Civil Engineering and Development Department Trunk Road T4, EIA Report

8. ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

8.1 Introduction

8.1.1 This section presents the results of the investigations into the potential environmental issues related to ecological impacts during the construction and operational phases of the Trunk Road T4.

8.2 Environmental Legislation, Policies, Plans, Standards and Criteria

8.2.1 Annexes 8 and 16 of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIA-TM) issued under section 16 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) set out the criteria and guidelines for assessment of ecological impacts. General and project-specific criteria should be considered in assessing the potential ecological impacts associated with development projects

8.2.2 government legislation and guidelines relevant to the consideration of ecology under this study include the following: • Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170), which prohibits the disturbance, taking or removal of specified wild animals, their nests and eggs; • Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap.96) and Associated Forestry Regulations, which protect forests and rare plant species; • The Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance (Cap. 187), provides for the control and/or prohibition of trade in specified plants and animals; • Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499) and associated Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIA-TM); • Town Planning Ordinance, which provides for the designation and protection through the planning process of coastal protection areas, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, green belts and other specified uses which promote conservation or the protection of the environment; and • “Guidelines for Implementing the Policy on Off-site Ecological Mitigation Measures” (PELB Technical Circular 1/97, Works Branch Technical Circular 4/97, dated 17 February 1997).

8.2.3 Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) Chapter 10: Conservation states that the following four principles should be adopted for the practical pursuit of conservation in land use planning: • retain significant landscapes and ecological attributes and heritage features as conservation zones; • restrict uses within conservation zones to those which sustain particular landscapes and ecological attributes and heritage features;

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• control adjoining use to minimize adverse impacts on conservation zones and optimize their conservation value; and • create, where possible, new conservation zones in compensation for areas of conservation value which are lost to development.

8.2.4 Items of value which merit conservation are identified in territorial, sub-regional and district planning exercises, special surveys undertaken by other departments or as the result of public views. However, plans which include conservation use have to be seen in a wider context and take into account the need to provide adequate space for development needs. The challenge is to combine these different uses into acceptable and realistic plans which take account of territorial growth and principles of sustainable development.

Protecting Natural Landscapes and Habitats

8.2.5 Natural landscapes and habitats may be gazetted as Country Parks or Special Areas (Country Parks Ordinance [Cap 208]), Restricted Areas (Wild Animals Protection Ordinance [Cap 170]), Water Gathering Grounds (Waterworks Ordinance [Cap 102]), Conservation Zones (Town Planning Ordinance [Cap 131]) or listed as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

8.2.6 Country Parks and Special Areas are designated under the Country Parks Ordinance and managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on the advice of the Country and Marine Parks Board. At present there are 23 Country Parks and 15 Special Areas , (11 of which are within Country Parks), and they cover a total area of 41582 hectares. Country Parks are designated for the purposes of nature conservation, countryside recreation and education; Special Areas are areas of government land with special interest and importance by reason of their flora, fauna, geological, cultural or archaeological features. The Country and Marine Parks Authority has established criteria for determining whether or not a particular location is suitable for designation as a Country Park or Special Area. The criteria include landscape quality, recreation potential, conservation value, size, land status and the practicality of management.

8.2.7 The Wild Animals Protection Ordinance restricts access to designated areas of wildlife habitat. Restricted Areas under the Ordinance are implemented by the AFCD although certain site management activities may be shared by others. Three Restricted Areas have been designated, the Mai Po Marshes (NWNT), the Yim Tso Ha Egretry (NENT) and the sandy beach at Sham Wan, Lamma Island. In addition, the Ordinance protects local wildlife through both the prohibition of hunting territory-wide and the possession of scheduled protected wild animals or hunting appliances.

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8.2.8 Areas of conservation use may be declared as conservation zones under clause 4(1)(g) of the Town Planning Ordinance. These zones are shown on statutory plans which are approved by the Town Planning Board and this process is further discussed in the subsequent section on preparing plans to conserve natural landscapes and habitats.

8.2.9 SSSIs may be land based or marine sites which are of special interest because of their flora, fauna, geographical, geological or physiographic features. SSSIs are identified by the AFCD and the Planning Department maintains a register of sites. Once identified, SSSIs are shown on statutory and departmental plans prepared by the Planning Department. Inter-relationships between land uses can be quite subtle. An SSSI declared as a wildlife habitat may only be sustainable if the wider surroundings remain rural so as to provide feeding grounds. Similarly, a wetland site may only be sustained if a particular water source is protected.

8.2.10 The Government recognizes the need to protect marine and wetland habitats. AFCD is responsible for the implementation of future marine parks/reserves. Important wetlands may be declared as being of international importance under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (known as the 'Ramsar' Convention). Parties to the Convention may designate sites for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance which is administered by the Bureau of the Convention.

8.2.11 The Ramsar Convention states that “wetlands should be selected for the List on account of their international significance in terms of ecology, botany, zoology, limnology or hydrology. In the first instance, wetlands of international importance to waterfowl at any season should be included”. The Mai Po Marshes (a restricted area and a SSSI) and the intertidal mudflat at Inner Deep Bay have been designated as a Ramsar Site since September 1995.

Statutory Plans

8.2.12 The Town Planning Ordinance permits statutory land use zones under clause 4(1)(g) for “country parks, coastal protection areas, sites of special scientific interest, green belts or other specified uses that promote conservation or protection of the environment”. Conservation zones for statutory plans are:

(i) SSSI to conserve and to protect fauna and flora and other natural features with special scientific value. (ii) Country Park to encourage recreation and tourism, protect vegetation and wildlife, preserve and maintain buildings and sites of historical

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or cultural significance within country parks and to provide facilities and services for the public enjoyment of the country. (Note: The term 'Country Parks' includes 'Special Areas' designated under the Country Parks Ordinance.) (iii) Coastal Protection to retain natural coastline. Area (iv) Conservation Area to retain existing natural features and rural use. (v) Green Belt to define the limits of urban development areas by conserving landscape features.

8.3 Assessment Methodology

8.3.1 Construction and operation of the Project are likely to produce some impact on the terrestrial and aquatic ecological environments within the Study Area which is defined as all areas within 500m from the site boundary of the land based works, including also Kwun Yam Shan stream at the eastern end of the road alignment. Figure 2.2 shows the boundary of the study area (500m from project boundary) for ecological assessment.

8.3.2 Recent aerial photographs were used to identify the land uses, habitat types and their distributions within the Study Area. Figure 8.1 shows an aerial photo of the Study Area. This was supplemented by extensive field surveys conducted between April and October 2003 to characterize the baseline conditions of the ecological environment within the Study Area or the area likely to be directly or indirectly impacted by the Project. As the majority of the Study Area has been highly disturbed, the likely impact of this project would be the vegetation and this has underscored the focus of these baseline surveys.

8.3.3 The potential ecological impact due to the Project is assessed following the guidelines in Annex 16 of the EIA-TM, and the impact evaluated based on the criteria in Annex 8 of the EIA-TM, while the area of habitat loss is estimated by grid counting based on 1:1000 plans.

8.4 Baseline Conditions

8.4.1 The Study Area is predominantly urban with land uses comprising a mix of residential use, commercial use, industrial use, village, G/IC, green belt, open space, country park and other uses, e.g. roads. Amenity planting is abundant along roadside, on cut slopes and in between low-rise houses in the Study Area. There are totally thirteen main habitat types identified in the Study Area, such as: • cityscape,

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• amenity woodland • shrubland • grassland • modified watercourse ( Channel) • natural stream (Kwun Yam Shan Stream). • shrubby grassland • urban park (Sha Tin Park) • secondary woodland, • plantation, • fung shui woodland • country park (part of Lion Rock Country Park) • abandoned agricultural land • bare rock or soil

8.4.2 Figure 8.2 shows the habitat map of the Study Area, with illustrations given in Figures 8.3a and 8.3b. Woodland, shrubland and grassland cover about 30% of the Study Area. Field surveys have identified vegetation of both exotic and native plant species along the amenity woodlands and plantation woodlands, while vegetation in the green belt and the country park are mainly native plant species.

Secondary Woodland (Habitats #1, #4, #9, #10, #12, #14, #16, #17 and #19)

8.4.3 A major woodland (habitat #9) is located on the hill slope to the south of Sha Tin Road near Tsok Pok Hang San Tsuen which forms part of the Lion Rock Country Park. The woodland supports a diversity of flora species. The vegetation exhibits a thick canopy of 6-12m tall in the upper storey, and scrub flora in the understorey layer was also identified. Common species in the area include Pinus elliotti, Acacia confusa, Mallotus paniculatus, Litsea glutinosa, Schefflera octophylla, Ficus microcarpa, Ficus variegate, Macaranga tanarius, Celtis sinensis, Reevesia thyrsoidea and Leucaena leucocephala. As the area is close to densely populated urban area with frequent human disturbance and a major distributor road, wildlife is scare and not observed in the field surveys, apart from a few bird species, e.g. Pycnonotus jocosus and Pycnonotus sinensis.

8.4.4 Another major woodland (habitats #14, #16 and #17) is located on the hillslope of Tung Lo Wan Hill to the north of Shing Mun Tunnel Road which forms part of the green belt contiguous with Shing Mun Country Park. The area also supports a rich variety of vegetation with trees ranging from 6-12m high. The main tree species are Pinus massoniana, Pinus elliottii, Tristania conferta, Melaleuca quinquenervia and Acacia confusa. Apart from a few common birds, e.g. Motacilla cinerea, Pycnonotus jocosus and Copsychus saularis, no other wildlife was observed in

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the field surveys.

8.4.5 A thick and dense woodland (habitat #10) comprising mainly Dimocarpus logan, Ficus microcarpa, Macaranga tanarius and Bambusa spp. is located on a small dune at San Tin Wai. The site is inaccessible to the general public and is therefore semi-undisturbed. The canopy is about 12m high with little under-storey of scrubs. No birds or mammals were observed probably because of its close proximity to living area.

8.4.6 Another thick woodland (habitat #4) is located on the hillslope between and Sha Tin Road. The woodland is dominated by big clumps of mature bamboo trees (Bambusa sinospinosa) up to a height of 12m, with individual culms up to 10 cm in diameter and a variety of fruit trees, e.g. Dimocarpus logan, Litchi chinensis and Averrhoe carambola. Other less dominant tree species include Ficus microcarpa, Celtis sinensis, Eucalyptus robusta, Acacia confusa and Macaranga tanarius. The habitat is fragmented and highly disturbed, and the understorey vegetation is poorly developed. No mammals were observed while a few birds were heard occasionally.

8.4.7 A small and fragmented woodlands (habitat #1) comprising mainly Cinnamomum camphora, Delonix reggia, Dimocarpus longan and a few clumps of Bambusa tuldoides to a height of 10-15m was identified on a small hillslope near Tsang Tai Uk. Similar small and fragmented woodlands are located in Pak Tin (Habitats #19 & #12) which house also common tree species.

Fung Shui Woodland (Habitats #6 and #8)

8.4.8 Two Fung Shui woodlands were identified in Sha Tin Wai with a few mature trees having a girth of over 1m and up to a height of 20m. The understorey vegetation is also well developed. Common tree species include Ficus microcarpa, Microcos paniculata, Celtis sinensis, Cinnamomum camphora, Ficus variegate, Schefflera octophylla and Delonix regia, while Sanaevieria trifasciata is generally found in the understorey. No mammals were found because of the small physical size, but a few birds, e.g. Motacilla cinerea, Copsychus saularis, Pycnonotus jocosus and Pycnonotus sinensis were observed in the woods.

Amenity Woodland

8.4.9 Extensive amenity woodlands were found generally along the amenity strips of roads and on cut slopes in the Study Area. Tree species, including Acacia confusa, Alangium chinense, Macaranga tanarius, Celtis sinensis, Bridelia tomento, Microcos paniculata, Lophostemon confertus, Eucalyptus citriodora, Aporusa dioica, Melaleuca quinquenervia, Diospyros kaki, Ficus microcarpa, Leucaena leucocephala, Callistemon viminalis, Bischofia polycarpa and Litsea

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glutinosa can be found in these areas. However, these areas are frequently disturbed by human activities. The ecological values of these areas are, therefore, considered to be low. A tree survey along the alignment has been conducted and details are given in Appendix R. As part of the tree survey for Trunk Road T3, trees of high amenity value including a few big Camphor trees, Cinnamomum camphora and Melaleuca quinquenervia along Chung Ling Lane and Chung Ling Road and the protected species, Ailanthus fordii, had been identified for retention while common species e.g. Pteroparpus indicus and Acacia confusa, which are of less amenity value had been recommended for felling.

Plantation (Habitats #2, #7, #13)

8.4.10 Apart from the amenity woodlands as described above, a few patches of major plantations (habitats #2, #7) were identified in Shan Ha Wai in front of Tsang Tai Uk – one in front of the houses and a thick strip along the roadsides of Lion Rock Tunnel Road, Tai Chung Kiu Road and Sha Kok Street. Common species in this plantation are Acacia mangium, Acacia confuse, Albizia lebbeck and Bauhinia variegate. Plantations were identified on major cut slopes, e.g. habitat #13.

Shrubland (Habitat #15)

8.4.11 A large patch of shrubland was identified on the green belt to the north of Shing Mun Tunnel Road (habitat #15). The shrubland is dominated by Eurya japonica, Diospyros vacciniodes, Dianella ensifolia and Melastoma sanguineum of 2-3m high.

Grassland and Shrubby Grassland (Habitats #3, #11)

8.4.12 Patches of grassland or shrubby grassland are distributed in the Study Area, and in particular, the upper hillslope behind Tsok Pok Hang San Tsuen.

Abandoned Agricultural Land (Habitat #5)

8.4.13 A small patch of abandoned agricultural land was found in Sha Tin Tau, near Tsang Tai Uk.

Urban Park (Habitat# 21)

8.4.14 The Sha Tin Park is an urban park within the Study Area. It measures about 8 hectares in size and was open to public use in 1988. The Park consists of several gardens and provides an open space and playground for the local communities. The vegetation is planted species of low ecological value.

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Shing Mun River Channel (Habitat #22)

8.4.15 Shing Mun River (R1) is ca. 7 km long, 200m wide river channel running from , through the Shatin Town Centre, to drain into Tolo Harbour. It has three main tributaries, namely Tai Wai Nullah, Nullah and Nullah. The river is much polluted as a result of sewage and industrial effluent discharges into the upper stretch of the river in early days. Improvement works are underway to reduce the unpleasant odours created by polluted sediment in the river. At present, the river supports various aquatic activities, e.g. rowing, and river bank activities, e.g. jogging and leisure walking, but otherwise the ecological value is low. Only small fishes of the tolerant species survive the poor water quality in the river.

Kwun Yam Shan Stream (Habitat #23)

8.4.16 Kwun Yam Shan stream is a natural stream in Tai Wai, with riparian vegetation forming a semi-enclosed canopy of 4-6m above the stream. Part of this stream runs along Shui Chuen Au Street and is within 500m of the project boundary. Under non-stormy conditions, stream water is gently flowing. The watercourse downstream of Kwun Yam Shan stream from Sha Tin Road is artificially channelized and polluted by human activities. This part is eventually connected to a box culvert. The lower stretch of the stream near Sha Tin Road is highly disturbed and polluted due to intensive human activities, e.g. cleansing, clothes washing and abstraction of water for other uses. The lower and lower middle stretch, are also polluted and damaged by boulders, construction dumping and silt possibly coming down from a nearby site formation works. The lower middle stretch is also severely modified by hikers (e.g. artificially channelized). No fish and invertebrate was observed in the channelized watercourse downstream of Kwun Yam Shan stream from Sha Tin Road. In the lower stretch, introduced fish species such as Gambusia affinis and Poecillia reticulate were found. Although the lower middle stretch are artificially modified and disturbed, native fish species such as Parazacco spilurus and Schistura fasciolata, and native invertebrate species such as water skater (Ptilomera tigrina), water bugs (Enithares sp., Metrocoris sp.), dragonfly larvae (Zygonyx iris) and shrimp (Caridina cantonensis) were also found in this area. The upper middle stretch, which is located at the boundary of the Study Area, is relatively natural and less disturbed. Apart from the native species mentioned before, damselfly such as Euphaea decorate was also found in this section. Riparian vegetation includes Ficus pyriformis, Commelina paludosa, and Diranopteris pedata. No terrestrial fauna was observed in the field survey apart from the sighting of a changeable lizard and birds (e.g. magpie robin, tree sparrow).

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8.5 Evaluation of Habitats

8.5.1 The habitats have been evaluated according to the criteria in Annex 8 of the EIA-TM. A summary of the evaluation is shown in Table 8.1a and Table 8.1b below:

Table 8.1a Summary of Evaluation of Major Habitats in Study Area Criteria Secondary Woodland Shrubland Grassland and Stream Shrubby Grassland

Naturalness #9, #14, #16 & #17 : #15: relatively #11: relatively natural Watercourse relatively natural, natural #3: disturbed downstream of #1, #4, #10, #12 & #19: Kwun Yam Shan

more disturbed stream from Sha

Tin Road, lower

stretch and lower

middle stretch:

polluted and

heavily disturbed;

upper middle

stretch: relatively

natural

Size #1 (0.12 ha), #4 (1.33 ha), #15 (20.11 ha) #11 (14.80 ha), #3 0.49 ha (within

#9 (16.47 ha), #10 (7.06 (0.20 ha) Study Area)

ha), #12 (1.96 ha), #14

(3.82 ha), #16 (5.22 ha),

#17 (3.39 ha), #19 (0.95

ha).

Diversity #9, #14, #16, #17 : High Moderate plant Low plant species Low fauna & plant plant species diversity species diversity diversity species diversity

Others: Low plant species diversity

Rarity Not recorded Not recorded Not recorded Not recorded

Recreatability Possible to be re-created Possible to be Possible to be Possible to be

re-created re-created re-created

Fragmentation #9, #14, #17: Intact or #15: Intact #11: Intact Intact

collected to other habitats #3: fragmented

Others: fragmented

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Criteria Secondary Woodland Shrubland Grassland and Stream Shrubby Grassland

Ecological linkage #9: possibly linked to Lion #15: possibly linked No evidence Linked to the Rock Country Park, #14 to Shing Mun upper stretch and #17: possibly linked Country Park

to Shing Mun Country Park

Potential value Low to moderate Low to moderate Low to moderate Low (within study area)

Nursery/breeding Not recorded Not recorded Not recorded Not recorded in the ground lower watercourse from Sha Tin Road and the lower

stretch. The

middle stretch may

serve as breeding

and nursery

grounds for native

species.

Age Young to relatively mature relatively mature Young to relatively N/A (disturbed and

mature partially modified)

Abundance/Rich- Low Low Low Low

ness of wildlife

Ecological Importance #9, #14, #16 & #17 : Moderate Low to moderate Watercourse

moderate, downstream of

#1, #4, #10, #12 & #19: Kwun Yam Shan

low stream from Sha

Tin Road, lower stretch and lower middle stretch: low; upper middle

stretch: moderate

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Table 8.1b Summary of Evaluation of Major Habitats in Study Area Criteria Modified Watercourse Urban Park/Amenity Cityscape Abandoned

Woodland Agricultural Land

Naturalness Modified Artificial N/A Modified

Size 13.75 ha ca. 8 – 9 ha N/A 0.64 ha

Diversity Low fauna species Low flora and fauna N/A Low diversity species diversity

Rarity Not recorded Not recorded N/A Not recorded

Recreatability Possible to be recreated Possible to be N/A Possible to be recreated recreated

Fragmentation N/A N/A N/A N/A

Ecological linkage No evidence No evidence N/A No evidence

Potential value Low Low N/A Low

Nursery/breeding Not recorded Not recorded N/A Not recorded

ground

Age N/A (disturbed and N/A N/A N/A (disturbed by

modified) human activities)

Abundance/Richness of Low Low N/A Low

wildlife

Ecological Importance Low Low No Low

Table 8.1c Summary of Evaluation of Major Habitats in Study Area Criteria Fung Shui Woodland Plantation

Naturalness Relatively natural Artificial

Size 1.25 ha #2: 0.32 ha, #7: 0.77 ha, #13: 7.39 ha.

Diversity High plant species diversity, low fauna species Low plant species diversity diversity

Rarity Not recorded Not recorded

Recreatability Possible to be re-created Possible to be re-created

Fragmentation fragmented # 2, #7: fragmented, # 13: intact

Ecological linkage No evidence # 13: possibly linked to Shing Mun Country Park Others: no evidence

Potential value Low to moderate # 13: moderate

Others: low

Nursery/breeding Not recorded Not recorded

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Criteria Fung Shui Woodland Plantation

ground

Age Relatively mature, but also disturbed by human Young

activities

Abundance/Richness of Low to moderate Low to moderate

wildlife

Ecological Importance Low to moderate # 2, # 7: low, # 13: moderate

8.6 Impact Identification

8.6.1 Ecological impacts resulting from the proposed alignment is mainly contributed by the landtake that would lead to direct habitat loss. The potential sources of impact and the severity of such impact are discussed below.

Construction Phase

Direct Impacts

8.6.2 Construction of the Project will involve clearance of some vegetation cover along the existing road corridor. A detailed tree survey has been carried out to identify trees that may require felling or transplantation to make way for the road works. These trees include common and mostly exotic species of low ecological value, e.g. Acacia confusa, Macaranga tanarius, Celtis sinensis, Ziziphus jujube, Delonix regia, Bischofia polycarpa and Syzygium jambos are located mostly along Chung Ling Lane near Tung Lo Wan Hill. Some of these trees have already been earmarked for felling or transplantation under the contract for Trunk Road T3.

8.6.3 The alignment will pass over the woodland behind Tsang Tai Uk where a thick plantation has been developed on a slope between the historical building and Sha Tin Road. However, the green belt and the country park in the Study Area are unlikely to be disturbed (but please refer to Section 8.6.4).

8.6.4 In addition, the project will result in minor loss of secondary woodland (habitat #4) arising from the construction of column for the viaduct. The loss is estimated to be 0.15 ha. Another woodland habitat (habitat #9) may be affected by the construction of the soil nails and boulder fences (mitigation measures proposed in the Natural Terrain Hazard Report). These tentative mitigation measures are proposed because the Nature Terrain Hazard Study found that the hillside above Sha Tin Road has a history of relict and recent natural terrain landslides. Open hillside

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landslide hazard, canalized debris flow hazard, possible deep-seated failure hazard and some minor areas of potential rock falls were also identified. If these measures are implemented on the hillside area, 0.61 ha woodland habitats within the Country Park Boundary may lose. However, the scales of these measures are not known because detail design and results of detail site investigation are still unavailable. If the scales are small, the loss is estimated to be smaller than 0.61 ha. No habitat loss is expected inside the Country Park if those measures (soil nail and boulder fence) are not going to be implemented.

8.6.5 During the construction phase, temporary habitat loss may occur in habitat #4 due to the disturbances to this area in the form of haul roads, storage areas and works areas.

Indirect Impacts

8.6.6 The Green Belt (habitat # 9, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #19), the Country Park and Kwun Yam Shan stream adjoining the road works may be indirectly impacted by increased disturbance. The potential indirect impacts during the construction phase include: • Construction and other associated noise may disturb wildlife utilizing the habitats close to the work areas, • Increased human activities may disturb wildlife and vegetation in nearby habitats • Sediment and other contaminant (e.g. lubricant) may be washed into watercourses next to and downstream from the project area (e.g. the watercourse downstream of Kwun Yam Shan stream from Sha Tin Road, the lower stretch of Kwun Yam Shan stream and Shing Mun River). • Uncontrolled dumping may disturb habitats adjacent to the work areas.

Operational Phase

Direct Impacts

8.6.7 As mentioned in Section 8.6.2, 8.6.3 and 8.6.4, direct habitats loss may result from the construction of the alignment and the implementation of the mitigation measures proposed in the Natural Terrain Hazard Report. These losses are still persisted during the operational phase.

Indirect Impacts

8.6.8 Potential indirect impacts during the operation phase include:

• Increased traffic may disturb wildlife utilizing nearby habitats.

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• The proposed alignment may shade the vegetation growing under the development. • The impermeable surface of new roads may increase surface run-off and pollute nearby watercourses, if uncontrolled.

8.7 Impact Evaluation

8.7.1 Potential ecological impacts to habitats in the Study Area resulting from the proposed project have been evaluated according to Table 1 of Annex 8 of the EIA-TM, and are summarized in Tables 8.2a, 8.2b and 8.2c. During the construction stage, the impact is likely to be restricted to the clearance of some vegetation along the existing road corridor and the loss of a small part of the secondary woodland at Habitat #4. 0.61 ha of habitat #9 may also be disturbed or even destroyed by the implementation of the tentative mitigation measures proposed in the Natural Terrain Hazard Report. Temporary habitat loss may also occur in habitat #4 but the size of the affected area is considered to be negligible. Effluent discharge from the construction site may drain into the watercourses and the lower stretch of Kwun Yam Shan Stream and lower watercourses downstream of Kwun Yam Shan Stream from Sha Tin Road, which have been much disturbed and polluted. Table 8.2 gives a summary of an evaluation of the impact according to Annex 8 of the EIA-TM.

Table 8.2a Summary of Evaluation of Overall Impact on Secondary Woodland, Shrubland, Grassland and Stream Criteria Secondary Woodland Shrubland Grassland and Stream

Shrubby Grassland

Habitat quality Low to moderate Moderate Low to moderate Low (within the

Study Area)

Species No species of No species of No species of No species of

conservation interest will conservation interest conservation interest conservation

be directly affected will be directly will be directly affected interest will be affected directly affected

Size/Abundance Direct habitat loss: 0.15 No habitat loss No habitat loss No habitat loss ha (Habitat #4), Potential habitat loss: 0.61 ha (Habitat #9), Temporary

habitat loss (Habitat #4): negligible.

Duration Habitat loss: permanent Indirect impact: Indirect impact: Indirect impact: and temporary. Indirect temporary temporary (construction temporary

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Criteria Secondary Woodland Shrubland Grassland and Stream Shrubby Grassland

impact: temporary (construction phase), phase), permanent (construction (construction phase), permanent (operational phase). phase), permanent permanent (operational (operational phase). (operational

phase). phase).

Reversibility Habitat loss will be Minor increase in Minor increase in Minor increase in

permanent (except disturbance during disturbance during disturbance during temporary habitat loss). operational phase operational phase will operational phase Minor increase in will be permanent. be permanent. will be permanent. disturbance during

operational phase will be permanent.

Magnitude Moderate Low Low Low

Overall Impact Low to moderate Low Low Low

Table 8.2b Summary of Evaluation of Overall Impact on Modified Watercourse, Urban Park/Amenity Woodland, Cityscape and Abandoned Agricultural Land

Criteria Modified Watercourse Urban Park/Amenity Cityscape Abandoned

Woodland Agricultural Land

Habitat quality Low Low N/A Low

Species No species of No species of N/A No species of

conservation interest will conservation interest conservation

be directly affected will be directly interest will be

affected directly affected

Size/Abundance No habitat loss No habitat will be N/A No habitat loss

removed in the urban park. However, some trees along the proposed alignment

will be felled or transplanted.

Duration Indirect impact: Tree felling: N/A Indirect impact:

temporary (construction permanent; Indirect temporary

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Criteria Modified Watercourse Urban Park/Amenity Cityscape Abandoned Woodland Agricultural Land

phase), permanent impact: temporary (construction (operational phase). (construction phase), phase), permanent permanent (operational

(operational phase). phase).

Reversibility Minor increase in Tree felling: N/A Minor increase in

disturbance during permanent; Minor disturbance during operational phase will be increase in disturbance operational phase permanent. during operational will be permanent. phase will be

permanent.

Magnitude Low Low to moderate N/A Low

Overall Impact Low Low to moderate N/A Low

Table 8.2c Summary of Evaluation of Overall Impact on Fung Shui Woodland and Plantation Criteria Fung Shui Woodland Plantation

Habitat quality Low to moderate Low to moderate

Species No species of conservation interest will be No species of conservation interest will be

directly affected directly affected

Size/Abundance No habitat loss No habitat loss

Duration Indirect impact: temporary (construction Indirect impact: temporary (construction

phase), permanent (operational phase). phase), permanent (operational phase).

Reversibility Minor increase in disturbance during operational Minor increase in disturbance during operational

phase will be permanent. phase will be permanent.

Magnitude Low Low

Overall Impact Low Low

8.7.2 Based on the above discussion, potential significant impact is related to the loss of 0.15 ha secondary woodland in habitat #4 and the ornamental trees along the proposed alignment. The loss of these areas is considered to have low to moderate impact owing to their limited ecological values. However, 0.61 ha of the secondary woodland in habitat # 9 may be disturbed or even destroyed due to the implementation of the mitigation measures proposed in the Natural Terrain Hazard Report. The measures proposed in the Natural Terrain Hazard Report are tentative. If

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0.61 ha of habitat # 9 is lost, this direct impact is considered to be moderate. However, the detail designs of these measures and/or the alignment and results of detail site investigation are not available and the impact identified and evaluated here is a rough estimation. No habitat loss is expected inside the Country Park if those measures (soil nail and boulder fence) are not going to be implemented. Therefore, the exact impacts associated with these measures are not known unless detail design of these measures and/or the alignment and results of detail site investigation are available.

8.7.3 The indirect impact during the construction and operational phase is expected to be low and negligible because all habitats within the study area are already disturbed by existing alignments (e.g. Sha Tin Road and Shing Mun Tunnel Road) and other human activities.

8.7.4 Shading impacts are expected to be minor because most of the vegetations growing along the proposed alignment are already shaded by the existing roads (e.g. Sha Tin Road).

8.7.5 The watercourse downstream from Sha Tin Road, Shing Mun River and lower stretch of Kwun Yam Shan Stream may be indirectly affected during the construction of the proposed alignment. However, these waterbodies are heavily disturbed, modified and polluted by human activities. Aquatic organisms found in the lower stretch of Kwun Yam Shan stream are dominated by introduced species (e.g. Gambusia affinis and Poecillia reticulate). No organism was observed in the watercourse downstream of Kwun Yam Shan stream from Sha Tin Road (the artificial channel). Therefore, no important aquatic habitat and organism will be affected. The lower middle and upper middle stretches of the Kwun Yam Shan stream are also unlikely to be affected by the construction works of the proposed alignment. Good site practice and mitigation measures, such as sediment barriers, site drainage and proper waste disposal, would also limit the sediment and pollutant levels. During the operational phase, surface runoff will be collected by standard road gullies and surface runoff is unlikely to pollute nearby waterbodies (e.g. Kwun Yam Shan Stream).

8.8 Mitigation of Impact

8.8.1 As discussed above, the potential impact due to landtake by the proposed alignment would directly affect the secondary woodland (habitat #4) and the amenity woodland, while ecological impact on other habitats is limited.

8.8.2 The woodland in the Country Park should not be affected as far as possible. If the mitigation measures proposed in the natural terrain hazard report may need to be implemented, prior consent of the Country and Marine Parks Authority is required before commencement. In this connection, details of the proposed measures, the extent of disturbance to the woodland, and the compensatory

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measures should be provided to the Authority for consideration.

8.8.3 The loss of existing vegetation (123 ornamental trees, 0.15 ha (habitat # 4) and the potential loss of the secondary woodland (0.61 ha (habitat #9)) will be the ultimate source of direct impacts. Mitigation planting will be undertaken for all disturbed areas and areas of improvement with the following design principles: • Tree and shrub screen planting, including roadside and amenity planting, will be considered. Where appropriate, woodland planting with indigenous species reflecting those affected will also be applied with a long-term objective of creating a natural woodland. • Create a fast vegetative cover to ensure soil stability and quick visual effect of planting for the disturbed areas. Eventually, a natural woodland dominated by native species will be established to meet its long-term objective. • Use of more ornamental species for urban locations, such as areas adjacent to residential development or along some sections of the road for visual effect . • Design to minimize engineering form and linearity of the road. This can be achieved by mitigating roadside with planting of various type, height, form, shape, colour and texture. Moreover, in order to create a greater depth for planting, planting areas can be designed to extend further than the base of the embankment with an organic planting edge for a smoother grading transition. This can provide a visual relief to the engineered character. • Advance screen planting for contractor’s compound shall be considered. Should programme allow, mitigation planting can be carried out in different phrases so as to achieve a quicker landscape effect while the construction works are still being carried out.

8.8.4 The measures proposed in the Natural Terrain Hazard Report are tentative. If the mitigation measures (soil nail and boulder fence) proposed in the Natural Terrain Hazard Report are going to be implemented, the worst situation is that 0.61 ha secondary woodland area will lose. If the mitigation measures are not going to be implemented, habitat loss will not occur in this area. However, the detail designs of these measures and/or the alignment and results of detail site investigation are not available and the impact identified and evaluated here is a rough estimation. Therefore, the exact impacts associated with these measures are not known unless detail design of these measures and/or the alignment and results of detail site investigation are available. The exact mitigation measures (e.g. size of the compensatory planting) should be re-defined when the detail design of these measures and/or the alignment and results of detail site investigation are available in the future. Details of the proposed mitigation measures, when defined, should be provided to relevant authorities (e.g. AFCD) for consideration before the commencement of works.

8.8.5 Figure 9.6a-j shows the preliminary proposals for the proposed compensatory planting which will

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be implemented as mitigation for the impacts attributable to the widening proposals. New planting shall include dominate species, which are indigenous to Hong Kong hillside locations together with some exotic nurse species. Consequentially, the proposed roadside woodland planting will be beneficed with ecological, landscape and visual value. The nurse species will be selectively felled following the successful establishment of the target indigenous species. Areas of woodland that will be disturbed due to the proposed widening will be reinstated as close to the disturbed areas as possible within the confines of the project limit.

8.8.6 Table 8.3 outlines the management and maintenance responsibilities for the vegetations associated with this project.

Table 8.3 Management and Maintenance Responsibilities for the Vegetations Land Category of Landscaped Areas Maintenance Departments Remarks

Along non-expressway public roads outside LCSD To maintain vegetation on

country park landscaped areas, including planting

on roadside toe wall planters of

SIMAR slopes and man-made

slopes not registered in the SIMAR

database.

Public road-structures with pedestrian or LCSD (1) To maintain vegetation and the

vehicular access (e.g. planting on the roof or removable planters attached to the

inside of footbridges, covered walkways, parapet or railing of footbridges or

landscaped deck or noise enclosure cum elevated roads/flyovers.

open space) (2) To maintain vegetation on the

roof of road-structures, e.g.

footbridge and covered walkways

etc.

Along footpaths within village environs and HAD To carry out ad hoc maintenance,

access roads maintained by HAD mainly in the form of grass cutting when a requirement is identified or a complaint/referral is received.

All other unleased and unallocated LandsD To carry ad hoc maintenance. Government land not covered by the above

8.8.7 This has been based on the ETWB Technical Circular (Works) No. 2/2004, Management and Maintenance of Natural Vegetation and Landscape Works, and Tree Preservation. The design for

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any landscape mitigation measures will allow for safe access for routine maintenance both of the soft and hard landscape works together with the proposed engineering structures including the proposed noise barriers.

8.8.8 The mitigation measures shall be designed to ensure compatibility with the Trunk Road T3, which is situated to the west of the Study Area adjacent to Tai Wai.

8.8.9 Compensatory planting should maximize the use of native tree species. Tree species of known conservation values are listed in Table 8.4, although other suitable species could also be considered.

Table 8.4 Tree Species of Known Conservation Values Common Name Species Name

Chinese Hackberry Celtis sinensis

Camphor Tree Cinnamomum camphora

Evodia Melicope ptelefolia

Mountain Tallow Sapium discolor

Ivy Tree Schefflera octophylla

Scarlet Sterculia Sterculia lanceolata

8.8.10 An important mitigation for both the landscape and visual impacts is the retention of existing vegetation, particularly trees. This measure can also mitigate the ecological impacts associated with the construction of the proposed alignment. The mitigation proposals will avoid disturbance to the existing trees as far as practicable within the confines of the proposed Project. A full tree survey and felling application will be submitted for approval by the relevant government departments in accordance with WBTC 14/2002. All trees shall be retained where possible. Efforts should be made to retain groups of trees or woodland. However, for those which will inevitably be affected by the proposed development, they will be transplanted where possible. Trees identified for retention within the project limit shall be protected during the works with adequate protection measures as specified into the contract documents. The following provisions shall be included and implemented: • The use of sturdy 1.8 metres protective fencing to be located at the edge of the tree canopy but not around the trunk. • Prohibition of works beneath the tree canopy : this includes storage of materials, movement of construction vehicles and washing of equipment such as concrete mixers • For any tree transplanting and planting works, they shall be specified in the contract document and implemented by an approved Landscape Contractor. Quality control of the work shall be

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undertaken by a qualified Landscape Architect through site inspections and approval of works.

8.8.11 It is also recommended that good site practice should be implemented during the construction phase to avoid the indirect impact. The mitigation measures include: • minimize disturbance to this woodland by careful selection of haul road, storage area, and works area. • construction works should be restricted to work areas which are clearly defined. • woodland or other habitats that will be affected by the construction works should be well-defined and minimized. • avoid human interference to these habitats beyond the site boundary by providing temporary barricades. • Work areas should be reinstated immediately after completion of the construction. • Waste and other garbage generated during the construction of the proposed alignment should be dumped properly. • provide site drainage to avoid further polluting Kwun Yum Shan Stream and Shing Mun River. Stream sedimentation should be prevented by erection of sediment barriers during the construction phase. • Carry out regular environmental audit, particularly at the Kwun Yam Shan Stream, to ensure that the proposed mitigation measures (e.g. sediment barriers, site drainage and proper waste disposal) are effective. • Uncontrolled fire should be strictly prohibited. Appropriate fire control measures should be provided in order to protect nearby habitats.

8.8.12 A detailed tree survey has been carried out. Out of 620 trees surveyed, about 412 trees would need to be retained, 123 trees to be felled and 85 to be transplanted. This survey will form the basis for the compensation planting recommended above.

8.9 Residual Impact

8.9.1 Residual ecological impacts are unlikely to occur if the proposed mitigation measures are implemented properly. Tree planting should be undertaken to compensate for the habitat loss. Other impacts such as the indirect impacts associated with the construction and operational phases are considered to be negligible because these habitats are already disturbed by the operation of the existing alignments (e.g. Sha Tin Road and Shing Mun Tunnel Road) and other human activities.

8.10 Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirement

8.10.1 Impacts associated with the proposed alignment will be monitored through an EM&A programme

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which is specified in the EM&A Manual. Monitoring and audit activities designed to detect and mitigate any unacceptable impacts (e.g. water quality impacts, landscape and visual impacts) will serve to protect against unacceptable ecological impacts. As no significant ecological impact is likely to occur, ecological monitoring and audit is not necessary.

8.11 Conclusion

8.11.1 Based on the field surveys conducted as part of the ecological assessment, it can be concluded that the wildlife uses of the habitats in close proximity to the proposed roadworks is very limited as the alignment is within the existing road corridor. No rare species has been identified in these habitats. However, amenity woodland and secondary woodland will be affected directly by the construction of the proposed alignment. Trees felling and habitat loss will occur in these areas. According to the results of the tree surveys conducted in this Investigation Stage (Appendix R), three Ailanthus fordii were found in these areas (see Figure 8.2). This species is a protected species in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, according to the tree survey report, this species and other trees of high conservation values are suggested to be retained and transplanted.

8.11.2 Habitats along existing alignment (e.g. Sha Tin Road) are already disturbed by human activities. However, parts of the secondary woodland will be affected due to the construction of this alignment. The loss of these habitats may impose adverse effect on the ecosystem. Nevertheless, compensatory planting has been proposed and these mitigation measures are highly likely to compensate the impact of habitat loss. Other habitats along the proposed alignment are highly disturbed with limited ecological value. Habitats with moderate ecological value are not likely to be disturbed directly. Indirect impacts are expected to be negligible because these habitats are already disturbed by the operation of the existing alignments (e.g. Sha Tin Road and Shing Mun Tunnel Road) and other human activities. Overall ecological impacts are, therefore, expected to be limited and insignificant. Residual impact is also considered to be negligible if mitigation measures proposed in this report are implemented properly. Therefore, no residual impact can be identified.

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