) in the reporting month.

 

Breach of Action and Limit Levels for Noise

No noise complaint was received in the reporting month, so no Action Level exceedance was recorded.  Also, no Limit Level exceedance of noise monitoring was recorded in the reporting month.

 

Breach of Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality

One (1) exceedance of Limit Level of Suspended Solids was recorded at the monitoring location I5 on 7 February 2014 in the reporting month.  Investigation for the exceedance was conducted which concluded that the exceedance was not related to the project works.  The investigation reports are presented in Appendix M. 

 

Complaint, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution

No complaint, notification of summons and successful prosecution was received in the reporting month.

 

Reporting Change

There was no reporting of change recorded in the reporting month.

 

Future Key Issues

The major construction works in the coming reporting month are anticipated to include:

 

¡P         Cable detection and trial trenches;

¡P         Pre-drilling works and piling works;

¡P         Extension of box culvert ID04, ID05 and BC01;

¡P         Pile cap works;

¡P         Tree felling and transplanting works, waterworks;

¡P         Slope upgrading works;

¡P         Noise barrier installation;

¡P         Construction of haul road and temporary soil platform for geotechnical works ;

¡P         Laying of concrete pipe works; and

¡P         Bored pile wall construction.

Potential environmental impacts arising from the above construction activities are anticipated to be mainly associated with construction dust, noise, water quality and waste management.

 


1                 INTRODUCTION

1.1.1          Chun Wo Construction & Engineering Co Ltd (Chun Wo) was commissioned by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) as the Civil Contractor for the Entrusted Portion of Widening of Tolo Highway / Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling Stage 2.  Meinhardt Infrastructure & Environment Ltd (MIEL) has been appointed by Chun Wo as the Environmental Team (ET) to fulfill the corresponding EM&A requirements pursuant to Environmental Permit No. EP-324/2008/A in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual (dated October 2013) for Widening of Tolo Highway/Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling Stage 2.  The EM&A programme commenced in 5 November 2013.

1.2              Purpose of the Report

1.2.1          This is the monthly EM&A Report which summaries the impact monitoring results and audit findings for the Project during the reporting month of February 2014.

1.3              Report Structure

1.3.1          This monthly EM&A Report comprises the following sections:

¡P         Section 1: Introduction

¡P         Section 2: Project Information

¡P         Section 3: Status of Environmental Licenses, Notifications and Permits

¡P         Section 4: Air Quality Monitoring

¡P         Section 5: Noise Monitoring

¡P         Section 6: Water Monitoring

¡P         Section 7: Waste Management

¡P         Section 8: Environmental Site Inspection and Audit

¡P         Section 9: Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures

¡P         Section 10: Environmental Non-conformance

¡P         Section 11: Future Key Issues

¡P         Section 12: Conclusions and Recommendations


2                 PROJECT INFORMATION

2.1              Background

2.1.1          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 1, which links Hong Kong Island to Shenzhen.  At present, this section of Route 1 is a dual 3-lane carriageway.  However, at several major interchanges along this section of Route 1, the highway is only dual-2 lane.  Severe congestion is a frequent occurrence during peak periods, particularly in the Kowloon bound direction.

2.1.2          The objective of the 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.

2.1.3          The construction works for the Widening of Tolo Highway / Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling are to be delivered in 2 stages:

¡P         Stage 1 ¡V Construction works between Island House Interchange and Tai Hang; and

¡P         Stage 2 ¡V Construction works between Tai Hang and Wo Hop Shek Interchange.

2.1.4          The construction works of Stage 1 under the EP commenced in November 2009 and was planned to be completed in December 2013 tentatively.  The works of Stage 2 was planned to commence in November 2013 and complete by end of 2016.  Hyder-Arup-Black and Veatch Joint Venture (HABVJV) was appointed by the Highways Department (HyD) as the consultants for the design and construction assignment for the Project.  Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Ltd is the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) of both Stage 1 and Stage 2 works.

2.1.5          A portion of Stage 2 works of Widening of Tolo Highway / Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling (hereafter called ¡§the Project¡¨) is entrusted to the contractor of Contract No. CV/2012/09 Liantang / Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point Site Formation and Infrastructure Works Contract 3, i.e. Chun Wo.  AECOM Asia Co Ltd was appointed by the CEDD as the consultant for the design and construction assignment for the Liantang development.

2.1.6          The Project is a Designated Project under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) (Cap. 499).  An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report together with an Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual were approved on 14 July 2000 (Register Number: EIA-043/2000).  The Project is governed by an Environmental Permit (EP) (EP-324/2008) which was granted on 23 December 2008.  A variation of EP (VEP) was applied and a VEP (EP-324/2008/A) was subsequently granted on 31 January 2012.

2.2              Site Description

2.2.1          The major construction activities under the Entrusted Portion of Widening of Tolo Highway / Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling Stage 2 include:

¡P         At-Grade Road Works ¡V Temporary and permanent road formation, pipe laying, road drainage, footpath and noise barrier construction;

¡P         Demolition of existing Kiu Tau Footbridge and Footbridge Reprovision; and

¡P         Box Culvert Extension ¡V Flow diversion of existing stream, excavation, sub-base and blinding, base, wall and top slab construction.

2.2.2          Figure 1 shows the works areas for the Entrusted Portion of Widening of Tolo Highway / Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling Stage 2.

2.3              Construction Programme and Activities

2.3.1          The major construction activities undertaken in the reporting month are summarized below:

¡P         Cable detection and trial trenches;

¡P         Tree felling works;

¡P         Pre-drilling works and piling works;

¡P         Extension of box culvert ID04, ID05 and BC01;

¡P         Bored pile wall construction;

¡P         Construction of haul road and temporary soil platform for geotechnical works;

¡P         Slope upgrading works;

¡P         Noise barrier installation; and

¡P         Waterworks.

2.3.2          The construction programme is presented in Appendix A.

2.4              Project Organisation

2.4.1          The project organization structure is shown in Appendix B.  The key personnel contact names and numbers for the Project are summarised in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1     Contact Information of Key Personnel

Party

Role

Position

Name

Telephone

Fax

AECOM

Engineer¡¦s Representative

Senior Resident Engineer

Mr. Alan Lee

2472 7228

2472 0132

Resident Engineer (Environmental)

Mr. Perry Yam

2674 2273

--

Mott MacDonald

Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)

IEC

Mr. Terence Kong

2828 5919

2827 1823

Chun Wo

Contractor

Site Agent

Mr. Daniel Ho

2638 6144

2638 7077

Environmental Officer

Mr. Victor Huang

2638 6115

Environmental Officer

Mr. Sam Lam

2638 6147

Meinhardt

Environmental Team (ET)

ET Leader

Mr. Fredrick Leong

2859 1739

2540 1580

 


3                 STATUS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSES, NOTIFICATION AND PERMITS

3.1.1          The relevant environmental licenses, permits and/or notifications on environmental protection for this Project and valid in the reporting month are summarized in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1     Status of Environmental Licenses, Notifications and Permits

Permit / License No. / Notification/ Reference No.

Valid Period

Status

Remarks

From

To

Environmental Permit 

EP-324/2008/A

31 Jan 2012

--

Valid

--

Construction Noise Permit  

GW-RN0004-14

26 Jan 2014

22 Jun 2014

Valid

For tree felling / transplanting works

GW-RN0109-14

25 Feb 2014

17 May 2014

Valid

For erection of catch fence in the night time

Wastewater Discharge License  

WT00016832-2013

28 Aug 2013

31 Aug 2018

Valid

--

Chemical Waste Producer Registration  

5113-634-C3817-01

7 Oct 2013

--

Valid

--

Billing Account for Construction Waste Disposal

7017914

2 Aug 2013

--

Account Active

--

Notification Under Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation

--

31 Jul 2013

30 Jul 2019

Notified

--


4                 AIR QUALITY MONITORING

4.1              Monitoring Requirement

4.1.1          In accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, 1-hr and 24-hr total suspended particulate (TSP) levels at the designated air quality monitoring station are required.  Impact 24-hour TSP monitoring should be carried out for at least once every 6 days.  For the 1-hr TSP impact monitoring, the sampling frequency of at least three times in every 6 days should be undertaken when the highest dust impact occurs.

4.2              Monitoring Equipment

4.2.1          The 24-hr TSP air quality monitoring was performed using a High Volume Sampler (HVS), of which its location and operation satisfy, as far as practicable, all the requirements as specified in the Updated EM&A Manual.  A portable direct reading dust meter, which was proven to be capable of achieving comparable results as that of the HVS, was used to carry out the 1-hr TSP monitoring.  The brand and model of the equipment are given in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1     Air Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model

Quantity

Serial Number

Portable direct reading dust meter (1-hr TSP)

TSI

(Model No. AM 510)

1

11008019

High Volume Sampler
(24-hr TSP)

Tisch Total Suspended Particulate Mass Flow Controlled High Volume Air Sampler (Model No. TE-5170 MFC)

1

2359

 

4.2.2          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.

4.2.3          Calibration of the HVS (five point calibration) using Calibration Kit was carried out every two months.  The HVS calibration orifice and the portable direct reading dust meter will be calibrated annually.  Calibration certificate of the TE-5025A Calibration Kit, the portable direct reading dust meter and the HVS are provided in Appendix C.

4.3              Monitoring Location

4.3.1          Air quality monitoring was conducted at the location specified in the Updated EM&A Manual.  Table 4.2 describes the details of the air quality monitoring station with its location as shown in Figure 2.

Table 4.2     Location of Air Quality Monitoring

Air Monitoring Station ID

Monitoring Location

Description

AM1(SR77) *

Yuen Leng 2(1)

Residential, Ground floor

Remark:

*       Station / ASR ID as identified in Updated EM&A Manual / EIA Report for Widening of Tolo Highway/Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling

 

4.4              Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

4.4.1          Table 4.3 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of impact TSP monitoring.

Table 4.3     Air Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Parameter

Frequency and Duration

1-hour TSP

At least three times in every 6 days should be undertaken when the highest dust impact occur

24-hour TSP

Once every 6 days

 

4.5              Monitoring Methodology

24-hr TSP Monitoring

4.5.1          With the consideration of criteria stated in the Updated EM&A Manual, the HVS was installed in the vicinity of the air sensitive receivers.

4.5.2          The relevant data including temperature, pressure, weather conditions, elapsed-time meter reading for the start and stop of the sampler, identification and weight of the filter paper, and any special phenomena observed were recorded.  The weather information was referenced from Hong Kong Observatory (http://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/pastwx/extractc.htm).

4.5.3          A HOKLAS accredited laboratory, ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd (HOKLAS no.: 066), with constant temperature and humidity control, and equipped with necessary measuring and conditioning instruments, to handle the 24-hr TSP samples, was employed for sample analysis, and equipment calibration and maintenance.

4.5.4          Filter papers of size 8"x10" were labelled before sampling.  They were inspected to be clean with no pin holes and conditioned in a humidity controlled chamber for over 24-hr and were pre-weighed before use for the sampling.

4.5.5          The 24-hr TSP levels were measured by following the standard high volume sampling method for TSP as set out in the Title 40 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (Part 50), Appendix B.  TSP was sampled by drawing air through a conditioned, pre-weighted filter paper inside the HVS at a controlled air flow rate.  After 24-hr sampling, the filter papers loaded with dust were kept in a clean and tightly sealed plastic bag, and then returned to the laboratory for reconditioning in the humidity controlled chamber followed by accurate weighing by an electronic balance with a readout down to 0.1 mg.

4.5.6          All the collected samples were kept in a good condition for 6 months before disposal.

1-hr TSP Monitoring

4.5.7          The 1-hr TSP measurement followed manufacturer¡¦s instruction manual.  Before initiating a measurement, zeroing the portable dust monitor was carried out to ensure maximum accuracy of concentration measurements.

4.5.8          The 1-hr TSP was sampled by drawing air into the portable dust monitor where particular concentrations were measured instantaneously with an in-built silicon detector sensing light scattered by the particulates in the sampled air.  Continuous TSP levels were indicated and logged by a built-in data logger compatible with Windows based program to facilitate data collection, analysis and reporting.

4.6              Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting month

4.6.1          The schedule for environmental monitoring for the reporting month is provided in Appendix D.  Meteorological data extracted from Hong Kong Observatory for the reporting month is provided in Appendix E.

4.7              Monitoring Results

4.7.1          The monitoring results for 1-hr and 24-hr TSP are summarised in Table 4.4 and Table 4.5 respectively.  Detailed air quality monitoring results and the graphical presentation of air quality monitoring data for the current and past two reporting months are presented in Appendix F.

Table 4.4     Summary of 1-hr TSP Monitoring Results

ASR ID

Average (mg/m3)

Range (mg/m3)

Action Level  (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AM1(SR77) *

182.1

147.0 ¡V 221.0

292.7

500

Remark:

*       Station / ASR ID as identified in Updated EM&A Manual / EIA Report for Widening of Tolo Highway/Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling

 

Table 4.5     Summary of 24-hr TSP Monitoring Results

ASR ID

Average (mg/m3)

Range (mg/m3)

Action Level  (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AM1(SR77) *

156.2

69.9 ¡V 221.5

170.3

260

Remark:

*       Station / ASR ID as identified in Updated EM&A Manual / EIA Report for Widening of Tolo Highway/Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling

 

4.7.2          Two (2) Action Level exceedances of 24-hour TSP monitoring were recorded at the monitoring location AM1(SR77) on 22 and 28 February 2014 in the reporting month.  Investigation for the exceedances was conducted which concluded that the exceedances were not related to the project works.  The investigation reports for the incidents are presented in Appendix M.

4.7.3          No exceedance of Action and Limit Level was recorded for 1-hour TSP monitoring at the monitoring location AM1(SR77) in the reporting month.

4.7.4          The Event and Action Plan for the occurrence of non-compliance of the air quality criteria is annexed in Appendix G.

4.7.5          Details of monitoring conditions including influencing factors such as weather conditions and site observation are presented in Appendix E.


5                 NOISE MONITORING

5.1              Monitoring Requirements

5.1.1          In accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, the impact noise monitoring frequency shall depend on the scale of the construction activities.  An initial guide on the regular monitoring frequency should be at least once per week when noise generating activities are underway.

5.2              Monitoring Equipment

5.2.1          Noise monitoring was performed using a sound level meter at the monitoring station.  The sound level meter deployed complies with the International Electrotechnical Commission Publications 651:1979 (Type 1) and 804:1985 (Type 1) specifications.  An acoustic calibrator was deployed to check the sound level meter at a known sound pressure level.  The brand and model of the equipment is given in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1     Noise Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Brand and Model

Quantity

Serial Number

Acoustic Calibrator

B&K (Model No. 4231)

1

2685684

Integrated Sound Level Meter

Rion (Model No. NL-52)

1

00220553

 

5.2.2          The sound level meter and acoustic calibrator were verified by the certified laboratory once every two years.  Calibration certificates of the sound level meter and acoustic calibrator are provided in Appendix C.

5.3              Monitoring Locations

5.3.1          Impact noise monitoring was conducted at the location specified in the Updated EM&A Manual.  Table 5.2 describes the details of the noise monitoring station with its location as shown in Figure 2.

Table 5.2     Location of Noise Monitoring

NSR ID

Monitoring Location

Description

M1(SR77) *

Yuen Leng 2(1)

Residential, Ground floor

Remark:   

*       Location / Station / NSR ID as identified in Updated EM&A Manual / EIA Report for Widening of Tolo Highway/Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling

 

5.4              Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

5.4.1          Table 5.3 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of impact noise monitoring.

Table 5.3     Noise Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Parameter and Duration

Frequency

30-mins measurement at between 0700 and 1900 on normal weekdays.  Leq, L10 and L90 would be recorded.

At least once per week

5.5              Monitoring Methodology

5.5.1          The monitoring procedures are summarised as below:

(a)  The microphone head of the sound level meter was positioned 1m exterior of the noise sensitive facade and lowered sufficiently so that the building¡¦s external wall acts as a reflecting surface.

(b)  The battery condition was checked to ensure good functioning of the meter.

(c)  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)    parameters: Leq, L10 and L90

(iv)   time measurement: Leq(30-minutes) during non-restricted hours i.e. 07:00 ¡V 1900 hrs on normal weekdays; Leq(5-minutes) during restricted hours i.e. 19:00 ¡V 23:00 hrs and 23:00 ¡V 07:00 hrs of normal weekdays, whole day of Sundays and Public Holidays

(d)  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 1dB(A), the measurement would be considered invalid and repeat of noise measurement would be required after re-calibration or repair of the equipment.

(e)  At the end of the monitoring period, the Leq, L10 and L90 were recorded.  In addition, site conditions and noise sources were recorded on a standard record sheet.

(f)   A façade correction of +3dB (A) shall be made to the noise parameter obtained by free field measurement.

5.6              Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

5.6.1          The schedule for environmental monitoring for the reporting month is provided in Appendix D.  Meteorological data extracted from Hong Kong Observatory for the reporting month is provided in Appendix E.

5.7              Monitoring Results

5.7.1          The monitoring results for noise are summarized in Table 5.4 and the monitoring results and the graphical presentation of noise level for the current and past two reporting months are presented in Appendix H.

Table 5.4     Summary of Noise Monitoring Results

Noise Monitoring Station ID

Average, dB(A), Leq (30min) (2)

Range, dB(A),
Leq (30min)
(2)

Action Level

Limit Level, dB(A)

M1(SR77) (1)

60.1

54.5 ¡V 65.5

When one documented valid complaint is received

75

Remark:

(1)   Station / NSR ID as identified in Updated EM&A Manual / EIA Report for Widening of Tolo Highway/Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling

(2)   +3dB(A) façade correction included

 

5.7.2          Major noise sources during the noise monitoring included construction activities of the Project and that along Tai Wo Service Road East, and nearby traffic noise.

5.7.3          No noise complaint was received in the reporting month, so no Action Level exceedance was recorded.  Also, no Limit Level exceedance of noise monitoring was recorded in the reporting month.

5.7.4          The Event and Action Plan for the occurrence of non-compliance of the noise criteria is annexed in Appendix G.


6                 WATER MONITORING

6.1              Monitoring Requirements

6.1.1          In accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, during the course of the culvert extension works, monitoring shall be undertaken on three occasions per week.  The interval between two sets of monitoring shall not be less than 36 hours except where there are exceedances of Action and/or Limit levels.

6.2              Monitoring Equipment

6.2.1          The equipment used in the water quality monitoring programme is summarised in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1     Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Model and Make

Turbidity meter

HACH Model 2100Q is

(Serial No. 11050C001264)

Multimeter (Scope of Test: Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, pH, Salinity and Temperature)

YSI Proplus

(Serial No. 09K100735)

 

6.2.2          The monitoring instruments were checked, calibrated and certified by a laboratory accredited under HOKLAS before use and subsequently re-calibrated at 3-monthly intervals throughout all stages of the water quality monitoring.  Copies of the calibration certificates for the water quality monitoring equipment are attached in Appendix C.

6.3              Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

6.3.1          Measurements for each monitoring station were conducted 3 days per week for the reporting month.  Table 6.2 summarises the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of the baseline water quality monitoring.

Table 6.2     Water Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Monitoring Stations

Parameter, unit

Frequency

Control Stations: C3a and C3b

Impact Station: I5

- Depth, m

- Temperature, ¢XC

- Salinity, ppt

- pH

- DO, mg/L

- DO Saturation, %

- Turbidity, NTU

- SS, mg/L

3 days per week

 

6.4              Monitoring Locations

6.4.1          According to the Updated EM&A Manual, measurements were taken at all impact and control stations as summarised in Table 6.3.  The locations of the monitoring stations are shown in Figure 3.


Table 6.3     Locations of Water Quality Monitoring

Station

Description

Easting

Northing

I5

Downstream of Ma Wat River

(Yuen Leng)

833931

837859

C3a

Upstream of Ma Wat River

(Nam Wa Po)

833816

837644

C3b

Upstream of Ma Wat River

(Yuen Leng)

833931

837736

 

6.5              Monitoring Methodology

Instrumentation

6.5.1          The parameters of in-situ measurements included water depth, dissolved oxygen (DO), dissolved oxygen saturation (DOS), turbidity level, pH value and water temperature.

Operating/Analytical Procedures

6.5.2          Since water depths for all monitoring stations were less than 1m throughout the whole baseline measurement period, only mid-depth level was monitored.

6.5.3          At each monitoring station, at least duplicate readings of dissolved oxygen content and turbidity were taken.  The probes were retrieved out of the water after the first measurement and then re-deployed for the second measurement.

6.5.4          Water samples were collected by the water sampler and filled into polyethylene bottles for laboratory determination of suspended solids.  Sampling bottles were pre-rinsed with the same water samples, and filled up to the rim, capped tightly and labeled immediately.  The sample bottles were then packed into a cool-box kept at 4¢XC, and delivered to a HOKLAS accredited laboratory, ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd for analysis.  The results for laboratory analysis of suspended solids are presented in Appendix I.

6.6              Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Month

6.6.1          The schedule for environmental monitoring for the reporting month is provided in Appendix D.  Meteorological data extracted from Hong Kong Observatory for the reporting month is provided in Appendix E.

6.7              Monitoring Results

6.7.1          The water quality criteria, namely Action and Limit Levels, as specified in the Updated EM&A Manual are shown in Table 6.4.

Table 6.4     Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality Monitoring

Parameters

Action

Limit

DO in mg/L

6.7 mg/L

4 mg/L or 40% saturation at 15 degree Celsius

SS in mg/L

42.6 mg/L or 120% of upstream control station¡¦s SS of the same day

46.8 mg/L or 130% of upstream station¡¦s SS of the same day and specific sensitive receiver water quality requirements

Turbidity (Tby) in NTU

81.9NTU or 120% of upstream control station¡¦s Tby of the same day

91.9NTU or 130% of upstream control station¡¦s Tby of the same day

Notes:

For DO, non-compliance of the water quality limits occurs when monitoring result is lower than the limits.

For SS and Tby, non-compliance of the water quality limits occurs when monitoring result is higher than the limits.

 

6.7.2          The detailed water quality monitoring results and the graphical presentation of water quality monitoring data for the current and past two reporting months are presented in Appendix J.

6.7.3          The possible influences in monitoring results were suspected to be natural variation.

6.7.4          One (1) exceedance of Limit Level of Suspended Solids at the monitoring location I5 on 7 February 2014 was in the reporting month.  Investigation for the exceedance was conducted which concluded that the exceedance was not related to the project works.  The investigation reports for the incidents are presented in Appendix M. 

6.7.5          The Event and Action Plan for the occurrence of non-compliance of the water quality criteria is annexed in Appendix G.


7                 WASTE MANAGEMENT

7.1.1          The Contractor has registered as a chemical waste producer of the Project.  The C&D materials and waste sorting were carried out on-site.  Receptacles were provided for general refuse collection.

7.1.2          As advised by the Contractor, a total of 2,209m3 of excavated material has been generated.  1,473m3 of inert C&D materials was disposed of at public fill to Tuen Mun Area 38.  0.38m3 of inert C&D materials was reused on site.  40m3 of general refuse was disposed of at North East New Territories (NENT) Landfill.  No plastics, paper/cardboard packaging was collected, and 2m3 of metals was collected by recycling contractor in the reporting month.  19m3 of chemical waste was collected by licensed contractor in the reporting period.  Details of the waste management data are presented in Appendix K.

7.1.3          In the reporting month, the Contractor was reminded to properly maintain the site tidiness and dispose of wastes accumulated site regularly and properly.


8                 ENVIRONMENTAL SITE INSPECTION AND AUDIT

8.1              Site Inspection

8.1.1          Site inspections were carried out on a weekly basis to monitor the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for the Project.  A summary of the site inspection is provided in Appendix L.

8.1.2          In the reporting month, 4 site inspections were carried out on 5, 10, 17 and 24 February 2014.  The one held on 24 February 2014 was a joint inspection with the IEC, ER, ET and Contractor.  No site inspection was conducted by the EPD during the reporting month.  No non-compliance was recorded during the site inspection.  A summary of the reminders and observations recorded during the site inspections are presented in Table 8.1.

Table 8.1     Observations and Recommendations of Site Audit

Parameters

Date

Observations and Recommendations

Follow-up

Water Quality

N/A

N/A

N/A

Air Quality

5 Feb 2014

Observation:

Exposed slope at Gate SA13 needs enhancement on dust suppression.  (watering or covering)

Watering has been carried out at the exposed slope at Gate SA13 as observed during the site inspection on 10 Feb 2014.

24 Feb 2014

Reminder:

Exposed earth are reminded to be minimized or compacted as far as possible, especially before holidays at Site SA13

The stockpiles have been reduced in size and been compacted as observed during the site inspection on 3 Mar 2014

24 Feb 2014

Reminder:

Watering at southern part of construction site SA12 is reminded to enhance watering

The area has been watered and compacted as observed during the site inspection on 3 Mar 2014.

Noise

N/A

N/A

N/A

Waste / Chemical Management

10 Feb 2014

Observation:

General site cleanliness need improvement at Gate SA12.

The site cleanliness was improved. Rubbish bins and also recycle bins have been provided at the site as observed during the site inspection on 17 Feb 2014.

Landscape & Visual

10 Feb 2014

Observation:

Fences at trees at southern end of the site at Gate SA12 need enhancement.

Trees at southern end of the site at Gate SA12 have been already removed and no mitigation measures would be necessary as observed during the site inspection on 17 Feb 2014.

24 Feb 2014

Reminder:

Trees at Site SA12 is reminded to be fenced properly

The area has been screened off properly as observed during the site inspection on 3 Mar 2014.

Permits / Licenses

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

 


9                 IMPLEMENTATION STATUS OF ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION MEASURES

9.1.1          The Contractor has implemented the relevant environmental mitigation measures as specified in the EIA Reports, EPs and updated EM&A Manual.  The implementation status of environmental mitigation measures during the reporting period is summarized in Appendix L.  The status of the required submissions under the EP during the reporting period is summarized in Table 9.1.

Table 9.1     Status of Required Submission under Environmental Permit

EP Condition

Submission

Submission Date

Condition 3.3

Monthly EM&A Report

14 February 2014

 

9.1.2          The Quarterly EM&A Summary Report (November 2013 to January 2014) was prepared and submitted on 14 February 2014 in accordance to Section 8.3.4 of the EM&A Manual.

 


10             ENVIRONMENTAL NON-CONFORMANCE

10.1           Summary of Monitoring Exceedances

10.1.1       Two (2) Action Level exceedances of 24-hour TSP monitoring were recorded at the monitoring location AM1(SR77) on 22 and 28 February 2014 in the reporting month.  Investigation for the exceedances was conducted which concluded that the exceedances were not related to the project works.  The investigation reports for the incidents are presented in Appendix M.

10.1.2       No exceedance of Action and Limit Level was recorded for 1-hour TSP monitoring at the monitoring location AM1(SR77) in the reporting month.

10.1.3       No noise complaint was received in the reporting month, so no Action Level exceedance was recorded.  Also, no Limit Level exceedance of noise monitoring was recorded in the reporting month.

10.1.4       One (1) exceedance of Limit Level of Suspended Solids at the monitoring location I5 on 7 February 2014 was recorded in the reporting month.  Investigation for the exceedance was conducted which concluded that the exceedance was not related to the project works.  The investigation reports for the incidents are presented in Appendix M. 

10.2           Summary of Environmental Non-Compliance

10.2.1       No environmental non-compliance was recorded in the reporting month.  The cumulative statistics are provided in Appendix N.

10.3           Summary of Environmental Complaints

10.3.1       No environmental complaint was received in the reporting month.  The cumulative statistics are provided in Appendix N.

10.4           Summary of Environmental Summon and Successful Prosecutions

10.4.1       No environmental related prosecution or notification of summons was received in the reporting month.  The cumulative statistics are provided in Appendix N.

 

 


11             FUTURE KEY ISSUES

11.1           Construction Programme for the Next Month

11.1.1       The major construction works in the coming reporting month are anticipated to include:

¡P         Cable detection and trial trenches;

¡P         Pre-drilling works and piling works;

¡P         Extension of box culvert ID04, ID05 and BC01;

¡P         Pile cap works;

¡P         Tree felling and transplanting works, waterworks;

¡P         Slope upgrading works;

¡P         Noise barrier installation;

¡P         Construction of haul road and temporary soil platform for geotechnical works ;

¡P         Laying of concrete pipe works; and

¡P         Bored pile wall construction.

11.2           Key Issues for the Coming Month

11.2.1       Key issues to be considered in the coming month are anticipated to include:

¡P         Site runoff should be properly collected and treated prior to discharge;

¡P         Properly maintain all drainage facilities and wheel washing facilities on site;

¡P         Chemical, chemical waste and waste management;

¡P         Tree protective measures for all retained trees should be well maintained;

¡P         Expose slopes and dusty stockpile should be covered up properly if no temporary work will be conducted; and

¡P         Operation of construction plant should be sequenced where practicable.

11.3           Monitoring Schedule for the Next Month

11.3.1       The tentative schedule for environmental monitoring for the coming month is provided in Appendix D.

 

 


12             CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

12.1           Conclusions

12.1.1       The construction phase EM&A programme of the Project commenced on 5 November 2013.

12.1.2       The 1-hr TSP, 24-hr TSP, noise and water monitoring were carried out in the reporting period.

12.1.3       Two (2) Action Level exceedances of 24-hour TSP monitoring were recorded at the monitoring location AM1(SR77) on 22 and 28 February 2014 in the reporting month.  Investigation for the exceedances was conducted which concluded that the exceedances were not related to the project works.  The investigation reports for the incidents are presented in Appendix M.

12.1.4       No exceedance of Action and Limit Level was recorded for 1-hour TSP monitoring at the monitoring location AM1(SR77) in the reporting month.

12.1.5       No noise complaint was received in the reporting month, so no Action Level exceedance was recorded.  Also, no Limit Level exceedance of noise monitoring was recorded in the reporting month.

12.1.6       One (1) exceedance of Limit Level of Suspended Solids was recorded at the monitoring location I5 on 7 February 2014 in the reporting month.  Investigation for the exceedance was conducted which concluded that the exceedance was not related to the project works.  The investigation reports for the incidents are presented in Appendix M. 

12.1.7       Four (4) environmental site inspections were carried out in the reporting month.  Recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractors for the deficiencies identified during the site audit.

12.2           Recommendations

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

Air Quality

¡P         Watering of exposed slope and earths to avoid fugitive dust emission.

Chemical and Chemical Waste Management

¡P         Improving site cleanliness especially avoid general refuse being left within the construction site.

Landscape & Visual

¡P         Ensuring the provision of tree protection zone for all existing trees to be transplanted or retained.