Contents

Executive Summary                                                              

1                      Introduction                                                                         

1.1                   Background                                                                            

1.2                   Project Description                                                            

1.3                   Scope of the EM&A Report                                                

1.4                   Project Organisation                                                        

1.5                   Summary of Construction Works                               

1.6                   Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements        

1.7                   Status of Statutory Environmental Compliance with the Environmental Permit                                                      

1.8                   Status of Other Statutory Environmental Requirements    

2                      EM&A Results                                                                          

2.1                   Air Quality Monitoring                                                    

2.2                   Noise Monitoring                                                                

2.3                   Surface Water Quality Monitoring                           

2.4                   Landscape and Visual Monitoring                              

2.5                   EM&A Site Inspection                                                           

2.6                   Waste Management Status                                               

2.7                   Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures

2.8                   Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit                                                                                            

2.9                   Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions                                                                         

3                      Conclusion and Recommendation                              

 

Annexes

Annex A  Work Programme

Annex B  Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule

Annex C  Monitoring Schedule for This Reporting Period

Annex D  Air Quality
Annex D1 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results
Annex D2 Event and Action Plan for Dust Monitoring
Annex D3 Meteorological Data

Annex E  Noise
Annex E1 Noise Monitoring Results
Annex E2 Event and Action Plan for Noise Monitoring

Annex F   Surface Water Quality
Annex F1 Surface Water Quality Monitoring Results
Annex F2 Event and Action Plan for Surface Water Quality Monitoring

Annex F3 Investigation Reports of Environmental Quality Limit Exceedance

Annex G  Cumulative Statistics on Exceedances, Environmental Complaints, Notification of Summons and Status of Prosecutions

 

Executive Summary

The SENT Landfill Extension (SENTX) forms an integral part in the Strategic Plan in maintaining the continuity of landfill capacity in the Hong Kong for the cost-effective and environmentally satisfactory disposal of waste.  ERM-Hong Kong, Limited (ERM) is commissioned to undertake the role of Environmental Team (ET) for the construction, operation/restoration and aftercare of SENTX Project (“the Project”) in accordance with the requirements specified in the Environmental Permit (EP), updated Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual, the approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report of the Project taking account of the latest design and other relevant statutory requirements.  The construction (not including works related to site clearance and preparation) of the Project commenced on 2 January 2019.

This Annual EM&A Review Report presents the EM&A works carried out during the period from 1 January to 31 December 2020 for the Project in accordance with the updated EM&A Manual. 

Exceedance of Action and Limit Levels for Air Quality

No exceedance of Action and Limit Levels for construction air quality monitoring was recorded in the reporting period.

Exceedance of Action and Limit Levels for Noise

No exceedance of Action and Limit Levels for construction noise monitoring was recorded in the reporting period. 

Exceedance of Action and Limit Levels for Surface Water Quality

3 exceedances of the Limit Level for pH and 12 exceedances of the Limit Level for Suspended Solids (SS) were recorded for surface water quality impact monitoring in the reporting period.  The exceedances were considered non Project-related upon further investigations, except the pH and SS exceedances at DP6 on 9 April 2020, SS exceedances at DP4 (Future, temporary) and DP6 on 28 May 2020, pH exceedance at DP4 (Future, temporary) on 4 June 2020, SS exceedance at DP4 (Future, temporary) on 15 July 2020, SS exceedances at DP4 (Future, temporary) and DP6 on 6 August 2020 and SS exceedance at DP6 on 15 October 2020 which were found deemed to Project-related activities.

Environmental Complaints, Summons and Prosecutions

There were no complaints, notification of summons or prosecution recorded in the reporting period. 

Reporting Change

There was no reporting change in the reporting period.

 

 


1                                            Introduction

1.1                                       Background

The SENT Landfill Extension (SENTX) forms an integral part in the Strategic Plan in maintaining the continuity of landfill capacity in the Hong Kong for the cost-effective and environmentally satisfactory disposal of waste.  The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report and the associated Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual for the construction, operation, restoration and aftercare of the SENTX (hereafter referred to as “the Project”) have been approved under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) in May 2008 (Register No.: AEIAR-117/2008) (hereafter referred to as the approved EIA Report) and an Environmental Permit (EP-308/2008) (EP) was granted by the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) on 5 August 2008. 

Since then, applications for Variation of an Environmental Permit (No. VEP-531/2017) were submitted to EPD and the Variation of Environmental Permits (EP-308/2008/A and EP-308/2008/B) were granted on 6 January 2012 and 20 January 2017, respectively, as the Hong Kong SAR Government has decided to reduce the scale of the design scheme of SENTX assessed in the approved EIA Report and SENTX will only receive construction waste.  In May 2018, a Further Environmental Permit (FEP) (FEP-01/308/2008/B) was granted to the SENTX’s contractor, Green Valley Landfill, Limited (GVL).

ERM-Hong Kong, Limited (ERM) and Meinhardt Infrastructure and Environment Limited (Meinhardt) are commissioned to undertake the roles of Environmental Team (ET) and the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC), respectively, to undertake the EM&A activities for the Project in accordance with the requirements specified in the EP, updated EM&A Manual ([1]), approved EIA Report ([2]) taking account of the latest design and other relevant statutory requirements.

1.2                                       Project Description

The SENTX is a piggyback landfill, occupying the southern part of the existing SENT Landfill (including its infrastructure area) and 13 ha of Tseung Kwan O (TKO) Area 137.  A layout plan of the SENTX is shown in Figure 1.1.  Under the latest design, the SENTX has a net void capacity of about 6.5 Mm3 and provides an additional lifespan of about 6 years, commencing operation upon exhaustion of the SENT Landfill.  The SENTX will receive construction waste only.

The key implementation milestones of the Project are indicatively summarised in Table 1.1The construction works of the Project commenced on 2 January 2019.

Table 1.1        Estimated Key Dates of Implementation Programme

Key Stage of the Project

Indicative Date

Start construction

2 January 2019

Commissioning of new infrastructure facilities

2020

Demolition of existing infrastructure facilities

2021

Start waste intake at SENTX

2021 or upon exhaustion of SENT Landfill

Estimated exhaustion date of SENTX

2027

End of aftercare for SENTX

2057

The major construction works of the SENTX includes:

·      Site formation at the TKO Area 137 and the existing infrastructure area at SENT Landfill;

·      Construction of surface and groundwater drainage systems;

·      Construction of the leachate containment and collection systems;

·      Construction of new leachate and landfill gas treatment facilities, site offices, maintenance yards at the new infrastructure area;

·      Construction of new pipelines to transfer the leachate and landfill gas collected from the existing SENT Landfill to the treatment facilities at the new infrastructure area;

·      Construction of the site access and new waste reception facilities; and

·      Demolition of the facilities at the existing SENT Landfill infrastructure area.

1.3                                       Scope of the EM&A Report

This is the Annual EM&A Review Report for the Project which summarises the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 January to 31 December 2020 for the construction works.

1.4                                       Project Organisation

The organisation structure of the Project is presented in Figure 1.2

Figure 1.2       Organisation Chart

 

 

 

Contact details of the key personnel are summarized in Table 1.2 below.

Table 1.2       Contact Information of Key Personnel

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

Contractor

(Green Valley Landfill Limited)

Project Manager

Gary Barnicott

2706 8827

Complaint Hotline

 

2706 8682

Environmental Team (ET) (ERM-Hong Kong, Limited)

 

ET Leader

Frank Wan

2271 3152

Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)

(Meinhardt Infrastructure and Environment Limited)

 

IEC

W.K. Chiu

2858 0738

1.5                                       Summary of Construction Works

The programme of the construction is shown in Annex A.  As informed by the Contractor, the major works carried out in this reporting period include:

·         Building services works and fitting-out works for Landfill Gas (LFG) Plant area;

·         Paving works at LFG Plant area;

·         Flares and cooling towers installation of LFG Plant;

·         Laying cables in CLP room and energization of LFG plant;

·         Drip leg and electro-mechanical installation at LFG Plant;

·         Installation of canopy at LFG plant;

·         Electro-mechanical installation at LFG plant;

·         Dry testing at LFG plant;

·         Installation of chimney at LFG plant;

·         Civil provisional works of Leachate Treatment Plant (LTP) and superstructure of Bioplant building;

·         Installation of ammonia stripping plant, equalization tank, sequencing batch reactor tank, treated effluent tank and Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) tanks at LTP area;

·         Installation of accessories such as staircases, pipes and walkways for equalization tanks, sequencing batch reactor tanks, treated effluent tank, GRP tanks and other tanks at LTP area;

·         Installation of cables and cable containment for LTP area;

·         Building services works and fitting-out works for LTP area and installation of drip leg;

·         Electro-mechanical installation (including pipe) at LTP area;

·         Dry testing at LTP;

·         Testing and commissioning at LTP;

·         Rebar fixing, formwork and concreting to the superstructure of laboratory building;

·         Building services works and fitting-out works for infrastructure buildings (EPD building, GVL building and laboratory building);

·         Sewerage system works for infrastructure buildings;

·         Water main pipe installation for infrastructure buildings;

·         Low voltage (LV) cables laying to infrastructure buildings;

·         Steel members installation for superstructure of maintenance building;

·         Construction of perimeter bund for Cell 2X;

·         Filling work at the transition area between buttress wall and Cell 2X and at West of Cell 3X;

·         Finishing works for Western perimeter bund;

·         Maintenance and improvement of the temporary surface water drainage;

·         Shotcreting and mass concrete for Buttress Wall;

·         Surface channel works at Buttress Wall;

·         Construction of drop inlet shaft, MHX1 manhole and inlet and outlet box culverts;

·         Installing groundwater pipe works from South to North at Eastern side from Cell 3X to 4X;

·         Installation of riser pipes from sump pits to sump houses 1 and 2;

·         Construction of sump house 1 and 2;

·         Equipment installation at sump house 1 and 2;

·         Structure work for sump house 3;

·         Installation of HDPE pipes for leachate collection system;

·         Excavating, removing and replacing unsuitable fill materials;

·         Liner installation at Cell 1X and 2X;

·         Placing leachate stone at Cell 2X;

·         Construction of Cell 3X formation;

·         Construction of Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall;

·         Construction of footing of vehicle washing facilities, weighbridge and guard house;

·         Installation of steel members for vehicle washing facilities;

·         Road pavement for the emergency vehicular access (EVA);

·         Pipe rack installation;

·         Installation of monitoring wells;

·         Installation of diesel fuel tanks;

·         Construction of plinths and footing of maintenance building;

·         Construction of footing and superstructure of fire service tank room and water tank room;

·         Windows and doors installation at fire service tank room and water service room;

·         Construction of perimeter bund channel;

·         Construction of pits and ducting for underground utilities;

·         Underground utilities and pipes installation at waste reception area;

·         Sewerage system works at waste reception area;

·         Installation of water mains and telecom pipes;

·         Laying of Extra-low voltage (ELV) and LV cables for draw pits and ducts; and

·         Civil provision works (draw pits and ducts laying) for ELV and LV cables

The implementation schedule of the mitigation measures recommended in the Updated EM&A Manual is presented in Annex B.

1.6                                       Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

The status for all environmental aspects are presented in Table 1.3.  The EM&A requirements remained unchanged during the reporting period.

Table 1.3        Summary of Status for the Environmental Aspects under the Updated EM&A Manual

Parameters

Status

Air Quality

Baseline Monitoring

The results of baseline air quality monitoring were reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.3

Impact Monitoring

On-going

Noise

Baseline Monitoring

The results of baseline noise monitoring were reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.3

Impact Monitoring

On-going

Surface Water Quality

Baseline Monitoring

The results of baseline surface water quality monitoring were reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.3

Impact Monitoring

On-going

Waste Management

Waste Monitoring

On-going

Landscape and Visual

Baseline Monitoring

The results of baseline landscape and visual monitoring were reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under EP Condition 3.3

Construction Phase Audit

On-going

Site Environmental Audit

Regular Site Inspection

On-going

Complaint Hotline and Email Channel

On-going

Environmental Log Book

On-going

Groundwater Quality

 

Pre-operation Baseline Monitoring

Commenced on 24 March 2020

Landfill Gas

 

Pre-operation Baseline Monitoring

Commenced on 24 March 2020

Ambient VOCs, ammonia and H2S

 

Pre-operation Baseline Monitoring

Commenced on 27 May 2020

Taking into account the construction works, impact monitoring of air quality, noise, surface water quality and waste management were carried out in the reporting period.  The monitoring schedule of air quality, noise and surface water quality monitoring are provided in Annex C.  Groundwater and landfill gas pre-operation baseline monitoring and ambient VOCs, ammonia and H2S pre-operation baseline monitoring were commenced on 24 March 2020 and 27 May 2020 respectively.

The EM&A programme also involved environmental site inspections and related auditing conducted by the ET for checking the implementation of the required environmental mitigation measures recommended in the approved EIA Report and relevant EP submissions.  To promote the environmental awareness and enhance the environmental performance of the contractors, environmental trainings and regular environmental management meetings were conducted during the reporting period, which are summarised as below:

Ÿ   Twelve environmental management meetings were held with the Contractor, ER, ET, IEC and EPD on 8 January, 27 February, 19 March, 23 April, 21 May, 18 June, 16 July, 20 August, 24 September, 22 October, 26 November and 22 December 2020; and

Ÿ   Environmental toolbox trainings on the following topics were provided by the Contractor to the workers:

Ÿ  An Introduction to the Air Pollution Control (Smoke) Regulations on 6 January 2020;

Ÿ  Clean Recycling on 17 January 2020;

Ÿ  Quality Powered Mechanical Equipment on 11 February 2020;

Ÿ  Green Procurement on 24 February 2020;

Ÿ  Mosquito Control on 8 March 2020;

Ÿ  Illegal Dumping on 25 March 2020;

Ÿ  Trip-Ticket System on 6 April 2020;

Ÿ  VOC and Smog on 27 April 2020;

Ÿ  Air Pollution Control Regulation (Non-road Mobile Machinery (Emission)) on 8 May 2020;

Ÿ  Noise Control Ordinance on 22 May 2020;

Ÿ  Persistent Organic Pollutants on 12 June 2020;

Ÿ  Wastewater Management at Construction Site on 23 June 2020;

Ÿ  Good Vehicle Maintenance Practice on 6 July 2020;

Ÿ  Cut down Construction Dust on 23 July 2020;

Ÿ  Mosquito Nuisance on 14 August 2020;

Ÿ  Clean Recycling on 27 August 2020;

Ÿ  Tree Protection Zone on 11 September 2020;

Ÿ  Renewable Energy on 18 September 2020;

Ÿ  Chemical Waste Handling on 6 October 2020;

Ÿ  Dark Smoke on 20 October 2020;

Ÿ  Green Procurement on 17 November 2020;

Ÿ  Site Practice for Waste Reduction in Construction Industry on 25 November 2020;

Ÿ  Air Pollution Control (NRMM) Regulation on 11 December 2020; and

Ÿ  VOC and Smog on 16 December 2020.

1.7                                       Status of Statutory Environmental Compliance with the Environmental Permit

The status of statutory environmental compliance with the EP conditions under the EIAO, submission status under the EP and implementation status of the recommended mitigation measures are presented in Table 1.4.  

Table 1.4        Status of Submissions required under the EP and Implementation Status of the recommended Mitigation Measures

EP Condition

Submission / Implementation Status

Status

2.3

Management Organisation of Main Construction Companies

Submitted and accepted by EPD.

2.4

Setting up of Community Liaison Group

Community Liaison Group was set up.

2.5

Submission of Detailed Landfill Gas Hazard Assessment Report

Submitted, and accepted by EPD on 10 January 2019.

2.6

Submission of Restoration and Ecological Enhancement Plan

Submitted to EPD on 28 June 2019.

2.7

Setting up of Trial Nursery

Trial Nursery works was commenced on 28 August 2019.

2.8

Advance Screen Planting

Advance Screen Planting works were completed on 28 June 2019.

2.9

Provision of Multi-layer Composite Liner System

Under implementation.

1.8                                       Status of Other Statutory Environmental Requirements

The environmental licenses and permits (including EP, Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO) discharge license, registration as a chemical waste producer, and construction noise permit) that are valid in the reporting period are presented in Table 1.5.  No non-compliance with environmental statutory requirements was identified.  

Table 1.5        Status of Statutory Environmental Requirements

Description

Ref No.

Status

Environmental Permit

EP-308/2008

Granted on 5 August 2008

Variation of Environmental Permit

EP-308/2008/A

Granted on 6 January 2012

EP-308/2008/B

Granted on 20 January 2017

Further Environmental Permit

FEP-01/308/2008/B

Granted on 16 May 2018

Water Discharge License under WPCO (Permit Holder: Chun Wo)

Licence No.: WT00033525-2019

Validity from 27 March 2019 to 31 March 2024

Billing Account for Disposal of Construction Waste

Chit Account Number: 5001692

Approved on 28 December 2005

Registration as a Chemical Waste Producer (Permit Holder: Chun Wo)

5213-839-C3507-10

Issued on 23 August 2018

Registration as a Chemical Waste Producer (Permit Holder: REC)

5518-839-R2289-06

Issued on 24 October 2019

Construction Noise Permit (Permit Holder: GVL)

GW-RE0075-20

Validity from 12 February 2020 to 11 August 2020

 

GW-RE0542-20

Validity from 1 September 2020 to 28 February 2021

Construction Noise Permit (Permit Holder: Chun Wo)

GW-RE1001-19

Validity from 16 December 2019 to 10 June 2020

GW-RE0516-20

Validity from 17 June 2020 to 7 December 2020

GW-RE1047-20

Validity from 9 December 2020 to 7 June 2021

Construction Noise Permit (Permit Holder: REC)

GW-RE0029-20

Validity from 20 January 2020 to 31 May 2020

 

GW-RE0466-20

Validity from 1 June 2020 to 31 October 2020

 

GW-RE0889-20

Validity from 1 November 2020 to 31 March 2021

2                                            EM&A Results

The EM&A programme for the Project required environmental monitoring for air quality, noise and surface water quality as well as environmental site inspections for air quality, noise, surface water quality, waste management, and landscape and visual impacts.  The EM&A requirements and related findings for each component are summarised in the following sections.

2.1                                       Air Quality Monitoring

2.1.1                                 Monitoring Requirements and Equipment

According to the updated EM&A Manual of the Project, impact air quality monitoring (dust, in term of Total Suspended Particulates (TSP)) was carried out at the two designated monitoring locations (i.e. DM1 and DM2) at a 6-day interval.  It is proposed and agreed by IEC and EPD that the two existing TSP monitoring stations (i.e. TKO-A1 and TKO-A2a) currently operating by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) can be used to monitor the 24-hour TSP impact associated with the SENTX construction.  The dust monitoring results were obtained from CEDD on regular basis.

The Action and Limit Levels of the air quality monitoring is provided in Table 2.1 below.

Table 2.1        Action and Limit Levels for 24-hour TSP

Monitoring Station

Action Level

Limit Level

DM-1 – Site Egress of TKO Area 137 Fill Bank

 

204 µg m-³

260 µg m-³

DM-2A –Combined Reception and Exit Office (CREO) of TKO Area 137 Fill Bank

193 µg m-³

260 µg m-³

High volume air samplers (HVSs) in compliance with the specifications listed under Section 3.2.2 of the updated EM&A Manual were used to measure 24-hour TSP levels at the CEDD dust monitoring stations.  The HVSs were calibrated upon installation and thereafter at bi-monthly intervals to check the validity and accuracy of the results.

The equipment used in the impact air quality monitoring programme and monitoring locations are summarised in Table 2.2 and illustrated in Figure 2.1 respectively.

Table 2.2        Dust Monitoring Details

Monitoring Station

Location

Parameter

Frequency and Duration

Equipment

DM1

Site Egress of TKO Area 137 Fill Bank

24-hour TSP

Once every 6 days during the construction phase of the Project

 

 

HVS Greasby 105 (S/N: 9795 (ET/EA/003/18))

DM2

Combined Reception and Exit Office (CREO) of TKO Area 137 Fill Bank

HVS Andersen G1051 (S/N: 1176 (ET/EA/003/05))

2.1.2                                 Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Period

The schedule for air quality monitoring during the reporting period is provided in Annex C.

2.1.3                                 Results and Observations

The 24-hour TSP monitoring results are summarised in Table 2.3.  The detailed monitoring results and the graphical presentation of the 24-hour TSP monitoring results at each monitoring location are provided in Annex D1.

Table 2.3        Summary of 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period

Month

Monitoring Station

24-hr TSP Concentration (µg m-3)

Action Level  (µg/m3)

Limit Level  (µg/m3)

Average

Range

January 2020

DM-1

110

95 - 124

204

260

 

DM-2

96

82 – 108

193

260

February 2020

DM-1

103

93 - 117

204

260

 

DM-2

90

83 – 104

193

260

March 2020

DM-1

102

91 - 113

204

260

 

DM-2

90

85– 94

193

260

April 2020

DM-1

105

95 - 122

204

260

 

DM-2

94

83 – 106

193

260

May 2020

DM-1

105

92 - 118

204

260

 

DM-2

93

83 – 103

193

260

June 2020

DM-1

96

86 - 105

204

260

 

DM-2

88

78 – 100

193

260

July 2020

DM-1

91

84 - 105

204

260

 

DM-2

85

77 - 99

193

260

August 2020

DM-1

103

88 - 116

204

260

 

DM-2

95

81 - 107

193

260

September 2020

DM-1

101

84 - 113

204

260

 

DM-2

97

90 – 105

193

260

October 2020

DM-1

108

95 - 114

204

260

DM-2

100

84 - 115

193

260

November 2020

DM-1

107

98 - 115

204

260

DM-2

99

91 - 106

193

260

December 2020

DM-1

106

100 - 116

204

260

DM-2

100

91 - 112

193

260

The major dust sources in the reporting period included fugitive dust emission from exposed area in SENTX, as well as nearby operations of the existing SENT landfill and the TKO Area 137 Fill Bank.

All the 24-hour TSP results measured at the two monitoring stations were below the Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period.  No additional measure is thus required in accordance with the Event and Action Plan presented in Annex D2.

2.1.4                                 Meteorological Data

Meteorological data obtained from the on-site meteorological monitoring station at the existing SENT landfill (see Figure 2.1) were used for the dust monitoring and are shown in Annex D3.  The meteorological station will be moved to a new location at SENTX infrastructure area as per the updated EM&A Manual after the construction of the new infrastructure area is completed.  For the purpose of this EM&A programme, it is considered that meteorological data obtained at the existing SENT landfill meteorological monitoring station are representative of the Project area and could be used for the interpretation of the construction phase dust monitoring results.

2.2                                       Noise Monitoring

2.2.1                                 Monitoring Requirements and Equipment

According to the updated EM&A Manual of the Project, impact noise monitoring was conducted weekly at the monitoring location (i.e. NM1) to obtain one set of 30 minutes measurement between 07:00 and 19:00 hours on normal weekdays. 

The Action and Limit Levels for construction noise of the Project are provided in Table 2.4 below. 

Table 2.4        Action and Limit Levels for Construction Noise

Time Period

Action Level (a)

Limit Level (b)

07:00 – 19:00 hrs on normal weekdays

When one documented complaint is received from any one of the noise sensitive receivers (NSRs)

or

75 dB(A) recorded at the monitoring station

75 dB(A) at NSRs

Notes:

(a)         75dB(A) along and at about 100m from the SENTX site boundary was set as the Action Level.

(b)         Limits specified in the GW-TM and IND-TM for construction and operational noise, respectively.   

 

Noise monitoring was performed by ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd (HOKLAS Registration No. 066) using a sound level meter placed at the designated monitoring station NM1 (see Figure 2.1) in accordance with the requirements stipulated in the updated EM&A Manual.  Acoustic calibrator was deployed to check the sound level meter at a known sound pressure level.  Details of the deployed equipment are provided in Table 2.5.

Table 2.5        Noise Monitoring Details

Monitoring Station (1)

Location

Parameter

Frequency and Duration

Equipment

NM1

SENTX Site Boundary (North)

Leq (30 min) measurement between 07:00 and 19:00 hours on normal weekdays

(Monday to Saturday)

Once per week for 30 mins during the construction period of the Project

Sound Level Meter:

B&K 2238 (S/N: 2285722) (S/N: 2285762)

 

Rion NL-31 (S/N: 00410221)

 

Rion NL-52 (S/N: 00921191) (S/N: 00142581)

 

Acoustic Calibrator:

Rion NC-74 (S/N: 34657230) (S/N: 34657231)

 

Rion NC-73 (S/N: 10655561)

 

3M AC-300 (S/N: AC300005555)

 

2.2.2                                 Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Period

The schedule for noise monitoring during the reporting period is provided in Annex C.

2.2.3                                 Results and Observations

A total of 53 impact noise monitoring events were scheduled during the reporting period.  However, monitoring was not conducted on 18 March, 20 and 28 May, 19 and 27 August and 3 September 2020 due to adverse weather condition.  The noise monitoring results are summarised in Table 2.6 and graphically presented in Annex E1.

Table 2.6        Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period

Month

Monitoring Station

Measured Noise Level Leq (30 min), dB(A)

Average

Range

Action and Limit Level

January 2020

NM1

50.5

47.8 – 53.0

75

February 2020

NM1

52.7

51.9 – 53.8

75

March 2020

NM1

52.5

50.5 – 54.9

75

April 2020

NM1

53.1

52.6 – 53.8

75

May 2020

NM1

53.0

51.1 – 54.9

75

June 2020

NM1

56.0

54.8 – 57.0

75

July 2020

NM1

55.1

53.6 – 56.8

75

August 2020

NM1

52.3

51.3 – 53.3

75

September 2020

NM1

53.1

51.7 – 55.2

75

October 2020

NM1

53.1

51.1 – 55.8

75

November 2020

NM1

50.7

48.1 – 52.2

75

December 2020

NM1

51.2

48.9 – 52.9

75

Major noise sources identified during the noise monitoring included noise from operations of the existing SENT landfill and the TKO Area 137 Fill Bank, aircrafts and insects.

No exceedance of the Action and Limit Levels for construction noise monitoring was recorded in the reporting period.  No further mitigation measure was required in accordance with the Event and Action Plan presented in Annex E2.

2.3                                       Surface Water Quality Monitoring

2.3.1                                 Monitoring Requirements and Equipment

According to the updated EM&A Manual of the Project, impact surface water quality monitoring were carried out at the three designated surface water discharge points (i.e. DP3, DP4 and DP6) weekly to ensure that the SENTX will not cause adverse water quality impact.  Temporary relocation of surface water discharge point DP4 to DP4 (Future, temporary) as an interim arrangement due to site constraints and construction sequence was approved by EPD on 14 May 2019.  Impact surface water quality monitoring was carried out at DP4 (Future, temporary) (i.e. DP4T) from the monitoring event on 16 May 2019.  In addition, suspension of impact surface water quality monitoring at DP3 was approved under the Baseline Monitoring Report by EPD on 24 July 2019 until the actual commencement of construction works affecting DP3 in 2021.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and pH value were measured in situ whereas the level of suspended solids (SS) were determined by ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd (HOKLAS Registration No. 066).

The Action and Limit Levels of the surface water quality impact monitoring are provided in Table 2.7.

Table 2.7        Action and Limit Levels for Surface Water Quality

Parameters

Action Level

Limit Level

 

DP4 & DP6

DO

< 5.80 mg/L

< 5.42 mg/L

SS

> 11.7 mg/L

> 12.7 mg/L

pH

> 8.39

> 8.40

The locations of the monitoring stations for the Project are shown in Figure 2.1.  All in-situ monitoring instruments were checked, calibrated and certified by a laboratory accredited under HOKLAS or other international accreditation scheme before use, and subsequently re-calibrated at 3 monthly intervals throughout all stages of the surface water quality monitoring programme.  Calibration for a DO meter was carried out before measurement according to the instruction manual of the equipment model.  Details of the equipment used in the impact surface water quality monitoring works are provided in Table 2.8.

Table 2.8       Impact Surface Water Quality Monitoring Details

Monitoring Station

Location

Frequency

Parameter

Equipment

DP4 (Future, temporary)

Surface water discharge point DP4

Weekly

pH

DO

SS

YSI Professional Plus (S/N: 10G101946) (S/N: 15H103928)

 

YSI Professional DSS (S/N: 17B102764) (S/N: 15H102620) (S/N: 15H103928)

 

pH Meter AZ8685 (S/N:1259868)

 

DP6

Surface water discharge point DP6

Notes:

(a)     DP4 was temporary relocated to DP4 (Future, temporary) (i.e. DP4T) as an interim discharge point from the monitoring event on 16 May 2019.

(b)     Impact surface water quality monitoring at DP3 was suspended from the monitoring event on 25 July 2019 until the actual commencement of construction works affecting DP3 in 2021.

2.3.2                                 Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Period

The schedule for surface water quality monitoring during the reporting period is provided in Annex C.

2.3.3                                 Results and Observations

A total of 53 monitoring events for impact surface water quality monitoring were scheduled at all designated monitoring stations during the reporting period.  However, sampling could not be carried out on the following monitoring events due to insufficient flow:

·  January 2020 at all monitoring stations;

·  6, 12 and 27 February 2020 at all monitoring locations and 20 February 2020 at DP6;

·  March 2020 at all monitoring stations;

·  2, 16 and 24 April 2020 at DP6 and 29 April 2020 at all monitoring locations;

·  7 and 14 May 2020 at all monitoring locations and 20 May 2020 at DP4 (Future, temporary);

·  4 and 17 June 2020 at DP6, 11 June 2020 at DP4 (Future, temporary) and 24 June 2020 at all monitoring locations;

·  9, 23 and 30 July 2020 at all monitoring locations and 15 July 2020 at DP6;

·  13 August 2020 at DP6 and 27 August 2020 at all monitoring locations;

·  10, 23 and 30 September 2020 at all monitoring locations and 17 September 2020 at DP4 (Future, temporary);

·  7, 21 and 29 October 2020 at all monitoring locations and 15 October 2020 at DP4 (Future, temporary);

·  November 2020 at all monitoring stations; and

·  December 2020 at all monitoring stations.

Monitoring was cancelled on 19 August and 3 September 2020 due to adverse weather condition.  Impact water quality monitoring results and graphical presentations are provided in Annex F1.

Exceedances of the Action and Limit Levels were recorded for impact surface water quality monitoring in the reporting period and actions in accordance with the Event and Action Plan presented in Annex F2 were undertaken.  Investigations on the Action and Limit Levels exceedances were conducted and summarised in Table 2.9 below.  Investigation reports of the exceedances are presented in Annex F3.

Table 2.9       Details of Exceedances of Action and Limit Levels for the Impact Surface Water Quality Monitoring

Date

Monitoring Location

Parameter

Type of Exceedance

Remarks

20 February 2020

DP4 (Future, temporary)

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

9 April 2020

DP6

pH

Limit Level

Project-related

9 April 2020

DP6

SS

Limit Level

Project-related

28 May 2020

DP4 (Future, temporary)

SS

Limit Level

Project-related

28 May 2020

DP6

SS

Limit Level

Project-related

4 June 2020

DP4 (Future, temporary)

pH

Limit Level

Project-related

3 July 2020

DP4 (Future, temporary)

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

3 July 2020

DP6

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

15 July 2020

DP4 (Future, temporary)

SS

Limit Level

Project-related

6 August 2020

DP4 (Future, temporary)

SS

Limit Level

Project-related

6 August 2020

DP6

SS

Limit Level

Project-related

13 August 2020

DP6

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

17 September 2020

DP6

pH

Limit Level

Non Project-related

17 September 2020

DP6

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

15 October 2020

DP6

SS

Limit Level

Project-related

Based on the investigation conducted for each of the monitoring event with potential Action and Limit Levels exceedances with the Contractor, the ER and the IEC, the exceedances were considered non Project-related, except the pH and SS exceedances at DP6 on 9 April 2020, SS exceedances at DP4 (Future, temporary) and DP6 on 28 May 2020, pH exceedance at DP4 (Future, temporary) on 4 June 2020, SS exceedance at DP4 (Future, temporary) on 15 July 2020, SS exceedances at DP4 (Future, temporary) and DP6 on 6 August 2020 and SS exceedance at DP6 on 15 October 2020 which were found deemed to Project-related activities.

The Contractor shall implement all relevant mitigation measures for the construction works and maintain good site practice.  The Contractor was reminded to control the surface water discharge from site to minimise the potential surface water impact in the coming rainy season.  The ET will keep track on the monitoring data and ensure Contractor’s compliance of the environmental requirements.

2.4                                       Landscape and Visual Monitoring

2.4.1                                 Monitoring Requirements

According to the updated EM&A Manual of the Project, the monthly landscape and visual audit was conducted on 31 January, 26 February, 25 March, 20 April, 27 May, 22 June, 22 July, 24 August, 28 September, 21 October, 24 November and 23 December 2020 to monitor the implementation of the landscape and visual mitigation measures during construction phase.

All relevant environmental mitigation measures listed in the approved EIA Report and the updated EM&A Manual and their implementation status are summarised in Annex B.

2.4.2                                 Results and Observations

The Contractor has implemented environmental mitigation measures as stated in the approved EIA Report and the EM&A Manual.

Regarding the landscape and visual audit, the Contractor was reminded to maintain the advance screen planting works as soon as possible to ensure effective screening of views of project works from the High Junk Peak Trail.  The Contractor has considered the mitigation measures during the design phase, including the preparation of the Construction Drawings and Detailed Landscape Design Drawings.

2.5                                       EM&A Site Inspection

Site inspections were carried out on a weekly basis with the Contractor, IEC and ER to monitor the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures for air quality, noise, surface water quality and waste management under the Project.  In the reporting period, 52 site inspections were carried out on the following dates:

·     8, 16, 22 and 30 January 2020;

·     6, 12, 20 and 27 February 2020;

·     5, 12, 19 and 26 March 2020;

·     2, 9, 16, 23 and 29 April 2020;

·     7, 14, 21 and 28 May 2020;

·     4, 11, 18 and 24 June 2020;

·     2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 July 2020;

·     6, 13, 20 and 27 August 2020;

·     3, 10, 17, 24 and 30 September 2020;

·     8, 15, 22 and 29 October 2020;

·     5, 12, 19 and 26 November 2020; and

·     3, 10, 17, 22 and 31 December 2020.

The Contractor has rectified all of the observations identified during environmental site inspections in the reporting period.  Key environmental deficiencies identified and the corresponding rectification actions are presented in Table 2.10.

Table 2.10      Summary of Environmental Deficiencies Identified and Corresponding Additional Control Measures

Deficiencies

Rectifications Implemented

Proposed Additional Control Measures

Surface Water

Intercepting channels & drainage system

Ÿ  Reviewed drainage plan.

Ÿ Provision of additional drainage channels.

Ÿ Expedite the construction of permanent sediment trap and discharge culverts.

 

DP channels (design & regular silt removal)

Ÿ  Carried out regular maintenance and cleaning of channels.

Ÿ  DP4 channel: Area near the channel was paved with concrete and a bund was built.

Ÿ  DP6 channel: Gravel piles on the channel were covered with concrete which serve as blocks for running water and to divide the channel into several sections.  A pump was placed in the water zone in the upstream section to pump water to the Wetsep for treatment prior to the discharge to the last section before the weir plate.  

Ÿ  DP6: Pipes through the gravel piles between different channel sections were covered with geotextiles to block debris and silt.

 

N.A.

Stockpiles & exposed soil

Ÿ  Installed silt fencing near surface water channel along DP6 channel.

Ÿ  Improve soil covering.

Ÿ  Compaction and cover for stockpiles and soil slopes.

 

Wetsep (treatment capacity & number)

Ÿ  Reviewed Wetsep capacity.

Ÿ  Chemicals dosage of the Wetsep was increased to enhance the efficiency.

Ÿ  Install additional Wetsep.

Backflow / ponding during heavy rainfall

Ÿ  Raised with EPD (LDG) and CEDD.

N.A.

2.6                                       Waste Management Status

The Contractor has registered as a chemical waste producer under the Contract.  Sufficient numbers of receptacles were available for general refuse collection and sorting.

As informed by the Contractor, waste generated during this reporting period include mainly inert C&D materials.  Reference has been made to the waste flow table prepared by the Contractor.  The quantities of different types of wastes and imported fill materials are summarised in Table 2.11.

Table 2.11      Quantities of Different Waste Disposed and Imported Fill Materials

Month/

Year

Inert C&D Materials (a)
(in ‘000m3)

Imported Fill
(in ‘000kg) (b)

Inert Construction Waste Re-used
(in ‘000m3)

Non-inert Construction Waste (c)
(in ‘000m3)

Recyclable Materials (d)  (in ‘000kg)

Chemical Wastes
(in ‘000kg)

Rock

Soil

January 2020

0.583

0

1742.440

0

0.122

0

0

February 2020

0.260

0

1992.480

0

0.076

0

0.195

March 2020

0.093

0

0

0

0.138

0

0

April 2020

0.033

0

0

0

0.158

0

0

May 2020

0.018

0

0

0

0.199

0

0

June 2020

0.030

0

0

0

0.179

0

0

July 2020

0.709

0

21691.630

0

0.192

0

0

August 2020

0.277

0

9780.700

0

0.125

16.230

0.150

September 2020

0.462

0

0

0

0.213

0

0.002

October 2020

2.641

0

10890.45

0

0.143

0

0

November 2020

4.643

0

9492.530

0

0.144

0

0

December 2020

2.563

0

0

0

0.118

0

0

Notes:

(a)         Inert construction wastes include hard rock and large broken concrete, and materials disposed as public fill.  Density assumption: 1.6 (t/m3) for public fill

(b)         Imported fill refers to materials generated from other project for on-site resue.

(c)          Non-inert construction wastes include general refuse disposed at landfill. Density assumption: 0.9 (t/m3) for general refuse.

(d)         Recyclable materials include metals, paper, cardboard, plastics and others.

2.7                                       Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures

A summary of the Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule is presented in Annex B.  The necessary mitigation measures were implemented properly for the Project.

2.8                                       Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit

The 24-hour TSP monitoring results and construction noise monitoring results complied with the Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period.  3 exceedances of the Limit Level for pH and 12 exceedances of the Limit Level for Suspended Solids (SS) were recorded for surface water quality impact monitoring in the reporting period.  The exceedances were considered non Project-related upon further investigations, except the pH and SS exceedances at DP6 on 9 April 2020, SS exceedances at DP4 (Future, temporary) and DP6 on 28 May 2020, pH exceedance at DP4 (Future, temporary) on 4 June 2020, SS exceedance at DP4 (Future, temporary) on 15 July 2020, SS exceedances at DP4 (Future, temporary) and DP6 on 6 August 2020 and SS exceedance at DP6 on 15 October 2020 which were found deemed to Project-related activities.

Cumulative statistics on exceedances is provided in Annex G.

2.9                                       Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

There were no complaints, notification of summons or prosecution recorded in the reporting period.

Statistics on complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions are summarised in Annex G.

3                                            Conclusion and Recommendation

This Annual EM&A Review Report presents the findings of the EM&A activities undertaken during the period from 1 January to 31 December 2020 in accordance with the updated EM&A Manual and the requirements of the Environmental Permit (EP-308/2008/B).

Air quality (24-hour TSP), noise and water quality (DO, pH and SS) monitoring were carried out in the reporting period.  Results for air quality monitoring (24-hour TSP) complied with the Action and Limit Levels in the reporting period.  No Action and Limit Levels exceedances were recorded for construction noise monitoring.  3 exceedances of the Limit Level for pH and 12 exceedances of the Limit Level for Suspended Solids (SS) were recorded for surface water quality impact monitoring in the reporting period.  The exceedances were considered non Project-related upon further investigations, except the pH and SS exceedances at DP6 on 9 April 2020, SS exceedances at DP4 (Future, temporary) and DP6 on 28 May 2020, pH exceedance at DP4 (Future, temporary) on 4 June 2020, SS exceedance at DP4 (Future, temporary) on 15 July 2020, SS exceedances at DP4 (Future, temporary) and DP6 on 6 August 2020 and SS exceedance at DP6 on 15 October 2020 which were found deemed to Project-related activities.

Fifty-two environmental site inspections were carried out during the reporting period.  Environmental deficiencies were identified during the site inspection and the Contractor has proposed additional control measures to rectify the deficiencies.

There were no complaints, notification of summons or prosecution recorded in the reporting period.

It is noted that most environmental pollution control and mitigation measures were properly implemented and the construction activities of the Project did not introduce any adverse impact to the sensitive receivers in the reporting period.  Yet, some environmental deficiencies were identified during the reporting period and additional control measures have been proposed by the Contractor to rectify the corresponding deficiencies.  The monitoring programme has been reviewed and was considered as adequate to cater for the nature of works in progress.  Change to the monitoring programme was thus not recommended at this stage.  The monitoring programme will be evaluated as appropriate in the next reporting period.  The ET will keep track on the construction works to confirm compliance of environmental requirements and the proper implementation of all necessary mitigation measures.


 



([1])    ERM (2018).  South East New Territories (SENT) Landfill Extension: Environmental Monitoring & Audit Manual

([2])    ERM (2007).  South East New Territories (SENT) Landfill Extension – Feasibility Study: Environmental Impact Assessment Report