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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 9th Quarterly EM&A Summary report for the Tai Shue Wan Development Water World under Section 11.4 of the EM&A Manual (Register No.: AEIAR-184/2014). This report summarises the findings on EM&A during the period from 1 June 2019 to 31 August 2019.
Environmental Monitoring and Audit Activities
Environmental monitoring activities under the EM&A programme in the Reporting Period are summarized in the following table:
Environmental Aspect |
Environmental Monitoring Parameters / Inspection |
Total Occasions |
Construction Noise |
Leq(30min) Daytime |
26 |
Leq(15min) Additional monitoring |
0 |
|
Ecology |
Site Inspection |
3 |
Landscape and Visual |
Inspection of the mitigation measures implementation situation |
6 |
Site Inspection / Audit |
Environmental Team (ET), the Contractor and Project Management Representative (PMR) joint site inspection and auditing |
13 |
Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) joint site inspection and auditing |
3 |
Breaches of Action/Limit Levels
No exceedance of construction noise measurement and no Notifications of Exceedances (NOEs) were issued to the PMR, IEC and the Contractor. The statistics of environmental exceedance, NOE issued and investigation of exceedance are summarized in the following table:
Environmental Aspect |
Monitoring Parameter |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
Event & Action |
||
NOE Issued |
Investigation |
Corrective Actions |
||||
Construction Noise |
Leq(30min) Daytime |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Environmental Complaints
Total of one case of complaint was received in the Reporting Period regarding noise impact at night time.
Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions
There was no record of notification of summons and successful prosecution in the Reporting Period.
Reporting Changes
There are no reporting changes.
Future Key Issues
The contractor should pay attention to the following environmental issues and maintain relevant mitigation measures:
● 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
● Gas main construction
● Ride installation at P3
● Main Building: B1 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 T&C works & ABWF, L2 North Cladding Wall construction, Pool D surge tank ABWF works, Pool B&C concrete defects; North Plant Room surface channel construction.
● 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
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 layout plan of the Project 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 was 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 and 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 report summarizes the findings during the Reporting Period from 1 June to 31 August 2019.
The project organization is shown in Appendix B. The responsibilities of respective parties are as follows:
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 Contractor’s, 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, 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 7 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 analyze 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 7 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 ET leader; and
to audit EIA recommendations and requirements against the status of implementation of environmental mitigation measures on site.
During the Reporting Period, works of the Project undertaken include:
● 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
● Gas main construction
● Ride installation at P3
● Main Building: B1 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 T&C works & ABWF, L2 North Cladding Wall construction, Pool D surge tank ABWF works, Pool B&C concrete defects; North Plant Room surface channel construction.
● 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
According to the EP stipulation, the required documents have been submitted to EPD for retention 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
As specified in the approved EM&A Manual, environmental monitoring of construction noise, ecology, landscape and visual impacts as well as waste management are required. A summary of the monitoring parameters is presented in Table 2.
Table 2: Summary of Impact EM&A Requirements
Parameters |
Description |
Locations |
Frequency |
Construction Noise |
● Leq (30min) on normal working days ● 3 sets of consecutive Leq(5min) during restricted hours if construction is necessary ● Supplementary information for data auditing, statistical results such as L10 and L90 shall also be obtained for reference |
NM1A and NM2 |
Weekly Normal working days: (07:00-19:00 except public holiday)
Restricted hours: 19:00 to 07:00 next day, and whole day of public holiday or Sunday only when construction is necessary |
Ecology |
● Monitoring of in-situ preservation of Platycodon grandifloras ● Inspection of ardeids nest during breeding season (April to July) ● Monitoring for ardeid night roost (November to March) |
Project area and preservation area for Platycodon grandifloras |
Once per month |
● Inspection of enhancement area for ardeid roosting |
An enhancement area provided as an alternative roosting site for ardeids should be developed during the first phase of the construction. |
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● Monitoring on woodland compensation |
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. |
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Landscape & Visual Impact |
● Ensure no construction activities / storage are undertaken outside the project boundary ● Ensure landscaping works are carried out in accordance with the specifications ● Ensure new planting is carried out properly and during the right season ● Review progress of engineering works on site to identify the earliest practical opportunities for landscape works
|
Project site |
Bi-weekly |
Regular Site Inspection
|
To review the environmental situation, and monitor the implementation of proper environmental protection and pollution control measures for the Project |
Project site |
Weekly |
Two designated noise monitoring locations as established in the EM&A Manual are shown in Appendix C. After the baseline monitoring, alternative location NM1A was proposed by MMHK due to the 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 3 and Appendix D.
Table 3: Impact Monitoring Stations for Construction Noise
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 |
The baseline results formed the basis for determining the environmental acceptance criteria for impact monitoring. According to the approved EM&A Manual and baseline monitoring results, the following construction noise criterion, namely Action and Limit levels listed in Table 4 were proposed:
Table 4: Action and Limit Levels for Construction Noise
Monitoring Location |
Action Level |
Limit Level in dB(A) |
Time Period: 0700-1900 hours on normal weekdays |
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NM1A and NM2 |
When one or more documented complaints are received |
70 dB(A)* |
Note: Acceptable Noise Levels for school should be reduced to 65 dB(A) during examination period. If works are to be carried out during restricted hours, the conditions stipulated in the construction noise permit issued by the NCA must be followed.
Meteorological information including humidity, wind speed, wind direction, temperature and total rainfall was extracted from “the Hong Kong Observatory Wong Chuk Hang Station” to provide background weather information. The meteorological data for the Reporting Period is summarized in Appendix E.
Construction noise monitoring was conducted 26 times at the two designated locations in the Reporting Period. As shown in the summary of noise monitoring results in Table 5, the noise monitoring measurement were below 70 dB(A) and 65 dB(A) during the examination period. No Limit Level exceedance was recorded during the school examination period.
A total of one case of noise complaint was received in this Reporting Period. The complaint was about noise impact at night time related to Ocean Park Tai Shue Wan Development on 21 August 2019.
No exceedance (Action/Limit Level) of construction noise was recorded in this period.
Table 5: Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results (Noise level for 30 minutes)
Time |
Mean and range of noise levels, dB(A) |
Limit Level for Leq (30min)/dB(A)2 |
|||
Start |
Finish |
Leq (30min) |
Corrected Leq(30min)1 |
||
NM1A |
|
|
|
|
|
03-Jun-19 |
10:02 |
10:32 |
56.6 |
59.6 |
70 |
13-Jun-19 |
10:20 |
10:50 |
58.3 |
61.3 |
70 |
19-Jun-19 |
10:20 |
10:50 |
56.5 |
59.5 |
70 |
25-Jun-19 |
09:23 |
09:53 |
57.1 |
60.1 |
70 |
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 |
08-Aug-19 |
10:00 |
10:30 |
55.5 |
58.5 |
70 |
14-Aug-19 |
10:15 |
10:45 |
56.5 |
59.5 |
70 |
20-Aug-19 |
10:10 |
10:40 |
56.7 |
59.7 |
70 |
26-Aug-19 |
10:30 |
11:00 |
55.9 |
58.9 |
70 |
NM2 |
|
|
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03-Jun-19 |
09:20 |
09:50 |
52.9 |
- |
70 |
13-Jun-19 |
09:25 |
09:55 |
51.0 |
- |
70 |
19-Jun-19 |
09:30 |
10:00 |
51.8 |
- |
65 |
25-Jun-19 |
11:23 |
11:53 |
52.3 |
- |
70 |
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 |
08-Aug-19 |
09:20 |
09:50 |
50.0 |
- |
70 |
14-Aug-19 |
09:35 |
10:05 |
50.8 |
- |
70 |
20-Aug-19 |
09:30 |
10:00 |
50.6 |
- |
70 |
26-Aug-19 |
09:25 |
09:55 |
50.3 |
- |
70 |
Note: 1. A correction of +3
dB(A) was made to the free field measurement at monitoring station NM1A.
2. Acceptable Noise Levels for school should be reduced to 65 dB(A) during
examination period.
A summary of data and the supplementary data auditing information are shown in Appendix F. Graphical plots of the monitoring data are shown in Appendix G.
The ecological inspections were undertaken on 14 June, 12 July and 16 August 2019 by the qualified ecologist. The inspection findings are presented below.
Plants of Conservation Interest (Platycondon grandiflorus)
Platycodon grandiflorus is a perennial herb up to 120 cm high. Stems erect and scarcely any branches. It is often found on sunny grassy hillslopes in brushes. Two groups of Platycodon grandiflorus were recorded in 2015’s growing season within the fenced area.
During the ecological inspections from June to August, 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.
On the other hand, the preventive mitigation measures, i.e., erecting of temporary protective fencing and sign post, were found to be effectively implemented to protect from human disturbance, and there was no signs or evidence (e.g. dust coating of plant) suggesting the on-going construction activities within the Project Area has affected the health condition of the Platycodon grandiflorus.
Nesting Activities of Ardeids in Breeding Season
Monitoring was not required in August 2019 of the reporting period, and no signs or breeding (such as courtship, nest building, brooding, juveniles etc.) of ardeids were noted within the Project Area in June and July 2019 of the reporting period.
Roosting Activities of Ardeids in Peak Wintering Season
According to the Approved EM&A Manual, monitoring of roosting activities of Ardeids within the Project Area would not be required beyond the Peak Wintering season, i.e. from 1st November to 31st 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 temporary protective fencing and sign post during the Reporting Period was noted. During the ecological inspections from June to August 2019, Group 2 of Platycodon grandiflorus was found to be vigorous and was in health condition. On the other hand, 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.
Monitoring of nesting activities of ardeids was not required in August 2019 of the reporting period, and no signs or breeding of ardeids were noted within the Project Area in June and July 2019 of the reporting period.
In the Reporting Period, bi-weekly landscape and visual site inspection were conducted on 14, 28 June, 5, 19 July, 9, 23 August 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 were conducted and placed outside of the working site boundary. The Contractor was reminded to remove weeds and the invasive species (i.e. Mikania micrantha) regularly.
The quantity of waste for disposal in this Reporting Period is summarized in Table 6 and Table 7.
Table 6: Summary of Quantities of Inert C&D Materials
Type of Waste |
Quantity (tonne) |
||
Total Generated C&D Materials |
Total Disposal as Public Fill |
Total Reused |
|
June 2019 |
1228.83 |
1108.83 |
120.00 |
July 2019 |
890.9 |
890.9 |
0.00 |
August 2019 |
4536.77 |
4536.77 |
0.00 |
Total |
6656.5 |
6536.5 |
120.00 |
Table 7: Summary of Quantities of Non-inert C&D Materials
Type of Waste |
Quantity (tonne) |
|
|||
Recycled |
Recycled Paper / Cardboard Packing |
Recycled Plastic |
Disposed Chemical Wastes |
Disposed General Refuses |
|
June 2019 |
0.00 |
200.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
403.55 |
July 2019 |
0.00 |
200.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
290.55 |
August 2019 |
0.00 |
222.20 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
673.04 |
Total |
0.00 |
622.20 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1367.14 |
In the Reporting Period, joint site inspections were undertaken by the PMR, ET and the Contractor on 6, 14, 21 and 28 June 2019, 5, 12, 19 and 26 July 2019 as well as 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 August 2019. Furthermore, joint site inspection and audit were undertaken by the PMR, ET, the Contractor and IEC on 14 June, 12 July and 16 August 2019. During the site inspections, non-compliance was not observed by ET and IEC. The site observations for the Reporting Period is summarized in Table 8.
Table 8: Site Observations of the Project
Reporting Period |
Findings / Deficiencies |
June 2019
|
● The Contractor was reminded
to conduct cement mixing work in appropriate area. (Location: Level 2, Zone
B) |
● The Contractor was reminded to
provide proper drip tray for chemical container to avoid any leakage.
(Location: Level 2, Zone B) |
|
● The Contractor was reminded
to provide an enclosed shelter on the top and 3 sides for cement mixing work.
(Location: Level 2, Zone A) |
|
● The Contractor was reminded to
remove the standing water on site regularly. |
|
● Muddy water was observed being
discharged to the public open sea. |
|
● The cements should be covered by
impervious sheeting to avoid fugitive dust emission. (Location: Basement) |
|
● Standing water accumulated with
algae was observed near the landscape nursery area. |
|
● Chemical container should be placed
in the drip tray to avoid any leakage (Location: Level 1, Zone B) |
|
July 2019 |
● Stagnant water in the drip
tray should be removed. (Location: Level 2, Zone B) |
● The Contractor was reminded
to clear the stagnant water regularly. |
|
● The Contractor was remined to
maintain better housekeeping, spare parts should be well stored. (Location:
Zone B, next to EVA road.) |
|
● Stagnant water at Zone A Level 2
should be cleared. |
|
● Chemical containers should be
placed on drip tray. |
|
August 2019 |
● The Contractor was reminded
to maintain good housekeeping practice. |
● The Contractor was reminded
to enhance mitigation measure during breaking operation. |
|
● Stagnant water in Zone B Level 2
Room 220B should be removed. |
|
● Chemical containers should be
placed on drip tray. |
No exceedances of Action level or Limit levels were observed for construction noise during the Reporting Period.
The complaint received was about noise impact at night time related to Ocean Park Tai Shue Wan Development on 21 August 2019.
The complaint received was investigated as follows:
As informed by the Contractor:
1. It is noted that the Contractor obtained a valid Construction Noise Permit (CNP No. GW-RS0726-19) permitting the use of certain powered mechanical equipment (PME) during restricted hours (1900-2300 hours and 2300-0700 hours) between 7 August 2019 and 1 February 2020.
2. During the period mentioned in the complaint, the Contractor carried out various activities in accordance with the abovementioned CNP including concreting work and glass installation. In addition and also in accordance with the CNP, the Contractor carried out the cross road excavation. The PME that was deployed during 19:00-23:00 included one no. of excavator, tower crane, concrete lorry mixer, vibratory poker (hand-held, electric) and stationary concrete pump separately. Also, one no. of forklift was deployed after 23:00.
Based on the above information, the complaint is considered to be related to the construction works at the project site.
The use of PME by the Contractor during the restricted hours of 19:00 to 01:00 has compiled with the listed PME and no. of units stipulated in the abovementioned CNP. Thus, there were no evidences on any non-compliance with the relevant EP conditions or the CNP conditions.
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 H.
Environmental mitigation measures generally implemented by the contractor are listed in Table 9.
Table 9: Environmental Mitigation Measures
Issues |
Environmental Mitigation Measures |
Construction
|
● Construction equipment is shut down when not in use |
Ecology |
● Wire fencing was provided for temporary protection of the identified flora species of conservation concern ● Site inspection of the flora species of conservation and the Ardeid breeding and nesting activities was undertaken |
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 channel was provided for chemical materials and waste storage ● 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 |
The EM&A programme as recommended in the EM&A manual has been undertaken in the Reporting Period.
Monitoring of construction noise, ecology, landscape and visual, as well as waste management for the Project were conducted as scheduled in the Reporting Period. Data collected during construction noise monitoring were checked against the established Action and Limit levels and no exceedances was recorded.
For ecological monitoring, the implementation of the mitigation measures for the plant species of conservation interest, i.e., erecting temporary protective fencing and sign post during the Reporting Period was noted. During the ecological inspections from June to August, 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.
Monitoring of nesting activities of ardeids was not required in August 2019 of the reporting period, and no signs or breeding of ardeids were noted within the Project Area in June and July 2019 of the reporting period.
For landscape and visual monitoring, the Contractor was reminded to remove weeds and the invasive species (i.e. Mikania micrantha) regularly.
With considerations on the construction activities and environment, the following reminders and recommendations were provided:
● 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.
● Special attention shall be paid on the proper implementation of precautions measure should be taken when a rainstorm is imminent or forecasted and actions to be taken during or after rainstorms.
● Appropriate label should be provided in specific machine.
● 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.