3.                  Construction Stage

3.1  Construction Activities in the reporting month

Major activities in the reporting month include preparation works for construction of box culvert along PNHR and site clearance work for LTT. These activities will be continued in the coming month.

 

 

 

3.2  Construction Activities for the coming month

Key construction activity in the coming month will be construction of box culvert at PNHR.

 

 

3.3  Environmental Status

       

Appendix G shows the drawing of the project area.

 

Locations of the monitoring and control stations with environmental sensitive receivers are presented in Section 4.3, 5.3 and 6.3 for noise, water and ecological monitoring respectively.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.                  Noise Monitoring

4.1  Monitoring Parameters and Methodology

 

The construction noise level was measured in terms of the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level (L_eq). L_{eq (30minutes)} was used as the monitoring parameter for the impact monitoring in the time period between 0700 to 1900 hours on normal weekdays. For all other time period, L_{eq (5minutes)} was employed for comparison with the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) criteria.

 

Noise measurement results obtained from each monitoring location were recorded in the Construction Noise Monitoring Data Sheet (Appendix D) immediately after the measurement. As supplementary information for data auditing, statistical results L₁₀ and L₉₀ were also be recorded for reference.

 

In case of non-compliance with the construction noise criteria, more frequent monitoring, as specified in the Action plan in table 4.5.2, shall be carried out. This additional monitoring shall be carried out until the recorded noise levels are rectified or proved to be irrelevant to the construction activities.

 

4.2  Monitoring Equipment

 

The sound level meters and calibrators comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission Publications 651:1979 (Type 1) and 804:1985 (Type 1) specifications as referred to in the Technical Memorandum (TM) to the Noise Control Ordinance was deployed as monitoring equipment for noise measurement.

 

Noise measurement was not be made in the presence of fog, rain, wind with a steady speed exceeding 5ms^-1 or wind with gust exceeding 10ms^-1. Thus wind speed was checked by the portable wind speed indicator capable of measuring the wind speed in m/s. Table 4.2.1 summarizes the equipment list for noise monitoring

        Table 4.2.1 Equipment List for Noise Monitoring

 

4.3  Monitoring Locations

 

According to the Baseline Monitoring Report issued in May 2008 for the captioned project, four locations where are alternative from the locations proposed in EM&A manual, were designated for baseline noise monitoring. For the data validation, impact noise monitoring was undertaken in the same locations during the construction phase of the project. The proposed monitoring locations are summarized in Table 4.3.1. Figure 4.3.1 shows the Noise Monitoring Locations

 

Noise measurement in each monitoring locations were taken at a point 1m from the exterior of the selected premises and at a height with no disturbance to the dweller and least obstructed view.

 

Table 4.3.1 Noise Monitoring Locations during Construction Phase

 

In accordance with the requirements in the EM&A manual, weekly impact monitoring was conducted. For the time period between 0700 and 1900 hours on normal weekdays, and noise parameter of L_{eq (30minutes)} was measured. As if the construction works were carried out during restricted period (ie. 1900-2300, 2300-0700 of next day and Sundays / general holiday), impact monitoring that comprises 3 consecutive L_{eq (5minutes)} would be carried out.

 

 

 

 

Figure 4.3.1 Impact noise monitoring locations

4.4  Monitoring Results and Interpretation

 

Relevant details of the noise monitoring results are presented in table 4.4.1. The results, ranged between 45.7 dB (A) and 57.9 dB (A), were within the limit levels and therefore, no exceedance was found.

 

Table 4.4.1 Noise Monitoring Results for the reporting month
Location	Parameter	Date	Time	LAeq dB(A)	Limit dB(A)	Exceedance	Weather
N1	Leq 30mins	08/09/08	14:30	56.8	75	N	Sunny
N1	Leq 30mins	12/09/08	14:35	51.7	75	N	Sunny
N1	Leq 30mins	22/09/08	13:00	48.8	75	N	Sunny
N1	Leq 30mins	26/09/08	13:25	54.9	75	N	Sunny
N2	Leq 30mins	08/09/08	15:05	51.5	75	N	Sunny
N2	Leq 30mins	12/09/08	15:10	48.0	75	N	Sunny
N2	Leq 30mins	22/09/08	13:35	54.3	75	N	Sunny
N2	Leq 30mins	26/09/08	15:15	50.4	75	N	Sunny
N3*	Leq 30mins	08/09/08	15:45	60.6	75	N	Sunny
N3*	Leq 30mins	12/09/08	15:45	58.6	75	N	Sunny
N3*	Leq 30mins	22/09/08	15:15	48.7	75	N	Sunny
N3*	Leq 30mins	26/09/08	14:00	60.7	75	N	Sunny
N4	Leq 30mins	08/09/08	16:20	51.0	75	N	Sunny
N4	Leq 30mins	12/09/08	16:20	47.5	75	N	Sunny
N4	Leq 30mins	22/09/08	14:35	57.9	75	N	Sunny
N4	Leq 30mins	26/09/08	14:35	47.0	75	N	Sunny

Table 4.4.1 Noise monitoring results

Remarks: Raw datasheet for noise monitoring are attached in appendix D for reference.

Remark*: The equivalent noise level of N3 is corrected by +3 dB from the raw data result due to the fact that free field measurement was carried out in the location.

 

 

4.5  Action and Limit level for Construction noise

 

The Action and Limit (A/L) levels for construction noise are defined in Table 4.5.1. Should non-compliance of the criteria occur, action in accordance with the Action Plan in Table 4.5.2 should be carried out.

 

There were no recorded exceedance in the reporting month.

 

 

 

Table 4.5.2 Event / Action Plan for Construction Noise

EVENT	ACTION
	ET	IC(E)	ER	Contractor
Action Level	1.     Notify IC(E) and Contractor; 2.     Carry out investigation; 3.     Report the results of investigation to the IC(E), ER and Contractor; 4.     Discuss with the Contractor and formulate remedial measures; 5.     Increase monitoring frequency to check mitigation effectiveness.	1.  Review the analysed results submitted by the ET; 2.  Review the proposed remedial measures by the Contractor and advise ER accordingly; 3.  Supervise the implementation of remedial measures.	1.      Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing; 2.      Notify Contractor; 3.      Require Contractor to propose remedial measures for the analysed noise problem; 4.      Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented.	1.      Submit noise mitigation proposals to IC(E); 2.      Implement Noise mitigation proposals.
Limit Level	1.   Identify source; 2.   Inform IC(E), ER, EPD and Contractor; 3.   Repeat measurements to confirm findings; 4.   Increase monitoring frequency; 5.   Carry out analysis of Contractor’s working procedures to determine possible mitigation to be implemented; 6.   Inform IC(E), ER and EPD the causes and actions taken for the exceedances; 7.   Assess effectiveness of Contractor’s remedial actions and keep IC(E), EPD and ER informed of the results 8.   If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring	1.  Discuss amongst ER, ET, and Contractor on the potential remedial actions;   2.  Review Contractors remedial actions whenever necessary to assure their effectiveness and advise the ER accordingly;   3.  Supervise the implementation of remedial measures.	1.      Confirm receipt of notification of failure in writing; 2.      Notify Contractor; 3.      Require Contractor to propose remedial measures for the analysed noise problem; 4.      Ensure remedial measures properly implemented; 5.      If exceedance continues, consider what portion of the work is responsible and instruct the Contractor to stop that portion of work until the exceedance is abated	1.      Take immediate action to avoid further exceedance;   2.      Submit proposals for remedial actions to IC(E) within 3 working days of notification;   3.      Implement the agreed proposals;   4.      Resubmit proposals if problem still not under control;   5.      Stop the relevant portion of works as determined by the ER until the exceedance is abated

 

 

4.6  Noise Mitigation Measures

 

The mitigation measures recommended in the EIA report include:

l                   Use of quiet powered mechanical equipment (PME)

l                   Adoption of movable noise barriers and temporary noise barriers

l                   Implementation of the following good site practices:

-         Only well-maintained and regularly serviced plant should be operated on site

-         Silencers or mufflers on construction equipment

-         Mobile plant, if any, should be sited as far from NSRs as possible;

-         Machines and plant (such as trucks) that may be in intermittent use should be shut down between work periods or should be throttled down to a minimum;

-         Plant known to emit noise strongly in one direction should, wherever possible be oriented so that the noise is directed away from the nearby NSRs; and

-         Material stockpiles and other structures should be effectively utilized, wherever practicable, in screening noise from on-site construction activities.

 

Recommended mitigation measures have not been implemented yet as no construction works have been carried out on site during the reporting period. Those measures will be carried out and inspected in weekly site inspection when corresponding construction works commence.

5.                  Water Monitoring

5.1  Water Quality Monitoring Parameters and methodology

 

Turbidity in Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU), Dissolved Oxygen (DO) in mg/L and Suspended Solids (SS) in mg/L are required to measure in this project. Turbidity, DO was measured in-situ while water samples were delivered to Accredited HOKLAS Laboratory for analysis of SS.

 

Other relevant data such as monitoring location, time, water depth, temperature, salinity, weather conditions and any other special phenomena and work underway at the construction site were recorded during sampling.

 

According to the requirement of the EM&A manual, two consecutive measurements for parameters of DO concentration, DO saturation and Turbidity are required to be taken at each monitoring location. When the difference in value between the first and second reading of DO or Turbidity is more than 25%, the reading would be discarded and further reading would be taken.

 

5.2  Monitoring Equipment

 

Turbidity, DO, Salinity, pH and temperature was measured by an instrument complied with the following requirements:

 

The instrument is a portable as well as weatherproof multimeter complete with cable and uses a DC power source. It is capable of measuring:

·         A turbidity between 0-800NTU;

·         A dissolved Oxygen level in the range of 0-20mg/L and 0-200% saturation;

·         A temperature of 0-50^oC;

·         Salinity in the range of 0-40ppt;

·         pH in the range of 0-14.

Suspended solid was determined by the water samples collected from the monitoring locations for further analysis in accredited HOKLAS laboratory. Water samples were contained by polythene bottles, packed in ice (cooled in 4^oC without frozen) and delivered to the laboratory for analysis as soon as possible after collection. Duplicate samples from each independent sampling event were undertaken during impact monitoring.

 

5.3  Monitoring Locations

 

Seven locations included a control station in upstream of each stream/ river, a monitoring station at the end of each stream/ river of the works area and a monitoring station at Silver River were proposed for the impact water quality monitoring. Water samples were collected at mid-depth of each proposed monitoring stations for measurements as well as sample collection. The Location Plan is shown in Figure 5.3.1 for reference.

Figure 5.3.1 Water Quality Monitoring Locations

 

5.4  Monitoring Frequency

 

Impact water quality monitoring was undertaken three days per week and at ebb tides during the course of the construction river works. Upon the completion of the construction works, the monitoring exercises at the designated monitoring stations will be continued for four weeks in the same manner as the impact monitoring.

 

5.5  Monitoring Results and Interpretation

 

Water quality monitoring was carried out nine times during September. Detailed on-site measurements and laboratory analysis reports including QA/QC results are shown in appendix E1 and E2 respectively, while Table 5.5.1 presents consolidated results throughout the reporting month.

 

For suspended solid (SS), no exceedance has been recorded.

For turbidity, no exceedance has been recorded.

For dissolved oxygen (DO), almost all data were higher than established action level. Sample taken from M2 on 8 Sept 2008 was 5.5mg/L that is lower than the action level (6.2 mg/L). However, construction work along that river has not yet been commenced; Low DO level was probably not caused by the project.

 

* Remarks: Detection limit for Turbidity, DO and SS are 1 NTU, 0.1 mg/L and 1 mg/L respectively.

5.6  Action and limit level for Water Quality

 

Based on the baseline water quality monitoring data obtained, the A/L levels are shown in Table 5.6.1. If the water quality monitoring results at any impact stations exceeded the criteria, the actions in accordance with the Event and Action Plan in Table 5.6.2 should be taken.

 

There was no recorded exceedance during the reporting period.

 

Table 5.6.1 Action and Limit Levels for water quality monitoring

Parameters	Monitoring locations
	M1		M2		M3		M4
	Action Level	Limit Level	Action Level	Limit Level	Action Level	Limit Level	Action Level	Limit Level
Turbidity (NTU)	15.2	16.9	5.3	6.5	16.8	26.0	16.2	18.0
DO (mg/L)	5.7	4.0	6.2	4.0	5.9	4.0	5.9	4.0
SS (mg/L)	12.2	12.8	3.1	4.2	12.4	17.7	13.9	15.2

Remarks:

For DO, non-compliance of the water quality limits occurs when monitoring result is lower than the limits

For SS and turbidity, non-compliance of the water quality limits occurs when monitoring result is higher than the limits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 5.6.2 Event and action Plan for Water Quality

EVENT	ACTION
	ET	IC(E)	ER	Contractor
Action Level being exceed by one sampling day	1.  Repeat in situ measurement to confirm findings; 2.  Identify reasons for non-compliance and source(s) of impact; 2.      Inform IC(E) and Contractor; 3.      Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor’s working methods; 4.      Discuss mitigation measures with IC(E) and Contractor; 6.      Repeat measurement on next day of exceedance.	1.      Discuss with ET and Contractor on the mitigation measures; 2.      Review proposals in mitigation measures submitted by Contractor and advise the ER accordingly; 3.      Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.	1.      Discuss with IC(E) on the proposed mitigation measures; 2.      make agreement on the mitigation measures to be implemented; 3.      Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.	1.      Inform the ER and confirm notification of the non-compliance in writing; 2.      Rectify unacceptable practice; 3.      Check all plant and equipment; 4.      Consider changes of working methods; 5.      Discuss with ET and IC(E) and propose mitigation measures to IC(E) and ER; 6.      Implement the agreed mitigation measures.
Action level being exceed by more than two consecutive sampling days	1.      Repeat in situ measurement to confirm findings; 2.       Identify reasons for non-compliance and source(s) of impact; 3.      Inform IC(E) and Contractor; 4.      Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor’s working methods; 5.      Discuss mitigation measures with IC(E) and Contractor; 6.      Ensure mitigation measures are implemented; prepare to increase the monitoring frequency to daily 7.      Repeat measurement on next day of exceedance	1.      Discuss with ET and Contractor on the mitigation measures; 2.      Review proposals in mitigation measures submitted by Contractor and advise the ER accordingly; 3.      Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.	1.      Discuss with IC(E) on the proposed mitigation measures; 2.      make agreement on the mitigation measures to be implemented; 3.      Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.	1.      Inform the ER and confirm notification of the non-compliance in writing; 2.      Rectify unacceptable practice; 3.      Check all plant and equipment; 4.      Consider changes of working methods; 5.      Discuss with ET and IC(E) and propose mitigation measures to IC(E) and ER within three working days; 6.      Implement the agreed mitigation measures.
Limit level being exceeded by one sampling day	1.       Repeat in situ measurement to confirm findings; 2.        Identify reasons for non-compliance and source(s) of impact; 3.       Inform IC(E) and Contractor; 4.       Check monitoring data, all plant, equipment and Contractor’s working methods; 5.       Discuss mitigation measures with IC(E) and Contractor; 6.       Ensure mitigation measures are implemented; 7.       Increase the monitoring frequency to daily until no exceedance of Limit Level	1.      Discuss with ET and Contractor on the mitigation measures; 2.      Review proposals in mitigation measures submitted by Contractor and advise the ER accordingly; 3.      Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.	1.      Discuss with IC(E) on the proposed mitigation measures; 2.      make agreement on the mitigation measures to be implemented; 3.      Assess the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures.	1.      Inform the ER and confirm notification of the non-compliance in writing; 2.      Rectify unacceptable practice; 3.      Check all plant and equipment; 4.      Consider changes of working methods; 5.      Discuss with ET and IC(E) and propose mitigation measures to IC(E) and ER; 6.      Implement the agreed mitigation measures.

 

 

 

 

5.7  Water Quality Mitigation Measures

 

Construction Run-off and Drainage

The site practices outlined in ProPECC PN 1/94 ‘Construction Site Drainage” should be followed as far as practicable during both construction and operation phase of the drainage improvement works in order to minimize followed as far as practicable during the drainage improvement works in order to minimize surface runoff and the chance of erosion, and also to retain and reduce any suspended solids prior to discharge.

 

As recommended in the final EM&A manual, attention would be paid specially construction run-off and drainage, general construction activities, sewage discharged from construction workforce and river channel excavation works.

 

5.8  Water Monitoring Schedule for the Next reporting period

Water monitoring in the next reporting period is scheduled for 2,3,8,9,10,13,15,17,20,22,24,27,29 and 31 October.

 

 

6.                  Ecology Monitoring

6.1  Ecological Monitoring Parameters

 

According to the Final EM&A Manual, a specific ecological monitoring programme of the improved section of PNH and LTT Rivers is recommended.  The monitoring parameters required to measure in this project and survey methodology are described below:

(1)  Avifauna species and abundance: Birds will be surveyed quantitatively using transect count method. Birds within the river channel and on the riverbank will be identified and their abundance will be recorded.

(2)  Aquatic macroinvertebrate community species composition and abundance:  Survey on aquatic fauna will focus on determination of the diversity and abundance of stream aquatic communities. Sampling methods, such as active searching, direct observation, netting, and kick sampling, will be determined according to the site conditions during field survey. 

(3)  Fish community species composition and abundance: Sampling methods, such as active searching, direct observation, and hand netting, will be determined according to the site conditions during field survey. 

(4)  Adult odonate community species composition and abundance: Adult dragonfly will be surveyed quantitatively using transect count method. Adult dragonflies within the river channel and on the riverbank will be identified and their abundance will be recorded. Species requiring close examination will be netted.

(5)  Aquatic, emergent and riparian vegetation community species composition and abundance: The area will be walked through.  Plant species composition and their relative abundance will be recorded.

(6) Surveys of White-shouldered Starling Sturnus sinensis will be conducted at the disused watchtowers next to LTT river.  Breeding of the White-shouldered Starlings will be determined by checking signs of attempt to breed or sign of breeding which include carrying nesting materials, to-and-fro movement of adults carrying food, presence of recently fledged juveniles, etc. The number of breeding pairs and the site observation will be recorded whenever possible.

 

 

 

Water Quality Monitoring along LTT and PNH River as well as LTT bypass channel was carried out. Water quality monitoring will include Turbidity in Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU), Dissolved Oxygen (DO) in mg/L and Suspended Solids (SS) in mg/L are required to measure in this project. Moreover, additional water monitoring parameters will be taken for the purposes of ecological monitoring of water quality in this project. The added information will include: BOD, Ammonia, Nitrate and Phosphate concentrations. Turbidity, DO, pH and water flow will be measured in-situ while water samples will be delivered to Accredited HOKLAS Laboratory accredited laboratory and the analyses followed the standard methods according to APHA Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 20^th Edition, or equivalent for analysis of SS, BOD, Ammonia, Nitrate and Phosphate concentrations.

 

Other relevant data such as monitoring location, time, water depth, temperature, salinity, weather conditions and any other special phenomena and work underway at the construction site will be recorded during sampling.

 

According to the requirement of the EM&A manual, two consecutive measurements for parameters of DO concentration, DO saturation and Turbidity are required to be taken at each monitoring. When the difference in value between the first and second reading of DO or Turbidity is more than 25%, the reading will be discarded and further reading will be taken.

 

6.2  Monitoring Equipment and Methodology

 

Turbidity, DO, Salinity, pH and Temperature will be measured by a instrument complied with the following requirements:

 

      The instrument is a portable as well as weatherproof multimeter complete with cable and uses a DC power source. It is capable of measuring:

·         A turbidity between 0-800NTU;

·         A dissolved Oxygen level in the range of 0-20mg/L and 0-200% saturation;

·         A temperature of 0-50^oC;

·         Salinity in the range of 0-40ppt;

·         pH in the range of 0-14.

Suspended solid was determined by the water samples collected from the monitoring locations for further analysis in accredited HOKLAS laboratory. Water samples were contained by polythene bottles, packed in ice (cooled in 4^oC without frozen) and delivered to the laboratory for analysis as soon as possible after collection. Duplicate samples from each independent sampling event were undertaken during impact monitoring.

 

6.3  Monitoring Locations

 

According to the Final EM&A Manual, the improved section of the river channels will be divided into 50m long sections, and ecological survey will be carried out in each of the 50m sections.  A total of nine sections will be divided for the two rivers which include:

- Two sections for existing upstream of PNH river (i.e. the proposed 80m long trapezoidal channel)

- Two sections for existing downstream of PNH river (i.e. the proposed 100m long rectangular channel)

- Five sections for existing Luk Tei Tong River (i.e. the proposed 240m long trapezoidal channel)

The disused watchtowers is located at the confluence of the three rivers and next to LTT river.

 

The Location Plan for ecological is shown in Figure 6.1 for reference.

 

The improved sections of the river channels require to carrying out water quality monitoring for the ecological purpose. The sampling points for impact monitoring was undertaken in the same place as the baseline monitoring proposed, where include:

 

-         Three points for existing of PNH river

-         Three points for existing of Luk Tei Tong River

 

The Location Plan for ecological water monitoring is shown in Figure 6.2 for reference.

 

 

Figure 6.1 Ecological Monitoring Locations

 

Figure 6.2 Ecological Water Quality monitoring locations

 

6.4  Monitoring Frequency

 

As proposed, impact ecological monitoring was carried out once for each monitoring location in the reporting month.

 

6.5  Monitoring results     

 

Pak Ngan Heung Stream N and S sections

 

Vegetation

 

Surveys were conducted on 29 September 2008.  The north section of Pak Ngan Heung Stream was fairly modified.  Part of the west bank was lined with rock gabion bank and occupied by village houses and abandoned agricultural field.  The stream channel was wider than the downstream section, but the stream bank was still fairly narrow and steep in gradient.  Compared to the south section, the north section was relatively shaded due to presence of more trees with larger canopy. 

 

The walk through survey recorded a total of 55 species, including 19 trees, 11 shrub, 10 herb and 6 grass species (Appendix C1).  42 of the species recorded are natives, while 13 were exotics.  The quantitative sampling recorded 21 species at the north section.  Large native (e.g. Celtis sinensis, Cleistocalyx operculata, Ficus hispida) and exotic trees (Acacia confusa) dominated the transects. Other species recorded include common and typical native pioneer forest and streamside tree species and ruderal species.  No species of conservation interest was recorded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 6.5.1    Relative percentage cover of vegetation recorded at Pak Ngan Heung (N) Section

	Relative % cover
Species	PNH3	PNH4
Acacia confusa		13.1
Acorus graminifolia		0.6
Alocasia macrorrhiza		1.5
Aporosa dioica		0.8
Bamboo	6.2
Celtis sinensis	31.7	2.3
Christella parasitica	3.7
Cleistocalyx operculata	41.3
Embelia ribes		0.6
Ficus hispida	4.0	19.9
Grass		1.8
Liriope spicata		0.3
Litsea glutinosa		17.0
Macaranga tanarius		10.3
Merremia hederacea	0.7
Microstegium ciliatum		6.4
Mikania micrantha		3.1
Psychotria asiatica		0.3
Pueraria phaseoloides	0.6	22.0
Sterculia lanceolata	10.7
Wedelia triloba	1.1
Total	100%	100%
Total Transect Length (m)	13.0	34.0

 

The south section of Pak Ngan Heung Stream was highly modified.  Both banks were lined with rock gabions and were occupied by village houses immediately beyond the channel.  The stream channel was lack of riparian zone and vegetation.  A total of 17 species recorded, 12 of which were native and 5 were exotic.  It was composed of isolated individuals of mangrove (Kandelia obovata), backshore species (Clerodendrum inerme), native (Celtis sinensis) and planted trees (Acacia confusa) (Appendix C2).  No species of conservation interest was recorded.

Terrestrial Fauna

 

Surveys were conducted on 22 September 2008. 

 

A total of four species of birds were recorded in the proposed work area of the Pak Ngan Heung River (Table 6.5.2).  All are common in Hong Kong.

 

 

Table 6.5.2      Avifauna in Pak Ngan Heung

Common names	Latin names	PNH 1	PNH 2	PNH3	PNH4	Commonness & distribution
Chinese Bulbul	Pycnonotus sinensis				2	CW
Crested Bulbul	Pycnonotus jocosus				1	CW
Oriental Magpie Robin	Copsychus saularis		1			CW
Arctic Warbler	Phylloscopus borealis				1	CL

CW = common and widespread, CL = common/uncommon and localized

 

Five species of dragonfly were recorded in the proposed work area of the Pak Ngan Heung River (Table 6.5.3). All are very common in Hong Kong.

 

Table 6.5.3      Dragonfly in Pak Ngan Heung

Common names	Latin names	PNH 1	PNH 2	PNH3	PNH4	Commonness & distribution
Common Blue Jewel	Rhinocypha perforata			3		A
Green Skimmer	Orthetrum sabina	1				A
Wandering Glider	Pantala flavescens		1	13	1	A
Crimson Darter	Crocothemis servilia		1			A
Indigo Dropwing	Trithermis festiva		1			A

A = abundant

 

Aquatic fauna and fish

 

11 species of fish and four crustacean were recorded in the 4 sections at PNH.  All are common and widespread in Hong Kong.  Though Predaceous Chub was observed, the another one fish species of conservation concern reported in the EIA report, i.e. Flagtail Kuhlia marginata, was not recorded in PNH during the present monthly monitoring survey.

 

Table 6.5.4      Aquatic Invertebrates and fish in Pak Ngan Heung

 

Common names	Scientific names	PNH 1	PNH 2	PNH3	PNH4
Atyid shrimp	Caridina elongata			++	+++
Palaemond shrimp	Macrobrachium hainanensis	+	+	++	+
Crab	Varuna litterata	+	+	+
Mitten Crab	Eriocheir japonica		+	+	+
Mosquito fish	Gamusia affinis				+
Barcheek Goby	Rhinogobius giurinus		+		+
Goby	Rhinogobius duospilus		+		++
Swordtail	Xiphophorus hellerii			+	++
Six-banded Barb	Puntius semifasciolatus				++
Unidentified Cichlid fish					++
Tilapia			++
Predaceous Chub	Parazacco spilurus			+	+
Jarbua Terapon	Terapon jarbua	++	++
Common Silver-biddy	Gerres oyena		++
Mullet	Mugil cephalus	++	++

+ = Occasional, less than 5 individuals were found;  ++ = Common, 5 – 20 individuals were found;  +++ = Abundant, more than 20 individuals were found.

 

 

 

 

 

Luk Tei Tong Stream Section

 

Vegetation

 

Surveys were conducted on 29 September 2008.  The Luk Tei Tong Stream Section was highly modified.  The stream bank from Section 1 to 4 were largely lined with rock gabions or concrete while stream bank of section 5 were fully lined with wired rock gabions and was little vegetated. Vegetation only established on isolated muddy patches at the estuary and remaining semi-natural bank which was fairly narrow and steep in gradient.  The whole section appeared to be subject to tidal influence, as mangrove associated or backshore species were recorded along the whole channel.

 

The walk through survey recorded a total of 36 species, including 9 tree, 7 shrub, 2 herb and 7 grass species (Appendix C3).  29 of the species recorded are natives, while 7 were exotics.  The quantitative sampling recorded 19 species at the middle section.  Section 2 was dominated by Terminalia catappa and Wollastonia biflora, while Section 3 and 4 was dominated by Hibiscus tiliaceus and Clerodendrum inerme respectively.

 

Due to the patchiness of streamside vegetation, the quantitative data should be interpreted with cautions and used as a reference only.

 

Table 6.5.5      Relative percentage cover of vegetation recorded at Luk Tei Tong Stream Section

 

	Relative % cover
Species	LLT2	LLT3	LLT4
Acanthus ilicifolius	5.4	16.0
Celtis sinensis	7.7
Chenopodium sp.			5.8
Clerodendrum inerme	1.0		29.8
Dendrotrophe frutescens			8.4
Excoecaria agallocha	4.6
Fimbristylis ferruginea			27.6
Fimbristylis sp.	7.3
Hibiscus tiliaceus		67.2	0.8
Ischaemum sp.			6.5
Kandelia obovata	4.6	16.8
Panicum maximum			13.8
Paspalum paspaloides	13.1		2.5
Premna serratifolia	8.6
Pueraria phaseoloides			1.8
Scoparia dulcis			2.9
Terminalia catappa	32.4
Toxocarpus wightianus	1.6
Wollastonia biflora	13.7
Total	100.0	100.0	100.0
Total Transect Length (m)	11.0	16.0	22.0

 

Terrestrial Fauna

 

The proposed work area of Luk Tei Tong River was divided into 5 sections. All recorded avifauna and dragonfly species are common in Hong Kong

 

Surveys were conducted on 22 September 2008.

 

A total of six species of birds were recorded in these sections (Table 6.5.6).  All these species are common and widely distributed in Hong Kong.

 

Two White-shouldered Starlings were sighted near LTT4 and LTT5 on 29 September 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 6.5.6      Avifauna in Luk Tei Tong River

 

Common names	Latin names	LTT1	LTT2	LTT3	LTT4	LTT5	Commonness & distribution
Chinese Bulbul	Pycnonotus sinensis			2			CW
Oriental Magpie Robin	Copsychus saularis		1			1	CW
Masked Laughingthrush	Garrulax perspicillatus					1	CW
Yellow-bellied Prinia	Prinia flaviventris					1	CW
Japanese White-eye	Zosterops japonica			2			CW
Spotted Munia	Lonchura punctulata	1					CL

CW = common and widespread, CL = common/uncommon and localised

 

Four species of dragonfly were recorded in the Luk Tei Tong River (Table 6.5.7).  All these species are common in Hong Kong.

 

Table 6.5.7      Dragonfly in Luk Tei Tong River

 

Common names	Latin names	LTT1	LTT2	LTT3	LTT4	LTT5	Commonness & distribution
Common Blue Skimmer	Orthetrum glaucum					1	A
Green Skimmer	Orthetrum sabina					1	C
Wandering Glider	Pantala flavescens	6	3				A
Crimson Dropwing	Trithemis aurora			1			A

A = abundant, C = common

 

Aquatic invertebrates and fish

 

4 species of fish, 5 species of crustacean and 2 species of mollusks were

recorded in the 5 sections at LTT.  All are common and widespread in Hong Kong.  The two fish species of conservation concern reported in the EIA report, i.e. Flagtail Kuhlia marginata and Predaceous Chub Parazacco spilurus were not recorded in LTT during the baseline monitoring survey.

 

Table 6.5.8      Aquatic invertebrates and fish in Luk Tei Tong River

 

Common names	Scientific names	LTT1	LTT2	LTT3	LTT4	LTT5
Mangrove clam	Geloina erosa			+	+
Snail	Melanoides tuberculata	++	++	+++	+++	+
Crab	Varuna litterata			+	+
Fiddler crab	Uca lactea		++	++
Fiddler crab	Uca arcuata	+	++
Fiddler crab	Uca crassipes		+	++
Crab	Perisesarma bidens		+	+	++	++
Common mudskipper	Periophthalmus cantonensis	++	++	++	+
Tilapia		++	++
Jarbua terapon	Terapon jarbua	+	+	+
Mullet	Mugil cephalus	++	++

+ = Occasional, less than 5 individuals were found;  ++ = Common, 5 – 20 individuals were found;  +++ = Abundant, more than 20 individuals were found.

 

Discussed Watchtowers

 

Surveys were conducted on 22 September 2008.

 

There was no sign (e.g., adults carrying food or nesting materials) of use of the watchtower as nesting habitat by White-shouldered Starling.  No other bird entered the tower during the evening survey.

 

Two White-shouldered Starlings were sighted near LTT4 and LTT5 on 29 September 2008.  However, this species was not observed using the watchtower even when construction works of the Project was not yet commenced.

 

Ecological Water Quality Monitoring (EWQM)

 

EWQM was conducted on 5 September 2008. Monitoring results are summarized in table 6.5.9. Detailed on-site measurements and laboratory report are presented in appendix C4 and C5.

 

To review the results in table 6.5.9 in general, turbidity (7.15 NTU) and salinity (1.8 ppt) recorded in location WE4 is higher than that of the others. However, they are close to the results recorded in the baseline monitoring report, shown as turbidity (6.96 NTU) and salinity (7.6 ppt).

 

 

6.6  Action and Limit level for Monitoring of White-shouldered Starlings

A simple Event and Action Plan is shown in Table 6.6.1. Should the Event occur, action in accordance with the Action Plan should be carried out.

 

There was no recorded event in the reporting month.

 

Table 6.6.1 Event / Action Plan for Monitoring of White-shouldered Starlings

EVENT	ACTION
	ET Leader	Contractor
Identification of disturbance to breeding White-shouldered Starlings	1. Increase frequency of monitoring to twice weekly	1. Check all construction actions and working methods
	2. Notify Site Engineer	2. Submit proposals for remedial action to prevent abandonment of the breeding site.
	3. Review construction activities of previous week.	3. Implement remedial action.
	4. Identify any changes in construction activities in previous week	4. Liaise with ET regarding effectiveness of remedial actions.
	5. Discuss remedial actions with Site Engineer

 

6.7  Ecological monitoring Schedule

 

The next Ecological water monitoring date is set on October 10^th 2008, while the next ecological monitoring date is set on October 22^nd 2008.