CONTENTS

Executive Summary. 1

1....... Introduction. 1

1.1        Background. 1

1.2        Scope of the EM&A Report 1

1.3        Organisation Structure. 1

1.4        Summary of Construction Activities. 2

1.5        Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements. 3

1.6        Status of Other Statutory Environmental Requirements. 4

2....... Summary of EM&A Results. 5

2.1        Environmental Site Inspection. 5

2.2        Waste Management Status. 8

2.3        Marine Water Quality Monitoring. 12

2.3.1        Monitoring Requirements. 12

2.3.2        Action and Limit Levels for Marine Water Quality Monitoring. 14

2.3.3        Monitoring Results. 16

2.3.4        Comparison of Monitoring Results with EIA Predictions. 18

2.4        Pilot Test on the Efficiency of Silt Curtain System.. 22

2.4.1        Monitoring Requirements. 22

2.4.2        Monitoring Results. 22

2.5        Marine Water Quality Monitoring for Hydrotesting for the Subsea Gas Pipelines. 23

2.5.1        Monitoring Requirements. 23

2.5.2        Action and Limit Levels for Marine Water Quality Monitoring for Hydrotesting for the Subsea Gas Pipelines. 24

2.5.3        Monitoring Results. 24

2.6        Marine Mammal Monitoring. 25

2.6.1        Monitoring Requirements. 25

2.6.2        Action and Limit Levels for Marine Mammal Monitoring. 25

2.6.3        Monitoring Results. 25

2.6.4        Summary and Comparison of Monitoring Results with EIA Predictions. 28

2.7        Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring. 28

2.7.1        Monitoring Requirements. 28

2.7.2        Monitoring Results. 29

2.8        Records of Operating Speeds and Marine Travel Routes of Working Vessels. 30

2.9        Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures. 30

2.10      Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit 30

2.11      Summary of Environmental Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions. 30

3....... Conclusion and recommendations. 32

 

Annexes

Annex A         Project Organisation

Annex B         Construction Programme

Annex C        Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule (EMIS)

Annex D        Status of Statutory Environmental Requirements

Annex E         Cumulative Statistics on Exceedances, Environmental Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

Annex F         Graphical Presentations of Construction Phase Marine Water Quality Monitoring Results

 

List of Tables

Table 1.1       Contact Information of Key Personnel 2

Table 1.2       Major Construction Activities Undertaken in the Reporting Period. 2

Table 1.3       Summary of Status for the EM&A Programme under the Updated EM&A Manual 3

Table 2.1       Summary of Aspects for Key Observations Recorded during Site Inspections. 5

Table 2.2       Quantities of Waste Generated for FEP-01/558/2018/A. 8

Table 2.3       Quantities of Waste and Marine Sediment Generated for FEP-02/558/2018/A. 9

Table 2.4       Quantities of Waste and Marine Sediment Generated for FEP-03/558/2018/B. 11

Table 2.5       Location of Marine Water Quality Monitoring Stations. 12

Table 2.6       Action and Limit Levels for Marine Water Quality Monitoring  14

Table 2.7       Percentage Compliance of Marine Water Quality Monitoring Data within Action and Limit Levels. 16

Table 2.8       Impact Stations for Marine Water Quality Monitoring and the Corresponding Sensitive Receivers and Model Observation Points. 19

Table 2.9       Efficiencies of Cage-type Silt Curtains for Dredging and Jetting Operations. 23

Table 2.10      Location of Water Quality Monitoring Station for Hydrotesting for the Subsea Gas Pipelines. 24

Table 2.11      Action and Limit Levels for Marine Water Quality Monitoring  24

Table 2.12      Action and Limit Levels for Marine Mammal Monitoring. 25

Table 2.13      Running Quarterly STG and ANI for Finless Porpoise. 26

Table 2.14      Summary of PAM data for each Location. 27

Table 2.15      Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Requirements. 29

Table 2.16      Monitoring Results for Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring  29

 

List of Figures

Figure 1.1      Indicative Location of Key Project Components

Figure 1.2      Location and Works Area of GRS at BPPS

Figure 1.3      Location and Works Area of GRS at LPS

Figure 2.1      Marine Water Quality Monitoring Location

Figure 2.2      Monitoring Locations for Floating Silt Curtain Pilot Test for Jetting Operation

Figure 2.3      Water Quality Monitoring Locations for Hydrotesting for the Subsea Gas Pipelines

Figure 2.4      Vessel-based Marine Mammal Survey Location

Figure 2.5      Underwater PAM Survey Location

Figure 2.6      Distribution of Finless Porpoise Sightings in October and November 2021

Figure 2.7      Detection Positive Minutes (DPM) per Day for Finless Porpoises among the Five Deployment Locations during the period of piling works of the Project

Figure 2.8      Monthly Comparisons on DPM Diel Patterns of Finless Porpoises among the Five Deployment Locations in December 2020 and July – October 2021

Figure 2.9      DPM Diel Patterns of Finless Porpoises among the Five Deployment Locations during the period of piling works of the Project

 


Executive Summary

To support the increased use of natural gas in Hong Kong from 2020 onwards, Castle Peak Power Company Limited (CAPCO) and The Hongkong Electric Co., Ltd. (HK Electric) have identified that the development of an offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal in Hong Kong using Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) technology (‘the Project’) presents a viable additional gas supply option that will provide energy security through access to competitive gas supplies from world markets.  The Project will involve the construction and operation of an offshore LNG import facility to be located in the southern waters of Hong Kong, a double berth jetty, and subsea pipelines that connect to the gas receiving stations (GRS) at the Black Point Power Station (BPPS) and the Lamma Power Station (LPS).  To demarcate the works between different parties, the following Further Environmental Permits (FEPs) were issued for the Project:

§  the double berth jetty at LNG Terminal under the Hong Kong LNG Terminal Limited (HKLTL), joint venture between CAPCO and HK Electric (FEP-01/558/2018/A) – construction commenced on 27 November 2020;

§  the subsea gas pipeline for the BPPS and the associated GRS in the BPPS under CAPCO (FEP-03/558/2018/B) – construction commenced on 23 September 2020; and

§  the subsea gas pipeline for the LPS and the associated GRS in the LPS under HK Electric (FEP-02/558/2018/A) – construction commenced on 13 December 2020.

This is the Annual EM&A Review Report presenting the EM&A works carried out during the period from 1 October 2021 to 30 September 2022 for the Project in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual.  A summary of monitoring and audit activities conducted in the reporting period is listed below:

Activities

Number of Sessions

For FEP-01/558/2018/A

Marine Mammal Monitoring (vessel-based line transect survey)

12

Passive Acoustic Monitoring (C-POD deployment)

Completed for construction phase

Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

During percussive piling works for construction of the Jetty

Environmental Site Inspection

13

For FEP-02/558/2018/A

Marine Water Quality Monitoring

20

Marine Water Quality Monitoring for Hydrotesting for the LPS Pipeline

8

Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

During jetting operation for construction of LPS Pipeline

Environmental Site Inspection

13

For FEP-03/558/2018/B

Marine Water Quality Monitoring

80

Marine Water Quality Monitoring for Hydrotesting for the BPPS Pipeline

3

Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

During jetting operation for construction of BPPS Pipeline

Environmental Site Inspection

33

For FEP-02/558/2018/A and FEP-03/558/2018/B

Pilot Test on the Efficiency of Silt Curtain System – Floating Silt Curtain for Jetting Operation

1

 

Environmental auditing works, including regular site inspections of construction works conducted by the ET, audit of implementation of Waste Management Plan, and review of the acceptability of operating speeds and marine travel routes of working vessels, including checking of compliance with the approval conditions given by the Director of Environmental Protection for the entry of working vessels within marine parks, in pursuant to Condition 3.1 of FEP-01/558/2018/A, Condition 3.4 of FEP-02/558/2018/A and Condition 3.4 of FEP-03/558/2018/B, were conducted in the reporting period, as appropriate.   No non-compliance of environmental statutory requirements was identified.

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels

There were no Project-related Action and Limit Level exceedances for marine water quality monitoring for jetting operations as well as marine water quality monitoring for hydrotesting for the BPPS Pipeline and LPS Pipeline in the reporting period.

There were no breaches of Action and Limit Levels for marine mammal monitoring in the reporting period.

Environmental Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution

There were three environmental complaints received in the reporting period, including:

§  Environmental Complaints #1 & #2 on the absence of silt curtain for post-trenching operation of the LPS Pipeline: Upon investigation, no post-trenching operation was conducted for the LPS Pipeline in the past two weeks upon receipt of complaints (i.e. between 6 and 20 January 2022).  Only survey works for confirming seabed profile in the vicinity of the LPS Pipeline were conducted, which did not result in any unacceptable environmental impacts to the surrounding and the works were in compliance with the environmental requirements under FEP-02/558/2018/A and the approved EIA report (Register No.: AEIAR-218/2018).  The two complaints on silt curtain not deployed during post-trenching operation are thus considered invalid.

§  Environmental Complaint #3 on the alleged dumping of waste into sea between Shek Kwu Chau and Tai A Chau: Upon investigation, no construction & demolition (C&D) waste was generated from the Project in the past two weeks upon receipt of complaint (i.e. between 7 and 21 September 2022).  There is no evidence showing any unacceptable waste management practice for the Project. Environmental protection / mitigation measures were observed to be implemented properly in accordance with the Implementation Schedule as well as the environmental requirements under the Further Environmental Permits and the approved EIA report (Register No.: AEIAR-218/2018). The complaint is thus considered invalid.

There were no notification of summons and successful prosecutions recorded in the reporting period.

Reporting Changes

There were no reporting changes in the reporting period.

Comments, Recommendations and Conclusions for the Reporting Period

The recommended environmental mitigation measures for the Project were effectively implemented and the EM&A programme undertaken by the ET has effectively monitored the construction activities as well as ensured proper implementation of mitigation measures in the reporting period.  The monitoring and audit activities conducted in the reporting period have been reviewed and are considered effective.  As such, no change to the monitoring methodology is recommended.  Based on the EM&A findings for the reporting period, the environmental performance for the construction of the Project is generally in line with the EIA predictions and considered acceptable.

 


1.                 Introduction

1.1             Background

To support the increased use of natural gas in Hong Kong from 2020 onwards, Castle Peak Power Company Limited (CAPCO) and The Hongkong Electric Co., Ltd. (HK Electric) have identified that the development of an offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal in Hong Kong using Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) technology (‘the Project’) presents a viable additional gas supply option that will provide energy security through access to competitive gas supplies from world markets.  The Project will involve the construction and operation of an offshore LNG import facility to be located in the southern waters of Hong Kong, a double berth jetty, and subsea pipelines that connect to the gas receiving stations (GRS) at the Black Point Power Station (BPPS) and the Lamma Power Station (LPS).

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the Project was submitted to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) of the HKSAR Government in May 2018. The EIA Report (EIAO Register No. AEIAR-218/2018) was approved by EPD and the associated Environmental Permit (EP) (EP-558/2018) was issued in October 2018. 

An application for Further Environmental Permits (FEPs) were made on 24 December 2019 to demarcate the works between the different parties.  The following FEPs were issued on 17 January 2020 and the EP under EP-558/2018 was surrendered on 5 March 2020. 

§  the double berth jetty at LNG Terminal under the Hong Kong LNG Terminal Limited (HKLTL), joint venture between CAPCO and HK Electric (FEP-01/558/2018/A) ([1]) – construction commenced on 27 November 2020;

§  the subsea gas pipeline for the BPPS and the associated GRS in the BPPS under CAPCO (FEP-03/558/2018/B) ([2]) – construction commenced on 23 September 2020; and

§  the subsea gas pipeline for the LPS and the associated GRS in the LPS under HK Electric (FEP-02/558/2018/A) ([3]) – construction commenced on 13 December 2020.

The location of these components is shown in Figures 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3.

1.2             Scope of the EM&A Report

This is the Annual EM&A Review Report for the Project which summarises the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 October 2021 to 30 September 2022 for the construction works for the Project in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual and the requirements of the Further Environmental Permits (FEP-01/558/2018/A, FEP-02/558/2018/A & FEP-03/558/2018/B). 

1.3             Organisation Structure

The organisation structure of the Project is shown in Annex A.  The key personnel and contact details are summarised in Table 1.1 below.


 

Table 1.1      Contact Information of Key Personnel

Party

Position

Name

Telephone

CAPCO / HKLTL

(For FEP-01/558/2018/A and FEP-03/558/2018/B)

 

Senior Manager - Environment

Karen Lui

2678 8282

HK Electric / HKLTL

(For FEP-01/558/2018/A and FEP-02/558/2018/A)

 

Head of Mechanical Engineering, Projects Division

 

Norman Chan

 

3143 3819

 

Environmental Team (ET)

(ERM-Hong Kong, Limited)

 

ET Leader

 

Raymond Chow

 

2271 3281

Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)

(Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited)

 

IEC

Lydia Chak

2585 8473

Contractor

(CNOOC Offshore Oil Engineering Co. Ltd.)

Environmental Manager

H Y Tang

6111 5789

 

Environmental Officer

Kelvin Cheung

9060 1020

Environmental Supervisor

Steven Fung

6237 5272

 

1.4             Summary of Construction Activities

The programme of the construction is shown in Annex B.

As informed by the Contractor, details of the major construction activities undertaken in the reporting period are listed in Table 1.2 below:

Table 1.2      Major Construction Activities Undertaken in the Reporting Period

FEP

Land-based Works

Marine-based Works

FEP-01/558/2018/A

§   Topside installation works

§   Piping installation works

§   System commissioning

§   Pile installation

§   Topsides installation

§   Piping installation

FEP-02/558/2018/A

§   Nil

§   Post-trenching

§   Rock armour placement

§   Final hydrotest

FEP-03/558/2018/B

§   Excavation and backfilling works

§   Pipe rack – erection and assembly

§   Building superstructure works

§   Piping installation works

§   Box culvert works

§   Instrumentation and control installation works

§   Electrical and telecommunication installation works

§   System commissioning

§   Pipelaying works

§   Shore-pull operations

§   Post-trenching

§   Rock armour placement

§   Removal of cofferdam

§   Final hydrotest

1.5             Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements

The status of EM&A Programme for all environmental aspects required under the Updated EM&A Manual are presented in Table 1.3.  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 1.3      Summary of Status for the EM&A Programme under the Updated EM&A Manual

Aspects

Relevant FEP(s)

Status

Water Quality

Baseline Monitoring

FEP-01/558/2018/A

FEP-02/558/2018/A

FEP-03/558/2018/B

§   Completed

Efficiency of Silt Curtain System

FEP-02/558/2018/A

FEP-03/558/2018/B

§   Completed for cage-type silt curtain for dredging operation (under FEP-02/558/2018/A and FEP-03/558/2018/B)

§   Completed for cage-type silt curtain for jetting operation (under FEP-02/558/2018/A and FEP-03/558/2018/B)

§   Completed for floating silt curtain for jetting operation (under FEP-02/558/2018/A and FEP-03/558/2018/B)

Construction Phase Monitoring

FEP-02/558/2018/A

FEP-03/558/2018/B

§   Completed for FEP-02/558/2018/A and FEP-03/558/2018/B

Post-Construction Monitoring

FEP-02/558/2018/A

FEP-03/558/2018/B

§   To be implemented upon completion of construction works for the Project

Monitoring for Hydrotesting for the Subsea Gas Pipelines

FEP-02/558/2018/A

FEP-03/558/2018/B

§   On-going for FEP-02/558/2018/A and FEP-03/558/2018/B

First-year of LNG Terminal Operation

FEP-01/558/2018/A

§   To be implemented during LNG Terminal operation

Maintenance Dredging

FEP-01/558/2018/A

§   To be implemented during maintenance dredging

Waste Management

Audit of Waste Management Practice

FEP-01/558/2018/A

FEP-02/558/2018/A

FEP-03/558/2018/B

§   On-going

Ecology

Baseline Monitoring (Vessel-based Line Transect Survey and Passive Acoustic Monitoring)

FEP-01/558/2018/A

 

§   Completed

Construction Phase Monitoring (Vessel-based Line Transect Survey and Passive Acoustic Monitoring)

FEP-01/558/2018/A

§   Completed

Post-Construction Monitoring (Vessel-based Line Transect Survey and Passive Acoustic Monitoring)

FEP-01/558/2018/A

§   To be conducted during post-construction phase

Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

FEP-01/558/2018/A

FEP-02/558/2018/A

FEP-03/558/2018/B

§   Completed for FEP-01/558/2018/A (marine mammal exclusion zone with 500m radius) and FEP-02/558/2018/A and FEP-03/558/2018/B (marine mammal exclusion zone with 250m radius)

Environmental Site Inspection

Regular Site Inspection

FEP-01/558/2018/A

FEP-02/558/2018/A

FEP-03/558/2018/B

§   On-going

Records of Operating Speeds and Marine Travel Routes for Working Vessels

FEP-01/558/2018/A

FEP-02/558/2018/A

FEP-03/558/2018/B

§   On-going

Environmental Log Book

FEP-01/558/2018/A

FEP-02/558/2018/A

FEP-03/558/2018/B

§   On-going

 

 

1.6             Status of Other Statutory Environmental Requirements

The environmental licenses and permits, including further environmental permits, registration as chemical waste producer, construction noise permits, wastewater discharge license, marine dumping permits, etc., which were valid in the reporting period.  No non-compliance with environmental statutory requirements was identified.  The status of statutory environmental requirements is presented in Annex D.

The environmental mitigation implementation schedule (EMIS) is presented in Annex C.


 

2.                 Summary of EM&A Results

The EM&A programme for the Project required environmental monitoring for marine water quality and marine mammals as well as environmental site inspections for air quality, construction noise, water quality, waste management, marine ecology, landscape and visual, and hazard to life impacts.  As presented in Section 1.5, environmental site inspections and audit on waste management practice, marine water quality monitoring, including pilot tests on the efficiency of silt curtain system, marine mammal monitoring (i.e. vessel-based line transect survey and passive acoustic monitoring) and marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring were conducted during the reporting period, and the findings are summarised below.

2.1             Environmental Site Inspection

Regular environmental site inspections were carried out with the Contractor and Project Proponents to confirm the implementation of appropriate environmental protection and pollution control mitigation measures for air quality, construction noise, water quality, waste management, marine ecology, landscape and visual, and hazard to life impacts under the Project.  In the reporting period, 59 environmental site inspections were carried out, of which 13 sessions were for FEP-01/558/2018/A, 13 sessions were for FEP-02/558/2018/A and 33 sessions were for FEP-03/558/2018/B.  The Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) attended 40 environmental site inspections as the IEC audits during the reporting period.  Aspects for the key observations recorded during site inspections are summarised in Table 2.1.  Details of observations recorded can be referred to the associated Monthly EM&A Reports for the reporting period.  The environmental mitigation implementation schedule (EMIS) is presented in Annex C.

Table 2.1      Summary of Aspects for Key Observations Recorded during Site Inspections

Aspect

Number of Observations

Cumulative Number of Observations

FEP-01/558/2018/A

Oct-Dec 2021

Air quality

0

0

Water quality

0

0

Waste management

0

0

Ecology

0

0

Visual

0

0

Hazard to life

0

0

Others

0

0

Jan-Mar 2022

Air quality

0

0

Water quality

0

0

Waste management

0

0

Ecology

0

0

Visual

0

0

Hazard to life

0

0

Others

0

0

Apr-Jun 2022

Air quality

1

1

Water quality

0

0

Waste management

0

0

Ecology

0

0

Visual

0

0

Hazard to life

0

0

Others

0

0

Jul-Sep 2022

Air quality

1

2

Water quality

0

0

Waste management

0

0

Ecology

0

0

Visual

0

0

Hazard to life

0

0

Others

0

0

Total

2

FEP-02/558/2018/A

Oct-Dec 2021

Air quality

0

1

Water quality

0

0

Waste management

0

0

Ecology

0

0

Visual

0

0

Hazard to life

0

0

Others

0

0

Jan-Mar 2022

Air quality

1

2

Water quality

0

0

Waste management

1

1

Ecology

0

0

Visual

0

0

Hazard to life

0

0

Others

0

0

Apr-Jun 2022

Air quality

0

2

Water quality

0

0

Waste management

0

1

Ecology

0

0

Visual

0

0

Hazard to life

0

0

Others

0

0

Jul-Sep 2022

Air quality

1

3

Water quality

0

0

Waste management

0

1

Ecology

0

0

Visual

0

0

Hazard to life

0

0

Others

0

0

Total

4

FEP-03/558/2018/B

Oct-Dec 2021

Air quality

5

14

Water quality

2

5

Waste Management

3

11

Ecology

0

0

Visual

0

0

Hazard to life

0

0

Others

1

3

Jan-Mar 2022

Air quality

2

16

Water quality

2

7

Waste Management

1

12

Ecology

0

0

Visual

0

0

Hazard to life

0

0

Others

0

3

Apr-Jun 2022

Air quality

3

19

Water quality

1

8

Waste Management

1

13

Ecology

0

0

Visual

0

0

Hazard to life

0

0

Others

0

3

Jul-Sep 2022

Air quality

0

19

Water quality

0

8

Waste Management

0

13

Ecology

0

0

Visual

0

0

Hazard to life

0

0

Others

0

3

Total

43

2.2             Waste Management Status

Waste management audits were performed with reference to the Waste Management Checklists for the corresponding Waste Management Plans detailed in Annex E of the associated Monthly EM&A Reports during the regular environmental site inspections carried out in the reporting period.  No non-compliance for Contractor’s waste management practices was identified during the audits.

The quantities of different types of waste and marine sediment generated for the three FEPs are summarised in Tables 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 with reference to the waste flow tables prepared by the Contractor.  General refuse was generated under the three FEPs.  Inert C&D materials (public fill) were generated under FEP-03/558/2018/B and disposed as public fill properly.  Detailed waste flow tables can be referred to Annex F of the associated Monthly EM&A Reports for the reporting period.

Table 2.2      Quantities of Waste Generated for FEP-01/558/2018/A

Inert C&D Materials Generated (in ‘000kg)

Month/Year

Total Quantity Generated

Hard Rock and Large Broken Concrete

Reused in the Contract

Reused in other Projects

Disposed as Public Fill

Imported Fill

Oct 2021

0

0

0

0

0

0

Nov 2021

0

0

0

0

0

0

Dec 2021

0

0

0

0

0

0

Jan 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Feb 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Mar 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Apr 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

May 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Jun 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Jul 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Aug 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Sep 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total

0

0

0

0

0

0

C&D Wastes Generated

Month/Year

Metals

(in ‘000kg3)

Paper / Cardboard Packaging

(in ‘000kg3)

Plastics

(in ‘000kg3)

Chemical Waste

Other (e.g. general refuse)

(in ‘000kg)

 

(in ‘000kg3)

(in ‘000L)

 

Oct 2021

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

15.02

 

Nov 2021

0

0

0

0

0

9.20

 

Dec 2021

0

0

0

0

0

13.10

 

Jan 2022

0

0

0

0

0

2.49

 

Feb 2022

0

0

0

0

0

5.35

 

Mar 2022

0

0

0

0

0

6.35

 

Apr 2022

0

0

0

0

0

1.71

 

May 2022

0

0

0

0

0

25.68

 

Jun 2022

0

0

0

0

0

33.04

 

Jul 2022

0

0

0

0

0

35.99

 

Aug 2022

0

0

0

0

0

23.03

 

Sep 2022

0

0

0

0

0

32.67

 

Total

0

0

0

0

0

203.63

 

 

 

Table 2.3      Quantities of Waste and Marine Sediment Generated for FEP-02/558/2018/A

Inert C&D Materials Generated (in ‘000kg)

Month/Year

Total Quantity Generated

Hard Rock and Large Broken Concrete

Reused in the Contract

Reused in other Projects

Disposed as Public Fill

Imported Fill

Oct 2021

0

0

0

0

0

0

Nov 2021

0

0

0

0

0

0

Dec 2021

0

0

0

0

0

0

Jan 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Feb 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Mar 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Apr 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

May 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Jun 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Jul 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Aug 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Sep 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total

0

0

0

0

0

0

C&D Wastes Generated

Month/Year

Metals

(in ‘000kg3)

Paper / Cardboard Packaging

(in ‘000kg3)

Plastics

(in ‘000kg3)

Chemical Waste

Other (e.g. general refuse)

(in ‘000kg)

(in ‘000kg3)

(in ‘000L)

Oct 2021

0

0

0

0

0

1.67

Nov 2021

0

0

0

0

0

4.23

Dec 2021

0

0

0

0

0

0

Jan 2022

0

0

0

0

0

13.10

Feb 2022

0

0

0

0

0

3.23

Mar 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Apr 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

May 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Jun 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Jul 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Aug 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Sep 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total

0

0

0

0

0

22.23

Marine Sediment Generated (in ‘000m3)

Month/Year

Total Quantity of Type L Generated

Total Quantity of Type M Generated

Reused in the Contract

Reused in other Projects

Open Sea Disposal

Oct 2021

0

0

0

0

0

Nov 2021

0

0

0

0

0

Dec 2021

0

0

0

0

0

Jan 2022

0

0

0

0

0

Feb 2022

0

0

0

0

0

Mar 2022

0

0

0

0

0

Apr 2022

0

0

0

0

0

May 2022

0

0

0

0

0

Jun 2022

0

0

0

0

0

Jul 2022

0

0

0

0

0

Aug 2022

0

0

0

0

0

Sep 2022

0

0

0

0

0

Total

0

0

0

0

0

 

Table 2.4      Quantities of Waste and Marine Sediment Generated for FEP-03/558/2018/B

Inert C&D Materials Generated (in ‘000kg)

Month/Year

Total Quantity Generated

Hard Rock and Large Broken Concrete

Reused in the Contract

Reused in other Projects

Disposed as Public Fill

Imported Fill

Oct 2021

227.73

0

0

0

227.73

0

Nov 2021

638.28

0

0

0

638.28

0

Dec 2021

730.07

0

0

0

730.07

0

Jan 2022

7.87

0

0

0

7.87

0

Feb 2022

186.90

0

0

0

186.90

0

Mar 2022

225.96

0

0

0

225.96

0

Apr 2022

100.66

0

0

0

100.66

0

May 2022

108.08

0

0

0

108.08

0

Jun 2022

10.85

0

0

0

10.85

0

Jul 2022

132.54

0

0

0

132.54

0

Aug 2022

73.31

0

0

0

73.31

0

Sep 2022

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total

2,442.25

0

0

0

2,442.25

0

C&D Wastes Generated

Month/Year

Metals

(in ‘000kg3)

Paper / Cardboard Packaging

(in ‘000kg3)

Plastics

(in ‘000kg3)

Chemical Waste

Other (e.g. general refuse)

(in ‘000kg)

(in ‘000kg3)

(in ‘000L)

Oct 2021

0

0

0

0

0

67.70

Nov 2021

0

0

0

0

0

62.03

Dec 2021

0

0

0

0

0

56.21

Jan 2022

0

0

0

0

0

55.51

Feb 2022

0

0

0

0

0

8.53

Mar 2022

0

0

0

0

0

36.53

Apr 2022

0

0

0

0

0

12.06

May 2022

0

0

0

0

0

11.65

Jun 2022

0

0

0

0

0

22.41

Jul 2022

0

0

0

0

0

10.60

Aug 2022

0

0

0

0

0

13.10

Sep 2022

0

0

0

0

0

9.05

Total

0

0

0

0

0

365.38

Marine Sediment Generated (in ‘000m3)

Month/Year

Total Quantity of Type L Generated

Total Quantity of Type M Generated

Reused in the Contract

Reused in other Projects

Open Sea Disposal

Oct 2021

0

0

0

0

0

Nov 2021

0

0

0

0

0

Dec 2021

0

0

0

0

0

Jan 2022

0

0

0

0

0

Feb 2022

0

0

0

0

0

Mar 2022

0

0

0

0

0

Apr 2022

0

0

0

0

0

May 2022

0

0

0

0

0

Jun 2022

0

0

0

0

0

Jul 2022

0

0

0

0

0

Aug 2022

0

0

0

0

0

Sep 2022

0

0

0

0

0

Total

0

0

0

0

0

 

2.3             Marine Water Quality Monitoring

2.3.1       Monitoring Requirements

In accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, marine water quality monitoring shall be undertaken at the monitoring stations as shown in Figure 2.1 and Table 2.5 three times a week at both mid-ebb and mid-flood tides during periods when there are dredging / jetting operations during construction phase of BPPS Pipeline or LPS Pipeline.  The interval between two sets of monitoring would not be less than 36 hours.  Two replicates of in-situ measurements and samples were collected at each monitored water depth of each monitoring stations.  Levels of dissolved oxygen (DO), pH value, salinity, temperature and turbidity were measured in-situ whereas the level of suspended solids (SS) were determined by a HOKLAS accredited laboratory.  The detailed methodology is presented in the Updated EM&A Manual.

Table 2.5      Location of Marine Water Quality Monitoring Stations

Station

Easting

Northing

Description

Group 1 – During construction at the pipeline shore approach at LPS (KP17.4 - 18.2), West Lamma Channel (KP14.5 - 17.4)

IM1

829453

806896

Impact Station for Coastline of South Lamma

IM2

828235

810347

Impact Station for Coastline of North Lamma

E1

827317

811510

Control Station for Ebb Tide

F1

827892

804243

Control Station for Flood Tide

Group 2 – During construction at the Double Berth Jetty to West Lamma Channel (KP0.0 - 14.5)

IM3

820683

805931

Impact Station for Coastline of South Cheung Chau

IM4

816997

805153

Impact Station for Coastline of South Shek Kwu Chau

IM5

814068

804100

Boundary of Proposed South Lantau Marine Park (MP)

IM6

814073

802029

Boundary of Proposed South Lantau MP

E2

813367

808213

Control Station for Ebb Tide

F2

822532

802161

Control Station for Flood Tide

F3

815032

801161

Control Station for Flood Tide

Group 3 – During construction at the Jetty Approach (KP0.0 - 5.0), South of Soko Islands (KP5.0 - 8.9), Southwest of Soko Islands (KP8.9 - 12.1)

IM6

814073

802029

Boundary of Proposed South Lantau MP

IM7

811652

802029

Boundary of Proposed South Lantau MP

IM8

810833

801430

Boundary of Proposed South Lantau MP

IM9

807101

801595

Boundary of Proposed South Lantau MP

E3

802686

804123

Control Station for Ebb Tide

F3

815032

801161

Control Station for Flood Tide

Group 4 – During construction at the Adamasta Channel (KP12.1 - 15.6), Southwest Lantau (KP15.6 - 21.3)

IM10

803145

806407

Boundary of Southwest Lantau MP

IM11A

801914

806510

Boundary of Southwest Lantau MP

IM12

801041

807024

Boundary of Southwest Lantau MP

IM13

800386

810750

Boundary of Southwest Lantau MP

IM14

801376

810750

Boundary of Southwest Lantau MP

E4

801571

811923

Control Station for Ebb Tide

F4

809058

806567

Control Station for Flood Tide

Group 5 – During construction at the West of Tai O to West of HKIA (KP21.3 - 31.5)

IM15

804820

821110

Boundary of Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau MP

E5

804634

822606

Control Station for Ebb Tide

F5

805185

816591

Control Station for Flood Tide

Group 6 – During construction at the West of HKIA to Lung Kwu Chau (KP31.5 - 37.5)

IM15

804820

821110

Boundary of Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau MP

IM17

804865

827855

Boundary of Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau MP

IM16A

805039

824343

Coral Colonies at Pak Chau

E6

805418

832113

Control Station for Ebb Tide

F5

805185

816591

Control Station for Flood Tide

Group 7 – During construction at the Lung Kwu Chau to Urmston Anchorage (37.5 - 41.1), Urmston Road (KP41.1 - 42.9)

IM17

804865

827855

Boundary of Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau MP

IM18

806220

827890

Boundary of Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau MP

IM19

807274

829250

Impact Station for Coastline of Lung Kwu Tan

E6

805418

832113

Control Station for Ebb Tide

F6

808812

824266

Control Station for Flood Tide

E5

804634

822606

Control Station for Flood Tide

Group 8 – During construction at the West of BPPS (KP42.9 - 44.9), Pipeline shore approach at BPPS (KP44.9 - 45.0)

IM19

807274

829250

Impact Station for Coastline of Lung Kwu Tan

IM20A

809445

831728

Impact Station for Coastline of Deep Bay

IM21A

808879

830900

Coral Colony at Artificial Seawall at BPPS

IM22A

808703

830717

Coral Colony at Artificial Seawall at BPPS

E7A

808313

833524

Control Station for Ebb Tide

F6

808812

824266

Control Station for Flood Tide

Note: Alternative monitoring stations (E7A, IM11A, IM16A, IM20A, IM21A & IM22A) were proposed by the ET in consultation with the IEC and approved by EPD in accordance with the provision in Section 5.1 and Section 5.2.5 of the Updated EM&A Manual.

2.3.2       Action and Limit Levels for Marine Water Quality Monitoring

The Action and Limit Levels for marine water quality monitoring have been established based on the baseline marine water quality monitoring data in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual.  Action and Limit Levels of key assessment parameters for construction phase marine water quality monitoring including DO, turbidity and SS are summarised in Table 2.6.

Table 2.6      Action and Limit Levels for Marine Water Quality Monitoring

Parameter

Action Level

Limit Level

Group 1 – During construction at the pipeline shore approach at LPS (KP17.4 - 18.2), West Lamma Channel (KP14.5 - 17.4)

DO in mg L-1 a

Surface and Middle

4.2 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.4 mg L-1

Surface and Middle

2.9 mg L-1

 

Bottom

1.6 mg L-1

Turbidity in NTU

(Depth-averaged b) c

14.4 NTU, and

120% of the relevant control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day

19.9 NTU, and

130% of the relevant control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day

SS in mg L-1

(Depth-averaged b) c

20.8 mg L-1, and

120% of the relevant control station's SS at the same tide of the same day

29.6 mg L-1, and

130% of the relevant control station's SS at the same tide of the same day

Group 2 – During construction at the Double Berth Jetty to West Lamma Channel (KP0.0 - 14.5)

DO in mg L-1 a

Surface and Middle

3.4 mg L-1

 

Bottom

1.8 mg L-1

Surface and Middle

2.4 mg L-1

 

Bottom

1.4 mg L-1

Turbidity in NTU

(Depth-averaged b) c

17.1 NTU, and

120% of the relevant control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day

26.8 NTU, and

130% of the relevant control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day

SS in mg L-1

(Depth-averaged b) c

25.7 mg L-1, and

120% of the relevant control station's SS at the same tide of the same day

37.1 mg L-1, and

130% of the relevant control station's SS at the same tide of the same day

Group 3 – During construction at the Jetty Approach (KP0.0 - 5.0), South of Soko Islands (KP5.0 - 8.9), Southwest of Soko Islands (KP8.9 - 12.1)

DO in mg L-1 a

Surface and Middle

4.1 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.7 mg L-1

Surface and Middle

3.0 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.0 mg L-1

Turbidity in NTU

(Depth-averaged b) c

17.0 NTU, and

120% of the relevant control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day

30.9 NTU, and

130% of the relevant control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day

SS in mg L-1

(Depth-averaged b) c

22.3 mg L-1, and

120% of the relevant control station's SS at the same tide of the same day

36.9 mg L-1, and

130% of the relevant control station's SS at the same tide of the same day

Group 4 – During construction at the Adamasta Channel (KP12.1 - 15.6), Southwest Lantau (KP15.6 - 21.3)

DO in mg L-1 a

Surface and Middle

3.4 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.8 mg L-1

Surface and Middle

2.5 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.0 mg L-1

Turbidity in NTU

(Depth-averaged b) c

63.1 NTU, and

120% of the relevant control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day

165.7 NTU, and

130% of the relevant control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day

SS in mg L-1

(Depth-averaged b) c

75.4 mg L-1, and

120% of the relevant control station's SS at the same tide of the same day

121.8 mg L-1, and

130% of the relevant control station's SS at the same tide of the same day

Group 5 – During construction at the West of Tai O to West of HKIA (KP21.3 - 31.5)

DO in mg L-1 a

Surface and Middle

4.6 mg L-1

 

Bottom

4.0 mg L-1

Surface and Middle

4.0 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.0 mg L-1

Turbidity in NTU

(Depth-averaged b) c

31.9 NTU, and

120% of the relevant control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day

46.6 NTU, and

130% of the relevant control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day

SS in mg L-1

(Depth-averaged b) c

64.9 mg L-1, and

120% of the relevant control station's SS at the same tide of the same day

72.5 mg L-1, and

130% of the relevant control station's SS at the same tide of the same day

Group 6 – During construction at the West of HKIA to Lung Kwu Chau (KP31.5 - 37.5)

DO in mg L-1 a

Surface and Middle

4.4 mg L-1

 

Bottom

3.9 mg L-1

Surface and Middle

3.9 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.0 mg L-1

Turbidity in NTU

(Depth-averaged b) c

30.7 NTU, and

120% of the relevant control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day

47.0 NTU, and

130% of the relevant control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day

SS in mg L-1

(Depth-averaged b) c

49.2 mg L-1, and

120% of the relevant control station's SS at the same tide of the same day

74.0 mg L-1, and

130% of the relevant control station's SS at the same tide of the same day

Group 7 – During construction at the Lung Kwu Chau to Urmston Anchorage (37.5 - 41.1), Urmston Road (KP41.1 - 42.9)

DO in mg L-1 a

Surface and Middle

3.8 mg L-1

 

Bottom

3.1 mg L-1

Surface and Middle

3.4 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.0 mg L-1

Turbidity in NTU

(Depth-averaged b) c

34.5 NTU, and

120% of the relevant control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day

79.2 NTU, and

130% of the relevant control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day

SS in mg L-1

(Depth-averaged b) c

37.8 mg L-1, and

120% of the relevant control station's SS at the same tide of the same day

98.2 mg L-1, and

130% of the relevant control station's SS at the same tide of the same day

Group 8 – During construction at the West of BPPS (KP42.9 - 44.9), Pipeline shore approach at BPPS (KP44.9 - 45.0)

DO in mg L-1 a

Surface and Middle

4.3 mg L-1

 

Bottom

3.6 mg L-1

Surface and Middle

3.4 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.0 mg L-1

Turbidity in NTU

(Depth-averaged b) c

34.3 NTU, and

120% of the relevant control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day

58.5 NTU, and

130% of the relevant control station's turbidity at the same tide of the same day

SS in mg L-1

(Depth-averaged b) c

42.4 mg L-1, and

120% of the relevant control station's SS at the same tide of the same day

78.2 mg L-1, and

130% of the relevant control station's SS at the same tide of the same day

Notes:

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

b.     “Depth-averaged” is calculated by taking the arithmetic means of reading of all three depths.

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

The Event and Action Plan for marine water quality monitoring can be referred to the Updated EM&A Manual.

2.3.3       Monitoring Results

A total of 100 monitoring events for construction phase marine water quality monitoring were conducted for construction of BPPS Pipeline and LPS Pipeline within the works area(s) for the associated marine-based activities in the reporting period.  The percentage compliance of marine water quality monitoring results within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels is presented in Table 2.7.  There were no Project-related Action and Limit Level exceedances for marine water quality monitoring in the reporting period.  Graphical presentations are provided in Annex F.

Table 2.7      Percentage Compliance of Marine Water Quality Monitoring Data within Action and Limit Levels

Month/Year

DO
(Surface and Middle)

DO
(Bottom)

Turbidity

SS

Group 1 – During construction at the pipeline shore approach at LPS (KP17.4 - 18.2), West Lamma Channel (KP14.5 - 17.4)

Oct 2021

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Nov 2021

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Dec 2021

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Jan 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Feb 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Mar 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Apr 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

May 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Jun 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Jul 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Aug 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Sep 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Total

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Group 2 – During construction at the Double Berth Jetty to West Lamma Channel (KP0.0 - 14.5)

Oct 2021

100%

100%

100%

100%

Nov 2021

100%

100%

100%

100%

Dec 2021

100%

100%

95.8%

100%

Jan 2022

100%

100%

98.2%

100%

Feb 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Mar 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Apr 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

May 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Jun 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Jul 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Aug 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Sep 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Total

100%

100%

98.7%

100%

Group 3 – During construction at the Jetty Approach (KP0.0 - 5.0), South of Soko Islands (KP5.0 - 8.9), Southwest of Soko Islands (KP8.9 - 12.1)

Oct 2021

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Nov 2021

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Dec 2021

100%

100%

97.5%

97.5%

Jan 2022

100%

100%

98.8%

98.8%

Feb 2022

100%

100%

97.2%

95.8%

Mar 2022

100%

100%

100%

98.9%

Apr 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

May 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Jun 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Jul 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Aug 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Sep 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Total

100%

100%

98.9%

98.4%

Group 4 – During construction at the Adamasta Channel (KP12.1 - 15.6), Southwest Lantau (KP15.6 - 21.3)

Oct 2021

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Nov 2021

100%

100%

100%

100%

Dec 2021

100%

100%

100%

93.3%

Jan 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Feb 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Mar 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Apr 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

May 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Jun 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Jul 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Aug 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Sep 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Total

100%

100%

100%

98.6%

Group 5 – During construction at the West of Tai O to West of HKIA (KP21.3 - 31.5)

Oct 2021

100%

100%

100%

100%

Nov 2021

100%

100%

100%

100%

Dec 2021

100%

100%

100%

100%

Jan 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Feb 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Mar 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Apr 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

May 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Jun 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Jul 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Aug 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Sep 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

Group 6 – During construction at the West of HKIA to Lung Kwu Chau (KP31.5 - 37.5)

Oct 2021

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Nov 2021

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Dec 2021

100%

100%

100%

100%

Jan 2022

100%

100%

98.6%

100%

Feb 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Mar 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Apr 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

May 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Jun 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Jul 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Aug 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Sep 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Total

100%

100%

99.0%

100%

Group 7 – During construction at the Lung Kwu Chau to Urmston Anchorage (37.5 - 41.1), Urmston Road (KP41.1 - 42.9)

Oct 2021

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Nov 2021

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Dec 2021

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Jan 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Feb 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Mar 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Apr 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

May 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Jun 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Jul 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Aug 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Sep 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

Group 8 – During construction at the West of BPPS (KP42.9 - 44.9), Pipeline shore approach at BPPS (KP44.9 - 45.0)

Oct 2021

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Nov 2021

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Dec 2021

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Jan 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Feb 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Mar 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

Apr 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

May 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Jun 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Jul 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Aug 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Sep 2022

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

Notes:

(1)  The figures in percentage are calculated with reference to the number of depth-averaged data with the corresponding Action and Limit Levels divided by the total number of depth-averaged data for each monitoring parameter.

(2)  N/A denotes that no marine water quality monitoring (WQM) was required to be conducted in the month.

Amongst the eight groupings for marine water quality monitoring (WQM) (i.e. Groups 1 to 8), no marine WQM was required to be conducted for Group 1 as no marine dredging / jetting operations were undertaken within the respective works areas for construction of LPS Pipeline in the reporting period while marine WQM data of the four monitoring parameters (i.e. DO (Surface and Middle), DO (Bottom), turbidity and SS) for Groups 5, 7 and 8 recorded in the reporting period were within the corresponding Action and Limit Levels.

In general, the levels of DO, turbidity and SS complied with the Action and Limit Levels during most of the time (~ >98%).  Investigations on all the Action and/or Limit Levels exceedances were carried out in accordance with the Event and Action Plan for marine WQM, and all the exceedances were considered non-Project related based on the investigation results which have been presented in the corresponding Monthly EM&A Reports for the reporting period.

Notwithstanding, the Contractor was reminded to ensure the mitigation measures for water quality impacts as set out in the Updated EM&A Manual are fully and properly implemented.

2.3.4       Comparison of Monitoring Results with EIA Predictions

SS and DO levels in terms of SS elevation and DO depletion, respectively, at each sensitive receiver as a result of marine-based construction activities were assessed and predicted in the approved EIA Report.  With reference to Figures 7.2 and 7.3 of the approved EIA Report, 22 impact stations and the corresponding sensitive receivers and/or model observation points are presented in Table 2.8.

 

 

Table 2.8      Impact Stations for Marine Water Quality Monitoring and the Corresponding Sensitive Receivers and Model Observation Points

Impact Station

Fisheries Sensitive Receiver

Ecological Sensitive Receiver

Water Quality Sensitive Receiver

Model Observation Point

Group 1 – During construction at the pipeline shore approach at LPS (KP17.4 - 18.2), West Lamma Channel (KP14.5 - 17.4)

IM1

§ Fisheries Spawning/ Nursery Grounds in South Lantau (B8, B9, MPE)

§ Potential South Lamma MP (MPE)

§ Corals at Hung Shing Yeh and Ha Mei Wan (CR20, CR21)

§ Gazetted Beaches at Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Lo So Shing Beach (B8, B9)

§ Seawater Intake at Lamma Power Station (C13)

§ N/A

IM2

§ N/A

§ Corals at Shek Kok Tsui and Pak Kok (CR12, CR13)

§ N/A

§ N/A

Group 2 – During construction at the Double Berth Jetty to West Lamma Channel (KP0.0 - 14.5)

IM3

§ Fisheries Spawning/ Nursery Grounds in South Lantau (NB9)

§ N/A

§ Non-gazetted Beaches at Po Yue Wan (NB9)

§ N/A

IM4

§ Fisheries Spawning/ Nursery Grounds in South Lantau (CR4)

§ Corals at Shek Kwu Chau (CR4)

§ N/A

§ N/A

IM5

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ Boundary of existing and proposed MPs (MPD-6)

IM6

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ Boundary of existing and proposed MPs (MPD-5)

Group 3 – During construction at the Jetty Approach (KP0.0 - 5.0), South of Soko Islands (KP5.0 - 8.9), Southwest of Soko Islands (KP8.9 - 12.1)

IM6

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ Boundary of existing and proposed MPs (MPD-5)

IM7

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ Boundary of existing and proposed MPs (MPD-4)

IM8

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ Boundary of existing and proposed MPs (MPD-3)

IM9

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ Boundary of existing and proposed MPs (MPD-2)

Group 4 – During construction at the Adamasta Channel (KP12.1 - 15.6), Southwest Lantau (KP15.6 - 21.3)

IM10

§ N/A

§ Intertidal Mudflats/ Mangroves/ Horseshoe Crab Nursery Grounds at Fan Lau Tung Wan (MPC-5)

§ Non-gazetted Beaches at Fan Lau Tung Wan (NB4)

§ Boundary of existing and proposed MPs (MPC-5)

IM11A

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ Non-gazetted Beaches at Fan Lau Sai Wan (NB3)

§ Boundary of existing and proposed MPs (MPC-4)

IM12

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ Boundary of existing and proposed MPs (MPC-3)

IM13

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ Boundary of existing and proposed MPs (MPC-2)

IM14

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ Boundary of existing and proposed MPs (MPC-1)

Group 5 – During construction at the West of Tai O to West of HKIA (KP21.3 - 31.5)

IM15

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ Boundary of existing and proposed MPs (MPA-3)

Group 6 – During construction at the West of HKIA to Lung Kwu Chau (KP31.5 - 37.5)

IM15

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ Boundary of existing and proposed MPs (MPA-3)

IM16A

§ Fisheries Spawning Ground in North Lantau (CR3)

§ Artificial Reef Deployment Area at Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau (AR1)

§ Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau MP (MPA-5)

§ Corals at Pak Chau (CR3)

§ N/A

§ N/A

IM17

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ Boundary of existing and proposed MPs (MPA-2)

Group 7 – During construction at the Lung Kwu Chau to Urmston Anchorage (37.5 - 41.1), Urmston Road (KP41.1 - 42.9)

IM17

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ Boundary of existing and proposed MPs (MPA-2)

IM18

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ N/A

§ Boundary of existing and proposed MPs (MPA-1)

IM19

§ N/A

§ Intertidal Mudflats/ Mangroves/ Horseshoe Crab Nursery Grounds at Lung Kwu Sheung Tan (NB1)

§ Non-gazetted Beaches at Lung Kwu Sheung Tan (NB1)

§ N/A

Group 8 – During construction at the West of BPPS (KP42.9 - 44.9), Pipeline shore approach at BPPS (KP44.9 - 45.0)

IM19

§ N/A

§ Intertidal Mudflats/ Mangroves/ Horseshoe Crab Nursery Grounds at Lung Kwu Sheung Tan (NB1)

§ Non-gazetted Beaches at Lung Kwu Sheung Tan (NB1)

§ N/A

IM20A

§ N/A

§ Intertidal Mudflats/ Mangroves/ Horseshoe Crab Nursery Grounds at Ha Pak Nai (H1)

§ Seagrass Beds at Ha Pak Nai (H1)

§ Seawater Intake at Sludge Treatment Facilities (C1)

§ N/A

IM21A

§ N/A

§ Corals at Artificial Seawall at BPPS (CR1)

§ N/A

§ N/A

IM22A

§ N/A

§ Corals at Artificial Seawall at BPPS (CR2)

§ N/A

§ N/A

 

 

 

 

 

2.3.4.1  Suspended Solids Elevation

For the marine WQM stations under Group 2 (i.e. IM3, IM4, IM5 and IM6), all SS levels at these marine WQM stations in the reporting period were within the corresponding Action/Limit Levels resulting in being in line with the EIA predictions (i.e. compliance with Water Quality Objective (WQO) for SS in terms of percentage in both dry and wet seasons under Jetting Scenario C06 as reported in Table 7C.8 of Annex 7C in the approved EIA Report, respectively).

For the marine WQM stations under Group 3 (i.e. IM6, IM7, IM8, IM9), all SS levels at these marine WQM stations in the reporting period were within the corresponding Action/Limit Levels except that at IM8 and IM9 with Action Level exceedances recorded, resulting in 98.4% being within the corresponding Action/Limit Levels within the reporting period.  Given the Action Level exceedances in SS recorded at IM8 and IM9 were considered non-Project related upon investigation, all SS levels were considered being generally in line with the EIA predictions (i.e. compliance with WQO for SS in terms of percentage in both dry and wet seasons under Jetting Scenario C05 and Jetting Scenario C06 as reported in Tables 7C.7 and 7C.8 of Annex 7C in the approved EIA Report).

For the marine WQM stations under Group 4 (i.e. IM10, IM11A, IM12, IM13, IM14), all SS levels at these marine WQM stations in the reporting period were within the corresponding Action/Limit Levels except that at IM11A and IM13 with Action Level exceedances recorded, resulting in 98.6% being within the corresponding Action/Limit Levels within the reporting period.  Given the Action Level exceedances in SS recorded at IM11A and IM13 were considered non-Project related upon investigation, all SS levels were considered being generally in line with the EIA predictions (i.e. compliance with WQO for SS in terms of percentage in both dry and wet seasons under Jetting Scenario C05 as reported in Table 7C.7 of Annex 7C in the approved EIA Report).

For the marine WQM station under Group 5 and Group 6 (i.e. IM15 for Group 5 and IM15, IM16A, IM17 for Group 6), all SS levels at these marine WQM stations in the reporting period were within the corresponding Action/Limit Levels resulting in being in line with the EIA predictions (i.e. compliance with WQO for SS in terms of percentage in both dry and wet seasons under Jetting Scenario C04 as reported in Table 7C.6 of Annex 7C in the approved EIA Report).

For the marine WQM stations under Group 7 (i.e. IM17, IM18 and IM19), all SS levels at these stations in the reporting period were within the corresponding Action/Limit Levels resulting in being in line with the EIA predictions (i.e. compliance with WQO for SS in terms of percentage in both dry and wet seasons under Dredging Scenario C03 as reported in Table 7C.5 of Annex 7C in the approved EIA Report).

For the marine WQM stations under Group 8 (i.e. IM19, IM20A, IM21A and IM22A), all SS levels at these stations in the reporting period were within the corresponding Action/Limit Levels resulting in being in line with the EIA predictions (i.e. compliance with WQO for SS in terms of percentage in both dry and wet seasons under Dredging Scenario C02 as reported in Table 7C.4 of Annex 7C in the approved EIA Report).

2.3.4.2  Dissolved Oxygen Depletion

According to Annex 7D of the approved EIA Report, the predicted maximum DO depletion values for all sensitive receivers associated with marine-based construction activities are well below their corresponding allowable DO depletion values, of which the maximum DO depletion of 0.2 mg/L amongst all sensitive receivers was predicted and no unacceptable depletion of DO from the marine-based construction activities was also anticipated as documented in the approved EIA Report (see Section 7.7.1 of the approved EIA Report).

There were no Action/Limit Level exceedances in DO recorded throughout the reporting period, implying that the DO levels at the relevant sensitive receivers were considered to be in line with the EIA predictions as reported in Table 7D.1 of Annex 7D in the approved EIA Report.

2.3.4.3  Review of Monitoring Methodology for Marine Water Quality

The monitoring methodology for marine water quality was reviewed, including the routine operations of marine water quality monitoring associated with construction phase marine water quality monitoring data within the reporting period, the monitoring was able to detect change in water quality with reference to the EIA predictions based on the monitoring data in terms of DO and SS levels.  Therefore, the monitoring methodology for marine water quality is considered effective and no change to monitoring methodology is recommended.

2.4             Pilot Test on the Efficiency of Silt Curtain System

2.4.1       Monitoring Requirements

According to Condition 2.10 of FEP-02/558/2018/A and FEP-03/558/2018/B, and Section 5.3.2 of the Updated EM&A Manual, pilot tests on the efficiency of silt curtain system shall be conducted during the early stage of construction to confirm the removal efficiency of the silt curtains.  The pilot tests on the efficiency of silt curtain system include i) testing of silt removal efficiency of 75% or higher for silt curtain at grab dredger; ii) testing of silt removal efficiency of 85% or higher for silt curtain at jetting machine; and iii) testing of silt removal efficiency of 80% or higher for double layer silt curtain at sensitive receivers, as determined by the difference between the SS levels near marine works area and that outside silt curtain in the event of the dredging / jetting operations being actively undertaken for BPPS Pipeline and/or LPS Pipeline.  The detailed methodology of the pilot tests on the efficiency of silt curtain system is presented in the approved Silt Curtain Deployment Plans for the corresponding FEPs.

2.4.2       Monitoring Results

Pilot test on the efficiency of double layer silt curtain (i.e. floating silt curtain) at jetting machine was conducted on 18 January 2022 during the jetting operation of BPPS Pipeline in accordance with the methodology presented in the approved Silt Curtain Deployment Plan.  Three rounds of monitoring (i.e. Rounds 1, 2 & 3) for the pilot test covering ebb and flood tides (Round 1 and Round 3 were conducted within mid-ebb tide and mid-flood tide, respectively, while Round 2 was scheduled to be conducted in between mid-ebb tide and mid-flood tide due to the first mid-flood tide of the day occurred before 7:00 AM at which no jetting operation shall be operated in accordance with Condition 3.7 of FEP-03/558/2018/B) were conducted when jetting operation was operated at or close to the maximum productivity for BPPS Pipeline.  The jetting work rate was about 30 m/hr, which is equivalent to 720 m/day for 24 hours work.  The monitoring stations for the pilot test are presented in Figure 2.2.

The monitoring results of the pilot tests are summarised in Table 2.9, showing that the efficiencies range from 87.64% to 92.05% with an average of 90.08% which is greater than the EIA assumption of 80% for floating silt curtain at sensitive receivers.  The results of the pilot test have demonstrated that the tested silt curtain system is capable of achieving an efficiency greater than that assumed in the approved EIA Report.  As such, the proposed floating silt curtain is effective for the jetting operation for the Project to minimize water quality impacts and no further measures/ recommendations are required.  As similar floating silt curtain and jetting machine are used for the construction of the BPPS and LPS Pipelines, this pilot test results of floating silt curtain for jetting works are applicable for the subsea gas pipeline for BPPS under FEP-03/558/2018/B and the subsea gas pipeline for LPS under FEP-02/558/2018/A.

Table 2.9     Efficiencies of Cage-type Silt Curtains for Dredging and Jetting Operations

Round

Silt Curtain Efficiency (%)

Individual

Overall-average

1

90.55

90.08

2

87.64

3

92.05

Note:  The SS levels at monitoring stations near the marine works area (i.e. A1 to A3) have been recalculated to exclude the effect of cage-type silt curtain with an assumed silt removal efficiency of 85% for the calculation of efficiency of the floating silt curtain.

2.5             Marine Water Quality Monitoring for Hydrotesting for the Subsea Gas Pipelines

2.5.1       Monitoring Requirements

In accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, water quality monitoring for hydrotesting for the subsea gas pipelines will be conducted before, during and after discharge of hydrotest water for the two subsea gas pipelines at the nearest sensitive receiver (i.e. IM6) and nearby control station(s) (i.e. E2 and / or F3 depending on the tidal state) as shown in Figure 2.3 and Table 2.10.  As agreed with IEC, one water quality monitoring event would be conducted within one week prior to hydrotesting discharge for each pipeline the monitoring, water quality monitoring would be conducted at a frequency of three times per week capturing the timing of hydrotesting discharge as far as practicable, and only one water quality monitoring event would be conducted after one week of completion of hydrotesting discharge for both pipeline.  For a single water quality monitoring event, two rounds of measurement would be conducted during flood tide and two rounds of measurement would be conducted during ebb tide and each round of monitoring for each tide would be separated by at least an hour.  Two replicates of in-situ measurements and samples would be collected at each monitored water depth of each monitoring stations.  Levels of dissolved oxygen (DO), pH value, salinity, temperature and turbidity were measured in-situ


 

Table 2.10    Location of Water Quality Monitoring Station for Hydrotesting for the Subsea Gas Pipelines

Station

Easting

Northing

Description

IM6

814073

802029

Boundary of Existing South Lantau MP

F3

815032

801161

Control Station for Flood Tide

E2

813367

808213

Control Station for Ebb Tide

 

2.5.2       Action and Limit Levels for Marine Water Quality Monitoring for Hydrotesting for the Subsea Gas Pipelines

As predicted in the water quality modelling, there would be depletion of DO due to hydrotest discharge and thus the Action and Limit Levels of DO were established.  The Action and Limit Levels for marine water quality monitoring for hydrotesting for the subsea gas pipelines were established based on the baseline marine water quality monitoring data.  In addition, the representativeness of the data was reviewed with reference to the water quality monitoring data obtained within one week before hydrotest discharge for the LPS and BPPS Pipelines.  The water quality monitoring for hydrotesting of LPS Pipeline and BPPS Pipeline before discharge wwere conducted on 16 August 2022 and 10 September 2022, respectively and the monitoring results showed that the levels of DO ranged from 5.5-10.6 mg/L (Surface and Middle) and 4.1-6.42 mg/L (Bottom) at the monitoring stations and were within the ranges of DO obtained from the baseline marine water quality monitoring before construction of the Project.  It is thus considered that the baseline marine water quality monitoring data for Group 3 where Station IM6 is located are still valid and representative for establishing the Action and Limit Levels.  The Action and Limit Levels of DO are presented in Table 2.11.

Table 2.11    Action and Limit Levels for Marine Water Quality Monitoring

Parameter

Action Level

Limit Level

During operation phase

DO in mg L-1 a

Surface and Middle

4.1 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.7 mg L-1

Surface and Middle

3.0 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.0 mg L-1

Note:

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

 

The Event and Action Plan for marine water quality monitoring can be referred to the Updated EM&A Manual.

2.5.3       Monitoring Results

A total of 10 monitoring events for marine water quality monitoring for hydrotesting for the LPS and BPPS Pipelines during discharge were conducted in the reporting period.  The monitoring results were presented in the respective Monthly EM&A Reports.  There were no Project-related Action and Limit Level exceedances for marine water quality monitoring for hydrotesting for the LPS and BPPS Pipelines in the reporting period.

2.6             Marine Mammal Monitoring

2.6.1       Monitoring Requirements

2.6.1.1  Vessel-based Line Transect Survey

In accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, vessel-based marine mammal survey by means of systematic line-transect boat survey was undertaken to examine the distribution and encounter rate of Finless Porpoise (FP) in southern Lantau where a majority of Project construction works would take place.  Survey transects covered three survey areas for line-transect boat surveys, namely Southwest Lantau (SWL), Southeast Lantau (SEL) and Lamma (LM) are presented in Figure 2.4.  The methodology of the survey is consistent and compatible with that adopted in the EIA baseline surveys as well as the long-term marine mammal monitoring programme conducted by AFCD since 1995 to allow potential comparisons and pooling data for analysis.  Vessel-based line transect marine mammal surveys are conducted during construction of the LNG Terminal.  Each transect line is surveyed twice per month.  The detailed methodology is presented in the Updated EM&A Manual.

2.6.1.2  Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM)

In accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, underwater PAM survey using C-POD (Cetacean-Porpoise Detector) was conducted at five locations as presented in Figure 2.5.  C-PODs are left in place during construction of the LNG Terminal.  Such duration should allow for a robust record of marine mammal usage of the area to be obtained and allow for the inter-seasonal differences already known for finless porpoises.  The C-PODs have to be serviced every two to four months, subject to review on an as-needed basis, to download accumulated data and replace batteries.

2.6.2       Action and Limit Levels for Marine Mammal Monitoring

The Action and Limit Levels for marine mammal monitoring are established using encounter rate calculated from the six-month baseline vessel-based line transect surveys from the three survey areas as a whole in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual.  The combined baseline encounter rate will be used to compare with the encounter rate obtained during construction phase monitoring calculated from last three month’s monitoring data (i.e. running quarterly value).  This approach would allow natural seasonal fluctuations in FP encounter rate to be accounted for, and allow data to be reviewed every month such as appropriate remedial actions could be taken timely if the threshold values are triggered.  The Action and Limit Levels are provided in Table 2.12.

Table 2.12    Action and Limit Levels for Marine Mammal Monitoring

Monitoring Area

Action Level

Limit Level

SWL, SEL and LM as a whole

Running quarterly STG < 1.12 & ANI < 2.18 

Two consecutive running quarterly STG < 1.12 & ANI < 2.18

Notes:

STG = Encounter Rate of Number of Porpoise Sightings

ANI = Encounter Rate of Number of Porpoises

Action / Limit Levels will be triggered if both STG and ANI fall below the criteria.

The Event and Action Plan for marine mammal monitoring can be referred to relevant Annexes of the associated Monthly EM&A Reports for the reporting period.

2.6.3       Monitoring Results

2.6.3.1  Vessel-based Line Transect Survey

A total of 12 vessel-based line transect surveys were conducted during the reporting period.  The FPs sighted in the three survey areas, SWL, SEL and LM, in the reporting period are presented in Figure 2.6.

The running quarterly STG and ANI for the combined survey areas from SWL, SEL and LM during the reporting period and the previous months during the period of piling works are summarised in Table 2.13.

Table 2.13    Running Quarterly STG and ANI for Finless Porpoise

Survey Period

On-effort (km)

No. of Sighting

No. of Porpoise

STG

ANI

Running STG

Running ANI

Dec 2020

219.30

3

7

1.36

3.18

-

-

Jul 2021

375.86

0

0

0.00

0.00

-

-

Aug 2021

379.00

2

10

0.53

2.64

-

-

Sep 2021

331.64

7

22

2.11

6.63

0.83

2.95

Oct 2021

95.79

0

0

0.00

0.00

1.12

3.97

Nov 2021

208.05

10

30

4.81

14.42

2.68

8.18

Notes:

Only data collected at Beaufort Sea State 2 or below were included for encounter rate analysis.

Running STG and Running ANI were calculated by combining three consecutive survey months data (i.e. combining the data with the previous two months).

Marine mammal monitoring between January and June 2021 was not conducted as no piling works for construction of the jetty were carried out between January and June 2021 in accordance with Condition 3.3 of the FEP.

The running quarterly values of encounter rate in terms of STG and ANI were 2.68 and 8.18, respectively.  Therefore, there were no breaches of Action and Limit Levels for marine mammal monitoring in the reporting period.

2.6.3.2  Underwater PAM Survey

Summary of PAM Data Collection

Five C-POD units have been deployed at the five locations since the commencement of construction for FEP-01/558/2018/A and PAM data were analysed during the period of piling works of the Project in December 2020 and in July 2021 to early November 2021.  The summaries of deployment data are presented in Table 2.14 below.  The PAM deployment statistics for each location are provided in the Quarterly EM&A Summary Report for January to March 2022.

Variations in porpoise activity per day were observed at all five locations during the period of piling works of the Project in December 2020 and in July 2021 to early November 2021 (see Figure 2.7).  The mean porpoise DPM per day at the five locations ranged from 14.9 (Location 5) to 137.9 (Location 2) for the analysed period.  Location 5 (Shek Kwu Chau) recorded the least porpoise activity amongst the five locations.  Further analysis will be conducted to compare the finless porpoise detection numbers between the baseline, construction and post-construction monitoring upon completion of the post-construction monitoring.

 

 

Table 2.14    Summary of PAM data for each Location

Location

Data Period
(Notes 1, 2 and 3)

No. of Logged Days

Detection Positive Days as a percentage of Logged Days (DPD% of days)

Detection Positive Minutes (DPM)

DPM / Logged Days

Location 1
(East of Tai A Chau)

1-31 Dec 2020
5 Jul – 4 Nov 2021

154

99.4%

17049

110.7

Location 2
(FSRU-W)

1-31 Dec 2020
5 Jul – 25 Oct 2021

144

100%

19854

137.9

Location 3
(FSRU-E)

1-31 Dec 2020
4 Jul – 4 Nov 2021

155

100%

14826

95.7

Location 4
(FSRU-N)

23-31 Dec 2020
4 Jul – 5 Nov 2021

134

97.8%

10762

80.3

Location 5
(Shek Kwu Chau)

23-31 Dec 2020
4 Jul – 5 Nov 2021

134

68.7%

2003

14.9

Notes:

(1)     As checked with the marine mammal expert, the PAM data for Location 2 after 25 October 2021 could not be retrieved due to malfunction of the C-POD.

(2)     Due to adverse weather, servicing of C-PODs at Locations 4 and 5 was conducted on 22 December 2020 and the data analysed for December 2020 covered the period between 23 and 31 December 2020.

(3)    The jacket installation works (i.e. piling works) of the Project were conducted in December 2020, July to early November 2021 and completed on 10 November 2021.  The data period presented above covered the majority of the piling works period and are representative to evaluate marine mammal usage of the area and allow for the inter-seasonal differences already known for finless porpoises. 

Evaluation of Detection Errors, Loss of Click Detections and Boat Sonar

Visual validation was used to assess the overall rate of false positive porpoise DPM as identified by the KERNO classifier.  Such false positives were found to be 0% (with 95% confidence level) at Locations 1-3 (East of Tai A Chau, FSRU-W and FSRU-E), 0-2% at Location 4 (FSRU-N) and 1% at Location 5 (Shek Kwu Chau) during the deployment periods.  Inspection of the sampled porpoise DPM found that the majority of false positive were most likely due to misclassified boat sonar.

Notably, the minute click limit can be exceeded in very noisy environments, meaning that no further clicks will be detected until the start of the next minutes.  However, no time was lost for the deployment periods at all five locations.  Moreover, boat sonar was detected throughout the deployment periods at the five locations, and this was generally around 50 kHz.

Diel Patterns on Porpoise Occurrences

FP activity in different hours of the day at the five locations has been examined and comparison was made on the diel patterns among the five locations by each month in December 2020 and July to October 2021 ([4]) and during the period of piling works of the Project (Figures 2.8-2.9).  Diel patterns were more distinguishable for Locations 1-4 and there was a decline in porpoise activity from late morning to the middle of the day to some extent.  The diel pattern at Location 5 (Southeast of Shek Kwu Chau) was less distinguishable and the total DPM recorded during the period of piling works of the Project were lower than other locations.

 

2.6.4       Summary and Comparison of Monitoring Results with EIA Predictions

The jacket installation works (i.e. piling works) of the Project were completed on 10 November 2021.  Throughout the period of jacket installation works in December 2020 and July to November 2021, the results of the vessel-based line transect marine mammal surveys indicated that there were no breaches of Action and Limit Levels for marine mammal monitoring, indicating that there were no unacceptable/ unforeseen changes in FP distribution as a result of jacket installation works.  It should be noted that with implementation of the recommended mitigation measures during construction phase of the Project, no unacceptable impacts on FPs were anticipated as documented in the approved EIA Report.  The recommended mitigation measures have been implemented/ adopted during the course of piling works, including the use of structural jacket and bubble curtain to enclose the pile installation work, acoustic decoupling of noisy equipment on work barges, piling with ramp-up procedures; use of hydraulic hammering with noise reduction system; avoidance of underwater percussive piling at night time and during the peak occurrence season of FP; and monitoring of marine mammal exclusion zone with a radius of 500m.  The review on the encounter rates of FP (i.e. running STG and ANI) ranged from 0.83 to 2.68 (for running STG) and 2.95 to 8.18 (for running ANI), at which no Action / Limit Level exceedances in marine mammal monitoring were triggered during the piling works.  Therefore, variation between the EIA study predictions and the EM&A monitoring results was not found.

As the marine mammal monitoring is recommended to determine the efficacy of the recommended mitigation measures and provide verification of impact prediction/ evaluation results which is specific to the impact from underwater sound from Jetty pile installation works, the marine mammal monitoring for construction phase is considered completed in November 2021 following the completion of jacket installation works (i.e. piling works) of the Project.  No further construction phase marine mammal monitoring (both vessel-based line transect marine mammal surveys and passive acoustic monitoring) is necessary to be conducted for the remaining works (i.e. topside construction) under the EM&A programme as consulted with EPD and AFCD in late November 2021.    

One year post-construction marine mammal monitoring will be conducted following the start of operation of the LNG Terminal to investigate if there are any unacceptable/ unforeseen changes in FP distribution due to the Project construction.  The findings of the monitoring, which will be compared with the data obtained during baseline (Jun - Nov 2019 for vessel-based line transect marine mammal surveys and Oct 2019 - March 2020 for passive acoustic monitoring) and construction phase monitoring (Dec 2020 and Jul – Nov 2021 for both vessel-based line transect marine mammal surveys and passive acoustic monitoring), will be reported in accordance with Section 12.4 of the Updated EM&A Manual.

2.7             Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

2.7.1       Monitoring Requirements

According to Condition 3.7 of FEP-01/558/2018/A, Condition 3.7 of FEP-02/558/2018/A, Condition 3.8 of FEP-03/558/2018/B, Section 9.11.3 of the approved EIA Report and Section 7 of the Updated EM&A Manual, marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring is required during dredging / jetting operations for construction of BPPS Pipeline or LPS Pipeline and during percussive piling works for construction of the Jetty.  Marine mammal exclusion zone requirements are presented in Table 2.15.

 

 

Table 2.15    Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Requirements

Activity

Exclusion Zone

Requirement

Marine dredging or jetting operations for construction of BPPS Pipeline or LPS Pipeline

250m

Before pipeline dredging or jetting commence, the exclusion zone must have been continuously clear of marine mammals for 30 minutes.  During pipeline dredging/ jetting, if marine mammals are spotted within the exclusion zone, pipeline dredging/ jetting 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.

Percussive piling works for construction of the Jetty

500m

Before percussive piling commences, the exclusion zone must have been continuously clear of marine mammals for 30 minutes.  During percussive piling, if marine mammals are spotted within the exclusion zone, percussive piling 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.

2.7.2       Monitoring Results

Marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring was conducted during the reporting period when marine jetting operation for construction of BPPS / LPS Pipeline and percussive piling works for construction of the Jetty were undertaken.  No sightings of marine mammals were observed during marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring in the reporting period.  The monitoring results for marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring in the reporting period is summarised in Table 2.16.

Table 2.16    Monitoring Results for Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

Date

Active works activities

Monitoring results

2, 4-7, 15, 19-23, 27-30 Oct 2021

Percussive piling works for construction of the Jetty

No sightings of marine mammals

1-6, 8 Nov 2021

1-2 Oct 2021

Marine jetting operation at South of Shek Kwu Chau to West Lamma Channel for LPS Pipeline

5-6 Nov 2021

3-8, 24-25 Dec 2021

8-19 (1), 23-26 Jan 2022

1-4, 18-31 Oct 2021

Marine jetting operation at West of Tai O to West of HKIA for BPPS Pipeline

1, 4-7, 10-16 Nov 2021

3-8, 10-12, 17-19, 21-22 Dec 2021

7-12 Mar 2022

20, 24-28 Nov 2021

Marine jetting operation at Adamasta Channel for BPPS Pipeline

23-31 Dec 2021

3-7, 10-16 Dec 2021

Marine jetting operation at Southwest of Soko Islands for BPPS Pipeline

1-4 Jan 2022

23-31 Dec 2021

Marine jetting operation at Southwest Lantau for BPPS Pipeline

13-18 Mar 2022

4-9, 18-19, 22-23 April 2022

13 – 15 July 2022

24-31 Dec 2021

Marine jetting operation at West of HKIA to Lung Kwu Chau for BPPS Pipeline

1-4, 7-12, 14-30 Jan 2022

24-26 Mar 2022

28-30 Jan 2022

Marine jetting operation at Double Berth Jetty to South of Shek Kwu Chau for LPS Pipeline

4, 5, 9-14, 27, 28 Feb 2022

1-6 Mar 2022

16-30 Jan 2022

Marine jetting operation at Jetty Approach for BPPS Pipeline

3, 6-10, 12-16, 18-24, 26, 28 Feb 2022

1-14, 17-31 Mar 2022

1, 10-12, 25-26, 29-30 April 2022

1-16 May 2022

9-15 Jan 2022

Marine jetting operation at South of Soko Islands for BPPS Pipeline

4-5 Feb 2022

1-17, 23-25 Feb 2022

Marine jetting operation at Lung Kwu Chau to Urmston Anchorage and Urmston Road for BPPS Pipeline

26-28 Feb 2022

Marine jetting operation at West of BPPS for BPPS Pipeline

1-22 Mar 2022

Note:

(1) Only preparation works for marine jetting operation were conducted between 8 and 19 January 2022.

2.8             Records of Operating Speeds and Marine Travel Routes of Working Vessels

The operating speeds and marine travel routes of working vessels for construction of the Project within the reporting period were checked and reviewed.  All the working vessels were operated at a speed lower than 10 knots when moving within the areas frequented by marine mammals, including the waters near Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park, the waters at the west of Lantau Island and the waters between Soko Islands and Shek Kwu Chau, and followed the relevant marine travel requirements stipulated in the FEP.  No non-compliance on the operating speeds and marine travel routes of working vessels was identified.  Records of operating speeds and marine travel routes of working vessels for construction of the Project provided by the Contractor can be referred to the relevant Annexes of the associated Monthly EM&A Reports for the reporting period.

The compliance status on approval conditions given by the Director of Environmental Protection for the entry of working vessels (i.e. anchor handling tugs (AHTs)) within marine parks in pursuant to Condition 3.1 of FEP-01/558/2018/A for anchoring activities for construction of the Jetty, Condition 3.4 of FEP-02/558/2018/A and Condition 3.4 of FEP-03/558/2018/B for anchoring activities for pipelaying and/or post-trenching processes for construction of LPS and BPPS Pipelines, respectively, as appropriate within the reporting period was checked.  No non-compliance on the approval conditions was identified.  Records of entry events of working vessels within the marine parks for construction of the Project provided by the Contractor can be referred to relevant Annexes of the associated Monthly EM&A Reports for the reporting period.

2.9             Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures

A summary of the Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule (EMIS) is presented in Annex C.  The necessary mitigation measures were implemented properly for the Project.

2.10         Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit

There were no Project-related Action and Limit Level exceedances for marine water quality monitoring in the reporting period.

There were no breaches of Action and Limit Levels for marine mammal monitoring in the reporting period.

Cumulative statistics on exceedance is provided in Annex E.

2.11         Summary of Environmental Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

There were three environmental complaints received in the reporting period, including:

§  Environmental Complaints #1 & #2 on the absence of silt curtain for post-trenching operation of the LPS Pipeline (referred by EPD on 20 and 21 January 2022; applicable for FEP-02/558/2018/A): Upon investigation, no post-trenching operation was conducted for the LPS Pipeline in the past two weeks upon receipt of complaints (i.e. between 6 and 20 January 2022).  Only survey works for confirming seabed profile in the vicinity of the LPS Pipeline were conducted, which did not result in any unacceptable environmental impacts to the surrounding and the works were in compliance with the environmental requirements under FEP-02/558/2018/A and the approved EIA report (Register No.: AEIAR-218/2018).  The two complaints on silt curtain not deployed during post-trenching operation are thus considered invalid.

§  Environmental Complaint #3 on the alleged dumping of waste into sea between Shek Kwu Chau and Tai A Chau (referred by EPD on 21 September 2022; applicable for FEP-01/558/2018/A, FEP-02/558/2018/A and FEP-03/558/2018/B): Upon investigation, no construction & demolition (C&D) waste was generated from the Project in the past two weeks upon receipt of complaint (i.e. between 7 and 21 September 2022).  There is no evidence showing any unacceptable waste management practice for the Project. Environmental protection / mitigation measures were observed to be implemented properly in accordance with the Implementation Schedule as well as the environmental requirements under the Further Environmental Permits and the approved EIA report (Register No.: AEIAR-218/2018). The complaint is thus considered invalid.

There were no notification of summons and successful prosecutions recorded in the reporting period.

Statistics on environmental complaints, notification of summons and successful prosecutions are summarised in Annex E.


 

3.                 Conclusion and recommendations

This Annual EM&A Review Report presents the key findings of the EM&A works during the reporting period from 1 October 2021 to 30 September 2022 for the construction works for the Project in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual and the requirements of the Further Environmental Permits (FEP-01/558/2018/A, FEP-02/558/2018/A & FEP-03/558/2018/B).

Environmental auditing works, including regular site inspections of construction works conducted by the ET, audit of implementation of Waste Management Plan, and review of the acceptability of operating speeds and marine travel routes of working vessels, including checking of compliance with the approval conditions given by EPD for allowing the entry of working vessels within marine parks in pursuant to Condition 3.1 of FEP-01/558/2018/A, Condition 3.4 of FEP-02/558/2018/A and Condition 3.4 of FEP-03/558/2018/B, were conducted in the reporting period, as appropriate.  No non-compliance of environmental statutory requirements was identified.

Marine water quality monitoring for jetting operations as well as marine water quality monitoring for hydrotesting for the BPPS Pipeline and LPS Pipeline were conducted during the reporting period in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual.  No Project-related Action and Limit Level exceedances were recorded.  Marine water quality monitoring data within the reporting period were reviewed with reference to the approved EIA Report.  The results were generally in line with the EIA predictions.  The monitoring methodology for marine water quality was reviewed and no change to monitoring methodology is recommended.

Pilot test on the efficiency of silt curtain system (floating silt curtain for jetting operation) was conducted during the reporting period in accordance with the approved Silt Curtain Deployment Plan.  The results of the pilot test have demonstrated that the tested silt curtain system is capable of achieving an overall efficiency greater than that assumed in the approved EIA Report.  As such, the proposed floating silt curtain is effective for the jetting operation for the Project to minimize water quality impacts and no further measures/recommendations are required.  As similar floating silt curtain and jetting machine are used for the construction of the BPPS and LPS Pipelines, this pilot test results of floating silt curtain for jetting works are applicable for the subsea gas pipeline for BPPS under FEP-03/558/2018/B and the subsea gas pipeline for LPS under FEP-02/558/2018/A.

Marine mammal monitoring (vessel-based line transect survey and passive acoustic monitoring) was conducted during the reporting period in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual.  No breaches of Action and Limit Levels were recorded.  Variation between the EIA study predictions and the EM&A monitoring results was not found.

There were three environmental complaints received in the reporting period, including:

§  Environmental Complaints #1 & #2 on the absence of silt curtain for post-trenching operation of the LPS Pipeline: Upon investigation, no post-trenching operation was conducted for the LPS Pipeline in the past two weeks upon receipt of complaints (i.e. between 6 and 20 January 2022).  Only survey works for confirming seabed profile in the vicinity of the LPS Pipeline were conducted, which did not result in any unacceptable environmental impacts to the surrounding and the works were in compliance with the environmental requirements under FEP-02/558/2018/A and the approved EIA report (Register No.: AEIAR-218/2018).  The two complaints on silt curtain not deployed during post-trenching operation are thus considered invalid.

§  Environmental Complaint #3 on the alleged dumping of waste into sea between Shek Kwu Chau and Tai A Chau: Upon investigation, no construction & demolition (C&D) waste was generated from the Project in the past two weeks upon receipt of complaint (i.e. between 7 and 21 September 2022).  There is no evidence showing any unacceptable waste management practice for the Project. Environmental protection / mitigation measures were observed to be implemented properly in accordance with the Implementation Schedule as well as the environmental requirements under the Further Environmental Permits and the approved EIA report (Register No.: AEIAR-218/2018). The complaint is thus considered invalid.

There were no notification of summons and successful prosecutions recorded in the reporting period.

The recommended environmental mitigation measures for the Project were effectively implemented and the EM&A programme undertaken by the ET has effectively monitored the construction activities as well as ensured proper implementation of mitigation measures in the reporting period.  The monitoring and audit activities conducted in the reporting period have been reviewed and are considered effective.  As such, no change to the monitoring methodology is recommended.  Based on the EM&A findings for the reporting period, the environmental performance for the construction of the Project is generally in line with the EIA predictions and considered acceptable.



([1])     Application for variation of an environmental permit for FEP-01/558/2018 was undertaken and the latest FEP (FEP-01/558/2018/A) was issued on 6 November 2020. 

([2])     Application for variation of an environmental permit for FEP-03/558/2018/A was undertaken and the latest FEP (FEP-03/558/2018/B) was issued on 25 August 2021. 

([3])       Application for variation of an environmental permit for FEP-02/558/2018 was undertaken and the latest FEP (FEP-02/558/2018/A) was issued on 22 December 2020.

([4])     As the data analysed for November 2021 covered a few days up to 5 November 2021, the monthly data for November 2021 are not presented in Figure 2.5.