Contents
1.1
Purpose of the Report
1.2
Structure of the Report
2.1
Background
2.2
General Site Description
2.3
Major Activities Undertaken
2.4
Project Organisation and
Management Structure
2.5
Status of Environmental
Approval Documents
3
Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirements
3.1
Environmental Monitoring
3.1.1
Air Quality
3.1.2
Odour
3.2
Site Audit
3.2.1
Water
Quality
3.2.2
Landscape and
Visual
4.1
Air Quality
4.1.1
Operation
Phase Monitoring
4.2
Odour
4.2.1
Operation
Phase Monitoring
4.3
Water Quality
4.3.1
Operation
Phase Monitoring
4.4
Waste Management
4.4.1
Operation
Phase Monitoring
5.1
Environmental Site Audit
5.1.1
Operation
Phase
5.2
Landscape and Visual Audit
6
Environmental Non-conformance and Deficiencies
6.1
Summary of Environmental
Non-Compliance and Deficiencies
6.2
Summary of Environmental
Complaint
6.3
Summary of Environmental
Summon and Successful Prosecution
7.1
Key Issues for the Coming
Month
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1 Summary of Activities Undertaken in the Reporting Period
Table 2.2 Summary of Environmental Licensing, Notification and Permit Status
Table 3.1 Sampling and Laboratory Analysis Methodology
Table 3.2 Emission Limit for CAPCS Stack
Table 3.3 Emission Limit for CHP Stack
Table 3.4 Emission Limit for ASP Stack
Table 3.5 Emission Limit for Standby Flaring Gas Unit
Table 3.6 Odour Intensity Level
Table 3.7 Action and Limit Levels for Odour Nuisance
Table 3.8 Event and Action Plan for Odour Monitoring
Table 3.9 Discharge Limits for Effluent from the Outlet Chamber of the Effluent Storage Tank
Table 3.10 Discharge Limits for Effluent from the Petrol Interceptors
Table 4.1 Hourly Average of Parameters Recorded for CAPCS
Table 4.2 Hourly Average of Parameters Recorded for CHP 1
Table 4.3 Hourly Average of Parameters Recorded for CHP 2
Table 4.4 Hourly Average of Parameters Recorded for CHP 3
Table 4.5 Hourly Average of Parameters Recorded for ASP
Table 4.6 Hourly Average of Parameters Recorded for the Standby Flaring Gas Unit
Table 4.7 Results of the Discharge Sample from the Outlet Chamber of the Effluent Storage Tank
Table 4.8 Results of the Discharge Sample from the Petrol Interceptor 1
Table 4.9 Results of the Discharge Sample from the Petrol Interceptor 2
Table 4.10 Quantities of Waste Generated from the Operation of the Project
Table 8.1 Exceedances for Stack Emissions
LIST OF ANNEXES
Annex E Environmental complaint, Environmental Summons and Prosecution Log |
The construction works of No. EP/SP/61/10 Organic Resources Recovery Centre Phase 1 (the Project) commenced on 21 May 2015. This is the 100th monthly Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) report presenting the EM&A works carried out during the period from 1 to 30 September 2023 in accordance with the EM&A Manual. Substantial completion of the construction works was confirmed on 3 December 2018. In the meantime, the operation phase EM&A programme had commenced in March 2019. Substantial Completion in respect of substantial part of the Works was confirmed on 24 February 2020. The construction phase EM&A programme was completed in the end of February 2020.
Summary of Works undertaken during the Reporting Month
Works undertaken in the reporting month included:
· Operation of the Project, including organic waste reception, and operation of the pre-treatment facilities, anaerobic digesters, composting facilities, air pollution control systems, on-line emission monitoring system for the Centralised Air Pollution Control Unit (CAPCS), Co-generation Units (CHP)s and Ammonia Stripping Plant (ASP), and the wastewater treatment plant;
· Grab crane lights repaired without the use of an external contractor;
· Repair to SBR1 Aeration system after a flange and pipe burst within the SBR;
· CAPCS flow transmitter repaired using a different model;
· Repairs to Biogas NRV valve and pressure transmitter (a safety issue which needed urgent attention);
· Feeding screw for PT 1 hopper replaced within 3 days; and
· Pretreatment line 1 Trommel motor and gearbox repaired.
Environmental Monitoring and Audit Progress
Air Quality Monitoring
Non-compliance of emission limits of NOx and SO2 from CHP1; NOx, SO2, and HCl from CHP2; NOx and SO2 from CHP3; and NOx, SO2, NH3, and HCl from the ASP were recorded during the reporting period.
All analytes from the outlet chamber
of the effluent storage tank were recorded to be in
compliance with discharge limits during the reporting period. Petrol
Interceptor sampling was not required during the reporting period.
Waste generated from the operation of the Project includes chemical waste, waste generated from pre-treatment process and general refuse.
A total of 6,600 kg of Spent
Activated Carbon was generated from the operation of the Project and disposed
of as Chemical Waste at CWTC in September 2023. For unit consistency, this
value was converted to 4,459 L of Spent Activated Carbone and reported accordingly
in Annex D – Waste Flow Table.
721.42 tonnes of waste
generated from pre-treatment process from the operation of the Project was
disposed of at landfill. Among the recyclable waste generated from
pre-treatment process from the operation of the Project, 0.000 tonnes of
metals, 1.250 tonnes of papers/cardboard packing and 0.000 tonnes of plastics
were sent to recyclers for recycling during the reporting period.
Around 2.650 tonnes of general refuse from the operation of the Project were disposed of at landfill. Among the recycled general refuse from the operation of the Project, 0.010 tonnes of metals, 0.000 tonnes of papers/cardboard packing and 0.006 tonnes of plastics were sent to recyclers for recycling during the reporting period.
Findings of Environmental Site Audit
A summary of the monitoring activities undertaken in this reporting period is listed below:
· Joint Environmental Site Inspections |
1 time |
1 monthly joint environmental site inspection was carried out by the representatives of the Contractor and the MT. The IEC was also present at the joint inspections on 26 September 2023. The environmental control/ mitigation measures (related to air quality, water quality, waste (including land contamination prevention), hazard-to-life and landscape and visual) recommended in the approved EIA Report and the EM&A Manual were properly implemented by the Contractor during the reporting month.
Environmental Exceedance/Non-conformance/Compliant/Summons and Prosecution
Exceedances for the air emission limits for CHPs and ASP stacks were recorded during the reporting period.
No complaint/ summon/prosecution was received in this reporting period.
Future Key Issues
Activities to be undertaken in the next reporting month include:
·
Replace bearings and pulleys on chemical
scrubber fans;
· Replace gaskets on ECU and ASP using spiral wound gaskets;
· Continue to repair bunker lighting; and
· Planned maintenance work on the following items: Star Screen, SBR compressors, PT lines 1 and 2; and
· QSR cleaning on Desulphurisation system column 1.
ERM-Hong Kong, Limited (ERM) was appointed by OSCAR Bioenergy Joint Venture (the Contractor) as the Environmental Team (ET) to undertake the construction Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) programme for the Contract No. EP/SP/61/10 of Organic Waste Treatment Facilities Phase I, which the project name has been updated to Organic Resources Recovery Centre (Phase I) (the Project) since November 2017. ERM was also appointed by the Contractor to undertake the operation EM&A programme starting 1 March 2019.
This is the 100th EM&A report which summarises the monitoring results and audit findings for the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 30 September 2023.
The structure of the report is as follows:
Section 1: Introduction
It details the scope and structure of the report.
Section 2: Project Information
It summarises the background and scope of the Project, site description, project organisation and status of the Environmental Permits (EP)/licences.
Section 3: Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirements
It summarises the environmental monitoring requirements including monitoring parameters, programmes, methodologies, frequency, locations, Action and Limit Levels, Event/Action Plans, as well as environmental audit requirements as recommended in the EM&A Manual and approved EIA report.
Section 4: Monitoring Results
It summarises monitoring results of the reporting period.
Section 5: Site Audit
It summarises the audit findings of the environmental as well as landscape and visual site audits undertaken within the reporting period.
Section 6: Environmental Non-conformance
It summarises any exceedance of environmental performance standard, environmental complaints and summons received within the reporting period.
Section 7: Further Key Issues
It summarises the impact forecast for the next reporting month.
Section 8: Conclusions
The Organic Resources Recovery Centre (ORRC) Phase I development (hereinafter referred to as “the Project”) is to design, construct and operate a biological treatment facility with a capacity of about 200 tonnes per day and convert source-separated organic waste from commercial and industrial sectors (mostly food waste) into compost and biogas through proven biological treatment technologies. The location of the Project site is shown in Annex A.
The environmental acceptability of the construction and operation of the Project had been confirmed by findings of the associated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study completed in 2009. The Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) approved this EIA Report under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) (Cap. 499) in February 2010 (Register No.: AEIAR-149/2010) (hereafter referred to as the approved EIA Report). Subsequent Report on Re-assessment on Environmental Implications and Report on Re-assessment on Hazard to Life Implications were completed in 2013, respectively.
An Environmental Permit (EP) (No. EP-395/2010) was issued by the DEP to the EPD (Project Team), the Permit Holder, on 21 June 2010 and varied on 18 March 2013 (No. EP-395/2010/A) and 21 May 2013 (No. EP-395/2010/B), respectively. The Design Build and Operate Contract for the ORRC Phase 1 (Contract No. EP/SP/61/10 Organic Resources Recovery Centre (Phase 1) (the Contract)) was awarded to SITA Waste Services Limited, ATAL Engineering Limited and Ros-Roca, Sociedad Anonima jointly trading as the OSCAR Bioenergy Joint Venture (OSCAR or the Contractor). A Further EP (No. FEP-01/395/2010/B) was issued by the DEP to the OSCAR on 16 February 2015. Variation to both EPs (Nos. EP-395/2010/B and FEP-01/395/2010/B) were made in December 2015. The latest EPs, Nos. EP-395/2010/C and FEP-01/395/2010/C, were issued by the DEP on 21 December 2015.
Under the requirements of Condition 5 of the EP (No. FEP-01/395/2010/C), an Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) programme as set out in the approved EM&A Manual (hereinafter referred to as EM&A Manual) is required to be implemented during the construction and operation of the Project. ERM-Hong Kong, Ltd (ERM) has been appointed by OSCAR as the Environmental Team (ET) for the construction phase EM&A programme and the Monitoring Team (MT) for the operation phase EM&A programme for the implementation of the EM&A programme in accordance with the requirements of the EP and the approved EM&A Manual.
The construction works commenced on 21 May 2015. The construction phase EM&A programme was completed in the end of February 2020. The operation phase of the EM&A programme commenced on 1 March 2019 ([1]).
The Project Site is located at Siu Ho Wan in North Lantau with an area of about 2 hectares. The layout of the Project Site is illustrated in Annex A. The facility received an average of 153.24 tonnes and treated an average of 129.12 tonnes of source separated organic waste per day during the reporting month.
A summary of the major activities undertaken in the reporting period is shown in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1 Summary of Activities Undertaken in the Reporting Period
Activities Undertaken in the Reporting Period |
·
Systems being operated – waste reception, pre-treatment, CAPCS
extraction, the digesters, the centrifuge, the composting tunnels, the
de-sulphurisation, the standby flare, the CHPs, the ASP and the biological
wastewater treatment plant (153.24t/d SSOW received); · Grab crane lights repaired without the use of an external contractor; · Repair to SBR1 Aeration system after a flange and pipe burst within the SBR; · CAPCS flow transmitter repaired using a different model; · Repairs to Biogas NRV valve and pressure transmitter (a safety issue which needed urgent attention); · Feeding screw for PT 1 hopper replaced within 3 days; and · Pretreatment line 1 Trommel motor and gearbox repaired. |
The project organisation chart and contact details are shown in Annex B.
A summary of the valid permits, licences, and/or notifications on environmental protection for this Project is presented in Table 2.2.
Table 2.2 Summary of Environmental Licensing, Notification and Permit Status
Permit/ Licences/ Notification |
Reference |
Validity Period |
Remarks |
Environmental Permit |
FEP-01/395/2010/C
|
Throughout the Contract |
Permit granted on 21 December 2015 |
Effluent Discharge Licence |
WT00038391-2021 |
7 July 2021 – 30 June 2026 |
Approved on 7 July 2021 |
Chemical Waste Producer Registration |
WPN 5213-961-O2231-02 |
Throughout the implementation of the Project |
Approved on 10 November 2017 |
Waste Disposal Billing Account |
Account number: 702310 |
Throughout the Contract |
- |
The air quality (including odour) monitoring to be carried out during the commissioning and operation phase of the Project are described below. Although water quality monitoring is not required for the operation phase under the EM&A programme, there are water quality monitoring requirement under the Water Discharge Licence of the plant under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO). As part of this EM&A programme, the monitoring results will be reviewed to check the compliance with the WPCO requirements.
According to the EM&A Manual and EP requirements, stack monitoring is required during the commissioning and operation phase of the Project.
On-line monitoring using continuous environmental monitoring system (CEMS) shall be carried out for the Centralised Air Pollution Unit (CAPCS), cogeneration units (CHP) and the ammonia stripping plant (ASP) during the commissioning and operation phase. The most recent span calibrations for all CEMS systems were carried out from 26 to 28 September 2023.
The monitoring data is transmitted instantaneously to EPD (Regional Office) by telemetry system.
When the on-line monitoring for certain parameter cannot be undertaken, monitoring will be carried out using the following methodology approved by the EPD.
Table 3.1 Sampling and Laboratory Analysis Methodology
Parameters |
Method |
Stacks to be Monitored |
Gaseous and vaporous organic substances (including methane) |
USEPA Method 18 |
· CAPCS · CHP · ASP |
Particulate |
USEPA Method 5 |
· CAPCS · CHP · ASP |
Carbon monoxide (CO) |
USEPA Method 10 |
· CHP · ASP |
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) |
USEPA Method 7E |
· CHP · ASP |
Sulphur dioxide (SO2); |
USEPA Method 6 |
· CHP · ASP |
Hydrogen chloride (HCl) |
USEPA Method 26A |
· CHP · ASP |
Hydrogen fluoride (HF) |
USEPA Method 26A |
· CHP · ASP |
Oxygen (O2); |
USEPA Method 3A |
· CAPCS · CHP · ASP |
Velocity and Volumetric Flow |
USEPA Method 2 |
· CAPCS · CHP · ASP |
Ammonia (NH3) |
USEPA CTM 027 |
· ASP |
Odour (including NH3 and H2S) |
EN 13725 |
· CAPCS |
Water vapour content (continuous measurement of the water vapour content should not be required if the sample exhaust gas is dried before the emissions are analysed) |
USEPA Method 4 |
· CAPCS · CHP · ASP |
Temperature |
USEPA Method 4 |
· CAPCS · CHP · ASP |
With reference to the EM&A Manual, the air emission of the stacks shall meet the following emission limits as presented in Tables 3.2 to 3.5.
Table 3.2 Emission Limit for CAPCS Stack
Parameter |
Emission Level (mg/Nm3) (a) |
VOCs (including methane) |
680 |
Dust (or Total Suspended Particulates (TSP)) |
6 |
Odour (including NH3
& H2S) |
220 (b) |
Notes: (a) Hourly average concentration (b) The odour unit is OU/Nm3 |
Table 3.3 Emission Limit for CHP Stack
Parameter |
Maximum Emission Level (mg/Nm3) (a) (b) |
Dust (or Total Suspended Particulates) |
15 |
Carbon Monoxide |
650 |
NOx |
300 |
SO2 |
50 |
NMVOCs (c) |
150 |
VOCs (including methane) (d) |
1,500 |
HCl |
10 |
HF |
1 |
Notes: (a) All values refer to an oxygen content in the exhaust gas of 6% and dry basis. (b) Hourly average concentration (c) NMVOCs should be monitored by gas sampling and laboratory analysis at an agreed interval. For the first 12 months (starting from August 2019), monitoring should be carried out at quarterly intervals. The monitoring frequency should then be reduced to half-yearly for next 12 months (starting from August 2020). The monitoring of NMVOCs ended in August 2021. (d) The VOCs emission limit include methane as biogas is adopted as fuel in the combustion process. |
Table 3.4 Emission Limit for ASP Stack
Parameter |
Maximum Emission Level (mg/Nm3) (a) (b) |
Dust (or Total Suspended Particulates) |
5 |
Carbon Monoxide |
100 |
NOx |
200 |
SO2 |
50 |
VOCs (including methane) (c) |
20 |
NH3 |
35 |
HCl |
10 |
HF |
1 |
Notes: (a) All values refer to an oxygen content in the exhaust gas of 11% and dry basis. (b) Hourly average concentration (c) The VOCs emission limit include methane as biogas is adopted as fuel in the combustion process. |
Table 3.5 Emission Limit for Standby Flaring Gas Unit ([2])
Parameter |
Maximum Emission level (mg/Nm3) (a) (b) |
Dust (or Total Suspended Particulates) |
5 |
Carbon Monoxide |
100 |
NOx |
200 |
SO2 |
50 |
VOCs (including methane) (c) |
20 |
HCl |
10 |
HF |
1 |
Notes: (a) All values refer to an oxygen content in the exhaust gas of 11% and dry basis. (b) Hourly average concentration (c) The VOCs emission limit include methane as biogas is adopted as fuel in the combustion process. |
To determine the effectiveness of the proposed odour mitigation measures and to ensure that the operation of the ORRC1 will not cause adverse odour impacts, odour monitoring of the CAPCS stack (see Section 3.1.1) and odour patrol will be carried out.
Odour patrol shall be conducted by independent trained personnel/ competent persons in summer months (i.e. from July to September) for the first two operational years of ORRC1 at monthly intervals along an odour patrol route at the Project Site boundary as shown in Annex A([3]).
The perceived odour intensity is divided into 5 levels. Table 3.6 describes the odour intensity for different levels.
Table 3.6 Odour Intensity Level
Level |
Odour Intensity |
0 |
Not detected. No odour perceived or an odour so weak that it cannot be easily characterised or described |
1 |
Slight identifiable odour, and slight chance to have odour nuisance |
2 |
Moderate identifiable odour, and moderate chance to have odour nuisance |
3 |
Strong identifiable, likely to have odour nuisance |
4 |
Extreme severe odour, and unacceptable odour level |
Table 3.7 shows the action level and limit level to be used for odour patrol. Should any exceedance of the action and limit levels occurs, actions in accordance with the event and action plan in Table 3.8 should be carried out.
Table 3.7 Action and Limit Levels for Odour Nuisance
Parameter |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
Odour Nuisance (from odour patrol) |
When one documented compliant is received (a), or Odour Intensity of 2 is measured from odour patrol. |
Two or more documented complaints are received (a) within a week; or Odour intensity of 3 or above is measured from odour patrol. |
Note: (a) Once the complaint is received by the Project Proponent (EPD), the Project Proponent would investigate and verify the complaint whether it is related to the potential odour emission from the ORRC1 and its on-site wastewater treatment unit. |
Table 3.8 Event and Action Plan for Odour Monitoring
Event |
Action |
|
|
Person-in-charge of Odour Monitoring |
Project Proponent (a) |
Action Level |
|
|
Exceedance of action level (Odour Patrol) |
1. Identify source/reason of exceedance; 2. Repeat odour patrol to confirm finding. |
1. Carry out investigation to identify the source/reason of exceedance. Investigation should be completed within 2 weeks; 2. Rectify any unacceptable practice; 3. Implement more mitigation measures if necessary; 4. Inform Drainage Services Department (DSD) or the operator of the Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works (SHWSTW) if exceedance is considered to be caused by the operation of the SHWSTW. 5. Inform North Lantau Refuse Transfer Station (NLTS) operator if exceedance is considered to be caused by the operation of NLTS. |
Exceedance of action level (Odour Complaints) |
1. Identify source/reason of exceedance; 2. Carry out odour patrol to determinate odour intensity. |
1. Carry out investigation and verify the complaint whether it is related to potential odour emission from the nearby SHWSTW; 2. Carry out investigation to identify the source/reason of exceedance. Investigation should be completed within 2 weeks; 3. Rectify any unacceptable practice; 4. Implement more mitigation measures if necessary; 5. Inform DSD or the operator of the SHWSTW if exceedance is considered to be caused by the operation of the SHWSTW. 6. Inform NLTS operator if exceedance is considered to be caused by the operation of NLTS. |
Limit Level |
|
|
Exceedance of limit level |
1. Identify source/reason of exceedance; 2. Inform EPD; 3. Repeat odour patrol to confirm findings; 4. Increase odour patrol frequency to bi-weekly; 5. Assess effectiveness of remedial action and keep EPD informed of the results; 6. If exceedance stops, cease additional odour patrol. |
1. Carry out investigation to identify the source/reason of exceedance. Investigation should be completed within 2 weeks; 2. Rectify any unacceptable practice; 3. Formulate remedial actions; 4. Ensure remedial actions properly implemented; 5. If exceedance continues, consider what more/enhanced mitigation measures should be implemented; 6. Inform DSD or the operator of the SHWSTW if exceedance is considered to be caused by the operation of the SHWSTW. |
Note: (a) Project Proponent shall identify an implementation agent. |
Environmental mitigation measures (related to air quality, water quality, waste, land contamination, hazard-to-life, and landscape and visual) to be implemented during the operation phase of the Project are recommended in the approved EIA Report and EM&A Manual and are summarised in Annex C. Monthly site audits for operation phase will be carried out to check the implementation of these measures.
Compliance audits are to be undertaken to ensure that a valid discharge licence has been issued by EPD prior to the discharge of effluent from the operation of the Project site. The audit shall be conducted to ensure that the effluent quality is in compliance with the discharge licence requirements. As stipulated in the operation phase discharge licence, effluent discharge is to be sampled monthly from the outlet chamber of the Effluent Storage Tank, while effluent discharge is to be sampled bi-monthly from the Petrol Interceptors. The effluent quality shall meet the discharge limits as described in Table 3.9 and Table 3.10.
Table 3.9 Discharge Limits for Effluent from the Outlet Chamber of the Effluent Storage Tank
Parameters |
Discharge Limit (mg/L) |
Flow Rate (m3/day) (a) |
645 |
pH (pH units) (b) |
6-10 (c) |
Suspended Solids (b) |
800 |
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (5 days, 20°) (b) |
800 |
Chemical Oxygen Demand (b) |
2,000 |
Oil & Grease (b) |
40 |
Total Nitrogen (b) |
200 |
Total Phosphorus (b) |
50 |
Surfactants (total) (b) |
25 |
Notes: (a) Flow rate is not a parameter required to be monitored and reported by the Contractor in accordance with Section B2 of the Effluent Discharge Licence under the WPCO. (b) Parameters required to be monitored and reported by the Contractor in accordance with Section B2 of the Effluent Discharge Licence under the WPCO. (c) Range. |
Table 3.10 Discharge Limits for Effluent from the Petrol Interceptors
Parameters |
Discharge Limit (mg/L) |
Flow Rate (m3/day) |
245 (a) |
Suspended Solids (b) |
30 |
Chemical Oxygen Demand (c) |
80 |
Oil & Grease (c) |
20 |
Surfactants (total) (b) |
15 |
Notes: (a) The surface runoff flow rate limit was estimated by the overall yearly rainfall data. As the actual flowrate from the petrol interceptors depends on the weather condition instead of the performance of the petrol interceptor, monitoring and reporting of this parameter is not required. Hence this parameter is not reported in Table 4.8 and Table 4.9. (b) Parameter not required to be reported in accordance with Section B2 of the Effluent Discharge Licence under the WPCO. (c) Parameters required to be reported in accordance with Section B2 of the Effluent Discharge Licence under the WPCO. |
In accordance with EM&A Manual, the landscape and visual mitigation measures shall be implemented.
For operation phase, site inspection shall be conducted once a month for the first year of operation of the Project. All measures as stated in the implementation schedule of the EM&A Manual (see Annex C), including compensatory planting, undertaken by both the Contractor and the specialist Landscape Sub-Contractor during the first year of the operation phase shall be audited by a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) to ensure compliance with the intended aims of the measures and the effectiveness of the mitigation measures. After the one-year maintenance period, the landscape maintenance and monitoring shall be carried out by the Contractor.
The concentrations of concerned air pollutants emitted from the stacks of the CAPCS, CHP, ASP and the Standby Flaring Gas Unit during the reporting period are monitored on-line by the continuous environmental monitoring system (CEMS).
During the reporting period, the standby flare was operated 12 September
2023 from 4:00PM – 7:00PM. During these
time periods, the Biogas Holder was required to be bypassed to allow for the
blowers to be repaired, and so the Standy Flare needed to be operated manually
to adjust for the biogas pressure. Since the Standby Flare was under
maintenance, no values are included in Table 4.6 for these dates as this is not
the normal condition/operation of the flare.
With reference to the emission limits shown in Tables 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5, the hourly average concentrations and the number of exceedances of the concerned air emissions monitored for the CAPCS, CHP, ASP and the Standby Flaring Gas Unit during this reporting period are presented in Tables 4.1 to 4.6.
It should be noted that measurements recorded under abnormal operating conditions, e.g., start up and stopping of stacks, unstable operation, test runs and interference of sensor, are disregarded.
Table 4.1 Hourly Average of Parameters Recorded for CAPCS
Parameter |
Range of Hourly Average Conc. (mg/Nm3) |
Emission Limit (mg/Nm3) |
Exceedance Identified |
Remarks |
VOCs (including methane) (a) |
0.00 – 29.63 |
680 |
Nil |
Nil |
Dust (or TSP) |
0.00 – 1.22 |
6 |
Nil |
Nil |
Odour (including NH3
& H2S) (b) |
0.00 – 10.50 |
220 |
Nil |
Nil |
Notes: (a) The VOCs emission limit includes methane as biogas is adopted, as fuel in the combustion process. (b) The odour unit is ou/Nm3.
|
Table 4.2 Hourly Average of Parameters Recorded for CHP 1
Parameter |
Range of Hourly Average Conc. (mg/Nm3) (a) |
Max. Emission Limit (mg/Nm3) |
Exceedance Identified |
Remarks |
Dust (or TSP) |
0 - 7 |
15 |
Nil |
Nil |
Carbon Monoxide |
0 - 152 |
650 |
Nil |
Nil |
NOx |
0 - 562 |
300 |
Identified (c) |
System unstable (e.g., low efficiency, unstable column temperature) |
SO2 |
0 – 137 |
50 |
Identified (d) |
System unstable (e.g., low efficiency, unstable column temperature) |
VOCs (including methane) (b) |
0 – 969 |
1,500 |
Nil |
Nil |
HCl |
0 – 2 |
10 |
Nil |
Nil |
HF |
0 - 0 |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
Notes: (a) All values refer to an oxygen content in the exhaust gas of 6% and dry basis. (b) The VOCs emission limit include methane as biogas is adopted as fuel in the combustion process. (c) Dates with NOx exceedances (number of exceedances on that day) were identified on 1(15), 2(22), 3(21), 4(24), 5(17), 6(24), 7(14), 8(24), 9(24), 10(23), 11(24), 12(21), 13(21), 14(24), 15(16), 16(24), 17(24), 18(24), 19(19), 20(21), 21(8), 22(24), 23(24), 24(24), 25(24), 26(24), 27(20), 29(16), and 30(14) September 2023. (d) Dates with SO2 exceedances (number of exceedances on that day) were identified on 1(15), 2(20), 3(21), 4(24), 5(17), 6(24), 7(14), 8(24), 9(24), 10(23), 11(23), 12(21), 13(21), 14(24), 15(16), 16(24), 17(24), 18(24), 19(19), 20(21), 21(8), 22(24), 23(23), 24(24), 25(24), 26(24), 27(20), 29(14), and 30(11) September 2023. |
Table 4.3 Hourly Average of Parameters Recorded for CHP 2
Parameter |
Range of Hourly Average Conc. (mg/Nm3) (a) |
Max. Emission Limit (mg/Nm3) |
Exceedance Identified |
Remarks |
Dust (or TSP) |
0 - 5 |
15 |
Nil |
Nil |
Carbon Monoxide |
0 – 124 |
650 |
Nil |
Nil |
NOx |
0 – 495 |
300 |
Identified(c) |
System unstable (e.g., low efficiency, unstable column temperature) |
SO2 |
0 – 122 |
50 |
Identified(d) |
System unstable (e.g., low efficiency, unstable column temperature) |
VOCs (including methane) (b) |
0 – 1,495 |
1,500 |
Nil |
Nil |
HCl |
0 – 24 |
10 |
Identified(e) |
System unstable (e.g., low efficiency, unstable column temperature) |
HF |
0 – 0 |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
Notes: (a) All values refer to an oxygen content in the exhaust gas of 6% and dry basis. (b) The VOCs emission limit include methane as biogas is adopted as fuel in the combustion process. (c) Dates with NOx exceedances (number of exceedances on that day) were identified on 7(10), 12(10), 13(20), 14(24), 15(18), 16(21), 17(19), 18(23), 19(16), 20(17), 21(17), 22(23), 23(24), 24(24), 25(12), 26(24), 27(17) 28(14), 29(11), and 30(11) September 2023. (d) Dates with SO2 exceedances (number of exceedances on that day) were identified on 12(2) and 15(2) September 2023. (e) Dates with HCl exceedances (number of exceedances on that day) were identified on 21(1) September 2023. |
Table 4.4 Hourly Average of Parameters Recorded for CHP 3
Parameter |
Range of Hourly Average Conc. (mg/Nm3) (a) |
Max. Emission Limit (mg/Nm3) |
Exceedances Identified |
Remarks |
Dust (or TSP) |
0 – 7 |
15 |
Nil |
Nil |
Carbon Monoxide |
0 – 86 |
650 |
Nil |
Nil |
NOx |
0 – 605 |
300 |
Identified(c) |
System unstable (e.g., low efficiency, unstable column temperature) |
SO2 |
0 – 105 |
50 |
Identified(d) |
System unstable (e.g., low efficiency, unstable column temperature) |
VOCs (including methane) (b) |
0 – 1,065 |
1,500 |
Nil |
Nil |
HCl |
0 – 1 |
10 |
Nil |
Nil |
HF |
0 – 1 |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
Notes: (a) All values refer to an oxygen content in the exhaust gas of 6% and dry basis. (b) The VOCs emission limit include methane as biogas is adopted as fuel in the combustion process. (c) Dates with NOx exceedances (number of exceedances on the day) were identified on 1(7), 2(2), 3(4), 4(11), 6(13), 7(13), 8(11), 9(21), 10(24), 11(19), 12(6), 15(6), 20(1), 21(13), 22(4), 24(9), 25(6), 27(2), 28(24), 29(13), and 30(19) September 2023. (d) Dates with SO2 exceedances (number of exceedances on the day) were identified on 1(5), 3(1), 6(5), 7(1), 8(8), 9(8), 10(8), 11(6), 15(6), 20(1), 21(7), 23(4), 24(9), 25(4), 27(2), 28(23), 29(13), and 30(19) September 2023. |
Table 4.5 Hourly Average of Parameters Recorded for ASP
Parameter |
Range of Hourly Average Conc. (mg/Nm3) (a) |
Max. Emission Limit (mg/Nm3) |
Exceedances Identified |
Remarks |
Dust (or TSP) |
0 – 4 |
5 |
Nil |
Nil |
Carbon Monoxide |
0 – 90 |
100 |
Nil |
Nil |
NOx |
0 – 3,246 |
200 |
Identified (c) |
System unstable (e.g., low efficiency, unstable column temperature) |
SO2 |
0 – 558 |
50 |
Identified(d) |
System unstable (e.g., low efficiency, unstable column temperature) |
VOCs (including methane) (b) |
0 – 13 |
20 |
Nil |
Nil |
NH3 |
0 – 302 |
35 |
Identified (e) |
System unstable (e.g., low efficiency, unstable column temperature) |
HCl |
0 – 1,071 |
10 |
Identified (f) |
System unstable (e.g., low efficiency, unstable column temperature) |
HF |
0 – 1 |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
Notes: (a) All values refer to an oxygen content in the exhaust gas of 11% and dry basis. (b) The VOCs emission limit include methane as biogas is adopted as fuel in the combustion process. Dates with NOx exceedances (number of exceedances on the day) were identified on 1(1), 2(3), 8(7), 10(3), 11(4), 12(7), 13(2), 15(2), 16(1), 17(2), 18(2), 20(2), 23(14), 25(4), 26(3), 27(2), 28(3), 29(9), and 30(7) (c) September 2023. (d) Dates with SO2 exceedances (number of exceedances on the day) were identified on 6(5), 7(1), 9(1), 14(6), 15(9), 16(17), 17(17), 18(11), 19(7), 20(14), 21(5), 22(6), 23(6), 24(1), 25(9), 26(13), 27(5), 28(11), 29(16), and 30(6) September 2023. (e) Dates with NH3 exceedances (number of exceedances on the day) were identified on 1(2), 2(4), 3(13), 4(1), 5(13), 6(21), 7(20), 9(10), 10(1), 11(2), 12(4), 13(3), 14(6), 15(3), 16(1), 17(7), 18(6), 19(19), 20(14), 21(6), 22(6), 23(10), 24(2), 25(4), 27(3), 28(2), 29(5), and 30(1) September 2023. (f) Dates with HCl exceedances (number of exceedances on the day) were identified on 23(1) and 28(1) September 2023. |
Table 4.6 Hourly Average of Parameters Recorded for the Standby Flaring Gas Unit
Parameter |
Range of Hourly Average Conc. (mg/Nm3) (a)(c) |
Max. Emission Limit (mg/Nm3) |
Exceedances Identified |
Remarks |
Dust (or TSP) |
0 – 0 |
5 |
Nil |
Nil |
Carbon Monoxide |
0 – 0 |
100 |
Nil |
Nil |
NOx |
0 – 0 |
200 |
Nil |
Nil |
SO2 |
0 – 0 |
50 |
Nil |
Nil |
VOCs (including methane) (b) |
0 – 0 |
20 |
Nil |
Nil |
HCl |
0 – 0 |
10 |
Nil |
Nil |
HF |
0 – 0 |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
Notes: (a) All values refer to an oxygen content in the exhaust gas of 11% and dry basis. (b) The VOCs emission limit include methane as
biogas is adopted as fuel in the combustion process. |
Odour patrol was conducted by the independent odour patrol team of ALS Technichem (HK) Pty Ltd on 14 September 2023. According to the EM&A Manual and EP requirements, it is considered an exceedance if the odour intensity recorded by the panellists is Level 2 or above. During this reporting period, no Level 2 Odour Intensity was recorded. The odour patrol result is shown in Annex G.
Effluent discharge was sampled from the outlet chamber of the Effluent Storage Tank monthly and from the Petrol Interceptor(s) bi-monthly as stipulated in the operation phase discharge licence. The results of the discharge samples from the outlet chamber of the Effluent Storage Tank are recorded in Table 4.7 and the results from the Petrol Interceptors are recorded in Tables 4.8 – 4.9.
Table 4.7 Results of the Discharge Sample from the Outlet Chamber of the Effluent Storage Tank
Parameters |
Discharged Effluent Concentration (mg/L) |
Discharge Limit (mg/L) |
Compliance with Discharge Limit |
Flow Rate (m3/day) (a) |
0 - 326 (e) |
645 |
Yes |
pH (pH units) (b) |
7.91 – 8.60 (e) |
6 - 10 (c) |
Yes |
Suspended Solids (b) (d) |
419 (d) |
800 |
Yes |
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (5 days, 20°) (b) (d) |
20 (d) |
800 |
Yes |
Chemical Oxygen Demand (b) (d) |
1,030 (d) |
2,000 |
Yes |
Oil & Grease (b) (d) |
<5 (d) |
40 |
Yes |
Total Nitrogen (b) (d) |
111 (d) |
200 |
Yes |
Total Phosphorus (b) (d) |
6.2 (d) |
50 |
Yes |
Surfactants (total) (b) (d) |
1.1 (d) |
25 |
Yes |
Notes: (a) Parameter not required to be reported in accordance with Section B2 of the Effluent Discharge Licence under the WPCO. (b) Parameters required to be reported in accordance with Section B2 of the Effluent Discharge Licence under the WPCO. (c) Daily Range. (d) Effluent sample collected on 13 September 2023. (e) Data collected daily. |
Table 4.8 Results of the Discharge Sample from the Petrol Interceptor 1
Parameters |
Discharged Effluent Concentration (mg/L) |
Discharge Limit (mg/L) |
Compliance with Discharge Limit |
Suspended Solids (b) |
- (a) |
30 |
Yes |
Chemical Oxygen Demand (c) |
- (a) |
80 |
Yes |
Oil & Grease (c) |
- (a) |
20 |
Yes |
Surfactants (total) (b) |
- (a) |
15 |
Yes |
Notes: (a) Petrol Interceptor 1 sampling not required in September 2023. (b) Parameter not required to be reported in accordance with Section B2 of the Effluent Discharge Licence under the WPCO. (c) Parameters required to be reported in accordance with Section B2 of the Effluent Discharge Licence under the WPCO. |
Table 4.9 Results of the Discharge Sample from the Petrol Interceptor 2
Parameters |
Discharged Effluent Concentration (mg/L) |
Discharge Limit (mg/L) |
Compliance with Discharge Limit |
Suspended Solids (b) |
- (a) |
30 |
Yes |
Chemical Oxygen Demand (c) |
- (a) |
80 |
Yes |
Oil & Grease (c) |
- (a) |
20 |
Yes |
Surfactants (total) (b) |
- (a) |
15 |
Yes |
Notes: (a) Petrol Interceptor 2 sampling not required in
September 2023. (b) Parameter not required to be reported in accordance with Section B2 of the Effluent Discharge Licence under the WPCO. (c) Parameters required to be reported in accordance with Section B2 of the Effluent Discharge Licence under the WPCO. |
Wastes generated from the operation of the Project include chemical waste, wastes generated from pre-treatment process and general refuse ([4]). Reference has been made to the Monthly Summary Waste Flow Table prepared by the Contractor (see Annex D). With reference to the relevant handling records and trip tickets of this Project, the quantities of different types of waste generated from the operation of the Project in the reporting month are summarised in Table 4.10.
Table 4.10 Quantities of Waste Generated from the Operation of the Project
Month / Year |
Chemical Waste |
Waste Generated from |
General Refuse |
||
|
Disposal of at CWTC |
Disposed of at Landfill (a) |
Recycled (b) |
Disposed of at Landfill (a) |
Recycled (c) |
September 2023 |
4,459 L (d) |
721.42 tonnes |
1.250 tonnes |
2.650 tonnes (e) |
0.016 tonnes |
Notes: (a) Waste generated from pre-treatment process and general refuse other than chemical waste and recyclables were disposed of at NENT Landfill by sub-contractors. (b) Among waste generated from pre-treatment process, 0.000 tonnes of metals, 1.250 tonnes of papers/cardboard packing and 0.000 tonnes of plastics were sent to recyclers for recycling during the reporting period. (c) Among general refuse, 0.010 tonnes of metals, 0.000 tonnes of papers/cardboard packing and 0.006 tonnes of plastics were sent to recyclers for recycling during the reporting period. (d) A total of 6,600 kg of Spent Activated Carbon was disposed of at CWTC in September 2023. For unit consistency, this value was converted to 4,459 L both here and in Annex D – Waste Flow Table. (e) It was assumed that four 240-litre bins filled with 80% of general refuse were collected at each collection. The general refuse density was assumed to be around 0.15 kg/L. |
The monthly inspection for the operation phase of the Project on 26 September 2023 covered the operation phase environmental site audit. Joint site inspection was conducted by representatives of the Contractor, IEC, and the MT as required for the operation of the Project.
The audits checked the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures for air quality, landscape and visual, water quality, waste (land contamination) and hazard-to-life stated in the Implementation Schedule (see Annex C).
Key observations during the reporting period are summarised as follows:
26 September 2023
· During the site walk, the WPCO license was not observed at the site entrance/exit. The Contractor shall display the WPCO license at the site entrance for the public’s information and shall provide rectification photo for the record.
Accordingly, the Contractor sent a
rectification photo displaying the WPCO license at the site entrance to both
the MT and IEC via email dated 28 September 2023.
Other than the above observations, the Contractor has implemented environmental mitigation measures recommended in the approved EIA Report and EM&A Manual.
Inspection of the landscape and visual mitigation measures for the operation phase of the Project was performed on 26 September 2023.
It was confirmed that the necessary landscape and visual mitigation measures during the operation phase as summarised in Annex C were generally implemented by the Contractor. No specific observation was found during the joint site inspection on 26 September 2023. No non-compliance in relation to the landscape and visual mitigation measures was identified during the site audits in this reporting period and therefore no further actions are required. The ET/MT will keep track of the EM&A programme to check compliance with environmental requirements and the proper implementation of all necessary mitigation measures.
Non-compliance of emission limits of NOx and SO2 from CHP1; NOx, SO2, and HCl from CHP2; NOx and SO2 from CHP3; and NOx, SO2, NH3, and HCl from the ASP were recorded during the reporting period.
All analytes from the outlet chamber of the effluent storage tank were
recorded to be in compliance with discharge limits
during the reporting period. Petrol Interceptor sampling was not required
during the reporting period.
The Contractor has reviewed the organic waste treatment processes (i.e., waste reception, waste pre-treatment, anaerobic digesters, and composting processes) and found that they were operated normally during the reporting period. The Contractor has investigated the de-sulphurisation system, CHPs, and the ASP; the potential causes for the exceedances were identified.
The investigation reports of the above exceedance are presented in Annex F.
Activities to be undertaken for the coming reporting period are:
· Replace bearings and pulleys on chemical scrubber fans;
· Replace gaskets on ECU and ASP using spiral wound gaskets;
· Continue to repair bunker lighting;
·
Planned maintenance
work on the following items: Star Screen, SBR compressors, PT lines 1 and 2;
and
· QSR cleaning on Desulphurisation system column 1.
This EM&A Report presents the EM&A programme undertaken during the reporting period from 1 to 30 September 2023 in accordance with the EM&A Manual (Version F) and requirements of EP (FEP-01/395/2010/C).
For the operation phase, exceedances of the emission limits for the CHPs, and the ASP stack monitoring were recorded under normal operating conditions during the reporting period (see Table 8.1).
Table 8.1 Exceedances for Stack Emissions
Stack |
Exceedances During the Reporting Period |
|
|
Cogeneration Unit 1 (CHP 1) |
· Exceeded emission limit of NOx on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, and 30 September 2023. · Exceeded emission limit of SO2 on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, and 30 September 2023. |
Cogeneration Unit 2 (CHP 2) |
· Exceeded emission limit of NOx on 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 September 2023. · Exceeded emission limit of SO2 on 12 and 15 September 2023. · Exceeded emission limit of HCl on 21 September 2023. |
Cogeneration Unit 3 (CHP 3) |
· Exceeded emission limit of NOx on 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, and 30 September 2023. · Exceeded emission limit of SO2 on 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, and 30 September 2023. |
Ammonia Stripping Plant (ASP) |
· Exceeded emission limit of NOx on 1, 2, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 September 2023. · Exceeded emission limit of SO2 on 6, 7, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 September 2023. · Exceeded emission limit of NH3 on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, and 30 September 2023. · Exceeded emission limit of HCl on 23 and 28 September 2023. |
Non-compliance of emission limits of NOx and SO2, from CHP1; NOx, SO2 and HCl from CHP2; NOx and SO2 from CHP3; and NOx, SO2, NH3, and HCl from ASP were recorded during the reporting period. The exceedances of NOx, SO2 and HCl from CHPs, as well as the exceedances of NOx, SO2, NH3, and HCl from ASP occurred due to system instability.
All analytes from the outlet chamber of the effluent storage tank were
recorded to be in compliance with discharge limits
during the reporting period. Petrol Interceptor sampling was not required
during the reporting period.
The Contractor has reviewed the organic waste treatment processes (i.e., waste reception, waste pre-treatment, anaerobic digesters, and composting processes) and found that they were operated normally during the reporting period. The Contractor has investigated the de-sulphurisation system, CHPs, and the ASP; the potential causes for the exceedance were identified.
The environmental control /mitigation measures related to air quality, water quality, waste (including land contamination prevention), hazard-to-life and landscape and visual recommended in the approved EIA Report and the EM&A Manual were properly implemented by the Contractor during the reporting month.
Monthly landscape and visual monitoring were conducted in the reporting period. The necessary landscape and visual mitigation measures recommended in the approved EIA Report were generally implemented by the Contractor.
No complaint/summon/prosecution was received.
([1])
As some of the minor items are yet to be closed out in March
2019, the construction phase EM&A programme and Operation Phase EM&A
programme were undertaking in parallel in March 2019.
([2])
A standby facility. Only operate when the CHPs are not
in operation or when the biogas generated exceeded the utilisation rate of the
CHPs.