Contents

                        Executive summary                                                             

1                      Introduction                                                                          

1.1                   Purpose of the Report                                                     

1.2                   Key Contact Information                                                 

2                      Environmental Status                                                      

2.1                   Project Area                                                                         

2.2                   Environmental Sensitive Receivers                            

2.3                   Major Construction Activities                                     

2.4                   Monitoring Schedule of The Reporting Period    

2.5                   Status of Environmental Approval Documents

2.6                   Community Liaison Group Meeting                               

2.7                   Summary of Non-Compliance with the Environmental Quality Performance Limits                                                                                           

2.8                   Summary of Environmental Complaints                  

2.9                   Summary of Environmental Summons                      

3                      Environmental Issues and Actions                             

3.1                   Previous Environmental Deficiencies and Follow-up Actions       

3.2                   Implementation Status on Environmental Protection Requirements

4                      Environmental Monitoring                                             

4.1                   Air and Noise                                                                           

4.2                   Water Quality                                                                        

4.3                   POPs Monitoring                                                                   

4.4                   Waste Management                                                             

4.5                   Cultural Heritage                                                              

4.6                   Landscape and Visual                                                        

4.7                   Land Contamination, Hazard to Life and Fuel Spill Risk 

4.8                   Ecology                                                                                    

4.9                   EM&A Manual                                                                          

4.10                 Baseline Water Quality Monitoring                           

5                      Future Key Issues and Conclusion                             

5.1                   Key Issues for the Next Reporting Period              

5.2                   Impact Prediction for the Next Reporting Period   

5.3                   Works and Monitoring Schedule for the Next Reporting Period         

5.4                   Conclusion                                                                              

 


LIST OF TABLES

 

Table 1.1        Contact Information

Table 2.1        Summary of Works Undertaken During the Reporting Period

Table 2.2        Cumulative Quantity of Excavated Materials

Table 2.3        Summary of Environmental Licensing, Notification and Permit Status

Table 3.1        Environmental Deficiencies (Observations) from Site Inspections during Reporting Period

 

LIST OF ANNEXES

 

Annex A         Project Location

Annex B         Water Quality Monitoring Stations, Water Quality and Ecological Sensitive Receivers

Annex C         Cumulative Complaints Statistics

Annex D         Implementation Programme of Mitigation Measures

 

 


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The construction works for the Permanent Aviation Fuel Facility resumed on 9 July 2007.  This eleventh quarterly Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) report presents the EM&A work carried out during the period from 1 July to 30 September 2009 in accordance with the EM&A Manual.

Breaches of all Action and Limit Levels

No water quality monitoring was conducted (due to no dredging work) during the reporting period that required comparison against Action and Limit Levels. 

Complaint Log

No environmental complaints were received during the reporting period.

Notifications of any Summons and Successful Prosecutions

No environmental summons or prosecutions were received in this reporting period.

Reporting Changes

There were no reporting changes in the reporting period. 

Future Key Issues

·         Dust release and suppression;

·       Backfilling of rock armour over the pipelines; and,

·                Dredging operation for the repair of pipeline.

 


1                                            Introduction

Leighton Contractors (Asia) Limited (LCAL) has appointed ERM-Hong Kong, Limited (ERM) as the Environmental Team (ET) to implement the Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) programme for the Permanent Aviation Fuel Facility (the Project) during construction works. 

The construction works for PAFF commenced in November 2005 based upon the previous EIA (EIAO Register Number AEIAR-062-2002) conducted and the Environmental Permit EP-139/2002 granted on the 28th August 2002.  Due to minor changes to the detailed layout of the site and the site boundary, application for Variation to the Environmental Permit (VEP) (VEP-133/2004) was submitted to the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) for approval.  The variation to the EP (EP-139/2002/A) was granted by EPD in February 2004.

The decision by EPD to grant the above Environmental Permit was, however, subject to a Judicial Review.  The Judicial Review sided in the favour of the DEP, as did the subsequent Judgement from the Court of Appeal from the High Court for Judicial Review in March 2005.  However, the DEP’s decision to grant the EP was quashed by the Judgement of the Court of Final Appeal of July 2006.

The construction works were stopped following the Judgement of the Court of Final Appeal of July 2006.  As such, in order to continue with the construction of the project, the project went through the statutory procedures under the EIAO again with a new design in order to obtain an environmental permit.  The revised EIA was submitted in 2007 and the environmental permit (EP-262/2007) was granted in May 2007. EP-262/2007 has been amended to EP262/2007/A and issued by the EPD on 30 November 2007.  A further Variation to the Environmental Permit has been approved to allow dredging works to continue until March 2008.  As such, EP-262/2007/A has been amended to EP-262/2007/B and issued by the EPD on 27 February 2008.

The construction works and EM&A requirements resumed on 9 July 2007 following the latest requirements of the EP-262/2007 and EM&A Manual.  Details regarding the EM&A requirements and changes should refer to the updated EM&A Manual.  For the marine works, all piling activities were completed before the previous suspension of construction works in 2006.

1.1                                      Purpose of the Report

This is the eleventh EM&A Report which summarizes the monitoring results and audit findings for the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 July to 30 September 2009.


1.2                                      Key Contact Information

Key contact information of the Project is presented in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1        Contact Information

Name

Position

Telephone

Facsimile

E-mail

Airport Authority Hong Kong – Environmental Permit Holder

Anthony Wong

Assistant General Manager Aviation Logistics

2183 3099

2824 2786

anthony.wong@hkairport.com

Contractor – Leighton (Asia) Construction Limited

Brian Gillon

Project Director

2823 1111

2529 8784

brian.gillon@leightonasia.com

Boyd Merrett

Project Manager

2404 8900

2404 0081

boyd.merrett@leightonasia.com

Franchisee’s Site Representative – ECO Aviation Fuel Development Limited

Philip Siu

Franchisee’s Site Representative

2963 2820

2563 6311

philip.siu@towngas.com

Environmental Team – ERM-Hong Kong Limited

Craig Reid

Environmental Team Leader

2271 3000

2723 5660

craig.reid@erm.com

Independent Environmental Checker – Hyder Consulting Limited

Dr Guiyi Li

Independent Environmental Checker

2911 2233

2805 5028

guiyi.li@hyderconsulting.com

 

2                                            Environmental Status

2.1                                      Project Area

The project area is in Area 38 of Tuen Mun and the pipelines are located at Urmston Road between Tuen Mun Area 38 and Sha Chau.  The site is illustrated in Annex A.

2.2                                      Environmental Sensitive Receivers

No air and noise sensitive receivers were identified close to the project area.  However, water sensitive receivers and ecological sensitive receivers were identified in the EIA study, and are shown in Annex B.

2.3                                      Major Construction Activities

A summary of the major works undertaken in this reporting period is shown in Table 2.1.  Marine dredging operations were completed on 23 January 2009.  Table 2.2 presents the cumulative quantity of excavated materials up to that date.  Daily and cumulative dredging production rates are illustrated in Figure 2.1.

Table 2.1        Summary of Works Undertaken During the Reporting Period

Area

Works undertaken

Tuen Mun Area 38

·          Tank Farm, Roof Truss and Bund Wall Construction

·          Permanent Drainage Construction

·          Operational & Fire Services Buildings Construction

·          Jetty Works (Non-piling)

·          Pre-Commission and Commissioning Activities for Phase 1A (the first four tanks)

Submarine Pipeline Route

·          Riser connections at seawall and Sha Chau

·          Backfilling and placing of rock armour over the pipelines

Table 2.2        Cumulative Quantity of Excavated Materials

Type of Excavated Materials

Cumulative Bulk Volume (m3)

From 17 December 2007 to 31 March 2008

Contaminated Mud

105,974

Uncontaminated Mud

97,815

 

From 1 September 2008 to 23 January 2009

Contaminated Mud

0

Uncontaminated Mud

149,147

2.4                                      Monitoring Schedule of The Reporting Period

No water quality monitoring was conducted during the reporting period, hence presentation of the monitoring schedule is not applicable.

2.5                                      Status of Environmental Approval Documents

A summary of the relevant permits, licences, and/or notifications on environmental protection for this Project since July 2007 is presented in Table 2.3.  

Table 2.3        Summary of Environmental Licensing, Notification and Permit Status

Permit/ Licenses/ Notification

Reference

Validity Period

Remarks

Environmental Permit

EP-262/2007/B

Throughout Project

Issued on 27 February 2008 (EP-262/2007/A on 30 November 2007, EP-262/2007 issued on 31 May 2007, EP-139/2002 originally granted on 28 August 2002 and EP-139/2002/A granted on 24 February 2004 were superseded)

Chemical Waste Producer Registration

 

WPN 5111-421-L2174-25

Throughout Project

Issued on 10 November 2005

Notification of Construction Works under Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation

 

H2104/U1D/5542/DG/DH/PL

 

Throughout Project

Notification on 6 July 2007

Construction Noise Permit

GW-RW0676-07

21 December 2007 to 19 June 2008

 

 

For land-based works including air compressors, breakers, excavators, wheeled loaders, mobile cranes, concrete lorry mixers, hand-held pokers, bar benders/cutters, wood saws, grinders, submarine water pump, lorries with crane, dump trucks, rollers, ventilation fans and generators

 

GW-RW0677-07

21 December 2007 to 29 February 2008

For marine dredging operation including grab dredger, tug boat, split hopper barge and motor sampan

 

GW-RW0678-07

21 December 2007 to 18 June 2008

 

For marine jetty works including concrete pump derrick barges, hand-held grinders, generators, air compressors, boring machines, water pumps, tug boat, grout mixers and grout pumps

 

GW-RW0094-08

1 March to 31 March 2008

For marine dredging operation including grab dredger, tug boat, split hopper barge and motor sampan

 

GW-RW0312-08

04 July 2008 to 22 December 2008

 

 

For marine jetty works including concrete pump derrick barges, hand-held grinders, generators, air compressors, boring machines, water pumps, tug boat, grout mixers and grout pumps

 

GW-RW0313-08

04 July 2008 to 19 December 2008

 

For land-based works including air compressors, breakers, excavators, wheeled loaders, mobile cranes, concrete lorry mixers, hand-held pokers, bar benders/cutters, wood saws, grinders, submarine water pump, lorries with crane, dump trucks, rollers, ventilation fans and generators

 

GW-RW0373-08

1 August 2008 to 20 January 2009

For land-based works including air compressors, breakers, excavators, wheeled loaders, mobile cranes, concrete lorry mixers, hand-held pokers, bar benders/cutters, wood saws, grinders, submarine water pump, lorries with crane, dump trucks, rollers, ventilation fans, generators, stirrer, jet chisel, water jet machine and dehumidifier

 

GW-RW0368-08

1 September to 30 November 2008

For marine dredging operation including grab dredger, tug boat, split hopper barge and motor sampan

 

GW-RW0054-09

16 February 2009 to 5 August 2009

 

For land-based and marine works including passenger launch, winch, welding machine, grinder, generator, power pack, tug boat, crane, air compressor, roller, hoist and derrick barge

 

 

GW-RW0261-09

3 July 2009 to 3 November 2009

For land-based and marine works including derrick barge, grinder, crane, tug boat, drill, welding machine, hopper barge, motor sampan, air compressor

 

 

GW-RW0299-09

21 July 2009 to 20 January 2010

 

For land-based works including air compressors, breakers, excavators, wheeled loaders, mobile cranes, concrete lorry mixers, hand-held pokers, bar benders/cutters, wood saws, grinders, submarine water pump, lorries with crane, dump trucks, rollers, ventilation fans, generators, stirrer, jet chisel, water jet machine and dehumidifier etc

 

Marine Dumping Permit

EP/MD/08-064

13 December 2007 to 29 February 2008

 

For Type 1 – Open Sea Disposal

EP/MD/08-065

13 December 2007 to 12 January 2008

For Type 1d & Type 2 marine disposal

EP/MD/08-071

13 January 2008 to 12 February 2008

 

For Type 1d & Type 2 marine disposal

EP/MD/08-090

3 March to 31 March 2008

 

For Type 1d & Type 2 marine disposal

EP/MD/08-091

3 March to 31 March 2008

 

For Type 1 – Open Sea Disposal

EP/MD/09-018

1 September to 30 September 2008

 

For Type 1d & Type 2 marine disposal

EP/MD/09-032

1 October to 31 October 2008

 

For Type 1d & Type 2 marine disposal

EP/MD/09-017

1 September to 30 November 2008

 

For Type 1 – Open Sea Disposal

EP/MD/09-039

1 December 2008 to 31 January 2009

For Type 1 – Open Sea Disposal

Wastewater Discharge License

EP760/421/011399/l

15 March 2006 to 31 March 2011

Issued on 15 March 2006

2.6                                      Community Liaison Group Meeting

According to the EP requirements, a Community Liaison Group (CLG) was established within three months after commencement of construction of the Project.  The major duty of the CLG is to advise on and monitor the proper design, construction and operation of the Project.  The CLG comprises representatives from Airport Authority, members of Tuen Mun community and academics.  During the reporting period, a meeting was organised by the CLG on 13 September 2009.  Details of the CLG (including Membership and its Terms of Reference) and the meeting minutes can be found on the Project website (http://www.paffhk.com).

2.7                                      Summary of Non-Compliance with the Environmental Quality Performance Limits

No environmental non-compliance was recorded during the reporting period.  

2.8                                      Summary of Environmental Complaints

No environmental complaint was received during the reporting period.  A statistical summary of environmental complaints since project commencement is presented in Annex C.

2.9                                      Summary of Environmental Summons

No summons was received in this reporting period.  A statistical summary of legal proceeding since project commencement is presented in Annex C.

 

3                                            Environmental Issues and Actions

3.1                                      Previous Environmental Deficiencies and Follow-up Actions

As no environmental complaints were received over the last reporting period, no follow-up action was required.

Weekly site inspections were carried out by the ET on 3, 10, 16, 21 and 31 July 2009, 5, 14, 19 and 28 August 2009, and 2, 10, 18, 23 and 28 September 2009.  Overall, the site was in good orderly manner and no non-compliances were found.  Environmental deficiencies and follow-up actions/mitigation measures were identified during the inspections and summarised in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1        Environmental Deficiencies (Observations) from Site Inspections during Reporting Period

Reporting Month

Observation

Follow-up Action

July 2009

Unpaved areas were not watered regularly

The Contractor was reminded to water regularly on the unpaved areas to avoid dust generation.

Stagnant water pools were observed in the drip trays of machinery, in the tank farm area, near the tanks, in the new wheelwash near the pump platform and in the bunding around diesel drums.

The Contractor was reminded to regularly clear stagnant water and check the efficiency of the drainage system,.

 

Water exiting the sedimentation tank near the temporary exit on the western side of the site was observed to be muddy which may also have lead to a muddy discharge observed in the marine area.

The Contractor was reminded to ensure the tank functions properly so that the site runoff can be settled before discharge.

A slight sediment plume was observed at the drainage discharge outfall at the jetty area.

The Contractor was reminded to check efficiency of the septic tanks regularly, especially after heavy rain.

Leaking water was found coming from the tap water system next to the workshop, a hose pipe near the jetty area and two pressure pumps.

The Contractor was reminded to maintain tap water systems in good condition, repair the leaking hose-pipe and keep the pumps in good condition, all to avoid accumulation of stagnant water.

General and construction wastes such as paper waste, aluminium cans and plastic bottles were accumulated in the tank farm area, the workshop area and near the operation building without proper receptacles.

The Contractor was reminded to clear the waste or provide bins for temporary storage as soon as possible and also to provide recycling bins where appropriate.

 

Empty paint cans were found strewn in the chemical storage area. 

The Contractor was reminded to separate these from the chemical waste and store them in the designated area.

Chemical waste drums were found to have accumulated without labels and the drip trays were not in good condition.

The Contractor was reminded to clear the waste drums and replace the drip trays as soon as possible.

August 2009

Stagnant water pools were observed in various areas (eg drip trays machinery (air compressor), the diesel tank and drums, and under the dehumidifier by Tank 8)

The Contractor was reminded to cover the diesel tank and generator in the workshop area with the tarpaulin during rain storms, clear water in the bunded areas and regularly clear stagnant water.  The contractor was also reminded to attach a pipe to the dripping pipe coming from the dehumidifier to ensure the water was disposed of properly and not left to accumulate in a stagnant pool.

Water being pumped out of Tank 12 was not going into the drainage system and the water hose leaving the sediment tank by Tank 12 was not going directly into the drainage system.

The Contractor was asked to source a longer hose so that water being pumped from Tank 12 was directed into the drainage system and ensure the pipe was directed into the drainage system.

A bund stopper and some water pipes were found to be leaking in the Tank Farm area.

The Contractor was reminded to reseal the join and repair the pipes to keep them all in good working order.

A sediment plume was observed at the drainage discharge outfall at the jetty area.  After investigation, it was concluded that the plume was probably due to the heavy rain during the previous night and the disrepair of the sandbags and filters.

The Contractor was reminded to repair the sandbags and filters on all the open drains and check the efficiency of the sediment tanks/ silt retention measures regularly, especially after heavy rain.

A thin film of oil was observed on the steps going down to the water in the jetty area. 

The Contractor was asked to investigate the source of the problem and clear the oil sheen as soon as possible.

A drain by the pumping station was found to be blocked, with a pool of water above it.

The Contractor was reminded to repair the drain as soon as possible and ensure the whole drainage system was in good repair.

The cement holding the bunding in place round the diesel tank and generator in the workshop area was found to be in a state of disrepair.

The Contractor was advised to re-cement the bunding round the diesel tank and generator.

 

Empty paint cans were found strewn in the chemical storage area. 

The Contractor was reminded to separate the paint cans from the chemical waste and store them in the appropriate area.

The chemical waste storage containers were found to be without sufficient ventilation.

 

The Contractor was reminded to cut ventilation holes in the storage containers and install ventilation windows.

Stockpiles of construction waste were found accumulated without proper receptacles on the tank circular road in the tank farm area and/or inside Tank 10.

The Contractor was reminded to clear the waste or provide bins for temporary storage as soon as possible.

 

September 2009

Black smoke was seen regularly being emitted from the rock-filling barge.

The contractor was advised to inspect/service the engine as soon as possible..

Unpaved areas were not watered regularly

 

The Contractor was reminded to water regularly the unpaved areas to avoid dust generation

Oil sheen was observed in the bunding around the diesel tank in the Workshop area. 

The Contractor was advised to clear the oily water as soon as possible and dispose of the contaminated water appropriately.

Stagnant pools of water were observed underneath the de-humidifier leading into Tank 8, due to a constant drip originating from the machine.  These pools were also observed around the hose and dripping pipe.

The Contractor was advised to secure the hose to the dripping pipe, ensure the pipe led into a drain and clear the stagnant water as soon as possible.

The water hose leaving the sediment tank by Tank 10 was not going directly into the drainage system.

The Contractor was reminded to move the pipe so that it went into the drainage system

Stagnant water pools were observed in the bunding around the diesel drum near Tank 11, in the bunding round the air compressor near Tank 11, in the bunding around the generator near Tank 10 and in the Tank Farm area, some with white cooling agent in it.

The Contractor was reminded to clear water in the bunded areas and regularly clear stagnant water.

 

Water was observed pouring out of the water tank by the wheel washing facility, not leading into a drain.

The Contractor was advised to pipe the water into a drain or run it through a sediment tank.

 

Empty paint cans were found strewn next to Tank 8.

The Contractor was reminded to place the paint cans in an appropriate receptacle and dispose of them appropriately.

The chemical waste storage container by the Workshop was leaking slightly from the ceiling.

The contractor was advised to repair the leak as soon as possible.

 

The chemical waste storage containers were found to be without sufficient ventilation.

The Contractor was reminded to install ventilation windows in the storage containers.

The waste paper recycling bins were found to be overflowing and the skip by Tank 8 was found to be full.

The Contractor was advised to arrange for the collection of this waste as soon as possible.

A small container of lubricant was found in the chemical waste storage behind the Workshop area.

The Contractor was advised to pour this into the big drum of chemical waste as soon as possible.

 

Stockpiles of construction waste were found accumulated without proper receptacles near the chemical waste storage between the Workshop area and Tank 10, outside the exit from the Jetty area and outside the entrance between the main entrance and the Jetty area entrance.

The Contractor was reminded to clear the waste or provide bins for temporary storage as soon as possible

 

The ET will keep track on the EM&A programme to ensure compliance of environmental requirements and the proper implementation of all necessary mitigation measures.

3.2                                      Implementation Status on Environmental Protection Requirements

The implementation status of environmental mitigation measures and requirements as stated in the EIA Report, Environmental Permits and EM&A Manual during the reporting period is summarized in Annex D.

 

4                                            Environmental Monitoring

4.1                                      Air and Noise

Air and Noise monitoring is not required for the project.  

4.2                                      Water Quality

No dredging activities were scheduled from 24 January 2009 onwards, hence no water quality monitoring was required during the quarter.

4.3                                      POPs Monitoring

No dredging activities were scheduled from 24 January 2009 onwards, hence persistent organic pollutants (POPs) monitoring was not required during the quarter.

4.4                                      Waste Management

According to EP Condition 3.3, the Contractor’s revised Waste Management Plan (Revision 5) (WMP), which has been certified by the ET and IEC, was submitted to the EPD on 5 November 2008.

4.5                                      Cultural Heritage

The Watching Brief Report, verified by the Independent Environmental Checker, was submitted to the EPD and AMO on 9 May 2008.

4.6                                      Landscape and Visual

According to the EIA report and EM&A Manual, mitigation measures and site inspection are required during the landscaping/planting works.  The berm/landscaping bund appeared to have vegetation grown during the project suspension period.

The weekly site inspections included general audits on landscape and visual issues to ensure that the site was in orderly and acceptable manner.

4.7                                      Land Contamination, Hazard to Life and Fuel Spill Risk

The ET and IEC verified updated design audit plan which was submitted to the EPD on 7 November 2007.

Weekly site inspection covered the waste management aspects which included measures to prevent land contamination by chemical wastes.

4.8                                      Ecology

Dolphin Visual Monitoring

Dolphin visual monitoring was not required as no dredging works were scheduled for the reporting period.

4.9                                      EM&A Manual

The EM&A Manual for the Project has been updated by the ET to include the detailed arrangements of setting up a Community Liaison Group, carrying out design audit, and monitoring of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) during construction of the Project.  The revised EM&A Manual, which has been verified by the IEC, was submitted to the EPD on 1 April 2009.

4.10                                  Baseline Water Quality Monitoring

The Final Baseline Monitoring Report was submitted to the EPD on 20 February 2008 and placed under the EIAO register.

 

5                                            Future Key Issues and Conclusion

5.1                                      Key Issues for the Next Reporting Period

Key issues to be considered in the next reporting period will be:

·         dust release and suppression;

·         backfilling of rock armour over pipelines; and,

·         dredging operation for the repair of pipeline;

5.2                                      Impact Prediction for the Next Reporting Period

Provided that environmental mitigation measures including good on-site practises are properly implemented, no unacceptable adverse environmental impacts are expected.

5.3                                      Works and Monitoring Schedule for the Next Reporting Period

Work programme for the next reporting period includes:

·                backfilling and placing of rock armour works;

·                dredging operation for the repair of pipeline;

·                riser connections at Sha Chau;

·                jetty platform works (non-piling);

·                site works (construction works for tank farm, roof truss, operational and fire services buildings, drainages, bund wall, security wall etc); and,

·                pre-commission and commissioning activities for Phase 1A (the first four tanks).

Weekly site inspections will be undertaken in accordance with the EM&A Manual.

5.4                                      Conclusion

The EM&A works were conducted throughout the construction period and the relevant monitoring was conducted in accordance with the EP’s requirements.  Mitigation measures were used to minimise the environmental impacts, where appropriate.  Some environmental deficiencies were observed during the site inspections and the Contractor implemented corrective action to mitigate the issues.  Overall, the site was in an orderly manner.