5 Marine Ecology

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1.1 As the Trunk Road T2 project will be built on largely developed or disturbed land, terrestrial ecological impacts are not expected and have not been considered further.

5.1.1.2 Since all construction works would take place on existing developed land and no marine works that would disturb the seabed are involved based on the use of TBM for the subsea tunnel construction, the marine ecological impacts associated with this Trunk Road T2 EIA Study are expected to be minimal and no specific ecological mitigation meareus are required. However, the implementation of the water quality mitigation recommended in the EIA report will be checked as part of the EM&A procedures during the construction period.  Environmental audit is needed to ensure the ecological impacts from the construction of the Trunk Road T2 project are kept within acceptable levels, and the application of the mitigation measures are practical and effective.

5.2 Mitigation Measures

5.2.1 Construction Phase

5.2.1.1 Potential disturbance to the surrounding environment will be minimised through good site practice and precautionary measures for water quality impacts (see Chapter 4). Weekly site inspections will be carried out by the Environmental Team (ET) to ensure the implementation of good site practices and precautionary measures.

5.2.1.2 No specific ecological mitigation measures during construction phase are required.

5.2.2 Operation Phase

5.2.2.1 The implementation of the water quality mitigation measures recommended in the water quality impact assessment (Chapter 4 of this EM&A Manual), including provision of adequate drainage system with silt traps and oil interceptors, will help to minimise any impacts further. However, no ecological specific mitigation measures are required.

5.3 EM&A Requirements

5.3.1 Construction Phase

5.3.1.1 During the construction phases the ET will be required to undertake audit of good site practice for habitat protection as follows:

· avoid damage and disturbance to the remaining and surrounding natural habitat;

· ensure placement of equipment is within designated areas within the existing disturbed land;

· ensure construction activities are restricted to within the proposed works boundary;

· ensure spoil heaps are be covered at all times;

· ensure that disturbed areas are reinstated immediately after completion of the works; and

· ensure enhancement planting works undertaken (Refer to Section 9 of the EIA report and Section 7 of this EM&A Manual).

5.3.2 Operation Phase

5.3.2.1 No specific ecological monitoring and auditing programme is required. Audit requirements for water quality as detailed in Section 4 of this EM&A Manual would be applicable for the protection of the marine ecological resources.