TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  3

1       introduction  5

1.1     Background  5

1.2     Scope of Report 6

1.3     Project Organization  6

1.4     Summary of Construction Works  6

1.5     Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements  7

2       AIR QUALITY MONITORING   8

2.1     Monitoring Requirements  8

2.2     Monitoring Equipment 8

2.3     Monitoring Locations  8

2.4     Monitoring Parameters and Frequency  8

2.5     Monitoring Methodology  9

2.6     Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting period  10

2.7     Results and Observations  11

3       Noise MONITORING   12

3.1     Monitoring Requirements  12

3.2     Monitoring Equipment 12

3.3     Monitoring Locations  12

3.4     Monitoring Parameters and Frequency  12

3.5     Monitoring Methodology  13

3.6     Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting period  13

3.7     Monitoring Results  13

4       ENVIRONMENTAL SITE INSPECTION AND AUDIT  15

4.1     Site Inspection  15

4.2     Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status  15

4.3     Environmental Licenses and Permits  16

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  19

5.1     Construction Programme for the Coming Months  19

5.2     Key Issues for the Coming Month  19

5.3     Monitoring Schedule for the Coming Month  19

6       ConclusionS AND RECOMMENDATIONS  20

6.1     Conclusions  20

6.2     Recommendations  20

 


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 Station

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 Waste Flow Table

Table 4.2         Summary of Environmental Licensing and Permit Status

 

 

Figures

 

Figure 1.1         General Project Layout Plan

Figure 1.2a-b     Locations of Monitoring Station

Figure 4.1         Environmental Complaint Handling Procedures

 

 

List of Appendices

 

Appendix A       Project Organization Structure

Appendix B       Construction Programme

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 period

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

Appendix M      Complaint Investigation Report

 


 

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). An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report (the approved EIA Report) together with an Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual (the approved EM&A Manual) were completed and approved under the EIAO on 14 July 2000 (Register Number: EIA-043/2000).

The objective of the Project ¡°Widening of Tolo Highway / Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling¡± is to widen Tolo Highway and Fanling Highway to dual 4-lane carriageway in order to alleviate the current traffic congestion problems and to cope with the increasing transport demands to and from the urban areas and also cross boundary traffic.

The Project is a designated project and governed by an Environmental Permit (EP-324/2008) issued by the EPD on 23 December 2008. Subsequently, the EPD issued a Variation of Environmental Permit (EP-324/2008/A) (VEP) on 31 January 2012 and the VEP (EP-324/2008/B) was granted on 17 March 2014. The current valid VEP was applied on 9 March 2015 and the VEP (EP-324/2008/C) was subsequently granted on 27 March 2015.

The construction works for this Project are 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).  Stage 2 would be implemented under two works contracts.  Contract No. HY2012/06 ¡°Widening of Fanling Highway ¨C Tai Hang to Wo Hop Shek Interchange¡± and the entrusted portion to CEDD under Contract No. CV/2012/09 ¡±Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point Site Formation and Infrastructure Works ¨C Contract 3¡±. This report focuses on Contract No. HY2012/06 ¡°Widening of Fanling Highway ¨C Tai Hang to Wo Hop Shek Interchange¡± in Stage 2 of the Project only.

Pursuant to the EP (EP-324/2008/C) Condition 2.7, the Capture Survey Trip Report for Ma Wat River Northern Meander (Version 2) for the Project was submitted on 24 December 2013 by the Environmental Team (ET) and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) on 6 January 2014.

The construction phase of the Contract under the EP and the Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) programme of the contract commenced on 21 November 2013. 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 2015. As informed by the Contractor, construction activities in the reporting period were:

 

-          Site clearance

-          Ground investigation

-          Piling works

-          Pipe laying

-          Retaining wall construction

-          Noise barrier

-          Excavation

-          Backfilling

-          Drainage

-          Temporary bridge construction

-          House construction

-          Box culvert construction

-          Footbridge demolition

 Reporting Change

There was no reporting change required in the reporting period.

 

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 period.

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels for Noise

No Action or Limit Level exceedance of construction noise was recorded in the reporting month. No noise complaints related to 0700 ¨C 1900 hours on normal weekdays was received and followed by Environmental Team in the reporting month.

Complaint, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution

One (1) odour-related complaint was received on 25 March 2015 and followed up by the Environmental Team in the reporting month. The details of the complaint are described in Section 4.6.4 and the full complaint investigation report is annexed in Appendix M.

 

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 include:

 

-       Properly store and label oils and chemicals on site;

-       Chemical, chemical waste and waste management;

-       Collection of construction waste should be carried out regularly;

-       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;

-       Quieter powered mechanical equipment should be used;

-       Suppress dust generated from excavation activities and haul road traffic; 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 the expressways in the North East New Territories (NENT) connecting Sha Tin, Tai Po and Fanling. These highways form a vital part of the strategic Route 9, which links Hong Kong Island to the boundary at Shenzhen. At present, this section of Route 9 is a dual 3-lane carriageway. However, at several major interchanges along this section of Route 9, the highway is a dual-2 lane carriageway only. Severe congestion is a frequent occurrence during the peak periods, particularly in the Kowloon-bound direction.

 

1.1.2.     The objective of the Project ¡°Widening of Tolo Highway / Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling¡± is to widen Tolo Highway and Fanling Highway to dual 4-lane carriageway in order to alleviate the current traffic congestion problems and to cope with the increasing transport demands to and from the urban areas and also cross boundary traffic.

 

1.1.3.     The Project is a designated project and governed by an Environmental Permit (EP-324/2008) issued by the EPD on 23 December 2008. Subsequently, the EPD issued a Variation of Environmental Permit (EP-324/2008/A) (VEP) on 31 January 2012 and the VEP (EP-324/2008/B) was granted on 17 March 2014. The current valid VEP was applied on 9 March 2015 and the VEP (EP-324/2008/C) was subsequently granted on 27 March 2015.

 

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).  Stage 2 would be implemented under two works contracts.  Contract No. HY/2012/06 ¡°Widening of Fanling Highway ¨C Tai Hang to Wo Hop Shek Interchange¡± and the entrusted portion to CEDD under Contract No. CV/2012/09 ¡±Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point Site Formation and Infrastructure Works ¨C Contract 3¡±. This report focuses on Contract No. HY2012/06 ¡°Widening of Fanling Highway ¨C Tai Hang to Wo Hop Shek Interchange¡± in Stage 2 of the Project only.

 

1.1.6.     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 Contract).

 

1.1.7.     China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd. (CSHK) was commissioned as the Contractor of the Contract.

 

1.1.8.     AECOM Asia Co. Ltd. was commissioned by China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Limited as the Environmental Team (ET) to undertake the Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) works for the Contract and Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Ltd. acts as the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) for the Contract.

 

1.1.9.     The construction phase of the Contract under the EP commenced on 21 November 2013.

 

1.1.10.   According to the updated EM&A Manual of Stage 2 of the Project, there is a need of an EM&A programme including air quality and noise monitoring. The EM&A programme for Stage 2 of the Project commenced on 21 November 2013.

 

1.2           Scope of Report

1.2.1       This is the seventeenth monthly EM&A Report under the Contract No. HY/2012/06 ¡°Widening of Fanling Highway ¨C Tai Hang to Wo Hop Shek Interchange.  This report presents a summary of the environmental monitoring and audit works, list of activities and mitigation measures proposed by the ET for the Contract in March 2015.

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

(Hyder-Arup-Black & Veatch Joint Venture)

 

Chief Resident Engineer

Edwin Chung

6115 0818

2638 0950

 

IEC

 (Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited)

 

Independent Environmental Checker

Terence Kong

2828 5919

2827 1823

 

Contractor

 

(China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Limited)

 

Environmental Officer

Michael Tsang

9277 4956

2672 2501

C C Chow

9679 6315

2672 2501

ET

 (AECOM Asia Company Limited)

ET Leader

Y W Fung

3922 9393

   3922 9797

 

1.4          Summary of Construction Works

1.4.1       The construction phase for the Contract under the EP commenced on 21 November 2013.

1.4.2       Details of the construction works carried out by the Contractor in this reporting period are listed below:

-          Site clearance

-          Ground investigation

-          Piling works

-          Pipe laying

-          Retaining wall construction

-          Noise barrier

-          Excavation

-          Backfilling

-          Drainage

-          Temporary bridge construction

-          House construction

-          Box culvert construction

-          Footbridge demolition

 

1.4.3       The Construction Programme is shown in Appendix B.

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

1.4.5       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 period 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 one air quality monitoring station was 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)

 

2.3          Monitoring Locations

2.3.1       The monitoring station was set up at the proposed location in accordance with updated EM&A Manual.  Table 2.2 describes details of the monitoring station. The locations are shown in Figure 1.2a.

  Table 2.2          Locations of Impact Air Quality Monitoring Station

 

Location

Monitoring Station

AM2 (SR2)

Fanling Government Secondary School

 

 

2.4          Monitoring Parameters and Frequency

2.4.1       Table 2.3 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of impact TSP monitoring.

 

  Table 2.3          Air Quality Monitoring Parameters and Frequency

Parameter

Frequency

24-hour TSP

Once every 6 days

1-hour TSP

3 times every 6 days while the highest dust impact was expected

 


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 ¡À2.5% deviation over 24-hour sampling period.

 

(b)           Preparation of Filter Papers

 

(i)             Glass fibre filters, G810 were labelled and sufficient filters that were clean and without pinholes were selected.

(ii)            All filters were equilibrated in the conditioning environment for 24 hours before weighing. The conditioning environment temperature was around 25 ¡ãC and not variable by more than ¡À3 ¡ãC; the relative humidity (RH) was < 50% and not variable by more than ¡À5%. A convenient working RH was 40%.

(iii)           All filter papers were prepared and analysed by ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd., which is a HOKLAS accredited laboratory and has comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programmes.

 

(c)           Field Monitoring

 

(i)             The power supply was checked to ensure the HVS works properly.

(ii)            The filter holder and the area surrounding the filter were cleaned.

(iii)           The filter holder was removed by loosening the four bolts and a new filter, with stamped number upward, on a supporting screen was aligned carefully.

(iv)          The filter was properly aligned on the screen so that the gasket formed an airtight seal on the outer edges of the filter.

(v)           The swing bolts were fastened to hold the filter holder down to the frame.  The pressure applied was sufficient to avoid air leakage at the edges.

(vi)          Then the shelter lid was closed and was secured with the aluminum strip.

(vii)         The HVS was warmed-up for about 5 minutes to establish run-temperature conditions.

(viii)        A new flow rate record sheet was set into the flow recorder.

(ix)          On site temperature and atmospheric pressure readings were taken and the flow rate of the HVS was checked and adjusted at around 1.1 m3/min, and complied with the range specified in the updated EM&A Manual (i.e. 0.6-1.7 m3/min).

(x)           The programmable digital timer was set for a sampling period of 24 hrs, and the starting time, weather condition and the filter number were recorded.

(xi)          The initial elapsed time was recorded.

(xii)         At the end of sampling, on site temperature and atmospheric pressure readings were taken and the final flow rate of the HVS was checked and recorded.

(xiii)        The final elapsed time was recorded.

(xiv)        The sampled filter was removed carefully and folded in half length so that only surfaces with collected particulate matter were in contact.

(xv)         It was then placed in a clean plastic envelope and sealed.

(xvi)        All monitoring information was recorded on a standard data sheet.

(xvii)       Filters were then sent to ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd. for analysis.

 

(d)           Maintenance and Calibration

 

(i)             The HVS and its accessories were maintained in good working condition, such as replacing motor brushes routinely and checking electrical wiring to ensure a continuous power supply.

(ii)            5-point calibration of the HVS was conducted using TE-5025A Calibration Kit prior to the commencement of baseline monitoring. Bi-monthly 5-point calibration of the HVS will be carried out during impact monitoring.

(iii)           Calibration certificate of the HVSs are provided in Appendix E.

 

2.5.2       1-hour TSP Monitoring

(a)           Measuring Procedures

 

The measuring procedures of the 1-hour dust meter were in accordance with the Manufacturer¡¯s Instruction Manual as follows:-

(i)             Turn the power on.

(ii)            Close the air collecting opening cover.

(iii)           Push the ¡°TIME SETTING¡± switch to [BG].

(iv)          Push ¡°START/STOP¡± switch to perform background measurement for 6 seconds.

(v)           Turn the knob at SENSI ADJ position to insert the light scattering plate.

(vi)          Leave the equipment for 1 minute upon ¡°SPAN CHECK¡± is indicated in the display.

(vii)         Push ¡°START/STOP¡± switch to perform automatic sensitivity adjustment. This measurement takes 1 minute.

(viii)        Pull out the knob and return it to MEASURE position.

(ix)          Push the ¡°TIME SETTING¡± switch the time set in the display to 3 hours.

(x)           Lower down the air collection opening cover.

(xi)          Push ¡°START/STOP¡± switch to start measurement.

 

(b)           Maintenance and Calibration

 

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

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

 

 

2.6          Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting period

2.6.1       The schedule for environmental monitoring in March 2015 is provided in Appendix F.


 

2.7          Results and Observations

2.7.1        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

Location

Average (mg/m3)

Range (mg/m3)

Action Level  (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AM2

(Fanling Government Secondary School)

77.7

68.2 ¨C 81.9

317.8

500

 

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

Location

Average (mg/m3)

Range (mg/m3)

Action Level  (mg/m3)

Limit Level (mg/m3)

AM2

(Fanling Government Secondary School)

56.0

28.8 ¨C 95.9

200.7

260

                                                    

2.7.2       The major dust source during the monitoring was mainly from nearby traffic emission.

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

2.7.4       The event action plan is annexed in Appendix J.

2.7.5       Weather information including wind speed and wind direction is annexed in Appendix H. The information was obtained from the Hong Kong Observatory Tai Po and Tai Mei Tuk Automatic Weather Stations.


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 the Contract. 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 & Rion NC-74

 

3.3          Monitoring Locations

3.3.1       Monitoring stations M2 and M3 were set up at the proposed locations in accordance with updated EM&A Manual. Figure 1.2a-b 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

M2

West Tai Wo

1.2m from the ground floor free-field of the Residential

M3

Fanling Government Secondary School

1m from the exterior of the roof top façade of the school

 

3.4          Monitoring Parameters and Frequency

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

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 measurement was made at monitoring station M3, while free-field measurement was made at monitoring station M2.

(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 monitoring station M2.

(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 period

3.6.1       The schedule for environmental monitoring in March 2015 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)

M2*

67.9

66.9 ¨C 69.1

75

M3#

64.4

60.9 ¨C 65.7

65/70

              *+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       No Action or Limit Level exceedance of construction noise was recorded in the reporting month. No noise complaints related to 0700 ¨C 1900 hours on normal weekdays was received and followed by Environmental Team in the reporting month.

3.7.3       Major noise sources during noise monitoring in the reporting period were mainly road traffic noise. 

3.7.4       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 the Contract. In the reporting period, 5 site inspections were carried out respectively on 3, 10, 19, 24 and 31 March 2015 for the Contract. While no specific observation was recorded, recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractor for precautionary purpose.

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

4.1.3       Particular observations during the site inspections are described below:

Air Quality

 

4.1.4       No adverse observation was identified in the reporting period.

Noise

 

4.1.5       No adverse observation was identified in the reporting period.

Water Quality

 

4.1.6       The Contractor should review their mechanism to collect muddy water to prevent muddy water from discharging to public areas by clearing the mud accumulating in the U-channel or carrying out equivalent measures.

4.1.7       The Contractor was reminded to use another means such as pH papers to monitor the pH of the water in the sedimentation tank regularly. (Reminder)

4.1.8       The Contractor was reminded to ensure all water discharged from the construction site has passed the sedimentation tank. (Reminder)

Chemical and Waste Management

 

4.1.9       An oil drum was placed on bare ground without drip tray. The Contractor should provide a drip tray to the oil drum to retain oil leakage, if any.

4.1.10    A chemical container was observed without chemical label. The Contractor should stick appropriate labels on the chemical container.

 

Landscape and Visual Impact

 

4.1.11    No adverse observation was identified in the reporting period.

Miscellaneous

 

4.1.12    The Contractor was reminded to post the latest version of Environmental Permit at all site entrances. (Reminder)

4.1.13    Stagnant water and general refuse was observed in a trench. The Contractor should clear the stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding and clear the refuse to maintain site hygiene.

4.2          Advice on the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status

4.2.1       The Contractor has registered as chemical waste producers for the Contract. 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 Contractor, 2,364 m3 of inert C&D material was disposed of as public fill to Tuen Mun 38 (of which 0 m3 was broken concrete), while 80 m3 of general refuse was disposed of at NENT landfill. 95 kg of paper/cardboard packaging, 0 kg of plastics and 22 kg of metals were collected by recycling contractors in the reporting period. 513 m3 of inert C&D materials was reused on site. 1,226  m3 of inert C&D materials was reused in other projects. 625 m3 of inert C&D materials was disposed of as public fill at NENT. 0 kg of chemical wastes was collected by licensed contractors in the reporting period.

4.2.3       The actual amounts of different types of waste generated by the activities of the Project in the reporting period are shown in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1            Summary of Waste Flow Table

 

Waste Type

Actual Amount

Disposal/Reuse Locations

Inert C&D materials

2,364 m3 (of which 0 m3 was broken concrete)

Tuen Mun 38

General refuse

80 m3

NENT Landfill

Paper/cardboard packaging

95 kg

Recycling Contractors

Plastics

0 kg

Recycling Contractors

Metals

22 kg

Recycling Contractors

C&D materials reused on site

513 m3

Site Area

C&D materials reused in other projects

1,226 m3

Other projects

C&D materials reused in NENT for backfilling

625 m3

NENT Landfill

Chemical wastes

0 kg

Licensed Contractors

 

 

4.2.4       The Contractor was 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 2 of the Project and valid in the reporting period is summarized in Table 4.2.

 

Table 4.2            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/B

17/03/2014

N/A

HyD

The VEP (EP-324/2008/C) was subsequently granted on 9 March 2015 which superseded the previous EP (EP-324/2008/B).

WPCO

Discharge License (Site)

WT00017159-2013

18/09/2013

30/09/2018

CSHK

-- 

WDO

 

Chemical Waste Producer Registration

5213-722-C3822-01

5/09/2013

N/A

CSHK

Chemical waste produced in Contract HY/2012/06

WDO

Billing Account for Disposal of

Construction Waste

7009328

08/09/2009

N/A

CSHK

Waste disposal in Contract HY/2008/09

NCO

Construction Noise Permit

GW-RN0836-14

07/01/2015

21/03/2015

CSHK

Zone 2

Tree Felling

(North Bound)

GW-RN0119-15

26/02/2015

25/08/2015

CSHK

Zone A

Grouting

(SA340)

GW-RN0122-15

01/03/2015

07/04/2015

CSHK

Zone 4

Coring of Road Pavement Samples

(North Bound)

GW-RN0149-15

15/03/2015

23/08/2015

CSHK

Zone 2

Coring of Road Pavement Samples

(South Bound)

 

4.4          Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures

4.4.1       A summary of the Implementation Schedule of Environmental Mitigation Measures (EMIS) is presented in Appendix C.

 

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       No Action or Limit Level exceedance of construction noise was recorded in the reporting month. No noise complaints related to 0700 ¨C 1900 hours on normal weekdays was received and followed by Environmental Team in the reporting month.

 

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       One (1) odour-related complaint was received on 25 March 2015 and followed up by the Environmental Team in the reporting month. The details of the complaint are described in Section 4.6.4 and the full complaint investigation report is annexed in Appendix M.

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

4.6.1       EPD referred a water complaint on 25 March 2015.

4.6.2       The complainant complained about the generation of the smell of gasoline from the Widening of Fanling Highway construction site on Tai Wo Service Road West, causing serious nuisance to nearby houses.

4.6.3       The situation has continued for a few weeks and she asked the EPD to follow up as soon as possible.

4.6.4       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 the Contract in April 2015 will be:-

-          Site clearance

-          Ground investigation

-          Piling works

-          Pipe laying

-          Retaining wall construction

-          Noise barrier

-          Excavation

-          Backfilling

-          Drainage

-          Temporary bridge construction

-          House construction

-          Box culvert construction

-          Footbridge demolition

-          Bridge construction

 

5.2          Key Issues for the Coming Month

5.2.1       Key issues to be considered in April 2015:-

-          Properly store and label oils and chemicals on site;

-          Chemical, chemical waste and waste management;

-          Collection of construction waste should be carried out regularly;

-          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;

-          Quieter powered mechanical equipment should be used;

-          Suppress dust generated from excavation activities and haul road traffic; 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 2015 is provided in Appendix F.

 


6             ConclusionS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1          Conclusions

6.1.1       The construction phase and EM&A programme of the Contract commenced on 21 November 2013.

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

6.1.3       No Action or Limit Level exceedance of construction noise was recorded in the reporting month. No noise complaints related to 0700 ¨C 1900 hours on normal weekdays was received and followed by Environmental Team in the reporting month.

6.1.4       5 environmental site inspections were carried out in March 2015. Recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractors for the deficiencies identified during the site audits.

6.1.5       One (1) odour-related complaint was received on 25 March 2015 and followed up by the Environmental Team in the reporting month. The details of the complaint are described in Section 4.6.4 and the full complaint investigation report is annexed in Appendix M.

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

6.2          Recommendations

6.2.1       According to the environmental site inspections performed in the reporting period, the following recommendations on remedial actions were provided to the Contractor for precautionary purpose:

 

Air Quality Impact

l  Nil.

 

Construction Noise Impact

l  Nil.

 

Water Quality Impact

l  The Contractor was recommended to review their mechanism to collect muddy water to prevent muddy water from discharging to public areas by clearing the mud accumulating in the U-channel or carrying out equivalent measures.

l  The Contractor was recommended to use another means such as pH papers to monitor the pH of the water in the sedimentation tank regularly.

l  The Contractor was recommended to ensure all water discharged from the construction site has passed the sedimentation tank.

 

Chemical and Waste Management

l  The Contractor was recommended to provide a drip tray to the oil drum to retain oil leakage, if any.

l  The Contractor was recommended to stick appropriate labels on the chemical container.

 

Landscape and Visual Impact

l  Nil.

 

Miscellaneous

l  The Contractor was recommended to post the latest version of Environmental Permit at all site entrances.

l  The Contractor was recommended to clear the stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding and clear the refuse to maintain site hygiene.