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 (FEP) 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) – 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) ⁽[2]⁾– 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 Monthly EM&A Report for the Project which summarises the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 December 2020 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).

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)	Senior Environmental Manager	Dr Helen Chiu	2596 4116
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 3114
Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) (Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited)	IEC	Arthur Lo	2828 5757
Contractor (CNOOC Offshore Oil Engineering Co. Ltd.)	Environmental Manager	H Y Tang	6111 5789
Contractor (CNOOC Offshore Oil Engineering Co. Ltd.)	Environmental Officer	Kelvin Cheung	9060 1020

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	Nil	§ Jacket Installation § Piling Installation
FEP-02/558/2018/A	Nil	Nil ⁽¹⁾
FEP-03/558/2018	§ Excavation for Fire Services, oily water, stormwater drainage diversion and backfilling; § Excavation for Plate Load Test - Pipe Rack § Plate Load Test - Pipe Rack; and § Cable pulling	Nil

Remark: (1) The preparation works for marine-based works for FEP-02/558/2018/A (e.g. approval of marine dumping permit) were undertaken in December 2020. Therefore, no marine-based works for FEP-02/558/2018/A were undertaken in December 2020. Marine-based works for FEP-02/558/2018/A are expected to commence in January 2021.

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

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. As no dredging/jetting operations were undertaken in the reporting period, no marine water quality monitoring was required to be monitored in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual. 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	§ Completed
Efficiency of Silt Curtain System	FEP-02/558/2018/A FEP-03/558/2018	§ To be implemented upon early stage of construction works for dredging/jetting operations for FEP-02/558/2018/A ⁽¹⁾and FEP-03/558/2018
Construction Phase Monitoring	FEP-02/558/2018/A FEP-03/558/2018	§ To be implemented upon commencement of construction works for dredging/jetting operations for FEP-02/558/2018/A ⁽¹⁾ and FEP-03/558/2018
Post-Construction Monitoring	FEP-02/558/2018/A FEP-03/558/2018	§ 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	§ To be implemented during hydrotesting for the subsea gas pipelines
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	§ On-going for FEP-01/558/2018/A and FEP-03/558/2018 § To be implemented upon commencement of construction works for FEP-02/558/2018/A ⁽¹⁾
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	§ On-going (for percussive piling works for construction of Jetty between July and December)
Post-Construction Monitoring (Vessel-based Line Transect Survey and Passive Acoustic Monitoring)	FEP-01/558/2018/A	§ To be implemented upon completion of construction works for the Project
Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring	FEP-01/558/2018/A FEP-02/558/2018/A FEP-03/558/2018	§ On-going for FEP-01/558/2018/A ( marine mammal exclusion zone with 500 m radius) § To be implemented when marine dredging / jetting operations (under FEP-02/558/2018/A ⁽¹⁾/ FEP-03/558/2018) are undertaken
Environmental Site Inspection
Regular Site Inspection	FEP-01/558/2018/A FEP-02/558/2018/A FEP-03/558/2018	§ On-going for FEP-01/558/2018/A and FEP-03/558/2018 § To be implemented upon commencement of construction works for FEP-02/558/2018/A ⁽¹⁾
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	§ On-going for FEP-01/558/2018/A § To be implemented upon commencement of marine-based construction works for FEP-02/558/2018/A ⁽¹⁾and FEP-03/558/2018
Environmental Log Book	FEP-01/558/2018/A FEP-02/558/2018/A FEP-03/558/2018	§ 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, which were valid in the reporting period are presented in Annex D. No non-compliance with environmental statutory requirements was identified.

2. 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 were conducted for FEP-01/558/2018/A and FEP-03/558/2018 while marine mammal monitoring (i.e. vessel-based line transect survey and passive acoustic monitoring) and marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring with 500 m radius were conducted for FEP-01/558/2018/A, and the findings are presented 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, five (5) environmental site inspections were carried out on 2, 8, 16, 23 and 30 December 2020. The Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) attended the environmental site inspection as the IEC audit on 16 December 2020 during the reporting period. The key observations from site inspections and Contractor’s follow-up actions are summarised in Table 2.1. The environmental mitigation implementation schedule (EMIS) is presented in Annex C.

Table 2.1 Key Observations from Site Inspections and Contractor’s Follow-up Actions

Item	Description	Contractor’s Follow-up Action(s) Taken
*FEP-01/558/2018/A*
	Nil observation.	N/A
*FEP-03/558/2018*
1	The storage area for chemical waste at GRS in BPPS was not properly secured/locked with an appropriate door/gate.	The storage area for chemical waste at GRS in BPPS was secured/locked with an appropriate door/gate.

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 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 generated and dredged marine sediment 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 FEP-01/558/2018/A in the reporting period. Detailed waste flow tables are presented in Annex F.

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

Inert C&D Materials Generated (in ‘000m³)
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
Dec 2020	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)
Month/Year	Metals (in ‘000kg³)	Paper / Cardboard Packaging (in ‘000kg³)	Plastics (in ‘000kg³)	(in ‘000kg³)	(in ‘000L)	Other (e.g. general refuse) (in ‘000kg)
Dec 2020	0	0	0	0	0	6.910

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

Inert C&D Materials Generated (in ‘000m³)
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
Dec 2020	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)
Dec 2020	0		0		0	0		0		0
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
Dec 2020		0		0			0		0

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

Inert C&D Materials Generated (in ‘000m³)
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
Dec 2020	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)
Dec 2020	0		0		0	0		0		0
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
Dec 2020		0		0			0		0

2.3 Marine Mammal Monitoring

2.3.1 Monitoring Requirements

2.3.1.1 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 2.1. 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.

2.3.1.2 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 2.2. 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.

2.3.2 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 2.5.

Table 2.5 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 is provide in Annex H.

2.3.3 Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Period

The schedule for marine mammal monitoring for the reporting period is provided in Annex J.

2.3.4 Monitoring Results

2.3.4.1 Vessel-based Line Transect Survey

Vessel-based line transect surveys were conducted on 16, 17, 18, 21, 22 and 23 December 2020. A total of 437.98 km of survey effort was collected from the surveys, which included 138.45 km in SWL, 135.53 km in SEL and 164 km in LM. The total survey effort conducted on primary and secondary lines were 359.98 km and 78.00 km respectively. 50.2% of the total survey effort was conducted in condition of Beaufort Sea State 2 or below with good visibility, and such data can be utilised for the encounter rate analysis.

A total four groups of ten FPs were sighted among the three survey areas and all of them were sighted during on-effort search. Among these FP sightings, a total of three groups of seven FPs were sighted at Beaufort Sea State 2 or below, which can be utilised for encounter rate analysis.

The four porpoise groups were scattered in the southern portion of the three survey areas, which were located to the west of Tai A Chau, the offshore waters in SEL near the works area of the LNG Terminal, to the south of Shek Kwu Chau, and about 5 km to the south of Lamma Island respectively (see Figure 2.3).

The monthly STG and ANI for the combined survey areas from SWL, SEL and LM during the reporting period are summarised in Table 2.6.

Table 2.6 Monthly STG and ANI for Finless Porpoise

Survey Period	On-effort (km)	No. of Sighting	No. of Porpoise	STG	ANI
Dec 2020	219.3	3	7	1.36	3.18
Note: Only data collected at Beaufort Sea State 2 or below were included for encounter rate analysis.

The results of vessel-based line transect surveys are detailed in Annex G.

As only one month vessel-based marine mammal survey data is available, running quarterly values of encounter rate in terms of STG & ANI were not available for comparison against the Action and Limit Levels. Therefore, there were no breaches of Action and Limit Levels for marine mammal monitoring in the reporting period

2.3.4.2 Underwater PAM Survey

Five C-POD units have been deployed at the five locations since the commencement of construction for FEP-01/558/2018/A on 27 November 2020. These units will be serviced every two to four months, subject to review on an as-needed basis, to download accumulated data and replace batteries.

2.4 Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

2.4.1 Monitoring Requirements

According to Condition 3.7 of FEP-01/558/2018/A, Section 9.11.3 of the approved EIA Report and Section 7 of the Updated EM&A Manual, marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring with 500 m radius is required during the course of percussive piling works for construction of Jetty. Marine mammal exclusion zone requirements for percussive piling works for construction of Jetty are presented in Table 2.7.

Table 2.7 Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Requirements

Activity	Exclusion Zone	Requirement
Percussive Piling Works for construction of 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.

2.4.2 Monitoring Results

Marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring with 500 m radius was undertaken during the reporting period when percussive piling works for construction of Jetty was conducted. No sightings of marine mammals were observed during marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring in the reporting period.

2.5 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. Four working vessels were used for the construction of Jetty under FEP-01/558/2018/A from 11 to 21 December 2020 during the reporting period. All these working vessels were operated at a speed lower than 10 knots 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 are presented in Annex L.

2.6 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.

2.7 Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit

Since there were no construction activities conducted in the reporting period requiring impact monitoring of marine water quality in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, there were no breaches of Action and Limit Levels for marine water quality monitoring in the reporting period.

Cumulative statistics on exceedance is provided in Annex I.

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

There were no environmental complaints, 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 I.

3. forecast for the next reporting period

3.1 Works Programme for the Next Reporting Period

Construction activities to be undertaken in the next reporting period of January 2021 are summarised in Table 3.1 below, together with the key issues:

Table 3.1 Major Construction Activities for the Next Reporting Period

Activities	Key Issues
Under FEP-01/558/2018/A
Marine-based Works
§ Nil	§ N/A
Under FEP-02/558/2018/A
Land-based Works
§ Nil	§ N/A
Marine-based Works
§ Pre-trenching § Pipe-laying	§ Elevation of suspended solids
Under FEP-03/558/2018
Land-based Works
§ Excavation for Foundation - Pipe Rack § Plate Load Test - Satellite Instrument Enclosure	§ Dust emission from construction activities and stockpiles § Waste management § Site surface runoff and wastewater discharge
Marine-based Works
§ Nil	§ N/A

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

3.2 Monitoring Schedule for the Next Reporting Period

The tentative schedule for marine water quality monitoring is provided in Annex K.

4. Conclusion and recommendations

This Monthly EM&A Report presents the key findings of the EM&A works during the reporting period from 1 to 31 December 2020 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).

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 were conducted in the reporting period. No non-compliance of environmental statutory requirements was identified.

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.

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

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

([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-02/558/2018 was undertaken and the latest FEP (FEP-02/558/2018/A) was issued on 22 December 2020.

Activities	Number of Sessions
*For FEP-01/558/2018/A*
Marine Mammal Monitoring (vessel-based line transect survey)	6
Passive Acoustic Monitoring (C-POD deployment)	Ongoing
Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring	During percussive piling works for construction of Jetty
Environmental Site Inspection	1
*For FEP-03/558/2018*
Environmental Site Inspection	4