Central Reclamation, Phase III

Quarterly EM&A Report No. 19

(February 2008 through April 2008)

1. Introduction. 1

1.1 Basic Project Information. 1

1.2 Project Organisation and Management Structure.. 1

1.3 Works Undertaken. 2

2. EM&A Requirements. 3

2.1 Summary of Impact EM&A Requirements. 3

2.2 Environmental Quality Performance Limits. 4

2.3 Event Action Plan. 4

3. Environmental Status. 5

3.1 Implementation of Environmental Measures. 5

3.2 Environmental Monitoring Locations. 5

3.3 Air Quality Monitoring Results. 5

3.4 Noise Quality Monitoring Results. 5

3.5 Water Quality Monitoring Results. 5

3.6 Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status. 5

3.7 Landscape and Visual Audit 5

4. Environmental Complaint and Non-Compliance.. 7

4.1 Environmental Exceedances. 7

4.2 Non-Compliance.. 9

4.3 Summary of Actions Taken by the Contractor 10

4.4 Environmental Enquiries. 10

4.5 Environmental Complaints and Prosecutions. 10

4.6 Record of Environmental Complaints and Summons & Prosecutions. 10

5. Conclusion. Error! Bookmark not defined.

List of Annexes

Annex A Project Organisation/ Contact Information

Annex B Quality Performance Limits for Air, Noise and Water Quality

Annex C Event and Action Plans for Air, Noise and Water Quality

Annex D Monitoring Stations Locations

Annex E Contractor's Works Programme

Annex F Graphical Representation of Air Quality Monitoring Results

Annex G Graphical Representation of Noise Quality Monitoring Results

Annex H Graphical Representation of Water Quality Monitoring Results

Annex I Quarterly Assessment of Construction Impacts on Suspended Solids

List of Tables

Table 2.1 - Summary of Impact EM&A Requirements. 3

ACL	Atkins China Limited
AL	Action Level
CEDD	Civil Engineering and Development Department
CRIII	Central Reclamation Phase III
DO	Dissolved Oxygen
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
LL	Limit Level
PLA	People's Liberation Army Forces Hong Kong
TDD	Territory Development Department
TSP	Total Suspended Particulates
SS	Suspended Solids
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 Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD). (Previously called the Territory Development Department before merger with the Civil Engineering Department on 1^st July 2004.)

The works under the Contract HK 12/02 commenced on 28^th 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^th December 2003.

Atkins China Limited (ACL) has been commissioned by CEDD as the Environmental Team (ET) to undertake the Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) programme described in the approved EM&A Manual for the CRIII Project.

This is the 19^th quarterly EM&A Report for the works specified in Section 1.3 of the CRIII EIA Report. This report summarises the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A program during the reporting period from 1^st February 2008 to 30^th April 2008.

Environmental Monitoring and Audit Progress

Air quality, noise and water quality monitoring were conducted during this quarter. Weekly environmental site inspections were also conducted during this reporting quarter.

Exceedance of Action and Limit Levels

No exceedance in TSP level was recorded at the two monitoring stations during this reporting quarter.

One exceedance of noise was recorded at the City Hall monitoring station during the reporting period. This exceedance could have been attributed to the emergency filling works at the collapsed seawall at former Queen’s Pier.

Exceedances of water quality were recorded on 22 sampling days in this reporting quarter. Exceedances of the Action Limit for DO were recorded on 14 of the sampling days. Exceedances of the Action Limit for SS were recorded on 13 of the sampling days. Exceedances of the Limit Level for SS were recorded on 7 of the sampling days. Two SS exceedances (3rd and 14th April) of Water Quality Monitoring in accordance with EM&A Manual and four SS exceedances (3^rd ,5^th, 11^th and 14^th April) of Additional Water Quality Monitoring for “Type A fill” Filling Works conducted by the Contractor were considered potentially attributable to project works. The follow-up reports of the exceedances (No.665, 666, 668, 676, 679and 680) were issued to describe the follow-up action. A meeting was called on 15^th April 2008 between the contractor, ER and ET to discuss potential measures to reduce SS levels that may be generated by the project.

Complaint Log

There were no complaints received in relation to environment impact during this reporting quarter.

Notifications of Summons and Prosecutions

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

Site Inspection and Audit

Weekly environmental site inspections were carried out during this quarter. Minor deficiencies noted during the site inspections were rectified by the Contractor upon receipt of notification.

1. Introduction

1.1 Basic Project Information

The Main Works Contract HK 12/02 for CRIII commenced on 28^th February 2003 and was awarded to Leighton-China State-Van Oord Joint Venture (LCSVO-JV) for the construction of the CRIII Engineering Works. The main construction works that were identified in the EIA Report for the Project, requiring environmental monitoring and audit, have commenced.

This is the 18^th quarterly EM&A Report for the works specified in Section 1.3 of the CRIII EIA Report. This report summarises the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A program during the reporting period from 1^st February 2008 to 30^th April 2008.

The Contractor's works programme for the quarter is provided in Annex E.

1.2 Project Organisation and Management Structure

Atkins China Limited (ACL) has been commissioned by CEDD as the Environmental Team (ET) to undertake the Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) programme described in the approved EM&A Manual and required under Clause 4 of the Variation of Future Environmental Permit (No. EP-01/122/2003/A) issued to Leighton-China State-Van Oord Joint Venture in December 2007 for the CRIII Project. An Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) has been employed to audit the EM&A programme.

The CRIII Project Organisation is shown in Annex A.

1.3 Works Undertaken

The works undertaken in the project area requiring environmental monitoring and audit as identified in the EIA Report (not including Chai Wan Basin) during this reporting quarter include:

· Rockfilling and geotextile layer behind the seawall in FRAW;

· Type A and sand filling in FRAW;

· Placement of seawall blocks in FRAE

· Rockfilling behind the seawalls in FRAE;

· Pile cap construction for Public Pier East (Pier No.10);

· Diaphragm wall and barrette excavation for the MTRC 40 metre EOT;

· Excavation of temporary drainage channel at the former Star Ferry;

· Remedial and outstanding works at and around Piers 7 & 8, Public Pier West and the CTB;

· Remedial and outstanding works at MYS Footbridge;

· General filing works above +2.5 mPD in IRAE;

· Construction of storm and foul drainage in hinterlands for Road P2, Road D7, Road D8 and Road D9 and adjacent to the GPO;

· Reinstatement of existing Culvert J;

· Structural works for Road P2 Underpass;

· Roadworks and utilities installations along Lung Wui Road and Tim Wa Avenue (Road) D8;

· Pre-drilling and temporary works for Culvert F extension;

· Structural works for Culvert K extension – bays 1 to 3;

· Modification works to cooling main connections.

2. EM&A Requirements

2.1 Summary of Impact EM&A Requirements

The EM&A programme requires environmental monitoring for air quality, noise, waster 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 2-1.

Table 2.1 - 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.	16 Locations	3 times a week, Mid-ebb/flood tides	During Marine Works and for 4 weeks after completion of 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

Additional impact water quality monitoring is required for the marine filling works using “Type A Fill” at FRAW as per Condition 3.3 of EP No. EP-01/122/2003/A. Monitoring parameters include SS, in situ measurements for DO, temperature, turbidity and salinity at 9 monitoring stations. The additional water quality monitoring is conducted by the Contractor (LCSVO-JV) and the monitoring results are reported in the EM&A monthly report in accordance with the Additional Water Quality Monitoring Programme certified by the ET and verified by the IEC.

2.2 Environmental Quality Performance Limits

Environmental Quality Performance Limits for air quality, noise and water quality have been established as part of the Baseline Monitoring Report and are provided in Annex B.

2.3 Event Action Plan

Event Action Plans for air quality, noise and water quality have been developed as part of the Baseline Monitoring Report and are provided in Annex C.

3. Environmental Status

3.1 Implementation of Environmental Measures

The Contractor has implemented relevant mitigation measures listed in the EIA Report, EM&A Manual and Further Environmental Permit.

3.2 Environmental Monitoring Locations

Drawings showing the project area and locations of the monitoring stations are provided in Annex D.

3.3 Air Quality Monitoring Results

The graphical plot of air quality monitoring results for this reporting quarter is provided in Annex F. Access to the PLA Barracks monitoring station was denied on the 30^th April 2008 thus the monitoring was cancelled.

3.4 Noise Quality Monitoring Results

The graphical plot of noise monitoring results for this reporting quarter is provided in Annex G.

3.5 Water Quality Monitoring Results

The graphical plot of water quality monitoring results and Additional water quality monitoring for the marine filling works using “Type A Fill” at FRAW for this reporting quarter is provided in Annex H.

3.6 Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status

Solid and liquid waste management was implemented according to the Waste Management Plan during this reporting quarter.

3.7 Landscape and Visual Audit

As the works undertaken during this reporting quarter were mainly related to reclamation, buildings and infrastructure works, the landscape and visual impacts are considered to be minimal.

4. Environmental Complaint and Non-Compliance

4.1 Environmental Exceedances

No exceedance in TSP level was recorded at the two monitoring stations during this reporting quarter.

One noise exceedance was recorded at the City Hall monitoring station on 3rd March 2008. On 3^rd March 2008, this exceedance could have been attributed to the emergency filling works.

Exceedances of water quality were recorded on 23 sampling days in this reporting quarter. Exceedances of the Action Level for DO were recorded on 14 of the sampling days. Exceedances of the Action Level for SS were recorded on 13 of the sampling days. Exceedances of the Limit Level for SS were recorded on 7 of the sampling days. Two SS exceedances (3^rd and 14^th April) of Water Quality Monitoring in accordance with EM&A Manual and four SS exceedances (3^rd ,5^th, 11^th and 14^th April) of Additional Water Quality Monitoring for “Type A fill” Filling Works conducted by the Contractor were considered potentially attributable to project works. Monitoring was repeated on 15^th, 17^th and 22^nd April 2008 following the Event and Action Plan for water quality. The follow-up reports of the exceedances (No.665, 666, 668, 676, 679and 680) were issued to describe the follow-up action. The water quality exceedances during this reporting quarter is summarised in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1 - Summary Water Quality Exceedances from February 2008 to April 2008

Date	Tide	Parameter	Exceedance	Station
Water Quality Monitoring in Accordance with EM&A Manual
18^th February 2008	Mid-ebb	SS	AL	M5B
21^st March 2008	Mid-flood	SS	AL	M11
29^th March 2008	Mid-ebb	DO	AL	M3_M5A and M5B
	Mid-flood	DO	AL	M1A, M2A, M3_M5A, M4B, M5B, M6 and M12
3^rd April 2008	Mid-ebb	SS	AL	M12
	Mid-flood	SS	AL	M3_M5A,M5B and M12
5^th April 2008	Mid-ebb	SS	AL	M1A and M3_M5A
			LL	M5B
	Mid-flood	SS	AL	M6
			LL	M3_M5A, M5B and M12
5^th April 2008	Mid-flood	DO	AL	M2A, M3_M5A and M4B
7^th April 2008	Mid-ebb	DO	AL	M3_M5A
	Mid-flood	DO	AL	M4B
7^th April 2008	Mid-ebb	SS	AL	M1A and M11
	Mid-flood	SS	AL	M1A, M5B and M11
			LL	M3_M5A, M6 and M12
9^th April 2008	Mid-ebb	DO	AL	M1A
	Mid-flood	DO	AL	M6
9^th April 2008	Mid-ebb	SS	AL	M6 and M12
	Mid-flood	SS	AL	M1A and M11

11^th April 2008	Mid-ebb	DO	AL	M6 and M12
11^th April 2008	Mid-flood	SS	AL	M12
14^th April 2008	Mid-flood	DO	AL	M6

14^th April 2008	Mid-flood	SS	AL	M1A
			LL	M3_M5A
15^th April 2008	Mid-ebb	SS	AL	M3_M5A and M5B
16^th April 2008	Mid-ebb	DO	AL	M6 and M11
	Mid-flood	DO	AL	M6
17^th April 2008	Mid-ebb	DO	AL	M6
17^th April 2008	Mid-flood	SS	LL	M1A, M3_M5A, M5B, M6, M11 and M12
18^th April 2008	Mid-flood	SS	AL	M1A, M3_M5A and M5B
			LL	M6 and M12
22^nd April 2008	Mid-flood	DO	AL	M6
22^nd April 2008	Mid-ebb	SS	AL	M1A, M11 and M12
	Mid-flood	SS	AL	M3_M5A, M5B, M6 and M11
			LL	M12
23^rd April 2008	Mid-flood	DO	AL	M6 and M12
24^th April 2008	Mid-flood	DO	AL	M1A,M3_M5A, M4B, M6 and M12
24^th April 2008	Mid-ebb	SS	LL	M1A, M11 and M12
	Mid-flood	SS	AL	M1A, M6 and M11
			LL	M12
25^th April 2008	Mid-flood	DO	AL	M1A, M2A, M3_M5A, M4B, M5B, M6 and M12
28^th April 2008	Mid-flood	DO	AL	M3_M5A, M5B, M6, M11 and M12
30^th April 2008	Mid-ebb	DO	AL	M1A, M2A, M3_M5A, M4B, M5B, M6, M11 and M12
	Mid-flood	DO	AL	M1A, M2A, M3_M5A, M4B, M5B, M6, M11 and M12

Additional Water Quality Monitoring for “Type A fill” Filling Works Conducted by the Contractor
12^th February 2008	Mid-ebb	SS	LL	Combined marine impact monitoring station (AM1-AM3)
	Afternoon session	SS	LL	Combined marine impact monitoring station (AM1-AM3)
15^th February 2008	Mid-ebb	SS	LL	Combined marine impact monitoring station (AM1-AM3)
25^th March 2008	Mid-flood	SS	LL	Combined marine impact monitoring station (AM1-AM3)
3^rd April 2008	Mid-flood	SS	AL	Combined marine impact monitoring station (AM1-AM3)
5^th April 2008	Mid-flood	SS	AL	Combined marine impact monitoring station (AM1
7^th April 2008	Mid-ebb & Mid-flood	SS	LL	Combined marine impact monitoring station (AM1
9^th April 2008	Mid-ebb & Mid-flood	SS	LL	Combined marine impact monitoring station (AM1
11^th April 2008	Mid-ebb	SS	AL	Combined marine impact monitoring station (AM1
14^th April 2008	Mid-flood	SS	LL	Combined marine impact monitoring station (AM1
18^th April 2008	Mid-flood	SS	LL	Combined marine impact monitoring station (AM1
21^st April 2008	Mid-flood	SS	LL	Combined marine impact monitoring station (AM1
23^rd April 2008	Mid-flood	SS	AL	Combined marine impact monitoring station (AM1
25^th April 2008	Mid-ebb	SS	LL	Combined marine impact monitoring station (AM1
28^th April 2008	Mid-flood	SS	LL	Combined marine impact monitoring station (AM1

A statistical analysis (presented in Annex I) of the suspended solids monitoring results found that the quarterly mean is significantly less than 1.3 times of the ambient mean recorded during the baseline period. This indicates that the Project construction works did not cause adverse impacts during the reporting period with respect to the baseline condition.

4.2 Non-Compliance

One non-compliance with regard to site environmental audit was recorded on 10^th April 2008. During the site inspection, both silt curtains (curtain No.2 and curtain No.3) were seen open.

The Contractor’s representative was reminded of this inappropriate operation and the silt curtains were then closed until it was time for the barge to pass through.

Discoloration of the water around the seawall gap and up to the first buoy location was seen. This may have caused by the inappropriate opening and closing operation of the silt curtains.

An environmental meeting was held on 15^th April 2008 with the Contractor and RE to discuss the non-conformance associated with the operation of the silt curtain during Type A filling work. The contractor has been urged to ensure the proper operation of the silt curtain in accordance with the procedures required in the Contractor’s Operation Plan Silt Curtain System for EP No. EP-01/122/2003/Q Condition 3.3.x”(Rev.1-Final). The contractor is requested to propose measures to ensure all staff involved in the silt curtain operation is fully aware of the requirements.

4.3 Summary of Actions Taken by the Contractor

The Contractor has implemented the following measures to prevent air and water quality impacts:

· Contractor has implemented their Drainage Management Plan to Control Site Run-off for the wet season – actions completed and underway include: repair and improvement of existing bunds/sandbags on the edge of the reclamation; installation of additional bunds; compaction of soil surface and pathing where possible to prevent erosion, creation of drainage channels and soak pits.

· Provision a single WetSep flocculation based water treatment plant and additional settlement tanks to remove suspended solids from discharge waters;

· Provision of catch pits to collect spill over from wheel washing facilities; increased frequency of cleaning of catch-pits;

· Water browsing of haul roads and other areas of the site and covering of stockpiles.

4.4 Environmental Enquiries

No environmental enquiries were received during this reporting quarter.

4.5 Environmental Complaints and Prosecutions

No environmental complaints were received during this reporting quarter.

4.6 Record of Environmental Complaints and Summons & Prosecutions

There was no record of environmental complaints during this reporting quarter.

There were no notifications of summons and prosecutions during this reporting quarter.

1.5. Conclusion

During the environmental site inspections conducted within this reporting quarter, one non-compliances were noted and no prosecutions were received during this reporting quarter.

No exceedance in TSP level was recorded at the two monitoring stations during this reporting quarter.

One exceedance of noise was recorded at the City Hall monitoring station during the reporting period. This exceedance could have been attributed to the emergency filling works at the collapsed seawall at former Queen’s Pier.

Exceedances of water quality were recorded on 23 sampling days in this reporting quarter. Exceedances of the Action Limit for DO were recorded on 14 of the sampling days. Exceedances of the Action Limit for SS were recorded on 13 of the sampling days. Exceedances of the Limit Level for SS were recorded on 7 of the sampling days. Two SS exceedances (3^rd and 14^th April) of Water Quality Monitoring in accordance with EM&A Manual and four SS exceedances (3^rd ,5^th, 11^th and 14^th April) of Additional Water Quality Monitoring for “Type A fill” Filling Works conducted by the Contractor were considered potentially attributable to project works. Monitoring was repeated on 15^th, 17^th and 22^nd April 2008 following the Event and Action Plan for water quality. The follow-up reports of the exceedances (No.665, 666, 668, 676, 679and 680) were issued to describe the follow-up action.

One environmental non-conformance was recorded on 10^th April 2008 with regards to the Contractor’s Operation Plan for Silt Curtain System. An environmental meeting was held on 15^th April 2008 with the Contractor and RE to discuss the non-conformance.