Revision History

B

Updated Appendix C&D

18 March 2024

A

First Submission

21 April 2023

Rev.

Description of Modification

Date

 

 

 

Content

 

1.     Basic Project Information. 1

2.     Marine Water Quality Monitoring. 6

3.     Noise Monitoring. 13

4.     Waste. 18

5.     Coral 20

6.     Marine Mammal 28

7.     White-Bellied Sea Eagle. 38

8      Summary of Monitoring Exceedance, Complaints, Notification of Summons and Prosecutions  41

9.     EM&A Site Inspection. 42

10.   Conclusion and Recommendations. 43

 

 

Appendix A

Master Programme

Appendix B

Summary of Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation

Appendix C

Water Quality Monitoring Data Trending

Appendix D

Noise Monitoring Data Trending

Appendix E

Waste Flow Table

Appendix F

Photo Records for Coral Monitoring

Appendix G

Photo Records for Marine Mammal Monitoring

Appendix H

Photo Records for White-bellied Sea Eagle Monitoring

Appendix I

Complaint Log

 

 


 

Executive Summary

 

A1.       The Project, Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF), is a Designated Project under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499) (EIAO) and is currently governed by a Further Environmental Permit (FEP No. FEP-01/429/2012/A) for the construction and operation of the Project.

A2.       In accordance with the Updated Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual for the Project, EM&A works for marine water quality, noise, waste management and ecology should be carried out by Environmental Team (ET), Acuity Sustainability Consulting Limited (ASCL), during the construction phase of the Project.

A3.       This is the 19th Quarterly EM&A Report, prepared by ASCL, for the Project summarizing and concluding the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme at and around Shek Kwu Chau (SKC) during the reporting period from 1 January 2023 to 31 March 2023.

A4.       The EM&A works for construction noise, water quality, construction waste, coral, marine mammal and White-Bellied Sea Eagle (WBSE) were conducted during the reporting period in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual.

A5.       Weekly site inspections of the construction works were carried out by ET to audit the mitigation measures implementation status. Monthly joint site inspections were carried out by ET and IEC.

A6.       As confirmed with Contractor and Project Supervising Officer, no marine construction work will be carried out from March to December 2023 tentatively. An updated EM&A arrangement to propose the temporary suspension of water quality and line-transect monitoring from March to December 2023 was submitted to EPD on 21 March 2023. EPD advised no comment on the updated EM&A arrangement on 29 March 2023. The water quality and line-transect monitoring were then temporarily suspended from 30 March 2023 onward. A two-week advance notice will be made by the Contractor prior to resumption of marine construction works. The water quality monitoring and line-transection monitoring will be resumed upon the resumption of marine construction works. ET will notify the resumption of marine construction works with updated EM&A schedule within one day after receiving the notification from contractor.

 

 

 

 


1.         Basic Project Information

1.1.           The Reporting Scope

1.1.1          This is the 19h Quarterly EM&A Report for the Project which summarizes the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 January 2023 to 31 March 2023.

1.2.           Project Organization

1.2.2          The Project Organization structure for Construction Phase is presented in Figure 1.1.

Figure 1.1 Project Organization Chart

1.2.3          Contact details of the key personnel are presented in Table 1.1 below:

 

Table 1.1 Contact Details of Key Personnel

Party

Position

Name

Telephone no.

Environmental Protection Department

Project Proponent

Cheng Tak-Kuen

2594-6111

Keppel Seghers ¡V Zhen Hua Joint Venture

Project Manager

Peter Chung

2192-0603

Acuity Sustainability Consulting Limited

Environmental Team Leader

F.C. Tsang

2698-6833

ERM-Hong Kong, Limited

Independent Environmental Checker

Mandy To

2271-3000

1.3.           Summary of Construction Works

1.3.1          Details of the major construction activities undertaken in this reporting period are shown in Table 1.2 below. The construction programme is presented in Appendix A.

Table 1.2 Summary of the Construction Activities Undertaken during the Reporting Period

Location of works

Construction activities undertaken

Remarks on progress

Reclamation area

¡P      Reclamation works

 

¡P      Installation of Instrumentation

 

¡P      Site Investigation works for foundation

 

¡P      Foundation works (including Driven H Pile and Socketed H Pile)

 

¡P      Pile cap construction

 

¡P      Structural steel work

 

¡P      Completed

 

¡P      On-going

 

¡P      On-going

 

¡P      On-going

 

 

¡P      On-going

 

¡P      On-going

Seawall portion

¡P      Installation of Chinese Pod

 

 

¡P      Caisson extension works, from +3mPD to +6mPD, at Seawall A and B

 

¡P      Construction of wave wall along the vertical seawall

 

¡P      Completed

 

 

¡P      On-going

 

 

 

¡P      On-going

 

 

 


1.3.2          The status for all environmental aspects is presented in Table 1.3.

Table 1.3 Summary of Status for Key Environmental Aspects under the Updated EM&A Manual

Parameters

Status

Water Quality

Baseline Monitoring under Updated EM&A Manual and Detailed Plan on DCM

The baseline water quality monitoring result has been reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under FEP Condition 3.4

Impact Monitoring

As confirmed with Contractor and Project Supervising Officer, no marine construction work will be carried out from March to December 2023 tentatively. An updated EM&A arrangement to propose the temporary suspension of water quality and line-transect monitoring from March to December 2023 was submitted to EPD on 21 March 2023. EPD advised no comment on the updated EM&A arrangement on 29 March 2023. The water quality and line-transect monitoring were then temporarily suspended from 30 March 2023 onward. A two-week advance notice will be made by the Contractor prior to resumption of marine construction works. The water quality monitoring and line-transection monitoring will be resumed upon the resumption of marine construction works. ET will notify the resumption of marine construction works with updated EM&A schedule within one day after receiving the notification from contractor

Regular DCM Monitoring

All DCM was completed on 14 October 2020, regular DCM monitoring for further 4 weeks (i.e from 16 October 2020 to 14 November 2020) was completed according to the approved Detailed Plan on Deep Cement Mixing

Initial Intensive DCM Monitoring

Conducted from 11 February 2019 to 10 March 2019, had not been resumed since there was no DCM related parameter exceeding the AL/LL.

Baseline Water Quality of wet season

Completed over 13 August 2018 to 7 September 2018

Noise

Baseline Monitoring

The baseline noise monitoring result has been reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under FEP Condition 3.4

Impact Monitoring

On-going

Waste Management

Mitigation Measures in Waste Monitoring Plan

On-going

Coral

Pre-translocation Survey and Coral Mapping

The Coral Translocation Plan was submitted and approved by EPD under EP Condition 2.12

Coral Translocation

Completed on 28 March 2018

Post-Translocation Coral Monitoring

Survey affected by missing of translocated and tagged coral colonies after typhoons in September 2018, completed on 28 March 2019.

Pre-construction Coral Survey and Tagging

Completed on 26 June 2018

Tagged Coral Monitoring

Survey obstructed due to missing of tagged coral colonies after typhoons in September 2018

Coral Survey and Re-tagging

Re-tagging at Indirect Impact Site was conducted on 23 November and Re-tagging at Control Site was conducted on 3 December 2018.

Post Re-tagging Coral Quarterly Monitoring

On-going

Marine Mammal

Baseline Monitoring

The baseline marine mammal monitoring result has been reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under FEP Condition 3.4

Impact Monitoring

Temporarily suspended since 30 March 2023, as no marine construction works as defined in the approved EIA report (AEIAR-163/2012) and the Updated EM&A Manual was conducted in this reporting month.

Land-based Theodolite Tracking

30 days of theodolite surveys were started on 21 Feb 2019 and completed in May 2019.

Passive Acoustic Monitoring

30 days of PAM surveys were started on 1 May 2019 and completed at the end of May 2019.

White-bellied Sea Eagle

Baseline Monitoring

The baseline WBSE monitoring result has been reported in Baseline Monitoring Report and submitted to EPD under FEP Condition 3.4

Impact Monitoring

On-going, weekly monitoring was conducted in January and February 2023 for incubation activity, since the incubation activity was stopped on 23 February 2023 and no chick was observed, the frequency of impact monitoring was changed to twice per month in March 2023. However, chick was observed during monitoring event on 28 March 2023, the frequency of impact monitoring will changed to 7-day consecutive monitoring.

Environmental Audit

Site Inspection covering Measures of Air Quality, Noise Impact, Water Quality, Waste, Ecological Quality, Fisheries, Landscape and Visual

On-going

Mitigation Measures in Marine Mammal Watching Plan (MMWP)

Installation of caisson No.19 was completed on 18 March

2021, which the reclamation area had been totally enclosed by

permanent structure. Floating type silt curtain at marine

access was removed on 18 March 2021. No enclosed area

shall be formed by deployment of silt curtain for the

remaining works programme.

Mitigation Measures in Detailed Monitoring Programme on Finless Porpoise (DMPFP)

Installation of caisson No.19 was completed on 18 March

2021, which the reclamation area had been totally enclosed by

permanent structure. Floating type silt curtain at marine

access was removed on 18 March 2021. No enclosed area

shall be formed by deployment of silt curtain for the

remaining works programme.

Mitigation Measures in Vessel Travel Details

On-going

Daily Site Audit and Monitoring for Dredging Work

Completed

  1.3.3          Other than the EM&A works by ET, environmental briefings, trainings and regular environmental management meetings were conducted, in order to enhance environmental awareness and closely monitor the environmental performance of the contractors. 1.3.4          The EM&A programme has been implemented in accordance with the recommendations presented in the approved EIA Report and the Updated EM&A Manual. A summary of updated implementation status of the environmental mitigation measures for the construction phase of the Project during the reporting period is provided in Appendix B.

 


 

 

 

2.         Marine Water Quality Monitoring

2.1          Water Quality Parameters

2.1.1          Measurement of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Turbidity, Suspended Solids (SS), Salinity and pH have been undertaken at the eleven monitoring stations during general water quality monitoring. 2.1.2          DO, temperature, salinity, turbidity and pH were measured in-situ and the SS was assayed in a HOKLAS laboratory. 2.1.3          In associate with the water quality parameters, other relevant data were also measured, such as monitoring location/position, time, water depth, sampling depth, tidal stages, weather conditions and any special phenomena or work underway nearby were also recorded. 2.1.4          Impact water quality monitoring was conducted 3 days per week in the reporting period. All parameters were monitored during mid-flood and mid-ebb tides at three water depths for water quality monitoring. The interval between two sets of monitoring has not been less than 36 hours. 2.1.5          Table 2.1 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of the impact water quality monitoring.

 Table 2.1 Water Quality Monitoring Parameters, Frequency and Duration

Parameter, unit

Frequency

No. of Depths

¡P         Water Depth(m)

¡P         Temperature(oC)

¡P         Salinity(ppt)

¡P         pH (pH unit)

¡P         Dissolved Oxygen (DO)(mg/L and % of saturation)

¡P         Turbidity(NTU)

¡P         Suspended Solids (SS), mg/L

¡P         Current velocity (m/s)

¡P         Direction (in NESW)

General water quality monitoring:

3 days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides

3 water depths: 1m below sea surface, mid-depth and 1m above sea bed.

If the water depth is less than 3m, mid-depth sampling only.

If water depth is less than 6m, mid-depth may be omitted.

 

 

2.2          Water Quality Monitoring Locations

2.2.1          Impact water quality monitoring was conducted at eleven monitoring locations (i.e. B1-B4, H1, C1A, C2A, F1A, CR1, CR2 and M1) during general water quality monitoring as shown in Figure 2.1.

A map of the united states

Description automatically generated

Figure 2.1 Water monitoring locations at Artificial Island near SKC


2.3          Action and Limit Levels

2.3.1          Based on the baseline monitoring data and the derivation criteria presented in the Baseline Monitoring Report, the Action/Limit Levels have been derived and are presented in Table 2.2 and Table 2.3 for both dry seasons (October ¡V March) and wet seasons (April ¡V September).

Table 2.2 Derived Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality Monitoring (Dry Season)

Parameters

Action

Limit

Construction Phase Impact Monitoring

DO in mg/L

≤ 7.13

≤ 4

SS in mg/L

≥ 8 or 120% of control station¡¦s SS at the same tide of the same day of measurement, whichever is higher

≥ 10 or 130% of control station's SS at the same tide of the same day of measurement, whichever is higher

Turbidity in NTU

≥ 5.6 or 120% of control station¡¦s turbidity at the same tide of the same day of measurement, whichever is higher

≥ 12.81 or 130% of control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day of measurement, whichever is higher

Temperature in¢XC

1.8¢XC above the temperature recorded at representative control station at the same tide of the same day

2¢XC above the temperature recorded at representative control station at the same tide of the same day

Notes:  

         i.            "Depth-averaged" is calculated by taking the arithmetic means of reading of all three depths.

        ii.            For DO, non-compliance of the water quality limits occurs when monitoring result is lower than the limits.

      iii.            For turbidity, SS and Salinity, non-compliance of the water quality limits occurs when monitoring result is higher than the limits.

Table 2.3 Derived Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality (Wet Season)

Parameters

Action

Limit

Construction Phase Impact Monitoring

DO in mg/L

≤ 5.28

≤ 4

SS in mg/L

≥ 12 or 120% of control station¡¦s SS at the same tide of the same day of measurement, whichever is higher

≥ 14 or 130% of control station's SS at the same tide of the same day of measurement, whichever is higher

Turbidity in NTU

≥ 4.0 or 120% of control station¡¦s turbidity at the same tide of the same day of measurement, whichever is higher

≥ 4.3 or 130% of control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day of measurement, whichever is higher

Temperature in¢XC

1.8¢XC above the temperature recorded at representative control station at the same tide of the same day

2¢XC above the temperature recorded at representative control station at the same tide of the same day

 

Notes:

         i.            "Depth-averaged" is calculated by taking the arithmetic means of reading of all three depths.

        ii.            For DO, non-compliance of the water quality limits occurs when monitoring result is lower than the limits.

       iii.            For turbidity, SS and Salinity, non-compliance of the water quality limits occurs when monitoring result is higher than the limits.

 

2.4          Monitoring Results and Observations

2.4.1          As confirmed by the Contractor on 14 October 2020, all DCM works was completed on 14 October 2020, the post DCM water quality monitoring was completed for further 4 weeks (i.e. from 16 October 2020 to 14 November 2020) according to the approved Detailed Plan on Deep Cement Mixing. As all DCM work and post DCM water quality monitoring were completed, no water quality monitoring was conducted at S1, S2A and S3 during the reporting period. As no marine construction work will be carried out from March to December 2023 and EPD advised no comment on temporary suspension of water quality monitoring on 29 March 2023, the water quality was then temporarily suspended from 30 March 2023 onward. 2.4.2          Monitoring results of 6 key parameters: Salinity, DO, turbidity, SS, pH and temperature for general water quality monitoring during the reporting period, are summarized in Table 2.4, and results trending are presented graphically in Appendix C.

Table 2.4 Summary of Regular Impact Water Quality Monitoring Results

Locations

Parameters

Salinity (ppt)

Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)

pH

Turbidity (NTU)

Suspended Solids (mg/L)

Temp. (oC)

Surface & Middle

Bottom

Jan

Feb

Mar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Jan

Feb

Mar

B1

Avg.

32.47

32.74

32.92

8.76

8.89

9.06

8.75

8.89

9.05

8.25

8.27

8.26

3.7

3.2

3.4

5.21

4.58

3.80

21.1

21.1

21.4

Min.

30.76

31.37

29.16

8.15

8.21

8.40

8.19

8.28

8.37

8.10

8.08

8.04

2.5

2.2

2.0

2.00

2.50

2.50

20.0

20.4

19.1

Max.

33.69

33.87

34.66

9.54

9.67

9.85

9.57

9.61

9.86

8.37

8.39

8.42

5.4

5.4

5.0

27.00

14.00

9.00

22.0

22.3

22.6

B2

Avg.

32.26

32.90

32.69

8.59

8.62

8.87

8.58

8.61

8.86

8.26

8.27

8.27

3.6

3.4

3.5

5.45

4.80

3.88

21.0

21.2

21.3

Min.

30.43

30.92

30.11

8.19

7.99

8.21

8.21

8.02

8.27

8.07

8.10

8.05

2.6

2.4

2.2

2.00

2.50

2.50

19.8

20.4

18.8

Max.

33.85

34.52

34.46

9.53

9.47

9.64

9.57

9.47

9.56

8.36

8.43

8.43

5.4

4.9

5.4

28.00

16.00

11.00

22.3

22.5

22.6

B3

Avg.

32.38

32.44

32.69

8.84

8.76

9.06

8.85

8.77

9.05

8.27

8.26

8.25

4.5

4.0

4.0

5.16

4.77

3.57

21.0

21.1

21.4

Min.

31.30

30.86

29.88

8.17

8.01

8.32

8.19

7.99

8.29

8.12

8.10

8.08

3.0

3.0

2.5

2.00

2.50

2.50

19.8

20.6

18.9

Max.

33.75

34.40

34.62

9.53

9.56

9.76

9.60

9.60

9.81

8.39

8.38

8.41

7.2

5.6

6.5

27.00

12.00

11.00

22.1

22.4

22.4

B4

Avg.

32.16

32.73

32.60

8.80

8.89

9.10

8.79

8.89

9.11

8.27

8.27

8.25

4.5

4.0

3.9

4.72

4.90

3.50

21.0

21.1

21.4

Min.

30.30

31.51

28.59

8.16

8.15

8.26

8.20

8.20

8.13

8.11

8.18

7.99

3.1

2.8

2.3

2.00

2.50

2.50

19.8

20.2

18.9

Max.

33.46

34.14

34.26

9.57

9.62

9.70

9.57

9.62

9.59

8.39

8.40

8.40

6.4

5.7

5.4

25.00

15.00

9.00

22.3

22.4

22.6

C1A

 

Avg.

32.56

32.81

32.87

8.90

8.73

8.97

8.89

8.72

8.98

8.28

8.25

8.26

5.7

5.2

5.3

4.99

5.13

3.56

21.0

21.2

21.4

Min.

30.64

31.49

30.21

8.19

7.98

8.19

8.21

8.09

8.23

8.14

8.15

8.08

3.8

3.5

3.3

2.00

2.50

2.50

19.8

20.3

18.9

Max.

33.83

34.32

34.62

9.73

9.65

9.83

9.54

9.55

9.71

8.40

8.42

8.42

8.3

6.6

7.0

18.00

19.00

10.00

22.0

22.5

22.6

C2A

Avg.

32.39

32.81

32.80

8.72

8.78

8.92

8.72

8.79

8.93

8.25

8.27

8.25

5.7

5.2

5.3

5.18

5.18

3.23

21.1

21.1

21.4

Min.

30.35

31.17

28.65

8.18

8.12

8.07

8.18

8.15

8.06

8.06

8.14

8.08

3.5

3.7

3.4

2.00

2.50

2.50

20.1

20.4

18.9

Max.

33.72

34.42

34.55

9.50

9.64

9.78

9.49

9.62

9.81

8.39

8.39

8.43

9.3

7.5

7.4

14.00

18.00

8.00

22.2

22.5

22.7

CR1

Avg.

32.28

32.60

32.97

8.74

8.88

8.96

8.74

8.89

8.94

8.26

8.28

8.26

4.7

3.9

4.1

5.53

4.69

3.77

21.0

21.1

21.4

Min.

30.93

30.97

29.00

8.06

8.19

7.94

8.09

8.18

7.94

8.14

8.08

8.03

3.3

2.1

2.6

2.00

2.50

2.50

19.9

20.2

19.0

Max.

33.70

33.68

34.77

9.59

9.53

9.80

9.50

9.48

9.78

8.37

8.41

8.42

7.2

6.2

5.7

25.00

16.00

10.00

22.2

22.5

22.8

CR2

Avg.

32.42

32.64

32.66

8.70

8.68

9.06

8.70

8.69

9.05

8.27

8.28

8.28

4.7

3.7

4.1

5.57

4.80

3.54

21.0

21.1

21.4

Min.

30.89

31.14

29.43

8.18

7.89

8.27

8.15

7.92

8.30

8.12

8.15

8.13

3.0

2.4

2.3

2.00

2.50

2.50

19.8

20.3

19.0

Max.

33.46

34.25

34.60

9.54

9.55

10.10

9.39

9.62

9.85

8.40

8.43

8.42

6.9

5.7

6.2

23.00

18.00

8.00

22.0

22.3

22.6

F1A

Avg.

32.28

32.71

32.69

8.97

8.88

9.15

8.99

8.88

9.16

8.26

8.29

8.26

4.4

3.7

3.7

4.96

5.00

3.48

21.0

21.2

21.4

Min.

30.49

31.24

29.47

8.26

7.88

8.27

8.27

7.96

8.29

8.10

8.06

8.06

2.9

2.1

2.3

2.00

2.50

2.50

19.7

20.6

18.9

Max.

33.83

34.43

34.60

9.68

9.71

9.87

9.61

9.59

9.88

8.41

8.44

8.44

7.4

5.4

5.5

29.00

14.00

11.00

22.3

22.4

22.6

H1

Avg.

32.31

32.60

32.80

8.94

8.71

8.82

8.95

8.70

8.83

8.26

8.27

8.25

4.3

3.8

3.7

5.58

5.07

3.31

21.0

21.1

21.4

Min.

30.70

30.96

28.72

8.24

7.98

8.33

8.25

8.06

8.31

8.07

8.09

8.02

2.7

2.1

2.2

2.00

2.50

2.50

19.8

20.4

18.9

Max.

33.80

33.99

34.30

9.58

9.52

9.79

9.59

9.43

9.68

8.39

8.41

8.43

7.2

5.2

5.6

27.00

14.00

8.00

22.0

22.4

22.5

M1

Avg.

32.32

32.88

32.86

8.97

8.79

8.88

8.96

8.80

8.88

8.28

8.28

8.27

4.4

4.0

3.6

5.85

5.27

3.40

21.0

21.1

21.4

Min.

30.47

31.64

28.83

8.14

8.09

8.25

8.18

8.09

8.28

8.16

8.16

8.10

2.8

2.9

2.2

2.00

2.50

2.50

19.9

20.5

19.1

Max.

34.01

34.07

34.55

9.68

9.54

9.48

9.61

9.45

9.47

8.37

8.37

8.43

8.3

5.8

5.6

32.00

14.00

8.00

22.1

22.2

22.5

 

Notes:  

         i.            "Avg", ¡§Min¡¨ and ¡§Max¡¨ is the average, minimum and maximum respectively of the data from measurements conducted under mid-flood and mid-ebb tides at three water depths, except that of DO where the data for ¡§Surface & Middle¡¨ and ¡§Bottom¡¨ are calculated separately.

       ii.            As no marine construction work will be carried out from March to December 2023 and EPD advised no comment on temporary suspension of water quality monitoring on 29 March 2023, the water quality was then temporarily suspended from 30 March 2023 onward.

 


2.4.3          All of the monitoring results for temperature, DO and turbidity obtained in the reporting period complied with their corresponding Action and Limit levels. Sixteen (16) of the general water quality monitoring results of SS had exceeded Action Level during the reporting period, while Sixteen (16) exceedances of the Limit Level of SS were also recorded. For the salinity, pH, DO, turbidity, temperature and SS, their trends were fluctuated independent to the site activities and presented in Appendix C. 2.4.4          No major pollution source which might affect the results was observed during the impact monitoring. 2.4.5          Details of the exceedance are presented in Section 8. 2.4.6          Implemented mitigation measures minimizing the adverse impacts on water are listed in the implementation schedule given in Appendix B.

 

 

 

 

 

3.         Noise Monitoring

3.1          Noise Monitoring Parameters

3.1.1          Impact noise monitoring was conducted weekly in the reporting period between 0700 and 1900 hours on normal weekdays. Additional impact noise monitoring was conducted weekly in the reporting period between 1900 and 0700 hours on all days as well as public holidays and Sundays. 3.1.2          Construction noise level measured in terms of the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level (LAeq). Leq 30min was used as the monitoring parameter for the time period between 0700 and 1900 hours on normal weekdays. Leq 5min was used as the monitoring parameter for the time period between 1900 and 0700 hours as well as public holidays and Sundays. Table 3.1 summarizes the monitoring parameters, frequency and duration of the impact noise monitoring and additional impact noise monitoring.

 Table 3.1 Noise Monitoring Parameters, Time, Frequency and Duration

Monitoring Station

Time

Duration

Parameters

M1/ N_S1,

M2/ N_S2,

M3/ N_S3

Day time:

0700-1900 hrs

(during normal weekdays)

Once per week

Leq 5min/Leq 30min (average of 6 consecutive Leq 5min)

Leq, L10 & L90

Evening time:

1900-2300 hrs (including normal weekdays, also public holidays and Sundays)

Once per week

Leq 5min (3 sets of Leq 5min)

Leq, L10 & L90

Night time:

2300-0700 hrs (including normal weekdays, also public holidays and Sundays)

Once per week

Leq 5min (3 sets of Leq 5min)

Leq, L10 & L90

 

3.2          Noise Monitoring Locations

3.2.1          Three noise monitoring locations for impact monitoring and additional impact monitoring at the nearby sensitive receivers are shown in Figure 3.1


Figure 3.1 Noise monitoring locations at SKC


3.2.2          M1, M2 and M3 are Shek Kwu Chau Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre Hostel 1, 2 and 3 respectively of The Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers (SARDA) located at southern part of Shek Kwu Chau. 3.2.3          Measurements at M1 & M3 were conducted at a point 1m from the exterior of the sensitive receivers building façade and at a position 1.2m above the ground. Measurement setup at M3 has been varying with minor adjustment to minimize the disturbance to the users of Treatment Centre. Measurement at M2 was conducted at a point 1m from building façade of the ceiling of 1st floor level for avoidance of mutual disturbance with users of Treatment Centre. The minor adjustment of monitoring locations, which were in favour to mutual convenience with the users of Treatment Centre, were found with no effect on monitoring result based on on-site observation and experience from the Baseline monitoring of the Project. 3.2.4          The noise monitoring stations are summarized in Table 3.2 below.

Table 3.2 Noise Monitoring Location

Station

NSR ID in EIA Report

Noise Monitoring Location

Type of sensitive receiver(s)

Measurement Type

M1

N_S1

Shek Kwu Chau Treatment & Rehabilitation Centre Hostel 1

Residential

Façade

M2

N_S2

Shek Kwu Chau Treatment & Rehabilitation Centre Hostel 2

Residential

Façade

M3

N_S3

Shek Kwu Chau Treatment & Rehabilitation Centre Hostel 3

Residential

Façade

 

3.3          Action and Limit Levels

3.3.1          The Action/Limit Levels in line with the criteria of Practice Note for Professional Persons (ProPECC PN 2/93) ¡§Noise from Construction Activities ¡V Non-statutory Controls¡¨ and Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process  issued by HKSAR Environmental Protection Department [¡§EPD¡¨] under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, Cap 499, S.16 is presented in Table 3.3.

Table 3.3 Action and Limit Levels for Noise per Updated EM&A Manual

Time Period

Action

Limit (dB(A))

0700-1900 hrs on normal weekdays

When one documented complaint is received

75 dB(A)

Notes:      If works are to be carried out during restricted hours, the conditions stipulated in the Construction Noise Permit (CNP) issued by the Noise Control Authority have to be followed.

 

3.4          Monitoring Results and Observations

3.4.1          Impact monitoring for noise impact for daytime was conducted in the reporting period. The impact noise levels at Noise Monitoring Stations at SKC (i.e. M1/ N_S1 to M3/ N_S3) are summarized in Table 3.5. Additional impact monitoring during restricted hours was conducted in the reporting period. The additional impact noise levels at Noise Monitoring Stations at SKC (i.e. M1/ N_S1 to M3/ N_S3) are summarized in Table 3.6 and Table 3.7 respectively. Trending of the noise monitoring results is presented graphically in Appendix D. 3.4.2          Major construction activity, major noise source and extreme weather which might affect the results were recorded during the impact monitoring. 3.4.3          According to our field observations, the major noise source identified at the noise monitoring station in the reporting quarter are summarised in Table 3.4. Sound from the intermittent piling work was the noticeable noise source for monitoring stations M1, M2 and M3. Air conditioning units were also observed at station M3 during the impact monitoring.

Table 3.4 Summary of Field Observation

Monitoring Station

Major Noise Source

M1

Sound from the intermittent piling work

M2

Sound from the intermittent piling work

M3

Sound from the intermittent piling work, air-conditioners

3.4.4          No data from impact monitoring during daytime had exceeded the stipulated limit level at 75 dB(A).

Table 3.5 Summary of Impact Noise Monitoring Results during Daytime (0700 ¡V 1900 hrs)

Location

Noise in dB(A)

Range of Leq 30min

Range of L10 30min

Range of L90 30min

Jan

Feb

Mar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Jan

Feb

Mar

M1

48.3 ¡V 62.4

59.0 ¡V 64.5

58.7 ¡V 61.9

50.7 ¡V 65.2

61.7 ¡V 67.2

60.6 ¡V 64.2

45.4 ¡V 56.8

54.7 ¡V 58.2

55.4 ¡V 58.6

M2

50.0 ¡V 58.0

56.0 ¡V 58.6

56.7 ¡V 57.5

51.6 ¡V 61.4

58.7 ¡V 61.5

58.5 ¡V 59.1

47.5 ¡V 53.9

53.0 ¡V 55.1

53.2 ¡V 55.2

M3

48.7 ¡V 65.6

55.5 ¡V 58.9

54.6 ¡V 59.2

50.6 ¡V 70.9

59.0 ¡V 63.0

56.6 ¡V 63.6

44.9 ¡V 54.9

51.3 ¡V 53.4

50.4 ¡V 53.0

3.4.5          Applicable mitigation measures for construction works are fully implemented as shown in Appendix B, where double-glazed windows and air conditioning system were also installed and confirmed operable for the NSRs (N_S1, N_S2 & N_S3). 3.4.6          During the noise monitoring event, frontline staff of ET have inquired the treatment centre users on any noise disturbance from the construction activities at evening and night time, where no complaint and adverse opinions was received. 3.4.7          Data from impact monitoring during evening time and night time were compared with the NCO criteria. Where site inspection and auditing on Contractor¡¦s record have shown that the conditions stipulated in the Construction Noise Permit (CNP) issued by the Noise Control Authority for construction works during restricted hours were followed. No inappropriate practice were spotted during evening time and night time construction works, thus the stipulated requirement on noise impact control during night time and evening time was achieved.

 

Table 3.6 Summary of the Additional Impact Noise Monitoring Results during Evening Time (1900-2300 hrs)

Location

Noise in dB(A)

Range of Leq 5min

Range of L10 5min

Range of L90 5min

Jan

Feb

Mar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Jan

Feb

Mar

M1

39.3 ¡V 46.5

42.2 ¡V 62.0

42.6 ¡V 51.5

40.9 ¡V 49.1

42.2 ¡V 64.7

44.0 ¡V 53.6

38.1 ¡V 43.1

38.4 ¡V 53.5

40.8 ¡V 49.5

M2

45.4 ¡V 50.7

45.6 ¡V 58.0

49.4 ¡V 53.7

46.0 ¡V 54.9

47.1 ¡V 60.8

50.8 ¡V 54.2

43.4 ¡V 48.5

44.3 ¡V 53.2

47.9 ¡V 52.1

M3

40.4 ¡V 50.5

43.2 ¡V 50.0

40.6 ¡V 49.0

40.8 ¡V 53.9

43.7 ¡V 56.0

41.8 ¡V 50.2

38.4 ¡V 43.0

41.1 ¡V 47.7

39.1 ¡V 47.8

 

Table 3.7 Summary of Additional Impact Noise Monitoring Results during Night Time (2300 ¡V 0700 hrs)

Location

Noise in dB(A)

Range of Leq 5min

Range of L10 5min

Range of L90 5min

Jan

Feb

Mar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Jan

Feb

Mar

M1

36.3 ¡V 43.1

35.1 ¡V 46.5

39.7 ¡V 51.8

37.2 ¡V 45.6

35.8 ¡V 48.6

40.9 ¡V 54.1

35.2 ¡V 39.8

34.3 ¡V 44.3

37.8 ¡V 50.1

M2

42.9 ¡V 51.8

43.7 ¡V 56.3

48.6 ¡V 51.3

43.5 ¡V 53.6

44.2 ¡V 59.4

49.0 ¡V 52.6

42.4 ¡V 49.4

43.3 ¡V 50.4

47.3 ¡V 50.6

M3

36.4 ¡V 49.4

39.2 ¡V 52.0

39.5 ¡V 48.1

37.2 ¡V 57.6

40.0 ¡V 54.0

40.2 ¡V 49.3

35.3 ¡V 45.9

35.3 ¡V 48.1

38.8 ¡V 47.5


  4.         Waste

4.1          The waste generated from this Project includes inert construction and demolition (C&D) materials, and non-inert C&D materials. Non-inert C&D materials are made up of general refuse, vegetative wastes and recyclable wastes such as plastics and paper/cardboard packaging waste. Steel materials generated from the project are also grouped into non-inert C&D materials as the materials were not disposed of with other inert C&D materials.

 

4.2          As advised by the Contractor, for C&D waste, 73,502.3m3 C&D material was generated on site in the reporting period and disposed as public fill. 315.0kg of paper was generated on site and collected by registered recycling collector. 11,150.1kg of metal waste was collected by registered recycling collector. 0.7kg of plastics was collected by registered recycling collector. No chemical waste was collected by the licensed chemical waste collector. 370.5m3 of other types of wastes (e.g. general refuse) were generated on site and disposed of at Landfill. 4,156.0m3 of fill rock was imported during the reporting quarter.

 

4.3          Chemical waste generated from land-based construction activities was stored in the chemical waste cabinet for temporary storage.

 

4.4          With reference to relevant handling records and trip tickets of this Project, the quantities of different types of waste generated in the reporting period are summarised in Table 4.1. Details of cumulative waste management data are presented as a waste flow table in Appendix E.

 

4.5          The Contractor is advised to sort and store any solid and liquid waste on-site properly prior to disposal.

 

Table 4.1 Quantities of Waste Generated from the Project

Reporting Period

Actual Quantities of Inert C&D Materials Generated Monthly

Actual Quantities of C&D Wastes Generated Monthly

Total Quantity Generated

Hard Rock and Large Broken Concrete (see Note 1)

Reused in the Contract

Reused in other Projects

Disposed as Public Fill

Imported Fill

Metals

Paper / cardboard packaging

Plastics

(see Note 2)

Chemical Waste

Others, e.g. general refuse

(see Note 3)

Sand

Public Fill

Rock

(in ,000m3)

(in ,000m3)

(in ,000m3)

(in ,000m3)

(in ,000m3)

(in ,000m3)

(in ,000kg)

(in ,000kg)

(in ,000kg)

(in ,000kg)

(in ,000L)

(in ,000m3)

Jan 2023

24.6728

0

0

24.6728

0

0

0

1.3545

0

0.3150

0

0

0

0.1365

Feb 2023

26.7206

0

0

26.7206

0

0

0

1.8990

11.1501

0

0.0007

0

0

0.1235

Mar 2023

22.1089

0

0

22.1089

0

0

0

0.9025

0

0

0

0

0

0.1105

Notes:

1.       Broken concrete for recycling into aggregates.

2.       Plastic refer to plastic bottles / containers, plastic sheets / foam from packaging materials.

3.       Use the conversion factor: 1 full load of dumping truck being equivalent to 6.5 m3 by volume.

4.       Use the conversion factor:  rock density = 2 T/m3.

 

 

 


5.         Coral

5.1          Coral Monitoring Parameters

5.1.1          Ten (10) tagged coral colonies at each site of suggested control site and indirect impact site are being monitored weekly for the first month and followed by monthly monitoring for three months. The selected Control Site is located at Yuen Kong Chau of Soko Islands about 7 km away from the project area. After the hitting of super typhoon Mangkhut in mid-September 2018, the coral re-tagging activities at indirect impact site and control site were conducted in November and December 2018 respectively. Tagged coral colonies at the proposed recipient site are being monitored quarterly for one year and the last post-translocation coral monitoring was completed on 28 Mar 2019. The selected recipient site R3 is located the opposite side of the Project area at about 2 km away. 5.1.2          Monitoring recorded the following parameters (using the same methodology adopted during the pre-translocation survey); the size, presence, health conditions (percentage of mortality/bleaching) and percentage of sediment of each trans-located coral colony. The general environmental conditions including weather, sea, and tidal conditions of survey sites were monitored. 5.1.3          Health status of coral was assessed by the following criteria:

Hard coral: Percentage of surface area exhibiting partial mortality and blanched/bleached area of each coral colony and degree of sedimentation.

 

5.2          Coral Monitoring Locations

Location of the ten tagged coral colonies at each of the proposed indirect impact site, control site, the recipient site R3 and REA transect at proposed indirect impact site are shown in Figure 5.1, Figure 5.2 and Figure 5.3 respectively:

Figure 5.1 Tagged Natural Corals at Indirect Impact Site Near SKC for re-tagging after typhoon Mangkhut

Figure 5.2 Tagged Natural Corals at Control Site Near Yuen Kong Chau for re-tagging after typhoon Mangkhut

Figure 5.3 Tagged Translocation Corals at Recipient Site R3 near SKC

5.2.1          The GPS coordinates of the tagged coral colonies and retagged coral colonies at both indirect impact site, control site and recipient site R3 were shown in Table 5.1, Table 5.2 and Table 5.3 respectively.

 

Table 5.1 Tagged Natural Corals during Baseline and Re-tagged Natural Corals after Typhoon Manghkut at Control Site near Yuen Long Chau

Coral # note i

GPS Coordinates

1

N22¢X09¡¦45.96¡¨

E113¢X54¡¦57.81¡¨

2R

N22¢X11¡¦29.12¡¨

E113¢X59¡¦09.01¡¨

3

N22¢X09¡¦45.81¡¨

E113¢X54¡¦57.78¡¨

4

N22¢X09¡¦45.70¡¨

E113¢X54¡¦57.95¡¨

5R

N22¢X11¡¦29.10¡¨

E113¢X59¡¦09.18¡¨

6

N22¢X09¡¦45.75¡¨

E113¢X54¡¦58.02¡¨

7R

N22¢X11¡¦29.17¡¨

E113¢X59¡¦08.86¡¨

7

N22¢X09¡¦45.65¡¨

E113¢X54¡¦57.94¡¨

8

N22¢X09¡¦45.53¡¨

E113¢X54¡¦57.90¡¨

9

N22¢X09¡¦46.23¡¨

E113¢X54¡¦54.70¡¨

10R

N22¢X11¡¦29.18¡¨

E113¢X59¡¦08.91¡¨

Notes:

      i.       The re-tagged corals were marked as ##R.

 

Table 5.2 Re-tagged Natural Corals after Typhoon Manghkut at Indirect Impact Site near SKC

Coral # note i

GPS Coordinates

11R

N22¢X11¡¦29.14¡¨

E113¢X59¡¦08.92¡¨

12R

N22¢X11¡¦29.12¡¨

E113¢X59¡¦09.01¡¨

13R

N22¢X11¡¦29.11¡¨

E113¢X59¡¦09.07¡¨

14R

N22¢X11¡¦29.13¡¨

E113¢X59¡¦09.12¡¨

15R

N22¢X11¡¦29.10¡¨

E113¢X59¡¦09.18¡¨

16R

N22¢X11¡¦29.07¡¨

E113¢X59¡¦09.23¡¨

17R

N22¢X11¡¦29.17¡¨

E113¢X59¡¦08.86¡¨

18R

N22¢X11¡¦29.14¡¨

E113¢X59¡¦08.94¡¨

19R

N22¢X11¡¦29.20¡¨

E113¢X59¡¦08.81¡¨

20R

N22¢X11¡¦29.18¡¨

E113¢X59¡¦08.91¡¨

Notes:

      i.       The re-tagged corals were marked as ##R.

 

Table 5.3 GPS Coordinates of Recipient Site R3

Site

GPS Coordinates

R3

N22¢X11¡¦43.69¡¨

E113¢X28.99¡¨

 

5.3          Action and Limit Levels

5.3.1          Monitoring result was reviewed and compared against the below Action Level and Limit Level (AL/LL) as set with the below Table 5.4 and Table 5.5.

 

Table 5.4 Action and Limit Levels for Construction Phase Coral Monitoring

Parameter

Action Level

Limit Level

Mortality

If during Impact Monitoring a 15% increase in the percentage of partial mortality on the corals occurs at more than 20% of the tagged indirect impact site coral colonies that is not recorded on the tagged corals at the control site, then the Action Level is exceeded.

If during Impact Monitoring a 25% increase in the percentage of partial mortality on the corals occurs at more than 20% of the tagged indirect impact site coral colonies that is not recorded on the tagged corals at the control site, then the Limit Level is exceeded.

 

Table 5.5 Action and Limit Levels for Post-Translocation Coral Monitoring

Parameter

Action Level

Limit Level

Mortality

If during Post-Translocation Monitoring a 15% increase in the percentage of partial mortality on the corals occurs at more than 20% of the translocated coral colonies that is not recorded on the original corals in the recipient site, then the Action Level is exceeded.

If during Post-Translocation Monitoring a 25% increase in the percentage of partial mortality on the corals occurs at more than 20% of the translocated coral colonies that is not recorded on the original corals in the recipient site, then the Limit Level is exceeded.

 

5.4          Monitoring Results and Observations

5.4.1          Ten (10) hard coral colonies were monitored at each site of Control and Indirect Impact sites as suggested in the Construction Phase Monitoring Plan. The general health conditions (size, mortality, bleaching and sediment) were recorded and summarized in Table 5.7 and Table 5.8. Photos of each tagged coral colonies were taken during the monitoring activities and shown in Appendix F. 5.4.2          The 17th quarterly coral monitoring during construction phase at both Indirect Impact Site and Control Site was conducted on 28 March 2023 and the weather condition was summarized in Table 5.6.

Table 5.6 Weather Condition for the 17th Quarterly Coral Monitoring during Construction Phase at both Indirect Impact Site and Control Site

Date

Condition

Average Underwater Visibility

28 March 2023

-        Northeast wind force 3 to 4

 

-        Mainly cloudy with one or two rain patches

Less than 10 cm

 

 

Table 5.7 Sizes, Condition, Mortality, Bleaching and Sediment of 10 Natural Coral Colonies at Control Site of 17th Quarterly Coral Monitoring (28 March 2023) during 55th to 57th Monthly Construction Phase Monitoring

Coral #

Species

Size (cm) ¡V Max. Diameter

Condition

Mortality (%)

Bleaching (%)

Sediment (%)

Baseline

(26 Jun 2018 & 3 Dec 2018)

28 Mar 2023

Baseline

(26 Jun 2018 & 3 Dec 2018)

28 Mar 2023

Baseline

(26 Jun 2018 & 3 Dec 2018)

28 Mar 2023

1

Goniopora stutchburyi

25

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

2R

Goniopora stutchburyi

10

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

3

Psammocora superficialis

18

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

4

Turbinaria peltata

13

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

5R

Goniopora stutchburyi

18

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

6

Cyphastrea serailia

43

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

7R

Coscinaraea sp.

15

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

8

Goniopora stutchburyi

21

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

9

Goniopora stutchburyi

11

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

10R

Goniopora stutchburyi

20

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

Notes:

        i.            The re-tagged corals were marked as ##R.


Table 5.8 Sizes, Condition, Mortality, Bleaching and Sediment of 10 Natural Coral Colonies at Indirect Impact Site of 17th Quarterly Coral Monitoring (28 March 2023) during 55th to 57th Monthly Construction Phase Monitoring

Coral #

Species

Size (cm) ¡V Max. Diameter

Condition

Mortality (%)

Bleaching (%)

Sediment (%)

Baseline

(23 Nov 2018)

28 Mar 2023

Baseline

(23 Nov 2018)

28 Mar 2023

Baseline

(23 Nov 2018)

28 Mar 2023

11R

Cyphastrea serailia

48

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

12R

Favites chinensis

27

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

13R

Turbinaria peltata

21

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

14R

Favites chinensis

8

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

15R

Goniopora stutchburyi

11

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

16R

Psammocora superficialis

27

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

17R

Favites chinensis

15

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

18R

Psammocora superficialis

39

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

19R

Psammocora superficialis

42

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

20R

Psammocora superficialis

29

Good

0

0

0

0

0

0

Notes:

        i.            The re-tagged corals were marked as ##R.


5.4.3          The re-tagging activity had been done at both Indirect Impact Site and Control Site in November 2018 and December 2018 respectively. A total of 20 tagged coral colonies (10 at control site and 10 at indirect impact site including the re-tagged coral colonies) were monitored. Similar to the baseline results performed in June, November and December 2018 and the results of the previous quarterly coral monitoring during construction phase, the health condition of all tagged and re-tagged coral colonies at Indirect Impact Site and Control site were good in general. No increased mortality was recorded during the survey in March 2023. 5.4.4          No sediment, bleaching or increased mortality in the general condition of coral colonies were observed during the 17th quarterly coral monitoring period. No deterioration of the coral community was observed in the ecological monitoring results when compared with the baseline ecological monitoring results. There is no AL/LL exceedance during the monitoring period.

 

 

 

 

 


6.         Marine Mammal

6.1          Survey Methods

6.1.1          Vessel-based Line-transect Survey

 

6.1.1.1         For the vessel-based marine mammal surveys, the monitoring team adopted the standard line-transect method (Buckland et al. 2001) as same as that adopted during the EIA study and pre-construction phase monitoring to allow fair comparison of marine mammal monitoring results.

 

6.1.1.2         Eight transect lines are set at Southeast Lantau survey area, including Shek Kwu Chau, waters between Shek Kwu Chau and the Soko Islands, inshore waters of Lantau Island (e.g. Pui O Wan) as well as southwest corner of Cheung Chau as shown in Figure 6.1 below:

 

 


line transect

Figure 6.1 Line Transects for Marine Mammal Surveys

 

6.1.1.3         In comparison to the baseline monitoring results, results from the analyzed construction phase monitoring data would allow the detection of any changes of their usage of habitat, in response to the scheduled construction works.

6.1.2          Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM)

 

6.1.2.1         The PAM aims to study the usage of an area by Finless Porpoise by using an array of automated static porpoise detectors (e.g. C-POD) which would be deployed at different locations to detect the unique ultra-high frequency sounds produced by Finless Porpoise. During the construction period, the PAM survey will be conducted including placement of two passive porpoise detectors outside the Project Area as control site (i.e. within Pui O Wan and to the south of Tai A Chau) and one porpoise detector within the Project Area (i.e. near Shek Kwu Chau) as shown in Figure 6.2 below.

 

Alternative PAM location in Shek Kwu Chau*

Note*: The alternative PAM device adjacent to the Project site was deployed from 5 Mar to 11 Apr 2019, which contained a full 37 days acoustic monitoring data set. After the confirmation of loss of the original PAM within the Project site, this data set was proposed to replace that of the original one, as consulted with AFCD accordingly.

Figure 6.2 Locations of Passive Acoustic Monitoring

 

6.1.2.2         These three detectors will be deployed on-site to carry out 24-hours monitoring for a period listed as Table 6.1 below during the construction phase.

Table 6.1 PAM Deployment Period

Season

Months

Deployment Period

Peak Season

December, January, February, March, April or May

At least 30 days during the peak months of porpoise occurrence in South Lantau waters

 

6.1.2.3         The automated static porpoise detectors shall detect the presence and number of finless porpoise and Chinese White Dolphins respectively over the deployment period, with the false signal such as boat sonar and sediment transport noise distinguished and filtered out. The detectors shall be deployed and retrieved by professional dive team on the seabed of the three selected location shown in Figure 6.2. During each deployment, the C-POD unit serial numbers as well as the time and date of deployments shall be recorded.  Information including the GPS positions and water depth at each of the deployment locations shall also be obtained.

 

6.1.2.4         The diel patterns (i.e. 24-hour activity pattern) of finless porpoise occurrence among the three sites at Shek Kwu Chau, Tai A Chau and Pui O Wan shall be analyzed.  Peaks and troughs of finless porpoise occurrence per hour of day would be identified and compared with the results obtained from pre-construction monitoring.

  6.1.3          Land-based Theodolite Tracking

 

6.1.3.1         The Land-based Theodolite Tracking study would use the same station as in the AFCD monitoring study(same as the baseline monitoring location), which is situated at the southwest side of Shek Kwu Chau (GPS position: 22o11.47¡¦ N and 113o59.33¡¦ E) as shown in below Figure 6.3. The station was selected based on its height above sea level (at least 20 metres), close proximity to shore, and relatively unobstructed views of the entire Project Area to the southwest of Shek Kwu Chau. The height of the Shek Kwu Chau Station established by the HKCRP team is 74.6 m high at mean low water, and only a few hundred metres to the IWMF reclamation site, which is ideal for the purpose for the present behavioural and movement monitoring of finless porpoises as well during construction phase considering there as an un-obstructed vantage point at a height above the Project Site.

 


Figure 6.3 Locations of Land-based Theodolite Tracking

6.1.3.2          During the construction phase, Land-based Theodolite Tracking will be carried out for approximately six hours of tracking for each day of field work for a period listed as Table 6.2 below, preferably at the initial stage of the construction period (i.e. December 2018 to May 2019).

Table 6.2 Land-based Theodolite Tracking Survey Period

Season

Months

Survey Period

Peak Season

December, January, February, March, April or May

30 days during the peak months of porpoise occurrence in South Lantau waters

 

6.1.3.3         The monitoring period for land-based theodolite tracking will be proposed to be overlapped with the PAM. The monitoring team consists of one experienced theodolite operator and at least two field observers for assistance. To conduct theodolite tracking, the observers will search systematically for Finless Porpoise using the unaided eye and 7 x 50 handheld binoculars on each survey day throughout the study area. When an individual or group of porpoises is located, a theodolite tracking session will be initiated and focal follow methods will be used to track the porpoise(s). Behavioural state data (i.e. resting, milling, travelling, feeding and socializing) shall also be recorded every 5 minutes for the focal individual or group. Positions of porpoises and boats shall be measured using a digital theodolite connected to a laptop computer. This tracking survey will be conducted during the peak season between December 2018 and May 2019 for 30 surveys spanning across 15-16 weeks during the peak season to provide good temporal coverage during the initial stage of the construction period.

 

6.2          Specific Mitigation Measures

6.2.1          Monitored exclusion zones

6.2.1.1         During the installation/re-installation/relocation process of floating type silt curtains, in order to avoid the accidental entrance and entrapment of marine mammals within the silt curtains, a monitored exclusion zone of 250 m radius from silt curtain should be implemented and monitored by competent Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs). Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone (MMEZ) would also be implemented for precautionary purpose for DCM works.

6.2.2          Marine mammal watching plan

6.2.2.1         Upon the completion of silt curtain installation/re-installation/relocation, marine mammal watching plan would be implemented to observe the presence of any marine mammal around the localized silt curtain or being trapped by the localized silt curtain.

 

6.3          Results and Observations

6.3.1          Vessel-based Line-transect Survey

6.3.1.1         Six monthly surveys were conducted during the reporting period. As this covered the designated peak season (December - May), total of six surveys were conducted from January to March 2023. A total on effort (transects only) survey length of 240.7 km was completed, 222.8 km at Beau fort Sea State 2 or better (Table 6.3). Twenty-two (22) on-effort finless porpoise sighting and three (3) opportunistic finless porpoise sighting were recorded and confirmed by qualified ecologist (Table 6.4, Figure 6.4).

Table 6.3 Summary of Vessel-based Line-transect Survey Effort

Date

Area*

Beaufort

Effort (km)

Season

Vessel

Effort Type**

11 January 2023

SEL

1

11.0

WINTER

SEAMARHK

P

2

17.7

3

11.0

17 January 2023

SEL

1

20.8

WINTER

SEAMARHK

P

2

19.4

3

0.1

10 February 2023

SEL

0

2

WINTER

SEAMARHK

P

1

38

17 February 2023

SEL

1

18.8

WINTER

SEAMARHK

P

2

20.9

3

0.8

17 March 2023

SEL

1

7.9

SPRING

SEAMARHK

P

2

26

3

5.2

4

0.8

23 March 2023

SEL

1

16.7

SPRING

SEAMARHK

P

2

23.6

*         As shown in Figure. 6.1

**       P (from AFCD) denotes the ON EFFORT survey on the transect line, not the adjoining passages

 

Table 6.4 Summary of Sightings Recorded during January 2023 to March 2023 of Vessel-based Line-transect Survey Effort

Date

Species

Sighting No.

Time

Group Size

PSD

Behaviour

Lat.

Long.

Area

Effort

Season

11 Jan 2023

Finless Porpoise

132

12:48

2

60

Travelling

22.18372

113.9546

SEL

On

WINTER

11 Jan 2023

Finless Porpoise

133

13:03

4

13

Feeding

22.16995

113.9449

SEL

On

WINTER

17 Jan 2023

Finless Porpoise

134

11:59

3

51

Feeding

22.21728

113.9733

SEL

On

WINTER

10 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

135

10:53

4

247

Travelling

22.17284

113.9441

SEL

On

WINTER

10 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

136

10:59

5

109

Travelling

22.16839

113.9442

SEL

On

WINTER

10 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

137

11:43

8

27

Travelling

22.19672

113.9641

SEL

On

WINTER

10 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

138

12:21

2

13

Travelling

22.21071

113.9738

SEL

On

WINTER

17 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

139

10:29

1

250

Surface Active

22.19913

114.0126

SEL

On

WINTER

17 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

140

10:58

1

74

Unknow

22.17979

114.0026

SEL

On

WINTER

17 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

141

11:11

2

165

Unknow

22.17046

113.9932

SEL

On

WINTER

17 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

142

11:51

2

58

Travelling

22.17926

113.9835

SEL

On

WINTER

17 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

143

12:13

2

62

Travelling

22.19617

113.9736

SEL

On

WINTER

17 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

144

12:40

1

252

Other

22.19199

113.9643

SEL

On

WINTER

17 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

145

12:42

1

166

Other

22.188

113.9641

SEL

On

WINTER

17 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

146

12:50

1

5

Unknow

22.16879

113.9641

SEL

On

WINTER

17 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

147

12:57

2

103

Feeding

22.17219

113.9541

SEL

On

WINTER

17 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

148

13:02

3

0

Unknow

22.18359

113.9542

SEL

On

WINTER

17 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

149

13:35

2

69

Unknow

22.18309

113.9443

SEL

On

WINTER

17 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

150

13:37

1

0

Unknow

22.17848

113.9443

SEL

On

WINTER

17 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

151

13:41

1

94

Unknow

22.16828

113.9451

SEL

On

WINTER

17 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

152

13:43

2

N/A

Unknow

22.16583

113.9466

SEL

Opp

WINTER

17 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

153

13:50

4

N/A

Multiple Behaviour

22.17307

113.9527

SEL

Opp

WINTER

17 Feb 2023

Finless Porpoise

154

14:14

4

N/A

Travelling

22.19598

113.9748

SEL

Opp

WINTER

17 Mar 2023

Finless Porpoise

155

11:52

2

58

Travelling

22.17284

113.9441

SEL

On

SPRING

23 Mar 2023

Finless Porpoise

156

13:57

3

17

Travelling

22.16839

113.9442

SEL

On

SPRING

 

Diagram

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Diagram

Description automatically generated

Figure 6.4        Location of sightings recorded during January to March 2023 Vessel-based Line-transect Survey

 


Figure 6.5         Plot of encounter rate during January to March in 2009 ¡V 2023 from different surveys

6.3.1.2         A review of the long term AFCD marine mammal monitoring programme, the EIA and the pre-construction baseline monitoring report for this project was conducted. Both the EIA and the pre-construction baseline monitoring were conducted during the peak porpoise months December 2008 to May 2009 and February to April 2018, respectively. The AFCD long term monitoring data and impact monitoring in January, February and March 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 should be compared directly to Impact Survey results of the reporting periods.

6.3.1.3         A review of the Beaufort Sea state survey conditions between 2009 and 2018 (only data available from AFCD at time of writing; (AFCD 2018; 2017; 2016; 2015; 2014; 2013; 2012; 2011; 2010)) show that the survey condition in January, February and March 2023 were better than the average of previous AFCD long-term monitoring surveys.

6.3.1.4         A review of all the porpoise sightings in the survey area for January to March between 2009 and 2018 indicate that there are fluctuations between the number of sightings usually recorded. Given the similar survey conditions and the encounter rate recorded for porpoise in the project area during the reporting period, the encounter rate for January to March 2023 were between 0.02 sighting km-1 and 0.21 sighting km-1. For January 2023, the encounter rate of 0.04 sightings km-1 (1.5 sightings 40 km-1) is more than double that recorded for the EIA but lower than the average rate recorded for AFCD monitoring prior to project commencement. The February 2023 encounter rate of 8.4 sightings per 40km is the highest ever recorded. The March 2023 encounter rate of 1.0 sightings per 40km is below the average recorded for this month by the AFCD Long term monitoring programme.

6.3.1.5         Data and records of the implemented mitigation measures, including construction vessel routing and speed control, marine mammal watching plan and avoidance of noisy work during the peak season, are collected from the Contractor and now under detail review. As surveys continue for this project, data shall be constantly re-evaluated across survey months to discern trends and impacts, if any.

6.3.1.6         Photo records of the line-transect survey during the reporting period are presented in Appendix G.

6.3.2          PAM and Land-based Theodolite Tracking

6.3.2.1         30 days of PAM surveys were started at 1 May 2019 and completed until the end of May 2019. Multiple PAM systems were deployed at three sites. The PAM system located at the IWMF was lost, however, an alternative data set has been identified. The PAM systems at the two control sites Tai A Chau and Pui O were recovered on 3 August 2019. A summary of marine mammal detections shows that porpoise were recorded every day of deployment at each site, but at varying frequencies. The detailed theodolite result was presented in 17th Monthly EM&A report (November 2019) while detailed PAM result was presented in 18th Monthly EM&A report (December 2019).

6.3.2.2         For the baseline study, the DPM for each site was 11,160 (Shek Kwu Chau), 16,089 (Tai A Chau) and 3645 (Pui O Wan), totalling 30,894 DPM across all three sites, compared to DPMs of 4740 (Shek Kwu Chau), 7725 (Tai A Chau) and 23,986 (Pui O Wan), totalling 36,451 DPM, for the impact phase study. As the impact phase study was longer than the baseline study, it is not appropriate to directly compare total counts of DPM, however, the DPM rate (the average number of detections per day) for each site can be more directly compared. During the baseline study, Shek Kwu Chau averaged 338.2 DPM per day compared to 124.8 DPM per day, during the impact phase study. This showed a decrease in the daily average of porpoise detection at Shek Kwu Chau. During the baseline study, Tai A Chau averaged 487.6 DPM per day compared to 179.7 DPM per day, during the impact phase study. This showed a decrease in the daily average of porpoise detection at Tai A Chau. During the baseline study, Pui O Wan averaged 98.5 DPM per day compared to 557.8 DPM per day, during the impact phase study. This showed a significant increase in the daily average of porpoise detections at Pui O Wan (Table 6.6).

6.3.2.3         Overall, the PAM study showed that porpoise continue to consistently utilise the Shek Kwu Chau habitat immediately adjacent to the IWMF construction activities, although to a lesser degree than that prior to construction activities. In addition, the Pui O Wan site, which is 2.5 km away from the IWMF construction area, was also consistently utilised during the impact phase PAM study. A continued assessment of fine scale habitat use, particularly through PAM which yields large quantities of data, would allow a more comprehensive assessment of the EIA predictions.

Table 6.6 Summary Statistic Comparison of Baseline (2018) and Impact Phase (2019) Passive Acoustic Monitoring

6.3.2.4         Theodolite surveys were completed in May 2019. In total, 34 days of theodolite tracking were completed between February - May 2019, comprising 167 hours and 49 minutes of observation. No Chinese white dolphin was observed and only one finless was recorded. The finless porpoise encounter rate was calculated as 0.006 finless porpoise per hour, in all weather conditions.

6.3.2.5         A total of 2620 vessels of ten different types were observed and tracked within or in the proximity of the IWMF construction site. These comprised fishing boats (236), speed boats (29), container boats (155), government boats (22), high speed ferries (53), others (13) and IWMF-Related construction platforms (974), tug boats(240), transportation boats (363), construction boats (531) and approximately 8 buoys were present marking the site boundary. The detailed Land-based Theodolite Tracking Report was presented in 5th Quarterly EM&A report and 17th Monthly EM&A report.

6.3.2.6         The baseline theodolite tracking was conducted immediately prior to and during the site preparation activities of the site. The baseline data records a decrease in porpoise sightings as site preparation activities commenced and notes that the decrease was most likely due to the onset of site preparation activities. The impact theodolite tracking conducted for this study records a marked increase in the number of Project related vessels and platforms and, in agreement with baseline conclusions, shows a concomitant decrease in finless porpoise sightings.

 

 

 

 

7.         White-Bellied Sea Eagle

7.1          WBSE Monitoring Parameters

7.1.1          The objective of the construction phase monitoring should be to verify the utilisation of the area by WBSE, their responses to construction disturbance, as well as the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures. Throughout the construction phase, field surveys should be conducted twice per month during their core breeding season (from December to May), and once per month outside their core breeding season (from June to November). The monitoring frequency should be increased to weekly during the incubation period of each year. In order to confirm their foraging ground near the construction site, it is necessary to conduct daily monitoring during the first week of nestling period in each year. 7.1.2          Since the location of the WBSE nest was located at the southwest of SKC within the hillside shrubland, it is impossible to observe the eggs during incubation period. Therefore, monitoring with increased frequency during incubation period could not be carried out. Daily monitoring will be carried out once any chick is recorded during the monitoring day.

 

7.2          Results and Observations

7.2.1          Three monitoring surveys for monthly construction phase were conducted during the reporting period, all three monitoring surveys were conducted outside their core breeding season (between June to November). Since there is no landing point along the western part of SKC, boat survey was used for the monitoring survey. In order to increase the chance of finding the WBSEs, monitoring survey was carried out either early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The weather conditions of monitoring survey were shown in Table 7.1.

 

Table 7.1 Weather Conditions during the WBSE Monitoring (Monthly)

Date

Condition

Temperature (¢J)

5 January 2023

-          Northeast wind force 4 to 5

-          Sunny Day

18

12 January 2023

-          Northeast wind force 4 to 5

-          Sunny Day

21

19 January 2023

-          North wind force 4 to 5

-          Sunny Day

17

26 January 2023

-          East wind force 3 to 4

-          Sunny Day

18

02 February 2023

-          North wind force 4 to 5

-          Sunny Day

21

09 February 2023

-          North wind force 5

-          Sunny Day

20

16 February 2023

-          Northeast wind force 4 to 5

-          Sunny Day

19

23 February 2023

-          Northeast wind force 5 to 6

-          Sunny Day

22

15 March 2023

-          North wind force 4 to 5

-          Sunny Day

24

28 March 2023

-          Northeast wind force 3 to 4

-          Mainly cloudy with one or two rain patches

26

7.2.2          Two adult WBSEs were recorded near Shek Kwu Chau area in January, February and March 2023. One chick was recorded during the monitoring event on 28 March 2023. No abnormal behaviours of the adults and chick were recorded during January, February and March 2023 construction phase monitoring. All marine works during the monitoring period did not show any impact to the WBSE. 7.2.3          Incubation activity was recorded during the monitoring on 29 December 2022. Weekly monitoring was conducted in January and February 2023. As the incubation was stopped on 23 February 2023 and no chick was recorded, a twice per month construction phase monitoring was continued in March 2023. 7.2.4          However, one chick was recorded during the monitoring event on 28 March 2023, a 7-day consecutive monitoring was carried out starting from 29 March 2023 to monitor their behaviour of the WBSE and their responses to construction disturbance. The result of 7-day consecutive monitoring will be documented in 58th Monthly EM&A report and 20th Quarterly EM&A report. 7.2.5          The juvenile recorded in 2022 has not been observed since monitoring event in September 2022, it is suggested that the juvenile left the nest at SKC and nesting in other area outside our monitoring boundary. 7.2.6          No disturbances from anthropogenic activities on the island were recorded during the monitoring survey. No invasion of other fauna species was recorded as well.

 

Figure 7.1 Location of WBSE Nest on SKC

 

7.2.7          No invasion of other fauna species was recorded and no sign of using the construction site as a foraging ground was recorded as well. 7.2.8          Photo records of the WBSE taken during the reporting period are presented in Appendix H.

 

 

 

 

 

8.         Summary of Monitoring Exceedance, Complaints, Notification of Summons and Prosecutions

8.1          No exceedance of the Action and Limit Levels of the regular construction noise, coral and WBSE monitoring was recorded during the reporting period.

 

8.2          During the general water quality monitoring period for January to March 2023, sixteen (16) of the general water quality monitoring results of SS had exceeded Action Level during the reporting period, while sixteen (16) exceedances of the Limit Level of SS were also recorded. Investigations were carried out immediately for each of the exceedance cases during the reporting period.

 

8.3          No notification of summons and prosecution was received in the reporting period.

 

8.4          Statistics on complaints, notifications of summons and successful prosecutions are summarized in Appendix I.


 

 

 

 

9.         EM&A Site Inspection

9.1          Site inspections were carried out on a weekly basis to monitor the implementation of proper environmental pollution control and mitigation measures under the Contract. Site inspections were carried out at the Site Portions 1, 1A, 1B during the reporting period. Portions 1, 1A & 1B were the sites near SKC within the Site boundary.

 

9.2          Joint site inspection with IEC was carried out on a monthly basis.

 

9.3          Minor deficiencies were observed during weekly site inspection. Key observations during the site inspections are summarized below:

 

¡P          Prevention actions for oil/chemical spillage were not carried out properly;

¡P          Chemical was not stored properly at designated storage place;

¡P           Chemical waste was not stored in chemical waste cabinet;

¡P           Non-road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) label was not displayed properly and faded    NRMM label should be replaced;

¡P          Insufficient dust suppression measure implemented at main haul road;

¡P          Wastewater was not treated before discharge; and

¡P          General waste was not stored inside the enclosed rubbish bin

 

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

 

9.5          According to the EIA Study Report, Environmental Permit, contract documents and Updated EM&A Manual, the mitigation measures detailed in the documents, except the silt curtain system, are implemented as much as practical during the reporting period. An updated Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures (EMIS) is provided in Appendix B.


 

 

 

 

10.     Conclusion and Recommendations

10.1      This 19th Quarterly Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Report summarizes the EM&A works undertaken during the period from 1 January 2023 to 31 March 2023 in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual and the requirement under EP- 429/2012/A and FEP-01/429/2012/A.

 

10.2      Construction noise, water quality, construction waste, coral, marine mammal and White-Bellied Sea Eagle (WBSE) monitoring were carried out in the reporting period. No project-related exceedance of the Action and Limit Levels was recorded during the reporting period.

 

10.3      Weekly environmental site inspections were conducted during the reporting period. Environmental deficiencies were observed during site inspection and were rectified.

 

10.4      According to the environmental site inspections performed in the reporting period, the Contractor was reminded to pay attention on on-site housekeeping, the proper storage of the chemicals, chemical waste and construction waste, dust control measure at main haul road, proper NRMM labelling and proper wastewater handling.

 

10.5      EPD had no comment on the updated EM&A arrangement regarding the temporary suspension of water quality and line-transect monitoring on 29 March 2023. The water quality and line-transect monitoring were then temporarily suspended from 30 March 2023 onward. The water quality monitoring and line-transection monitoring will be resumed upon the resumption of marine construction works.

 

10.6      No notification of summons or prosecution was received since commencement of the Contract.

 

10.7      The ET will keep track on the construction works to confirm compliance of environmental requirements and the proper implementation of all necessary mitigation measures.