Central Reclamation, Phase III

Environmental Monitoring & Audit

Monthly Report No. 2

September 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-151-01

Copy No.

Date of Issue

14 October 2003

File Ref.   L:\S-proj\CR3\CR3.NEW\3128\             Reports\0151.doc

Report Title

 

Central Reclamation, Phase III

Environmental Monitoring & Audit

Monthly Report No.2 - September 2003

 

 

Name

Sign

Date

Prepared by :

Albert Chan, ACL - Environmental Consultant

 

14 Oct 2003

Reviewed by :

Susana Bezy, ACL – ET Leader

 

14 Oct 2003

Authorised by :

Jon Varndell, ACL – Project Mgr

 

14 Oct 2003

 

 

 

Distribution

 

 

Copy No

Issue to

Attention

Corr. Ref.

1

TDD

Mr H H Yeung

3128/124/OC5329/al

2

EPD

Mr Thomas To

3128/124/OC5329/al

3

EPD (LCO)

Mr Allan Hung

3128/124/OC5329/al

4

Leighton-China State-Van Oord JV

Mr Malcolm Plummer

3128/124/OC5329/al

5

CRIII Sites/PRE

Mr Douglas Miller

3128/124/OC5329/al

6

Independent Checker (Environment)

Mr Bill Douglas

3128/124/OC5329/al

7

Environmental Team Leader

Ms Susana Bezy

3128/124/OC5329/al

8

Office Copy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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

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

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

2.1         Works Undertaken......................................................................................................... 2

2.2         Environmental Permits................................................................................................... 2

2.3         Environmental Document Submission............................................................................ 3

2.4         Environmental Meetings................................................................................................. 5

2.5         Environmental Monitoring Locations.............................................................................. 5

3.           EM&A Requirements..................................................................................................... 6

3.1         Summary of Impact EM&A Requirements....................................................................... 6

3.2         Environmental Quality Performance Limits..................................................................... 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5.           Environmental Complaint and Non-Compliance......................................................... 24

5.1         Environmental Exceedances......................................................................................... 24

5.2         Environmental Complaint and Prosecution................................................................... 24

6.           Forecast and Schedule................................................................................................. 25

6.1         Key Issues for the Coming Month................................................................................. 25

6.2         Monitoring Schedules for the Next 3 Months............................................................... 25

6.3         Construction Programme for the Next 3 Months.......................................................... 26

7.           Conclusion.................................................................................................................. 27

 


List of Annexes

Annex A              Project Organisation / Contact Information

Annex B              Contractor’s Work Programme

Annex C              Location of Monitoring Stations & Outfalls

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

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

Annex F               Noise Monitoring Results

Annex G             Graphical Representation of Noise Monitoring Results

Annex H             Water Quality Monitoring Results

Annex I               Graphical Representation of Water Quality Monitoring Results

Annex J               Water Quality Exceedance Review

Annex K              EPD Water Quality Monitoring Data

 

List of Tables

Table 2.1 - Summary of the Environmental License / Permit Status................................................ 3

Table 2.2 - Summary of Environmental Certification Sheet Submissions to the Environmental

....... Protection Department (EPD)............................................................................................... 6

Table 3.1 - Summary of Impact EM&A Requirements................................................................... 8

Table 3.2 - Summary of Impact EM&A Requirements................................................................. 10

– Air Quality Action and Limit Levels for the City Hall Monitoring Sta....................................... 11

Table 4.1 - Water Quality Monitoring Programme (Seawater Intakes Stations)............................ 12

Table 4.2  - Equipment for Air Quality Monitoring...................................................................... 13

Table 4.3 - Noise Monitoring Equipment.................................................................................... 14

Table 4.4 - Equipment Used for Marine Water Quality Monitoring............................................. 15

Table 4.5 - Summary of Mid-Ebb Results for Marine-Based Stations............................................ 16

Table 4.6 - Summary of Mid-Flood Results for Marine-Based Stations......................................... 17

Table 4.7 - Summary of Mid-Ebb Results for Seawater Intake Stations......................................... 18

Table 4.8 - Summary of Mid-Flood Results for Seawater Intake Stations...................................... 20

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

EPD

Environmental Protection Department

ER

Engineer’s Representatives

ET

Environmental Team

IEC

Independent Environmental Checker

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 second 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 1 September to 30 September 2003.

Environmental Monitoring and Audit Progress

The monthly EM&A programme was undertaken in accordance with the EM&A Manual.  A summary of the monitoring activities performed in this reporting month is listed below:

·         Environmental site inspections were undertaken on 4, 11, 18 and 25 September 2003.

·          Noise monitoring was performed continuously for 24 hours.

·         Water quality monitoring was undertaken on the following days:

-          1 September 2003

-          3 September 2003

-          5 September 2003

-          8 September 2003

-          10 September 2003

-          12 September 2003

-          15 September 2003

-          17 September 2003

-          19 September 2003

-          22 September 2003

-          24 September 2003

-          26 September 2003

-          29 September 2003

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels

There were no environmental exceedances of air quality and noise during the reporting period.

From the analysis of water quality monitoring results collected during the reporting period, no exceedances were found to be attributable to the project marine works.  Although the monitoring data indicated that levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) and suspended solids (SS) beyond the water quality criteria were found, investigations into these breaches determined that they were due to natural variation in ambient conditions and/or local influencing factors in proximity of the affected monitoring stations, and they were not due to the project.  The investigations considered the conditions from baseline monitoring, which was conducted during February to April 2003, and results from the control stations located outside the project's influence.  A review of the monitoring results showed that control stations located outside the project's influence had similar values as marine impact stations.  Seawater intake monitoring data showed variable results and exceedances were found to be localised near existing stormwater outfalls.  These findings were similar to the conditions observed during baseline monitoring.  Further, discoloration of marine water in the area surrounding outfalls has been documented on various occasions.  Based on the investigations and analyses of the water quality data, it was confirmed that the project marine works did not cause any of the breaches of the water quality criteria.

Complaint Log

There were no environmental complaints received during this reporting period.

Notifications of Summons and Prosecutions

There were no notifications of summons or prosecutions received with regard to the environment during this reporting period.

Site Inspection and Audit

Site inspections for the CRIII project works area were undertaken on 4, 11, 18 and 25 September 2003.  During the site inspections two deficiencies were found.  One deficiency found on 18 September at Pier No. 7 was regarding an untethered dust screen flap near the entrance to the demolition works.  The other deficiency identified during the site inspection conducted on 25 September was with regard to several unlabelled containers of used oil and grease.  Upon receipt of notification, the Contractor mitigated both of the deficiencies.

Future Key Issues

Future Key Issues are as follows:

·         The Contractor was instructed to temporarily suspend works on Saturday, 27 September 2003 and the related matters have been arranged.

·         It is expected that the demolition of Pier No. 7 will be completed by the next reporting period, depending on the suspension period.  The removal of rubble will continue at the upper deck level after the work suspension and the ET will ensure that appropriate dust mitigation measures are being implemented.

·         The effect of increased dredging quantities on the construction programme remains a concern for the Contractor.

 


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 performed site investigation works and demolition work at Pier No. 7 during the reporting period.  Construction works however have been suspended as of 28 September 2003.  It is anticipated that works will start again in October.

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 second monthly EM&A Report, which presents the results of EM&A work conducted during the period from 1 September to 30 September 2003, inclusive.


2.                 Environmental Status

2.1              Works Undertaken

The works undertaken during the reporting month include the dredging at IRAW, maintenance of silt screens for seawater pumping stations, marine site investigation, demolition of Pier No. 7 and pile splicing and welding of pile shoes at the CR-12 storage yard.  Also, rock filling for the seawall mound at IRAW commenced on 13 September 2003.  However, all works were suspended as of 28 September 2003.

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 a Permit to Dump Material (Contaminated Sediment) at Sea under the Dumping at Sea Ordinance (Ref. H2189/U2c/3230/MP/ CST/EY/ST/atm)

27 September

Pending

2

LCSVO-JV submitted an Application for a Wastewater Discharge Licence under Water Pollution Control Ordinance (Ref. H2189/U2c/3102/MP/ATA/CKA/ST/ec)

23 September 2003

Pending

3

LCSVO-JV submitted an Application for Construction Noise Permit for the use of power mechanical equipment (PMEs) for the purpose of carrying out construction work other than percussive piling near Pier No. 7.

15 September

Pending

4

LCSVO-JV received a notice of issue of Construction Noise Permits (CNP No. GW-TS0391-03 and GW-TS0392-03) for carrying out of construction works during restricted hours at Victoria Harbour near Pier No. 7 and the construction site opposite of the PLA

-

Issued on
9 September 2003

5

LCSVO-JV received a notice of issue of Construction Noise Permit (CNP No. GW-TS0388-03) from EPD for carrying out of night-time construction works at Man Yiu Street near General Post Office walkway (Ref. H2189/C1/2747/MP/ ATA/CKA/ST/cm)

12 August 2003

Issued on
4 September 2003

6

LCSVO-JV submitted an Application for a Permit to Dump Material (Uncontaminated Sediment) at Sea Under the Dumping at Sea Ordinance.

4 September

Pending

 

2.3              Environmental Document Submission

There were no submissions provided during the month of September 2003.

 


A summary of the Environmental Certification Sheet submissions to EPD for the Month of September 2003 is presented in Table 2.2.

Table 2.2 - Summary of Environmental Certification Sheet Submissions to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD)

 

 

No

Certification Subject

Letter Ref.

Date of Submission to EPD

Approved Status

1

Certification of Monthly Environmental Report No. 1 - August 2003

3128/M45/050/OC5239/AC/al

15 September 2003

N/A

2

Certification of Monthly Environmental Report No. 1 (Final) - August 2003

3128/M45/200/OC5260/AL/al

19 September 2003

N/A

 

 

2.4              Environmental Meetings

During the reporting period the following environmental meetings were held:

·         25 September 2003 – a Seminar on Environmental Awareness, Management and Legislation for Construction Sites was held at EPD's Local Control Office (Territory South) for site staff involved with the CRIII project.

2.5              Environmental Monitoring Locations

The environmental monitoring locations are provided in Annex C.

 


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 dust generating construction works

1-Hour TSP

2 Locations

Three times in every 6 days

During dust generating construction works

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 the following table.

Table 3.2 - Summary of Impact EM&A Requirements

 

 

Parameter

Station

Action Level

Limit Level

Air Quality

 

 

 

1-Hour TSP Level in mg/m3

City Hall

460 mg/m3

500 mg/m3

1-Hour TSP Level in mg/m3

PLA

432 mg/m3

500 mg/m3

24-Hour TSP Level in mg/m3

City Hall

163 mg/m3

260 mg/m3

24-Hour TSP Level in mg/m3

PLA

154 mg/m3

260 mg/m3

Noise Quality

07:00-19:00 hrs on normal weekdays

City Hall

When one documented complaint is received

75 dB(A)

07:00-23:00 hrs on holidays; and 1900-2300 hrs on all other days

City Hall

When one documented complaint is received

60/65/70* dB(A)

23:00-07:00 hrs of next day

City Hall

When one documented complaint is received

45/50/55* dB(A)

Marine Water Quality - Marine Based Stations A

DO (mg/L)

Surface & Middle

4.7 mg/L

4.0 mg/L

Bottom

Wet

Dry

Wet

Dry

3.2

4.9

2.0

2.0

SS (mg/L)

Depth-avg

Wet

Dry

Wet

Dry

10

11

12

14

Turbidity (NTU)

Depth-avg

Wet

Dry

Wet

Dry

11

14

13

18

Marine Water Quality - Seawater Intakes B

DO (mg/L)

All

4.6 mg/L

3 mg/L

SS (mg/L)

M1

11 mg/L

14 mg/L

M2

23 mg/L

27 mg/L

M3

13 mg/L

16 mg/L

M4

10 mg/L

12 mg/L

M5

12 mg/L

17 mg/L

M6

11 mg/L

14 mg/L

M11

11 mg/L

13 mg/L

M12

11 mg/L

12 mg/L

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:      A - Only for Stations M8 & M10
B - Although the majority of the intake stations are located within close proximity of each other, separate Action and Limit Levels have been established due to the number of influencing factors affecting the stations (i.e. outfalls and storm drains).

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 E.

3.4              Implementation of Environmental Measures

The Contractor is expected to implement mitigation measures listed in the EIA Report, EM&A Manual and Further Environmental Permit.  During routine site inspections, the Contractor's implementation of mitigation measures is reviewed.  With regard to mitigation measures for water quality, the Contractor carried out daily visual inspection of the silt screens for seawater intakes.  Bi-weekly diving inspections for the silt screens were also carried out in September 2003.  During the month of September, there were no records of the Contractor not implementing relevant mitigation measures.

 

 


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


4.                Monitoring Results

4.1              Impact Monitoring Schedule in September 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 4, 11 and 18 and 27 September 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 was conducted during this report period.

Impact water quality monitoring at all monitoring stations was undertaken during this reporting month.  The water quality monitoring schedule for September 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 September 2003

Mid Ebb

14:35 - 17:02

Mid Flood

08:20 - 11:28

3 September 2003

Mid Ebb

15:26 - 18:15

Mid Flood

10:33 - 13:05

5 September 2003

Mid Ebb

07:49 - 10:40

Mid Flood

15:20 - 18:47

8 September 2003

Mid Ebb

09:57 - 12:55

Mid Flood

15:26 - 18:10

10 September 2003

Mid Ebb

11:03 - 13:58

Mid Flood

15:49 - 18:25

12 September 2003

Mid Ebb

12:16 - 15:32

Mid Flood

07:36 - 10:52

15 September 2003

Mid Ebb

13:50 - 16:42

Mid Flood

08:08 - 11:20

17 September 2003

Mid Ebb

14:40 - 17:30

Mid Flood

09:28 - 12:23

19 September 2003

Mid Ebb

07:33 - 11:35

Mid Flood

16:09 - 19:02

22 September 2003

Mid Ebb

08:35 - 11:40

Mid Flood

16:43 - 19:50

24 September 2003

Mid Ebb

09:30 - 12:42

Mid Flood

15:35 - 19:00

26 September 2003

Mid Ebb

10:30 - 13:27

Mid Flood

15:50 - 19:00

29 September 2003

Mid Ebb

12:40 - 15:26

Mid Flood

07:47 - 11:23

 

 

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 C.

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 C.

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 September was conducted at all stations, which comprises of 6 marine-based stations and 8 seawater intake stations.  The locations of the monitoring stations are shown in Annex C.

4.3              Monitoring Equipment

4.3.1        Air Quality

The equipment that is 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 was 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 F.  Graphical representation of the noise monitoring data is provided in Annex G.

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 this reporting period are presented in Annex H.  Graphical representation of the water quality data is provided in Annex I.  Summaries of the results are provided in Tables 4.5 to 4.9.


Table 4.5 - Summary of Mid-Ebb Results for Marine-Based Stations

 

 

Station

 

Parameter

DO (S&M) mg/L

DO (B) mg/L

DO % Sat. (DA)

Turbidity (DA) NTU

SS (DA) mg/L

C1

min

4.6

4.2

68

2.9

5

max

6.3

6.0

93

12.0

16

avg

5.1

4.7

75

6.0

7

sd

0.4

0.5

7

2.5

3

C2

min

4.2

3.7

63

3.3

4

max

5.5

5.4

83

7.8

9

avg

4.8

4.3

69

4.8

6

sd

0.4

0.5

6

1.4

1

M7

min

4.0

3.9

60

2.6

4

max

5.3

4.9

79

9.0

11

avg

4.5

4.3

67

5.6

7

sd

0.4

0.3

5

2.1

2

M8

min

4.2

4.1

64

2.1

5

max

5.0

4.8

75

9.2

11

avg

4.6

4.4

68

5.8

7

sd

0.2

0.2

3

1.9

2

M9

min

4.2

4.0

64

2.9

5

max

5.5

5.2

82

10.4

12

avg

4.7

4.3

69

6.1

7

sd

0.3

0.3

5

2.3

2

M10

min

3.9

4.0

62

1.7

4

max

5.5

5.3

83

9.7

11

avg

4.7

4.5

69

5.7

7

sd

0.4

0.3

6

1.9

2

 

Monitoring stations M8 and M10 were selected as the marine-based impact stations as they are located outside the predicted influence of the dredging and reclamation works.  The detection of water quality degradation at these two stations may indicate that project marine works are adversely affecting water quality in Victoria Harbour.  Stations M7 and M9 are within the expected influence of the reclamation activities and are located along the works area boundary (or extent of the predicted sediment plume).  As such, M7 and M9 are used as indicator stations only.  They are used to note any significant elevations in SS, turbidity or reductions in DO that may affect the marine-based impact monitoring stations.

As Table 4.5 shows, DO levels at marine-based impact stations (M8 & M10) in the surface to middle layer during mid-ebb survey ranged between 3.9 and 5.5 mg/L with an average value of 4.7 mg/L and DO measurements in the bottom layer ranged from 4.0 to 5.3 mg/L with an average level of 4.7 mg/L.  Similar DO levels were recorded at the control stations at which DO levels in the surface to middle layer during mid-ebb survey ranged from 4.2 to 6.3 mg/L with an average value of around 5 mg/L; DO measurements in the bottom layer ranged between 3.7 and 6.0 mg/L with an average level of 4.5 mg/L. 

SS levels during mid-ebb tide ranged from 4 to 11 mg/L with an average value of 7 mg/L at the marine-based impact stations (M8 & M10), which is comparable to results from the control stations in which SS content ranged from 4 to 16 mg/L with an average of 7 mg/L.  The results showed no clear gradient effect (high SS and low DO levels from near-field stations M7 and M9 to far-field stations M8 and M10), which indicated that dredging works are not adversely affecting marine water quality outside the work site boundary in Victoria Harbour.  Based on these analyses, it was determined that marine water quality at impact monitoring stations was similar to that at the control stations.  Therefore, the marine-based water quality results during the reporting period did not indicate that project marine works were adversely affecting water quality in Victoria Harbour.


Table 4.6 - Summary of Mid-Flood Results for Marine-Based Stations

 

 

Station

 

Parameter

DO (S&M) mg/L

DO (B) mg/L

DO % Sat. (DA)

Turbidity (DA) NTU

SS (DA) mg/L

C1

min

4.3

4.0

63

2.4

4

max

5.6

5.3

81

9.0

10

avg

5.0

4.6

73

5.6

7

sd

0.4

0.4

5

2.2

2

C2

min

4.0

3.7

58

1.1

3

max

5.6

5.7

84

7.2

10

Avg

4.9

4.5

71

4.5

6

Sd

0.6

0.7

9

1.9

2

M7

Min

3.9

3.2

58

2.6

4

Max

4.6

4.6

70

8.3

8

Avg

4.2

4.0

63

5.2

6

Sd

0.3

0.3

4

1.8

1

M8

Min

4.2

3.8

61

1.7

4

Max

5.0

4.8

73

9.2

13

Avg

4.5

4.2

67

5.4

6

Sd

0.3

0.3

4

2.2

2

M9

Min

4.0

3.4

60

2.9

4

Max

5.0

5.0

74

7.3

9

Avg

4.4

4.3

66

5.1

7

Sd

0.3

0.4

5

1.5

1

M10

Min

4.0

3.9

59

2.8

5

Max

5.0

4.7

73

10.1

12

Avg

4.6

4.3

68

6.1

7

Sd

0.3

0.3

4

2.4

2

 

During mid-flood tide, DO levels at marine-based impact stations (M8 & M10) in the surface to middle layer ranged from 4.0 to 5.0 mg/L with an average level of 4.5 mg/L while DO values in the bottom layer ranged between 3.8 and 4.8 mg/L with an average of 4.3 mg/L.  Similar DO concentrations were recorded at the control stations in the surface to middle layer during mid-flood survey ranged between 4.0 and 5.6 mg/L with an average value of 5.0 mg/L and DO results in the bottom layer ranged from 3.7 and 5.7 mg/L with an average of 4.6 mg/L. 

SS content ranged between 4 and 13 mg/L (for stations M8 & M10) with an average of 7 mg/L during mid-flood tide and ranged from 3 to 11 mg/L with an average value of 7 mg/L at the control stations.  Again, the results showed no clear gradient effect and no significant difference between control stations and marine-based impact stations.  Therefore, the marine-based results indicated that the dredging works are not adversely affecting water quality outside the work site boundary.


Table 4.7 - Summary of Mid-Ebb Results for Seawater Intake Stations

 

 

Station

 

Parameter

DO mg/L

DO % Sat.

Turbidity NTU

SS mg/L

M1

min

3.0

45.8

2.4

5

max

4.7

71.6

9.7

11

avg

4.1

61.7

5.4

7

sd

0.5

7.2

2.0

1

M2

min

3.4

52.2

3.1

8

max

4.7

70.2

12.1

18

avg

3.9

59.7

7.0

10

sd

0.4

6.4

2.5

3

M3

min

3.2

48.5

4.5

6

max

4.8

72.7

12.7

17

avg

3.9

59.4

6.4

9

sd

0.5

7.5

2.2

3

M4

min

3.5

52.3

3.8

5

max

4.8

71.2

7.6

11

avg

4.0

61.0

5.4

7

sd

0.5

6.6

1.2

2

M5

min

3.5

53.9

3.1

4

max

5.0

73.8

8.6

11

avg

4.2

63.4

5.4

7

sd

0.5

6.8

1.9

2

M6

min

3.3

49.4

3.2

5

max

4.7

69.4

8.2

11

avg

4.1

61.4

5.4

7

sd

0.4

5.9

1.8

2

M11

min

3.4

50.6

2.4

5

max

4.8

71.2

7.9

10

avg

4.1

61.7

5.5

8

sd

0.4

6.1

1.5

1

M12

min

3.2

48.1

3.6

5

max

4.5

66.9

11.0

20

avg

3.9

58.3

6.1

9

sd

0.4

5.7

2.5

4

 


Seawater intake monitoring stations M1 to M6, M11 and M12 are located within the works area boundary to monitor water quality at the sensitive receivers.  These stations are used to detect DO and SS levels at the specific intake locations and do not reflect the general water quality condition within Victoria Harbour.  The intake stations are used to monitor any significant elevations in SS or reductions in DO that may adversely affect seawater intake operations.

Seawater intake results during mid-ebb tide, Table 4.7, show that DO levels ranged from 3.0 to 5.0 mg/L with an average of 4 mg/L.  SS ranged between 4 and 20 mg/L with an average value of 8 mg/L.  The above results show that water quality at seawater intake stations, particularly at M2 and M3, was generally poorer than that at marine-based stations.  Such an effect is expected as the baseline monitoring results have demonstrated similar conditions.  The low DO levels are attributable to adverse influencing factors such as discharges from outfalls in proximity to the monitoring points and poor seawater flushing in the area.  Localised high SS levels were also recorded at distant stations M6 and M12, which are outside the influence of project marine works at the current stage, on several occasions.  The poor water quality at M6 is also due to adverse impacts from outfalls located adjacent to the station.  A figure showing the location of various outfalls along the seawall within the project area is shown in Annex C.


Table 4.8 - Summary of Mid-Flood Results for Seawater Intake Stations

 

 

Station

 

Parameter

DO mg/L

DO % Sat.

Turbidity NTU

SS mg/L

M1

min

3.2

48.7

4.3

5.0

max

4.7

71.4

8.7

9.7

avg

3.8

58.7

6.1

7.0

sd

0.4

6.3

1.2

1.4

M2

min

3.3

51.4

4.4

6.4

max

4.5

68.3

13.9

16.9

avg

3.8

57.0

8.2

11.1

sd

0.3

4.8

2.4

2.9

M3

min

2.8

41.9

3.1

6.8

max

4.8

72.5

9.9

17.7

avg

3.6

54.6

7.2

10.8

sd

0.5

7.2

2.0

3.4

M4

min

3.7

55.2

2.4

5.0

max

4.5

69.0

8.8

11.0

avg

4.0

60.5

5.7

8.0

sd

0.2

3.6

1.8

1.6

M5

min

3.0

45.3

3.1

4.2

max

4.8

73.5

8.3

10.1

avg

4.1

61.3

5.8

6.7

sd

0.5

7.5

1.9

1.8

M6

min

3.1

46.9

2.7

4.9

max

4.8

71.2

9.3

14.4

avg

3.6

54.8

6.4

8.4

sd

0.4

6.1

1.9

2.7

M11

min

3.4

51.1

4.1

4.1

max

4.9

73.5

9.5

13.1

avg

4.0

59.6

5.9

8.1

sd

0.5

6.5

1.4

2.4

M12

min

3.2

48.9

2.2

4.6

max

4.5

69.2

8.0

11.0

avg

3.8

57.8

5.9

7.6

sd

0.4

6.6

1.7

2.0

 

During mid-flood survey, Table 4.8 shows that DO levels at seawater intake stations ranged from 2.8 to 4.9 mg/L with an average of 3.8 mg/L.  SS ranged from 4 to 18 mg/L with an average SS content of 8 mg/L.  The above results show that water quality at seawater intake stations, particularly at M2 and M3, was generally poorer than that at marine-based stations.  Such an effect is expected as the baseline monitoring results have demonstrated similar conditions.  The low DO levels are attributable to adverse influencing factors such as discharges from outfalls in proximity to the monitoring points and poor seawater flushing in the area.  Localised high SS levels were also recorded at distant stations M6 and M12, which are outside the influence of project marine works at the current stage, on several occasions.  The poor water quality at M6 is due to adverse impacts from outfalls located adjacent to the station. A figure showing the location of various outfalls along the seawall within the project area is shown in Annex C.

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 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 during working hours were observed during the reporting period.

5.1.3        Water Quality

Based on investigations and analyses of water quality monitoring results collected during the reporting month, it was found that no exceedances of the Action and Limit Levels were attributable to the project marine works.  Although DO levels below the Action Level were observed, investigations found that they were due to natural variation or changes in ambient conditions and not caused the project marine works.  The September 2003 monitoring results indicated occasional elevated concentrations of SS above the Action and/or Limit Level at localised seawater intake stations.  Investigations into these monitoring results found that the high SS levels may be due to discharge influences from outfalls located in proximity of seawater intake monitoring stations.  All of the high SS concentrations recorded were shown to be localised conditions as no sediment plumes were detected at marine-based impact stations and no unusual concentrations were measured at adjacent monitoring stations during the same time.  For example, there were on occasion high SS levels at station M4 while considerably lower levels were recorded at stations M1 and M11, which are closer to the dredging area. Additionally, these high SS levels were often recorded at locations with outfalls and stormwater culverts that discharge into the harbour.  Such occasional localised elevated concentrations have been demonstrated during baseline monitoring.

It was noted that during the reporting month, water quality at marine-based impact monitoring stations (M8 and M10) was similar to the control stations.  The DO concentrations of less than 4.7 mg/L commonly recorded during this period was also consistent with EPD's routine water quality monitoring results during the month of September in recent years (see Annex K).  As the Contractor's works were not responsible for the elevated levels of SS, no remedial actions were required.

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

Two deficiencies were noted during environmental site inspections conducted on 18 and 25 September 2003.  The first deficiency concerned an untethered dust screen flap near the entrance to the demolition works at Pier No. 7.  As for the second deficiency, it was with respect to several unlabelled containers of used grease on oil found on the barge "Wharf."  The Contractor rectified both deficiencies and compliance was confirmed during subsequent site inspections.

5.2              Environmental Complaint and Prosecution

No environmental complaints were received during the reporting period.  Further, no environmental 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:

·         All works for the project have been suspended as of 28 September 2003.  Marine water quality monitoring works has continued to be undertaken.  When works recommence, the ET will continue to closely monitor water quality monitoring results to ensure that marine works are not affecting water quality;

·         The demolition of Pier No. 7 is expected to be progressing and the ET will continue to ensure that proper dust suppression measures are maintained during the regular environmental site inspections.

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 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

1 December 2003

08:30

14:10

3 December 2003

08:30

15:18

5 December 2003

10:03

16:12

8 December 2003

11:30

17:00

10 December 2003

12:00

17:30

12 December 2003

09:00

14:30

15 December 2003

08:00

16:01

17 December 2003

12:00

17:30

19 December 2003

08:30

14:48

22 December 2003

11:23

16:38

24 December 2003

08:00

13:30

26 December 2003

09:00

14:38

29 December 2003

12:00

17:30

31 December 2003

08:30

14:00

 

6.3               Construction Programme for the Next 3 Months

The construction programme for the next 3 months is provided in Annex B 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

During the reporting period, no exceedances of environmental performance criteria were found to be caused by the project works.  For water quality monitoring, low DO levels and elevated SS concentrations recorded were investigated and have been attributed to either ambient conditions or adverse influencing factors unrelated to project marine works.  It was found that discharges from outfalls and stormwater culverts located near seawater intake monitoring stations are major influencing factors that adversely impact water quality within the works site area. 

The marine-based impact monitoring stations established to monitor the overall impact of the reclamation activities on water quality in Victoria were shown to have similar results as the control stations which are located outside the influence of project works.  As such, the water quality monitoring results did not indicate that the marine works were adversely affecting water quality outside the works boundary in Victoria Harbour.

Two deficiencies were recorded during environmental site inspections during the reporting period.  The Contractor subsequently rectified the deficiencies after being notified.

The monitoring work for this reporting month has been independently verified by the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) and has been found to be in compliance with the requirements of the EM&A programme.