EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This is the second EM & A Report for the project of Footbridge and Improvements to Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road & Ap Lei Chau Drive.

This report mainly presents the EM & A works undertaken for the above project from 1 June 2003 to 30 June 2003 in accordance with the EM & A Manual and the Environmental Permit (EP 130/2002) under the Appendix H of the Particular Specification.

Breach of AL Levels

L_{eq (30min)} noise level measurement was performed at four monitoring points namely M1, M2, M3 and M4. M1 is for the Ap Lei Chau Baptist Kindergarten (NSR Ref. no.10). M2 is for the Harbour Mission Church and Yan Oi Kindergarten (NSR Ref. no. 12). M3 is for the Hong Kong True Light College (NSR Ref. no. 17). M4 is for the Shan On House (NSR Ref. no. 20). Since the sensitive receivers on M1, M2 and M3 are for educational uses, the noise limit level is 70 dB(A) during normal school hours and 65 dB(A) during examination period. For the sensitive receiver on M4, the noise limit level is 75 dB(A) as it is a domestic premise.

The construction noise monitoring was conducted on the 2^nd, 5^th ,13^th ,17^th and 24^th of June 2003. All the measured noise levels at the three monitoring stations (M1, M2 and M4) were below the noise limit level. The measured noise levels at the monitoring station M3 were always higher than the targeted limit level. A notification of noise limit exceedance was issued to the Contractor and copied to the IEC, ER and the EPD. Since the engineering works at that concerned vicinity has not yet commenced, the noise is solely due to traffic generated from heavy goods vehicles such as double deck buses on Lei Tung Estate Road. It was then agreed with the IEC that no mitigation measures were required to be undertaken. The noise levels at this monitoring station will, however, be closely monitored when the construction works commence.

Based on the advice from the IEC, a corrected noise level (CNL) with the deduction of the background noise will represent the noise levels generated as a direct result of the construction works. When the CNL value exceeds the limit level (70 dB(A) during normal teaching hours and 65 dB(A) during exam periods), the Contractor should take actions according to the Event/ Action Plan as stipulated in the EM & A Manual Table 3.8a.

Complaint log

No verbal or written complaints were received during the reporting period.

Others

No notifications of summons, no successful prosecutions were received during the reporting period.

Future Key Issues

Adverse influence on both air quality and noise level is anticipated from future construction activities, such as demolition works for the existing CF1 retaining wall by the breakers. The Contractor should carry out good site practice to minimise the potential air pollution and noise pollution.

Since the summer season is coming, the Contractor should exert himself to eliminate the presence of accumulation of stagnant water to avoid the breeding of mosquitoes and the spread of dengue fever.

To improve the hygiene condition of the site, the Contractor should remove the rubbish, if any, within the site area.

1.0 ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS

1.1 Background

Peako Engineering Co. Ltd was commissioned by the Highways Departments to execute the Project “Footbridge and Improvements to Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road and Ap Lei Chau Drive”.

Babtie Asia Ltd was employed by the Contractor to act as the Environmental Team for this project. The Independent Environmental Checker is BMT Asia Pacific Limited.

The purpose of this report is to document the Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM & A) works in the period between 1 June 2003 and 30 June 2003.

1.2 Project Organization & Contact Details of Key Personnel

Titles, names and contact telephone numbers of the key personnel of the captioned project are tabulated below:

Title	Name	Contact Number
Engineer’s Representative (Highways Department)	Mr. W. M. Chan	2231 5722
EPD	Mr. Elvis Au	2835 1964
Project Director (Contractor)	Mr. Ronnie Lo	9144 8398
Project Manager (Contractor)	Mr. Steve C L Liu	9551 1401
Site Agent (Contractor)	Mr. C. P. Lam	8206 8280
Environmental Team Leader (Babtie Asia Limited)	Mr. Mark Cheung	2880 9788
Independent Environmental Checker (BMT Asia Pacific Limited)	Ms. Lyn Ip	2241 9812

The project organization and lines of communication with respect to the environmental monitoring works is shown below.

1.3 Construction Programme

The whole project will involve four key construction stages:

· footbridge construction;

· retaining wall construction;

· road construction; and

· drainage works

The overall construction period will be about 20 months. Night-time works are not expected during the construction phase of the Project.

The latest construction programme is attached in Appendix A. This construction programme is subject to continuous refinement.

1.4 Site Management Structure

The site organization chart is shown as Appendix B.

1.5 Scope of Works

The works for this project are divided into five major items

Item 1 – Junction improvements to J/O Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road / Ap Lei Chau Drive, Ap Lei Chau Drive / Ap Lei Chau Praya Road, and widening of Ap Lei Chau Drive.

Item 2 – Construction / modification of the footpaths and central reserves at Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road, Ap Lei Chau Drive, and Lei Tung Estate Road.

Item 3 – Construction / modification of the retaining walls at Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road for the construction of a staircase, a ramp and an elevated footpath.

Item 4 – Construction of a footbridge at Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road.

Item 5 – Ancillary works including slope works, landscaping works and drainage works.

1.6 Works undertaken during the reporting period with illustrations

The works undertaken in June 2003 were as follows:

· Concreting for Mass Retaining Wall MW 4

· Backfilling for Mass Retaining Wall MW 4

· Demolition for Counterfort Retaining Wall CF1 (Lower 1.2m portion)

· Formwork erection for CF 1 (Section D to Section E)

· Works by Utility undertaker (HEC) at Ap Lei Chau Drive

The photos showing the above works are shown in Appendix C.

1.7 Project Area, Sensitive Receivers & Monitoring Locations

The drawings showing the project area, noise sensitive receivers (NSRs) and the locations of the monitoring stations are shown in Appendix D.

The construction noise monitoring stations are M1, M2, M3 and M4.

M1 is for the Ap Lei Chau Baptist Kindergarten (NSR Ref. no.10). M2 is for the Harbour Mission Church and Yan Oi Kindergarten (NSR Ref. no. 12). M3 is for the Hong Kong True Light College (NSR Ref. no. 17). M4 is for the Shan On House (NSR Ref. no. 20).

It is noted that the locations of the monitoring stations are the same as those adopted in the Noise Baseline Monitoring.

2.0 IMPLEMENTATION STATUS

2.1 Construction Phase

Impacts on the nearby sensitive receivers were identified during various construction stages. Appropriate mitigation measures such as use of quiet plant, reducing percentage on time, avoidance of simultaneous noisy activities have been recommended to reduce the associated impacts.

According to the EIA report, the following should be implemented during the construction period.

Location

Reference Section

Recommended Environmental Protection Measures

Responsibility

Construction Noise Mitigation Measures

Various Locations and work sites within the project limit

Section 5.2.4 & 5.2.5 of EIA Report

Reduce the nuisance from Construction Noise

· Adopt good site practice and proper site management, e.g. plant shall be well maintained and mobile plant shall be sited away from NSRs;

· Use of quiet plant, such as dump truck, grader, breaker and excavator, and working methods;

· Control the number of equipment operating concurrently;

· Reduce the operating time of particular noisy plant on site, e.g. shutting down machines between work periods;

· Monitor noise levels from particularly noisy activities; and if non-compliance with EIAO-TM standards is observed, Contractor shall reduce the number of operating plant or re-adjust working schedule to reduce the impact.

Highways Department

and

Contractor

Location

Reference Section

Recommended Environmental Protection Measures

Responsibility

Construction Dust Mitigation Measures

Various Locations and work sites within the project limit

Section 6.2.2 of EIA Report

Reduce the nuisance of Construction Dust

· Follow the guidelines and regulatory requirements of Air Pollution Control (Open Burning) Regulation and Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation;

· Adopt appropriate environmental pollution control measures on-site, such as, apply water sprays, use clean impervious sheeting to cover dusty materials and set minimum practical height for dropping materials.

Highways Department

and

Contractor

2.2 Advice on the Implementation Status of Environmental Protection & Pollution Control / Mitigation Measures

2.2.1 Construction Noise Mitigation Measures

The Contractor should use silencers or mufflers on construction equipment such as pneumatic breaker and air compressor to avoid exceeding the noise limit and causing nuisance to the nearby sensitive receivers.

Regular maintenance of the construction plant is strongly encouraged to avoid black smoke and excessive noise production. The machines and plant should be shut down or throttled down to a minimum when they are in intermittent use.

The plant known to emit noise strongly in one direction should be orientated to direct noise away from nearby noise sensitive receivers. The mobile plants should be sited as far away from the noise sensitive receivers as possible.

It is important to control the simultaneous operation of the construction plant on site to avoid the potential noise limit exceedance and nuisance to the nearby sensitive receivers especially for those which are for educational purpose.

3.0 MONITORING RESULTS

3.1 Graphical Plots of the Monitored Parameters

The graphical presentations of the monitored parameters during the reporting period are shown in Appendix G.

3.2 Major Activities During the Reporting Period

Major activities during June 2003 include the following:

· Concreting for Mass Retaining Wall MW 4

· Backfilling for Mass Retaining Wall MW 4

· Demolition for Counterfort Retaining Wall CF1 (Lower 1.2m portion)

· Formwork erection for CF 1 (Section D to Section E)

· Works by Utility undertaker (HEC) at Ap Lei Chau Drive

3.3 Noise Monitoring Methodology

The construction noise monitoring was carried out by using a Sound Level Meter to ensure that exceedance in noise levels could be readily identified and timely action taken to reduce the noise levels within allowable limits.

The sound lever meter was mounted on a tripod at a height of 1.2m above the ground level. This was positioned at least 1m away from any nearby reflective surfaces. During the noise data collection, a portable wind speed meter is adopted to check the wind speed.

Noise monitoring would be cancelled in the presence of fog, rain and wind with a steady speed exceeding 5 m/s, or wind with gusts exceeding 10 m/s.

At the end of the monitoring period, the L_eq, L₁₀ and L₉₀ were recorded. The site conditions and noise sources were recorded on a standard record sheet.

3.4 Noise Monitoring Equipment

The approved integrating Sound Level Meter, Model No. NA-27, in compliance with the International Electrotechnical Commission Publication 651:1979 (Type 1) and 804:1985 (Type 1) specification as referred to in the Technical Memorandum issued under the Noise Control Ordinance (NOC), was used for construction noise measurement.

3.5 Calibration Details

The Sound Level Meter has recently been taken to a laboratory for calibration. The certificate is shown in Appendix E.

A sound level calibrator, Model No. NC-73, was used to calibrate the Sound Level Meter before and after the measurement on site. The certificate is shown in Appendix E

3.6 Noise Parameters Monitored

The construction noise levels were measured in terms of equivalent A-weighted sound pressure level (L_eq) measured in decibels (dB).

L_eq(30min) was used as the monitoring parameter for the time period between (0700 to 1900) hours on normal weekdays.

The two statistical sound levels L_A10 and L_A90, the level exceeded for 10 and 90 percent of the measurement time respectively, were also recorded as supplementary information for reference.

3.7 Monitoring Locations

The noise baseline monitoring was conducted at four noise sensitive receivers as stated below.

Monitoring Location	Noise Sensitive Receiver	Ref. No. in the EIA Report
M 1	Ap Lei Chau Baptist Kindergarten	10
M 2	The Harbour Mission Church and Yan Oi Kindergarten	12
M 3	The Hong Kong True Light College	17
M 4	Shan On House	20

All the monitoring points are at façade. Hence, no correction of data is required.

Locations of construction noise monitoring stations and photos are shown in Appendix D.

3.8 Monitoring Date, Time, Frequency and Duration

The monitoring frequency will depend on the scale of the construction activities. The following was adopted as an initial arrangement of measurement on the regular monitoring frequency for each station on a per week basis when noise generating activities are underway:

(a) one set of measurements between 0700 – 1900 hours on normal weekdays;

(b) one set of measurements between 1900 – 2300 hours;

(d) one set of measurements between 0700 – 1900 hours on holidays

During the reporting period, the construction noise monitoring followed the scheme (a). The time and duration of measurement are shown in the Appendix F.

3.9 Noise Monitoring Results

The data for noise monitoring is presented in Appendix F.

For M1, the results show that during the reporting period, the noise level is on average 67.5 dB(A) which is below the noise limit level 70 dB(A).

For M2, the results show that during the reporting period, the noise level is on average 68.1 dB(A) which is below the noise limit level 70 dB(A).

On 2 July 2003, one pneumatic breaker was operating near M1 and M2 during the process of noise data collection. During the 30-minute measurement, the breaker for concrete breaking activities was operating nearly 80% of the measurement time.

For M3, the results show that during the reporting period, the noise level is on average 73.5 dB(A) which exceeds the noise limit level 70 dB(A). No construction works were undertaken in the vicinity of this sensitive receiver.

For M4, the results show that during the reporting period, the noise level is on average 66.7 dB(A), which is below the noise limit level 75 dB(A).

No concrete breaking activities were undertaken near the monitoring stations M3 and M4.

The major noise sources during the reporting period include the operation of a pneumatic breaker for the demolition and clearance works for Counterfort Retaining Wall CF1 and the excavation works at MW 4, which were located at Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road near the junction and the monitoring stations M1 and M2. Traffic also contributed to the noise.

3.10 Weather Conditions

The weather conditions were mainly sunny, and did not affect the environmental monitoring works during the reporting period. The weather conditions during the period are shown in the Appendix H.

3.11 Influencing Factors

Other noise source included the noise from the piling works at the site of Architectural Services Department inside the monitoring station M3, the True Light College.

3.12 Graphical Plots of Trends of Monitored Parameters

The graphical plots of trends of monitored parameters at four monitoring stations are shown in Appendix J.

4.0 RECORD OF NON-COMPLIANCE OF THE ACTION AND LIMIT LEVELS, COMPLAINTS, NOTIFICATIONS OF SUMMONS AND SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS

4.1 Non-compliance of the Action and Limit Levels

4.1.1 Noise

On 24 May 2003, the noise level of M2 was found to be 72.7 dB(A) which exceeded the noise limit level during school hours. The notification of noise limit exceedance was issued to the Contractor. The investigation result shows that there was fixing works at the external wall of the harbour Mission Church and Yan Oi kindergarten during the whole daytime, while the Contractor was proceeding with the demolition of the retaining wall CF1. At the very beginning of the demolition works in May 2003, the Contractor had been confirmed by the principal of the Yan Oi kindergarten that the normal school hour should be 8:00 am to 5:15 pm from Monday to Friday. This was further verified by the ER. In addition, it was commonly agreed that our works on Saturday would not affect the activities of the kindergarten. A thorough coordination with the kindergarten had been conducted before the Contractor actually proceeded with the engineering works.

Moreover, the demolition works on Monday to Friday during May 2003 was carried out only after 5:15pm under the Engineer’s verbal instruction. The noise monitoring was therefore conducted mainly in the non-school hours, only when there were works activities in the vicinity. In order to monitor the noise impact imposed on the sensitive receivers for educational purpose, the monitoring schedule for this month was scheduled to be undertaken during normal school hours.

During the reporting period, the measured noise levels were below the noise limit level at the monitoring stations M1, M2 and M4.

However, all the measured noise levels at the monitoring station M3, the Hong Kong True Light College, exceeded the limit level. A notification was issued to the Contractor and copied to the IEC, ER and the EPD. An investigation was conducted. It was found that the construction works at the concerned vicinity has not yet commenced. The noise was solely due to the traffic generated from heavy goods vehicles such as double deck buses on Lei Tung Estate Road. It was then agreed with the IEC that no mitigation measures were required to be undertaken. The noise levels at this monitoring station will, however, be closely monitored when the construction works commence.

4.2 Written Complaints and Verbal Complaints

No written or verbal complaints were received during the reporting period.

The following table shows the summary for all the complaints received since the commencement of the Contract.

TOTAL NO. OF COMPLAINT	NO. OF COMPLAINT RECEIVED WITHIN REPORTING PERIOD	NO. OF COMPLAINT THAT IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION	NO. OF CLOSED COMPLAINT
1	0	0	1

The statistics for environmental complaint in June and the cumulative statistic for the environmental complaint since the commencement of the construction works are shown in Appendix I.

4.3 Description of Actions taken

No mitigation measures were considered to be necessary as mentioned in Section 4.1.

4.4 Notifications of Summons and Successful Prosecutions

No notifications of summons or successful prosecutions were received by the Contractor regarding the non-compliance of the environmental performance of the construction site during the reporting period.

4.5 Review of the Reasons for and the Implications of Non-Compliance & Complaints

The non-compliance recorded at M3 is solely due to the noisy background noise generated from the heavy traffic on Lei Tung Estate Road.

5.0 SITE ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT RESULTS

5.1 Site Inspection by Environmental Team (ET)

Weekly site inspections were conducted by the ET and the major findings during the reporting period are summarized as follows:

· Accumulation of stagnant water; and

· Inadequate water supply or storage for dust suppression.

5.2 Corrective Actions by Contractor

After the Contractor has received the environmental protection instructions issued by the Environmental Team Leader after each site environmental audit, the corresponding actions were undertaken as follows:

· Stagnant water caused by rainy weather was discharged; and

· Water supply was installed at Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road.

6.0 OTHERS

6.1 Future Key Issue

In the coming month, the following activities will be undertaken.

· Construction of Retaining Wall CF 1

· Temporary Traffic Diversion

· Drainage Construction

· Road Construction at Ap Lei Chau Drive

Potential environmental impacts arising from the above construction works are mainly associated with dust, noise and site runoff.

Nonetheless, with the implementation of the following mitigation measures, potential impacts to the surrounding sensitive receivers could be minimised.

Construction Dust

· Regularly watering of unpaved areas and the dry topsoil.

· Cover the stockpiles with tarpaulin.

· Investigate other dust sources.

· Prohibit any open burning on site.

· Maintain onsite machinery and vehicles regularly.

· Switch off vehicles and equipments while not in use.

Construction Noise

· Carry out good site practice.

· Use quieter plant.

· Adopt quiet working methods.

· Enclose certain type of power mechanical equipment such as generators and compressors.

· Shut down the machines and plant that may be in intermittent use between work periods or throttled them down to a minimum.

· Put the noisy equipment away from nearby NSRs as far as possible.

· Shift the working hours as a last resort.

Construction Site Runoff

· Direct the site runoff to the desilting facilities.

· Desilt the site runoff before discharging it into the stormwater system.

· Avoid direct discharge of wastewater into stormwater drainage system.

Attention should be given to the potential silty effluent resulting from the minipile works (future works) for the footbridge foundation at Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road to ensure it is treated as mentioned above before being discharged.

The location for carrying out the demolition and construction works for the retaining wall CF1 and its subsequent modification work is very near to the Ap Lei Chau Baptist Kindergarten (M1) and The Harbour Mission Church and Yan Oi Kindergarten (M2). As such, the Contractor should minimise the noise impact from the operation of the machines and plant. Close monitoring on these two locations should be carried out to avoid complaints.

Since the heavy rainstorm season is coming, the Contractor should clean the sediments, if any, which block the stormwater U-channels within the site area. The Contractor should also remove any rubbish within the site area.

The Contractor should exert himself to eliminate the presence of accumulation of stagnant water to avoid the breeding of mosquitoes and the spread of dengue fever.

6.2 Advice on the solid and liquid waste management status

6.2.1 General Refuse

General refuse may be generated by site workers. Bins shall be provided for containment prior to disposal of such waste. The Contractor should avoid the accumulation of waste materials or rubbish on site.

If there is any chemical waste or oil generated by the site, they should be properly treated and disposed of as chemical waste. If applicable, the Contractor should register as a chemical waste producer under the registration of the Department of Environmental Protection.

Environmental awareness shall be encouraged in office so as to reduce volume of office waste.

The accumulation of construction waste materials should be avoided. Segregation of waste and regular removal of waste materials on site are encouraged.

6.2.2 Liquid Waste Management

The accumulation of stagnant water within the construction site should be avoided to eliminate breeding grounds of mosquitoes.

To achieve this, the Contractor should identify potential stagnant areas on the Site and take necessary rectification action, provide personnel to inspect the Site and take appropriate action to ensure no mosquitoes can breed.

To control the silty water, the Contractor should provide sandbags/ bunds to direct site surface runoff to the desilting facilities such as sedimentation tanks. The desilting facilities should be properly operated and maintained. In the meantime, the sedimentation tank should not become a pool of stagnant water to avoid the breeding of mosquitoes and other insects. Care should also be taken to ensure the capacity of the desilting facilities is sufficient to handle the discharge and to avoid overflow of the silty water.

For the wastewater generated from the site area, the Contractor should identify the sources. The produced wastewater should be collected and treated prior to disposal.