Contents

1                      INTRODUCTION                                                                          

1.1                   Background                                                                           

1.2                   Description of Project and Assumptions               

1.3                   Works Programme and Works Locations              

1.4                   Objectives of the Environmental Monitoring and Audit     

1.5                   Scope of the EM&A Programme                                    

2                      organisation and structure of the EM&A             

2.1                   Introduction                                                                          

2.2                   Project Organisation                                                       

2.3                   The Contractor                                                                   

2.4                   Environmental Team                                                          

2.5                   Engineer or Franchisee’s Site Representative    

2.6                   Independent Environmental Checker                       

2.7                   Setting up of Community Liaison Group                    

2.8                   Key Contact Information                                                 

2.9                   Terminology                                                                           

3                      em&A General Requirement                                           

3.1                   Introduction                                                                          

3.2                   Construction Phase EM&A                                              

4                      AIR QUALITY                                                                                

4.1                   Introduction                                                                          

4.2                   Relevant Legislation                                                         

4.3                   Air Quality Mitigation Measures                                   

5                      NOISE                                                                                           

5.1                   Introduction                                                                          

5.2                   Relevant Legislation                                                         

5.3                   Mitigation during Construction Phase                    

5.4                   EM&A Requirements                                                            

6                      WATER QUALITY                                                                        

6.1                   Introduction                                                                          

6.2                   Sampling Methodology for Water Quality Monitoring       

6.3                   Water Quality Mitigation Measures                           

7                      WASTE MANAGEMENT                                                             

7.1                   Introduction                                                                          

7.2                   Applicable Environmental Standards and Guidelines        

7.3                   Mitigation Measures                                                           

7.4                   Waste Disposal Recommendations                             

7.5                   EM&A Requirements                                                            

8                      ECOLOGY                                                                                    

8.1                   Introduction                                                                          

8.2                   Construction Phase EM&A                                              

8.3                   Mitigation Measures                                                           

9                      CULTURAL HERITAGE                                                              

9.1                   Relevant Legislation                                                         

9.2                   Mitigation Measures                                                           

9.3                   Construction Phase Audit                                              

10                    LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL                                                        

10.1                 Introduction                                                                          

10.2                 Mitigation Measures                                                           

10.3                 Design Phase Audit                                                              

10.4                 Baseline Monitoring                                                           

10.5                 Construction and Post-Construction Phase Audit      

11                    LAND CONTAMINATION, HAZARD TO LIFE AND FUEL SPILL RISK      

11.1                 Introduction                                                                          

11.2                 Mitigation Measures                                                           

11.3                 Design Phase Audit                                                              

11.4                 Operational Impact Monitoring                                   

12                    SITE ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT                                                 

12.1                 Site Inspections                                                                     

12.2                 Compliance with Legal and Contractual Requirements    

12.3                 Environmental Complaints                                            

12.4                 Choice of Construction Method                                 

13                    REPORTING                                                                                 

13.1                 General                                                                                    

13.2                 Documentation                                                                     

13.3                 Design Audit Manual and Report                                 

13.4                 Baseline Monitoring Report                                          

13.5                 EM&A Reports                                                                        

13.6                 Annual/Final EM&A Review Reports                            

13.7                 Data Keeping                                                                           

13.8                 Interim Notifications of Environmental Quality Limit Exceedances

 

Annex A       Project Location

Annex B       Implementation Schedule

Annex C       Sample Data Sheet for Water Quality Monitoring

Annex D       Proforma for EM&A Programme

 

1                                            INTRODUCTION

1.1                                      Background

A Permanent Aviation Fuel Facility (PAFF) is required to ensure a secure means to supply aviation fuel during the operational lifetime of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).  The PAFF will replace the existing temporary Aviation Fuel Receiving Facility (AFRF) adjacent to Sha Chau, as the existing facility does not have sufficient capacity.  The PAFF must meet the capacity demand for the 2040 planning horizon of the airport and must be able to provide for strategic storage.  The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) is committed to provide a replacement facility, after which the Sha Chau facility will be used for emergency backup purposes only.  The proposed PAFF with its associated pipeline and jetty is shown in Figure 1.1.

The proposed project is designated under Sections H.2 and L.4 of Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) and as such the statutory procedures under the EIAO need to be followed and an environmental permit is required prior to the commencement of construction.

The AAHK first commissioned Meinhardt Infrastructure and Environmental Ltd (know as Mouchel Asia Limited at that time) in June 2001 to provide professional environmental services in respect of assessing Tuen Mun Area 38 as the location for a PAFF and to proceed with obtaining an Environmental Permit for the PAFF based on the EIA Study Brief No. ESB-072/2001 received from the Environmental Protection Department (EPD).  An EIA of the PAFF facility (EIAO Register Number AEIAR-062-2002), based upon the layout detailed in Figure 1.2a, was prepared in accordance with EIA Study Brief issued by the EPD in May 2001 and submitted under the EIAO in May 2002 and subsequently Environmental Permit EP-139/2002 was granted on the 28th August 2002.

However, the decision by EPD to grant the Environmental Permit was subject to a Judicial Review, with further details provided in Section 1.1.5 of the EIA Report.  The Judicial Review sided in the favour of the DEP, as did the subsequent Judgement from the Court of Appeal from the High Court for Judicial Review in March 2005.  However, the DEP’s decision to grant the EP was quashed by the Judgement of the Court of Final Appeal of July 2006.

Leighton Contractors (Asia) Limited (LCAL) was awarded the Contract for the PAFF (the Project). Construction work for the Project had commenced as early as November 2005 under the Environmental Permit EP-139/2002 but works were stopped following the Judgement of the Court of Final Appeal of July 2006.  As such, in order to continue with the construction of the project, the project needed to again go through the statutory procedures under the EIAO in order to obtain an environmental permit.

As noted above, while the previous EIA Study (April 2002) was undertaken based upon the project layout detailed in Figure 1.2a, the need for minor changes to the detailed layout of the site and the site boundary were identified and consequently an Application for Variation to the Environmental Permit (VEP) (VEP-133/2004) was submitted to the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) for approval of the following changes:

·         A change in the detailed layout of the site, in particular the designed height and dimension of the tanks.  The height of the tanks has been reduced in compliance with FSD’s specific requirements, where as the diameters of some tanks have been increased as a consequence of compliance with FSD’s tanks height reduction requirements in order to maintain the designed fuel storage capacity of the tank farm.

·         To shift the whole site by 10 metres to the southeast to accommodate Land’s Department’s commitment of land extension to Shiu Wing Steel.

The variation to the EP (EP-139/2002/A) was granted by EPD in February 2004.  Details of the revised layout are provided in Section 2, Project Description and Figure 1.2b.  In addition, the phasing of the tanks has changed with 8 (eight) to be constructed initially as shown in Figure 1.2c.  Indicative cross sections between the tanks and the lot boundaries with Shiu Wing Steel and the EcoPark are provided in Figures 1.2d and 1.2e respectively with the location of the cross-sections shown in Figure 1.2c.

The revised EIA (EIAO Register Number AEIAR-107/2007) for the project recommended comprehensive Environmental Monitoring and Audit requirements to be undertaken during the construction and operational stages of the project.  This Report constitutes the Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual for the proposed Permanent Aviation Fuel Facility, providing details of the EM&A recommendations and constitutes an update from the previous EM&A Manual (May 2006).

The revised EIA was submitted in 2007 and the environmental permit (EP-262/2007) was granted in May 2007. EP-262/2007 has been amended to EP-262/2007/A and issued by the EPD on 30 November 2007.  A further Variation to the Environmental Permit has been approved to allow dredging works to continue until March 2008.  As such, EP-262/2007/A has been amended to EP-262/2007/B and issued by the EPD on 27 February 2008.

ERM-Hong Kong, Ltd (ERM) has been commissioned by LCAL to implement an environmental monitoring and auditing programme for the Project.  In relation to the anticipated environmental impacts of the Project, respective mitigation measures and environmental monitoring and audit requirements have been recommended in the EIA reports.  This Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual has been prepared in supplement of the EIA reports to provide details of the EM&A requirements during the Project.

According to Condition 2.5 of the EP (EP-262/2007), an updated EM&A Manual shall been prepared and submit to the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) no later than one month before the commencement of construction of the sub-sea pipelines of the Project.  This EM&A Manual has been prepared based on the EM&A Manual (February 2007) submitted with the Revised EIA Report (2007) and the EM&A Manual (May 2006) in operation prior to suspension of construction works and has been reviewed and updated in regard to the latest available information (as detailed above).  A summary of the changes made is presented in Table 1.1 below.

Table 1.1        Summary of Changes made in EM&A Manual

Section

Summary of Changes from Revised EM&A Manual Submitted in February 2007

Section 2 – Organisation and Structure of the EM&A

Arrangements added to account for setting up a Community Liaison Group to monitor the proper design, construction and operation of the Project,

Section 3 – EM&A General Requirement

No significant changes made.

Section 4 – Air Quality

No significant changes made.

Section 5 – Noise

No significant changes made.

Section 6 – Water Quality

Revision to water quality monitoring programme by inclusion of monitoring of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) during construction of the Project and the revised monitoring programme as recommended in the application document for variation of an environmental permit (Application No. VEP-243/2007)

Section 7 – Waste Management

No significant changes made.

Section 8 – Ecology

No significant changes made.

Section 9 – Cultural Heritage

No significant changes made.

Section 10 – Landscape and Visual

No significant changes made.

Section 11 – Land Contamination, Hazard to Life and Fuel Risk Spill

Arrangements added to account for carrying out design audit of the arrangements and measures in the Project,

Section 12 – Site Environmental Audit

No significant changes made.

Section 13 – Reporting

No significant changes made.

 

The Hong Kong SAR Government’s applicable environmental regulations for noise, air quality, ecology, water quality, landscape and visual resources, waste management and heritage protection, the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines and recommendations in the Permanent Aviation Fuel Facility EIA Report have served as guidance documents in the preparation of this Manual.  This EM&A Manual fulfills the requirements of the EIA Study Brief, Clause 3.3.15, and follows the approach recommended in EPD’s Generic EM&A Manual, Annex 21 of the Technical Memorandum on the EIA Process and EM&A Guidelines for Development Projects in Hong Kong.

1.2                                      Description of Project and Assumptions

1.2.1                                Background

It is proposed that the PAFF will be located at an undeveloped reclaimed shoreline site at Tuen Mun Area 38.  It will consist of the following major elements:

·         a jetty with two berths, which together will accommodate a full range of vessels from 10,000 to 80,000 dwt vessels;

·         a tank farm with gross aviation fuel tankage capacity of 264,000m3 on commissioning and an ultimate tankage of about 388,000m3 as well as pumps and associated facilities;

·         on site operational facilities including offices; and,

·         500mm diameter twin subsea pipelines to transfer the fuel to the aviation fuel system at the airport.

The planning, design and construction of the project is programmed to take in the region of 3-4 years, with the commissioning date estimated to be in 2009.

The overall study area showing the location of the proposed site and the proposed pipeline alignment is provided in Figure 1.1.

1.3                                      Works Programme and Works Locations

While some construction works for the PAFF have been undertaken from November 2005, they were suspended following the Judgement of the Court of Final Appeal of July 2006.  A summary of the works that have been undertaken prior to the suspension of works is provided in Table 1.2 below.

Table 1.2        Summary of Construction Undertaken Before Suspension of Works

Section

Description of Works

Status

Land

Operation Building – Fire Inlet Chamber

- Steel cofferdam installed in position and blinding laid                                                 

- Rebar about 90% complete and some formwork fixed in position.                                                                     

Land

Bund wall footing and lower portion of wall of CH 555-000 & CH  000-075

The bund wall bases cast

Land

Landscaping

- 209 nos. of tree transplanted

- 492 metres of 1.5m high hoarding erected

Jetty

Marine piling

100 piles (100 out of 100) driven to final set and 2 fender piles installed

Tankfarm

Erection of storage tank nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

- Laying of floor plates completed

- Welding of joints between floor plates started but suspended

- Construction of concrete ringbeams

The construction works have recommenced since July 2007.  Table 1.3 summaries the outstanding construction works to be completed. 

Table 1.3        Summary of Construction Works to be Undertaken

Section

Description of Works

Land

Construction of Operation Building – Fire Inlet Chamber

Land

Erection of bund wall

Jetty

Construction of jetty

Dredging

Dredging and laying of pipelines

Tankfarm

Erection of 8 storage tanks (nos. 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11 and 12)

 

1.4                                      Objectives of the Environmental Monitoring and Audit

The broad objective of this EM&A Manual is to define the procedures of the EM&A programme for monitoring the environmental performance of the Permanent Aviation Fuel Facility project during design, construction and implementation.

The manual provides details of the environmental monitoring and audit requirements arising from the EIA for water quality, noise, air, water quality, ecology, landscape and visual, waste, land contamination, hazard to life and fuel spill risks and cultural heritage. The purposes of the defined EM&A programme are as follows:

·        to ensure the specified mitigation recommendations of the EIA are included in the design of the project; 

·        to clarify and identify sources of pollution, impact and nuisance arising from the works; 

·        to confirm compliance with legal, contract specifications and EIA study recommendations; 

·        to provide an early warning system for impact prevention;  to provide a database of environmental parameters against which to determine any short term or long term environmental impacts; 

·        to propose timely, cost-effective and viable solutions to actual or potential environmental issues; 

·        to monitor performance of the mitigation measures and to assess their effectiveness and, whenever necessary, identify any further need for additional measures;  to verify the EIA predicted impacts; 

·        to collate information and evidence for use in public, District Council and Government consultation; and  

·        to audit environmental performance.

EM&A procedures are required during the design, construction and operational phases of the project implementation and a summary of the requirements for each of the environmental parameters is detailed in Table 1.4 below.

Table 1.4        Summary of EM&A Requirements

Parameter

EM&A Phase

Design Phase(1)

Construction Phase

Post-Construction Phase

Air Quality

-

Y

-

Noise

-

Y

-

Water Quality

-

Y

-

Ecology

-

Y

Y

Landscape and Visual

Y

Y

Y

Cultural Heritage

-

Y

-

Hazard to Life (2)

Y

-

-

Fuel Spillage Risk

Y

-

Y

Fisheries (2)

-

-

-

Land Contamination (2)

Y

-

-

Waste

-

Y

-

Note:        (1)  Detailed design of the facility will extend into the construction period and as such EM&A for the Design Phase refers to audit of the design as and when it is completed and not necessary pre-construction.

                                     (2)         As per the findings of the EIA, Construction and Post-Construction Phase Monitoring was not considered necessary for these parameters.

 

1.5                                      Scope of the EM&A Programme

The scope of the EM&A programme is to undertake the followings:

(i)           Implement monitoring and audit activities for each environmental parameter as follows:  

Dust:

·         Implement construction phase audit requirements for dust aspects. 

Noise:

·         Implement construction phase audit requirements for noise aspects.

Ecology:

·         Implement dolphin monitoring during dredging; and,

·         Implement post-construction phase dolphin abundance monitoring prior to the operation of the PAFF.

Water Quality:

·         Establish baseline water quality levels at specified locations and review these levels on a regular basis; and

·         Implement construction water quality impact monitoring programme. 

Landscape and Visual:

·         Design detailed landscape specifications;

·         Implement baseline survey to establish/confirm existing landscape and visual conditions;

·         Implement construction phase audit requirements for landscape and visual resources; and,

·         Implement operational phase audit requirements for landscape and visual resources.   

Waste:

·         Implement construction phase audit requirements for waste aspects.   

Heritage:

·         Implement construction phase audit requirements for marine archaeological resources in accordance with MAI requirements and recommendations.  

Hazard to Life, Fuel Spill Risk and Land Contamination:

·         Prepare an Environmental Management Plan prior to the commencement of the operation of the PAFF to ensure the on-going adequacy of the fuel spill contingency plan and that it is being implemented as required and that the above mitigation measures have been incorporated and are effective.  Undertake regular audits at least every 12 months as part of the implementation of the EMP;

·         The Franchisee to undertake regular inspections and audits two inspections every year of the tank farm, jetty and pipelines including one undertaken pursuant to the Joint Inspection Group (JIG) explained above; inspection of the whole sub sea pipelines every 5 to 10 years; Health, Safety and Environmental audit of the facility once every 3 years; and inspection of the structural integrity of the tanks once per year.

·         During the operational phase, undertake a review of the EIA report at the time of the planning for the Phase II expansion of the tank farm (around 2025 as required) to ensure that the required measures in terms of latest technology, standards and statutory requirements are taken account in the planning and design of the future tanks.

·         The Franchisee to undertake some routine monitoring of water quality in the vicinity of the PAFF site to check the effectiveness of the proposed precautionary measures implemented for on-site spill control. Details will be agreed with the relevant authorities prior to the commencement of operation of the PAFF.

(ii)           Liaison and provision of advice to construction site staff on the purposes and implementation of the EM&A programme.

(iii)         Identify and resolve environmental issues that may arise from the project.

(iv)         Check and quantify the Contractor’s overall performance, implement Event/Action Plans and recommend and implement remedial actions to mitigate adverse environmental effects as identified by the EM&A programme and EIA.

(v)          Conduct monthly reviews of monitored impact data during the construction phase and bi-monthly reviews during the operational phase as the basis for assessing compliance with defined criteria and ensuring that necessary mitigation measures are identified, designed and implemented and to undertake additional ad hoc monitoring and audit as required by particular circumstances.

(vi)         Evaluate and interpret all environmental monitoring data to provide an early indication should any of the environmental control measures or practices fail to achieve the acceptable standards and to verify the environmental impacts predicted in the EIA.

(vii)       Manage and liaise with other individuals or parties concerning any relevant environmental issues.

(viii)      Audit the effectiveness of the Environmental Management System (EMS) practices and procedures and implement any changes as appropriate.

(ix)         Conduct regular site audits of formal or informal nature to assess:

·         the level of the Contractor’s general environmental awareness; 

·         the Contractor’s implementation of the recommendations in the EIA;

·         the Contractor’s performance as measured by the EM&A; 

·         the need for specific mitigation measures to be implemented or the continued usage of those previously agreed; and,

·         to advise the site staff of any identified potential environmental issues.

(x)          Submit EM&A reports which summarise project monitoring and auditing data, with full interpretation, illustrating the acceptability or otherwise of any environmental impacts and identification or assessment of the implementation status of agreed mitigation measures.

This EM&A Manual provides the following information:

·         Description of the project;

·         Identification and recommendations for monitoring requirements for all phases of development, including:

ŕ        Identification of sensitive receivers;

ŕ        Monitoring locations;

ŕ        Monitoring parameters and frequencies;

ŕ        Monitoring equipment to be used;

ŕ        Programmes for baseline monitoring and impact monitoring; and,

ŕ        Data management of monitoring results.

·         The organisation management structure, and procedures for auditing of the Project and implementation of mitigation measures that are recommended for the Project;

·         The environmental quality performance limits for compliance auditing for each of the recommended monitoring parameters to ensure compliance with relevant environmental quality objectives, statutory or planning standards;

·         Organisation and management structure, and procedures for reviewing the design submissions, monitoring results and auditing the compliance of the monitoring data with the environmental quality performance limits, contractual and regulatory requirements, and environmental policies and standards;

·         Event and Action plans for impact and compliance procedures;

·         Complaints handling, liaison and consultation procedures;

·         Interim notification of exceedances, reporting procedures, report formats and reporting frequency including periodical quarterly summary reports and annual reviews to cover all construction, post-Project and operational phases of the development;

·         Implementation schedules, summarising all recommended mitigation measures.

This Manual is considered to be a working document and should be reviewed periodically and revised once substantial changes have been made.

 

2                                            organisation and structure of the EM&A

2.1                                      Introduction

In this Section, the various parties involved in the EM&A process are outlined.  The structure of the organisations responsible for implementing the EM&A programme and their key responsibilities are presented.  Figure 2.1 shows the organisation structure for the Project.

The roles and responsibilities of the various parties involved in the construction phase EM&A process are outlined in the following sections.  The duties and responsibilities of respective parties are as described below.

2.2                                      Project Organisation

For the purpose of this EM&A Manual, the Airport Authority Hong Kong appointed Franchisee is referred to as the “Employer” and the Project “Engineer” defined as the Franchisee’s Site Representative (FSR), who will be responsible for the supervision of the construction of the Project. 

The specifications for certain risk and spill control mitigation measures will be required to be designed during the detailed design phase of the project.  These items will include:

·         land and marine spill response plan; pipeline leak detection and automatic shut-off system; pipeline rock armour protection;

·         tank high level shut-off;

·         tank bunding; tank leak drainage isolation and containment system;

·         on-site fire fighting equipment;

·         jetty protection; and,

·         emergency shut down valves for fuel delivery.

In addition, the landscape design drawings and dolphin exclusion zone during dredging will require specifications during the detailed design and could require the input of specialists such as landscape architect and trained biologist.

In respect of the design phase EM&A, the Engineer commissioned to undertake the Design and Construction Assignment will be required to designate an auditor(s) to undertake an environmental audit of the design of these measures in order to ensure that the recommendations of the EIA have been fully and properly specified.  Detailed design of the facility will extend into the construction period and as such EM&A for the Design Phase refers to audit of the design as and when it is completed and not necessary pre-construction. As such, the design audit shall be undertaken as and when the relevant design aspects are produced and the Engineer will be required to prepare a Design Audit Report at the end of the detailed design which will confirm that the requirements of the EIA have been fully taken into account in the project design.  The Engineer shall use suitably qualified staff to undertake the audit requirements.  A flow chart of the design phase EM&A procedures is shown in Figure 2.2.

During the construction phase of the project, an Environmental Team Leader (ETL) shall ensure the Contractor’s compliance with the project’s environmental performance requirements during construction and undertake the post construction EM&A works and his responsibilities will include field measurements, sampling, analysis of monitoring results, reporting and auditing.  The ETL shall be approved by the ER and shall be competent and shall have at least 7 years relevant environmental monitoring and audit experience on projects of a similar scale and nature.

The ETL will require suitably qualified support staff (the Environmental Team, (ET)) to carrying out the EM&A programme.  Both the ETL and members of the ET shall be independent and shall not be in any way connected to the Contractor’s company.  Due to the specialist nature of some of the EM&A works required for this project, the ET should comprise professionals proficient to undertake the tasks involved.  Thus, the ET should include personnel experienced in noise, dust and water quality monitoring and supervision of waste management.

The qualified specialists in dolphin survey monitoring, with a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience and two years practical experience in this field, will be required as part of the ET to undertake the post construction abundance monitoring of the dolphins prior to the operation of the facility.  In addition, a Registered Landscape Architect, as defined by the Landscape Architect’s Registration Board, will be required on the ET to monitor and audit the landscaping installation works.

A qualified marine archaeologist to the satisfaction of the AMO will be required to undertake the audit of the potential marine archaeological resources as defined by the Marine Archaeological Investigation. The qualified archaeologist should possess professional qualifications such as an academic degree in archaeology, relevant experience in marine archaeology at a supervision level and be familiar with the archaeology of Hong Kong and/or South China.

In addition to the ETL and ET, an Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) shall be employed to advise the ER on environmental issues related to the project.  The role of the IEC shall be independent from the management of construction works, but the IEC shall be empowered to audit the environmental performance of the construction activities and operational mitigation.  The IEC shall have project management experience in addition to the requirements of the ETL specified in Section 2.4 and the appointment of the ICE will be subject to the approval of the FSR.

A Community Liaison Group will also be set up as required by the Environmental Permit.

The operational EM&A works will be the responsibility of the Contractor and will be undertaken in parallel to the maintenance period after the completion of construction.  The future, operational stage, EIA review at the planning stage for the future tanks should be undertaken by an environmental specialist appointed by the Franchisee at that time.

2.3                                      The Contractor

The Contractor will:

·        employ an Environmental Team (ET) to undertake monitoring, laboratory analysis and reporting of environmental monitoring and audit data;

·        provide assistance to the ET in carrying out monitoring;

·        submit proposals on mitigation measures in case of exceedances of Action and Limit levels in accordance with the Event and Action Plans;

·        implement measures to reduce impact where Action and Limit levels are exceeded;

·        implement the corrective actions instructed by the Engineer;

·        accompany joint site inspection undertaken by the ET; and

·        adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation.

2.4                                      Environmental Team

 

The overall duties of ETL and the team are as follows:

·         sampling, analysis and statistical evaluation of monitoring parameters with reference to the EIA study recommendations and requirements in respect of water quality;

·         environmental site surveillance;

·         audit of compliance with environmental protection and pollution prevention and control regulations;

·         monitor the implementation of environmental mitigation measures;

·         monitor compliance with the environmental protection clauses/specifications in the Contract;

·         review construction programme and comment as necessary;

·         review construction methodology and comment as necessary;

·         complaint investigation, evaluation and identification of corrective measures;

·         audit of the EMS and recommend and implement any changes as appropriate;

·         liaison with the IEC on all environmental performance matters;

·         advice to the Contractor on environmental improvement, awareness, enhancement matter, etc., on site; and,

·         timely submission of the designated EM&A reports to the FSR, the IEC, the DEP, the AFCD, the AMO and PlanD/LPU as appropriate.

2.5                                      Engineer or Franchisee’s Site Representative

The Engineer of Franchisee’s Site Representative (FSR) will:

·        supervise the Contractor’s activities and ensure that the requirements in the EM&A Manual are fully complied with;

·        inform the Contractor when action is required to reduce impacts in accordance with the Event and Action Plans;

·        participate joint site inspection undertaken by the ET; and

·        adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation.

2.6                                      Independent Environmental Checker

The IEC may require specialist support staff in order to properly carry out his duties which shall include the following: 

·         review and audit all aspects of the EM&A programme;

·         validate and confirm the accuracy of monitoring results, monitoring equipment, monitoring locations, monitoring procedures and locations of sensitive receivers;

·         carry out random sample check and audit on monitoring data and sampling procedures, etc;

·         conduct random site inspection;

·         audit the EIA recommendations and requirements against the status of implementation of environmental protection measures on site;

·         review the effectiveness of environmental mitigation measures and project environmental performance;

·         audit the Contractor’s construction methodology and agree the least impact alternative in consultation with the ETL and the Contractor;

·         check complaint cases and the effectiveness of corrective measures;

·         review EM&A report submitted by the ETL;

·         feedback audit results to ETL by signing off relevant EM&A proformas.

Sufficient and suitably qualified professional and technical staff will be employed by the respective parties to ensure full compliance with their duties and responsibilities, as required under the EM&A programme for the duration of the Project.

2.7                                      Setting up of Community Liaison Group

As required by the Environmental Permit, in order to enhance communication with the local community, a Community Liaison Group (CLG) comprising relevant stakeholders to advise on and monitor the proper design, construction and operation of the Project, will be set up within three months after commencement of construction of the Project.

The duties of the CLG will include the following:

·         To advise on and monitor the proper design, construction and operation of the Project.

·         To liaise with, and take into account the views of, the Advisory Council on the Environment (the “ACE”). 

·         To maintain and promote communication with all relevant community stakeholders.

The Advisory Council on Environment (ACE) and DEP shall be informed in writing regarding the membership and terms of reference of the CLG, and shall take into account ACE’s views. 

The Composition of the CLG will be as follows:

·         The Airport Authority Airport Management Director or a representative appointed by the CEO of the Airport Authority shall act as Chairman of the Group. 

·         The Secretary to the Group shall be a staff member of the Airport Authority appointed by the Chairman of the Group. 

·         Oher members of the Group shall comprise of members of the Tuen Mun community (and/or other relevant persons) appointed on an individual basis by the CEO of the Airport Authority from time to time.

·         Members of the Group shall be aged 18 or above. 

·         The Group shall inform the ACE and Director of Environmental Protection (the “Director”) in writing the membership and composition of the Group from time to time.

The following arrangements will be adhered to with regard to meetings of the CLG:

·         Meetings of the Group are expected to be held four times a year or as and when requested by the Chairman as necessary.

·         The agenda of each meeting shall be determined by the Chairman. Members of the Group may and are encouraged to propose issues for discussion in writing.

·         Full meeting minutes and any follow-up action taken by the Group pursuant to such meeting shall be recorded and kept by the Secretary. 

·         All meeting minutes, records of any follow-up action taken by the Group pursuant to such meeting, all other relevant documents and associated papers shall be uploaded onto a dedicated internet Website for the Project (the “Website”) within one month of the date of the relevant meeting. 

·         The Chairman may invite any number of guests to attend meetings of the Group as and when he/she regards necessary and appropriate.

·         No remuneration of any form shall be made to members of the Group for their service, attendance at meetings, site visits and/or participation in activities of the Group.

The following terms of service shall apply to the CLG:

·         Each member will be appointed to serve the Group for a period of two years, commencing on a date to be designated by the CEO of the Airport Authority.

·         If any member resigns from the Group before expiration of his/her term of service, the CEO of the Airport Authority may appoint an individual to replace such member for the remainder of his/her term of service.

·         All members of the Group are eligible for re-appointment after expiration of his/her term of service.

·         The Group members’ terms of service shall be reviewed after the first anniversary of the establishment of the Group.

2.8                                      Key Contact Information

Key contact information is presented below in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1        Contact Information

Name

Position

Telephone

Facsimile

E-mail

Airport Authority Hong Kong – Environmental Permit Holder

Mr Amin Ebrahim

Assistant General Manager Aviation Logistics

2183 3108

2824 2786

ebraa@hkairport.com

Contractor – Leighton (Asia) Construction Limited

Brian Gillon

Project Director

2823 1111

2529 8784

brian.gillon@leightonasia.com

Franchisee’s Site Representative – ECO Aviation Fuel Development Limited

Philip Siu

Franchisee’s Site Representative

2963 2820

2563 6311

philip.siu@towngas.com

Environmental Team – ERM-Hong Kong Limited

Craig Reid

Environmental Team Leader

2271 3000

2723 5660

craig.reid@erm.com

Independent Environmental Checker – Hyder Consulting Limited

Dr Guiyi Li

Independent Environmental Checker

2911 2233

2805 5028

guiyi.li@hyderconsulting.com


2.9                                      Terminology

To clarify the terminology for impact monitoring and audit, key definitions are specified below and are used throughout this Manual. 

Monitoring refers to the systematic collection of data through a series of repetitive measurements. The stages of monitoring are defined in this document as follows:

·         Baseline Monitoring refers to the measurement of parameters, such as noise and air quality impact parameters, during a representative pre-project period for the purpose of determining the nature and ranges of natural variation and to establish, where appropriate, the nature of change; and,

·         Impact Monitoring involves the measurement of environmental impact parameters, such as noise and air quality, during Project construction and implementation so as to detect changes in these parameters which can be attributed to the Project.

Audit is a term that infers the verification of a practice and certification of data. The types of audit are defined below:

(i)           Compliance audit is defined as follows:

·         the process of verification that all or selected parameters measured by a noise or air quality impact monitoring programme or levels of an operation are in compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies and standards; and,

·         the determination of the degree and scope of any necessary remediation in the event of exceedance of compliance

(ii)         Post Project Audit is carried out after the implementation and commissioning of a Project

For the purpose of noise, air and water quality impact monitoring and audit, the Action and Limit Levels are defined as follows:

·         The Action Level is the level defined in which there is an indication of a deteriorating ambient level for which a typical response could be an increase in the monitoring frequency; and,

·         The Limit Level is the level beyond the appropriate remedial pollution control ordinances, noise and air quality impact objectives or Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines established by the EPD for a particular project, such that the works should not proceed without appropriate remedial action, including a critical review of plant and work methods.

 

3                                            em&A General Requirement

3.1                                      Introduction

In this section, the general requirements of the EM&A programme for the Project are presented with reference to the relevant findings from the EIA Report that have formed the basis of the scope and content of the programme.

3.2                                      Construction Phase EM&A

3.2.1                                General

The environmental issues, which were identified during the EIA process and are associated with the construction phase of the Project will be addressed through the monitoring and controls specified in this EM&A Manual and in the construction contracts.

During the construction phases of the Project, air quality, noise quality, water quality, ecology, landscape and visual, waste and cultural heritage will be subject to EM&A, with environmental monitoring being undertaken for water quality and marine ecology as determined in the EIA.

The monitoring of the effectiveness of the mitigation measures will be achieved through the environmental monitoring programme as well as through site inspections.  The inspections will include within their scope, mechanisms to review and assess the Contractor’s environmental performance, ensuring that the recommended mitigation measures have been properly implemented, and that the timely resolution of received complaints are managed and controlled in a manner consistent with the recommendations of the EIA Report.

3.2.2                                Environmental Monitoring

The environmental monitoring work throughout the Project period will be carried out in accordance with this EM&A and reported by the ET.  Monitoring works will comprise of quantitative assessment of physical parameters such as water quality and marine ecology impacts which also form an important part of the whole monitoring programme.  The monitoring programme will be conducted at the chosen representative sensitive receivers in the vicinity of the construction site.

3.2.3                                Action and Limit Levels

Action and Limit (A/L) Levels are defined levels of impact recorded by the environmental monitoring activities which represent levels at which a prescribed response is required.  These Levels are quantitatively defined later in the relevant sections of this manual and described in principle below:

·          Action Limits: beyond which there is a clear indication of a deteriorating ambient environment for which appropriate remedial actions are likely to be necessary to prevent environmental quality from falling outside the Limit Levels, which would be unacceptable; and

·          Limit Levels: statutory and/or agreed contract limits stipulated in the relevant pollution control ordinances, HKPSG or Environmental Quality Objectives established by the EPD.  If these are exceeded, works will not proceed without appropriate remedial action, including a critical review of plant and working methods.

3.2.4                                Event and Action Plans

The purpose of the Event and Action Plans (EAPs) is to provide, in association with the monitoring and audit activities, procedures for ensuring that if any significant environmental incident (either accidental or through inadequate implementation of mitigation measures on the part of the Contractor) does occur, the cause will be quickly identified and remediated, and the risk of a similar event recurring is reduced.  This also applies to the exceedances of A/L criteria identified in the EM&A programme.

3.2.5                                Site Inspections

In addition to monitoring water quality and marine ecology as a means of assessing the ongoing performance of the Contractor, the ET will undertake weekly site inspections and audits of on-site practices and procedures.  The primary objective of the inspection and audit programme will be to assess the effectiveness of the environmental controls established by the Contractor and the implementation of the environmental mitigation measures recommended in the EIA Report.

Whilst the audit and inspection programme will undoubtedly complement the monitoring activity with regard to the effectiveness of controlling impacts to water quality and marine ecology, the criteria against which the audits will be undertaken will be derived from the Clauses within the Contract Documents which seek to enforce the recommendations of the EIA Report and the established management systems.

The findings of site inspections and audits will be made known to the Contractor at the time of the inspection to enable the rapid resolution of identified non-compliances.  Non-compliances, and the corrective actions undertaken, will also be reported in the monthly EM&A Reports.

Section 11 of this Manual presents details of the scope and frequency of on-site inspections and defines the range of issues that the audit protocols will be designed to address.

3.2.6                                Enquiries, Complaint and Requests for Information

Enquiries, complaints and requests for information may occur from a wide range of individuals and organisations including members of the public, Government departments, the press and television media and community groups.

All enquiries concerning the environmental effects of the construction works, irrespective of how they are received, will be reported to the Engineer and via the Contractor directed to the ET which will set up procedures for the handling, investigation and storage of such information.

In all cases the complainant will be notified of the findings, and audit procedures will be put in place to minimise the change of reoccurrence of the problem, should there be one.

3.2.7                                Reporting and Submissions

The following submissions will required to be certified by the ET Leader and verified by the IEC:

·          Baseline monitoring report

·          EM&A report (monthly, quarterly and final)

·          Waste management plan

·          Landscape plan

·          Design plan  to prevent risk to life, fuel spillage, land contamination and water quality impact during operation

The monthly reports will be prepared and submitted within two weeks of the end of each calendar month.

The cessation of EM&A programme is subject to the satisfactory completion of the EM&A Final Review Report, agreement with the IEC and approval from EPD.

 

4                                            AIR QUALITY

4.1                                      Introduction

The potential for SO2, NO2 and smoke emitted from the diesel-powered equipment during the construction phase is expected to be minimal as the number of such plant required on-site will be limited and under normal operation, equipment with proper maintenance is unlikely to cause significant dark smoke emissions. Notwithstanding, plant should be regularly maintained to minimise emissions. 

The principal source of air pollution during the construction phase will be dust from exposed site areas, stockpiling, movement of vehicles along unpaved roads, excavation and handling of construction materials, all of which will be particularly relevant during the dry seasons. 

However, the closest residential sensitive receivers to the proposed PAFF are low rise residential properties at Lung Kwu Tan and high rise residential blocks at Melody Gardens in Tuen Mun, both some 2 and 3km away respectively.  In addition, the sensitive receivers are shielded from the PAFF site by topography.  There is also a planned Holiday Camp to the east along Lung Man Road but this is about 550m away and as such not within the study area.  However, the Shiu Wing Steel facility, cement plant and proposed Eco Park at Tuen Mun Area 38 adjacent to the site are considered to be sensitive to construction dust and as such dust predictions have been undertaken for these.

4.2                                      Relevant Legislation

Air quality is regulated through Annex 4 of the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process (TMEIA) which specifies compliance with the Air Quality Objectives (AQO) and other standards established under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO).  The APCO and all regulations specified by this Ordinance, for example the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation, should be complied with.  The 24 hour Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) AQO is 260 μg/m3. 

In addition to the Air Quality Objectives, the TMEIA stipulates a criteria to meet the hourly TSP concentration of 500 μg/m3 measured at 298°K (25şC) and 101.325 kPa (1 atmosphere) for construction dust impact assessment. 

The Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation defines notifiable and regulatory works for achieving the purpose of dust control for a number of activities.  The Regulation requires any notifiable work shall require advance notice to EPD. It also requires the contractor to ensure that the notifiable work and regulatory work will be carried out in accordance to the Schedule of the Regulation. Dust control and suppression measures are provided in the Schedule.  Notifiable works are site formation; reclamation; demolition, foundation and superstructure construction for buildings; and road construction. Regulatory works are building renovation, road opening and resurfacing, slope stabilisation, and other activities including stockpiling, dusty material handling, excavation, concrete production, etc.  This project is expected to include both notifiable and regulatory works.

The proposed PAFF is classed as a specified process under Part IV of the APCO and falls within the category “Organic Chemical Works” described in Schedule 1 of the Ordinance.  The following relevant clause relates to the tank farm of the proposed PAFF: 

“Works, not being a chemical process described in any other process of the following kinds in which: 

(b)     any organic liquids, including liquid fuel are stored in tanks having an installed capacity exceeding 100m3.”

4.3                                      Air Quality Mitigation Measures

4.3.1                                Mitigation Measures during Construction Phase

Dust predictions are adjacent sensitive receivers show that some exceedances of both the 1-hour (500 µg/m3) and 24-hour (260 µg/m3) criteria could arise at Shiu Wing Steel and the EcoPark.  As such twice daily watering of the site and watering of the construction area every 1.5 hours in the vicinity of SR3c during the works of site formation, stock piling, dusty material handling and excavation has been recommended.  Also, in accordance with the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation, the Contractor will be required to ensure that dust control measures stipulated in the Regulation should be implemented to control dust emissions.  Based upon this, the following dust control measures are recommended.  These measures are also summarised in the Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedules in Annex B.

·         watering of the construction area every 1.5 hours in the vicinity of SR1, SR3a, SR3c and SR3d during site formation, stock piling, dusty material handling and excavation works;

·         the Contractor shall, to the satisfaction of EPD, install effective dust suppression measures and take such other measures as may be necessary to ensure that at the site boundary, dust levels are kept to acceptable levels;

·         the Contractor shall not burn debris or other materials on the works areas;

·         provide site hoarding not less than 2.4m at site boundary;

·         in hot, dry or windy weather, a watering programme shall maintain all exposed road surfaces and dust sources wet;

·         dust creating activities shall be reprogrammed to avoid periods of high winds;

·         where breaking of oversize rock/concrete is required, watering shall be implemented to control dust.  Water spray shall be used in dry conditions during the handling of fill material at the site and at active cuts, excavation and fill sites where dust is likely to be created;

·         open dropping heights for excavated materials shall be controlled to a maximum height of 2m to minimise the fugitive dust arising from unloading;

·         during transportation by truck, materials shall not be loaded to a level higher than the side and tail boards, and shall be dampened or covered before transport.  Materials having the potential to create dust shall not be loaded to a level higher than the side and tail boards, and shall be covered by a clean tarpaulin.  The tarpaulin shall be properly secured and shall extend at least 300mm over the edges of the side and tail boards;

·         no earth, mud, debris, dust and the like shall be deposited on public roads.  Wheel washing facility shall be usable prior to any earthworks excavation activity on the site;

·         areas of exposed soil shall be minimised to areas in which works have been completed shall be restored as soon as is practicable;

·         all stockpiles of aggregate or spoil shall be enclosed or covered and water applied in dry or windy conditions; and,

·         provide awareness training in the need to minimise dust.

If the above measures are not sufficient to manage dust generation, upon the advice of the ETL, the Contractor shall liaise with the ET regarding other mitigation measures and consult the IEC for their effectiveness, and then propose these measures to the FSR for approval prior to the implementation of the measures

4.3.2                                EM&A Requirements

EM&A is recommended during the construction phase only and the effective management of dust arisings during the construction phase will be monitored through the site audit programme.

The aims of the dust audit are:

·         to ensure that appropriate measures, including but not limited to those measures stipulated above, as being implemented with the aim to minimise and control dust arisings from the site; and,

·         to encourage good site practices.

The Contractor shall be required to pay attention to the environmental standard and guidelines detailed in Section 4 and carry out appropriate dust management measures.

During the site inspections and the document review procedures as mentioned in Chapter 11 of this Manual, the ET shall pay special attention to the issues relating to dust management and check whether the Contractor has followed the relevant contract specifications and the procedures specified under the laws of Hong Kong.   

The Contractor’s dust management practices should be audited with reference to the checklist detailed in Table 4.1 below:

Table 4.1        Dust Management Checklist

Activities

Timing

Monitoring Frequency

If non-compliance, Action Required

Twice daily water programme of exposed areas

Throughout the works

Twice daily

The ETL shall inform the Contractor, FSR and IEC of the non-compliance.  The FSR shall instruct the Contractor to initiate watering more frequently. Corrective action shall be undertaken within 48 hours. The ETL shall ensure that corrective action has been taken.

No burning of material on-site

Throughout the works

Weekly

The ETL shall inform the Contractor, FSR and IEC of the non-compliance.  The FSR shall instruct the Contractor to cease burning material.  The Contractor shall immediately suspend burning on site.

Watering programme of exposed areas in hot, dry or windy weather

Throughout the works

Weekly

The ETL shall inform the Contractor, FSR and IEC of the non-compliance.  The FSR shall instruct the Contractor to initiate watering not less than once daily. Corrective action shall be undertaken within 48 hours. The ETL shall ensure that corrective action has been taken.

Dusty activities shall not be programme in periods of high winds

Throughout the works

Weekly

The ETL shall inform the Contractor, FSR and IEC of the non-compliance.  The FSR shall instruct the Contractor to reschedule the works accordingly.

Water spraying during rock or concrete breaking

Throughout the works

Weekly

The ETL shall inform the Contractor, FSR and IEC of the non-compliance.  The FSR shall instruct the Contractor to implement spraying. Corrective action shall be undertaken within 48 hours. The ETL shall ensure that corrective action has been taken.

Dropping heights shall be minimised to 2m

Throughout the works

Weekly

The ETL shall inform the Contractor, FSR and IEC of the non-compliance.  The FSR shall instruct the Contractor to reduce dropping height. The ETL shall ensure that corrective action has been taken.

Demolition material/waste in dump trucks are properly covered before leaving the site

Throughout the works

Weekly

The ETL shall inform the Contractor, FSR and IEC of the non-compliance.  The FSR shall instruct the Contractor to comply.  The Contractor shall prevent trucks shall leaving the site until the waste are properly covered. The ETL shall ensure that corrective action has been taken.

Stockpiles contained so as not to cause a dust nuisance

Throughout the works

Weekly

The ETL shall inform the Contractor, FSR and IEC of the non-compliance.  The FSR shall instruct the Contractor to cover the spoil or implement watering. The ETL shall ensure that corrective action has been taken.

Wheel washing facilities are used and effective

Throughout the works

Weekly

The ETL shall inform the Contractor, FSR and IEC of the non-compliance.  The FSR shall instruct the Contractor to use wheel washing facilities. The ETL shall ensure that corrective action has been taken.

Note:  ETL – Environmental Team Leader, IEC – Independent Environmental Checker, FSR – Franchisee Site Representative

Should any ad hoc spot check monitoring be required of the Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) levels, this shall comprise monitoring of 1-hour TSP levels measured by direct reading methods.  Any ad hoc monitoring shall be carried out by the Environmental Team Leader (ETL) (see Section 1) to ensure that construction works are not generating dust which exceeds the acceptable level.

Other relevant data including weather conditions and any other special phenomena and work progress of the concerned site shall be recorded in detail by the ETL.  A sample data sheet is shown in Annex C.  

The Contractor is responsible for provision of the monitoring equipment if required and shall ensure that direct reading samplers with an appropriate calibration kit are available for carrying out ad hoc measurements if required. Calibration of dust monitoring equipment shall be conducted by the ETL in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.  The calibration data shall be properly documented for future reference by concerned parties, such as the IEC.  

Wind data monitoring equipment shall also be provided for logging wind speed and wind direction near to the dust monitoring locations if monitoring is required.  The equipment installation location shall be proposed by the Contractor in consultation with the ETL and agreed with the FSR, in consultation with the IEC.  For installation and operation of wind data monitoring equipment, the following points shall be observed.

·         the wind sensors should be installed on masts at an elevated level 10 m above ground so that they are clear of obstructions or turbulence caused by the buildings;

·         the wind data should be captured by a data logger to be down-loaded for processing at least once a month;

·         the wind data monitoring equipment should be re-calibrated at least once every six months; and,

·         wind direction should be divided into 16 sectors of 22.5 degrees each.

In exceptional situations, the ETL may propose alternative methods to obtain representative wind data upon approval from the FSR and agreement from the IEC. 

When selecting sites for ad hoc monitoring, the following preferred locations and factors shall be considered:

·         the site boundary or locations close to the major dust emission source; and,

·         the prevailing meteorological conditions. 

The ETL shall agree with the FSR, in consultation with the IEC, the position of the ad hoc monitoring.

 

5                                            NOISE

5.1                                      Introduction

Powered mechanical equipment will be used to form the tank farm, jetty and lay the pipeline for the PAFF.  However, the Tuen Mun Area 38 site is located on newly formed reclaimed land in an area zoned for industrial use.  The existing land adjacent to the site is occupied by the cement plant and Shui Wing Steel Mill, with Castle Peak Power Station further to the west.  To the east, a further lot of reclaimed land is proposed for use as an EcoPark, and this is bordered by a sea area earmarked for formation in the near future.  The River Trade Terminal is located further down the coast.  The alignment of the pipeline passes through open sea away from the land. None of these are classed as noise sensitive receivers.

The closest noise sensitive receivers to the proposed PAFF are low rise residential properties at Lung Kwu Tan and high rise residential blocks at Butterfly Beach in Tuen Mun, both about 2km and 3km away respectively.  In addition, these sensitive receivers are shielded from the PAFF site by topography and there will be no line of sight to the facility.   There is also a planned Holiday Camp to the east along Lung Man Road but this is about 550m away and as such not within the study area.

5.2                                      Relevant Legislation

Non restricted hours include the daytime hours on working days which are not a Sunday or a public holiday between 07:00-19:00. The noise generated by the construction of the Project during the non-restricted daytime hours will be assessed with reference to Table 1B of Annex 5 of the TMEIA.  4

If construction works during restricted hours are specified in the construction programme or percussive piling is to be undertaken, a Construction Noise Permit (CNP) will be required for the works and the noise impacts will be assessed to ensure compliance with the relevant Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) noise limits as specified in Annex 5 of the TMEIA.  Once applied for, the CNP will be assessed by the Noise Control Authority based upon the contemporary situation at the time of the application.   

An application for a CNP for percussive piling is assessed in accordance with the Technical Memorandum on Noise from Percussive Piling under the NCO.  

The CNP may contain permitted hours of operation as a condition with reference to the predicted noise levels at noise sensitive receivers.  However, it is not anticipated that percussive piling works will be required during the construction of this project. 

The NCO construction noise limits during restricted hours are determined with reference to the type of area within which a Noise Sensitive Receiver (NSR) is located.  For village and low-density residential areas not affected by noise, an Area Sensitivity Rating (ASR) of ‘A’ is applied, while a low-density residential areas in which traffic noise is noticeable but not dominant, an ASR of ‘B’ is employed.  For a similar area in which noise from a major road is readily noticeable and dominates the noise environment, an ASR of ‘C’ is applied.  The definition of a major road is provided in the Technical Memorandum on Noise from Construction Work Other than Percussive Piling. The construction noise criteria for each NSR are applied to the noise arising from operation of construction equipment.

5.3                                      Mitigation during Construction Phase

There are no sensitive receivers within designated 300m of the proposed site and works, with the closest being the proposed Holiday Camp some 550m away and other sensitive receivers are about 2km away.  As such significant noise impacts during the construction phase are not predicted. Notwithstanding, measures to minimise noise levels as far as possible are recommended as follows. As no sensitive receivers will be affected by the project, the mitigation measures are advisory in nature only.

·         use quiet equipment with suitable noise levels and labels;

·         regular maintenance of equipment; 

·         ensure noise attenuation devices are fitted to plant and equipment such as:

·         fitting more efficient exhaust sound reduction equipment and ensuring the Manufacturers’ enclosure panels are kept closed on dump trucks, lorries, excavators and cranes;

·         fitting suitably designed muffler or sound reduction equipment and using dampened bit to eliminate ringing on breakers; and,

·         ensure all leaks in air lines are sealed on all pneumatic equipment.

·         use temporary noise barriers where applicable; 

·         restrict or modify working hours to minimise high noise activities; 

·         provide awareness training in the need to minimise noise; and,

·         proper planning of work area; and  good site practice to limit noise emissions at source.

If additional measures are deemed necessary by the ETL, the Contractor shall liaise with the ETL regarding other mitigation measures and consult the IEC for their effectiveness, and then propose these measures to the ER for approval prior to the implementation of the measures.

5.4                                      EM&A Requirements

Management of noise during the construction phase will be monitored through the site audit programme.

The aims of the noise audit are:

·         to ensure that appropriate measures, including but not limited to those measures stipulated above, as being implemented with the aim to minimise and control noise from the site; and,

·         to encourage good site practices. 

The Contractor shall be required to pay attention to the environmental standard and guidelines detailed in Section 5.2 and carry out appropriate noise mitigation measures.  

During the site inspections and the document review procedures as mentioned in Chapter 11 of this Manual, the ETL shall pay special attention to the issues relating to noise mitigation and check whether the Contractor has followed the relevant contract specifications and the procedures specified under the laws of Hong Kong (see above Section 5.2).   

The action level for construction noise is defined in Table 5.1. Should non-compliance of the criteria occur, the ETL, the IEC, the ER and the Contractor shall undertake their specified actions in accordance with the Action Plan shown in Table 5.2.

Table 5.1        Action Levels for Construction Noise

Time Period

Action

0700 – 1900 hrs on normal weekdays

When one documented complaint is received

 

Should any ad hoc noise monitoring be required in the even of a complaint, the construction noise level shall be monitored by the ET and shall be measured in terms of the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level (Leq). Leq (30 min) shall be used as the monitoring parameter for the time period between 0700-1900 hours on normal weekdays.  In respect of all other time periods, Leq(5 min) shall be employed for comparison with the Noise Control Ordinance criteria. A sample data record sheet is shown in Annex C for reference. 

As referred to in the Technical Memorandum (TM) issued under the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO), sound level meters in compliance with the International Electrotechnical Commission Publications 651: 1979 (Type 1) and 804: 1985 (Type 1) specifications shall be used for carrying out any noise monitoring.  

Immediately prior to and following each noise measurement the accuracy of the sound level meter shall be checked using an acoustic calibrator generating a known sound pressure level at a known frequency.  Measurements may be accepted as valid only if the calibration level from before and after the noise measurement agree to within 1.0dB.  

Noise measurements shall not be made in fog, rain, wind with a steady speed exceeding 5m/s or wind with gusts exceeding 10m/s.  The wind speed shall be checked with a portable wind speed meter capable of measuring the wind speed in m/s.  The Contractor shall ensure that noise measuring equipment and associated instrumentation are available for carrying out any ad hoc monitoring if required.

The locations for noise monitoring, if required shall be proposed by the Contractor in consultation with the ETL and verified with the Franchisee’s Site Representative (FSR), the IEC and Environmental Protection Department (DEP).   

The monitoring station shall normally be at a point 1m from the exterior of a building facade or in the case the measurement is not being carried out at a building, be at a position 1.2m above the ground.  

For reference, a correction of +3dB(A) shall be made to the free field measurements.  Noise levels shall be corrected in accordance with Section 2.10, 2.11 and 2.13 of the “Technical Memorandum on Noise From Construction Works Other Than Percussive Piling”.  The ETL shall agree with the IEC on the monitoring position and the corrections adopted prior to the commencement of the works.


 

Table 5.2        Event/Action Plan for Construction Noise

Event

Action

ETL

IEC

FSR

Contractor

Action Level

1. Notify the IEC and Contractor

2. Carry out investigation

3. Report the results of investigation to the IEC and the Contractor

4. Discuss with the Contractor and formulate remedial measures

5. Consider undertaking ad hoc monitoring to check mitigation effectiveness

1. Review the analysed results submitted by the ET

2. Review the proposed remedial measures by the Contractor and advise the FSR accordingly

3. Supervise the implementation of remedial measures

 

1. Confirm the receipt of notification of failure in writing

2. Notify the Contractor

3. Require the Contractor to propose remedial measures for the analysed noise problem

4. Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented

1. Submit noise mitigation proposals to IEC

2. Implement noise mitigation proposals

 

 

 

 

 

Note:  ETL – Environmental Team Leader, IEC – Independent Environmental Checker, FSR – Franchisee’s Site Representative

 


6                                            WATER QUALITY

6.1                                      Introduction

In accordance with the recommendations of the EIA and conditions of approval from Country and Marine Parks Authority (CMPA), water quality EM&A is required when construction works are being undertaken within 1000m of the Lung Kwu Chau and Sha Chau Marine Park and for dredging along the entire pipeline.  In addition, baseline water quality monitoring will be required prior to the commencement of the above said construction activities.  Also, Condition 2.5 of the EP requires the inclusion of monitoring of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) during construction of the Project.  The following sections provide details of the water quality monitoring, including POPs monitoring, to be undertaken by the ET to verify the distance of sediment plume dispersion and to identify whether the potential exists for any indirect impacts to occur to ecological sensitive receivers.  The water quality monitoring programme will be carried out to ensure that any deteriorating water quality is readily detected and timely action taken to rectify the situation. 

6.2                                      Sampling Methodology for Water Quality Monitoring

Sampling for water quality will be conducted for both standard water quality parameters as well as Persistant Organic Pollutants (POPs).  Due to the different schedules associated with each monitoring programme, monitoring for water quality parameters are discussed in Section 6.2.1 with monitoring of POPs in Section 6.2.2.

6.2.1                                Water Quality Parameters

In accordance with the recommendations of the EIA, construction phase water quality EM&A is required when marine construction works are being undertaken within 1000m of the Lung Kwu Chau and Sha Chau Marine Park and for dredging along the length of the pipeline.  Measurements of suspended solids (SS), turbidity in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) and dissolved oxygen (DO) in mg/L shall be undertaken by the ET at a number of Control and Impact Stations stated in Section 6.2.4, below.  Measurements shall be taken on a daily basis on both flood and ebb tides to ensure that any deteriorating water quality could be readily detected and timely action will be taken to rectify the situation. SS shall be determined in the laboratory whilst turbidity and DO shall be measured in-situ.   

Baseline measurements shall be undertaken for a period of one week prior to construction on both flood and ebb tides.  The baseline data shall be reviewed to identify any pre-project variability in the dataset and to confirm the suitability of the control stations to represent conditions at the impact stations in the absence of any construction activity associated with the project. 

Concurrently with the water quality parameter measurements, associated data shall also be recorded, including the monitoring location, time, water depth, water temperature, salinity, pH, DO saturation, weather conditions, sea conditions and tidal stage. Observations on any special phenomena and work underway at the construction site at the time of sampling shall also be recorded.  Water temperature, salinity, pH and DO saturation shall be measured in-situ using direct reading instrumentation.  A sample monitoring record sheet is shown in Annex C. 

In addition, the Franchisee shall undertake some routine monitoring of water quality in the vicinity of the PAFF site during the operation phase to check the effectiveness of the proposed precautionary measures implemented for on-site spill control.  The details of the monitoring to be undertaken, including the parameters, frequency and monitoring locations, shall be prepared by the Franchisee as part of the PAFF Operations Manual and the details will be agreed with the relevant authorities prior to the commencement of operation of the PAFF.  However, the monitoring should include but not be limited to the parameters of TPH and PAH and reference should be made to the existing monitoring programme undertaken for the fuel tank farm on the HKIA platform.  As such, the details of this monitoring are not specified in this Manual.

Monitoring Equipment

For water quality monitoring, the following equipment will be supplied and used by the Contractor:

·         Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature Measuring Equipment

The instrument shall be a portable, weatherproof dissolved oxygen measuring instrument connected with cable and use a DC power source. It shall be capable of measuring:-

-         a dissolved oxygen level in the range of 0-20 mg/l and 0-200% saturation; and,

-         a temperature of 0-45 degree Celsius

It shall have a membrane electrode with automatic temperature compensation complete with a cable (e.g. YSI model 59 meter, YSI 5739 probe, YSI 5795A submersible stirrer with reel and cable or an approved similar instrument). Sufficient stocks of spare electrodes and cables shall be available for replacement where necessary. 

Should salinity compensation not be integrated in the DO equipment, in-situ salinity shall be measured to calibrate the DO equipment prior to each DO measurement.


·         Turbidity Measurement Equipment

The instrument shall be a portable, weatherproof turbidity-measuring instrument complete with comprehensive operation manual. The equipment shall use a DC power source. It shall have a photoelectric sensor capable of measuring turbidity between 0-1000 NTU and be connected with a cable (e.g. Hach model 2100P or an approved similar instrument).

·       Salinity Measurement Instrument

A portable salinometer capable of measuring salinity in the range of 0-40 ppt shall be provided for measuring salinity and, if necessary, setting salinity compensation on the Dissolved Oxygen Meter.

·       Suspended Solid Measurement Equipment

The equipment for measuring suspended solids shall be provided as follows:

-            A water sampler comprising a transparent PVC cylinder with a capacity of not less than 2 litres (e.g. Kahlsico Water Sampler or an approved similar instrument) and which can be effectively sealed with latex cups at both ends. The sampler shall have a positive latching system to keep it open and prevent premature closure until released by a messenger when the sampler is at the selected water depth; and,

-            Water samples for suspended solids measurement shall be collected in high density polythene bottles, packed in ice (cooled to 40C without being frozen) and delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection.

·       Water Depth Gauge

A portable, battery-operated echo sounder shall be used for the determination of water depth at each designated monitoring station.  This unit can either be handheld or affixed to the bottom of the work boat, if the same vessel is to be used throughout the monitoring programme.

·       pH Measuring Equipment

A portable pH meter capable of measuring a range between 0.0 and 14.0 shall be provided to measure pH under the specified conditions (eg. Orion Model 250A or an approved similar instrument).

·       Positioning Device

A hand-held or boat-fixed type differential Global Positioning System (dGPS) or other equivalent instrument of similar accuracy shall be provided and used during monitoring to ensure the monitoring vessel is at the correct location before taking measurements. Marine anchors shall not be used when sampling the impact stations within or on the boundaries of the marine park.


·       Calibration of Equipment

All in-situ monitoring instrument shall be checked, calibrated and certified by a laboratory accredited under HOKLAS or any other international accreditation scheme before use, and subsequently re-calibrated at 3 monthly intervals throughout all stages of the water quality monitoring. Responses of sensors and electrodes shall be checked with certified standard solutions before each use. Wet bulb calibration for the DO meter shall be carried out before measurement at each monitoring location. 

For the on site calibration of field equipment, the BS 1427:1993, "Guide to Field and on-site test methods for the analysis of waters" shall be followed.

·       Backup Equipment

Sufficient stocks of spare parts shall be maintained for replacements when necessary.  Back-up monitoring equipment shall also be available so that monitoring can proceed uninterrupted even when some equipment is under maintenance, calibration, etc.

Laboratory Measurement and Analysis

Analysis of suspended solids shall be carried out in a HOKLAS or other international accredited laboratory. Water samples of about 500ml shall be collected at the monitoring stations for carrying out the laboratory SS determination.  The SS determination work shall start within 24 hours after collection of the water samples.  The SS determination shall follow TSS-SM25400 or equivalent methods subject to approval of the DEP. 

The limits of detection for the in-situ and laboratory measurements that shall be obtained are shown in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1        Detection Limits and Precision of Water Quality Determinands

Determinand

Limit of Detection

Precision

Dissolved Oxygen

0.1 mg/L

1%

Salinity

0.01 ppt

1%

Temperature

0.1 degree Celsius

1%

pH

0.01 units

1%

Turbidity (NTU)

0.1 NTU

1%