Central Reclamation, Phase III

Environmental Monitoring & Audit

Monthly Report No. 21

April 2005

 

 


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-203-01

Copy No.

Date of Issue

30 May 2005

File Ref.   L:\S-proj\CR3\CR3.NEW\             3128\Reports\0203.doc

Report Title

 

Central Reclamation, Phase III

Environmental Monitoring & Audit

Monthly Report No. 21 - April 2005

 

 

Name

 

Sign

 

Date

 

Prepared by :

Henry Ng, ACL - Environmental Consultant

 

 

 

30 May 2005

 

Reviewed by :

Susana Bezy, ACL – ET Leader

 

 

 

30 May 2005

 

Authorised by :

Jon Varndell, ACL – Project Mgr

 

 

 

30 May 2005

 

 

 

 

Distribution

 

 

Copy No

Issue to

Attention

Corr. Ref.

1

CEDD

Mr H H Yeung

3128/M45/200/OC7253/jm

2, 3

EPD

Mr M W Ho

3128/M45/200/OC7253/jm

4

EPD (LCO)

Mr Samson Cheng

3128/M45/200/OC7253/jm

5

Leighton-China State-Van Oord JV

Mr Malcolm Plummer

3128/M45/200/OC7253/jm

6

CRIII Sites/PRE

Mr Douglas Miller

3128/M45/200/OC7253/jm

7

Independent Checker (Environment)

Mr Bill Douglas

3128/M45/200/OC7253/jm

8

Environmental Team Leader

Ms Susana Bezy

3128/M45/200/OC7253/jm

9

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............................................................................ 4

2.4         Environmental Meetings................................................................................................. 8

2.5         Environmental Monitoring Locations.............................................................................. 8

3.           EM&A Requirements..................................................................................................... 9

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

3.2         Environmental Quality Performance Limits................................................................... 11

3.3         Event Action Plan......................................................................................................... 11

3.4         Implementation of Environmental Measures................................................................. 11

4.           Monitoring Results...................................................................................................... 12

4.1         Impact Monitoring Schedule in April 2005................................................................... 12

4.2         Monitoring Methodology............................................................................................. 13

4.3         Monitoring Equipment................................................................................................. 13

4.4         Impact Monitoring Results........................................................................................... 17

5.           Environmental Complaint and Non-Compliance......................................................... 22

5.1         Environmental Exceedances......................................................................................... 22

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

5.3         Environmental Enquiries............................................................................................... 24

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

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

6.2         Monitoring Schedules for the Coming 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               Air Quality Monitoring Results

Annex G             Graphical Representation of Air Quality Monitoring Results

Annex H             Noise Monitoring Results

Annex I               Graphical Representation of Noise Monitoring Results

Annex J               Water Quality Monitoring Results

Annex K              Graphical Representation of Water Quality Monitoring Results

Annex L               Water Quality Exceedance Review

 

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.................................................................................... 14

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

Table 4.5 - Equipment Calibration Frequencies........................................................................... 16

Table 4.5 - Summary of Mid-Ebb Results for Marine-Based Stations............................................ 17

Table 4.6 - Summary of Mid-Flood Results for Marine-Based Stations......................................... 18

Table 4.7 - Summary of Mid-Ebb Results for Seawater Intake Stations......................................... 19

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

Table 5.1 - Summary of Environmental Site Inspections.............................................................. 23

Table 6.1 - Water Quality Monitoring Programme...................................................................... 25

 

 

 

 


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 twenty-first 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 April 2005.

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 7, 14, 21 and 28 April 2005.

·         Continuous 24-hour noise monitoring was performed throughout the monitoring period.

·         Dust monitoring commenced on 21 April 2005.

·         Water quality monitoring was undertaken on the following days:

-          1 April 2005

-          4 April 2005

-          6 April 2005

-          8 April 2005

-          11 April 2005

-          13 April 2005

-          15 April 2005

-          18 April 2005

-          20 April 2005

-          22 April 2005

-          25 April 2005

-          27 April 2005

-          29 April 2005

·         An environmental meeting was held on 26 April 2005.

Exceedance of Action and Limit Levels

Air quality monitoring commenced on 21 April 2005.  No air quality exceedances were recorded during the reporting period.

Noise exceedances were recorded on 7 and 8 April 2005.  Investigations found that the exceedances were not project related as no project works are located in the vicinity of City Hall.

Elevated SS levels were recorded on 1, 4, 6, 18, 20, 25 and 27 April 2005. 

The SS exceedances recorded on 1 and 4 April 2005 were found to be caused by the re-suspension of sand fill material due to marine vessel movements at IRAE.  All parties were immediately informed of the exceedances and the Contractor immediately ordered all marine vessels in the area to reduce their speed.  Further, the Contractor temporarily suspended sand filling works until the seawater intake at station M4 was relocated.  The intake was relocated on 8 April 2005, and monitoring station M4 (now called M4A) was relocated in tandem to the new position.

The SS exceedance recorded at station M2 on 6 April 2005 was not project related.  An investigation found that the exceedance was attributable to the routine cleaning of HSBC’s seawater intake by HSBC’s contractors.

The SS exceedances recorded on 18, 20, 25 April 2005 were investigated and were found to be due to the laying of filter material and propeller wash of pelican barges entering IRAE.  All parties were immediately informed of the exceedances and an environmental meeting was held on 26 April 2005 to discuss measures to prevent SS dispersion from the works at IRAE.  During the meeting, the Contractor proposed measures, which included the use of sampans to assist the movement of barges to reduce the effect of propeller wash, the reduction of sand filling rates, the use of floating silt curtains for laying of filter material, carry out diving inspections of affected intakes and to expedite the construction of the western rock mound at IRAE.  Additionally, daily SS sampling at M3 and M4A was initiated on 27 April 2005 and was undertaken until end of April 2005.  No further exceedances were recorded after 27 April 2005.

As for the SS exceedance recorded at M4A on 27 April 2005, an investigation found that it was likely attributable to silty water dispersing from the gap between caisson units C23 and P8.1.  Tidal current likely carried SS towards the area near M4A.  However, no exceedances were recorded at M3, likely because of its relatively sheltered location.  The Contractor mitigated the situation by installing seawall blocks between the gap to enclose the reclamation area.

DO exceedances were recorded on 25 and 29 April 2005 during mid-ebb tide.  However, investigation into the exceedances found that they were not due to project works.

Complaint Log

Two environmental complaints were received during the 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

Environmental site inspections for the CRIII project works area were undertaken on 7, 14, 21 and 28 April 2005.

Key Works for the Coming Month

Future key works are as follows:

·         Architectural works for Pier 7;

·         Piling work and preparation work for concreting of piles at Public Pier West;

·         Pile cap and beam construction and concreting pre-cast panels for lower decking at Pier 8;

·         Cooling water main construction at Lung Wui Road and Man Yiu Street;

·         Lung Wui Road 600 mm sewer drain works;

·         Sand filling works at IRAE;

·         Deep compaction works;

·         Central Terminal Building (CTB) superstructure and sub-structure works;

·         Man Yiu Street footbridge piling works;

·         Seawall construction at IRAE;

·         Advanced rock filling works at FRAW and FRAE for temporary caisson storage;

·         In-situ work to caisson and pumping stations at IRAE;

·         Temporary seawall construction at IRAE;

·         Filter layer filling behind caisson units at IRAE;

·         Piling works for Man Yiu Street Footbridge;

·         Excavation to bored piling at Eastern Seawall;

·         Rock filling works behind caisson units at IRAE; and

·         Maintenance and necessary repair works for seawater intake silt screens.


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 twenty-first monthly EM&A Report under the EIAO, which presents the results of EM&A work conducted during the period from 1 to 30 April 2005, inclusive.


2.                 Environmental Status

2.1              Works Undertaken

The works undertaken during the reporting month include, but not limited to, pile cap and beam works at Pier 8, sand filling and rock filling works at IRAE, advanced rock filling at FRAW, in-situ work for pumping stations, unloading and temporary storage of caisson units, laying of filter layer to rock mound at IRAE, seawall construction at IRAE, landside cooling watermains works, superstructure works for the Central Terminal Building (CTB), relocation of temporary intake for Central Barracks, land piling for the Man Yiu Street footbridge, bored piling works at Eastern Seawall, 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

Condition 3.11 – Temporary Noise Barrier for DSD Entrustment Works at Lung Wui Road (Ref. H2189/U2c/ 13523/MP/DC/CKA/ST/ec)

29 April 2005

-

2

Application of Construction Noise Permit for Public Pier West (Ref. H2189/U2c/13144/MP/EY/DS/ST/ec).

12 April 2005

-

3

Application of Construction Noise Permit for Eastern Bored Pile Wall Concreting-Concrete Loading Area at Hung Hing Road Site (Ref. H2189/U2c/13145/MP/EY/DS/ST/ec)

12 April 2005

-

 

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

Admission Ticket (5363) for Disposal of Special Waste (excavated material generated from the removal of fuel tanks at Helipad) at Landfill (Ref. H2189/C1/13190/MP/ DC/CKA/ST/ec).

-

13 April 2005

2

Disposal of Chemical Waste – 600 organic solvent containers (Ref. H2189/C1/13184/MP/ST/cm)

-

13 April 2005

3

Temporary Caisson Storage for Deliveries 9 and 10 (Ref. H2189/C1/13067/MP/PC/EY/DS/ST/MB/HF/cm)

-

7 April 2005

 

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. 20  - March 2005

3128/HK12/02 M45/200/OC7070/SB/AC/ec

14 April 2005

-

 

2.4              Environmental Meetings

An environmental meeting was held on 26 April 2005 between the Contractor, CEDD and ET to discuss the exceedances recorded on 18 and 20 April 2005.  During the meeting the Contractor proposed measures to reduce SS dispersion in IRAE.  The measures included the use of sampans to assist the movement of barges to reduce the effect of propeller wash, the reduction of sand filling rates, carry out diving inspections of affected intakes and to expedite the construction of the western rock mound at IRAE.

2.5              Environmental Monitoring Locations

On 8 April 2005, the seawater intake for Central Barracks was relocated to the western edge of IRAE.  The monitoring station M4, now called M4A, was relocated in tandem to the new intake location.  The current environmental monitoring locations are shown 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 has installed floating type impervious silt curtains for sand filling works at IRAE to reduce SS dispersion.  Further, 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 during the reporting month.


4.                Monitoring Results

4.1              Impact Monitoring Schedule in April 2005

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 7, 14, 21 and 28 April 2005.

Air quality monitoring commenced on 21 April 2005.

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 April 2005 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 April 2005

Mid Ebb

15:12 – 17:59

Mid Flood

07:20 – 10:53

4 April 2005

Mid Ebb

08:23 – 11:06

Mid Flood

12:13 – 14:50

6 April 2005

Mid Ebb

10:01 – 12:43

Mid Flood

14:53 – 17:34

8 April 2005

Mid Ebb

11:01 – 13:43

Mid Flood

15:20 – 17:59

11 April 2005

Mid Ebb

12:20 – 15:03

Mid Flood

07:34 – 11:08

13 April 2005

Mid Ebb

13:14 – 16:05

Mid Flood

07:32 – 11:01

15 April 2005

Mid Ebb

15:15 – 17:51

Mid Flood

07:37 – 10:59

18 April 2005

Mid Ebb

15:17 – 17:57

Mid Flood

07:36 – 10:59

20 April 2005

Mid Ebb

09:26 – 12:13

Mid Flood

13:46 – 16:35

22 April 2005

Mid Ebb

10:20 – 13:10

Mid Flood

15:13 – 17:46

25 April 2005

Mid Ebb

11:54 – 14:38

Mid Flood

07:06 – 10:36

27 April 2005

Mid Ebb

12:18 – 15:04

Mid Flood

07:03 – 10:36

29 April 2005

Mid Ebb

13:52 – 16:40

Mid Flood

07:08 – 10:45

4.2              Monitoring Methodology

4.2.1        Air Quality Monitoring

Air quality monitoring was performed in accordance with the methodology described in the EM&A Manual commencing on 21 April 2005.  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 Table 4.5.

Table 4.5 - Equipment Calibration Frequencies

 

 

Equipment

Calibration Frequency

Latest Calibration Date

Dissolved Oxygen Meter

Every 6 months

28 January 2005

Turbidimeter

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

1 March 2005

pH Meter

Prior to each sampling day

-

Pyschrometer

Every 6 months

19 February 2005

Integrated SLM

Every year

20 August 2004

 

4.4              Impact Monitoring Results

4.4.1        Air Quality & Noise Monitoring Results

Air quality monitoring work commenced on 21 April 2005 at the Central Barrack monitoring station.  Monitoring was not conducted at the City Hall monitoring station because exterior renovation works were undertaken by City Hall at the elevated walkway area.  Air quality monitoring at the City Hall monitoring station will commence once the exterior renovation works are completed.

The air quality monitoring results are provided in Annex F.  Graphical representation of the air quality monitoring data is provided in Annex G.

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

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 J.  Graphical representation of the water quality data is provided in Annex K.  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

6.5

6.3

79

2.6

3

max

7.8

7.1

94

6.1

7

avg

6.9

6.6

84

4.0

5

sd

0.3

0.2

4

0.9

1

C2

min

6.3

6.1

76

2.4

3

max

7.8

7.2

94

4.2

6

avg

7.0

6.7

85

3.3

5

sd

0.4

0.3

5

0.7

1

M7

min

6.3

6.1

77

2.5

3

max

7.1

7.4

90

5.4

8

avg

6.5

6.5

81

4.1

5

sd

0.3

0.3

4

0.8

1

M8

min

6.3

6.2

77

2.6

4

max

8.0

7.7

99

5.2

7

avg

6.8

6.7

84

3.9

5

sd

0.4

0.4

6

0.8

1

M9

min

6.3

6.1

76

2.5

4

max

7.6

7.7

96

6.0

7

avg

6.6

6.6

82

4.5

5

sd

0.3

0.4

5

1.3

1

M10

min

6.4

6.3

78

2.6

3

max

7.9

7.4

96

5.2

8

avg

6.7

6.7

83

3.8

5

sd

0.4

0.3

5

0.8

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 4.4 and 7.0 mg/L with an average value of 6.1 mg/L and DO measurements in the bottom layer ranged from 4.4 to 7.0 mg/L with an average level of 6.0 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 5.3 to 7.1 mg/L with an average value of around 6.4 mg/L; DO measurements in the bottom layer ranged between 5.3 and 7.1 mg/L with an average level of 6.3 mg/L. 

SS levels during mid-ebb tide ranged from 3 to 10 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 3 to 9 mg/L with an average of 5 mg/L.  Generally, the results showed no clear gradient effect, which indicates that marine 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 generally 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

4.5

61

4.3

5

4.5

max

6.6

90

10.8

12

6.6

avg

5.3

72

6.6

8

5.3

sd

4.5

61

4.3

5

4.5

C2

min

6.6

6.4

80

2.0

4

max

7.6

7.4

94

4.5

6

avg

7.0

6.7

86

3.2

5

sd

0.3

0.3

4

0.7

1

M7

min

5.8

5.7

74

3.0

3

max

6.7

7.0

84

5.7

7

avg

6.3

6.4

79

4.3

5

sd

0.3

0.4

4

0.8

1

M8

min

6.3

6.4

79

2.7

3

max

7.5

7.3

92

5.2

9

avg

6.8

6.7

84

3.7

5

sd

0.3

0.3

3

0.9

2

M9

min

5.0

4.9

64

2.7

3

max

7.0

7.1

87

5.3

7

avg

6.4

6.3

79

4.1

5

sd

0.5

0.5

6

0.8

1

M10

min

5.2

5.2

67

2.5

3

max

7.2

7.3

89

5.0

7

avg

6.6

6.5

81

3.6

5

sd

0.5

0.5

5

0.7

1

During mid-flood tide, DO levels at marine-based impact stations (M8 & M10) in the surface to middle layer ranged from 5.4 to 8.3 mg/L with an average level of 6.4 mg/L while DO values in the bottom layer ranged between 5.2 and 7.2 mg/L with an average of 6.2 mg/L.  Similar DO concentrations were recorded at the control stations in the surface to middle layer during mid-flood survey ranged between 5.5 and 8.1 mg/L with an average value of 6.6 mg/L and DO results in the bottom layer ranged from 5.3 and 7.1 mg/L with an average of 6.3 mg/L. 

SS content ranged between 3 and 8 mg/L (for stations M8 & M10) with an average of 5 mg/L during mid-flood tide and ranged from 3 to 9 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

4.3

58

5.6

6

max

6.5

89

10.9

13

avg

5.3

73

7.6

9

sd

0.7

9

1.4

2

M2

min

3.7

50

5.8

9

max

6.0

81

27.9

40

avg

5.0

68

9.4

14

sd

0.7

8

5.7

8

M3

min

3.4

46

4.5

7

max

6.3

85

21.3

28

avg

5.0

67

7.5

11

sd

0.9

11

4.5

6

M4

min

4.4

62

3.5

5

max

6.4

87

28.4

40

avg

5.3

71

9.1

13

sd

0.6

8

6.9

10

M5

min

4.7

65

2.7

4

max

6.6

90

9.3

11

avg

5.4

73

4.9

7

sd

0.6

8

1.5

2

M6

min

4.3

59

2.9

4

max

6.7

91

6.3

10

avg

5.5

74

4.8

7

sd

4.3

59

2.9

4

M11

min

4.3

59

2.9

4

max

7.0

94

7.4

9

avg

5.5

75

5.3

7

sd

0.7

9

1.5

2

M12

min

4.5

63

3.1

5

max

6.6

89

6.2

9

avg

5.4

73

4.6

7

sd

0.6

7

1.0

2

Seawater intake results during mid-ebb tide, Table 4.7, show that DO levels ranged from 3.4 to 7.0 mg/L with an average of 5.3 mg/L.  SS ranged between 4 and 40 mg/L with an average value of 9 mg/L.  Elevated SS levels were recorded on 1, 6, 18 and 20 April during mid-ebb tide sampling.   

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

4.5

61

4.3

5

max

6.6

90

10.8

12

avg

5.3

72

6.6

8

sd

4.5

61

4.3

5

M2

min

4.5

62

3.9

6

max

6.3

85

12.4

16

avg

5.2

70

6.8

10

sd

0.5

7

2.4

3

M3

min

4.5

61

3.6

6

max

6.4

85

11.6

14

avg

5.3

71

6.2

8

sd

0.6

8

2.0

2

M4

min

4.7

63

3.9

6

max

6.4

88

14.1

16

avg

5.3

72

7.3

10

sd

0.5

8

3.0

3

M5

min

4.6

61

3.1

4

max

7.1

97

7.9

12

avg

5.5

73

4.5

7

sd

0.7

11

1.5

3

M6

min

4.5

60

3.2

3

max

7.7

106

7.8

11

avg

5.5

74

4.8

7

sd

0.9

13

1.4

2

M11

min

4.6

63

3.2

5

max

6.8

91

9.4

10

avg

5.5

73

4.9

6

sd

0.6

8

1.6

1

M12

min

4.7

62

3.1

4

max

6.9

95

6.4

9

avg

5.5

74

4.5

7

sd

0.7

10

1.0

1

During mid-flood survey, Table 4.8 shows that DO levels at seawater intake stations ranged from 4.5 to 7.7 mg/L with an average of 5.4 mg/L.  SS ranged from 3 to 16 mg/L with an average SS contennerally good.  Elevated SS levels were found on 4, 18, 20, 25 and 27 April during mid-flood tide sat of 8 mg/L.  The above results show that water quality during mid-flood tide was also gempling. 

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 major construction activities undertaken during the reporting month were related to marine 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 exceedances were recorded during the reporting period. 

5.1.2        Noise Quality

Noise exceedances were recorded on 7 and 8 April 2005.  Investigations found that the exceedances were not project related as no project works are located in the vicinity of City Hall.

5.1.3        Water Quality

Water quality was found to be generally good during the reporting month.  However, elevated SS levels were recorded on 1, 4, 6, 18, 20, 25 and 27 April 2005. 

The SS exceedances recorded on 1 and 4 April were found to be caused by the re-suspension of sand fill material due to marine vessel movements at IRAE.  All parties were immediately informed of the exceedances and the Contractor immediately ordered all marine vessels in the area to reduce their speed.  Further, the Contractor temporarily suspended sand filling works until the seawater intake at station M4 was relocated.  The intake was relocated on 8 April 2005, and monitoring station M4 (now called M4A) was relocated in tandem to the new position.

The SS exceedance recorded at station M2 on 6 April was not project related.  An investigation found that the exceedance was attributable to the routine cleaning of HSBC’s seawater intake by HSBC’s contractors.

The SS exceedances recorded on 18, 20, 25 April were investigated and were found to be due to the laying of filter material and propeller wash of pelican barges entering IRAE.  All parties were immediately informed of the exceedances and an environmental meeting was held on 26 April 2005 to discuss measures to prevent SS dispersion from the works at IRAE.  During the meeting, the Contractor proposed measures, which included the use of sampans to assist the movement of barges to reduce the effect of propeller wash, the reduction of sand filling rates, the use of floating silt curtains for laying of filter material, carry out diving inspections of affected intakes and to expedite the construction of the western rock mound at IRAE.  Additionally, daily SS sampling at M3 and M4A was initiated on 27 April 2005 and was undertaken until 3 May 2005.  No further exceedances were recorded after 27 April 2005.

As for the SS exceedance recorded at M4A on 27 April, an investigation found that it was likely attributable to silty water dispersing from the gap between caisson units C23 and P8.1.  Tidal current likely carried SS towards the area near M4A.  However, no exceedances were recorded at M3, likely because of its relatively sheltered location.  The Contractor mitigated the situation by installing seawall blocks between the gap to enclose the reclamation area.

DO exceedances were recorded on 25 and 29 April during mid-ebb tide.  However, investigation into the exceedances found that they were not due to project works.

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 summary of the findings from the site inspections conducted during the reporting month is provided in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1 - Summary of Environmental Site Inspections

 

 

Date of Inspection

Observations

Action(s)

7 April 2005

Silty water was seen dispersing from the western edge of IRAE and the gap between caisson units at IRAE.

The Contractor advised that they would install a floating silt curtain at the western side of IRAE.  Further, the Contractor advised that the Central Barrack intake would be relocated to the western edge of IRAE on 8 April 2005.  It is expected that the water quality at the new intake location would greatly improve.

14 April 2005

No deficiencies were observed.

No actions are required.

21 April 2005

During the inspection, it was noted that the Contractor did not immediately close the silt curtain at the marine access to IRAE after barges entered the area.

The Contractor was reminded to be extra vigilant on enclosing the marine entrance to IRAE to prevent the dispersion of SS.

Black fumes were observed emitting from the exhaust of a number of marine vessels in IRAE.

The Contractor was committed to require sub-contractors to properly maintain all marine equipment.

A small amount of spilled oil was found around an oil container belonging to Fugro at IRAW.

The Contractor was advised to install a larger drip tray underneath the Fugro oil container.

Some wash water was found flowing onto the access road at CR-12.

The Contractor was advised to improve the wheel washing area at CR-12 and to prevent wash water from flowing onto the adjacent road.

28 April 2005

A rammer leaking a small amount of hydraulic fluid was found at CR-12.

The Contractor was asked to clean up the leaked hydraulic fluid at CR-12 immediately.

A small amount of silty water was observed leaking from the vertical seawall adjacent to the pre-bored H-piling works at CR-3.

The Contractor was asked to lift the silt curtain located next to the vertical seawall at CR-3 slightly above water to reduce the dispersion of silty water.

Black fumes were observed from the exhaust of an air compressor at CR-3.

The Contractor was asked to make necessary repairs to the air compressor at CR-3.

 

5.2              Environmental Complaint and Prosecution

A noise complaint on 3 April 2005 was relayed from the Water Front Division of the Police.  Upon receipt of the complaint notice, the procedures listed under Table 7.1 “Procedures in the Event of a Complaint” in the EM&A Manual were immediately followed.  The ER and Contractor were immediately notified of the complaint and an investigation was undertaken. 

An investigation of the complaint found that it concerned noise arising from construction works near IRAE on 3 April 2005.  It was noted that a RE’s representative presented a summary of Construction Noise Permits (CNP) for the construction site to the Police during the time of the complaint.  The summary did not indicate the latest CNP No. RS-0170-05 issued on 24 March 2005 for works in IRAE, but instead showed the previous CNP No. RS-0475-04 for the works area.  The summary was subsequently updated to reflect the latest issued CNPs for the project.

The investigation also found that there are no changes to the Contractor’s working methods and all necessary plant were covered under the respective CNP.  Further, the continuous noise monitoring being undertaken for the project did not identify any noise exceedances during the time of complaint.  As such, the Contractor is in compliance with EM&A requirements with respect to noise and no remedial measures are necessary.

Another complaint was received on 28 April 2005.  Upon receipt of the complaint notice, the procedures listed under Table 7.1 “Procedures in the Event of a Complaint” in the EM&A Manual were again immediately followed.  The ER and Contractor were immediately notified of the complaint and an investigation was undertaken.

The investigation found that the complaint concerned white smoke observed near Two IFC in Central on the morning of 19 April 2005.  The source of the white smoke was not identified during a site visit by EPD, and as such, the complaint was likely due to an one-off event.  However, some black fumes from plant and equipment located on site were observed.  A subsequent site inspection by the ET on 21 April 2005 noted similar findings.  The Contractor has been advised to properly maintain all plant and equipment on site so as to reduce black smoke emissions.

The investigation also found that there are no changes to the Contractor’s working methods and no non-compliances with respect to the EM&A requirements.  The Contractor’s construction activities will continue to be monitored to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

5.3              Environmental Enquiries

No environmental enquiries were received during the reporting month.

 


6.                Forecast and Schedule

6.1              Key Works for the Coming Month

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

·         Architectural works for Pier 7;

·         Piling work and preparation work for concreting of piles at Public Pier West;

·         Pile cap and beam construction and concreting pre-cast panels for lower decking at Pier 8;

·         Cooling water main construction at Lung Wui Road and Man Yiu Street;

·         Lung Wui Road 600 mm sewer drain works;

·         Sand filling works at IRAE;

·         Deep compaction works;

·         Central Terminal Building (CTB) superstructure and sub-structure works;

·         Man Yiu Street footbridge piling works;

·         Seawall construction at IRAE;

·         Advanced rock filling works at FRAW and FRAE for temporary caisson storage;

·         In-situ work to caisson and pumping stations at IRAE;

·         Temporary seawall construction at IRAE;

·         Filter layer filling behind caisson units at IRAE;

·         Piling works for Man Yiu Street Footbridge;

·         Excavation to bored piling at Eastern Seawall;

·         Rock filling works behind caisson units at IRAE; and

·         Maintenance and necessary repair works for seawater intake silt screens.

6.2              Monitoring Schedules for the Coming Months

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 upcoming months is provided in the following table.

Table 6.1 - Water Quality Monitoring Programme

 

 

Date of Sampling

Sampling Time

2 May 2005

08:30

17:00

4 May 2005

09:52

15:16

6 May 2005

11:10

17:00

9 May 2005

08:30

13:30

11 May 2005

08:30

14:06

13 May 2005

08:30

15:04

16 May 2005

08:30

17:00

18 May 2005

08:53

13:37

20 May 2005

10:09

16:06

23 May 2005

11:46

17:00

25 May 2005

08:30

13:30

27 May 2005

08:30

14:56

30 May 2005

10:37

17:00

1 June 2005

08:30

13:51

3 June 2005

10:07

16:16

6 June 2005

12:00

17:00

8 June 2005

12:00

17:30

10 June 2005

08:30

14:19

13 June 2005

08:30

17:00

15 June 2005

10:46

17:00

17 June 2005

08:35

14:28

20 June 2005

10:41

17:00

22 June 2005

12:00

17:00

24 June 2005

08:30

13:59

27 June 2005

09:33

16:35

29 June 2005

12:00

17:00

 

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

Air quality monitoring commenced on 21 April 2005.  No air quality exceedances were recorded during the reporting period.

Noise exceedances were recorded on 7 and 8 April 2005.  Investigations found that the exceedances were not project related as no project works are located in the vicinity of City Hall.

Generally, the ambient water quality was found to be in generally good condition for April 2005.  However, elevated SS levels were recorded on 1, 4, 6, 18, 20, 25 and 27 April 2005.

The SS exceedances recorded on 1 and 4 April were found to be caused by the re-suspension of sand fill material due to marine vessel movements at IRAE.  All parties were immediately informed of the exceedances and the Contractor immediately ordered all marine vessels in the area to reduce their speed.  Further, the Contractor temporarily suspended sand filling works until the seawater intake at station M4 was relocated.  The intake was relocated on 8 April 2005, and monitoring station M4 (now called M4A) was relocated in tandem to the new position.

The SS exceedance recorded at station M2 on 6 April was not project related.  An investigation found that the exceedance was attributable to the routine cleaning of HSBC’s seawater intake by HSBC’s contractors.

The SS exceedances recorded on 18, 20, 25 April were investigated and were found to be due to the laying of filter material and propeller wash of pelican barges entering IRAE.  All parties were immediately informed of the exceedances and an environmental meeting was held on 26 April 2005 to discuss measures to prevent SS dispersion from the works at IRAE.  During the meeting, the Contractor proposed measures, which included the use of sampans to assist the movement of barges to reduce the effect of propeller wash, the reduction of sand filling rates, the use of floating silt curtains for laying of filter material, carry out diving inspections of affected intakes and to expedite the construction of the western rock mound at IRAE.  Additionally, daily SS sampling at M3 and M4A was initiated on 27 April 2005 and was undertaken until 3 May 2005.  No further exceedances were recorded after 27 April 2005.

As for the SS exceedance recorded at M4A on 27 April, an investigation found that it was likely attributable to silty water dispersing from the gap between caisson units C23 and P8.1.  Tidal current likely carried SS towards the area near M4A.  However, no exceedances were recorded at M3, likely because of its relatively sheltered location.  The Contractor mitigated the situation by installing seawall blocks between the gap to enclose the reclamation area.

DO exceedances were recorded only on 25 April during mid-ebb tide.  However, an investigation into the exceedances found that they were not due to project works.

Two environmental complaints were received during April 2005.  However, investigations found no non-compliances with respect to the EM&A requirements

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.