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 G1    
Cumulative Statistics on Exceedances, Environmental Complaints, Notification of Summons and Status of Prosecutions
Annex G2    
Investigation Report of Environmental Complaint

 

 

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 2 January to 31 December 2019 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

2 exceedances of the Limit Level for DO, 15 exceedances of the Limit Level for pH and 19 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 DP4 (Future, temporary) and SS exceedance at DP6 on 23 May 2019 and SS exceedance at DP4 (Future, temporary) on 25 July 2019 which were found deemed to Project-related activities.

Environmental Complaints, Summons and Prosecutions

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

One environmental complaint related to dust nuisance was received during the reporting period.  Investigation on the environmental complaint was conducted in accordance with the complaint handling process as stated in the Updated EM&A Manual.

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 1.1.  The 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 2 January to 31 December 2019 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

Fredrick Leong

2859 1739

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:

·    Site entrance establishment;

·    Installation of chain link fence;

·    Construction of wheel wash facilities;

·    Site formation, site clearance and construction of perimeter bund for Cell 1X and 2X;

·    Site formation works for the new infrastructure area;

·    Excavating, removing and replacing unsuitable fill material;

·    Erection of site fencing;

·    Plate load tests;

·    Site clearance, excavation, rebar fixing, formwork, concreting and construction of sediment trap, drop inlet shaft, MHX1 manhole and inlet and outlet box culverts;

·    Initial site clearance works, geotechnical review, utilities diversion erection of temporary protection and application of initial shotcrete trial panel at buttress wall;

·    Shotcreting of the permanent works at buttress wall area and mass concrete for buttress wall;

·    Advance screen planting;

·    DP4 channel improvement works;

·     Preparation of the temporary surface water management, including construction of temporary discharge monitoring points DP4 and DP6, shotcrete lining of the DP4   channel, cut-off channel around SENTX and temporary drainage to DP4 and DP6 channels;

·    Maintenance and improvement of the temporary surface water drainage;

·    Rebar fixing, formwork and concreting for Leachate Treatment Plant (LTP) area, plinth and control building;

·    Construction of superstructure of bioplant building;

·    Installation of groundwater pipe along eastern perimeter bund;

·    CLP trench works at Area X2;

·    Rebar fixing, concreting, formwork erection, building services and fitting-out works for control building at Landfill Gas Plant area and placing of landfill gas generator;

·    Road paving of Landfill Gas Plant;

·    Flares and cooling towers installation;

·    Rebar, formwork and concreting for the substructure of infrastructure buildings (EPD building, GVL building and laboratory);

·    Construction of X12 channel and X9B channel;

·    Installation of ammonia stripping plant, equalization tank, sequencing batch reactor tank and treated effluent tank at LTP area;

·    Backfilling works around the raft foundation of maintenance building;

·    Liner installation at Cell 1X and Cell 2X; and

·    Construction of pits and ducting for underground utilities in Area X1 and X2.

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

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.

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 17 January, 14 February, 14 March, 11 April, 9 May, 13 June, 11 July, 21 August, 18 September, 16 October, 13 November and 19 December 2019; and

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

Ÿ   Dark Smoke on 11 January 2019;

Ÿ   Air Pollution Control (NRMM) (Emission) Regulation on 25 January 2019;

Ÿ   Illegal Dumping on 13 February 2019;

Ÿ   Noise Control Ordinance on 21 February 2019;

Ÿ   Waste Water Management on 11 March 2019;

Ÿ   Vehicle Maintenance Practices on 26 March 2019;

Ÿ   Mosquito Control on 10 April 2019;

Ÿ   Recycling Measures on 24 April 2019;

Ÿ   Chemical Waste Handling on 15 May 2019;

Ÿ   Quality Powered Mechanical Equipment on 28 May 2019;

Ÿ   Trip Ticket System on 12 June 2019;

Ÿ   Green Procurement on 24 June 2019;

Ÿ   Construction Dust on 12 July 2019;

Ÿ   Air Pollution Control (Non-road Mobile Machinery) (Emission) Regulation on 19 July 2019;

Ÿ   VOC and Smog on 12 August 2019;

Ÿ   Illegal Dumping on 26 August 2019;

Ÿ   Mosquito Nuisance on 11 September 2019;

Ÿ   Persistent Organic Pollutants on 23 September 2019;

Ÿ   Tree Protection on 15 October 2019;

Ÿ   Renewable Energy on 31 October 2019;

Ÿ   Waste Reduction in Construction Industry on 7 November 2019;

Ÿ   Good Practice of Wastewater Management in Construction Sites on 26 November 2019;

Ÿ   Chemical Waste Handling on 10 December 2019; and

Ÿ   Vehicle Maintenance Practices on 16 December 2019.

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: Chun Wo)

GW-RE1001-19

Validity from 16 December 2019 to 10 June 2020

GW-RE0695-19

Validity from 9 September 2019 to 3 March 2020 (cancelled with effect from 16 December 2019 at 07:00 hrs)

GW-RE0404-19

Validity from 28 May 2019 to 22 November 2019 (cancelled with effect from 9 September 2019 at 07:00 hrs)

GW-RE0259-19

Validity from 15 April 2019 to 8 October 2019 (cancelled with effect from 28 May 2019 at 07:00 hrs)

GW-RE0002-19

Validity from 8 January 2019 to 1 July 2019 (cancelled with effect from 15 April 2019 at 07:00 hrs)

Construction Noise Permit (Permit Holder: REC)

GW-RE0831-19

Validity from 17 October 2019 to 30 December 2019

 

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 2019

DM-1

110

79 – 146

204

260

 

DM-2

113

84 - 161

193

260

February 2019

DM-1

111

83 – 134

204

260

 

DM-2

116

82 - 160

193

260

March 2019

DM-1

88

67 – 107

204

260

 

DM-2

95

68 - 113

193

260

April 2019

DM-1

89

76 – 100

204

260

 

DM-2

77

70 - 91

193

260

May 2019

DM-1

92

73 - 105

204

260

 

DM-2

84

68- 103

193

260

June 2019

DM-1

82

63 - 109

204

260

 

DM-2

88

64 - 123

193

260

July 2019

DM-1

88

74 - 112

204

260

 

DM-2

93

82 – 111

193

260

August 2019

DM-1

71

55 - 85

204

260

 

DM-2

72

49 - 95

193

260

September 2019

DM-1

103

67 - 134

204

260

 

DM-2

108

79 - 146

193

260

October 2019

DM-1

91

80 - 102

204

260

DM-2

90

87 - 97

193

260

November 2019

DM-1

95

84 - 106

204

260

DM-2

100

88 - 106

193

260

December 2019

DM-1

108

92 - 116

204

260

DM-2

93

80 - 102

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: 2285762) (S/N: 2285722) (S/N: 2285690)

 

B&K 2250 (S/N: 3012330)

 

Acoustic Calibrator:

Quest QC-20 (S/N: QO9090006)

 

3M AC-300 (S/N:

AC300006213) (S/N: AC300005555)

 

Rion NC-75 (S/N: 34680623)

 

Rion NC-74 (S/N: 34657231) (S/N: 34246492)

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 52 impact noise monitoring events were scheduled during the reporting period.  However, monitoring was not conducted on 3 March, 8 and 23 May, 1 and 29 August and 5 December 2019 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 2019

NM1

52.0

48.9 – 53.6

75

February 2019

NM1

51.0

48.0 – 52.5

75

March 2019

NM1

52.2

51.1 – 53.1

75

April 2019

NM1

52.1

50.4 – 53.8

75

May 2019

NM1

52.8

51.6 – 54.6

75

June 2019

NM1

54.4

53.2 – 55.4

75

July 2019

NM1

54.0

52.0 – 56.1

75

August 2019

NM1

55.3

51.8 – 59.7

75

September 2019

NM1

52.6

51.0 – 54.8

75

October 2019

NM1

53.1

50.8 – 55.1

75

November 2019

NM1

54.0

52.1 – 57.0

75

December 2019

NM1

51.9

51.6 – 52.3

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

 

DP3

DP4 & DP6

DP3

DP4 & DP6

DO

< 5.13 mg/L

< 5.80 mg/L

< 4.35 mg/L

< 5.42 mg/L

SS

> 209.3 mg/L

> 11.7 mg/L

> 217.0 mg/L

> 12.7 mg/L

pH

> 8.88

> 8.39

> 9.28

> 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

DP3

Surface water discharge point DP3

Weekly

•pH

•DO

•SS

YSI Professional Plus (S/N: HK1923829) (S/N: JC024046)

 

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

 

pH Meter AZ8685 (S/N: 1118396)

DP4 (Future, temporary)

Surface water discharge point DP4

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 52 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 2019 at all monitoring stations;

·    February 2019 at all monitoring stations;

·    8 March 2019 at DP6, 13 March 2019 at DP4 and DP6 and 22 and 28 March 2019 at all monitoring locations;

·    April 2019 at all monitoring stations;

·    8 and 16 May 2019 at all monitoring locations;

·    14, 20 and 27 June 2019 at DP6;

·    4 July 2019 at DP6, 12 July 2019 at DP4 (Future, temporary) and DP6 and 18 July 2019 at DP6;

·    8 and 15 August 2019 at DP4 (Future, temporary);

·    5 and 26 September 2019 at DP6 and 19 September 2019 at all monitoring stations;

·    3 October 2019 at DP6 and on 24 and 31 October 2019;

·    November 2019 at all monitoring stations; and

·    December 2019 at all monitoring stations.

Monitoring was cancelled on 1 and 29 August 2019 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

8 March 2019

DP3

pH

Limit Level

Non Project-related

8 March 2019

DP3

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

8 March 2019

DP4

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

8 May 2019

DP6

pH

Limit Level

Non Project-related

8 May 2019

DP6

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

23 May 2019

DP3

pH

Limit Level

Non Project-related

23 May 2019

DP3

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

23 May 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

pH

Limit Level

Project-related

23 May 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

SS

Limit Level

Project-related

23 May 2019

DP6

pH

Limit Level

Non Project-related

23 May 2019

DP6

SS

Limit Level

Project-related

30 May 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

pH

Limit Level

Non Project-related

30 May 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

30 May 2019

DP6

pH

Limit Level

Non Project-related

30 May 2019

DP6

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

6 June 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

DO

Limit Level

Non Project-related

6 June 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

6 June 2019

DP6

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

14 June 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

20 June 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

pH

Limit Level

Non Project-related

20 June 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

27 June 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

DO

Limit Level

Non Project-related

27 June 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

pH

Limit Level

Non Project-related

27 June 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

4 July 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

pH

Limit Level

Non Project-related

4 July 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

18 July 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

pH

Limit Level

Non Project-related

18 July 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

25 July 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

pH

Limit Level

Non Project-related

25 July 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

SS

Limit Level

Project-related

8 August 2019

DP6

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

22 August 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

pH

Limit Level

Non Project-related

22 August 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

5 September 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

pH

Limit Level

Non Project-related

5 September 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

SS

Limit Level

Non Project-related

12 September 2019

DP4 (Future, temporary)

pH

Limit Level

Non 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, there is no evidence showing the exceedances were related to the Project, except the exceedances of pH and SS at DP4 (Future, temporary) and exceedance of SS at DP6 on 23 May 2019 and exceedance of SS at DP4 (Future, temporary) on 25 July 2019 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 17 January, 13 February, 21 March, 18 April, 23 May, 20 June, 22 July, 21 August, 27 September, 25 October, 26 November and 30 December 2019 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:

·    3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 January 2019;

·    8, 14, 21 and 28 February 2019;

·    7, 14, 21 and 28 March 2019;

·    4, 11, 18 and 24 April 2019;

·    2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 May 2019;

·    6, 13, 20 and 27 June 2019;

·    5, 11, 18 and 25 July 2019;

·    1, 8, 15, 21 and 29 August 2019;

·    5, 12, 18 and 26 September 2019;

·    3, 10, 16, 24 and 31 October 2019;

·    7, 13, 21 and 28 November 2019; and

·    5, 12, 19, 24 and 31 December 2019.

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)

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

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

Recyclable Materials (c)  (in ‘000kg)

Chemical Wastes
(in ‘000kg)

Rock

Soil

January 2019

0.061

0

0

0

0

0

0

February 2019

0.008

0

0

0

0.005

0

0

March 2019

0.032

1482.09

0

0

0.006

0

0

April 2019

0.251

0

2194.24

0

0.023

0

0

May 2019

0.015

0

3897.15

0

0.019

0

0

June 2019

0.034

0

689.72

0

0.020

0

0

July 19

0.028

0

6889.13

0

0.049

0

0

August 19

0.014

0

17110.67

0

0.051

0

0

September 19

0.007

0

12560.05

0

0.048

0

0.09

October 19

0.064

0

10567.52

0

0.087

0

0

November 19

0.410

0

17130.00

0

0.077

0

0

December 19

0

0

4954.21

0

0.065

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

(c)      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.  2 exceedances of the Limit Level for DO, 15 exceedances of the Limit Level for pH and 19 exceedances of the Limit Level for Suspended Solids (SS) were recorded for surface water quality impact monitoring in the reporting period.  The exceedances were investigated and considered non Project-related, except the pH and SS exceedances at DP4 (Future, temporary) and SS exceedance at DP6 on 23 May 2019 and SS exceedance at DP4 (Future, temporary) on 25 July 2019 which were found deemed to Project-related activities.

Cumulative statistics on exceedances is provided in Annex G1.

2.9                            Summary of Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

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

One environmental complaint related to dust nuisance was received during the reporting period.  Investigation on the environmental complaint was conducted in accordance with the complaint handling process as stated in the Updated EM&A Manual.  The implementation of the relevant mitigation measures recommended in the updated EM&A Manual by the Contractor might suggest that the dust nuisance was deemed to activities that are not related to the Project.  Investigation report of the complaint is presented in Annex G2.

Statistics on complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions are summarised in Annex G1.

 

3                                 Conclusion and Recommendation

This Annual EM&A Review Report presents the findings of the EM&A activities undertaken during the period from 2 January to 31 December 2019 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.  2 exceedances of the Limit Level for DO, 15 exceedances of the Limit Level for pH and 19 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 DP4 (Future, temporary) and SS exceedance at DP6 on 23 May 2019 and SS exceedance at DP4 (Future, temporary) on 25 July 2019 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 notification of summons or prosecution recorded in the reporting period.  One environmental complaint related to dust nuisance was received during the reporting period.  Investigation on the environmental complaint was conducted in accordance with the complaint handling process as stated in the Updated EM&A Manual.

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