The main ecological impacts arise from the above ground section of the railway mostly at the Lok Ma Chau Terminus. Direct habitat loss due to the Terminus construction includes 7.0ha inactive fishponds that are utilized by large waterbirds and 0.4ha active fishponds from works associated with the viaduct. An additional 16.2 ha will be indirectly impacted due to disturbance to the most sensitive waterbirds that use the fishpond area around the future LMC Station and the area adjacent to the viaduct east of the Boundary Crossing. These impacts of 23.6ha will be compensated for through the early enhancement of fishponds beyond the disturbance zone of the station works, followed by subsequent enhancement of an area of 27.1ha fishponds. Early enhancement measures will include intensive repeat stocking of fish which will raise the carrying capacity of the stocked ponds for target species of large waterbirds (Black-faced Spoonbill, Great Cormorant, Great Egret and Grey Heron) above that required in the long term, thus compensating for the reduced area of disturbance-free habitat available. Enhancement measures include re-profiling of pond bunds to create shallows where steep edges currently deter waterbirds from feeding; careful management of water levels to maximize feeding opportunities for target species; and stocking with a suitable size and type of fish.
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In addition, to reduce disturbance during operation of the railway, a marsh area will be created within 100m of the station building, and stands of bamboo and mixed trees and shrubs will be planted as a buffer around the station complex. An additional 5 ha to the east of the station will be used as a reedbed for polishing effluent from the station sewage treatment works and provide additional areas of marsh and deep water for habitat diversity.
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The ecological compensation proposed for the Spur Line project is unique in Hong Kong in its consideration of habitat loss and disturbance impacts, and provision for early compensation of construction impacts in the Lok Ma Chau fishponds area. This approach allows a mechanism for the long term protection and management of Hong Kong's ecological resources. |
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Title of Designated Project |
Sheung Shui to Lok Ma Chau Spur Line [This designated project is hereinafter referred to as"the Project"]
[This designated project is hereinafter referred to as "the Project"] |
Nature of Designated Project |
Habitat creation and management plan |
Location of Designated Project |
Lok Ma Chau |
Scale and Scope of Designated Project(s) |
Early enhancement of 23.6 ha fishponds and subsequent enhancement of 27.1 ha fishponds. Creation of 4.9 ha marsh area as reefbed. |
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| Location of the fishponds and marshland: |
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