6b.1.1.1 The EIA report has identified the proposed Project Site as an important habitat for Finless Porpoise. The shoreline within the study area was also identified to be supporting 15 coral species (8 hard corals and 7 octocorals). An active nest of White-bellied Sea Eagle (WBSE) had been previously recorded at the southwest of Shek Kwu Chau within hillside shrubland. Adverse impacts on the habitats of Finless Porpoise, coral communities, and the nest of WBSE have been predicted due to the proposed Project.
6b.1.1.2 Specific mitigation measures have been recommended for Finless Porpoise, corals, and WBSE in the EIA report, with the aim to minimize potential direct and indirect impacts. With the implementation of the recommended measures, adverse impacts from the construction and operation of the proposed Project on the concerned fauna groups should be minimised.
6b.1.1.3 This section describes the specific mitigation measures and the requirements for monitoring and auditing recommended for Finless Porpoise, corals, and WBSE.
6b.2 Ecological Mitigation Measures
6b.2.1 Specific Measures to Minimise Disturbance on Finless Porpoise
Minimisation of habitat loss for Finless Porpoise
6b.2.1.1
In order to minimise the
potential loss of important habitat for Finless Porpoise, substantial revision
has been made on the layout plan of the breakwater. The revised layout of the breakwater has
greatly reduced the size of the embayment area.
Moreover, the newly proposed breakwater form (circular cells) has also
reduced the size of the footprint. As a
result, the total habitat loss (including reclamation and embayment) for
Finless Porpoise has reduced from ~
Avoidance of peak season for Finless Porpoise occurrence
6b.2.1.2 In order to minimise potential acoustic disturbance from construction activities on Finless Porpoise, construction works that may produce underwater acoustic disturbance should be scheduled outside the months with peak Finless Porpoise occurrence (December to May), including:
· sheet piling works for construction of cofferdam surrounding the reclamation area (Phase 1);
· sheet piling works for construction of the shorter section of breakwater (Phase 1);
· sheet piling works for construction of the remaining section of breakwater (Phase 3);
· bored piling works for berth area (Phase 3); and
· submarine cable installation works between Shek Kwu Chau and Cheung Sha.
6b.2.1.3 Such works should be restricted within June to November. This approach would not only avoid the peak season for Finless Porpoise occurrence, the magnitude of impacts arise from acoustic disturbance would also be minimised.
Opt for quieter construction methods and plants
6b.2.1.4
In order to minimise underwater
acoustic disturbance on Finless Porpoise, quieter construction methods and
plants should be adopted:
· Considering the sensitivity of marine mammals to underwater acoustic disturbance, instead of the previously proposed conventional breakwater and reclamation peripheral structure, which requires noisy piling works, the current circular cells structure for breakwater and reclamation peripheral structure is proposed. A quieter sheet piling method using vibratory hammer or hydraulic impact hammer, would be adopted for the installation of circular cells for cellular cofferdam and northern breakwater during Phase 1, and southern breakwater Phase 3;
· Non-percussive bore piling method would be adopted for the installation of tubular piles for the berth construction during Phase 3.
Monitored exclusion zones
6b.2.1.5
During the
installation/re-installation/relocation process of floating type silt curtains,
in order to avoid the accidental entrance and entrapment of marine
mammals within the silt curtains, a monitored exclusion zone of
6b.2.1.6 The experienced marine mammal observer should be well trained to detect marine mammals. Binoculars should be used to search the exclusion zone from an elevated platform with unobstructed visibility. The observer should also be independent from the project proponent and has the power to call-off construction activities.
6b.2.1.7 In addition, as marine mammals cannot be effectively monitored within the proposed monitored exclusion zone at night, or during adverse weather conditions (i.e. Beaufort 5 or above, visibility of 300 meters or below), marine works should be avoided under weather conditions with low visibility.
Marine mammal watching plan
6b.2.1.8
Upon the completion of floating type silt curtain installation/re-installation/relocation, all marine works would be
conducted within a fully enclosed environment within the silt curtain (as shown
in Appendix 5.5 of the
EIA Report), hence exclusion zone monitoring would no longer be
required. Subsequently, a marine mammal
watching plan would be implemented. The plan would
include regular inspection of silt curtains, and visual inspection of the
waters surrounded by the curtains.
Special attention would be paid to Phase 2 (reclamation) where the
floating type still curtain would be opened occasionally for vessel access,
leaving a temporary
Small openings at silt curtains
6b.2.1.9 In order to avoid the entrance of marine mammals into the works area through the opening at silt curtains for vessel access, and the subsequent potential impacts including increase in stress level in marine mammals due to underwater noise and chance of collision with working vessels, the openings for vessel access at the silt curtains should be as small as possible to minimise the risk of accidental entrance.
Adoption of regular travel route
6b.2.1.10 In order to minimize the disruption on marine mammal’s behavioural pattern during construction and operation phases, captains of all vessels should adopt regular travel route, in order to minimize the chance of vessel collision with marine mammals, which may otherwise result in damage to health or mortality.
6b.2.1.11
The
regular travel route should avoid areas with high sighting density of Finless
Porpoise as much as possible, as indicated in the latest Monitoring of Marine Mammals in Hong Kong Waters (AFCD,
Vessel speed limit
6b.2.1.12
In order to minimise potential
injury and mortality of marine mammals due to collision with vessels during
construction (working vessels) and operation phases (4 round trips/day for MSW
vessel, and 12 round trips/day for visitor/staff shuttle ferry), a speed limit of ten knots should be
strictly enforced within areas with high density of Finless Porpoise, as
identified in the latest Monitoring of
Marine Mammals in Hong Kong Waters (AFCD,
6b.2.1.13
The
same speed limit has been enforced within the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau marine
park, and adopted under the EIA-172/2009 Hong Kong -
Zhuhai - Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road (HyD,
6b.2.1.14
Passive
acoustic monitoring and land-based theodolite monitoring surveys should be
adopted to verify the predicted impacts and effectiveness of the proposed
mitigation measures.
Training of staff
6b.2.1.15 In order to ensure that all staff, including captains of vessels, are aware of the guidelines for safe vessel operations in the presence of cetaceans during construction and operation phases, adequate trainings should be provided.
Designation of
6b.2.1.16
Loss of
6b.2.1.17
According to the Finless
Porpoise data recorded between 2004 and 2009 (AFCD,
6b.2.1.18
The
Project Proponent has made a firm commitment to seek to designate an
approximate area of
6b.2.1.19
The
firm commitment to seek to designate the marine park, where incompatible activities
would be regulated and proper management regime imposed in accordance with the
Marine Park Ordinance, would significantly help conserve Finless Porpoise, and
hence serve as an effective compensation measure for the permanent loss of
Finless Porpoise habitat arising from the project. The Project Proponent shall seek to complete
the designation by 2018 to tie in with the operation of the IWMF at an
artificial island near SKC.
6b.2.1.20 A further study should be carried out to review relevant previous studies and collate available information on the ecological characters of the proposed area for marine park designation; and review available survey data for Finless Porpoise, water quality, fisheries, marine traffic and planned development projects in the vicinity. Based on the findings, ecological profiles of the proposed area for marine park designation should be established, and the extent and location of the proposed marine park be determined. The adequacy of enhancement measures should also be reviewed.
6b.2.1.21 In addition, a management plan for the proposed marine park should be proposed, covering information on the responsible departments for operation and management (O&M) of the marine park, as well as the O&M duties of each of the departments involved. Consultation with relevant government departments and stakeholders should be conducted under the study. The study should be submitted to Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) for approval before the commencement of construction works.
6b.2.1.22 The Project Proponent should provide assistance to AFCD during the process of the marine park designation.
6b.2.2 Specific Measures to Minimise Impact on Corals
Coral translocation
6b.2.2.1
According to the results of the existing REA
surveys, all 198 coral colonies to be directly affected
by the proposed Project were attached
to movable rocks, which are less than
6b.2.2.2 Prior to coral translocation, a more detailed baseline survey, including a coral mapping survey, is recommended to further confirm the exact number and location of coral colonies within the potentially affected area. A more detailed coral translocation plan, including selection of suitable recipient site, plan for coral translocation, and event / action plan for coral monitoring should be submitted upon approval of this Project, prior to commencement of construction works. Advice from relevant governmental departments (e.g. AFCD) and professionals would be sought after, in order to identify a desirable location for the relocation of coral communities. Post-translocation monitoring on the translocated corals should also be considered.
6b.2.2.3 The selection of recipient site suitable for the affected corals is important. To increase the survival rate of the translocated corals, the following criteria for selecting a suitable coral recipient site are recommended:
· Presence of same coral species with similar coral community as the donor site;
· Similar environmental conditions such as light intensity, salinity, hydrographic condition and bathymetry as the donor site;
· Presence of suitable substratum to allow the translocated boulders/rocks to be permanently stablilized; and
· Presence of protection from storm/typhoon damage.
6b.2.2.4 The translocation work should be led by qualified coral specialist(s) who preferably have coral translocation experience.
Coral monitoring programme
6b.2.2.5 A coral monitoring programme is recommended to assess any adverse and unacceptable impacts to the coral communities at the coasts of Shek Kwu Chau during construction of the Project.
6b.2.3 Specific Measures to Minimise Disturbance on Breeding White-bellied Sea Eagle
Avoidance of noisy works during the breeding season of
6b.2.3.1 In order to minimise potential construction noise disturbance on White-bellied Sea Eagle (WBSE) to acceptable level, noisy construction works should be scheduled outside their breeding season (December to May) to minimise potential degradation in breeding ground quality and breeding activities. Works that are recommended to adopt such measure include:
· sheet piling works for construction of cofferdam surrounding the reclamation area (Phase 1);
· sheet piling works for construction of the shorter section of breakwater (Phase 1);
· sheet piling works for construction of the remaining section of breakwater (Phase 3); and
· bored piling works for berth area (Phase 3).
Opt for quieter construction methods and plants
6b.2.3.2 In order to minimise potential construction noise disturbance on WBSE, quieter construction methods and plants should be adopted. The recommended noise mitigation measures in should be implemented to minimise potential noise disturbance to acceptable levels.
Restriction on vessel access near the nest of White-bellied Sea Eagle
6b.2.3.3 During construction and operation, in order to minimise disturbance on the existing WBSE nest, a pre-defined practical route to restrict vessel access near the nest should be adopted to keep vessels and boats as far away from the nest as possible. As mentioned previously, WBSE are known to be sensitive to human disturbance during the breeding season, and may even desert a nest if disturbed. As an additional precautionary measure to minimise disturbance on their nestling stage, the vessel travel route should be adjusted to avoid the foraging ground of the breeding adult birds identified during WBSE monitoring programme. If avoidance of foraging ground is not feasible, vessel frequency and speed within their foraging ground near the construction area should be reduced to minimize any potential impacts.
White-bellied Sea Eagle monitoring programme
6b.2.3.4 A WBSE monitoring programme is recommended to assess any adverse and unacceptable impacts to the breeding activities of WBSE during construction and operation of the Project. Monitoring surveys for WBSE would include pre-construction phase, construction phase, and operation phase. More details on monitoring for WBSE are presented in Section 6b.5.
Education of staff
6b.2.3.5 Staff, including captains of all vessels during construction and operation phases, should be aware of the ecological importance of WBSE. Awareness should be raised among staff to minimise any intentional or unintentional disturbance to the nest.
Minimisation of Glare Disturbance
6b.2.3.6 To minimise glare disturbance on WBSE, which may cause disorientation of birds by interfering with their magnetic compass, and disruption in behavioural patterns such as reproduction, fat storage and foraging pattern, any un-necessary outdoor lighting should be avoided, and in-ward and down-ward pointing of lights should be adopted.
6b.3.1.1
The
marine mammal monitoring programme would focus on Finless Porpoise, as the study
area has been identified as a hotspot for this species. The monitoring would verify the predicted
impacts, and examine
whether the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA report have been
effectively implemented to protect marine mammals from negative impacts from
construction activities.
6b.3.2 Vessel-based Line-transect Survey
6b.3.2.1
The
survey methodology should remain the same as that adopted during the EIA study
to allow fair comparison of marine mammal monitoring results (Figure 6b.1), as well as the
proposed marine park for the compensation of loss of important habitat for
Finless Porpoise. The marine mammal monitoring programme
should cover pre-construction phase, construction phase, and operation phase.
6b.3.2.2
To
determine the baseline condition of Finless Porpoise occurrence in the study
area, pre-construction phase monitoring of Finless Porpoise should be conducted
twice a month for the duration of three months (any three months within the
peak season for Finless Porpoise occurrence – December to May) before the
commencement of works. Throughout the
construction phase involving marine construction works, monitoring of Finless
Porpoise should be conducted twice per month during the peak season for Finless
Porpoise, and once per month during the off-peak season. For operation phase, monitoring of Finless
Porpoise should last for 1 year, following the survey frequency adopted during
construction phase.
6b.3.2.3
For
construction and operation phase monitoring, surveys for all 4 seasons should
be covered, in order to take natural fluctuation and seasonal variations into
account for data analysis of distribution, encounter rate, density and habitat
use of both porpoises and dolphins (if any).
After analysis of the data, the results would allow the detection of any
changes of their usage of habitat, in response to the proposed construction
works.
6b.3.2.4
The
line-transect monitoring survey should be led by suitably qualified persons
with recognisable experience in marine mammal monitoring survey. The methodology for marine mammal monitoring
should be consulted with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
(AFCD) before the commencement of the monitoring programme.
6b.3.2.5
Two experienced observers, a
data recorder and a primary observer, should make up the on-effort survey
team. The survey vessel should transit different
transect lines at a constant speed of 13
6b.3.2.6 During on-effort survey periods, the survey team should record effort data including time, position (latitude and longitude), weather conditions (Beaufort sea state and visibility) and distance travelled in each series (a continuous period of search effort), with the assistance of a professional GPS. Two additional experienced observers should be available on the boat to work in shift (i.e. rotate every 30 minutes), in order to minimize fatigue of the survey team members.
6b.3.2.7
When marine mammals are
sighted, the survey team should end the survey effort, and
immediately record the initial sighting distance and angle of the dolphin group
from the survey vessel, as well as sighting time and position. The research vessel should then divert from
its course to approach the animals for species identification, group size
estimation, group composition assessment, behavioural observations, and
collection of identification photos. The
perpendicular distances (PSD) of the dolphin groups
to the transect line should be calculated from the initial sighting
distance and angle.
6b.3.3 Active Acoustic Monitoring
6b.3.3.1
Active
acoustic monitoring aims to study the acoustic behaviour of Finless Porpoise in
relation to the presence and absence of vessels, and their associated
underwater acoustic disturbance.
Hydrophones should be deployed from stationary boat to record noise data
from vessels and Finless Porpoise.
6b.3.3.2
With
the recorded data, analysis on whether presence of, and distance from vessel
traffic would cause acoustic behavioural changes in Finless Porpoise, or changes
in use of frequency range etc. could be determined. The results should be used to verify the
predicted impacts and the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.
6b.3.3.3
Approximately
30 days of field work should be carried out during the peak occurrence period
of Finless Porpoise (December to May), with the main focus on operation phase
where traffic of MSW vessels and visitor/staff shuttle ferry is regular. Details of the active acoustic monitoring
methodology and frequency should be agreed with AFCD.
6b.3.4 Passive Acoustic Monitoring
6b.3.4.1
Passive
acoustic monitoring aims to study the utilisation of an area by Finless
Porpoise. An array of automated static
porpoise detectors (e.g. C-POD) should be deployed at different locations
within and outside the Project Area to detect the unique ultra-high frequency
sounds produced by Finless Porpoise during pre-construction, construction and
operation phases. Porpoise detectors
would be left on-site over the monitoring period, the utilisation of the area
by Finless Porpoise would be monitored 24-hous a day and under any weather
conditions. The monitoring results
should be used to verify the predicted impacts and the effectiveness of the
proposed mitigation measures.
6b.3.4.2
Porpoise
detectors should be deployed approximately 30 days
before works commence (baseline), 30 days during construction, and 30 days
during operation phase. The recorded data should provide an overview on utilisation of the area
by marine mammals, as well as to identify any differences between work stages.
6b.3.4.3
The
final number, position, and duration of the porpoise detector deployment should
be agreed with AFCD.
6b.3.5 Land-based Theodolite Tracking
6b.3.5.1
The
objective of the land-based theodolite tracking of Finless Porpoise is to study
their movement and behavioural pattern in response to the presence of marine vessels
and their associated underwater acoustic disturbance within and around the
Project Area.
6b.3.5.2
With a well-positioned theodolite from un-obstructed vantage points
at a height above the monitoring area, the movement and behavioural patterns of
marine mammals could be monitored. Theodolite tracking records the geographic
positions (Longitude and Latitude) of groups and individuals during the
monitoring period, providing information on the target’s distance from shore,
depth of water, distance from anthropogenic activities, and relative speeds and
orientations; as well as measurements of leg (one point to another) speeds,
re-orientations, distance made-good over time, and other movement related
parameters.
6b.3.5.3
The
survey should cover pre-construction phase to obtain baseline movement and
behavioural pattern of Finless Porpoise within and near the Project Area, and
construction and operation phases to verify the predicted marine traffic
impacts on Finless Porpoise, as well as the effectiveness of the proposed
mitigation measures.
6b.3.5.4
The
frequency of monitoring is likely to comprise 30 days for each of the phases. Details of the land-based theodolite tracking
methodology and frequency should be agreed with AFCD.
6b.3.6 Land-based Monitoring of Channel between the IWMF and Shek Kwu Chau
6b.3.6.1
Although
the trapping of marine mammals within the channel was predicted to be unlikely
in the EIA report; however in view of their conservation importance,
precautionary land-based monitoring of channel for potential trapping of marine
mammals by site staff during operation phase should be adopted to verify the
impact predication. The monitoring
frequency should be once per week for duration of one year during operation
phase.
6b.3.6.2 Should any trapping occurs, the site staff must contact responsible parties immediately, i.e. AFCD or specialist, for rescue.
6b.3.7.1
During the
installation/re-installation/relocation process of floating type silt curtains,
in order to avoid the accidental entrance and entrapment of marine
mammals within the silt curtains, a monitored exclusion zone of
6b.3.7.2 The experienced marine mammal observer should be well trained to detect marine mammals. Binoculars should be used to search the exclusion zone from an elevated platform with unobstructed visibility. The observer should also be independent from the project proponent and has the power to call-off construction activities.
6b.3.7.3 In addition, as marine mammals cannot be effectively monitored within the proposed monitored exclusion zone at night, or during adverse weather conditions (i.e. Beaufort 5 or above, visibility of 300 meters or below), marine works should be avoided under weather conditions with low visibility.
6b.3.8 Marine Mammal Watching Plan
6b.3.8.1
Upon the completion of floating
type silt curtain installation/re-installation/relocation, all marine works
would be conducted within a fully enclosed environment within the silt curtain
(as shown in Appendix 5.5
of the EIA
Report), hence exclusion zone monitoring would no
longer be required. Subsequently, a
marine mammal watching plan would be implemented. The plan would include regular inspection of
silt curtains, and visual inspection of the waters surrounded by the
curtains. Special attention would be
paid to Phase 2 (reclamation) where the floating type still curtain would be
opened occasionally for vessel access, leaving a temporary
6b.3.9 Assessment and Evaluation of Monitoring Results
6b.3.9.1
A
final marine mammal monitoring report should be submitted to AFCD for comments
upon completion of the monitoring survey.
The report should contain a summary of the survey findings during the
entire monitoring programme, and assessment on the effectiveness of the
mitigation measures implemented.
6b.3.9.2
Evaluation of results should take natural fluctuations and accidental
human-induced events (e.g. oil spill) into account. The monitoring results between the EIA study,
AFCD’s long term marine mammal monitoring programme, and the construction
phase, should be compared. Any
significant difference should be identified and evaluated.
6b.4 Coral Monitoring Programme
6b.4.1.1
A
coral monitoring programme is recommended to verify the predicted impacts, and examine whether the mitigation
measures recommended in the EIA report have been effectively implemented to
protect the corals along the
6b.4.2 Coral Monitoring Survey
6b.4.2.1
The
coral monitoring programme should comprise 3 phases: pre-construction phase,
construction phase, and operation phase (one year after the completion of construction
works).
6b.4.2.2
To
monitor the health condition of corals during different phases, corals located
within areas likely to be affected by the Project, and corals located at control
sites (areas unlikely to be affected by the Project) should be chosen, in order
to identify any adverse indirect impact from the marine works. The size, percentage cover and health
condition of corals (i.e. any sign of abnormal appearance, such as layer of
mucus, bleaching, partial mortality etc.) at representative transects should be
recorded during each monitoring.
6b.4.2.3
All
monitoring should be led by suitably qualified persons with recognisable
experience in coral monitoring survey.
The survey methodology should remain the same during different phases,
in order to allow direct comparison of coral monitoring results among different
phases.
6b.4.2.4
The
methodology for coral monitoring programme should be consulted with the Agriculture,
Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) before the commencement of the
monitoring programme. A more detailed coral monitoring plan, including which coral species
and colonies to be monitored, methodology, monitoring frequency, and Event and
Action Plan for coral monitoring should be submitted upon approval of this
Project, prior to commencement of construction works.
6b.4.3 Post-translocation Coral Monitoring Survey
6b.4.3.1 A post-translocation monitoring survey for the translocated corals should also be included in the coral monitoring programme. A more detailed post-translocation monitoring plan, including selection of recipient site, plan and time for coral translocation, and Event and Action Plan, should be submitted to AFCD for agreement before the commencement of the monitoring programme.
6b.4.4 Coral Monitoring Methodology
Pre-construction Phase Monitoring
6b.4.4.1 A pre-construction monitoring should be conducted before commencement of construction works, in order to confirm the locations of coral communities identified during the EIA study. Spot check dive surveys should be qualitatively conducted at the sites where corals were previously identified during the EIA study.
6b.4.4.2 If corals are identified, mitigation measures for adverse water quality impact should be proposed and their effectiveness evaluated. Other than adoption of silt curtains and closed grab dredger, the possibility of coral translocation should also be considered to further minimise the adverse impacts on coral communities.
6b.4.4.3 A detailed coral translocation plan and a suitable translocation site should be proposed, and agreed by AFCD prior to the commencement of works.
Construction Phase
Monitoring
6b.4.4.4 Representative patches of coral communities within areas likely to be affected by the Project (impact site) should be monitored for their health condition and tolerance to the construction disturbance. Other than the impact site, corals located at areas unlikely to be affected by the Project (control site) should also be identified and included in the monitoring programme to allow fair evaluation of the health condition of corals.
6b.4.4.5 If coral translocation were adopted as a mitigation measure during the pre-construction phase monitoring, such corals should also be monitored for their health condition during construction phase.
Operation Phase Monitoring
6b.4.4.6 Upon completion of construction works, monitoring of the corals at impact site and control site should be conducted for a duration of one year after the completion of construction works.
6b.4.4.7 If coral translocation were adopted as a mitigation measure during the pre-construction phase monitoring, such corals should also be monitored for their health condition during operation phase.
6b.4.4.8 A final coral monitoring report with photos should be submitted to AFCD for comments upon completion of the post-project monitoring survey. The report should contain a summary of the activities, assessment of health conditions of the corals during the entire monitoring programme, and assessment on the effectiveness of the mitigation measures implemented.
6b.5
6b.5.1.1
Noting
the recordable breeding success of the WBSE nest at Shek Kwu Chau since 2006,
and the current undisturbed nature of the location of the nest; with the
implementation of the proposed mitigation measures during construction and
operation phases, the possibility of WBSE nest abandonment still remains.
6b.5.1.2
A
WBSE monitoring programme should be carried out to assess any adverse and
unacceptable indirect impacts from the Project, especially
for the nest of WBSE located about
6b.5.1.3 Reference is made to the completed monitoring programme for WBSE under EIA-041/2000 Construction of an International Theme Park in Penny's Bay of North Lantau together with its Essential Associated Infrastructures - Environmental Impact Assessment (CED, 2000).
Pre-construction Phase
Monitoring
6b.5.1.4 The main objective of the pre-construction monitoring should be to verify the presence of WBSE in the Shek Kwu Chau area, as well as to confirm their breeding status and how the area is utilised by the potential breeding pair. For pre-construction phase, field surveys should be conducted once per week for a duration of three months during their breeding season (between December and May) immediately before the commencement of works. The monitoring frequency should be increased to daily during the first week of nestling period in order to collect information about their utilisation of the proposed construction site as a foraging ground.
6b.5.1.5
Information
to be collected should include feeding, perching/roosting, preening, soaring,
flying, nesting and territorial guarding and the time spent on each
activity. Other disturbances such as
weather condition, or invasion by other fauna species should also be recorded.
Construction Phase
Monitoring
6b.5.1.6 The objective of the construction phase monitoring should be to verify the utilisation of the area by WBSE, their responses to construction disturbance, as well as the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures. Throughout the construction phase, field surveys should be conducted twice per month during their core breeding season (from December to May), and once per month outside their core breeding season (from June to November). The monitoring frequency should be increased to weekly during the incubation period of each year. In order to confirm their foraging ground near the construction site, it is necessary to conduct daily monitoring during the first week of nestling period in each year.
6b.5.1.7
Information
to be collected should include feeding, perching/roosting, preening, soaring,
flying, nesting and territorial guarding and the time spent on each
activity. The responses and reactions to
any disturbance to the WBSEs should also be recorded and examined in
conjunction with the construction noise and/or other events in the
vicinity. Other disturbances such as
weather condition, or invasion by other fauna species should also be recorded.
6b.5.1.8 Should the WBSE be absent for a whole day during the monitoring, an Event and Action Plan is recommended in Table 6b.1. As the presence and breeding status of the recorded pair is to be verified during baseline monitoring, the proposed Event and Action is based on an assumption that the WBSE utilise the survey area on regular basis, and is rarely absent from their territory at Shek Kwu Chau. Nevertheless, if the assumption is proved to be different during baseline monitoring, the proposed Event and Action plan should be revised accordingly.
Table 6b.1 Event and Action Plan
during Construction Phase
Event |
Action |
||
Environmental Team |
Audit Team |
Contractor |
|
Absence
of WBSE during a whole day of monitoring |
Inform audit team. Increase monitoring frequency to daily |
Inform site engineer and contractor. If the absence remains: · Review construction activities and noise monitoring records of the associated period; · Identify potential causes of the absence; · Propose remedial measures, such as change of construction method and sequence; · Confirm the feasibility of the proposed remedial measures with site engineer and contractor; ·
Discuss with environmental team
about the effectiveness of the proposed remedial measures. |
Implement the agreed remedial measures |
6b.5.1.9 To minimise disturbance on nestling stage of WSBE, restriction on vessel travel within the foraging ground during nestling period would be adopted. The foraging ground utilized by WBSE during nestling period should also be identified in the monitoring.
Operation Phase Monitoring
6b.5.1.10 During operation phase, field surveys should be conducted twice per month during their core breeding season (from December to May), and once per month outside their core breeding season (June to November), for a duration of two years. The objective of the operation phase monitoring should be to verify the utilisation of the area by WBSE, their responses to operation disturbance, as well as the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.
6b.5.1.11 Information to be collected should include behaviour (e.g. foraging, territory fending), breeding activity, and any observable response to disturbances. Any observable responses to disturbances should be assessed, taking into account of the human induced activities occurring at the time, as well as other disturbances such as weather condition, or invasion by other fauna species.
6b.5.1.12 Should the WBSE be absent for a whole day during the monitoring, an Event and Action Plan is recommended in Table 6b.2. As the presence and breeding status of the recorded pair is to be verified during baseline monitoring, the proposed Event and Action is based on an assumption that the WBSE often utilise the survey area, and is rarely absent from their territory at Shek Kwu Chau. Nevertheless, if the assumption is proved to be different during baseline monitoring, and that if any specific scenario occurs during construction phase (e.g. abandonment of Shek Kwu Chau nest), the proposed Event and Action plan should be revised accordingly.
Table 6b.2 Event
and Action Plan during Operation Phase
Event |
Action |
|
Environmental
Team |
Project
Proponent |
|
Absence
of WBSE during a whole day of monitoring |
Inform Project Proponent and the IWMF Operator Increase monitoring frequency to daily. If the absence remains: · Identify potential causes for the absence; · Propose remedial measures, such as alteration in travel route of vessels; · Confirm the feasibility of the proposed remedial measures with Project Proponent and the IWMF Operator; Upon the implementation of the proposed remedial measures, report to Project Proponent and the IWMF Operator on sighting of WBSE. |
Initiate increase of monitoring frequency by Environmental Team. If the absence remains: · Review the IWMF operation, attempt to identify sources and causes of disturbance; · Discuss and confirm on the feasibility of the proposed remedial measures from Environmental Team; · Implement the proposed remedial measures with the IWMF Operator; Follow
up on the effectiveness of the implemented remedial measures with Environmental
Team. |
6b.5.1.13
A more detailed WBSE monitoring
programme, including confirmation of location and status of breeding nest,
commencement dates for monitoring, and detailed survey methodology in relation
to the latest location of breeding nest etc., should be submitted upon approval
of this Project, prior to commencement of construction works. Advice from relevant governmental departments
(i.e. AFCD) and professionals would be sought after, in order to identify an
effective practice for monitoring of WBSE.
AFCD (
AFCD (2010b). Breeding Ecology of White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) in
CED (2000). Construction of an International
Theme Park in Penny's Bay of North Lantau together with its Essential
Associated Infrastructures - Environmental Impact Assessment. Civil Engineering
Department,
HyD (2009). EIA-172/2009
Lam, K.K.Y. (2000).
Sexual reproduction of a low-temperature tolerant coral Oulastrea crispate
(Scleractinia, Faviidae) in
Storlazzi, Curt
D. Michael E. Field, Andrea S. Ogston, Joshua B. Logan, M. Kathy Presto and
Dave G. Gonzales 2004. Coastal Circulation and Sediment Dynamics Along West