EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

ES 1          An Environmental Permit (EP-085/2000/C) was granted to Highways Department by the Environmental Protection Department for the construction of Route 8 Project between Tsing Yi and Cheung Sha Wan.  This EP covers four phases of the Route 8 Project namely Phase 1 – Ngong Shuen Chau Viaduct, Phase 2a – Nam Wan Tunnel and West Tsing Yi Viaduct, Phase 2b – East Tsing Yi Viaduct and Phase 3 – Stonecutters Bridge.

ES 2          This is the 42nd monthly Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) report for “Phase 1 - Route 8 Ngong Shuen Chau Viaduct Contract (HY/2000/21)”.  This report presents the results of the EM&A works conducted during the period between 29th December 2005 and 28th January 2006 in accordance with the EM&A Manual which forms part of the EIA Report (Register No. AEIAR-018/1999).

ES 3          During the monitoring period, some of the major construction activities undertaken during normal hours are highlighted as follows:

i.           excavation;

ii.          traffic and utilities diversions;

iii.        abutment construction;

iv.        pier construction;

v.         bridge deck construction;

vi.        viaduct finishing;

vii.      segment delivery, erection and fixing, and;

viii.     deck parapet skin erection and fixing

 

ES 4          During the monitoring period, the major construction activities undertaken during evening, night time and Public Holidays are highlighted as follows:

i.           Pier/portal construction;

ii.          segment delivery, fixing and erection;

iii.        bridge deck construction, and;

iv.        deck parapet skin erection and fixing

 

ES 5          Monitoring of Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) and Noise were carried out in accordance with the EM&A Manual.  Weekly site audits were conducted by the ET on 30th December 2005, 6th, 13th, 16th and 27th January 2006 and the joint IEC monthly audit was conducted on 16th January 2006.  No EPD site inspections were conducted during the reporting period.

Air Quality

ES 6          A total of 54 sets of 1-hour TSP and 18 sets of 24-hour TSP measurement were taken during the reporting period at ASR1, ASR2 and ASR3 and the results of all measurements taken were below the Action/Limit (AL) Levels. 

Noise

ES 7          In order to assess the construction noise impact effectively for all noise monitoring locations (NSR1 to NSR3) from this Contract, an adjustment approach was adopted since 1st March 2005 and had been consulted with EPD to audit merely the construction noise levels against the statutory noise limits. The measured noise levels were adjusted with the corresponding baseline levels in order to facilitate the interpretation of the construction noise levels and this in turn would determine the actual construction noise impact contributed solely by the Phase 1 construction activities.

Daytime Monitoring

ES 8          A total of 15 sets of Leq(30min) measurement were taken in the daytime (i.e. 0700 to 1900 hours on normal weekdays) at all monitoring stations (NSR1, NSR2 and NSR3) during the reporting period and no exceedances were recorded.

Evening-time Monitoring

ES 9          A total of 15 sets of 6 x Leq(5min) measurements were taken in the evening-time (i.e. 1900 to 2300 hours) at all three monitoring stations during the reporting period and no exceedances were recorded.

Night-time Monitoring

ES 10       A total of 15 sets of 4 x Leq(5min) measurements were taken at night-time (i.e. 2300 to 0700 next day) at all three monitoring stations during the reporting period and no exceedances were recorded.

Public-holiday Monitoring

ES 11       A total of 9 sets of 6 x Leq(5min) measurements were taken in public holidays (i.e. 0700 to 1900 hours during public holiday) at all three monitoring locations and no exceedances were recorded.

Water Quality

ES 12       A total of 3 Effluent Discharge Licenses were granted by EPD.  In accordance with the conditions of the licenses, water sampling at designated discharge points shall be carried out on a monthly basis for area P1-SA1 Part 1 (Grid 1 to 9) and on a quarterly basis for areas P1-SA1 Part 2 (Grid 10 to 27, Container Port Road E/B), P1-SA6, P1-SA8 and P1-SA11.

ES 13       One water sample was taken on 22nd December 2005 by CHEC at P1-SA1 Part 1. The water sample was subsequently tested by a HOKLAS accredited laboratory and the result showed that the water quality of water sample taken was well within the acceptable discharge limits. 

ES 14       One water sample was taken on 24th January 2006 by CHEC at P1-SA1 Part 1 and the result of this sample will be reported in the next monthly report. The next water sampling is scheduled for February 2006 for whole site area.

Waste Management

ES 15       With effect from 6th February 2005, all inert C&D material had been disposed of at Tuen Mun Area 38 instead of KTBP. The trip ticket system has been implemented effectively during the reporting period.

ES 16       A total of 1070 no. of trucks (approximately 6,420m3) of inert C&D materials were delivered to the Public Filling Areas (Tuen Mun Area 38) during the reporting period.  Approximate 65.38 tonnes of C&D waste was produced on-site and had been delivered to the designated landfills at either SENT or WENT.  No chemical waste was disposed off site during the reporting period.

ES 17       On 7th December 2005, approval was granted by CEDD to import a maximum of 3,000m3 of soft material from “HY2002/26 – Stonecutters Bridge” for re-usage purpose.  A total of 1,680m3 of soft material were delivered from HY2002/26 to Phase 1 Contract since December 2005.

Site Audit

ES 18       Weekly site audits were carried out by the ET and the major findings are presented below:

Item

Findings

Corrective and Preventive measures proposed by CHEC

Effectiveness of measures

1

Rubbish / debris / sediment were accumulated in the u-channels and catchpit at P1-SA6 (Bus Depot), P1-SA1 Part 2.

No treatment facilities for the u-channel adjacent to Pier SB38 & SB39 at P1-SA6 (Bus Depot)

The u-channels and catchpit had been cleared immediately after the site inspection.  In addition, all temporary drainage and runoff control systems had been maintained properly on a weekly basis.  For Pier SB38 and SB39, the slope formation had been completed and hydroseeding was carried out by CHEC by end of January 2006. Sandbags have been deployed in the u-channel as an interim measure. 

Completed and closed.

(Please refer to Appendix Q Photo 1 to 5)

2

Oil stain on the ground at area P1-SA1 Part 1 was observed.

The oil stain and contaminated soil had been cleared as chemical waste and was temporarily stored in the Chemical Waste Storage Area on site.

Completed and closed.

(Please refer to Appendix Q, Photo 6).

3

Insufficient wheel facilities were provided at roundabout CP3/CP4 and mud track were observed on the public road.

Ramps and high pressure water jets have been provided at the site exits. Waste water generated from wheel washing water would be diverted back to the site area for soakaway.  In addition, all the existing gullies within the roundabout had been blocked.

Completed and closed.

(Please refer to Appendix Q, Photo 7 to 9).

4

For area P1-SA6 (STP), the enclosure for the debagging and mixing process of bagged cement was inadequate.

Proper enclosure (sheltered on top and the 3 sides) has been provided for the debagging and cement mixing process.

(Please refer to Appendix Q, Photo 10).

 

ES 1          The monthly IEC audit was carried on 16th January 2006 and three observations were recorded by IEC during the site audit.

Item

Findings

Corrective and Preventive measures proposed by CHEC

Effectiveness of measures

1

Insufficient wheel washing facilities were provided at roundabout CP3/CP4 and mud trails were observed on the public road. 

Ramps and high pressure water jets have been provided at the site exits. Waste water generated from wheel washing water would be diverted back to the site area for soakaway.  In addition, all the existing gullies within the roundabout had been blocked.

Completed and closed.

(Please refer to Appendix Q, Photo 7 to 9).

2

Inadequate enclosure was provided for the concrete debagging and mixing facility at P1-SA6 (STP).  CHEC was reminded to provide proper enclosure as soon as possible.

Proper enclosure  has been provided for the debagging and cement mixing process.

Completed and closed.

(Please refer to Appendix Q, Photo 10).

3

No treatment facilities were provided for the u-channel adjacent to Pier SB 38 & 39 near P1-SA6 (Bus Depot).  

Slope formation had been completed and hydroseeding was carried out by CHEC by end of January 2006. Sandbags have been deployed in the u-channel.

The situation will be monitored by ET continuously.

(Please refer to Appendix Q Photo 4 to 5)

 

ES 2           No EPD site inspections were carried out during the reporting period.

ES 3          The following permits / licenses have been granted by EPD for the construction of the Phase 1 Contract and they are:-

·          Environmental Permit (EP-085/2000/C)

·          Chemical Waste Producer Registration  (WPN – 5213-269-C3215-01)

·          3 Effluent Discharge Licences (EP482/269/0038/I; EP482/269/0039/I & EP482/269/0040/I)

·          11 Construction Noise Permits.

Complaint Log

ES 4          No environmental related complaints were received during the reporting period.

ES 5          A total of 10 environmental related complaints had been received for Route 8 - Phase 1 Ngong Shuen Chau Viaduct contract since the commencement of the construction.

Notifications of Summons and Prosecution

ES 6          Since the commencement of construction, no notifications of summons nor prosecution were received on the environmental performance for this Contract.

Future Key Issues

ES 7          The tentative program of major site activities as well as the impact prediction and control measures for the coming three months, i.e. February 2006 to April 2006 are summarized below:

Construction Works

Major Impact Prediction

Control Measures

Utilities diversion; abutment and pier/portal construction, segment erection and bridge deck construction.

Air impact (dust and machine emission)

i.       Frequent watering of haul road and unpaved/exposed areas;

ii.     Frequent watering or covering stockpiles with tarpaulin or similar means;

iii.    Regular maintenance of onsite machinery and vehicles; and

iv.   Reinstate the after worked area by hydro-seed or similar means.

Water quality impact (muddy run-off)

v.     Collecting and recycling of wastewater produced on-site if possible;

vi.   Perimeter protection such as sandbag barriers and sealing the bottom of concrete barrier to avoid run-off entering the existing storm water drainage system;

vii.  Diverting the collected effluent to de-silting facilities for treatment before discharge to public drains; and

viii.Covering of exposed slope with tarpaulin or similar means during rainstorm

Noise Impact

ix.    Scheduling of noisy construction activities if necessary to avoid persistent noisy operation;

x.      Controlling the number of plants use on site;

xi.    Regular maintenance of machines; and

xii.   Use of acoustic barriers if necessary.