CONTENTS
1.4 Contact Information for the Project
1.5 Summary of Construction Activities
1.6 Summary of EM&A Programme Requirements
2....... Summary of EM&A Results
2.1 Environmental Site Inspection
2.3 Marine Water Quality Monitoring
2.3.2 Action and Limit Levels for Marine Water Quality Monitoring
2.4 Pilot Test on the Efficiency of Silt Curtain System
2.6 Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring
2.7 Records of Operating Speeds and Marine Travel Routes of Working Vessels
2.8 Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures
2.9 Summary of Exceedances of the Environmental Quality Performance Limit
2.10 Summary of Environmental Complaints, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecutions
3....... Conclusion and recommendations
Annexes
Annex B Construction Programme
Annex C Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule (EMIS)
Annex D Status of Statutory Environmental Requirements
Annex F Graphical Presentations of Construction Phase Marine Water Quality Monitoring Results
Annex G PAM Deployment Statistics
List of Tables
Table 1.1 Contact Information of Key Personnel
Table 1.2 Contact Information for the Project
Table 1.3 Major Construction Activities Undertaken in the Reporting Period
Table 1.4 Summary of Status for the EM&A Programme under the Updated EM&A Manual
Table 2.1 Key Observations from Site Inspections and Contractor’s Follow-up Actions
Table 2.2 Quantities of Waste Generated for FEP-01/558/2018/A
Table 2.3 Quantities of Waste and Marine Sediment Generated for FEP-02/558/2018/A
Table 2.4 Quantities of Waste and Marine Sediment Generated for FEP-03/558/2018/B
Table 2.5 Location of Marine Water Quality Monitoring Stations
Table 2.6 Action and Limit Levels for Marine Water Quality Monitoring
Table 2.7 Summary of PAM data for each Location
Table 2.8 Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Requirements
Table 2.9 Monitoring Results for Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring
List of Figures
Figure 1.1 Indicative Location of Key Project Components
Figure 1.2 Location and Works Area of GRS at BPPS
Figure 1.3 Location and Works Area of GRS at LPS
Figure 2.1 Marine Water Quality Monitoring Location
Figure 2.2 Monitoring Locations for Floating Silt Curtain Pilot Test for Jetting Operation
Figure 2.3 Underwater PAM Survey Location
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 January to 31 March 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 |
2 |
|
For FEP-02/558/2018/A |
|
|
Marine Water Quality Monitoring |
14 |
|
Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring |
During jetting operation for construction of LPS Pipeline |
|
Environmental Site Inspection |
3 |
|
For FEP-03/558/2018/B |
|
|
Marine Water Quality Monitoring |
35 |
|
Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring |
During jetting operation for construction of BPPS Pipeline |
|
Environmental Site Inspection |
10 |
|
For FEP-02/558/2018/A and FEP-03/558/2018/B |
|
|
Pilot Test on the Efficiency of Silt Curtain System – Floating Silt Curtain for Jetting Operation |
1 |
Environmental auditing works, including regular site inspections of construction works conducted by the ET, audit of implementation of Waste Management Plan, and review of the acceptability of operating speeds and marine travel routes of working vessels, including checking of compliance with the approval conditions given by the Director of Environmental Protection for the entry of working vessels within marine parks 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.
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.
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.
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 January to 31 March 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).
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 |
|
|
|
|||
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 |
|
|
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 |
§ Piping installation works |
§ Topsides installation § Piping installation |
|
FEP-02/558/2018/A |
§ Nil |
§ Post-trenching § Rock armour placement |
|
FEP-03/558/2018/B |
§ Backfilling works § Piping installation works § Box culvert works § Instrumentation and control installation works § Electrical and telecommunication installation works § System commissioning |
§ Rock armour placement § Post-trenching § Removal of cofferdam |
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) § Completed 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 conducted during post-construction phase |
|
Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring |
FEP-01/558/2018/A FEP-02/558/2018/A FEP-03/558/2018/B |
§ Completed for FEP-01/558/2018/A (marine mammal exclusion zone with 500m radius) and FEP-02/558/2018/A (marine mammal exclusion zone with 250m radius) § On-going for marine dredging / jetting operations for 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
|
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.
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.
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, audit on waste management practice, marine water quality monitoring and marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring were conducted during the reporting period, and the findings are presented below. In addition, the passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) data for the marine mammal monitoring during construction phase have been retrieved for further analysis of the activity of FP during both day and night and the findings are presented in Section 2.5.
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, 15 environmental site inspections were carried out on 5, 12, 19, 25, 31 January, 10, 24, 28 February, 9, 16, 23 and 30 March 2022 ([4]). The Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) attended the environmental site inspections as the IEC audits on 5, 12, 25, 31 January, 10, 24, 28 February, 9, 16, 23 and 30 March 2022 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 |
||
|
January - March 2022 |
||
|
- |
Nil observation. |
N/A |
|
FEP-02/558/2018/A |
||
|
January - March 2022 |
||
|
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 |
||
|
January - March 2022 |
||
|
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. |
|
7 |
Dark smoke emission from plants on working vessel, BIN HAI 109, was observed. The Contractor was reminded to maintain all plants and/or machines in a good condition for avoidance of dark smoke emission. |
Regular maintenance for plants and/or machines on the vessel was carried out and no dark smoke emission from those plants and/or machines were observed. |
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 |
|||||
|
Jan 2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||
|
Feb 2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||
|
Mar 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 |
2.49 |
|
||||
|
Feb 2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5.35 |
|
||||
|
Mar 2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6.35 |
|
||||
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 |
||||||||||||
|
Jan 2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||||||||||||
|
Feb 2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||||||||||||
|
Mar 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 |
13.10 |
|
|||||||||||
|
Feb 2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3.23 |
|
|||||||||||
|
Mar 2022 |
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 |
|||||||||||||
|
Jan 2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
Feb 2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
Mar 2022 |
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 |
|||||||||||||
|
Jan 2022 |
7.87 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7.87 |
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
Feb 2022 |
186.90 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
186.90 |
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
Mar 2022 |
225.96 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
225.96 |
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
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 |
55.51 |
|
||||||||||||
|
Feb 2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8.53 |
|
||||||||||||
|
Mar 2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
36.53 |
|
||||||||||||
|
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 |
|
|||||||||||||
|
Feb 2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|||||||||||||
|
Mar 2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|||||||||||||
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. |
|||
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.
A total of 49 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.
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.
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 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. The detailed monitoring results can be referred to Section 2.4 of the Monthly EM&A Report for January 2022.
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.
Five C-POD units have been deployed at the five locations since the commencement of construction for FEP-01/558/2018/A and PAM data were analysed during the period of piling works of the Project in December 2020 and in July 2021 to early November 2021. The summaries of deployment data are presented in Table 2.7 below. The PAM deployment statistics for each location are provided in Annex G.
Variations in porpoise activity per day were observed at all five locations during the period of piling works of the Project in December 2020 and in July 2021 to early November 2021 (see Figure 2.4). The mean porpoise DPM per day at the five locations ranged from 14.9 (Location 5) to 137.9 (Location 2) for the analysed period. Location 5 (Shek Kwu Chau) recorded the least porpoise activity amongst the five locations. Further analysis will be conducted to compare the finless porpoise detection numbers between the baseline, construction and post-construction monitoring upon completion of the post-construction monitoring.
Table 2.7 Summary of PAM data for each Location
|
Location |
Data Period |
No. of Logged Days |
Detection Positive Days as a percentage of Logged Days (DPD% of days) |
Detection Positive Minutes (DPM) |
DPM / Logged Days |
|
Location 1 |
1-31 Dec 2020 |
154 |
99.4% |
17049 |
110.7 |
|
Location 2 |
1-31 Dec 2020 |
144 |
100% |
19854 |
137.9 |
|
Location 3 |
1-31 Dec 2020 |
155 |
100% |
14826 |
95.7 |
|
Location 4 |
23-31 Dec 2020 |
134 |
97.8% |
10762 |
80.3 |
|
Location 5 |
23-31 Dec 2020 |
134 |
68.7% |
2003 |
14.9 |
|
Notes: (1) As checked with the marine mammal expert, the PAM data for Location 2 after 25 October 2021 could not be retrieved due to malfunction of the C-POD. (2) Due to adverse weather, servicing of C-PODs at Locations 4 and 5 was conducted on 22 December 2020 and the data analysed for December 2020 covered the period between 23 and 31 December 2020. (3) The jacket installation works (i.e. piling works) of the Project were conducted in December 2020, July to early November 2021 and completed on 10 November 2021. The data period presented above covered the majority of the piling works period and are representative to evaluate marine mammal usage of the area and allow for the inter-seasonal differences already known for finless porpoises. |
|||||
Visual validation was used to assess the overall rate of false positive porpoise DPM as identified by the KERNO classifier. Such false positives were found to be 0% (with 95% confidence level) at Locations 1-3 (East of Tai A Chau, FSRU-W and FSRU-E), 0-2% at Location 4 (FSRU-N) and 1% at Location 5 (Shek Kwu Chau) during the deployment periods. Inspection of the sampled porpoise DPM found that the majority of false positive were most likely due to misclassified boat sonar.
Notably, the minute click limit can be exceeded in very noisy environments, meaning that no further clicks will be detected until the start of the next minutes. However, no time was lost for the deployment periods at all five locations. Moreover, boat sonar was detected throughout the deployment periods at the five locations, and this was generally around 50 kHz.
FP activity in different hours of the day at the five locations has been examined and comparison was made on the diel patterns among the five locations by each month in December 2020 and July to October 2021 ([5]) and during the period of piling works of the Project (Figures 2.5-2.6). Diel patterns were more distinguishable for Locations 1-4 and there was a decline in porpoise activity from late morning to the middle of the day to some extent. The diel pattern at Location 5 (Southeast of Shek Kwu Chau) was less distinguishable and the total DPM recorded during the period of piling works of the Project were lower than other locations.
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 is required during dredging / jetting operations for construction of BPPS Pipeline or LPS Pipeline. Marine mammal exclusion zone requirements are presented in Table 2.8.
Table 2.8 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. |
Marine mammal exclusion zone monitoring was conducted during the reporting period when marine jetting operation for construction of BPPS / LPS Pipeline was 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 2.9.
Table 2.9 Monitoring Results for Marine Mammal Exclusion Zone Monitoring
|
Date |
Active works activities |
Monitoring results |
|
28-30 Jan 2022 |
Marine jetting operation at Double Berth Jetty to South of Shek Kwu Chau for LPS Pipeline |
No sightings of marine mammals |
|
4, 5, 9-14, 27, 28 Feb 2022 |
||
|
1-6 Mar 2022 |
||
|
8-19 (1), 23-26 Jan 2022 |
Marine jetting operation at South of Shek Kwu Chau to West Lamma Channel for LPS Pipeline |
|
|
16-30 Jan 2022 |
Marine jetting operation at Jetty Approach for BPPS Pipeline |
|
|
3, 6-10, 12-16, 18-24, 26, 28 Feb 2022 |
||
|
1-14, 17-31 Mar 2022 |
||
|
9-15 Jan 2022 |
Marine jetting operation at South of Soko Islands for BPPS Pipeline |
|
|
4-5 Feb 2022 |
||
|
1-4 Jan 2022 |
Marine jetting operation at Southwest of Soko Islands for BPPS Pipeline |
|
|
13-18 Mar 2022 |
Marine jetting operation at Southwest Lantau for BPPS Pipeline |
|
|
7-12 Mar 2022 |
Marine jetting operation at West of Tai O to West of HKIA for BPPS Pipeline |
|
|
1-4, 7-12, 14-30 Jan 2022 |
Marine jetting operation at West of HKIA to Lung Kwu Chau for BPPS Pipeline |
|
|
24-26 Mar 2022 |
||
|
1-17, 23-25 Feb 2022 |
Marine jetting operation at Lung Kwu Chau to Urmston Anchorage and Urmston Road for BPPS Pipeline |
|
|
26-28 Feb 2022 |
Marine jetting operation at West of BPPS for BPPS Pipeline |
|
|
1-22 Mar 2022 |
||
|
Note: (1) Only preparation works for marine jetting operation were conducted between 8 and 19 January 2022. |
||
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. 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 topsides 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 six AHTs with 74 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.
A summary of the Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule (EMIS) is presented in Annex C. The necessary mitigation measures were implemented properly for the Project.
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 E.
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 E.
This Quarterly EM&A Summary Report presents the key findings of the EM&A works during the reporting period from 1 January to 31 March 2022 for the construction works for the Project in accordance with the Updated EM&A Manual and the requirements of the Further Environmental Permits (FEP-01/558/2018/A, FEP-02/558/2018/A & FEP-03/558/2018/B).
Environmental auditing works, including regular site inspections of construction works conducted by the ET, audit of implementation of Waste Management Plan, and review of the acceptability of operating speeds and marine travel routes of working vessels, including checking of compliance with the approval conditions given by EPD for allowing the entry of working vessels within marine parks 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, 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 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.
([4]) In view of the pandemic situation, the site inspections were conducted by virtual means in March 2022.
([5]) As the data analysed for November 2021 covered a few days up to 5 November 2021, the monthly data for November 2021 are not presented in Figure 2.5.