EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The associated works for installation of the Submarine Cable for the Development of the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 under the Further Environmental Permit (FEP-02/429/2012/B) commenced on 3 October 2023. This is the 1^st monthly Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) report presenting the EM&A works carried out during the period from 3 to 31 October 2023 in accordance with the approved Updated EM&A Manual and FEP-02/429/2012/B.

Summary of the construction activities undertaken during the reporting period

The major construction activities undertaken during the reporting period include:

Land-based Works

• Boulder removal

• Trench for precast concrete trough installation at Upper Cheung Sha Beach

Marine-based Works

• Inspection and access clearance to the cable conduits in Shek Kwu Chau

Environmental Site Inspection

Joint weekly site inspections were conducted by representatives of the Contractor, CLP and Environmental Team (ET) on 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 October 2023. Details of the audit findings are presented in Section 2.1.

Water Quality Monitoring

As there was no marine work for cable installation / laying conducted during the reporting period, water quality monitoring was not conducted during the reporting period.

Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

As there was no marine work for cable installation / laying conducted during the reporting period, marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring was not conducted during the reporting period.

Environmental Exceedance / Non-conformance / Complaint / Summons and Prosecution

As there was no marine work for cable installation / laying conducted during the reporting period requiring water quality monitoring and marine mammal observation in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, thus no exceedance of the Action and Limit Levels was recorded during the reporting period.

No non-compliance event was recorded during the reporting period.

No environmental complaint was received during the reporting period.

No summon/ successful prosecution was received during the reporting period.

reporting changes

There was no reporting change in the reporting period.

future key issues and Upcoming works for the next reporting period

The major construction activities to be undertaken in the next reporting period include:

Land-based Works

• Precast concrete trough installation

• Preparation works for cable landing

• Cable and materials unloading at Upper Cheung Sha Beach

Marine-based Works

• Preparation for cable pulling in Shek Kwu Chau

• Cable and materials unloading at Shek Kwu Chau

Marine works are expected to commence on 13 November 2023. Water quality monitoring and marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring will be carried out in the next reporting period.

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) proposed to construct the Integrated Waste Management Facilities (IWMF) Phase 1 on an artificial island near Shek Kwu Chau, south of Lantau Island for the purpose of treating municipal solid waste and generating electricity from the waste treatment process for its own use and export surplus electricity, if any, to the power grid.

The EIA Report (EIA-201/2011) was approved by the EPD on 17 January 2012 with the Environmental Permit (EP) of the Project issued on 19 January 2012 (EP-429/2012) and a variation of the EP on 14 October 2016 (EP-429/2012/A). A Further EP (FEP-01/429/2012/A) was granted to Keppel Seghers-Zhen Hua Joint Venture for the reclamation works and construction of the IWMF on 27 December 2017. Another latest Further EP (FEP-02/429/2012/B) was granted to CLP Power for the installation of the 132kV submarine cable circuits connecting Cheung Sha, South Lantau and Shek Kwu Chau Artificial Island on 25 May 2020. The proposed cable would land at the landing portal at Upper Cheung Sha Beach (UCSB). The alignment of the submarine cable route is shown in Appendix A. An Environmental Review Report (ERR) was prepared and approved to support the application of FEP-02/429/2012/B.

The Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) programme during the cable installation of the Project has been performed during the reporting period in accordance with the relevant EM&A requirements stipulated in the Updated EM&A Manual under FEP-02/429/2012/B. The construction of the Project commenced on 3 October 2023.

ERM-Hong Kong Limited (ERM) was appointed by the Permit Holder, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP Power) to undertake the Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) programme during the installation and repair operation of the submarine cable for the Development of the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 (hereafter referred as the “Project”).

1.2 Scope of the EM&A Report

This is the 1^st EM&A report which summarises the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 3 to 31 October 2023 for the construction works in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual and the requirements of FEP-02/429/2012/B.

1.3 Organisation Structure

The organization structure for the construction works under FEP-02/429/2012/B and contact details are shown in Appendix B.

1.4 Summary of Construction Programme and Activities

A summary of the construction programme is presented in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1 summary of construction programme

Construction Works	Period
Pre-lay preparation works at Shek Kwu Chau and Upper Cheung Sha Beach	3 October 2023 – 7 November 2023
Marine works for cable installation / laying	14 November 2023 – 24 December 2023
Hand jetting works conducted by diver within the gazette boundary of Upper Cheung Sha Beach	5 December 2023 – 21 December 2023
Reinstatement of Upper Cheung Sha Beach	20 December 2023 – 29 December 2023

A summary of major construction activities undertaken during the reporting period include:

Land-based Works

• Boulder removal

• Trench for precast concrete trough installation at UCSB

Marine-based Works

• Inspection and access clearance to the cable conduits in Shek Kwu Chau

1.5 Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

A summary of the status of EM&A Programme for all environmental aspects required under the Updated EM&A Manual and FEP-02/429/2012/B are presented in Table 1.2. As there was no marine works for cable installation / laying conducted during the reporting period, relevant environmental monitoring, i.e. water quality monitoring and marine mammal observation, were not required to be carried out in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual. Hence, no Action/Limit Levels were triggered in the reporting period and the actions as specified in the respective Event and Action Plans were not required to be taken.

Table 1.2 Summary of status for the EM&A PRogramme under the Updated EM&A Manual and FEP-02/429/2012/B

EM&A Programme Requirements	Status
Environmental Site Inspection
Regular Site Inspection	On-going
Water Quality
Baseline Monitoring	Completed. The Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report was submitted on 24 August 2023 and EPD’s approval was obtained on 19 October 2023.
Construction Phase Monitoring	To be implemented upon commencement of marine works for cable installation / laying. (Tentatively scheduled to commence on 14 November 2023)
Post-construction Monitoring	To be implemented upon completion of construction works under FEP-02/429/2012/B.
Ecology
Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring	To be implemented upon commencement of marine works for cable installation / laying. (Tentatively scheduled to commence on 13 November 2023)

1.6 Status of Other Statutory Environmental Requirements

A summary of the valid permits, licences, and/or notifications on environmental protection for the Project is presented in Table 1.3.

Table 1.3 Summary of the status of valid environmental licence, notification, permit and documentations

Permit/ Licences/ Notificaiton	Reference No.	Validity Period	Remarks
Environmental Permit	EP-429/2012/A	Throughout the Contract	Permit granted on 19 January 2012
Further Environmental Permit	FEP-02/429/2012/B	Throughout the Contract	Permit granted on 17 January 2020
Notification Construction Works under the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation	497060	Throughout the Contract	-
Construction Noise Permit	GW-RS0516-23	1 July 2023 – 31 December 2023	-
Billing Account for Disposal of Construction Waste	7045590	Throughout the Contract	-
Chemical Waste Producer Licence	WPN5213-933-C4619-02	Throughout the Contract	-

2. EM&A Results

2.1 Environmental Site Inspection

Joint weekly site inspections were conducted by representatives of the Contractor, CLP and ET on 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 October 2023 at the landing point at UCSB. No non-compliance was recorded during the site inspections. Overall observations of the site condition are as below:

• Trenching works were observed during the site audit. Consent from LCSD was obtained by CLP for the proposed trenching works on UCSB. Relevant environmental mitigation measures have been implemented by CLP and the Contractor on UCSB in accordance with the EP, FEP, approved EIA, approved Updated EM&A Manual and ERR. CLP and the Contractor are reminded to implement the conditions for trenching works issued by LCSD accordingly.

Key findings and recommendations for the site inspections in this reporting month are summarised in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1 key findings and recommendations from site inspections and contractor’s follow-up actions

Site Inspection Date	Findings and recommendations	Contractor’s Follow-up Action(s) Taken
3 October 2023	There was no major observation during the site inspection.	N/A
10 October 2023	There was no major observation during the site inspection.	N/A
17 October 2023	• Enclosed bins for general refuse should be provided on-site. • As a general reminder, the contractor was reminded that oil absorbent materials should be readily provided on-site.	• Enclosed bin for general refuse has been provided on-site. (Date of Rectification: 18 October 2023) • The oil absorbent material has been provided on-site. (Date of Rectification: 18 October 2023)
24 October 2023	There was no major observation during the site inspection.	N/A
31 October 2023	• Drip tray shall be for provided chemical container and the container shall be labelled clearly. • As a general reminder, the environmental permit shall be clearly displayed for public inspection.	• Chemical containers were removed from the beach area and clearly labelled. (Date of Rectification: 1 November 2023) • Environmental Permit was clearly displayed for public inspection. (Date of Rectification: 1 November 2023)

All follow-up actions requested by ET during the site inspections were undertaken as reported by the Contractor.

2.2 Waste Management Status

The quantities of different types of waste generated are summarized in Table 2.1. The excavated sand material will be backfilled on site. No waste was generated during the reporting period. Detailed waste flow table is presented in Appendix C.

Table 2.2 Quantities of waste generated under FEP-02/429/2012/B

Reporting Period	Quantity
	Inert C&D Materials (in ‘000 kg)	Non-inert C&D Materials
		Chemical Waste (in ‘000 kg³	General Refuse (in ‘000 kg)	Recycled Materials
				Paper/ Cardboard Packaging (in ‘000 kg³)	Plastics (in ‘000 kg³)	Metals (in ‘000 kg³)
Oct 2023	0	0	0	0	0	0

2.3 Water quality monitoring

2.3.1 Monitoring Location

The proposed water quality monitoring location of the Project, as recommended on the approved Updated EM&A Manual, are listed in Table 2.2 and shown in Appendix D.

Table 2.3 Water Quality Monitoring locations

Station	Description	Easting	Northing
Regular Monitoring Stations
C1A	Control Station	812823	806300
C2A	Control Station	818869	806808
S1A	Submarine Cable Landing Site	813430	809962
S2A	Submarine Cable	814808	808515
S3A	Submarine Cable Landing Site	816203	805178
Beach Water Quality Monitoring Stations
I1	Impact Station within gazetted boundary of Upper Cheung Sha Beach – East of Diver Enclosed Silt Curtain	Varies	Varies
I2	Impact Station within gazetted boundary of Upper Cheung Sha Beach – West of Diver Enclosed Silt Curtain	Varies	Varies

2.3.2 Monitoring parameter and frequency

During marine works for cable installation/ laying (including by diver hand jetting near the northern end or by jetting machine for the rest of the cable alignment), monitoring should be undertaken three days per week, at mid-flood and mid-ebb tides, with sampling / measurement at the designated monitoring stations as shown in Table 2.3. The interval between two sets of monitoring should not be less than 36 hours. A summary of the monitoring parameters are presented in Table 2.3.

Other relevant data should also be recorded, including monitoring location / position, time, water depth, sampling depth, tidal stages, weather conditions and any special phenomena or work underway around the monitoring and works area that may influence the monitoring results.

Table 2.4 Water Quality Monitoring Frequency and Parameters

Activities

Monitoring Stations

Depth

Key Parameters

Monitoring Frequency

During marine works for installation of submarine cables outside the gazetted boundary of UCSB

C1A, C2A, S1A, S2A, S3A,

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

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

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

· Temperature (°C)

· pH

· Salinity (ppt)

· Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L and % saturation)

· Turbidity (NTU)

· Suspended Solids (SS) (mg/L)

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

Two (2) replicates in-situ measurements and water samples

During hand jetting works conducted by diver within the gazetted boundary of UCSB

C1A, C2A, I1, I2

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

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

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

· Temperature (°C)

· pH

· Salinity (ppt)

· Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L and % saturation)

· Turbidity (NTU)

· Suspended Solids (SS) (mg/L)

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

Two (2) replicates in-situ measurements and water samples

2.3.3 Monitoring Methodology

Levels of dissolved oxygen (DO), pH value, salinity, temperature and turbidity should be measured in situ. Level of suspended solids (SS) should be determined by a HOKLAS accredited laboratory. The detailed methodology is presented in the approved Updated EM&A Manual.

2.3.4 Monitoring Equipment

All in situ monitoring equipment for the measurement of dissolved oxygen (DO), pH value, salinity, temperature and turbidity should be checked, calibrated and certified by a laboratory accredited under HOKLAS before use, and subsequently re-calibrated at 3 monthly intervals throughout all stages of water quality monitoring programme. In situ checking for the monitoring equipment, including responses of sensors and electrodes, should be performed with certified standard solutions before each use. Wet bulb calibration for a dissolved oxygen meter should be carried out before commencement of monitoring and after completion of all measurements each day.

2.3.5 Action and limit levels

The action and limit levels have been established based on the baseline monitoring results and are presented in Table 2.4. The Event / Action Plan for water quality monitoring is presented in Appendix E.

Table 2.5 Action and Limit Levels for marine water quality

Parameters	Action Level	Limit Level
Construction Phase Impact Monitoring
DO in mg/L	≤ 2.1	≤ 1.5
SS in mg/L	≥ 6 or 120% of control station’s SS at the same tide of the same day of measurement	≥ 8 or 130% of control station’s SS at the same tide of the same day of measurement
Turbidity in NTU	≥ 10.7 or 120% of control station’s turbidity at the same tide of the same day of measurement	≥ 13.1 or 130% of control station’s turbidity at the same tide of the same day of measurement

Note:

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

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

^c In view of the relatively low measured DO level in the baseline monitoring exercise, the pre-determined limit level of 4 mg/L is not applicable. The first percentile (1 %-ile) value of baseline data (i.e. 1.5 mg/L) is adopted as the limit level for DO.

2.3.6 Results of Water Quality Monitoring

As there was no marine work for cable installation / laying conducted during the reporting period, water quality monitoring was not conducted during the reporting period.

2.4 Marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring

2.4.1 Monitoring requirements

During submarine cable installation works (outside of the gazette boundary of the UCSB using vessel and jetting machine) taking place in daylight hours along the landing sites between Shek Kwu Chau and UCSB, a marine mammal exclusion zone of 250 m radius from the cable installation/ repair vessel is recommended to be implemented as a precautionary measure to reduce disturbance to marine mammals, especially the Finless Porpoise. The exclusion zone should be closely monitored by an experienced marine mammal observer at least 30 minutes before the start of cable installation works using vessel and jetting machine. If a marine mammal is noted within the exclusion zone, all marine works should stop immediately and remain idle for 30 minutes, or until the exclusion zone is free from marine mammals. During cable installation using vessel and jetting machine, if marine mammals are spotted within the exclusion zone, cable installation works will cease and will not resume until the observer confirms that the zone has been continuously clear of marine mammals for a period of 30 minutes. The detailed methodology is presented in the approved Updated EM&A Manual.

2.4.2 Results of Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

As there was no marine work for cable installation / laying conducted during the reporting period, marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring was not conducted during the reporting period.

2.5 Review of Operating Speeds of Working Vessels

The operating speeds of working vessels for construction works under FEP-02/429/2012/B within the reporting period were checked and reviewed. 2 working vessel /barge including a self-propelled tugboat (Richardo), and non-self-propelled flat top barge (MM Wonder) were used for the preparation works under FEP-02/429/2012/B during the reporting period between 25 and 31 October 2023. The self-propelled work vessel was operated at a speed lower than 10 knots when moving within the works areas. No non-compliance on the operating speeds of working vessels was identified. Records of operating speeds of the self-propelled working vessel(s) for the construction works provided by the Contractor are presented in Appendix F.

2.6 Implementation Status of the Environmental Protection Requirements

The Contractor has implemented all the environmental mitigation measures and requirements as stated in the approved EIA Report, ERR, approved Updated EM&A Manual and FEP-02/429/2012/B. The implementation status of the environmental mitigation measures during the reporting period is summarized in Appendix G. The status of the required submission under FEP-02/429/2012/B during this reporting period is presented in Table 2.5.

Table 2.6 Status of required submission under FEP-02/429/2012/B during the reporting period

EP Condition	Submission	Submission Date
Nil	Nil	Nil

2.7 Summary of exceedance of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit

2.8 Summary of Environmental Non-compliance, environmental complaint, Notification of summons and successful prosecution

No non-compliance event was recorded during the reporting period.

No environmental complaint was received during the reporting period. The cumulative environmental complaint log is presented in Appendix H.

No summons/ successful prosecution was received during the reporting period. The cumulative summon/ prosecution log is presented in Appendix H.

3. Upcoming works for the next reporting period

3.1 Construction activities for the next reporting period

Works to be undertaken in the next reporting period include:

Land-based Works

• Precast concrete trough installation

• Preparation works for cable landing

• Cable and materials unloading at Upper Cheung Sha Beach

Marine-based Works

• Preparation for cable pulling in Shek Kwu Chau

• Cable and materials unloading at Shek Kwu Chau

3.2 monitoring schedule for the next reporting period

Marine works are expected to be commenced on 13 November 2023. The tentative schedule of water quality monitoring in the next reporting period is presented in Appendix I. Marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring will also be carried out accordingly.

4. Conclusion

This is the 1^st Monthly EM&A Report presenting the key findings of the EM&A works undertaken during the reporting period from 3 to 31 October 2023 in accordance with the approved Updated EM&A Manual and the requirements of Further Environmental Permit FEP-02/429/2012/B. Weekly environmental site inspections of the construction works and audit of the implementation of environmental mitigation measures were conducted by the ET during the reporting period.

There were no non-compliance event, environmental complaint and summon/ successful prosecution recorded during the reporting period.

The Contractor has implemented possible and feasible mitigation measures to mitigate the potential environmental impacts. The ET will continue to keep track of the EM&A programme to ensure compliance of environmental requirements and the proper implementation of all necessary mitigation measures.