9 ECOLOGY (TERRESTRIAL AND MARINE)

9.1 Introduction

9.1.1.1 This section presents the assessment on potential ecological impacts arising from construction and operation of the Project, which has been conducted in accordance with the criteria and guidelines as stated in Annexes 8 and 16 of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM) as well as the requirements given in Clause 3.4.10 and Appendix H of the EIA Study Brief (No. ESB-320/2019).

9.2 Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

9.2.1.1 This assessment makes reference to the following Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government ordinances, regulations, standards, guidelines, and documents that are relevant to ecological impact assessment:

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499), and its subsidiary legislation – aims to avoid, minimise and control the adverse effects on the environment by designated projects through the application of the environmental impacts assessment process and the environmental permit system.

· EIAO-TM Annex 8 – recommends the criteria to be used for evaluating habitat and ecological impact.

· EIAO-TM Annex 16 – sets out the general approach and methodology for assessment of ecological impacts arising from a project or proposal, to allow a complete and objective identification, prediction and evaluation of the potential ecological impacts.

· EIAO Guidance Note No. 3/2010 Flexibility and Enforceability of Mitigation Measures Proposed in an Environmental Impact Assessment Report – provides guiding principles on the approach to assess the recommended environmental mitigation measures in EIA reports.

· EIAO Guidance Note No. 6/2010 Some Observations on Ecological Assessment from the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Perspective – clarifies the requirements of ecological assessments under the EIAO.

· EIAO Guidance Note No. 7/2010 Ecological Baseline Survey for Ecological Assessment – provides general guidelines for conducting ecological baseline surveys in order to fulfil requirements stipulated in the EIAO-TM.

· EIAO Guidance Note No. 10/2010 Methodologies for Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecological Baseline Surveys – introduces some general methodologies for terrestrial and freshwater ecological baseline surveys in order to fulfil requirements stipulated in the EIAO-TM.

· EIAO Guidance Note No. 11/2010 Methodologies for Marine Ecological Baseline Surveys – introduces some general methodologies for marine ecological baseline surveys in order to fulfil requirements stipulated in the EIAO-TM.

· Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208) – provides a legal framework for the designation, development and management of country parks and special areas. Country parks are designated for the purposes of nature conservation, countryside recreation and outdoor education. Special Areas are created mainly for the purpose of nature conservation.

· Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap. 476) and Subsidiary Legislation – allows for designation, control and management of marine parks and marine reserves through regulation of activities therein to protect, conserve and enhance the marine environment for the purposes of nature conservation, education, scientific research and recreation. The Ordinance came into effect on 1 June 1995.

· Forest and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) – prohibits felling, cutting, burning or destroying of trees and growing plants in forests and plantations on Government land. Related subsidiary regulations prohibit the selling or possession of listed, restricted and protected plant species.

· Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) – designated wild animals are protected from being hunted, whilst their nests and eggs are protected from injury destruction and removal. All birds and most mammals, including marine cetaceans, are protected under this Ordinance. The Second Schedule of the Ordinance, which lists all the animals protected, was last revised in June 1997.

· Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) – gives effect to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Hong Kong. It restricts import and export of species listed in CITES Appendices so as to protect wildlife from overexploitation or extinction. Certain types of corals are listed in Schedule 1 of the Ordinance, including Blue Coral (Heliopora coerulea), Organ Pipe Corals (family Tubiporidae), Black Corals (order Antipatharia), Stony Corals (order Scleractinia), Firecorals (family Milleporidae) and Lace Corals (family Stylasteridae). Cetacean including whales, dolphins, porpoises, and rorquals are also listed under Schedules 1 & 2 of the Ordinance. The import, export and possession of scheduled corals, no matter dead or living, is restricted.

· Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131) – provides designation of Coastal Protection Areas, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Conservation Area (CA), Country Park, Green Belt (GB) or other specified uses that promote conservation or protection of the environment.

· Chapter 10 of the Hong Kong Planning Standard and Guidelines (HKPSG) – covers planning considerations relevant to conservation. This chapter details the principles of conservation, the conservation of natural landscape and habitats, historic buildings, archaeological sites and other antiquities. It also describes enforcement issue. The appendices list the legislation and administrative controls for conservation, other conservation related measures in Hong Kong and government departments involved in conservation.

· Water Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap. 358) – aims to control water pollution in waters of Hong Kong. WCZs are designated with individual water quality objective to promote the conservation and best use of those waters in the public interest. The most updated water quality objectives for the Victoria Harbour WCZ were revised in June 1997.

· Development Bureau (DEVB) TC(W) No. 4/2020 Tree Preservation – sets out the policy, control procedures and detailed requirements on tree preservation at different stages of Government projects as well as those under arboricultural maintenance.

· Drainage Services Department (DSD) Practice Note (PN) No. 3/2021 Guidelines on Design for Revitalisation of River Channel – presents the essential environmental and ecological considerations that should be taken into account in the design of river channels (superseding DSD PN No.1/2015 – Guidelines on Environmental and Ecological Considerations for River Channel Design)

· ETWB TCW No. 5/2005 Protection of Natural Streams/Rivers from Adverse Impacts arising from Construction Works – provide guidelines for the planning and execution of construction works and for the vetting of public and private development proposals that affect natural rivers and streams, e.g. including those not classified as environmentally sensitive.

· Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (HKBSAP) (2016-2021) – the first city-level BSAP for Hong Kong, aims to step up biodiversity conservation, support sustainable development, contribute to global efforts on biodiversity conservation and China’s National BSAP. The People’s Republic of China has become a Party of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) since 1993 and was formally extended to Hong Kong in May 2011.

9.2.1.2 This section also makes reference to the following international conventions and national legislation:

· The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species – provides taxonomic, conservation status and distribution information on taxa that have been evaluated using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. This system is designed to determine the relative risk of extinction, and the main purpose of the IUCN Red List is to catalogue and highlight those taxa that are facing a higher risk of global extinction. The IUCN Red List also includes information on taxa that are either close to meeting the threatened thresholds or that would be threatened were it not for an ongoing taxon-specific conservation programme. Using the IUCN Red List’s guidelines, categories and criteria, China had assessed overall threat status of its wild vertebrates and developed the Red List of China’s Vertebrates.

· The People’s Republic of China National Protection Lists of Important Wild Animals and Plants – lists detailed Class I & II key protected animals and Category I and II plant species under Mainland Chinese Legislation. The list was last updated in February 2021.

9.3 Assessment Methodology

9.3.1 Assessment Area

9.3.1.1 In accordance with Clause 3.4.10.2 of the EIA Study Brief, the assessment area for terrestrial ecological impact assessment includes areas within 500m of the Project boundary and any other areas likely to be impacted by the Project (refer to Figure 9.1 and Figure 9.2). For marine ecology, the assessment area is same as the water quality impact assessment area, covering Shing Mun River, Tolo Harbour and Channel Water Control Zone (WCZ).

9.3.2 Literature Review

9.3.2.1 The ecological characteristics of the assessment area were identified through a comprehensive review of the available literature. This review collated ecological information from various reports and publications, as summarised in Table 9.1.

Table 9.1 Literature Describing Ecological Resources in the Assessment Area

Relevant Literature	Terrestrial Ecology	Corals	Benthos	Intertidal	Marine Mammals and Seahorse
(1) Revitalisation of Water Bodies – Feasibility Study (DSD, 2019)	ü
(2) EIA Report for Sha Tin Cavern Sewage Treatment Works (DSD, 2016)		ü	ü	ü
(3) Ecological Status and Revised Species Records of Hong Kong’s Scleractinian Corals (AFCD, 2004)		ü
(4) Drainage Improvement in Sha Tin and Tai Po – EIA Report (DSD, 2007)		ü		ü
(5) Development of a Bathing Beach at Lung Mei, Tai Po – EIA Report (CEDD, 2007)		ü	ü	ü
(6) The Proposed Submarine Gas Pipelines from Cheng Tou Jiao Liquefied Natural Gas Receiving Terminal, Shenzhen to Tai Po Gas Production Plant, Hong Kong – EIA Report (HKCGCL, 2003)		ü	ü	ü	ü
(7) Pak Shek Kok Development – EIA Report (TDD, 1998)				ü
(8) Feasibility Study for Housing Development at Whitehead and Lee On in Ma On Shan, Sha Tin – EIA Report (TDD, 2002)		ü
(9) Consultancy Study on Marine Benthic Communities in Hong Kong (AFCD, 2002)			ü
(10) Unpublished data collected in the territory-wide long-term monitoring survey undertaken by AFCD from 2002 to 2020 (AFCD, 2020c)	ü
(11) Hong Kong Biodiversity newsletter Issue no.26 December 2020 (AFCD, 2020d)	ü

9.3.3 Ecological Survey Methodology

9.3.3.1 Terrestrial and marine ecological surveys were conducted between May 2020 and January 2021 covering both dry and wet seasons to collect up-to-date ecological baseline information and verify information from literature review for the subsequent assessment of ecological value of habitats and species, evaluation of potential ecological impact resulting from the proposed Project; and provision of appropriate mitigation measures.

9.3.3.2 Ecological surveys were conducted following the requirements stipulated under Annexes 8 and 16 of EIAO-TM and relevant EIAO Guidance Notes 6/2010, 7/2010, 10/2010 and 11/2010. All field surveys were carried out in such ways to minimise unnecessary stress or damage to the existing habitats and wildlife. The ecological survey schedule is presented in Table 9.2 and the survey transects / locations are presented in Figure 9.1 and Figure 9.2. Methodologies of the ecological surveys are discussed below.

Table 9.2 Ecological Survey Schedule

Survey	2020								2021
	Wet Season						Dry Season
	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct *	Nov	Dec		Jan
Terrestrial Ecology
Habitat and Vegetation (Day)		ü				ü
Avifauna (Day)	ü	ü	ü	ü	ü	ü
Avifauna (Night)			ü			ü
Ardeid Night Roost and Pre-Roost (Night)			ü			ü				ü
Butterfly and Odonate (Day)		ü				ü
Herpetofauna (Day)			ü			ü
Herpetofauna (Night)			ü			ü
Mammal (Day)			ü			ü
Mammal (Night)			ü			ü
Freshwater Communities (Day)		ü	ü			ü
Marine Ecology
Dive (Day)				ü			ü
Benthos (Day)				ü			ü
Intertidal (Day)				ü			ü
* Transitional month

Habitat Mapping and Vegetation Survey

9.3.3.3 A habitat map showing the types and locations of terrestrial habitats within the assessment area was prepared with reference to aerial photographs obtained from Lands Department (LandsD) and ground-truthing.

9.3.3.4 During habitat surveys, ecological characteristics of each identified habitat type, including size, vegetation type, dominant species, species abundance and diversity, community structure, seasonal patterns and inter-dependence of habitats and species, and presence of any features of ecological importance, were defined and characterised. Representative photographs of the habitat types and/or any important ecological features recorded were taken. Binoculars were used to observe ecological characteristics of inaccessible areas.

9.3.3.5 Vegetation surveys were conducted along transects set across representative patches of each habitat type by direct observation. Diversity and relative abundance of flora species were recorded, with particular attention paid to the presence of any species of conservation importance. A plant species list detailing the recorded species, including presence of species of conservation importance, was prepared for each habitat in the assessment area. Nomenclature and conservation status of floral species in Hong Kong made reference to Wu & Lee (2000), Xing et al. (2000), Siu (2000), Hu et al. (2003), Hong Kong Herbarium (2012) and South China Botanical Gardens (2007; 2008; 2009; 2011).

Avifauna Survey – Transect Count Survey

9.3.3.6 Avifauna surveys were conducted monthly using transect count method covering all identified habitat type within assessment area at suitable time (usually in early morning) when birds are most active. The presence and abundance of avifauna species at various habitats were recorded visually and aurally. Night surveys were also conducted to record any nocturnal species present.

9.3.3.7 Avifauna species were recorded either by direct sightings or by their call and identified to species level. The location of any avifauna species of conservation importance encountered were recorded, along with notable behaviour (e.g. breeding behaviours such as nesting and presence of recently fledged juveniles, roosting, and feeding activities). A comprehensive list detailing species recorded in the assessment area was prepared, indicating wetland dependent species and species with conservation importance and/or protection status. Ornithological nomenclature in this report follows Carey et al. (2001), Viney et al. (2005) and the most recently updated list from the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society (HKBWS, 2020).

Avifauna Survey – Ardeid Night Roost and Pre-Roost Survey

9.3.3.8 Ardeid night roost and pre-roost survey were conducted once in wet season and once in dry season to review usage of existing and potential ardeid night roosting and pre-roosting sites along the banks of Shing Mun River Channel. An extra site check was conducted during late dry season to confirm on the ardeid roosting condition. Direct observation was made from two proposed vantage points on both sides of the Shing Mun River Channel (Figure 9.1 refers). Species, abundance, returning time, flight route and location of roost and pre-roost were recorded. Tree species used for night roost by ardeids were identified and located. The surveys started approximately an hour before sunset and lasted until nightfall, which is the peak period of ardeid flight towards the roosting and pre-roosting sites.

Butterfly and Odonate Survey

9.3.3.9 Butterflies and odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) within the assessment area were surveyed using transect count method. Attention was given to potential habitats of odonates (e.g. stream, pond). Larvae and pupae of butterfly were actively searched. The surveys were conducted under suitable weather conditions (avoiding overcast weather when butterflies and odonates are less active). Relative abundance of butterfly, dragonfly and damselfly species were recorded. Nomenclature of butterfly follows Lo (2005) and nomenclature of dragonfly and damselfly follows Tam et al. (2011).

Herpetofauna Survey

9.3.3.10 Herpetofauna within the assessment area was surveyed. Potential microhabitats (e.g. leaf litter and underneath of rotten logs) were actively searched and examined. Any rocks / objects that were turned over during the search were returned to their original location and orientation. Active searching for eggs and tadpoles of amphibians in aquatic habitats were conducted to identify breeding activity. In addition to active searching, observation of exposed, basking, or foraging reptiles were recorded. Night surveys were also conducted due to the nocturnal behaviour of most herpetofauna species. All reptiles and amphibians, in any life-cycle stage, sighted or heard were recorded. Nomenclature of amphibian and reptile follows Chan et al. (2005a) and Karsen et al. (1998), respectively.

Terrestrial Mammal Survey

9.3.3.11 Surveys were conducted in areas potentially utilised by terrestrial mammals. The surveys focused on active searching for field signs of mammal occurrence, such as droppings, footprints, diggings or burrows left by larger terrestrial mammals. Mammal identification was made to species level where possible from the field signs encountered and mammal directly observed. Night surveys were also conducted to record any nocturnal species present.

9.3.3.12 Bat surveys were undertaken by an experienced surveyor equipped with an ultrasonic bat detector (Echo Meter Touch 2 Pro) at potential roosting, commuting, foraging and drinking sites, with calls recorded for later analysis with computer softwares (AnalookW and Kaleidoscope). Bat species were located by direct sighting and field observation (e.g. their behaviours, such as flying pattern and height, size of bat species, nearby habitats, etc.) to aid in the identification of the bat species. Nomenclature of mammal follows Shek (2006).

Freshwater Communities Survey

9.3.3.13 Freshwater fish and invertebrate communities surveys were conducted via active searching, direct observation and kick sampling within the assessment area. Representative sampling locations (Figure 9.1) were selected for surveys, where rocks within the watercourses were turned over to locate any aquatic animals beneath. Kick sampling was used to survey benthic macroinvertebrates in shallow waters and hand net was used to collect organisms along the watercourses. Organisms encountered were recorded and identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. All organisms collected were released to the point of collection after identification. No unnecessary stress was exerted on the freshwater organisms during the surveys.

Dive Survey

9.3.3.14 Spot-check dive surveys were conducted with regular zig-zag dive routes covering the assessment area of Sha Tin Hoi. Subtidal substrata (hard substratum seabed and seawall, etc.) at the spot-check dive locations (Figure 9.2) were surveyed for the presence and composition of coral communities, including hard corals (order Scleractinia), octocorals (sub-class Octocorallia) and black corals (order Antipatharia).

9.3.3.15 As corals were recorded during the spot-check dive survey, a more detailed Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) was carried out with reference to DeVantier et al. (1998) (see Appendix 9.1 for details). The locations of 100 m REA transect(s) were proposed, based on the preliminary results from the spot-check dives. For each transect, the locations (Global Positioning System, GPS) of dive routes, distance surveyed, number of colonies, sizes and types of corals, their coverage, abundance, condition, translocation feasibility and the conservation status of coral species in Hong Kong waters were recorded. Representative photographs were also taken.

Benthos Survey

9.3.3.16 Benthos surveys were conducted to assess marine soft bottom benthic fauna communities via grab sampling of seabed sediment at two sampling locations (refer to Figure 9.2). At each sampling location, three replicates of grab sample over a 0.1 m² area seabed substrate were collected using a van Veen grab. Samples were sieved through 0.5 mm sieves and stained with 1% Rose Bengal solution. Collected organisms were counted, weighed and identified to the lowest taxon as far as practicable.

9.3.3.17 Abundance, biomass, species diversity H’ and evenness J were calculated for pooled data, using the formulae:

H’ = - ∑ ( Ni / N ) ln ( Ni / N ) ; and

J = H’ / ln S

where S is the total number of species in the sample, N is the total number of individuals, and Ni is the number of individuals of the i^th species.

Intertidal Survey

9.3.3.18 Surveys on intertidal communities were conducted at representative survey locations (refer to Figure 9.2) by line transect method, in order to establish an ecological profile of intertidal habitats within the assessment area.

9.3.3.19 One line transect was deployed at each survey location. The transects were laid perpendicular to shoreline from high water mark down to low water mark during the low tide period (tide level below 1 m). Along each transect, standard ecological sampling quadrat (dimensions 0.5 m x 0.5 m) were laid at 1 m intervals. Intertidal epifauna and flora within each quadrat were identified and enumerated. In general, mobile fauna were counted in terms of abundance per unit area. Sessile organisms such as barnacles, oysters and algae were estimated in terms of percentage cover per fixed area. Recorded intertidal fauna were identified to species level as far as possible. Representative photographs of intertidal habitat and flora /fauna species identified were taken.

9.4 Baseline Conditions

9.4.1 Site of Conservation Importance

Terrestrial Ecology

9.4.1.1 There are no recognised sites of conservation importance within the terrestrial ecology assessment area. The nearest site of conservation importance is:

· A “Conservation Area” (“CA”) located at approximately 4.27 km southeast of the Project site outside the assessment area, zoned under the Approved Kwun Yam Shan & Fa Sam Hang Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) No. S/ST-KYS/11.

Marine Ecology

9.4.1.2 While there are some recognised sites of marine conservation importance within the marine ecology assessment area, all are relatively distant from the Project site:

Kei Ling Ha Mangal Site of Special Scientific Interest

9.4.1.3 The Kei Ling Ha Mangal SSSI is located within the Tolo Harbour and Channel WCZ, approximately 10 km northeast of the Project site. Almost all mangroves and their associated plants recorded in Hong Kong can be found in the SSSI, including the rare Thespesia populnea and the uncommon Lumnitzera racemosa (Tam et al., 1997).

Ting Kok Site of Special Scientific Interest

9.4.1.4 Ting Kok SSSI lies along the coastal area of Ting Kok Road just south of Lai Pek Shan San Tsuen (more than 11.3 km northeast of the Project site). This site supports mangrove community consisting of Kandelia obovata, Aegiceras corniculatum, Avicennia marina, Lumnitzera racemosa, Excoecaria agallocha and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (AFCD, 2020b). The species composition of this site presents a good example of plant succession.

Hoi Ha Wan Site of Special Scientific Interest

9.4.1.5 Hoi Ha Wan SSSI is a sheltered bay located at the northern coastline of Sai Kung Peninsula, approximately 13.2 km northeast of the Project site. This site is particularly favourable to coral communities as it is a sheltered bay under the influence of oceanic waters. Coral species such as Pavona decussata, Platygyra sinensis and Porites lobata occupy the shallow habitats. Alveopora irregularis and Stylocoeniella guentheri occupy the deeper habitats, while Cyphastrea spp. are found throughout different depths.

9.4.2 Literature Review

Habitat and Vegetation

9.4.2.1 Only three habitat types (modified watercourse, secondary woodland and urbanised area) had been previously recorded within the current assessment area during ecological surveys conducted for the Revitalisation of Water Bodies – Feasibility Study (DSD 2019, hereafter referred to as the Revitalisation Study). Only two flora species of conservation importance were recorded in these habitats (Table 9.3).

Table 9.3 Flora Species of Conservation Importance Previously Recorded within the Assessment Area

Common Name

(Scientific Name)

Distribution in
Hong Kong ⁽¹⁾

Protection Status

Habitat
Recorded ⁽²⁾

Incense Tree

(Aquilaria sinensis)

Common

Cap. 586 ⁽³⁾

Category II ⁽⁴⁾

Vulnerable ^{(5) (6)} ⁽⁷⁾

Near Threatened ^{(8) (9)}

Urbanised Area;

Secondary Woodland

Lamb of Tartary

(Cibotium barometz)

Very common

Cap. 586 ⁽³⁾

Category II ⁽⁴⁾

Vulnerable ⁽⁹⁾

Urbanised Area;

Secondary Woodland

Notes:

1. Wu & Lee (2000).

Xing, et al. (2000).

Siu (2000).

2. DSD (2019).

3. Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).

4. “List of Wild Plants under State Protection” (promulgated by the Ministry of Forestry in 1999).

5. IUCN (2022). IUCN Red List Version 2022-1.

6. Fu & Chin (1992). China Plant Red Data Book – Rare and Endangered Plants.

7. Qin, et al. (2017). Threatened Species List of China's Higher Plants.

8. Feng, et al. (2002). Study on Rare and Endangered Plants and National Key Protected Plants in Guangdong.

9. Hu, et al. (2003). Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong.

Terrestrial Fauna

Avifauna

9.4.2.2 A total of 31 avifauna species were previously recorded within the current assessment area from the Revitalisation Study, six of which are of conservation importance (Table 9.4). Ardeids were also recorded actively using the night roost at Tai Wai, along Shing Mun River near Caritas Lok Jun School, in 2017 and 2018 (AFCD, 2020d).

Table 9.4 Avifauna Species of Conservation Importance Previously Recorded within the Assessment Area

Common Name (Scientific Name) ⁽¹⁾	Distribution in Hong Kong ⁽²⁾	Protection Status	Habitat Recorded ⁽³⁾
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)	Common resident	PRC (RC) ⁽⁴⁾	Modified Watercourse
Pygmy Cupwing (Pnoepyga pusilla)	Rare resident	LC ⁽⁴⁾	Secondary Woodland
Black Kite (Milvus migrans)	Common resident and winter visitor	(RC) ⁽⁴⁾ Class II ⁽⁵⁾ Cap. 586 ⁽⁶⁾	Secondary Woodland
Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis)	Common resident	Class II ⁽⁵⁾ Vulnerable ⁽⁷⁾	Urbanised Area
Collared Scops Owl (Otus lettia)	Common resident	Class II ⁽⁵⁾ Cap. 586 ⁽⁶⁾	Modified Watercourse; Secondary Woodland
Common Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica)	Scarce but widespread resident	Vulnerable ⁽⁷⁾	Urbanised Area
Notes: 1. All wild birds are protected under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170). 2. AFCD (2020a). Hong Kong Biodiversity Database. 3. DSD (2019). 4. Fellowes, et al. (2002): LC=Local Concern; RC=Regional Concern; PRC=Potential Regional Concern. *Letters in parentheses indicate that the assessment is on the basis of restrictedness in nesting and/or roosting sites rather than in general occurrence. 5. “List of Wild Animals under State Protection” (promulgated by State Forestry Administration and Ministry of Agriculture on 14th January 1989). 6. Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). 7. Zheng & Wang (1998). China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals: Aves.

Butterfly and Odonate

9.4.2.3 Twenty-four butterfly species were previously recorded within the current assessment area from the Revitalisation Study. Most of the recorded species are common and very common in Hong Kong, with only one rare species common rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae) considered of conservation importance (Table 9.5).

Table 9.5 Butterfly Species of Conservation Importance Previously Recorded within the Assessment Area

Common Name

(Scientific Name)

Distribution in Hong Kong ⁽¹⁾

Protection Status

Habitat

Recorded ⁽²⁾

Common Rose

(Pachliopta aristolochiae)

Rare

Secondary Woodland

Notes:

1. AFCD (2020a). Hong Kong Biodiversity Database.

2. DSD (2019).

9.4.2.4 A total of 10 dragonfly species were previously recorded within the current assessment area from the Revitalisation Study and the unpublished AFCD data, four of which are of conservation importance as presented in Table 9.6 (DSD, 2019; AFCD, 2020c).

Table 9.6 Odonate Species of Conservation Importance Previously Recorded within the Assessment Area

Common Name (Scientific Name)	Distribution in Hong Kong ⁽¹⁾	Protection Status	Habitat Recorded ⁽²⁾
Chinese Yellowface (Agriomorpha fusca)	Abundant; Scattered	LC ⁽³⁾	-
Hong Kong Clubtail (Leptogomphus hongkongensis)	Common; Scattered	LC ⁽³⁾	-
Small Dragonhunter (Sieboldius alexanderi)	Common; Scattered / (Globally Restricted to Fujian and Guangdong)	GC ⁽³⁾	-
Emerald Cascader (Zygonyx iris insignis)	Abundant; Widespread	PGC ⁽³⁾	Urbanised Area
Notes: 1. AFCD (2020a). Hong Kong Biodiversity Database. 2. DSD (2019); AFCD (2020c). 3. Fellowes, et al. (2002): LC=Local Concern; GC=Global Concern; PGC=Potential Global Concern.

Herpetofauna

9.4.2.5 The Revitalisation Study reported six reptile species within the current assessment area. Two species are of conservation importance, which are presented in Table 9.7.

Table 9.7 Reptile Species of Conservation Importance Previously Recorded within the Assessment Area

Common Name

(Scientific Name)

Distribution in

Hong Kong ⁽¹⁾

Protection Status

Habitat

Recorded ⁽²⁾

Tokay Gecko

(Gekko gecko)

Widely distributed

RC ⁽⁵⁾

Class II ⁽⁶⁾

Endangered ⁽⁷⁾

Critically Endangered ⁽⁸⁾

Urbanised Area

Common Water Monitor

(Varanus salvator)

Rare

Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾

Cap. 586 ⁽⁴⁾

RC ⁽⁵⁾

Class I ⁽⁶⁾

Critically Endangered/Extinct in Wild ⁽⁷⁾

Critically Endangered ⁽⁸⁾

Modified Watercourse

Note:

1. AFCD (2020a). Hong Kong Biodiversity Database.

2. DSD (2019).

3. Protected under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170).

4. Protected under Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).

5. Fellowes, et al. (2002): RC=Regional Concern

6. “List of Wild Animals under State Protection” (promulgated by State Forestry Administration and Ministry of Agriculture on 14th January 1989).

7. Zhao (1998). China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals. Amphibia and Reptilia.

8. Jiang, et al. (2016). Red List of China's Vertebrates.

9.4.2.6 Six species of amphibians were previously recorded within the current assessment area from the Revitalisation Study. Two species are of conservation importance, which are presented in Table 9.8.

Table 9.8 Amphibian Species of Conservation Importance Previously Recorded within the Assessment Area

Common Name (Scientific Name)	Distribution in Hong Kong ⁽¹⁾	Protection Status	Habitat Recorded ⁽²⁾
Lesser Spiny Frog (Quasipaa exilispinosa)	Occurs throughout territory	PGC ⁽³⁾ Vulnerable ⁽⁴⁾	Secondary Woodland
Brown Wood Frog (Hylarana latouchii)	Widely distributed	LC ⁽³⁾	Urbanised Area Secondary Woodland
Notes: 1. AFCD (2020a). Hong Kong Biodiversity Database. 2. DSD (2019). 3. Fellowes, et al. (2002): LC=Local Concern; PGC=Potential Global Concern. 4. Jiang, et al. (2016). Red List of China's Vertebrates.

Common Name

(Scientific Name)

Distribution in

Hong Kong ⁽¹⁾

Protection Status

Habitat

Recorded ⁽²⁾

Lesser Spiny Frog

(Quasipaa exilispinosa)

Occurs throughout territory

PGC ⁽³⁾

Vulnerable ⁽⁴⁾

Secondary Woodland

Brown Wood Frog

(Hylarana latouchii)

Widely distributed

LC ⁽³⁾

Urbanised Area

Secondary Woodland

Notes:

1. AFCD (2020a). Hong Kong Biodiversity Database.

2. DSD (2019).

3. Fellowes, et al. (2002): LC=Local Concern; PGC=Potential Global Concern.

4. Jiang, et al. (2016). Red List of China's Vertebrates.

Mammal

9.4.2.7 Four species of mammals were previously recorded within the current assessment area from the Revitalisation Study. Two species are of conservation importance, which are presented in Table 9.9.

Table 9.9 Mammal Species of Conservation Importance Previously Recorded within the Assessment Area

Common Name

(Scientific Name)

Distribution in

Hong Kong ⁽¹⁾

Protection Status

Habitat

Recorded ⁽²⁾

Rhesus Macaque

(Macaca mulatta)

Common

Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾

Cap. 586 ⁽⁴⁾

Class II ⁽⁵⁾

Vulnerable ⁽⁶⁾

Urbanised Area;

Secondary Woodland

Japanese Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus abramus)

Very common

Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾

Modified Watercourse

Notes:

1. AFCD (2020a). Hong Kong Biodiversity Database.

2. DSD (2019).

3. Protected under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170).

4. Protected under Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).

5. “List of Wild Animals under State Protection” (promulgated by State Forestry Administration and Ministry of Agriculture on 14th January 1989).

6. Wang (1998). China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals. Mammalia.

Freshwater Fish and Macroinvertebrates

9.4.2.8 Nine freshwater fish and two freshwater macroinvertebrate species (comprising gastropods and crustaceans) were previously recorded within the current assessment area from the Revitalisation Study and the unpublished AFCD data (DSD, 2019; AFCD, 2020c). Only one freshwater macroinvertebrate species is of conservation importance, which is presented in Table 9.10. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) were the dominant species in Tai Wai Nullah (TWN) channel.

Table 9.10 Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Species of Conservation Importance Previously Recorded within the Assessment Area

Common Name

(Scientific Name)

Distribution in

Hong Kong ⁽¹⁾

Protection Status

Habitat

Recorded ⁽²⁾

Cryptopotamon anacoluthon

Endemic to

Hong Kong;

Very common

PGC ⁽³⁾

Vulnerable ⁽⁴⁾

Small Stream in Secondary Woodland

Notes:

1. AFCD (2020a). Hong Kong Biodiversity Database.

2. DSD (2019).

3. Fellowes, et al. (2002): PGC=Potential Global Concern.

4. IUCN (2022). IUCN Red List Version 2022-1.

Marine Ecological Resources

Coral Communities

9.4.2.9 During dive surveys undertaken for the Development of Sha Tin Cavern Sewage Treatment Works – EIA Report (DSD 2016, hereafter refers to as Sha Tin Cavern EIA Report), three species of hard corals were recorded (Favites chinensis, Oulastrea crispata, and Porites lutea). These records were made at Sha Tin Hoi between Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works (STSTW) and Science Park, which is approximately 5.3 km northeast of the Project site. Although all three recorded species are common in Hong Kong, they are considered species of conservation importance due to protected status under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). Low coverage of hard corals (around 1% to 5%) was recorded from the Sha Tin Cavern EIA Report.

9.4.2.10 Dive surveys were conducted along the artificial shoreline of Tai Mei Tuk, east of Ma Shi Chau, and east of Yeung Chau (11.8 km northeast of the Project site) for the Development of a Bathing Beach at Lung Mei, Tai Po – EIA Report (CEDD, 2007). A number of coral colonies of Oulastrea crispata, Cyphastrea serailia and Psammocora superficialis were recorded, all are common and widespread in Hong Kong. Each site sustained less than 10 colonies with coral coverage being less than 5%.

9.4.2.11 In the Drainage Improvement in Sha Tin and Tai Po – EIA Report (DSD, 2007), a subtidal survey was undertaken off the shore of Shuen Wan. No colonies of either hard or soft corals were recorded.

9.4.2.12 Coral communities had been recorded at Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park and Port Island at the outfall of the Tolo Channel just on the eastern edge of the Tolo Harbour and Channel WCZ (AFCD, 2004). These coral communities are located more than 13.2 km northeast of the Project site.

9.4.2.13 Dive surveys were conducted along the coasts of Tai Po Landing Point and Pak Sha Tau Chau for the Proposed Submarine Gas Pipelines from Cheng Tou Jiao Liquefied Natural Gas Receiving Terminal, Shenzhen to Tai Po Gas Production Plant, Hong Kong – EIA Report. The Tai Po Landing only supported low coverage of hard coral (Oulastrea crispate and Goniopora sp.) and black coral (Antipatharia Antipathes sp.) (HKCGCL, 2003).

9.4.2.14 Coral surveys were conducted in 2001 off the western coast of Wu Kai Sha Tsui for the Feasibility Study for Housing Development at Whitehead and Lee On in Ma On Shan, Sha Tin – EIA Report. Only one colony of black coral (approximately 0.7 m in height and 0.8 m in width) Antipathes sp. was recorded, which was widespread and common in soft seabed (TDD, 2002). The black coral colony was small and made up less than 1% of the sea bottom surface, and is located more than 8.5 km northeast of the Project site. No hard corals or other rare species were observed.

Benthos

9.4.2.15 Benthos surveys were conducted within Sha Tin Hoi between STSTW and Science Park during the Development of the Sha Tin Cavern EIA Report. In total, 22 species were recorded, with annelids (Phylum Annelida) recorded as the most abundant and the most diverse phylum. No benthos species of conservation importance was recorded.

9.4.2.16 During the benthos surveys undertaken for the Development of a Bathing Beach at Lung Mei, Tai Po – EIA Report, core sampling was conducted in Shuen Wan Hoi. A total of 24 species of benthic organisms were recorded, which were dominated by organisms from the Phyla Annelida and Mollusca. Samples taken in shallow waters contained high biomass and low diversity and vice versa in deep waters. No rare species or species of conservation importance was observed (CEDD, 2007).

9.4.2.17 Benthic grab samples were collected in inner Tolo Harbour just south of the Tai Po Industrial Estate for the Proposed Submarine Gas Pipelines from Cheng Tou Jiao Liquefied Natural Gas Receiving Terminal, Shenzhen to Tai Po Gas Production Plant, Hong Kong – EIA Report. Survey results showed the benthic community to be dominated by polychaetes and was characterized as low species diversity, abundance and biomass (HKCGCL, 2003). No rare species or species of conservation importance was recorded.

9.4.2.18 In a territory-wide study on marine benthic communities in Hong Kong, four grab samples were taken from Tolo Harbour and Tolo Channel (AFCD, 2002). Low species richness (4 – 23 species per 0.5 m²) and abundance (26 – 106 individuals per m²) were recorded from the two grab samples taken from Tolo Harbour. The other two grab samples, taken from Tolo Channel, also recorded low species richness (7 – 26 species per 0.5 m²) and abundance (30 – 174 individuals per m²) (AFCD, 2002). No species of conservation importance was recorded.

Intertidal Communities

9.4.2.19 Intertidal surveys were conducted along the artificial shoreline of STSTW and Ma On Shan during the Development of the Sha Tin Cavern EIA Report. A total of 31 species were recorded at the five sampling locations. No intertidal species of conservation importance was recorded.

9.4.2.20 The communities of the intertidal flats of Shuen Wan were surveyed in the Drainage Improvement in Sha Tin and Tai Po EIA report. 30 species were recorded from Shuen Wan flats. Mudsnails (Batillaria spp. and Cerithidea spp.), sand snails (Cerithidea spp.) and rock oyster (Saccostrea cucullata) dominated these intertidal flats (DSD, 2007). No species of conservation importance was recorded.

9.4.2.21 During the intertidal surveys undertaken for the Development of a Bathing Beach at Lung Mei, Tai Po – EIA Report, sandy shore, mangrove and artificial shoreline were identified and surveyed. Sandy shore supported a low diversity of species dominated by common or very common rocky shore species found in Hong Kong (CEDD, 2007). The mangroves were relatively undisturbed and were found at the mouth of Shan Liu River and Ting Kok SSSI. The recorded dominant species with the height ranging from 0.3 m to 1.5 m, these included Kandelia obovata, Excoecaria agallocha, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Aegiceras corniculatum (CEDD, 2007). These mangroves are more than 11.8 km northeast of the Project site. The artificial shoreline located adjacent to the Tai Mei Tuk barbecue sites was disturbed and species diversity was low. No species of conservation importance was recorded.

9.4.2.22 Intertidal surveys were undertaken along the artificial seawall at the Tai Po Waterfront Park (south of the Tai Po Industrial Estate) for the Proposed Submarine Gas Pipelines from Cheng Tou Jiao Liquefied Natural Gas Receiving Terminal, Shenzhen to Tai Po Gas Production Plant, Hong Kong – EIA Report. Periwinkles (Littoraria articulata and Echinolittorina radiata), gastropod (Thais clavigera) and other sessile filter-feeder organisms, such as rock oysters (Saccostrea cucullata) and barnacles (Tetraclita squamosa) were recorded to dominate this habitat. No species of conservation importance was recorded (HKCGCL, 2003).

9.4.2.23 An intertidal survey was conducted in 1997 off the shore of Tolo Highway near Deerhill Bay and Pak Shek Kok Sports Center, for the Pak Shek Kok Development – EIA Report. Upon the development of Pak Shek Kok, this area is now reclaimed land. During the survey, the man-made intertidal habitat consisted of large boulders (>1 m diameter). Each intertidal region displayed different species composition. High shore was dominated by littorinids and topshell (Monodonta labio), mid shore was dominated by herbivorous gastropods and lower shore was dominated by sea slater (Ligia exotica) (TDD, 1998). All species recorded are typical of sheltered shores in Hong Kong. No species of conservation importance was recorded.

9.5 Survey Findings

9.5.1 Habitat and Vegetation

9.5.1.1 A total of nine habitat types were recorded within the 500 m assessment area during recent surveys, comprising woodland, mixed woodland, plantation, grassland, reservoir, village/orchard, developed area/ wasteland, natural and modified watercourses (Table 9.11 refers). Habitat maps and representative photographs of habitats recorded within assessment area are shown in Figure 9.3, Figures 9.3A – 9.3C and Appendix 9.2. Only two habitat types (developed area and modified watercourses) were recorded within the actual Project site.

Table 9.11 Habitats Recorded within the Assessment Area

Habitat Type	Total Area (ha)		% Assessment Area
Habitat Type	Within Project Site	Within 500m Assessment Area	% Assessment Area
Woodland	-	70.6	23.7%
Mixed Woodland	-	29.4	9.9%
Plantation	-	18.3	6.1%
Grassland	-	2.3	0.8%
Reservoir	-	8.7	2.9%
Village/Orchard	-	5.6	1.9%
Developed Area/Wasteland	4.3	151.9 (Including Project site)	51.0%
Natural Watercourse	-	0.4	0.1%
Modified Watercourse	6.8	10.9 (Including Project site)	3.7%
Total	11.1	298.0	100%

9.5.1.2 A total of 332 flora species were recorded during the ecological surveys (Appendix 9.3), with eight flora species of conservation importance recorded. The indicative locations and representative photographs of species of conservation importance are presented in Figure 9.3A – Figure 9.3C and Appendix 9.4. A summary of floral species of conservation importance recorded within the assessment area is presented in Table 9.12.

Table 9.12 List of Flora species of conservation importance recorded within the Assessment Area during Recent Survey

Common Name (Scientific Name)	Distribution in Hong Kong ⁽¹⁾	Protection Status	Habitat Recorded
Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis)	Common	Cap. 586 ⁽²⁾ Near Threatened ^{(3) (8)} Category II ⁽⁴⁾ Vulnerable ^{(5) (6) (7)}	WL, RES
Silver-back Artocarpus (Artocarpus hypargyreus)	Common	Near Threatened ^{(3) (8)} Endangered ⁽⁶⁾ Vulnerable ⁽⁷⁾	WL, MWL
Butulang Canthium (Canthium dicoccum)	Common	Vulnerable ⁽⁷⁾	WL
Lamb of Tartary (Cibotium barometz)	Very common	Cap. 586 ⁽²⁾ Vulnerable ⁽³⁾ Category II ⁽⁴⁾	WL
Small Persimmon (Diospyros vaccinioides)	Very common	Endangered⁽⁶⁾ Critically Endangered ⁽⁷⁾	WL
Luofushan Joint-fir (Gnetum luofuense)	Very common	Near Threatened ⁽⁷⁾	WL; MWL
Shrubby Ichnocarpus (Ichnocarpus frutescens)	Very rare	-	MWL
Hairy-fruited Ormosia (Ormosia pachycarpa)	Restricted	Endangered ⁽³⁾ Vulnerable ⁽⁶⁾	WL
Notes: 1. Wu & Lee (2000); Xing, et al. (2000); Siu (2000). 2. Protected by the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) 3. Hu, et al. (2003). Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong. 4. “List of Wild Plants under State Protection” (promulgated by the Ministry of Forestry in 1999). 5. Fu (1992). China Plant Red Data Book. Vol. 1 - Rare and Endangered Plants. 6. Qin, et al. (2017). Threatened Species List of China's Higher Plants. 7. IUCN (2022). IUCN Red List Version 2022-1 8. Feng, et al. (2002). Study on Rare and Endangered Plants and National Key Protected Plants in Guangdong. Habitat Type: WL: Woodland; MWL: Mixed Woodland; RES: Reservoir.

Woodland

9.5.1.3 Woodland was recorded to the north, north-east, south and south-east of the Lower Shing Mun Reservoir Main Dam, covering the majority of the western assessment area as well as north of Mei Chung Court and Peak One in the north-eastern assessment area. The habitat was composed of a moderate diversity of native and exotic species with trees of approximately 5 – 9 m tall. The canopy was dominated by tree species acronychia (Acronychia pedunculata), turn-in-the-wind (Mallotus paniculatus), ivy tree (Schefflera heptaphylla) and lance-leaved sterculia (Sterculia lanceolata), while understorey was colonised by a variety of shrubs, including desmos (Desmos chinensis), wild coffee (Psychotria asiatica) and oblong-leaved litsea (Litsea rotundifolia var. oblongifolia). Climber species, Dalbergia spp., was also commonly recorded along the woodland fringe.

9.5.1.4 Seven species of conservation importance were recorded from woodland habitats in the assessment area, comprising: incense tree (Aquilaria sinensis), silver-back artocarpus (Artocarpus hypargyreus), butulang canthium (Canthium dicoccum), lamb of tartary (Cibotium barometz), small persimmon (Diospyros vaccinioides), luofushan joint-fir (Gnetum luofuense) and hairy-fruited ormosia (Ormosia pachycarpa). As part of the village/orchard habitat is located within or adjacent to woodland, some fruit trees such as lychee (Litchi chinensis) and mango (Mangifera indica), were recorded in the habitat as well.

Mixed Woodland

9.5.1.5 Mixed woodland was scattered throughout the assessment area, with larger patches located at the north of Lower Shing Mun Road near Lower Shing Mun Reservoir Main Dam, south of Peak One and north of Green View Garden. Dominant canopy tree species included Taiwan acacia (Acacia confusa), Eucalyptus spp., elephant's ear (Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa) and turn-in-the-wind, ranging from 5 – 10 m in height. The understorey was colonised by a variety of shrubs, including pop-gun seed (Bridelia tomentosa), desmos and opposite-leaved fig (Ficus hispida). Three flora species of conservation importance were recorded including luofushan joint-fir, shrubby ichnocarpus (Ichnocarpus frutescens) and silver-back artocarpus.

Plantation

9.5.1.6 Patches of mature plantation are scattered around the fringe of other habitats (woodland, mixed woodland and developed area) on engineered slopes. Larger patches of this habitat are located at Mei Tin Estate, Tai Wai New Village, Mei Chung Court and May Shing Court. The structure of this habitat was simple, dominated by planted (often exotic) tree species such as Taiwan acacia, alongside common native and exotic trees such as white popinac (Leucaena leucocephala), elephant's ear and turn-in-the-wind. Understorey species included oriental blechnum (Blechnum orientale) and wood-fern (Cyclosorus parasiticus). No flora species of conservation importance were recorded.

Grassland

9.5.1.7 A patch of grassland was recorded at the slope of Lower Shing Mun Reservoir on the Lower Shing Mun Supply Basin. The structure of this habitat was very simple, composed of a variety of herbs, shrubs and climbers, mainly native species. Dominant species included ditch millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum var. orbiculare), sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica), Australian smut-grass (Sporobolus fertilis) and dichotomy forked fern (Dicranopteris pedata). The shrubs common melastoma (Melastoma malabathricum) and rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa), were also commonly found in this habitat. No flora species of conservation importance were recorded.

Reservoir

9.5.1.8 The Lower Shing Mun Reservoir is located in the western side of the assessment area. Limited vegetation was observed along the riparian habitats of the reservoir. Flora species recorded were all on the eastern slope of the reservoir adjacent to the Lower Shing Mun Supply Basin. Dominant species included exotic tree species Taiwan acacia, native herb species burma-reed (Neyraudia reynaudiana) and exotic herb species guinea grass (Panicum maximum). Self-sown exotic species such as lantana (Lantana camara) and white popinac were commonly recorded in this habitat. One flora species of conservation importance, incense tree, was recorded on the eastern slope of the reservoir, next to the grassland on Lower Shing Mun Supply Basin.

Village / Orchard

9.5.1.9 Patches of village habitat were recorded in Heung Fan Liu at the western and north-western side of the assessment area. Vegetation within the village habitat was dominated by planted shrub calamondin (Citrus mitis) and weedy trees white popinac, as well as some self-sown trees aporosa (Aporosa dioica) and elephant's ear.

9.5.1.10 An abandoned orchard (around 0.29 ha and entirely fenced off) was identified within Heung Fan Liu village. Abandoned water supply channel and terrace like concrete structure separating the orchard into different levels were observed. The habitat had a simple structure and supported mainly mature fruit trees, including jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), papaya (Carica papaya), pomelo (Citrus maxima), calamondin, wampi (Clausena lansium), longan (Dimocarpus longan), mango, banana (Musa x paradisiaca) and rose apple (Syzygium jambos). No flora species of conservation importance were recorded.

Developed Area / Wasteland

9.5.1.11 Developed areas / wasteland dominate the majority of assessment area, mainly comprised of roads, roadside plantings, residential areas, public facilities (e.g. school, playgrounds and museum) and public utilities. This habitat mostly located at both side of TWN, including Heung Fan Liu New Village, Mei Tin Estate, down to Man Lai Court and extending to south-eastern part of the assessment area. In general, vegetations recorded was mainly landscape and roadside planting as well as exotic plants, such as Taiwan acacia, candlenut tree (Aleurites moluccana), paper-bark tree (Melaleuca cajuputi cumingiana), flame tree (Delonix regia), white popinac, ixora (Ixora stricta) and pink powder puff (calliandra haematocephala). Mature trees along the northern bank of Shing Mun River Channel (from Block 3 of Man Lai Court to Sha Tin Government Secondary School) were identified as night roosting site for ardeids. These mature tree species included white popinac, Chinese banyan (Ficus microcarpa), cuban bast (Hibiscus tiliaceus) and elephant's ear. Part of this habitat was recorded within the Project site, with dominant species of Bidens alba, Chinese banyan and guinea grass (Panicum maximum). No flora species of conservation importance was recorded.

Natural Watercourse

9.5.1.12 A number of natural watercourses (S1 – S5) were recorded within the assessment area, including watercourses running through Heung Fan Liu (S1), east of Shatin 400 kV substation (S2), west (S3) and north (S4) of Mei Chung Court and north of Peak One (S5). Most of the natural watercourses are natural in terms of physical condition, except downstream of S3 and upstream of S4, which are partly modified at the banks. Water flow of all these natural watercourses have been greatly restricted due to water abstraction in the upper reaches. A very small natural watercourse was also identified at the east of Lower Shing Mun Reservoir, which partially runs along surface on the Lower Shing Mun Road down to hillside north of Lakeview Garden. This habitat was mainly dominated by native herb species, including giant alocasia (Alocasia macrorrhizos), diffuse day-flower (Commelina diffusa), dichotomy forked fern (Dicranopteris pedata), ladder brake (Pteris vittata), Chinese scaleseed sedge (Lepidosperma chinense) and golden-hair grass (Pogonatherum crinitum). No flora species of conservation importance were recorded from this habitat type.

9.5.1.13 Natural watercourse S1 has two tributaries that flow from the mountain northwest of Heung Fan Liu villages into upper section of TWN (in between stilling basin and Heung Fan Liu Bridge). It is fairly natural with width varies from <1 m to 3 m. Downstream of S1 within village/orchard habitat mainly comprised of rocky substrate with muddy bottom. Litter were commonly found along downstream of S1, particularly with municipal solid waste in the section within Heung Fan Liu Villages. Vegetation such as giant alocasia, diffuse day-flower, dichotomy forked fern, ladder brake and Bidens alba were commonly found in this natural watercourse.

9.5.1.14 The small natural watercourse S2 was recorded slowly flowing from outside of the assessment area through woodland habitat towards the mixed woodland at north-eastern side of Shatin 400 kV substation. It is fairly natural with width varies from 1 m to 5 m, with a clear and small water flow. It mainly comprises of rocky substrate with occasional sandy bottom. Vegetation such as taro (Colocasia esculenta), mile-a-minute weed (Mikania micrantha), dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia seguine), wood-fern and giant alocasia were recorded in this natural watercourse.

9.5.1.15 Other three natural watercourses located to the west (S3) and north (S4) of Mei Chung Court and north of Peak One (S5) were shaded by trees in adjacent habitats such as common red-stem fig (Ficus variegata), turn-in-the-wind and lance-leaved sterculia. These watercourses have a relatively natural substrate, except downstream of S3 and upstream of S4 are partly modified. Width of S3 are generally <1 m, while the modified part has a width of 6m. Width of S4 varies from 3 m to 14 m, while S5 varies from 4 m to 9 m with a relatively fast water flow rate.

Modified Watercourse

9.5.1.16 Modified watercourses recorded within the assessment area include the channelised TWN and Shing Mun River Channel, which together comprise the fifth largest habitat within the assessment area. No flora species of conservation importance was recorded in this habitat type.

9.5.1.17 The TWN is approximately 2 km long and is a typical trapezoidal drainage channel lined with concrete and provided with a low flow channel. Water flow in the TWN is restricted to the low flow channel most of the year at the upstream and midstream to the Tai Wai Soccer Pitch, after which the flow is tidally influenced. The completely hard paved channel and banks support limited vegetation which only developed in crevices in concrete bed and banks, and along the concreted drains. Common ruderal vegetation (such as Bidens alba) was recorded in the channel bed and along the low flow channel but in low abundance.

9.5.1.18 Surveys of TWN for this project divided the channel into six sections from upstream to downstream (Figure 9.3 refers). Section 6 at upstream starts from the Shing Mun Reservoir overflow dissipater (including the stilling basin) to Heung Fan Liu Bridge, followed by Section 5 to Block 2 of Parkview Garden, Section 4 to footbridge near Mei Yeung House of Mei Lam Estate, Section 3 to Buddhist Wong Wan Tin College basketball court, Section 2 to Shing Ho Building and Section 1 at downstream TWN up till the confluence with Shing Mun River Channel at Tower 1 of Man Lai Court.

9.5.1.19 Upstream Section 6 is approximately 420 m in length, comprising a small patch of disturbed wetland vegetation within the stilling basin and a section of concrete lined channel. The stilling basin is 0.18 ha in size, and while lined with concrete, deposition of fine sediments has allowed some wetland and terrestrial plant species to establish. Dominant species in this area were mainly herbs, such as taro, diffuse day-flower, umbrella plant (Cyperus involucratus), Ludwigia decurrens, Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis) and hairy knotweed (Persicaria barbata). The width of channel section varies from 35 m to 40 m with a low flow channel (1.5 m wide). Flow rate in the channel section was slow with limited water, algae was also observed along low flow channel during the surveys.

9.5.1.20 Sections 2 to 5 extend from Heung Fan Liu Bridge to Shing Ho Building with similar channel characteristics. Channel width is the same along these four sections (35 m), while the low flow channel gradually increases from 1.5 m (Section 5 to mid-Section 3) to 2.5 m (mid-Section 3 to Section 2) in width. There are several mature trees (mostly Chinese banyan) along the TWN banks along these stretches, with the roots of these trees observed growing on the surface of the channel banks to the channel bed. Aside from planted trees, vegetation in these sections was limited to sparse, common ruderal vegetation.

9.5.1.21 Section 1 (400 m) is tidally influenced. Its width increases gradually from 35 m to 60 m towards the confluence with Shing Mun River Channel with a 2.5 m low flow channel up to the confluence of Shing Mun River Channel and TWN. Sandy sediments were observed deposited in the channel due to tidal movement from the Shing Mun River Channel. At the confluence, there are two large concrete ramps which is used for vehicular access to the nullah bed to facilitate desilting works at the mouth of the nullah. These concrete access ramps running alongside Man Lai Count Block 1 and 2 (Section 1) to Hong Kong Heritage Museum were identified as pre-roosting site for ardeids.

9.5.1.22 The other major channelised watercourse is the Shing Mun River Channel which is located at downstream of TWN and at the eastern end of the assessment area. The channel increases gradually from 60 m to 79 m wide, with the entire channel width submerged with water except during very low tides. The channel is also completely concrete lined with limited self-seeded vegetation growing on the crevices at bankside.

9.5.2 Terrestrial Fauna

Avifauna

9.5.2.1 A total of 53 avifauna species were recorded within the assessment area, including 33 species in the Project site. While most recorded species are common and widespread in Hong Kong, twelve are considered species of conservation importance (Table 9.13 refers). The full list of avifauna species recorded, their protection status, and habitats recorded in are presented in Appendix 9.5. Low diversity of avifauna were recorded with the Project site, with only eight species of conservation importance recorded (Table 9.13 refers). Six of the recorded species of conservation importance are common wetland dependant species that were observed in the downstream tidal Section 1 of TWN, comprising great egret (Ardea alba), grey heron (Ardea cinerea), Chinese pond heron (Ardeola bacchus), collared crow (Corvus torquatus), little egret (Egretta garzetta) and black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax). The other two species of conservation importance, greater coucal (Centropus sinensis) and rufous-capped babbler (Stachyridopsis ruficeps) are common resident birds recorded on trees at upstream stilling basin (Section 6) adjacent to Heung Fan Liu.

9.5.2.2 Two raptor species of conservation importance, namely black kite (Milvus migrans) and Eastern buzzard (Buteo japonicus) were recorded in-flight over of woodland habitats in western side of assessment area. Black kite was also recorded in-flight above village / orchard habitat near Heung Fan Liu and developed area habitats downstream TWN (Section 1) near Man Lai Court.

9.5.2.3 Two other species of conservation importance, common emerald dove (Chalcophaps indica) and mountain bulbul (Ixos mcclellandii) were recorded from woodland / mixed woodland habitats relatively distant from the Project site (approximately 320 m and 245 m respectively).

Table 9.13 Avifauna Species of Conservation Importance Recorded within the Assessment Area during Recent Survey

Common Name (Scientific Name) ⁽¹⁾	Distribution in Hong Kong ⁽³⁾	Protection Status	Habitat Recorded ⁽¹⁰⁾
Common Name (Scientific Name) ⁽¹⁾	Distribution in Hong Kong ⁽³⁾	Protection Status	Within Project Site	Within 500m Assessment Area
Great Egret ⁽⁹⁾ (Ardea alba)	Common resident and winter visitor	PRC (RC) ⁽⁴⁾	MWC	MWC; DA
Grey Heron ⁽⁹⁾ (Ardea cinerea)	Common winter visitor	PRC ⁽⁴⁾	MWC	MWC; DA
Chinese Pond Heron ⁽⁹⁾ (Ardeola bacchus)	Common resident	PRC (RC) ⁽⁴⁾	MWC	-
Eastern Buzzard ⁽⁹⁾ (Buteo japonicus)	Common winter visitor	Cap. 586 ⁽²⁾ Class II ⁽⁵⁾	-	WL
Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis)	Common resident	Class II ⁽⁵⁾ Vulnerable ⁽⁶⁾	DA	WL; MWL; DA
Common Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica)	Scarce but widespread resident	Vulnerable ⁽⁶⁾	-	WL; MWL
Collared Crow ⁽⁹⁾ (Corvus torquatus)	Uncommon resident	LC ⁽⁴⁾ Near Threatened ⁽⁷⁾ Vulnerable ⁽⁸⁾	MWC	MWC
Little Egret ⁽⁹⁾ (Egretta garzetta)	Common resident	PRC (RC) ⁽⁴⁾	MWC; DA	MWC; RES; DA
Mountain Bulbul (Ixos mcclellandii)	Rare resident	-	-	WL
Black Kite ⁽⁹⁾ (Milvus migrans)	Common resident and winter visitor	Cap. 586 ⁽²⁾ (RC) ⁽⁴⁾ Class II ⁽⁵⁾	-	WL; VO; DA
Black-crowned Night Heron ⁽⁹⁾ (Nycticorax nycticorax)	Common resident and winter visitor	(LC) ⁽⁴⁾	MWC	MWC
Rufous-capped Babbler (Stachyridopsis ruficeps)	Common resident	LC ⁽⁴⁾	DA	WL; MWL
Notes: 1. All wild birds are protected under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170). 2. Protected under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). 3. AFCD (2020a). Hong Kong Biodiversity Database. 4. Fellowes, et al. (2002): LC=Local Concern; PRC=Potential Regional Concern; RC=Regional Concern. *Letters in parentheses indicate that the assessment is on the basis of restrictedness in nesting and/or roosting sites rather than in general occurrence. 5. “List of Wild Animals Under State Protection” (promulgated by State Forestry Administration and Ministry of Agriculture on 14 January 1989). 6. Zheng & Wang (1998). China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals: Aves. 7. Jiang, et al. (2016). Red List of China's Vertebrates. 8. IUCN (2022). IUCN Red List Version 2022-1 9. Wetland-dependent species (including wetland-dependent species and waterbirds). Habitat Type: WL: Woodland; MWL: Mixed Woodland; MWC: Modified Watercourse; RES: Reservoir; VO: Village/Orchard; DA: Developed Area/Wasteland.

9.5.2.4 Ardeid pre-roosting and night roosting behaviour was recorded at the downstream section of TWN and adjacent areas of Shing Mun River Channel. The concrete access ramps alongside downstream TWN from Man Lai Court Block 1 and 2 (Section 1) to Hong Kong Heritage Museum were observed to be pre-roosting site for ardeids, while various mature trees (white popinac, Chinese banyan, cuban bast and elephant's ear) on the northern bank of Shing Mun River Channel (from Block 3 of Man Lai Court to Sha Tin Government Secondary School) formed the night roosting site. The peak returning period of the ardeid to night roosting site was observed to be 15 - 45 mins before or after sunset is for night roosting site sunset. During the wet season, relatively few numbers of ardeid were observed using the night roost. This behaviour changed in the dry season, where larger numbers of ardeids were observed congregating at the pre-roost in the late afternoon before moving to the roost at dusk (Table 9.14).

Table 9.14 Number of Pre-roosting / Night Roosting Ardeids Recorded

Ardeid Species	Number of Ardeids Recorded
Ardeid Species	Wet Season (Pre-roost+ Night roost)	Dry Season (Pre-roost+ Night roost)	Dry Season (Additional Site Check on Night roost)
Great Egret (Ardea alba)	4	44	47
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)	-	4	3
Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus)	-	-	1
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)	11	60	57
Total	15	108	108

9.5.2.5 Flight paths of ardeids around the confluence of the TWN and Shing Mun River Channel were also recorded during the pre-roost/night roost surveys. It was noted the vast majority of recorded flights (84%) were along the Shing Mun River Channel, either to or from downstream sections of the channel. Relative percentages of ardeid usage of each flight path are presented in Table 9.15 and results from flight path survey are presented in Figure 9.4.

Table 9.15 Relative Percentage of Ardeid Usage in each Flight Path

Flight Path (FP)	Number of Ardeids	Relative Percentage of Ardeid Usage
FP 1	38	46%
FP 2	5	6%
FP 3	23	28%
FP 4	3	4%
FP 5	13	16%
Note: This table does not reflect the actual number of ardeids utilising TWN, as the number of ardeids recorded flying away from TWN may include those flew back and out again.

Butterflies

9.5.2.6 A total of 59 butterfly species were recorded from recent survey within the assessment area, with five species of conservation importance recorded (Table 9.16). The full list of butterfly species recorded, their protection status, and habitats recorded in are presented in Appendix 9.5. Four species of conservation importance, including danaid eggfly (Hypolimnas misippus), metallic cerulean (Jamides alaya alocina), malayan (Megisba alaya sikkima) and tiny grass blue (Zizula hylax) were recorded at developed area around the upstream stilling basin. While common archduke (Lexias pardalis) was recorded at village/orchard habitat in Heung Fan Liu.

Table 9.16 Butterfly Species of Conservation Importance Recorded within the Assessment Area during Recent Survey

Common Name (Scientific Name)	Distribution in Hong Kong ⁽¹⁾	Protection Status	Habitat Recorded ⁽³⁾
Common Name (Scientific Name)	Distribution in Hong Kong ⁽¹⁾	Protection Status	Within Project site	Within 500m Assessment Area
Danaid Eggfly (Hypolimnas misippus)	Uncommon	LC ⁽²⁾	MWC; DA	WL
Metallic Cerulean (Jamides alecto alocina)	Very rare	-	DA	-
Common Archduke (Lexias pardalis)	Unknown; First recorded in 2008, monitoring underway	-	-	VO
Malayan (Megisba malaya sikkima)	Very rare; Species of Conservation Concern	LC ⁽²⁾	DA	-
Tiny Grass Blue (Zizula hylax)	Very rare; Species of Conservation Concern	-	DA	-
Notes: 1. AFCD (2020a). Hong Kong Biodiversity Database. 2. Fellowes, et al. (2002): LC=Local Concern. Habitat Type: WL: Woodland; MWC: Modified Watercourse; VO: Village/Orchard; DA: Developed Area/Wasteland.

Odonates

9.5.2.7 A total of 21 odonate species were recorded from recent survey within the assessment area, with two species of conservation importance recorded (Table 9.17). The full list of odonate species recorded, their protection status and habitats recorded in are presented in Appendix 9.5. Both species of conservation importance, Chinese cascader (Zygonyx asahinai) and emerald cascader (Zygonyx iris insignis) were recorded at developed area near Lower Shing Mun Supply Basin. The Project site supported very low diversity and abundance of odonate species with only six abundant and widespread species recorded.

Table 9.17 Odonate Species of Conservation Importance Recorded within the Assessment Area during Recent Survey

Common Name (Scientific Name)	Distribution in Hong Kong ⁽¹⁾	Protection Status	Habitat Recorded ⁽³⁾
Common Name (Scientific Name)	Distribution in Hong Kong ⁽¹⁾	Protection Status	Within Project Site	Within 500m Assessment Area
Chinese Cascader (Zygonyx asahinai)	Uncommon; Scattered	GC ⁽²⁾	-	DA
Emerald Cascader (Zygonyx iris insignis)	Abundant; Widespread	PGC ⁽²⁾	-	DA
Notes: 1. AFCD (2020a). Hong Kong Biodiversity Database. 2. Fellowes, et al. (2002): PGC=Potential Global Concern; GC=Global Concern. Habitat Type: DA: Developed Area/Wasteland.

Herpetofauna

9.5.2.8 A total of ten reptile and seven amphibian species were recorded within the assessment area. The full list of herpetofauna species recorded, their protection status and habitats recorded in are presented in Appendix 9.5. The Project site supported very low diversity and abundance of herpetofauna with no species of conservation importance recorded. While most of the recorded species are widely distributed throughout Hong Kong (AFCD, 2020a), four reptile species of conservation importance were recorded (Table 9.18).

9.5.2.9 Both tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) and many-banded krait (Bungarus multicinctus multicinctus) were recorded in woodland habitat near Lower Shing Mun Reservoir. Mountain water snake (Sinonatrix percarinata percarinata) was recorded within section of S1 running within Heung Fan Liu Village while tadpoles of lesser spiny frog (Quasipaa exilispinosa) were recorded at smaller tributary of S1. Four-clawed gecko (Gehyra mutilate) was recorded within village habitat near Heung Fan Liu.

Table 9.18 Herpetofauna Species of Conservation Importance Recorded within the Assessment Area during Recent Survey

Common Name (Scientific Name)	Distribution in Hong Kong ⁽¹⁾	Protection Status	Habitat Recorded⁽⁷⁾
Common Name (Scientific Name)	Distribution in Hong Kong ⁽¹⁾	Protection Status	Within Project Site	Within 500m Assessment Area
Amphibians
Lesser Spiny Frog (Quasipaa exilispinosa)	Occurs throughout territory	PGC ⁽²⁾ Vulnerable ⁽⁵⁾	-	NWC
Reptiles
Many-banded Krait (Bungarus multicinctus multicinctus)	Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong	PRC ⁽²⁾ Vulnerable ⁽³⁾ Endangered ⁽⁵⁾	-	WL
Four-clawed Gecko (Gehyra mutilate)	Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong	Vulnerable ⁽³⁾	-	VO
Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko)	Distributed on Lamma Island, Lantau Island, Hong Kong Island, Lion Rock Country Park, Ma On Shan Country Park and Pat Sin Leng Country Park. Some population are considered as escaped from snake shops.	RC ⁽²⁾ Endangered ⁽³⁾ Class II ⁽⁴⁾ Critically Endangered ⁽⁵⁾		WL
Mountain Water Snake (Sinonatrix percarinata percarinata)	Distributed in streams in central New Territories (Shing Mun Country Park, Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, Tai Lam Country Park)	LC ⁽²⁾ Vulnerable ⁽⁵⁾	-	NWC
Notes: 1. AFCD (2020a). Hong Kong Biodiversity Database. 2. Fellowes, et al. (2002): LC=Local Concern; PRC=Potential Regional Concern; RC=Regional Concern; PGC=Potential Global Concern. 3. Zhao (1998). China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals. Amphibia and Reptilia. 4. “List of Wild Animals Under State Protection” (promulgated by State Forestry Administration and Ministry of Agriculture on 14 January 1989). 5. Jiang, et al. (2016). Red List of China's Vertebrates. 6. IUCN (2022). IUCN Red List Version 2022-1 Habitat Type: WL: Woodland; NWC: Natural Watercourse; VO: Village/Orchard

Mammals

9.5.2.10 Eight mammal species (Table 9.19) were recorded within the Assessment with all considered of conservation importance. The full list of mammal species recorded, their protection status and habitats recorded in are presented in Appendix 9.5. Most of the recorded species are common or very common in Hong Kong with only one uncommon species, least pipistrelle (Pipistrellus tenuis) and one rare species, Chinese pipistrelle (Hypsugo pulveratus) recorded. Only two species were recorded within the Project site. Day roost of short-nosed fruit bats (Cynopterus sphinx) was observed on Chinese fan-palm (Livistona chinensis) alongside Man Lai Court, while Chinese noctule (Nyctalus plancyi) was recorded at culvert near Heung Fan Liu Bridge in Section 5 of the Project site.

Table 9.19 Mammal Species of Conservation Importance Recorded within the Assessment Area during Recent Survey

Common Name (Scientific Name) ⁽¹⁾	Distribution in Hong Kong ⁽³⁾	Protection Status	Habitat Recorded ⁽⁸⁾
Common Name (Scientific Name) ⁽¹⁾	Distribution in Hong Kong ⁽³⁾	Protection Status	Within Project Site	Within 500m Assessment Area
Short-nosed Fruit Bat (Cynopterus sphinx)	Very Common	Indeterminate ⁽⁶⁾ Near Threatened ⁽⁷⁾	DA	DA
Himalayan Leaf-nosed Bat (Hipposideros armiger)	Very Common	(LC) ⁽⁴⁾	-	WL
Chinese Pipistrelle (Hypsugo pulveratus)	Rare; Species of Conservation Concern	(LC) ⁽⁴⁾ Near Threatened ⁽⁷⁾	-	DA
Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta)	Common	Cap. 586 ⁽²⁾ Class II ⁽⁵⁾ Vulnerable ⁽⁶⁾	-	WL; MWL DA
Chinese Noctule (Nyctalus plancyi)	Common	PRC, (RC) ⁽⁴⁾	MWC	DA
Japanese Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus abramus)	Very Common	-	-	WL
Least Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus tenuis)	Uncommon	Near Threatened ⁽⁷⁾	-	WL; DA
Lesser Bamboo Bat (Tylonycteris pachypus)	Very Common	(LC) ⁽⁴⁾ Rare ⁽⁶⁾	-	WL
Notes: 1. All the recorded species are protected under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170). 2. Protected under Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). 3. AFCD (2020a). Hong Kong Biodiversity Database. 4. Fellowes, et al. (2002): LC=Local Concern; PRC=Potential Regional Concern; RC=Regional Concern. *Letters in parentheses indicate that the assessment is on the basis of restrictedness in nesting and/or roosting sites rather than in general occurrence. 5. “List of Wild Animals Under State Protection” (promulgated by State Forestry Administration and Ministry of Agriculture on 14 January 1989). 6. Wang (1998). China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals. Mammalia. 7. Jiang, et al. (2016). Red List of China's Vertebrates. Habitat Type: WL: Woodland; MWL: Mixed Woodland; MWC: Modified Watercourse; DA: Developed Area/Wasteland.

Freshwater Communities

9.5.2.11 A total of 20 freshwater fauna species were recorded within the assessment area. The full list of freshwater species recorded, their protection status and habitats recorded in are presented in Appendix 9.5. Among the recorded species, there are two species of conservation importance with none recorded within the Project site (Table 9.20). Both crab species, stream crab (Cryptopotamon anacoluthon) and Somanniathelphusa zanklon, were recorded in S1 section within Heung Fan Liu Village.

9.5.2.12 An individual of *rare pond snail (**Sinotaia* *quadrata) and nymphs of three abundant odonate species: red-faced skimmer (**Orthetrum* *chrysis), orange-tailed midget (**Agriocnemis* *femina oryzae) and crimson dropwing (**Trithemis* aurora) were recorded in the stilling basin in Section 6.

Table 9.20 Freshwater Species of Conservation Importance Recorded within the Assessment Area during Recent Survey

Common Name (Scientific Name)	Distribution in Hong Kong ^(1)(2)(3)	Protection Status	Habitat Recorded ⁽⁶⁾
Common Name (Scientific Name)	Distribution in Hong Kong ^(1)(2)(3)	Protection Status	Within Project Site	Within 500m Assessment Area
Stream Crab (Cryptopotamon anacoluthon)	Endemic to Hong Kong; Very Common	PGC ⁽⁴⁾ Vulnerable ⁽⁵⁾	-	NWC
(Somanniathelphusa zanklon)	Considered endemic	GC ⁽⁴⁾ Endangered ⁽⁵⁾	-	NWC
Notes: 1. Lee, et al.(2004). Field Guide to the Freshwater Fish of Hong Kong. 2. AFCD (2020a). Hong Kong Biodiversity Database. 3. Dudgeon (2003). Hillstreams - Hong Kong Field Guides 2. 4. Fellowes, et al. (2002): PGC=Potential Global Concern; GC=Global Concern. 5. IUCN (2022). IUCN Red List Version 2022-1 Habitat Type: NWC: Natural Watercourse.

9.5.3 Marine Fauna

Coral Communities

9.5.3.1 Spot-check dives were carried out along two routes (DR1 to DR2, refer to Figure 9.2). The water depth along the dive routes ranges from 1 m to 4 m. The subtidal habitats at the dive routes mainly comprise artificial sloping boulders and concrete vertical seawall. Physical conditions of the two survey routes were similar but of different substrates. Bottom substrates along DR1 was mainly artificial sloping boulders while DR2 was mainly muddy and sandy substrate. Limited marine life was recorded from the spot-check dive, with two coral species recorded: Oulastrea crispata and Porites lutea. A very low coverage was recorded in DR1, while no coral was recorded at DR2. Details of coral recorded from spot-check dives are presented in Table 9.21.

Table 9.21 Species, Coverage and Size of Corals Found at the Spot-check Dive Sites

Site	Depth (m)	Approximate Coral Coverage (%)	Coral Species	Distribution in Hong Kong ⁽¹⁾
DR1	1.5 - 4	<1%	Oulastrea crispata	Common
DR1	1.5 - 4	<1%	Porites lutea	Dominant
DR2	1 - 3.5	-	-	-
Note: 1. Chan, et al. (2005b).

9.5.3.2 Five REA transects (T1 to T5) were deployed, which corresponded to spot-check dive routes DR1 (refer to Figure 9.2). Results from the REA dive transects was similar to the spot-check dive survey, with low coverage of coral species recorded, including Oulastrea crispata and Porites lutea. While both recorded species are either dominant or common in Hong Kong, they are species of conservation importance protected under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).

Benthic Communities

9.5.3.3 Benthic grab sampling surveys were conducted at sampling sites B1 and B2 (refer to Figure 9.2). A total of 8 and 85 specimens were collected during dry season and wet season respectively (refer to Table 9.22). A total of 8 species were identified, with Annelids recorded as the most abundant and diverse phylum. No species of conservation importance were recorded. The list of collected specimens during both dry and wet seasons of the benthic community are presented in Appendix 9.6.

9.5.3.4 No particular dominance was observed during dry and wet season at B1 while B2 was devoid of benthic fauna. At sampling location B1, lower Shannon Diversity Index (H’) and higher Pielou’s Evenness Index (J) were observed in dry season when compared with wet season (refer to Table 9.23).

Table 9.22 Total Abundance and Biomass of Each Faunal Group

Fauna Group	No. of individuals	Percentage (%)	Biomass (g)	Percentage (%)
Dry Season
Annelida	8	100	0.01	100
Total	8	-	0.01	-
Wet Season
Annelida	66	78	5.89	24
Mollusca	19	22	18.39	76
Total	85	-	24.28	-

Table 9.23 Total Abundance and Biomass Recorded from Each Sampling Sites

Sampling site	No. of individuals	Biomass (g)	Species Evenness (J)	Species Diversity (H’)
Dry Season
B1	8	0.01	0.89	0.97
B2	/	/	/	/
Total	8	0.01	-	-
Wet Season
B1	85	24.28	0.54	1.30
B2	/	/	/	/
Total	85	24.28	-	-

Intertidal Communities

9.5.3.5 Intertidal communities were surveyed at three locations (N1 to N3) during both dry and wet seasons (refer to Figure 9.2). All of the sampled intertidal habitats comprised of artificial sloping rip-rap or artificial vertical seawall. A total of 13 and 15 intertidal species were recorded from dry and wet seasons respectively. All recorded intertidal species were either “common” or “very common” in Hong Kong with no records of any species of conservation importance. The lists of recorded intertidal species during both dry and wet seasons are presented in Appendix 9.7. Abundance and diversity of species were generally higher at sampling location N1 in both dry and wet seasons. Although overall species richness was generally low at all sampling locations.

9.6 Ecological Value

9.6.1.1 The ecological importance of recorded habitats was evaluated in accordance with the EIAO-TM Annex 8 criteria and presented in Table 9.24 to Table 9.33 below. Species of conservation importance identified from recent survey findings and literature review of previous study (DSD, 2019; AFCD, 2020c) are summarised in Table 9.34.

Woodland

9.6.1.2 Woodland habitat identified within the assessment area was considered to be of moderate to high value due to its naturalness, size, flora and fauna diversity, and its ecological linkage to natural streams. The habitat supported the greatest diversity and abundance of avifauna and butterflies amongst all recorded habitats.

Table 9.24 Ecological Evaluation of Woodland within the Assessment Area

Criteria	Woodland
Naturalness	High – habitat generated from natural succession
Size	Large (70.6 ha)
Diversity	n Moderate to high floral diversity n Moderate faunal diversity
Rarity	n Common habitat in Hong Kong Recent Survey n Seven flora, six avifauna, one butterfly, five mammals and two reptiles species of conservation importance recorded Previous Study n Two flora, three avifauna, one butterfly, two amphibian and one mammal species of conservation importance recorded
Re-creatability	Low to moderate – decades needed for woodland to establish and mature
Fragmentation	Moderate – woodland habitats in assessment area are interspersed with developed area and villages/orchard
Ecological linkage	Structurally connected to adjacent natural watercourses
Potential value	Moderate to high (given protection for natural succession)
Nursery/ breeding ground	No record of nursery or breeding ground.
Age	N/A
Abundance/ Richness of wildlife	Moderate to High
Ecological value	Moderate to High

Mixed Woodland

9.6.1.3 Mixed woodland habitats within the assessment area were considered to be of moderate ecological value as this habitat is moderately natural, moderate in size with moderate to high floral diversity, time would also be needed for re-creation of the habitat once it is lost.

Table 9.25 Ecological Evaluation of Mixed Woodland within the Assessment Area

Criteria	Mixed Woodland
Naturalness	Moderate – Mostly from plantation and gradually undergo natural succession
Size	Moderate (29.4 ha)
Diversity	n Moderate to high floral diversity n Low to moderate faunal diversity
Rarity	Common habitat in Hong Kong Recent Survey n Three flora, three avifauna and one mammal species of conservation importance recorded Previous Study n No previous records of species of conservation importance
Re-creatability	Moderate – time needed to establish mixed woodland habitat
Fragmentation	Moderate – part of the mixed woodland habitat in assessment area are interspersed with developed area/wasteland and villages/orchard
Ecological linkage	Partially and structurally connected to adjacent woodland
Potential value	Moderate (given partially connected to woodland habitat and protection for natural succession)
Nursery/ breeding ground	No record of nursery or breeding ground.
Age	N/A
Abundance/ Richness of wildlife	Moderate
Ecological value	Moderate

Plantation

9.6.1.4 Plantation habitats within the assessment area were artificially created and mainly comprised exotic tree planting on slopes within developed areas with low floral, faunal diversity and wildlife richness. Only two fauna groups, avifauna and butterfly were recorded in the habitat. The ecological value of this habitat is low given its low diversity of flora and fauna and scattered nature. This habitat is considered as of low ecological value.

Table 9.26 Ecological Evaluation of Plantation within the Assessment Area

Criteria	Plantation
Naturalness	Low – artificial habitat
Size	Moderate (18.3 ha)
Diversity	n Low floral diversity n Low faunal diversity
Rarity	n Common man-made habitat in Hong Kong. Recent Survey n No species of conservation importance recorded Previous Study n No previous records of species of conservation importance
Re-creatability	High
Fragmentation	Moderate – scattered plantation habitats in assessment area
Ecological linkage	Connected to adjacent woodland and mixed woodland
Potential value	Low
Nursery/ breeding ground	No records of nursery or breeding ground
Age	Young
Abundance/ Richness of wildlife	Low
Ecological value	Low

Grassland

9.6.1.5 Grassland habitats within the assessment area supported low floral diversity of predominately native herbs and shrubs. Only two fauna groups, avifauna and butterfly were recorded in the habitat. The ecological value of this habitat is considered as low due to its low naturalness, small in size, low rarity, high re-creatability and very low to low diversity of flora and fauna.

Table 9.27 Ecological Evaluation of Grassland within the Assessment Area

Criteria	Grassland
Naturalness	Low – man-made habitat
Size	Small (2.3 ha)
Diversity	n Low floral diversity n Very low faunal diversity
Rarity	n Common habitat in Hong Kong. Recent Survey n No species of conservation importance recorded Previous Study n No previous records of species of conservation importance
Re-creatability	High
Fragmentation	Low
Ecological linkage	Structurally connected to adjacent woodland and mixed woodland
Potential value	Low
Nursery/ breeding ground	No records of nursery or breeding ground
Age	N/A
Abundance/ Richness of wildlife	Low
Ecological value	Low

Reservoir

9.6.1.6 Reservoir habitat within the assessment area supported low floral diversity of self-sowed and introduced exotic plant species. This habitat supported low abundance and diversity of fauna, mostly odonate, followed by herpetofauna and avifauna. Given that this is a man-made habitat, the ecological value of this habitat is considered as low.

Table 9.28 Ecological Evaluation of Reservoir within the Assessment Area

Criteria	Reservoir
Naturalness	Low – artificial habitat
Size	Small (8.7 ha)
Diversity	n Low floral diversity n Low faunal diversity
Rarity	n Common man-made habitat in Hong Kong Recent Survey n One flora, one avifauna species of conservation importance recorded Previous Study n No previous records of species of conservation importance
Re-creatability	High
Fragmentation	Low
Ecological linkage	None observed
Potential value	Low
Nursery/ breeding ground	No record of any nursery or breeding ground
Age	About 56 years
Abundance/ Richness of wildlife	Low
Ecological value	Low

Village / Orchard

9.6.1.7 Village / Orchard habitat within the assessment area supported moderate to high floral diversity of predominantly herbs and shrubs. This habitat supported low abundance but low to moderate diversity of fauna, mostly avifauna and butterflies. Given that this is a man-made habitat which was disturbed by human activities, the ecology value of this habitat is considered as low to moderate.

Table 9.29 Ecological Evaluation of Village/Orchard within the Assessment Area

Criteria	Village/Orchard
Naturalness	Low – artificial habitat
Size	Small (5.6 ha)
Diversity	n Moderate to high floral diversity n Low to moderate faunal diversity
Rarity	n Common man-made habitat in Hong Kong Recent Survey n One avifauna, one butterfly species of conservation importance recorded Previous Study n No previous records of species of conservation importance
Re-creatability	High
Fragmentation	Low
Ecological linkage	Structural linkage to the adjacent woodland
Potential value	Low
Nursery/ breeding ground	No records of nursey or breeding ground
Age	N/A
Abundance/ Richness of wildlife	Low
Ecological value	Low to Moderate

Developed Area / Wasteland

9.6.1.8 Developed areas within the Project site mainly comprised of pedestrian road, roadside planting and open space. Whereas developed area / wasteland out of Project site comprised of roads, roadside planting, residential areas, public facilities and public utilities. This habitat was subjected to high level of human disturbance. It supported low to moderate diversity but low abundance of flora species, with majority of them being exotic and/or ornamental species, as well as low to moderate faunal diversity and abundance. Ardeid night roosts were recorded on planted mature trees on the northern bank of Shing Mun River Channel (from Block 3 of Man Lai Court to Sha Tin Government Secondary School), just out of the Project site. This area has relatively higher ecological value of low to moderate due to the ecological function provided to ardeids. While the remaining area is highly re-creatable and has low ecological potential, ecological value of the remaining developed area habitat is therefore considered as low.

Table 9.30 Ecological Evaluation of Developed Area within the Assessment Area

Criteria	Developed Area/Wasteland
Naturalness	Low
Size	Very large (151.9 ha)
Diversity	Project site n Low floral diversity, but most are exotic and/or planted n Low to moderate faunal diversity Assessment Area outside of Project site n Low to moderate floral diversity, but most are exotic and/or planted n Low to moderate faunal diversity
Rarity	n Common habitat in Hong Kong Recent Survey Project site n Three avifauna, one butterfly, one mammal species of conservation importance recorded Assessment Area outside of Project site n Five avifauna, two odonate, five mammal species of conservation importance recorded n Ardeid night roosts were recorded on planted trees on the northern bank of Shing Mun River Channel (from Block 3 of Man Lai Court to Sha Tin Government Secondary School) Previous Study n Two flora, two avifauna, one odonate, one reptile, one amphibian, one mammal species of conservation importance recorded n Ardeids were also recorded actively using the night roost at Tai Wai, along Shing Mun River near Caritas Lok Jun School
Re-creatability	High
Fragmentation	Low
Ecological linkage	None observed
Potential value	Low
Nursery/ breeding ground	No record of any nursery or breeding ground
Age	N/A
Abundance/ Richness of wildlife	Low to moderate
Ecological value	Low to Moderate – for ardeid night roosting site on the northern bank of Shing Mun River Channel Low – for remaining developed area

Natural Watercourse

9.6.1.9 The natural watercourse habitats (S1 – S5) within the assessment area supported low floral diversity of predominantly native herbs. This habitat supported low diversity of fauna, mainly odonate and freshwater community species. Given that S1 – S5 are very small in scale (0.4ha in total) and only four fauna of conservation importance recorded, its ecological value is considered as low to moderate.

Table 9.31 Ecological Evaluation of Natural Watercourse within the Assessment Area

Criteria	Natural Watercourse
Criteria	S1	S2	S3	S4	S5
Naturalness	High	High	High at upstream Low at downstream	Low at upstream High at downstream	High
Size/ Length	Very small 1.39 km	Very small 0.26 km	Very small 0.22 km	Very small 0.40 km	Very small 0.18 km
Diversity	n Low floral diversity n Low faunal diversity
Rarity	n Common habitat in Hong Kong. Recent Survey n One amphibian, one reptile and two freshwater community species of conservation importance recorded Previous Study n One freshwater community species of conservation importance recorded
Re-creatability	Low	Low	Low at upstream High at downstream	High at upstream Low at downstream	Low
Fragmentation	Low	Low	Low to moderate	Low to moderate	Low
Ecological linkage	Structurally connected to adjacent woodland	Structurally connected to adjacent mixed woodland and woodland	Structurally connected to adjacent mixed woodland	Structurally connected to adjacent woodland
Potential value	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Nursery/ breeding ground	Tadpoles of lesser spiny frog recorded	No record of nursery or breeding ground.	No record of nursery or breeding ground.	No record of nursery or breeding ground.	No record of nursery or breeding ground.
Age	N/A
Abundance / Richness of wildlife	Low to Moderate
Ecological value	Low to Moderate

Modified Watercourse

9.6.1.10 The modified watercourse habitats identified within the assessment area mainly included TWN and Shing Mun River Channel, in which both were completely lined with concrete and supported limited flora species. Whole area of TWN falls within the Project site, with flora species predominately recorded in the artificial wetland in upstream stilling basin, while most of the fauna species were recorded in tidally influenced Section 1. Overall, the flora diversity is low with mainly common ruderal vegetation along the nullah and wetland vegetation in the stilling basin. Most fauna were supported by stilling basin, including wetland dependent avifauna and odonate nymphs, and lower Section 1 of the nullah, which was recorded as ardeids pre-roosting site with significantly higher abundance of ardeids pre-roosting due to presence of overwintering avifauna during the dry season. Ecological value of the stilling basin and Section 1 (dry season) are therefore considered as low to moderate. Given that TWN is both hydrologically and functionally connected to Shing Mun River and Tolo Harbour, ecological value of Section 1 (wet season) and Sections 2 – 6 of TWN are considered as low.

Table 9.32 Ecological Evaluation of Modified Watercourse (Tai Wai Nullah) within the Assessment Area

Criteria		Modified Watercourse
Criteria		Section 1	Sections 2 – 5	Section 6	Stilling Basin (Section 6)
Naturalness		Low – artificial habitat
Size		Small (6.8 ha)
Diversity		n Low floral diversity n Low to moderate faunal diversity
Rarity		n Artificial wetland is common habitat in Hong Kong. n Modified watercourse is a typical and widespread habitat type in Hong Kong. Recent Survey n Six avifauna, one butterfly, one mammal species of conservation importance recorded n Ardeid pre-roost were recorded on concrete access ramps along Section 1 (Block 1 and 2 of Man Lai Court) Previous Study n Two avifauna, one reptile, one mammal species of conservation recorded
Re-creatability		High
Fragmentation		Low
Ecological linkage		Hydrologically and functionally connected to Shing Mun River and Tolo Harbour			None observed
Potential value		Low
Nursery/ breeding ground		No records of nursery or breeding ground			Nymphs of red-faced skimmer, orange-tailed midget, crimson dropwing recorded
Age		River training works completed around 1970s
Abundance/ Richness of wildlife		High abundance of avifauna, particularly wetland-dependent and overwintering species and exotic freshwater fish	Low	Low	Moderate, relatively high abundance of exotic freshwater fish
Ecological value	Dry Season	Low to Moderate	Low	Low	Low to Moderate
Ecological value	Wet Season	Low	Low	Low	Low to Moderate

9.6.1.11 The Shing Mun River Channel is located at the eastern end of the assessment area and is connected to the Project site. The modified watercourse of the channel is permanently inundated even with daily tidal exchange, resulted in very limited diversity and very low abundance of flora species along the concrete / masonry banks. For fauna species, low diversity and high abundance of avifauna, particularly wetland-dependent and overwintering ardeidae species, were recorded pre-roosting on concrete access ramps along Shing Mun River Channel from Block 1 and 2 of Man Lai Court to Hong Kong Heritage Museum. Ecological value of the Shing Mun River Channel is therefore considered as low to moderate.

Table 9.33 Ecological Evaluation of Modified Watercourse (Shing Mun River Channel) within the Assessment Area

Criteria	Modified Watercourse
	Shing Mun River Channel
	Shing Mun River Channel
Naturalness	Low – artificial habitat
Size	Small (4.1 ha)
Diversity	n Very low floral diversity n Low faunal diversity
Rarity	n Typical engineered channel habitat in Hong Kong Recent Survey n Six avifauna species of conservation importance recorded n Ardeid pre-roost were recorded on concrete access ramps along Shing Mun River Channel up till the Hong Kong Heritage Museum Previous Study n No previous records of species of conservation importance
Re-creatability	High
Fragmentation	Low
Ecological linkage	Hydrologically and functionally connected to Shing Mun River and Tolo Harbour
Potential value	Low
Nursery/ breeding ground	No records of nursery or breeding ground
Age	River training works completed in early 1980s
Abundance/ Richness of wildlife	High abundance of avifauna, particularly wetland-dependent and overwintering species pre-roost along channel bank; and exotic freshwater fish
Ecological value	Low to Moderate

Common Name (Scientific Name)	Distribution in Hong Kong ⁽¹⁾	Protection Status	Habitat Recorded
Flora
Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis)	Common	Cap. 586 ⁽³⁾ Near Threatened ^{(4) (9)} Category II ⁽⁵⁾ Vulnerable ^{(6) (7) (8)}	DA; WL	-	WL, RES
Silver-back Artocarpus (Artocarpus hypargyreus)	Common	Near Threatened ^{(4) (9)} Endangered ⁽⁷⁾ Vulnerable ⁽⁸⁾	-	-	WL, MWL
Butulang Canthium (Canthium dicoccum)	Common	Vulnerable ⁽⁸⁾	-	-	WL
Lamb of Tartary (Cibotium barometz)	Very common	Cap. 586 ⁽³⁾ Vulnerable ⁽⁴⁾ Category II ⁽⁵⁾	DA; WL	-	WL
Small Persimmon (Diospyros vaccinioides)	Very common	Endangered⁽⁷⁾ Critically Endangered ⁽⁸⁾	-	-	WL
Luofushan Joint-fir (Gnetum luofuense)	Very common	Near Threatened ⁽⁸⁾	-	-	WL; MWL
Shrubby Ichnocarpus (Ichnocarpus frutescens)	Very rare	-	-	-	MWL
Hairy-fruited Ormosia (Ormosia pachycarpa)	Restricted	Endangered ⁽⁴⁾ Vulnerable ⁽⁷⁾	-	-	WL
Fauna
Avifauna
Great Egret ⁽¹⁶⁾ (Ardea alba)	Common resident and winter visitor	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ PRC (RC) ⁽¹⁰⁾	-	MWC	MWC; DA
Grey Heron ⁽¹⁶⁾ (Ardea cinerea)	Common winter visitor	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ PRC ⁽¹⁰⁾	-	MWC	MWC; DA
Chinese Pond Heron ⁽¹⁶⁾ (Ardeola bacchus)	Common resident	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ PRC (RC) ⁽¹⁰⁾	-	MWC	-
Eastern Buzzard ⁽¹⁶⁾ (Buteo japonicus)	Common winter visitor	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ Cap. 586 ⁽³⁾ Class II ⁽¹⁵⁾	-	-	WL
Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis)	Common resident	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ Class II ⁽¹⁵⁾ Vulnerable ⁽¹¹⁾	DA	DA	WL; MWL; DA
Common Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica)	Scarce but widespread resident	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ Vulnerable ⁽¹¹⁾	DA	-	WL; MWL
Collared Crow ⁽¹⁶⁾ (Corvus torquatus)	Uncommon resident	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ LC ⁽¹⁰⁾ Vulnerable ⁽⁸⁾ Near Threatened ⁽¹²⁾	-	MWC	MWC
Little Egret ⁽¹⁶⁾ (Egretta garzetta)	Common resident	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ PRC (RC) ⁽¹⁰⁾	MWC	MWC; DA	MWC; RES; DA
Mountain Bulbul (Ixos mcclellandii)	Rare resident	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾	-	-	WL
Black Kite ⁽¹⁶⁾ (Milvus migrans)	Common resident and winter visitor	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ Cap. 586 ⁽³⁾ (RC) ⁽¹⁰⁾ Class II ⁽¹⁵⁾	WL	-	WL; VO; DA
Black-crowned Night Heron ⁽¹⁶⁾ (Nycticorax nycticorax)	Common resident and winter visitor	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ (LC) ⁽¹⁰⁾	-	MWC	MWC
Collared Scops Owl (Otus lettia)	Common	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ Cap. 586 ⁽³⁾ Class II ⁽¹⁵⁾	DA; WL	-	-
Pygmy Cupwing (Pnoepyga pusilla)	Rare resident	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ LC ⁽¹⁰⁾	WL	-	-
Rufous-capped Babbler (Stachyridopsis ruficeps)	Common resident	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ LC ⁽¹⁰⁾	-	DA	WL; MWL
Butterflies
Danaid Eggfly (Hypolimnas misippus)	Uncommon	LC ⁽¹⁰⁾	-	MWC; DA	WL
Metallic Cerulean (Jamides alecto alocina)	Very rare	-	-	DA	-
Common Archduke (Lexias pardalis)	Unknown; First recorded in 2008, monitoring underway	-	-	-	VO
Malayan (Megisba malaya sikkima)	Very rare; Species of Conservation Concern	LC ⁽¹⁰⁾	-	DA	-
Common Rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae)	Rare	^-	WL	-	-
Tiny Grass Blue (Zizula hylax)	Very rare; Species of Conservation Concern	-	-	DA	-
Odonates
Chinese Yellowface (Agriomorpha fusca)	Abundant; Scattered	LC ⁽¹⁰⁾	N/A	-	-
Hong Kong Clubtail (Leptogomphus hongkongensis)	Common; Scattered	LC ⁽¹⁰⁾	N/A	-	-
Small Dragonhunter (Sieboldius alexanderi)	Uncommon; Scattered / (Globally Restricted to Southeastern China and Hubei Province)	GC ⁽¹⁰⁾	N/A	-	-
Chinese Cascader (Zygonyx asahinai)	Uncommon; Scattered	GC ⁽¹⁰⁾	-	-	DA
Emerald Cascader (Zygonyx iris insignis)	Abundant; Widespread	PGC ⁽¹⁰⁾	DA	-	DA
Amphibian
Brown Wood Frog (Hylarana latouchii)	Widely distributed	LC ⁽¹⁰⁾	DA; WL	-	-
Lesser Spiny Frog (Quasipaa exilispinosa)	Occurs throughout territory	PGC ⁽¹⁰⁾ Vulnerable ⁽¹²⁾	WL	-	NWC
Reptile
Many-banded Krait (Bungarus multicinctus multicinctus)	Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong	PRC ⁽¹⁰⁾ Endangered ⁽¹²⁾ Vulnerable ⁽¹⁴⁾	-	-	WL
Four-clawed Gecko (Gehyra mutilate)	Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong	Vulnerable ⁽¹⁴⁾	-	-	VO
Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko)	Distributed on Lamma Island, Lantau Island, Hong Kong Island, Lion Rock Country Park, Ma On Shan Country Park and Pat Sin Leng Country Park. Some population are considered as escaped from snake shops.	RC ⁽¹⁰⁾ Critically Endangered ⁽¹²⁾ Endangered ⁽¹⁴⁾ Class II ⁽¹⁵⁾	DA	-	WL
Mountain Water Snake (Sinonatrix percarinata percarinata)	Distributed in streams in central New Territories (Shing Mun Country Park, Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, Tai Lam Country Park)	LC ⁽¹⁰⁾ Vulnerable ⁽¹²⁾	-	-	NWC
Common Water Monitor (Varanus salvator)	Rare	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ Cap. 586 ⁽³⁾ Class I ⁽¹⁵⁾ RC ⁽¹⁰⁾ Critically Endangered ⁽¹²⁾ Critically Endangered/Extinct in Wild ⁽¹⁴⁾	MWC	-	-
Mammal
Short-nosed Fruit Bat (Cynopterus sphinx)	Very Common	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ Near Threatened ⁽¹²⁾ Indeterminate ⁽¹³⁾	-	DA	DA
Himalayan Leaf-nosed Bat (Hipposideros armiger)	Very Common	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ (LC) ⁽¹⁰⁾	-	-	WL
Chinese Pipistrelle (Hypsugo pulveratus)	Rare; Species of Conservation Concern	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ (LC) ⁽¹⁰⁾ Near Threatened ⁽¹²⁾	-	-	DA
Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta)	Common	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ Cap. 586 ⁽³⁾ Vulnerable ⁽¹³⁾ Class II ⁽¹⁵⁾	DA; WL	-	WL; MWL DA
Chinese Noctule (Nyctalus plancyi)	Common	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ PRC, (RC) ⁽¹⁰⁾	-	MWC	DA
Japanese Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus abramus)	Very Common	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾	MWC	-	WL
Least Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus tenuis)	Uncommon	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ Near Threatened ⁽¹²⁾	-	-	WL; DA
Lesser Bamboo Bat (Tylonycteris pachypus)	Very Common	Cap. 170 ⁽³⁾ (LC) ⁽¹⁰⁾ Rare ⁽¹³⁾	-	-	WL
Freshwater Fauna
Stream Crab (Cryptopotamon anacoluthon)	Endemic to Hong Kong; Very Common	PGC ⁽¹⁰⁾ Vulnerable ⁽⁸⁾	NWC	-	NWC
(Somanniathelphusa zanklon)	Considered endemic	GC ⁽¹⁰⁾ Endangered ⁽⁸⁾	-	-	NWC
Notes: (1) Flora: Wu & Lee (2000), Xing, et al. (2000) and Siu (2000); Fauna: AFCD (2020a); Freshwater Fauna: Lee, et al. (2004), Dudgeon (2003) and AFCD (2020a) (2) DSD, 2019; AFCD (2020c). (3) Protected by the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) Protected by the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) (4) Hu, et al. (2003). Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong. (5) “List of Wild Plants under State Protection” (promulgated by the Ministry of Forestry in 1999). (6) Fu (1992). China Plant Red Data Book. Vol. 1 - Rare and Endangered Plants. (7) Qin, et al. (2017). Threatened Species List of China's Higher Plants. (8) IUCN (2022). IUCN Red List Version 2022-1 (9) Feng, et al. (2002). Study on Rare and Endangered Plants and National Key Protected Plants in Guangdong. (10) Fellowes, et al. (2002): LC=Local Concern; PRC=Potential Regional Concern; RC=Regional Concern; PGC=Potential Global Concern; GC=Global Concern. Letters in parentheses indicate that the assessment is on the basis of restrictedness in nesting and/or roosting sites rather than in general occurrence. (11) Zheng & Wang (1998). China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals: Aves. (12) Jiang, et al. (2016). Red List of China's Vertebrates. (13) Wang (1998). China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals. Mammalia. (14) Zhao (1998). China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals. Amphibia and Reptilia. (15) “List of Wild Animals Under State Protection” (promulgated by State Forestry Administration and Ministry of Agriculture on 14 January, 1989). (16) Wetland-dependent species (including wetland-dependent species and waterbirds). Habitat Type: WL: Woodland; MWL: Mixed Woodland; RES: Reservoir; VO: Village/Orchard; NWC: Natural Watercourse; MWC*: Modified Watercourse; DA: Developed Area/Wasteland.

9.7 Identification and Evaluation of Environmental Impacts

9.7.1.1 The main objective of this Project is to revitalise the existing degraded TWN, with ecological enhancement being a key consideration for the revitalisation works. Key elements that will improve the ecological value of the nullah will include:

· Reprofiling of the low flow channel and construction of in-stream weirs to create a meandering alignment along the nullah to mimic natural stream pattern where practicable, providing a series of microhabitats for wildlife in surrounding areas;

· Provision of DWFI system to improve water quality and hence support ecological enhancement;

· Provision of treatment wetlands (artificial wetland created to mimic processes in natural wetland ecosystems involving vegetation, soils, and their associated microbes through engineering design) at selected drainage outlets along TWN to remove pollutants and to improve stormwater quality (in terms of biochemical oxygen demand, ammonia, total suspended solids, total phosphorus, and pathogens), which can also serve as greening and ecological enhancement measures. General constructed wetland system of smaller scale for aesthetic and ecological enhancement purposes is also proposed;

· Greening of channel bed and along its banksides, such as provision of emergent wetland planting (e.g. reed and other aquatic herbs), mangroves, climbing plants, tree and / or grasscrete;

· Incorporation of planting designed to attract wildlife species (e.g. native host plant species for butterflies) during revamp of public open space along TWN;

· Provision of nest boxes / hunting perch for wildlife (e.g. birds) along TWN; and

· Modification of channel bank and existing vehicular access at downstream section of TWN into a mix of stepped terrace and slope at water edge to enhance foraging / pre-roosting habitats for waterbirds (e.g. ardeids).

9.7.1.2 As discussed in Section 2, major proposed works for the Project are outlined as follows:

· Channel bed modification;

· Improvement of existing walkways and riparian public open spaces.

· Construction of dry weather flow interceptor (DWFI) system;

· Landscaping and miscellaneous works;

· Desilting at downstream tidal zone; and

· Construction of mid-stream underground water pumps for ecological enhancement-associated water retention and supplement.

9.7.1.3 Construction works for the Project will be confined to developed area and modified watercourse within the Project site only. In terms of potential ecological impacts during construction phase, there will be direct loss of modified watercourse and developed area within Project site by TWN enhancement works. These works would lead to temporary impacts of pre-roosting and foraging ground for ardeids, especially in dry season. Whereas indirect impacts will include construction disturbance to sites and species of conservation importance, particularly to ardeids in dry season due to the high abundance and presence of overwintering species (e.g. great egret).

9.7.1.4 During operational phase of the Project, no significant adverse ecological impact is expected. On the contrary, the revitalisation works are expected to have a positive impact on the existing degraded TWN.

9.7.2 Construction Phase Impact Identification

Direct Impacts

No Direct Impact on Sites of Conservation Importance or Natural Habitats

9.7.2.1 The Project site is located within the existing TWN and walkways along both sides, which comprises of modified watercourses and developed area. All construction works would be confined to the boundary of Project site, avoiding direct impacts to any natural habitats. The construction works area comprises solely concrete lined channel and paved walkways with no recognised sites of conservation importance identified within the terrestrial ecology assessment area.

9.7.2.2 Marine recognised sites of conservation importance within the assessment area include Kei Ling Ha Mangal SSSI, Ting Kok SSSI, and Hoi Ha Wan SSSI, all are located more than 10 km away from the Project site. Given the large distances from the Project site to these sites of conservation importance and that there would be no disturbance to marine or riverbed sediments under the Project, no direct impact to these sites are anticipated.

No Direct Impact on Marine Habitats

9.7.2.3 The Project will only involve land-based construction works, therefore will have no disturbance to marine or riverbed sediments. Given large the distance (>5.5 km) of marine habitats from the Project site, no direct impacts to marine habitats are anticipated.

Impact on Habitats within Project Site

9.7.2.4 Temporary loss of habitat arising from the Project only involve highly disturbed habitats comprising modified watercourse and developed area of low or low to moderate ecological value (Table 9.30 for developed area and Table 9.32 for modified watercourse). Both habitats support low species diversity with only common species recorded. Given that such loss is only temporary in nature and the habitat will be ecologically enhanced, no impacts are anticipated even unmitigated.

9.7.2.5 The wetland vegetation within the stilling basin would be directly impacted by the proposed works. Given the small area of habitat affected, low diversity and lack of species of conservation species affected by the works, this impact is considered minor. Moreover, as enhancement works would include creation of larger and more diverse wetland habitats in the upstream of TWN, habitat loss in this area would only be temporary in nature.

Impact on Ardeid Pre-roost / Night-roost

9.7.2.6 The eastern boundary of the Project site falls partly within the pre-roosting sites of ardeids, alongside channel bank adjacent to and opposite of Man Lai Court Block 1 and 2. The pre-roosting site is mainly used by ardeids for pre-roosting and foraging, with higher abundances recorded in the dry season. The temporary loss of pre-roosting and foraging habitat due to the channel modification works would affect the corresponding activities of the ardeids, especially in dry season (detailed in Table 9.46).

9.7.2.7 Regarding the night roosting site, as the existing mature trees along TWN banks would be retained – of particular note is the preservation of the peripheral trees alongside Man Lai Court to Hong Kong Heritage Museum within and outside the Project site, and the works area will be approximately 30m away from the night roost (over 250m away from Sha Tin Government Secondary School), no direct impact of habitat loss is anticipated on night roosting sites of ardeids during the construction phase.

Direct Injury / Wildlife Mortality

9.7.2.8 In addition to direct impact due to temporary habitat loss of pre-roosting and foraging ground, construction activities could also potentially cause direct injury / mortality to wildlife. A total of eight avifauna, four butterflies and two mammal (bat) species of conservation importance were recorded within the Project site. As all the recorded species of conservation importance are highly mobile and expected to utilise the large area of alternative habitats outside the Project site, they are not anticipated to be significantly impacted.

9.7.2.9 Fauna species with low mobility such as amphibians and aquatic fauna would be subjected to higher risk of damage or mortality and could be injured or killed by construction activities. As only low abundance and diversity of either common or exotic freshwater species were recorded along the channel, no significant impacts are expected on their population locally. In the wetland habitat within the stilling basin, high abundance of exotic fish species (Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis)) with an individual of rare pond snail (Sinotaia quadrata) and nymphs of abundant odonate species (red-faced skimmer, orange-tailed midget and crimson dropwing) were recorded. Although an individual of rare pond snail and breeding ground of odonate were recorded in the stilling basin, no significant impacts are expected on their population due to low abundance of pond snail and locally abundant odonate species.

9.7.2.10 Day roosting of short-nosed fruit bat on trees (Chinese fan-palm) was also observed within Project site alongside Man Lai Court. All the trees along Man Lai Court to Hong Kong Heritage Museum will be retained, and no direct impact is expected on the habitat for day roosting of short-nosed fruit bat.

Indirect Impacts

Disturbance from Construction Activities

9.7.2.11 The proposed revitalisation works would be constructed by traditional open-cut and in-situ concreting methods that mainly involve site clearance, soil excavation, sheet-piling, piling, formwork, concreting, backfilling, and reinstatement. While the works area would be restricted within the existing TWN and developed area alongside, the temporary increase in disturbance (including noise, dust emission, glare, and other human activities) induced by construction at the Project site may pose indirect impacts to nearby ecological resources.

9.7.2.12 While these impacts are of potential concern, it should be noted that the Project site is in a densely urbanised district and is already subjected to high levels of disturbance from pedestrian traffic, vehicular traffic (along smaller roads, major highways and MTR), recently completed works (e.g., Tai Wai Soccer Pitch) and on-going constructions (e.g. property development (Pavilia Farm) adjacent to Tai Wai Station). Furthermore, the Project site will be divided into six sections to be constructed in sequence starting from downstream TWN (Figure 2.2 and Appendix 2.2 refer) to reduce the construction impacts on nearby sensitive receivers comparing with constructing simultaneously in adjoining sections. The construction works along the nullah within each section will not be undertaken at the entire section at the same time. In this way, only a small fraction of the Project site would be subject to additional disturbance impacts at any one time. The construction works will start at downstream Section 1, move towards upstream Section 6 and would last for approximately 1 year within each section, tentatively scheduled to commence in 2024 (Section 1) for completion in 2029 (Section 6).

No Disturbance Impacts on Sites of Conservation Importance

9.7.2.13 No recognised sites of conservation importance were identified within the terrestrial ecology assessment area. Given the large distances from the Project site to marine sites of conservation importance, no disturbance impact on sites of conservation importance are anticipated.

Construction Noise Disturbance to Waterbirds and Bats

9.7.2.14 Construction noise disturbance could cause minor response from waterbirds like temporary displacement to less disturbed areas, depending on sensitivity of the waterbirds and level of disturbance. As avifauna are highly mobile animals expected to utilise a larger area of the habitats instead of confining to a particular locality plus the highly disturbed surrounding area, it is unlikely to have significant adverse disturbance impacts on ardeids in wet season.

9.7.2.15 As mentioned in Section 9.5.2.4, areas along downstream Section 1 near Man Lai Court provides pre-roosting sites for ardeids, particularly during the dry season. Construction phase disturbance impacts would therefore be expected if works are conducted in the lower reaches of TWN during the dry season due to presence of overwintering avifauna and significantly higher abundance of ardeids pre-roosting, as discussed in Section 9.7.2.6 (detailed in Table 9.46).

9.7.2.16 For ardeids night roosting site along the channel bank of Shing Mun River Channel (Section 9.5.2.4 refers), the works area will be located approximately 30m away from the night roost. Given that the night roosting site is already surrounded by highly disturbed developed area, it is unlikely to have significant disturbance impact on the night roost.

9.7.2.17 Disturbance impacts to collared crow are expected to be minor. The two individuals recorded during recent surveys were observed in the downstream reaches of TWN (just within the Project site), as well several locations along Shing Mun River Channel. It is therefore likely this species will temporarily move to slightly less impacted areas of the Shing Mun River Channel in response to any disturbance impacts.

9.7.2.18 As mentioned in Section 9.5.2.10, two mammal species of conservation importance were recorded within the Project site, which are short-nosed fruit bat and Chinese noctule. Disturbance impacts could cause potential behaviour of roost abandonment, avoidance of foraging areas and signal masking on bat species when interference with information transfer during echolocation is significant (CDT, 2016). However, the existing habitat is already subjected to high disturbance and no night-time construction would be carried out for the Project, which would not overlap with bat species’ foraging time. In addition, construction noise does not share the same frequency with most bat echolocation calls or their hearing, it is therefore unlikely to have significant disturbance impact on the recorded bat species (CDT, 2016) (detailed in Table 9.46).

Disturbance to Waterbirds Due to Increased Human Activities

9.7.2.19 In addition to construction noise, disturbance to waterbirds caused by construction activities could also be attributed to the increased number of people or visual stimuli associated with activities like movement of plants (Cutts et al., 2013). Since the surrounding areas of the Project site is already highly disturbed, it is unlikely to have significant disturbance impact on waterbirds due to increased human activities within the assessment area.

Artificial Lighting / Glare

9.7.2.20 Artificial lighting/ glare could potentially affect light sensitive / nocturnal wildlife by attracting, disorienting or disrupting their light-sensitive cycles (e.g. bats and ardeids roosting on trees). This could subsequently affect their migration, foraging/ predation and breeding success and causing reduction of faunal density in the area. However, the Project site are already urbanised and surrounding developed area habitats were under high level of disturbance by artificial lighting from existing nearby industrial, residential building, roads and public facilities. Given that no night-time construction works or additional lighting would be required for the Project, and recorded nocturnal species are common and habituated to various levels of disturbance, no unexpected disturbance impacts by glare are anticipated.

Disturbance to Ardeid Night Roost

9.7.2.21 Night roosting behaviours of ardeids were observed during the surveys before and after sunset from Block 3 of Man Lai Count to Sha Tin Government Secondary School. Given that ardeids currently using the site are already tolerant of disturbance (Section 9.7.2.16 refers) unmitigated impacts from the construction noise disturbance are expected to be minor.

Disturbance Impacts on Terrestrial Habitats, Vegetation and other Fauna

9.7.2.22 Dust generated during the construction phase (e.g. construction machinery, improper storage or dumping of construction materials) could degrade habitats adjacent to works areas. Construction dust could cover leaves in nearby habitats and may affect photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration of the plant, which could reduce the quality of nearby habitats (Farmer, 1993). With implementation of mitigation measures and good site practices as detailed in Section 3 to minimise potential dust impact during construction, no adverse air quality impact on nearby terrestrial habitats, vegetation and other fauna due to the Project is anticipated.

Impact on Water Quality within Watercourses

9.7.2.23 Indirect impacts to water quality of modified watercourse habitats, both within and out of the Project site, could be caused by construction works as detailed in the following sections.

Channel Bed Modification Works

9.7.2.24 Channel bed of TWN will be modified under the Project. Such modification works include excavation of the existing concrete channel followed by re-surfacing and greening along the nullah. The proposed works could potentially impact downstream water quality and affect aquatic communities in the area, which in turn could decrease the value of these habitats to foraging avifauna. These potential impacts are considered relatively minor; aquatic communities within the Project site are of limited ecological value, and downstream sections of the TWN along with the Shing Mun River Main Channel are already subjected to extremely poor water quality. Moreover, according to the construction programme, channel bed modification work will only be undertaken during dry season when water is limited to low flow channel. In addition, site demarcation and flow diversion will be implemented to avoid release of sediments/other pollutants into the receiving waters. As such, no unacceptable ecological impact on water quality within TWN is anticipated.

Discharge and Runoff from Land-based construction works

9.7.2.25 General construction works activities (e.g. cleaning and polishing, wheel washing, dust suppression, materials storage etc.) along TWN could potentially release wastewater discharge and contaminated construction site runoff into the waters which generally consist of high concentration of suspended solids (SS) and elevated pH. Uncontrolled release of these construction waste would result in increased SS levels and turbidity in the nearby aquatic environment. The high SS level could lead to clogging of respiratory and feeding systems in aquatic organisms, while increased turbidity would reduce photosynthetic rate of aquatic plants and hinder vision of fauna in turn affecting their activities. Accidental spillage of chemicals such as engine oil, fuel and lubricants could potentially follow the uncontrolled runoff into the water, affecting the aquatic communities. These chemicals would lead to lethal (direct morality) or sublethal (reproductive retardation) impacts on aquatic organisms.

9.7.2.26 With the implementation of appropriate measures to control runoff from construction site, as well as adoption of good site practices for handling and disposal of construction discharges (refer to Section 5), unacceptable impacts on water quality of TWN and nearby natural watercourse (S1) are not expected. Therefore, ecological impacts arising from water quality deterioration by land-based construction works of the Project are not anticipated.

9.7.3 Operational phase Impact Identification

Direct Impact

9.7.3.1 During operational phase of the Project, similar to the existing maintenance practices at TWN, regular maintenance desilting works along the nullah would be carried out by the DSD to remove excessive silts, debris and any obstructions to safeguard the hydraulic capacity of the nullah. Maintenance desilting of the nullah would tentatively be carried out on an annual basis during dry season (November to March) when the water flow is low, except during emergency situations where the accumulated silt would adversely affect the hydraulic capacity of the nullah or where flooding risk is imminent, or when complaints on environmental nuisance associated with the accumulated silt are received. These works could potentially have direct impact on the modified watercourse and water quality. However, given that desilting works are already undertaken regularly during the baseline condition and would be temporary in small scale, no unacceptable direct ecological impacts are anticipated.

Indirect Impacts

Potential Beneficial Impact due to Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Enhancement-associated Water Retention and Replenish Methods

9.7.3.2 Under operation of the Project, with the implementation of the proposed DWFI system and treatment wetlands, the existing polluted dry weather flows from the drainage outlets along TWN will either be intercepted and discharged to the existing sewerage system via gravity mains (i.e. no DWFI pumping station required) for conveying to Shatin Sewage Treatment Works for treatment by the DWFI system, or be discharged into the treatment wetlands installed at drainage outlets for in-situ polishing, reducing level of pollutants (e.g., SS, BOD, total phosphorus, total nitrogen) being discharged into Shing Mun River Channel. The modification of existing stilling basin (part of channel bed modification works) and the underground water pumps installed by the bankside near mid-stream of TWN would also serve to retain and supplement freshwater for the proposed ecological enhancement. Freshwater input into TWN will therefore be of improved water quality with constant flow throughout the year, benefiting flora and fauna utilising the modified watercourse, as well as local communities in the area.

Potential Beneficial Impact due to Ecological Enhancement

9.7.3.3 The Project will create wetland habitats and install ecological enhancement features within the TWN to improve aquatic habitats as compared to the baseline condition. The riverbed will be planted with various types of riparian and wetland plants while the river embankment will be covered by climbers. At downstream Section 1, the low flow channel will be increased in width, with blue-green elements extending from Man Lai Court Tower 1 to 3. As such, the Project will result in positive ecological impacts by providing an enhanced habitat in the modified watercourse.

Potential Water Quality Impacts from Maintenance Works and Desilting Works

9.7.3.4 Regular maintenance works will be required for the DWFI system installed along Sections 1 to 5 of TWN during operation of the Project. These maintenance works could potentially increase SS levels in water due to disturbance to nullah bed. Disturbance impacts caused by these works are expected to be temporary and only affect the works area of small scale with no unacceptable impacts to water quality. As such, no unacceptable indirect ecological impacts are anticipated.

Disturbance to Species of Conservation Importance

9.7.3.5 During routine maintenance desilting works, there will be potential disturbances to avifauna species of conservation importance (i.e. ardeids) in the dry season. As discussed in Section 9.5.2.4, Section 1 of TWN and adjacent areas of Shing Mun River Channel is utilised as foraging and roosting habitats by ardeids, particularly in dry season. Maintenance works such as desilting may disturb the ardeids and prevent them from using the habitat. However, given that ardeids in the area are relatively disturbance-tolerant, the works are temporary in nature of small scale and already being carried out regularly, no unacceptable impacts from maintenance works on species of conservation importance are anticipated.

9.7.3.6 Under operation of the Project, there may also be potential human disturbances to ardeids recorded pre-roosting on the concrete access ramps alongside Section 1 of TWN and adjacent areas of Shing Mun River Channel. As shown in Appendix 2.1, revitalisation of Section 1 aims to promote ecological enhancement and would not involve any recreation / leisure and public access. Design of the section will reinstate the access ramps with greening elements, and therefore would not result in disturbance impacts to the waterbirds utilising the nullah.

Potential Water Quality Impacts from Maintenance Works and Desilting Works

9.7.3.7 In addition to routine maintenance desilting tentatively be carried on an annual basis during dry season as detailed in Section 9.7.3.1, similar to the existing practices, regular maintenance works for the drainage and sewerage systems along TWN, including maintenance to the DWFI system installed along sections 1 to 5 of TWN (Figure 2.2 refers), would also be carried out by the DSD to safeguard the hydraulic capacity of the nullah during operation of the Project. The maintenance practices and frequency would be similar to the existing maintenance works undertaken by the DSD. For the minor maintenance to the DWFI system will only be undertaken on an as-needed basis and frequent maintenance (i.e. monthly) will not be required. Diversion of the dry weather flow to the nearby sewerage system can be adopted during maintenance of DWFI system so that the water quality at TWN would not be adversely affected. The maintenance / desilting would be carried out by hand-held or light machinery during low tide. The maintenance desilting could potentially increase SS levels in water due to disturbance to nullah bed. Disturbance impacts caused by these works are expected to be temporary and only affect the works area of small scale with no unacceptable impacts on water quality with proper design of site drainage and implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for storm water discharge as detailed in Section 5. As such, no unacceptable indirect ecological impacts are anticipated.

Potential Changes in Hydrodynamic Properties and Hydrology

9.7.3.8 During operation of the Project, DWFI system will be in place along the nullah to intercept and convey the flow with heavily polluted discharges from some of the drainage outlets along the nullah to Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works for treatment, which would inevitably lead to reduced flowrate and amount of freshwater input into TWN and downstream receiving water (Shing Mun River Main Channel). With the provision of treatment wetland for in-situ polishing of non-intercepted flow with less polluted discharges as discussed in Section 2, the polished flow could serve as a part of the environmental flow to sustain the ecological function of the flora and fauna and habitat processes present within the revitalised TWN. Furthermore, with the incorporation of water retention and replenish designs and ecological enhancement features (e.g. wetland habitats created) within the nullah (see Section 2), average flow rate will remain similar to baseline condition while supporting the created habitats. Given that salinity in the main channel varied significantly from wet season to dry season (HKBU, 2011), such reduction in freshwater input resulting from Project operation is not likely to cause impacts to fauna species utilising it and thus no unacceptable impacts on hydrodynamics properties and hydrology are anticipated.

9.7.4 Evaluation of Ecological Impact

9.7.4.1 Potential ecological impacts on the identified habitats within the assessment area associated with the construction and operation of the Project have been evaluated in accordance with the Annex 8 of the EIAO-TM as given in Table 9.35 to Table 9.45. Evaluation of potential major ecological impacts to species of conservation importance has been evaluated in Table 9.46.

Woodland

9.7.4.2 Woodland would experience no direct impacts and minor indirect impacts due to disturbance and increase in human activities arising from the Project. Considering the large distance between majority of woodland and the Project site and no dust impacts are anticipated (as detailed in Section 9.7.2.22), impacts on woodland habitat resulting from the Project are anticipated to be Negligible.

Table 9.35 Evaluation of Ecological Impact to Woodland within the Assessment Area

Evaluation Criteria	Woodland
Habitat quality	Moderate to High
Species	n Moderate to high floral diversity and moderate faunal diversity n Seven flora, six avifauna, one butterfly, five mammals and two reptile species of conservation importance recorded from recent survey. n Two flora, three avifauna, one butterfly, two amphibian and one mammal species of conservation importance recorded previously.
Size / Abundance	n Habitat would not be directly affected n Indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities only expected to affect very small portion of woodland within the assessment area
Duration	n Construction phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be temporary n Operational phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be permanent
Reversibility	n Construction phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be reversible n Operational phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be irreversible
Magnitude	Negligible, given large distance between majority of woodland habitat and the Project site
Overall impact evaluation	Negligible

Mixed Woodland

9.7.4.3 Mixed Woodland would experience no direct impact and minor indirect impacts due to disturbance and increase in human activities arising from the Project. Considering the large distance between majority of the mixed woodland and the Project site and no dust impacts are anticipated (as detailed in Section 9.7.2.22), impacts to mixed woodland habitat resulting from the Project are anticipated to be Negligible.

Table 9.36 Evaluation of Ecological Impact to Mixed Woodland within the Assessment Area

Evaluation Criteria	Mixed Woodland
Habitat quality	Moderate
Species	n Moderate to high floral diversity and low to moderate faunal diversity n Three flora, three avifauna and one mammal species of conservation importance recorded from recent survey. n No previous records of species of conservation importance
Size/Abundance	n Habitat would not be directly affected n Indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities only expected to affect very small portion of mixed woodland within the assessment area
Duration	n Construction phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be temporary n Operational phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be permanent
Reversibility	n Construction phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be reversible n Operational phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be irreversible
Magnitude	Negligible, given large distance between majority of mixed woodland habitat and the Project site
Overall impact evaluation	Negligible

Plantation

9.7.4.4 Plantation would experience no direct impact and minor indirect impacts due to disturbance and increase in human activities arising from the Project. Considering the large distance between majority of the plantation and the Project site and no dust impacts are anticipated (as detailed in Section 9.7.2.22), impacts to plantation habitat resulting from the Project are anticipated to be Negligible.

Table 9.37 Evaluation of Ecological Impact to Plantation within the Assessment Area

Evaluation Criteria	Plantation
Habitat quality	Low
Species	n Low floral diversity and faunal diversity n No species of conservation importance recorded from recent surveys and previous records
Size/Abundance	n Habitat would not be directly affected n Indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities only expected to affect very small portion of plantation habitat within the assessment area
Duration	n Construction phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be temporary n Operational phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be permanent
Reversibility	n Construction phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be reversible n Operational phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be irreversible
Magnitude	Negligible, given large distance between majority of plantation habitat and the Project site
Overall impact evaluation	Negligible

Grassland

9.7.4.5 Grassland would experience no direct impact and negligible level of indirect impact due to disturbance and increase in human activities arising from the Project. Considering the large distance between the grassland and Project site, impacts to grassland habitat resulting from the Project are anticipated to be Negligible.

Table 9.38 Evaluation of Ecological Impact to Grassland within the Assessment Area

Evaluation Criteria	Grassland
Habitat quality	Low
Species	n Low floral diversity and very low faunal diversity n No species of conservation importance recorded from recent surveys and previous records
Size/Abundance	n Habitat would not be directly affected n Indirect impact due to disturbance and increased human activities
Duration	n Construction phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be temporary n Operational phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be permanent
Reversibility	n Construction phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be reversible n Operational phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be irreversible
Magnitude	Negligible, given large distance between grassland habitat and the Project site
Overall impact evaluation	Negligible

Reservoir

9.7.4.6 Reservoir would experience no direct impact and negligible level of indirect impact due to disturbance and increase in human activities arising from the Project. Considering the large distance between the reservoir and the Project site, impacts to reservoir habitat resulting from the Project are anticipated to be Negligible.

Table 9.39 Evaluation of Ecological Impact to Reservoir within the Assessment Area

Evaluation Criteria	Reservoir
Habitat quality	Low
Species	n Low floral diversity and faunal diversity n One flora and one avifauna species of conservation importance recorded from recent surveys n No previous records of species of conservation importance
Size/Abundance	n Habitat would not be directly affected n Indirect impact due to disturbance and increased human activities
Duration	n Construction phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be temporary n Operational phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be permanent
Reversibility	n Construction phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be reversible n Operational phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be irreversible
Magnitude	Negligible, given large distance between reservoir habitat and the Project site
Overall impact evaluation	Negligible

Village / Orchard

9.7.4.7 Village / Orchard would experience no direct impact and minor levels of indirect impact due to disturbance and increase in human activities arising from the Project. As discussed in Section 9.7.2.22, no adverse dust impact is anticipated with mitigation measures implemented. Impacts to village / orchard habitats resulting from the Project are anticipated to be Negligible.

Table 9.40 Evaluation of Ecological Impact to Village/Orchard within the Assessment Area

Evaluation Criteria	Village/Orchard
Habitat quality	Low
Species	n Moderate to high floral diversity and low to moderate faunal diversity n One avifauna and one butterfly species of conservation importance recorded from recent surveys n No previous records of species of conservation importance
Size/Abundance	n Habitat would not be directly affected n Indirect impact due to disturbance and increased human activities only expected to affect very small portion of village/orchard habitat within the assessment area
Duration	n Construction phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be temporary n Operational phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be permanent
Reversibility	n Construction phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be reversible n Operational phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be irreversible
Magnitude	Negligible
Overall impact evaluation	Negligible

Developed Area / Wasteland

9.7.4.8 The main impact to developed area / wasteland arising from the Project is temporary loss of approximately 4.3 ha of habitats in the Project site. Developed area within the assessment area is subjected to high level of existing disturbance from nearby residential areas, transportation infrastructure and recreational areas, indirect impacts to this habitat from construction activities are thus insignificant. Considering the low ecological value of the habitat, temporary loss of habitats is anticipated to result in Minor ecological impacts.

9.7.4.9 Disturbance impacts to developed areas adjacent to the Project site (excluding the ardeid night roosting site) are considered as Minor. Whereas disturbance impacts to the ardeid night roosting site are considered Minor to Moderate due to its habitat quality. Although avifauna, butterfly and mammal (bat) species of conservation importance were recorded from developed areas, these species were in low abundance, highly mobile, and already habituated to high levels of disturbance.

Table 9.41 Evaluation of Ecological Impact to Developed Area/Wasteland within the Assessment Area

Evaluation Criteria	Developed Area/Wasteland
Habitat quality	Low to Moderate – for ardeid night roosting site on the northern bank of Shing Mun River Channel Low – for remaining developed area
Species	Project site n Low floral diversity and low to moderate faunal diversity n Three avifauna, one butterfly and one mammal species of conservation importance recorded from recent surveys Assessment Area outside of Project site n Five avifauna, two odonate and five mammal species of conservation importance recorded from recent surveys n Ardeid night roosts were recorded on planted trees on the northern bank of Shing Mun River Channel (from Block 3 of Man Lai Court to Sha Tin Government Secondary School) n Two flora, two avifauna, one odonate, one reptile, one amphibian and one mammal species of conservation importance recorded from previous study n Ardeids were also recorded actively using the night roost at Tai Wai, along Shing Mun River near Caritas Lok Jun School previously
Size/Abundance	n Direct habitat loss of temporary nature of ~4.3 ha of developed area / wasteland n Indirect impact to developed areas outside the Project site due to disturbance and increased human activities
Duration	n Construction phase temporary loss of ~4.3 ha developed area / wasteland and indirect impacts (noise and vibration, air/dust, disturbance to ardeid night roosting site) due to increased disturbance and increased human activities would be temporary n Operational phase positive ecological impacts due to ecological enhancement and improved water quality would be permanent
Reversibility	n Construction phase temporary habitat loss of developed area/ wasteland and indirect impacts due to increased disturbance and human activities would be reversible n Operational phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be irreversible
Magnitude	Low
Overall impact evaluation	Minor to Moderate – for ardeid night roosting site on the northern bank of Shing Mun River Channel Minor – for remaining developed area

Natural Watercourse

9.7.4.10 Natural watercourse (S1) with two tributaries are located upstream of TWN. While other natural watercourses (S2 – S5) are located at the north-western side of assessment area within woodland or mixed woodland habitats. As no construction works will be conducted within all these natural watercourses, no direct impacts are anticipated by the Project on natural watercourse habitat.

9.7.4.11 Indirect impact from the Project on natural watercourse would arise from surface runoff, disturbance and increased human activities from construction activities. Given the geographically upstream location of the natural watercourse (S1) and distance from works area (S2, S3, S4, S5), no indirect ecological impact from the Project by surface runoff would be expected on the habitat. As discussed in Section 9.7.2.26, the nearest natural watercourse S1 is not expected to subject to adverse water quality impact from land-based construction with the implementation of appropriate measures (refer to Section 5). Therefore, indirect impact on all natural watercourses by the Project is anticipated to be Negligible.

Table 9.42 Evaluation of Ecological Impact to Natural Watercourse within the Assessment Area

Evaluation Criteria	Natural Watercourse
Evaluation Criteria	S1	S2	S3	S4	S5
Habitat quality	Low to Moderate
Species	n Low floral diversity and faunal diversity n One amphibian, one reptile and two freshwater community species of conservation importance recorded from recent surveys n One freshwater community species of conservation importance recorded previously
Size / Abundance	n Habitat would not be directly affected n Indirect impact due to disturbance and increased human activities
Duration	n Construction phase indirect impacts due to site runoff, disturbance and increased human activities would be temporary n Operational phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be permanent
Reversibility	n Construction phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be reversible n Operational phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be irreversible
Magnitude	Negligible	Negligible (at least 200m from S2 to the closest Project site)	Negligible (at least 300m from S3 to the closest Project site)	Negligible (at least 200m from S4 to the closest Project site)	Negligible (at least 300m from S5 to the closest Project site)
Overall impact evaluation	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible

Modified Watercourse

9.7.4.12 The main impact to modified watercourse by the Project is temporary habitat loss due to modification of channel bed and construction of water quality treatment elements within the Project site. These impacts are considered Minor along most sections of the channel due to existing poor habitat quality. Temporary impacts at the stilling basin (which supported limited wetland vegetation) and Section 1 of the channel in dry season (which was utilised by ardeids and other avifauna as a foraging/pre-roosting site, with especially high abundance of overwintering ardeids recorded during dry season) are considered Minor to moderate in scale.

9.7.4.13 Indirect impact from the Project on TWN would arise from surface runoff, disturbance and increased human activities from construction activities. As works would be restricted to smaller sections of the channel (approximately 200m in length), the area of TWN subject to disturbance impacts at any one time would be relatively small. In addition, the affected habitats of TWN would be of relatively low ecological value. Indirect impacts are considered relatively Minor in scale.

Table 9.43 Evaluation of Ecological Impact to Modified Watercourse (Tai Wai Nullah) within the Assessment Area

Evaluation Criteria		Modified Watercourse
Evaluation Criteria		Section 1	Sections 2-5	Section 6	Stilling Basin (Section 6)
Habitat quality		Low to moderate	Low	Low	Low to moderate
Species		n Low floral diversity and low to moderate faunal diversity n Six avifauna, one butterfly and one mammal species of conservation importance recorded from recent surveys n Two avifauna, one reptile and one mammal species of conservation recorded previously
Size/Abundance		n Direct impact to ~6.8 ha of modified watercourse within Project site in temporary nature due to modification (excavation, re-surfacing and greening) works of channel bed and construction of water quality treatment elements n Indirect impact due to disturbance and increased human activities within Project site
Duration		n Construction phase temporary loss of ~6.8 ha modified watercourse and indirect impacts due to site runoff, disturbance and increased human activities of temporary nature n Operational phase disturbance and increased human activities would be permanent
Reversibility		n Construction phase temporary habitat loss and indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be reversible. n Operational phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities would be irreversible
Magnitude		Low	Low	Low	Low
Overall impact evaluation	Dry Season	Minor to Moderate	Minor	Minor	Minor to Moderate
Overall impact evaluation	Wet Season	Minor	Minor	Minor	Minor to Moderate

9.7.4.14 Modified watercourse of Shing Mun River Channel is located out of the Project site. Despite the high abundance of avifauna, particularly wetland-dependent and overwintering species’ pre-roosting site along channel bank and night roosting site near Sha Tin Government Secondary School, the habitat is of low quality with existing low to moderate ecological value caused by high level of disturbance from surrounding habitat. As the habitat supports low species diversity with no habitat fragmentation expected, indirect disturbance impact on Shing Mun River Channel by the Project is anticipated to be Minor.

Table 9.44 Evaluation of Ecological Impact to Modified Watercourse (Shing Mun River Channel) within the Assessment Area

Evaluation Criteria		Modified Watercourse
Evaluation Criteria		Shing Mun River Channel
Habitat quality		Low to Moderate
Species		n Very low floral and low faunal diversity n Five avifauna species of conservation importance recorded from recent surveys n No species of conservation importance recorded previously
Size/Abundance		n Habitat would not be directly affected n Indirect impact due to disturbance and increased human activities outside of Project site
Duration		n Construction phase indirect impacts to the channel and ardeids pre/night roosting sites along the channel bank due to site runoff, disturbance and increased human activities would be temporary n Operational phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities to the channel and ardeids pre/ night roosting sites along the channel bank would be permanent
Reversibility		n Construction phase indirect impacts to the channel and ardeids pre/night roosting sites along the channel bank due to disturbance and increased human activities would be reversible n Operational phase indirect impacts due to disturbance and increased human activities to the channel and ardeids pre/night roosting sites along the channel bank would be irreversible
Magnitude		Low
Overall impact evaluation	Dry Season	Minor
Overall impact evaluation	Wet Season	Minor

Subtidal Hard Substrate, Soft Bottom and Intertidal Habitat

9.7.4.15 The Project only involves land-based construction works, no direct loss of marine habitat is expected. Considering the large distance between Project site and the marine habitats, indirect impacts to marine habitats resulting from the Project are anticipated to be Negligible.

Table 9.45 Evaluation of Ecological Impact to Marine Subtidal Hard Substrate, Soft Bottom and Intertidal Habitats within the Marine Assessment Area

Evaluation Criteria	Marine Habitat
Evaluation Criteria	Subtidal Hard Substrate Habitat	Soft Bottom Habitat	Intertidal Habitats
Habitat quality	Low	Low	Low
Species	n Two coral species of conservation importance recorded at low abundance	n No species of conservation importance were recorded	n No species of conservation importance were recorded
Size/Abundance	n Habitat would not be directly affected n Indirect impact due to sewage effluent, site runoff, and effluent bypass
Duration	n Construction phase indirect water quality impacts due to sewage effluent, site runoff, and effluent bypass would be temporary
Reversibility	n Construction phase indirect water quality impacts due to site runoff would be temporary
Magnitude	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
Overall impact evaluation	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible

Species of Conservation Importance

9.7.4.16 Potentially significant impacts to species of conservation importance recorded within the assessment area are described in above sections. A summary and evaluation of potential impacts from construction and operational phases of the Project on all species of conservation importance recorded within the assessment area is presented in Table 9.46.

Species of Conservation Importance	Construction and Operational phases Impacts
FLORA	As all flora species of conservation importance was recorded out of Project site, no impacts are expected.	No impact
FAUNA
Avifauna
Great Egret (Ardea alba) Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus) Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)	Four ardeid species were recorded pre-roosting along bankside near the confluence of Shing Mun River Channel and TWN with night roosting behavior observed on trees in developed area along Block 3 of Man Lai Court to Sha Tin Government Secondary School (out of Project site). Little egret was recorded in all sections of the Project site, except Section 2.
Construction phase Direct loss of habitat (modified watercourse) would be temporary and given that there are other pre-roosting and foraging ground along the Shing Mun River Channel, Minor impact is expected on these four ardeids, except Section 1 in dry season with Minor to Moderate impact due to higher abundance of pre-roosting ardeids. Mitigation measures should be provided during dry seasons to provide compensatory pre-roosting site temporarily. As all existing trees alongside TWN will be retained and given the distance from the works area will be approximately 30m, no direct impact on night roosting habitat of ardeids is expected. Construction noise may disturb ardeids from utilising habitat for pre-roosting, especially during dry seasons with high abundance of overwintering ardeids species (e.g. great egret) pre-roosting and foraging in Section 1 of the Project site. Given that the surrounding area of the pre-roosting site is already highly disturbed by human activities and disturbance from construction is temporary, impacts of construction disturbance on these four ardeids are therefore expected to be Minor to Moderate during dry season and Minor during wet season if unmitigated.	Wet season Minor Dry season Minor to Moderate
Operational phase No unacceptable indirect ecological impacts are anticipated from desilting works as it is a regular practice in the existing condition, it is also expected to be temporary and in small scale. No unacceptable indirect disturbance impacts are anticipated from operation of the Project as revitalisation design of the TWN has seek to find a balance between design for local communities’ needs and ecological enhancements. Where Section 1 aims to promote ecological enhancement and would not involve any recreation / leisure and public access. Positive impact would be resulted from operation of the Project as wetland habitat will be enhanced and created within TWN with ecological enhancement measures provided.	Negligible
Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)	Individuals were recorded within the Project site, on concrete channel of Section 6 TWN.
Construction phase Direct loss of habitat (modified watercourse) would be temporary and given that there is other foraging ground along the Shing Mun River Channel, ecological impact on this species is considered as Minor. Construction noise may disturb ardeids from utilising habitat for foraging. Given that surrounding area of the Project site is already highly disturbed by human activities and disturbance from construction disturbance is temporary, impacts of construction disturbance on this species are therefore expected to be Minor if unmitigated.	Minor
Operational phase No unacceptable indirect ecological impacts are anticipated from desilting works as it is a regular practice in the existing condition, it is also expected to be temporary and in small scale. No unacceptable indirect disturbance impacts are anticipated from operation of the Project as revitalisation design of the TWN has seek to find a balance between design for local communities’ needs and ecological enhancements. Where Section 1 aims to promote ecological enhancement and would not involve any recreation / leisure and public access. Positive impact would be resulted from operation of the Project as wetland habitat will be enhanced and created within TWN with ecological enhancement measures provided.	Negligible
Collared Crow (Corvus torquatus)	Two individuals were recorded within the Project site, at concrete platform near TWN downstream Project site.
Construction phase Reconstruction of concrete platform would cause displacement due to loss of habitat and potential water quality impact from construction. As there are other habitats along the Shing Mun River Channel for this highly mobile species and good site practice will be implemented, ecological impact on this species is considered as Minor.	Minor
Operational phase No unacceptable indirect ecological impacts are anticipated from desilting works as it is a regular practice in the baseline condition, it is also expected to be temporary and in small scale. No unacceptable indirect disturbance impacts are anticipated from operation of the Project as revitalisation design of the TWN has seek to find a balance between design for local communities’ needs and ecological enhancements. Where Section 1 aims to promote ecological enhancement and would not involve any recreation / leisure and public access. Positive impact would be resulted from operation of the Project as wetland habitat will be enhanced and created within TWN with ecological enhancement measures provided.	Negligible
Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis)	Two individuals were recorded on trees within Project site at upstream stilling basin (Section 6) adjacent to Heung Fan Liu.
Construction phase The construction noise and increase in human activities may cause avoidance of habitat. This species is commonly found in the shrubland or grassland. It is unlikely to have significant adverse impact on this species due to availability of other habitats nearby and the Project would not pose any direct impact on its habitat.	Negligible
Operational phase No impact	No impact
Rufous-capped Babbler (Stachyridopsis ruficeps)	An individual was recorded on trees within Project site at upstream stilling basin (Section 6) adjacent to Heung Fan Liu.
Construction phase The construction noise and increase in human activities may cause avoidance of habitat. This species is commonly found in the woodland or mixed woodland. It is unlikely to have significant adverse impact on this species due to availability of other habitats nearby and the Project would not pose any direct impact on its habitat.	Negligible
Operational phase No impact	No impact
Eastern Buzzard (Buteo japonicus) Common Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) Mountain Bulbul (Ixos mcclellandii) Black Kite (Milvus migrans)	As these species were either recorded in flight or out of works area, no impact is expected. Positive impact would be resulted from operation of the Project for some of the wetland dependent species (i.e. black kite) as wetland habitat will be enhanced and created within TWN with ecological enhancement measures provided.	No impact
Butterfly
Danaid Eggfly (Hypolimnas misippus) Metallic Cerulean (Jamides alecto alocina) Malayan (Megisba malaya sikkima) Tiny Grass Blue (Zizula hylax)	Low abundance of these butterfly species was recorded within developed area/ modified watercourse within Project site near the stilling basin.
Construction phase No adverse impacts are expected as it is unlikely to be their key habitat and availability of other suitable habitats nearby.	No impact
Operational phase No impact	No impact
Odonate
Chinese Cascader (Zygonyx asahinai) Emerald Cascader (Zygonyx iris insignis)	As these species were recorded out of Project site, no impact is expected.	No impact
Mammal
Short-nosed Fruit Bat (Cynopterus sphinx)	Low abundance of short-nosed fruit bat was recorded at developed area within and out of the Project site near Man Lai Court. Day roosting site of the species was also observed on trees in developed area within Project site near Man Lai Court.
Construction phase Given that all the trees along Man Lai Court to Hong Kong Heritage Museum will be retained under the Project and the existing habitat is already subjected to high level of disturbance by human activities, no major adverse impact is expected on this species from day roosting.	No impact
Operational phase No impact	No impact
Chinese Noctule (Nyctalus plancyi)	Low abundance of Chinese noctule was recorded within the modified watercourse habitat within Project site (Section 5 of TWN).
Construction phase No adverse disturbance impacts are expected as it is unlikely to be their key habitat and there are other habitats nearby for the highly mobile species.	No impact
Operational phase No impact	No impact
Himalayan Leaf-nosed Bat (Hipposideros armiger) Chinese Pipistrelle (Hypsugo pulveratus) Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) Japanese Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus abramus) Least Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus tenuis) Lesser Bamboo Bat (Tylonycteris pachypus)	As these species were recorded out of the Project site, no impact is expected.	No impact
Herpetofauna
Mountain Water Snake (Sinonatrix percarinata percarinata)	Individual of Mountain Water Snake was recorded in natural watercourse S1, in proximity to Project site of Section 6.
Construction phase Land-based construction runoff and accidental spillage of chemicals may lead to lethal (direct morality) or sublethal (reproductive retardation) impacts on this water snake. No adverse impacts on this species are expected with the implementation of appropriate measures to control runoff from construction site, as well as adoption of good site practices for handling and disposal of construction discharges (refer to Section 5).	Negligible
Operational phase No impact	No impact
Lesser Spiny Frog (Quasipaa exilispinosa) Many-banded Krait (Bungarus multicinctus multicinctus) Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko)	As these species were recorded out of the Project site, no impact is expected.	No impact
Freshwater communities
Stream Crab (Cryptopotamon anacoluthon) Somanniathelphusa zanklon	Low abundance of these freshwater species was recorded in natural watercourse S1, in proximity to Project site Section 6.
Construction phase No direct impact (i.e. habitat loss) is anticipated for these freshwater species as no works will be carried out in the natural watercourse habitat. Land-based construction runoff and accidental spillage of chemicals may lead to lethal (direct morality) or sublethal (reproductive retardation) impacts on these aquatic organisms. No adverse impacts on these species are expected with the implementation of appropriate measures to control runoff from construction site, as well as adoption of good site practices for handling and disposal of construction discharges (refer to Section 5).	Negligible
Operational phase No impact	No impact

9.7.5 Cumulative Impacts

9.7.5.1 According to the preliminary construction programme of the Project (Appendix 2.2 refers), construction works would be undertaken in sections along TWN (Figure 2.1 refers), between Q1 2024 and Q4 2029 starting from downstream Section 1 to upstream Section 6. Four concurrent projects are identified in the vicinity of the Project site or within Shing Mun River and its tributaries as discussed in Section 2, including:

· “Revised Trunk Road T4” in Sha Tin,

· Box culverts along Chui Tin Street under “Drainage Improvement Works in Sha Tin and Sai Kung;”

· “Revitalisation of Fo Tan Nullah”; and

· “Joint-user complex at Tsuen Nam Road”, Tai Wai.

9.7.5.2 Works areas for planned box culverts along Chui Tin Street under “Drainage Improvement Works in Sha Tin and Sai Kung” and Joint-user complex at Tsuen Nam Road, Tai Wai covers mainly existing carriage way along Chui Tin Street by Shing Mun River and existing playground in Tai Wai respectively. Since the surrounding environments are already under high degree of disturbances, cumulative ecological impacts during both construction and operational phases are anticipated to be insignificant.

9.7.5.3 For “Revised Trunk Road T4”, based on the approved EIA report (AEIAR-231/2021), in view that the construction works of the concurrent project within the site area of overlapping with this Project during construction phase would be the foundation works for the Revised Trunk Road T4 viaducts, and that the construction works along the nullah will not be undertaken at the entire work section at the same time (see Section 2), the tentative construction programme and works at the interface area between the two projects could be arranged efficiently, e.g. scheduling works to be carried out during dry season, through close liaison between DSD’s and CEDD’s contractors of this Project and the concurrent project respectively in order to avoid construction works of respective works contracts to be carried out concurrently at the same interfacing areas and CEDD has agreed to include this requirement in the respective works contract. With such arrangement in place, cumulative construction environmental impacts, and water quality impacts upon the downstream water body could be minimised. For the construction of bridge piers within Shing Mun River under “Revised Trunk Road T4 in Sha Tin”, the construction activities for bridge piers would be conducted by phases and all pilling and excavation works in river would be fully enclosed by cofferdam/watertight steel casing and with deployment of silt curtains to completely enclose the cofferdam/watertight steel casing prior to setting up piling works, hence, the potential water quality impacts could be mitigated and controlled by implementing the recommended mitigation measures. As such, cumulative ecological impacts to downstream areas in Shing Mun River Channel and Tolo Harbour during construction phase are anticipated to be insignificant.

9.7.5.4 Based on the tentative construction programme of potential concurrent projects as detailed in Section 2.8, the construction of “Revitalisation of Fo Tan Nullah” would overlap with that of the Project during 2024 to 2029. The concurrent projects are located over 2km from this Project boundary. Potential water quality impacts from this concurrent project are expected to be similar to this Project and localised that significant cumulative water quality impacts would not be expected given the large separation distance. With proper implementation of mitigation measures and good site practices, potential water quality impacts to downstream areas in Shing Mun River Channel would be well controlled.

9.8 Mitigation of Adverse Environmental Impacts

9.8.1.1 According to the EIAO-TM Annex 16 and EIAO Guidance Note 3/2010, ecological impacts to important habitats and associated wildlife caused by the proposed Project should be mitigated, in priority order of, avoidance, minimisation, and compensation approaches to the maximum practical extent.

9.8.2 Avoidance

Avoidance of Ardeid Roosting Site

9.8.2.1 The Project site is designed to avoid encroachment of the night roosting sites for ardeids. Thus, no direct impact on night roosting sites is anticipated.

Protection of Mature Vegetation along Nullah

9.8.2.2 There are existing mature trees along TWN on pedestrian road within the Project site. Although these tree species are not of conservation importance, the tree specimens are mature with good foliage and tree crown that can potentially provide habitat for fauna species, for instance, day roosting of short-nosed fruit bats was observed on mature tree Chinese fan-palm alongside Man Lai Court. These mature trees will therefore be retained under the revitalisation design.

Restriction of Construction Hours

9.8.2.3 Ardeid night roost was recorded nearby the Project site, the most recent records (at the time of the preparation of this report) of the roosting location was at the mature trees alongside Man Lai Court and Sha Tin Government Secondary School, east of the Project site (refer to Figure 9.4). Taking the varying timing of sunset throughout the year and the peak returning period of the roosting ardeids (Section 9.5.2.4 refers), no construction works within the nullah in Section 1 (channel bed modification and desilting at downstream tidal zone) should be undertaken from 16:30 to 07:30 during dry season (October to March) and from 17:00 to 07:00 during wet season (April to September) in order to minimise the potential disturbance to pre-roosting / night-roosting ardeids.

9.8.2.4 A pre-construction ardeid survey should be conducted no earlier than 3 months before the commencement of construction works for each sections of TWN, for areas within 100m from the Project site, to confirm the location and status of the night roost. The surveys should be conducted covering the ardeid pre-roosting and night roosting sites to record the location of ardeid roosting trees, the ardeid species and abundance utilizing the pre-roosting and night roosting sites. A plan detailing the survey methodology should be submitted to and approved by AFCD prior to the pre-construction ardeid survey. The findings should also be submitted and approved by AFCD.

9.8.2.5 Likewise, no noisy construction works with power mechanical equipment (PME) in areas within 100m away from any night roost confirmed by the survey should be undertaken from 16:30 to 07:30 during dry season (October to March) and from 17:00 to 07:00 during wet season (April to September) to avoid disturbance for all work sections 1 – 6 of TWN.

9.8.3 Minimisation

Phasing of Construction Activities

9.8.3.1 Construction programme for the Project has been carefully phased and will take place separately along TWN. The Project site will be divided into six sections to be constructed in sequence starting from downstream TWN to reduce the construction impacts on nearby sensitive receivers comparing with constructing simultaneously in adjoining sections. The construction works along the nullah within each section would last for approximately 1 year and will not be undertaken at the entire section at the same time. All works within the nullah (nullah bed modification, construction of DWFI system along the nullah, underground water pipes along the nullah, construction of riparian walkway and amenity areas, and desilting works at downstream tidal zone) would be undertaken during dry season to reduce the potential water quality impacts. Likewise, works outside the nullah (such as walkway improvement) would be scheduled to avoid overlapping with works within the nullah to avoid heavy construction activities concentrating in a certain area over any period. This could localise the construction disturbance within and reduce the duration of disturbances to surrounding habitats.

9.8.3.2 Regarding to reconstruction of wetland habitat in the stilling basin at Section 6, construction will be divided into parts depending on the site constraints (i.e. reconstruct half of the basin at a time) to minimise disturbance and mortality of existing freshwater community within the basin.

Minimisation of Disturbance Impacts during Construction Phase

9.8.3.3 Through the implementation of mitigation measures and good site practices on air quality and noise control as recommended in Section 3 and Section 4, construction disturbances to surrounding habitats and associated wildlife could also be further minimised. Relevant measures include but not limited to the followings.

9.8.3.4 Noise impacts during construction phase could be minimised, hence reducing disturbance impacts to adjacent habitats and associated fauna by:

· Good site practices;

· Use of Quality Powered Mechanical Equipment (QPME) / quieter construction method; and

· Use of temporary movable noise barrier.

9.8.3.5 Construction dust could cover leaves of vegetation, affecting their photosynthetic rate and in turn suppressing health and growth. Relevant dust suppression measures include:

· Regular site watering;

· Proper covering of construction materials; and

· Provision of hoardings along the site boundary.

Minimising Impacts to Hydrodynamics Properties and Water Quality during Construction Phase

9.8.3.6 Design of ecological-friendly riverbed lining should be considered with reference to DSD PN No. 3/2021 “Guidelines on Design for Revitalisation of River Channel” to minimise impacts to hydrological properties of the watercourse habitat. For instance, the original bed substrates within the nullah in the stilling basin at Section 6 could be stockpiled and preserved off-site temporarily during construction phase for reuse in wetland vegetation planting in the nullah as far as practicable.

9.8.3.7 All works within the TWN (channel bed modification, construction of DWFI system along the nullah, underground water pipes along the nullah, construction of riparian walkway and amenity areas, and desilting works at downstream tidal zone) should arrange to be conducted in dry season. Works within the nullah should be restricted to an enclosed dry zone of the watercourse, with physical containment measures such as barriers installed before the commencement of works to minimise water quality impacts on the downstream. Surface runoff should be directed towards silt / sediment traps and oil/ grease separators before discharge into storm drains. Sandbags / approximate temporary partition should be provided to isolate works area in close proximity to watercourse. Procedures promulgated under ProPECC PN 1/94 “Construction Site Drainage” should also be adopted, where applicable, and good site practices should be adopted to avoid pollution of waterbodies and to minimise water quality impacts. Detailed water pollution control measures are presented in Section 5.

Minimisation of Lighting / Glare during Construction and Operational Phases

9.8.3.8 Lightings installed along the revitalised TWN shall be minimised or incorporate wildlife-friendly lighting to avoid light spill. Intensity of light should be controlled to the lowest level possible and long wavelength lights such as amber lamps, which is visible to human but invisible to most animals, are recommended. The lights should be installed with a shield and at level as close to the ground as possible to prevent extensive light casting up into the sky. Lights with motion sensors can also be considered to further minimise disturbance to surrounding habitats as lights that are not in use would be automatically turn off.

Minimising Impacts on Hydrodynamics Properties and Water Quality during Operational Phase

9.8.3.9 As detailed in Section 5, design of site drainage and Best Management Practices (BMPs) for storm water discharge should follow the relevant guidelines and practices as given in the ProPECC PN 5/93 to avoid and minimise surface runoff from the Project, whilst precautionary measures and good site practices in planning maintenance works should be followed to minimise the potential impacts on water quality to the nearby waterbodies from surface run-off / maintenance works and the associated ecological impacts.

9.8.3.10 No adverse ecological impact is expected during the operational phase with positive outcome would be resulted from the ecologically enhanced TWN. As such, no other specific ecological mitigation measure is necessary during operation of the Project.

9.8.4 Compensation

Compensation of Temporary Loss of Pre-roosting Site

9.8.4.1 Under the revitalisation design, ardeids pre-roosting habitat at downstream Section 1 would be reinstated into a mix of stepped terrace and slope at water edge to enhance foraging / pre-roosting habitats for waterbirds (e.g. ardeids). To compensate for the temporary loss of pre-roosting site for ardeids during reconstruction of the concrete platforms at Section 1 in dry seasons (i.e. November to March), floating pontoons of similar areas could be provided at downstream of the works area as far as practicable, along southern bank out of Project site, as an alternative assembly point for ardeids.

9.8.4.2 These floating pontoons should be installed by October before the start of every dry season within the construction programme and disassemble in April upon end of dry season. Installation of the floating pontoons in early dry season can help in maximising usage of ardeids, by allowing them to get familiar with these floating platforms earlier and thereby increase the percentage of usage. The proposed extend and location of the floating pontoon should be submitted and approved by AFCD together with the pre-construction ardeid survey methodology as stated in Section 9.8.2.4. Ardeid’s usage of the temporary floating pontoon should be monitored in the monthly ecological monitoring (Section 9.10 refers).

9.8.5 Enhancement Opportunities and Environmental Benefit

9.8.5.1 Ecological enhancement designs incorporated into the revitalisation plan to promote ecological value of the Project are discussed in following paragraphs.

Habitat Creation

9.8.5.2 One of the focus for the revitalisation plan of TWN is to enhance overall ecological value of the Project site. Various types of wetland and freshwater habitats should be incorporated into the revitalisation design. In order to re-create / restore the original stream / river like habitats of the nullah, the highly modified concrete lined channel should be reinstated with natural substrates to greatest practical extent. Enhancement elements to promote usage of nearby fauna should also be studied and installed within TWN.

Greening Opportunities (Detailed in Section 12)

9.8.5.3 Greening opportunities, including wetland and roadside planting within TWN, along pedestrian road and in public areas, would be explored in the Project’s revitalisation plan to further promote ecological value of TWN. Further details of the relevant greening opportunities are discussed in the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Section 12) of this EIA Report.

Improvement on Water Quality

9.8.5.4 With the implementation of the proposed DWFI system and treatment wetlands, the existing polluted dry weather flows from the drainage outlets along TWN will either be intercepted and discharged to the existing sewerage system via gravity mains (i.e. no DWFI pumping station required) for conveying to Shatin Sewage Treatment Works for treatment by the DWFI system, or be discharged into the treatment wetlands installed at drainage outlets for in-situ polishing. Freshwater input into TWN would be of improved water quality compared to scenario without the Project. General constructed wetland system of smaller scale created within the channel under the revitalisation plan could also potentially further improve water quality within the nullah.

Preservation of Fauna Species of Conservation Importance

9.8.5.5 Some species of conservation importance were recorded within footprint of the proposed work areas. While no major adverse impacts are expected on these fauna species with high to moderate mobility, the revitalisation design of TWN should enhance conditions for these species in the long term.

Wetland Dependent Avifauna and Bat Species

9.8.5.6 Revitalisation of the nullah have seek to find a balance between design for local communities’ needs (e.g. aesthetics, recreation/ leisure and access) and ecological enhancements. The design should not result in disturbance impacts to the waterbirds utilising the nullah as well as bats’ foraging and commuting habitats.

Post-enhancement Ecological Monitoring Programme

9.8.5.7 Upon completion of revitalisation for TWN, ecological value of the Project site should be improved by ecological enhancement measures incorporated into the design. To ensure the effectiveness of these enhancement measures (e.g. creation of wetland habitats, vegetation planting and specific enhancement measures for identified species), a post-enhancement ecological monitoring programme should be developed and implemented by the DSD. The programme should aim to record the overall ecological condition of the Project site, including but not limited to the followings: quality of the created habitats and enhancement elements, usage by targeted fauna species and vegetation conditions. Maintenance and management requirements for TWN should be adjusted accordingly based on the monitoring results.

9.9 Evaluation of Residual Impacts

9.9.1 Construction Phase

9.9.1.1 With the proposed avoidance/mitigation measures in place, no unacceptable ecological impacts due to construction works are expected.

9.9.2 Operational phase

9.9.2.1 No adverse ecological impact is expected with positive outcome would be resulted from the ecologically enhanced TWN. As such, no residual impact is anticipated during operational phase of the Project.

9.10 Environmental Monitoring and Audit

9.10.1.1 A pre-construction ardeid survey should be conducted no earlier than 3 months before the commencement of construction works for each section of TWN, for areas within 100m from the Project site to confirm the location and status of the night roost. Ecological monitoring of ardeid is recommended to monitor the ardeid usage of the active pre-roosting and roosting sites (as confirmed by the pre-construction ardeid survey), and of the proposed temporary floating pontoons. A plan detailing the monitoring methodology should be submitted to and approved by AFCD prior to the monitoring. Monthly counts of species composition and abundance should be undertaken to monitor the effectiveness of proposed mitigation measures and detect any unpredicted indirect ecological impacts arising from the proposed Project. The ecological monitoring / surveys should be undertaken by experience ecologist(s) with relevant working experience. The detail monitoring data should be reported in the monthly EM&A report. In case of any unforeseen ecological impacts identified, remedial actions should then be recommended, where appropriate, in consultation with relevant authorities.

9.10.1.2 Monthly site audit should also be carried out throughout the construction phase to ensure recommended mitigation measures described in Section 9.8 are fully implemented. Details of environmental monitoring and audit (EM&A) requirements are discussed in the separate EM&A Manual.

9.10.1.3 No EM&A programme is required during operational phase.

9.11 Conclusion

9.11.1.1 Literature review and ecological field surveys were conducted for the Project with no recognised sites of conservation importance identified within the assessment area . Ecological impact assessment for the revitalisation of Tai Wai Nullah has been conducted following the guidelines of the EIAO-TM Annex 8 and 16. A total of nine habitat types were recorded within the 500 m assessment area from recent surveys, including woodland, mixed woodland, plantation, grassland, reservoir, village/ orchard, developed area/ wasteland, natural and modified watercourses . Dominant habitat types recorded within the Project site included developed area and modified watercourse, which are of low ecological values except for limited sections of the TWN found to support some wetland vegetation and/or support pre-roost congregation of ardeids and other wetland birds. These habitats were considered of low to moderate ecological value.

9.11.1.2 For habitats outside the Project site, woodland and mixed woodland are of moderate or moderate to high ecological value. Other habitats (plantation, grassland, reservoir, village/ orchard, developed area/ wasteland and modified watercourse) except natural watercourse, which is of low to moderate ecological value, are considered of low ecological value. Species of conservation importance recorded within the assessment area included eight flora, twelve avifauna, eight mammals, four herpetofauna, five butterflies, two odonates and two freshwater species. Among these species, only eight avifauna, two mammal, four butterfly species of conservation importance were recorded within the Project site.

9.11.1.3 Marine habitats within the assessment area included subtidal hard substrata, soft bottom, and intertidal habitats, which are all of low ecological value. As the Project site is located far from marine habitats (>5.55 km), no direct impacts to marine habitats are anticipated, and indirect impacts are considered negligible.

9.11.1.4 Modified watercourses within the assessment area (especially alongside downstream TWN from Man Lai Court Block 1 and 2 (Section 1) to Hong Kong Heritage Museum) supported large number of wetland birds dominated by ardeids, with over 100 individuals congregating on the concrete access ramps as a pre-roost in the dry season.

9.11.1.5 Whereas ardeid night roost is located within developed areas within the assessment area, on mature trees on the northern bank of Shing Mun River Channel (from Block 3 of Man Lai Court to Sha Tin Government Secondary School). Significantly lower abundance of ardeids were recorded during wet season. No breeding or nursery behaviour of any wetland avifauna species was identified within the assessment area.

9.11.1.6 No direct impacts to natural habitats within the assessment area are anticipated for the Project. Direct impacts arising from the proposed works would be limited to the temporary loss (about 11.1ha) of modified watercourse and developed area. Given the relatively low to moderate ecological value of affected habitats, the small area affected, and the temporary nature of the impact, direct impacts are expected to be Minor except for minor-moderate scale impacts to two small stretches of the TWN supporting some wetland vegetation and ardeid pre-roosting site. All affected areas will be reinstated and enhanced in terms of ecological value as part of the project. Avoidance measures (e.g. restriction of construction hours, protection of mature trees along the nullah and avoidance of encroachment of ardeids night roosting sites) would be implemented to preserve the day roosting and night roosting habitats for bats and ardeids respectively. Floating platforms would be installed downstream of the Project site (in the Shing Mun River Channel) to compensate for temporary loss of the pre-roosting site.

9.11.1.7 Indirect impacts during the construction phase would comprise of human disturbance, construction noise, dust and site run-off. With proper implementation of the recommended mitigation measures and good site practices, no significant adverse ecological impact is anticipated. With ecological enhancement measures incorporated into revitalisation design of TWN and with restriction of public access in Section 1, nature of disturbance during operational phase would be minimal compared to existing baseline condition. Net positive ecological outcome would be result from the created and enhanced wetland habitats. No unacceptable adverse residual impacts would therefore be expected during both construction and operational phase.

9.11.1.8 Ecological monitoring of ardeid usage of the active pre-roosting and roosting sites confirmed by the pre-construction ardeid survey, and of the proposed temporary floating pontoons has also been recommended. Remedial actions can then be recommended, where appropriate, based on the impact monitoring results. Monthly site audit should also be carried out throughout the construction phase to ensure recommended avoidance / pollution control measures are fully implemented.

9.11.1.9 Ecological enhancement designs have been incorporated into the revitalisation plan to promote ecological value of the Project, as well as enhancement measures and good site practices to further minimise any potential environmental impacts. The proposed revitalisation plan for TWN should seek to find a balance between design for local communities’ requirements (e.g. aesthetics, recreation/leisure and access) and ecological enhancement. Ecological enhancement could be achieved by incorporating habitat creation within and along the TWN to improve the overall ecological value of the Project site. The design should not result in disturbance impacts on surrounding habitats and fauna utilising the nullah. Upon completion of revitalisation for TWN, ecological value of the Project site is anticipated to be improved by ecological enhancement measures incorporated into the design. A post-enhancement ecological monitoring programme would be developed and implemented by the DSD to review effectiveness of these enhancement measures (e.g. creation of wetland habitats, vegetation planting and specific enhancement measures for identified species). The programme shall aim to record the overall ecological condition of the Project site, including but not limited to the followings: quality of the created habitats and enhancement elements, usage by targeted fauna species and vegetation conditions. Maintenance and management requirements for TWN would be adjusted accordingly based on the monitoring results.

9.12 References

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9 ECOLOGY (TERRESTRIAL AND MARINE)

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

9.2.1.1 This assessment makes reference to the following Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government ordinances, regulations, standards, guidelines, and documents that are relevant to ecological impact assessment:

9.2.1.2 This section also makes reference to the following international conventions and national legislation:

9.3 Assessment Methodology

9.3.1 Assessment Area

9.3.2 Literature Review

9.3.2.1 The ecological characteristics of the assessment area were identified through a comprehensive review of the available literature. This review collated ecological information from various reports and publications, as summarised in Table 9.1.

9.3.3 Ecological Survey Methodology

9.3.3.3 A habitat map showing the types and locations of terrestrial habitats within the assessment area was prepared with reference to aerial photographs obtained from Lands Department (LandsD) and ground-truthing.

9.3.3.17 Abundance, biomass, species diversity H’ and evenness J were calculated for pooled data, using the formulae:

H’ = - ∑ ( Ni / N ) ln ( Ni / N ) ; and

J = H’ / ln S

where S is the total number of species in the sample, N is the total number of individuals, and Ni is the number of individuals of the ith species.

9.3.3.18 Surveys on intertidal communities were conducted at representative survey locations (refer to Figure 9.2) by line transect method, in order to establish an ecological profile of intertidal habitats within the assessment area.

9.4 Baseline Conditions

9.4.1 Site of Conservation Importance

9.4.1.1 There are no recognised sites of conservation importance within the terrestrial ecology assessment area. The nearest site of conservation importance is:

9.4.1.2 While there are some recognised sites of marine conservation importance within the marine ecology assessment area, all are relatively distant from the Project site:

9.4.2 Literature Review

9.4.2.4 A total of 10 dragonfly species were previously recorded within the current assessment area from the Revitalisation Study and the unpublished AFCD data, four of which are of conservation importance as presented in Table 9.6 (DSD, 2019; AFCD, 2020c).

9.4.2.5 The Revitalisation Study reported six reptile species within the current assessment area. Two species are of conservation importance, which are presented in Table 9.7.

9.4.2.6 Six species of amphibians were previously recorded within the current assessment area from the Revitalisation Study. Two species are of conservation importance, which are presented in Table 9.8.

9.4.2.7 Four species of mammals were previously recorded within the current assessment area from the Revitalisation Study. Two species are of conservation importance, which are presented in Table 9.9.

9.4.2.11 In the Drainage Improvement in Sha Tin and Tai Po – EIA Report (DSD, 2007), a subtidal survey was undertaken off the shore of Shuen Wan. No colonies of either hard or soft corals were recorded.

9.4.2.12 Coral communities had been recorded at Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park and Port Island at the outfall of the Tolo Channel just on the eastern edge of the Tolo Harbour and Channel WCZ (AFCD, 2004). These coral communities are located more than 13.2 km northeast of the Project site.

9.4.2.19 Intertidal surveys were conducted along the artificial shoreline of STSTW and Ma On Shan during the Development of the Sha Tin Cavern EIA Report. A total of 31 species were recorded at the five sampling locations. No intertidal species of conservation importance was recorded.

9.5 Survey Findings

9.5.1 Habitat and Vegetation

9.5.1.16 Modified watercourses recorded within the assessment area include the channelised TWN and Shing Mun River Channel, which together comprise the fifth largest habitat within the assessment area. No flora species of conservation importance was recorded in this habitat type.

9.5.2 Terrestrial Fauna

9.5.2.3 Two other species of conservation importance, common emerald dove (Chalcophaps indica) and mountain bulbul (Ixos mcclellandii) were recorded from woodland / mixed woodland habitats relatively distant from the Project site (approximately 320 m and 245 m respectively).

9.5.2.12 An individual of rare pond snail (Sinotaia quadrata) and nymphs of three abundant odonate species: red-faced skimmer (Orthetrum chrysis), orange-tailed midget (Agriocnemis femina oryzae) and crimson dropwing (Trithemis aurora) were recorded in the stilling basin in Section 6.

9.5.3 Marine Fauna

9.5.3.4 No particular dominance was observed during dry and wet season at B1 while B2 was devoid of benthic fauna. At sampling location B1, lower Shannon Diversity Index (H’) and higher Pielou’s Evenness Index (J) were observed in dry season when compared with wet season (refer to Table 9.23).

Fauna Group

No. of individuals

Percentage (%)

Biomass (g)

Percentage (%)

Dry Season

Annelida

8

100

0.01

100

Total

8

-

0.01

-

Wet Season

Annelida

66

78

5.89

24

Mollusca

19

22

18.39

76

Total

85

-

24.28

-

Dry Season

Wet Season

9.6 Ecological Value

9.6.1.3 Mixed woodland habitats within the assessment area were considered to be of moderate ecological value as this habitat is moderately natural, moderate in size with moderate to high floral diversity, time would also be needed for re-creation of the habitat once it is lost.

where S is the total number of species in the sample, N is the total number of individuals, and Ni is the number of individuals of the i^th species.