Central Reclamation, Phase III

Environmental Monitoring & Audit

Monthly Report No.1 (Final)

August 2003

 

 


Client   

Territory Development Department, Hong Kong
Hong Kong Island and Islands Development Office

Project   

Supplementary Agreement No. 3 to Agreement No. CE 15/94
Central Reclamation, Phase III
Design and Construction for the Minimum Option

Report No.

3128-REP-148-01

Copy No.

Date of Issue

18 September 2003

File Ref.   L:\S-proj\CR3\CR3.NEW\3128\
             Reports\0148_01.doc

Report Title

 

Central Reclamation, Phase III

Environmental Monitoring & Audit

Monthly Report No.1 (Final) - August 2003

 

 

Name

 

Sign

 

Date

 

Prepared by :

Albert Chan, ACL - Environmental Consultant

 

 

 

18 Sep 2003

 

Reviewed by:

Susana Bezy, ACL – ET Leader

 

 

 

18 Sep 2003

 

Authorised by :

Jon Varndell, ACL – Project Mgr

 

 

 

18 Sep 2003

 

 

 

 

Distribution

 

 

Copy No

Issue to

Attention

Corr. Ref.

1

TDD

Mr H H Yeung

3128/124/OC5260/al

2

EPD

Mr Thomas To

3128/124/OC5260/al

3

EPD (LCO)

Mr Y K Chan

3128/124/OC5260/al

4

Leighton-China State-Van Oord JV

Mr Malcolm Plummer

3128/124/OC5260/al

5

CRIII Sites/PRE

Mr Douglas Miller

3128/124/OC5260/al

6

Independent Checker (Environment)

Mr Bill Dogulas

3128/124/OC5260/al

7

Environmental Team Leader

Ms Susana Bezy

3128/124/OC5260/al

8

Office Copy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


1.           INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................... 1

1.1         Basic Project Information............................................................................................... 1

1.2         Designated Projects....................................................................................................... 1

1.3         Project Organization and Management Structure............................................................ 1

1.4         Construction Programme............................................................................................... 2

1.5         Construction Work during the Reporting Period............................................................. 2

2.           Environmental Status..................................................................................................... 3

2.1         Works Undertaken......................................................................................................... 3

2.2         Environmental Permits................................................................................................... 3

2.3         Environmental Document Submission............................................................................ 4

2.4         Environmental Meetings................................................................................................. 6

2.5         Environmental Monitoring Locations.............................................................................. 6

3.           EM&A Requirements..................................................................................................... 7

3.1         Summary of Impact EM&A Requirements....................................................................... 7

3.2         Environmental Quality Performance Limits..................................................................... 9

3.3         Event Action Plan........................................................................................................... 9

3.4         Implementation of Environmental Measures................................................................... 9

4.           Monitoring Results...................................................................................................... 10

4.1         Impact Monitoring Schedule in August 2003................................................................ 11

4.2         Monitoring Methodology............................................................................................. 12

4.3         Monitoring Equipment................................................................................................. 12

4.4         Impact Monitoring Results........................................................................................... 15

5.           Environmental Complaint and Non-Compliance......................................................... 16

5.1         Environmental Exceedances......................................................................................... 16

5.2         Environmental Complaint and Prosecution................................................................... 16

6.           Forecast and Schedule................................................................................................. 19

6.1         Key Issues for the Coming Month................................................................................. 19

6.2         Monitoring Schedules for the Next 3 Months............................................................... 19

6.3         Construction Programme for the Next 3 Months.......................................................... 20

7.           Conclusion.................................................................................................................. 21

 


List of Annexes

Annex A              Project Organisation/ Contact Information

Annex B              Locations of Designated Projects

Annex C              Contractor’s Work Programme

Annex D             Monitoring Stations Locations

Annex E               Environmental Quality Performance Limits for Air, Noise and Water Quality

Annex F               Event and Action Plan for Air, Noise and Water Quality

Annex G             Noise Monitoring Results

Annex H             Graphical Representation of Noise Monitoring Results

Annex I               Water Quality Monitoring Results

Annex J               Graphical Representation of Water Quality Monitoring Results

Annex K              Calibration Certificates

 

List of Tables

Table 1-1   Activities at Central District Sites in August 2003....................................................... 2

Table 2.1 Summary of the Environmental License / Permit Status.................................................. 4

Table 2.2 - Summary of the Contractor's Environmental Related Document Submissions to the Engineer’s Representatives (ER)...................................................................................................................................... 5

Table 2.3 Summary of Environmental Certification Sheet Submissions to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD)............................................................................................................................................ 7

Table 3-1 Summary of Impact EM&A Requirements................................................................... 11

– Air Quality Action and Limit Levels for the City Hall Monitoring Sta....................................... 14

Table 4.1 - Water Quality Monitoring Programme (Seawater Intakes Stations)............................ 15

Table 4.2  - Equipment for Air Quality Monitoring...................................................................... 16

Table 4.3 – Noise Monitoring Equipment................................................................................... 17

Table 4.4 - Equipment Used for Marine Water Quality Monitoring............................................. 18

Table 6.1 - Water Quality Monitoring Programme...................................................................... 23

 

 

 


ACL

Atkins China Limited

CRIII

Central Reclamation Phase III

EIA

Environmental Impact Assessment

EM&A

Environmental Monitoring and Audit

EP

Environmental Permit

EPD

Environmental Protection Department

ER

Engineer’s Representatives

ET

Environmental Team

LCSD

Leisure and Cultural Services Department

LCSVO-JV

Leighton China State Van Oord Joint Venture

TDD

Territory Development Department

TSP

Total Suspended Particulates

 


Executive Summary

The Central Reclamation Phase III Works, Contract No. HK 12/02, was awarded to Leighton China State Van Oord Joint Venture (LCSVO-JV) by the Territory Development Department (TDD), Hong Kong Islands and Islands Development Office.  The works under the Contract HK 12/02 commenced on 28 February 2003.

Atkins China Limited (ACL) has been appointed by TDD to implement the Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) programme that was identified in the EIA Report for the CRIII Project and is providing Environmental Team (ET) services during the duration of the construction works.

This is the first official Monthly EM&A Report for the works specified in Section 1.3 of the CRIII EIA Report.  This report summarises the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 28 July to 31 August 2003.

Environmental Monitoring and Audit Progress

Noise and water quality monitoring was conducted this month. 

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels

Summaries of environmental exceedances during this reporting period are as follows:

Env. Quality

Parameters

% Compliance

Investigation & Corrective Actions

Air Quality A

1-Hr TSP

N/A

N/A

24-Hr TSP

N/A

N/A

Noise

Normal construction hours

100%

N/A

Restricted hours

100%

N/A

Water Quality

Suspended Solids

96%

Exceedances at seawater intakes may be due to the unexpected silty discharges from adjacent outfalls or exceptional localized conditions. Project marine works did not cause the elevated levels of SS. As such, no remedial actions were required.

Turbidity

100%

N/A

Dissolved Oxygen

56%

Investigations into the DO levels below the water criteria found that they were attributable to local ambient conditions and not caused by project marine works. As such, no remedial actions were required.

Notes:    A - Air quality monitoring did not commence as no construction activities with the potential to impact air quality are within range of the closest air quality sensitive receivers.

B - There are no Action and Limit Levels for turbidity at seawater intake stations.

 

Breaches of the Action and Limit Levels were found for dissolved oxygen (DO) and suspended solids (SS) during the report month.  However, investigations into the breaches found that they were not due to project works as they were attributed to natural ambient conditions or localized influencing factors in proximity of the affected monitoring stations.

 

Complaint Log

There were no environmental complaints received during this reporting period for the Project components addressed in the Project EIA Report.

Notifications of Summons and Prosecutions

There were no notifications of summons or prosecutions received during this reporting period.

Site Inspection and Audit

Site inspections for the CRIII project works area were undertaken on 14, 21 and 28 August 2003.  During the site inspections, one minor non-compliance and two deficiencies were found.  The Contractor subsequently mitigated the non-compliance and deficiencies.  Site visits were also made to the Engineer's site office for meetings with regard to the Contractor’s Work programme.

Future Key Issues

Future Key Issues are as follows:

·         The Contractor was approved to dredge up to the maximum hourly dredge rate of 175 m3 per hour at IRAW on 28 August 2003 (Ref. 3128/M45/400/OC5172/AC/al) after no adverse water quality impacts were found from the additional monitoring performed during the increased dredging rate trial conducted between 18 and 23 August 2003.  The ET will continue to closely monitor water quality to ensure the Contractor's compliance with water quality criteria.

·         Marine piling works are expected to commence in September 2003 and the splicing of piles is in progress.  As this marine work may have the potential to affect water quality, the ET will be extra vigilant in noting any influences that the piling work will have.

·         The placing of Type D Rock filling is expected to start during the first week of September 2003.  Again, water quality will be monitored closely to ensure compliance with environmental quality criteria.

·         Mr James Shorthose of ACL is currently acting as the temporary ETL until Ms Susana Bezy's return in late September 2003.


1.                INTRODUCTION

1.1              Basic Project Information

The Territory Development Department (TDD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is constructing the Central Reclamation Phase III Project (CRIII). 

The Main Works Contract HK 12/02 for CRIII commenced on 28th February 2003. Leighton-China State-Van Oord Joint Venture (LCSVO-JV) was awarded the Contract No. HK 12/02 for the construction of the CRIII Engineering Works.  The Contractor is presently undertaking site investigation works, dredging works at IRAW, demolition work at Pier No. 7 and preparation for marine piling works near Pier No. 8.

Atkins China Limited (ACL) has been commissioned by TDD to undertake the environmental monitoring and audit work for the project in accordance with the Environmental Permit (EP No. EP-122/2002) issued to TDD on 7 March 2002.  The CRIII Project Organisation is shown in Annex A.

This is the first official monthly EM&A Report, which presents the results of EM&A work conducted during the period from 28 July to 31 August 2003, inclusive.

1.2              Designated Projects

Leighton China State Van Oord Joint Venture (LCSVO-JV) was awarded the Contract No. HK 12/02 for the construction of the CRIII Engineering Works.  The Contract includes the following Designated Projects which are located within the Central District Area:

·         Central Reclamation Phase III - Reclamation works (including associated dredging works) of about 18 ha in size;

·         Roads P1, P2, D6, D7, D8, D9 and D11 - About 1.05km of primary distributor and about 0.85km of district distributor;

·         Central - Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel - About 0.95km of Central - Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel; and

·         North Island Line protection works - About 0.5km of North Island Line protection works.

The locations of the CRIII Project works are provided in Annex B (Figures 1 through 4).

1.3              Project Organization and Management Structure

Atkins China Limited (ACL) has been commissioned by TDD to undertake environmental management and monitoring work in accordance with the (EM&A) Manual for the CRIII project.  The Project organisation and management structure with regard to the environmental works is shown in Annex A.


1.4              Construction Programme

A copy of the Contractor's proposed construction programme is provided in Annex C.  In future reports this programme will be streamlined to the major works items.

1.5              Construction Work during the Reporting Period

A summary of the activities undertaken within the Central District in this reporting month is shown in Table 1.1.

 

Table 1-1   Activities at Central District Sites in August 2003

 

 

Site Area

Description of Activities

Area CR-1

·         Site investigation works

Area CR-2

·         Demolition works

Area CR-3

·         Site investigation works

Area CR-12

·         Splicing of marine piles

IRAW

·         Dredging works


2.                Environmental Status

2.1              Works Undertaken

The works undertaken during the reporting month include the removal of roof slabs at Pier No. 7, dredging at IRAW, splicing of marine piles at CR12, commencement of site investigation for Central Terminal Building, and the commencement of site investigation works for the Man Yiu Street Footbridge.

2.2              Environmental Permits

A summary of the status of all environmental permits, license, and/or notification to EPD for this project during the reporting period are presented in Table 2.1.

 Table 2.1 Summary of the Environmental License / Permit Status

 

 

Item

Item Description

Date of Application

Permit Status

1

LCSVO-JV submitted an Application for Construction Noise Permit for carrying out of construction works during evening at site area opposite to Central Barracks (Ref. H2189/U2c/2454/MP/CST/RC/ST/cm)

18 August 2003

Pending

2

LCSVO-JV submitted an Application for Construction Noise Permit for carrying out of construction works during evening and night-time at Victoria Harbour near Pier No. 7 (Pier No. 8 & Pier West) (Ref. H2189/U2c/2453/MP/CST/ RC/ST/cm)

18 August 2003

Pending

3

LCSVO-JV submitted an Application for Construction Noise Permit for carrying out of trial pit works during 21:00 to 06:00 of next day at Man Yiu Street near General Post Office walkway (Ref. H2189/U2c/2312//MP/ATA/ST/cm)

12 August 2003

Pending

4

LCSVO-JV submitted an Application for Construction Noise Permit for Percussive Piling in Victoria Harbour near Pier No. 7, CNP No. PP-TS0032-03 (Ref. H2189/C1/2253/ MP/CST/DS/ST/cm)

7 August 2003

Issued

5

LCSVO-JV submitted an Application for Construction Noise Permit for carrying out of dredging and filling work during night time in Victoria Harbour near Pier No. 7, CNP No. GW-TS0372-03

4 August 2003

Issued

6

LCSVO-JV submitted an Application for a Permit to Dump Material (Contaminated Sediment) at Sea Under the Dumping at Sea Ordinance (Permit No. EP/MD/04-043).

2 August 2003

Issued
15 August 2003

 

2.3              Environmental Document Submission

A summary of the status of the submissions provided during the month of August 2003 is presented in Table 2.2.

 

Table 2.2 - Summary of the Contractor's Environmental Related Document Submissions to the Engineer’s Representatives (ER)

 

 

Item

Document Title

Version

Date of Submission to ER

1.

Proposal of Dredging Rates - Dredging Rate Achieved During Trial (Ref. H2189/C1/2616/MP/CST/EY/ST/cm)

0

27 August 2003

 

A summary of the Environmental Certification Sheet submissions to EPD for the Month of August 2003 is presented in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3 Summary of Environmental Certification Sheet Submissions to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD)

 

 

 

No

Certification Subject

Letter Ref.

Date of Submission to EPD

Approved Status

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

 Notes:   N/A - No environmental certification sheets were submitted to the EPD during this report month.

 

2.4              Environmental Meetings

During the reporting period the following environmental meetings were held:

·         25 August 2003 – Resident Site Staff, the ET, TDD, the Contractor and representatives from Cinotech had a meeting at the ER's site office to discuss the Contractor's increased dredging rate trial and results of the additional water quality monitoring programme.

2.5              Environmental Monitoring Locations

The environmental monitoring locations are provided in Annex D.

 


3.                EM&A Requirements

3.1              Summary of Impact EM&A Requirements

The EM&A programme requires environmental monitoring for air quality, noise, water quality, waste management and landscape and visual aspects as specified in the CRIII Project EIA.  The EM&A requirements for each issue area are described in subsequent sections including:

·         All required monitoring parameters;

·         Action and Limit Levels; and

·         Event-Action Plans.

A summary of impact EM&A requirements is presented in Table 3-1.

Table 3-1 Summary of Impact EM&A Requirements

 

 

Parameters

Descriptions

Locations

Frequencies

Duration

TSP

24-Hour TSP

2 Locations

Once every 6 days

During Construction

1-Hour TSP

2 Locations

Three times in every 6 days

During Construction

Noise

Leq (30 mins), L10, L90,

1 Location

Continuous measurements

Two weeks before Construction and During Construction

Water Quality

Dissolved Oxygen;

Salinity;

Temp;

Suspended Solids;

Turbidity.

14 Locations

3 times a week, Mid-ebb/flood tides

During Marine Works

Waste

On-Site Waste Audit

Active Work Sites

Periodically

During Construction

On-Site Waste Inspection

Landscape and Visual

Audits to ensure effective implementation of mitigation measures

During Construction

General Site Conditions

Environmental Site Inspection

Works areas and areas affected by works

Periodically

During Construction

 


3.2              Environmental Quality Performance Limits

Environmental Quality Performance Limits for air, noise and water quality as provided in the Baseline Monitoring Report (Final) are shown in Annex E.

3.3              Event Action Plan

The Event Action Plans for air, noise and water quality as provided in the Baseline Monitoring Report (Final) are shown in Annex F.

3.4              Implementation of Environmental Measures

The Contractor is expected to implement mitigation measures listed in the EIA Report, EM&A Manual and Environmental Permit.


– Air Quality Action and Limit Levels for the City Hall Monitoring Sta


4.                Monitoring Results

4.1              Impact Monitoring Schedule in August 2003

Regular site inspections were carried out to assess whether the project's environmental protection and pollution control measures are in compliance with the contract specifications.  Inspections were conducted on 14, 21 and 28 August 2003.

Air quality monitoring has not commenced yet as no work areas or construction activities with the potential to impact air quality are within range of the closest air quality sensitive receivers.

Continuous 24-hour noise monitoring commenced on 14 August 2003.

Impact water quality monitoring at all monitoring stations was undertaken during this reporting month.  The water quality monitoring schedule for August 2003 is presented in Table 4-1.

Table 4.1 - Water Quality Monitoring Programme (Seawater Intakes Stations)

 

 

Date of Sampling

Tidal State

Timing of Sampling

1 August 2003

Mid Ebb

13:20 - 15:36

Mid Flood

07:25 - 09:45

4 August 2003

Mid Ebb

15:22 - 18:05

Mid Flood

09:10 - 12:18

6 August 2003

Mid Ebb

07:38 - 10:30

Mid Flood

13:12 - 15:50

8 August 2003

Mid Ebb

08:37 - 11:11

Mid Flood

15:45 - 18:10

11 August 2003

Mid Ebb

10:45 - 14:05

Mid Flood

16:02 - 19:05

13 August 2003

Mid Ebb

13:01 - 15:42

Mid Flood

07:45 - 10:43

15 August 2003

Mid Ebb

13:25 - 16:10

Mid Flood

07:45 - 10:44

18 August 2003

Mid Ebb

14:40 - 17:25

Mid Flood

08:44 - 11:24

20 August 2003

Mid Ebb

15:38 - 18:44

Mid Flood

10:52 - 14:00

22 August 2003

Mid Ebb

07:35 - 10:53

Mid Flood

15:18 - 18:28

25 August 2003

Mid Ebb

Cancelled A

Mid Flood

Cancelled A

27 August 2003

Mid Ebb

10:52 - 13:52

Mid Flood

15:58 - 18:39

29 August 2003

Mid Ebb

12:53 - 15:22

Mid Flood

07:36 - 10:33

 

Notes:    A - Monitoring was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions (typhoon).

 

4.2              Monitoring Methodology

4.2.1        Air Quality Monitoring

Air quality Monitoring will be performed in accordance with the methodology described in the EM&A Manual once construction activities requiring air quality monitoring commence.  The locations of the monitoring stations at City Hall and PLA Headquarters are shown in Annex E.

4.2.2        Noise Quality Monitoring

Continuous 24-hour noise monitoring was performed in accordance with the methodology described in the EM&A Manual in August 2003. The location of the noise monitoring station at City Hall is shown in Annex D.

4.2.3        Water Quality Monitoring

Water quality monitoring was performed in accordance with the methodology described in the EM&A Manual.  Monitoring for the month of August was conducted at all stations, which comprises of 4 marine-based stations, 8 seawater intake stations and 2 control stations.  The locations of the monitoring stations are shown in Annex D.

4.3              Monitoring Equipment

4.3.1        Air Quality

The equipment that will be used for air quality monitoring is listed in Table 4-2.

Table 4.2  - Equipment for Air Quality Monitoring

 

 

Parameter Measured

Equipment

24-Hour Sampling

High Volume Sampler Model GS2310 by Anderson Instruments to be used for both monitoring stations.

1-Hour Sampling

MicroDust pro Aerosol Monitoring System to be used for both monitoring locations.

4.3.2        Noise Quality

The equipment used for continuous noise quality monitoring is listed in Table 4-3.

Table 4.3 – Noise Monitoring Equipment

 

 

Equipment

Model

Integrated Sound Level Meter

B&K 2238

Calibrator

B&K 4231, Class 1

4.3.3        Water Quality

The equipment that will be used for water quality monitoring is listed in Table 4-4.

Table 4.4 - Equipment Used for Marine Water Quality Monitoring

 

 

Parameter Measured

Equipment

Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature Measuring Equipment

A Dissolved Oxygen meter YSI model 58 was used.

·         This instrument was portable and weatherproof and used a DC power source.  The equipment was capable of measuring:

·         DO levels in the range of 0-20 mg/l and 0-200% saturation; and

·         temperature of between 0-45 degree Celsius.

·         The equipment had a membrane electrode with an automatic temperature compensation complete with a cable. In addition, a Wirling Psychrometer was used as a reference thermometer during the sampling.

Turbidity Measurement Instrument

A Turbidimeter, HACH model 2100P was used for determining turbidity levels.  The instrument is portable and weatherproof and uses a DC power source. The instrument includes a photoelectric sensor capable of measuring turbidity between 0-1000 NTU.

pH

A MP125 pH Meter from Mettler Toledo was used to measure pH.

Salinity / Conductivity Meter

A Salinity / Conductivity meter YSI model 63 and model 30 was used for determining salinity concentrations.

Sample Containers and Storage

Water samples for SS analysis were stored in high density polythene bottles with no preservative added, packed in ice and delivered to the laboratory, and analysed as soon as possible after collection.

 

4.4              Impact Monitoring Results

4.4.1        Air Quality Monitoring Results

No air quality monitoring work was undertaken during the reporting period as no work areas or construction activities with the potential to impact air quality are within range of the closest air quality sensitive receivers.

Noise quality monitoring work was undertaken during the reporting period.  The noise monitoring results are provided in Annex G.  Graphical representation of the noise monitoring data is provided in Annex H.

It should be noted that the sound level meter used for monitoring experienced an error between 15 and 20 August 2003 leading to unusually low measurement levels.  The equipment was rectified on the morning of 21 August 2003 and should not pose similar problems in the future.

4.4.2        Water Quality Monitoring Results

Water quality monitoring was undertaken at all water quality monitoring locations during the reporting period.  The water quality monitoring results from 28 July to 31 August 2003 are presented in Annex F.  Graphical representation of the water quality data is provided in Annex G.

4.4.3        Waste Management

No waste management audit was scheduled within this reporting period.  The arrangement of waste management audit will be detailed in the Waste Management Plan.

4.4.4        Landscape and Visual

As the works undertaken during the reporting month were related to site investigation works, minor demolition works and dredging works, the landscape and visual impacts are considered to be minimal.

 


5.                Environmental Complaint and Non-Compliance

5.1              Environmental Exceedances

The monitoring results for this reporting period, as provided in Section 4 of this report, show a number of exceedances with respect to water quality.  The total number of exceedances for air, noise and water quality are presented in following sections.

5.1.1        Air Quality

No exceedances of air quality were observed as no air quality monitoring work was undertaken during the reporting period.

5.1.2        Noise Quality

No exceedances of noise quality were observed during the reporting period.

5.1.3        Water Quality

The water quality monitoring conducted during the period showed that DO levels ranged between 2.6 and 10.0 mg/L.  DO concentrations of less than 4.7 and 4.6 mg/L were commonly recorded during the period, which is consistent with EPD routine water quality monitoring results measured during a similar period in recent years.  As such, breaches of the DO Action Level were due to local ambient conditions and not caused by project marine works.  On 26 August 2003, a breach of the DO Limit Level was recorded at seawater intake station M4.  Again, an investigation into the low DO level found that it was attributed to local ambient conditions.  Since these breaches were not due to the Contractor's marine works, no remedial actions were required.  It should also be noted that a number of outfalls and stormwater culverts that discharge directly into the harbour are located along the seawall within the project works area.  These outfalls have the potential to adversely impact water quality in the area.

Elevated concentrations of SS above the Limit Level were recorded on 28 July 2003 and 8, 11 and 22 August 2003 at seawater intake stations.  It was found that the elevated SS level on 28 July was not caused by dredging operations, as the Contractor did not commence dredging works until 29 July 2003.  The higher than expected SS level in this case may be due to discharge influences from outfalls located in proximity of the affected monitoring stations.  Investigations into the other elevated SS levels also found that they were not due to marine works.  All of the high SS concentrations recorded were shown to be localized conditions as no sediment plumes were detected at marine based stations and no unusual concentrations were measured at adjacent monitoring stations during the same time.  Additionally, these high SS levels were often recorded at locations with outfalls and stormwater culverts that discharge into the harbour.  No remedial actions were required for the above breaches, as the Contractor's marine works did not cause them.  However, the ET will be extra vigilant in recording field observations in order to identify potential influencing factors for water quality in the future.

5.1.4        Waste Management

No non-compliances with regard to waste management were recorded in the reporting month.

5.1.5        Landscape and Visual

No non-compliance with regard to landscape and visual aspects were recorded in the reporting month.

5.1.6        Site Environmental Audit

An environmental non-compliance was observed during a site inspection conducted on 14 August 2003.  Stagnant water was found on the floor surface at the chemical storage area at CR-14 and construction material in front of the storage area also prevented clear access to the site.  The Contractor agreed to clean up the storage area during the site inspection on 14 August and the non-compliance was confirmed to be duly rectified on 18 August 2003.

Two deficiencies were noted during an environmental site inspection on 28 August 2003.  The first deficiency concerned a portion of the dust screen enclosing Pier No. 7 that was damaged/ unfastened during bad weather between 24 and 25 August 2003.  The damaged section no longer provided the minimum height of 1 m above the top level of the structure to be demolished.  As for the second deficiency, it was with respect to a small amount of grease found in a drip tray holding several chemical containers at Pier No. 7.  The Contractor rectified both deficiencies and compliance was confirmed during a subsequent site inspection.

5.2              Environmental Complaint and Prosecution

No environmental complaints were received during the reporting period.  Further, no prosecution notices or summons were received during the reporting period. 

 

 


6.                Forecast and Schedule

6.1              Key Issues for the Coming Month

The key issues to be considered in the coming month include the following:

·         Marine piling works are to commence in early to mid September.  The ET will continue to closely monitor water quality monitoring results to ensure that these works are not affecting water quality;

·         The Contractor is expected to dredge up to the accepted maximum hourly dredge rate of 175 m3 per hour for the remaining dredging works at IRAW.  Again, the ET will continue to closely monitor water quality to ensure the Contractor's compliance with environmental performance criteria;

·         The demolition of Pier No. 7 is progressing ahead of schedule and the ET will ensure proper dust suppression measures are maintained during the regular environmental site audits.

6.2              Monitoring Schedules for the Next 3 Months

The construction works scheduled in September 2003 include dredging at IRAW, demolition of Pier No. 7 and existing seawall at IRAW and site investigation works.  Based on the Contractor’s programme, the Environmental Monitoring Programme for the next three months is planned as follows:

TSP (24 hr and 1 hr monitoring)

Upon commencement of dust generating activities within range of the closest air quality sensitive receiver, dependent upon the Contractor’s programme.

Noise (Continuous Measurements)

The noise monitoring programme throughout the entire construction period is 24-hour continuous.

Water Quality Monitoring

The water quality monitoring schedule for the next 3 months is provided in the following table.

Table 6.1 - Water Quality Monitoring Programme

 

 

Date of Sampling

Sampling Time

1 September 2003

09:23

15:35

3 September 2003

11:52

17:00

5 September 2003

08:30

17:00

8 September 2003

10:49

17:00

10 September 2003

12:00

17:00

12 September 2003

08:30

13:21

15 September 2003

08:56

14:53

17 September 2003

10:35

15:46

19 September 2003

08:30

17:00

22 September 2003

09:31

17:00

24 September 2003

11:01

17:00

26 September 2003

12:00

17:00

29 September 2003

08:30

14:31

1 October 2003

10:37

16:11

3 October 2003

08:30

17:00

6 October 2003

09:40

17:00

8 October 2003

11:09

17:00

10 October 2003

12:00

17:30

13 October 2003

08:30

14:00

15 October 2003

08:30

14:37

17 October 2003

08:00

15:55

20 October 2003

08:30

17:00

22 October 2003

09:38

16:44

24 October 2003

11:16

17:00

27 October 2003

08:00

13:30

29 October 2003

09:34

15:01

31 October 2003

08:00

16:53

3 November 2003

08:30

15:48

5 November 2003

09:56

16:40

7 November 2003

11:17

17:00

10 November 2003

12:00

17:30

12 November 2003

08:30

14:00

14 November 2003

09:30

14:53

17 November 2003

08:30

17:00

19 November 2003

08:30

15:18

21 November 2003

09:58

16:14

24 November 2003

12:00

17:30

26 November 2003

08:30

14:00

28 November 2003

09:30

15:18

6.3               Construction Programme for the Next 3 Months

The construction programme for the next 3 months is provided in Annex C and will be updated by the Contractor. 

The ET will follow the Contractor’s proposed programme to ensure the compliance of environmental performance and proper implementation of all necessary mitigation measures.

 


7.                Conclusion

Dredging works is progressing at IRAW.  DO levels below 4.7 and 4.6 mg/L were recorded on a number of occasions during the reporting period.  It was found that these levels were attributable to local ambient conditions and not caused by project marine works.  Further, EPD's routine water quality monitoring data collected in recent years for Victoria Harbour show that these range of DO concentrations are expected around this time of year.

Elevated levels of SS above water quality criteria were also recorded during this reporting period.  These higher than usual levels were investigated and were found to be attributable to exceptional localized conditions and not caused by project marine works.  Discharges from outfalls and stormwater culverts located near the seawater intake stations are major influencing factors that adversely impact water quality.

One non-compliance and two deficiencies were observed during reporting period.  The Contractor subsequently rectified the non-compliance and the two deficiencies after being notified.