Annex 10A
Baseline Ecological Resources
10A. BASELINE ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES
10A.1 INTRODUCTION
This Annex describes the existing conditions of marine and terrestrial ecological resources within the proposed Project Site and Assessment Areas. The ecological resources have been identified and their ecological significance also evaluated.
10A.1.1 Assessment Area
Marine Ecological Assessment Area
The Assessment Area for marine ecological assessment covers the Deep Bay WCZ and the North Western WCZ and the marine ecological sensitive receivers in the vicinity of the Project. This includes an area within about 9 km from the Project as described in detail in Section 10.3.2 . The proposed CCGT unit(s) will be located within the existing boundaries of the BPPS site (Figure 10A.1 ). Marine dredging works would not be required for the construction of CCGT Unit No.1. Should CCGT Unit No.2 be installed, minor marine dredging works adjacent to the BPPS seawall, close to the existing seawater intake and outfall, are anticipated to be required ( Figure 10A.1 ). The water quality modelling result in Section 7 also indicated that impact on water quality would be localised to the vicinity of the dredging areas. Therefore, considering the small scale and localised nature of the proposed marine works, the Assessment Area for the marine ecology is focussed around the footprint of the proposed dredging areas and the surrounding area of open water of BPPS to ensure that consideration is given to mobile species, in particular marine mammals that are present in the area. The Assessment Area is shown in Figure 10A.1 .
Terrestrial Ecological Assessment Area
The Assessment Area for the terrestrial ecological assessment is within 500 m from the boundary of the proposed land-based Project Site. The Project Site is within the existing boundaries of the BPPS site as presented in Figure 10A.2.
10A.2 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS & EVALUATION CRITERIA
Legislative requirements and evaluation criteria relevant to the assessment for the protection of species and habitats of ecological importance are summarised below.
• Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap 476);
• Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170);
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-1 • Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586);
• Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208) and its subsidiary legislation
• Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) and its subsidiary legislation, the Forestry Regulations;
• Town Planning Ordinance (Cap 131);
• Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499) and the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO TM);
• Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) Guidance Notes No. 6/2010 Some Observations on Ecological Assessment from the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Perspective;
• Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) Guidance Notes No. 7/2010 Ecological Baseline Survey for Ecological Assessment;
• Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) Guidance Notes No. 10/2010 Methodologies for Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecological Baseline Surveys;
• Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) Guidance Note No. 11/2010 Methodologies for Marine Ecological Baseline Surveys;
• Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines Chapter 10 (HKPSG);
• United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (1992) and the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and AICHI Biodiversity Targets;
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES);
• The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species;
• Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (the Ramseur Convention); and
• Regulations and Guidelines of Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC).
10A.2.1 Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap 476)
The Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap 476) provides for the designation, control and management of marine parks and marine reserves. It also stipulates the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries as the Country and Marine Parks Authority which is advised by the Country and Marine Parks Board. The
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-2 Marine Parks and Marine Reserves Regulation was enacted in July 1996 to provide for the prohibition and control certain activities in marine parks or marine reserves.
10A.2.2 Wild Animal Protection Ordinance (Cap 170)
Under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170) , designated wild animals are protected from being hunted, whilst their nests and eggs are protected from destruction and removal. All birds and most mammals including all cetaceans are protected under this Ordinance, as well as certain reptiles (including all sea turtles), amphibians and invertebrates. The Second Schedule of the Ordinance that lists all the animals protected was last revised in June 1997.
10A.2.3 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586)
The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586) was enacted to align Hong Kong’s control regime with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). With effect from 1 July 2006, it replaces the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance (Cap 187) . The purpose of the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance is to restrict the import and export of species listed in CITES Appendices so as to protect wildlife from overexploitation or extinction. The Ordinance is primarily related to controlling trade in threatened and endangered species and restricting the local possession of them. Certain types of corals are CITES listed, including Blue coral ( Heliopora coerulea ), Organ pipe corals (family Tubiporidae), Black corals (order Antipatharia), Stony coral (order Scleractinia), Fire corals (family Milleporidae) and Lace corals (family Stylasteridae). The import, export and possession of listed species, no matter dead or living, is restricted.
10A.2.4 Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208) and its subsidiary legislation
The Country Parks Ordinance (Cap 208) provides for the designation and management of Country Parks and Special Areas. Country Parks are designated for the purpose of nature conservation, countryside recreation and outdoor education. Special Areas are reserved generally for the purpose of nature conservation.
10A.2.5 Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) and its subsidiary legislation, the Forestry Regulations
The Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap 96) prohibits felling, cutting, burning or destroying of trees and live plants in forests and plantations on Government land. Related subsidiary Regulations prohibit the picking, felling or possession of listed rare and protected plant species. The list of protected species in Hong Kong, which comes under the Forestry Regulations, was last amended on 11 June 1993 under the Forestry (Amendment) Regulation 1993 made under Section 3 of this Ordinance.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-3 10A.2.6 Town Planning Ordinance (Cap 131)
The recently amended Town Planning Ordinance (Cap 131) provides for the designation of areas such as “Coastal Protection Areas”, “Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)”, “Green Belt” and "Conservation Area” to promote conservation or protection or protect significant habitat.
10A.2.7 Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499) and the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO-TM)
The Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499) specifies designated projects under Schedule 2 of the Ordinance, unless exempted, must follow the statutory environmental impact assessment (EIA) process and require environmental permits for their construction and operation. Annex 16 of the EIAO-TM sets out the general approach and methodology for assessment of ecological impacts arising from a project or proposal, to allow a complete and objective identification, prediction and evaluation of the potential ecological impacts. Annex 8 recommends the criteria that can be used for evaluating ecological impacts.
10A.2.8 Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) Guidance Notes No. 6/2010, 7/2010, 10/2010 and 11/2010
The guidance note provide respectively the observations on Ecological Assessment from the EIAO perspective, the general guidelines for conducting an ecological baseline survey for ecological assessment, methodologies for terrestrial and freshwater ecological baseline surveys and methodologies for marine ecological baseline surveys in order to fulfil the requirements stipulated in the EIAO-TM in respect of marine ecological assessment for the proposed development.
10A.2.9 Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines Chapter 10 (HKPSG)
Chapter 10 of the HKPSG covers planning considerations relevant to conservation. This chapter details the principles of conservation, the conservation of natural landscape and habitats, historic buildings, archaeological sites and other antiquities. It also addresses the issue of enforcement. The appendices list the legislation and administrative controls for conservation, other conservation related measures in Hong Kong and Government departments involved in conservation.
10A.2.10 Other Relevant Legislation
The Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) is a Contracting Party to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) of 1992 and it was extended to Hong Kong on 9 May 2011. The Convention requires signatories to make active efforts to protect and manage their biodiversity resources. The HKSAR Government has stated that it will be “committed to meeting the
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-4 environmental objectives” of the Convention (1). In the tenth meeting of the conference in 2010, the Parties adopted a revised and updated Strategic Plan for Biodiversity, including the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, for 2011-2020. This plan aims to “ take effective and urgent action to halt the loss of biodiversity in order to ensure that by 2020 ecosystems are resilient and continue to provide essential services, thereby securing the planet's variety of life, and contributing to human well-being, and poverty eradication”. The Strategic Plan consisted with five strategic goals, which included 20 headline Aichi Biodiversity targets. The goals and targets comprised a flexible framework for the establishment of national and regional targets for biodiversity conservation.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was drafted and agreed at a meeting of members of IUCN (the World Conservation Union) with representative of 80 countries in 1972 and entered in force in 1975. This international agreement adheres voluntarily between government and aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world's oldest and largest authority on the conservation status of species. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is widely recognised as the most comprehensive, objective global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species. The goal of the IUCN Red List is to provide information and analyses on the status, trends and treats to species in order to inform and catalyse action for biodiversity conservation. In 1994, a scientifically rigorous approach was adopted to determine risks of extinction that is applicable to all species and it has become a world standard.
The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (the Ramseur Convention) applies in the HKSAR. The Convention requires parties to conserve and make wise use of wetland areas, particularly those supporting waterfowl populations. Article 1 of the Convention defines wetlands as "areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters." The Mai Po/Inner Deep Bay wetland was declared a Wetland of International Importance (“Ramseur site”) under the Convention in 1995.
The PRC in 1988 ratified the Wild Animal Protection Law of the PRC, which lays down basic principles for protecting wild animals. The Law prohibits killing of protected animals, controls hunting, and protects the habitats of wild animals, both protected and non-protected. The Law also provides for the creation of lists of animals protected at the state level, under Class I and Class II. There are 96 animal species in Class I and 156 in Class II. Class I
(1) Planning Environment and Lands Bureaux 1996. Environmental Policy Commitments.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-5 provides a higher level of protection for animals considered to be more threatened.
10A.3 MARINE ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES – EXISTING INFORMATION
10A.3.1 Introduction
This Section describes the baseline conditions of the marine ecological resources of the Assessment Area from existing information in available literature, including the findings of past marine ecological surveys around the Black Point area and other relevant studies, and the collation of available information regarding the marine ecological resources of this part of Hong Kong.
Based on this review, an evaluation of the information collected was conducted to identify any gaps and to conduct an assessment of ecological importance of the marine habitats. Where information gaps were identified or where certain habitats or species were considered to warrant further attention, focussed field surveys and detailed data review have been conducted (see Sections 10A.5 and 10A.7 ).
10A.3.2 Site Description
The sites for the proposed dredging works for the second CCGT unit are adjacent to the existing sloping artificial seawall of the BPPS at Black Point (Figure 10A.1 ). Black Point is located in the northwestern waters of Hong Kong. The surrounding waters are relatively shallow (~ – 5 – 8 mPD), apart from within the Urmston Road where the water depth can reach – 20 mPD (1).
In terms of water quality, the Assessment Area experiences relatively dynamic estuarine-influenced conditions. The waters are a mixture of flows from the waters in Deep Bay, which mainly come from the Pearl River Estuary and the Shenzhen River, and oceanic waters. The former two flows are freshwater and the latter is saline marine water, which mix together and result in wide variations of salinity with depth, location and time. During the wet season when river flows are at their highest, the surface salinity decreases to estuarine conditions, whereas during the dry season, typical oceanic salinity prevails throughout the water column.
Natural shores (both soft and hard) are only found at some distances from the proposed marine works areas. Soft shores at Ha Pak Nai are about 3.5 km north of these areas, whereas the hard shores of the Black Point headland are about 50 m away. These shores will not be directly impacted by the Project.
(1) ERM (2009) Black Pont Gas Supply Project: EIA Study (AEIAR-150/2010) . Prepared for CAPCO
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-6 10A.3.3 Literature Review
A literature review was conducted to determine the existing marine ecological conditions within the Assessment Area to identify habitat resources and species of conservation importance. The following habitats and/or organisms of ecological interest have been identified within the Assessment Area:
ó Intertidal hard bottom assemblages;
ó Subtidal hard bottom assemblages;
ó Subtidal soft bottom assemblages, including;
ó Epifaunal assemblages including marine fishes and other fauna;
ó Infaunal assemblages; and
ó Marine mammal.
Existing conditions of each of the above marine resources based on available literature are presented in more detail in the following sections.
10A.3.4 Intertidal Hard Bottom Assemblages
Intertidal hard shores of Hong Kong display characteristic zonation patterns consisting of different algal and invertebrate species along the vertical gradient from terrestrial to marine environments.
The intertidal hard bottom habitat of the BPPS consists primarily of sheltered to moderately-exposed artificial sloping seawalls constructed in the 1990s. Data extracted from previously approved EIAs provide a direct representation of the intertidal assemblages at the Assessment Area and its immediate vicinity (1) (2).
Results of comprehensive seasonal intertidal surveys at the artificial sloping seawalls of the BPPS in March and July 2004 and March and June 2009 indicated that this habitat comprised low abundances/ densities of common and widespread rocky shore species (Table 10A.1) and no species of conservation importance were recorded. In comparison to records of other similar habitats in Hong Kong reported in the literature, the diversity and abundance of intertidal biota at Black Point was considered to be low. Transect locations for the 2004 and 2009 surveys are presented in Figure 10A.3.
Natural rocky shores at the Black Point headland are south of the proposed marine works areas. Comprehensive seasonal intertidal surveys have been conducted on this stretch of shores and results indicated that this habitat is
(1) ERM (2006) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Receiving Terminal and Associated Facilities: EIA Study (AEIAR-106/2007). Prepared for CAPCO (2) ERM (2009) Op cit
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-7 comprised of common and widespread rocky shore species ( Table 10A.1). Similar number and abundance of species to the artificial sloping seawalls of BPPS were recorded in both the dry and wet season surveys, and no species of conservation importance were recorded ( Table 10A.1). In comparison to records of other similar habitats in Hong Kong reported in the literature, the diversity of intertidal biota at this shore was considered to be low.
Table 10A.1 Baseline Information on Intertidal Hard Bottom Assemblages at the Artificial Sloping Seawall and Natural Rocky Shores at the Black Point Headland (Extracted from ERM 2006 and 2009)
Survey Location Total No. Mean Abundance of Dominant Species Period of Species Mobile Fauna and Recorded Sessile Flora and Fauna March 2004 Natural Rocky Shores 12 97.8 individuals m -2 Littorinid snails (Dry Season) (T1 & T2) (Mobile Fauna) Echinolittorina radiata , 28.4% m -2 E. vidua and Littoraria (Sessile Flora & Fauna) articulata , the common dogwhelk Thais Artificial Sloping 12 94.2 individuals m -2 clavigera , limpets Seawall (T3, T4, T5 & (Mobile Fauna) Nipponacmea concinna T6) 30.0% m -2 and Siphonaria (Sessile Flora & Fauna) japonica , and snails Monodonta labio July 2004 Natural Rocky Shores 12 22.2 individuals m -2 (Wet Season) (T1 & T2) (Mobile Fauna) 55.8% m -2 (Sessile Flora & Fauna)
Artificial Sloping 15 26.7 individuals m -2 Seawall (T3, T4, T5 & (Mobile Fauna) T6) 49.4% m -2 (Sessile Flora & Fauna)
March 2009 Artificial Sloping 14 54.7 individuals m -2 Littorinid snails (Dry Season) Seawall (T5 & T6) (Mobile Fauna) Echinolittorina radiata , 59.7% m -2 E. trochoides and (Sessile Flora & Fauna) Littoraria articulata , the common dogwhelk June 2009 Artificial Sloping 10 34 individuals m -2 Thais clavigera , limpets (Wet Season) Seawall (T5 & T6) (Mobile Fauna) Nipponacmea concinna , 60% m -2 and snails Nerita (Sessile Flora & Fauna) albicilla
10A.3.5 Subtidal Hard Bottom Assemblages
Coral communities are commonly regarded as the most ecologically important and valuable subtidal hard bottom assemblages. The AFCD report that there are over 80 species of corals recorded in Hong Kong waters (1). The general
(1) Chan A, Choi C, McCorry D, Chan K, Lee MW, Put A Jr (2005) Field Guide to Hard Coral of Hong Kong . Friends of the Country Parks
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-8 trend for hard coral communities in Hong Kong is one of increasing abundance and diversity from west to east with the greatest diversity and abundance generally found in the eastern waters of Hong Kong. It has been suggested that the distribution of corals is primarily controlled by hydrodynamic conditions, in particular salinity level, turbidity and light penetration.
The western waters of Hong Kong, including the Deep Bay and Black Point areas, are influenced by the Pearl River Estuary which reduces salinities, increases turbidity and therefore reduces light penetration. Due to the requirements for coral growth, the cumulative effect of these conditions results in sub-optimal conditions for recruitment and survival of most coral. Corals are therefore much less abundant and diverse in Hong Kong’s western waters than eastern waters.
Recent information on the subtidal hard bottom assemblages within the Assessment Area is available in the approved EIA report of the Black Point Gas Supply Project. Result of the targeted spot dive check in September/ October 2009 indicated that the subtidal zone of the seawall was covered with a layer of mud (depth = 0.2 – 0.8m). In addition, the substrate on the seawall showed no colonization of sessile taxa and no corals, including hard corals, octocorals and black corals, were recorded. Transect locations of the survey transects and their representative photos are presented in Figure 10A.4. More information on such assemblages in northwestern or western Hong Kong waters is reported in various EIA studies, which are summarised in Table 10A.2. These studies suggested that very low diversity and abundance of corals, predominantly octocorals and ahermatypic corals, were present in the survey areas in these waters.
Ahermatypic cup corals and octocorals recorded in the northwestern/ western waters are less common in the oceanic eastern and southern waters of Hong Kong, as they appear to be adapted to the turbid and hyposaline conditions in western waters. The hard coral species, mostly ahermatypic cup coral, recorded in the northwestern Hong Kong waters are very common in local waters (1), although they are more abundant in the eastern waters and the northwestern / western waters.
Results of surveys in western waters in Hong Kong are presented in Table 10A.2. It is reasonable to expect that coral communities of any ecological value or significance are not predicted to occur within the Assessment Area. Whilst it is possible that solitary cup corals, gorgonians and sea pens may be present within the subtidal areas of the seawall, large or important communities of hermatypic hard corals are not expected due to the unfavourable conditions imposed by the water quality.
(1) Scott PJB (1984) The Corals of Hong Kong. Hong Kong . Hong Kong University Press
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-9 Table 10A.2 Baseline Information on Subtidal Hard Bottom Assemblages in Western Hong Kong Water
Source Location Summary of findings ERM (1995) Sha Chau Only reported a few hermatypic hard corals (Family Faviidae) within the subtidal surveyed area
ERM (1997) East Sha Chau, Solitary corals have been reported Mouchel (2001) Sham Tseng and Tsing Lung Tau
Mouchel (2001) Sham Tseng, Tsing A number of ahermatypic cup corals (likely to be Maunsell (2002) Lung Tau and Lung Balanophyllia or Phyllangia sp.), pale-blue gorgonian Kwu Chau (Euplexaura sp.), soft coral Dendronephthya sp. colonies, isolated sea pens ( Virgularia or Pteroides sp.) and one hermatypic coral Oulastrea crispata were recorded in June 2001 at Sham Tseng and Tsing Lung Tau. Similar results were also recorded in dive surveys at Lung Kwu Chau in November 2001
Mouchel (2004) Sham Wat/ San Shek Recorded low abundance (< 5 % cover) of one hard Wan ahermatypic cup coral Balanophyllia sp. on hard substrate to the west of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) at Sham Wat/ San Shek Wan and low abundance (< 5% cover) of the octocoral Echinomuricea sp at the eastern and southern sides of the HKIA in the October 2003 HZMB EBS survey. No hermatypic hard coral was recorded at any of the 27 dive sites
AFCD (2004) Intensive surveys in Hard corals were found in western waters of Hong 2001-2002 to survey Kong, but limited to southern Lantau waters (Tong Fuk, corals at 240 sites Soko Islands) and eastern (Cheung Chau, Hei Ling covering about 70 km Chau) Lantau waters. Only sparse colonies or low- of coastline in coverage communities composed of extremely tolerant territorial waters and species were found
ARUP (2005) Siu Ho Wan Colonies of small -sized gorgonians (< 10 cm in length and < 1 % cover) were found on the boulders of the artificial seawalls near MTR depot at Siu Ho. No alive or dead hard corals were found
ARUP (2009a) Sham Wat , Sha Lo No coral was found in the 2008 EVS survey within the Wan headland, Airport Airport Channel. Only one genus of ahermatypic cup Channel, Airport coral Balanophyllia and one genus of octocoral, Island, Tung Chung Echinomuricea sp. were recorded from two and four of the seven survey sites respectively. Most hard substrates were dominated by barnacles, mussels and rock oysters
ARUP (2009b) Northeast and Only 2 out of the 8 dive locations at southeast Airport southeast shores of Island had records of octocoral Echinomuricea sp. (< 1 % Airport Island, and cover) in the 2009 MSS survey and both sites are sloping HKBCF reclamation boulder seawalls. Very low coverage of ahermatypic site cup corals Balanophyllia sp. was found at the sloping seawall at northeast Airport Island. No hermatypic hard coral was recorded. No coral was found within the HKBCF reclamation site.
AECOM (2009) Pillar Point, the Low covera ge of populations of octocoral Guaiagorgia sp. Brothers and North (< 10%) and ahermatypic coral Paracyathus rotundatus Lantau near Tai Ho (<5%) were found along hard substrata.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-10 Source Location Summary of findings ERM (2009) Seawall of Black Point No coral was found on the substrate of dumped Power Station and materials and seawall. submarine pipeline route
AECOM (2009) Natural shores of Lung Low coverage of o ctocoral Echinomuricea sp. (<1%) were Kwu Sheung Tan and found along hard substrata. seawall of Lung Kwu Sheung Tan Barging Point
AECOM (2010) Seawall of the Tsang Low coverage of octocoral Echinomuricea sp (<1%) were Tsui found along hard substrata.
Mott MacDonald North and west shores Octocoral Guaiagorgia sp. was recorded around airport (2014) of Airport Island, Hau island and Balanophyllia sp. was recorded at the northeast Kok Wan, Tung Chung corner. The coverage at those area were generally low Pier, Tai Ho wan, Tai (less than 1%) Mo To, Sha Chau, Tai O and Yam O Ahermatypic cup corals Balanophyllia sp. and octocoral Artificial seawall of at Guaiagorgia sp. were recorded at all sites Sha Chau, Tai northern coast of O, Yan O and the Brothers and no coral was recorded in Airport Island, Tung Hau Hok Wan. The coverage in Tai O, Yam O and The Chung Pier and Tai Ho Brothers were low (less than 1%) while it is higher in Wan; and Natural Yam O (1 – 5%) and Sha Chau (5-10%). shore of Sha Chau, Hau Kok Wan, Tai O, Yam O and The Brothers.
10A.3.6 Subtidal Soft Bottom Assemblages
Epifaunal Assemblages Including Marine Fishes & Other Fauna
Subtidal epifauna are organisms (> 1 mm in size) living either on or within the surface sediments of the seabed. Due to the nature of the Hong Kong’s fishery and the typical subtidal substratum in Hong Kong being soft bottom (sandy or silty) habitat, data on subtidal epifaunal assemblages in Hong Kong are primarily available from studies on fisheries resources, collected by trawling surveys.
Information on the epifaunal assemblages in proximity to the Assessment Area is available from a review of 20 years of data on fisheries resources collected from demersal trawls conducted as part of the ongoing Environmental Monitoring & Audit (EM&A) of contaminated mud disposal at the East of Sha Chau and South of Brothers Contaminated Mud Pits (1) (2). This review provides long-term data on epifaunal assemblages around Lung Kwu Chau. These data indicate that epifaunal assemblages at Lung Kwu
(1) CEDD (2014 - 2015) Dredging, Management and Capping of Contaminated Sediment Disposal Facility to the South of The Brothers. < http://www.sbcmp- monitoring.com.hk/8%20EM&A%20Data/Demersal%20Trawling%20for%20SB%20CMP/Demersal%20Trawling%2 0Data.html> Accessed on 27 January 2016. (2) CEDD (2013): Environmental Monitoring & Audit for Contaminated Mud Pit V at Sha Chau.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-11 Chau are dominated by gastropods (e.g. Turritella terebra ), crabs (e.g. Charybdis spp.) and shrimps (e.g. Metapenaeus spp.), and are similar to other areas of Hong Kong. Abundance, biomass and Catch Per Unit Effort are, however, considered to be relatively low in comparison to other areas in Hong Kong. No species that were considered to be rare in Hong Kong were recorded.
Fisheries surveys conducted in 2013 in North Lantau waters and Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park (SCLKCMP) by the EIA study for the Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System reported a diverse assemblage of fish, crustaceans and molluscs in these areas (1). The result indicated that 18 species of conservation importance were recorded, none of which was located in proximity to the marine works areas of this Project. Species of conservation importance were identified near SCLKCMP, which is located about 3 km away from the proposed marine works area.
Fisheries surveys conducted by ERM in 1996-1997 (2) and AFCD Port Survey (3) 2006 showed that a majority of species captured in outer Deep Bay were composed of widespread and common species, such as sardine (e.g. Clupanodon punctatus ), flathead (e.g. Platycephalus indicus ), croaker (e.g. Collichthys lucida ), anchovy (e.g. Thryssa hamiltonii ), puffer fish (e.g. Takifugu alboplumbeus ), prawn (e.g. Trachysalambria curvirostris ) and mantis shrimp (e.g. Oratosquilla oratoria , Dictyosquilla foveolata ).
Overall, findings from the previous surveys suggested that the epifaunal assemblages are dominated by common and widespread species in the Deep Bay. No marine fish species of conservation importance has been recorded near the marine works areas.
Horseshoe Crab
Two species of horseshoe crab, Tachypleus tridentatus and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda , have previously been recorded in AFCD surveys around Hong Kong waters (4) (5). Juvenile horseshoe crabs can be found at mudflats at Ha Pak Nai/ Pak Nai in Deep Bay, and on intertidal sandy shores or mudflats at Tai Ho Bay, Tung Chung Bay, San Tau, Hau Hok Wan, Sha Lo Wan, Hau Hok Wan, Sham Wat Wan, Yi O and Shui Hau, Lantau Island (6)(7)(1)(2)(3).
(1) Mott MacDonald (2014) Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System. Approved by EPD under EIAO on 7 November 2014. (2) ERM (1998). Fisheries Resources and Fishing Operations in Hong Kong Waters, Final Report , for Agriculture and Fisheries Department (3) AFCD (2015a), available on: http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/fish_abt/fish_abt.html (4) A third species of horseshoe crab Tachypleus gigas was not recorded in Hong Kong since March 1995 and its local status is uncertain, likely to be locally extinct. (5) AFCD (2013a): Horseshoe crabs in Hong Kong website
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-12 Confirmed nursery sites for horseshoe crabs in recent years are Tsim Bei Tsui, Ha Pak Nai and Pak Nai in Deep Bay, San Tau near Tung Chung, Shui Hau at south Lantau and Tai Ho Bay in north Lantau (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9). Based on the abundance of juveniles, Tsim Bei Tsui, Pak Nai, Ha Pak Nai, San Tau and Shui Hau are identified as the key nursery grounds for C. rotundicauda and T. tridentatus respectively. The latest record of juvenile horseshoe crabs at Lung Kwu Sheung Tan appears to be in 1998 (10); therefore, Lung Kwu Tan and Lung Kwu Sheung Tan are unlikely to be breeding or nursery ground of horseshoe crabs anymore.
Occurring in shallow to deep local waters, adult horseshoe crabs are occasionally fished by trawlers fishing from the subtidal mud in western Hong Kong waters, along the northwest coast of the Lantau Island including Tai O, Yi O, Sham Wat Wan, Sha Lo Wan and Tung Chung Bay, Tap Shek Kok and northern and western water of Chek Lap Kok (11) (12).
Surveys conducted in summer 2005 and in winter 2004 and summer 2005 showed that both Tachypleus tridentatus and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda were recorded in the survey areas of Tsim Bei Tsui, Sheung Pak Nai, Pak Nai, Ha Pak Nai, Tai Ho Wan, Yi O and Tung Chung, with C. rotundicauda at lower abundance. Horseshoe crab nursery ground at Ha Pak Nai/ Pak Nai is located far away from the proposed dredging areas (at least 3.5 km), and is considered to be too remote to be affected by the Project works.
Infaunal Assemblages
Subtidal infauna are organisms (> 0.5 mm in size) living either on or within the surface sediments of the seabed. For the Deep Bay area, it was reported that its infaunal assemblages were distinctive from those of the rest of Hong Kong waters, which was resulted from the influence of freshwater discharges from the Pearl River Estuary and the Shenzhen River. These conditions led to seasonal changes in the assemblages between the summer and winter months. The substratum of the Assessment Area and its vicinity is expected
(1) ARUP (2009) Environmental Impact Assessment of the Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road . Prepared for Highways Department. (2) ARUP (2009) Environmental Impact Assessment of the Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities. Prepared for Highways Department. (3) Mott McDonald (2014) E nvironmental Impact Assessment of the Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three- Runway System. (EIA Study Brief ESB-250/2012). Prepared for Airport Authority Hong Kong. (4) Chiu HMC, Morton B (1999) The distribution of horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda) in Hong Kong . Asian Marine Biology 16: 185–196 (5) Fong TCW (1999) Tai Ho Wan: breeding and nursery ground of horseshoe crabs . Porcupine! 20: 8. (6) Huang Q, Chiu HMC, Morton B (1999) Nursery Beaches for Horseshoe Crabs in Hong Kong . Porcupine! 18: 9-10. (7) Li HY (2008) The Conservation of Horseshoe Crabs in Hong Kong . MPhil Thesis. The City University of Hong Kong. (8) Shin PKS, Li HY, Cheung SG (2009) Horseshoe Crabs in Hong Kong: Current Population Status and Human Exploitation . Biology and Conservation of Horseshoe Crab. Springer US, 2009. 347-360. (9) Morton B, Christine NL (2010) Spatial and temporal distributions of juvenile horseshoe crabs (Arthropoda: Chelicerata) approaching extirpation along the northwestern shoreline of the New Territories of Hong Kong SAR, China . Journal of Natural History 45:227-251. (10) Huang Q et al (1999) Op cit (11) Mott MacDonald (2014) Op cit . (12) CEDD (2013): Op cit
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-13 to be covered by very fine sand and/or silt, and the infaunal assemblages consisted mainly of soft, muddy bottom species dominated by opportunistic, pollution-tolerant species such as Prionospio spp. and Mediomastus spp. Whilst species diversity and abundance off Black Point were comparable with other locations in western Hong Kong waters, biomass of species recorded appeared to be higher than these locations especially in the wet season. Species diversity was, however, lower than that reported in South Lantau, Lamma and waters to the east of Hong Kong.
In addition to the above, the benthic infauna near Lung Kwu Tan and Sha Chau was reported to be primarily polychaete worms, which is typical for Hong Kong (1). Results highlighted that the total biomass and total number of individuals in Lung Kwu Tan was generally higher in comparison to other areas of Hong Kong. Overall the site was found to exhibit similar ecological characteristics and patterns as other areas in the northwest New Territories and north Lantau.
Comprehensive seasonal data on the subtidal infaunal assemblages within and in the vicinity of the Assessment Area is available from previously approved EIA reports (2) (3). These data therefore provide the best available data to represent the subtidal infauna assemblages within the Assessment Area.
A comprehensive series of seasonal benthic surveys were conducted off Black Point in February and July 2004 and June 2009. Benthic sampling locations for the 2004 and 2009 surveys are presented in Figure 10A.5 and the results summarised below. Grab samples taken from the sites off the Black Point area indicate that infaunal assemblages off Black Point were dominated by polychaete worms (especially Prionospio queenslandica ), except for the Urmston Road during the wet season of 2004 where bivalves (especially the estuarine clam Potamocorbula laevis ) had higher numbers. No species of conservation importance or rare species have been recorded previously around the Black Point area.
In comparison to other subtidal infaunal assemblages of western and southwestern Hong Kong waters which were surveyed under the same survey programme in 2004, the abundance, biomass and taxonomic richness of infauna around Black Point are considered to be low to medium in both seasons, except infaunal abundance and biomass in the wet season which are considered to be medium to high as contributed by high abundance of the estuarine clam in 2004 survey and high biomass of echinoderms in 2009 survey.
Biomass recorded during the 2004 and 2009 survey at Black Point and Urmston Road was comparatively higher than other locations during the wet
(1) ERM (2000) Sludge Treatment and Disposal Strategy: Site Specific Feasibility Study of Sludge Management Strategy (SMS) and Sludge Disposal Plan (SDS) . Prepared for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) (2) ERM (2006) Op cit (3) ERM (2009) Op cit
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-14 season, which was due to a generally higher proportion of bivalves and echinoderm recorded. Whilst the biomass at Black Point was similar to or slightly lower than Western Lantau during the dry season, biomass at Urmston Road was similar to areas such as Lung Kwu Chau, Sha Chau, Peng Chau and Southwest of Po Toi during the dry season.
In terms of species richness, infaunal assemblages at the Black Point and Urmston Road were considered to be similar to other locations reported in Hong Kong (1). The number of species of benthic organisms in Black Point and Urmston Road recorded were in the range of 26 to 31 species and 20 to 36 species per 0.576 m 2 during wet season of in the 2004 and 2009 respectively and 20 to 35 species per 0.576 m 2 during dry season of 2004, in which the mean number of species of the 120 stations reported in CityU Professional Services Ltd (2002) were 32.9 per 0.5 m 2 (wet season) and 33.7 per 0.5 m 2 (dry season) respectively.
10A.3.7 Marine Mammals
A total of 18 (and possibly up to 20) species of marine mammals (mostly cetaceans) have been recorded in Hong Kong waters (including one humpback whale sighted in 2009, one stranding of Omura’s whale in 2014 and one short-fin pilot whale sighted in 2015), two of which are considered residents: the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin ( Sousa chinensis , locally called Chinese white dolphins) and the finless porpoise ( Neophocaena phocaenoides ) (2). Whilst the distribution of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins is limited to the western waters of Hong Kong, which are influenced by freshwater input from the Pearl River (3) (4), finless porpoises are common in the waters of southern and eastern Hong Kong and do not occur in Hong Kong’s northwestern waters (apart from very occasional strandings) (5). Given the distinctive local distribution patterns of these two species, for the purpose of this review, only Sousa chinensis is discussed.
Owing to the high mobility of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, information available for not only the Assessment Area, but also waters of Deep Bay and western Northwest Lantau (including Black Point, Lung Kwu Chau and Sha Chau) have been the primary focus for this review to provide baseline conditions of a wider spatial coverage.
The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis is a tropical/ sub-tropical cetacean widely distributed in the coastal and inshore waters of the Indian
(1) CityU Professional Services Limited (2002) Consultancy Study on Marine Benthic Communities in Hong Kong (Agreement No. CE 69/2000). Prepared for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) (2) Jefferson TA, Hung SK (2007) An updated, annotated checklist of the marine mammals of Hong Kong. Mammalia 2007: 105–114 (3) Parsons ECM (1998) The behaviour of Hong Kong’s resident cetaceans: the Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin and the finless porpoise . Aquatic Mammals 24: 91–110 (4) Jefferson TA (2000) Population biology of the Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin in Hong Kong waters . Wildlife Monographs 144: 1-65 (5) Jefferson TA, Hung SK (2007) Op cit
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-15 and western Pacific oceans (1). It is protected locally by the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) , and is listed as "Near Threatened" in the 2015 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2). Sousa chinensis is also listed in CITES Appendix I (i.e. highest protection), and is listed as a "Grade I National Key Protected Species" in China. As such Sousa chinensis is considered a species of conservation importance, both locally in Hong Kong and regionally in China and across the Asia Pacific.
Studies on the distribution, abundance, habitat use, and life history of Indo- Pacific humpback dolphins within Hong Kong have been undertaken since September 1995. The AFCD reported that in 2013 at least 1,300 – 1,500 (3) individual dolphins were estimated to utilise the waters of the Pearl River Estuary and Hong Kong (4). Of these individual dolphins, approximately 350 are thought to include waters within Hong Kong as part of their range (5).
Abundance of humpback dolphins in Hong Kong waters is the highest in the West Lantau and east of Lung Kwu Chau (6). These areas are considered to be the major habitats for humpback dolphins in Hong Kong waters, where individuals of humpback dolphins have been consistently sighted throughout the year. Seasonal and spatial variation of abundance of humpback dolphins is usually observed; this is thought to be due to the increased input of freshwater from the discharge of the Pearl River Estuary and the subsequent movements of estuarine prey species into Hong Kong from PRC waters (7). The abundance of humpback dolphins in Hong Kong’s waters, estimated using sighting effort data collected in Hong Kong between 2012 and 2014 ranged from 61-62 dolphins. The data indicated that the abundance of dolphin decreased in recent years compared to the previous estimated, ranged from 75-158 dolphins between 2003 and 2011.
Information on the utilisation of the waters around Black Point by humpback dolphins has been reviewed through the data in AFCD and the key finding is the recorded presence of this species in the waters in Deep Bay. From 2010 to 2014, a total of 48 groups of 159 humpback dolphins were sighted (44 sighting were made during on-effort line-transect vessel surveys) in Deep Bay (8). Deep Bay was found to be used by a small number of humpback dolphins throughout the year, and dolphin sightings were concentrated at the
(1) Hung SK (2008) Habitat Use of Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in Hong Kong . PhD Thesis. The University of Hong Kong (2) IUCN (2015) IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2015-4.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-16 southwestern portion of Deep Bay, mostly near the Black Point headland (Figure 10A.6). Average group size for humpback dolphins near Black Point was 3.3 ± 2.41 (range = 1-12, n = 48), which contained a smaller average group size than other areas in Hong Kong. Among the 48 dolphin groups sighted in Deep Bay during 2010-2014, only four -sightings were found to be associated with either feeding, socialising or traveling activities. Dolphin groups engaged in such infrequent activities were all located far away (at least 1-2 km) from the proposed marine works areas.
Of the 159 dolphins sighted during 2010-14 in Deep Bay, the majority of dolphins were categorised as the spotted juveniles and spotted adults. Only one unspotted calf and eight unspotted juveniles were sighted in total, and they were all located further away from the project site.
Among the 48 sightings in Deep Bay, most of them were located away from the BPPS ( Figure 10A.6). Total of 12 individual within nine sightings were identified to re-sight during 2010-2014. The examination of range use patterns of these 12 individuals suggested that most of them were rarely re- sighted in Deep Bay during the five-year period, showing their infrequent usage of this area ( Figure 10A.7). Moreover, their revisited locations during the five-year period were at the peripheral area of their home ranges, implying that they rarely utilise the coastal waters near BPPS as part of their overall range.
Quantitative analysis of habitat used by the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin through calculating the sighting densities and dolphin densities in terms of number of on-effort sightings/ dolphin abundance per km 2 has been conducted since 1996 and the data were expressed as Sightings Per Survey Effort (SPSE value) and Density Per Survey Effort (DPSE value). The analysis from 2009 to 2013 supports previous findings that the most important area for dolphins in Hong Kong waters is considered to be West Lantau, followed by the area east of Lung Kwu Chau within the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park (1). In contrast, they only used waters of Deep Bay and area around Black Point infrequently ( Figures 10A.8 and 10A.9). The corrected sighting density (SPSE values) and dolphin density (DPSE values) (2) in 2014 survey also indicated that the density of dolphins in Deep Bay were lower than those of other survey areas within Hong Kong and the nearest high density area is at least 3 km away, which is along the east coast of Lung Kwu Chau (Figures 10A.10 and 10A.11 ).
(1) AFCD (2015b) Op cit (2) For quantitative grid analysis of habitat use of dolphins, positions of on-effort sightings were plotted onto 1 km2 grids within the survey areas to calculate sighting density for each grid (number of on-effort sightings per km2). Sighting density grids were then normalized with the amount of survey effort conducted within each grid to provide a new, survey effort-corrected sighting density data, termed “SPSE”, which represents the number of on- effort sightings per unit of survey effort. SPSE was further elaborated to look at actual dolphin densities (exact number of dolphins from on-effort sightings per km2). The new unit for this approach was termed “DPSE”, which is the number of individual dolphins per unit of survey effort. Plotting the DPSE values of surveyed grid squares on maps allows areas where the most dense sightings of dolphins occur to be identified.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-17 A pilot acoustic monitoring study was conducted by AFCD in 2013 to investigate the daily and diel pattern of dolphin usage in Lung Kwu Tan (1). Although dolphin acoustic activities were slightly higher during night-time than in day-time in Lung Kwu Tan (~1 km away from Black Point), the occurrence of dolphins in this area in general remained low considering this diel pattern.
This review highlighted that the waters around Black Point did not report large numbers of sightings, and are used as marginal habitat by dolphins during both day-and night-time in Hong Kong.
10A.3.8 Identification of Information Gaps
Based on the literature review presented in Sections 10A.3.4 – 10A.3.7 , it was considered appropriate to conduct field surveys for the following marine ecological habitats of Black Point in order to provide the most up-to-date information on the baseline conditions of the resources that may potentially be affected directly by this Project:
• Intertidal survey;
• Subtidal coral survey;
• Subtidal benthic survey; and
• Marine mammal survey.
10A.4 TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES – EXISTING INFORMATION
10A.4.1 Introduction
This section describes the baseline conditions of terrestrial ecological resources at the Assessment Area from existing information in available literature, including the findings of previous terrestrial ecological studies around the Black Point area and other relevant studies, and the collation of available information regarding the terrestrial ecological resources of this part of Hong Kong.
Based on this review, an evaluation of the information collected was conducted to identify any gaps that required for the assessment of importance of the ecological resources and the subsequent impact assessment. Where information gaps were identified or where certain habitats or species were considered to warrant further attention, focussed field surveys and detailed data analysis have been conducted (see Sections 10A.5 and 10A.7 ).
(1) AFCD (2014) Monitoring of Marine Mammals in Hong Kong Waters (2013 -2014). Prepared by Hong Kong Cetacean Research Project
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-18 10A.4.2 Site Description
The northwest New Territories has been known to have a long history of human impact on the landscape, from deforestation and frequent hill fires on granitic slopes. Due to the exposure to strong wind, thin top soil and frequent erosion, the steep terrain of the Castle Peak Range mainly consist of grass covers (1). It is also known that Black Point is located at the most western part of the New Territories, and comprises of a headland extending from the east (land) to the west (sea) with granitic soil underneath, which is normally of the Tuen Mun and Castle Peak areas. The first natural gas-fired plant in Hong Kong (BPPS) was the major development of Black Point, which is located at the north side of the headland.
10A.4.3 Literature Review
A literature review was conducted to determine the existing terrestrial ecological conditions within the Assessment Area to identify habitat resources and species of conservation importance.
10A.4.4 Terrestrial Habitat and Vegetation
Black Point is the most western part of the New Territories, extending as a promontory approximately 1 km westwards of the general outline of the coast. Due to the high frequency of hill fires (common in rural areas), most of the surrounding area of Black Point appears to contain no special communities or species and is maintained by grassland habitat on the hillsides (2).
A total of 91 plant species were recorded on the Black Point headland and its vicinity ( Figure 10A.12), which comprised various habitats including plantation, shrubland, shrubby grassland, stream/channel and developed area. Two locally protected plant species, Pitcher plant Nepenthes mirabilis and Bamboo Orchid Arundina graminifolia were recorded in the previous surveys. The plantation was dominated by exotic plant species including Acacia confusa, Albizia lebbeck, Melaleuca leucadendron, Lophostemon conferta and Cassia surattensis . Shrubland was dominated by native plant species including Celtis sinensis, Aporosa dioica, Cassytha filiformis, Gordonia axillaris, Litsea rotundifolia, Sterculia lanceolata and Caesalpinia vernalis . Shrubby grassland on the other hand was dominant plant species included several grasses such as Ischaemum aristatum, Digitaria sanguinalis and Rhynchelytrum repens growing to a height of 0.5 to 1.5 meters (3).
(1) ERL Asia Ltd (1992) Environmental Impact Assessment of the Proposed 6000MW Thermal Power Station at Black Point: Initial Assessment Report Volume 1 The Surrounding Environment. (2) ERM (2006). Op cit (3) ERM (2006). Op cit
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-19 10A.4.5 Terrestrial Wildlife
Avifauna
Surveys conducted in 2004 and 2005 recorded 51 species of avifauna in the Black Point area. Most of the avifauna species recorded are common and widespread in Hong Kong (such as Chinese Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis ), and generally of low conservation importance (e.g., Crested Myna Acridotheres cristatellus ). Among the bird species recorded, there were three species of conservation importance; Black Kite Milvus lineatus , White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster and Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis (1).
Mammals
Surveys conducted in 2004 and 2005 found two species of mammal, a bat, the Japanese Pipistrelle Pipistrellus abramus and the Feral Dog Canis familiaris (2).
Herpetofauna
Amphibian species recorded in a 2004 survey included the Asian Common Toad Bufo melanostictus , Gunther’s Frog Rana guentheri and Lesser Spiny Frog Rana exilispinosa (3).
Dragonfly
Five species of dragonfly (Saddlebag Glider Tramea Virginia , Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens , Blue Percher Diplacodes trivialis, Lesser Emperor Anax parthenope and Orange-tailed Midget Ceriagrion auranticum ) were recorded in different habitats at Black Point between February and July 2004 (4).
Butterflies
A total of 37 species of butterfly were recorded in different habitats at Black Point between February and July 2004. Two uncommon (Yellow Pansy Junonia hierta , and Tailed Sulphur Dercas verhuelli ) and two rare species (Spotted Sawtooth Prioneris thestylis and Red Lacewing Cethosia biblis ) were recorded (5).
Stream Fauna
Other than the Lesser Spiny Frog Rana paraspinosa , no freshwater fish or other stream macro-fauna were recorded in 2004 (6).
(1) ERM (2006). Op cit (2) ERM (2006). Op cit. (3) ERM (2006). Op cit (4) ERM (2006). Op cit (5) ERM (2006). Op cit (6) ERM (2006). Op cit
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-20 10A.4.6 Identification of Information Gaps
Based on the literature review presented above, it was considered appropriate to conduct field surveys in order to provide the most up-to-date information on the baseline conditions of the resources that may potentially be directly affected by this Project.
10A.5 BASELINE MARINE ECOLOGICAL FIELD SURVEYS
Focussed marine ecological field surveys were carried out from March to September 2015, in accordance with the requirements of the EIA Study Brief . Reference has been made to the guidelines of ecological assessment in Annex 16 of EIAO-TM and the relevant Guidance Notes (GN 7/2010 and GN 10/2010). The surveys were conducted in both wet and dry seasons for species with seasonality, such as intertidal and subtidal benthic assemblage. Higher survey freqency was also conducted for species of interest, such as marine mammals. The survey effort is considered appropriate to meet relevant objectives of ecological baseline study for providing adequate information for the impact assessment.
Table 10A.3 summarises the field surveys undertaken in 2015 as part of this EIA .
Table 10A.3 Marine Ecology Baseline Surveys
Survey Type Methodology Season & Date Intertidal Assemblages at Qualitative walk-through and Dry Season:4-5 Mar 2015 BPPS quantitative surveys of two 50 m belt Wet Season: 14 Jul 2015 transects (at high, mid and low intertidal zones) at artificial seawall, covering both wet and dry seasons
Active search of horseshoe crabs was 5 Mar, 20 Apr & 18 May conducted along Lung Kwu Sheung 2015 Tan and Lung Kwu Tan shoreline
Subtidal Benthic Quantitative grab sampling surveys at Dry Season: 27 Mar 2015 Assemblages five stations. Sites surveyed Wet Season: 27 Jul 2015 represented the existing ecological conditions of the seabed near BPPS, in particular the potential location of the proposed submarine intake/ outfall.
Subtidal Hard Bottom Qualitative Spot Dive Reconnaissance 12 Aug and 10 Sept 2015 Assemblage (Coral) Check and Semi-quantitative Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) Survey along the BPPS seawall
Marine Mammal Land-based theodolite tracking survey 24, 29 Apr; 28, 29 May; 5, 17 during daytime, 2 days per month for Jun; 3, 29 Jul; 17, 24 Aug; six months and 6 hours per day and 9, 15 Sept 2015
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-21 Survey methodologies have been selected to follow standard and accepted techniques for marine ecological surveys. In addition, each methodology has been previously conducted as part of other EIA studies, accepted under the EIAO:
• Duration of Survey;
• Seasonality;
• Types of Survey Period; and
• Survey Effort.
The following sections present the methodology and results for each marine ecological survey undertaken as part of the assessment of marine ecological baseline conditions.
10A.5.1 Intertidal Hard Bottom Assemblages
Intertidal baseline surveys were carried out to characterise the existing ecological conditions of the intertidal assemblages in the vicinity of the proposed marine works areas. The surveys have been designed to provide an update of the physical and ecological attributes of the Assessment Area as presented in the literature. Only one type of intertidal habitat, artificial shore, was identified in the BPPS. The artificial shore at the BPPS consists of steep sloping seawall of large boulders, and this habitat was examined for the intertidal surveys.
Survey Methodology
The intertidal surveys consisted of quantitative transect surveys and qualitative walk-through surveys at the accessible artificial seawall of the coast of BPPS. It should be noted that the BPPS is an active facility with operating intake and outfalls and survey at these areas was avoided for safety reasons. Access to the seawall under the direct footprint of potential marine works for the second CCGT unit was also limited, e.g. fenced off by barbed wire, and so accessible sloping seawalls that share similar intertidal assemblages and profile have been selected for quantitative survey.
For quantitative transect survey, two survey locations have been identified along the shoreline of BPPS, T1 and T2 (Figure 10A.13 ) (Table 10A.4). The survey location was in vicinity to the works area and locations previously surveyed (Figure 10A.3). The sampling methodology adopted previously was applied to the quantitative survey conducted in 2015. At each survey location (T1 and T2), one 50 m horizontal (belt) transects was surveyed at each of the three shore heights: 2 m, 1.5 m and 1 m above Chart Datum. These transects were located to cover the artificial intertidal habitats along and in the vicinity of the coast of BPPS. On each transect, 5 quadrats (50 cm x 50 cm) were placed randomly in each transect to assess the abundance and distribution of flora and fauna (∑ = 5 quadrats x 3 shore heights x 2 survey
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-22 locations = 30). All organisms found in each quadrat were identified and recorded to species level so that density per quadrat could be determined. Sessile animals such as barnacles and oysters in each quadrat were not be counted but estimated as percentage cover on the rock surface. All species of algae (encrusting, foliose and filamentous) were also be identified and recorded by estimating the percentage cover on the rock surface. All organisms were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level (at least Genus level). Species encountered outside the quadrat but in the vicinity of survey transect were also be recorded.
For qualitative walk-through surveys, the accessible shoreline of BPPS was surveyed, and organisms encountered were recorded and their relative abundance noted.
An active search of horseshoe crabs was conducted along Lung Kwu Sheung Tan and Lung Kwu Tan shoreline to confirm whether horseshoe crabs are present along this shoreline ( Figure 10A.13 ) (Table 10A.4).
Intertidal surveys were conducted once in the dry season and once in the wet season. Local tide tables were used to determine tidal height at the site and times of surveys.
Table 10A.4 Description of the Survey Transects for Intertidal Hard Bottom Surveys at Black Point
Transect Site Description T1 Adjacent to the power stations cooling water outlet. Steep artificial seawall consisting of large boulders. T2 Located on the artificial shoreline of the Ash Lagoon (northern shore of BPPS) and close to a short stretch of natural shore (<20m). Steep artificial seawall consisting of large boulders. Lung Kwu Sheung Tan Located >1 km away from the proposed Project Site. Natural sandy and rocky shore with gentle slope. Lung Kwu Tan Located >2 km away from the proposed Project Site. Natural sandy shore with gentle slope.
Survey Results
Artificial sloping seawall of the BPPS exhibited a low diversity of species. A list of organisms encountered during the qualitative spot checks in the seasonal surveys and their relative abundances is provided in Table 10B.1 of Annex 10B. The number of species recorded in the qualitative walk-through surveys was the same in both wet and dry season. A total of 14 fauna species and three algal and cyanobacterial species were recorded in both seasons (Table 10B.2 in Annex 10B ). These species are all very common and widespread species on artificial shores of Hong Kong. Representative photos of the intertidal habitats within the Assessment Area are shown in Figure 10A.13 .
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-23 A total of 14 fauna species and four algal and cyanobacterial species were recorded in the dry season quantitative surveys in 2015. Dominant (in terms of abundance) organisms recorded included the Cyanobacteria Kyrtuthrix maculans , the littorinid snails Echinolittorina radiata and Littoraria articulata in the high-shore, the limpet Nipponacmea concinna and the common dogwhelk Reishia clavigera in the mid-shore and the rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata and the topshell Monodonta labio in the low-shore (Table 10B. 2 in Annex 10B). Both the abundance/ density of mobile species and percentage cover of sessile fauna were considered to be low (24 individuals m -2 and 21 % m -2 respectively).
As with the dry season survey, low diversity and abundance of intertidal biota were recorded during the wet season quantitative survey in 2015, and a total of 10 fauna species and two algal and cyanobacterial species were recorded on the sloping seawall. The species composition of the intertidal organisms was slightly different between seasons with dominant species (in terms of abundance) being the littorinid snails Echinolittorina radiata and Littoraria articulata in the high-shore, the nerite Nerita albicilla and littorinid snails Echinolittorina radiata in the mid-shore and the rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata , dogwhelk Reishia clavigera and cyanobacteria Chroococcus sp . in the low-shore (Table 10B. 2 in Annex 10B ). Mean abundance of mobile species and sessile fauna recorded in the wet season survey were 16 individuals m -2 and 32 % m -2 respectively.
Comparing to the data in 2004 and 2009 (Table 10A.1), the mean abundance of intertidal assemblage in both season of in 2015 was generally lower, whereas the species richness of both seasons was comparable to previous surveys.
As for the natural sandy shores of Lung Kwu Sheung Tan and Lung Kwu Tan, no adult or juvenile horseshoe crabs were observed during the monthly active search from March to May 2015. It is confirmed that the natural shores neither serve as a feeding ground or breeding ground for horseshoe crabs.
Overall, results of the seasonal surveys show that all species were common and widespread, and no notable species were recorded. Diversity and abundance of intertidal biota at the Assessment Area was similar to those recorded at BPPS in 2004 and 2009 as well as other artificial shores in Hong Kong. Breeding or feeding ground of horseshoe crabs was not observed along the natural shores of the Assessment Area.
10A.5.2 Subtidal Soft Bottom Assemblages
Subtidal baseline surveys were carried out to characterise the existing ecological conditions of the seabed within the Assessment Area, in particular the locations for proposed marine works. The surveys have been designed to provide an update of the physical and ecological attributes of the Assessment Area as presented in the literature.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-24 Field Survey Methodology
Benthic sediment samples were collected from five stations within and around the proposed marine works areas where practical for biological analyses (i.e. taxonomic identification and abundance of macrobenthos). It should be noted that the BPPS is an active facility with operating intakes and outfalls and survey at these areas will be avoided for safety reasons. Access to the very nearshore area within the direct footprint of potential marine works for the second CCGT unit was also constrained by water depth and other existing operations and so stations in close proximity have been selected.
At each of the five survey stations, two grab samples were collected ( ∑ = 5 stations x 2 grabs = 10). The number of sampling stations is considered sufficient given the relatively homogeneous nature of sediments at the Assessment Area. The locations of sampling stations are shown in Figure 10A.14.
Stations were sampled using a modified Van Veen grab sampler (960 cm 2 sampling area; 11,000 cm 3 capacity) with a supporting frame attached to a swiveling hydraulic winch cable. Sediments for biological analysis were sieved on board the survey vessel. The sediments were washed into a sieve stack (comprising 1 mm 2 and 500 µm2 meshes) and gently rinsed with seawater to remove all fine material. Following rinsing, any material remaining on the two screens were combined and carefully rinsed using a minimal volume of seawater into pre-labelled thick triple-bagged ziplock plastic bags. A 5% solution of borax-buffered formalin containing Rose Bengal in seawater was then be added to the bag to ensure tissue preservation. Samples were sealed in plastic containers for transfer to the taxonomy laboratory for sorting and identification.
Laboratory Analyses
The benthic laboratory performed sample re-screening after the samples had been held in formalin for a minimum 24 hours to ensure adequate fixation of the organisms. Individual samples from the 500 µm2 and 1 mm 2 mesh sieves were gently rinsed with fresh water into a 250 µm2 sieve to remove the formalin from the sediments. Sieves were partially filled while rinsing a specific sample to maximize washing efficiency and prevent loss of material. All material retained on the sieve were placed in a labeled plastic jar, covered with 70% ethanol, and lightly agitated to ensure complete mixing of the alcohol with sediments. Original labels were retained with the re-screened sample material.
Standard and accepted techniques were used for sorting organisms from the sediments. Small fractions of a sample were placed in a petri dish under a 10-power magnification dissecting microscope and scanned systematically with all animals and fragments removed using forceps. Each petri dish was sorted at least twice to ensure removal of all animals. Organisms representing major taxonomic groups, such as Polychaeta, Arthropoda,
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-25 Mollusca and miscellaneous taxa were sorted into separate, labeled vials containing 70% ethanol.
Taxonomic identifications were performed by qualified and experienced specialist using stereo dissecting and high-power compound microscopes. These were generally to the species level except for unidentified taxa, which were identified to genera as far as practical. The careful sampling procedure employed minimizes fragmentation of organisms. If breakage of soft-bodied organisms occurred, only anterior portions of fragments were counted, although all fragments were retained and weighed for biomass determinations (wet weight).
Survey Results
A total of 1,432 and 801 individual organisms were collected from the 10 grab samples at five sampling stations in the dry and wet seasons respectively. The specimens belong to 9 Phyla with a total of 14 classes, 68 families and 96 species identified. Table 10A.5 provides a summary on the abundance and biomass and Table 10A.6 presented density and indices of species richness, evenness and diversity of infauna collected at each site. A complete set of raw data is presented in Tables 10B.3 – 10B.6 of Annex 10B.
Table 10A.5 Composition of Infaunal Assemblages at the Sampling Sites for the Soft Bottom Habitat Surveys at the Black Point Assessment Area during the Dry Season (March 2015) and Wet Season Survey (July 2015)
No. of No. of Abundance % Biomass % Families species Abundance Biomass Phylum Dry Wet Dry Wet Dry Wet Dry Wet Dry Wet Dry Wet 33.4 Annelida 30 27 45 37 665 302 46.44 37.70 7.51 3.78 0.64 8 31.4 Arthropoda 12 8 14 9 191 60 13.34 7.49 5.73 3.54 0.49 2 Chordata 0 1 0 1 0 1 0.00 0.12 0.00 1.03 0.00 0.09 Cnidaria 1 1 1 1 42 4 2.93 0.50 1.74 1.18 0.20 0.10 Echinodermat 45.4 4 3 4 3 67 96 4.68 11.99 28.83 5.12 2.46 a 2 757. 1126. Mollusca 8 8 10 9 441 311 30.80 38.83 85.43 96.09 36 02 16.8 Nemertea 1 1 1 1 18 19 1.26 2.37 1.48 1.90 0.13 1 Platyhelminth 1 0 1 0 1 0 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 es Sipuncula 1 1 1 1 7 8 0.49 1.00 0.28 0.09 0.03 0.01 886. 1171. 58 50 77 62 1432 801 100 100 100 100 Total 49 87
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-26 Table 10A.6 Density and Indices of richness, evenness and diversity of Infaunal Assemblages at the Sampling Sites for the Soft Bottom Habitat Surveys at the Black Point Assessment Area during the Dry Season (March 2015) and Wet Season Survey (July 2015)
Season Total Mean Mean Mean Mean Pielou’s Shannon Number of Number of Number of Taxonomic Taxonomic Evenness Diversity Infaunal Individuals Individuals Richness Richness (J) (H’ ) Individuals per Station per m2 (No. (No. (±±± SD) (±±± SD) Families) Species) per Station per Station (±±± SD) (±±± SD) Dry 1432 286.4 ± 1491.67 ± 22.40 ± 24.40 ± 0.69 2.99 Season 180.7 941.32 6.80 7.85 Wet 801 160.2 ± 834.38 ± 18.90 ± 19.20 ± 0.67 2.77 Season 108.7 566.03 5.21 5.45
Results of the seasonal benthic survey showed that, as with the findings of the 2004 and 2009 surveys, infaunal abundance, biomass and taxonomic richness were considered to be medium to high at the sampling stations (Table 10A.5 and Table 10A.6). There was some variation in infaunal abundance, biomass and taxonomic richness among season. The mean infaunal abundance per station was higher in dry season while total biomass was higher in wet season. The mean taxonomic richness per station, Pielou’s Evenness and Shannon Diversity of infauna were similar between two seasons (Table 10A.6).
The benthic assemblage within the Assessment Area is similar to the comprehensive study at Deep Bay (1). The Shannon Diversity at Black Point ranged from 2.77 – 2.99 and it is comparable to the value record at Deep Bay in 2002 (2.14 – 2.86).
In terms of infaunal abundance, the majority of organisms recorded in both seasons were from the Phylum Annelida and Mollusca, followed by Arthropoda and Echinodermata (Table 10A.5). Each of the other recorded phyla contributed to < 5 % of the number of individuals recorded in both seasons. The bivalve Ruditapes philippinarum , from the family Veneridae, was the most abundant species from the dry and wet season survey (total abundance in dry season = 416 individuals; total abundance in wet season = 292 individuals), and it was present in most of the stations in dry season and only one station at wet season. No rare or uncommon species were recorded in the wet season survey.
In terms of infaunal biomass, organisms from the Phylum Mollusca contributed 85% and 96 % of the total biomass recorded in the dry and wet season respectively (Table 10A.5). Each of the other recorded phyla contributed to < 5 % of the total infaunal biomass recorded in both seasons. High biomass of bivalve was contributed by high abundance of the bivalve Ruditapes philippinarum .
(1) CityU Professional Services Limited (2002) Consultancy Study on Marine Benthic Communities in Hong Kong (Agreement No. CE 69/2000). Prepared for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD)
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-27 Overall, results from the dry and wet season surveys undertaken as part of this EIA suggested that infaunal assemblages of the surveyed stations consisted of common and widespread species typical of this part of Hong Kong. As with the findings of previous surveys, infaunal abundance and biomass in the both seasons are considered to be medium to high as contributed by high abundance of bivalve, while the taxonomic richness of infauna is low.
10A.5.3 Subtidal Hard Bottom Assemblage
Subtidal baseline surveys were carried out to characterise the existing ecological conditions of the seabed within and in vicinity of the proposed marine works at BPPS. The surveys have been designed to provide an update of the physical and ecological attributes of the Assessment Area as presented in the literature.
Survey Methodology
The subtidal dive surveys at the BPPS seawall comprised the following two components:
• Qualitative spot dive reconnaissance check; and
• Semi-quantitative Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) survey.
Qualitative Spot Dive Reconnaissance Check
The spot dive reconnaissance check covered both hard and soft substrates to investigate if coral communities (hard and soft corals) were present at the areas for the proposed marine works. Four survey locations had been identified along the shoreline of BPPS to conduct the spot dive reconnaissance check ( Figure 10A.15 ). It should be noted that the BPPS is an active facility with operating intakes and outfalls and survey at these areas were avoided for safety reasons.
At each survey location, along 100 m transect (less than - 8 mPD), a spot dive reconnaissance check were conducted by commercial divers supervised by coral specialists to confirm the substrate type and associated sessile benthos, particularly the presence of hard and soft coral communities. The characteristics of seabed and associated fauna along the survey transect were recorded by photographs and videos to characterise the biological nature of the subtidal area along the shoreline of BPPS. All organisms encountered were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level.
Semi-quantitative Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) Survey
When corals were recorded during spot dive reconnaissance check, semi- quantitative survey, REA, were undertaken with reference to the Guidance Notes ( GN 11/2010 ) to provide information on the relative coverage of coral and other benthic groups as well as an inventory of sessile benthic taxa used
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-28 to define the community types. This technique is now one of the standard practices for EIA marine baseline surveys in Hong Kong and has been modified from the standardised REA survey technique established for the assessment of coral communities on the Great Barrier Reef (1 )for marine environment of Hong Kong (2).
REA survey were performed along a 100 m transect parallel to the seawall based on the preliminary observations from spot dive reconnaissance check (i.e. area where corals appeared to be the most abundant, or in the close proximity of the proposed dredging area). As the artificial sloping seawall was shallow in nature (less than - 8 mPD) and the visibility in deeper water (> - 3 mPD) is fairly low for survey, only one depth zone were assessed at each of the REA survey locations.
After laying of the transect line, video footage were taken for the benthos along the transect and the assessment of the benthic cover (Tier I) and taxon abundance (Tier II) were conducted in a swathe ~ 2 m wide, 1 m either side of each transect. The belt transect width is dependent on underwater visibility experienced and for Hong Kong generally consists of a swathe ~2 m wide, 1 m either side of the each transect. An explanation of the two assessment categories (Tiers) used in the survey is presented below.
Tier I - Categorisation of Benthic Cover
Upon the completion of each survey transect, ecological and substratum attributes (Table 10A.7) were assigned to standard categories ( Table 10A.8 ).
Table 10A.7 Tier I Benthic Attribute Categories
Ecological Attributes Substratum Attributes Hard coral Bedrock Dead coral Continuous pavement Octocoral (Soft corals and Gorgonians) Rocks (<26 cm) Black coral Large boulders (>50 cm) Dead standing coral Small boulders (<50 cm) Macroalgae Rubble Other Benthos (including sponges, zoanthids, Sand ascidians and bryozoans) Mud/ Silt Other
(1) DeVantier, L.M., G. De’Ath, T.J. Done and E. Turak (1998) Ecological assessment of a complex natural system: A case study from the Great Barrier Reef. Ecological Applications 8: 480-496. (2) Fabricius K E, McCorry D (2006) Changes in octcoral communities and benthic cover along a water quality gradient in reefs of Hong Kong. Marine Pollution Bulletin 52: 22-33.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-29 Table 10A.8 Tier I Categories of Percentage Cover of Benthic Attributes
Percentage Cover (%) None recorded <5 6-10 11-30 31-50 51-75 76-100
Tier II - Taxonomic Inventories to Define Types of Benthic Communities
An inventory of benthic taxa was compiled for each transect. Taxa were identified in situ to the following levels:
• Scleractinian (hard) corals to species, where possible;
• Soft corals, anemones and conspicuous macroalgae to genus level where possible;
• Other benthos (including sponges, zoanthids, ascidians and bryozoans) recorded to genus level, where possible, or phylum plus growth form.
Following the completion of the survey of each transect, each taxon in the inventory were ranked in terms of abundance in the community ( Table 10A.9). These broad categories rank taxa in terms of relative abundance of individuals, rather than the contribution to benthic cover along each transect. The ranks are visual assessments of abundance, rather than quantitative counts of each taxon. Representative photos of organisms were taken.
Table 10A.9 Ordinal Ranks of Taxon Abundance
Rank Abundance 0 Absent 1 Sparse 2 Uncommon 3 Common 4 Abundant 5 Dominant
Survey Results
During the surveys, the weather was fine and the sea was calm. The visibility was however poor and generally ranged between 0.1 m and 0.5 m and deteriorated with depth. Along each transect the general substrata and biological condition was noted during Spot Dive Reconnaissance Check
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-30 Survey as shown in Table 10A.10 . Because of the presence of corals in Transect C and D, REA were performed on the artificial seawall and the seabed composition was identified as shown in Table 10B.7 of Annex 10B.
Table 10A.10 Description of the Seabed Recorded Along Each Transect and the Qualitative Surveys
Transect Depth Description A & B -2 to -6 Located adjacent to the existing seawater intake of BPPS. Sites mPD comprised of large boulder of seawall with a visible layer of silt. The toe of the seawall was also covered with a layer of mud with depth of 0.2 – 0.8m and shell fragments. On the hard substrata, algae were absent and sessile benthos comprised of isolated barnacles. No hard coral or octocoral colonies were identified.
C & D -1 to -5 Located adjacent to the existing cooling water outfall of BPPS. Similar to mPD Transects A and B, the main substrate of the sites were the boulders of seawall and the bottom of the seawall composed of mud with 0.2 – 0.8m. Unidentified sea cucumber and shell fragments were recorded on the soft substrata. Isolated colonies of ahermatypic cup coral Balanophyllia sp. and octocoral species, Guaiagorgia sp. were recorded along the transects.
The dive survey reported similar results as the surveys conducted previously in the artificial seawall of BBPS, with absence or low cover and abundance of common and widespread cup corals and octocorals. One hard coral species, ahermatypic cup coral Balanophyllia sp., and one octocoral species, Guaiagorgia sp., were recorded Table 10B.8 of Annex 10B. Corals occurred in very low abundance and percentage cover estimates ranged from 1-5%. Most of the corals recorded, especially Balanophyllia sp., were covered by sediment. The majority of Guaiagorgia sp. colonies exhibited partial mortality, and a low percentage cover of dead coral was noted. Corals recorded are all common species in the western waters in Hong Kong. Representative photographs of the seabed and coral condition at the survey transects are presented in Figures 10A.16 and 10A.17.
Overall, result of dive surveys suggested that the seabed next to the BPPS seawall was mainly composed of silt and mud with shell fragments. The substrate of the survey transects showed very limited sessile taxa. Common and widespread corals, including ahermatypic cup coral Balanophyllia sp. and octocoral Guaiagorgia sp., were only recorded in proximity of existing cooling water outfall in very low percentage cover.
10A.5.4 Marine Mammals
To better understand the occurrence and usage of the inshore waters near Black Point and BPPS, in particular the proposed location for marine works, by marine mammals, shore-based theodolite tracking was undertaken during day-time. As reviewed in Section 10A.3.7 , the waters around Black Point did not report large numbers of sightings, and are used as marginal habitat by
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-31 dolphins in Hong Kong, and only a slight diel pattern of dolphin occurrence was reported. Also, considering the nature of this Project, there is no permanent loss of dolphin habitat from this Project, and no night-time marine works for this Project. Therefore, night-time survey for marine mammals in vicinity of the proposed marine works is not considered to be necessary. As the proposed marine works will only focus on the existing artificial seawall of BPPS and the waters in close proximity to it, shore-based theodolite tracking survey was considered to be sufficient to verify the dolphin usage in vicinity to the BPPS.
Survey Methodology
Monitoring Location
A theodolite-tracking station near the proposed marine works areas at BPPS were set up following the same methodology that was adopted to set up other well-established theodolite tracking stations in Hong Kong since 2011 (1) (2). The station were selected based on its height above sea level with minimum requirement of over 20 m (3) close proximity to the proposed marine works areas with relatively unobstructed views from the nearby superstructures. The height of station is above 33.26 m high at mean low water and approximately 50 m from shore ( Table 10A.11 ).
Table 10A.11 Shore-based Observation Stations near Black Point
Station Name Northing Easting Station Height at Approximate Mean Low Water Distance from Shore (m) (m) Black Point Power 830530 808740 33.26 50 Station (BPPS)
Monitoring Frequency
Two sessions of theodolite tracking survey were conducted per month for six months (i.e. twelve sessions in total).
Survey Methodology & Equipment
The shore-based theodolite tracking survey was conducted in accordance with the methodology adopted in the long-term marine mammal monitoring programme conducted by AFCD. For each survey, three qualified and trained environmental scientists (observers) (4) made up the on-effort survey team.
(1) AFCD (2015b) Op cit (2) Piwetz S, Hung S, Wang J, Lundquist D and Wursig B (2012) Influence of vessel traffic on movements of Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis) off Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Aquatic Mammals (38): 325 - 331. (3) Wursig B, Cipriano F, Wursig M (1991) Dolphin movement patterns: Information from radio and theodolite tracking studies. In K Pryor & KS Norris (Eds.), Dolphin societies: Discoveries and puzzles (pp. 79 - 112). Los Angeles: University of California Press. (4) The three qualified environmental scientists (observers) comprised of one experienced theodolite operator, one research assistant as observer and one computer operator.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-32 On each survey day, observers searched systematically for marine mammals using the unaided eye and handheld binoculars (7 x 50) from the Station overlooking the proposed works area and beyond ( Figure 10A.18 ).
A digital theodolite ( Sokkia Model DT5) with 30-power magnification and ± 5- second precision were well-positioned from unobstructed vantage points and at such a height above the monitoring area, so that movement and behavioural patterns of marine mammals was continuously monitored. The digital theodolite records horizontal and vertical angles, while a computer with Pythagoras software, tethered to the theodolite, records those angles that will then be converted to geographic coordinates of focal dolphin being tracked, thus providing their distance from shore and from other nearby objects, and relative speed and orientations.
A theodolite tracking session was initiated when an individual dolphin or group of dolphins was located. For individual dolphin, it was continuously tracked via theodolite, with a position recorded each time the dolphin surfaced when possible. Within a group, a focal individual was selected for the purposes of tracking the movement of the group, based on its distinctive feature such as colouration or severe injury mark. The focal individual was tracked continuously via the theodolite, with positions recorded whenever the dolphin surfaced. If an individual could not be positively distinguished from other members, the group was tracked by recording positions based on a central point within the group when the dolphins surfaced.
Tracking continued until animals were lost from view, moved beyond the range of reliable visibility (>3 km), or when environmental conditions obstructed visibility (e.g. intense haze; Beaufort sea state > 5, or sunset). Behavioural state data was also be recorded every 5 minutes for the focal individual or group. This interval was considered sufficient for determination of the behavioural state and capturing behavioural responses to the nearby marine activities, if any. Moreover, when multiple groups or individuals were present in the survey area, attempts were made to record the behaviours of all groups/individuals every 10 minutes, with spotters assisting in determining behaviour of the dolphins.
In addition to the above, the position, type, and activity of all vessels within 3 km of the focal dolphin were also recorded.
Survey Results
A total of 61 hours and 37minutes were spent during the 12 days of surveys. A summary of the tracking effort and track log data of 12 theodolite tracking session are presented in Tables 10B.9 and 10B.10 in Annex 10B and their graphical presentation are showed in Figures 10B.1 – 10B.6 in Annex 10B .
During the 12 days of surveys, only one group of two dolphins (Sousa chinesis ) was sighted and tracked from shore in July 2015. The dolphin group was
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-33 located at a great distance (> 2.5 – 3 km) from the BPPS station, and their locations were shown in Figure 10B.4 in Annex 10B .
There was a high level of vessel traffic in the Assessment Area. The majority of vessels tracked in the Assessment Area were container boats, high-speed ferries, transportation boat, government boats, fishing boats, small speed boats and tug boats.
As with the result from previous EIA studies and AFCD long-term monitoring (1) (2) (3) (as discussed in Section 10A.3.7 ), results of the theodolite-tracking surveys confirmed that the inshore waters of Deep Bay are the marginal habitat for the dolphins and they are rarely present in close proximity to the BPPS.
10A.6 BASELINE TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGICAL FIELD SURVEYS
10A.6.1 Survey Methodology
Following a literature review of available ecological information characterising the Assessment Area, additional field surveys were undertaken in 2015 to update and field check the validity of the information gathered in the review and to fill information gaps. Field surveys were carried out over wet season (July and August 2015) and dry season (November 2015) in accordance with the requirements of the EIA Study Brief . Reference has been made to the guidelines of ecological assessment in Annex 16 of EIAO-TM and the relevant Guidance Notes (GN 7/2010 and GN 10/2010), to characterise the existing ecological conditions. The surveys were conducted in both wet and dry seasons for species with seasonality, such as avifauna, herpetofauna, odonate and butterfly. The survey effort is considered appropriate to meet relevant objectives of ecological baseline study for providing adequate information for the impact assessment.
The following baseline surveys were identified as necessary and the details are summarised in Table 10A.12 . Location of the survey transects and sampling points are presented in Figure 10A.2 .
(1) ERM (2006) Op cit (2) ERM (2009) Op cit (3) AFCD (2015b) Op cit
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-34 Table 10A.12 Types of Baseline Surveys
Survey Methodology and Component Season & Date Day- • Habitat and vegetation survey: ground-truthing • Wet season: 8 July, 26 time • Wildlife survey: and 27 Aug 2015 o Terrestrial Mammal: active search along survey • Dry season: 4 Nov transects 2015 o Avifauna: quantitative point count and / or transect count o Herpetofauna: qualitative transect survey o Odonate & Butterfly: quantitative point count and / or transect count o Aquatic Fauna: direct observation and active searching at identified channel
Night- • Wildlife survey: • Wet season 26 and 27 time o Terrestrial Mammal: active search along survey Aug 2015 transects • Dry season: 4 Nov o Avifauna: qualitative transect survey 2015 O Herpetofauna: qualitative transect survey
Habitat and Vegetation
Field surveys focussing on the habitats and vegetation within the Assessment Area were conducted. The aim of the surveys was to record and map habitat characteristics and distributions, as well as floral composition within the Assessment Area, and to establish the general ecological profile. The methodologies of habitat and vegetation survey made reference to those proposed in the Guidance Notes 7/2010 and 10/2010 of the EIAO .
Habitats were mapped based on recent government aerial photographs; previous literature review and field ground truthing, and are presented in Figure 10A.19 . Representative areas of each habitat type and the proposed Project Site were surveyed on foot. Plant species within each habitat type were identified, and their relative abundance recorded with special attention to rare or protected species. Nomenclature and conservation status of plant species followed those documented in the AFCD’s biodiversity database as well as Xing et al., (2000), Wu and Lee (2000), Siu (2000) and Yip et al., (2010). Conservation status of plants not listed in the above documents (mostly landscape species or crops) was evaluated based on professional observation. Habitats were characterised and defined with referenced to size, vegetation type, flora species present, dominant species, species diversity and abundance, community structure, seasonality and inter-dependence as well as the presence of any feature of ecological importance.
Avifauna
The methodology for the avifauna surveys made reference to those proposed in the Guidance Notes 7/2010 and 10/2010 of the EIAO. The quantitative (point count method) bird surveys were undertaken in the major habitat types
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-35 (plantation, grassland/shrubland, watercourse and urbanised/disturbed area) within the Assessment Area. Locations of sampling points are shown in Figure 10A.19 . Bird surveys were conducted during the day- and night-time and covering both dry and wet seasons.
For the count or point count methods, all birds seen or heard within 30 m from either sides of the sampling transect/point were counted and identified to species where possible. Signs of breeding (e.g. nests, recently fledge juveniles), if any within the Assessment Area were also recorded. Bird species encountered outside transects but within the Assessment Area were also recorded to produce a complete species list. Night surveys were conducted to survey nocturnal bird species. The locations of any bird species of conservation importance were recorded. Observations were made using binoculars (at least 8x) and photographic records were taken, if possible. Ornithological nomenclature followed List of Hong Kong Birds (2013) of Hong Kong Bird Watching Society or the most updated checklist.
Terrestrial Mammal
The methodology for the mammal surveys made reference to those proposed in the Guidance Notes 7/2010 and 10/2010 of the EIAO. As most mammals occur at low densities, all sightings, tracks and signs of mammals (including scats, footprints) were actively searched along survey transects (Figure 10A.19 ). Mammal surveys were carried out during the day- and night-time and covering both dry and wet seasons.
Visual inspections were conducted at potential usage area for bats (e.g. man- made structures like air-conditioners, vegetation with fruits and / or a complex growth form) during night survey. The survey transects covered all representative habitats recorded within the Assessment Area, as well as the Project Site. Nomenclature for mammals followed Shek (2006).
Herpetofauna
Herpetofauna surveys were conducted qualitatively through direct observation and active searching in all habitat types along the survey transects established during the avifauna survey, and also in potential hiding places such as among leaf litter, inside holes, under stones and logs within the Assessment Area. As reptiles and amphibians are mostly nocturnal, night surveys were carried out. Auditory detection was used to survey frogs and toads. During the surveys, all reptiles and amphibians sighted and heard were recorded. Nomenclature and status used for reptiles followed Karsen et al., (1998) and Chan et al., (2006) while those of amphibians followed Chan et al., (2005) (Figure 10A.19 ). Herpetofauna surveys were carried out during the day-and night-time and covering both dry and wet seasons.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-36 Odonate (i.e. Dragonflies & Damselflies) & Butterfly
The methodology for the invertebrate surveys made reference to those proposed in the Guidance Notes 7/2010 and 10/2010 of the EIAO . Butterflies and odonates in different habitats of the Assessment Area were surveyed quantitatively using transect count and/or point count method based on on- site situation out during the day-time and covering both dry and wet seasons.
The survey transects followed those adopted for avifauna survey and covered representative habitats within the Assessment Area ( Figure 10A.19 ). Odonates and butterflies encountered outside survey transects but within the Assessment Area were also recorded in order to produce a complete species list. Nomenclature for butterflies followed Chan et al., (2011) and odonates nomenclature followed Tam et al., (2011).
Aquatic Fauna
The methodology for the aquatic fauna surveys made reference to those proposed in the Guidance Notes 7/2010 and 10/2010 of the EIAO . Field surveys were undertaken during the day-time and covering both dry and wet seasons.
Aquatic fauna survey, including freshwater macro-invertebrates and fishes, in accessible channel identified within the Assessment Area were conducted by direct observation and active searching. Organisms were recorded and identified to the lowest possible taxon, and their relative abundances were reported. Nomenclature for fish followed Lee et al., (2004), while those for the macro-invertebrates followed Dudgeon (1999) .
10A.6.2 Survey Results
Habitat and Vegetation
The habitats identified within the Assessment Area include plantation, grassland/ shrubland, watercourse and urbanised/disturbed area. A total of 313 plant species were recorded ( Table 10C.1 of Annex 10C) within the Assessment Area. The flora species of conservation importance recorded within the Assessment Area include one locally protected plant species, Incense Tree Aquilaria sinensis, one exotic tree species Norfolk Island Pine Araucaria heterophylla listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List, one exotic shrub species Mock Lime Aglaia odorata and one exotic tree species Longan Dimocarpus longan listed as Lower Risk/Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List, one native shrub Small Persimmon Diospyros vaccinioides listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List, one exotic tree species Bamboo Palm Dypsis lutescens , one native climber species Luofushan Joint-fir Gnetum luofuense and one native herb species Field Sow-Thistle Sonchus arvensis listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List (Figure 10A.19 ). A habitat map of the habitat types surveyed is presented in Figure 10A.19. Table 10A.13 lists the number of plant species recorded in each habitat type.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-37 Table 10A.13 Habitat Types Recorded within the Assessment Area
Habitat Type Number of Plant Species Recorded Plantation 126 Grassland/Shrubland 22 0 Watercourse 34 Urbanised/Disturbed Area 115
Plantation
Defined as man-made woodland, plantation has a selection of particular tree species that are well adapted to the adverse conditions of the tropical climate and the hillsides in Hong Kong (1). Plantation was found mainly along the road /BPPS boundary edges and planted on cut / fill slopes, as shown in Figure 10A.19 .
The plantation was dominated by exotic plant species including Acacia confusa, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Mikania micrantha , Acacia auriculiformis and Ipomoea cairica and native plant species including Alocasia macrorrhizos , Celtis sinensis , Macaranga tanarius and Schefflera heptaphylla . The plantation was young in age (less than 20 years old), with a developed canopy that reached heights ranging from 10 to 12 m. The understorey was open and sparsely vegetated by native shrubs (Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum , Glochidion eriocarpum and Viburnum odoratissimum ), herbs ( Alocasia macrorrhizos , Cyclosorus parasiticus , Dicranopteris pedata , Microstegium ciliatum , Miscanthus sinensis , Pteris semipinnata and Youngia japonica ), as well as exotic climber species ( Ipomoea cairica ). A total of 126 plant species were recorded within the plantations with one locally protected plant species, Incense Tree Aquilaria sinensis , one Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List plant species Diospyros vaccinioides , one native climber species Gnetum luofuense listed as Near Threatened under the IUCN Red List and one exotic tree species Dimocarpus longan listed as Lower Risk/Near Threatened under the IUCN Red List recorded within the habitat. The floral diversity and structural complexity of the plantation were low, in which the dominant plant species are mostly native and fast growing, as illustrated from Table 10C .1 of Annex 10C. In conclusion, the ecological importance of plantation at Black Point is therefore low to medium.
Grassland/Shrubland
Grassland/shrubland denotes the intermediate form of pure grassland and shrubland with grass species consisting of over 60% of vegetation cover with the remainder encompassing dispersed shrubs. As illustrated in Figure 10A.19 , grassland/shrubland was found mainly on the hillside areas and covering about 50% of the Assessment Area. The predominance of grassland/ shrubland habitats in the Assessment Area is expected due to the harsh environmental conditions such as limited water supply, low water
(1) Dudgeon D and Corlett R (2004). The Ecology and Biodiversity of Hong Kong . The Hong Kong University Press.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-38 retention capability of the soil, exposure to strong sunlight and exposure to strong winds.
The dominant plant species included native tree species include Ficus hispida, Zanthoxylum avicennae, Macaranga tanarius, Mallotus paniculatus and Schefflera heptaphylla . Native shrub species included Bridelia tomentosa , Desmos chinensis Litsea cubeba and Scaevola sericea . Bamboo and climber species were scarcely found within this habitat. A total of 220 plant species were found in the grassland/shrubland habitat. One native herb species Sonchus arvensis and one native climber Gnetum luofuense listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List were recorded within the habitat; however these species are not protected in Hong Kong. The floristic diversity and structural complexity of the grassland/shrubland habitat were low to moderate. Hence, the ecological importance of grassland/shrubland at BPPS is therefore considered to be medium.
Watercourse
During the field survey, the watercourse was observed to consist of storm- water drainage channels which are man-made and concrete lined, which runs along the northern edge of the Black Point headland hill slope and along Yung Long Road ( Figure 10A.19 ). It was observed that the watercourse mainly comprised of native herb species such as Microstegium fasciculatum , Neyraudia reynaudiana and Panicum repens. One native shrub species Bridelia tomentosa and five dominant native tree species (i.e. Ficus hispida, Mallotus paniculatus, Sterculia lanceolata, Macaranga tanarius and Eugenia nervosus ) were recorded.
A total of 34 plant species were found along the watercourse habitat and no rare/protected species were recorded. It was observed that limited water flow was also recorded in between the power station and headland. No flora species of conservation importance or aquatic fauna were found in the watercourse, which indicated low ecological importance.
Urbanised/Disturbed Area
The urbanised/disturbed area that is also known as developed area was observed to be the second largest habitat within the Assessment Area (Figure 10A.19 ). This habitat type consisted mainly of infrastructure associated with power generation including structures, hardstand areas and access roads and car parks. Over 90% of the vegetation recorded within this habitat type was planted for landscaping purposes and are mainly located along Transformer Road within the power station. A total of 115 plant species were recorded in this habitat.
The BPPS presently contains limited soft landscape planting within the facility boundary, including plants such as trees Araucaria heterophylla, Bombax ceiba, Ficus microcarpa, palms Livistona chinensis , and shrubs Hibiscus tiliaceus growing in planters. A few free growing planted species including shrubs such as Duranta erecta, Acalypha wilkesiana and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis , ground
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-39 cover such as Ixora chinensis and trees/ palms such as Acacia confusa, Casuarina equisetifolia, Ficus microcarpa and Livistona chinensis within the available areas of the facility (as previously mentioned above). A total of five flora species of conservation importance as listed in the IUCN Red List were recorded. These include three exotic tree species ( Araucaria heterophylla , Dimocarpus longan and Dypsis lutescens ), one native herb species (Sonchus arvensis) and one exotic shrub species ( Aglaia odorata ); however all of these species are not protected in Hong Kong.
The Project Site for the new CCGT unit(s) currently contains some Norfolk Island Pine ( Araucaria heterophylla ) individuals in planters that will be affected by the Project. However, with similarities to other urbanised/disturbed areas in the vicinity, this habitat was highly developed with limited ecological significance. Norfolk Island Pine is an exotic species commonly planted in Hong Kong, hence it has no apparent conservation value. Due to the disturbed nature of the habitat and lack of rare or protected species, the ecological importance of the urbanised/disturbed area is negligible, as species found in this habitat have a high ability to accommodate to change.
Wildlife
Avifauna
There were a total of 35 species of avifauna recorded within the Assessment Area. A total of 22 species were recorded only during the wet season and 13 recorded only during the dry season, and ten species were recorded in both seasons. 22 species were recorded at the sampling points during point count surveys and an additional one species were recorded outside of the sampling points but within the Assessment Area (Table 10C.2 of Annex 10C). The details of the point count avifauna data are presented in Table 10C.2 of Annex 10C.
Plantation recorded the highest total number of avifauna species. Most of the bird species recorded are common and widespread in Hong Kong (such as Chinese Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis ), and generally of low conservation importance (e.g., Crested Myna Acridotheres cristatellus ). Among the bird species recorded within the Assessment Area, there were five species of conservation importance; Black Kite Milvus lineatus , Besra Accipiter virgatus , Hill Myna Gracula religiosa, Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis and Collared Crow Corvus torquatus . The locations of the recorded species of conservation importance are shown except Greater Coucal on Figure 10A.19 .
The Black Kite is a very widespread and common species in Hong Kong. It is conspicuous in the urban area and over Victoria Harbour all year around. It is more numerous in winter than in summer and the number peaks in December and January. Black Kites are found in a wide variety of coastal and inland habitats, including small islands, sea-coasts, intertidal mudflat, fish ponds, reservoirs, landfills and grassy hillsides at all altitudes. The Black Kite is protected in China and listed as a Class II Protected Animal of PRC,
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-40 listed under the statutory protection in Hong Kong under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and in Appendix 2 of CITES. Black Kites were only recorded soaring over the BPPS during the surveys. Black Kites usually forage over a large area and Black Point is considered to be a part of their foraging area.
The Besra is a scarce resident that is only found in Tai Po Kau, Deep Bay area, Chek Lap Kok, Cheung Chau, Soko Islands. Besra are widespread resident breeds that are found in the dense forests throughout southern Asia, which ranges from Indian subcontinent eastwards across to the southeast and east Asia. The Besra is listed under statutory protection in Hong Kong under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and in Appendix 2 of CITES.
The Hill Myna is an introduced species in Hong Kong, and is listed as Vulnerable in the China Red Data Book and in Appendix 2 of CITES.
The Greater Coucal is listed as Vulnerable in the China Red Data Book. However, it occupies many types of habitats in Hong Kong, and is a common resident. It is frequently found in grasslands, mangroves, marshes, agricultural lands with scattered trees and bushes, open canopy shrubland, Fung Shui woods and gardens, and has been noted foraging in refuses. The exact locations of the bird cannot therefore be shown in Figure 10A.19 .
The Collared Crow is listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List (2015). The Collared Crow is an uncommon resident in Hong Kong but is mainly found in Inner Deep Bay areas, Nam Chung, Kei Ling Ha, Tai Mei Tuk, Pok Fu Lam, Check Lap Kok, Shuen Wan and Lam Tsuen.
Overall, the species diversity of birds at Black Point is moderate, when considering survey effort (including the number of survey days and the duration of the survey period) and the size of the surveyed areas.
Mammal
Six species of mammals were recorded, including an unidentified bat, Leschenault's Rousette Rousettus leschenaulti , Japanese Pipistrelle Pipistrellus abramus , Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis , Small-toothed Ferret Badger Melogale moschata and Domestic Dog Canis lupus familiaris (Table 10C.3 of Annex C). The unidentified bat and Japanese Pipistrelle were observed flying around the power station. The Leschenault's Rousette was observed flying in the plantation area near the power station. All bats are protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance . Scats of Leopard Cat were found at the eastern edge of the Assessment Area. Leopard Cat is listed as Vulnerable in the China Red Data Book Status and protected by the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance , it is widespread distributed in countryside areas throughout Hong Kong, except for Lantau Island, with a global distribution in Afghanistan, Vietnam to Russia. Feral Dogs were also observed during the survey, which are considered to have no conservation significance. Small-toothed Ferret
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-41 Badger was also observed in the Assessment Area. The Small-toothed Ferret Badger is protected by the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance ; it is widely distributed in countryside areas throughout Hong Kong.
The location of the mammal species of conservation importance including Japanese Pipistrelle, Leschenault's Rousette and the unidentified bat, Leopard Cat and Small-toothed Ferret Badger are shown in Figure 10A.19 .
Herpetofauna
Due to the lack of natural aquatic habitat, the diversity of amphibians in the Assessment Area at Black Point was low. Amphibian species recorded included the Asian Common Toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus , Asiatic Painted Frog Kaloula pulchra pulchra , Paddy Frog Fejervarya limnocharis , Gunther’s Frog Hylarana guentheri , Brown Tree Frog Polypedates megacephalus and Marbled Pigmy Frog Microhyla pulchra . All of the amphibians recorded are common and widespread in Hong Kong.
Four common reptile species of Hong Kong, which included the Chinese Gecko Gekko chinensis, Bowring’s Gecko Hemidactylus bowringii , Bamboo Snake Cryptelytrops albolabris and Checkered Keelback Xenochrophis flavipunctatus and one rare reptile species Banded Wolf Snake Lycodon subcinctus , were also found in the Assessment Area (Table 10C.4 of Annex 10C ).
The species diversity of herpetofauna at Black Point is considered to be low.
Invertebrates
Butterflies
A total of 31 species of butterfly were recorded within the Assessment Area during the point count survey (Table 10C.5 of Annex 10C). One additional species, Painted Lady Cynthia cardui cardui was recorded between sampling transects and points within the Assessment Area.
Five uncommon (Indian Palm Bob Suastus gremius gremius , Dark Grass Blue Zizeeria karsandra karsandra , Red Lacewing Cethosia biblis phanaroia , Danaid Eggfly Hypolimnas misippus and Rare Swift Parnara ganga) and two rare species (Lesser Band Dark Potanthus trachala trachala and Painted Lady Cynthia cardui cardui) were recorded. Species of conservation importance are shown in Figure 10A.19 .
Lesser Band Dart was found in the plantation habitat during the wet season survey. It is widely distributed in grassland throughout of Hong Kong, with global distributions in Hainan, Sumatra and Java.
The Painted Lady was found in the grassland/shrubland habitat during surveying in the wet season. It is widely distributed throughout Hong Kong and is globally distributed in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceanic Island, Artic Circle, Himalayas and Southwest Australia.
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Seven species of dragonfly, as illustrated in Table 10C.6 of Annex 10C were recorded within the Assessment Area. All recorded species are common and widespread in Hong Kong. No rare or protected species was recorded.
Aquatic Fauna
No aquatic fauna were recorded in the Assessment Area during the survey.
Current Condition of the Proposed Project Site
The terrestrial habitats recorded in the Project Site were urbanised/disturbed area from the existing BPPS. An unidentified bat species and Araucaria heterophylla planters were observed in the proposed Project Site, with a Japanese Pipistrelle observed in closed proximity.
10A.7 EVALUATION OF ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE
The existing conditions of the marine and terrestrial ecological habitats and resources within the Assessment Area have been assessed. These baseline conditions have been based on available literature and, where considered necessary, focussed field surveys and data review to update and supplement the data. Based on this information (presented in Sections 10A.3 – 10A.6), the ecological importance of each habitat has been determined according to the EIAO-TM Annex 8 criteria.
Within the Assessment Area (particularly marine ecology) of this EIA, which covers quite a large areal extent, variations in the ecological characteristics of habitats across different locations (which are kilometres apart) are likely to be present. To provide information of key relevance to the marine and terrestrial ecological assessment, the ecological importance of habitats presented in this baseline is therefore primarily focussed on the vicinity of the works areas of the proposed Project.
Outcomes of the evaluation of ecological importance of the marine and terrestrial habitats and species within the Assessment Area are presented in Table 10A.14 – Table 10A.17 for marine ecology and Table 10A.18 – Table 10A.21 for terrestrial ecology.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-43 Table 10A.14 Ecological Importance of Intertidal Habitats at BPPS
Criteria Intertidal Artificial Shorelines Naturalness Artificial, constructed habitat Size Large. The artificial shore is approximately 1 km in length and is the predominant habitat of the BPPS. Diversity Low. The intertidal assemblages of the sloping artificial shores comprise typical biota of sheltered to moderately-exposed rocky shores in Hong Kong, but with low abundance and diversity. Rarity No species recorded are considered rare or of recognised conservation importance. Re -creatability Hard bottom substrata may be re -colonised by subtidal organisms. Fragmentation Low. The surrounding coastlines primarily comprise artificial intertidal shores. Ecological Linkage The habitat is not functionally linked to any high value habitat in a significant way. Potential Value Unlikely to become an area of conservation value. Nursery Area No significant records identified during the literature review or field surveys. Age The artificial seawall has been in place since the site access of BPPS was obtained in March 1993. Abundance Lower abundance compared to natural rocky shore habitat. Summary Intertidal assemblages of the artificial shores are reported to support a lower diversity and abundance of intertidal organisms as natural shores. Ecological Importance - Low
Table 10A.15 Ecological Importance of Subtidal Hard-Bottom Habitats at BPPS
Criteria Subtidal Artificial Shorelines Naturalness Artificial, constructed habitat Size Large. The subtidal artificial shore of the BPPS is approximately 1 km in length which is found along a narrow band at depths of 3-4 m. Diversity Low. It is similar to the man-made habitats in the western water of Hong Kong Rarity Coral species with conservation importance, ahermatypic cup coral Balanophyllia sp., was recorded on the artificial seawall adjacent to the existing cooling water outfall. Re-creatability Hard bottom substrata may be re-colonised by subtidal organisms including corals Fragmentation Low. The surrounding coastlines primarily comprise artificial intertidal shores. Ecological Linkage The habitat is not functionally linked to any high value habitat in a significant way. Potential Value Very low since conditions are not highly suited for coral growth. High turbidity and high rates of sedimentation mean that the area is unlikely to become an area of coral conservation. Nursery Area No significant records identified during the literature review Age The artificial seawall has been in place since the site access of BPPS was obtained in March 1993 Abundance Very l ow coverage of coral is present in the artificial seawall Summary Subtidal hard -bottom substrate of the artificial seawall is reported to support low coverage and abundance of cup coral and octocoral. Ecological Importance - Low
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Criteria Subtidal Soft Benthos Naturalness Habitat disturbed to some extent by fisheries vessel trawling activities in the past and is influenced by discharges from the Pearl River. Size Habitat is large in extent. Diversity The assemblages are of similar diversity to other areas in the Hong Kong waters. Rarity No species recorded are considered rare or of recognised conservation importance. Re-creatability Benthic organisms may recolonise disturbed seabed areas. Fragmentation The habitat is not fragmented. Ecological Linkage The habitat is not functionally linked to any high value habitat in a significant way. Potential Value It is unlikely that the habitat could develop conservation importance. Nursery Area No significant records identified during the literature review. Age The fauna appear to be typical of those present in Hong Kong's soft benthos. The sediments in the habitat are constantly accreting and eroding and the fauna present there are typically short lived. Abundance In comparison to other parts of the western waters the assemblages are of medium to high abundance and biomass. Summary The sediments support low diversity but average abundance/ biomass of benthic organisms that are typical of Hong Kong's benthos. Ecological Importance - Low
Table 10A.17 Ecological Importance of Marine Waters off the BPPS
Criteria Marine Waters Naturalness In close proximity to artificial shorelines and the marine traffic lane of Hong Kong. Size Habitat is large in extent. Diversity N/A. Rarity Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis has been recorded in the waters off Black Point. No marine fish species of conservation importance recorded. Re-creatability N/A. Fragmentation The habitat is not fragmented. Ecological Linkage These waters are utilised by humpback dolphins as part of their larger habitat. These waters are not regarded as major habitats for humpback dolphins or other marine species. Potential Value Waters off Black Point are at the periphery of most dolphins’ ranges, and only 12 identified dolphins have utilised this area. Nursery Area Review of baseline conditions indicated lower sightings of young animals or mothers with calves off Black Point or in Deep Bay than in other waters of Hong Kong. Not reported as nursery area for other marine species. Age N/A Abundance Dolphin density and abundance are low in comparison to other waters of Hong Kong. Only one group of two dolphins were sighted during 61 hours and 37 minutes survey effort in 12 days of land-based theodolite tracking surveys from April to September 2015. Summary Humpback dolphins have been sighted in waters off Black Point and their occurrence was considered to be low. Marine fishes and other species common to western Hong Kong waters are expected to be present. Ecological Importance - Low
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-45 Table 10A.18 Ecological Importance of Plantation
Criteria Plantation Habitat Naturalness Man-made, dominated by exotic trees. Size Approximately 4. 13ha . Diversity Low diversity of plant ( 126 species) and structural complexity. Low in faunal diversity. Rarity One rare butterfly species (Lesser Band Dart) was observed flying, one locally protected flora species Incense Tree Aquilaria sinensis found, one IUCN Near Threatened Luofushan Joint-fir Gnetum luofuense , one IUCN Lower Risk/Near Threatened Longan Dimocarpus longan and one IUCN Critically Endangered Diospyros vaccinioides recorded. Re-creatability Readily re-creatable. Fragmentation Fragmented. Ecological Linkage Not linked to any ecological significant area. Potential Value Low with native and exotic plant species. Nursery No significant records identified during the literature review or field Area/Breeding surveys. Ground Age Young (less than 20 years old) based on tree size, structure and species composition. Abundance Low for avifauna, butterfly and mammals. Summary Ecological Importance – Low to Medium
Table 10A.19 Ecological Importance of Grassland/Shrubland
Criteria Grassland/Shrubland Habitat Naturalness Semi-natural and disturbed by hill fire and natural erosion Size Approximately 67.57ha. Diversity Medium diversity of plant ( 22 0 species) and structural complexity. Low in faunal diversity. Rarity Six fauna species of conservation importance were observed within this habitat (Besra, Black Kite, Leschenault’s Rousette, Small-toothed Ferret Badger, Painted Lady and Leopard Cat scats were observed. Two IUCN Near Threatened species (Luofushan Joint-fir Gnetum luofuense and Field Sow-Thistle Sonchus arvensis ) were observed. Re -creatability Easy to re -creatable . Fragmentation Not fragmented. Ecological Linkage Not linked to any ecological significant area. Potential Value Low, may not be able to develop as woodland as limited by frequent hill fires and limited water storage capacity of soil in this area. Nursery No significant records identified during the literature review or field Area/Breeding surveys. Ground Age Young (less than 5 years old) based on tree size, structure and species composition. Abundance Low Summary Ecological Importance - Medium
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-46 Table 10A.20 Ecological Importance of Watercourse
Criteria Watercourse Habitat Naturalness Man-made and highly disturbed. Size Approximately 0.76 ha . Diversity Low for plant and fauna (34 species) . Rarity No species recorded are considered rare or of recognised conservation importance. Re-creatability Readily re-creatable. Fragmentation Not applicable. Ecological Linkage Not functionally linked to any highly valued habitat in close proximity. Potential Value Low ecological potential. Nursery No significant nursery or breeding ground recorded. Area/Breeding Ground Age Not applicable. Abundance Low Summary Ecological Importance - Low
Table 10A.21 Ecological Importance of Urbanised/Disturbed Area
Criteria Urbanised/Disturbed Area Habitat Naturalness Man -made habitat consisted mainly of infrastructure associated with power generation including structures, hardstand areas and access roads and car parks. Size 47.08 ha. Diversity Low for plant (115 species) and fauna. Rarity Four fauna species (Collared Crow, Hill Myna, Japanese Pipistrelle and an unidentified bat) and five flora species ( Aglaia odorata , Araucaria heterophylla , Dypis lutescens , Sonchus arvensis and Dimocarpus longan ) of conservation importance were observed. Note all flora species of conservation importance recorded are not protected in Hong Kong. Re-creatability Readily re-creatable. Fragmentation Not fragmented. Ecological Linkage Not functionally linked to any highly valued habitat in close proximity. Potential Value Low ecological potential. Nursery None. Area/Breeding Ground Age Not applicable. Abundance Low Summary Ecological Importance – Negligible
10A.7.1 Species of Conservation Importance
In accordance with EIAO-TM Annex 8 criteria, an evaluation of species of conservation importance recorded from the Assessment Area is presented in Table 10A.22.
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Common Name Scientific Name Protection Status Distribution, Rarity and other Notes Cup Coral Balanophyllia sp. ó Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Common and widely distributed in this part of Hong Kong Plants Ordinance (Cap.586) Indo-Pacific Sousa chinensis ó Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap.170) Range across Pearl River Estuary and across Hong Kong Humpback dolphin ó Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and western and southern waters from Deep Bay to Lamma. (locally known as Plants Ordinance (Cap.586) (CITES Appendix I Chinese White species [i.e. highest protection]) ó Listed as “Endangered” in the China Species Red List Dolphin ) ó Listed as “Grade I National Key Protected Species” in
China ó Listed as "Near Threatened" in the 2015 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Incense Tree Aquilaria sinensis ó Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Species recorded were only saplings and not grown into Plants Ordinance (Cap.586) trees; in addition, Aquilaria sinensis were found outside of
ó Listed as Vulnerable in China Plant Red Data Book Project Site. ó Listed as “Vulnerable” in the 2015 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Norfolk Island Pine Araucaria ó Listed as “Vulnerable” in the 2015 IUCN Red List of Exotic, commonly planted in Hong Kong. heterophylla* Threatened Species
Mock Lime Aglaia odorata ó Listed as “Lower Risk/Near Threatened” in the 2015 Exotic, commonly planted in Hong Kong. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Small Persimmon Diospyros vaccinioides ó Listed as “Critically Endangered” in the 2015 IUCN Locally very common Red List of Threatened Species
Bamboo Palm Dypsis lutescens ó Listed as “Near Threatened” in the 2015 IUCN Red Locally very common List of Threatened Species
Longan Dimocarpus longan ó Listed as “Lower Risk/Near Threatened” in the 2015 Exotic, commonly planted in Hong Kong. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-48 Common Name Scientific Name Protection Status Distribution, Rarity and other Notes Luofushan Joint-fir Gnetum luofuense ó Listed as “Near Threatened” in the 2015 IUCN Red Locally common. List of Threatened Species
Field Sow-Thistle Sonchus arvensis ó Listed as “Near Threatened” in the 2015 IUCN Red Locally very common List of Threatened Species
Black Kite Milvus migrans ó Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Common resident and winter visitor. Widely distributed in Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) Hong Kong. ó Listed as Appendix II in CITES ó Class II Protected Animal of PRC
Besra Accipiter virgatus ó Listed under the Protection of Endangered Species of Scarce resident. Found in Tai Po Kau, Deep Bay area, Chek Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) Lap Kok, Cheung Chau, Soko Islands. ó Listed as Appendix II in CITES Hill Myna Gracula religiosa ó Listed as “Vulnerable” in the China Species Red List Introduced species in Hong Kong ó Listed as Appendix II in CITES
Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis ó Listed as “Vulnerable” in the China Species Red List Common resident. Widely distributed in Hong Kong.
Collared Crow Corvus torquatus ó Listed as "Near Threatened" in the 2015 IUCN Red Uncommon resident. Found in Inner Deep Bay area, Nam List of Threatened Species Chung, Kei Ling Ha, Tai Mei Tuk, Pok Fu Lam, Chek lap Kok, Shuen Wan, Lam Tsuen.
Painted Lady Cynthia cardui cardui ó Rare Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong
Lesser Band Dart Potanthus trachala ó Rare Widely distributed in grassland throughout Hong Kong trachala
Japanese Pipistrelle Pipistrellus abramus ó Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap.170) Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong.
Leschenault's Rousettus leschenaultii ó Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap.170) Widely distributed in forested areas throughout Hong Rousette Kong.
Leopard Cat Prionailurus ó Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap.170) Widely distributed in forested areas throughout Hong bengalensis ó Listed as “Vulnerable” in the China Species Red List Kong, except Lantau Island.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY LIMITED 0308057_A NNEX 10A_R EV 3. DOCX APRIL 2016 Annex 10A-49 Common Name Scientific Name Protection Status Distribution, Rarity and other Notes Small-toothed Ferret Melogale moschata ó Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap.170) Widely distributed in countryside areas throughout Hong Badger Kong.
Banded Wolf Snake Lycodon subcinctus ó Rare A rare snake, distributed in Chek Lap Kok, Clear Water Bay, Ma On Shan and Tai Lam Country Park.
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