5. Terrestrial ecology

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1 The terrestrial ecological impact assessment conducted for this Study concluded that impacts resulting from the proposed development would be relatively minor, being on the whole restricted to existing disturbed or low ecological value habitats and common and widespread species. Nevertheless, impacts to some species of conservation interest were identified that would require mitigation and monitoring. Additionally, general measures to minimise identified terrestrial ecological impacts were recommended. Terrestrial ecological mitigation measures and monitoring requirements are described in the following sections.

5.2 Ecological Mitigation Measures and Monitoring

Vegetation

5.2.1 Developments proposed under this Project would have the potential to directly impact two plant species of conservation interest; Small Persimmon (Diospyros vaccinioides) and Bamboo Orchid (Arundina chinensis). Affected individuals of these species should be transplanted to suitable nearby habitats prior to the construction phase. Transplantation should be conducted by a suitably qualified botanist/horticulturalist. A detailed transplantation methodology should be formulated during the detailed design stage for this Project.

5.2.2 Following transplantation, the health and condition of individuals of the two plant species of conservation interest affected by the proposed works should be monitored. Monitoring should cover the 12-month period following transplantation, and be conducted at least twice a month for the first four months after transplantation, and once a month for the remaining eight months. Monitoring should be conducted by a suitably qualified botanist/horticulturalist appointed by the Project Proponent.

5.2.3 A tree survey should be conducted to identify any mature trees potentially affected by the proposed works. Felling of mature trees should be compensated by planting of standard or heavy standard trees.

5.2.4 Landscaping works on reclaimed land, newly created slopes and roadsides should incorporate native plant species that are attractive to wildlife (e.g., trees producing flowers/fruits that attract avifauna and insects).

Philippine Neon Goby

5.2.5 One fish species of conservation interest (Philippine Neon Goby, Stiphodon artopurpureus) was recorded from a small stream (E-WCR stream) adjacent to the proposed Western Coast Road (WCR) reclamation alignment. To mitigate potential impacts to this species, the following measures should be implemented.

5.2.6 Adequate fencing/hoarding should be erected around works areas close to the E-WCR stream during the construction phase. The hoarding/fencing would prevent and minimise disturbance from site workers, the dumping/storage of materials close to the stream and potential accidental spillage of pollutants into the stream.

5.2.7 Adult Philippine Neon Gobies should be captured from the E-WCR stream and transferred to fish tanks prior to the start of the construction phase. In this way, the habitat conditions of the fishes can be closely monitored and controlled, thereby maximising the probability of their survival. Following the completion of Phase I Reclamation Works (which is expected to last for about 1 year only), the fish would be re-introduced into the preserved E-WCR stream.

5.2.8 Detailed methodologies for the capture and maintenance of adult fish from the E-WCR stream should be drafted during the detailed design stage of the Project.

5.2.9 Following completion of the Phase I Reclamation, Philippine Neon Gobies would be released back into the preserved E-WCR stream. To maximise the breeding success of the population, the design of reclamation works for the WCR have been considered to maintain the connection between the E-WCR stream and marine habitats. The alignment of the reclamation would avoid an area of marine habitat at the base of the E-WCR stream. This area would in turn be connected to Junk Bay via a large pipe (min 2.5m in diameter) running underneath the proposed reclamation for the remainder of the construction phase. A permanent culvert of similar or larger size would be constructed to replace the pipe during the operation phase. This design would allow relatively free passage of larvae from the stream to marine habitats, and also the migration of juvenile fish from Junk Bay back to the stream.

5.2.10 With regard to mitigation measures recommended for the Philippine Neon Goby, it should be noted that the proposed reclamation works in the E-WCR Assessment Area are not scheduled to commence until 2010. The present Goby population in the E-WCR stream is small, relatively isolated, and therefore potentially at risk, regardless of the potential impacts that could result from this Project or other construction works in Junk Bay. In a ‘worst-case’ scenario, a single severe pollution incident in the E-WCR stream or local marine habitats could result in the local extinction of the species. Further surveys of the stream should therefore be conducted 1-2 years before construction works commence, and the requirement for construction phase mitigation reviewed based on the findings of these surveys.

5.2.11 Monitoring and audit of the mitigation measures recommended for the Philippine Neon Goby would be required. Detailed monitoring requirements should be formulated as part of the methodology to be drafted in the detailed design stage of the Project, and should include:

· To determine the extent of construction phase mitigation measures required, surveys of the E-WCR stream should be conducted 1-2 years before construction works commence. The surveys should record the number of Philippine Neon Gobies present in the stream. At least four surveys should be conducted, covering both the wet and dry seasons.

· During the construction phase, regular monitoring of the condition of captive fish and water quality in the fish tanks (e.g., pH, DO, nutrient levels) would be required. Monitoring should be conducted at least twice a month, and remedial measures (e.g., increased water filtration/water changes to reduce nutrient levels, increasing/decreasing aeration to maintain DO) implemented as and when required.

· Following the re-introduction of Philippine Neon Gobies into the E-WCR Stream, fish populations should be regularly monitored for a period of at least 3 years. Monitoring should be conducted on a bi-weekly basis in the first 2 months, monthly for the rest of the first year and quarterly for the second and third year. The number and sex of fishes in the Stream should be recorded, along with any evidence of breeding activity (e.g., presence of juvenile fish). Care should be taken during the monitoring to avoid undue disturbance to the stream habitat in general and Goby populations in particular.

Good Site Practice

5.2.12 Standard good site practice measures should be implemented throughout the construction phase. The measures should include:

· Placement of equipment or stockpile in designated works areas and access routes selected on existing disturbed land to minimise disturbance to natural habitats.

· Construction activities should be restricted to works areas that should be clearly demarcated. The works areas should be reinstated after completion of the works.

· Waste skips should be provided to collect general refuse and construction wastes. The wastes should be properly disposed off-site in a timely manner.

· General drainage arrangements should include sediment and oil traps to collect and control construction site run-off.

· Open burning on works sites is illegal, and should be strictly prohibited.

Disturbance Impacts

5.2.13 Measures should be implemented to minimise potential disturbance to habitats adjacent to works areas where possible, particularly during the construction phase. The following measures are recommended:

· Use of quiet mechanical plant during the construction phase should be adopted wherever possible.

· General measures to reduce noise generated during the construction phase should be effectively implemented.

· Hoarding or fencing should be erected around the works area boundaries during the construction phase. The hoarding would screen adjacent habitats from construction phase activities, reduce noise disturbance to these habitats and also to restrict access to habitats adjacent to works areas by site workers.

Dumping/Dust Deposition

5.2.14 The implementation of mitigation measures detailed in Section 9 of this EM&A Manual would minimise impacts to habitats adjacent to works areas resulting from improper storage of materials or dumping of waste.

5.2.15 Measures to control dust emissions during the construction phase such as regular spraying of haul roads should be implemented to minimise impacts to adjacent vegetation and habitats. Further details of measures to minimise dust and air quality impacts resulting from the proposed development are presented in Section 2 of this Report.

Sedimentation/Water Quality Impacts

5.2.16 Measures to control potential sedimentation/water quality impacts during the construction phase should be implemented. Such measures are detailed in Section 4 of this EM&A Manual, and should include:

· To minimize sedimentation and soil erosion, soil excavation should be scheduled for the dry season where practicable. Exposed areas of soil should be covered with tarpaulin or other material to minimize potential sedimentation.

· Interceptor channels should be constructed around the boundaries of works areas to collect site run-off. Run-off should be routed through silt traps/oil interceptors before being discharged.

· Adequate toilet facilities should be provided for site workers.

5.2.17 During the operation phase, it is recommended that all stormwater drainage from Development Area 78 be routed through silt traps and oil interceptors prior to discharge.