Contents
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
2.1 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
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 Quarterly EM&A report presents the EM&A works carried out during the period from 1 July to 30 September 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
One exceedance of the Limit Level for pH and seven 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 SS exceedance at DP4 (Future, temporary) on 15 July 2020 and SS exceedances at DP4 (Future, temporary) and DP6 on 6 August 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 1.1. 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 Quarterly EM&A Report for the Project which summarises the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 July to 30 September 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 |
|
|
|
|
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 |
2859 1881 |
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:
July 2020
· Building services works and fitting-out works for landfill gas (LFG) plant;
· Laying cables in CLP room and energization of LFG plant;
· Drip leg and electro-mechanical installation and testing at LFG plant;
· Installation of accessories such as staircases, pipes and walkways for equalization tanks, sequencing batch reactor tanks, treated effluent tank, Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) tanks and other tanks at Leachate Treatment Plant (LTP) area;
· Installation of cables and cable containment at LTP area;
· Electro-mechanical installation (including pipe) at LTP area;
· Building services works and fitting-out works for infrastructure buildings (EPD building, GVL building and laboratory building);
· Construction of superstructure of fire service tank room and water service room;
· Construction of pits and ducting for underground utilities;
· Installation of diesel fuel tanks;
· Construction of perimeter bund channel;
· Equipment installation at sump house 1 and 2;
· Shotcreting and mass concrete at buttress wall; and
· Maintenance and improvement of the temporary surface water drainage.
August 2020
· Building services works and fitting-out works for LFG plant;
· Installation of canopy at LFG plant;
· Electro-mechanical installation at LFG plant;
· Installation of cables and cable containment at LTP area;
· Electro-mechanical installation (including pipe) at LTP area;
· Building services works and fitting-out works for infrastructure buildings (EPD building, GVL building and laboratory building);
· Construction of superstructure of fire service tank room and water service room;
· Construction of pits and ducting for underground utilities;
· Installation of diesel fuel tanks;
· Construction of perimeter bund channel;
· Equipment installation at sump house 1 and 2;
· Shotcreting and mass concrete at buttress wall;
· Maintenance and improvement of temporary surface water drainage;
· Filling work at the transition area between buttress wall and cell 2X perimeter;
· Installation of HDPE pipes for leachate collection system;
· Installation of water mains and telecom pipes; and
· Laying of low voltage (LV) cables for draw pits and ducts.
September 2020
· Building services works and fitting-out works for LFG plant;
· Electro-mechanical installation at LFG plant;
· Installation of cables and cable containment at LTP area;
· Electro-mechanical installation (including pipe) at LTP area;
· Building services works and fitting-out works for infrastructure buildings (EPD building, GVL building and laboratory building);
· Construction of superstructure of fire service tank room and water service room;
· Construction of pits and ducting for underground utilities;
· Installation of diesel fuel tanks;
· Construction of perimeter bund channel;
· Equipment installation at sump house 1 and 2;
· Surface channel works at buttress wall;
· Maintenance and improvement of temporary surface water drainage;
· Filling work at the transition area between buttress wall and Cell 2X and at West of Cell 3X;
· Construction of Cell 3X formation;
· Construction of footing of vehicle washing facilities, weighbridge and guard house;
· Installation of HDPE pipes for leachate collection system;
· Installation of water mains and telecom pipes; and
· Laying of Extra-low voltage (ELV) and LV cables for draw pits and ducts.
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 impact 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 Three environmental management meetings were held with the Contractor, ER, ET, IEC and EPD on 16 July, 20 August and 24 September 2020; and
Ÿ Environmental toolbox trainings on the following topics were provided by the Contractor to the workers:
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; and
Ÿ Renewable Energy on 18 September 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-RE0516-20 |
Validity from 17 June 2020 to 7 December 2020 |
|
Construction Noise Permit (Permit Holder: REC) |
GW-RE0466-20 |
Validity from 1 June 2020 to 31 October 2020 |
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 |
Monitoring Dates |
Equipment |
|
DM1 |
Site Egress of TKO Area 137 Fill Bank |
24-hour TSP |
Once every 6 days during the construction phase of the Project |
3, 9, 15, 21, 27 July 2020 2, 8, 14, 20, 26 August 2020 1, 7, 13, 19, 25 September 2020 |
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 |
||||
|
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 |
|
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 |
Monitoring Dates |
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 |
2, 9, 15, 23, 30 July 2020 6, 13, 19, 27 August 2020 3, 10, 17, 23, 30 September 2020 |
Sound Level Meter: B&K 2238 (S/N: 2285762)
Rion NL-31 (S/N: 00410221)
Acoustic Calibrator: Rion NC-74 (S/N: 34657231)
Rion NC-74 (S/N: 34657230) |
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 14 impact noise monitoring events were scheduled during the reporting period. However, monitoring was not conducted on 19 and 27 August 2020 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 |
||
|
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 |
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 |
Monitoring Dates |
Parameter |
Equipment |
|
DP4 (Future, temporary) |
Surface water discharge point DP4 |
Weekly |
3, 9, 15, 23, 30 July 2020 6, 13, 19, 27 August 2020 3, 10, 17, 23, 30 September 2020 |
•pH •DO •SS |
YSI Professional DSS (S/N: 17B102764)
YSI Professional DSS (S/N: 15H102620)
|
|
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 14 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 at the monitoring events below due to insufficient flow:
· 9 July 2020 at all monitoring locations;
· 15 July 2020 at DP6;
· 23 July 2020 at all monitoring locations;
· 30 July 2020 at all monitoring locations;
· 13 August 2020 at DP6;
· 27 August 2020 at all monitoring locations;
· 10 September 2020 at all monitoring locations;
· 17 September 2020 at DP4 (Future, temporary);
· 23 September 2020 at all monitoring locations; and
· 30 September 2020 at all monitoring locations.
Monitoring was not conducted 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.
Action and Limit Level exceedances were recorded for surface water quality impact monitoring in the reporting period and actions in accordance with the Event and Action Plan presented in Annex F2 were undertaken. Investigation on the Action and Limit Levels exceedance was conducted and summarised in Table 2.9 below. Investigation reports of the exceedances are presented in Annex F3.
Table 2.9 Details of Exceedances Recorded for Surface Water Quality Monitoring
|
Date |
Monitoring Location |
Parameter |
Type of Exceedance |
Remarks |
|
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 |
Based on the investigation conducted for the monitoring event with potential Action and Limit Levels exceedances with the Contractor, and the IEC, the exceedances were considered non Project-related, except the SS exceedance at DP4 (Future, temporary) on 15 July 2020 and SS exceedances at DP4 (Future, temporary) and DP6 on 6 August 2020 which were found deemed to Project-related activities.
The Contractor was reminded to implement all relevant mitigation measures for the construction works and maintain good site practice. 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 22 July, 24 August and 28 September 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, 14 site inspections were carried out on 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 July, 6, 13, 20 and 27 August, 3, 10, 17, 24 and 30 September 2020.
Key observations during the site inspections are summarized in Table 2.10.
Table 2.10 Key Observations Identified during the Site Inspections in this Reporting Period
|
Inspection Date |
Environmental Observations and Recommendations |
|
2 July 2020 |
· The Contractor shall avoid accumulation of stagnant water around the site, especially near future EPD building and bioplant. · The Contractor shall lock the chemical waste cabinet at future LFG plant. |
|
9 July 2020 |
· The Contractor shall store and dispose of the general refuse, construction waste and chemical waste separately near future GVL building and near DP6 to minimise odour and pest impacts. · The Contractor shall cover the stockpile near future EPD building to minimise dust impact. · The Contractor shall maintain the silt fencing along DP3 channel near buttress and install silt fencing at the buttress end of DP4T channel to minimise direct SS runoff to the channel. |
|
16 July 2020 |
· The Contractor shall remove the general refuse and deposited silt and grit at the temporary drain along the Western site boundary near site entrance. · The Contractor shall maintain and remove the deposited silt and grit at the sediment trap regularly to ensure it is functioning efficiently. · The Contractor shall remove the general refuse accumulated at the material storage area near sediment trap and dispose of the waste regularly. |
|
23 July 2020 |
· The Contractor shall enhance watering to the site, especially to the haul road near site entrance of TKO Desalination Plant to minimise dust impact. · The Contractor shall clean up the oil spillage near the generator near Cell 1X and handle the clean-up materials as chemical waste. · The Contractor shall store the general refuse near future EPD building and DP6 in enclosed bins/ skips and dispose of the waste accumulated regularly. |
|
30 July 2020 |
· The Contractor shall store the chemical waste in the waste skip near future EPD building properly in the chemical waste cabinet and arrange chemical waste collection regularly. · The Contractor shall provide drip tray for chemical stored at future GVL building. · The Contractor shall remove the general refuse at LTP and dispose of the waste accumulated on site regularly. · The Contractor shall avoid accumulation of stagnant water at LTP and apply larvicides for mosquito control. |
|
6 August 2020 |
· The Contractor shall replace the faded NRMM label displayed on the generator near future LTP. · The Contractor shall maintain the temporary drain along Southern and Western site boundary to ensure they are functioning properly at all times. · The Contractor shall remove the construction materials stored at the temporary drain near site entrance. · The Contractor shall remove the stagnant water accumulated in the drip trays near future GVL building. · The Contractor shall enhance the surface water management around the site, especially near future LTP building and ensure all surface water is treated before discharge. · The Contractor shall avoid accumulation of stagnant water around future GVL and LFG plant. · The Contractor shall store the general refuse at future LFG plant in enclosed skips and dispose of the waste accumulated on site regularly to reduce pest and odour issues. |
|
13 August 2020 |
· The Contractor shall cover the stockpile of dusty materials near future LTP building to minimise dust impact. · The Contractor shall remove and dispose of the construction waste accumulated near future GVL building. · The Contractor shall remove the stagnant water accumulated in the drip trays near future GVL building. · The Contractor shall avoid accumulation of stagnant water at future LFG plant. |
|
20 August 2020 |
· The Contractor shall maintain the temporary drain along the Southern site boundary and the berm along the drain to ensure all surface runoff is treated before discharge. · The Contractor shall store the chemical waste in the chemical waste cabinet/ drip trays near site entrance in accordance with the Code of Practice. · The Contractor shall provide drip tray for chemical stored at FS tank. · The Contractor shall remove the stagnant water accumulated in the drip trays near future EPD building. · The Contractor shall remove the general refuse in the sediment tank near vehicle washing facilities regularly. |
|
27 August 2020 |
· The Contractor shall maintain and fix the temporary drains along the Southern and Western site boundary to ensure they are functioning properly at all times and enhance the surface water management around the site. · The Contractor shall avoid accumulation of stagnant water around the site, especially at the haul road, around future GVL building, LTP and DP6. · The Contractor shall provide drip trays for chemical stored at future GVL building, LFG plant and LTP. · The Contractor shall remove the stagnant water accumulated in the container near site entrance to minimise pest issue. |
|
3 September 2020 |
· The Contractor shall clean up the oil spill near site entrance and wheel washing facilities and handle the clean-up materials as chemical waste. · The Contractor shall provide drip trays for the chemicals stored at future GVL building. · The Contractor shall remove the deposited silt and grit and general refuse at the drains around future LTP regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. |
|
10 September 2020 |
· The Contractor shall remove the construction waste near future laboratory building and LTP and dispose of the waste accumulated on site regularly. · The Contractor shall clean up the oil spill at LTP and handle the clean-up materials as chemical waste. · The Contractor shall avoid accumulation of stagnant water around sediment trap and at LTP and install silt fencing at sediment trap to avoid direct SS runoff to the sediment trap. · The Contractor shall remove the deposited silt and grit and general refuse at the drains around future LTP regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. |
|
17 September 2020 |
· The Contractor shall remove the stagnant water accumulated in the drip trays near future GVL building and DP6 and handle the clean-up materials of the drip tray near future LFG plant as chemical waste. · The Contractor shall store the general refuse near future LTP and DP6 in enclosed bins and dispose of the waste accumulated on site regularly to minimise odour and pest issues. · The Contractor shall avoid accumulation of stagnant water and enhance surface water management around the site, especially near future guard house, GVL building, Cell 1X and vehicle washing facilities. |
|
24 September 2020 |
· The Contractor shall replace the faded NRMM labels displayed on generators near transition area and Western site boundary. · The Contractor shall clean up the oil spillage near the generator near Western site boundary and treat the clean-up materials as chemical waste. The Contractor shall also remove the deposited silt at the drip tray of the generator near Western site boundary to ensure it is functioning properly at all times. · The Contractor shall store the chemical near transition area and fluorescent tubes near site entrance separately from general refuse and dispose of as chemical waste. · The Contractor shall dispose of the waste accumulated near sump house 1 and at the refuse skip near future laboratory building regularly to minimise odour and pest issues. |
|
30 September 2020 |
· The Contractor shall provide drip trays for the chemicals stored at future EPD building, laboratory building and LTP.\ · The Contractor shall remove the stagnant water accumulated in the drip tray near future GVL building. · The Contractor shall replace the NRMM label displayed on the roller near transition area. |
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 2.11.
Table 2.11 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 2.12.
Table 2.12 Quantities of Different Waste Disposed and Imported Fill Materials
|
Month/ Year |
Inert C&D Materials (a) |
Imported Fill |
Inert Construction Waste Re-used |
Non-inert Construction Waste (c) |
Recyclable Materials (d) (in ‘000kg) |
Chemical Wastes |
|
|
Rock |
Soil |
||||||
|
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 |
|
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. One exceedance of the Limit Level for pH and seven 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 SS exceedance at DP4 (Future, temporary) on 15 July 2020 and SS exceedances at DP4 (Future, temporary) and DP6 on 6 August 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 Quarterly EM&A Report presents the findings of the EM&A activities undertaken during the period from 1 July to 30 September 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. One exceedance of the Limit Level for pH and seven 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 SS exceedance at DP4 (Future, temporary) on 15 July 2020 and SS exceedances at DP4 (Future, temporary) and DP6 on 6 August 2020 which were found deemed to Project-related activities.
Fourteen 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.