Regarding the bypass culvert passing through a "Conservation Area" ("CA") zone, the project proponent considered 4 alignment options in the EIA report. Having considered the engineering factors and the environmental aspects of the Project, the proponent selected the current alignment option that would completely avoid the current location of the Ho Pui Egretry and the majority of the "CA" zone.

Environmentally friendly design measures were adopted in the Project. They included the use of gabion riverbank and streambed, preservation and re-creation of meander, management and maintenance of water level/water table, etc. The maintenance access above the proposed bypass culvert will not be open for public use. Grassed cellular concrete paving was provided at the section of the maintenance access within the "CA" zone.

The proponent was forbided to construct the Project within 100m of the ecological buffer area during the period from 1st March to 31st May to avoid the nesting season of egrets. Ho Pui egretry was monitored during the period from 1st March to 31st August. Only if no egret nest is found at the egretry during the period from 1st March to 31st May, the proponent could carry out construction works within 100m of the ecological buffer area upon obtaining DEP's approval until February in the next year. If egret nests are found during the period from 1st March to 31st August, no construction shall take place within 100m of the ecological buffer area before 1st October.