ENVR S335

Environmental Control,
Monitoring and Modeling

Unit 12
Summary of
ENVR S335

211
OUHK Course Team
Course Development Coordinator:
Prof. K C Ho, OUHK

Developer:
Y H Yau & Associates

Instructional Designer:
Cliff Hall, OUHK

Members:
Dr Chin-wing Chan, OUHK
Dr Gordon Maxwell, OUHK (Units 4–12)

External Course Assessor

Prof. C S Poon, Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Production
Educational Technology and Development Unit

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Contents

Introduction 1

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) 5

Case study 7
Decommissioning of Cheoy Lee Shipyard at Penny’s Bay 7
Evaluation of management of land contamination 9
Air quality impact 12
Waste management and transportation of contaminated materials 13
Noise impact 15
Water quality impact 15
Environmental monitoring and audit 18

Conclusion 20

Feedback on activities 21
 Unit 12 1

Introduction
You may need to plan for your future career after completing this
course. In Hong Kong, environmental practitioners starting out
today have better opportunities than they did in the past, because the
HKSAR Government is committed to maintaining and improving the
environment by upgrading the resources for the fight against solid
waste, air, noise and water pollution. This unit shows you how to apply
the principles of environmental control, monitoring and modelling to
a real case of a decommissioning project. It also provides links for
incorporating these principles to the EIA study.

The purpose of this EIA study is to provide information on the nature

and extent of the environmental effects likely to arise from the project
and related activities taking place concurrently. The information
provided by this EIA study will contribute to the decisions on:

1 the overall acceptability of any adverse environmental consequences

that are likely to arise as a result of the proposed project,

2 the conditions and requirements for the project to mitigate against

adverse environmental consequences wherever practicable, and

3 the acceptability of residual effects after the proposed mitigation

measures have been implemented.

The project proposes to decommission the existing Cheoy Lee Shipyard

at Penny’s Bay in order to make space available for the infrastructure
construction in association with the Hong Kong Disneyland Phase 1
development. Key works of the project are:

1 demolition of the existing structures within Cheoy Lee Shipyard;

2 removal of abandoned equipment/installation/facilities and waste

materials in Cheoy Lee Shipyard;

3 carrying out suitable decontamination work to clean up the site in

accordance with Hong Kong Environmental Legislation;

4 installation and operation of the on-site/off-site treatment plants;

5 decommissioning of the on-site/off-site treatment plants, site

reinstatement and associated clean- up work

6 slope improving work behind the Cheoy Lee Shipyard;

7 filling of the Cheoy Lee Shipyard to a new formation level after

decommissioning; and

8 implementation of appropriate mitigation measures as recommended

in this EIA report to avoid/minimize any adverse environmental
effects arising from the project, so that the project site would be
made safe and free of hazards for the planned future use.
2 ENVR S335 Environmental Control, Monitoring and Modeling

Cheoy Lee Shipyard is located on the northern and eastern shores of

Penny’s Bay, Lantau, (see Figure 12.1). To the southeast is an existing
gas turbine electricity station operated by CLP Power Hong Kong
Ltd. The shipyard operation started on reclaimed land leased from the
HKSAR Government in 1964. Upon announcement of the Theme Park
Project, the Government planned to reoccupy the land of the Cheoy Lee
Shipyard for the associated infrastructure work. Cheoy Lee Shipyard
has ceased its operation, and the site was returned to the Government
in April 2001 under a voluntary surrender. Throughout the 37 years
of operation, the size of the Cheoy Lee Shipyard site was increased
significantly, to suit the increasing demand. Additional land space
was provided by further reclamation with quarrying of the hillside for
reclamation materials. Cheoy Lee Shipyard now has a site area of about
19 hectares. The past business nature of Cheoy Lee Shipyard includes
boat manufacturing and boat repair and maintenance.

The nature of the project is primarily of environmental improvement.

Contaminated materials are permanently removed from the ground and
cleaned up, removing a source of long-term environmental liability.
After the shipyard is decommissioned, it will afford room for the
infrastructure in support of the Theme Park Development. The safety
of the slopes will be improved. The archaeological artefacts will be
rescued from or preserved with the site. The work period for each
project component is given in Table 12.1.
 Unit 12 3

Figure 12.1 Site location map

4 ENVR S335 Environmental Control, Monitoring and Modeling

Table 12.1 Working period of the project

Working period
Project components
From To
Demolition & excavation of July 2002 March 2003
contaminated soil
Operation of on-site soil November 2002 May 2003
treatment plant
Slope works behind Cheoy Lee July 2002 December 2003
Shipyard
Preparation of To Kau Wan site July 2002 October 2002
Bio pile operation at To Kau November 2002 November 2004
Wan
Solidification operation at To March 2004 March 2006
Kau Wan
Thermal desorption operation at February 2004 February 2006
To Kau Wan
Filling of Cheoy Lee Shipyard October 2002 July 2003
after decommissioning
To Kau Wan decommissioning February 2006 July 2006

We will start to focus on the case study of environmental control and

monitoring and develop the content, which will allow you to put into
practice everything you have learned in the four blocks of this course.
After reading the case study and the accompanying activities, you
should be able to incorporate environmental considerations into the
selection, planning and implementation of proposed development
projects. You should note that each activity included in the case study is
similar to the type you could expect in if you were working for the EPD.
You will be asked to refer to various units to revise some key points
before completing the activities.
 Unit 12 5

Environmental impact assessment

(EIA)
In considering the design of new projects and processes or the
modification of the existing ones, it is important to assess the possible
effects on the environment. Although you should be able to do this
for smaller projects after completing this course, it is much better
in principle to use a more formal approach, in order to ensure that
important effects are not missed. One such systematic approach is an
EIA. The fundamental goal of an EIA is to protect the environment from
any damage that might result from a decision to proceed with a given
project.

The objectives and content of an EIA report may include the following:

1 to describe the proposed project(s) and associated work together

with the requirements and environmental benefits for carrying out
the proposed project(s);

2 to identify and describe the elements of the community and

environment likely to be affected by the proposed project(s), and/or
likely to cause adverse effects on the proposed project(s), including
both the natural and human-made environments and the associated
environmental constraints;

3 to identify and quantify emission sources and determine the

significance of effects on sensitive receivers and potential affected
uses;

4 to identify and quantify any potential loss or damage to flora, fauna

and natural habitats;

5 to identify any negative effects on sites of cultural heritage and to

propose measures to mitigate these effects;

6 to propose the provision of infrastructure or mitigation measures to

minimize pollution, environmental disturbance and nuisance during
construction, operation or decommissioning of the projects(s);

7 to investigate the feasibility, effectiveness and implications of the

proposed mitigation measures;

8 to identify, predict and evaluate the residual, so that after practicable

mitigation, environmental effects and the cumulative effects relation
to the sensitive receivers and potential affected uses can be reduced
to acceptable levels.

9 to identify, assess and specify methods, measures and standards,

to be included in the detailed design, construction, operation or
decommissioning of the project(s) which are necessary to mitigate
these residual environmental impacts and cumulative effects and
reduce them to acceptable levels;
6 ENVR S335 Environmental Control, Monitoring and Modeling

10 to design and specify the environmental monitoring and audit

requirements; and

11 to identify any additional studies necessary to implement the

mitigation measures or monitoring and proposals recommended in
the EIA report.

In order to attempt the activities in the remainder of this unit, you will
need to read the following EIA report related to the project for the
decommissioning of Cheoy Lee Shipyard at Penny’s Bay. In completing
the activities, you should imagine that you are a staff member for EPD
working on the decommissioning job.

Reading 12.1
Decommissioning of Cheoy Lee Shipyard at Penny’s Bay, at

EIA-072/2001: http://www.epd.gov.hk/eia/english/register/
aeiara/all.html
 Unit 12 7

Case study

Decommissioning of Cheoy Lee Shipyard at

Penny’s Bay

Introduction

The decommissioning of the existing Cheoy Lee Shipyard (CLS) at

Penny’s Bay (the Project) involves the demolition of all buildings and
structures, and where necessary, decontamination of site areas. The area
cleared will be used for the construction of infrastructures associated
with Hong Kong Disneyland Phase 1, including the Penny’s Bay Section
of the Chok Ko Wan Link Road (CKWLR), Road P2, etc. The Project
shall be on the critical path of the Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park
Project.

The Project proposes to decommission the existing CLS at Penny’s Bay

in order to make space available for the infrastructure construction in
association with the Hong Kong Disneyland Phase 1 development. Key
works of the Project are:

1 demolition of the existing structures within CLS;

2 removal of abandoned equipment/installation/ facilities and waste

materials in CLS;

3 excavation of the contaminated soil in CLS and on-site treatment or

transportation to the off-site treatment plants;

4 installation and operation of the on-site and off-site treatment plants;

5 decommissioning of the on-site and off-site treatment plants, site

reinstatement and associated cleanup work;

6 slope improving work behind the CLS;

7 filling of the CLS to a new formation level after decommissioning;

and

8 implementation of appropriate mitigation measures as recommended

in this EIA report to avoid/minimize any adverse environmental
effects arising from the Project, so that the Project site would be
made safe and free of hazards for the planned future use.

The Project consists of two Designated Projects (DPs): item G.4 of

Part I (a waste disposal facility, or waste disposal activity for refuse
or chemical, industrial or special wastes) and item 17 of Part II (a
facility for shipbuilding or repairing, more than 1 ha in size or with
lifting capacity in excess of 20,000 tonnes) under Schedule 2 of the
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Ordinance. In compliance with
8 ENVR S335 Environmental Control, Monitoring and Modeling

the EIA Ordinance, environmental effects due to the Project shall be

comprehensively assessed, and an Environmental Permit (EP) shall be
obtained from the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) before
the Project begins. In September 2000, the Project Proponent, Special
Duties (Works) Division of Civil Engineering Department applied to
the Environmental Protection Department for an EIA Study Brief with a
Project Profile. An EIA Study Brief (No. ESB-062/2000) that proposes
to guide the carrying out of the EIA study was issued on 9 November
2000.

The EIA Report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements
stipulated in the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact
Assessment Process. This covers relevant project information, relevant
legislation, existing environmental conditions, assessment criteria and
methods, assessment findings and proposed mitigation measures.

A comparison of the options for decontamination works areas has

been prepared, taking into account the key factors and constraints. The
characteristics of particular importance are the size and availability of
the site over the duration of the decontamination treatment period, the
implications of any delays in the completion of the treatment affecting
the infrastructure development, the distance from the shipyard and
means of access, the suitability of existing facilities for access, the
site constraints such as the presence of any sensitive receivers, and the
potential environmental effects from storage and treatment.

The review has determined that a suitable site at To Kau Wan (TKW)
is available for the expected duration of the proposed decontamination
work. The site at To Kau Wan is 5.8 ha and is adequate to accommodate
all the treatment work on one site. The site is reasonably close to
Penny’s Bay, and effects arising from the land transportation of
contaminated soil are expected to be minimal. Potential environmental
impacts associated with the decontamination work are acceptable
and can be mitigated, as no sensitive land uses are located nearby.
Accordingly, it is recommended that the site at To Kau Wan be used as
the decontamination works site.

Activity 12.1
From what you have read so far about this decommissioning project, try
to identify:

1 the likely environmental impact of the work required, and

2 the implications for four main areas of environmental monitoring

and control that would result from the decommissioning.
 Unit 12 9

Evaluation of management of land

contamination
Before looking at the subject of contamination, you may find it useful to
revise Units 1 to 3 of the course.

Soil contamination

Based on the laboratory results of the site investigation, the EIA

Report found significant soil contamination in Area 1, Area 2 and
Area 3 of CLS. The soil in Area 1 is predominantly contaminated with
‘metals’ and ‘metals/TPH/SVOCs’. The soil in Area 3 is predominantly
contaminated with ‘metals’ and ‘dioxins/metals/TPH/SVOCs’. The
soil in Area 2 is contaminated with ‘metals’, ‘metals/TPH/SVOCs’ and
‘dioxins/metals/ TPH/SVOCs’.

The volumes of soil contaminated by different types of contaminant

have been estimated based on extensive laboratory results. They are
tabulated in the following table.

Estimated volumes of soils contaminated by different types of

contaminant

Contaminant type(s) Estimated Volume (m3)

Metals only 48,000
TPH/SVOCs 700
Metals and TPH/SVOCs 8,300
Dioxins and metals/TPH/SVOCs 30,000
Total estimated volume 87,000

Groundwater contamination

The laboratory results of the groundwater sample reveal some

exceedances in the screening criteria for risk assessment. A risk
assessment has been undertaken to assess the risk posed by the
contaminants in groundwater. The results of the risk assessment reveal
that the concentrations of all chemicals of concern do not exceed
the calculated ‘allowable’ concentrations, and the risk posed by the
contaminants in groundwater is acceptable.

As only a thin layer of TPH-free product was discovered on the

groundwater table in one well during site investigation, the impact is
considered insignificant.
10 ENVR S335 Environmental Control, Monitoring and Modeling

Remedial methods

The objectives of the remediation are:

1 To clean up the site to the remediation targets and within the overall
development programme with a cost-effective and well-established
method.

2 To minimize the environmental impact during the excavation,

construction and operation of the remedial systems.

3 To protect construction workers adequately from site hazards.

Selection of remedial methods for non-dioxin contaminated soil

Various treatment technologies have been screened and evaluated.

Cement solidification has been proposed for soil contaminated with
metals, and biopiling for soil contaminated with TPH and/or SVOC,
taking into account the applicability and limitations of the treatment
technologies.

Selection of remedial method for dioxin-contaminated soil

Various thermal and non-thermal technologies have been evaluated.

Based on the comparative analysis in effectiveness, implementability
and cost implications, thermal desorption is proposed for the treatment
of dioxin-contaminated soil, and the residue generated will be destroyed
by incineration at Chemical Waste Treatment Centre (CWTC).

Activity 12.2
The Chemical Waste Treatment Centre (CWTC) on Tsing Yi Island
uses incineration for the treatment of dioxin-contaminated soil. What
operational measures are implemented to control dioxins? What is the
emission standard of dioxins in Hong Kong?

Selection of implementation option

Five different implementation options in relation to remedial methods as

well as remedial location have been evaluated. The option of excavating
all contaminated soil and treating it either on-site at CLS or off-site at
TKW (depending on the nature of contaminants) is recommended.

Outline of proposed implementation option

The proposed implementation option is recapitulated in the following

table. These methods are proposed based on the evaluation of
their effectiveness and implementability, described above. During
remediation, the contaminated soil will be excavated. Metal-
contaminated soil will be treated on site, whereas soil contaminated with
other contaminants will be transported to TKW for off-site treatment.
 Unit 12 11

Proposed remediation methods for soil contamination

Soil contaminant Proposed remediation method Location

Metals only Cement solidification CLS
TPH/SVOCs Biopiling TKW
Metals and TPH/ Biopiling followed by cement TKW
SVOCs solidification
Dioxins and metals/ Thermal desorption followed by TKW
TPH/SVOCs cement solidification

Confirmation sampling and testing

Confirmation sampling and testing have been proposed for the

following:

1 soil excavation to ensure complete removal of all contaminated soil;

2 biopile treatment to ensure attainment of cleanup targets for soil

contaminated with TPH/SVOC;

3 cement solidification to ensure attainment of cleanup targets for soil

contaminated with metals;

4 thermal desorption to ensure attainment for cleanup targets for soil

contaminated with dioxins; and

5 skimming of any TPH-free product encountered at excavation areas

to ensure complete removal of the TPH-free product.

Mitigation measures

Various environmental mitigation measures and health and safety

measures have been proposed for soil excavation, stockpiling of
soil, biopile treatment, cement solidification and thermal desorption.
Because of the incorporation of these measures during excavation and
operation of the remediation system, as well as the provisions of safety
measures to site workers, there is no residual impact arising from land
contamination. Mitigation measures have been proposed for excavation
and operation of the remediation system regarding air, water, waste and
ecology, and are provided in the respective chapters of the EIA Report.

Activity 12.3
In this activity, you will need to refresh your ideas on thermal processes
in Unit 2. Briefly describe how thermal desorption could destroy dioxins
in contaminated soil.
12 ENVR S335 Environmental Control, Monitoring and Modeling

Air quality impact

Dust emission from the site is a concern for building demolition and
slope improvement works of CLS. Total Suspended Particulates (TSP)
would be generated from materials handling and truck movement
overhaul roads. Because of the incorporation of dust control measures
stipulated in the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation,
the TSP level at the ASR will be low. Mitigation measures have been
proposed for the building demolition and slope improvement works at
CLS and are included in the chapter on air quality.

Excavation of contaminated areas would disturb the soil, and dioxins

bound onto the soil would be dispersed in the form of dust. Modelling
results indicate that the effects at the ASRs are low and satisfy the
hourly criteria. The following mitigation measures are proposed at work
sites of contaminated pits:

• The top layer soils shall be sprayed with fine misting of water
immediately before the excavation, to avoid dust emission.

• Inactive excavated area will be covered by impermeable sheeting to

minimize dust emissions.

Solidification will be conducted at CLS to stabilize heavy metals in

soil. Biopiling, thermal desorption and solidification as parts of the
decontamination process will be conducted at TKW. The biopiles could
reduce organic constituents by 99%, and the solidification process could
immobilize the toxic material. The design of thermal desorption plant
and associated air treatment unit shall allow only 0.0001% of dioxins,
organic gases and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the
soil, escaped as gaseous pollutants. Air emissions from these facilities
have been modelled and assessed to be within the respective criteria.
The following mitigation measures are proposed for the treatment
facilities:

• The thermal desorption shall be of enclosed process.

• For the thermal desorption process, the dioxin emissions shall be

limited to 0.1 ng/m3 and Total Organic Compounds (TOC) emission
limited to 20 mg/m3.

• The design of thermal desorption plant is of the enclosed type,

and together with the associated air treatment unit shall allow only
0.0001% of dioxins, organic gas and PAHs from the soils, escaped
as gaseous pollutants.

• TOC emission from the biopile shall be limited to 20 mg/m3, with

maximum flow rate of 56 m3/min.

• A back-up carbon absorber shall be installed for the biopile, to

ensure that the TOC criteria are satisfied.
 Unit 12 13

• The biopiles shall be covered by impermeable sheeting to avoid

emission of VOCs.

• The mixing process at TKW will be enclosed, and cement for

solidification shall follow the Air Pollution Control (Construction
Dust) Regulation.

Air quality impact associated with the decommissioning of TKW site

will be low and complies with the criteria.

The health risk of inhalation associated with the operation of the

treatment facilities has been assessed to be insignificant, and complies
with international criteria.

Implementation of the proposed mitigation measures means there will

be no residual impact.

Activity 12.4
In accordance with the EPD guidelines in Unit 5, Fugitive Dust Model
(FDM), California Line Source Model (CALINE4) and Industrial
Source Complex Short Term (ISCST3) are recommended for general
local-scale assessment. Can you suggest which models should be used
to predict and quantify the air quality impacts at the sensitive receivers
of Cheoy Lee Shipyard and To Kau Wan?

Waste management and transportation of

contaminated materials
Construction and demolition (C&D) material will be generated during
the demolition of the shipyard facilities. It is estimated that about
10,000m3 C&D material will be generated, of which about 1,000m3 are
contaminated. In addition, about 1,000 tonnes of steel and 5,000 m3 of
general refuse will be generated. It is believed that adverse waste effects
will not be generated, provided that good site practices and sound waste
handling practices recommended are strictly followed.

During slope improvement behind CLS, around 40,000m3 soil and

2,100m3 rock will be generated. It is believed that no adverse effects
will arise, provided that the excavated materials will be reused/recycled
within CLS as much as practical.

During remediation, about 87,000m3 of contaminated soil will be

excavated from Cheoy Lee Shipyard and either treated on-site or
transported to TKW for off-site treatment, depending on the types of
contaminant. The soil after treatment will turn to clean inert materials
suitable for public filling. The condensate as the end product of the
treatment and other chemical wastes will be collected and disposed of at
the CWTC. Thus, no residual waste impact is expected.
14 ENVR S335 Environmental Control, Monitoring and Modeling

The overall total of C&D material to be generated by this Project

is estimated around 0.4Mm3. The C&D material will be reused and
recycled as far as practicable in the land formation works within CLS
site, to minimize the amount of C&D material to be disposed of at
public filling areas (PFAs).

You should note that direct incineration of soil is an alternative method

to treat dioxin contaminated soil, but this option would cost 50% more
than the thermal desorption process, consume more energy and may
create more greenhouse gases. The use of chemical dechlorination for
treating the residue is also not recommended because of the chemical
waste by-products, which require further treatment and disposal.
By completing the following activity, you should learn that thermal
desorption, in comparison, is the preferred method, since Hong Kong
has a chemical waste incinerator for treating the condensate from the
thermal desorption plant.

Activity 12.5
The Sydney Olympic coordinating authority has used base-catalyzed
decomposition technology for the soil decontamination project. Why
didn’t the HKSAR Government use this technology for the Cheoy Lee
Shipyard?

Mitigation measures have been proposed in relation to waste

collection, handling, transportation, storage and disposal, to minimize
environmental impact.

To ensure proper waste handling and management procedures are

strictly followed, the Contractor shall prepare the following documents
for the Engineer’s approval before work.

• Waste Management Plan,

• Operational Plan,
• Spill Handling Contingency Plan, and
• Building Decommissioning Plan.

In addition, the following registration/licence/approval/permit/

notification are required:

• Waste Producer Registration: The Contractor is required to be

registered under the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General)
Regulation.

• Waste Collection Licence: A Waste Collection Licence under the

Waste Disposal Ordinance is required for the transport/delivery of
chemical wastes to off-site waste disposal facilities.
 Unit 12 15

• Waste Disposal Licence: A Waste Disposal Licence is required

for the operation of the off-site treatment facility at TKW for the
treatment for dioxin-contaminated soil.

• Approval for Using Large Container: Approval is required under the

Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation for using
chemical waste containers with a capacity exceeding 450L.

• Part A Notification: Prior notification to the EPD is required before

any collection of Part A chemical waste.

• Noise Permit: A Noise Permit under the Noise Control Ordinance is

required for nighttime operation of the decontamination system and
transportation of contaminated soil by trucks to TKW at night.

Implementation of the proposed mitigation measures means there will

be no residual impact.

Noise impact
The EIA report found that there were insignificant construction and
operational noise impacts in the study area.

Activity 12.6
A noise permit is required for the operation of the decontamination
system and transportation of contaminated soil by trucks to TKW at
night. Can you explain briefly a generic approach in a noise assessment?

Water quality impact

Building demolition and slope improvement

During the building demolition and slope improvement, adverse water

quality impacts arising from runoff and sewage effluent generated
by the construction workforce are not likely if the ‘best practical’
site procedures are implemented. Regular site audits are therefore
recommended to ensure that ‘best site practices’ and relevant mitigation
measures be implemented throughout the Project.

Soil remediation

At Cheoy Lee Site

After demolishing the building, contaminated soil at CLS would be
excavated for on-site and off-site treatment. Local groundwater will be
drawn out (i.e. dewatering) when excavation proceeds below the water
table. The groundwater with elevated metal and TPH levels, though not
16 ENVR S335 Environmental Control, Monitoring and Modeling

contaminated in accordance with risk-based assessment, would impose

water quality impact if directly discharged into the drainage channel. As
a mitigation measure, the groundwater pumped out shall be recharged
within CLS site in such a manner that it would not cause local rising of
the water table leading to contaminant migration. Wheel wash water and
decontamination wastewater generated will be considered contaminated.
A mitigation measure to install a centralized water treatment unit is
recommended to treat the effluent before discharge. Implementation
of the mitigation measures means no adverse water quality impact is
envisaged.

Impact of groundwater seepage to nearby marine water via the future

drainage channel to the north of the CLS site was also assessed. The
drainage channel would be built above the existing CLS ground level;
thus this effectively isolates the groundwater from seeping into the
channel. In any case, the groundwater, if any seeped into the channel,
would be diluted a lot; therefore, water quality impact arising from the
groundwater seepage to the nearby marine water is not likely. No impact
on the artificial lake of the future water recreation centre is predicted
arising from groundwater seepage. The reasons are that:

• the planned water level of the artificial lake will be higher than the
CLS water table level;

• there is an impermeable liner at the bottom of the lake to subsurface

contaminants infiltration; and

• the soil contamination would be cleaned up during the CLS

decommissioning, thus removing the contaminant source.

Pending receipt by the solidification facility, there would be temporary

stockpiles of metal-contaminated soil. It is recommended that temporary
stockpiles be lined with impervious sheeting, bunded and covered
by impermeable sheeting during rain events, whereby the volume of
contaminated runoff and leachate would be reduced. The generation
of contaminated runoff and leachate would be further minimized
respectively by sheltering the solidification facility and controlling
water addition during the solidification process. In the end, a licensed
centralized wastewater treatment unit is recommended for treating
the contaminated runoff and leachate before their discharge into local
drainage. Taking the above into consideration, no adverse impact arising
from the operation of the solidification facility is predicted.

At To Kau Wan Site

Biopiling, thermal desorption process and solidification are the
major decontamination processes conducted at the To Kau Wan
decontamination site. Potential water quality impact of contaminating
the nearly water bodies would be arising from various site effluents:
plant leachate, contaminated run-off from the thermal desorption
plant, wheel wash water and decontamination water. It is therefore
recommended a licensed centralized wastewater treatment unit be
installed for treating the effluent before being discharged. Because the
 Unit 12 17

wastewater treatment unit is in place and in operation, no adverse water

quality impact is envisaged.

Other mitigation measures as follows have been recommended in

relation to biopiling, thermal desorption and solidification desorption
processes to minimize generation of contaminated runoff and leachate:

Biopiling
• Impermeable floor liner to be placed, and associated leachate
collection sump to be installed for the biopile.

• Concrete bund to be constructed along the perimeter of biopiles.

• Impermeable sheeting to be provided over the formed biopile during

rain events.

Thermal Desorption
• Shelter and leachate collection system to be provided for the storage
bin of dioxin contaminated soils.

• Concrete bund to be constructed at the perimeter of the plant.

• Runoff collection system to be installed for the plant.

Solidification
• Shelter to be provided for soil loading and unloading area and the
entire facility.

• Concrete bund to be constructed at the perimeter of the facility.

• Any pits used for solidification process to be shallower than the

water table, to avoid leaching of the contaminated soil and to be
lined with impermeable membrane.

Activity 12.7
The area to be cleared up will be used for the construction of
infrastructures associated with Hong Kong Disney Phase 1. Can you
suggest some of the environmental measures implemented during the
construction phases?
18 ENVR S335 Environmental Control, Monitoring and Modeling

Environmental monitoring and audit

Environmental monitoring and audit are recommended for land
contamination, air quality, water quality, waste management and
ecology. Details of the recommended mitigation measures, monitoring
procedures and locations have been presented in a standalone
Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual (EM&A). This will
enable the Contractor to have early warning and provide necessary
action to reduce impacts at specific areas, if the assessment criteria
are approached. The effectiveness of on-site control measures could
also be evaluated through the monitoring exercise. All recommended
mitigation measures should be incorporated into the EM&A programme
for implementation.

A summary of all parameters to be monitored and audited during

construction phase and operational phases is presented in the following
table. 

Summary for all monitoring parameters

Monitoring and audit requirements

Building Remediation phase
Parameter demolition TKW
and slope decommissioning
improvement At CLS At TKW phase
phases
Land Nil Monitoring of Weekly site audits Weekly site audits
contamination groundwater level
at recharge point
and the proximate
location during
dewatering.
Monitoring and
confirmation
sampling/testing
shall be carried out
to ensure complete
removal of any free
product encountered
during excavation.
Confirmation
sampling/testing
shall be carried
out for (a) soil
excavation, (b)
biopile treatment,
(c) solidification,
and (d) thermal
desorption
processes.
 Unit 12 19

Monitoring and audit requirements

Building Remediation phase
Parameter demolition TKW
and slope decommissioning
improvement At CLS At TKW phase
phases
Air quality Weekly site Ambient TSP and Ambient TSP and Weekly site audits
audits dioxin monitoring at dioxin monitoring at
sensitive receivers. sensitive receivers.
Monitoring of
TOC in biopile gas
effluent.
Stack monitoring
of dioxin emission
from the thermal
desorption plant.
CEM of TOC, O2,
CO2 and CO from
the stack of thermal
desorption plant.
Weekly site audits
Waste Weekly site Weekly site audits Weekly site audits Weekly site audits
management audits
Water quality Weekly site Monitoring of the Monitoring of the Weekly site audits
audits effluent quality of effluent quality of
the water treatment the water treatment
unit (for wheel unit (for wheel
washing water and washing water,
decontamination decontamination
water). water, leachate and
runoff from thermal
Weekly site audits desorption plant.
Weekly site audits

Activity 12.8
Can you develop a simple sampling and monitoring programme for the
decommissioning project? Is there any accredited laboratory in Hong
Kong capable of doing analysis of dioxin samples?
20 ENVR S335 Environmental Control, Monitoring and Modeling

Conclusion
The findings of this EIA have provided information on the nature and
extent of environmental impacts arising from the decommission of the
CLS. The EIA has, where appropriate, identified mitigation measures to
ensure compliance with environmental legislation and standards.

Overall, the EIA Report for the decommissioning of the CLS has
predicted that the Project will comply with all environmental standards
and legislation after the proposed construction and operational stages of
mitigation measures are implemented. This EIA has also demonstrated
the general acceptability of the residual effects from the Project
and the protection of the population and environmentally sensitive
receivers. Environmental monitoring and audit mechanisms have been
recommended during the decommissioning of CLS, where necessary,
to verify the accuracy of the EIA predictions and the effectiveness of
recommended mitigation measures.

The nature of the project is primarily of environmental improvement.

Contaminated materials are permanently removed from the ground
and cleaned up, removing a source of long-term liability. After the
shipyard is decommissioned, it will provide room for the infrastructure
in support of the Theme Park Development. The safety of the slopes
will be improved. The habitat of the Rich Fish, which is of conservation
interest, will be recreated, and restricted/protected plants will be
conserved on-site or transplanted to a suitable receptor site. The
archaeological artefacts will be rescued or preserved from the site.

You should realize that in order to complete an EIA study, you

must have a background in chemical engineering to understand the
process that results in pollution. A background in meteorology is
necessary to understand why the atmosphere disperses pollutants
into the atmosphere. Chemistry courses will help you understand the
chemical reactions that take place in the environment. You need applied
science to understand how to do monitoring and measurement of the
pollutants. Epidemiology, sociology and environmental science help
you understand what the effects of humans on the environment will be.
And political science, economics, and law give you an understanding
of the types of strategy adopted to control the pollutants that come out
of the sources. A list of designated projects was drawn up for the EIA
Ordinance to ensure that projects or proposals that have significant
environmental impact are subject to the statutory assessment process.
Therefore, it is recommended you study EN320 and EN341 after
completing this course.
 Unit 12 21

Feedback on activities
Activity 12.1
By definition under the EIA Ordinance, the project that is categorized as
a Designated Project shall require an environmental permit before the
project begins. Key issues identified in this section are:

1 The potential land contamination and groundwater effects due to

the present and past land uses in the project site, and the release
of gaseous emissions and contaminants through surface runoff,
groundwater seepage and effluent generated during the project.

2 The waste management of building debris generated from

demolition work, shipwreckage and on-site installation/facilities
removed during shipyard decommissioning, contaminated soil
and various types of waste to be cleaned up and generated from
decontamination and site clearance.

3 The environmental impacts of the off-site and on-site contaminated

soil treatment.

Activity 12.2
The CWTC has extensive control on its emissions, which are regularly
monitored by the EPD. To ensure proper control of dioxins, the
incineration system of the CWTC has to meet the following operational
conditions:

a The rotary kiln operates at temperatures above 1,000°C.

b The secondary combustion chamber of incinerators is at 1,100°C to

1,250°C, which can retain the flue gas for more than 2 seconds.

c The temperature at the exit of the waste heat boiler is about 400°C.

d Efficient functioning of the air scrubbing system must remove

hydrogen chloride.

e The flue gas is cooled abruptly to below 200°C to reduce dioxin

reformation.

f Daily manual checking of the two independent activated carbon

injection systems are operated in parallel with an alarm warning
system.

g A fabric filter system captures the fly ash.

h In dioxin emission, the CWTC is required to meet an emission

standard of 0.1 ng I-TEQ/m3. This standard is more stringent
than those in most advanced countries such as the US, Japan, and
Canada.
22 ENVR S335 Environmental Control, Monitoring and Modeling

Activity 12.3
Thermal desorption is a process in which heat is used to evaporate the
contaminants from the soil into gaseous phase, which is subsequently
condensed for phased extraction. In a thermal desorption plant, such
as the one to be used for decontamination of the soil at the Cheoy Lee
Shipyard, the dioxin-contaminated soil will be heated to 540°C in an
enclosed chamber. The process will produce an oil-water mixture with
the dioxins dissolved in the oil. The oily residue will then be collected
for incineration at the CWTC.

Activity 12.4
Air quality modelling could be undertaken to establish the pollutant
concentrations at the sensitive receivers of CLS and TKW. The TSP
concentration at the sensitive receivers should be predicted by FDM.
Also, potential air quality effects from the exhaust gas of biopile and the
thermal desorption process can be predicted using the ISC3 model.

Activity 12.5
The technology used by the Sydney Olympic coordinating authority was
a two-stage on-site process. About 400 tonnes of contaminated soil were
treated initially by thermal desorption to extract the contaminants for
further treatment by based-catalyzed decomposition.

The based-catalyzed decomposition, which is a chemical dechlorination

process, has the following shortcomings:

a The destruction efficiency of 99.999% is lower than that

of incineration (99.9999%), and in the event of incomplete
dechlorination, other forms of dioxin may be generated.

b Chemical dechlorination would generate five times more oily

residue as a by-product which requires further treatment, and this
would result in double handling and potentially more secondary
environmental impacts.

c Chemical dechlorination is highly dependent on the characteristics

of the feed waste, and treatability tests are required to determine the
design parameters for the plant.

Activity 12.6
A generic approach in a noise assessment is in the following sequence:

1 Identify noise sources (including noise from powered mechanical

equipment and vehicle movement on haul roads).

2 Identify noise sensitive receivers.

3 Quantify noise impacts (modelling and measurement).

 Unit 12 23

4 Take mitigation measures (use quiet powered mechanical equipment,

noise barriers/enclosures and rescheduling of noisy construction
work).

5 Consider residual impacts.

Activity 12.7
In general, a wastewater treatment system should use a flow regulation,
settling, sedimentation and final filtration process to treat construction
wastewater to an acceptable level before reuse or discharge. Grease
traps should also be used to separate oil/grease from wastewater
from canteens. In practice, the treated water can be reused for dust
suppression.

Activity 12.8
Site investigation should first be conducted for this assessment to check
the contamination level of the site.

Soil boring and sampling

For buildings with limited use of chemicals and no apparent signs of
contamination, limited soil borings should be planned to provide site
coverage. However, extensive sampling and testing must be conducted
in areas where significant use of chemical was expected and visual signs
of contamination were noted.

Soil analytical programme

Metals, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH), Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs), Semi-volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs),
pH and cyanide should be tested for in all samples. Hexavalent
chromium can be tested at selected locations. Polychlorinated Biphenyls
(PCBs) must be tested soil samples taken at locations where electrical
equipment or oil heating baths that might use PCB-containing oil.
Dioxins should be tested in apparent burning areas. Tributyltin (TBT)
can also be tested in areas where metal-hulled boats were constructed
or repaired. Testing of pesticides and herbicides should be done in areas
where such chemicals might have been used to control vermin and
weed.

Groundwater analytical programme

Similar to the above soil analytical programme, cations/anions and
natural attenuation parameters must be added to selected groundwater
samples. The concerned test parameters include Antimony, Arsenic,
Barium, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Molybdenum,
Nickel, Zinc, Chloroform, Naphthalene, Bi(2-ethylhexyl)phathalate
(DEHP) and Dioxins.

There are two accredited laboratories — the Government Laboratory

and the laboratory at the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre — that can
analyse the relevant congeners of dioxins down to picogram level from
samples of stack gas, ambient air, wastewater, sediment or vegetation.