Agreement No. CE 20/2004(EP) North East New Territories (NENT) Landfill Extension 

Quarterly Environmental Monitoring and Audit Report (No. 2) – April to June 2023
2023-07-13


ET Certification

IEC Verification

Contents

 

Executive Summary. 1

1.  Introduction. 2

2.  Project Information. 4

3.  Air Quality Monitoring. 7

4   Noise Monitoring. 12

5   Water Quality Monitoring. 16

6   Waste Management 23

7   Landfill Gas Monitoring. 24

8   Landscape and Visual 27

9   Cultural Heritage. 28

10 Ecological Monitoring. 29

11 Site Inspection and Audit 30

12 Environmental Non-conformance. 35

13 Implementation Status on Environmental Mitigation Measures. 37

14 Conclusion. 37

 

Figure

Figure 1

Location of the Project Site

Figure 2

Impact Monitoring Locations

Figure 3

Landfill Gas Monitoring Locations

Appendix

Appendix A

Construction Programme

Appendix B

Construction Site Activities

Appendix C

Project Organization Chart & Management Structure

Appendix D

Detail Status of FEP & EP Submission

Appendix E

Graphical Presentations

Appendix F

Notification of Environmental Quality Limits Exceedance

Appendix G

Waste Flow Table

Appendix H

Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule (EMIS)

Appendix I

Mitigation Measures of Cultural Landscape Features

Appendix J

Cumulative complaint / enquiry log, Summaries of complaints and enquiries & Environmental complaint reports

 


Executive Summary

Aurecon Hong Kong Limited (Aurecon) was appointed to undertake the role of Environmental Team (ET) and carry out Environmental Monitoring and Audit for the North East New Territories (NENT) Landfill Extension.

 

The construction phase and EM&A programme of the Project commenced on 1 December 2022.

 

This 2nd Quarterly EM&A Report presents the EM&A works conducted from 1 April to 30 June 2023 in accordance with the EM&A Manual.

Summary of Construction Works undertaken during Report Period

The major construction works undertaken during the reporting period include:

Construction Activities Undertaken

Reporting Month

Apr 2023

May 2023

Jun 2023

-  Material loading and unloading, site traffic

-  Permanent site office foundation works with pouring of concrete

-  Site clearance

-  Installation of permanent fencing

-  Site formation

-  Tree felling

 

Environmental Exceedance

 

Air Quality, Noise & Landfill Gas Monitoring

No exceedance of the Action and Limit Levels were recorded at designated monitoring stations during the reporting period.

 

Surface Water Quality Monitoring

No exceedance of the Action Level was recorded at designated monitoring stations during the reporting period. 1 Turbidity exceedance of the Limit Level for surface wate quality was recorded during the reporting period. The investigation results will be presented when the investigation of limit level exceedance of surface water quality is finished.

 

Environmental Non-conformance/Compliant/Summons and Prosecution

 

No non-compliance event & summons/prosecutions were recorded and received in this reporting period.

 

1 complaint & 1 enquiry were recorded on 14 June 2023 & 15 June 2023. The investigation results will be presented when the investigation was finished.

1.                      Introduction

1.1.                 Background

1.1.1.               The North East New Territories Landfill Extension (the NENTX Project) is located adjacent to the existing North East New Territories (NENT) Landfill at Ta Kwu Ling. The extension site is located in a valley covering mainly the existing NENT Landfill Stockpile and Borrow Area that was formed to the east of the existing landfill as part of the original site development of the landfill, and layout plan shown in Figure 1.

1.1.2.               The NENTX is a designated project. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report (AEIAR-111/2007) and an Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual were approved on 20 September 2007. The project is governed by an Environmental Permit (EP) (EP-292/2007) which was granted on 26 November 2007. A further of EP (FEP) was applied and the FEP (FEP-01/292/2007) was subsequently granted on 28 April 2022.

1.1.3.               In accordance with the requirements specified in Section 2.6 to 2.10 and Section 12.3 of the approved Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual, Quarterly EM&A report should be submitted to the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) within 10 working days after the end of the reporting quarter. The submissions shall be certified by the Environmental Team (ET) Leader and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC).

1.1.4.               The construction phase and EM&A programme of the Project commenced on 1 December 2022.

1.2.                 Nature, Scale and Scope of the captioned Designated Project

1.2.1              The Nature, Scale and Scope of the captioned Designated Project is presented in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1     Nature, Scale and Scope of the captioned Designated Project

Item(s)

Content

Nature of Designated Project

Construction and operation of a landfill for waste as defined in the “Waste Disposal Ordinance” (Cap. 354)

Scale and Scope of Designated Project

The Project mainly consists of the followings: -

Construction and operation of a landfill extension of about 70 hectares with a target void space of at least 19 million cubic metres on the eastern side of the existing NENT Landfill, including the followings: -

  i.         Site formation and preparation;

 ii.         Installation of liner system;

iii.         Installation of leachate collection, treatment and disposal facilities;

iv.         Installation of gas collection, utilization and management facilities;

 v.         Utilities provisions and drainage diversion;

vi.         Landfilling operation;

vii.         Restoration and aftercare in subsequent stages; and

viii.         Measures to mitigate environmental impacts as well as environmental monitoring and auditing to be implemented.


 

1.3.                 Purpose of this Report

1.3.1.               This is the 2nd Quarterly EM&A Report which summarises the impact monitoring results and audit findings for the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 01 April to 30 June 2023.

1.4.                 Structure of the Report

1.4.1.               The structure of the report is as follows:

Section 1 – Introduction

-        details the background, purpose and structure of the report.

Section 2 – Project Information

-        summarises background and scope of the Project, site description, project organization and contact details, construction programme, the construction works undertaken and the status of Environmental Permit(s)/License(s) during the reporting period.

Section 3 – Air Quality Monitoring

-        Construction Dust

Section 4 – Noise Monitoring

Section 5 – Water Quality Monitoring

-        Groundwater Monitoring

-        Surface Water Monitoring

Section 6 – Waste Management

Section 7 – Landfill Gas Monitoring

Section 8 – Landscape and Visual

Section 9 – Cultural Heritage

Section 10 – Ecological Monitoring

Section 11 – Site Inspection and Audit

Section 12 – Environmental Non-Conformance

Section 13 – Implementation Status on Environmental Mitigation Measures

Section 14 – Conclusion


2.                      Project Information

2.1.                 Construction Activities

2.1.1.               A summary of the major construction activities undertaken in this reporting period is shown in Table 2-1. Construction programme is illustrated in Appendix A. Detailed construction activities are summarized in Appendix B.

Table 2-1     Major Construction Activities Undertaken in the Reporting Period

 

Construction Activities Undertaken

Reporting Month

Apr 2023

May 2023

Jun 2023

-  Material loading and unloading, site traffic

-  Permanent site office foundation works with pouring of concrete

-  Site clearance

-  Installation of permanent fencing

-  Site formation

-  Tree felling

2.2.                 Project Organization & Management Structure

2.2.1.               The Project Organization Chart & Management Structure are shown in Appendix C. The key personnel contact information is summarized in Table 2-2.

Table 2-2       Contact Information of Key Personnel

Party

Name

Contact Number

Contractor

(Veolia Environmental Service Hong Kong Ltd.)

Ms. Kristy Wong

2902 5260

Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)

(Meinhardt Infrastructure and Environment Ltd.)

Ms. Claudine Lee

2859 5409

Environmental Team Leader (ETL)

(Aurecon Hong Kong Limited)

Mr. Fredrick Leong

3664 6888


 

2.3.                 Status of Submission required under the FEP & EP during reporting period

2.3.1.               The status of statutory environmental compliance with the EP conditions under the EIAO, submission status under the FEP & EP during reporting period are presented in Table 2-3. The detail status of statutory environmental compliance with the EP conditions under the EIAO, submission status under the FEP & EP for NENTX project are shown in Appendix D.

Table 2-3       Status of Submissions required under the FEP & EP during reporting period

FEP Condition

EP Condition

Submission / Measures

Status

2.1

2.3

Management Organization of Main Construction Companies

Submitted

2.2

2.4

Setting up of Community Liaison Group

Community Liaison Group was set up.

2.3

2.5

Submission of EM&A Manual

Submitted

2.5

2.7

Submission of Vegetation Survey (Transplantation Proposal)

Submitted

2.6

2.8

Submission of translocation proposal

Submitted

2.7

2.9

Submission of Transplantation Report and Post-Transplantation Monitoring

Submitted

9th monitoring (21 Apr 2023)

10th monitoring (17 May 2023)

11th monitoring (16 Jun 2023)

2.8

2.10

Submission of Translocation Report and Post-Translocation Monitoring

Translocation was carried out and the report submitted.

9th monitoring (19 Apr 2023)

10th monitoring (12 May 2023)

11th monitoring (7 Jun 2023)

2.9

2.11

Submission of Detailed Landfill Gas Hazard Assessment Report

Submitted

2.10

2.12

Submission of Waste Management Plan

Submitted

3.2

3.2

Submission of Baseline Monitoring Report

Submitted

3.3

3.3

Submission of Monthly EM&A Report

5th report (Apr 2023)

6th report (May 2023)

7th report (Jun 2023)

 

2.4.                 Status of Environmental Approval Document

2.4.1.               A summary of the relevant valid permits, licences, and/or notifications on environmental protection for this Project since the granting of the EP is presented in Table 2-4.

Table 2-4  Summary of the relevant valid permits, licences, and/or notifications on environmental protection

Permit / Licenses / Notification

Reference

Expiry Date

Remark

Environmental Permit (EP)

EP-292/2007

Throughout the Contract

Permit granted on 26

November 2007

Further Environmental Permit (FEP)

FEP-210/2022

Throughout the Contract

Permit granted on 28

April 2022

Notification of Construction Works as required under Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation

 479809

Throughout the Construction Phase

Notified on 13 May 2022

Registration of Waste Producer under Waste Disposal Ordinance

7043692

Throughout the Contract

Registered on 13 April 2022

Registration as Chemical Waste Producer

 

5213-642-P1034-18

Throughout the Contract

Registered on 11 July 2022

Construction Noise

Permit

GW-RN0299-23

22 June 2023

Permit granted on 21 March 2023

Construction Noise

Permit

GW-RN0619-23

22 September 2023

Permit granted on 16 June 2023 (replaced the CNP No. GW-RN0299-23)

Effluent Discharge License under Water Pollution Control Ordinance

WT00042301-2022

31 October 2027

Permit granted on 18 October 2022

Variation of Licence (Permit granted on 7 February 2023)


 

3.                 Air Quality Monitoring

3.1                       Construction Dust

3.1.1         Monitoring Requirement

3.1.1.1       In accordance with the EM&A Manual, 1-hr & 24-hr Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) levels should be measured at the designated air quality monitoring stations in every 6 days to ensure that any deteriorating air quality could be readily detected, and timely action shall be undertaken to rectify such situation. For 1-hr TSP monitoring, the sampling frequency of at least three times in every six-days should be undertaken when the highest dust impact occurs. The specific time to start and stop the 24- hr TSP monitoring shall be clearly defined for each location.

3.1.2         Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Location

3.1.2.1       According to the EM&A Manual, three monitoring stations namely AM(D)1, AM(D)2 and AM(D)3 are selected for the impact monitoring.

 

3.1.2.2       A baseline monitoring plan has been submitted to IEC and EPD on 31 May 2022 including the proposal with justification of change of monitoring locations. Due to limited access to the original monitoring locations at AM(D)1, AM(D)2 and AM(D)3, the adjusted stations at AM1, AM2 and AM3 were agreed with IEC prior to the baseline and impact monitoring. The locations of adjusted dust monitoring locations are shown in Figure 2.

 

3.1.2.3       The locations of dust monitoring stations are shown in Table 3-1. The monitoring parameters, frequency and duration are shown in Table 3-2.

Table 3-1          Locations of Dust Monitoring Stations

Monitoring Station

Representative

for

Monitoring Parameters

AM1

Tung Lo Hang

1-hr and 24-hr TSP

AM2

Heung Yuen Wai

1-hr and 24-hr TSP

AM3

Wo Keng Shan Tsuen

1-hr and 24-hr TSP

Remarks:

The contractor passed correspondence including original monitoring locations specified on the Approved EM&A Manual to the village representatives on 26 April 2022. After a meeting with Ta Kwu Ling District Rural Committee (RC) Chairman, representative from the RC and a few villagers on 1 May 2022, all the Village Heads of Wo Keng Shan Tsuen, Heung Yuen Wai and Lin Ma Hang verbally refused to accept our proposal for installation of dust and / or noise monitoring equipment within or next to their villages, for the baseline & impact monitoring.

AM(D)1 Tung Lo Hang, AM(D)2 Heung Yuen Wai, AM(D)3 Wo Keng Shan Tsuen are the air monitoring stations for the construction phase EM&A programme as identified in the approved EM&A Manual for the Project. The access to Tung Lo Hang, Heung Yuen Wai and Wo Keng Shan Tsuen were denied.  A search for alternative air monitoring locations (AM1, AM2 & AM3) was carried out during the site visit.

The Baseline Monitoring Plan has been submitted to IEC and EPD including the proposal of change of monitoring locations on 31 May 2022. This arrangement was conducted between baseline and impact monitoring and has been agreed by the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) and no comment received from EPD.

Due to the adjustment of the location of AM(D)1, AM(D)2 & AM(D)3to AM1, AM2 & AM3, the measured air quality levels at AM1, AM2 & AM3 would represent the air quality levels at AM(D)1, AM(D)2 & AM(D)3.


 

Table 3-2          Dust Impact Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Monitoring Station

Parameter

Frequency and Duration

AM1, AM2, AM3

1-hr TSP

At least 3 times per 6 days

24-hr TSP

1 time per 6 days

3.1.3         Monitoring Results

3.1.3.1       The impact dust monitoring results are summarized in Table 3-3 and Table 3-4. The graphical presentations of monitoring data are presented in Appendix E.

Table 3-3          Summary of Impact 1-hr TSP Monitoring Results

Dust Monitoring Station

Average 1-hr TSP Concentration, ΅g/m³ (Range)

Action Level, ΅g/m³

Limit Level, ΅g/m³

Apr 2023

May 2023

Jun 2023

AM1

35

(19 – 55)

23

(15 – 40)

28

(15 – 38)

>285

>500

 AM2

42

(31 – 76)

30

(15 – 43)

31

(21 – 45)

>279

>500

AM3

40

(23 – 54)

35

(26 – 49)

33

(21 – 45)

>285

>500

Table 3-4          Summary of Impact 24-hr TSP Monitoring Results

Dust Monitoring Station

Average 24-hr TSP Concentration, ΅g/m³ (Range)

Action Level, ΅g/m³

Limit Level, ΅g/m³

Apr 2023

May 2023

Jun 2023

AM1

60

(34 – 112)

62

(28 – 106)

47

(28 – 95)

>164

>260

 AM2

63

(37 – 111)

73

(53 – 87)

41

(32 – 54)

>152

>260

AM3

70

(40 – 151)

93

(29 – 121)

82

(43 – 130)

>163

>260

 

3.1.3.2       The Summary of Impact 1-hr & 24-hr TSP Exceedance are shown in Table 3-5.


 

Table 3-5          Summary of Impact 1-hr & 24-hr TSP Exceedance

Dust Monitoring Station

Parameter

1-hr TSP

Exceedance Count

Accumulate of project

24-hr TSP

Exceedance Count

Accumulate of project

Level Exceedance

AM1

Action

0

0

0

0

0

2*

Limit

0

0

0

0

0

3*

 AM2

Action

0

0

0

0

0

0

Limit

0

0

0

0

0

0

AM3

Action

0

0

0

0

0

4*

Limit

0

0

0

0

0

3*

Remarks: * equal to non-project related

3.1.3.3       No Action / Limit Level exceedance for 1-hr & 24-hr TSP impact monitoring at AM1, AM2 & AM3 was recorded during the reporting period. The Notification of Environmental Quality Limits Exceedances are presented in Appendix F.

3.1.4         Recommended Mitigation Measures

3.1.4.1       The recommended dust mitigation measures from EIA report are listed as followed:

 

•              The contractor shall follow the procedures and requirements given in the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation.

•              Dust emission from construction vehicle movement is confined within the worksites area.

•              Watering facilities will be provided at every designated vehicular exit point.

•              Good site practice is recommended during construction phase.

3.1.5         Event and Action Plan

3.1.5.1       Should non-compliance of the criteria occur, action in accordance with the action plan in Table 3-6 shall be carried out.

 

Table 3-6            Event and Action Plan for dust impact



Event

ET

IEC

Contractor

Exceedance of Action Level

Exceedance for one sample

•         Identify source

•         Prepare Notification of Exceedance

•         Inform IEC and Contractor

•         Repeat measurement to confirm findings

•         Increase monitoring frequency to daily if exceedance is due to the Project and continue until the monitoring results reduce to below action level

•         Verify the Notification of Exceedance

•         Check monitoring data submitted by ET and Contractor's working methods

•         Discuss with ET and Contractor on proposed remedial measures

•         Rectify any unacceptable practice

•         Amend working methods if appropriate

Exceedance for two or more consecutive samples

•         Identify source

•         Prepare Notification of Exceedance

•         Inform Contractor and IEC

•         Repeat measurements to confirm findings

•         Increase monitoring frequency to daily if exceedance is due to the Project and continue until the monitoring results reduce to below action level

•         Discuss with IEC for remedial action required

•         Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented

•         Continue monitoring at daily intervals if exceedance is due to the Project

•          If no exceedance for 3 consecutive days, cease additional monitoring

•         Verify the Notification of Exceedance

•         Check monitoring data submitted by ET and Contractor's working methods

•         Discuss with ET and Contractor on proposed remedial measures

•         Review with analysed results submitted by ET

•         Review the proposed remedial measures by Contractor

•         Supervise the implementation of remedial measures

•         Submit proposals for remedial actions to IEC within 3 working days of notification

•         Implement the agreed proposals

•         Amend proposal if appropriate

 

 

 

Event

ET

IEC

Contractor

Exceedance of Limit Level

Exceedance for one sample

•        Identify source

•        Prepare Notification of Exceedance

•         Inform IEC and Contractor

•         Repeat measurement to confirm findings

•         Increase monitoring frequency to daily if exceedance is due to the Project and continue until the monitoring results reduce to below limit level

•         Assess effectiveness of Contractor's remedial actions and keep EPD and IEC informed of the results

•         Verify the Notification of Exceedance

•         Check monitoring data submitted by ET and Contractor's working methods

•         Discuss with ET and Contractor potential remedial actions

•         Supervise the implementation of remedial measures

•         Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance

•         Submit proposals for remedial actions to IEC within 3 working days of notification

•         Implement the agreed proposals

•         Amend proposal if appropriate

Exceedance for two or more consecutive samples

•         Identify source

•         Prepare Notification of Exceedance

•         Inform IEC and EPD the causes and actions taken for the exceedances

•         Discuss with IEC for remedial action required

•         Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented

•         Assess effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IEC, EPD and informed of the results

•         Increase monitoring frequency to confirm findings

•         If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring

•         Verify the Notification of Exceedance

•         Check monitoring data submitted by ET and Contractor's working methods

•         Discuss amongst ET and Contractor on the potential remedial actions.

•         Review Contractor's remedial actions whenever necessary to assure their effectiveness

•         Supervise the implementation of remedial measures

•         Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance

•         Submit proposals for remedial actions to IEC of notification

•         Implement the agreed proposals

•         Resubmit proposals if problem still not under control

•         Stop the relevant activity of works until the exceedance is abated


4                Noise Monitoring

4.1           Monitoring Requirement

4.1.1        In accordance with the EM&A manual, noise impact monitoring shall be carried out at 2 monitoring stations NM1 and NM2 once a week during normal construction working hour (0700-1900 Monday to Saturday). The minimum logging interval shall be 30 minutes with average of 6 consecutive Leq 5 mins. L10 and L90 shall also be measured at 5 mins intervals.

4.2           Monitoring Locations, Parameters and Frequency

4.2.1        According to the EM&A Manual, two monitoring stations namely NM1 and NM2 are selected for the impact monitoring.

4.2.2        A baseline monitoring plan has been submitted to IEC and EPD on 31 May 2022 including the proposal with justification of change of monitoring locations. Due to limited access to the original monitoring locations at NM1 and NM2, the adjusted stations at NM1a and NM2a were agreed with IEC prior to the baseline and impact monitoring. The noise monitoring locations are summarized in Table 4-1 and shown in Figure 2. The frequency and duration are shown in Table 4-2.

Table 4-1   Noise Monitoring Locations

Monitoring Station

Representative for

Type of Measurement

NM1a

Wo Keng Shan Tsuen

Free field

NM2a

Lin Ma Hang

Free field

Remarks:

The contractor passed correspondence including original monitoring locations specified on the Approved EM&A Manual to the village representatives on 26 April 2022. After a meeting with Ta Kwu Ling District Rural Committee (RC) Chairman, representative from the RC and a few villagers on 1 May 2022, all the Village Heads of Wo Keng Shan Tsuen, Heung Yuen Wai and Lin Ma Hang verbally refused to accept our proposal for installation of dust and / or noise monitoring equipment within or next to their villages, for the baseline & impact monitoring.

NM1 Wo Keng Shan Tsuen & NM2 Lin Ma Hang are the noise monitoring stations for the construction phase EM&A programme as identified in the approved EM&A Manual for the Project. The access to Tung Lo Hang, Heung Yuen Wai and Wo Keng Shan Tsuen were denied.  A search for alternative noise monitoring locations (NM1a & NM2a) was carried out during the site visit.

The Baseline Monitoring Plan has been submitted to IEC and EPD including the proposal of change of monitoring locations on 31 May 2022. This arrangement was conducted between baseline and impact monitoring and has been agreed by the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) and no comments received from EPD. Noise measurement at NM1a & NM2a will be considered as free-field and a correction of +3dB(A) would be made to the noise monitoring results.

Due to the adjustment of the location of NM1 & NM2 to NM1a & NM2a, the measured noise levels at NM1 & NM2 would represent the noise levels at NM1 & NM2.

Table 4-2   Noise Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Monitoring Station

Parameter

Frequency and Duration

NM1a and NM2a

LAeq (30mins) average of 6 consecutive Leq (5min); L10 (5min) & L90 (5min)

once a week during normal construction working hour (0700-1900 Monday to Saturday)

4.3           Monitoring Results

4.3.1        The impact noise monitoring results are summarized in Table 4-3. The graphical presentations of monitoring data are presented in Appendix E.

Table 4-3   Summary of Noise Monitoring Results during normal working hours (07:00-19:00, Monday to Saturday)

Noise Monitoring Station

Average Leq, 30min, dB(A) (Range)

Action Level

Limit Level

Apr 2023

May 2023

Jun 2023

NM1a

56.8

(53.7 – 58.4)

57.4

(47.6 – 61.0)

58.6

(53.5 – 61.5)

When one documented complaint is received

>75dB(A)

NM2a

60.1

(52.8 – 65.4)

55.8

(48.4 – 58.0)

53.9

(48.5 – 57.7)

Remark:

(1)      * A correction of +3 dB(A) was made to the free field measurements

(2)      If works are to be carried out during restricted hours, the conditions stipulated in the construction noise permit issued by the Noise Control Authority have to be followed.

4.3.2        No exceedance of Action and Limit Levels of construction noise was recorded during the reporting period. Therefore, there was no record of Notification of Environmental Quality Limits Exceedance in the Appendix F.

4.3.3        No particular observations are identified near the monitoring stations during the monitoring period.

4.4           Recommended Mitigation Measures

4.4.1        The recommended dust mitigation measures from EIA report are listed as followed:

1.      Use of good site practices to limit noise emissions by considering the following:

•          Only well-maintained plant should be operated on-site and plant should be serviced regularly during the construction programme;

•          Machines and plant (such as trucks, cranes) that may be in intermittent use should be shut down between work periods or should be throttled down to a minimum;

•          Plant known to emit noise strongly in one direction, where possible, be orientated so that the noise is directed away from nearby NSRs;

•          Silencers or mufflers on construction equipment should be properly fitted and maintained during the construction works;

•          Mobile plant should be sited as far away from NSRs as possible and practicable;

•          Material stockpiles, mobile container site officer and other structures should be effectively utilised, where practicable, to screen noise from on-site construction activities.

2.      Select “Quiet plants” which comply with the BS 5228 Part 1 or TM standards.

4.5           Event and Action Plan

4.5.1        Should non-compliance of the criteria occurs, action in accordance with the action plan in Table 4-4 shall be carried out.


Table 4-4 Event and action plan for construction noise monitoring

Event

ET

IEC

Contractor

Exceedance of

Action Level

•         Identify source, investigate the causes of exceedance

•         Prepare Notification of Exceedance

•         Inform IEC and Contractor

•         Report the results of investigation to IEC, and Contractor

•         Discuss with Contractor and IEC for formulate remedial measures

•         Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented

•         Have additional monitoring if exceedance is due to the Project. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring

•         Verify the Notification of Exceedance

•         Review the analysed results submitted by ET

•         Discuss with ET, and Contractor on the potential remedial actions

•         Review the proposed remedial measures

•         Supervise the implementation of remedial measures

•         Submit noise mitigation proposals to IEC

•         Implement the agreed noise mitigation proposals

Exceedance of

Limit Level

•         Identify source, investigate the causes of exceedance

•         Prepare Notification of Exceedance

•         Inform IEC and Contractor

•         Repeat measurements to confirm findings

•         Discuss with Contractor and IEC for remedial measures

•         Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented

•         Assess effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IEC and EPD informed of the results

•         Have additional monitoring if exceedance is due to the Project. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring

•         Verify the Notification of Exceedance

•         Review the analysed results submitted by ET

•         Discuss with ET, and Contractor on the potential remedial actions

•         Review the proposed remedial measures

•         Supervise the implementation of remedial measures

•         Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance

•         Submit proposals for remedial actions to IEC of notification

•         Implement the agreed proposals

•         Resubmit proposals if problem still not under control

•         Stop the relevant portion of works as determined by project proponent until the exceedance is abated.

 


5                Water Quality Monitoring

5.1           Groundwater Monitoring

5.1.1     Monitoring Requirement

5.1.1.1   In accordance with the EM&A manual, groundwater quality monitoring shall be carried out at least once per month at the 35 designated groundwater monitoring locations (i.e ED1 to ED35). Based on the existing construction programme, site clearance and site formation works for future landfilling area are in progress. The groundwater monitoring locations ED1 to ED35 will be installed after the site formation work of the landfilling area. No groundwater monitoring is required before the completion of site formation work of the landfilling area.

5.2           Surface Water Monitoring

5.2.1     Monitoring Requirement

5.2.1.1   In accordance with the EM&A manual, impact surface water quality monitoring was carried out at the two designated surface water discharge points (i.e WM1 and WM2) for once per month from commencement of construction works of the Project.

5.2.2     Monitoring Locations, Parameters and Frequency

5.2.2.1   The monitoring locations are indicated in Table 5-1 and Figure 2. The monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of surface water quality monitoring are summarized in Table 5-2.

Table 5-1 Surface water quality monitoring locations

Monitoring Station

Location

Coordinates (HK Grid)

Easting

Northing

WM1

Upstream of Lin Ma Hang River

836665

845020

WM2

Ping Yuen River

835592

844186

Table 5-2 Surface water quality monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Parameter

Frequency

pH, Electrical conductivity, DO, Turbidity, SS, Alkalinity, COD, BOD5, TOC, Ammonia-nitrogen, TKN, Nitrate, Sulphate, Sulphite, Phosphate, Chloride, Sodium, Mg, Ca, K, Fe, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Coliform Count, Oil and Grease

Once per month

5.2.3     Monitoring Results

5.2.3.1   The summary of monitoring results are presented in Table 5-3 & Table 5-4. Detailed graphical presentations at each monitoring station of surface water quality (DO, SS and Turbidity) at the monitoring stations are given in Appendix E.
Table 5-3
          Summary of Impact Surface Water Monitoring Results at WM1

Monitoring Parameter(s)

Monitoring Station WM1

Monitoring Results

Action Level

Limit Level

Apr 2023

May 2023

Jun 2023

pH

7.1

6.9

7.1

>7.7

>7.8

Electrical Conductivity in μS/cm

64

69

73

---

---

DO in mg/L

7.8

7.9

7.6

<7.4

<4

Turbidity in NTU

0.4

3.1

5.7

>9.2

>9.5

SS in mg/L

3.2

3.3

6.6

>9.7

>11.4

Alkalinity

13

18

15

---

COD

17

10

9

BOD5

<2

<2

<2

TOC

2

3

2

Ammonia-nitrogen

0.22

0.06

<0.01

TKN

0.4

0.4

0.6

Nitrate

0.03

<0.01

0.06

Sulphate

7

4

2

Sulphite

<2

<2

<2

Phosphate

0.0

0.0

0.01

Chloride

8

7

6

Sodium

9170

8590

6750

Mg

500

470

540

Ca

3720

3460

3340

K

720

570

830

Fe

480

660

570

Ni

<1

<1

<1

Zn

19

<10

13

Mn

70

84

34

Cu

2.0

2.0

1

Pb

<1

<1

1

Cd

<0.2

<0.2

<0.2

Coliform Count

420

40000

220

Oil and Grease

<5

<5

<5


 

Table 5-4          Summary of Impact Surface Water Monitoring Results at WM2

Monitoring Parameter(s)

Monitoring Station WM2

Monitoring Results

Action Level

Limit Level

Apr 2023

May 2023

Jun 2023

pH

7.3

7.3

7.2

>7.6

>7.7

Electrical Conductivity in μS/cm

147

212

142

---

---

DO in mg/L

6.7

8.1

6.8

<5

<4

Turbidity in NTU

64.3

30.6

142.5

>108.3

>108.9

SS in mg/L

48.1

34.2

83.2

>94.5

>94.7

Alkalinity

48

58

35

---

COD

15

13

14

BOD5

2.0

3.0

<2

TOC

2

5

2

Ammonia-nitrogen

<0.01

0.39

0.14

TKN

0.7

0.8

0.8

Nitrate

0.14

0.03

0.32

Sulphate

9

8

17

Sulphite

<2

<2

<2

Phosphate

<0.01

<0.01

<0.01

Chloride

7

15

11

Sodium

7890

11800

6830

Mg

1370

1420

1560

Ca

15400

18600

18600

K

3410

3900

3050

Fe

9240

8990

3850

Ni

2

1

12.0

Zn

35

26

51

Mn

2220

2370

509

Cu

4

3

6

Pb

4

3

11

Cd

<0.2

<0.2

<0.2

Coliform Count

330

1500

4200

Oil and Grease

<5

<5

<5

 

5.2.3.2   No exceedance of Action Levels of surface water monitoring was recorded during the reporting period. 1 turbidity exceedance of Limit Levels of surface water quality at WM2 was recorded during the reporting period. The investigation results will be presented when the investigation of limit level exceedance of surface water quality is finished.

5.2.3.3   The Summary of Impact Surface Water Quality Exceedance are shown in Table 5-5. The Notification of Environmental Quality Limits Exceedances will be presented in the report after the investigation.

Table 5-5     Summary of Impact Surface Water Quality Exceedance during the reporting period

Water Quality Monitoring Station

Parameter

pH

DO

Turbidity

SS

Exceedance Count

Level Exceedance

WM1

Action

0

0

0

0

0

Limit

0

0

0

0

0

 WM2

Action

0

0

0

0

0

Limit

0

0

1

(21 Jun 23) #

0

1

Remarks:

(1) # The investigation results will be presented in the report after the investigation.

(2) * equal to non-project related

5.2.4     Recommended Mitigation Measure

5.2.4.1   The recommended surface water mitigation measures from EIA report are listed as followed:

•        Channels (both temporary and permanent drainage pipes and culverts), earth bunds or sand bag barriers should be provided on site to direct stormwater to silt removal facilities.

•        The overall slope of the site should be kept to a minimum to reduce the erosive potential of surface water flows.

•        The design of efficient silt removal facilities should be based on the guidelines in Appendix A1 of ProPECC PN 1/94, which states that the retention time for silts and sediment traps should be 5 minutes under maximum flow conditions.

•        All vehicles and plant should be cleaned before leaving a construction site to ensure no earth, mud, debris and the like is deposited by them on roads.

•        Construction solid waste, debris and rubbish on site should be collected, handled and disposed of properly to avoid water quality impacts.

•        Measures should be taken to prevent the washing away of construction materials, soil, silt or debris into any drainage system.

5.2.5     Event and Action Plan

5.2.5.1   Should non-compliance of the criteria occurs, action in accordance with the action plan in Table 5-5 shall be carried out.


Table 5-5        Event and Action Plan for Water Quality

Event

ET

IEC

Contractor

Action level being exceeded by one sampling day

•         Repeat in situ measurement to confirm findings

•         Identify source(s) of impact

•         Prepare Notification of Exceedance

•         Inform IEC and Contractor

•         Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor’s working methods

•         Repeat measurement on next day of exceedance

•         Verify Notification of Exceedance

•         Check monitoring data and Contractor’s working methods

•         Rectify unacceptable practice

•         Amend working methods if appropriate

Action level being exceeded by two or more consecutive sampling days

•         Repeat in situ measurement to confirm findings

•         Identify source(s) of impact

•         Prepare Notification of Exceedance

•         Inform IEC and Contractor

•         Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor’s working methods

•         Discuss with Contractor and IEC for remedial measures

•         Ensure mitigation measures are implemented

•         Increase the monitoring frequency to daily until no exceedance of Action level

•         Repeat measurement on next day of exceedance

•         Verify Notification of Exceedance

•         Check monitoring data and Contractor's working method

•         Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial actions

•         Review the proposed mitigation measures

•         Supervise the implementation of mitigation measures

•         Submit proposal of additional mitigation measures to IEC of notification

•         Implement the agreed mitigation measures

•         Amend proposal if appropriate

Event

ET

IEC

Contractor

Limit Level being exceeded by one sampling day

•         Repeat in situ measurement to confirm findings

•         Identify source(s) of impact

•         Prepare Notification of Exceedance

•         Inform IEC and Contractor;

•         Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor's working methods

•         Discuss mitigation measures with IEC and Contractor

•         Ensure mitigation measure are implemented

•         Verify Notification of Exceedance

•         Check monitoring data submitted By ET and Contractor’s working method

•         Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial actions

•         Review the proposed mitigation measures

•         Supervise the implementation of mitigation measures

•         Critically review the working method

•         Rectify unacceptable practice

•         Take immediate corrective actions to avoid further exceedance

•         Submit proposal of mitigation measures to IEC

•         Implement the agreed mitigation measures

•          

Limit level being exceeded by two or more consecutive sampling days

•         Repeat in situ measurement to confirm findings

•         Identify source(s) of impact

•         Prepare Notification of Exceedance

•         Inform IEC, contractor and EPD

•         Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor's working methods

•         Discuss mitigation measures with IEC and Contractor

•         Ensure mitigation measure are implemented

•         Verify Notification of Exceedance

•         Check monitoring data submitted by ET and Contractor’s working method

•         Discuss with ET and Contractor on possible remedial actions

•         Review the proposed mitigation measures

•         Supervise the implementation of mitigation measures

•         Critically review the working method

•         Rectify unacceptable practice

•         Take immediate corrective actions to avoid further exceedance

•         Submit proposal of mitigation measures to IEC

•         Implement the agreed mitigation measures

•         Resubmit proposals if problem still not under control

•         Slow down or to stop relevant activity until exceedance is abated


6        Waste Management

6.1     Wastes generated from this Project include inert construction and demolition (C&D) materials and non-inert C&D materials. Non-inert C&D materials were made up of general refuse, steels and paper/cardboard packaging materials. Steel materials generated from the Project were also grouped into non-inert C&D materials as the materials were not disposed of with other inert C&D materials. With reference to relevant handling records and trip tickets of this Project, the quantities of different types of waste generated in the reporting month are summarised in Appendix G.

6.2     The recommended waste management mitigation measures from EIA report are listed as followed:

•        Implement a trip-ticket system to ensure that the movement of C&D materials are properly documented and verified in accordance with DEVB TC(W) No. 6/2010.

•        Concrete and masonry should be used as general fill and steel reinforcement bars can be used by scrap steel mills.

•         Proper areas should be designated for waste segregation and storage wherever site conditions permit.

•        Maximise the use of reusable steel formwork to reduce the amount of C&D material.

•        Maintain temporary stockpiles and reuse excavated fill material for backfilling and reinstatement.

•        On-site sorting and segregation facility of all type of wastes is considered as one of the best practice in waste management and hence, should be implemented in all projects generating construction waste.

•        The sorted public fill and C&D waste should be properly reused.

•        Excavated slope, stockpiled material and bund walls should be covered by tarpaulin until used in order to prevent wind-blown dust during dry weather, and to reduce muddy runoff during wet weather.


 

7        Landfill Gas Monitoring

7.1   Monitoring Requirement during Construction

Monitoring for Construction Works

7.1.1        Intrinsically safe portable gas detectors should be used during excavation or when working in any confined spaces, which have the potential for presence of LFG and risk of explosion or asphyxiation.  The monitoring equipment should alarm, both audibly and visually, when the concentrations of the following gases were exceeded: 

·         CH4: >10% Lower Explosion Limit (LEL);

·         CO2: >0.5%; and

·         O2: <18% by volume.

7.2   Monitoring Location

7.2.1        During the construction works within the NENT Landfill Extension site with excavation of 1m deep or more, LFG concentrations should be monitored before entry and periodically during the progress of works.  If drilling is required, the procedures for safety management and working procedures as stipulated in EPD’s Landfill Gas Hazard Assessment – Guidance Note should be strictly adopted.

7.2.2        The monitoring frequency and areas to be monitored should be set down prior to commencement of groundworks by the Safety Officer. All measurements in excavations should be made with the monitoring tube located not more than 10mm from the exposed ground surface. Monitoring of excavations should be undertaken as follows:

7.2.3        For excavation works deeper than 1m, measurements should be made:

• at ground surface prior to excavation; 

• immediately before any worker enters the excavation;

• at the beginning of each working day for the entire period the excavation remains open; and 

• periodically through the working day whilst workers are in the excavation.

 

7.2.4        For excavation between 300mm and 1m deep, measurements should be made:

 • directly after the excavation has been completed; and

• periodically whilst the excavation remains open.

 

7.2.5        For excavations less than 300mm deep, monitoring may be omitted, at the discretion of the Safety Officer.

7.2.6        The locations of LFG monitoring locations during reporting period are shown in Table 7-1. The Site formation layout plan is shown in Figure 2 and the Layout of LFG monitoring locations is presented in Figure 3.

Table 7-1          Locations of LFG Monitoring during reporting period

Monitoring Period

Monitoring Location

Type of works

Apr to Jun 2023

Portion A +55 mpD to 70 mpD Platform

Excavation Works

7.3   Monitoring Results

7.3.1        The LFG monitoring was conducted at Portion A +55 mpD to 70 mpD Platform (Conducted on working days) from April to June 2023. The LFG monitoring results are summarized in Table 7-2.

Table 7-2          Summary of LFG Monitoring Results

LFG Monitoring Station

Monitoring Date

Monitoring Parameter(s)

CH4 in %

LEL in %/v

CO2 in %

O2 in %

Average Monitoring Results (Range)

Portion A +55 mpD to 70 mpD Platform

Apr 2023

0

0

0

20.2

(20.1 – 20.4)

May 2023

0

0

0

20.2

(20.1 – 20.3)

Jun 2023

0

0

0

20.2

(20.1 – 20.3)

Action Level

>10% LEL

---

>0.5%** CO2

<19%

* LEL: Lower Explosive Limit - concentrations in air below which there is not enough fuel to continue an explosion.

** This Limit Level of CO2 at 0.5% is set for reference only, assuming no CO2 emission from a particular location.

7.3.2        No exceedance of Limit Levels of LFG was recorded during the reporting period. Therefore, there was no record of Notification of Environmental Quality Limits Exceedance in the Appendix F.

7.3.3        No effect that arose from the other special phenomena and work progress of the concerned site was noted during the current monitoring month.

7.4   Recommended Mitigation Measures

7.4.1        The recommended landfill gas mitigation measures from EIA report are listed as followed:

 

•              Special LFG precautions should be taken due to close proximity of NENT landfill extension site to existing landfill to avoid potential hazards of LFG exposure (ignition, explosion, asphyxiation, toxicity).

•              Prominent safety warning signs should be erected on-site to alert all personnel and visitors of LFG hazards during excavation works.

•              No smoking or burning should be permitted on-site.

•              Prominent 'No smoking' and ‘No Naked Flames’ signs should be erected on-site.

•              No worker should be allowed to work alone at any time in excavated trenches or confined areas on-site.

•              Adequate fire fighting equipment should be provided on-site.

•              Construction equipment should be equipped with vertical exhaust at least 0.6m above ground installed with spark arrestors.

•              Electrical motors and extension cords should be explosion-proof and intrinsically safe for use on-site.

•              ’Permit to Work' system should be implemented.

•              Welding, flame-cutting or other hot works should be conducted only under ‘Permit to Work’ system following clear safety requirements, gas monitoring procedures and presence of qualified persons to supervise the works.

7.5   Event and Action Plan (EAP)

7.5.1        Should non-compliance of the criteria occur, action in accordance with the action plan in Table 7-3 shall be carried out.

Table 7-3 Action Plan for the monitoring during construction phase

Parameter

Monitoring Result

Action

Oxygen (O2)

Action Level <19% O2

Ventilate trench/void to restore O2 to >19%

Limit Level <18% O2

Stop works

Evacuate personnel/prohibit entry

Increase ventilation to restore O2 to >19%

Methane (CH4)

Action Level >10% LEL*

Prohibit hot works

Increase ventilation to restore CH4 to <10% LEL

Limit Level >20% LEL*

Stop works

Evacuate personnel/prohibit entry

Increase ventilation to restore CH4 to <10% LEL

Carbon dioxide

(CO2)

Action Level** >0.5%** CO2

Ventilate to restore CO2 to <0.5%

Limit Level >1.5% CO2

Stop works

Evacuate personnel / prohibit entry

Increase ventilation to restore CO2 to <0.5%

* LEL: Lower Explosive Limit - concentrations in air below which there is not enough fuel to continue an explosion.

** This Action Level of CO2 at 0.5% is set for reference only, assuming no CO2 emission from a particular location.

Depending on the baseline CO2 levels, the Action Level at a particular location will be changed.


 

8        Landscape and Visual

8.1   Monitoring Requirement

8.1.1        In order to monitor the landscape and visual impact after providing mitigation measures effectively, all the specified and affected LCAs, LRs and VSRs should be monitored. Implementation of the mitigation measures during construction phase of the Project has been monitored through the regular site inspection/audit.

8.1.2        All relevant environmental mitigation measures listed in the approved EIA Report and the EM&A Manual, and their implementation status are summarised in Appendix H.

8.2   Result and Observation

8.2.1        Measures to mitigate the landscape and visual impacts during the construction phase has been checked to ensure compliance with the intended aims of the measures within the reporting period. The progress of the engineering works are regularly reviewed on site to identify the earliest practical opportunities for the landscape works to be undertaken.

8.2.2        In order to monitor the landscape and visual impact after providing mitigation measures effectively, all the specified and affected LCAs, LRs and VSRs should be monitored. Implementation of the mitigation measures during construction phase of the Project has been monitored through the regular site inspection/audit.


 

9        Cultural Heritage

9.1.1        The Mitigation measures for preservation of the cultural landscape feature located within the project area was conducted before commencement of construction of the project based on the requirement of Survey Report and Mapping Records for Boulder Paths BP1 & 2 & Conditions of G2, G4, G5 G6, G7, G8, G14, G15, G25, G26 and G27 within NENTX.

9.1.2        The survey and mapping works carried out on 25 April 2022 and the verification works carried out on 23 August 22 confirmed that both 2 boulder paths BP1 and BP2 are fall outside the site boundary and the Project area.

9.1.3        All the affected graves within the waste boundary have been removed in accordance with section 119(1) of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132). Removal of the graves as shown on Figure 2 attached to the FEP was proven by the visit of graves on 22 August 2022. All the graves as shown on Figure 2 attached to the FEP were abandoned and removed and no mitigation or preservation measures is necessary.

9.1.4        The Survey Report and Mapping Records for Boulder Paths BP1 & 2 was certified by ET on 10 Oct 2022, was verified by IEC and submitted to EPD on 12 Oct 2022. The Conditions of G2, G4, G5 G6, G7, G8, G14, G15, G25, G26 and G27 within NENTX was certified by ET, was verified by IEC and submitted to EPD on 15 Oct 2022. No later than four weeks before commencement of construction of the project in accordance with Condition 2.4 of the FEP-01/292/2007.

9.1.5        Implementation of the mitigation measures such as permanent fencing to protect the boulder path and setting up warning notices during construction phase of the Project has been monitored through the regular site inspection/audit. The permanent fencing locations are shown in Appendix I. In case of any presence of undiscovered grave during construction phase, AMO will be informed as soon as possible.


 

10    Ecological Monitoring

10.1.1     In the reporting period, the post-translocation monitoring for the Endemic Freshwater Crab Somanniathelphusa zanklon was conducted on 19 April, 17 May & 7 June 2023 based on the requirement of the approved Revised Translocation Proposal for the Endemic Freshwater Crab Somanniathelphusa zanklon. The 9th to 11th Post-Translocation Monitoring Reports (April to June 2023) presents the details of requirements, monitoring results and site inspection with photos. During the reporting period, no S. zanklon individual is identified.

10.1.2     The post-transplantation monitoring was conducted on 21 April, 12 May & 16 June 2023 based on the requirement of the approved Transplantation Proposal for Plant Species of Conservation Importance (Rev.1). The 9th to 11th Post-transplantation Monitoring and Audit Reports (21st April to 16th June 2023) present the details of requirements, monitoring results and site inspection with photos. During the reporting period, the numbers, measurements, and health conditions of the transplanted plant species are recorded.

10.1.3     The details of requirements, monitoring results and site inspection with photos for the post-translocation monitoring and post-transplantation monitoring would be reported separately.

10.1.4     The milestone of the ecological monitoring is presented in Table 10-1. The softcopies of the submissions are provided in https://www.nentx-ema.com/ep-submissions/.

Table 10-1        Milestone of the Ecological Monitoring

Type of Monitoring

Monitoring Event No.

Monitoring Date

Post-translocation Monitoring

1st (Aug 2022)

29 Aug 2022

2nd (Sep 2022)

28 Sep 2022

3rd (Oct 2022)

28 Oct 2022

4th (Nov 2022)

22 Nov 2022

5th (Dec 2022)

29 Dec 2022

6th (Jan 2023)

30 Jan 2023

7th (Feb 2023)

24 Feb 2023

8th (Mar 2023)

20 Mar 2023

9th (Apr 2023)

19 Apr 2023

10th (May 2023)

17 May 2023

11th (Jun 2023)

7 Jun 2023

Post-transplantation Monitoring

1st

24 Nov 2022

2nd

9 Dec 2022

3rd

21 Dec 2022

4th

13 Jan 2023

5th

26 Jan 2023

6th

8 Feb 2023

7th

24 Feb 2023

8th

20 Mar 2023

9th

21 Apr 2023

10th

12 May 2023

11th

16 Jun 2023

 


 

11    Site Inspection and Audit

11.1.1     Site Inspection and audits were carried out by ET on weekly basis to monitor the implementation of proper environmental management practices and mitigation measures in the Project Site.

11.1.2     Total 13 weekly environmental site inspections were conducted during the reporting period. 4 of them were the joint environmental site inspections with the representatives of the ER, the Contractor, IEC and the ET. There was no noncompliance recorded during the site inspections.

11.1.3     Details of observations and recommendations are summarized in Table 11-1.

Table 11-1        Observations and Recommendations of Site Audit

Parameter

Date

Observation and Reminders

Follow-up Action Taken

Air Quality

17 Apr 2023

Reminder:

The Contractor was reminded to spray water on the surface of dusty material in SBA to prevent dust dispersion.

The Contractor was reminded that dusty material shall be sprayed with water to prevent generation of dust.

2 May 2023

Observation:

Sand and silt were observed at the road leading to SBA.

The contractor was recommended that road surface shall be kept clear of sand and silt.

2 May 2023

Reminder:

Dust suppression measure shall be enhanced to cover all work area and dusty stockpiles in SBA.

The contractor was reminded to ensure the implementation of dust suppression measure for the dry work area and dusty stockpile.

15 May 2023

Observation:

The accumulate of the uprooting of trees without covered entirely by impervious sheeting or placed in an area sheltered on the top and the 3 sides were found at the work area at SBA.

The contractor was recommended that the demolished trees should be covered by impervious sheeting or placed in an area sheltered on the top and the 3 sides.

22 May 2023

Observation:

The unrooting trees at Portion A was not covered by impervious sheeting and or placed in an area sheltered on the top and the 3 sides within a day of demolition.

The contractor was recommended that all demolished items (including trees) should be covered entirely by impervious sheeting or placed in an area sheltered on the top and the 3 sides within a day of demolition.

29 May 2023

Observation:

Portion of road leading to Portion A and Portion B2 shall be kept clear of dusty and muddy materials.

The Contractor was reminded to clear dusty and muddy material on the portion of road leading to Portion A and Portion B2.

29 May 2023

Observation:

The accumulated uprooting trees is found behind the silt removal facilities in Portion B2.

The accumulated uprooting trees shall be covered with impervious sheets, placed in an area sheltered on the top and the 3 sides or disposed properly.

12 Jun 2023

Observation:

Watering shall be scheduled in Portion A under hot weather.

The Contractor was recommended to schedule watering in Portion A.

 

Parameter

Date

Observation and Reminders

Follow-up Action Taken

Air Quality

26 Jun 2023

Reminder:

The unpaved assess road was dry.

The contractor was reminded to increase the frequency of watering at the Portion A.

Noise

No specific observation was identified in the reporting period.

Water Quality

3 Apr 2023

Observation:

The exposed surface in Portion E3-1 shall be covered with impervious sheets to minimize surface runoff into the stream.

The contractor was recommended that surface protection shall be implemented on the exposed slope to minimize surface runoff.

3 Apr 2023

Reminder:

The Contractor was reminded to maintain surface protection work in Portion A.

The contractor was reminded that surface protection shall be implemented on the exposed slope to minimize surface runoff.

3 Apr 2023

Reminder:

The contractor was reminded to ensure the silt removal facilities functioning properly before the holidays.

The contractor was reminded silt removal facilities shall be maintained regularly.

11 Apr 2023

Observation:

The entrance of Portion A was observed muddy. The entrance shall be kept clear of dusty and muddy material.

The Contractor was recommended to repave the surface of entrance to prevent accumulation of sand and silt.

11 Apr 2023

Observation:

Surface protection shall be applied on the exposed slope behind the WetSep to minimize the surface runoff into the channel.

The contractor was recommended that the exposed slope shall be covered with impervious sheets to prevent any surface runoff into the channel.

17 Apr 2023

Reminder:

The Contractor was reminded to ensure all silt removal facilities functioning properly for the upcoming rainfall.

The Contractor was reminded that silt removal facilities shall be maintained properly.

24 Apr 2023

Observation:

The channels at the entrance of SBA are accumulated with rotten leaves, sand and silt.

The contractor was recommended that regular cleaning of channel shall be conducted to prevent any clogging.

24 Apr 2023

Reminder:

Surface protection works in Portion A shall be maintained properly.

The contractor was recommended that earth bunds and exposed slopes shall be paved to control the surface runoff.

24 Apr 2023

Reminder:

The Contractor has been reminded to ensure all silt removal facilities functioning properly for the upcoming rainfall in this week.

Silt removal facilities shall be maintained properly and checked if they can function properly.

 


 

Parameter

Date

Observation and Reminders

Follow-up Action Taken

Water Quality

8 May 2023

Observation:

Accumulated sand and silt shall be cleared off in the wheel washing bay in SBA.

The contractor was recommended to conduct regularly cleaning work for the wheel washing bay and to ensure the implementation of vehicle washing in SBA.

8 May 2023

Reminder:

The contractor was reminded to ensure all silt removal facilities functioning properly for the upcoming rainfall and the discharged wastewater shall comply with WPCO requirement.

The construction and surface runoff shall be directed to silt removal facilities and treated wastewater shall fulfil WPCO requirement.

15 May 2023

Observation:

The accumulate water was found at the lower area at the Portion D.

The contractor was recommended that the surface water should be collected to silt removal facilities.

22 May 2023

Observation:

The sand and soil near the channel at Portion E3-1 were found.

The contractor was recommended to avoid the untreated surface runoff contaminated with related materials discharged to channel directly. All construction runoffs should be collected to silt removal facilities for treatment.

29 May 2023

Observation:

Slope protection work in Portion A shall be maintained properly to minimize dust dispersion and surface runoff.

The Contractor was recommended to apply surface protection on the exposed slope in Portion A.

5 Jun 2023

Reminder:

The contractor was reminded that the particular attention should be paid to the control of silty surface runoff during storm event in accordance with Appendix A2 of ProPECC PN 1/94.

The contractor was reminded that the particular attention should be paid to the control of silty surface runoff during storm event in accordance with Appendix A2 of ProPECC PN 1/94.

12 Jun 2023

Reminder:

The Contractor was reminded to ensure channel and silt removal facilities shall be functioning properly for the upcoming rainfall.

Silt removal facility and channel shall be maintained properly.

19 Jun 2023

Reminder:

The Contractor was reminded to ensure silt removal facilities shall be functioning properly for the upcoming rainfall. Silt removal facility shall be functioning properly to ensure sufficient treatment for all wastewater before discharging to comply with WPCO.

The Contractor was reminded to ensure silt removal facilities shall be functioning properly for the upcoming rainfall. Silt removal facility shall be functioning properly to ensure sufficient treatment for all wastewater before discharging to comply with WPCO.

 


 

Parameter

Date

Observation and Reminders

Follow-up Action Taken

Water Quality

19 Jun 2023

Reminder:

The Contractor was reminded that the bunding along the slope edge shall be properly maintained to prevent surface runoff during heavy rainfall at Portion A. Earth bund in Portion A shall be properly maintained.

The Contractor was reminded that the bunding along the slope edge shall be properly maintained to prevent surface runoff during heavy rainfall at Portion A. Earth bund in Portion A shall be properly maintained.

26 Jun 2023

Observation:

The sediment at the drainage system and site boundary, especially at the lower elevations should be kept cleaning regularly. (Most of sediment was found at the lower elevations of Portion A). The contractor should ensure no untreated construction runoff discharging directly outside the site boundary of the project.

The contractor was recommended that the sediment at the drainage system and site boundary, especially at the lower elevations should be kept cleaning regularly.

Waste and Chemical Management

11 Apr 2023

Observation:

The drip tray was filled with water.

The Contractor was recommended to clear the drip tray and to minimize the number of chemical containers in the outdoor environment.

17 Apr 2023

Observation:

The drip tray in SBA was filled with water.

The Contractor was recommended to clear the drip tray.

2 May 2023

Observation:

Water in the drip tray shall be cleared off at Portion A.

The contractor was recommended to collect and dispose of any stagnant water accumulated in the drip trays and handle them as chemical waste.

8 May 2023

Reminder:

The contractor was reminded to cover the waste skip with impervious sheets during and rainfall, to avoid accumulation of waste and to implement waste sorting.

The contractor was reminded to cover the waste skip with impervious sheets during and rainfall, to avoid accumulation of waste and to implement waste sorting.

15 May 2023

Observation:

Accumulate water in drip tray was observed at Portion D.

The contractor was recommended to keep cleaning the accumulated water in drip tray to minimize the large amount of potential chemical waste when the chemical leakage was found.

05 Jun 2023

Observation:

The accumulate water was found the drip tray at Portion D.

The contractor was recommended that the accumulate water in drip tray should be cleared regularly and after rainy to minimize the potential chemical waste.


 

Parameter

Date

Observation and Reminders

Follow-up Action Taken

Waste and Chemical Management

12 Jun 2023

Observation:

The stagnant water and silt in the drip trays shall be clear off in Portion B2 and SBA.

The Contractor was recommended to clear drip trays.

26 Jun 2023

Observation:

The accumulate water at the drip tray near Portion E2 was found.

The contractor was recommended that the accumulate water at the drip tray near Portion E2 should be cleaned after the rainy to minimize the potential chemical waste.

Landscape and Visual Impact

No specific observation was identified in the reporting period.

Permit / Licenses

No specific observation was identified in the reporting period.

 

11.1.4     Environmental Protection Department-Regional Office (North) conducted general site inspection on 12 June 2023. No special findings were identified during the inspection. 1 additional site inspection on 21 June 2023 for the Environmental Complaint received on 14 June 2023 & the Environmental Enquiry received on 15 June 2023 was conducted with EPD-RNG, ER, IC, IEC ET & Contractor.

12    Environmental Non-conformance

12.1       Summary of Monitoring Exceedance

Air Quality, Noise & Landfill Gas Monitoring

12.1.1     No Action / Limit Level exceedance impact monitoring was recorded at designated monitoring stations during the reporting period.

12.1.2     The Summary of Impact 1-hr & 24-hr TSP Exceedance are shown in Table 12-1.

Table 12-1        Summary of Impact 1-hr & 24-hr TSP Exceedance during the reporting period

Dust Monitoring Station

Parameter

1-hr TSP

Exceedance Count

Accumulate of project

24-hr TSP

Exceedance Count

Accumulate of project

Level Exceedance

AM1

Action

0

0

0

0

0

2*

Limit

0

0

0

0

0

3*

 AM2

Action

0

0

0

0

0

0

Limit

0

0

0

0

0

0

AM3

Action

0

0

0

0

0

4*

Limit

0

0

0

0

0

3*

Remarks: * equal to non-project related

Surface Water Quality Monitoring

12.1.3     No exceedance of the Action Levels was recorded at designated monitoring stations during the reporting period. 1 Turbidity exceedance of the Limit Level for surface water quality was recorded at WM2 during the reporting period. The investigation results will be presented when the investigation of limit level exceedance of surface water quality is finished.

12.1.4     The Summary of Impact Surface Water Quality Exceedance are shown in Table 12-2

Table 12-2   Summary of Impact Surface Water Quality Exceedance during the reporting period

Water Quality Monitoring Station

Parameter

pH

DO

Turbidity

SS

Exceedance Count

Level Exceedance

WM1

Action

0

0

0

0

0

Limit

0

0

0

0

0

 WM2

Action

0

0

0

0

0

Limit

0

0

1

(21 Jun 23) #

0

1

Remarks:

(1) # The investigation results will be presented in the report after the investigation.

(2) * equal to non-project related

12.2       Summary of Environmental Non-compliance

12.2.1     No non-compliance event was recorded during the reporting period.

12.3       Summary of Environmental Complaint

12.3.1     No environmental complaint was recorded from April to May 2023.

12.3.2     1 complaint & 1 enquiry received from EPD-RNG on 14 & 15 June 2023 were recorded on June 2023. The related complaint and enquiry are investigating by related parties in accordance with the requirement of EM&A Manual.

Environmental Complaint on 14 June 2023

12.3.3     The complaint about the water aspect was received by ET on 14 June 2023 at 12:08 via EPD-RNG email. The main content of the complaint mentioned the muddy water was observed at Lin Ma Hang International Bridge on 30 May 2023. The related investigation results will be presented when the investigation was finished.

Environmental Enquiry on 15 June 2023

12.3.4     The enquiry about the water aspect was received by ET on 15 June 2023 at 15:18 via EPD-RNG email. The main content of the enquiry mentioned the muddy water was observed at River Ganges (GR3) (Water Quality Monitoring Point from EPD). The related investigation results will be presented when the investigation was finished.

12.3.5     The cumulative statistics on environmental complaints are presented in Table 12-1.

Table 12-1        Cumulative Statistics on Environmental Complaints

Reporting Period  

Environmental Aspects

No. of Environmental Complaints

Air Quality

Noise

Water Quality

Waste

Ecology

Apr 2023

0

0

0

0

0

0

May 2023

0

0

0

0

0

0

Jun 2023

0

0

1#

0

0

0

Total

0

0

1#

0

0

0

Accumulate of project

1*

0

1#

0

0

1* & 1#

Remarks:

(1)    * equal to non-project related after the investigation

(2)    # equal to the investigation results will be presented in the report after the investigation.

12.3.6     Cumulative complaint / enquiry log, Summaries of complaints and enquiries & Environmental complaint reports are presented in Appendix J. The investigation results will be presented when the investigation was finished.

12.4       Summary of Environmental Summons and Successful Prosecution

12.4.1     No summons and prosecution were received during the reporting period

13    Implementation Status on Environmental Mitigation Measures

13.1.1     The Contractor has generally implemented environmental mitigation measures and requirements as stated in the EIA Report, the EP and EM&A Manual and the contract documents. The implemented mitigation measures are considered effective. The implementation status during the reporting period is summarized in Appendix H.

14    Conclusion

14.1.1     1-hr & 24-hr TSP impact monitoring was carried out in the reporting month. No Action / Limit Level exceedance for 1-hr & 24-hr TSP impact monitoring at AM1, AM2 & AM3 was recorded during the period.

14.1.2     Construction noise monitoring was carried out in the reporting month. No Action / Limit Level exceedance at NM1a & NM2a was recorded during the period.

14.1.3     Site clearance of future landfilling area is in progress. The installation of groundwater monitoring boreholes will be installed after the site formation work of the landfilling area. The target commencement period of groundwater monitoring will be in 2026. No groundwater monitoring is required before the completion of site formation work of the landfilling area.

14.1.4     Surface water monitoring was carried out in the reporting month. No exceedance of the Action Levels was recorded at designated monitoring stations during the reporting period. 1 Turbidity exceedance of the Limit Level for surface water quality was recorded at WM2 during the reporting period. The investigation results will be presented when the investigation of limit level exceedance of surface water quality is finished.

14.1.5     Landfill Gas Monitoring was carried out in the reporting month. No exceedance of Limit Levels of LFG was recorded during the reporting period.

14.1.6     In terms of cultural heritage, implementation of the mitigation measures such as permanent  fencing to protect the boulder path and setting up warning notices during construction phase of the Project has been monitored through the regular site inspection/audit in the reporting period. All the mitigation measures are in order.

14.1.7     Post-translocation Monitoring was carried out in the reporting period. No S. zanklon individual was found. Post-transplantation monitoring was carried out in the reporting month. The numbers, measurements and health conditions of the transplanted species are recorded.

14.1.8     13 environmental site inspections were carried out in the reporting month. Recommendations on mitigation measures for Permit/ Licenses were given to the Contractor for remediating the deficiencies identified during the site inspections.

14.1.9     No environmental complaint was recorded from April to May 2023.

14.1.10  1 complaint & 1 enquiry received from EPD-RNG on 14 & 15 June 2023 were recorded on June 2023. The related complaint and enquiry are investigating by related parties in accordance with the requirement of EM&A Manual.

14.1.11  No non-compliance event was recorded during the reporting period.

14.1.12  No notification of summons and prosecution was received during the reporting period.

Comment and Recommendations

14.1.13  The recommended environmental mitigation measures, as proposed in the EIA reports and EM&A Manuals shall be effectively implemented to minimize the potential environmental impacts from the Project. The EM&A programme would effectively monitor the environmental impacts generated from the construction activities and ensure the proper implementation of mitigation measures.

14.1.14  According to the environmental audit performed in the reporting period, the following recommendations were made:

Air Quality Impact

•            The Contractor was reminded that dusty material shall be sprayed with water to prevent generation of dust.

•            The contractor was recommended that road surface shall be kept clear of sand and silt.

•            The contractor was reminded to ensure the implementation of dust suppression measure for the dry work area and dusty stockpile.

 

•            The contractor was recommended that all demolished items (including trees) should be covered entirely by impervious sheeting or placed in an area sheltered on the top and the 3 sides within a day of demolition.

 

Construction Noise Impact

•            No specific observation was identified in the reporting month.

 

Water Quality Impact

•            The contractor was recommended that surface protection shall be implemented on the exposed slope to minimize surface runoff.

•            The Contractor was recommended to repave the surface of entrance to prevent accumulation of sand and silt.

•            The contractor was recommended that regular cleaning of channel shall be conducted to prevent any clogging.

•            The contractor was recommended to conduct regularly cleaning work for the wheel washing bay and to ensure the implementation of vehicle washing in SBA.

•            The Contractor was reminded that the bunding along the slope edge shall be properly maintained to prevent surface runoff during heavy rainfall at Portion A. Earth bund in Portion A shall be properly maintained.

•            The contractor was recommended that the sediment at the drainage system and site boundary, especially at the lower elevations should be kept cleaning regularly.

•            The Contractor was reminded to ensure silt removal facilities shall be functioning properly for the upcoming rainfall. Silt removal facility shall be functioning properly to ensure sufficient treatment for all wastewater before discharging to comply with WPCO.

•            The construction and surface runoff shall be directed to silt removal facilities and treated wastewater shall fulfil WPCO requirement.

•            The contractor was recommended to avoid the untreated surface runoff contaminated with related materials discharged to channel directly. All construction runoffs should be collected to silt removal facilities for treatment.

•            The contractor was reminded that the particular attention should be paid to the control of silty surface runoff during storm event in accordance with Appendix A2 of ProPECC PN 1/94.

 

Waste and Chemical Management

•            The contractor was recommended to keep cleaning the accumulated water in drip tray to minimize the large amount of potential chemical waste when the chemical leakage was found.

•            The Contractor was recommended to minimize the number of chemical containers in the outdoor environment.

•            The contractor was reminded to cover the waste skip with impervious sheets during and rainfall, to avoid accumulation of waste and to implement waste sorting.

 

Landscape and Visual Impact

•            No specific observation was identified in the reporting month.

 

 

Permit / Licenses

•            No specific observation was identified in the reporting period.

 

14.1.15  The Contractor has generally implemented environmental mitigation measures and requirements as stated in the EIA Report, the EP and EM&A Manual and the contract documents. The implemented mitigation measures are considered effective.

14.1.16  The ET will keep track on the EM&A programme to ensure compliance of environmental requirements and the proper implementation of all necessary mitigation measures.