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

 

 

Executive Summary

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

This Quarterly EM&A report presents the EM&A works carried out during the period from 2 January to 31 March 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 was recorded for construction air quality monitoring in the reporting period.

Exceedance of Action and Limit Levels for Noise

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

Exceedance of Action and Limit Levels for Surface Water Quality

One Limit Level of pH exceedance and two Limit Level of Suspended Solids (SS) exceedances were recorded for surface water quality impact monitoring in the reporting period.  The exceedances were considered not Project-related upon further investigation.

Environmental Complaints, Summons and Prosecutions

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

Reporting Change

There was no reporting change in the reporting period.


1                                              Introduction

1.1                                        Background

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

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

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

1.2                                        Project Description

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

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

Table 1.1        Estimated Key Dates of Implementation Programme

Key Stage of the Project

Indicative Date

Start construction

2 January 2019

Commissioning of new infrastructure facilities

2020

Demolition of existing infrastructure facilities

2021

Start waste intake at SENTX

2021 or upon exhaustion of SENT Landfill

Estimated exhaustion date of SENTX

2027

End of aftercare for SENTX

2057

The major construction works of the SENTX includes:

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

·         Construction of surface and groundwater drainage systems;

·         Construction of the leachate containment and collection systems;

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

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

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

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

1.3                                        Scope of the EM&A Report

This is the Quarterly EM&A Report for the Project which summarises the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 2 January to 31 March 2019 for the construction works.

1.4                                        Project Organisation

The organization 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, details of the major works carried out in this reporting period are listed below:

January 2019

Ÿ   Site entrance establishment;

Ÿ   Installation of chain link fence;

Ÿ   Site formation of landfill Cell 1 & 2;

Ÿ   Site clearance of landfill Cell 1 & 2 and sediment pit;

Ÿ   Site formation of infrastructure area; and

Ÿ   Construction of perimeter bund.

February 2019

·             Construction of perimeter bund;

·             Site clearance;

·             Erection of fencing;

·             Plate load test at Leachate Treatment Plant (LTP); and

·             DP4 channel improvement works.

March 2019

·             Erection of site fencing;

·             Construction of perimeter bund – Cell 1X;

·             Excavation of sediment trap and inlet box culvert X9;

·             Formation of new Infrastructure Area;

·             Plate load test for new Infrastructure Area;

·             Remediation works for DP4 Channel; and

·             Advance screen planting.

The environmental mitigation implementation schedule 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 summarized as below:

Ÿ   Three environmental management meetings were held with the Contractor, ER, ET, IEC and EPD on 17 January, 14 February and 14 March 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; and

Ÿ   Vehicle Maintenance Practices on 26 March 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 mitigation measures are presented in Table 1.4

Table 1.4        Status of Submissions and Implementation Status of Mitigation Measures under EP

EP Condition

Submission / Implementation Status

Status

2.3

Management Organisation of Main Construction Companies

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

Accepted by EPD on 10 January 2019.

2.6

Submission of Restoration and Ecological Enhancement Plan

To be prepared within 6 months after the commencement of construction of the Project.

2.7

Setting up of Trial Nursery

To be set up during construction phase.

2.8

Advance Screen Planting

To be completed within 9 months of taking procession of the Project Site.

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 environmental permit, water discharge license, registration as chemical waste producer and construction noise permit, which are valid in the reporting period are presented in Table 1.5.  No non-compliance with environmental statutory requirements was recorded. 

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 Water Pollution Control Ordinance (Permit Holder: Chun Wo)

-

Application submitted on 19 June 2018

Billing Account for Disposal of Construction Waste

 

Chit Account Number: 5001692

Approved on 28 December 2005

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

5213-839-C3507-10

Issued on 23 August 2018

Construction Noise Permit (Permit Holder: Chun Wo)

GW-RE0002-19

Validity from 8 January 2019 to 1 July 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 summarized 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.  As there are two existing TSP monitoring stations (i.e. TKO-A1 and TKO-A2a) currently operating by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) to monitor the 24-hour TSP levels at the proposed dust monitoring stations for the SENTX, it is considered that the CEDD monitoring data can represent the dust condition of the SENTX during the construction phase.

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 summarized 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

4, 10, 16, 22, 28 January 2019

3, 9, 15, 21, 27 February 2019

5, 11, 17, 23, 29 March 2019

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 monitoring results for 24-hour TSP are summarized in Table 2.3.  The detailed monitoring results and the graphical presentation of the 24-hour TSP 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

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 were below the Action and Limit Levels at the monitoring locations in the reporting period.  No action is thus required to be undertaken 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 relocated to a new position for SENTX as per the updated EM&A Manual after the new infrastructure area at the SENTX is constructed.  It is considered that meteorological data obtained at the existing the on-site meteorological monitoring station are representative of the Project area and could be used for the construction phase dust monitoring programme for the Project.

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 Level for construction noise of the Project is 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 sound level meter 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

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 January 2019

8, 13, 20, 27 February 2019

7, 13, 22, 28 March 2019

Sound Level Meter: B&K 2238 (S/N: 2285722)

 

Acoustic Calibrator: Quest QC-20 (S/N: QO9090006)

3M AC-300

(S/N:

AC300006213)

 

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

Results for noise monitoring are summarized in Table 2.6.  The monitoring results and the graphical presentation of the data are provided 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

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

No Action and Limit Levels exceedance was recorded for construction noise monitoring in the reporting period.  No action is thus required to be undertaken 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. 

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 under 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

DP3

Surface water discharge point DP3

Weekly

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 January 2019

8, 13, 20, 27 February 2019

8, 13, 22, 28 March 2019

•pH

•DO

•SS

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

DP4

Surface water discharge point DP4

DP6

Surface water discharge point DP6

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 13 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 in January and February 2019 and on 22 and 28 March 2019 at all monitoring locations, on 8 March 2019 at DP6 and on 13 March 2019 at DP4 and DP6 and due to insufficient flow.  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.  Investigations on the Action and Limit Levels exceedances were conducted and summarized in Table 2.9 below.

Table 2.9      Details of Exceedances Recorded for Surface Water Quality Monitoring

Date

Monitoring Location

Parameter

Type of Exceedance

Remarks

8 March 2019

DP3

pH

Limit Level

The absence of construction works at the upstream of and in the vicinity of DP3 and DP4 might suggest that the exceedance at DP3 and DP4 are deemed to activities that are not related to the Project.

8 March 2019

DP3

SS

Limit Level

8 March 2019

DP4

SS

Limit Level

 

Based on the preliminary 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.  Nevertheless, 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 17 January, 13 February and 21 March 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 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 identify the topsoil to be generated from the construction works and plan for the storage and re-use of the topsoil where practical.  The Contractor shall consider the mitigation measures during the design phase, including the preparation of the Construction Drawings and Detailed Landscape Design Drawings.  In addition, the Contractor was reminded to complete the advance screen planting works within 9 months of taking possession of the SENT Site (i.e. by September 2019).

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, 13 site inspections were carried out on 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 January, 8, 14, 21 and 28 February and 7, 14, 21 and 28 March 2019.

Key observations during the site inspections are summarized in Table 2.10.

Table 2.10       Key Observations Identified during the Site Inspection in this Reporting Month

Inspection Date

Environmental Observations and Recommendations

3 January 2019

·             The Contractor shall display a NRMM label to the excavator at Cell 1 Area.

·             Sandbags shall be placed on the netting next to the buttress wall.

·             A proper drip tray shall be provided near the Chun Wo’s vehicle entrance.

·             A temporary wheel washing facility at the Chun Wo’s vehicle entrance/ exit shall be provided.

10 January 2019

·             The Contractor shall clean up the oil stain near the Chun Wo’s vehicle entrance and dispose of it as chemical waste.

17 January 2019

·             The Cell 1 and Cell 2 areas were generally observed dry despite regular watering by water trucks was provided.  Fugitive dust emission was observed when vehicles passed by. The Contractor shall enhance watering to the Site, especially the working areas such as the excavation works.

·             The Contractor shall display a NRMM label to the roller at Cell 1 area.

24 January 2019

·             The Site was generally observed dry despite regular watering by water trucks on the main haul road was provided.  Fugitive dust emission was observed under strong winds. The Contractor shall enhance watering to the Site (e.g. increase the frequency of watering or install sprinklers), especially the working areas.

·             A proper drip tray shall be provided at X1 area.

31 January 2019

·             The Contractor shall cover or water any stockpile of dusty materials to ensure the entire surface is wet.

8 February 2019

·             -

14 February 2019

·             The Contractor shall display a NRMM label to the roller at Cell X1 perimeter bund.

·             The Contractor shall display chemical labels to the chemicals and keep daily record of the WetSep near the Chun Wo’s vehicle entrance.

·             The Contractor shall display chemical label to the chemical at wheel washing facilities.

·             The Contractor shall clear the general refuse near the Chun Wo’s vehicle entrance.

21 February 2019

·             The Contractor shall remove the wash-water at the wheel washing facilities regularly to avoid overflow.

·             The Contractor shall keep the road near the vehicle exit clear of dusty materials.

·             The Contractor shall clear the general refuse at Cell X1 west.

28 February 2019

·             The Contractor shall conduct activities related to dusty materials, i.e. handling of cement in an enclosed area to avoid fugitive dust emission.

·             The Contractor shall remove the wash-water and silt at the wheel washing facilities regularly to avoid overflow.

·             The Contractor shall clear the general refuse at Cell X1 perimeter bund.

7 March 2019

·             The Contractor shall maintain the slit trap at DP6 channel.

·             The Contractor shall clear the general refuse near the Chun Wo’s vehicle entrance and DP6.

14 March 2019

·             The Contractor shall minimize and compact the exposed soil near the DP6 channel to avoid SS runoff to the water channel.

21 March 2019

·             The Contractor shall implement dust control measures when conducting activities related to dusty materials (i.e. handling of sawdust).

28 March 2019

·             The Contractor shall avoid accumulation of stagnant water in the drip trays in Cell X1 area and near DP6.

The Contractor has rectified all of the observations identified during environmental site inspections in the reporting period.

2.6                                        Waste Management Status

The Contractor has registered as 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 Generated 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

Notes:

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

(b)      Non-inert construction wastes include general refuse disposed at landfill. Density assumption: 0.9 (kg/L) 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

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 Limit Level of pH exceedance and two Limit Level of Suspended Solids (SS) exceedances were recorded for surface water quality impact monitoring in the reporting period.  The exceedances were considered not Project-related upon further investigation.

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 2 January to 31 March 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.  One Limit Level of pH exceedance and two Limit Level of Suspended Solids (SS) exceedances were recorded for surface water quality impact monitoring in the reporting period.  The exceedances were considered not Project-related upon further investigation.

Thirteen environmental site inspections were carried out during the reporting period.  Recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractor for the deficiencies identified during the site inspections.

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

It is noted that the 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.  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