10           ENVIRONMENTAL SITE INSPECTION

Site Audits

10.1     Site audits were carried out by ET on a weekly basis to monitor the timely implementation of proper environmental management practices and mitigation measures on the Contract site.  Summary of the site audits are presented in Table 10.1 and Appendix P.

Table 10.1   Summary of Site Audits

Environmental Site Inspection

Works Contracts

ND/2019/01

ND/2019/02

ND/2019/03

ND/2019/04

ND/2019/05

ND/2019/06

ND/2019/07

Weekly site audit with representative of the Supervisor’s Representative and the Contractor

2, 9, 17, 25 and 30 Apr 24

3, 10, 19 and 24 Apr 24

5, 12, 16 and 26 Apr 24

3, 11, 16 and 25 Apr 24

2, 8, 18, 22 and 29 Apr 24

N/A

5, 12, 19 and 26 Apr 24

Joint Site Audit with representative of the Supervisor’s Representative, the Contractor and IEC

17 Apr 24

24 Apr 24

16 Apr 24

16 Apr 24

18 Apr 24

N/A

19 Apr 24

Remarks: The weekly site inspection for ND/2019/06 has been terminated starting from 19/10/2023 since the termination proposal was approved by EPD on the same day.

10.2     During site inspections in the reporting month, no non-conformance was identified. The observations and recommendations made during the audit sessions are summarised in Table 10.2. Any outstanding and recurrence deficiencies are presented in Table 10.3.

10.3     All construction activities with significant environmental impact undertaken by Contract No. ND/2019/06 was substantially completed in March 2022 and the majority of outstanding works were also completed in April 2022 with defect rectification works remained. The outstanding installation works were the short-duration works which would be completed within 2 months during the 1-year defect correction period, originally estimated.

10.4     Due to problems in material deliveries from Mainland China in 2022, the completion date of the outstanding works would be extended to June 2023 tentatively. However, in June 2023, more defects were found during the handover inspection so the rectification works were undertaken until July 2023 when all works were completed.

10.5     The weekly site inspection and EM&A Reporting for ND/2019/06 were maintained until the termination proposal for ND/2019/06 has been endorsed by the IEC (17 Aug 23), the Engineer (26 Aug 23) and the Project Proponent (19 Sep 23) followed by approval from EPD (19 Oct 23) in accordance. The procedure for termination proposal for ND/2019/06 is in accordance with section 15.4.2 of updated EM&A Manual.


 


Table 10.2       Observations and Recommendations during Site Audits

Parameters

Date

Observations and Recommendations

Follow-up

 

Contract No.: ND/2019/01

 

 

Water Quality

25/04/2024

Review and maintain RC3 to ensure the open channel has sufficient capacity at Portion 1B.

Improvement/Rectification was observed during follow-up audit session on 30 Apr 2024.

Air Quality

26/03/2024

Dust suppression measures should be enhanced for the stockpiles of dusty materials at P13.

Improvement/Rectification was observed during follow-up audit session on 2 Apr 2024.

02/04/2024

Dust suppression measures should be enhanced for the dusty haul raod at P13 and at Dill’s

Corner works area.

Improvement/Rectification was observed during follow-up audit session on 9 Apr 2024.

 

Contract No.: ND/2019/02

 

Water Quality

10/04/2024

Exposed slope next to Shek Sheung River should be covered by impervious sheets properly.

Improvement/Rectification was observed during follow-up audit session on 19 Apr 2024.

24/04/2024

Water mitigation measures should be enhanced to avoid muddy runoff discharge into manholes. (Dill’s Corner)

Follow-up action is needed to be reported in the following month.

27/03/2024

Ensure that vehicles leaving the Dill’s Corner works area are properly cleaned.

Item remarked as 240403-R04. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

03/04/2024

Item remarked as 240410-R04. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

10/04/2024

Improvement/Rectification was observed during follow-up audit session on 19 Apr 2024.

27/03/2024

Review the drainage system to ensure the existing water pipe was connected to wetsep and

discharged into a valid location.

Item remarked as 240403-R02. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

03/04/2024

Item remarked as 240410-R02. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

10/04/2024

Item remarked as 240419-R02. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

19/04/2024

Item remarked as 240424-R02. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

24/04/2024

Follow-up action is needed to be reported in the following month.

27/03/2024

Vehicles exits should be paved to ensure vehicles remain clean when leaving the site.

(Portion 5)

Item remarked as 240403-R03. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

03/04/2024

Item remarked as 240410-R03. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

10/04/2024

Item remarked as 240419-R03. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

19/04/2024

Item remarked as 240424-R03. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

24/04/2024

Follow-up action is needed to be reported in the following month.

03/04/2024

Sandbag bund should be enhanced to avoid muddy runoff discharge. (Portion 6)

Item remarked as 240410-R07. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

10/04/2024

Item remarked as 240419-R04. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

19/04/2024

Item remarked as 240424-R04. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

24/04/2024

Sandbag bund should be enhanced to avoid muddy runoff discharge. (Portion 3)

Follow-up action is needed to be reported in the following month.

27/03/2024

Avoid muddy water discharge to Sheung Yue River directly outside the Visitor Center.

Improvement/Rectification was observed during follow-up audit session on 3 Apr 2024.

27/03/2024

Review the capacity of the silt tank at Portion 5.

Improvement/Rectification was observed during follow-up audit session on 3 Apr 2024.

Air Quality

27/03/2024

Enhance the mitigation measures of the stockpile of soil in Dill’s Corner.

Item remarked as 240403-R05. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

03/04/2024

Item remarked as 240410-R05. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

10/04/2024

Improvement/Rectification was observed during follow-up audit session on 19 Apr 2024.

Waste / Chemical Management

03/04/2024

Littering should be avoided, especially near water bodies.

Improvement/Rectification was observed during follow-up audit session on 10 Apr 2024.

19/04/2024

Oily content in the drip tray should be cleared. (Portion 7)

Item remarked as 240424-R05. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

24/04/2024

Follow-up action is needed to be reported in the following month.

Ecology

27/03/2024

The removed green hoarding along Sheung Yue River due to the construction works should be replaced and maintained properly as soon as possible.

Item remarked as 240403-R01. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

03/04/2024

Item remarked as 240410-R01. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

10/04/2024

Item remarked as 240419-R01. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

19/04/2024

Item remarked as 240424-R01. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

24/04/2024

Follow-up action is needed to be reported in the following month.

 

Contract No.: ND/2019/03

 

Air Quality

12/04/2024

Dusty debris outside of site boundary should be cleared immediately.

Improvement/Rectification was observed during follow-up audit session on 16 Apr 2024.

16/04/2024

Dusty haul road should be watered regularly.

Item remarked as 240426-F01. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

26/04/2024

Follow-up action is needed to be reported in the following month.

Waste/Chemical Management

16/04/2024

Drip tray should be provided for chemical/fuel containers.

Item remarked as 240426-F02. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

26/04/2024

Follow-up action is needed to be reported in the following month.

16/04/2024

Accumulation of general refuse should be avoided.

Item remarked as 240426-F03. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

26/04/2024

Follow-up action is needed to be reported in the following month.

 

Contract No.: ND/2019/04

 

Air Quality

03/04/2024

Exposed haul road at Portion K should be water-sprayed regularly as dust suppression.

Improvement/Rectification was observed during follow-up audit session on 11 Apr 2024.

16/04/2024

Stockpile for backfill at A3-03 should be covered by impervious sheets properly to avoid

dust generation.

Improvement/Rectification was observed during follow-up audit session on 25 Apr 2024.

Ecology

28/03/2024

Broken silt curtain should be maintained or replaced immediately to prevent muddy water

discharge.

Improvement/Rectification was observed during follow-up audit session on 3 Apr 2024.

25/04/2024

The 2m high green barrier of the 10m vegetated buffer zone between A2-03 and A2-04 should be maintained properly and regularly.

Follow-up action is needed to be reported in the following month.

25/04/2024

The silt curtain at Bridge A should be maintained properly and regularly.

Follow-up action is needed to be reported in the following month.

Water Quality

28/03/2024

Review the drainage system to ensure that no untreated water flow directly into the discharge

point.

Improvement/Rectification was observed during follow-up audit session on 3 Apr 2024.

Waste / Chemical Management

28/03/2024

Accumulation of general waste should be avoided.

Improvement/Rectification was observed during follow-up audit session on 3 Apr 2024.

Permits / Licences

28/03/2024

A copy of Environmental Permit should be displayed at the site exit conspicuously.

Item remarked as 240403-R02. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

03/04/2024

Improvement/Rectification was observed during follow-up audit session on 11 Apr 2024.

 

Contract No.: ND/2019/05

 

Water Quality

27/03/2024

Water mitigation measures should be enhanced at Portion VI cycling track works area to

ensure wastewater from wheel-washing would be collected and treated properly.

Item remarked as 240402-F01. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

02/04/2024

Item remarked as 240408-F01. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

08/04/2024

Improvement/Rectification was observed during follow-up audit session on 18 Apr 2024.

22/04/2024

Water mitigation measures should be enhanced at Bridge C. Muddy surface runoff discharge through the site boundary was observed during raining.

Item remarked as 240429-F01. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

29/04/2024

Cutoff drainage or earth bunding should be implemented at the pedestrian exit of Bridge C

to prevent muddy water leakage.

Follow-up action is needed to be reported in the following month.

Air Quality

08/04/2024

Valid NRMM label should be displayed properly on the generator at Bridge B.

Item remarked as 240418-R01. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

18/04/2024

Improvement/Rectification was observed during follow-up audit session on 22 Apr 2024.

Waste/Chemical Management

29/04/2024

Drip tray for the chemical/fuel containers should be provided.

Follow-up action is needed to be reported in the following month.

 

Contract No.: ND/2019/06

 

--

--

--

--

 

Contract No.: ND/2019/07

 

 

Water Quality

05/04/2024

Review any potential spillage of waste water passing through the hoarding. If any spillage is identified, please enhance the water mitigation measures and prevent it.

Item remarked as 240412-R01. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

12/04/2024

Item remarked as 240419-F01. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

19/04/2024

Item remarked as 240426-F01. Follow-up action is needed to be review.

26/04/2024

Follow-up action is needed to be reported in the following month.



Table 10.3       Summary Table for the Outstanding item(s) in the reporting month

Contract No.

Outstanding deficiencies since last reporting month

(Mar 2024)

Deficiencies recorded

in the reporting month

(Apr 2024)

Total deficiencies (including repeated deficiencies) in the reporting month

Deficiencies rectified in the reporting month

Outstanding deficiencies

need to be Follow-up in the next month

(May 2024)

Total

outstanding deficiencies

A

N

W

W/C

CH

L&V

E

P/L

A

N

W

W/C

CH

L&V

E

P/L

ND/2019/01

1

1

/

1

/

/

/

/

/

2

3

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

ND/2019/02

8

2

/

16

3

/

/

4

/

25

6

/

/

4

1

/

/

1

/

6

ND/2019/03

/

3

/

/

4

/

/

/

/

7

1

1

/

/

2

/

/

/

/

3

ND/2019/04

4

2

/

/

/

/

/

2

1

5

6

/

/

/

/

/

/

2

/

2

ND/2019/05

1

2

/

4

1

/

/

/

/

7

2

/

/

1

1

/

/

/

/

2

ND/2019/06*

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

/

ND/2019/07

/

/

/

4

/

/

/

/

/

4

/

/

/

1

/

/

/

/

/

1

Legends:

A = Air Quality

N = Construction Noise Impact

W = Water Quality

W/C = Waste / Chemical Management

CH = Cultural Heritage

L&V = Landscape & Visual

E = Ecology

P/L = Permit / Licences

* The weekly site inspection for ND/2019/06 has been terminated starting from 19/10/2023 since the termination proposal was approved by EPD on the same day.

 

Implementation Status of Environmental Mitigation Measures

10.6     According to the EIA Report, EPs and the Updated EM&A Manual, the mitigation measures detailed in the documents are recommended to be implemented during the construction phase. An updated summary of the Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule is provided in Appendix Q. The photographic records of measures as stipulated in EPs to mitigate environmental impacts in the reporting month are presented in Table 10.4.


Table 10.4   Photographic Records and Implementation Status of Measures

EP No.

Condition

Photographic Record

Implementation Status

EP-466/2013/A

2.9

 

To minimise adverse impacts on habitats of ecological importance in the vicinity of the Project, 2m high solid dull green site barrier fences shall be erected around all active works areas.

^[1]

EP-467/2013/A

2.9

 

To minimise adverse impacts on habitats of ecological importance in the vicinity of the Project, 2m high solid dull green site barrier fences shall be erected around all active works areas.

^[1]

EP-468/2013/A

2.11

     

To minimise adverse impacts on habitats of ecological importance in the vicinity of the Project, 2m high solid dull green site barrier fences shall be erected around all active works areas.

^[1]

EP-469/2013

2.7

 

To minimise adverse impacts on habitats of ecological importance in the vicinity of the Project, 2m high solid dull green site barrier fences shall be erected around all active works areas.

^[1]

EP-473/2013/A

2.13

 

To minimise adverse impacts on habitats of ecological importance in the vicinity of the Project, 2m high solid dull green site barrier fences shall be erected around all active works areas.

^[1]

EP-475/2013/A

2.7

 

To minimise adverse impacts on habitats of ecological importance in the vicinity of the Project, 2m high solid dull green site barrier fences shall be erected around all active works areas.

^[1]

Implementation status:

^         Mitigation measure was fully implemented

*         Observation/reminder was made during site audit but improved/rectified by the contractor

#         Observation/reminder was made during site audit but not yet improved/ rectified by the            contractor

X        Non-compliance of mitigation measure

·         Non-compliance but rectified by the contractor

N/A   Not Applicable at this stage as no such site activities were conducted in the reporting            period

Remark:

 [1]:     Barrier fences might be subjected to change according to the phasing plan designed at detailed design stage

 

Implementation Status of Water Quality Mitigation Measures

10.7     The water quality mitigation measures detailed in the EIA Report and the Updated EM&A Manual are recommended to be implemented during the construction phase. Water quality mitigation measures implemented by the contractors were closely monitored to prevent water pollution, especially during rainy season. An updated summary of the Environmental Mitigation Implementation Schedule is provided in Appendix Q. Specific water quality mitigation measures for major construction works in the reporting month are presented in Table 10.4.


 

Table 10.5       Specific Water Quality Mitigation Measures for Major Construction Works in the Reporting Month

Works Contracts

Photographic Records

ND/2019/01

Hard paved exposed slope surface

Hydroseeding for slope area

ND/2019/02

Hard paved exposed haul road

Hard paved exposed slope surface

ND/2019/03

Hard paved exposed haul road

Watering the main haul road regularly.

ND/2019/04

Hard paved exposed slope surface

Deployment of silt curtain around works area in Ng Tung River

ND/2019/05

Covering dusty stockpile

Provision of sand bags around works area

ND/2019/07

Covering exposed slope surface with tarpaulin

De-silting waste water before discharge

Water quality mitigation measures for site(s) in operation phase, remaining defect works

ND/2019/06

Hard paved exposed haul road

Hard paved exposed haul road

Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status

10.8     Waste generated from Contract Nos. ND/2019/01, ND/2019/02, ND/2019/03, ND/2019/04, ND/2019/05 and ND/2019/07 included inert construction and demolition (C&D) materials and non-inert C&D wastes in the reporting month. The site of ND/2019/06 was handed over to AFCD for operation since 4 April 2022.

10.9     The amount of wastes generated by the construction works of the Contract Nos. ND/2019/01, ND/2019/02, ND/2019/03, ND/2019/04, ND/2019/05 and ND/2019/07 during the reporting month are shown in Appendix R. The site of ND/2019/06 was handed over to AFCD for operation since 4 April 2022.

10.10 The Contractors are advised to minimise the wastes generated through recycling or reusing. All mitigation measures stipulated in the Updated EM&A Manual and waste management plans shall be fully implemented. The status of implementation of waste management and reduction measures are summited in Appendix Q.

Ecological Mitigation Measures – Creation of Long Valley Nature Park (LVNP)

10.11 Based on the findings of the EIA Report, the area of Long Valley has been assessed as of high to very high ecological value and is the largest contiguous area of freshwater wetland habitats in Hong Kong. To safeguard the ecological value of Long Valley, about 37 hectares of land in Long Valley has been proposed to develop into Long Valley Nature Park (LVNP) for conserving and enhancing the ecologically important environment as well as for compensation of the wetland loss due to the NDA development.

10.12  LVNP is developed according to the approved Habitat Creation and Management Plan (HCMP) submitted under EP-468/2013/A. HCMP provides a framework and specifications for development and management of LVNP and guides the development to maintain and enhance the 37 hectares of low-lying wetland habitats.

10.13 Regarding the design, the zoning of land use in LVNP is intended to maintain the existing mosaic pattern of wet and dry agriculture, while controlling the activities that could potentially disturb target habitats and species. LVNP will be divided into three broad zones of land use as below:

       Biodiversity Zone of about 21 hectares largely designated for biodiversity conservation through cultivation of specified crops and habitat management.

       Agricultural Zone of about 11 hectares designated for commercially focuses crop production and eco-friendly agricultural practice for farming.

       Visitor Zone of about 5 hectares designed to accommodate visitors as well as storage and other facilities and for educational purposes.

10.14 The construction of LVNP started in late 2019 and was expected to be completed in 2023. During the construction period, the progress of construction and wetland enhancement works has been under observation by different stakeholders including AFCD and green groups. Close communication between AFCD and CEDD were conducted to exchange views on conservation, restoration and management of habitats as well as on the planning and design of the park. In addition, advices from green groups, Hong Kong Bird Watching Society (HKBWS) and The Conservancy Association (CA), have been taken on habitat management of Long Valley and potential effects on habitat and wildlife of each individual work conducted in Long Valley. The last meeting was held on 18 November 2022 to share the progress of LVNP with different stakeholders, including CEDD, AFCD, CA, HKBWS, Contractor, ET, IEC and farmers.

10.15 Proposals on wetland creation and restoration, dry agricultural land creation, pond creation, water treatment wetland and design of irrigation channel were submitted by the Contractor to achieve the objectives stated in HCMP and accepted by the Engineer with consent from AFCD before implementation. The Contractor would consult the stakeholders for recommendations and suggestions on mitigation measures to minimise the environmental impacts arising from construction works. The progress of works would be arranged to minimise impacts to avifauna and maintain the habitat for avifauna. The photographic records of site activities in LVNP are presented in Table 10.5.


 

Table 10.6       Photographic Records of Site Activities in LVNP

Continuing agricultural practice in existing farmland to maintain habitats in Long Valley

Open water Habitat

Open water Habitat

Creation of wetland with designated habitat for biodiversity conservation

 

Planting of paddy rice to provide foraging ground for Yellow-breasted Bunting

 

Enhancement of irrigation channel to provide reliable water source for farmland in Long Valley

Provision of bird island (hidden area)

Restoring of water flea pond to provide food source to water birds

Construction of storage sheds for farmers

A Vanellus cinereus was recorded

Wet agricultural land