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 57th 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 March 2007 and 28th April 2007 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.                     booster pump house construction;

ii.                   excavation;

iii.                  traffic diversions;

iv.                 utilities diversions and installation;

v.                   viaduct finishing and surfacing,

vi.                 deck parapet erection and fixing;

vii.                TCSS and E&M works;

viii.              sign gantries / traffic sign; and

ix.                 noise barriers;

 

ES 4          During the monitoring period, the major construction activities undertaken during public holidays are highlighted as follows:

i.                     Grouting of tendon ducting; and

ii.                   deck parapet 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 inspections were conducted by the ET on 3rd, 13th, 20th and 26th April 2007 and the joint IEC monthly audit was conducted on 20th April 2007.

Air Quality

ES 6          A total of 54 sets of 1-hour TSP and 15 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 and night-time Monitoring

ES 9          Since no construction work was undertaken during evening and night-time, therefore no evening and night-time noise monitoring was carried out during the reporting month.

Public-holiday Monitoring

ES 10       A total of 5 set of 6 x Leq(5min) measurements was taken in public holidays (i.e. 0700 to 1900 hours during public holiday) at the three monitoring stations (NSR1, NSR2 and NSR3) during the reporting period and no exceedances were recorded.

Water Quality

ES 11       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 12       Two water samples were taken for P1-SA1 (Part 1, Grid 1 to 9) by CHEC on 26th March 2007.  The water samples were subsequently tested by a HOKLAS accredited laboratory and the results indicated that they have fully complied with the Specific Condition as stipulated in the approved license. In addition, pH and COD were also analyzed and the results also complied with the limits stipulated in the approved licenses.

ES 13       Two water samples were taken for P1-SA1 (Part 1, Grid 1 to 9) by CHEC on 26th April 2007.  The results of the water samples will be reported in the next EM&A monthly report.  The next sampling is scheduled for May 2007 for the whole site.

Waste Management

ES 14       A revised Waste Management Plan (Rev. 17) was submitted to EPD for information on 11th May 2006 with the latest information including the most up to date estimation of inert C&D materials and non-inert C&D materials.

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

ES 16       A total of 254 no. of trucks (approximately 1143 m3) of inert C&D materials were delivered to Tuen Mun Fill Bank during the reporting period.  Approximate 131 tonnes of C&D waste was produced on-site and were delivered to SENT.  In addition, no chemical waste was disposed off site during the reporting period.

ES 17       On 7th December 2005, approval was granted by PFC, CEDD to import a maximum of 3,000m3 of soft material from “HY2002/26 – Stonecutters Bridge” for re-usage purposes.  A total of 2,004m3 of soft material were delivered from HY2002/26 to Phase 1 Contract since December 2005.

Site Audits / Inspections

ES 18       Weekly site inspections 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

Open stockpiles of dusty materials were observed at area P1-SA1 (near Pier F12 and along the Container Port Road Westbound).

All idled open stockpiles (not in operation) have been removed from site or backfilled. The remaining open stockpiles have been covered by impervious sheeting after operation or by end of each working day.

Completed and closed.  (Please refer to Appendix Q, Photo 01&02).

2

Stagnant water was found at the segment storage yard in area P1-SA1 (Part 1).

All stagnant water together with deposited silt has been cleared in order to minimize the risk of mosquito breeding.

Completed and closed.  (Please refer to Appendix Q, Photo 03).

3

The dust suppression measures for the haul roads at P1-SA1 (Part 1) were insufficient.

The frequency of water spraying by water bowser has been increased.

Completed and closed.  (Please refer to Appendix Q, Photo 04).

4

The de-sludge pit for the Chemical Enhanced Treatment Plant (CETP) at P1-SA6 (STP) was found full of cement paste.

The CETP and de-sludge pit had been cleared after the site audit.

Completed and closed.  (Please refer to Appendix Q, Photo 05).

5

CHEC was reminded to protect the U-channel at area P1-SA6 (STP, next to the exposed ground).

A sandbag barrier has been deployed along the u-channel.

Completed and closed.  (Please refer to Appendix Q, Photo 06).

6

CHEC was reminded that all dump trucks loaded with dusty materials should be covered by impervious sheeting prior to leaving the site including internal transportation.

All dump trucks loaded with all types of C&D material had been checked before leaving the site.

In addition, regular training has been provided for frontline staff and reminding notices have been given to all new dump truck drivers carrying C&D materials leaving the site.

The situation will be closely monitored by both RSS and ET.

 

ES 1          The monthly IEC audit was carried out on 20th April 2007, three observations and one reminder were recorded, and they are presented in the table below.

Item

Findings

Corrective and Preventive measures proposed by CHEC

Effectiveness of measures

Observation(s)

1

The dust suppression measures for the haul roads at P1-SA1 (Part 1) were insufficient.

The frequency of water spraying by water bowser has been increased.

Completed and closed.  (Please refer to Appendix Q, Photo 04).

2

The de-sludge pit for the Chemical Enhanced Treatment Plant (CETP) at P1-SA6 (STP) was found full of cement paste.

The CETP and de-sludge pit had been cleared after the site audit.

Completed and closed.  (Please refer to Appendix Q, Photo 05).

3

CHEC was reminded to protect the U-channel at area P1-SA6 (STP, next to the exposed ground).

A sandbag barrier has been deployed along the u-channel.

Completed and closed.  (Please refer to Appendix Q, Photo 06).

Reminder(s)

1

CHEC was reminded that all dump trucks loaded with dusty materials should be covered by impervious sheeting prior to leaving the site including internal transportation.

All dump trucks loaded with all types of C&D material had been checked before leaving the site.

In addition, regular training has been provided for frontline staff and reminding notices have been given to all new dump truck drivers carrying C&D materials leaving the site.

The situation will be closely monitored by both RSS and ET.

 

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

Environmental Permits / Licenses

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

i.                     Environmental Permit (EP-085/2000/C)

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

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

iv.                 2 Construction Noise Permits.

 

Environmental Complaints

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

ES 5          A total of 10 environmental 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. May 2007 to July 2007 are summarized below:

Construction Works

Major Impact Prediction

Control Measures

Utilities installation and diversions; booster pump house, parapet and noise barrier erection; sign gantry / traffic sign installation; and TCSS and E&M works

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 worked area by hydro-seed or similar means.

Water quality impact

(muddy run-off)

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

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

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

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

Noise Impact

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

ii.     Controlling the number of plants use on site;

iii.    Regular maintenance of machines; and

iv.   Use of acoustic barriers if necessary.