CONTENTS

Executive Summary. 1

1....... Introduction. 2

1.1        Background. 2

1.2        Scope of the EM&A Report 2

1.3        Organisation Structure. 2

1.4        Summary of Construction Activities. 3

1.5        Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements. 3

1.6        Status of Other Statutory Environmental Requirements. 5

2....... EM&A Results. 6

2.1        Environmental Site Inspection. 6

2.2        Waste Management Status. 6

2.3        Marine Water Quality Monitoring. 8

2.3.1        Monitoring Requirements. 8

2.3.2        Action and Limit Levels for Marine Water Quality Monitoring. 9

2.3.3        Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Period. 11

2.3.4        Monitoring Results. 12

2.4        Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring. 13

2.4.1        Monitoring Requirements. 13

2.4.2        Monitoring Results. 13

2.5        Records of Operating Speeds and Marine Travel Routes of Working Vessels. 13

2.6        Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures. 14

2.7        Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit 14

2.8        Summary of Environmental Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions. 15

3....... forecast for the next reporting period. 16

3.1        Works Programme for the Next Reporting Period. 16

3.2        Monitoring Schedule for the Next Reporting Period. 16

4....... Conclusion and recommendations. 17

 

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         Waste Management Checklist

Annex F         Waste Flow Table

Annex G        Construction Phase Marine Water Quality Monitoring Results

Annex H        Calibration Certificates for Marine Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

Annex I          Event and Action Plan for Marine Water Quality Monitoring

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

Annex K         Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Period

Annex L         Tentative Schedule for the Next Reporting Period

Annex M        Records of Operating Speeds and Marine Travel Routes of Working Vessels

Annex N        Marine Travel Routes of Working Vessels entering Marine Park


 

List of Tables

Table 1.1       Contact Information of Key Personnel 3

Table 1.2       Major Construction Activities Undertaken in the Reporting Period. 3

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

Table 2.1       Key Observations from Site Inspections and Contractor’s Follow-up Actions. 6

Table 2.2       Quantities of Waste Generated for FEP-01/558/2018/A. 7

Table 2.3       Quantities of Waste Generated and Dredged Marine Sediment for FEP-02/558/2018/A. 7

Table 2.4       Quantities of Waste Generated and Dredged Marine Sediment for FEP-03/558/2018/A. 8

Table 2.5       Location of Marine Water Quality Monitoring Stations. 8

Table 2.6       Action and Limit Levels for Marine Water Quality Monitoring  10

Table 2.7       Details of the Marine Water Quality Monitoring. 12

Table 2.8       Marine Water Quality Monitoring Equipment 12

Table 2.9       Details of Exceedances for Marine Water Quality Monitoring  13

Table 2.10      Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Requirements. 13

Table 2.11      Records of Working Vessel Entry to the Proposed SLMP  14

Table 3.1       Major Construction Activities for the Next Reporting Period  16

 

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

 


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/A) – 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 Monthly EM&A Report presenting the EM&A works carried out during the period from 1 to 30 April 2021 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-02/558/2018/A

Environmental Site Inspection

1

For FEP-03/558/2018/A

Marine Water Quality Monitoring

4

Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

During dredging operation for construction of BPPS Pipeline

Environmental Site Inspection

3

 

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, checking of compliance with the approval conditions given by the Director of Environmental Protection for the entry of working vessels within marine parks, including the Southwest Lantau Marine Park (SWLMP) in pursuant to Condition 3.4 of FEP-03/558/2018/A, were conducted in the reporting period.   No non-compliance of environmental statutory requirements was identified.

Breaches of Action and Limit Levels

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

Since there were no construction activities conducted in the reporting period requiring impact monitoring of marine mammal in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, 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 no environmental complaints, notification of summons and successful prosecutions recorded in the reporting period.

Reporting Changes

There were no reporting changes in the reporting period.

Forecast of Impact Predictions

As informed by the Contractor, construction activities to be undertaken in the next reporting period of May 2021 include the following:

FEP

Land-based Works

Marine-based Works

FEP-01/558/2018/A

§  Nil

§  Nil

FEP-02/558/2018/A

§  Nil

§  Intermediate hydrotesting for pipeline

FEP-03/558/2018/A

§  Drainage works;

§  Excavation works; and

§  Backfill and permanent paving works

§  Pipelaying works; and

§  Pre-trenching

Potential environmental impacts arising from the above upcoming construction activities in the next reporting period of May 2021 are mainly associated with dust emission from construction activities and stockpiles, waste management, site surface runoff, wastewater discharge, and elevation in suspended solids and disturbance to marine mammals due to marine-based works.

 

 



 

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/A) ([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 Monthly EM&A Report for the Project which summarises the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 30 April 2021 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/A). 

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/A)

 

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

 

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

§  Nil

FEP-02/558/2018/A

§   Preparation of intermediate hydrotesting for pipeline

§  Nil

FEP-03/558/2018/A

§   Excavation for Box Culvert works;

§   Underground drainage works;

§   Drainage installation

§   Pipelaying works

§   Pre-trenching

 

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 1.3As no percussive piling works were undertaken in the reporting period, no marine mammal monitoring, including vessel-based line transect surveys and passive acoustic 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/A

§   Completed

Efficiency of Silt Curtain System

FEP-02/558/2018/A

FEP-03/558/2018/A

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

§   To be implemented tentatively in May/June 2021 for cage-type silt curtain for dredging operation (under FEP-03/558/2018/A)

§   To be implemented upon early stage of construction works for jetting operation for cage-type and floating silt curtains (under FEP-02/558/2018/A and FEP-03/558/2018/A)

Construction Phase Monitoring

FEP-02/558/2018/A

FEP-03/558/2018/A

§   On-going for dredging / jetting operations for FEP-03/558/2018/A

§   To be implemented when construction works for dredging / jetting operations for FEP-02/558/2018/A are undertaken

Post-Construction Monitoring

FEP-02/558/2018/A

FEP-03/558/2018/A

§   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/A

§   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/A

§   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

§   To be implemented when percussive piling works for construction of Jetty are undertaken

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/A

§   On-going for marine dredging / jetting operations for FEP-03/558/2018/A (marine mammal exclusion zone with 250 m radius)

§   To be implemented when percussive piling works for construction of Jetty (under FEP-01/558/2018/A) or marine dredging / jetting operations (under FEP-02/558/2018/A) are undertaken

Environmental Site Inspection

Regular Site Inspection

FEP-01/558/2018/A

FEP-02/558/2018/A

FEP-03/558/2018/A

§   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/A

§   On-going for FEP-03/558/2018/A

§   To be implemented when marine-based works are undertaken for FEP-01/558/2018/A and FEP-02/558/2018/A

Environmental Log Book

FEP-01/558/2018/A

FEP-02/558/2018/A

FEP-03/558/2018/A

§   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, audit on waste management practice, marine water quality monitoring and marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring with 250 m radius were conducted, 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, four (4) environmental site inspections were carried out on 7, 14, 21 and 28 April 2021.  The Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) attended the environmental site inspections as the IEC audits on 7 and 14 April 2021 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-02/558/2018/A

-

Nil

N/A

FEP-03/558/2018/A

1

Stockpile of dusty materials was not entirely covered with impervious sheet.  The Contractor was reminded to cover the stockpile with impervious sheet properly.

Stockpile of dusty materials was covered with impervious sheet.

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, marine sediments and inert C&D materials (public fill) were generated under FEP-03/558/2018/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 ‘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

Apr 2021

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)

Apr 2021

0

0

0

0

0

0

 

Table 2.3      Quantities of Waste Generated and Dredged Marine Sediment 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

Apr 2021

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)

Apr 2021

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

Apr 2021

0

0

0

0

 

 

 

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

Apr 2021

622.900

0

0

0

622.900

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)

Apr 2021

0

0

0

0

0

41.230

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

Apr 2021

5.303

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 is provided in Annex I.

2.3.3       Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Period

The schedule for marine water quality monitoring for the reporting period is provided in Annex K.

2.3.4       Monitoring Results

Construction phase marine water quality monitoring was conducted in four monitoring days as presented in Table 2.7 for construction of BPPS Pipeline within the works area(s) for the associated marine-based activities in the reporting period. 

Table 2.7      Details of the Marine Water Quality Monitoring

No.

Date

Active Works Activities

Monitoring Locations

1

23 April 2021

Marine dredging operation at Cable Sterile Corridor (KP3.55 – 4.43) for BPPS Pipeline was undertaken on 24 April 2021

Group 3:
IM6, IM7, IM8, IM9 (mid-ebb and mid-flood tides)

E3 (mid-ebb tide)

F3 (mid-flood tide)

 

2

26 April 2021

Marine water quality monitoring was cancelled due to adverse weather

3

28 April 2021

Marine dredging operation at Urmston Road (KP41.133) for BPPS Pipeline was undertaken on 28, 29 and 30 April 2021

Group 3 (Note 1):
IM6, IM7, IM8, IM9 (mid-ebb and mid-flood tides)

E3 (mid-ebb tide)

F3 (mid-flood tide)

 

Group 7:
IM17, IM18, IM19 (mid-ebb and mid-flood tides)

E6 (mid-ebb tide)

E5, F6 (mid-flood tide)

4

30 April 2021

Group 7:
IM17, IM18, IM19 (mid-ebb and mid-flood tides)

E6 (mid-ebb tide)

E5, F6 (mid-flood tide)

Note: (1) Marine water quality monitoring was conducted under Group 3 on 28 April 2021 as a follow-up monitoring due to the cancellation of monitoring scheduled on 26 April 2021 for marine dredging operation at Cable Sterile Corridor for BPPS Pipeline.

The equipment used in construction phase marine water quality monitoring is presented in Table 2.8.  Copies of the calibration certificates for the monitoring equipment are provided in Annex H.

Table 2.8      Marine Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

Equipment

Model

Multi-parameter water quality system (measurement of DO, pH, turbidity, salinity & temperature)

YSI 6820 (S/N: 13H103324 / MPP45)

YSI 6920 (S/N: 08C100240 / MPP30)

 

The monitoring results and graphical presentations are provided in Annex G.  Action Level and Limit Level exceedances were recorded for marine water quality monitoring in the reporting period.  Investigation on the exceedances were conducted and summarised in Table 2.9.


 

Table 2.9      Details of Exceedances for Marine Water Quality Monitoring

Date

Tide

Parameter

Monitoring Station

Level of Exceedance

Investigation

28 Apr 2021

Mid-flood

Turbidity

IM17

Action

Dredging operation and other marine-based construction activities of the Project were not undertaken during the water quality monitoring period.  Silt curtain and other mitigation measures were implemented properly.  Therefore, the exceedances were not considered as caused by the construction of the Project.

28 Apr 2021

Mid-flood

Turbidity

IM18

Limit

28 Apr 2021

Mid-flood

SS

IM17

Action

28 Apr 2021

Mid-flood

SS

IM18

Limit

 

Based on the investigation results above, the exceedances were not Project related.  Nevertheless, the Contractor was reminded to ensure mitigation measures for water quality impact, marine dredging in particular, are fully and properly implemented in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual.

2.4             Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

2.4.1       Monitoring Requirements

According to Condition 3.7 of FEP-02/558/2018/A, Condition 3.8 of FEP-03/558/2018/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 250 m radius is required during the course of dredging / jetting operations for construction of BPPS Pipeline or LPS Pipeline.  Marine mammal exclusion zone requirements for marine dredging or jetting operations for construction of BPPS Pipeline or LPS Pipeline are presented in Table 2.10.

Table 2.10    Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Requirements

Activity

Exclusion Zone

Requirement

Marine dredging or jetting operations

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.

2.4.2       Monitoring Results

Marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring with 250 m radius was conducted on 24 April 2021 for marine dredging operation undertaken at Subsea Cable Sterile Corridors (KP3.55 – 4.43), and on 28, 29 and 30 April 2021 for marine dredging operation undertaken at Urmston Road (KP41.1 - 42.9) for the BPPS Pipeline.  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.  Seven working vessels were used for the construction of BPPS Pipeline under FEP-03/558/2018/A during the reporting period.  All these 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 are presented in Annex M.

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, including the Southwest Lantau Marine Park (SWLMP) in pursuant to Condition 3.4 of FEP-03/558/2018/A for anchoring activities for pipelaying process for the construction of BPPS Pipeline within the reporting period was checked.  A total of two AHTs with 17 entries to marine parks, including the SWLMP were recorded within the reporting period.  No non-compliance on the approval conditions was identified.  Records of entry events of working vessels within marine parks, including the SWLMP for the construction of BPPS Pipeline provided by the Contractor were presented in Table 2.11.

Table 2.11    Records of Working Vessel Entry to the Proposed SLMP

Date

Duration (mins)

Working Vessel

Activities Undertaken

Compliance (ü) / Non-compliance (û)

19 Apr 2021

6

HG121

Support pipelaying process

ü

21 Apr 2021

204

HG121

Support pipelaying process

ü

21 Apr 2021

78

HG121

Support pipelaying process

ü

22 Apr 2021

234

HG121

Support pipelaying process

ü

22 Apr 2021

330

HYSY698

Support pipelaying process

ü

22 Apr 2021

90

HYSY698

Support pipelaying process

ü

23 Apr 2021

23

HG121

Support pipelaying process

ü

23 Apr 2021

78

HYSY698

Nil

(Note 1)

23 Apr 2021

36

HG121

Nil

(Note 1)

23 Apr 2021

66

HG121

Nil

(Note 1)

23 Apr 2021

48

HYSY698

Nil

(Note 1)

23 Apr 2021

78

HYSY698

Support pipelaying process

ü

24 Apr 2021

54

HYSY698

Support pipelaying process

ü

24 Apr 2021

54

HYSY698

Support pipelaying process

ü

24 Apr 2021

42

HYSY698

Support pipelaying process

ü

25 Apr 2021

30

HG121

Support pipelaying process

ü

26 Apr 2021

18

HYSY698

Support pipelaying process

ü

Approval Condition:

For pipelaying process, The AHT will enter into, transit through and stop over the Southwest Lantau Marine Park for about 5 times a day during the period with a duration of six days.

Note:

(1) Working vessels were advised not to impede other vessels navigating along the north bound traffic lane of Lantau Channel Traffic Separation Scheme due to marine traffic safety concern.

 

Records of marine travel routes of working vessels entering marine parks, including the SWLMP provided by the Contractor are presented in Annex N.

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

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

Since there were no construction activities conducted in the reporting period requiring impact monitoring of marine mammal in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, 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 J.

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 J.


 

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 May 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

§ Intermediate hydrotesting for pipeline

 

§ Wastewater discharge

 

Under FEP-03/558/2018/A

Land-based Works

§ Drainage works

§ Excavation works

§ Backfill and permanent paving works

§ Dust emission from construction activities and stockpiles

§ Waste management

§ Site surface runoff and wastewater discharge

 

Marine-based Works

§ Pipelaying works

§ Pre-trenching

 

§ Elevation of suspended solids

§ Disturbance to marine mammals

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 L.


 

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 30 April 2021 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/A).

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, checking of compliance with the approval conditions given by EPD for allowing the entry of working vessels within marine parks, including the SWLMP in pursuant to Condition 3.4 of FEP-03/558/2018/A, were conducted in the reporting period. No non-compliance of environmental statutory requirements was identified.

Marine water quality monitoring was conducted during the reporting period in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual.  No Project-related Action or Limit Level exceedances 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-03/558/2018 was undertaken and the latest FEP (FEP-03/558/2018/A) was issued on 22 January 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.