5. ecological impact assessment 5.1 introduction 5...integrated waste management facilities phase 1...

Outlying Islands Sewerage Stage 2 –

South Lantau Sewerage Works

5-1 B&V / ERM

5. ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

5.1 Introduction

This Section presents the findings of an assessment of the potential ecological impacts

associated with the construction and operation of the proposed Project in South Lantau. It

summarises the baseline information gathered from a literature review and baseline

ecological surveys on the terrestrial and marine ecological resources in South Lantau, and

describes the ecological importance of this area.

5.2 Legislation Requirement & Assessment Criteria

5.2.1 Technical Memorandum

The criteria for evaluating ecological impacts are laid out in the EIAO-TM. Annex 16 of

the EIAO-TM sets out the general approach and methodology for the assessment of impacts

to ecological resources arising from a project or proposal. Annex 8 of the EIAO-TM

recommends the criteria that can be used for evaluating such impacts.

5.2.2 Other Legislation

Legislative requirements and evaluation criteria relevant to this Study for the protection of

species and habitats of ecological importance include:

Country Parks Ordinance (Cap 208);

Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap 96);

Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap 476);

Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170);

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

Town Planning Ordinance (Cap 131);

Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines Chapter 10 (HKPSG);

EIAO Guidance Note No. 6/2010, 7/2010, 10/2010 and 11/2010

United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (1992);

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species;

Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (the Ramsar Convention); and

PRC Regulations and Guidelines.



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5.3 Baseline Condition

This section details the baseline conditions of both terrestrial and marine ecological

resources of the habitats at South Lantau.

5.3.1 Terrestrial Ecology

In accordance with the requirements given in Clause 3.4.2.2 of the EIA Study Brief, the

Study Area for terrestrial ecology is defined by a distance of 500 m from the Project

Boundary (Figure 5.1). The Study Area covers a total area of approximately 1,215 ha in

southern Lantau Island including Lantau South Country Park and the areas zoned under the

Outline Zoning Plan as Coastal Protection Area and Green Belt.

Baseline conditions for each ecological component of the terrestrial environment of the

Study Area were evaluated based on information from the literature and focused field

studies conducted for the purposes of this EIA. Findings of the literature review and

baseline field surveys of the Study Area are summarised in the following sections.

5.3.2 Literature Review

A review of literature and recent aerial photographs was conducted to determine the

existing terrestrial ecological conditions within the Study Area, identify habitat resources

and species of potential conservation importance, and identify potential information gaps

in the baseline conditions of the habitats. The literature reviewed includes:

Porcupine! (1);

Hong Kong Biodiversity (2);

Revised Concept Plan for Lantau (3);

Field guides for terrestrial wildlife of Hong Kong (4) ;

EIA Report for Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 (5);

EIA Report for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Receiving Terminal and Associated Facilities

(6);

EIA Report for Drainage Improvements in Southern Lantau (7);

EIA Report for Improvement to Tung Chung Road Between Lung Tseng Tau and Cheung Sha

(8);

(1) Newsletter of Department of Ecology & Biodiversity, The University of Hong Kong. Issues 1 to 33

(2) AFCD Biodiversity Newsletters. Available at: https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/publications/publications_con/pub_con_hkbio.html

(3) Lantau Development Task Force (2005) Revised Concept Plan for Lantau

(4) Relevant field guides for terrestrial wildlife of Hong Kong available at:

https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/hkbiodiversity/leaflets/leaflets_oth.html

(5) AECOM (2011) Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 – Feasibility Study: EIA Report Register No. AEIAR-123/2012

(6) ERM (2006) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Receiving Terminal and Associated Facilities: EIA Report. EIA Register No. AEIAR-106/2007

(7) Maunsell (2005) Drainage Improvements in Southern Lantau: EIA Report. EIA Register No. AEIAR-093/2005

(8) Mouchel Asia Ltd (2002) Improvement to Tung Chung Road from Lung Tseng Tau to Cheung Sha: EIA Report. EIA Register No. AEIAR-

061/2002

../Figures/5.1.pdfhttps://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/publications/publications_con/pub_con_hkbio.htmlhttps://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/hkbiodiversity/leaflets/leaflets_oth.html



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EIA Report for 132 kV Supply Circuit from Pui O via Chi Ma Wan Peninsula via Sea Crossing towards Cheung Chau

(9); and

Project Profile for Telecommunication Installation at Lot 591SA in DD328, Tong Fuk, South Lantau Coast and the Associated Cable Landing Work in Tong Fuk,

South Lantau for the North Asia Cable (NAC) Fibre Optic Submarine Cable

System (10)

.

Project Profile for Asia-America Gateway (AAG) Cable Network, South Lantau

Lantau South Country Park

Over 50% of the Study Area (approximately 597 ha) is located within the Lantau South

Country Park (CP) designated under the Country Parks Ordinance in 1978. The Park

comprises an extensive area inhabiting many flora and wildlife such as, snakes, birds,

freshwater fish and protected plant species. Species of ecological interest include Hong

Kong Magnolia, orchids, Ferret Badger, Chinese Muntjac, Wild Boar and Romer’s Tree

Frog (11) (12) (13)

.

Green Belt

About 25% of the Study Area (approximately 295 ha) is located within the Green Belt (GB)

designated in the Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The planning intention of GB is primarily to

define the limits of development areas, to preserve existing well-wooded hillslopes and

other natural features, as well as to provide passive recreational outlets for the local

population and visitors. GB mainly covers the extensive well-vegetated uplands and

hillsides, spurs and stream valleys, coastal pockets of land and isolated knolls adjoining the

Lantau South Country Park.

Coastal Protection Area

A long strip of land (approximately 162 ha) along the South Lantau Coast is zoned as

“Coastal Protection Area” (CPA) which covers backshore coastal habitats and the sandy

shore of the gazetted bathing beaches at Pui O, Cheung Sha and Tong Fuk. The purpose of

CPA is to protect the landscape and ecological value of these areas and/or to serve as a

buffer against encroachment of urban development into Country Parks, Special Areas and

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) (14)

.

Areas of Ecological Importance / Interest

Within the Study Area, a number of ecologically important / sensitive sites and habitats,

including Fung Shui woodlands in Tong Fuk and Shui Hau, the mangroves in Pui O and

(9) Mott Connell Limited (2001) 132 kV Supply Circuit from Pui O via Chi Ma Wan Peninsula via Sea Crossing towards Cheung Chau: EIA Report.

EIA Register No. AEIAR-051/2002

(10) ERM (2000) Telecommunication Installation at Lot 591SA in DD328, Tong Fuk, South Lantau Coast and the Associated Cable Landing Work in

Tong Fuk, South Lantau for the North Asia Cable (NAC) Fibre Optic Submarine Cable System: Project Profile. DIR-031/2000

(11) AFCD website. Lantau South Country Park.

http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_cou/cou_vis_cou_ls/cou_vis_cou_ls.html

(12) Mouchel Asia Ltd (2002) Op Cit

(13) Mott Connell Limited (2001) Op Cit

(14) Planning Department (2001) Southwest New Territories Development Strategy Review. Final Report.

http://www.pland.gov.hk/pland_en/p_study/comp_s/swnt/final-report/final-report.htm

http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_cou/cou_vis_cou_ls/cou_vis_cou_ls.htmlhttp://www.pland.gov.hk/pland_en/p_study/comp_s/swnt/final-report/final-report.htm



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horseshoe crab nursery ground in Shui Hau, are identified under the Revised Concept Plan

for Lantau, of which the mangroves in Pui O and horseshoe crab nursery ground in Shui

Hau fall within either the Lantau South CP or CPA.

In addition, to facilitate better planning for government construction projects and to

enhance protection on natural streams/rivers, Pui O and Tong Fuk streams are identified by

the AFCD as Ecologically Important Streams (EIS) with important ecological functions

such as providing habitats for diverse or rare animal or plant communities (15)

.

Terrestrial Habitats, Vegetation & Wildlife

Focused field surveys have been conducted at Chi Ma Wan (Ha Keng), Pui O Wan,

Cheung Sha and Shek Pik as part of the environmental impact assessments (EIA)

mentioned above (Figure 5.2). The most recent surveys completed were, however,

undertaken in April 2006 around Shek Pik and January 2010 around Cheung Sha, and no

recent field surveys have been conducted around the proposed project sites at Shui Hau,

Tong Fuk, San Shek Wan, Pui O and Ham Tin (Table 5.1).

Table 5.1 – Survey Periods for Previous Relevant Projects Project Major Survey Location Field Survey Period

Improvement to Tung Chung Road from Lung

Tseng Tau to Cheung Sha

Cheung Sha and Tung

Chung road

April 2001 – January 2002

132 kV Supply Circuit from Pui O via Chi

Ma Wan Peninsula via Sea Crossing towards

Cheung Chau

Pui O October 2000 – September 2001

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Receiving

Terminal and Associated Facilities

Shek Pik February 2004 – April 2006

Drainage Improvements in Southern Lantau

Mui Wo July 2003 – March 2004

Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 Cheung Sha August - January 2010

Table 5.2 presents the major terrestrial habitats and associated wildlife identified within the

Study Area based on the above previous field surveys.

Table 5.2 – Major Terrestrial Habitats Identified within the Study Area (Information Based

on Literature Review) Habitat Description

Fung Shui

Woodland

Found at isolated locations near Shui Hau and Tong Fuk. Fung Shui Woodland are relatively old

growth with a height ranging from 6 m to 15 m and have not been disturbed for 20 to 50 years, and

are considered to be of high ecological value (1) (6)

Secondary

Woodland

Small area of secondary woodland located at Ngau Kwu Wan and Wang Tong.

Mainly located at the east of Pui O Wan, and around San Shek Wan and Cheung Sha.

Ecological value is generally expected to be moderate to high (1).

Two plant species of conservation importance were recorded in this habitat type near Pui O,

including Uvaria calamistrata and Malaisia scandens

Six plant species of conservation importance were previously recorded in Pui O in other EIA

study (1) including five rare to very rare species, Ailanthus fordii, Malaisia scandens, Uncaria

hirsuta, Uvaria calamistrata, and Xenostegia tridentata and one locally common but protected

species in China and Guangdong (Aquilaria sinensis).

(15) Environment, Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No. 5/2005 - Protection of natural streams/rivers from adverse impacts arising

from construction works

../Figures/5.2.pdf



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Habitat Description

Mixed Shrubland Mainly located on the Chi Ma Wan Peninsula.

Shrubland is the dominant habitat and mainly located at Tong Fuk and Shui Hau as a continuous

area.

Ecological value is generally expected to be low to moderate (1).

Four species of conservation importance identified around Pui O, including Artocarpus

hypargyreus (found at southeast Pui O Wan), Epiphyte Cleisostoma simondii (found at southeast

Pui O Wan), Pitcher Plant Nepenthes mirabilis (found at southeast Pui O Wan) and Common

Rat Snake Ptyas mucosus (found near Shap Long Kau Tsuen) (1). These are either protected in

HK or listed as PRC Class II protected species.

Two species of conservation importance have been identified around Chi Ma Wan. Black Kite

Milvus migrans (found flying over the shrubland at Tai Long Wan) and, Pitcher Plant Nepenthes

mirabilis (found near Ha Keng) (1). Both are protected in Hong Kong and Black Kite is listed as

PRC Class II protected species.

Plantation

(Cheung Sha &

West Pui O Wan)

Exotic plantation is found along the Lantau Trail and South Lantau Road.

Ecological value of this habitat is generally considered to be moderate to high (4).

Two species of conservation importance identified which is the endemic Romer’s Tree Frog

Liuixalus romeri (found near Cheung Sha) and the Hong Kong Newt Paramesotriton

hongkongensis (found near Pak Kung Au) (2), which are protected species in HK. The toads

Leptolalax pelodytoides and Megophrys brachykolos were also reported previously near Cheung

Sha.

Shrubland/

Grassland Mixture

Grassland is mainly located at Tong Fuk and Cheung Sha, uphill of the South Lantau Road.

One locally protected species, Aquilaria sinensis, recorded in shrubland of Cheung Sha

(5)

Urban/ Village

Area

Consists of residential villages, cultivated land, roads, paths, parks, and wasteland in Shui Hau,

Tong Fuk, Cheung Sha, San Shek Wan and Pui O Wan, and artificial slopes at Cheung Sha and

part of the Shek Pik Reservoir.

Ecological value of this habitat is generally considered to be low (4).

Streams Five major stream systems are found, including Shui Hau Stream, Tong Fuk Stream, Cheung

Sha Stream, San Shek Wan Stream and Pui O Stream. Tong Fuk and Pui O Streams are

identified as Ecological Important Streams by the AFCD.

One rare plant species, Ceratopteris thalictroides, identified near a seasonal streams in

Cheung Sha (5)

Other natural streams can be found near San Shek Wan and Cheung Sha. Five species of

conservation importance identified which is the endemic Romer’s Tree Frog Liuixalus romeri

(found near Cheung Sha), Short-legged Toad Xenophrys brachykolos (found near Cheung Sha),

Chinese Cobra Naja atra (found near Cheung Sha), Lesser Spiny Frog Paa exilispinosa and

the Hong Kong Newt Paramesotriton hongkongensis (found near Pak Kung Au) (3) (5),. The

toads Leptolalax pelodytoides and Megophrys brachykolos were also reported previously near

Cheung Sha.

Four fish species of conservation importance within stream habitat of Pui O Stream, including

Predaceous chub (listed as Vulnerable in China Red Data Book), Beijiang Thick-lipped Barb,

the Philippine Neon Goby and Black-headed Thick-lipped Goby (3)

Marsh Found mainly in the vicinity of villages at Pui O. This habitat was mostly originated by the

abandoned agriculture land and usually located near streams (1). This habitat was invaded with

grasses and weed plants.

Four plant species of conservation importance were recorded at Pui O Marsh, including the

water fern Azolla imbricata, Ceratopteris thalictroides, Marsilea quadrifolia and Salvinia

natans (1).

Notes:

(1) Mott Connell Limited (2001) Op cit

(2) Advisory Council on the Environment Committee Paper NCSC 9/06. Available at:

http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/boards/advisory_council/files/ncsc-paper-06-09.pdf

(3) Mouchel Asia Ltd (2002) Op cit

(4) ERM (2006) Op cit

(5) AECOM (2011) Op cit

(6) AFCD (2005) Biodiversity News Letter Issue 8

Available at: https://www.afcd.gov.hk/tc_chI/publications/publications_con/files/hkbonewsletter8.pdf

https://www.afcd.gov.hk/tc_chI/publications/publications_con/files/hkbonewsletter8.pdf



5-6 B&V / ERM

The literature review indicates that Mixed Shrubland and Plantation are the dominant

habitat types within the Study Area. Whilst some vegetation and wildlife species of

conservation importance have been documented in the literature (16)

, only very limited

information on general terrestrial wildlife was available within the Study Area.

5.3.3 Baseline Terrestrial Ecological Survey

Findings of the literature review suggest that only limited up-to-date baseline information

on the terrestrial ecological characters of the Study Area is available. Terrestrial ecological

surveys were conducted to provide up-to-date baseline information for establishing an

updated general ecological profile of the Study Area and describing the characteristics of

each habitat found.

The methodology of the ecological surveys makes reference to the technical guidelines of

ecological assessment in Annex 16 of EIAO-TM, and the related Guidance Notes (GN

7/2010 and GN 10/2010).

As per the requirements of the EIA Study Brief, the recommended terrestrial ecological

field surveys were undertaken with a duration of six months covering the wet season

(Table 5.3).

Table 5.3 – Baseline Survey Dates Ecological Survey 2010 2013 2014

(1) 2016

(2)

May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov July Sep Sep Jul Aug

Habitat Mapping and

Vegetation

Avifauna (Day)

Avifauna (Night)

Terrestrial Mammal (Day)

Terrestrial Mammal (Night)

Bat survey (Dusk)

Herpetofauna (Day)

Herpetofauna (Night)

Dragonflies & Butterflies

Aquatic fauna

Intertidal Fauna

Subtidal Fauna

Notes:

(1) Design changes n the sewerage scheme was made in year 2014, subsequently a site-specific ecological survey was carried

out during September 2014 to provide up-to-date ecological information of the project elements with design changes,

including Tong Fuk SPS, Cheung Sha SPS, San Shek Wan SPS (Proposed & Alternative Sites), San Shek Wan STW and

Pui O SPS.

(2) A verification survey was also conducted in 2016 to provide supplementary information on the existing condition of marine

ecological habitats and freshwater aquatic assemblages. Detailed survey findings of verification survey are presented in

Annex 5C.

The duration for the survey was well covered to ensure that the field data obtained are

representative. The terrestrial ecological surveys included:


../Annex/Annex%205C.pdf



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Habitat and Vegetation Surveys; and

Wildlife Surveys (including terrestrial mammal, avifauna, herpetofauna, butterflies and odonates and freshwater aquatic assemblages).

Figure 5.3 shows the terrestrial ecology sampling points and survey transects within the

Study Area. Methodology of the baseline ecological surveys is presented in Annex 5A.

Results of the terrestrial ecological surveys are summarized below.

Habitat & Vegetation Survey

Habitats recorded within the Study Area include Fung Shui woodland, mixed woodland,

plantation, shrubland-grassland, cultivated land, marsh, stream/channel,

urbanised/disturbed area and coastal habitats including mangrove, sandflat, rocky shore

and sandy shore which are discussed in detail under Marine Ecology (Figures 5.4 and 5.5).

Table 5.4 summarized the number of plant species recorded in, and total area occupied by

each habitat in the Study Area, and full list of recorded plant species is presented in Annex-

5B-1. A total of 376 plant species were recorded within the Study Area, 261 of which are

natives while 110 are exotics (Table A1 of Annex 5B-1). Most species recorded are

common species and six are restricted. Four plant species, Araucaria heterophylla, Dypsis

lutescens, Dimocarpus longan, and Gnetum luofuense, are categorized as near threatened

or vulnerable under IUCN Red List; however Araucaria heterophylla, Dypsis lutescens,

Dimocarpus longan are common species in cultivation horticulture, thus the recorded

individuals are considered to be cultivated by local villagers or for landscape purpose.

Gnetum luofuense is commonly found entangling large trees in woodlands and is

considered fairly common in Hong Kong. Two recorded species, Aquilaria sinensis and

Artocarpus hypargyreus, are common/ very common and three species (Aquilaria sinensis,

Pavetta hongkongensis, Artocarpus hypargyreus) protected under local or mainland

regulations were recorded (Figures 5.4a-m). Recorded in the marsh, Water Shamrock

Marsilea quadrifolia are considered very rare and Salvinia natans are considered rare in

Hong Kong. Although Lagerstroemia speciosa is protected under Cap. 96, it is widely

planted in Hong Kong’s countryside as ornamental trees and thus not considered as species

of conservation importance.

Within the Project Site, a total of 206 plant species were recorded; all of which are

common species, except for one protected species recorded at San Shek Wan STW and

San Shek Wan SPS Alternative Site (Table A2 of Annex 5B). The proposed sewers and

rising mains would mainly be laid under existing roads and paths which are void of

vegetation. Habitat descriptions of each proposed pumping station/sewage treatment

works are summarised in Table 5.5.

Table 5.4 – Plant Species Number Recorded within Each Habitat of the Study Area Habitat Number of Plant Species Total Area within the Study Area (ha)

Terrestrial

Mixed Woodland 146 305.5

Fung Shui Woodland 97 2.9

Plantation 110 163.9

Shrubland-grassland 94 609.4

Cultivated Land 48 5.8

Marsh 61 18.4

Stream/Channel 32 20.4

Urbanised/Disturbed Area 112 105.1

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Habitat Number of Plant Species Total Area within the Study Area (ha)

Coastal

Mangrove 10 2.9

Rocky Shore 19 3.6

Sandy Shore 18 9.6

Sandflat - 24.0

Table 5.5 – Habitats Recorded within Each Sewage Pumping Station (SPS)/ Sewage

Treatment Works (STW)

SPS/STW Habitats

Proposed Site

Pui O Urbanised/ disturbed area, shrubland/grassland and plantation

San Shek Wan STW Urbanised/ disturbed area and mixed woodland

San Shek Wan Mixed Woodland

Cheung Sha Cultivated Land

Cheung Fu Street Plantation

Tong Fuk Shrubland-grassland,drainage,urbanised/ disturbed Area

Shui Hau Plantation

Alternative Site

San Shek Wan Mixed woodland

Mixed Woodland and Fung Shui Woodland

Mixed woodland was mainly found along stream ravines, at sheltered foothills and behind

sandy or rocky shores (Figure 5.4). The mixed woodlands were mostly young in nature

with a canopy height of 5-12m and dominated by a mixture of native pioneer species

including Schefflera heptaphylla, Sapium sebiferum, Claoxylon indicum, Zanthoxylum

avicennae, Alangium chinense and Celtis sinensis, backshore species including Hibiscus

tiliaceus and Pandanus tectorius and planted species including Acacia confusa and

Dimocarpus longan. The understorey was densely vegetated and dominated by a variety

of tree, shrub and herb species including Litsea glutinosa, Psychotria asiatica, Litsea

rotundifolia, and Liriope spicata.

The oldest woodlands were the Fung Shui woodlands located behind Shui Hau and Tong

Fuk. These woodlands were dominated by native tree species such as Aquilaria sinensis,

Schefflera heptaphylla, Ficus variegata, Cinnamomum camphora and Aporusa dioica.

Mature fruit trees including Dimocarpus longan, Litchi chinensis, and Clausena lansium

were not uncommon in these Fung Shui woodlands. Canopy species reached a height of 8-

14m and some trees of considerable sizes were found. The understorey was densely

vegetated and dominated by woody species including Litsea rotundifolia, Psychotria

asiatica, Ardisia quinquegona and seedlings of canopy species such as Schefflera

heptaphylla and Dimocarpus longan.

There were a total of 146 plant species recorded within the mixed woodland and 97 plant

species recorded within the Fung Shui woodland (Table A1 of Annex 5B). Two plant

species of conservation importance, Incense Tree Aquilaria sinensis and Hong Kong

Pavetta Pavetta hongkongensis were recorded.

Incense Tree is a common tree in Hong Kong but is listed in Protection of Endangered

Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586). It is also listed as a Category II

protected plant in China, in the List of Wild Plants under State Protection and is listed as

‘vulnerable’ by both the China Plant Red Data Book and by IUCN (2015). It is frequently

found in the Study Area and within the footprint of San Shek Wan SPS Alternative Site.

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Hong Kong Pavetta is a common understory species found in woodland habitat in Hong

Kong, but it is protected under Forests and Countryside Ordinance Cap. 96.

Plantation

Plantation was located mainly along roadsides, near developed areas and above catchwater

(Figure 5.4). Most trees were exotic species, including Acacia confusa, Casuarina

equisetifolia and Pinus elliotii. A number of native tree, shrub and herb species had

colonized the understorey, but at a lower density and diversity than in the understory of the

mixed woodland. Understorey of some plantation patches were also cleared regularly as a

maintenance practice and therefore with few species established. Despite its tall canopy

and rapid growth, the plantation remained relatively simple in structure, was immature and

lacked diversity. A total of 110 species was recorded in plantation habitat, in which one

plant species of conservation importance, Silver-back Artocarpus Artocarpus hypargyreus,

was recorded. The locally common Silver-back Artocarpus is not listed under any local or

mainland legislation, but is classified as vulnerable in the IUCN Red Data List since 1998 (17)

. Silver-back Artocarpus is Near Threatened (NT) in China and is also recorded in

China Plant Red Data Book and Illustration of Rare and Endangered Plants in Guangdong

Province (18)

.

Shrubland-grassland

Shrubland-grassland dominated most of the exposed hillsides within the Study Area

(Figure 5.4). Vegetation cover of this habitat was fairly shrubby, some reaching a height

of 3-5 m, although in a few places it was formed by prolonged abandonment of cultivated

land or maintained by hill fires during the grave sweeping festivals, which interrupt the

natural succession of vegetation. Shrubland-grassland was dominated by a variety of tree

and shrub species including Sapium sebiferum, Aporusa dioica, Claoxylon indicum,

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa and the fern species Dicranopteris pedata. Exotic tree species

were also planted along some trails on Shrubland-grassland habitats to speed up succession.

In total 94 plant species were found during the surveys within Shrubland-grassland.

Cultivated Land

Patches of cultivated land were scattered near marshes, villages and on hillsides throughout

the Study Area (Figure 5.4). It was composed of tree nursery, orchard, and vegetable

fields. Most of the cultivated lands are semi-active or abandoned during the survey period.

A total of 48 plant species were recorded.

Marsh

Marshes were mostly recorded at the lowland area of Pui O and Shui Hau near the estuary

(Figure 5.4l). It was formed after abandonment of cultivated land and permanently fed by

brackish water. Some marshes were degraded due to development which disturbed or

encroached the marshes. Plant species recorded include remnants of crops such as

Colocasia esculenta, wetland dependent species including Cyclosorus interruptus,

Marsilea quadrifolia, Salvinia natans, pioneer native tree species including Sapium

sebiferum, Ficus hispida, grass species including Panicum repens, Paspalum paspaloides,

and backshore vegetation including Clerodendrum inerme and Excoecaria agallocha. A

(17) IUCN Red List (2014). Available from: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/32383/0

(18) Hu QM, Wu TL, Xia NH, Xing FW, Lai CCP & Yip KL (2003) Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong. AFCD.

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5-10 B&V / ERM

total of 61 plant species were recorded. Among these, Water Shamrock Marsilea

quadrifolia are considered very rare and Salvinia natans are considered rare in Hong Kong

(Xing et al. 2000).

Stream/Channel

Five major streams, referred to as Pui O Stream, San Shek Wan Stream, Cheung Sha

Stream, Tong Fuk Stream and Shui Hau Stream, were recorded within the Study Area

(Figure 5.4). Two streams, Pui O Stream and Tong Fuk Stream, were considered as

Ecologically Important Stream (EIS). The flows at the upper courses of these streams are

intercepted by the catchwater (which is labelled as “channel” due to its concrete nature).

The middle courses are fairly natural and embraced mainly by mixed woodland and

shrubland-grassland. The lower courses are subject to different levels of modification as

they pass under roads and through villages and cultivated land before reaching the sea. A

total of 32 plant species were recorded, including riparian species (e.g. Cleistocalyx

nervosum, Sterculia lanceolata) and typical vegetation found in other habitats which lie

along the streams (e.g. mangrove species at the estuary and woodland species at the ravine).

Urbanised/Disturbed Area

Road, villages, residential areas, recreational facilities, prison and other built-up area

mainly constitute urbanised/disturbed habitats. Species recorded are mainly exotic species

planted for landscaping purposes. A total of 112 plant species were recorded.

Habitats in Coastal Area

Habitats in coastal area include mangrove, sandflat, rocky shore and sandy shore. Their

locations within the Study Area are shown on Figure 5.4 and detailed description of the

coastal habitats is provided in Section 5.3.2 ‘Habitats in Coastal Area’.

Wildlife Survey

Avifauna

A total of 44 species of birds were recorded within the Study Area (Table B1 of Annex 5B).

Most are common in Hong Kong.

Bird abundance and species richness were low in stream/channel, shrubland/grassland and

cultivated land and Fung Shui woodland, low to moderate in marsh, mixed woodland,

plantation and urbanised/ disturbed area.

Five species were considered of conservation importance. These included Reef Egret

Egretta sacra, Black Kite Milvus migrans, Collared Scops Owl Otus lettia, Greater Coucal

Centropus sinensis and Hwamei Garrulax canorus. All except Hwamei are Class 2

Protected Animal of PRC. Black Kite, Collared Scops Owl and Hwamei are listed in

Appendix 2 of CITES.

Reef Egrets were recorded from sandy/ rocky shore within the Study Area. This species is

common and widespread in Hong Kong and mainly occurs in rocky shores (Viney et al.

2005).

Black Kites were soaring above mixed woodland, shrubland/grassland within the Study

Area. This is a common resident in Hong Kong and occurs in many types of habitats.

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5-11 B&V / ERM

Collared Scops Owls were recorded from plantations within the Study Area. This species

is a common resident in Hong Kong and widely found in woodlands.

Greater Coucal was recorded from plantation, urbanised/disturbed, shrubland/grassland

within the Study Area. This is a common resident in Hong Kong and occurs in many types

of habitats.

Hwamei were recorded from shrubland/grassland within the Study Area. This species is a

common resident in Hong Kong and mainly found in hillsides covered by thick shrublands.

Terrestrial Mammals

A total of eight species of mammals were recorded within the Study Area (Table C1 of

Annex 5B)). All are common in Hong Kong. Japanese Pipistrelle Pipistrellus abramus is

considered of conservation importance.

Japanese Pipistrelle was recorded from urbanised/disturbed area, mixed woodland,

cultivated land and plantation. This species is protected under Cap. 170 Wild Animals

Protection Ordinance (WAPO). Japanese Pipistrelle is the commonest bat species of

Hong Kong. This species forages in many types of habitats, including urban areas.

Herpetofauna

A total of seven species of amphibians were recorded within the Study Area (Table C1 of

Annex 5B). All are common in Hong Kong. Romer’s Tree Frog Liuixalus romeri, which

was previously found in a plantation area near Cheung Sha (2)

, was not recorded during the

baseline surveys and it was not found within the Project Site.

Chinese Bullfrog Hoplobatrachus chinensis (Figure 5.6) is considered to be of

conservation importance. This species is Class 2 Protected Animal of PRC. Chinese

Bullfrog was recorded from Pui O Marsh. The observed individuals were mostly froglets.

This species is fairly common in Hong Kong and mainly inhabits cultivated lands, ponds,

rivers and marshes.

A total of nine species of reptiles were recorded within the Study Area. All are common in

Hong Kong.

Copperhead Racer Elaphe radiata (Figure 5.6) is considered to be of conservation

importance. This species is classified as “endangered” by China Red Data Book.

Copperhead Racer was recorded from mixed woodland, plantation, shrubland/grassland

within the Study Area. This species is common in Hong Kong and occurs in many types of

habitats, including woodland edge, grassland, shrubland.

Butterflies & Odonates

A total of 27 species of dragonfly were recorded within the Study Area (Table D1 of Annex

5B). All are common in Hong Kong. No recorded species was considered to be of

conservation importance.

Abundance and species richness of dragonfly were very low in shrubland/grassland,

stream/channel and urbanised/disturbed area, low in Fung Shui Woodland and cultivated

land, and low to moderate in plantation, mixed woodland, and marsh.

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5-12 B&V / ERM

A total of 40 species of butterfly were recorded within the Study Area (Table E1 of Annex

5B). Most are common in Hong Kong. Indian Fritillary Argyreus hyperbius and Blue

Pansy Junonia orithya are uncommon in Hong Kong. No recorded species was considered

to be of conservation importance.

Abundance and species richness of butterfly were low in cultivated land, marsh,

stream/channel and Fung Shui woodland, and low to moderate in shrubland/grassland,

mixed woodland, plantation and urbanised/disturbed.

Freshwater Aquatic Assemblages Survey

A total of 54 species of freshwater aquatic fauna were recorded within the Study Area,

including 43 species of fish, six species of crustaceans, three species of insects and two

species of snails (Table F of Annex 5B). Among them, one fish species was considered

“Endangered” by IUCN (Japanese eel Anguilla japonica), one species was considered

‘Vulnerable’ in China Red Data Book (Predaceous Chub Parazacco spilurus), one species

was considered rare in Hong Kong and was classified as “Near Threatened” by IUCN

(Eye-spotted puffer Takifugu ocellatus). Two species were considered uncommon in Hong

Kong and evaluated as “Lower Risk/Near Threatened” by IUCN (Sleepy goby

Psammogobius biocellatus and Indo-Pacific tropical sand goby Favonigobius reichei).

One species was considered uncommon and evaluated as “Least Concern” by IUCN (Small

snakehead Channa asiatica). Another two species of fish have been evaluated by IUCN

but not considered under threats (Mullet Mugil cephalus – Least Concern (LC), and Grass

puffer Takifugu niphobles – Data Deficient (DD)). For aquatic invertebrates, all are

common in Hong Kong, and no recorded invertebrate species was considered to be of


A verification survey was also conducted in 2016 to provide supplementary information on

the existing condition of freshwater aquatic assemblages. The freshwater aquatic

assemblages in 2016 reported similar results as the baseline survey conducted in 2010, of

which four species are of conservation importance. Spotty band goby Glossogobius

olivaceus (uncommon species in Hong Kong and classified in IUCN – Least Concern) and

sesarma crab Pseudosesarma patshuni (endemic species to Hong Kong) were the

additional species of conservation importance recorded in the verification survey. Detailed

findings of the verification survey are presented in Annex 5C.

Generally, the flow in these streams was not high even during wet season. The flows in

Pui O Stream and Shui Hau Stream were relatively higher than those in other streams. The

diversity and abundance of aquatic fauna were higher in Pui O Stream, Tong Fuk Stream

and Shui Hau Stream, lower in Cheung Sha Stream, and the lowest in San Shek Wan

Stream. This might be attributed to the lack of lowland estuarine section in San Shek Wan

Stream (its outlet is located at a boulder shore). Pui O Stream has all the five fish species

of conservation concern, and two fish species of conservation concern were recorded in

Tong Fuk Stream.

5.3.4 Marine Ecology

In accordance with the requirements in Clause 3.4.2.2 of the EIA Study Brief, the Study

Area for marine ecology lies within the Southern Water Control Zone (SWCZ) as

designated under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap 358). The Study Area

covers the entire southern coastline of the Lantau Island and includes the waters off

southern Lantau.

../Annex/Annex%205B.pdf../Annex/Annex%205B.pdf../Annex/Annex%205B.pdf../Annex/Annex%205C.pdf



5-13 B&V / ERM

Whilst various marine habitats and species can be found within the broad Study Area, the

immediate vicinity of the marine footprint of the proposed project (i.e. the submarine

outfall extending from San Shek Wan) consists of natural sandy and rocky boulder shores

with relatively shallow water depths (< 5 m). Anthropogenic disturbance is expected to be

minimal at this area, while the further offshore areas experience a higher level of

disturbance through marine traffic and fishing activities.

Baseline conditions for each ecological component of the marine environment of the Study

Area were evaluated based on information from the literature and focused field studies

conducted for the purposes of this EIA. Findings of the literature review and baseline field

surveys of the Study Area is summarised in the following sections.

Literature Review

A literature and recent aerial photograph review were conducted to determine the existing

marine ecological conditions within the Study Area, identify habitat resources and species

of potential conservation importance, and identify potential information gaps in the

baseline conditions of the habitats. The literature reviewed includes:

Porcupine! (19);

Hong Kong Biodiversity (20);

Revised Concept Plan for Lantau (21);

Field guides and published academic literature for marine habitats and fauna of Hong Kong;

Consultancy Study on Marine Benthic Communities in Hong Kong (Agreement No. CE 69/2000)

(22);

A Study of Soft Shore Habitats in Hong Kong for Conservation and Education Purposes

(23);

AFCD marine mammal monitoring report (24);

EIA Report for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Receiving Terminal and Associated Facilities

(25);

EIA Report for Drainage Improvements in Southern Lantau (26);

(19) Newsletter of Department of Ecology & Biodiversity, The University of Hong Kong. Issues 1 to 33

(20) AFCD (2010 – 2015) Biodiversity Newsletters. Issues 1 to 23

(21) Lantau Development Task Force (2005) Revised Concept Plan for Lantau

(22) CityU Professional Services Limited (2002) Consultancy Study on Marine Benthic Communities in Hong Kong (Agreement No. CE 69/2000).

Prepared for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD)

(23) Shin PKS, Cheung SG (2005) A Study of Soft Shore Habitats in Hong Kong for Conservation and Education Purposes: Final Report 2005. ECF

Project 23/99

(24) Hong Kong Cetacean Research Project (2015) Monitoring of Marine Mammals in Hong Kong Waters – Data Collection (2014-2015). Available at

https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_mar/con_mar_chi/con_mar_chi_chi/files/Final_Report_201415.pdf. Prepared for AFCD

(25) ERM (2006) Op cit

(26) Maunsell (2005) Op cit

https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_mar/con_mar_chi/con_mar_chi_chi/files/Final_Report_201415.pdf



5-14 B&V / ERM

EIA Report for Improvement to Tung Chung Road Between Lung Tseng Tau and Cheung Sha

(27);

EIA Report for 132 kV Supply Circuit from Pui O via Chi Ma Wan Peninsula via Sea Crossing towards Cheung Chau

(28);

EIA Report for Engineering Investigation and Environmental Studies for Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 – Feasibility Study

(29);

Project Profile for Asia-America Gateway (AAG) Cable Network, South Lantau

(30); and

Project Profile for Telecommunication Installation at Lot 591SA in DD328, Tong Fuk, South Lantau Coast and the Associated Cable Landing Work in Tong

Fuk, South Lantau for the North Asia Cable (NAC) Fibre Optic Submarine

Cable System (31)

.

Findings of the literature review of the Study Area is summarised in the following sections.

Areas of Ecological Importance / Interest

Within the Study Area, a number of ecologically important / sensitive sites and habitats,

including natural mudflats and mangroves in Shui Hau Wan and Pui O, and horseshoe crab

nursery ground in Shui Hau Wan, are identified under the Revised Concept Plan for Lantau.

These habitats fall within the CPA.

Proposed Shui Hau Wan SSSI

Shui Hau Wan is a large natural sand/ mudflat (>10 ha) in Hong Kong, and is identified as

an Extremely Important soft shore habitat for conservation and education purposes in Hong

Kong (32)

. It is also one of the confirmed nursery sites for horseshoe crabs in recent

years (33) (34)

, and based on the abundance of juveniles, Shui Hau Wan is identified as the

key nursery ground for Tachypleus tridentatus (35) (36)

. The horseshoe crab nursery ground

at Shui Hau Wan is also a proposed Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Marine Mammals

Two resident marine mammals are found in Hong Kong: the Indo-Pacific humpback

dolphin (Sousa chinensis, locally called Chinese White Dolphin) and the finless porpoise



(29) AECOM (2011) Engineering Investigation and Environmental Studies for Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 – Feasibility Study.

EIA Report. EIA Registered No. 201/2011.

(30) Atkins & EGS (2007) Asia-America Gateway (AAG) Cable Network, South Lantau: Project Profile. DIR-160/2007

(31) ERM (2000) Op cit

(32) Shin PKS, Cheung SG (2005) Op cit

(33) Chiu HMC, Morton B (1999) The Biology, Distribution and Status of Horseshoe Crabs, Tachypleus tridentatus and Carcinoscorpius

rotundicauda (Arthropoda: Chelicerata) in Hong Kong: Recommendations for Conservation and Management. Final Report. The Swire Institute

of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong

(34) Li HY (2008) The Conservation of Horseshoe Crabs in Hong Kong. MPhil Thesis. The City University of Hong Kong

(35) Li HY (2008) Op cit

(36) Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda has not been recorded in Shui Hau Wan (Li 2008)



5-15 B&V / ERM

(Neophocaena phocaenoides) ( 37 )

. Whilst the distribution of Indo-Pacific humpback

dolphins is limited to the western waters of Hong Kong, which are influenced by

freshwater input from the Pearl River (38) (39)

, finless porpoises are common in the waters of

southern and eastern Hong Kong (40)

. Both species have previously been sighted in the

Study Area.

Baseline condition of marine mammal distribution and abundance within the Study Area

has been determined primarily from a review of findings from recent AFCD long-term

marine mammal monitoring (41) (42) (43) (44) (45)

, supplemented by findings from previous

relevant EIAs (46) (47) (48)

. Locations of marine mammal sightings reported in these literature

resources are presented in Figure 5.7. The data presented are collected between 2000 and

2015.

The key finding of the literature review is that, in recent years, Chinese White Dolphins

were frequently sighted in to the west and south of Lantau Island where the west coast of

Lantau was identified as the most important dolphin habitat (49)

. Fewer dolphin sightings

were observed in Shek Pik, north of Siu A Chau and southeast of Tai A Chau (Figure 5.7).

During the 12-month survey period between 2014 and 2015, only three sightings were

recorded at Southeast Lantau with the lowest mean group size of 1.0. Southeast Lantau

waters (i.e. across Shui Hau Wan and the Chi Ma Wan Peninsula and near Shek Kwu

Chau), therefore, represent only marginal habitat for Chinese White Dolphins. On the

contrary, the usage at West and Southwest Lantau of Chinese White Dolphins were

increased in the AFCD long term monitoring during April 2014 to March 2015 (50)

. The

West Lantau and Southwest Lantau were still the frequent occurrence waters of Chinese

White Dolphins, particularly near Tai O Peninsula, Kai Kung Shan, Peaked Hill, around

Fan Lau and Kau Ling Chung.

Important porpoise habitats were located to the south of Tai A Chau, southwest of Shek

Kwu Chau, south of Cheung Chau, and the waters between Shek Kwu Chau and the Soko

Islands

Finless porpoises were frequently sighted in Southeast Lantau, particularly south of Tai A

Chau, and between Shek Kwu Chau and Soko Islands. Between 2014 and 2015, the

porpoise groups were mainly sighted at south of Tai A Chau, southwest of Shek Kwu Chau,

south of Cheung Chau, and the waters between Shek Kwu Chau and the Soko Islands as

(37) Jefferson TA, Hung SK (2007) An updated, annotated checklist of the marine mammals of Hong Kong. Mammalia 2007: 105–114

(38) Parsons ECM (1998) The behaviour of Hong Kong’s resident cetaceans: the Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphin and the finless porpoise. Aquatic

Mammals 24: 91–110

(39) Jefferson TA (2000) Population biology of the Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin in Hong Kong waters. Wildlife Monographs 144: 1-65

(40) Jefferson TA, Hung SK (2007) Op cit

(41) Chinese White Dolphin data from 2003-2008, finless porpoise data from 2004-2008. Hong Kong Cetacean Research Project (2009) Op cit

(42) Monitoring of marine mammals in Hong Kong water - Data collection (2009-10). Hong Kong Cetacean Research Project (2010).

(43) Monitoring of marine mammals in Hong Kong waters - Data collection (2010-11). Hong Kong Cetacean Project. (2011).

(44) Finless porpoise conservation. http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_mar/con_mar_fin/con_mar_fin_fin/con_mar_fin_fin.html

(last visited on 3 Ocotber 2011). Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong.

(45) Hung SK (2015) Monitoring on Marine Mammals in Hong Kong Waters (2014 – 2015)

(46) ERM (2006) Op cit



(49) Hung SK (2015) Op cit


../Figures/5.7.pdf../Figures/5.7.pdfhttp://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_mar/con_mar_fin/con_mar_fin_fin/con_mar_fin_fin.html



5-16 B&V / ERM

per the monitoring results between 2014 and 2015 (51)

(Figure 5.7). From survey between

2014 and 2015, the mean group size (2.7±2.57) was similar to the ones in previous

monitoring periods, but was slightly higher than the one in 2013 – 2014. Recent

monitoring results showed that inshore waters (i.e. Pui O Wan) is no longer utilized by

finless porpoises which was an area once known to be an important habitat for porpoises.

Specifically, the number of sightings and abundance of the two marine mammals in waters

near the proposed outfall location, i.e. off San Shek Wan around Cheung Sha and Pui O,

are low in comparison to other marine mammal habitats of Hong Kong. These waters are,

therefore, not considered to represent key habitats for both species, and the ecological

value of the waters within the immediate area of the proposed outfall is predicted to be low (52)

.

Intertidal & Subtidal Assemblages

Focused field surveys have been conducted at Shek Pik, Shui Hau Wan and Pui O Wan as

part of the EIA and projects mentioned above (Figure 5.8). The most recent surveys

completed were, however, undertaken in March 2006 around Shek Pik and January 2010

around Cheung Sha, and no recent field surveys have been conducted near the proposed

project site at San Shek Wan and Pui O (Table 5.6).

Table 5.6 – Survey Efforts for Previous Relevant Projects Project Major Survey

Location

Habitats Field Survey Period

Consultancy Study on Marine Benthic Communities in

Hong Kong

Off Lo Kei Wan,

Cheung Sha and Yi

Long Wan

Subtidal soft-bottom June – December 2001

(wet and dry seasons)

A Study of Soft Shore Habitats in Hong Kong for

Conservation and Education Purposes

Shui Hau Wan Intertidal soft-bottom June – December 2002

(wet and dry seasons)

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Receiving Terminal and

Associated Facilities

Shek Pik Intertidal hard-and soft-

bottom

August 2005 and March

2006 (wet and dry

seasons)

Improvement to Tung Chung Road from Lung Tseng

Tau to Cheung Sha

Pui O Wan Intertidal hard- and

soft-bottom

March 2002

132 kV Supply Circuit from Pui O via Chi Ma Wan

Peninsula via Sea Crossing towards Cheung Chau

Pui O and Chi Ma Wan Intertidal hard- and

soft-bottom, subtidal

hard-bottom

October – December

2000

Engineering Investigation and Environmental Studies

for Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 –

Feasibility Study

Cheung Sha Intertidal hard- and


hard- and soft-bottom

August 2009 – January

2010

Telecommunication Installation at Lot 591SA in

DD328, Tong Fuk, South Lantau Coast and the

Associated Cable Landing Work in Tong Fuk, South

Lantau for the North Asia Cable (NAC) Fibre Optic

Submarine Cable System

Tong Fuk Intertidal hard- and


hard-bottom

February 2000

Asia-America Gateway (AAG) Cable Network, South

Lantau

Tong Fuk Subtidal hard-bottom September 2007

Table 5.7 present the major intertidal and subtidal habitats and associated assemblages

identified within the Study Area based on the above previous field surveys.



../Figures/5.7.pdf../Figures/5.8.pdf



5-17 B&V / ERM

Table 5.7 – Major Marine Habitats identified within the Study Area (Information based on

Literature Review) Habitat Description

Intertidal hard-

bottom

Expected to support assemblages typical of similar shores in Hong Kong.

Species associated with this habitat are usually common and widespread with no notable species of


Generally considered to be of low to moderate ecological value, dependent on size and naturalness.

Intertidal soft-

bottom

Natural intertidal mudflats and mangroves in Shui Hau Wan and Pui O, and horseshoe crab nursery ground in

Shui Hau Wan, are identified as habitats with high ecological and conservation value.

Bathing beaches at Tong Fuk, Cheung Sha and Pui O are generally devoid of assemblages due to

anthropogenic and natural disturbances and are thus considered as of low ecological value.

Other natural sandy/ boulder shores of south Lantau, e.g. at Shek Pik and Pui O Wan, are generally

considered to be of low ecological value (1) (2) (3)

Subtidal hard-

bottom

The SWCZ is influenced by the Pearl River Estuary and represents sub-optimal conditions for coral

recruitment and survival. It is thus anticipated that corals are much less abundant and diverse in this area

than in other parts of Hong Kong, and only scattered, isolated individuals/ colonies are expected to occur.

Previous surveys reported typical assemblages of sponges, bryozoan, mussels/ oysters, barnacles and urchins

at Chi Ma Wan (Tai Long Wan) (1), with a few isolated colonies of octocoral and ahermatypic corals

(gorgonian Euplexaura spp., soft coral Dendronephthya sp. and ahermatypic coral Tubastrea sp.) and small,

scattered and encrusting colonies of the hard corals Psammocora superficialis, Cyphastrea serailia, Porites

lobata, Goniopora stutchburyi and Oulastrea crispata recorded. One gorgonian species (5) and one hard coral

species (O. crispata) (6) were recorded in Tong Fuk previously.

Habitats in this part of Hong Kong are generally considered to be of low ecological value (1) (7).

Subtidal soft-

bottom

Generally dominated by small, short-lived polychaete and crustacean species which are common and

widespread benthos of Hong Kong seabed.

Species of conservation importance, e.g. amphioxus species, have not been reported in this part of Lantau.

Benthos assemblages off Cheung Sha was considered to be of low diversity and low ecological value (7)

Benthos assemblages off Lo Kei Wan, Cheung Sha and Yi Long Wan were considered to be of moderate to

high species diversity (4)

Generally considered to be of low to moderate ecological value, dependent on species diversity and rarity.

Notes:



(3) ERM (2006) Op cit

(4) CityU Professional Services Limited (2002) Op cit

(5) ERM (2000) Op cit

(6) Atkins & EGS (2007) Op cit


The literature review indicates that species of conservation importance are generally not

anticipated in the Study Area, with exceptions at the mangroves and intertidal mudflats at

Shui Hau Wan and Pui O which are regarded as habitats with high ecological and

conservation value. Intertidal and subtidal assemblages of the Study Area are expected to be

typical of similar habitats in this part of Hong Kong.

Baseline Marine Ecological Survey

Findings of the literature review suggest that some baseline information on the marine

ecological characters of the Study Area is available. Taking into account the marine footprint

of this Project (i.e. the submarine outfall extending from San Shek Wan) and the marine

ecological sensitive receivers along the South Lantau coastline (i.e. Subtidal Hard Bottom

Habitats with corals, Sandflat, Horseshoe Crabs), the marine baseline ecological surveys were

focused around intertidal and subtidal habitats off the South Lantau coast to provide up-to-

date baseline information for establishing an updated general ecological profile of the Study

Area and describing the characteristics of each habitat found.



5-18 B&V / ERM

The methodology of the ecological surveys makes reference to the technical guidelines of

ecological assessment in Annex 16 of EIAO-TM, and the related Guidance Notes (GN 7/2010

and GN 10/2010).

As per the requirements of the EIA Study Brief, the recommended marine ecological field

surveys were undertaken with a duration of six months covering the wet season (May to

November 2010) (Table 5.3). A verification survey was also conducted in 2016 to provide

supplementary information on the existing condition of marine ecological habitats. In general,

the survey findings in 2016 reported similar results as the baseline survey conducted in 2010.

Detailed survey findings of verification survey are presented in Annex 5C.

The duration for the survey was well covered to ensure that the field data obtained are

representative. The marine ecological surveys included:

Intertidal Survey;

Subtidal Coral Survey; and

Subtidal Benthos Survey.

Sufficient up-to-date baseline information on marine mammal of the Study Area is present in

the literature. Marine mammal baseline surveys are thus not considered necessary.

Figure 5.3 shows the marine survey transects and subtidal benthos survey points within the

Study Area. Methodology of the baseline ecological surveys is presented in Annex 5A.

Results of the marine ecological surveys are summarized below.

Habitats in Coastal Area

Habitats in coastal area include mangrove, sandflat, rocky shore and sandy shore. Their

locations within the Study Area are shown in Figures 5.4a-m and detailed description of the

coastal habitats is provided below.

Mangrove

Patches of mangrove were recorded at the estuary of Pui O Stream and Shui Hau Stream. A

total of 10 plant species were recorded in mangrove habitat including true mangrove species,

mangrove associates and backshore species, ie Avicennia marina, Aegiceras corniculatum,

Kandelia obovata, Zoysia sinica, Clerodendrum inerme and Pandanus tectorius. Among the

recorded species, Zoysia sinica is listed as a Category II protected plant in China and under

the List of Wild Plants under State Protection (Part 1). However, this species is considered

fairly common in Hong Kong.

Sandflat

Sandflat within the Study Area is located at the estuary of Shui Hau Stream which is a

proposed SSSI and considered to be a possible spawning and nursery ground for horseshoe

crabs. Three Horseshoe crabs juveniles (i.e. Tachypleus tridentatus) were recorded during

intertidal qualitative spot-checks. A total of 16 intertidal epifauna and infauna species were

recorded.

Sandy Shore

../Annex/Annex%205C.pdf../Figures/5.3.pdf../Annex/Annex%205A.pdf../Figures/5.4a-m.pdf



5-19 B&V / ERM

Sandy shores within the Study Area include gazetted beaches at Cheung Sha and Tong Fuk.

Backshore species including Vitex rotundifolia, Ipomoea pes-caprae, Pandanus tectorius and

Hibiscus tiliaceus formed a narrow belt at the rear side of sandy shores. A total of 18 plant

species were recorded at the backshore vegetated areas.

Rocky shore

Rocky shores within the Study Area are generally present between the gazetted beached at

Tong Fuk, Cheung Sha and Pui O. Species recorded at rock shore are common and typical

fauna of this type of habitat along the coast, namely Mollusca, Arthopoda and Echinodermata.

Intertidal Survey

Intertidal surveys consisted of qualitative walk-through surveys and quantitative transect

surveys along four selected survey locations within the project site (Figure 5.3). A total of 41

intertidal fauna were recorded during intertidal surveys in the surveyed area, from both walk

through surveys and transect surveys (Table 5.8). The majority of the intertidal fauna was

species from Mollusca and Crustacea.

Qualitative walk-through surveys include the accessible shorelines along Shui Hau Wan, San

Shek Wan and Pui O Wan. Active search of horseshoe crabs were conducted in particular

from July to October during the active period of juveniles. Three Horseshoe crab juveniles

(i.e. Tachypleus tridentatus) were recorded in Shui Hau Wan Sandflat but not in other

surveyed area. Except Horseshoe crab juveniles, there was no other intertidal species of

conservation concern found.

Four intertidal habitats were located within the surveyed area. Locations I-1, I-2 and I-3 are

rocky shores / boulder shores, while Location I-4 is a sandflat. Results of line transect

surveys are summarized in Annex 5B.

Table 5.8 – Intertidal fauna recorded in the Study Area

Phylum/Class Species

Platyhelminthes Flatworm (Class Tubellaria)

Bivalvia Anomalocardia flexuosa

Barbatia virescens

Circe scripta

Meretrix meretrix

Saccostrea cucullata

Solen strictus

Tapes sp.

Gastropoda Batillaria sp.

Cellana sp.

Cerithidea sp.

Chlorostoma argyrostoma

Clithon sp.

Echinolittorina radiata

Echinolittorina trochoides

Lunella coronata

Monodonta labio

Nassarius festivus

Nerita sp.

Siphonaria sp.

Thais clavigera

Arthropoda Tachypleus tridnetatus

Crustacea Ligia exotica

Capitulum mitella

../Figures/5.3.pdf../Annex/Annex%205B.pdf



5-20 B&V / ERM

Phylum/Class Species

Alpheus lobidens

Metapenaeus sp.

Petrolishthes japonicus

Hermit crab (Order Anomura)

Macrophthalmus sp.

Ocypode creatophthalmus

Scopimera sp.

Uca lactea

Uca arcuata

Gaetice depressus

Perisesarma bidens

Epixanthus frontalis

Philyra carinata

Scylla paramamosain

Mictyris sp.

Echinodermata Holothuria leucospilota

Choradata Gobies (Family Gobiidae)

A total of 18 intertidal faunal species were found in Locations I-1, I-2 and I-3. Species

composition of Locations I-1, I-2 and I-3 were almost the same except Gobies (Chordata) was

absent in Location I-3. 11 species from Mollusca (Cellana sp., Siphonaria sp., Monodonta

labio, Lunella coronata, Echinolittorina radiata, Echinolittorina malaccana, Thais clavigera,

Saccostrea cucullata, Barbatia virescens, Nerita sp., Chlorostoma argyrostoma), five species

from Arthropoda (Ligia exotica, Capitulum mitella, Petrolishthes japonicus, Epixanthus

frontalis, Gaetice depressus), and one species from Echinodermata (Holothuria leucospilota)

were found in the rocky / boulder shores. All of these species are common and typical fauna

of this type of habitat (Lai et al. 2006). No recorded species was considered to be of


A total of 16 species including both epifauna and infauna were found in Location I-4. 10

species from Mollusca (Anomalocardia flexuosa, Batillaria sp., Cerithidea sp., Circe scripta,

Clithon sp., Lunella coronata, Meretrix meretrix, Nassarius festivus, Nerita sp. and Tapes sp.),

five species from Arthropoda (Hermit crab, Macrophthalmus sp., Metapenaeus sp., Alpheus

lobidens and Scopimera sp.) and one from Annelida (i.e. flatworm) were found in the sandflat.

All of these species are common or typical fauna of this type of habitat (Fong et al. 2005). No

recorded species was considered to be of conservation importance.

In general, there were more benthos present in middle and lower intertidal shores in Locations

I-1, I-2 and I-3, but there were fewer benthos in lower intertidal shore for both epifauna and

infauna in Location I-4. Echinolittorina radiata and Saccostrea cucullata were the dominant

species in the rocky / boulder shores, while Batillaria sp. and Cerithidea sp. were the

dominant species in the sandflat. Zonations of benthos were also observed in the Study Area.

For example, the abundance of Cellana sp. increased from higher intertidal zone to lower

intertidal zone, while that of Echinolittorina malaccana decreased from higher to lower

intertidal zone in the rocky / boulder shores. On the other hand, abundance of Batillaria sp.

was the highest in the middle intertidal shore in the sandflat.

Shannon diversity index (H’) and evenness (J) within the Study Area are shown in Table 5.9.

Although the abundance of benthos was the highest in Location I-4, its H’ and J were lower

than Locations I-1, I-2 and I-3. The low H’ and J in Location I-4 were due to the dominant

species Batillaria sp. and Cerithidea sp. with a significantly higher abundance than other

species. On the other hand, evenness of benthos was higher in Locations I-1, I-2 and I-3,

hence the H’ was also higher. Zonation patterns were also observed in the intertidal shore.



5-21 B&V / ERM

There were higher H’ in the middle and lower intertidal shores than the higher shores in

Locations I-1, I-2 and I-3, while the H’ of lower intertidal shore was lower in Location I-4.

Horseshoe crab was not recorded during the quantitative transect surveys, but three horseshoe

crab juveniles (Tachypleus tridentatus) were found on the sandflat of Location I-4 during the

qualitative spot checks. During a recent horseshoe crab study (Shin et al. 2007), juveniles

were also recorded in Shui Hau. This suggested that the area is a possible spawning and

nursery ground for horseshoe crabs.

Subtidal Hard-Bottom Habitat

The Study Area is influenced by the Pearl River Estuary which represents sub-optimal

conditions for coral survival and recruitment. It is thus expected that the abundance and

diversity of corals in this area to be less than that in the eastern part of Hong Kong waters

where the water is more oceanic. Only small, isolated and scattered coral colonies which are

more tolerant to sedimentation are expected to occur within the Study Area. Subtidal coral

survey was conducted within the project site and details are presented below:

Subtidal Coral Survey

Dive surveys were performed on 18 and 30 September 2011 in locations near the proposed

outfall alignment and the nearby shorelines. A total of five sites were investigated (Figure

5.3).

Regarding the weather conditions, it was sunny with mild wind, and the underwater visibility

was very low (~ 0.5 m). The water depth in the survey area was shallow, most areas less than

mostly less than 3m, and the maximum depth less than 5m.

D-1, D-2 and D-3 were close to the outfall alignment and D-4 and D-5 were located in the

vicinity. D-1, D-4 and D-5 were natural coastlines while D-2 and D-3 were shallow coastal

waters.

Spot check dives revealed that the seabed at D-2 and D-3 was covered by sandy substrate only.

No subtidal fauna including corals was found in D-2 and D-3. There was no hard substrate in

these two transects available for corals or other epibenthos to colonise.

D-1, D-4 and D-5 were natural rock shores. Common sessile shallow subtidal fauna were

found on the natural rocks including the Rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata and the Green

mussel Perna viridis (Table 5.10). Very low coverage (< 1%) of hard coral Oulastera

crispata was recorded in these three transects, and the colonies of Oulastrea crispata were

small and scattered.

../Figures/5.3.pdf../Figures/5.3.pdf



5-22 B&V / ERM

Table 5.9 – Shannon diversity index (H’) and evenness (J) of the intertidal benthos survey at different locations

Parameters Intertidal zone

Location I-1 Location I-2 Location I-3 Location I-4

September October September October September October September October

Abundance / m2 High 56 61 53 53 45 45 364 384

No. of species 3 3 3 3 2 2 4 4

H' 0.89 0.75 0.88 0.88 0.69 0.69 0.73 0.73

J 0.81 0.68 0.80 0.80 1.00 1.00 0.53 0.52

Abundance / m2 Middle 97 94 72 99 82 97 444 449

No. of species 11 12 11 11 11 12 8 12

H' 2.21 2.22 2.21 2.25 2.20 2.27 0.76 0.83

J 0.92 0.89 0.92 0.94 0.92 0.91 0.36 0.33

Abundance / m2 Lower 95 118 93 124 94 117 197 196

No. of species 15 12 12 12 12 11 4 5

H' 2.18 1.99 2.02 2.06 2.01 1.93 0.41 0.46

J 0.81 0.80 0.81 0.83 0.81 0.80 0.29 0.29

Abundance / m2 Overall 87 82 80 339

No. of species 18 18 17 16

H' 2.38 2.43 2.35 0.97

J 0.82 0.84 0.85 0.37



5-23 B&V / ERM

In accordance with the findings from spot dive, REA surveys were conducted at the three

transects with hard corals on the natural coastlines, i.e. D-1, D-4 and D-5. The REA transects

were parallel with the shore. The coastlines were mainly covered by large-sized boulders.

Table 5.10 – Subtidal fauna recorded during the Dive survey Common Name Species Commonness

Hard coral Oulastrea crispata Common

Rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata Very common

Green mussel Perna viridis Very common

The ecological attributes and substratum attributes of the REA transects were summarised in

Table 5.11. The areas were considered to be of low ecological value due to the low

percentage cover of a single species of common hard corals, and a lack of species of

conservation value.

Table 5.11 – Ecological Attributes and Substratum Attributes of the Transects Rank D-1 D-4 D-5

Ecological attributes

Hard coral 0.5 0.5 0.5

Octocoral (soft corals and gorgonians) 0 0 0

Black Corals 0 0 0

Dead standing corals 0 0 0

Substratum Attributes

Bedrock/continuous pavement 0 0 0

Boulder Blocks (diam.>50cm) 2 1 4

Boulder Blocks (diam.



5-24 B&V / ERM

Abundance, number of species, Shannon diversity index (H’), evenness (J) and biomass of

benthos recorded from the four subtidal benthos sampling sites are shown in Table 5.12. A

total of 6,110 individuals from 70 species of benthic organisms were recorded at the four sites

(24 sampling stations, three replicates in each sampling station) within the Study Area (Annex

5B). There were 10 major taxa (Phylum) recorded in the benthic samples. Polychaeta was

the dominant Class across the study sites (over 13 Classes), with 36 species out of 70 in the

benthic samples. No rare species were recorded in the samples. The polychaete

Paraprionospio pinnata was the dominant species and comprised over 67% of the total

abundance. The total abundance was the highest at Location B-4 (total abundance was 2,100),

and its total number of species was also the highest among the four sites but with the lowest

biomass. On the other hand, total abundance was the lowest in Location B-1 (total abundance

was 1,034), which is the closest to the Pui O Wan, but its H’ and biomass were the highest

among the four sites. Species list and corresponding abundance are presented in Annex 5B –

Table L.

Table 5.12 – Abundance, number of species, Shannon diversity index (H’) and evenness (J) of

Benthos Recorded from Location A to D Location A Location B Location C Location D

Abundance 1,034 1,249 1,738 2,100

Number of species 44 50 41 52

H’ 2.51 1.68 1.09 1.41

J 0.66 0.43 0.29 0.36

Biomass (g) 129 38 63 35

The overall species diversity (H’) was moderate to high, and the mean value ranged from 1.09

to 2.51, in which the highest H’ was recorded at Location B-1 which is located nearest to the

Pui O Beach. The lowest H’ was recorded in Location B-3 which is located away from the

Pui O Beach, near Cheung Sha and with deep waters. For the Shannon diversity index (H’), a

value of < 1 indicates low diversity, 1-2 indicates moderate diversity and a value of > 2

indicates higher diversity.

The mean value of the evenness (J) recorded in the four sites ranged from 0.29 to 0.66. The

evenness index reflects how similar the abundance values for each species are within an

assemblage. For example, a value of 1 indicates that all species occur in equal abundance

whereas a value close to zero indicates that one species has very high abundance and the other

species are recorded at very low abundance. The indices indicated that there were limited

number of species of benthic organisms recorded across the sites and these were patchily

distributed.

Evaluation of Ecological Importance

The ecological importance of the habitats and wildlife identified within the Study Area are

evaluated in accordance with the EIAO-TM Annex 8 criteria, and presented in Table 5.13 to

5.24.

../Annex/Annex%205B.pdf../Annex/Annex%205B.pdf../Annex/Annex%205B.pdf



5-25 B&V / ERM

Table 5.13 – Evaluation of Mixed Woodland and Fung Shui Woodland Criteria Mixed Woodland Fung Shui Woodland

Naturalness Semi-natural dominated by native plants. Semi-natural composed of a mixture of mature exotic and

native plants. Size

Overall size of approximately 305.5 ha. Overall size of approximately 2.9 ha.

Diversity

Moderate diversity of plants (146 species) and

structural complexity, Low to moderate

diversity for bird, butterfly and dragonfly

Moderate diversity of plants (97 species) and structural

complexity.

Low to moderate diversity for bird and butterfly, low

diversity for dragonfly

Rarity

Plant species of conservation importance

included Incense Tree Aquilaria sinensis,

Gnetum luofuense and Hong Kong Pavetta

Pavetta hongkongensis.

Protected fauna species included Japanese

Pipistrelle, Black Kite and Copperhead Racer

Plant species of conservation importance included Incense

Tree Aquilaria sinensis.

No fauna of conservation importance

Re-creatability

It would take more than 20 years for the mixed

woodland to be re-created.

It would take more than 30-40 years for the fung shui

woods to be re-created.

Fragmentation Formed a belt along foothill and ravines. Fairly fragmented

Ecological Linkage Functionally linked to stream in close

proximity.

Functionally linked to mixed woodland in close

proximity.

Potential Value High, becoming mature woodland if given time

and protection from disturbance.

High, becoming mature woodland if given time and

protection from disturbance.

Nursery/ Breeding

Ground

No significant observation, but can provide

breeding habitats for mammals, birds, reptiles

and butterflies

No significant observation, but can provide breeding

habitats for mammals, birds, reptiles and butterflies

Age Moderate (around 20-30 years) based on tree

size, woodland structure and species

composition.

Mature (more than 50 years) based on tree size, woodland

structure and species composition.

Abundance/ Richness of

Wildlife

Low to moderate abundance for bird, butterfly

and dragonfly.

Low to moderate abundance for bird and butterfly, low

abundance for dragonfly.

Overall Ecological

Value

Moderate Moderate to High

Table 5.14 – Evaluation of Plantation Criteria Plantation

Naturalness Semi-natural, canopy dominated by exotic plants but undertorey of some patches colonised by

native species. Size Overall size of approximately 163.9 ha.

Diversity Moderate diversity of plants (110 species)

Low to moderate for bird and butterfly, very low for dragonfly

Rarity Plant species of conservation importance included Silver-back Artocarpus Artocarpus

hypargyreus.

Protected fauna species included Japanese Pipistrelle, Collared Scops Owl, Greater Coucal

and Copperhead Racer.

Re-creatability Habitat characteristics and species composition are easy to recreate. It will take about 10

years for the plantation to be re-created.

Fragmentation Not applicable.

Ecological Linkage Not functionally linked to any highly valued habitat in close proximity.

Potential Value Low to moderate, becoming mature woodland if given time and protection from disturbance.

Nursery/ Breeding Ground No significant observation, but can provide breeding habitats for birds and reptiles

Age Young (10 - 20 years) based on tree size, woodland structure and species composition.

Abundance/ Richness of Wildlife Low to moderate abundance for bird and butterfly, very low abundance for dragonfly.

Overall Ecological Value Low to moderate



5-26 B&V / ERM

Table 5.15 – Evaluation of Shrubland-grassland Criteria Shrubland-grassland

Naturalness Semi-natural habitats and disturbed by human activities such as fires.

Size Overall size of approximately 609.4 ha.

Diversity Moderate diversity of plants (94 species), low structural complexity. Low diversity for bird,

low to moderate for butterfly, very low diversity for dragonfly

Rarity None for plant species

Protected fauna species included Black Kite, Greater Coucal, Hwamei and Copperhead Racer

Re-creatability Habitat characteristics are easy to recreate but species composition may be different.



Potential Value Low to moderate, becoming mixed woodland if given time and protection from disturbance.

Nursery/ Breeding Ground No significant observation, but can provide breeding habitats for mammals, birds, reptiles and

butterflies

Age Not applicable.

Abundance/ Richness of Wildlife Low abundance for bird, low to moderate for butterfly, very low abundance for dragonfly

Overall Ecological Value Low to moderate

Table 5.16 – Evaluation of Cultivated Land Criteria Cultivated Land

Naturalness Man-made habitat mostly abandoned.

Size Small patches of active agricultural land were recorded within the Study Area with an overall

size of approximately 5.8 ha.

Diversity Low diversity of plants (48 species).

Low diversity for bird, butterfly and dragonfly

Rarity None for plant species.

Protected fauna species included Japanese Pipistrelle.

Re-creatability Habitat characteristics and species composition are easy to recreate.



Potential Value Low to moderate, some orchard and tree nursery may become mixed woodland if given time

and protection from disturbance.

Nursery/ Breeding Ground No significant observation, limited due to high level of human disturbance

Age N/A

Abundance/ Richness of Wildlife Low abundance for bird, butterfly and dragonfly

Overall Ecological Value Low

Table 5.17 – Evaluation of Marsh Criteria Marsh

Naturalness Semi-natural (cultivated land abandoned and subject to natural succession).

Size 18.4 ha

Diversity Low to moderate diversity of plants (61 species)

Low to moderate diversity for bird and dragonfly, low diversity for butterfly Rarity Plant species of conservation importance included Water Shamrock Marsilea quadrifolia and

Water Spangles Salvinia natans

Protected fauna species included Chinese Bullfrog

Re-creatability Moderate difficult to recreate due to hydrological conditions

Fragmentation Isolated stands but fairly intact

Ecological Linkage Hydrologically linked to streams.

Potential Value Moderate if protected from disturbance and conversion to other land use.

Nursery/ Breeding Ground No significant observation, but can provide breeding habitat for amphibian

Age N/A

Abundance/ Richness of Wildlife Low to moderate abundance for bird and dragonfly, low abundance for butterfly

Overall Ecological Value Moderate to high



5-27 B&V / ERM

Table 5.18 – Evaluation of Stream/Channel Criteria Stream/Channel

Naturalness Semi-natural habitat, upper course intercepted by catchwater, middle course fairly natural and lower course

moderately modified Size Overall area approximately 20.4 ha, with its total length approximately 8.1 km.

Diversity High diversity of aquatic fauna

Low diversity of plants (32 plant species)

Low to moderate diversity for dragonfly, low diversity for bird and very low for butterfly

Rarity Common habitat type in Hong Kong.

One fish species was considered “Endangered” by IUCN (Japanese eel Anguilla japonica),

one fish species was considered Vulnerable in China Red Data Book (Predaceous Chub Parazacco spilurus),

three fish species were considered rare/ uncommon in Hong Kong and classified as “Lower Risk/Near

Threatened” by IUCN (Eye-spotted puffer Takifugu ocellatus, Sleepy goby Psammogobius biocellatus, and

Indo-pacific tropical sand goby Favonigobius reichei),

two uncommon species and classified as ‘Least Concern” by IUCN (Small snakehead Channa asiatica and

Spotty band goby Glossogobius olivaceus),

one endemic crustacean species (Sesarmind crab Pseudosesarma patshuni)

Re-creatability Habitat characteristics are difficult to recreate


Ecological Linkage Functionally linked to the intertidal habitats.

Potential Value Moderate if given time and protection from disturbance.

Nursery/ Breeding

Ground

Estuarine sections could act as nursery ground for marine/intertidal fauna. Also can provide breeding habitat

for dragonfly and amphibian

Age N/A

Abundance/ Richness

of Wildlife

Moderate for aquatic fauna; low to moderate abundance for dragonfly, low abundance for bird, and butterfly

Overall Ecological

Value

Moderate to high

Table 5.19 – Ecological Evaluation of Mangrove Criteria Mangrove

Naturalness Natural habitat

Size Approximately 2.9 ha

Diversity Very low diversity of plants (10 species).

Low to moderate diversity of bird, very low diversity for butterfly and no record of dragonfly

Rarity No terrestrial or intertidal flora or fauna of conservation importance found

Re-creatability Mangrove is moderately easy to recreate

Fragmentation Isolated small stands of mangroves

5. ecological impact assessment 5.1 introduction 5...integrated waste management facilities phase 1...

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