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. 2

1.6        Status of Other Statutory Environmental Requirements. 4

2....... EM&A Results. 5

2.1        Environmental Site Inspection. 5

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. 11

2.4        Pilot Test on the Efficiency of Silt Curtain System.. 13

2.4.1        Monitoring Requirements. 13

2.4.2        Monitoring Results. 13

2.4.3        Evaluation of Pilot Test 14

2.5        Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring. 14

2.5.1        Monitoring Requirements. 14

2.5.2        Monitoring Results. 14

2.6        Records of Operating Speeds and Marine Travel Routes of Working Vessels. 15

2.7        Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures. 16

2.8        Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit 16

2.9        Summary of Environmental Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions. 16

3....... forecast for the next reporting period. 18

3.1        Works Programme for the Next Reporting Period. 18

3.2        Monitoring Schedule for the Next Reporting Period. 18

4....... Conclusion and recommendations. 19

 

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         Marine Water Quality Monitoring Results for Silt Curtain Pilot Test

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

Annex L         Monitoring Schedule for the Reporting Period

Annex M        Tentative Schedule for the Next Reporting Period

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

Annex O        Marine Travel Routes of Working Vessels entering Marine Parks

 

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       Key Observations from Site Inspections and Contractor’s Follow-up Actions. 5

Table 2.2       Quantities of Waste Generated for FEP-01/558/2018/A. 6

Table 2.3       Quantities of Waste Generated and Dredged Marine Sediment for FEP-02/558/2018/A. 6

Table 2.4       Quantities of Waste Generated and Dredged Marine Sediment for FEP-03/558/2018/B. 7

Table 2.5       Location of Marine Water Quality Monitoring Stations. 8

Table 2.6       Action and Limit Levels for Marine Water Quality Monitoring  9

Table 2.7       Details of the Marine Water Quality Monitoring. 11

Table 2.8       Marine Water Quality Monitoring Equipment 12

Table 2.9       Details of Exceedances for Marine Water Quality Monitoring  12

Table 2.10      Efficiency of Floating Silt Curtain for Jetting Operation. 14

Table 2.11      Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Requirements. 14

Table 2.12      Records of Entry Events of Working Vessels within Marine Parks  15

Table 3.1       Major Construction Activities for the Next Reporting Period  18

 

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


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 Monthly EM&A Report presenting the EM&A works carried out during the period from 1 to 31 January 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

Environmental Site Inspection

1

For FEP-02/558/2018/A

Marine Water Quality Monitoring

7

Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

During jetting operation for construction of LPS Pipeline

Environmental Site Inspection

2

For FEP-03/558/2018/B

Marine Water Quality Monitoring

12

Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

During jetting operation for construction of BPPS Pipeline

Environmental Site Inspection

3

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, checking of compliance with the approval conditions given by the Director of Environmental Protection for the entry of working vessels within marine parks and the proposed South Lantau Marine Park (SLMP) 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 in the reporting period.

Since construction phase marine mammal monitoring was completed in November 2021, 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 two environmental complaints received on the absence of silt curtain for post-trenching operation of the LPS Pipeline in the reporting period.  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.

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.

Forecast of Impact Predictions

As informed by the Contractor, construction activities to be undertaken in the next reporting period of February 2022 include the following:

FEP

Land-based Works

Marine-based Works

FEP-01/558/2018/A

§  Nil

§  Topsides installation

FEP-02/558/2018/A

§  Nil

§  Post-trenching

§  Rock armour placement

FEP-03/558/2018/B

§  Box culvert works

§  Piping installation works

§  Backfilling works

§  Rock armour placement

§  Post-trenching

§  Removal of cofferdam

Potential environmental impacts arising from the above upcoming construction activities in the next reporting period of February 2022 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/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 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 January 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 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 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

 

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

§  Topsides installation

FEP-02/558/2018/A

§   Nil

§  Post-trenching

§  Rock armour placement

FEP-03/558/2018/B

§   Electrical and backfilling works

§   Platform structure – erection and assembly

§   Building superstructure works

§   Rock armour placement

§   Post-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 1.3.  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

§   On-going for dredging / jetting operations 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

§   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/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 following the start of operation of the LNG Terminal

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)

§   On-going for marine dredging / jetting operations for 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 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 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, six (6) sessions of environmental site inspection were carried out on 5, 12, 19, 25 and 31 January 2022.  The Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) attended the environmental site inspections as the IEC audits on 5, 12, 25 and 31 January 2022 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

N/A

FEP-02/558/2018/A

1

Fine and dusty materials generated from rock were left behind on the edge of the working vessel during loading and unloading operations.  The Contractor was reminded to clear the materials from the working vessel.

The materials were cleared.

2

A chemical container without provision of drip tray was observed.  The Contractor was reminded to provide drip tray to the chemical container.

The chemical container was removed off site properly.

FEP-03/558/2018/B

3

A broken pipe originated from the area for kitchen and laundry was placed at the edge of the working vessel without effluent being discharged.  The Contractor was reminded that wastewater, including domestic sewage (e.g. effluent from kitchen and laundry), shall be appropriately collected prior to being treated in onshore wastewater treatment facility, and shall not be directly discharged into marine waters.

The broken pipe was replaced, and wastewater would be collected with use of containers for temporary storage, and collection by the qualified sewage collection contractor for subsequent treatment.

4

Diesel oil leaking out of drip tray for the generator was observed.  The Contractor was reminded to provide drip tray without cracks to the generator, and handle the rubble stones contaminated with diesel oil as chemical waste.

Diesel oil was removed.

5

Slurry was accumulated, in presence of temporary blocks (e.g. sand bags) for prevention of surface runoff flowing over the trenches/pits, inside drainage system in the vicinity of excavation works.  The Contractor was reminded that slurry should be regularly removed in order to maintain proper and efficient operation of the drainage system at all times.

Slurry was removed.

6

Dusty materials were brought to the area outside the site entrance/ exit by site vehicles.  The Contractor was reminded to provide wheel washing device at the site entrance/ exit.

Dusty materials were removed.

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 and FEP-02/558/2018/A, and general refuse and inert C&D materials (public fill) were generated under FEP-03/558/2018/B 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

Jan 2022

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)

Jan 2022

0

0

0

0

0

2.490

 

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

Jan 2022

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)

Jan 2022

0

0

0

0

0

13.100

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

Jan 2022

0

0

0

0

0

 

Table 2.4      Quantities of Waste Generated and Dredged Marine Sediment 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

Jan 2022

7.870

0

0

0

7.870

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)

Jan 2022

0

0

0

0

0

55.510

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

Jan 2022

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 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 L.

2.3.4       Monitoring Results

Construction phase marine water quality monitoring was conducted in 12 monitoring days as presented in Table 2.7 for construction of the BPPS and LPS Pipelines 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

10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 24, 26 and 28 January 2022 (1)

Marine jetting operation at Double Berth Jetty to South of Shek Kwu Chau (KP0.0 – 5.0) and South of Shek Kwu Chau to West Lamma Channel (KP5.0 – 14.5) for LPS Pipeline was undertaken from 8 to 19 (2), 23 to 26 and 28 to 30 January 2022

Group 2:
IM3, IM4, IM5, IM6 (mid-ebb and mid-flood tides)

E2 (mid-ebb tide)

F2, F3 (mid-flood tide)

2

3, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26 and 28 January 2022

Marine jetting operation at Jetty Approach (KP0.0 – 5.0), South of Soko Islands (KP5.0 – 8.9) and Southwest of Soko Islands (KP8.9 – 12.1) for BPPS Pipeline was undertaken from 1 to 4 and 9 to 30 January 2022

Group 3:

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

E3 (mid-ebb tide)

F3 (mid-flood tide)

3

3, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28 and 31 January 2022 (4)

Marine jetting operation at West of HKIA to Lung Kwu Chau (KP31.5 – 37.5) for BPPS Pipeline was undertaken from 1 to 4, 7 to 12 and 14 to 30 January 2022

Group 6:

IM15, IM16A, IM17 (mid-ebb and mid-flood tides)

E6 (mid-ebb tide)

F5 (mid-flood tide)

Notes:

(1) Marine water quality monitoring for Group 2 scheduled on 14 January 2022 was cancelled due to adverse weather.

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

(3) Monitoring station IM6 was occupied by a crane barge during the monitoring event on 3 January 2022.  Therefore, the monitoring station was shifted to the nearest practicable location.

(4) Marine water quality monitoring was scheduled to be carried out on 31 January 2022 for the 24-hr marine jetting operation for 30 January 2022 which was completed during daytime period of the next day.

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: 02J0058AA / MPP15)

YSI 6820 (S/N: 09H101347 / MPP37)

YSI 6920 (S/N: 16L100580 / MPP57)

YSI ProDSS (S/N: 16H104233)

YSI ProDSS (S/N: 16H104234)

YSI ProDSS (S/N: 17E100747)

YSI ProDSS (S/N: 21G105356)

 

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

3 Jan 22

Mid-flood

Turbidity

IM9

Action

Marine jetting operation was undertaken downstream to the monitoring stations during the specific tide(s) on the monitoring date(s).  Silt curtain and other mitigation measures were implemented properly.  Therefore, the exceedances were not considered as Project-related.

3 Jan 22

Mid-flood

SS

IM9

Action

3 Jan 22

Mid-ebb

Turbidity

IM16A

Limit

24 Jan 22

Mid-flood

Turbidity

IM3

Action

Marine jetting operation was not undertaken during the specific tide(s) on the monitoring date(s).  Silt curtain and other mitigation measures were implemented properly.  Therefore, the exceedances were not considered as Project-related.

 

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

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 are presented in Annex J.  No special phenomena was observed during the three rounds of the pilot test.  Silt curtain efficiency is determined by the difference between the SS level near the marine works area and that on the other side of floating silt curtain in accordance with the approved Silt Curtain Deployment Plan.  Therefore, the SS data obtained in this pilot test were used to determine silt curtain efficiency with the following equation:

where, SS (inside) is the SS level near the marine works area (i.e. average of A1 to A3); and SS (outside) is determined by averaging the SS levels at monitoring stations on the other side of the floating silt curtain (i.e. the average of B1 to B3).

2.4.3       Evaluation of Pilot Test

The pilot test results showed that the SS levels at all stations were generally low.  As cage-type silt curtain was deployed for the jetting works during the pilot test, assuming the effect of cage-type silt curtain with a silt removal efficiency of 85% as presented in the approved EIA Report ([4]), the calculated efficiencies of floating silt curtain for jetting works are summarised in Table 2.10, 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 2.10    Efficiency of Floating Silt Curtain for Jetting Operation

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 Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

2.5.1       Monitoring Requirements

According to 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 with 250m radius was 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 2.11    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.

2.5.2       Monitoring Results

Marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring with 250m radius was conducted on the following dates during jetting operation:

§  from 28 to 30 January 2022 for marine jetting operation at Double Berth Jetty to South of Shek Kwu Chau (KP0.0 – 5.0) for the LPS Pipeline.

§  from 8 to 19 ([5]) and 23 to 26 January 2022 for marine jetting operation at South of Shek Kwu Chau to West Lamma Channel (KP5.0 – 14.5) for the LPS Pipeline. 

§  from 16 to 30 January 2022 for marine jetting operation at Jetty Approach (KP0.0 – 5.0) for the BPPS Pipeline.

§  from 9 to 15 January 2022 for marine jetting operation at South of Soko Islands (KP5.0 – 8.9) for the BPPS Pipeline.

§  from 1 to 4 January 2022 for marine jetting operation at Southwest of Soko Islands (KP8.9 – 12.1) for the BPPS Pipeline. 

§  from 1 to 4, 7 to 12 and 14 to 30 January 2022 for marine jetting operation at West of HKIA to Lung Kwu Chau (KP31.5 – 37.5) for the BPPS Pipeline. 

No sightings of marine mammals were observed during marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring in the reporting period.   

2.6             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.  A total of 15 working vessels were used for construction of the BPPS Pipeline and the LPS Pipeline under FEP-03/558/2018/B and FEP-02/558/2018/A, respectively, and for construction of the Jetty under FEP-01/558/2018/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 FEPs.  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 N.

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 and the proposed South Lantau Marine Park (SLMP) 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 marine parks and the SLMP for construction of the Project provided by the Contractor were presented in Table 2.11.

Table 2.12    Records of Entry Events of Working Vessels within Marine Parks

Date

Duration (mins)

Working Vessel

Activities Undertaken

Compliance (ü) / Non-compliance (ű)

13 Jan 2022

235

TB 16

Nil

(Note 1)

13 Jan 2022

6

TB 6

Nil

(Note 1)

14 Jan 2022

11

TB 16

Nil

(Note 1)

14 Jan 2022

156

TB 16

Nil

(Note 1)

15 Jan 2022

150

TB 2

Nil

(Note 1)

16 Jan 2022

67

TB 2

Nil

(Note 1)

16 Jan 2022

48

TB 6

Nil

(Note 1)

16 Jan 2022

84

TB 16

Nil

(Note 1)

17 Jan 2022

12

TB 2

Nil

(Note 1)

17 Jan 2022

7

TB 2

Nil

(Note 1)

19 Jan 2022

6

TB 2

Nil

(Note 1)

20 Jan 2022

95

TB 16

Nil

(Note 1)

20 Jan 2022

68

TB 16

Nil

(Note 1)

20 Jan 2022

16

TB 2

Nil

(Note 1)

22 Jan 2022

7

TB 6

Nil

(Note 1)

22 Jan 2022

51

TB 16

Nil

(Note 1)

23 Jan 2022

6

TB 2

Nil

(Note 1)

23 Jan 2022

48

TB 2

Nil

(Note 1)

24 Jan 2022

12

TB 2

Nil

(Note 1)

24 Jan 2022

52

TB 6

Nil

(Note 1)

24 Jan 2022

6

TB 2

Nil

(Note 1)

25 Jan 2022

33

TB 16

Nil

(Note 1)

25 Jan 2022

11

TB 16

Nil

(Note 1)

26 Jan 2022

10

TB 16

Nil

(Note 1)

26 Jan 2022

44

TB 16

Nil

(Note 1)

28 Jan 2022

123

TB 16

Nil

(Note 1)

Approval Condition:

·        For anchor location monitoring, the AHT will enter into, transit through and stop over the proposed SLMP, with a moving speed of ≤ 10 knots, with a frequency of 2 trips per day during the period with a duration of 8 months.

Note:

(1)     Current influence on working vessels during navigation after investigation by the Project team.

Records of marine travel routes of working vessels entering marine parks provided by the Contractor are presented in Annex O.

2.7             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.

2.8             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.

Since construction phase marine mammal monitoring was completed in November 2021, 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 K.

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

There were two environmental complaints referred by EPD on 20 and 21 January 2022 in the reporting period.  The nature of two complaints is similar, mentioning that no silt curtain was deployed when post-trenching operation was undertaken by the working vessel “ZHONG YOU HAI 101”.  Upon receipt of the complaints, the ET immediately notified HK Electric about the complaints, and discussed with HK Electric and COOEC to investigate and determine the validity of the complaints. 

It is noted that the concerned vessel “ZHONG YOU HAI 101” has been deployed to support the subsea gas pipeline installation works for the LPS Pipeline under the Further Environmental Permit FEP-02/558/2018/A. With reference to Condition 3.3 of FEP-02/558/2018/A, cage-type silt curtain shall be installed enclosing the jetting machine during construction of the subsea gas pipeline while floating silt curtain shall also be deployed at the time of jetting operation being undertaken between KP0.1 and KP5.0 as stated in the Pipeline Laying Method Plan under Condition 2.9 of 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.

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 K.

 


 

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 February 2022 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

 

§ Topsides installation

 

§ Disturbance to marine mammals due to vessel movement

 

Under FEP-02/558/2018/A

Land-based Works

§ Nil

§ N/A

 

Marine-based Works

§ Post-trenching

§ Rock armour placement

 

§ Elevation of suspended solids

§ Disturbance to marine mammals

 

Under FEP-03/558/2018/B

Land-based Works

§ Box culvert works

§ Piping installation works

§ Backfilling works

§ Dust emission from construction activities and stockpiles

§ Waste management

§ Site surface runoff and wastewater discharge

 

Marine-based Works

§ Rock armour placement

§ Post-trenching

§ Removal of cofferdam

 

§ 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 M.


 

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 January 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, checking of compliance with the approval conditions given by EPD for allowing the entry of working vessels within marine parks and the proposed SLMP 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 was conducted during the reporting period in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual.  No Project-related Action and Limit Level exceedances were recorded.

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.

Since construction phase marine mammal monitoring was completed in November 2021, there were no breaches of Action and Limit Levels were recorded.

There were two environmental complaints received on the absence of silt curtain for post-trenching operation of the LPS Pipeline in the reporting period.  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.

There were no 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/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])     The pilot test on the efficiency of cage-type silt curtain at jetting machine was conducted on 26 August 2021 and demonstrated that the tested cage-type silt curtain for jetting operation is capable of achieving an efficiency greater than 85%.  The findings have been presented in the Monthly EM&A Report for August 2021.

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