Central Reclamation, Phase III

Environmental Monitoring & Audit

Monthly Report No. 11

June 2004

 

 


Client   

Civil Engineering and Development Department
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-177-00

Copy No.

Date of Issue

7 July 2004

File Ref.   L:\S-proj\CR3\CR3.NEW\             3128\Reports\0177.doc

Report Title

 

Central Reclamation, Phase III

Environmental Monitoring & Audit

Monthly Report No. 11 - June 2004

 

 

Name

Sign

Date

Prepared by :

Albert Chan, ACL - Environmental Consultant

 

7 July 2004

Reviewed by :

Susana Bezy, ACL – ET Leader

 

7 July 2004

Authorised by :

Jon Varndell, ACL – Project Mgr

 

7 July 2004

 

 

 

Distribution

 

 

Copy No

Issue to

Attention

Corr. Ref.

1

CEDD

Mr H H Yeung

3128/M45/200/OC6182/al

2, 3

EPD

Mr M W Ho

3128/M45/200/OC6182/al

4

EPD (LCO)

Mr Allan Hung

3128/M45/200/OC6182/al

5

Leighton-China State-Van Oord JV

Mr Malcolm Plummer

3128/M45/200/OC6182/al

6

CRIII Sites/PRE

Mr Douglas Miller

3128/M45/200/OC6182/al

7

Independent Checker (Environment)

Mr Bill Douglas

3128/M45/200/OC6182/al

8

Environmental Team Leader

Ms Susana Bezy

3128/M45/200/OC6182/al

9

Office Copy

 

 

 


1.           INTRODUCTION

1.1         Basic Project Information

2.           Environmental Status

2.1         Works Undertaken

2.2         Environmental Permits

2.3         Environmental Document Submission

2.4         Environmental Meetings

2.5         Environmental Monitoring Locations

3.           EM&A Requirements

3.1         Summary of Impact EM&A Requirements

3.2         Environmental Quality Performance Limits

3.3         Event Action Plan

3.4         Implementation of Environmental Measures

4.           Monitoring Results

4.1         Impact Monitoring Schedule in June 2004

4.2         Monitoring Methodology

4.3         Monitoring Equipment

4.4         Impact Monitoring Results

5.           Environmental Complaint and Non-Compliance

5.1         Environmental Exceedances

5.2         Environmental Complaint and Prosecution

5.3         Environmental Enquiries

6.           Forecast and Schedule

6.1         Key Issues for the Coming Month

6.2         Monitoring Schedules for the Next 3 Months

6.3         Construction Programme for the Next 3 Months

7.           Conclusion

 


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              IEC Site Inspection Report

 

List of Tables

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

Table 2.2 - Summary of the Contractor's Environmental Related Document Submissions to the Engineer’s Representatives (ER)........................................................................................................................... 4

Table 2.3 - Summary of Environmental Certification Sheet Submissions to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD)................................................................................................................................. 6

Table 3.1 - Summary of Impact EM&A Requirements................................................................... 9

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.................................................................................... 15

Table 4.4 - Equipment Used for Marine Water Quality Monitoring............................................. 16

Table 4.5 - Equipment Calibration Frequencies........................................................................... 17

Table 4.5 - Summary of Mid-Ebb Results for Marine-Based Stations............................................ 18

Table 4.6 - Summary of Mid-Flood Results for Marine-Based Stations......................................... 20

Table 4.7 - Summary of Mid-Ebb Results for Seawater Intake Stations......................................... 22

Table 4.8 - Summary of Mid-Flood Results for Seawater Intake Stations...................................... 24

Table 6.1 - Water Quality Monitoring Programme...................................................................... 28

 

 

 

 


ACL

Atkins China Limited

CEDD

Civil Engineering and Development Department

CRIII

Central Reclamation Phase III

EIA

Environmental Impact Assessment

EIAO

Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance

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

WMP

Waste Management Plan

 


Executive Summary

The Central Reclamation Phase III (CRIII) Works, Contract No. HK 12/02, was awarded to Leighton China State Van Oord Joint Venture (LCSVO-JV) by the Territory Development Department (now called the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) after the merger of the Civil Engineering Department and the Territory Development Department on 1 July 2004),, Hong Kong Islands and Islands Development Office.  The works under the Contract HK 12/02 commenced on 28 February 2003.  Contract HK 16/03 for the CRIII Hinterland Drainage Improvement Works was awarded to Wang Kee Construction Co. Ltd. and works for this contract commenced on 17 December 2003.

Atkins China Limited (ACL) has been appointed by CEDD 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 eleventh Monthly EM&A Report under the EIAO 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 to 30 June 2004.

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 3, 10, 17 and 24 and 30 June 2004.

·         Noise monitoring was performed continuously for 24 hours.

·         Water quality monitoring was undertaken on the following days:

-          2 June 2004

-          4 June 2004

-          7 June 2004

-          9 June 2004

-          11 June 2004

-          14 June 2004

-          16 June 2004

-          18 June 2004

-          21 June 2004

-          23 June 2004

-          25 June 2004

-          28 June 2004

-          30 June 2004


Exceedance of Action and Limit Levels

There was no environmental air quality monitoring required during the reporting period.

Continuous noise monitoring was carried out during the reporting period.  Although noise levels were recorded below 75 dB(A), one noise complaint regarding marine piling noise was received from Premier Management Services of Two International Finance Centre (Two IFC) on 4 June 2004.  An investigation into the noise complaint found that the maximum noise level measured at Two IFC is below the statutory Acceptable Noise Level (ANL) stipulated in the Technical Memorandum (TM) on Noise from Percussive Piling under the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) Cap. 400.  Further, general noise levels from marine piling and construction works measured at the outside area of the third floor of Two IFC have been found to be below the noise standard of 75 dB(A) for daytime construction activities.

From the analysis of water quality monitoring results collected during the reporting period, no exceedances were identified as being directly attributable to the project marine works.  However, exceedances of the dissolved oxygen (DO) and suspended solids (SS) Action and Limit Levels were found.  Investigations found that they were due to natural variation in ambient conditions and/or local influencing factors.  A review of the monitoring results showed that control stations located outside the project's influence had similar values as marine impact stations and seawater intake monitoring data showed variable results with localised exceedances near stormwater outfalls.  These findings were similar to the conditions observed during baseline monitoring and silty discharges from outfalls within the project area were documented during the reporting month.

Complaint Log

One environmental complaint regarding construction noise from marine piling works was received in June 2004.  Based on an investigation of the complaint, it was found that the noise generated from construction activities are within the acceptable noise level and have been found to be in compliance with the CNP and Noise Control Ordinance (NCO).  

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

Environmental site inspections for the CRIII project works area were undertaken on 3, 10, 17 and 24 and 30 June 2004.  No environmental non-conformance and deficiencies were observed during the site inspections.

Future Key Issues

Future Key Issues are as follows:

·         Sandfilling works at IRAW are scheduled to commence in July.

·         Marine piling works in IRAW and dredging and desilting works in IRAE.

·         Landside piling for the Central Terminal Building (CTB).

·         Landside cooling watermains work.


1.                INTRODUCTION

1.1              Basic Project Information

The Territory Development Department (now called the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) after the merger of the Civil Engineering Department and the Territory Development Department on 1 July 2004) of 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.  Contract HK 16/03 for the CRIII Hinterland Drainage Improvement Works was awarded to Wang Kee Construction Co. Ltd. and works for this contract commenced on 17 December 2003. 

Atkins China Limited (ACL) has been commissioned by TDD (now called CEDD)  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 eleventh monthly EM&A Report under the EIAO, which presents the results of EM&A work conducted during the period from 1 to 30 June 2004, inclusive.


2.                 Environmental Status

2.1              Works Undertaken

The works undertaken during the reporting month include dredging and desilting works at IRAE, marine piling at IRAW, rock filling works, pre-bored H-piles work for Central Terminal Building (CTB), watermains diversion at the CTB, superstructure works for Pier No. 7, cooling watermains work at Lung Wui Road, coring of jet grout columns at FRAE and maintenance and necessary repair work for seawater intake silt screens.

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 Renewal of Construction Noise Permit (GW-TS0020-04) for the purpose of carrying out construction work other than percussive piling (Ref. H2189/U2c/7609/MP/EY/ST/ec).

15 June 2004

-

2

LCSVO-JV submitted an Application for Construction Noise Permit for night-time works on Man Yiu Street, Central (Ref. H2189/U2c/7444/MP/DC/ST/ec).

5 June 2004

-

3

Application for Construction Noise Permit for unloading and temporary storage of pre-cast caissons units (Ref. H2189/U2c/7356/MP/ST/ec)

2 June 2004

-

 

2.3              Environmental Document Submission

A summary of the status of the submissions provided during the reporting month 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

Photographs of Foamy Substance Discharged from Nearby Outfall (25 and 26 June 2004)

-

26 June 2004

2

Construction Noise Permit (GW-TS0259-04)

-

25 June 2004

3

Wastewater Discharge Licence (EP880/W10/XX0192)

-

15 June 2004

4

Marine Dumping Permits (EP/MD/05-017)

-

12 June 2004

5

Construction Noise Permit (GW-TS0243-04)

-

11 June 2004

 

A summary of the Environmental Certification Sheet submissions to EPD during the reporting month 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

1

Certification of Monthly Environmental Report No. 10  - May 2004

3128/M45/200/OC6081/SB/ AC/al

11 June 2004

-

 

2.4              Environmental Meetings

An environmental meeting was held on 24 June 2004 between Johnson's Control Hong Kong Limited (JCHKL), Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), LCSVO-JV, CEDD, the ER and the ET to discuss HSBC's concerns with rising seawater temperature in Victoria Harbour.

During the meeting, JCHKL on behalf of HSBC presented a record of seawater flow temperature at HSBC's seawater pump station.  It was noted that seawater temperature at the pump station reached 29°C between 18 June and 23 June 2004.  JCHKL claims that the rise in seawater temperature caused a decrease in the efficiency of HSBC's air conditioning system.  JCHKL and HSBC also reported problems with their seawater intake silt screen.  This separate issue is being dealt with between HSBC, the ER and LCSVO-JV.

The ET and ER prior to the meeting conducted an investigation of the rising seawater temperature.  A review of the routine EM&A water quality monitoring results found that the seawater temperatures recorded at the marine-based and seawater intake stations are similar to those at the control stations, which are outside the influence of the project works.  It was noted that although the seawater temperature at HSBC's intake is generally around 0.5°C higher than other monitoring stations, this difference is also evident in the baseline monitoring results.  Further, the Hong Kong Observatory's sea surface temperature reading at North Point also reached 29°C in June.  As such, the rise in seawater temperature near HSBC's intake in June 2004 is due to the rise in ambient levels.  There is no evidence to indicate that the seawater temperature near HSBC's intake is affected by the project works.

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 Annex D.

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 required 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.  Floating debris in the project area was collected at least once everyday and in the water body near cooling water intakes debris was collected at least three times a day.  Bi-weekly diving inspections for the silt screens were also carried out in June 2004.


4.                Monitoring Results

4.1              Impact Monitoring Schedule in June 2004

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 3, 10, 17 and 24 and 30 June 2004.

Air quality monitoring has not commenced yet as no significant work areas or construction activities with the potential to impact air quality are within range of the closest air quality sensitive receivers (ASR).  The ET will be undertaking ad-hoc dust measurements at ASRs to ensure compliance.

Continuous 24-hour noise monitoring was conducted during this reporting period.

Impact water quality monitoring at all monitoring stations was undertaken during this reporting month.  The water quality monitoring schedule for June 2004 is presented in Table 4-1.

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

 

 

Date of Sampling

Tidal State

Timing of Sampling

2 June 2004

Mid Ebb

10:19 - 12:51

Mid Flood

15:17 - 18:07

4 June 2004

Mid Ebb

12:20 - 15:16

Mid Flood

06:51 - 09:40

7 June 2004

Mid Ebb

14:10 - 16:30

Mid Flood

07:15 - 10:40

9 June 2004

Mid Ebb

15:26 - 17:59

Mid Flood

08:44 - 11:41

11 June 2004

Mid Ebb

07:20 - 10:10

Mid Flood

12:20 - 14:47

14 June 2004

Mid Ebb

09:24 - 11:29

Mid Flood

15:17 - 17:51

16 June 2004

Mid Ebb

10:31 - 13:06

Mid Flood

15:20 - 17:45

18 June 2004

Mid Ebb

10:54 - 14:02

Mid Flood

15:49 - 18:40

21 June 2004

Mid Ebb

12:34 - 14:59

Mid Flood

07:34 - 10:28

23 June 2004

Mid Ebb

13:50 - 16:20

Mid Flood

07:37 - 10:29

25 June 2004

Mid Ebb

15:17 - 17:37

Mid Flood

08:57 - 11:57

28 June 2004

Mid Ebb

07:52 - 11:16

Mid Flood

13:23 - 15:48

30 June 2004

Mid Ebb

09:29 - 12:06

Mid Flood

15:30 - 18:12

 

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 the reporting period. 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 reporting month 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 (SLM)

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.

4.3.4        Equipment Calibration

The calibration frequencies of the monitoring equipment are provided in the following table.

Table 4.5 - Equipment Calibration Frequencies

 

 

Equipment

Calibration Frequency

Latest Calibration Date

Dissolved Oxygen Meter

Every 6 months

10 May 2004

Turbidimeter

Every 3 months for secondary standards; meter is calibrated prior to each measurement to the secondary standards

26 April 2004

pH Meter

Prior to each sampling day

-

Pyschrometer

Every 6 months

2 February 2004

Integrated SLM

Every year

11 August 2003

 

4.4              Impact Monitoring Results

4.4.1        Air Quality & Noise Monitoring Results

No air quality monitoring work was undertaken during the reporting period as no significantly dusty 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.

Marine-Based Stations

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 to note any significant elevations in SS, turbidity or reductions in DO that may affect the marine-based impact monitoring stations.

Table 4.5 is a summary of the marine-based stations monitoring results during mid-ebb tide.

 


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

3.9

3.5

55.9

3.5

4

max

7.5

6.1

106.4

7.6

8

avg

5.6

4.6

80.6

5.3

5

sd

1.1

0.8

13.6

1.2

1

C2

min

4.3

3.9

60.1

3.5

4

max

7.1

6.0

104.2

9.0

9

avg

5.5

4.8

80.0

5.4

6

sd

1.0

0.6

12.1

1.8

2

M7

min

3.9

3.6

55.8

4.1

4

max

7.4

6.2

99.3

9.2

9

avg

5.6

4.8

80.2

5.8

6

sd

1.1

0.6

13.3

1.9

2

M8

min

3.7

3.5

53.7

3.7

3

max

7.8

5.6

99.5

8.0

8

avg

5.6

4.6

79.8

5.4

5

sd

1.2

0.6

13.2

1.5

1

M9

min

3.7

3.5

53.2

3.1

4

max

7.4

6.3

106.8

8.7

12

avg

5.7

4.7

80.8

5.4

6

sd

1.1

0.8

13.4

1.5

2

M10

min

3.7

3.4

51.7

3.4

4

max

8.5

6.2

117.8

7.7

9

avg

5.8

4.8

83.3

5.3

5

sd

1.4

0.8

18.1

1.2

1

 

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 3.7 and 8.5 mg/L with an average value of 5.7 mg/L and DO measurements in the bottom layer ranged from 3.4 to 6.2 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 3.9 to 7.5 mg/L with an average value of around 5.6 mg/L; DO measurements in the bottom layer ranged between 3.5 and 6.1 mg/L with an average level of 4.7 mg/L. 

SS levels during mid-ebb tide ranged from 3 to 9 mg/L with an average value of 5 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 9 mg/L with an average of 6 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 indicates that dredging works are not adversely affecting marine water quality outside the work site boundary in Victoria Harbour.  Marine water quality at impact monitoring stations was found to be similar to that at the control stations also indicating that project marine works were not adversely affecting water quality in Victoria Harbour.

Table 4.6 is a summary of monitoring results from marine-based stations during mid-flood tide.

 


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

4.4

3.7

63.7

3.9

3

max

7.9

5.5

100.9

8.5

9

avg

5.6

4.7

79.7

5.6

5

sd

0.9

0.5

10.3

1.4

1

C2

min

4.7

3.1

66.4

3.6

3

max

6.9

5.3

92.4

7.3

7

avg

5.5

4.6

78.7

4.9

5

sd

0.7

0.6

7.7

1.1

1

M7

min

4.3

4.2

64.0

3.8

4

max

7.3

5.0

94.9

10.2

9

avg

5.3

4.6

76.7

5.8

6

sd

0.9

0.3

9.5

1.7

1

M8

min

4.4

3.8

65.3

3.9

4

max

8.7

5.7

106.6

7.4

9

avg

5.6

4.7

79.5

5.1

5

sd

1.1

0.6

10.8

1.0

2

M9

min

4.2

3.5

61.8

4.1

3

max

7.7

5.1

93.6

9.0

8

avg

5.5

4.6

77.9

5.7

6

sd

0.9

0.5

8.6

1.4

1

M10

min

3.9

3.9

59.8

3.9

3

max

8.9

6.0

120.8

8.5

9

avg

5.7

4.9

82.5

5.7

6

sd

1.2

0.6

14.4

1.4

2

 

During mid-flood tide, DO levels at marine-based impact stations (M8 & M10) in the surface to middle layer ranged from 3.9 to 8.9 mg/L with an average level of 5.7 mg/L while DO values in the bottom layer ranged between 3.8 and 6.0 mg/L with an average of 4.8 mg/L.  Similar DO concentrations were recorded at the control stations in the surface to middle layer during mid-flood survey ranged between 4.4 and 7.9 mg/L with an average value of 5.4 mg/L and DO results in the bottom layer ranged from 3.1 and 5.5 mg/L with an average of 5.1 mg/L. 

SS content ranged between 3 and 9 mg/L (for stations M8 & M10) with an average of 6 mg/L during mid-flood tide and ranged from 3 to 7 mg/L with an average value of 5 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 station results indicate that during the reporting month the dredging works were not adversely affecting water quality outside the work site boundary.


Seawater Intake Stations

Table 4.7 is a summary of monitoring results from seawater intake stations during mid-ebb tide.


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

4.4

67.6

4.7

6

max

6.9

107.1

10.3

11

avg

5.0

77.3

6.9

8

sd

0.8

12.6

1.5

1

M2

min

4.1

62.0

4.5

7

max

6.2

95.6

9.1

15

avg

4.7

71.2

6.8

10

sd

0.7

11.4

1.6

2

M3

min

3.8

57.2

4.4

5

max

5.6

87.6

7.8

18

avg

4.7

72.0

5.8

8

sd

0.5

8.5

1.1

3

M4

min

4.2

64.0

3.7

5

max

6.4

98.1

8.5

12

avg

5.0

75.5

5.5

8

sd

0.7

10.8

1.5

2

M5

min

4.3

64.8

3.9

5

max

6.9

105.2

8.6

13

avg

5.2

79.4

5.4

8

sd

0.8

12.8

1.3

2

M6

min

4.2

63.7

3.3

5

max

6.7

103.3

7.9

11

avg

5.3

81.2

5.0

7

sd

4.2

63.7

3.3

5

M11

min

4.2

61.6

3.3

4

max

6.4

98.3

11.8

11

avg

5.4

82.0

5.8

7

sd

0.7

10.7

2.4

2

M12

min

4.4

67.1

3.8

4

max

6.3

96.8

8.2

15

avg

5.1

78.1

5.3

7

sd

0.6

9.2

1.5

3

 


Seawater intake results during mid-ebb tide, Table 4.7, show that DO levels ranged from 3.8 to 6.9 mg/L with an average of 5.2 mg/L.  SS ranged between 4 and 18 mg/L with an average value of 8 mg/L.  The monitoring results show that water quality at seawater intake stations was generally good.  Only a few elevated SS levels, such as at stations M3 to M6, were found during the reporting month.  Low DO levels at the intake stations were also recorded during the reporting month but investigations found that they were not due to project works.  The poor water quality at these stations are likely due to adverse impacts from outfalls located adjacent to the station.  During the reporting month silty discharges from outfalls were observed and documented near stations M4 to M6 on 2 June and 30 June 2004.  Observations noted that the large patches of brown silty water generally dispersed westwards after discharging from the outfall.  Further, foamy discharges from these outfalls were observed on 25, 26 and 28 June 2004 after rainfall.  Investigations into these discharges were conducted and they were found to be not related to project works.  A figure showing the location of various outfalls along the seawall within the project area is shown in Annex C.

Table 4.8 is a summary of monitoring results from seawater intake stations during mid-flood tide.


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

3.8

58.0

4.4

6

max

7.6

119.8

10.5

17

avg

5.1

77.7

6.4

8

sd

3.8

58.0

4.4

6

M2

min

3.6

54.6

5.4

5

max

5.2

82.2

10.2

20

avg

4.4

67.5

7.3

11

sd

0.5

8.5

1.6

4

M3

min

3.7

55.7

4.2

6

max

5.6

87.8

8.6

17

avg

4.5

69.1

6.1

9

sd

0.6

9.6

1.3

4

M4

min

3.8

57.2

3.6

4

max

6.1

92.7

7.9

13

avg

4.9

74.2

5.6

8

sd

0.7

10.2

1.3

3

M5

min

3.9

59.4

4.3

4

max

6.3

96.8

7.4

11

avg

4.9

75.4

5.6

8

sd

0.8

11.4

1.1

2

M6

min

3.8

58.4

3.5

4

max

6.2

94.6

10.0

13

avg

4.9

74.1

5.5

7

sd

0.8

12.1

1.7

2

M11

min

4.2

63.0

3.5

5

max

8.0

125.2

7.1

9

avg

5.3

81.3

5.4

7

sd

1.0

16.7

1.2

1

M12

min

3.8

57.8

4.0

4

max

6.1

92.9

7.0

11

avg

4.8

73.3

5.1

7

sd

0.7

11.2

1.0

2

 

During mid-flood survey, Table 4.8 shows that DO levels at seawater intake stations ranged from 3.4 to 6.5 mg/L with an average of 5.1 mg/L.  SS ranged from 5 to 18 mg/L with an average SS content of 9 mg/L.  The above results show that water quality during mid-flood tide was also generally good.  Again, localised high SS levels and low DO levels were found but these were found to be not due to project works.  The instances of poor water quality at several seawater intake stations were either due to adverse impacts from outfalls located adjacent to the stations or local ambient conditions in the area.  As mentioned previously, large quantities of silty discharges from outfalls near stations M4 to M6 have been observed and documented on various occasions during the reporting month.  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 is 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, 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 air quality monitoring work was undertaken during the reporting period.

5.1.2        Noise Quality

One noise complaint concerning marine piling works was received from Premier Management Services of Two International Finance Centre (Two IFC) on 4 June 2004.  An investigation into the noise complaint found that the maximum noise level measured at Two IFC is below the statutory Acceptable Noise Level (ANL) stipulated in the Technical Memorandum (TM) on Noise from Percussive Piling under the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) Cap. 400.  Further, general noise levels from marine piling and construction works measured at the outside area, third floor of Two IFC are below the noise standard of 75 dB(A) for daytime construction activities.

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 at seawater intake stations, investigations found that they were due to natural variation or changes in ambient conditions and not caused by the project marine works.  It was noted that during the reporting month, water quality at marine-based impact monitoring stations (M8 and M10) was found to be similar to the control stations. 

The June 2004 monitoring results showed, on a few occasions, elevated concentrations of SS were recorded above the Action and/or Limit Level at seawater intake stations.  Investigations into these monitoring results found that the SS levels are likely attributed to discharge influences from outfalls located in proximity of seawater intake monitoring stations.  All of the higher SS concentrations recorded were shown to be localised conditions as no increased SS levels were detected at the marine-based impact stations and no unusual concentrations were measured at adjacent monitoring stations during the same time.  High SS levels were often recorded at locations (stations M1 to M6) with outfalls and stormwater culverts that discharge into the harbour.  Baseline monitoring results showed similar localised elevated concentrations of SS.

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

No environmental non-compliances were found during environmental site inspections conducted during the reporting period.  A joint site inspection with the IEC was conducted on 17 June 2004, and the IEC's site inspection report is provided in Annex K.

During the site inspection conducted on 17 June 2004, the Contractor was reminded to cover exposed earth properly at site CR-10. 

On 24 June 2004, the site inspection found some stagnant water in the U-channels located within site CR-13 and some ponding water was also found on the pavement area.  The Contractor agreed to clean the U-channels and gullies to prevent mosquito breeding.  The Contractor noted that mosquito oil is sprayed on potential breeding areas around the project site every 2 to 5 days.

During the site inspection conducted on 30 June 2004, some silt and standing water were found in the U-channels at site CR-16.  The Contractor was asked to be more vigilant in clearing standing water after rainfall.  Further, the Contractor was asked to place backhoe buckets in a position to avoid the collection of standing water at site CR-7.

5.2              Environmental Complaint and Prosecution

One noise complaint concerning marine piling works was received from Premier Management Services of Two IFC on 4 June 2004.  An investigation into the noise complaint found that the maximum noise level measured at Two IFC is below the statutory ANL.  Further, general noise levels from marine piling and construction works measured at the outside area, third floor of Two IFC are below the noise standard of 75 dB(A) for daytime construction activities. 

Based on the investigation of the complaint, it was found that the noise generated from construction activities in the vicinity of Two IFC are within the acceptable noise level and have been found to be compliant with the CNP and NCO.

No prosecution notices or summons were received during the reporting period. 

5.3              Environmental Enquiries

An enquiry from Hongkong Land (HKL) concerning seawater quality and deterioration of plant equipment at their seawater pumping station was received on 10 June 2004.  HKL reported an increase in SS levels from their monthly seawater monitoring programme at their pumping station during the past nine months and claimed that this increase is caused by the dredging works of the CRIII project.

An investigation into HKL's enquiry was conducted and a comparison of the HKL and EM&A water quality monitoring results was undertaken.  The comparison of SS concentrations shows a large discrepancy between the EM&A results and the HKL reported data.  It was noted that HKL's reported SS levels were generally higher than the EM&A results.  Further, dredging records from resident site staff showed that no dredging works were conducted on several of the sampling days in which HKL reported increased SS levels.  Based on the findings of the investigation, there is no evidence to indicate that the deterioration of the HKL pumping station plant equipment is attributed to CRIII dredging works.

Another enquiry was received from Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) regarding their concerns for rising seawater temperature in Victoria Harbour in June 2004. 

HSBC, from their seawater monitoring records, noted that seawater temperature at their pump station reached 29°C between 18 June and 23 June 2004.  They claimed that the rise in seawater temperature caused a decrease in the efficiency of their air conditioning system.  Additionally, HSBC reported problems with their seawater intake silt screen and this issue is being dealt with between HSBC, the ER and LCSVO-JV.

An investigation into HSBC'c concerns for rising seawater temperature at their pumping station was conducted.  A review of the routine EM&A water quality monitoring results found that the seawater temperatures recorded at the marine-based and seawater intake stations are similar to those recorded at the control stations, which are outside the influence of the project works.  It was noted that although the seawater temperature at HSBC's intake is generally around 0.5°C higher than other monitoring stations, this difference is also shown in the baseline monitoring results.  Further, the Hong Kong Observatory's sea surface temperature reading at North Point also reached 29°C in June.  As such, the rise in seawater temperature at HSBC's intake is due to the rise in ambient levels throughout Hong Kong waters.  There is no evidence to indicate that the project works is affecting the seawater temperature near HSBC's intake.

 


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:

·         Remaining dredging and desilting works at IRAE;

·         Marine piling and commencement of sand filling works at IRAW;

·         Pre-bored H piles work for landside piling at the Central Terminal Building (CTB);

·         Superstructure works at Pier No. 7;

·         Cooling watermains work at Lung Wui Road; and

·         Maintenance and necessary repairs to the seawater intake silt screens.

6.2              Monitoring Schedules for the Next 3 Months

The construction works scheduled for the coming months include marine piling, dredging, desilting works at IRAE, sandfilling at IRAW, landside piling, cooling watermains work and superstructure works at Pier No. 7.  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 significant 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

2 July 2004

12:00

17:30

5 July 2004

08:30

14:40

7 July 2004

09:13

16:11

9 July 2004

11:13

17:00

12 July 2004

09:27

15:59

14 July 2004

10:46

17:00

16 July 2004

11:53

17:00

19 July 2004

08:30

14:00

21 July 2004

08:30

14:46

23 July 2004

09:17

15:58

26 July 2004

08:30

14:00

28 July 2004

09:12

16:50

30 July 2004

11:02

17:00

2 August 2004

08:30

14:00

4 August 2004

08:30

14:55

6 August 2004

09:51

16:07

9 August 2004

08:30

14:38

11 August 2004

09:34

17:00

13 August 2004

10:53

17:00

16 August 2004

12:00

17:30

18 August 2004

08:30

14:38

20 August 2004

08:38

15:04

23 August 2004

11:56

17:00

25 August 2004

08:30

17:00

27 August 2004

10:03

17:00

30 August 2004

12:00

17:30

1 September 2004

08:30

14:00

3 September 2004

08:49

14:57

6 September 2004

11:51

16:28

8 September 2004

08:30

17:00

10 September 2004

09:36

17:00

13 September 2004

11:40

17:00

15 September 2004

12:00

17:30

17 September 2004

08:30

14:06

20 September 2004

10:41

16:15

22 September 2004

08:30

17:00

24 September 2004

08:53

16:54

27 September 2004

11:26

17:00

29 September 2004

12:00

17:30

 

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 the water quality criteria were found to be caused by the project works.  The water quality within the project area was found to be generally good, but a few localised elevated SS concentrations and low DO levels have been recorded.  These levels were investigated and are 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.

One complaint regarding noise from marine piling works was received from Premier Management Services of Two IFC during the reporting quarter.  An investigation found that the noise levels from marine piling works and construction activities are within the ANL and are compliant with the NCO. 

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.

Air Quality Action and Limit Levels for the City Hall Moni