In March 2005, the Project Proponent, Profit
Point Enterprises Limited, acquired the development site in Yuen Long at
Wo Shang Wai. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was carried out under the
EIA Ordinance (EIAO) since then and the Environmental Permit (EP-311/2008B) for
construction of the comprehensive development in Wo Shang Wai was granted by
EPD on 29 July 2010. The Project involves the residential development and associated
infrastructure and wetland restoration area and linear
landscape area. The construction works under the Environmental Permit commenced
on 12 May 2010.
Heng Shung
Construction Co. Ltd. was commissioned as the Contractor for the Project. Mott
MacDonald Hong Kong Ltd. (“MMHK”)
has been commissioned by Heng Shung Construction Co. Ltd. to undertake the
Environmental Team (ET) services to carry out
environmental monitoring and audit (EM&A) for
both pre-construction and construction phases of the
Proposed Comprehensive Development at Wo Shang Wai, Yuen Long.
According to the EP Condition 4.5,
the monthly EM&A Report shall be submitted to the Director within 2 weeks
after the end of the reporting month. This report summarises the findings
during the period from 1 September
to 30 September 2010.
The
organisation chart and lines of communication with respect to the on-site
environmental management structure together with the contact information of the
key personnel are shown in Appendix A.
During the reporting period, construction works
of the Project undertaken include:
¡
Site formation for Wetland Restoration Area (WRA);
¡
Band
drain work preparation; and
¡
Temporary drainage work
The Construction Works Programme of the
Project is provided in Appendix B. The
general layout plan of the Project site is shown in Figure 1.1.
The
EM&A programme requires environmental monitoring of air quality, noise,
water quality, ecology and
landscape and visual as specified in the approved EM&A Manual.
A
summary of impact EM&A requirements is presented in Table 1.1:
Table
1.1: Summary of
Impact EM&A Requirements
|
Parameters
|
Descriptions
|
Locations
|
Frequencies
|
|
Air Quality
|
24-Hour
TSP
|
ASR1,
ASR2A, ASR3, ASR4
|
Once
every 6 days
|
|
1-Hour
TSP
|
ASR1,
ASR2A, ASR3, ASR4
|
3
times every 6 days
|
|
Noise
|
Leq, 30min
|
NSR1,
NSR3, NSR5, NSR7
|
Weekly
|
|
Water Quality
|
Dissolved
Oxygen (DO), temperature, pH, suspended solids (SS) and Biological Oxygen
Demand (BOD)
|
MP1
to MP6
|
3
days per week
|
|
Ecology
|
Birds
|
Within
the Project Area and Assessment Area of 500m
|
Weekly
|
|
Dragonflies and Butterflies
|
Within
the Project Area and Assessment Area of 500m
|
Once
per month during Mar and Sep to November, and twice per month during Apr to
Aug
|
|
Herpetofauna
|
Within
the Project Area and Assessment Area of 500m
|
Once
per month during Apr to Nov
|
|
Water
quality of WRA
|
Wetland
Restoration Area
|
After
filling of WRA with water, monthly for in situ water quality and every size
months (end of wet season and end of dry season) for laboratory testing
|
|
Site
Inspections
|
Within
the Project Area and Assessment Area of 500m
|
Weekly
|
|
Landscape and Visual
|
Auditing of protection of existing trees,
the transplanting of existing trees, the creation of new wetland, the
planting of new trees and shrubs and other landscape and visual mitigation
measures
|
CM1
to CM10 and OM1 to OM7 within the Project Area
|
Site inspections once every two weeks
during construction phase; once every two months during operational phase
|
The
Environmental Quality Performance Limits for air quality, noise and water
quality are shown in Appendix
C.
The
Event and Action Plan for air quality, noise
and water quality are shown in Appendix D.
The monitoring schedule for the reporting
month is shown in Table 1.2 below:
Table 1.2: Environmental
Monitoring and Audit Schedule for September 2010
For air
quality, construction noise and water quality, ecology,
landscape and visual monitoring methodology, including the monitoring
locations, monitoring equipments used, monitoring parameters, and frequency and
duration etc., are detailed in this Chapter.
In accordance with the EM&A Manual,
1-hour and 24-hour TSP levels monitoring
are to be conducted
during the construction phase. Table
2.1 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of air
quality monitoring.
Table 2.1: Air Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration
|
Monitoring Stations
|
Parameter
|
Frequency and Duration
|
|
ASR1, ASR2A, ASR3 & ASR4
|
24-hour TSP
|
At least once in every six-days
|
|
1-hour TSP
|
3 times every six-days
|
2.2.2
Monitoring Locations
The
4 air quality monitoring stations were established in the EM&A manual and
were slightly adjusted during the baseline monitoring phase. Locations of the
agreed air quality monitoring stations are listed in Table 2.2 and as shown in Figure
2.1.
Table 2.2: Air monitoring
stations
|
Monitoring Stations
|
Locations
|
|
ASR1
|
Works Site Boundary
|
|
ASR2A
|
At the rooftop of refuse collection point, which
is located at the southwest of the project area
|
|
ASR3
|
At the commercial centre at Palm Springs, which is located at the south
of the project area
|
|
ASR4
|
Works Site Boundary
|
Continuous 24-hour TSP air quality
monitoring is
conducted using High Volume Sampler (HVS) (Model: GMWS-2310 Accu-vol). The HVS
meets all the requirements of the EM&A Manual. Portable direct reading dust
meters were used to carry out the 1-hour TSP monitoring. Table 2.3 summarizes the equipment used in the impact
air quality monitoring.
Table 2.3: TSP Monitoring Equipment
|
Equipment
|
Model
|
|
24-hr TSP monitoring
|
|
High Volume
Sampler
|
GMWS 2310
Accu-vol
|
|
Calibrator
|
GMW 25
|
|
1-hr TSP monitoring
|
|
Portable direct
reading dust meter
|
8520 Dust Track
Aerosol Monitor
|
2.2.4
Monitoring Methodology
24-hour
TSP Monitoring
Installation
The
HVS was installed in the vicinity of the air sensitive receiver. The following criteria were considered in the
installation of the HVS.
·
A horizontal platform with appropriate support
to secure the sampler against gusty wind was provided.
·
The distance between the HVS and any obstacles,
such as buildings, was at least twice the height that the obstacle protrudes
above the HVS.
·
A minimum of 2 meters separation from walls,
parapets and penthouse was required for rooftop sampler.
·
A minimum of 2 meters separation from any
supporting structure, measured horizontally was required.
·
No furnace or incinerator flues or building vent
were nearby.
·
Airflow around the sampler was unrestricted.
·
The sampler has been more than 20 metres from
any drip line.
·
Permission was obtained to set up the samplers
and to obtain access to the monitoring stations.
·
A secured supply of electricity is needed to
operate the samplers.
Preparation of Filter Papers
·
Glass fibre filters, were labelled and
sufficient filters that were clean and without pinholes were selected.
·
All filters were equilibrated in the
conditioning environment for 24 hours before weighing. The conditioning
environment temperature was around 25 °C and not variable by more than ±3 °C
with relative humidity (RH) < 50% and was not variable by more than ±5
%. A convenient working RH was 40%.
Field Monitoring
·
The power supply was checked to ensure the HVS
works properly.
·
The filter holder and the area surrounding the
filter were cleaned.
·
The filter holder was removed by loosening the
four bolts and a new filter, with stamped number upward, on a supporting screen
was aligned carefully.
·
The filter was properly aligned on the screen so
that the gasket formed an airtight seal on the outer edges of the filter.
·
The swing bolts were fastened to hold the filter
holder down to the frame. The pressure
applied should be sufficient to avoid air leakage at the edges.
·
The shelter lid was closed and was secured with
the aluminium strip.
·
The HVS was warmed-up for about 5 minutes to
establish run-temperature conditions.
·
A new flow rate record sheet was set into the
flow recorder.
·
The flow rate of the HVS was checked and
adjusted at around 1.1 m3/min. The range specified in the EM&A
Manual was between 0.6-1.7 m3/min.
·
The programmable timer was set for a sampling
period of 24 hrs + 1 hr, and the starting time, weather condition and the
filter number were recorded.
·
The initial elapsed time was recorded.
·
At the end of sampling, the sampled filter was
removed carefully and folded in half length so that only surfaces with
collected particulate matter were in contact.
·
It was then placed in a clean plastic envelope
and sealed.
·
All monitoring information was recorded on a
standard data sheet.
·
Filters were sent to a HOKLAS accredited
laboratory for analysis.
Maintenance and Calibration
·
The HVS and its accessories are maintained in
good working condition, such as replacing motor brushes routinely and checking
electrical wiring to ensure a continuous power supply.
·
HVSs were calibrated prior to the commencement
of baseline monitoring.
·
Calibration records for HVSs are shown in Appendix E.
1-hour
TSP Monitoring
Field Monitoring
The
measuring procedures of the 1-hour dust meter are in accordance with the
Manufacturer’s Instruction Manual as follows:
·
Set POWER to “ON”, push BATTERY
button, make sure that the meter’s indicator is in the range with a red line
and allow the instrument to stand for about 3 minutes (Then, the air sampling
inlet has been capped).
·
Push the knob at MEASURE position.
·
Push “O-ADJ” button. (Then meter’s indication is
0).
·
Push the knob at SENSI ADJ position and set the
meter’s indication to S value described on the Test Report using the trimmer
for SENSI ADJ.
·
Pull out the knob and return it to MEASURE
position.
·
Push “START” button.
Maintenance and Calibration
·
The 1-hour dust meter would be checked at 3-month
intervals and calibrated at 1-year intervals throughout all stages of the air
quality baseline monitoring.
·
Calibration records for HVS and direct dust
meters are shown in Appendix
E.
2.3.1
Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration
Following
the requirements in the EM&A Manual for noise, noise monitoring has to be carried out during the construction phase. Continuous noise monitoring for the
A-weighted levels Leq, L10 and L90 is undertaken once per every week.
Table 2.4
summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of air quality
monitoring.
Table 2.4: Noise Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration
|
Monitoring Stations
|
Parameter
|
Frequency and Duration
|
|
NSR1, NSR3, NSR5, NSR7
|
Leq, L90 & L10
|
Once every week
|
2.3.2
Monitoring Locations
The
4 noise
quality monitoring stations were established in the EM&A manual and were
slightly adjusted during the baseline monitoring phase. Locations of the agreed
noise
quality monitoring stations are listed in Table
2.5 and as shown in Figure
2.2.
Table 2.5: Noise monitoring
stations
|
Monitoring Stations
|
Locations
|
Type of measurement
|
|
NSR1
|
Noise monitoring equipment was set up near the
boundary wall at Palm Springs.
|
Free-field
|
|
NSR3
|
The monitoring station was located next to the
guard house at Palm Springs.
|
Facade
|
|
NSR5
|
The monitoring station was located within the work
site boundary.
|
Free-field
|
|
NSR7
|
The monitoring station was located near the
boundary wall of the house of Mai Po San Tsuen.
|
Free-field
|
2.3.3
Monitoring Equipments
Integrating
Sound Level Meter will be used
for noise monitoring. It is a
Type 1 sound level meter capable of giving a continuous readout of the noise
level readings including equivalent continuous sound pressure level (Leq)
and percentile sound pressure level (Lx). They comply with
International Electrotechnical Commission Publications 651:1979 (Type 1) and
804:1985 (Type 1). Table 2.6
summarizes the noise monitoring equipment model being used.
Table 2.6: Noise Monitoring Equipment
|
Monitoring locations
|
Equipment Model
|
|
Integrating Sound
Level Meter
|
Calibrator
|
|
NSR1
|
Rion NL-31
|
BK Type 4231
|
|
NSR3
|
|
NSR5
|
|
NSR7
|
2.3.4
Monitoring Methodology
Field Monitoring
·
The Sound Level Meter was set on a tripod at a
height of at least 1.2 m above the ground.
·
Façade and free-field measurements were made at
the monitoring locations.
·
The battery condition was checked to ensure the
correct functioning of the meter.
·
Parameters such as frequency weighting, the time
weighting and the measurement time were set as follows:
- frequency
weighting: A
- time
weighting: Fast
- time
measurement: 30 minutes intervals (between 0700 and 1900)
·
Prior to and after each noise measurement, the
meter was calibrated using a Calibrator for 94 dB at 1 kHz. If the difference in the calibration level
before and after measurement was more than 1 dB, the measurement would be
considered invalid has to be repeated after re-calibration or repair of the
equipment.
·
During the monitoring period, the Leq,
L10 and L90 were recorded. In addition, any site observations and noise
sources were recorded on a standard record sheet.
Maintenance and Calibration
·
The microphone head of the sound level meter and
calibrator is cleaned with soft cloth at quarterly intervals.
·
The meter and calibrator are sent to the
supplier or HOKLAS laboratory to check and calibrate at yearly intervals.
·
Calibration records are shown in Appendix E.
2.4.1
Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration
In
accordance with the requirements in the EM&A Manual for water quality, water quality parameters including Dissolved Oxygen
(DO), temperature, pH, turbidity, suspended solids (SS) and Biochemical Oxygen
Demand (BOD) have to be monitored at designated monitoring stations during
construction of the Project. DO, temperature and
pH were measured in-situ whereas SS and BOD were analysed in a laboratory. The measurements should be taken at all designated monitoring
stations, 3 days per week. The interval between any two sets of monitoring was
not less than 36 hours. Table 2.7 summarizes
the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of water quality monitoring.
Table 2.7: Water Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration
|
Monitoring Stations
|
Parameter
|
Frequency and Duration
|
|
MP1, MP2, MP3, MP4, MP5
& MP6
|
DO, temperature, pH, SS,
turbidity, BOD
|
Three days every week
|
2.4.2
Monitoring Locations
The
6 water quality monitoring stations were
established in the EM&A manual. Locations of the agreed water quality monitoring stations are listed in
Table 2.8
and as shown in Figure
2.3.
Table 2.8: Water quality monitoring stations
|
Monitoring Stations
|
Easting
|
Northing
|
|
MP1
|
838 730.50
|
822 862.25
|
|
MP2
|
838 933.26
|
823 247.41
|
|
MP3
|
839 107.17
|
823 596.84
|
|
MP4
|
839 286.14
|
823 638.55
|
|
MP5
|
839 134.35
|
823 722.99
|
|
MP6
|
839 063.02
|
823 842.25
|
2.4.3
Monitoring Equipments
The
Water Quality Monitoring Equipments and Analytical Methods applied to Water
Quality Samples are given in Table 2.9
and Table 2.10
respectively. Details of which are discussed below.
Table 2.9: Water Quality Monitoring Equipments
|
Equipment
|
Model
|
Equipment /Serial Number
|
|
Dissolved oxygen, temperature & pH Measuring Meter
|
YSI Professional Plus
|
09K100735
|
|
Turbidimeter
|
Hach 2100Q
|
09120C000514
|
|
Global Positioning System (GPS)
|
Garmin eTrex
Vista
|
ENO 007
|
Table 2.10: Analytical Methods applied to Water Quality Samples
|
Determinant, unit
|
Standard Method
|
|
Total Suspended Solids, mg/L
|
In house method based on APHA 2540D; ALS Method Code: EA-025
|
|
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), mg/L
|
In house method based on APHA 5210B; ALS Method Code: EP-030
|
All
in-situ monitoring instruments were checked, calibrated and certified by a
laboratory accredited
under HOKLAS or any other international accreditation scheme before use.
Dissolved
Oxygen (DO), temperature and pH measuring equipment
A
portable, weatherproof multiparameter instrument YSI 556 MPS was used in the baseline
monitoring. It can be capable for measuring dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and
temperature simultaneously with the following limits:
·
a dissolved oxygen level in the range of 0-50
mg/L and 0-500 % saturation;
·
a temperature of -5 to 45 degree Celsius; and
·
pH value of 0-14 with 0.1 as the base unit.
Turbidity
Measurement Instrument
Portable
and weatherproof turbidity meter (HACH model 2100P) was used during impact monitoring. It has a photoelectric sensor
capable of measuring turbidity between 0-1000 NTU. Response of the sensor was checked
with certified standard turbidity solutions before the start of measurement.
Global
Positioning System
A
hand-held GPS navigator (Garmin eTrex Vista) was used to identify the designated monitoring stations prior to water sampling.
Suspended Solids and BOD Measurements (Sample
Containers and Storage)
Water samples for SS analysis were stored in
high density polythene bottles with no preservative added, packed in ice
(cooled to 4oC without being frozen), delivered to the laboratory,
and analysed as soon as possible after collection. Analysis was carried out in a
HOKLAS accredited laboratory.
Detection Limit
The limits of
detection for the in-situ and laboratory measurements are shown in Table
2.11.
Table 2.11: Detection
Limits for Water Quality Determinants
|
Determinant
|
Limit of Detection
|
|
Dissolved Oxygen
|
0.1 mg/L
|
|
Temperature
|
0.1
degree Celsius
|
|
pH
|
0.01 unit
|
|
Turbidity
|
0.1 NTU
|
|
Suspended Solids
|
1 mg/L
|
|
BOD
|
2 mg/L
|
2.4.4
Monitoring Methodology
In situ measurement
All pH meters, DO/ temperature meters had
been checked and calibrated prior to use. Standard buffer solution of at least
2 pH levels (either pH 4 and pH 7 or pH 7 and pH 10) had been used for
calibration of the instrument before and after use.
DO meters had been calibrated by a laboratory
accredited under HOKLAS or any other international accreditation scheme, and
subsequently re-calibrated at 3 monthly intervals throughout all stages of the
water quality monitoring. Responses of sensors and electrodes had been checked
with certified standard solutions before each use. Wet bulb calibrations for
all DO meters had been carried out before measurement at each monitoring location.
For the on site calibration of field equipment, BS 127:1993, "Guide to
field and on-site test methods for the analysis of waters" had been
observed.
Measurements shall be at 3 water depths,
namely, 1m below water surface, mid-depth and 1m above stream bed/pond bed,
except where the water depth less that 6m, the mid-depth
station maybe omitted. Should the water depth be less than 3m, only the
mid-depth station will be monitored.
Replicates in-situ measurements and samples
collected from each independent monitoring event are required for all
parameters to ensure a robust statistically interpretable dataset.
Water Samples Preparation and Analysis
For collection of water sampling within the
water courses, a 500ml clean plastic beaker was used. After collection, the
water samples were stored in high-density polythene bottles. The sample
container was rinsed with a portion
of the water sample. The water sample was then transferred to the container,
labelled with a unique sample ID and sealed with a
screw cap. The water samples were stored in a cool box maintained
at 4oC. The water samples were then delivered to a local
HOKLAS-accredited laboratory (ALS) on
the same day for analysis.
The testing methods of testing parameters as
recommended by EIA or required by EPD,
with the QA/QC results are in accordance with the requirement of HOKLAS or
international accredited scheme.
The calibration certificates for equipments used for in-situ
monitoring of water quality are attached in Appendix E.
2.5.1
Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration
Target species and certain other fauna will
be monitored within the Project Area and Assessment Area during the wetland and
residential construction phase. This will be important to ensure that any
unexpected events or impacts either on- or off-site are quickly identified so
that remedial action can be taken. The
groups to be monitored and frequency of monitoring are shown in Table 2.12.
Table 2.12: Summary of Construction Phase Ecological Monitoring
for the Wo Shang Wai WRA
|
|
Construction
Phase Ecological Monitoring
|
|
Birds
|
Weekly (including Assessment
Area).
|
|
Dragonflies and Butterflies
|
Once per month during March
and September to November, and twice per month during April to August.
|
|
Herpetofauna
|
Once per month during April
to November.
|
|
Water Quality
|
After filling of WRA with
water, monthly for in situ water
quality and every six months (end of the wet season and end of the dry
season) for laboratory testing.
|
|
Site Inspections
|
Weekly.
|
2.5.2
Monitoring Locations
and Methodology
Ecological
monitoring locations during
construction phase are shown in Figure 4.1 and the methodology for ecological monitoring
is detailed in Section 4.
2.6.1
Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration
All measures undertaken by
both the Contractor and the specialist Landscape Sub-Contractor during the
construction phase and first year of the operational phase shall be audited by
a Registered Landscape Architect, as a member of the ET, on a regular basis to
ensure compliance with the intended aims of the measures. Site inspections should be undertaken at
least once every two weeks throughout the construction period and once every
two months during the operational phase.
The broad
scope of audit is detailed below but should also be undertaken with reference
to the more specific checklist provided in Table
2.13 below. Operational phase auditing will be restricted to the last 12
months of the establishment works of the landscaping proposals and thus only
the items below concerning this period are relevant to the operational phase.
·
The extent of the agreed works area should be regularly
checked during the construction phase. Any trespass by the Contractor outside
the limit of the works, including any damage to existing trees and woodland
shall be noted;
·
The progress of the engineering works should be regularly
reviewed on site to identify the earliest practical opportunities for the
landscape works to be undertaken;
·
All existing vegetation, streams and other features within
the study area which are not directly affected by the works are retained and
protected;
·
The methods of protecting existing vegetation proposed by the
Contractor are acceptable and enforced;
·
Preparation, lifting transport and re-planting operations for
any transplanted trees;
·
The layout, design and construction of buildings conforms to
requirements specified in the EIA report;
·
All landscaping works are carried out in accordance with the
EIA recommendations and with specifications;
·
The planting of new trees, shrubs, groundcover, climbers,
grasses and other plans, together with the replanting of any transplanted trees
are carried out properly and within the right season;
·
All necessary horticultural operations and replacement
planting are undertaken throughout the Establishment Period to ensure the
healthy establishment and growth of both transplanted trees and all newly
establishment plants.
Table 2.13: Construction and Operation
Phase Audit Checklist
|
Area of Works
|
Items to be Monitored
|
|
Works Area
|
Check the extent of the Works to ensure that the Works Area
is not exceeded
|
|
Protection of all trees and woodland blocks to be retained
|
Identification and demarcation of trees / vegetation to be
retained, erection of physical protection (e.g. fencing), monitoring against
possible incursion, physical damage, fire, pollution, surface erosion, etc.
|
|
Streams
|
Ensure no run-off into existing streams
|
|
Clearance of existing vegetation
|
Identification and demarcation of trees / vegetation to be
cleared, checking of extent of works to minimize damage, monitoring of
adjacent areas against possible incursion, physical damage, fire, pollution,
surface erosion, etc.
|
|
Transplanting of trees
|
Identification and demarcation of trees / vegetation to be
transplanted, monitoring of extent of pruning / lifting works to minimize
damage, timing of operations implementation of all stages of preparatory and
translocation works, and maintenance of transplanted vegetation, etc.
|
|
Topsoil stripping
|
Ensuring existing topsoil is stripped and stored under
recognized good practice and is hydroseeded and regularly turned to prevent
anaerobic conditions
|
|
New buildings
|
Ensure that building finishes accord with mitigation
proposals with regard to colour and albedo.
|
|
Boundaries
|
Ensuring hoarding are erected as required
|
|
Noise Barrier
|
Ensure noise barrier design accords with the mitigation
proposals with regard to location, materials and finishes.
|
|
Night-time lighting
|
Ensuring night-time lighting is directional, hooded and
shielded away from VSRs
|
|
Plant supply
|
Monitoring of operations relating to the supply of specialist
plant material (including the collecting, germination and growth of plants
from seed) to ensure that plants will be available in time to be used within
the construction works.
|
|
Landscape and wetland treatments generally
|
Check that wetland, and hard / soft landscape designs
conform to intent of mitigation measures and agreed designs
|
|
Soiling, planting, etc.
|
Monitoring of implementation and maintenance of soiling and
planting works against possible incursion, physical damage, fire, pollution,
surface erosion, etc.
|
|
Establishment Works
|
Monitoring of implementation of maintenance operation
during Establishment Period
|
2.6.2
Monitoring Locations
The monitoring locations should check
against the mitigation measures proposed under the approved Environmental
Impact Assessment, which are summarised as follows:
Table 2.14: Proposed Construction Phase
Mitigation Measures
|
ID No.
|
Landscape and Visual
Mitigation Measure
|
|
CM1
|
The construction area and contractor’s temporary works
areas should be minimised to avoid impacts on adjacent landscape.
|
|
CM2
|
Screening of construction works by hoardings/noise barriers
around Works area in visually unobtrusive colours, to screen Works.
|
|
CM3
|
Reduction of construction period to practical minimum.
|
|
CM4
|
Topsoil, where identified, should be stripped and stored
for re-use in the construction of the soft landscape works, where the soil
material meets acceptable criteria and where practical. The Contract Specification shall include
storage and reuse of topsoil as appropriate.
|
|
CM5
|
Hydroseeding or sheeting of soil stockpiles with visually
unobtrusive material (in earth tone).
|
|
CM6
|
Advance screen planting to noise barriers.
|
|
CM7
|
Control night-time lighting and glare by hooding all
lights.
|
|
CM8
|
Ensure no run-off into streams adjacent to Project Area.
|
|
CM9
|
Protection of existing trees on boundary of project area
shall be carefully protected during construction. Detailed Tree Protection Specification
shall be provided in the Contract Specification. Under this specification,
the Contractor shall be required to submit, for approval, a detailed working
method statement for the protection of trees prior to undertaking any works
adjacent to all retained trees, including trees in contractor’s works areas. (Tree protection measures will be detailed
at S16 and Tree Removal Application stage).
|
|
CM10
|
Trees unavoidably affected by the works shall be
transplanted where practical. Trees
should be transplanted straight to their destinations and not held in a nursery. A detailed Tree Transplanting Specification
shall be provided in the Contract Specification, if applicable. Sufficient
time for necessary tree root and crown preparation periods shall be allowed
in the project programme.
|
Table 2.15: Proposed Operation Phase
Mitigation Measures
|
ID
No.
|
Landscape
Mitigation Measure
|
|
OM1
|
Compensatory Tree Planting for all felled trees shall be
provided to the satisfaction of relevant Government departments. Required numbers and locations of
compensatory trees shall be determined and agreed separately with Government
during the Tree Felling Application process under ETWBTC 3/2006.
|
|
OM2
|
A continuous belt of screen planting along southern
perimeter of project area with fast growing tree species. At least 450 trees capable of reaching a
height > 10m within 10 years should be planted. Planting of the belt of trees shall be
carried out as advance works ahead of other site formation and building
works.
|
|
OM3
|
Maximise soft landscape and amenity water bodies in
residential areas of the development.
Approximately 750 of trees (of Heavy Standard size) should be
planted. Where space permits, roadside
berms should be created. Street trees should be of species that reach a
mature height of no less than 15m.
|
|
OM4
|
Maximise freshwater habitat wetland creation consistent
with achieving other parameters. Min
4.74 ha to be provided. Wetlands must
have natural edge profiles with >1m wide emergent zone. No access to the wetland by residents and
all wetlands must be screened from residential development by a continuous
tree screen at interface with residential development or earth mounding such
that disturbance is minimised. Implementation of the wetland shall be carried
out as advance works.
|
|
OM5
|
Use appropriate (visually unobtrusive and non-reflective)
building materials and colours in built structures.
|
|
OM6
|
During detailed design, refine building layout to create a
min 10m wide gap between buildings north of Wo Shang Wai pond and also two
min 10m wide gaps in the row of buildings adjacent to Royal Palms.
|
|
OM7
|
Streetscape elements (e.g. paving, signage, street
furniture, lighting etc.) shall be sensitively designed in a manner that
responds to the local context, and minimises potential negative landscape and
visual impacts. Lighting units should
be directional and minimise unnecessary light spill.
|
Impact
monitoring for air quality (dust), noise and water quality due to the
construction work were undertaken during the reporting month in compliance with
the EM&A manual in the reporting period. Regular site inspections were
carried out on 2, 7, 16,
24 and 29 September 2010 in the reporting month to assess the compliance
with environmental requirements.
3.2.1.1
1-hr TSP
Results
of 1-hour TSP at the four monitoring locations are summarised in Table 3.1. Graphical plots of the monitoring results
are shown in Appendix F.
Table 3.1: Summary
of 1-hour TSP monitoring results
|
Monitoring Date
|
Start Time
|
1-hr TSP (μg/m3)
|
Range (μg/m3)
|
Action Level (μg/m3)
|
Limit Level (μg/m3)
|
|
1st Result
|
2nd Result
|
3rd Result
|
|
ASR1
|
|
2-Sep-10
|
8:55
|
204
|
177
|
186
|
42 - 230
|
378
|
500
|
|
8-Sep-10
|
9:01
|
65
|
52
|
74
|
|
14-Sep-10
|
9:03
|
42
|
46
|
43
|
|
20-Sep-10
|
9:13
|
230
|
216
|
221
|
|
24-Sep-10
|
9:15
|
65
|
71
|
62
|
|
30-Sep-10
|
8:57
|
126
|
131
|
125
|
|
ASR2A
|
|
2-Sep-10
|
13:07
|
254
|
279
|
250
|
48 - 279
|
357
|
500
|
|
8-Sep-10
|
13:08
|
68
|
79
|
88
|
|
14-Sep-10
|
13:10
|
48
|
60
|
52
|
|
20-Sep-10
|
13:19
|
210
|
224
|
197
|
|
24-Sep-10
|
13:18
|
65
|
59
|
68
|
|
30-Sep-10
|
13:10
|
144
|
151
|
141
|
|
ASR3
|
|
2-Sep-10
|
12:53
|
271
|
282
|
286
|
43 - 286
|
358
|
500
|
|
8-Sep-10
|
12:54
|
84
|
82
|
64
|
|
14-Sep-10
|
12:55
|
47
|
50
|
43
|
|
20-Sep-10
|
13:05
|
233
|
242
|
247
|
|
24-Sep-10
|
13:04
|
70
|
61
|
77
|
|
30-Sep-10
|
12:57
|
164
|
154
|
136
|
|
ASR4
|
|
2-Sep-10
|
8:49
|
218
|
194
|
180
|
55 - 262
|
372
|
500
|
|
8-Sep-10
|
8:55
|
75
|
85
|
104
|
|
14-Sep-10
|
8:54
|
61
|
67
|
55
|
|
20-Sep-10
|
9:06
|
239
|
262
|
258
|
|
24-Sep-10
|
9:03
|
92
|
73
|
94
|
|
30-Sep-10
|
8:49
|
130
|
132
|
154
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.2.1.2
24-hr TSP
Results
of 24-hour TSP at the four monitoring locations are summarised in Table 3.2. Graphical plots of the monitoring results
are shown in Appendix F.
Table 3.2: Summary
of 24-hour TSP monitoring results
|
Monitoring Date
|
Monitoring Results (μg/m3)
|
Range (μg/m3)
|
Action Level (μg/m3)
|
Limit Level (μg/m3)
|
|
ASR1
|
|
|
|
|
|
2-Sep-10
|
88
|
56 - 88
|
226
|
260
|
|
8-Sep-10
|
74
|
|
14-Sep-10
|
56
|
|
20-Sep-10
|
67
|
|
24-Sep-10
|
69
|
|
30-Sep-10
|
78
|
|
ASR2A
|
|
|
|
|
|
2-Sep-10
|
87
|
62 - 87
|
213
|
260
|
|
8-Sep-10
|
62
|
|
14-Sep-10
|
67
|
|
20-Sep-10
|
68
|
|
24-Sep-10
|
62
|
|
30-Sep-10
|
68
|
|
ASR3
|
|
|
|
|
|
2-Sep-10
|
74
|
65 - 85
|
205
|
260
|
|
8-Sep-10
|
65
|
|
14-Sep-10
|
76
|
|
20-Sep-10
|
83
|
|
24-Sep-10
|
85
|
|
30-Sep-10
|
85
|
|
ASR4
|
|
|
|
|
|
2-Sep-10
|
87
|
57 - 87
|
237
|
260
|
|
8-Sep-10
|
71
|
|
14-Sep-10
|
57
|
|
20-Sep-10
|
87
|
|
24-Sep-10
|
72
|
|
30-Sep-10
|
62
|
No exceedance
of 1-hour and 24-hour TSP (Action or Limit Level) was recorded in the reporting
period.
The
weather conditions in the reporting period are provided in Appendix G.
3.2.2
Construction Noise Monitoring
The
construction noise monitoring results are summarized in Table 3.3.
Graphical plots of the monitoring data are shown in Appendix F.
Table 3.3: Summary
of Construction noise
monitoring results
|
Monitoring Date
|
Start Time
|
Mean & Range
of Noise Levels, dB(A)
|
Limit Level for Leq
(dB)
|
|
Leq
|
L10
|
L90
|
|
NSR1
|
|
|
|
|
> 75
|
|
2-Sep-10
|
13:12
|
54
|
57
|
48
|
|
8-Sep-10
|
13:13
|
54
|
55
|
50
|
|
14-Sep-10
|
13:17
|
54
|
56
|
49
|
|
20-Sep-10
|
13:23
|
54
|
57
|
50
|
|
30-Sep-10
|
13:16
|
53
|
55
|
49
|
|
NSR3
|
|
|
|
|
|
2-Sep-10
|
14:16
|
51
|
52
|
49
|
|
8-Sep-10
|
14:17
|
50
|
52
|
47
|
|
14-Sep-10
|
14:18
|
49
|
51
|
46
|
|
20-Sep-10
|
14:29
|
52
|
55
|
50
|
|
30-Sep-10
|
14:19
|
52
|
54
|
49
|
|
NSR5
|
|
|
|
|
|
2-Sep-10
|
8:58
|
56
|
58
|
52
|
|
8-Sep-10
|
9:04
|
57
|
58
|
53
|
|
14-Sep-10
|
9:05
|
55
|
57
|
52
|
|
20-Sep-10
|
9:15
|
55
|
56
|
51
|
|
30-Sep-10
|
9:03
|
54
|
57
|
51
|
|
NSR7
|
|
|
|
|
|
2-Sep-10
|
10:11
|
65
|
67
|
59
|
|
8-Sep-10
|
10:11
|
63
|
65
|
59
|
|
14-Sep-10
|
10:11
|
63
|
65
|
60
|
|
20-Sep-10
|
4:33
|
63
|
65
|
60
|
|
30-Sep-10
|
10:13
|
64
|
66
|
61
|
No
exceedance (Action/Limit Level) of construction noise was recorded in the
reporting period.
3.2.3
Water Quality Monitoring
The
water quality monitoring results are summarized in Table 3.4. Graphical plots of the monitoring data are shown in Appendix F.
Table 3.4: Summary of Water quality monitoring
results
|
Monitoring Date
|
Temp (oC)
|
pH
|
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
|
DOS (%)
|
Turbidity (NT)
|
BOD (mg/L)
|
Suspended Solids (mg/L)
|
|
MP1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/9/2010
|
30.6
|
7.8
|
5.7
|
76.2
|
34.5
|
4
|
47.5
|
|
3/9/2010
|
29.5
|
7.8
|
4.0
|
51.3
|
16.2
|
2
|
15.5
|
|
6/9/2010
|
29.3
|
7.5
|
2.6
|
33.6
|
14.8
|
<2
|
13
|
|
8/9/2010
|
31.6
|
7.5
|
3.5
|
48.8
|
27.9
|
5
|
30
|
|
10/9/2010
|
28.8
|
7.4
|
3.3
|
42.5
|
27.9
|
2
|
59.5
|
|
13/9/2010
|
29.2
|
7.8
|
5.2
|
67.0
|
20.0
|
8
|
24
|
|
15/9/2010
|
29.0
|
7.5
|
3.3
|
41.8
|
24.6
|
<2
|
17.5
|
|
17/9/2010
|
31.3
|
7.7
|
5.2
|
69.0
|
13.7
|
<2
|
11.5
|
|
20/9/2010
|
30.2
|
7.7
|
5.9
|
78.5
|
18.3
|
9.5
|
17.5
|
|
22/9/2010
|
27.0
|
7.7
|
5.9
|
73.4
|
23.7
|
3.5
|
17.5
|
|
24/9/2010
|
27.6
|
7.5
|
2.4
|
30.1
|
32.1
|
3
|
26.5
|
|
28/9/2010
|
31.3
|
7.6
|
5.1
|
68.6
|
30.4
|
4
|
36.5
|
|
30/9/2010
|
29.0
|
7.7
|
4.9
|
63.1
|
22.1
|
3
|
23.5
|
|
Action Level
|
-
|
<5.5 or >7.5
|
<1.23
|
-
|
>173
|
-
|
>231
|
|
Limit Level
|
-
|
<4.0 or >8.0
|
<1.17
|
-
|
>177
|
-
|
>299
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MP2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/9/2010
|
30.7
|
7.8
|
5.7
|
76.5
|
50.4
|
4
|
84
|
|
3/9/2010
|
29.7
|
7.7
|
5.5
|
72.1
|
12.2
|
<2
|
10.5
|
|
6/9/2010
|
29.1
|
7.5
|
2.2
|
28.7
|
20.9
|
5
|
15
|
|
8/9/2010
|
31.2
|
7.4
|
3.0
|
40.2
|
18.9
|
5
|
21
|
|
10/9/2010
|
29.5
|
7.5
|
3.9
|
50.2
|
18.9
|
<2
|
50
|
|
13/9/2010
|
29.1
|
7.9
|
5.4
|
70.0
|
18.9
|
8.5
|
20
|
|
15/9/2010
|
28.9
|
7.6
|
4.1
|
52.8
|
19.5
|
2
|
16
|
|
17/9/2010
|
29.8
|
7.7
|
5.1
|
66.2
|
16.1
|
<2
|
16
|
|
20/9/2010
|
29.5
|
7.7
|
4.5
|
58.5
|
23.0
|
4
|
18
|
|
22/9/2010
|
27.2
|
7.6
|
5.2
|
64.8
|
23.4
|
3.5
|
17
|
|
24/9/2010
|
28.1
|
7.5
|
3.0
|
38.5
|
29.2
|
2.5
|
23
|
|
28/9/2010
|
31.2
|
7.6
|
5.3
|
70.8
|
46.8
|
4
|
40
|
|
30/9/2010
|
28.9
|
7.8
|
5.7
|
73.2
|
22.1
|
<2
|
27.5
|
|
Action Level
|
-
|
<5.5 or >7.5
|
<1.04
|
-
|
>132
|
-
|
>170
|
|
Limit Level
|
-
|
<4.0 or >8.0
|
<0.89
|
-
|
>163
|
-
|
>209
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MP3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/9/2010
|
31.8
|
7.2
|
4.5
|
61.1
|
29.0
|
7
|
27
|
|
3/9/2010
|
30.0
|
7.2
|
3.0
|
39.8
|
20.2
|
4
|
9.5
|
|
6/9/2010
|
29.6
|
7.4
|
5.1
|
66.8
|
20.8
|
4
|
12
|
|
8/9/2010
|
32.0
|
7.6
|
6.8
|
93.9
|
18.2
|
6.5
|
10.5
|
|
10/9/2010
|
31.4
|
7.5
|
6.1
|
83.3
|
18.2
|
4
|
15
|
|
13/9/2010
|
30.1
|
7.4
|
5.0
|
65.5
|
20.1
|
8.5
|
11
|
|
15/9/2010
|
29.2
|
7.2
|
2.9
|
38.2
|
18.2
|
4.5
|
11.5
|
|
17/9/2010
|
31.9
|
7.3
|
6.7
|
91.9
|
21.9
|
6
|
12
|
|
20/9/2010
|
31.0
|
7.2
|
2.9
|
38.6
|
19.6
|
8
|
11
|
|
22/9/2010
|
27.8
|
7.4
|
5.6
|
71.8
|
23.0
|
5
|
14
|
|
24/9/2010
|
28.0
|
7.4
|
5.6
|
71.0
|
30.2
|
4
|
19.5
|
|
28/9/2010
|
31.0
|
7.7
|
8.5
|
114.5
|
43.4
|
6.5
|
23
|
|
30/9/2010
|
29.6
|
7.4
|
5.6
|
73.7
|
23.6
|
4
|
21.5
|
|
Action Level
|
-
|
<5.5 or >7.5
|
<6.85
|
-
|
>64
|
-
|
>65
|
|
Limit Level
|
-
|
<4.0 or >8.0
|
<6.65
|
-
|
>67
|
-
|
>66
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MP4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/9/2010
|
33.1
|
7.5
|
9.1
|
126.2
|
39.2
|
6
|
32.5
|
|
3/9/2010
|
28.2
|
7.2
|
2.6
|
32.9
|
33.4
|
3
|
23
|
|
6/9/2010
|
29.8
|
7.4
|
3.2
|
42.0
|
32.7
|
3
|
18.5
|
|
8/9/2010
|
33.3
|
7.3
|
4.8
|
66.4
|
30.5
|
6
|
22.5
|
|
10/9/2010
|
30.9
|
7.5
|
5.2
|
68.9
|
126.0
|
2
|
73
|
|
13/9/2010
|
28.6
|
7.4
|
4.7
|
59.9
|
83.9
|
6.5
|
56
|
|
15/9/2010
|
27.7
|
7.2
|
2.3
|
28.6
|
36.7
|
4
|
29.5
|
|
17/9/2010
|
32.8
|
7.4
|
6.6
|
91.5
|
39.9
|
3
|
25.5
|
|
20/9/2010
|
30.7
|
7.2
|
5.5
|
73.7
|
48.3
|
6.5
|
38
|
|
22/9/2010
|
26.8
|
7.3
|
4.4
|
54.4
|
61.9
|
5
|
46
|
|
24/9/2010
|
29.2
|
7.4
|
5.8
|
76.0
|
52.3
|
<2
|
34
|
|
28/9/2010
|
31.5
|
7.4
|
7.0
|
94.4
|
59.8
|
5
|
46.5
|
|
30/9/2010
|
30.4
|
7.3
|
5.5
|
72.8
|
46.0
|
2
|
37
|
|
Action Level
|
-
|
<5.5 or >7.5
|
<3.91
|
-
|
>60
|
-
|
>50
|
|
Limit Level
|
-
|
<4.0 or >8.0
|
<3.82
|
-
|
>64
|
-
|
>53
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MP5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/9/2010
|
33.2
|
7.8
|
8.9
|
123.9
|
74.4
|
6
|
52
|
|
3/9/2010
|
28.1
|
7.4
|
2.9
|
36.1
|
76.1
|
2
|
52.5
|
|
6/9/2010
|
29.8
|
7.4
|
3.0
|
38.9
|
45.2
|
3
|
24
|
|
8/9/2010
|
33.2
|
7.5
|
5.2
|
71.6
|
46.5
|
5
|
32.5
|
|
10/9/2010
|
30.0
|
7.4
|
5.6
|
73.8
|
158.5
|
2
|
91.5
|
|
13/9/2010
|
29.2
|
7.4
|
5.3
|
69.1
|
95.9
|
7
|
59
|
|
15/9/2010
|
28.3
|
7.4
|
3.3
|
41.7
|
116.5
|
3
|
69
|
|
17/9/2010
|
32.0
|
7.4
|
4.9
|
66.9
|
64.7
|
2
|
41
|
|
20/9/2010
|
30.6
|
7.3
|
5.9
|
79.0
|
81.8
|
6
|
60
|
|
22/9/2010
|
26.9
|
7.3
|
4.9
|
61.4
|
66.9
|
4
|
44
|
|
24/9/2010
|
28.7
|
7.2
|
5.6
|
71.9
|
53.0
|
<2
|
29
|
|
28/9/2010
|
32.4
|
7.5
|
8.2
|
112.1
|
43.2
|
4
|
27.5
|
|
30/9/2010
|
30.4
|
7.4
|
5.7
|
75.9
|
56.6
|
2.5
|
45
|
|
Action Level
|
-
|
<5.5 or >7.5
|
<4.13
|
-
|
>81
|
-
|
>66
|
|
Limit Level
|
-
|
<4.0 or >8.0
|
<3.87
|
-
|
>84
|
-
|
>69
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MP6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/9/2010
|
33.0
|
7.9
|
9.2
|
127.5
|
66.7
|
4.5
|
46
|
|
3/9/2010
|
28.2
|
7.5
|
3.3
|
41.4
|
95.3
|
2
|
64
|
|
6/9/2010
|
29.0
|
7.5
|
3.4
|
43.2
|
85.3
|
3
|
48.5
|
|
8/9/2010
|
32.1
|
7.6
|
5.1
|
69.4
|
58.7
|
4.5
|
34
|
|
10/9/2010
|
31.4
|
7.5
|
6.3
|
84.4
|
194.5
|
3
|
101
|
|
13/9/2010
|
28.8
|
7.5
|
5.0
|
64.7
|
105.5
|
7
|
61.5
|
|
15/9/2010
|
28.0
|
7.5
|
3.3
|
41.1
|
120.5
|
<2
|
65.5
|
|
17/9/2010
|
32.6
|
7.6
|
5.3
|
73.3
|
53.4
|
<2
|
30.5
|
|
20/9/2010
|
30.4
|
7.4
|
6.0
|
79.8
|
81.9
|
5.5
|
57
|
|
22/9/2010
|
26.5
|
7.3
|
5.1
|
62.6
|
89.9
|
3.5
|
60.5
|
|
24/9/2010
|
29.1
|
7.5
|
4.9
|
64.0
|
68.0
|
<2
|
39
|
|
28/9/2010
|
32.3
|
7.5
|
7.1
|
96.9
|
50.1
|
2.5
|
30
|
|
30/9/2010
|
30.2
|
7.5
|
6.0
|
79.0
|
81.8
|
2.5
|
58
|
|
Action Level
|
-
|
<5.5 or >7.5
|
<4.61
|
-
|
>94
|
-
|
>75
|
|
Limit Level
|
-
|
<4.0 or >8.0
|
<4.52
|
-
|
>96
|
-
|
>75
|
Notes:
Values Bold indicate Action Level exceedance.
Values Underlined and Bold indicate
Limit Level exceedance.
Exceedances of pH, DO, turbidity and
SS were observed. For MP1 and MP2, there were frequent exceedances of action
level for pH. For MP3, either pH (action level) or DO (action and limit level)
was exceeded on all monitoring dates in September 2010. Both pH and DO were exceeded on 8 Sep 2010. For MP4 to MP6
located at the ditch at the north of the site, different parameters out of pH
(action level for MP5 and MP6), DO (limit levels), turbidity (action and limit
levels) and SS (action and limit levels) were exceeded on different monitoring
dates in September 2010. However, the SS was only exceeded a
few times at these three monitoring stations.
The Event
and Action Plan in Appendix D was followed under these cases of exceedances.
From
investigation, construction activities during the period of exceedance included
mainly site formation and drainage work for WRA construction, band drain
installation and trial embankment. It was observed that the Contractor has
implemented water quality mitigation measures as recommended in the EIA report,
including the provision of temporary drainage facility and associated treatment
facility. Sand bags are in place in the temporary drainage channel to enhance
the desilting efficiency. The Contractor further enhanced the water quality
mitigation measures by erecting several segments of rock bunds at the discharge
outlet to avoid site runoff draining directly to the northern ditches.
DO and pH
exceedances may be due to the natural variation, as the temperature in
September was higher when compared with baseline monitoring period (the average
temperature measured was about 30 degree Celsius). The exceedances were
considered not due to construction works.
For exceedance of turbidity was recorded at MP6 on 3 Sep 2010, it was
noted that only the turbidity was exceeded but the SS was not exceeded. These
turbidity exceedances were therefore not considered as project-related since
polluting discharge from site would have increased the SS and caused
exceedance. The exceedance was possibly caused by natural variation.
Exceedance of turbidity and SS was recorded at MP4, MP5, and MP6 from 10
to 15 Sep 2010. Heavy rainfall has been recorded during this period. In
particular, 70mm rainfall was recorded in the early hours of 10 Sep 2010 at
Yuen Long area. It is therefore considered that the SS exceedances on 10 Sep 2010
and turbidity exceedances from 10 to 15 Sep were caused by natural variation.
For SS exceedance at MP4 on 13 Sep 2010 and MP5 on 15 Sep 2010, there
was only turbidity exceedance but not SS exceedance at MP6, which is closest to
the discharge point of the site. Similarly, there was no turbidity exceedance
at MP6 on 20, 22 and 24 Sep 2010 although there were turbidity exceedances at
MP4 and MP5. Therefore, these exceedances may have been caused by other unknown
factors not relating to the project.
Due to these factors and taking into
account the mitigation measures implemented, the exceedances were considered
not due to construction works.
This report documents surveys
conducted in the Survey Area between 1 September and 30 September 2010. The
Wetland Restoration Area (hereafter WRA) is also surveyed as the area now is
accessible and site formation works are nearing completion. The updated survey transect is provided in Figure 4.1. Dates and ecological surveys conducted during this period are
summarised in Appendix H.
Monitoring was undertaken following
the survey methodology in the EM&A Manual. In addition, low intensity
monitoring of the WRA was undertaken (on a monthly basis) to monitor faunal
usage of the newly formed cells; monitoring intensity will follow that outlined
in the EM&A Manual at the completion of the WRA. A transect was followed in
the bird surveys (see Figure 4.1). All bird species of conservation importance and/or wetland dependent
were identified and enumerated. Flying birds were not recorded unless they were
foraging and associated with the habitat (such as swifts). Further, notable
bird observations during other surveys were also recorded.
Bird surveys were conducted on a
weekly basis. A total of 37 bird species of conservation
importance and/or wetland-dependence were recorded using the ponds within 500 m
of the Project Site while ten of these species were recorded in the Wetland
Restoration Area (WRA). A summary of survey data is provided in Appendix I.
Species and numbers recorded in this
survey period are typical of fish pond areas during the early autumn months
indicating that birds in the area are not presently being adversely affected by
the construction of the Wetland Restoration Area.
4.4
Monitoring
of Dragonfly and Butterfly
Monitoring of dragonflies and
butterflies was conducted on a monthly basis. A total of ten dragonfly species
and four butterfly species were recorded, and eight dragonfly species and two
butterfly species were recorded in the WRA. All species recorded were common
and widespread and recorded in low to very low numbers. A summary of the survey
findings is provided in Appendix J.
Ninety-two Coastal Gliders (Macrodiplax cora) were observed in the
WRA. This species is listed as a species of conservation importance by Fellowes
et al. (2002; Local Concern). Further, one Dancing Dropwing (Trithemis pallidinervis) was recorded in
the WRA on 29 September 2010 by Mr. Captain Wong of Henderson Land Development
Co. Ltd. This is an uncommon dragonfly species that occurs in marshes and still
waters in Hong Kong. It is a pioneer species
in newly created ponds (Wilson 2004).
4.6
Summary
Ecological
monitoring during September 2010 was carried out following the survey
methodology and frequency outlined in the EM&A Manual.
A total
of 37 bird species, 10 dragonfly species and 4 butterfly species were recorded
in the survey area. Survey findings indicate that the ponds within the Survey
Area supported numbers and diversity of wetland-dependent birds and other
species of conservation importance typical of fish pond areas in the early
autumn months.
10 bird
species, 8 dragonfly species and 2 butterfly species were recorded in the WRA.
These findings indicate that the WRA is already starting to support
wetland-dependent birds and other species of conservation importance.
The EM&A programme for Landscape and
Visual impact due to the construction commenced in May 2010 and was continued
during the reporting period. Site inspections were carried out on 2, 7, 16, 24
and 29 September 2010 to confirm the implementation of mitigation measures at
construction stage.
The audit
was undertaken with references to the specific checklists provided in Tables 2.13 – 2.15 and audit results
are summarized as below:
Table 5.1: Construction and Operation
Phase Audit Summary
|
Area of Works
|
Items to be Monitored
|
|
Works Area
|
The boundaries of the works area
have been established on site in accordance with the contract documents and
approved plans (EP), and the limit of current heavy construction activity is
now confined to within the site hoardings (North side of the site / access
road) and the noise barriers (other sides of the site). Minor works such as
the installation of boundary fence (by hand) and horticultural maintenance
of the planting and transplanted trees was proceeding along the Royal Palms
- Palm Springs
boundary.
No construction works were
observed to have exceeded the site boundaries.
|
|
Protection of all trees and
woodland blocks to be retained
|
Trees to be retained are located
northeast of the WRA and protected by site hoardings.
|
|
Streams
|
The works site is encircled by a
berm to intercept surface water and prevent it from washing off into any of
the neighboring sites. Surface water
is collected within the site in a temporary drainage channel. Gravels beds and barriers have been
installed to filter site runoff, sedimentation tanks provided to enable
primary treatment before discharge to mains drains.
|
|
Clearance of existing vegetation
|
Site clearance was completed
prior to the commencement of construction.
A bed of existing Phragmites reeds has been retained within a fenced
off area at the centre of the site, with appropriate water supply and
circulation systems. The reeds are
being actively maintained as a plant source for the wetland areas. Advance
transplanting works commenced in late September 2010.
|
|
Transplanting of trees
|
Trees transplanting has been
completed, with the trees relocated to various points within the planting
strip along the southern boundary of the site, outside the noise
barrier. The trees have generally
re-established very well although one or two specimens(Hibiscus) have shown
signs of transplanting shock and should be monitored to see if they will
recover or need to be replaced.
|
|
Topsoil stripping
|
Suitable pond bund and pond
bottom material from the original site has been excavated and stockpiled in
the centre of the site for reuse in the formation of the wetland areas.
Stockpiles are being actively
works. The Contractor reports that
they are covered with tarpaulin sheets to protect them from erosion whenever
not in use. Stockpiles are watered to
prevent dust generation, and active dust suppression measures were being
adopted along internal site access tracks.
|
|
New buildings
|
No new permanent buildings have
yet been constructed on site
|
|
Boundaries
|
Hoardings have been erected along
most of the boundaries of the site.
Installation of new boundary fences along the southern boundary has
been completed
|
|
Noise Barrier
|
Apart from previous southern and
northern boundaries, there is also a new noise barrier outside works area;
It has been installed along Castle
Peak Road in accordance with the contract
requirements The noise barrier design complies with the mitigation
requirements, with upper 6 to 7m portion of the barrier being made from a
translucent material with green tinted (to match with the environment).
Supporting GMS structure, likewise, has been painted green.
|
|
Night-time lighting
|
No night-time works were reported
to have been carried out during the monitoring period
|
|
Landscape and wetland treatments
generally
|
The screen planting Advance
Planting Strip along the southern and western boundaries of the site has
been completed and the wetland restoration area is under construction
Water control structures with
Wetland Restoration Area have been installed
|
|
Soiling, etc.
|
The soiling for the advance
planting strip has been completed.
The soil placement and grading for the wetland restoration areas is
well advanced and will continue.
General contour of Wetland
Restored Area has been confined. Grading and soil placement of area at the
mid-pond is still under construction.
|
|
Plant supply
|
The plant material used for the
Advance Planting Strip along the southern and western boundaries of the site
are all common species and came from commercial sources.
Details of the procurement of
special plant material for the wetland areas are to be provided at a later
date.
|
|
Planting
|
The total number of trees in the
advance planting, and their height are in accordance with the contract
requirements. The tree species are
all from the approved list. This planting
should achieve the required screening effect.
A significant proportion of the
very tall Eucalyptus camuldulensis
specimens have died.
Eucalyptus spp are not commonly planted at large nursery stock size
due to the typically very low survival rates. It is recommended that these trees be
replaced by another approved species.
Noted there is some evidence of died trees removal, gaps shall be
filled back with new trees to achieve a full screening effect
In several locations along this
portion of the site boundary the advance planting strip is over hung by some
mature existing trees from the adjacent properties. It is recommended that
if any of the affected trees fails, that it be replaced in an adjacent,
unaffected location and that shade tolerant shrubs be used to fill in any
gaps. It is noted that those offsite
neighboring trees already provide screening to the necessary height.
|
|
Establishment Works
|
The advance planting, the
compensatory planting and the transplanted trees have not yet been hand over
for maintenance, the planting works are under supervision onsite to ensure
that the requirements of the approved planting proposal are met. The advance
planting is currently being maintained by the landscape sub-contractor.
|
The ET had carried out construction phase weekly
site inspections on 2, 7, 16, 24, and 29 September 2010. All observations have
been recorded in the site inspection checklist and passed to the Contractor
together with the appropriate recommended mitigation measures where necessary.
The key observations from site inspections and associated recommendations are
summarized in Table 6.1.
Table 6.1: Summary
of Site Inspections and Recommendations
|
Key Observations
|
ET Recommendation
|
Contractor’s Responses / Action(s) Undertaken
|
Close-out (Date)
|
|
Unused temporary drainage
|
To backfill unused temporary
drainage and complete the construction of channel
|
Agreed and action taken
|
16 September 2010
|
|
General refuse in the site
|
To clear the refuse frequently
|
Agreed and action taken
|
24 September 2010
|
|
Recycling of materials
|
To maintain a good record of
recycled waste
|
(Reminder only)
|
-
|
|
Empty chemical bottles in the site
|
To put the bottles into the
chemical waste store
|
Agreed and action taken
|
24 September 2010
|
|
Water ponding in the site after
rain
|
To clear the accumulated water
regularly
|
Agreed and on-going
|
-
|
|
General refuse storage area not
properly controlled
|
To better manage the general
refuse to improve hygiene
|
Agreed and action taken
|
24 September 2010
|
|
Mal-functioning of AquaSed
|
To switch on the stand-by AquaSed
and repair it as soon as possible
|
Agreed and action taken
immediately
|
24 September 2010
|
|
Dry haul road surface
|
To provide sufficient watering to
the haul roads to reduce dust emission
|
Agreed and on-going
|
24 September 2010
|
|
Works area of trial embankment
close to residents in Palm Springs
|
To properly implement air quality
mitigation measures including water spraying and compaction
|
(Reminder only)
|
-
|
|
Dry haul road surface and works
area
|
To provide sufficient watering to
the haul road and works area during hot weather, especially near the trial
embankment
|
Agreed and on-going
|
-
|
The Contractor has been registered as a
chemical waste producer for the Project. Construction and demolition (C&D)
material sorting was carried out on site. A sufficient number of receptacles were
available for general refuse collection.
As advised by the Contractor, 7.4 tonnes of C&D material were
generated on site and disposed off at Public Fill Reception Facilities at Tuen
Mun Area 38 during the period. No metals was generated and collected by
registered recycling collector. No paper cardboard packing and plastic were
generated on site and collected by registered recycling collector. No chemical
waste was generated and collected by licensed chemical waste collector. 8.8
tonnes of other types of wastes (e.g. general refuse) was generated on site and
disposed of at North East New Territories (NENT) Landfill.
The Contractor is advised to maintain on
site waste sorting and recording system and maximize reuse/recycling of C&D
wastes.
The environmental permits, licenses, and/or
notifications on environmental protection for this Project which were valid during
the period is summarised in Table 6.2.
Table
6.2: Status of
Environmental Submissions, Licenses and Permits
|
Statutory Reference
|
Description
|
Permit /Reference No.
|
Status
|
|
EIAO
|
Environmental Permit
|
EP-311/2008B
|
Valid
|
|
APCO
|
Notification of Construction Work under
APCO
|
316688
(27 Apr
2010)
|
Valid
|
|
WPCO
|
Discharge License
|
(Application
no.: 313815)
|
Under
Application
(Submitted
on 22 Jan 2010)
|
|
WDO
|
Registration as Chemical
Waste Producer
|
WPN0000-542-H3083-04
|
Valid
|
|
WDO
|
Bill Account for disposal
|
700945423
|
Valid
|
Legend: EIAO – Environmental Impact Assessment
Ordinance
APCO – Air Pollution Control Ordinance
WPCO – Water Pollution Control Ordinance
WDO – Waste Disposal Ordinance
The EM&A programme followed the
recommended mitigation measures in the EM&A manual. The EM&A
requirements as well as the summary of implementation status of the
environmental mitigation measures are provided in Appendix K. In particular, the following mitigation
measures were brought to attention during the site audits:
Air Quality
·
All
stockpiles should be
covered by tarpaulin or kept wet by water spraying;
·
All
vehicles should be washed to remove any dusty materials before leaving the
construction sites;
·
the
portion of road leading the construction site that is within 30m of a designated vehicle entrance or exit
should be kept clear of dusty materials;
·
Sufficient water spraying should be provided at haul
road to reduce dust emission; and
·
Ensure proper functioning of the wheel wash facility.
Noise
·
Mobile
plant should be sited
as far away from NSRs as possible;
·
Plant
known to emit noise strongly in one direction should be orientated to direct
noise away from the NSRs; and
·
The construction activities should be better scheduled to reduce noise nuisance.
Water Quality
·
Water accumulated in the site (including water inside
drip trays) should be cleared frequently;
·
Ensure
proper functioning of the wastewater
treatment facility;
·
Silt and debris should be removed from the temporary
drainage channel regularly; and
·
Any soil contaminated with chemicals/oils shall be
removed from site and the void created shall be filled with suitable materials.
Waste management
·
Reuse the excavated materials as far as practical to
reduce the amount of waste disposal;
·
Ensure drip trays are provided for chemical containers
to prevent leakage or soil contamination;
·
All
plants and vehicles should be properly maintained to prevent oil leakage;
·
Oil
stains on soil should be cleared by disposal of contaminated soil; and
There is no breach
of Action or Limit Levels for Air Quality and Noise monitoring in the reporting
month.
Exceedances of
Action and Limit Levels were recorded for Water Quality at MP1, MP2, MP3, MP4,
MP5 and MP6 on different monitoring dates.
Exceedances of pH, DO, turbidity and SS were
observed. For MP1 and MP2, there were frequent exceedances of action level for
pH. For MP3, either pH (action level) or DO (action and limit level) was
exceeded on all monitoring dates in
September 2010. Both pH and DO were exceeded
on 8 Sep 2010. For MP4 to MP6 located at the ditch at the north of the site,
different parameters out of pH (action level for MP5 and MP6), DO (limit
levels), turbidity (action and limit levels) and SS (action and limit levels)
were exceeded on different monitoring dates in September 2010. However, the SS was only exceeded a few times at these three monitoring
stations.
Table 7.1: Summary of
exceedances in Water Quality
|
Monitoring Date
|
pH
|
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
|
Turbidity (NT)
|
Suspended Solids (mg/L)
|
|
MP1
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/9/2010
|
7.8
|
5.7
|
34.5
|
47.5
|
|
3/9/2010
|
7.8
|
4.0
|
16.2
|
15.5
|
|
13/9/2010
|
7.8
|
5.2
|
20.0
|
24
|
|
17/9/2010
|
7.7
|
5.2
|
13.7
|
11.5
|
|
20/9/2010
|
7.7
|
5.9
|
18.3
|
17.5
|
|
22/9/2010
|
7.7
|
5.9
|
23.7
|
17.5
|
|
28/9/2010
|
7.6
|
5.1
|
30.4
|
36.5
|
|
30/9/2010
|
7.7
|
4.9
|
22.1
|
23.5
|
|
Action Level
|
<5.5 or >7.5
|
<1.23
|
>173
|
>231
|
|
Limit Level
|
<4.0 or >8.0
|
<1.17
|
>177
|
>299
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MP2
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/9/2010
|
7.8
|
5.7
|
50.4
|
84
|
|
3/9/2010
|
7.7
|
5.5
|
12.2
|
10.5
|
|
13/9/2010
|
7.9
|
5.4
|
18.9
|
20
|
|
15/9/2010
|
7.6
|
4.1
|
19.5
|
16
|
|
17/9/2010
|
7.7
|
5.1
|
16.1
|
16
|
|
20/9/2010
|
7.7
|
4.5
|
23.0
|
18
|
|
22/9/2010
|
7.6
|
5.2
|
23.4
|
17
|
|
28/9/2010
|
7.6
|
5.3
|
46.8
|
40
|
|
30/9/2010
|
7.8
|
5.7
|
22.1
|
27.5
|
|
Action Level
|
<5.5 or >7.5
|
<1.04
|
>132
|
>170
|
|
Limit Level
|
<4.0 or >8.0
|
<0.89
|
>163
|
>209
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MP3
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/9/2010
|
7.2
|
4.5
|
29.0
|
27
|
|
3/9/2010
|
7.2
|
3.0
|
20.2
|
9.5
|
|
6/9/2010
|
7.4
|
5.1
|
20.8
|
12
|
|
8/9/2010
|
7.6
|
6.8
|
18.2
|
10.5
|
|
10/9/2010
|
7.5
|
6.1
|
18.2
|
15
|
|
13/9/2010
|
7.4
|
5.0
|
20.1
|
11
|
|
15/9/2010
|
7.2
|
2.9
|
18.2
|
11.5
|
|
17/9/2010
|
7.3
|
6.7
|
21.9
|
12
|
|
20/9/2010
|
7.2
|
2.9
|
19.6
|
11
|
|
22/9/2010
|
7.4
|
5.6
|
23.0
|
14
|
|
24/9/2010
|
7.4
|
5.6
|
30.2
|
19.5
|
|
28/9/2010
|
7.7
|
8.5
|
43.4
|
23
|
|
30/9/2010
|
7.4
|
5.6
|
23.6
|
21.5
|
|
Action Level
|
<5.5 or >7.5
|
<6.85
|
>64
|
>65
|
|
Limit Level
|
<4.0 or >8.0
|
<6.65
|
>67
|
>66
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MP4
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/9/2010
|
7.2
|
2.6
|
33.4
|
23
|
|
6/9/2010
|
7.4
|
3.2
|
32.7
|
18.5
|
|
10/9/2010
|
7.5
|
5.2
|
126.0
|
73
|
|
13/9/2010
|
7.4
|
4.7
|
83.9
|
56
|
|
15/9/2010
|
7.2
|
2.3
|
36.7
|
29.5
|
|
22/9/2010
|
7.3
|
4.4
|
61.9
|
46
|
|
Action Level
|
<5.5 or >7.5
|
<3.91
|
>60
|
>50
|
|
Limit Level
|
<4.0 or >8.0
|
<3.82
|
>64
|
>53
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MP5
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/9/2010
|
7.8
|
8.9
|
74.4
|
52
|
|
3/9/2010
|
7.4
|
2.9
|
76.1
|
52.5
|
|
6/9/2010
|
7.4
|
3.0
|
45.2
|
24
|
|
10/9/2010
|
7.4
|
5.6
|
158.5
|
91.5
|
|
13/9/2010
|
7.4
|
5.3
|
95.9
|
59
|
|
15/9/2010
|
7.4
|
3.3
|
116.5
|
69
|
|
20/9/2010
|
7.3
|
5.9
|
81.8
|
60
|
|
Action Level
|
<5.5 or >7.5
|
<4.13
|
>81
|
>66
|
|
Limit Level
|
<4.0 or >8.0
|
<3.87
|
>84
|
>69
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MP6
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/9/2010
|
7.9
|
9.2
|
66.7
|
46
|
|
3/9/2010
|
7.5
|
3.3
|
95.3
|
64
|
|
6/9/2010
|
7.5
|
3.4
|
85.3
|
48.5
|
|
8/9/2010
|
7.6
|
5.1
|
58.7
|
34
|
|
10/9/2010
|
7.5
|
6.3
|
194.5
|
101
|
|
13/9/2010
|
7.5
|
5.0
|
105.5
|
61.5
|
|
15/9/2010
|
7.5
|
3.3
|
120.5
|
65.5
|
|
17/9/2010
|
7.6
|
5.3
|
53.4
|
30.5
|
|
Action Level
|
<5.5 or >7.5
|
<4.61
|
>94
|
>75
|
|
Limit Level
|
<4.0 or >8.0
|
<4.52
|
>96
|
>75
|
Notes:
Values Bold indicate Action Level exceedance.
Values Underlined and Bold indicate
Limit Level exceedance.
No environmental
complaint was received the reporting month.
No notifications of
summons or successful prosecution were received the reporting month.
Investigations have been carried out to identify
the causes of exceedance.
From investigation, construction activities
during the period of exceedance included mainly site formation and drainage
work for WRA construction, band drain installation and trial embankment. It was
observed that the Contractor has implemented water quality mitigation measures
as recommended in the EIA report, including the provision of temporary drainage
facility and associated treatment facility. Sand bags are in place in the
temporary drainage channel to enhance the desilting efficiency. The Contractor
further enhanced the water quality mitigation measures by erecting several
segments of rock bunds at the discharge outlet to avoid site runoff draining
directly to the northern ditches.
With external factors
affect the adjacent environments, including natural variations and other
unknown factors, the exceedances were considered not due to construction works.
As non-compliances have been recorded, the
Event and Action Plan has been followed. Although it is considered that the
exceedances were not related to the Project, the Contractor was reminded to
implement the water quality mitigation measures in accordance with the
recommendation stated in Section 5.6.1 – 5.6.4 of the EIA Report as far as
practicable and regular spot check would be conducted on the nearby discharge by
Contractor and inform ET for investigation.
As wet weather has come, to cater for the
increase of site runoff, the Contractor would further enhance the water quality
mitigation measures by erecting several segments of rock bunds at the discharge
outlet to avoid site runoff draining directly to the northern ditches.
Cumulative statistics for complaints, notifications of summons and
successful prosecutions for the Project account for period starting from the
date of commencement of construction (i.e. 12 May 2010) to the end of the
reporting month and are summarized in the Table
7.2 below.
Table
7.2: Statistics for complaints, notifications of
summons and successful prosecutions
|
Reporting Period
|
Cumulative
Statistics
|
|
|
Complaints
|
Notifications of
summons
|
Successful
prosecutions
|
|
This reporting month (Sep 2010)
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
From 12 May 2010 to end
of the reporting month (Sep 2010)
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
The major site works to be commissioned in the coming month
include:
¡
Site formation and drainage work for Wetland
Restoration Area (WRA) (until 15 November 2010);
¡
Installation of Band Drain; and
¡
Trial Embankment for Ground Improvement
Key issues to be considered in the coming month include:
¡
Generation
of dust from activities on-site (esp. stockpiling for Trial Embankment);
¡
Noise
impact from operating equipment and machinery on-site;
¡
Generation
of site surface runoffs and wastewater from activities on-site;
¡
Sorting,
recycling, storage and disposal of general refuse and construction waste from
activities on-site; and
¡
Management
of chemicals and avoidance of oil spillage on-site.
The environmental site inspection and environmental monitoring will be continued in the coming
month. Impact monitoring for air, noise,
water quality, ecology and landscape and visual in
accordance with the approved EM&A Manual has commenced since 12 May 2010.
The tentative monitoring schedule for October 2010 is shown in the Table 8.1.
Table 8.1: Tentative Environmental Monitoring and Audit
Schedule for October 2010
8.4.1
Conclusions
The EM&A programme as recommended in the EM&A manual
has been undertaken in the reporting month since 12 May 2010.
Monitoring of Air Quality, Noise, Water Quality, Ecology and
Landscape and Visual impacts due to the Project was under way. In particular,
the 1-hr TSP, 24-hr TSP, noise level (as Leq) and water quality
parameters (such as pH, DO and SS) under monitoring have been checked against
established Action and Limit levels.
There was no breach of Action and Limit Levels for 1-hr TSP,
24-hr TSP and noise in the
reporting month.
Action and Limit Level exceedances of pH, DO, turbidity and SS were
recorded at water quality monitoring stations including MP1, MP2, MP3, MP4, MP5
and MP6. However, Investigations on the exceedance showed that the exceedances
were not related to the Project and may have been due to external factors including
natural variations and other unknown factors.
8.4.2
Recommendations
With considerations
on the construction activities and environment, the following recommendations
were provided:
Air Quality
·
All
stockpiles should be covered by tarpaulin or kept wet by water spraying;
·
All vehicles
should be washed to remove any dusty materials before leaving the construction
sites;
·
the portion of
road leading the construction site that is within 30m of a designated vehicle entrance or exit should be
kept clear of dusty materials;
·
Sufficient
water spraying should be provided at haul road to reduce dust emission; and
·
Ensure
proper functioning of the wheel wash facility.
Noise
·
Mobile
plant should be sited as far away from NSRs as possible;
·
Plant known to
emit noise strongly in one direction should be orientated to direct noise away
from the NSRs; and
·
The
construction activities should be better scheduled to reduce noise nuisance.
Water Quality
·
Water
accumulated in the site (including water inside drip trays) should be cleared
frequently;
·
Ensure proper
functioning of the wastewater
treatment facility;
·
Silt
and debris should be removed from the temporary drainage channel regularly; and
Waste management
·
Reuse
the excavated materials as far as practical to reduce the amount of waste
disposal;
·
Ensure
drip trays are provided for chemical containers to prevent leakage or soil
contamination;
·
All plants and
vehicles should be properly maintained to prevent oil leakage;
·
Oil stains on soil
should be cleared by disposal of contaminated soil;
