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 28^th 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 the EPD in February 2004.

The decision by the 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 EP-262/2007/A and issued by the EPD on 30 November 2007. A further Variation to the Environmental Permit was 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 was issued by the EPD on 27 February 2008.

The construction works and EM&A requirements were resumed on 9 July 2007 following the latest requirements of the EP-262/2007/B 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 thirty-fifth EM&A Report which summarizes the monitoring results and audit findings for the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 September to 30 September 2009.

2 Environmental Status

2.1 Project Area

The project area is in Area 38 of Tuen Mun and the pipelines are located in 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 Sha Chau · Backfilling and placing of rock armour over the pipelines

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 Sha Chau

· Backfilling and placing of rock armour over the pipelines

Table 2.2 Cumulative Quantity of Excavated Marine Sediments

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 Month

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 of 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. The details of the CLG (including Membership and its Terms of Reference) and the minutes of previous meetings 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 found during the reporting period.

2.8 Summary of Environmental Complaints

No environmental complaints were received during the reporting period. A 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 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 actions were required.

Site inspections were carried out by the ET on 2, 10, 18, 23 and 28 September 2009. Overall, the site was in good orderly manner and no non-compliance was found. Environmental deficiencies and follow-up actions/mitigation measures were identified during the inspections, as follows:

Air Quality

· On 23 September, 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.

· On 23 September, the Contractor was reminded to regularly water the unpaved areas to avoid dust generation.

Water Quality

· On 2, 10 an 18 September, oil sheen was observed in the bunding around the diesel tank in the Workshop area. The Contractor was advised to clear this immediately.

· On 2 September, a stagnant pool of water was observed underneath the de-humidifier leading into Tank 8, due to a constant drip originating from the machine. On 10, 18 and 23 September a pool of stagnant water was found 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 immediately.

· On 10 September, 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.

· On 18, 23 and 28 September, stagnant water pools were observed in the drip trays of machinery or round drums. Stagnant pools of water were found in the bunding around the diesel drum near Tank 11 on 18, 23 and 28 September, in the bunding round the air compressor near Tank 11 on 18 September and in the bunding around the generator near Tank 10 on 23 September. The Contractor was reminded to clear water in the bunded areas and to regularly clear any stagnant water.

· On 18 September, stagnant water was observed by Tank 10 and stagnant water with white cooling agent in it (from pipe cutting in the Workshop area) between the Workshop area and Tank 10. The Contractor was advised to clear this immediately.

· On 23 September 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.

Waste/Chemical Management

· On 2 September, empty paint cans were found strewn next to Tank 8. The Contractor was reminded to place them in an appropriate receptacle and dispose of them appropriately.

· On 2 September, the chemical waste storage container by the Workshop was leaking slightly from the ceiling. The Contractor was advised to repair the leak immediately.

· On 2, 10, 18, 23 and 28 September, the chemical waste storage containers were found to be without sufficient ventilation. The Contractor was reminded to install ventilation windows in the storage containers.

· On 10 September the waste paper recycling bins and the skip by Tank 8 was found to be full. On 23 and 28 September, skips were found to be full. The Contractor was advised to arrange for the collection of this waste immediately.

· On 10 September 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 immediately.

· On 23 September 2009, 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.

With the exception of the above observations, the site was in a good orderly manner. 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. Water quality monitoring was therefore not required for the reporting month.

4.3 POPs Monitoring

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) monitoring was not required since there was no dredging operation during the reporting month.

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 was habilitated by vegetation which was 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 an orderly and acceptable manner.

4.7 Land Contamination, Hazard to Life and Fuel Spill Risk

The ET and IEC verified updated design audit plan 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 CLG, carrying out design audit, and monitoring of Persistent Organic Pollutants during the dredging phase of 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

5.1 Key Issues for the Next Month

Key issue to be considered in the next month will be:

· dust release and suppression;

· backfilling of rock armour over pipeline; and,

· dredging operation for the repair of pipeline.

5.2 Impact Prediction for the Next Month

Provided that environmental mitigation measures including good on-site practises are properly implemented, it is not expected that unacceptable adverse impacts will arise.

5.3 Works and Monitoring Schedule for the Next Month

Work programme for the next month 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.