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        Contact Information for the Project 2

1.5        Summary of Construction Activities. 2

1.6        Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements. 3

1.7        Status of Statutory Environmental Requirements and Compliance with Further Environmental Permit Conditions. 4

1.8        Impact Prediction Review.. 4

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

2.1        Environmental Site Inspection. 5

2.2        Waste Management Status. 6

2.3        Marine Water Quality Monitoring. 9

2.3.1        Monitoring Requirements. 9

2.3.2        Action and Limit Levels for Marine Water Quality Monitoring. 10

2.3.3        Monitoring Results. 12

2.4        Marine Mammal Monitoring. 12

2.4.1        Monitoring Requirements. 12

2.4.2        Action and Limit Levels for Marine Mammal Monitoring. 13

2.4.3        Monitoring Results. 13

2.5        Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring. 15

2.5.1        Monitoring Requirements. 15

2.5.2        Monitoring Results. 15

2.6        Records of Operating Speeds and Marine Travel Routes of Working Vessels. 16

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. 17

3....... Conclusion and recommendations. 18

 

Annexes

Annex A         Project Organisation

Annex B         Construction Programme

Annex C        Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule (EMIS)

Annex D        Status of Statutory Environmental Requirements

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

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

 

List of Tables

Table 1.1       Contact Information of Key Personnel 2

Table 1.2       Contact Information for the Project 2

Table 1.3       Major Construction Activities Undertaken in the Reporting Period. 2

Table 1.4       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. 7

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

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

Table 2.5       Location of Marine Water Quality Monitoring Stations. 9

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

Table 2.7       Action and Limit Levels for Marine Mammal Monitoring. 13

Table 2.8       Running Quarterly STG and ANI for Finless Porpoise. 14

Table 2.9       Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Requirements. 15

Table 2.10      Monitoring Results for Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring  15

 

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      Vessel-based Marine Mammal Survey Location

Figure 2.3      Underwater PAM Survey Location

Figure 2.4      Distribution of Finless Porpoise Sightings between October and November 2021


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 Quarterly EM&A Summary Report presenting the EM&A works carried out during the period from 1 October to 31 December 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-01/558/2018/A

Marine Mammal Monitoring (vessel-based line transect survey)

12

Passive Acoustic Monitoring (C-POD deployment)

Completed for construction phase; data to be retrieved

Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

During percussive piling works for construction of the Jetty

Environmental Site Inspection

2

For FEP-02/558/2018/A

Marine Water Quality Monitoring

6

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

27

Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

During jetting operation for construction of BPPS Pipeline

Environmental Site Inspection

9

 

Environmental auditing works, including regular site inspections of construction works conducted by the ET, audit of implementation of Waste Management Plan, and review of the acceptability of operating speeds and marine travel routes of working vessels, including checking of compliance with the approval conditions given by the Director of Environmental Protection for the entry of working vessels within marine parks 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.

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.

Comments, Recommendations and Conclusions for the Quarter

The recommended environmental mitigation measures for the Project were effectively implemented and the EM&A programme undertaken by the ET has effectively monitored the construction activities as well as ensured proper implementation of mitigation measures in the reporting period.

 


1.                 Introduction

1.1             Background

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1.2             Scope of the EM&A Report

This is the Quarterly EM&A Summary Report for the Project which summarises the key findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 October to 31 December 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/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             Contact Information for the Project

The contact information for the Project is provided in Table 1.2.  The public can contact the project proponents through the following channel for any enquiries and comments on the environmental monitoring data and related information of the Project.

Table 1.2      Contact Information for the Project

Channel

Contact Information

Email

enquiry@env.hkolng.com

1.5             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 1.3 below:

Table 1.3      Major Construction Activities Undertaken in the Reporting Period

FEP

Land-based Works

Marine-based Works

FEP-01/558/2018/A

§   Nil

§   Pile installation

§   Topsides installation

FEP-02/558/2018/A

§   Nil

§   Post-trenching

§   Rock armour placement

FEP-03/558/2018/B

§  Excavation and backfilling works

§  Pipe rack – erection and assembly

§   Building superstructure works

§   Pipelaying works

§   Shore-pull operations

§   Rock armour placement

§   Post-trenching

 

1.6             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 1.4.  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 1.4      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)

§   To be implemented upon early stage of construction works for jetting operation for floating silt curtain (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 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/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

 

1.7             Status of Statutory Environmental Requirements and Compliance with Further Environmental Permit Conditions

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

1.8             Impact Prediction Review

The potential environmental impacts arising from the major construction activities undertaken in the reporting period provided in Table 1.3 were 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.  There were no Project-related Action and Limit Level exceedances and no non-compliance of environmental statutory requirements identified for the environmental monitoring and auditing works conducted in the reporting period, including regular site inspections of construction works conducted by the ET, audit of implementation of Waste Management Plan, review of the acceptability of operating speeds and marine travel routes of working vessels, and checking of compliance with the approval conditions given by EPD for allowing 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, as appropriate.  The recommended environmental mitigation measures were properly implemented in the reporting period.  Excessive variation between the EIA study predictions and the EM&A monitoring results was not found and therefore no investigation and follow-up procedures were considered necessary.

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

2.                 Summary of EM&A Results

The EM&A programme for the Project required environmental monitoring for marine water quality and marine mammals as well as environmental site inspections for air quality, construction noise, water quality, waste management, marine ecology, landscape and visual, and hazard to life impacts.  As presented in Section 1.6, environmental site inspections and audit on waste management practice, marine water quality monitoring, marine mammal monitoring (i.e. vessel-based line transect survey and passive acoustic monitoring) and marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring were conducted during the reporting period, and the findings are 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, 13 environmental site inspections were carried out on 6, 12, 21, 27 October, 4, 10, 18, 24 November, 2, 8, 14, 23 and 30 December 2021.  The Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) attended the environmental site inspections as the IEC audits on 6, 21, 27 October, 4, 10, 24 November, 2, 8 and 23 December 2021 during the reporting period.  The key observations from site inspections and Contractor’s follow-up actions are summarized 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

October - December 2021

-

Nil observation.

N/A

FEP-02/558/2018/A

October - December 2021

-

Nil observation.

N/A

FEP-03/558/2018/B

October - December 2021

1

Dusty material left behind on the paved road with speed bumps at the site entrance/exit was observed.  The Contractor was reminded to provide wheel washing at the site entrance/exit, and ensure that vehicles have been washed, including their wheels, to remove dusty material before leaving the site.

Dusty material was cleared and wheel washing would be provided when necessary.

2

The bin for general refuse collection was observed full.  The Contractor was reminded to collect and remove the general refuse from site in a timely manner.

General refuse was disposed of properly.

3

Dusty material left behind on the paved roads at the site entrance/exit was observed.  The Contractor was reminded to provide wheel washing at the site entrance/exit, and ensure that vehicles have been washed, including their wheels, to remove dusty material before leaving the site.

Dusty material was cleared and wheel washing would be provided when necessary.

4

Surplus of concrete being solidified on bare ground was observed.  The Contractor was reminded to ensure that concrete works would be undertaken on the impervious sheet at all times.

Surplus of concrete was removed.

5

Deposited silt and grit inside drainage system at road kerb were observed.  The Contractor was reminded to remove the deposited silt and grit regularly.

Deposited silt and grit were removed.

6

Fugitive dust generated from breaking works was observed.  The Contractor was reminded to provide dust suppression measures during the course of the breaking works.

Water spraying was provided to breaking works.

7

Chemical containers without provision of drip trays on working vessel (TAPBO 268) were observed.  The Contractor was reminded to provide chemical containers with drip trays.

Chemical containers were removed from the working vessel properly.

8

Copies of Further Environmental Permit and Construction Noise Permit were not displayed on working vessel (TAPBO 268).  The Contractor was reminded to display the permits.

Copies of permits were displayed.

9

Recycling bins at GRS were full of recyclable materials (i.e. plastic bottles, aluminium cans and scrap paper).  The Contractor was reminded to deliver the recyclable materials to appropriate facilities for recycling on a regular basis.

Recyclable materials were collected properly.

10

Stagnant water 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 at GRS.  The Contractor was reminded that stagnant water should be regularly pumped out in order to maintain proper and efficient operation of the drainage system at all times.

Stagnant water was drained off properly.

11

Discoloured approval label was affixed to an excavator at GRS.  The Contractor was reminded to affix proper label to the excavator in accordance with the labelling requirements as per the Air Pollution Control (Non-road Mobile Machinery (NRMM)) (Emission) Regulation.

Proper label was affixed to the NRMM.

2.2             Waste Management Status

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

The quantities of different types of waste and marine sediment generated for the three FEPs are summarised in Tables 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 with reference to the waste flow tables prepared by the Contractor.  General refuse was generated under FEP-01/558/2018/A, FEP-02/558/2018/A and FEP-03/558/2018/B, and inert C&D materials (public fill) were also generated under FEP-03/558/2018/B in the reporting period.  Detailed waste flow tables can be referred to Annex F of the associated Monthly EM&A Reports for the reporting period.

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

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

Month/Year

Total Quantity Generated

Hard Rock and Large Broken Concrete

Reused in the Contract

Reused in other Projects

Disposed as Public Fill

Imported Fill

Oct 2021

0

0

0

0

0

0

Nov 2021

0

0

0

0

0

0

Dec 2021

0

0

0

0

0

0

C&D Wastes Generated

Month/Year

Metals

(in ‘000kg3)

Paper / Cardboard Packaging

(in ‘000kg3)

Plastics

(in ‘000kg3)

Chemical Waste

Other (e.g. general refuse)

(in ‘000kg)

 

(in ‘000kg3)

(in ‘000L)

 

Oct 2021

0

0

0

0

0

15.020

 

Nov 2021

0

0

0

0

0

9.200

 

Dec 2021

0

0

0

0

0

13.100

 

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

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

 

Month/Year

Total Quantity Generated

Hard Rock and Large Broken Concrete

Reused in the Contract

Reused in other Projects

Disposed as Public Fill

Imported Fill

Oct 2021

0

0

0

0

0

0

Nov 2021

0

0

0

0

0

0

Dec 2021

0

0

0

0

0

0

C&D Wastes Generated

 

Month/Year

Metals

(in ‘000kg3)

Paper / Cardboard Packaging

(in ‘000kg3)

Plastics

(in ‘000kg3)

Chemical Waste

Other (e.g. general refuse)

(in ‘000kg)

 

(in ‘000kg3)

(in ‘000L)

 

Oct 2021

0

0

0

0

0

1.670

 

Nov 2021

0

0

0

0

0

4.230

 

Dec 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

Open Sea Disposal

Oct 2021

0

0

0

0

0

Nov 2021

0

0

0

0

0

Dec 2021

0

0

0

0

0

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

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

 

Month/Year

Total Quantity Generated

Hard Rock and Large Broken Concrete

Reused in the Contract

Reused in other Projects

Disposed as Public Fill

Imported Fill

Oct 2021

227.730

0

0

0

227.730

0

Nov 2021

638.280

0

0

0

638.280

0

Dec 2021

730.070

0

0

0

730.070

0

C&D Wastes Generated

 

Month/Year

Metals

(in ‘000kg3)

Paper / Cardboard Packaging

(in ‘000kg3)

Plastics

(in ‘000kg3)

Chemical Waste

Other (e.g. general refuse)

(in ‘000kg)

 

(in ‘000kg3)

(in ‘000L)

 

Oct 2021

0

0

0

0

0

67.700

 

Nov 2021

0

0

0

0

0

62.030

 

Dec 2021

0

0

0

0

0

56.210

 

Marine Sediment Generated (in ‘000m3)

 

Month/Year

Total Quantity of Type L Generated

Total Quantity of Type M Generated

Reused in the Contract

Reused in other Projects

Open Sea Disposal

 

Oct 2021

0

0

0

0

0

 

Nov 2021

0

0

0

0

0

 

Dec 2021

0

0

0

0

0

 

2.3             Marine Water Quality Monitoring

2.3.1       Monitoring Requirements

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

Table 2.5      Location of Marine Water Quality Monitoring Stations

Station

Easting

Northing

Description

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

IM1

829453

806896

Impact Station for Coastline of South Lamma

IM2

828235

810347

Impact Station for Coastline of North Lamma

E1

827317

811510

Control Station for Ebb Tide

F1

827892

804243

Control Station for Flood Tide

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

IM3

820683

805931

Impact Station for Coastline of South Cheung Chau

IM4

816997

805153

Impact Station for Coastline of South Shek Kwu Chau

IM5

814068

804100

Boundary of Proposed South Lantau Marine Park (MP)

IM6

814073

802029

Boundary of Proposed South Lantau MP

E2

813367

808213

Control Station for Ebb Tide

F2

822532

802161

Control Station for Flood Tide

F3

815032

801161

Control Station for Flood Tide

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

IM6

814073

802029

Boundary of Proposed South Lantau MP

IM7

811652

802029

Boundary of Proposed South Lantau MP

IM8

810833

801430

Boundary of Proposed South Lantau MP

IM9

807101

801595

Boundary of Proposed South Lantau MP

E3

802686

804123

Control Station for Ebb Tide

F3

815032

801161

Control Station for Flood Tide

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

IM10

803145

806407

Boundary of Southwest Lantau MP

IM11A

801914

806510

Boundary of Southwest Lantau MP

IM12

801041

807024

Boundary of Southwest Lantau MP

IM13

800386

810750

Boundary of Southwest Lantau MP

IM14

801376

810750

Boundary of Southwest Lantau MP

E4

801571

811923

Control Station for Ebb Tide

F4

809058

806567

Control Station for Flood Tide

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

IM15

804820

821110

Boundary of Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau MP

E5

804634

822606

Control Station for Ebb Tide

F5

805185

816591

Control Station for Flood Tide

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

IM15

804820

821110

Boundary of Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau MP

IM17

804865

827855

Boundary of Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau MP

IM16A

805039

824343

Coral Colonies at Pak Chau

E6

805418

832113

Control Station for Ebb Tide

F5

805185

816591

Control Station for Flood Tide

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

IM17

804865

827855

Boundary of Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau MP

IM18

806220

827890

Boundary of Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau MP

IM19

807274

829250

Impact Station for Coastline of Lung Kwu Tan

E6

805418

832113

Control Station for Ebb Tide

F6

808812

824266

Control Station for Flood Tide

E5

804634

822606

Control Station for Flood Tide

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

IM19

807274

829250

Impact Station for Coastline of Lung Kwu Tan

IM20A

809445

831728

Impact Station for Coastline of Deep Bay

IM21A

808879

830900

Coral Colony at Artificial Seawall at BPPS

IM22A

808703

830717

Coral Colony at Artificial Seawall at BPPS

E7A

808313

833524

Control Station for Ebb Tide

F6

808812

824266

Control Station for Flood Tide

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

2.3.2       Action and Limit Levels for Marine Water Quality Monitoring

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

Table 2.6      Action and Limit Levels for Marine Water Quality Monitoring

Parameter

Action Level

Limit Level

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

DO in mg L-1 a

Surface and Middle

4.2 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.4 mg L-1

Surface and Middle

2.9 mg L-1

 

Bottom

1.6 mg L-1

Turbidity in NTU

(Depth-averaged b) c

14.4 NTU, and

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

19.9 NTU, and

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

SS in mg L-1

(Depth-averaged b) c

20.8 mg L-1, and

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

29.6 mg L-1, and

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

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

DO in mg L-1 a

Surface and Middle

3.4 mg L-1

 

Bottom

1.8 mg L-1

Surface and Middle

2.4 mg L-1

 

Bottom

1.4 mg L-1

Turbidity in NTU

(Depth-averaged b) c

17.1 NTU, and

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

26.8 NTU, and

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

SS in mg L-1

(Depth-averaged b) c

25.7 mg L-1, and

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

37.1 mg L-1, and

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

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

DO in mg L-1 a

Surface and Middle

4.1 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.7 mg L-1

Surface and Middle

3.0 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.0 mg L-1

Turbidity in NTU

(Depth-averaged b) c

17.0 NTU, and

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

30.9 NTU, and

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

SS in mg L-1

(Depth-averaged b) c

22.3 mg L-1, and

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

36.9 mg L-1, and

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

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

DO in mg L-1 a

Surface and Middle

3.4 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.8 mg L-1

Surface and Middle

2.5 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.0 mg L-1

Turbidity in NTU

(Depth-averaged b) c

63.1 NTU, and

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

165.7 NTU, and

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

SS in mg L-1

(Depth-averaged b) c

75.4 mg L-1, and

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

121.8 mg L-1, and

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

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

DO in mg L-1 a

Surface and Middle

4.6 mg L-1

 

Bottom

4.0 mg L-1

Surface and Middle

4.0 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.0 mg L-1

Turbidity in NTU

(Depth-averaged b) c

31.9 NTU, and

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

46.6 NTU, and

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

SS in mg L-1

(Depth-averaged b) c

64.9 mg L-1, and

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

72.5 mg L-1, and

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

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

DO in mg L-1 a

Surface and Middle

4.4 mg L-1

 

Bottom

3.9 mg L-1

Surface and Middle

3.9 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.0 mg L-1

Turbidity in NTU

(Depth-averaged b) c

30.7 NTU, and

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

47.0 NTU, and

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

SS in mg L-1

(Depth-averaged b) c

49.2 mg L-1, and

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

74.0 mg L-1, and

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

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

DO in mg L-1 a

Surface and Middle

3.8 mg L-1

 

Bottom

3.1 mg L-1

Surface and Middle

3.4 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.0 mg L-1

Turbidity in NTU

(Depth-averaged b) c

34.5 NTU, and

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

79.2 NTU, and

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

SS in mg L-1

(Depth-averaged b) c

37.8 mg L-1, and

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

98.2 mg L-1, and

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

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

DO in mg L-1 a

Surface and Middle

4.3 mg L-1

 

Bottom

3.6 mg L-1

Surface and Middle

3.4 mg L-1

 

Bottom

2.0 mg L-1

Turbidity in NTU

(Depth-averaged b) c

34.3 NTU, and

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

58.5 NTU, and

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

SS in mg L-1

(Depth-averaged b) c

42.4 mg L-1, and

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

78.2 mg L-1, and

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

Notes:

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

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

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

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

2.3.3       Monitoring Results

A total of 33 monitoring events for construction phase marine water quality monitoring were conducted for construction of BPPS Pipeline and LPS Pipeline within the works area(s) for the associated marine-based activities in the reporting period.  Graphical presentations are provided in Annex F.  There were no Project-related Action and Limit Level exceedances for marine water quality monitoring in the reporting period.

2.4             Marine Mammal Monitoring

2.4.1       Monitoring Requirements

2.4.1.1  Vessel-based Line Transect Survey

In accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, vessel-based marine mammal survey by means of systematic line-transect boat survey was undertaken to examine the distribution and encounter rate of Finless Porpoise (FP) in southern Lantau where a majority of Project construction works would take place.  Survey transects covered three survey areas for line-transect boat surveys, namely Southwest Lantau (SWL), Southeast Lantau (SEL) and Lamma (LM) are presented in Figure 2.2.  The methodology of the survey is consistent and compatible with that adopted in the EIA baseline surveys as well as the long-term marine mammal monitoring programme conducted by AFCD since 1995 to allow potential comparisons and pooling data for analysis.  Vessel-based line transect marine mammal surveys are conducted during construction of the LNG Terminal.  Each transect line is surveyed twice per month.  The detailed methodology is presented in the Updated EM&A Manual.

2.4.1.2  Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM)

In accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, underwater PAM survey using C-POD (Cetacean-Porpoise Detector) was conducted at five locations as presented in Figure 2.3.  C-PODs are left in place during construction of the LNG Terminal.  Such duration should allow for a robust record of marine mammal usage of the area to be obtained and allow for the inter-seasonal differences already known for finless porpoises.  The C-PODs have to be serviced every two to four months, subject to review on an as-needed basis, to download accumulated data and replace batteries.

2.4.2       Action and Limit Levels for Marine Mammal Monitoring

The Action and Limit Levels for marine mammal monitoring are established using encounter rate calculated from the six-month baseline vessel-based line transect surveys from the three survey areas as a whole in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual.  The combined baseline encounter rate will be used to compare with the encounter rate obtained during construction phase monitoring calculated from last three month’s monitoring data (i.e. running quarterly value).  This approach would allow natural seasonal fluctuations in FP encounter rate to be accounted for, and allow data to be reviewed every month such as appropriate remedial actions could be taken timely if the threshold values are triggered.  The Action and Limit Levels are provided in Table 2.7.

Table 2.7      Action and Limit Levels for Marine Mammal Monitoring

Monitoring Area

Action Level

Limit Level

SWL, SEL and LM as a whole

Running quarterly STG < 1.12 & ANI < 2.18 

Two consecutive running quarterly STG < 1.12 & ANI < 2.18

Notes:

STG = Encounter Rate of Number of Porpoise Sightings

ANI = Encounter Rate of Number of Porpoises

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

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

2.4.3       Monitoring Results

2.4.3.1  Vessel-based Line Transect Survey

A total of 12 vessel-based line transect surveys were conducted in October and November 2021 when jacket installation works of the Project were undertaken.  The FPs sighted in the three survey areas, SWL, SEL and LM, in the reporting period are presented in Figure 2.4.

The running quarterly STG and ANI for the combined survey areas from SWL, SEL and LM during the reporting period and the previous months during the period of piling works are summarised in Table 2.8.


 

Table 2.8      Running Quarterly STG and ANI for Finless Porpoise

Survey Period

On-effort (km)

No. of Sighting

No. of Porpoise

STG

ANI

Running STG

Running ANI

Dec 2020

219.30

3

7

1.36

3.18

-

-

Jul 2021

375.86

0

0

0.00

0.00

-

-

Aug 2021

379.00

2

10

0.53

2.64

-

-

Sep 2021

331.64

7

22

2.11

6.63

0.83

2.95

Oct 2021

95.79

0

0

0.00

0.00

1.12

3.97

Nov 2021

208.05

10

30

4.81

14.42

2.68

8.18

Notes:

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

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

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

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

2.4.3.2  Underwater PAM Survey

Five C-POD units have been deployed at the five locations since the commencement of construction for FEP-01/558/2018/A on 27 November 2020.  These units will be serviced every two to four months, subject to review on an as-needed basis, to download accumulated data and replace batteries.  The latest round of C-POD servicing was conducted in early November 2021.  Following the completion of jacket installation works (i.e. piling works) of the Project in November 2021, the PAM data for the marine mammal monitoring during construction phase will be retrieved for further analysis of the activity of FP during both day and night.  The results will be reported in the quarterly EM&A summary report for the next reporting period (i.e. Jan-Mar 2022) once the PAM data are retrieved.

2.4.3.3  Summary

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

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

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

2.5             Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

2.5.1       Monitoring Requirements

According to Condition 3.7 of FEP-01/558/2018/A, Condition 3.7 of FEP-02/558/2018/A, Condition 3.8 of FEP-03/558/2018/B, Section 9.11.3 of the approved EIA Report and Section 7 of the Updated EM&A Manual, marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring is required during dredging / jetting operations for construction of BPPS Pipeline or LPS Pipeline and during percussive piling works for construction of the Jetty.  Marine mammal exclusion zone requirements are presented in Table 2.9.

Table 2.9      Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Requirements

Activity

Exclusion Zone

Requirement

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

250m

Before pipeline dredging or jetting commence, the exclusion zone must have been continuously clear of marine mammals for 30 minutes.  During pipeline dredging/ jetting, if marine mammals are spotted within the exclusion zone, pipeline dredging/ jetting works will cease and will not resume until the observer confirms that the zone has been continuously clear of marine mammals for a period of 30 minutes.

Percussive piling works for construction of the Jetty

500m

Before percussive piling commences, the exclusion zone must have been continuously clear of marine mammals for 30 minutes.  During percussive piling, if marine mammals are spotted within the exclusion zone, percussive piling works will cease and will not resume until the observer confirms that the zone has been continuously clear of marine mammals for a period of 30 minutes.

2.5.2       Monitoring Results

Marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring was conducted during the reporting period when marine jetting operation for construction of BPPS / LPS Pipeline and percussive piling works for construction of the Jetty were undertaken.  No sightings of marine mammals were observed during marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring in the reporting period.  The monitoring results for marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring in the reporting period is summarised in Table 2.10.

Table 2.10    Monitoring Results for Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring

Date

Active works activities

Monitoring results

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

Percussive piling works for construction of the Jetty

No sightings of marine mammals

1-6, 8 Nov 2021

1-2 Oct 2021

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

5-6 Nov 2021

3-8, 24-25 Dec 2021

1-4, 18-31 Oct 2021

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

1, 4-7, 10-16 Nov 2021

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

20, 24-28 Nov 2021

Marine jetting operation at Adamasta Channel for BPPS Pipeline

23-31 Dec 2021

3-7, 10-16 Dec 2021

Marine jetting operation at Southwest of Soko Islands for BPPS Pipeline

23-31 Dec 2021

Marine jetting operation at Southwest Lantau for BPPS Pipeline

24-31 Dec 2021

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

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 28 working vessels were used for the construction of the Jetty, LPS Pipeline and BPPS Pipeline under FEP-01/558/2018/A, FEP-02/558/2018/A and FEP-03/558/2018/B, respectively, 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 except a working vessel (Zhong You Hai 281) which was operated at a speed higher than 10 knots within the area frequented by marine mammals south to Southwest Lantau Marine Park on 30 October 2021.  However, this incident was caused by current influence upon investigation.  No non-compliance on the operating speeds and marine travel routes of working vessels was identified.  Records of operating speeds and marine travel routes of working vessels for construction of the Project provided by the Contractor can be referred to the relevant Annexes of the associated Monthly EM&A Reports for the reporting period.

The compliance status on approval conditions given by the Director of Environmental Protection for the entry of working vessels (i.e. anchor handling tugs (AHTs)) within marine parks and the proposed SLMP in pursuant to Condition 3.1 of FEP-01/558/2018/A for anchoring activities for piling operation and jacket installation 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.  A total of nine AHTs with 31 entries to the marine parks and the proposed SLMP were recorded within the reporting period.  No non-compliance on the approval conditions was identified.  Records of entry events of working vessels within the marine parks and the proposed SLMP provided by the Contractor can be referred to relevant Annexes of the associated Monthly EM&A Reports for the reporting period.

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.

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

Cumulative statistics on exceedance is provided in Annex E.

2.9             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 E.

 

 


 

3.                 Conclusion and recommendations

This Quarterly EM&A Summary Report presents the key findings of the EM&A works during the reporting period from 1 October to 31 December 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/B).

Environmental auditing works, including regular site inspections of construction works conducted by the ET, audit of implementation of Waste Management Plan, and review of the acceptability of operating speeds and marine travel routes of working vessels, including checking of compliance with the approval conditions given by EPD for allowing the entry of working vessels within marine parks 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.

Construction phase marine mammal monitoring (vessel-based line transect survey and passive acoustic monitoring) was conducted during the reporting period in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual, and was completed following the completion of piling works in November 2021.  No breaches of Action and Limit Levels were recorded.

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

The recommended environmental mitigation measures for the Project were effectively implemented and the EM&A programme undertaken by the ET has effectively monitored the construction activities as well as ensured proper implementation of mitigation measures in the reporting period.



([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.