Contents
Executive Summary
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 Commissioning Phase Monitoring
4.1.2 Operation Phase Monitoring
4.2 Odour
4.2.1 Commissioning Phase Monitoring
4.2.2 Operation Phase Monitoring
4.3 Water Quality
4.3.1 Construction Phase Monitoring
4.3.2 Operation Phase Monitoring
4.4 Waste Management
4.4.1 Construction Phase Monitoring
4.4.2 Operation Phase Monitoring
5.1 Environmental Site Audit
5.1.1 Construction Phase
5.1.2 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 ANNEXES
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Location of Project |
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Works Location |
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Construction Programme |
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Project Organisation Chart and Contact Detail |
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Calibration Certification for the On-line Stack Monitoring System |
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Implementation Schedule of Mitigation Measures |
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Waste Flow Table |
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Environmental complaint, Environmental Summons and Prosecution Log |
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Investigation Report |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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 53rd monthly Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) report presenting the EM&A works carried out during the period from 1 to 31 October 2019 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.
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;
· Process fine-tune, including adjustment of the ASP with new treatment media, modification of Continuous Environmental Monitoring System (CEMS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) rectification and improvement works following equipment failures and the alteration of different operation modes and measures to adapt to the high variation of SSOW nature and sources; and
· Visitor Centre BS works (MVAC, FS, and cladding).
Environmental Monitoring and Audit Progress
Air Quality Monitoring
Exceedances on NOx, VOCs (including methane) and NH3 from ASP were recorded on the on-line monitoring system. 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.
Exceedances in emission parameters of ASP were found to be a result of problems with the continuous fine-tuning of ASP setting.
The Contractor has implemented mitigation measures to control the exceedance, which is the modification of the ASP to optimise overall performance.
The Contractor is recommended to closely monitor the processes of the modification of the ASP and the post-modification monitoring of emission level to avoid any exceedance.
Water Quality
No non-compliance to the effluent discharge limit stipulated in the discharge licence issued by the EPD under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance was recorded during this reporting period.
Waste Management
Waste generated from the construction of the Project includes inert construction and demolition (C&D) materials (public fill) and non-inert C&D materials (construction wastes).
Inert C&D materials (public fill) include bricks, concrete, building debris, rubble and excavated spoil. In total, 4.51 tonnes of inert C&D material were generated from the construction of the Project.
Non-inert C&D materials (construction wastes) from the construction of this Project include metals, paper/ cardboard packaging waste, plastics and other wastes such as general refuse. 0.00 kg of metals, 0.00 kg of papers/ cardboard packing and 0.00 kg of plastics were sent to recyclers for recycling during the reporting period. 6.42 tonnes of general refuse was disposed of at the landfill.
0.00 L of chemical waste was collected by licenced waste collector from the construction of the Project.
Waste generated from the operation of the Project includes chemical waste, waste generated from pre-treatment process and general refuse.
0.00 L of chemical waste was collected by licenced waste collector from the operation of the Project.
441.22 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, 0.00 kg of metals, 0.00 kg of papers/ cardboard packing and 0.00 kg of plastics were sent to recyclers for recycling during the reporting period.
Around 2.88 tonnes of general refuse from the operation of the Project was disposed of at landfill. Among the recycled general refuse from the operation of the Project, 0.00 kg of metals, 0.00 kg of papers/ cardboard packing and 0.00 kg 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 |
5 times |
|
· Landscape & Visual Inspections |
2 times |
4 weekly joint environmental site inspections were carried out by the representatives of the Contractor and the ET. The ER and IEC were also present at the joint inspections on 29 October 2019. 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 the CAPCS, CHP and ASP stacks were recorded during the reporting period.
An incident related to the release of biogas occurred on 25 August 2019. The incident has been resolved. The investigation will be reported in the next 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:
· Operation of the Project.
· Modification of the AS to control the air emission.
· Visitor Centre BS works (MVAC, FS and cladding).
1
inTroduction
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.
1.1
Purpose of the Report
This is the 53rd EM&A report which summarises the monitoring results and audit findings for the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 to 31 October 2019.
1.2
Structure of the Report
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
2
Project information
2.1
Background
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 operation phase of the EM&A programme commenced on 1 March 2019 ([1]).
2.2
General Site Description
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 and treated an average of 100 tonnes of source separated organic waste per day during the reporting month.
2.3
Major Activities Undertaken
A summary of the major activities undertaken in the reporting period is shown in Table 2.1. The site layout plan is shown in Annex B. The construction programme is shown in Annex C.
Table 2.1 Summary of Activities Undertaken in the Reporting Period
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Activities Undertaken in the Reporting Period |
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· Systems being operated – waste reception, pre-treatment, CAPCS extraction, the digesters, the centrifuge, , the composting tunnels the desulphurisation, the emergency flare, the CHPs, the ASP and the biological waste water treatment plant (about 100-130 t/d SSOW input); · Process fine-tune – adjustment of the ASP operational parameters with new treatment media, CEMS/SCADA modification and improvement work following equipment failures and the alteration of different operation modes and measures to adapt to the high variation of SSOW nature and sources; and · Visitor Centre BS works (MVAC, FS, and cladding). |
2.4
Project Organisation and Management Structure
The project organisation chart and contact details are shown in Annex D.
2.5
Status of Environmental
Approval Documents
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
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Permit/ Licences/ Notification |
Reference |
Validity Period |
Remarks |
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Environmental Permit |
FEP-01/395/2010/C
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Throughout the Contract
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Permit granted on 21 December 2015
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Notification of Construction Works under the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation |
Ref No. 386715 |
Throughout the Contract |
- |
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Effluent Discharge License |
WT00024352-2016 |
3 June 2016 – 30 June 2021 |
Approved on 3 June 2016 |
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Construction Noise Permit – P1&P2 |
GW-RW0280-19 (Superseded CNP GW-RW0538-18) |
21 July 2019-20 January 2020 |
Approved on 28 June 2019 |
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Chemical Waste Producer Registration |
WPN 5213-961-O2231-01 |
Throughout the Contract |
Approved on 29 April 2015 |
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Chemical Waste Producer Registration |
WPN 5213-961-O2231-02 |
Throughout the implementation of the Project |
Approved on 10 November 2017 |
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Waste Disposal Billing Account |
Account number: 702310 |
Throughout the Contract |
- |
3
Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirements
3.1
Environmental Monitoring
The air quality (including odour) monitoring to be carried out during the commissioning and operation phase of the Project are described below. No monitoring for noise, waste, land contamination, hazard-to-life and landscape and visual are required during construction and operation phases of the Project. Although water quality monitoring is not required for the construction and operation phases 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.
3.1.1
Air Quality
According to the EM&A Manual and EP requirements, stack monitoring are 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 calibration certificate for the on-line monitoring equipment is provided in Annex E.
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 |
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Particulate |
USEPA Method 5 |
· CAPCS · CHP · ASP |
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Carbon monoxide (CO) |
USEPA Method 10 |
· CHP · ASP |
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Nitrogen oxides (NOx) |
USEPA Method 7E |
· CHP · ASP |
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Sulphur dioxide (SO2); |
USEPA Method 6 |
· CHP · ASP |
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Hydrogen chloride (HCl) |
USEPA Method 26A |
· CHP · ASP |
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Hydrogen fluoride (HF) |
USEPA Method 26A |
· CHP · ASP |
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Oxygen (O2); |
USEPA Method 3A |
· CAPCS · CHP · ASP |
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Velocity and Volumetric Flow |
USEPA Method 2 |
· CAPCS · CHP · ASP |
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Ammonia (NH3) |
USEPA CTM 027 |
· ASP |
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Odour (including NH3 and H2S) |
EN 13725 |
· CAPCS |
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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) |
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Notes: (a) Hourly average concentration (b) The odour unit is OU/Nm3 |
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Table 3.3 Emission Limit for CHP Stack
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Parameter |
Maximum Emission Level (mg/Nm3) (a) (b) |
|
Dust (or Total Suspended Particulates) |
15 |
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Carbon Monoxide |
650 |
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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). (d) The VOCs emission limit include methane as biogas is adopted as fuel in the combustion process. |
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Table 3.4 Emission Limit for ASP Stack
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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3.1.2
Odour
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
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Parameter |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 week; 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. |
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3.2
Site Audit
Environmental mitigation measures (related to air quality, water quality, waste, land contamination, hazard-to-life, and landscape and visual) to be implemented during the construction and operation phase of the Project are recommended in the approved EIA Report and EM&A Manual and are summarised in Annex F. Weekly site audits for construction phase and monthly site audits for operation phase will be carried out to check the implementation of these measures.
3.2.1
Water Quality
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. The effluent quality shall meet the discharge limits as described in Table 3.9.
Table 3.9 Discharge Limits for Effluent
|
Parameters |
Discharge Limit (mg/L) |
|
Flow Rate (m3/day) |
685 |
|
pH (pH units) |
6-10 (a) |
|
Suspended Solids |
800 |
|
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (5 days, 20°) |
800 |
|
Chemical Oxygen Demand |
2,000 |
|
Oil & Grease |
40 |
|
Total Nitrogen |
200 |
|
Total Phosphorus |
50 |
|
Surfactants (total) |
25 |
|
Note: (a) Range. |
|
3.2.2
Landscape and Visual
In accordance with EM&A Manual, the landscape and visual mitigation measures shall be implemented. Bi-weekly landscape and visual audit during the construction phase is required to ensure that the design, implementation and maintenance of landscape and visual mitigation measures recommended in the approved EIA Report are fully achieved. The implementation status of the mitigation measures for construction phase is summarised in Annex F.
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 F), 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.
4
Monitoring Results
4.1
Air Quality
4.1.1
Commissioning Phase Monitoring
Monitoring results of air quality parameters from stack emissions of the centralised air pollution control system, the ammonia stripping plant and the cogeneration units will be provided once available to show compliance with the monitoring requirements stated in the EM&A Manual (Rev. F) to support the termination of the construction phase EM&A programme.
4.1.2
Operation Phase Monitoring
The concentrations of concerned air pollutants emitted from the stacks of the CAPCS, CHP, and ASP during the reporting period are monitored on-line by the continuous environmental monitoring system (CEMS). During the reporting period, there is no need to operate the standby flare and therefore no monitoring of the flare stack was undertaken.
With reference to the emission limits shown in Tables 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4, the hourly average concentrations and the number of exceedances of the concerned air emissions monitored for the CAPCS, CHP and ASP during this reporting period are presented in Tables 4.1 to 4.5.
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 – 44 |
680 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Dust (or TSP) |
0 – 1.7 |
6 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Odour (including NH3 & H2S) (b) |
0 – 41 |
220 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Notes: (a) Online monitoring was not available during this reporting period. Alternative monitoring method as specified in the EM&A manual was used to measure VOCs. The Contractor has arranged for replacement of the sensor immediately. The sensor is expected to be installed in the next reporting period. (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 – 13 |
15 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Carbon Monoxide |
0 – 639 |
650 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
NOx |
0 – 277 |
300 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
SO2 |
0 – 45 |
50 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
NMVOCs (b) |
Nil |
150 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
VOCs (including methane) (c) |
0 – 1,382 |
1,500 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
HCl |
0 – 7 |
10 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
HF |
0.0 – 0.5 |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Notes: (a) All values refer to an oxygen content in the exhaust gas of 6% and dry basis. (b) Quarterly sampling of NMVOCs in CHP was conducted in the last reporting period. (c) The VOCs emission limit include methane as biogas is adopted as fuel in the combustion process. |
||||
Table 4.3 Hourly Average of Parameters Recorded for CHP 2
|
Parameter |
Range of Hourly Average Conc. (mg/Nm3) (a) (b) |
Max. Emission Limit (mg/Nm3) |
Exceedance Identified |
Remarks |
|
Dust (or TSP) |
0 – 15 |
15 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Carbon Monoxide |
0 – 373 |
650 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
NOx |
0 – 274 |
300 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
SO2 |
0 – 31 |
50 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
NMVOCs (b) |
Nil |
150 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
VOCs (including methane) (c) |
0 – 1,067 |
1,500 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
HCl |
0 |
10 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
HF |
0 – 0.5 |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Notes: (a) All values refer to an oxygen content in the exhaust gas of 6% and dry basis. (b) Quarterly sampling of NMVOCs in CHP was conducted in the last reporting period. (c) The VOCs emission limit include methane as biogas is adopted as fuel in the combustion process. |
||||
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 – 1 |
15 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Carbon Monoxide |
0 – 157 |
650 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
NOx |
0 – 292 |
300 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
SO2 |
0 – 22 |
50 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
NMVOCs (b) |
Nil |
150 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
VOCs (including methane) (c) |
0 – 1,085 |
1,500 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
HCl |
0 |
10 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
HF |
0 – 0.5 |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Notes: (a) All values refer to an oxygen content in the exhaust gas of 6% and dry basis. (b) Quarterly sampling of NMVOCs in CHP was conducted in the last reporting period. (c) The VOCs emission limit include methane as biogas is adopted as fuel in the combustion process. |
||||
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 – 0.5 |
5 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Carbon Monoxide |
0 – 50 |
100 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
NOx |
0 – 1,126 |
200 |
Identified (c) |
Modification of the ASP is being arranged with the supplier. The supplier will be on-site to complete the modification and review the ASP operation. |
|
SO2 |
0 – 46 |
50 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
VOCs (including methane) (b) |
0 – 161 |
20 |
Identified (d) |
Modification of the ASP is being arranged with the supplier. The supplier will be on-site to complete the modification and review the ASP operation. |
|
NH3 |
0 – 91 |
35 |
Identified (e) |
Modification of the ASP is being arranged with the supplier. The supplier will be on-site to complete the modification and review the ASP operation. |
|
HCl |
0 – 9 |
10 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
HF |
0 – 1.0 |
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. (c) Dates with exceedances on NOx (number of exceedances on the day) were identified 7 (6), 8 (6), 10 (2), 13 (2), 14 (2), 15 (1), 17 (1), 18 (1), 19 (4), 20 (5), 21 (1), 22 (1), 24 (2), 27 (4), 30 (2) and 31 (2) October2019. (d) Dates with exceedances on VOCs (including methane) (number of exceedances on the day) were identified on 10 (1) and 19 (1) October 2019. (e) Dates with exceedances on NH3 (number of exceedances on the day) were identified on 19 (1) and 25 (1) October 2019. |
||||
4.2
Odour
4.2.1
Commissioning Phase Monitoring
No odour patrol was required to be conducted for this reporting period.
4.2.2
Operation Phase Monitoring
No odour patrol was required to be conducted for this reporting period.
4.3
Water Quality
4.3.1
Construction Phase Monitoring
No effluent was discharged from the construction activity in the reporting month, hence it was not necessary to carry out effluent discharge sampling for this reporting period.
4.3.2
Operation Phase Monitoring
Effluent discharge was sampled monthly from the Effluent Storage Tank as stipulated in the operation phase discharge licence. The results of the discharge sample is recorded in Table 4.6.
Table 4.6 Results of the Discharge Sample
|
Parameters |
Discharged Effluent Concentration (mg/L) |
Discharge Limit (mg/L) |
Compliance with Discharge Limit |
|
pH (pH units) |
8.09 – 8.44 |
6-10 (a) |
Yes |
|
Suspended Solids (b) |
212 |
800 |
Yes |
|
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (5 days, 20°) (b) |
22 |
800 |
Yes |
|
Chemical Oxygen Demand (b) |
740 |
2,000 |
Yes |
|
Oil & Grease (b) |
<5 |
40 |
Yes |
|
Total Nitrogen (b) |
106 |
200 |
Yes |
|
Total Phosphorus (b) |
28.1 |
50 |
Yes |
|
Surfactants (total) (b) |
1.8 |
25 |
Yes |
|
Notes: (a) Daily Average. (b) Effluent sample collected on 9 October 2019. |
|||
No exceedance of discharge limit was recorded during the reporting period.
4.4
Waste Management
4.4.1
Construction Phase Monitoring
Wastes generated from this Project include inert construction and demolition (C&D) materials (public fill) and non-inert C&D materials (construction waste). Construction waste comprises general refuse, metals and paper/cardboard packaging materials. Metals generated from the construction of the Project are also grouped into construction waste as the materials were not disposed of with others at public fill. Reference has been made to the Monthly Summary Waste Flow Table prepared by the Contractor (see Annex G). With reference to the relevant handling records and trip tickets of this Project, the quantities of different types of waste generated in the reporting month are summarised in Table 4.7.
Table 4.7 Quantities of Waste Generated from the Construction of the Project
|
Month / Year |
Quantity |
|||
|
|
Total Inert C&D Materials Generated (a) |
Non-inert C&D Materials (b) |
||
|
C&D Materials Recycled (c) |
C&D Waste Disposed of at Landfill (d) |
Chemical Waste |
||
|
October 2019 |
4.51 tonnes |
0.00 kg |
6.42 tonnes |
0.00 L |
|
Notes: (a) Inert C&D materials (public fill) include bricks, concrete, building debris, rubble and excavated spoil. In total, 4.51tonnes of inert C&D material were generated from the Project. The detailed waste flow is presented in Annex G. (b) Non-inert C&D materials (construction wastes) include metals, paper / cardboard packaging waste, plastics and other wastes such as general refuse. Metals generated from the Project were grouped into construction wastes as the materials were not disposed of with others at the public fill. (c) 0.00 kg of metals, 0.00 kg of papers/ cardboard packing and 0.00 kg of plastics were sent to recyclers for recycling during the reporting period. (d) Construction wastes other than metals, paper/cardboard packaging, plastics and chemicals were disposed of at NENT Landfill by subcontractors. |
||||
4.4.2
Operation Phase Monitoring
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 G). 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 4.8.
Table 4.8 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) |
|
October 2019 |
0 L |
441.22 tonnes |
0.00 tonnes |
2.88 tonnes (d) |
0 kg |
|
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, 0.00 kg of metals, 0.00 kg of papers/ cardboard packing and 0.00 kg of plastics were sent to recyclers for recycling during the reporting period. (c) Among general refuse, 0.00 kg of metals, 0.00 kg of papers/ cardboard packing and 0.00 kg of plastics were sent to recyclers for recycling during the reporting period. (d) 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. |
|||||
5
Site Audit
5.1
Environmental Site Audit
5.1.1 Construction
Phase
Joint site inspections were conducted by representatives of the Contractor and the ET on 4, 9, 18, 25 and 29 October 2019 as required for the construction of the Project. The IEC and ER were present at the joint inspection on 29 October 2019.
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 F).
Follow-up actions resulting from the last site inspections were generally taken as reported by the Contractor.
Key observations during the reporting period are summarised as follows:
4 October 2019
· No particular observation during this inspection.
9 October 2019
· No particular observation during this inspection.
18 October 2019
· No particular observation during this inspection.
25 October 2019
· No particular observation during this inspection.
29 October 2019
· Cement bags were placed on the floor without cover. The Contractor was advised to cover the cement bags with impervious sheeting.
Other than the above observation, the Contractor has implemented environmental mitigation measures recommended in the approved EIA Report and EM&A Manual.
5.1.2
Operation Phase
The monthly inspection of the landscape and visual mitigation measures for the operation phase of the Project on 29 October 2019 covered the operation phase environmental site audit. Joint site inspections was conducted by representatives of the Contractor, ER, IEC and the MT on 29 October 2019 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 F).
Follow-up actions resulting from the last site inspections were generally taken as reported by the Contractor.
Key observations during the reporting period are summarised as follows:
29 October 2019
· No particular observation during this inspection.
Other than the above observations, the Contractor has implemented environmental mitigation measures recommended in the approved EIA Report and EM&A Manual.
5.2
Landscape and Visual Audit
Inspection of the landscape and visual mitigation measures for the construction phase of the Project was performed on 9 and 25 October 2019. Inspection of the landscape and visual mitigation measures for the operation phase of the Project was performed on 25 October 2019.
It was confirmed that the necessary landscape and visual mitigation measures during the construction and operation phase as summarised in Annex F were generally implemented by the Contractor. No specific observation was found during site inspections on 9 and 25 October 2019. 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.
6
Environmental Non-conformance and Deficiencies
6.1
Summary of Environmental
Non-Compliance and Deficiencies
Non-compliance of emission limits for ASP were recorded 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 air pollution control system and the combustion system of the ASP and identified the following potential causes for the exceedance.
(a) The ongoing performance optimisation of the ASP result in the incomplete combustion of biogas. The unstable emission leads to the exceedances of NOx, VOCs (including methane) and NH3 in ASP.
For item (a), it was arranged with the supplier of the ASP to modify the system onsite. The supplier suggested that main components required for the modification work, i.e. an air cooler, will be delivered to Hong Kong by early October 2019. Meanwhile, the supplier has performed some minor modification work, such as the replacement of control valves. The Contractor is developing a detailed schedule with the supplier to ensure preparatory works are completed for the major modification work to take place. The operation team of the Contractor will also liaise and agree with the supplier for any shutdown period required to replace and install the equipment.
The investigation report is presented in Annex I.
The Contractor reported that an incident related to the release of biogas occurred on 25 August 2019. The incident has been resolved. The investigation is still on-going and is expected to be completed in the next reporting period. The investigation of the incident will be included in the next monthly EM&A report.
6.2
Summary of Environmental
Complaint
No complaint was received during the reporting period.
6.3
Summary of Environmental
Summon and Successful Prosecution
No summon/prosecution was received during the
reporting period. The cumulative summons/prosecution log is shown in Annex H.
7
Future Key Issues
7.1
Key Issues for the Coming
Month
Activities to be undertaken for the coming reporting period are:
· Operation of the Project.
· Modification of the AS to control the air emission.
· Visitor Centre BS works (MVAC, FS and cladding).
8
Conclusions
This EM&A Report presents the EM&A programme undertaken during the reporting period from 1 to 31 October 2019 in accordance with EM&A Manual (Version E) and requirements of EP (FEP-01/395/2010/C).
No air quality, noise and water quality monitoring is required under the construction EM&A requirements.
For the operation phase, exceedances of the emission limits for 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 |
|
Ammonia Stripping Plant (ASP) |
· Exceeded emission limit of NOx on 7, 8,10, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 27, 30 and 31 October 2019 · Exceeded emission limit of VOCs (including methane) on 10 and 19 October 2019 · Exceeded emission limit of NH3 on 19 and 25 October 2019 |
Exceedances in emission parameters of ASP were found to be a result of the continuous fine-tuning of ASP setting.
The Contractor has implemented mitigation measures to control the exceedance, which is the modification of the ASP to optimise overall performance.
No non-compliance to the effluent discharge limit was recorded during this reporting period.
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.
Bi-weekly 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.
An incident related to the release of biogas occurred on 25 August 2019. The incident has been resolved. The investigation is still on-going and is expected to be completed in the next reporting period. .
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.