Development of the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1

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 period.
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, since incubation activity was observed on 27 December 2023, the frequency of impact monitoring will changed to weekly 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.

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 A 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 from 14 November 2020 onward. As no marine construction work will be carried out from March to December 2023 and EPD had 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.

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 C. 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, construction works of air quality monitoring station

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
	Oct	Nov	Dec	Oct	Nov	Dec	Oct	Nov	Dec
M1	56.0 ¡V 64.0	56.3 ¡V 63.2	56.1 ¡V 62.0	57.7 ¡V 68.3	58.0 ¡V 65.8	57.8 ¡V 62.1	54.0 ¡V 55.7	54.5 ¡V 57.9	53.6 ¡V 56.6
M2	53.4 ¡V 63.0	57.2 ¡V 62.3	55.1 ¡V 64.5	54.6 ¡V 66.9	57.6 ¡V 65.2	57.7 ¡V 64.7	49.0 ¡V 56.4	52.5 ¡V 54.7	51.7 ¡V 52.8
M3	55.5 ¡V 60.3	54.6 ¡V 58.6	55.5 ¡V 62.6	57.7 ¡V 62.1	57.0 ¡V 65.8	56.2 ¡V 63.3	50.5 ¡V 57.3	50.0 ¡V 57.9	51.2 ¡V 55.1

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
	Oct	Nov	Dec	Oct	Nov	Dec	Oct	Nov	Dec
M1	42.5 ¡V 59.3	42.7 ¡V 53.9	43.6 ¡V 53.3	43.6 ¡V 60.1	44.4 ¡V 56.7	45.0 ¡V 55.4	41.5 ¡V 55.8	38.7 ¡V 51.3	41.5 ¡V 50.8
M2	48.6 ¡V 58.7	47.7 ¡V 53.2	46.2 ¡V 52.3	50.1 ¡V 61.7	48.3 ¡V 55.0	46.9 ¡V 54.0	41.5 ¡V 55.2	46.1 ¡V 49.5	45.1 ¡V 51.1
M3	44.2 ¡V 61.1	42.6 ¡V 52.7	38.3 ¡V 54.3	45.0 ¡V 63.3	43.9 ¡V 56.3	40.0 ¡V 54.7	43.4 ¡V 59.7	40.6 ¡V 48.3	37.0 ¡V 47.0

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
	Oct	Nov	Dec	Oct	Nov	Dec	Oct	Nov	Dec
M1	39.6 ¡V 53.1	40.2 ¡V 46.6	38.2 ¡V 42.4	41.8 ¡V 55.0	41.8 ¡V 48.5	39.2 ¡V 44.0	37.3 ¡V 49.8	37.3 ¡V 44.2	36.6 ¡V 41.2
M2	39.1 ¡V 50.6	43.3 ¡V 47.3	43.3 ¡V 45.8	40.3 ¡V 53.9	43.7 ¡V 51.0	43.6 ¡V 46.5	37.0 ¡V 49.0	42.7 ¡V 45.3	42.8 ¡V 43.8
M3	40.9 ¡V 62.7	40.2 ¡V 48.3	35.1 ¡V 44.3	41.7 ¡V 62.9	40.9 ¡V 49.5	35.8 ¡V 53.6	35.6 ¡V 62.5	39.5 ¡V 45.9	34.2 ¡V 39.2

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 E. 5.4.2 The 20th quarterly coral monitoring during construction phase at both Indirect Impact Site and Control Site was conducted on 27 December 2023 and the weather condition was summarized in Table 5.6.

Table 5.6 Weather Condition for the 20th Quarterly Coral Monitoring during Construction Phase at both Indirect Impact Site and Control Site

Date

Condition

Average Underwater Visibility

27 December 2023

- Northeast wind force 4 to 5

- Sunny

Less than 10 cm

Table 5.7 Sizes, Condition, Mortality, Bleaching and Sediment of 10 Natural Coral Colonies at Control Site of 20th Quarterly Coral Monitoring (27 December 2023) during 64th to 66th Monthly Construction Phase Monitoring

Coral #	Species	Size (cm) ¡V Max. Diameter	Condition	Mortality (%)		Bleaching (%)		Sediment (%)
Coral #	Species	Size (cm) ¡V Max. Diameter	Condition	Baseline (26 Jun 2018 & 3 Dec 2018)	27 Dec 2023	Baseline (26 Jun 2018 & 3 Dec 2018)	27 Dec 2023	Baseline (26 Jun 2018 & 3 Dec 2018)	27 Dec 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 20th Quarterly Coral Monitoring (27 December 2023) during 64th to 66th Monthly Construction Phase Monitoring

Coral #	Species	Size (cm) ¡V Max. Diameter	Condition	Mortality (%)		Bleaching (%)		Sediment (%)
Coral #	Species	Size (cm) ¡V Max. Diameter	Condition	Baseline (23 Nov 2018)	27 Dec 2023	Baseline (23 Nov 2018)	27 Dec 2023	Baseline (23 Nov 2018)	27 Dec 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.

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.

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 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 line transect monitoring from March to December 2023 was submitted to EPD on 21 March 2023 and EPD had no comment on the updated EM&A arrangement on 29 March 2023. The line transect monitoring was then temporarily suspended from 30 March 2023 onward.

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 6.3).

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 6.3 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 7-day consecutive monitoring was conducted from 29 March 2023 to 4 April 2023 and the April 2023 construction phase monitoring were conducted on 12 and 26 April 2023. During the whole monitoring survey period, the two adult WBSEs and one chick were recorded. No abnormal behaviour of the recorded for both adults and chick during the 7-day consecutive monitoring. 7.2.2 Five monitoring surveys for monthly construction phase were conducted during the reporting period, four of the monitoring surveys were conducted during their core breeding season (between December to May) and one of the monitoring survey was 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)
26 October 2023	- Northeast wind force 4 to 5 - Sunny	29
28 November 2023	- Northeast wind force 4 to 5 - Sunny	22
13 December 2023	- Northeast wind force 4 to 5 - Sunny Day	23
27 December 2023	- Northeast wind force 4 to 5 - Sunny Day	24

7.2.3 Two adult WBSEs were recorded near Shek Kwu Chau area in October, November and December 2023. No abnormal behaviours of the adults were recorded during October, November and December 2023 construction phase monitoring. All construction works during the monitoring period did not show any impact to the WBSE. 7.2.4 The juvenile recorded in 2022 and 2023 has not been observed since monitoring event in September 2022 and September 2023 respectively, it is suggested that the juvenile left the nest at SKC and nesting in other area outside our monitoring boundary. 7.2.5 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

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

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 No environmental complaint was received in the reporting period.

8.3 No notification of summon or prosecution was received since commencement of the Contract.

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

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

¡P Wastewater was not treated before discharge;

¡P Improper deployment of geotextile;

¡P C&D waste and general waste was stored separately;

¡P Insufficient maintenance and cleaning for internal drainage works; and

¡P General waste was not stored inside the enclosed rubbish bin and housekeeping was not maintained.

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 22nd Quarterly Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Report summarizes the EM&A works undertaken during the period from 1 October 2023 to 31 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 for belt conveyor system, proper NRMM labelling, proper deployment of geotextile and proper wastewater handling.

10.5 As confirmed with Contractor and Project Supervising Officer, no marine construction work will be carried out from March to December 2023 tentatively. EPD advised no comment on the updated EM&A arrangement regarding temporarily 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 environmental complaint was received in the reporting period.

10.7 No notification of summon or prosecution was received since commencement of the Contract.

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

B	Updated Appendix C	18 March 2024
A	First Submission	17 January 2024
Rev.	Description of Modification	Date

Appendix A	Master Programme
Appendix B	Summary of Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation
Appendix C	Noise Monitoring Data Trending
Appendix D	Waste Flow Table
Appendix E	Photo Records for Coral Monitoring
Appendix F	Photo Records for White-bellied Sea Eagle Monitoring
Appendix G	Complaint Log

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

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

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)
	Total Quantity Generated	Hard Rock and Large Broken Concrete (see Note 1)	Reused in the Contract	Reused in other Projects	Disposed as Public Fill	Sand	Public Fill	Rock	Metals	Paper / cardboard packaging	Plastics (see Note 2)	Chemical Waste		Others, e.g. general refuse (see Note 3)
	(in ,000m3)	(in ,000m3)	(in ,000m3)	(in ,000m3)	(in ,000m3)	(in ,000m3)			(in ,000kg)	(in ,000kg)	(in ,000kg)	(in ,000kg)	(in ,000L)	(in ,000m3)
Oct 2023	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.4025	0	0.3779	0	0	0	0.2340
Nov 2023	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.3510
Dec 2023	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.4960	0	0	0	0	0	0.3835