ECOLOGICAL IMPACT 6.1 Introduction 6.1.1 This Chapter
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Phase III Redevelopment of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Environmental Impact Assessment Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp Final Report 6. ECOLOGICAL IMPACT 6.1 Introduction 6.1.1 This chapter presents the Ecological Impact Assessment on any direct and indirect potential impacts to ecology arising from the construction and operation of the Project. Potential losses or damages and other potential and impacts to flora, fauna, natural habitats, and fisheries resources have been avoided, minimised and mitigated by means of alternative design, compensation and rehabilitation of the natural environment. The potential ecological impacts on the identified species and habitats were assessed and found acceptable with the implementation of mitigation measures such as woodland and mangrove compensatory planting and transplantation of species of conservation interest. 6.1.2 The ecological impact assessment has been conducted in accordance with the requirements of Annexes 8 and 16 of the EIAO-TM and the EIA Study Brief for the Project. 6.2 Relevant Legislations and Guidelines 6.2.1 The HKSAR ordinances and regulations relevant to ecological assessment of this Project include the following: Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) and its subsidiary legislation, the Forestry Regulations (Cap. 96A); Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131); Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (WAPO, Cap. 170); Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586); Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208) and its subsidiary legislation; Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap 476); and Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance ("the EIAO", Cap. 499) and the associated TM (EIAO-TM), in particular Annexes 8 and 16. 6.2.2 Ecological assessment also made reference to the following guidelines and standards as well as international conventions: EIA Study Brief No. ESB-215/2010 - Phase III Redevelopment of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp; Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) Chapter 10, "Conservation"; Ecological Baseline Survey For Ecological Assessment (EIAO Guidance Note No. 7/2002); Methodologies for Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecological Baseline Surveys (EIAO Guidance Note No. 10/2004); Methodologies for Marine Ecological Baseline Surveys (EIAO Guidance Note No. 11/2004); PELB Technical Circular 1/97 / Works Branch Technical Circular 4/97, "Guidelines for Implementing the Policy on Off-site Ecological Mitigation Measures"; ETWB Technical Circular (Works) No. 5/2005, “Protection of natural streams/rivers from adverse impacts arising from construction works”; Relevant wildlife protection laws of the PRC; October 2010 6-1 Ecosystems Ltd. Phase III Redevelopment of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Environmental Impact Assessment Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp Final Report Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (the "Ramsar Convention"), which requires parties to conserve and make wise use of wetland areas, particularly those supporting waterfowl populations; United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, which requires parties to regulate or manage biological resources important for the conservation of biological diversity, to promote the protection of ecosystems, natural habitats and the maintenance of viable populations of species in natural surroundings; International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species 6.3 Key Ecological Issues 6.3.1 According to the Study Brief, key ecological issues identified include the following: Sai Kung West Country Park; Woodland; Coastal Protection Area (including Tai Mong Tsai Stream estuary); and Species of conservation interest including Brown Fish Owl, Short-nosed Fruit Bat, Blue Whistling Thrush and Incense Tree; Coral communities; Intertidal habitats. 6.4 Methodology 6.4.1 The assessment area for the purpose of terrestrial and marine ecological impact assessment includes all areas within 500m from the site boundary of the land-based works for Phase III redevelopment (Figure 6.1), and the areas of concern (e.g. sandflat and shallow subtidal zone, see Figure 6.3c). 6.4.2 Relevant literature including previous ecological assessment reports and Hong Kong biodiversity database were reviewed. Field surveys, with focus primarily on the Project Area and secondarily on the assessment area, were conducted in October 2006, May to July 2009, November 2009, January to April 2010, and August 2010, fulfilling the requirements stipulated in the Study Brief (i.e. covering at least 6 months and both wet and dry seasons), to record ecological data within the assessment area and establish the ecological profile for incorporation into the assessment. In addition to day-time surveys, night-time surveys were conducted to record nocturnal fauna including birds, herpetofauna and mammals. Data analyses and discussions described habitats and species found in the assessment area, highlighting those that are rare, of conservation interest, or protected by law. Species groups surveyed and survey methods are described below. Habitat and Vegetation 6.4.3 Habitats in the assessment area were mapped based on 2009 government aerial photos and ground truthing. Walk-over surveys were conducted at representative areas of each habitat type. Plant species in each habitat type were identified (with the aid of binoculars) and their relative abundance were recorded, with special attention to rare or protected species. Colour photographs were taken of all habitats encountered on site and of ecological features of special importance. Habitat maps of the assessment area were October 2010 6-2 Ecosystems Ltd. Phase III Redevelopment of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Environmental Impact Assessment Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp Final Report produced at the required scale using GIS software. Nomenclature and conservation status of plant species follow AFCD (2003, 2004) and Xing et al. (2000). Avifauna 6.4.4 Birds within the assessment area were surveyed quantitatively. All birds seen and heard within the assessment area were identified, counted and recorded. Signs of breeding (e.g. nests, recently fledged juveniles, and adult carrying nesting materials) were recorded. Night surveys were also conducted to identify nocturnal birds (e.g. owls) by active searching using spot-light and their calls. Signs of habitat uses by owls were also studied by searching for regurgitated pellets. Ornithological nomenclature follows Viney et al. (2005). Other Terrestrial Fauna 6.4.5 All dragonflies and butterflies encountered within the assessment area were identified, counted and recorded. Nomenclature for butterflies follows Yiu (2004) and dragonfly nomenclature follows Wilson (2004). 6.4.6 Surveys of herpetofauna within the assessment area were conducted through active searching. As herpetofauna are mostly nocturnal, night surveys were conducted to survey these fauna. Potential microhabitats of herpetofauna such as walls, litter, underneath logs or other materials, and artificial containers (e.g., pots) were searched to locate cryptic or secretive herpetofauna species during night surveys. Amphibians were also identified by their calls during night surveys. Nomenclature used in this report for reptiles follows Karsen et al. (1998) while that for amphibians follows Chan et al. (2005). 6.4.7 Surveys of mammals were conducted by searching as well as recording all sightings, tracks, and signs of mammals found. Night surveys also covered mammals. Nocturnal mammals were actively searched using spot-light. Nomenclature for mammals follows Shek (2006). Stream Fauna 6.4.8 The stream and estuarine area within the assessment area were surveyed in both wet and dry seasons for stream and estuarine invertebrates and fishes. 6.4.9 Stream fauna within the assessment area were surveyed by active searching and direct observation, with the aid of a hand net. Potential microhabitats such as beneath boulders and burrows were also searched to locate cryptic or secretive species. Species encountered were identified to the lowest practicable level and recorded. 6.4.10 A stream and estuarine fish survey was also conducted within the lower reach of the stream and the embayment to establish the fish species composition and their occurrence in the survey area. Survey techniques applied included active search, direct observation, baited traps and netting. Species encountered were identified to the lowest practicable level and recorded. 6.4.11 A list of stream invertebrates and fishes for the survey area and their abundance was provided. The conservation status (including local, regional and international such as China Red List and IUCN Red List) of the recorded biota was also provided. October 2010 6-3 Ecosystems Ltd. Phase III Redevelopment of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Environmental Impact Assessment Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp Final Report Intertidal Habitats 6.4.12 Intertidal communities (on both hard shores and soft shores) within the assessment area were surveyed during both wet season and dry season, by both quantitative transect surveys as well as active searching and direct observation during walk-through surveys. All surveys were conducted during suitable low tide (tide level below 1m). Soft shores 6.4.13 The outlet of Tai Mong Tsai Stream forms an embayment, and a sandflat occupies the core part of the estuary. 6.4.14 The