Contents
2.3.2 Monitoring parameter and frequency
2.3.7 Results of Water Quality Monitoring
2.4.2 Results of Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring
Appendix B Project organisation
Appendix D Locations of water quality monitoring
Appendix E event / action plan for construction phase water quality
Appendix F MONITORING SCHEDULE FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD
Appendix G Calibration Certificates for Marine Water Quality Monitoring Equipment
Appendix H Construction Phase Marine Water Quality Monitoring Results
Appendix I record of operatng speeds and marine travel working vessels
Appendix L monitoring schedule of the next reporting month
List of Tables
Table 1.1 summary of construction programme
Table 2.1 key findings and recommendations from site inspections and contractor’s follow-up actions
Table 2.2 Quantities of waste generated under FEP-02/429/2012/B
Table 2.3 Water Quality Monitoring locations
Table 2.4 Water Quality Monitoring Frequency and Parameters
Table 2.5 Action and Limit Levels for water quality
Table 2.6 details of the marine water quality monitoring
Table 2.9 Status of required submission under FEP-02/429/2012/B during the reporting period
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 2nd monthly Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) report presenting the EM&A works carried out during the period from 1 to 30 November 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:
• Cable pulling works
• Precast concrete trough installation
• Cable pulling works
• Cable laying and burial work using vessel and jetting machine
Environmental Site Inspection
Joint weekly site inspections were conducted by representatives of the Contractor, CLP and Environmental Team (ET) on 7, 14, 21 November 2023. The representative of the IEC joined the site inspection on 21 November 2023. Details of the audit findings are presented in Section 2.1.
Water Quality Monitoring
Marine works for installation of submarine cables outside the gazetted boundary of Upper Cheung Sha Beach (UCSB) by using vessel and jetting machine and cable pulling works were conducted during the reporting period. 6 sessions of water quality monitoring were conducted during the reporting period. Details of the monitoring results are presented in Section 2.3 and Appendix H.
Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring
8 sessions of Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring were carried out during submarine cable installation using vessel and jetting machine. No sightings of marine mammals were observed during marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring in the reporting period.
Environmental Exceedance / Non-conformance / Complaint / Summons and Prosecution
No Project-related Action and Limit Level exceedances were recorded.
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:
• Precast concrete cover up works
• Backfilling and reinstatement of UCSB
• Demobilization
• Silt curtain set up
• Cable installation and burial works by diver hand jetting 80m outside UCSB and within gazetted boundary of UCSB.
• Deployment of concrete mattress protection
Potential environmental impact arising from the above upcoming works in the next reporting period of December 2023 is mainly water quality within the gazette boundary of UCSB. Water quality monitoring will continue to be carried out in the next reporting period.
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”).
This is the 2nd EM&A report which summarises the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 30 November 2023 for the construction works in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual and the requirements of FEP-02/429/2012/B.
The organization structure for the construction works under FEP-02/429/2012/B and contact details are shown in Appendix B.
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 – 27 November 2023 |
Hand jetting works conducted by diver within the gazette boundary of Upper Cheung Sha Beach |
1 December 2023 – 16 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:
• Cable pulling works
• Precast concrete trough installation
• Cable pulling works
• Cable laying and burial work using vessel and jetting machine
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. The requirements of relevant environmental monitoring, including monitoring parameters, Action and Limit Levels, Event and Action Plan(s), environmental mitigation measures, etc. are presented in Section 2.
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 |
On-going |
Post-construction Monitoring |
To be implemented upon completion of construction works under FEP-02/429/2012/B. |
Ecology |
|
Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring |
Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring was carried out during submarine cable installation using vessel and jetting machine in the reporting period. Submarine cable installation using vessel and jetting machine was completed on 27 November 2023, and Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring ended on the same day. |
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 |
- |
Chemical Waste Producer Licence – for Working Vessel – AI LAN YI HAO |
WPN5213-931-C4619-03 |
Throughout the Contract |
- |
Joint weekly site inspections were conducted by representatives of the Contractor, CLP and ET on 7, 14 and 21 November 2023 at the landing point at UCSB. The representative of Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) joined the site inspection on 21 November 2023. No non-compliance was recorded during the site inspections. 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 |
7 November 2023 |
There was no major observation during the site inspection. |
N/A |
14 November 2023 |
A portion of fencing / barriers has fallen. The contractor was remined that the works area should be properly fenced off. |
The fallen barriers were reinstated. (Date of Rectification: 14 November 2023)
|
21 November 2023 |
NRMM Label shall be clearly displayed on machine Doosan & DX340LC. |
NRMM Label was properly displayed. (Date of Rectification: 23 November 2023)
|
All follow-up actions requested by ET during the site inspections were undertaken as reported by the Contractor.
The quantities of different types of waste generated are summarized in Table 2.2. 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) |
||||
Nov 2023 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
The proposed water quality monitoring location of the Project, as recommended on the approved Updated EM&A Manual, are listed in Table 2.3 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 |
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 shall 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 2.4. The interval between two sets of monitoring should not be less than 36 hours. A summary of the monitoring parameters is presented in Table 2.4.
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
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 |
Levels of dissolved oxygen (DO), pH value, salinity, temperature and turbidity were measured in situ whereas the 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.
All in situ monitoring equipment for the measurement of dissolved oxygen (DO), pH value, salinity, temperature and turbidity were 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, were 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.
The action and limit levels have been established based on the baseline monitoring results in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual are summarised in Table 2.5. The Event / Action Plan for water quality monitoring is presented in Appendix E.
Table 2.5 Action and Limit Levels for 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 |
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.
The schedule for marine water quality monitoring for the reporting period is provided in Appendix F.
A total of 6 monitoring events for construction phase water quality monitoring were conducted as presented in Table 2.6.
Table 2.6 details of the marine water quality monitoring
No. |
Date |
Active Works Activities |
Monitoring Location |
1 |
15 November 2023 |
Marine works for installation of submarine cables outside the gazetted boundary of UCSB |
C1A, C2A, S1A, S2A, S3A, for both mid-flood and mid-ebb tides |
2 |
17 November 2023 |
||
3 |
20 November 2023 |
||
4 |
22 November 2023 |
||
5 |
24 November 2023 |
||
6 |
27 November 2023 |
The equipment used in construction phase water quality monitoring is presented in Table 2.7. Copies of the calibration certificates for the monitoring equipment are provided in Appendix G
Table 2.7 Water quality monitoring equipmemnt
Equipment |
Brand and Model |
Water Sampling Equipment |
Wildlife Supply Company Horizontal Alpha™ Bottles |
Positioning Device |
Garmin 20X Personal Navigator |
Water Depth Gauge |
Xyorca XY-453 |
Multiparameter Meter (measurement of DO, Temperature, Turbidity, pH and Salinity) |
YSI ProDSS (S/N: 16H104233; 21K101468; 21G105356; 21K101469) |
The monitoring results and graphical presentation are provided in Appendix H. Acton Level and Limit Level exceedances were recorded for water quality monitoring in the reporting period. Investigations on the exceedance were conducted and summarized in Table 2.8.
Table 2.8 Summary of exceedance for water quality monitoing
Date |
Tide |
Monitoring Station |
Parameter |
Level of Exceedance |
Investigation |
15 Nov 2023 |
Mid-ebb |
S2A |
Turbidity |
Action |
No cable installation / laying works was carried out during the monitoring event. Exceedances of Limit Level for Turbidity and SS were identified at Control Stations C1A and C2A during mid-flood tide monitoring. Therefore, the exceedances were not considered as caused by the construction of the Project. |
15 Nov 2023 |
Mid-flood |
S2A |
Turbidity |
Action |
|
15 Nov 2023 |
Mid-ebb |
S1A |
SS |
Action |
|
15 Nov 2023 |
Mid-ebb |
S2A |
SS |
Action |
|
15 Nov 2023 |
Mid-ebb |
S3A |
SS |
Limit |
|
15 Nov 2023 |
Mid-flood |
S1A |
SS |
Limit |
|
15 Nov 2023 |
Mid-flood |
S2A |
SS |
Limit |
|
17 Nov 2023 |
Mid-ebb |
S1A |
SS |
Limit |
Exceedance of Limit Level for SS was identified at Control Station C1A and C2A during both mid-ebb and mid-flood tide monitoring. Therefore, the exceedances were not considered as caused by the construction of the Project. |
17 Nov 2023 |
Mid-ebb |
S2A |
SS |
Limit |
|
17 Nov 2023 |
Mid-ebb |
S3A |
SS |
Action |
|
17 Nov 2023 |
Mid-flood |
S1A |
SS |
Limit |
|
17 Nov 2023 |
Mid-flood |
S2A |
SS |
Limit |
|
17 Nov 2023 |
Mid-flood |
S3A |
SS |
Limit |
|
20 Nov 2023 |
Mid-ebb |
S1A |
SS |
Action |
No works was undertaken at the time of the monitoring event. Therefore, the exceedances were not considered as caused by the construction of the Project. |
20 Nov 2023 |
Mid-ebb |
S3A |
SS |
Action |
|
27 Nov 2023 |
Mid-ebb |
S1A |
SS |
Action |
Exceedance of Action Level for SS was identified at Control Station C1A and C2A during both mid-ebb and mid-flood tide monitoring. Therefore, the exceedances were not considered as caused by the construction of the Project. |
27 Nov 2023 |
Mid-ebb |
S2A |
SS |
Action |
|
27 Nov 2023 |
Mid-ebb |
S3A |
SS |
Action |
|
27 Nov 2023 |
Mid-flood |
S1A |
SS |
Action |
|
27 Nov 2023 |
Mid-flood |
S2A |
SS |
Action |
|
27 Nov 2023 |
Mid-flood |
S3A |
SS |
Action |
Based on the investigation results above, the exceedances were not Project-related. Nevertheless, the Contractor was reminded to ensure mitigation measures are fully and properly implemented in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual.
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.
Marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring with 250 m radius commenced on 14 November 2023, where submarine cable installation were conducted using vessel and jetting machine. Monitoring on 17 November 2023 was cancelled due to adverse sea conditions. Submarine cable installation using vessel and jetting machine was completed on 27 November 2023, and Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring ended on the same day. No sightings of marine mammals were observed during marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring in the reporting period.
The operating speeds of working vessels for construction works under FEP-02/429/2012/B within the reporting period were checked and reviewed. 4 working vessel /barge including a self-propelled tugboat (Richardo), self-propelled tug boat (Hai An), self-propelled tug boat (JINXIN 708) and non-self-propelled flat vessel (AI LAN Yi HAO) were used for the preparation works under FEP-02/429/2012/B during the reporting period between 1 and 30 November 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 I.
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 J. The status of the required submission under FEP-02/429/2012/B during this reporting period is presented in Table 2.6.
Table 2.9 Status of required submission under FEP-02/429/2012/B during the reporting period
EP Condition |
Submission |
Submission Date |
3.4 |
Monthly EM&A Report (for October 2023) |
14 November 2023 |
There were no Project-related Action and Limit Level exceedances for marine water quality monitoring in the reporting period.
Cumulative statistics on exceedance is provided in Appendix K.
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 K.
No summons/ successful prosecution was received during the
reporting period. The cumulative summon/ prosecution log is presented in Appendix K.
Works to be undertaken in the next reporting period include:
• Precast concrete cover up works
• Backfilling and reinstatement of UCSB
• Demobilization
• Silt curtain set up
• Cable installation and burial works by diver hand jetting 80m outside UCSB and within gazetted boundary of UCSB.
• Deployment of concrete mattress protection
Cable installation and burial works by diver hand jetting 80m outside UCSB and within gazetted boundary of UCSB are expected to commenced in the next reporting period. The tentative schedule of water quality monitoring in the next reporting period is presented in Appendix L.
This is the 2nd Monthly EM&A Report presenting the key findings of the EM&A works undertaken during the reporting period from 1 to 30 November 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.
Marine water quality monitoring was conducted during the reporting period in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual. Exceedances were recorded on 15, 17, 20 and 27 November 2023 and subsequent investigations were conducted. The exceedances were not considered as caused by the construction of the construction of the Project. No Project-related Action and Limit Level exceedances were recorded.
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.