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Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Ltd. (“MMHK”) has been commissioned by the Gammon Engineering & Construction Company Limited, to undertake the Environmental Team (ET) services to carry out environmental monitoring and audit (EM&A) for Ocean Park Tai Shue Wan Development Water World.
This is the 26th monthly EM&A report for the construction phase of Waterpark Main Building Works submitted under Condition 3.4 of the Environmental Permit (No. EP-487/2014/A). This report summarises the findings on EM&A during the period from 1 to 31 July 2019.
Exceedance of Action and Limit Levels
The summary of measured noise level (as Leq) is presented in Section 3. No exceedance of Action or Limit Levels for noise levels were recorded in the Reporting Period.
Result of Ecological Monitoring
The plant species of conservation interest – One number of Platycodon grandifloras was found in fence up area in the Reporting Period. Group 1 of Platycodon grandifloras could not be found within the fenced area due to natural life cycle of this perennial herbaceous species, and new shoots would be expected to emerge from the underground part in the next growing season. No sign of construction activities was noted in the fence up area.
No ardeids nest or potential breeding activities were observed during the monitoring period.
Details of the results are presented in Section 4.
Result of Landscape and Visual Monitoring
No non-compliance of Landscape and Visual monitoring was recorded in the Reporting Period. Details of the results are presented in Section 5.
Record of Complaints
There was no record of complaints received in the Reporting Period.
Record of Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions
There were no record of notification of summons and successful prosecution in the Reporting Period.
Reporting Changes
There are no reporting changes.
Site inspection
In the Reporting Period, joint site inspections were undertaken by the PMR, ET and the Contractor on 5, 12, 19 and 26 July 2019. Furthermore, joint site inspection and audit were undertaken by the PMR, ET, the Contractor and IEC on 12 July 2019. During site inspection, non-compliance was not observed by the ET and IEC.
Future Key Issues
● Site formation for ride footing & column construction
● Cut soil slope and soil nail installation for Ride P1 and P3
● Rock breaking and slope stabilization works for Ride P1 to P5
● Drainage works and ELS installation at A4
● Rising Main construction (slope portions)
● Footing and column construction at P3 & P4
● Backfilling for ride footing
● Main Building:
● B1 water tank and drainage work.
● L1 North Plant Room surface channel construction.
● ABWF in B1, L1, L2 and L3 Secondary structure construction;
● L2M E&M works;
● L2 Block work and ABWF works, L2 area Pool B, C, D, E, F, H, R filtration pipe works installation and pool structure construction;
● Construction of L1 secondary structure near core O and water feature;
● Pool D surge tank flood test;
● Indoor Wave Pool construction, Outdoor Wave Pool A ABWF works, Roof ABWF & Landscape works (Green Roof, Curtain Wall, ETFE), Lift installation works & ABWF, L2 On-grade Slab; L2 North Cladding Wall construction, lift shat installation works and ABWF works
● South Transformer Room: ABWF
● South Plant Room : E&M, installation of chimney pipe (gas)
● External Area: Laying of underground utilities, removal of concrete paving, manholes and watermain construction, trench exaction for cables & pipes, backfilling
On 27 August 2014, the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Report and Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual (Register No.: AEIAR-184/2014) for the “Tai Shue Wan Development at Ocean Park” (the Project) was approved and an Environmental Permit (EP) (Permit No.: EP-487/2014) was issued to the Ocean Park Corporation (Project Proponent).
The current valid EP (Permit No.: EP-487/2014/A) was issued on 10 January 2018 based on the Variation of Environmental Permit No. VEP-539/2017 which comprise variation of project boundary, location of sump pit and size of rising main. The Project location is indicated in Appendix A.
Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Ltd. (“MMHK”) has been commissioned by Gammon Engineering & Construction Company Limited to undertake the Environmental Team (ET) services to carry out environmental monitoring and audit for the Ocean Park Tai Shue Wan Water World Project.
As part of the EM&A program, baseline monitoring for the required parameters including background noise, landscape & visual baseline review and baseline ardeid inspection were carried out between 24 October 2014 and 10 December 2014 by the environmental consultants of Ocean Park Corporation. Furthermore, the baseline monitoring report which verified by the previous IEC was submitted to EPD and endorsed in December 2014.
The previous contract (Contract No.: TSW-C004) of Site Formation and Foundation Works has been completed since 31 May 2017, the next construction phase (Contract No.: TSW-C006) for the Ocean Park Tai Shue Wan Development was handed over to Gammon Engineering & Construction Company Limited on 31 May 2017. This is 26th monthly EM&A report presenting the monitoring results and inspection findings for the Project during the Reporting Period from 1 to 31 July 2019.
The project organization is shown in Appendix B. The responsibilities of respective parties are:
Ocean Park Corporation
Ocean Park Corporation is the Project Proponent and the Permit Holder of the EP for the development of the Project and will assume overall responsibility for the project. An Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) shall be employed by Ocean Park Corporation to audit the results of the EM&A works carried out by the ET.
Environmental Protection Department (EPD)
EPD is the statutory enforcement body for environmental protection matters in Hong Kong.
Project Management Representative (PMR) of Ocean Park Corporation
The PMR is responsible for overseeing the construction works and for ensuring that the works are undertaken by the Contractor in accordance with the specification and contract requirements. The duties and responsibilities of the ER with respect to EM&A are:
● Monitor the Contractors’ compliance with contract specifications, including the implementation and operation of the environmental mitigation measures and their effectiveness
● Monitor Contractors’, ET’s and IEC’s compliance with the requirements in the Environmental Permit (EP) and EM&A Manual
● Facilitate ET’s implementation of the EM&A programme
● Participate in joint site inspection by the ET and IEC
● Oversee the implementation of the agreed Event / Action Plan in the event of any exceedance
● Adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation
● Liaison with the related government departments, ET, IEC, the Contractor and the other
Contractors of the Project discussing regarding the cumulative impact issues.
The Contractor
The duties and responsibilities of the Contractor are:
● Comply with the relevant contract conditions and specifications on environmental protection
● Employ an Environmental Team (ET) to undertake monitoring, laboratory analysis and reporting of EM &A Facilitate ET’s monitoring and site inspection activities
● Participate in the site inspections by the ET and IEC, and undertake any corrective actions
● Provide information / advice to the ET regarding works programme and activities which may contribute to the generation of adverse environmental impacts
● Submit proposals on mitigation measures in case of exceedances of Action and Limit levels in accordance with the Event / Action Plans
● Implement measures to reduce impact where Action and Limit levels are exceeded
● Adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation
Environmental Team (ET)
The ET should be employed by the Contractor to conduct the EM&A programme. The ET should be managed by the ET Leader. ET Leader should have relevant professional qualifications in environmental control and possess at least seven years’ experience in EM&A. Suitably qualified professional and technical staff should be included in the ET, and resources for the implementation of the EM&A programme should be allocated in the time under the Contract, to enable fulfilment of the Project’s EM&A requirements as specified in the EM&A Manual during construction of the Project. The ET shall include qualified botanist/ecologist for the ecological service and a Registered Landscape Architect for review of implementation of landscape and visual mitigation measures. The ET should report to the OPC and the duties should include:
● to monitor and audit various environmental parameters as required in the Approved EM&A Manual;
● to analyse the EM&A data, review the success of EM&A programme and the adequacy of mitigation measures implemented, confirm the validity of the EIA predictions, and identify any adverse environmental impacts arising;
● to monitor compliance with conditions in the EP, environmental protection, pollution prevention and control regulations and contract specifications;
● to audit environmental conditions on site;
● to report on the EM&A results to EPD, the ER, the IEC and Contractor or their delegated representatives;
● to recommend suitable mitigation measures to the Contractor in the case of exceedance of Action and Limit levels in accordance with the Event and Action Plans;
● to liaise with the IEC on all environmental performance matters, and ensure timely submission of all relevant EM&A pro forma for IEC’s approval;
● to provide advice to the Contractor on environmental improvement, awareness and enhancement matters, etc. on site;
● to adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation;
● to prepare reports on the environmental monitoring data and the site
environmental
conditions;
● to submit the EM&A report to Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) timely;
● to review proposals of mitigation measures from the Contractor in case of exceedance of Action and Limit levels, in accordance with the Event and Action Plan; and
● to carry out site inspection to investigate and audit the Contractor’s site practice, equipment and work methodologies with respect to pollution control and mitigation measures.
Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)
● The IEC is empowered to audit the environmental performance of
construction, but is independent from the management of construction works. As
such, the IEC should not be in any way an associated body of the Contractor or
the ET for the Project. The IEC should be
employed by OPC prior to the commencement of the construction of the Project.
The IEC
should be a person who has relevant professional qualifications in
environmental control and at least seven years’ experience in EM&A and
environmental management. The duties and
responsibilities of the IEC are:
● to provide proactive advice to the ER and OPC on EM&A matters related to the project;
● to review and verify the monitoring data and all submissions in connection with the EP and EM&A Manual submitted by the ET;
● to arrange and conduct regular, at least monthly site inspections of
the works during the construction phase, and to carry out ad hoc inspections if
significant environmental problems
are identified;
● to check compliance with the agreed Event and Action Plan in the event of any exceedance;
● to check compliance with the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation;
● to check the effectiveness of corrective measures;
● to feedback audit results to the ET by signing off relevant EM&A pro forma;
● to check that mitigation measures are effectively implemented;
● to report the works conducted, and the findings, recommendations and improvements of the site inspections, after reviewing ET’s and Contractor’s works, the ER and OPC on a monthly basis;
● to verify the investigation result of the environmental complaint cases and the effectiveness of corrective measures;
● to verify EM&A report that has been certified by the ET leader; and
● to audit EIA recommendations and requirements against the status of implementation of environmental mitigation measures on site.
The construction program is enclosed in Appendix C. In the Reporting Period, the major construction activity conducted under the Contract is summarized below:
● Site formation for ride footing & column construction
● Cut soil slope and soil nail installation for Ride P1 and P3
● Rock breaking and slope stabilization works for Ride P1 to P5
● Drainage works at A4
● Rising Main construction (PJD & slope portions)
● Footing and column construction at P3
● Backfilling for ride footing
● Erection of steel working platform at P5
● Main Building: B1 water tank and drainage work. ABWF in B1, L1, L2 and L3 Secondary structure construction; L2M E&M works; L2 Block work and ABWF works, area Pool B, C, D, E, F, H, R filtration pipe works installation and pool structure construction; Indoor Wave Pool construction, Outdoor Wave Pool A ABWF works, Roof ABWF & Landscape works (Green Roof, Curtain Wall, ETFE), Lift installation works & ABWF, L2 On-grade Slab (rebar fixing and concreting of on-grade slab etc.), L2 North Cladding Wall construction, core 3 staircase, lift shat installation works and ABWF works
● South Transformer Room: ABWF
● South Plant Room: E&M
● External Area: Laying of underground utilities, removal of concrete paving, manholes and watermain construction, trench exaction for cables & pipes, backfilling
Summaries of validity permits, licenses, and/or notifications on environmental protection for the Project are presented in Table 1.
Table 1: Status of Environmental Licenses and Permits of the Project
Type of Permit/ License |
Submission Date |
Reference/ License No. |
Date of Issue
|
Date of Expiry |
Status |
Environmental Permit |
/ |
EP-487/2014/A |
10-Jan-18 |
N/A |
Valid |
Variation of Environmental Permit |
18-Dec-17 |
Application No. |
10-Jan-18 |
N/A |
Valid |
Environmental Permit |
/ |
EP-487/2014 |
27-Aug-14 |
N/A |
Superseded |
Notification pursuant to Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation |
15-Mar-17 |
414651 |
N/A |
N/A |
Valid |
Application for a Billing Account for Disposal of Construction Waste |
14-Dec-16 |
Account No. 7026786 |
28-Dec-16 |
N/A |
Valid |
Discharge Licence under WPCO |
15-Mar-17 |
414650 |
29-May-17 |
31-May-22
|
Valid |
Registration as a Chemical Waste Producer |
21-Apr-17 |
415966 |
31-May-17 |
N/A |
Completed |
Construction Noise Permit under NCO |
26-Apr-17 |
416080 |
15-May-17 |
29-Dec-17 |
Superseded |
Construction Noise Permit under NCO GW-RS0825-17 |
8-Sep-17 |
420985 |
22-Sep-17 |
21-Mar-18 |
Superseded |
Construction Noise Permit under NCO GW-RS1024-17 |
3-Nov-17 |
422922 |
21-Nov-17 |
16-May-18 |
Superseded |
Construction Noise Permit under NCO GW-RS0356-18 |
16-Apr-18 |
432628 |
30-Apr-18 |
16-Nov-18 |
Superseded |
Construction Noise Permit under NCO GW-RS0469-18 |
18-May-18 |
433713 |
04-Jun-18 |
30-Nov-18 |
Superseded |
Construction Noise Permit under NCO GW-RS1151-18 |
23-Nov-18 |
439700 |
07-Dec-18 |
06-Jun-19 |
Superseded |
Construction Noise Permit under NCO GW-RS0345-19 |
03-Apr-19 |
434093 |
18-Apr-19 |
17-Oct-19 |
Valid |
In accordance with the EP stipulation, the required documents submitted to EPD for retention are as listed below:
● Project Layout Plans
● Management Organization of Main Construction Companies
● Detailed Vegetation Survey Report
● Woodland Compensation Plan
● Ardeid Inspection Report
● Short-nosed Fruit Bat Inspection Report
● Baseline Monitoring Report Revision A of the Project
Construction noise is one of the key environmental issues during the construction phase of the Project in accordance to the approved EM&A Manual. Following the requirements in the EM&A Manual, continuous noise monitoring for A-weighted levels Leq, L10, L90 shall be undertaken once per week during the construction phase. Measurement of Leq(30min) between 07:00-19:00 hours on normal weekdays.
If construction works are necessary to be carried out at other time periods, i.e. restricted time period (19:00-07:00 the next morning and whole day on public holidays) (hereinafter referred as “the restricted hours”), three consecutive Leq(5min) measurements shall be recorded, while complying specific conditions as stipulated on the Construction Noise Permit (CNP). Supplementary information for data auditing and statistical results such as L10 and L90 shall also be obtained for reference. Summary of these monitoring requirements is shown in Table 2.
Table 2: Noise Monitoring Parameters
Monitoring Station |
Parameters |
NM1A and NM2 |
● Leq(30min) on normal working days (Monday to Saturday) 07:00-19:00 except public holiday; ● 3 sets of consecutive Leq(5min) during restricted hours i.e. 19:00 to 07:00 next day, and whole day of public holiday or Sunday when applicable, and ● Supplementary information for data auditing and statistical results such as L10 and L90 shall also be obtained for reference |
The baseline results form the basis for determining the environmental acceptance criteria for the impact monitoring. According to the approved EM&A Manual with baseline monitoring results, construction noise criterion, namely Action and Limit levels proposed are listed in Table 3.
Table 3: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Noise
Monitoring Location |
Action Level |
Limit Level in dB(A) |
NM1A and NM2 |
When one or more documented complaints are received |
70 dB(A)1,2 |
Note: 1. Acceptable noise levels for school should be
reduced to 65 dB(A) during examination period
2. If works are to be carried out during restricted hours, the conditions
stipulated in the CNP must be followed.
Two designated noise monitoring locations as established in the EM&A Manual is shown in Appendix D. After the baseline monitoring, alternative location NM1A has been proposed by MMHK due to rejection of the monitoring location set up at NM1. The proposal was verified and agreed by EPD in the Baseline Monitoring Report.
The construction noise monitoring locations for the Project are shown in Table 4 and Appendix E.
Table 4: Impact Monitoring locations
Monitoring location |
Descriptions |
Type of measurement |
NM1A |
Slope near Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA) to replace NM1 of the VSA |
Free field |
NM2 |
Hong Kong Juvenile Care Centre (HKJCC) |
Facade |
Integrating sound level meter in compliance with the International Electrotechnical Commission Publications 651: 1979 (Type 1) and 804: 1985 (Type 1) specifications shall be used for carrying out the noise monitoring. The sound level meter shall be checked using an acoustic calibrator. The wind speed shall be checked with a portable wind speed meter capable of measuring the wind speed in ms-1. The acoustic calibrator and sound level meter to be used in the impact monitoring will be calibrated yearly.
Noise monitoring equipment used for monitoring is listed in Table 5.
Table 5: Noise Monitoring Equipment
Equipment |
Model |
Integrating Sound Level Meter |
Rion NL-52 |
Calibrator |
Larson Davis CAL200 |
Portable Wind Speed Indicator |
Anemometer/ Lutron AM-4201 |
Field Monitoring
● Sound Level Meter was set up on a tripod at a height of at least 1.2 m above ground.
● Noise measurements were taken in terms of the A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level (Leq) measured in decibels (dB). Supplementary statistical results (L10 and L90) were also obtained for reference.
● Free field measurement was made at NM1A while facade measurement was made at NM2.
● The battery condition was checked to ensure the correct functioning of the meter.
● Prior to and after each noise measurement, the meter was calibrated using an acoustic calibrator for 94 dB at 1 kHz. The checking was performed before and after the noise measurement.
● During the monitoring, all noise measurements would be performed with the meter with Fast time weighting and on the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level (Leq). Leq(30min) as the monitoring parameter for the time period between 0700-1900 hours on weekdays; and also Leq(15min) in three consecutive Leq(5min) measurements would be used as monitoring parameter for other time periods (e.g. during restricted hours), if necessary. In addition, any site observations and noise sources were recorded on a standard record sheet.
● A correction of +3 dB(A) was made to the free field measurement.
● Noise measurements were not made in fog, rain, wind with a steady speed exceeding 5 ms-1 or wind with gust exceeding 10 ms-1.
Equipment calibration
● The sound level meter and calibrator are calibrated and certified by a HOKLAS accredited laboratory at yearly intervals.
● Calibration records of sound level meter and calibrator, together with the Anemometer used for impact monitoring program in the Reporting Period are shown in Appendix F.
Meteorological Information
Meteorological information was extracted from “the Hong Kong Observatory Wong Chuk Hang Station” to provide the humidity, wind speed, wind direction and temperature etc. as background weather information. The meteorological data throughout the impact monitoring period is summarized in Appendix K.
Derivation of Action/Limit (A/L) Levels
According to the approved EM&A Manual and baseline monitoring results, Action and Limit levels criterion proposed for construction noise monitoring are listed in Table 6.
Table 6: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Noise
Monitoring Location |
Action Level |
Limit Level in dB(A) |
|
Time Period: 07:00-19:00 hours on normal weekdays |
|
NM1A and NM2 |
When one or more documented complaints are received |
70 dB(A) 1, 2 |
Note: 1. A correction of +3dB(A)
was made to the free field measurement at monitoring station NM1A.
2. No examination has taken place during this reporting period.
Should non-compliance of the environmental
quality criteria occur, remedial actions will be
triggered according to the Event and Action Plan which is presented in Appendix
G.
Data Management and Data QA/QC Control
All monitoring data will be handled by the ET’s in-house data recording and management system. The monitoring data recorded in the equipment will be downloaded directly from the equipment at the end of each monitoring day. The downloaded monitoring data will be inputted into a computerized database properly maintained by the ET.
Monitoring for noise levels due to construction work was undertaken in compliance with the EM&A manual during the Reporting Period. Regular monitoring surveys were carried out on 5, 11, 17, 23 and 29 July 2019 during the Reporting Period. A total of 10 noise monitoring surveys were carried out at the two noise monitoring locations.
As shown in Table 7, results of the noise monitoring measurement were below 70 dB(A). No noise complaints were received in this Reporting Period. No exceedance (Action/Limit Level) of construction noise was recorded in this period.
Table 7: Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results (Noise level for 30 minutes)
Monitoring date |
Time |
|
Mean and range of noise levels, dB(A) |
Limit Level for Leq (dB(A)) |
|
|
Start |
Finish |
Leq (30min) |
Corrected Leq(30min)1 |
|
NM1A |
|
|
|
|
|
05-Jul-19 |
10:02 |
10:32 |
55.9 |
58.9 |
70 |
11-Jul-19 |
10:30 |
11:00 |
56.2 |
59.2 |
70 |
17-Jul-19 |
10:18 |
10:48 |
55.9 |
58.9 |
70 |
23-Jul-19 |
10:15 |
10:45 |
56.1 |
59.1 |
70 |
29-Jul-19 |
08:45 |
09:15 |
56.5 |
59.5 |
70 |
NM2 |
|
|
|
|
|
05-Jul-19 |
09:20 |
09:50 |
51.9 |
- |
70 |
11-Jul-19 |
09:50 |
10:20 |
50.1 |
- |
70 |
17-Jul-19 |
09:35 |
10:05 |
50.7 |
- |
70 |
23-Jul-19 |
09:32 |
10:02 |
49.5 |
- |
70 |
29-Jul-19 |
10:30 |
11:00 |
49.5 |
- |
70 |
Note: 1. A correction of +3 dB(A) was made to the
free field measurement at monitoring station NM1A.
Summary of data and the supplementary information for data
auditing is presented in Appendix
I. Graphical plots of the monitoring data are as shown in Appendix
J.
As required under the Section 8.3.2 of the approved EM&A Manual, the implementation of ecological mitigation measures as detailed in the Section 15 of the EIA report and Appendix C of the approved EM&A Manual shall be routinely audited during the routine environmental audit; and any observations and recommendations shall be reported in periodic EM&A reports.
Among those mitigation measures recommended to avoid or minimize the disturbance to any plants of conservation interest (EM&A reference 8.3.1.1), nested ardeids (EM&A reference 8.3.1.2) and roosted short-nosed fruit bat (EM&A reference 8.3.1.3), the required inspection has already been undertaken in August / September 2014 with the results presented in the submitted respective baseline report. Therefore, the following sections only address those applicable to this stage of the project, i.e., Section 8.3.2 of the approved EM&A Manual.
Monitoring of Plants of Conservation Interest (Platycondon grandiflorus)
According to Condition 2.6 of Environmental Permit No. EP-487/2014, the Detailed Vegetation Survey Report has located two groups of the protected Platycodon grandiflorus and recommended that the plants should be protected with temporary protective fencing to avoid potential impact from construction activities (such as material storage), and monitor the identified Platycodon grandiflorus on a monthly basis throughout the construction phase to ensure they are not affected by the construction works of the Project. Accordingly, the following monitoring parameters will be undertaken on a monthly basis during the construction period:
● Effective implementation of the protection measures as recommended in the Section 4.1 of the Detailed Vegetation Survey Report
● Monitoring of the two groups of Platycodon grandiflorus identified during the detailed vegetation survey to ensure they are not affected by the construction works
Monitoring of Nesting Activities of Ardeids in Breeding Season
The project area should be checked monthly in breeding season (April to July) for any potential breeding and nesting activities, and if required, suitably sized buffer area will be recommended to avoid human or machinery disturbance until the nest is abandoned.
Monitoring of Roosting Activities of Ardeids in Peak Wintering Season
The existing ardeid night roost within the project area should be monitored monthly during peak wintering season (November to March) during the construction phase by direct observation from a vantage point (i.e., point count method) in the evening from an hour before sunset to nightfall.
Compensation for Ardeid roosting Site
An enhancement area proposed as an alternative roosting site for ardeids should be developed during the first phase of the construction.
Compensation of Woodland Habitat
Mitigation measures recommended in the approved Woodland Compensation Plan should be fully and properly implemented, including but not limited to the creation of 0.84 ha woodland compensation on-site and 0.78 ha on-site woodland reinstatement, to mitigate for permanent loss of woodland habitat.
The ecological inspection was undertaken on 12 July 2019 by the qualified ecologist. The inspection findings are presented below.
Plants of Conservation Interest (Platycodon grandiflorus)
Platycodon grandiflorus is a perennial herb up to 120 cm tall. Stems erect with scarcely any branches. It is often found on sunny grassy hillslopes in brushes. Two groups of Platycodon grandiflorus (see Figure 1 of Appendix L for the location) that were recorded in 2015’s growing season within the fenced area.
It was observed that Group 2 of Platycodon grandiflorus was found to be vigorous and was in health condition. However, Group 1 of Platycodon grandiflorus could not be found within the fenced area due to natural life cycle of this perennial herbaceous species, and new shoots would be expected to emerge from the underground part in the next growing season.
The preventive mitigation measures, i.e., erecting of temporary protective fencing and sign post, were found to be effectively implemented for human disturbance (see Photo 2 of Appendix L of this report), and there is no signs or evidence (e.g. dust coating of plant) to suggest that the on-going construction activities with the Project Area has affected the health condition of the Platycodon grandiflorus.
Nesting Activities of Ardeids in Breeding Season
No signs or breeding (such as courtship, nest building, brooding, juveniles etc.) of ardeids were noted within the Project Area during the reporting month.
Roosting Activities of Ardeids in Peak Wintering Season.
In accordance with the approved EM&A Manual, this monitoring parameter would not be required beyond the Peak Wintering season, i.e., from 1 November to 31 March. The last monitoring event for roosting activities of ardeids in Peak Wintering Season 2019’s was undertaken on 15 March 2019.
Compensation for Ardeid roosting Site
To be implemented.
Compensation of Woodland Habitat
To be implemented.
The implementation of the mitigation measures for the plant species of conservation interest, i.e., erecting of temporary protective fencing and sign post during the Reporting Period was noted. Group 2 of Platycodon grandifloras was found to be vigorous and was in health condition but Group 1 of Platycodon grandifloras could not be found within the fenced area due to natural life cycle of this perennial herbaceous species, and new shoots would be expected to emerge from the underground part in the next growing season.
On the other hand, no sighting of ardeids or signs of any breeding/ nesting activities were noted within the Project Area during the monitoring.
The tentative ecological
inspection and monitoring in the next Reporting Period is scheduled on 16 August
2019.
Landscape and visual mitigation measures for the construction phase are listed in the Approved EM&A Manual Table 9.1.
The design, implementation and maintenance of landscape and visual mitigation measures shall be checked bi-weekly to ensure that they are fully realized during the construction phase. The scope of the site audit during construction shall include the following:
● The extent of the agreed works areas should be regularly checked. No construction activities or storage shall be undertaken outside the limit of the works;
● The progress of the engineering works should be regularly reviewed on site to identify the earliest practical opportunities for the landscape works to be undertaken;
● All landscaping works are carried out in accordance with the specifications; and
● All new plantings are carried out properly and during the right season.
Any potential conflicts between the proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures and any other project works or operational requirements shall be recorded for the Contractor to resolve in an early stage, without compromising the intention of the mitigation measures.
In the Reporting Period, bi-weekly landscape and visual site inspections were conducted on 5 and 19 July 2019.
According to the bi-weekly site inspections, it was observed that the Contractor complied with the intended aims of the mitigation measures, for example, neither construction activities nor materials storage conducted and placed outside of the working site boundary.
A temporary hut was observed being placed within the landscape nursery on 5 July 2019. The Contractor was advised to remove the hut for not to affect the routine operation of the nursery.
Waste management was carried out by an on-site Environmental Officer or an Environmental Supervisor from time to time.
All types of waste arising from the construction work are classified into the following:
● Construction & Demolition (C&D) Material;
● Chemical Waste;
● General Refuse; and
● Excavated Soil.
Monthly Summary Waste Flow Table provided by the Contractor is shown in Appendix M. Materials were reused on-site as far as practicable.
According to the approved EM&A Manual, the environmental site inspection shall be formulated by the ET Leader. Weekly environmental site inspections should be carried out to confirm the environmental performance.
In the Reporting Period, joint site inspections were undertaken by the PMR, ET and the Contractor on 5, 12, 19 and 26 July 2019. Furthermore, joint site inspection and audit were undertaken by the PMR, ET, the Contractor and IEC on 12 July 2019.
During site inspections, non-compliance was not observed by the ET and IEC. However, a total of five observations were recorded in the Reporting Period. The findings / deficiencies of the Project observed during the weekly site inspections are listed in Table 8.
Table 8: Summary of findings / deficiencies
Date |
Findings / Deficiencies |
Follow-up Status |
5 July 2019 |
Stagnant water in the drip tray should be removed. (Location: Level 2, Zone B) |
The standing water in the drip tray was removed and impervious tarpaulin sheet was covered on those chemical containers. (Location: Level 2, Zone B) |
5 July 2019 |
The Contractor was reminded to clear the stagnant water regularly. |
- |
12 July 2019 |
The Contractor was remined to maintain better housekeeping, spare parts should be well stored. (Location: Zone B, next to EVA road.) |
- |
26 July 2019 |
Stagnant water at Zone A Level 2 should be cleared. |
Stagnant water at Zone A Level 2 is removed. |
26 July 2019 |
Chemical containers should be placed on drip tray. |
Chemical containers have been placed on drip tray. |
The Contractor has rectified the above deficiencies immediately or within deadline. Therefore, the environmental performance of the Project managed by the Contractor with OPC was considered satisfactory.
Special attention shall be paid on the proper implementation of mitigation measures to prevent runoff flow to public area.
As a general reminder, dust mitigation measures should be
enforced to prevent fugitive dust from haul road, idle slope work and
construction activities; and the site tidiness should be maintained. Furthermore,
all chemical materials shall be stored in designated area after use with drip
tray.
No environmental complaint, summons and prosecution were received in the Reporting Period.
The statistical summary for environmental complaints is presented in Table 9.
Table 9: Statistics for complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions
Reporting Period |
Cumulative Statistics |
|
|
|
Complaints |
Notifications of summons |
Successful prosecutions |
This report month |
0 |
0 |
0 |
The environmental mitigation measures that were recommended in the Implementation Schedule for Environmental Mitigation Measures in the approved EM&A Manual covered the issues of dust, noise, water and waste and are presented in Appendix N.
The Project shall be implementing the required environmental mitigation measures according to the approved EM&A Manual as subject to the site condition. Environmental mitigation measures generally implemented by the Contractor in this Reporting Month are summarized in
Table 10.
Table 10: Environmental Mitigation Measures
Issues |
Environmental Mitigation Measures |
Construction |
● Construction equipment shut down when not in use |
Ecology |
●
Wire
fencing was provided for temporary protection of the identified flora species
of ● Site inspection of the
flora species of conservation and the Ardeid |
Landscape & Visual |
● Good site management |
Air Quality |
● Good site management to reduce air quality impact ● Main temporary access road paved with concrete ● Prior to any loading or transfer operation, all dusty materials were sprayed with water to keep them wet ● All debris had been covered entirely by impervious sheeting ● Before debris was dumped into a chute, water was sprayed onto the debris to make them wet ● Vehicles were covered with tarpaulin during transport of dusty materials ● When vehicles were leaving the construction site, any vehicles loaded with dusty materials were covered with clean impervious sheeting to prevent fugitive dusty material emission ● The speed of the trucks passing site areas was controlled to below 10 km/hour ● Water spraying was provided for soil-nailing work |
Water Quality |
● Portable chemical toilets were provided on site ● A licensed collector has been employed to collect effluent and off-site dispose. |
Waste and Chemical Management |
●
A
temporary container located far away from sea shore and drainage ● Drip tray was provided for chemical materials at the working areas ● Waste skip was provided for general refuse disposal |
General |
● The site was generally kept tidy and clean |
Construction activities to be undertaken in the coming month for the Project are listed below:
● Site formation for ride footing & column construction
● Cut soil slope and soil nail installation for Ride P1 and P3
● Rock breaking and slope stabilization works for Ride P1 to P5
● Drainage works and ELS installation at A4
● Rising Main construction (slope portions)
● Footing and column construction at P3 & P4
● Backfilling for ride footing
● Main Building:
● B1 water tank and drainage work.
● L1 North Plant Room surface channel construction.
● ABWF in B1, L1, L2 and L3 Secondary structure construction;
● L2M E&M works;
● L2 Block work and ABWF works, L2 area Pool B, C, D, E, F, H, R filtration pipe works installation and pool structure construction;
● Construction of L1 secondary structure near core O and water feature;
● Pool D surge tank flood test;
● Indoor Wave Pool construction, Outdoor Wave Pool A ABWF works, Roof ABWF & Landscape works (Green Roof, Curtain Wall, ETFE), Lift installation works & ABWF, L2 On-grade Slab; L2 North Cladding Wall construction, lift shat installation works and ABWF works
● South Transformer Room: ABWF
● South Plant Room: E&M, installation of chimney pipe (gas)
● External Area: Laying of underground utilities, removal of concrete paving, manholes and watermain construction, trench exaction for cables & pipes, backfilling
Based on construction activities as undertaken in the coming month, key environment issues consider to be included:
● Potential fugitive dust impact due to the dry/loose/exposure soil surface/dusty material;
● Potential water quality impact due to surface runoff especially on the hillside;
● Potential wastewater impact due to dust suppression measures;
● Implement dust suppression measures at all times;
● Ensure noise and dust mitigation measures are implemented properly;
● Sediment catch-pits and silt removal facilities should be regularly maintained;
● Site effluent discharge shall be fulfilled the discharge license requirements;
● Proper implementation of the management of chemical wastes;
● Ensure chemical storage is managed properly;
● Implementation of construction noise preventative control measures; and
● Cleanliness and tidiness in construction site should be maintained properly.
● All drainage facilities, erosion and sedimentation control structures (including the sedimentation tanks installed on site) should be regularly inspected and maintained in good condition, especially during the wet season.
● Appropriate label should be provided on specific machines.
● Noise mitigation measures, including the use of quiet plants, should be implemented in accordance with the EM&A requirement.
Cleanliness and tidiness in construction site should be enhanced. |