Environmental Complaint No.	Date of Complaint Received	Description of Environmental Complaints
COM-2015-066	8 April 2015	Air Quality
COM-2015-068	10 April 2015	Noise

1 Introduction

1.3 Construction Programme

1.3.1 A copy of the Contractor’s construction programme is provided in Appendix B.

1.4 Construction Works Undertaken During the Reporting Period

1.4.1 A summary of the construction activities undertaken during this reporting period is shown in Table 1.1. The Works areas of the Contract are showed in Appendix C.

Table 1.1 Construction Activities during Reporting Period

Site Area	Description of Activities
Portion X	Dismantling/trimming of temporary 40mm stone platform for construction of seawall
Portion X	Filling works behind stone platform
Portion X	Temporary stone platform construction
Portion X	Sheet piling
Portion X	Excavation and lateral support works for Scenic Hill Tunnel (Cut & Cover Tunnel)
Portion X	Sheet Piling Work for Scenic Hill Tunnel (Cut & Cover Tunnel)
Portion X	Socket H-Pile for for Scenic Hill Tunnel (Cut & Cover Tunnel)
Portion X	Construction of Seawall
Portion X	Loading and unloading of filling materials
Portion X	Laying blinding layer for tunnel box structure at Scenic Hill Tunnel (Cut & Cover Tunnel)
Portion X	Excavation works for HKBCF to Airport Tunnel
West Portal	Pipe roofing installation and excavation for Scenic Hill Tunnel
West Portal	Ventilation Building Foundation Works
West Portal	Excavation for Scenic Hill Tunnel
Kwo Lo Wan / Airport Road	Works for diversion of Airport Road and Kwo Lo Wan Road
Airport Road	Excavation works for HKBCF to Airport Tunnel West (Cut & Cover Tunnel)
Airport Road	Mini-piling work for HKBCF to Airport Tunnel West (Cut & Cover Tunnel)
Airport Road	Pipe Piling Cofferdam Works for HKBCF to Airport Tunnel West (Cut & Cover Tunnel)
Airport Road	Excavation and Lateral Support Works for HKBCF to Airport Tunnel West (Cut & Cover Tunnel)
Airport Express Line	Pre-grouting and pipe piling works for Airport Express Line access shafts
Airport Express Line	Canopy pipe drilling underneath Airport Express Line
Kwo Lo Wan/ Airport Road/ Airport Express Line	Utilities detection
Airport Road/ Airport Express Line/ East Coast Road	Establishment of Site Access
Kwo Lo Wan Road	Excavation and lateral support works at shaft 3 extension north shaft & south shaft
Portion Y	Utility culvert excavation
Portion Y	Highway Operation and Maintenance Area Building Foundation Works

2 EM&A Requirement

2.1 Summary of EM&A Requirements

2.1.1 The EM&A programme requires environmental monitoring of air quality, noise, water quality, dolphin monitoring and mudflat monitoring as specified in the approved EM&A Manual.

2.1.2 A summary of Impact EM&A requirements is presented in Table 2.1. The locations of air quality, noise and water quality monitoring stations are shown as in Figure 2.1. The transect line layout in Northwest and Northeast Lantau Survey Areas is presented in Figure 2.2.

Table 2.1 Summary of Impact EM&A Requirements

Environmental Monitoring	Description	Monitoring Station	Frequencies	Remarks
Air Quality	1-hr TSP	AMS 5 & AMS 6	At least 3 times every 6 days	While the highest dust impact was expected.
Air Quality	24-hr TSP	AMS 5 & AMS 6	At least once every 6 days	--
Noise	L_eq_(30mins)_, L₁₀_(30mins)and L₉₀_(30mins)	NMS5	At least once per week	Daytime on normal weekdays (0700-1900 hrs).
Water Quality	· Depth · Temperature · Salinity · Dissolved Oxygen (DO) · Suspended Solids (SS) · DO Saturation · Turbidity · pH	· Impact Stations: IS5, IS(Mf)6, IS7, IS8, IS(Mf)9 & IS10, · Control/Far Field Stations: CS2 & CS(Mf)5, · Sensitive Receiver Stations: SR3, SR4, SR5, SR10A & SR10B	Three times per week during mid-ebb and mid-flood tides (within ± 1.75 hour of the predicted time)	3 (1 m below water surface, mid-depth and 1 m above sea bed, except where the water depth is less than 6 m, in which case the mid-depth station may be omitted. Should the water depth be less than 3 m, only the mid-depth station will be monitored).
Dolphin	Line-transect Methods	Northeast Lantau survey area and Northwest Lantau survey area	Twice per month	--
Mudflat	Horseshoe crabs, seagrass beds, intertidal soft shore communities, sedimentation rates and water quality	San Tau and Tung Chung Bay	Once every 3 months	--

2.2 Action and Limit Levels

2.2.1 Table 2.2 presents the Action and Limit Levels for the 1-hour TSP, 24-hour TSP and noise level.

Table 2.2 Action and Limit Levels for 1-hour TSP, 24-hour TSP and Noise

Environmental Monitoring	Parameters	Monitoring Station	Action Level	Limit Level
Air Quality	1-hr TSP	AMS 5	352 µg/m³	500 µg/m³
	1-hr TSP	AMS 6	360 µg/m³	500 µg/m³
	24-hr TSP	AMS 5	164 µg/m³	260 µg/m³
	24-hr TSP	AMS 6	173 µg/m³	260 µg/m³
Noise	L_eq_{(30 min)}	NMS 5	When one documented complaint is received	75 dB(A)

2.2.2 The Action and Limit Levels for water quality monitoring are given as in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3 Action and Limit Levels for Water Quality

Parameter (unit)	Water Depth	Action Level	Limit Level
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)	Surface and Middle	5.0	4.2 except 5 for Fish Culture Zone
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)	Bottom	4.7	3.6
Turbidity (NTU)	Depth average	27.5 or 120% of upstream control station’s turbidity at the same tide of the same day; The action level has been amended to “27.5 *and* 120% of upstream control station’s turbidity at the same tide of the same day” since 25 March 2013.	47.0 or 130% of turbidity at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day; The limit level has been amended to “47.0 *and* 130% of turbidity at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day” since 25 March 2013.
Suspended Solid (SS) (mg/L)	Depth average	23.5 or 120% of upstream control station’s SS at the same tide of the same day; The action level has been amended to “23.5 *and* 120% of upstream control station’s SS at the same tide of the same day” since 25 March 2013.	34.4 or 130% of SS at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day and 10mg/L for Water Services Department Seawater Intakes; The limit level has been amended to “34.4 *and* 130% of SS at the upstream control station at the same tide of same day and 10mg/L for Water Services Department Seawater Intakes” since 25 March 2013

Notes:

(1) Depth-averaged is calculated by taking the arithmetic means of reading of all three depths.

(2) For DO, non-compliance of the water quality limit occurs when monitoring result is lower that the limit.

(3) For SS & turbidity non-compliance of the water quality limits occur when monitoring result is higher than the limits.

(4) The change to the Action and limit Levels for Water Quality Monitoring for the EM&A works was approved by EPD on 25 March 2013. Therefore, the amended Action and Limit Levels are applied for the water monitoring results obtained on and after 25 March 2013.

2.2.3 The Action and Limit Levels for dolphin monitoring are shown in Tables 2.4 and 2.5.

Table 2.4 Action and Limit Level for Dolphin Impact Monitoring

	North Lantau Social Cluster
	NEL	NWL
Action Level	STG < 70% of baseline & ANI < 70% of baseline	STG < 70% of baseline & ANI < 70% of baseline
Limit Level	STG < 40% of baseline & ANI < 40% of baseline

Remarks:

(1) STG means quarterly average encounter rate of number of dolphin sightings.

(2) ANI means quarterly average encounter rate of total number of dolphins.

(3) For North Lantau Social Cluster, AL will be triggered if either NEL or NWL fall below the criteria; LL will be triggered if both NEL and NWL fall below the criteria.

Table 2.5 Derived Value of Action Level (AL) and Limit Level (LL)

	North Lantau Social Cluster
	NEL	NWL
Action Level	STG < 4.2 & ANI < 15.5	STG < 6.9 & ANI < 31.3
Limit Level	(STG < 2.4 & ANI < 8.9) and (STG < 3.9 & ANI < 17.9)

Remarks:

(1) STG means quarterly average encounter rate of number of dolphin sightings.

(2) ANI means quarterly average encounter rate of total number of dolphins.

(3) For North Lantau Social Cluster, AL will be triggered if either NEL or NWL fall below the criteria; LL will be triggered if both NEL and NWL fall below the criteria.

2.3 Event Action Plans

2.3.1 The Event Actions Plans for air quality, noise, water quality and dolphin monitoring are annexed in Appendix D.

2.4 Mitigation Measures

2.4.1 Environmental mitigation measures for the contract were recommended in the approved EIA Report. Appendix E lists the recommended mitigation measures and the implementation status.

3 Environmental Monitoring and Audit

3.1 Implementation of Environmental Measures

3.1.1 In response to the site audit findings, the Contractor have rectified most of the observations as identified during environmental site inspection during the reporting period. Follow-up actions for outstanding observations will be inspected during the next reporting period. Details of site audit findings and the corrective actions during the reporting period are presented in Appendix F.

3.1.2 A summary of the Implementation Schedule of Environmental Mitigation Measures (EMIS) is presented in Appendix E.

3.1.3 Regular marine travel route for marine vessels were implemented properly in accordance to the submitted plan and relevant records were kept properly.

3.1.4 Dolphin Watching Plan was implemented during the reporting period. No dolphins inside the silt curtain were observed. The relevant records were kept properly.

3.2 Air Quality Monitoring Results

3.2.1 The monitoring results for 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP are summarized in Tables 3.1 and 3.2 respectively. Detailed impact air quality monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are presented in Appendix G.

Table 3.1 Summary of 1-hour TSP Monitoring Results During the Reporting Period

Reporting Period	Monitoring Station	Average (mg/m³)	Range (mg/m³)	Action Level (mg/m³)	Limit Level (mg/m³)
March 2015	AMS5	151	69 - 508	352	500
March 2015	AMS6	115	65 - 173	360
April 2015	AMS5	99	67 - 176	352
April 2015	AMS6	93	65 - 150	360
May 2015	AMS5	69	59 – 83	352
May 2015	AMS6	75	63 - 107	360

Table 3.2 Summary of 24-hour TSP Monitoring Results During the Reporting Period

Reporting Period	Monitoring Station	Average (mg/m³)	Range (mg/m³)	Action Level (mg/m³)	Limit Level (mg/m³)
March 2015	AMS5	60	32 - 103	164	260
March 2015	AMS6	75	42 - 112	173
April 2015	AMS5	48	31 - 101	164
April 2015	AMS6	67	36 - 118	173
May 2015	AMS5	21	14 - 27	164
May 2015	AMS6	43	22 - 64	173

3.2.2 An Action Level exceedance and a Limit Level exceedance of 1-hr TSP level at AMS5 were recorded during the reporting period. No Action Level exceedances of 24-hr TSP level at AMS5 were recorded during the reporting period.

3.2.3 No Action and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP were recorded at AMS6 during the reporting period.

3.3 Noise Monitoring Results

3.3.1 The monitoring results for construction noise are summarized in Table 3.3 and the monitoring results and relevant graphical plots for this reporting period are provided in Appendix H.

Table 3.3 Summary of Construction Noise Monitoring Results During the Reporting Period

Reporting period	Monitoring Station	Average L_eq_{(30 mins)}, dB(A)*	Range of L_eq_{(30 mins)}, dB(A)*	Action Level	Limit Level L_eq_{(30 mins)}, dB(A)
March 2015	NMS5	59	57 - 60	When one documented complaint is received	75
April 2015		61	58 - 63
May 2015		63	56 – 74

*A correction factor of +3dB(A) from free field to facade measurement was included.

3.3.2 There were no Action and Limit Level exceedances for noise during daytime on normal weekdays of the reporting period.

3.3.3 Major noise sources during the noise monitoring included construction activities of the Contract and nearby traffic noise.

3.4 Water Quality Monitoring Results

3.4.1 Impact water quality monitoring was conducted at all designated monitoring stations during the reporting period. Impact water quality monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are provided in Appendix I.

3.4.2 During the reporting period, four Action Level exceedances for suspended solid level were recorded. No exceedance of Limit Level for suspended solid level was recorded. No exceedances of Action and Limit Level for dissolved oxygen level and turbidity were recorded.

3.4.3 Water quality impact sources during the water quality monitoring were the construction activities of the Contract, nearby construction activities by other parties and nearby operating vessels by other parties.

3.5 Dolphin Monitoring Results

Data Analysis

3.5.1 Distribution Analysis – The line-transect survey data was integrated with the Geographic Information System (GIS) in order to visualize and interpret different spatial and temporal patterns of dolphin distribution using sighting positions. Location data of dolphin groups were plotted on map layers of Hong Kong using a desktop GIS (ArcView© 3.1) to examine their distribution patterns in details. The dataset was also stratified into different subsets to examine distribution patterns of dolphin groups with different categories of group sizes, young calves and activities.

3.5.2 Encounter rate analysis – Encounter rates of Chinese White Dolphins (number of on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort, and total number of dolphins sighted on-effort per 100 km of survey effort) were calculated in NEL and NWL survey areas in relation to the amount of survey effort conducted during each month of monitoring survey. Dolphin encounter rates were calculated in two ways for comparisons with the HZMB baseline monitoring results as well as to AFCD long-term marine mammal monitoring results.

3.5.3 Firstly, for the comparison with the HZMB baseline monitoring results, the encounter rates were calculated using primary survey effort alone, and only data collected under Beaufort 3 or below condition would be used for encounter rate analysis. The average encounter rate of sightings (STG) and average encounter rate of dolphins (ANI) were deduced based on the encounter rates from six events during the present quarter (i.e. six sets of line-transect surveys in North Lantau), which was also compared with the one deduced from the six events during the baseline period (i.e. six sets of line-transect surveys in North Lantau).

3.5.4 Secondly, the encounter rates were calculated using both primary and secondary survey effort collected under Beaufort 3 or below condition as in AFCD long-term monitoring study. The encounter rate of sightings and dolphins were deduced by dividing the total number of on-effort sightings and total number of dolphins (ANI) by the amount of survey effort for the entire quarterly period (March – May 2015).

3.5.5 Quantitative grid analysis on habitat use – To conduct quantitative grid analysis of habitat use, positions of on-effort sightings of Chinese White Dolphins collected during the quarterly impact phase monitoring period were plotted onto 1-km² grids among Northwest Lantau (NWL) and Northeast (NEL) survey areas on GIS. Sighting densities (number of on-effort sightings per km²) and dolphin densities (total number of dolphins from on-effort sightings per km²) were then calculated for each 1 km by 1 km grid with the aid of GIS. Sighting density grids and dolphin density grids were then further normalized with the amount of survey effort conducted within each grid. The total amount of survey effort spent on each grid was calculated by examining the survey coverage on each line-transect survey to determine how many times the grid was surveyed during the study period. For example, when the survey boat traversed through a specific grid 50 times, 50 units of survey effort were counted for that grid. With the amount of survey effort calculated for each grid, the sighting density and dolphin density of each grid were then normalized (i.e. divided by the unit of survey effort).

3.5.6 The newly-derived unit for sighting density was termed SPSE, representing the number of on-effort sightings per 100 units of survey effort. In addition, the derived unit for actual dolphin density was termed DPSE, representing the number of dolphins per 100 units of survey effort. Among the 1-km² grids that were partially covered by land, the percentage of sea area was calculated using GIS tools, and their SPSE and DPSE values were adjusted accordingly. The following formulae were used to estimate SPSE and DPSE in each 1-km² grid within the study area:

SPSE = ((S / E) x 100) / SA%

DPSE = ((D / E) x 100) / SA%

where S = total number of on-effort sightings

D = total number of dolphins from on-effort sightings

E = total number of units of survey effort

SA% = percentage of sea area

3.5.7 Behavioural analysis – When dolphins were sighted during vessel surveys, their behaviour was observed. Different activities were categorized (i.e. feeding, milling/resting, traveling, socializing) and recorded on sighting datasheets. This data was then input into a separate database with sighting information, which can be used to determine the distribution of behavioural data with a desktop GIS. Distribution of sightings of dolphins engaged in different activities and behaviours would then be plotted on GIS and carefully examined to identify important areas for different activities of the dolphins.

3.5.8 Ranging pattern analysis – Location data of individual dolphins that occurred during the 3-month baseline monitoring period were obtained from the dolphin sighting database and photo-identification catalogue. To deduce home ranges for individual dolphins using the fixed kernel methods, the program Animal Movement Analyst Extension, was loaded as an extension with ArcView© 3.1 along with another extension Spatial Analyst 2.0. Using the fixed kernel method, the program calculated kernel density estimates based on all sighting positions, and provided an active interface to display kernel density plots. The kernel estimator then calculated and displayed the overall ranging area at 95% UD level.

Summary of Survey Effort and Dolphin Sightings

3.5.9 During the period of March to May 2015, six sets of systematic line-transect vessel surveys were conducted to cover all transect lines in NWL and NEL survey areas twice per month.

3.5.10 From these surveys, a total of 899.81 km of survey effort was collected, with 97.7% of the total survey effort being conducted under favourable weather conditions (i.e. Beaufort Sea State 3 or below with good visibility). Among the two areas, 344.55 km and 555.26 km of survey effort were conducted in NEL and NWL survey areas respectively.

3.5.11 The total survey effort conducted on primary lines was 655.32 km, while the effort on secondary lines was 244.49 km. Both survey effort conducted on primary and secondary lines were considered as on-effort survey data. A summary table of the survey effort is shown in Annex I of Appendix J.

3.5.12 During the six sets of monitoring surveys in March to May 2015, a total of 7 groups of 25 Chinese White Dolphins were sighted. Four of the seven dolphin sightings were made during on-effort search. Two of the four on-effort sightings were made on primary lines, while the other two were made on secondary lines. In this quarterly period, all dolphin groups were sighted in NWL, while none of them were sighted in NEL. In fact, no dolphin was sighted in NEL since July 2014, and only one group of four dolphins was sighted there since December 2013 during HKLR03 monitoring surveys. A summary table of the dolphin sightings is shown in Annex II of Appendix J.

Distribution

3.5.13 Distribution of dolphin sightings made during monitoring surveys in March to May 2015 is shown in Figure 1 of Appendix J. These sightings made in the present quarter were scattered to the western end of the NWL survey area, with no particular concentration (Figure 1 of Appendix J). No dolphin was sighted at all in NEL survey area.

3.5.14 Notably, all dolphin sightings were made far away from the HKLR03/HKBCF reclamation sites as well as along the entire alignment of Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TMCLKL) during this quarterly period (Figure 1 of Appendix J). However, one sighting of a lone individual was made adjacent to the HKLR09 alignment (Figure 1 of Appendix J).

3.5.15 Sighting distribution of the present impact phase monitoring period (March to May 2015) was compared to the one during the baseline monitoring period (September to November 2011). In the present quarter, dolphins have completely avoided the NEL region, which was in stark contrast to their frequent occurrence around the Brothers Islands, near Shum Shui Kok and in the vicinity of HKBCF reclamation site during the baseline period (Figure 1 of Appendix J). The nearly complete abandonment of NEL region by the dolphins has been consistently recorded in the past nine quarters, which have resulted in extremely low to zero dolphin encounter rate in this area.

3.5.16 In NWL survey area, dolphin occurrence was also drastically different between the baseline and impact phase quarters. During the present impact monitoring period, much fewer dolphins occurred throughout this survey area than during the baseline period, when many of the dolphin sightings were concentrated between Lung Kwu Chau and Black Point, around Sha Chau, near Pillar Point and to the west of the Chek Lap Kok Airport (Figure 1 of Appendix J).

3.5.17 Another comparison in dolphin distribution was made between the three quarterly periods of spring months in 2013, 2014 and 2015 (Figure 2 of Appendix J). Among the three spring periods, no dolphin sighting was made in NEL in 2014 and 2015, while there were a few sightings made there in 2012 (Figure 2 of Appendix J). The near absence of dolphins in this quarter in NEL was probably more related to the seasonal occurrence that has been consistently recorded in the past.

3.5.18 On the other hand, dramatic changes in dolphin distribution in NWL waters have observed in the spring months during the three-year period. In 2013, dolphin regularly occurred throughout the NWL survey area, with higher concentration around Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau as well as near Black Point. In 2014, dolphin still occurred around Lung Kwu Chau at a high level, but less frequently in the middle portion of North Lantau region. In 2014, they rarely occurred in NWL survey area with scattered sightings without any particular concentration. The temporal trend indicated that dolphin usage in the NWL region has greatly diminished during the spring months of the past few years.

Encounter Rate

3.5.19 During the present three-month study period, the encounter rates of Chinese White Dolphins deduced from the survey effort and on-effort sighting data from the primary transect lines under favourable conditions (Beaufort 3 or below) for each set of the surveys in NEL and NWL are shown in Table 3.4. The average encounter rates deduced from the six sets of surveys were also compared with the ones deduced from the baseline monitoring period (September – November 2011) (See Table 3.5).

Table 3.4 Dolphin Encounter Rates (Sightings Per 100 km of Survey Effort) During Reporting Period (March to May 2015)

Survey Area	Dolphin Monitoring	Encounter rate (STG) (no. of on-effort dolphin sightings per 100 km of survey effort)	Encounter rate (ANI) (no. of dolphins from all on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort)
Survey Area	Dolphin Monitoring	Primary Lines Only	Primary Lines Only
Northeast Lantau	Set 1 (4 & 11 Mar 2015)	0.00	0.00
	Set 2 (17 & 26 Mar 2015)	0.00	0.00
	Set 3 (8 & 10 Apr 2015)	0.00	0.00
	Set 4 (17 & 22 Apr 2015)	0.00	0.00
	Set 5 (4 & 8 May 2015)	0.00	0.00
	Set 6 (14 & 18 May 2015)	0.00	0.00
Northwest Lantau	Set 1 (4 & 11 Mar 2015)	1.42	9.93
	Set 2 (17 & 26 Mar 2015)	0.00	0.00
	Set 3 (8 & 10 Apr 2015)	1.40	4.20
	Set 4 (17 & 22 Apr 2015)	0.00	0.00
	Set 5 (4 & 8 May 2015)	0.00	0.00
	Set 6 (14 & 18 May 2015)	0.00	0.00

Table 3.5 Comparison of average dolphin encounter rates from impact monitoring period (March to May 2015) and baseline monitoring period (September – November 2011)

Survey Area	Encounter rate (STG) (no. of on-effort dolphin sightings per 100 km of survey effort)		Encounter rate (ANI) (no. of dolphins from all on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort)
Survey Area	Reporting Period	Baseline Monitoring Period	Reporting Period	Baseline Monitoring Period
Northeast Lantau	0.00	6.00 ± 5.05	0.00	22.19 ± 26.81
Northwest Lantau	0.47 ± 0.73	9.85 ± 5.85	2.36 ± 4.07	44.66 ± 29.85

Notes:
1) The encounter rates deduced from the baseline monitoring period have been recalculated based only on the survey effort and on-effort sighting data made along the primary transect lines under favourable conditions.

2) ± denotes the standard deviation of the average encounter rates.

3.5.20 To facilitate the comparison with the AFCD long-term monitoring results, the encounter rates were also calculated for the present quarter using both primary and secondary survey effort. The encounter rates of sightings (STG) and dolphins (ANI) in NWL were 0.75 sightings and 3.91 dolphins per 100 km of survey effort respectively, while the encounter rates of sightings (STG) and dolphins (ANI) in NEL were both nil for this quarter.

3.5.21 In NEL, the average dolphin encounter rates (both STG and ANI) in the present three-month impact monitoring period were zero, and such low occurrence of dolphins in NEL have been consistently recorded in the past nine quarters (Table 3.6). It is a serious concern that dolphin occurrence in NEL in the nine quarters (0.0-1.0 for ER(STG) and 0.0-3.9 for ER(ANI)) have been exceptionally low when compared to the baseline period (Table 3.6). Dolphins have almost vacated from NEL waters since January 2014, with only one group of four dolphins sighted since then.

3.5.22 Moreover, the average dolphin encounter rates (STG and ANI) in NWL during the present impact phase monitoring period were also much lower (reductions of 95.2% and 94.7% respectively) than the ones recorded in the 3-month baseline period, indicating a dramatic decline in dolphin usage of this survey area during the present impact phase period (Table 3.7).

3.5.23 Even within the same spring quarters, the dolphin encounter rates in NWL during spring 2015 were small fractions of the ones recorded in spring (March –May) 2013 and (March – May) 2014 (Table 3.7).

Table 3.6 Comparison of Average Dolphin Encounter Rates in Northeast Lantau Survey Area from All Quarters of Impact Monitoring Period and Baseline Monitoring Period (Sep – Nov 2011)

Monitoring Period	Encounter rate (STG) (no. of on-effort dolphin sightings per 100 km of survey effort)	Encounter rate (ANI) (no. of dolphins from all on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort)
September-November 2011 (Baseline)	6.00 ± 5.05	22.19 ± 26.81
December 2012-February 2013 (Impact)	3.14 ± 3.21	6.33 ± 8.64
March-May 2013 (Impact)	0.42 ± 1.03	0.42 ± 1.03
June-August 2013 (Impact)	0.88 ± 1.36	3.91 ± 8.36
September-November 2013 (Impact)	1.01 ± 1.59	3.77 ± 6.49
December 2013-February 2014 (Impact)	0.45 ± 1.10	1.34 ± 3.29
March-May 2014 (Impact)	0.00	0.00
June-August 2014 (Impact)	0.42 ± 1.04	1.69 ± 4.15
September-November 2014 (Impact)	0.00	0.00
December 2014-February 2015 (Impact)	0.00	0.00
March-May 2015 (Impact)	0.00	0.00

Notes:
1) The encounter rates deduced from the baseline monitoring period have been recalculated based only on survey effort and on-effort sighting data made along the primary transect lines under favourable conditions.

2) ± denotes the standard deviation of the average encounter rates.

Table 3.7 Comparison of Average Dolphin Encounter Rates in Northwest Lantau Survey Area from All Quarters of Impact Monitoring Period and Baseline Monitoring Period (Sep – Nov 2011)

Monitoring Period	Encounter rate (STG) (no. of on-effort dolphin sightings per 100 km of survey effort)	Encounter rate (ANI) (no. of dolphins from all on-effort sightings per 100 km of survey effort)
September-November 2011 (Baseline)	9.85 ± 5.85	44.66 ± 29.85
December 2012-February 2013 (Impact)	8.36 ± 5.03	35.90 ± 23.10
March-May 2013 (Impact)	7.75 ± 3.96	24.23 ± 18.05
June-August 2013 (Impact)	6.56 ± 3.68	27.00 ± 18.71
September-November 2013 (Impact)	8.04 ± 1.10	32.48 ± 26.51
December 2013-February 2014 (Impact)	8.21 ± 2.21	32.58 ± 11.21
March-May 2014 (Impact)	6.51 ± 3.34	19.14 ± 7.19
June-August 2014 (Impact)	4.74 ± 3.84	17.52 ± 15.12
September-November 2014 (Impact)	5.10 ± 4.40	20.52 ± 15.10
December 2014-February 2015 (Impact)	2.91 ± 2.69	11.27 ± 15.19
March-May 2015 (Impact)	0.47 ± 0.73	2.36 ± 4.07

Notes:

1) The encounter rates deduced from the baseline monitoring period have been recalculated based only on survey effort and on-effort sighting data made along the primary transect lines under favourable conditions.

2) ± denotes the standard deviation of the average encounter rates.

3.5.24 Notably, the first eight consecutive quarters have triggered the Action Levels under the Event and Action Plan, while the previous and present quarters have both triggered the Limit Levels. As discussed recently in Hung (2014), the dramatic decline in dolphin usage of NEL waters in 2012 and 2013 (including the declines in abundance, encounter rate and habitat use in NEL, as well as shifts of individual core areas and ranges away from NEL waters) was possibly related to the HZMB construction works that were commenced in 2012. It appeared that such noticeable decline has already extended to NWL waters progressively in 2013 and 2014.

3.5.25 A two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and unequal sample size was conducted to examine whether there were any significant differences in the average encounter rates between the baseline and impact monitoring periods. The two variables that were examined included the two periods (baseline and impact phases) and two locations (NEL and NWL).

3.5.26 For the comparison between the baseline period and the present quarter (tenth quarter of the impact phase being assessed), the p-value for the differences in average dolphin encounter rates of STG and ANI were 0.0015 and 0.0139 respectively. If the alpha value is set at 0.05, significant difference was detected between the baseline and present quarters in both dolphin encounter rates of STG and ANI.

3.5.27 For the comparison between the baseline period and the cumulative quarters in impact phase (i.e. first ten quarters of the impact phase being assessed), the p-value for the differences in average dolphin encounter rates of STG and ANI were 0.0004 and 0.0001 respectively. Even if the alpha value is set at 0.01, significant differences were detected in both the average dolphin encounter rates of STG and ANI (i.e. between the two periods and the locations).

3.5.28 As indicated in both dolphin distribution patterns and encounter rates, dolphin usage has been significantly reduced in NEL and NWL waters in the present quarterly period, and such low occurrence has been consistently documented in previous quarters. This raises serious concern, as the decline in dolphin usage in North Lantau waters could possibly link to the HZMB-related construction activities.

3.5.29 To ensure the continuous usage of North Lantau waters by the dolphins, every possible measure should be implemented by the contractors and relevant authorities to minimize all disturbances to the dolphins.

Group Size

3.5.30 Group size of Chinese White Dolphins ranged from one to eight individuals per group in North Lantau region during March to May 2015. The average dolphin group sizes from these three months were compared with the ones deduced from the baseline period in September to November 2011, as shown in Table 3.8.

Table 3.8 Comparison of Average Dolphin Group Sizes between Reporting Period (March to May 2015) and Baseline Monitoring Period (Sep– Nov 2011)

Survey Area	Average Dolphin Group Size
Survey Area	Reporting Period	Baseline Monitoring Period
Overall	3.57 ± 2.82 (n = 7)	3.72 ± 3.13 (n = 66)
Northeast Lantau	0.00	3.18 ± 2.16 (n = 17)
Northwest Lantau	3.57 ± 2.82 (n = 7)	3.92 ± 3.40 (n = 49)

Note:

1) ± denotes the standard deviation of the average group size.

3.5.31 The average dolphin group sizes in NWL waters during March to May 2015 were slightly smaller than the ones recorded during the three-month baseline period (Table 3.8). Five of the seven groups were composed of 1-3 individuals only, while none of the dolphin group had more than 10 individuals.

3.5.32 Distribution of dolphins with larger group sizes (five individuals or more per group) during the present quarter is shown in Figure 3 of Appendix J, with comparison to the one in baseline period. During the spring of 2015, distribution of the two larger dolphin groups were located near Black Point and to the west of the airport (Figure 3 of Appendix J). This distribution pattern was drastically different from the baseline period, when the larger dolphin groups were distributed more evenly in NWL waters with a few more sighted in NEL waters (Figure 3 of Appendix J).

3.5.33 Notably, none of the larger dolphin groups were sighted near the HKLR03 reclamation site during the present monitoring period (Figure 3 of Appendix J).

Habitat Use

3.5.34 From March to May 2015, there was no particular habitat that was heavily utilized by Chinese White Dolphins in North Lantau waters, as only four grids recorded the presence of dolphins during on-effort search (Figures 4a and 4b of Appendix J). As in the previous quarters, none of the grids in NEL recorded the presence of dolphins in the present quarter. Moreover, all grids near HKLR03/HKBCF reclamation sites, HKLR09 or TMCLKL alignment did not record any presence of dolphins during on-effort search in the present quarterly period.

3.5.35 It should be emphasized that the amount of survey effort collected in each grid during the three-month period was fairly low (6-12 units of survey effort for most grids), and therefore the habitat use pattern derived from the three-month dataset should be treated with caution. A more complete picture of dolphin habitat use pattern will be presented when more survey effort for each grid will be collected throughout the impact phase monitoring programme.

3.5.36 When compared with the habitat use patterns during the baseline period, dolphin usage in NEL and NWL has dramatically diminished during the present impact monitoring period (Figure 5 of Appendix J). During the baseline period, nine grids between Siu Mo To and Shum Shui Kok recorded moderately high to high dolphin densities, which was in stark contrast to complete absence of dolphins during the present impact phase period (Figure 5 of Appendix J).

3.5.37 The density patterns between the baseline and impact phase monitoring periods were also very different in NWL, with higher dolphin usage around Sha Chau, near Black Point, to the west of the airport, as well as between Pillar Point and airport platform during the baseline period. However, these once-highly utilized habitats in the past only recorded rare presence of dolphins during the present impact phase period (Figure 5 of Appendix J).

Mother-calf Pairs

3.5.38 During the present quarterly period, no young calves (i.e. unspotted calves or unspotted juveniles) for the second consecutive quarter among the eleven quarters. This absence of young calves is also in stark contrast to their regular occurrence during the baseline period. Their absences should be of a serious concern, and the occurrence of calves should be closely monitored in the upcoming quarters.

Activities and Associations with Fishing Boats

3.5.39 Three dolphin sightings were associated with feeding activities, while only one sighting of dolphin was associated with socializing activity during the three-month study period. The percentage of sightings associated with feeding activities during the present quarter (42.9%) was much higher than the one recorded during the baseline period (11.6%). On the other hand, the percentage of socializing activities during the present impact phase monitoring period (14.3%) was slightly higher than the one recorded during the baseline period (5.4%). However, the higher percentages of both feeding and socializing activities were probably due to the overall small sample size of dolphin sightings. Notably, none of the seven dolphin groups were engaged in traveling or milling/resting behaviour.

3.5.40 Distribution of dolphins engaged in feeding and socializing activities during the present three-month period is shown in Figure 6 of Appendix J. The three sightings of feeding activities were located near Black Point, to the north of the airport platform and near HKLR09 alignment adjacent to Sham Wat Bay respectively (Figure 6 of Appendix J). The lone sighting associated with socializing activity was located near Black Point as well (Figure 6 of Appendix J). Distribution of dolphin sightings associated with these activities during the impact phase was very different from the distribution pattern of these activities during the baseline period.

3.5.41 As in the past monitoring quarters, none of the seven dolphin groups was found to be associated with an operating fishing vessel in North Lantau waters during the present impact phase period. The extremely rare events of fishing boat association in the present and previous quarters were consistently found, and were likely related to the recent trawl ban being implemented in December 2012 in Hong Kong waters.

Photo-identification and Individual Range Use

3.5.42 From March to May 2015, over 800 digital photographs of Chinese White Dolphins were taken during the impact phase monitoring surveys for the photo-identification work.

3.5.43 In total, 16 individuals sighted 18 times altogether were identified (see summary table in Annex III of Appendix J and photographs of identified individuals in Annex IV of Appendix J). All of these 18 re-sightings were made in NWL.

3.5.44 The majority of identified individuals were sighted only once during the three-month period, with the exception of two individuals (NL136 and NL284) being sighted thrice.

3.5.45 Two of these 16 individuals (NL123 and NL285) were also sighted in West Lantau waters during the HKLR09 monitoring surveys for the same three-month period, but the locations of their re-sightings in NWL and WL were not too far apart even though they were separated by the HKLR09 bridge alignment.

3.5.46 Three recognized females (NL104, NL123 and NL202) were accompanied with calves during their re-sightings. All three mothers were frequently sighted with their calves throughout the HKLR03 impact phase monitoring period since October 2012.

Individual range use

3.5.47 Ranging patterns of the 16 individuals identified during the three-month study period were determined by fixed kernel method, and are shown in Annex V of Appendix J.

3.5.48 All identified dolphins sighted in this quarter were utilizing their range use in NWL, but have avoided the NEL waters where many of them have utilized as their core areas in the past (Annex V of Appendix J). This is in contrary to the extensive movements between NEL and NWL survey areas observed in the earlier impact monitoring quarters as well as during the baseline period.

3.5.49 Notably, a mother-calf pair (i.e. NL123 and NL285) sighted in NWL and NEL waters consistently in the past have extended their range use to WL waters in the present quarter. It should be further monitored to examine whether there has been any consistent shifts of home ranges of some individuals from North Lantau to West Lantau, which could also possibly be related to the HZMB-related construction works.

Action Level / Limit Level Exceedance

3.5.50 There was one Limit Level exceedance of dolphin monitoring for the quarterly monitoring data (March 2015 – May 2015). According to the contractor’s information, the marine activities undertaken for HKLR03 during the quarter of March 2015 to May 2015 included reclamation, excavation of stone platform, construction of seawall, temporary drainage diversion and ground investigation. There is no evidence showing the current Limit Level non-compliance directly related to the construction works of HKLR03 (where the amounts of working vessels for HKLR03 have been decreasing), although the generally increased amount of vessel traffic in NEL since the impact phase (October 2012). It should also be noted that reclamation work under HKLR03 (adjoining the Airport Island) situates in waters which has rarely been used by dolphins in the past, and the working vessels under HKLR03 have been travelling from source to destination in accordance with the Marine Travel Route to minimize impacts on Chinese White Dolphin. In addition, the contractor will implement proactive mitigation measures such as avoiding anchoring at Marine Department’s designated anchorage site – Sham Shui Kok Anchorage (near Brothers Island) as far as practicable.

3.5.51 A two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and unequal sample size was conducted to examine whether there were any significant differences in the average encounter rates between the baseline and impact monitoring periods. The two variables that were examined included the two periods (baseline and impact phases) and two locations (NEL and NWL).

3.5.52 For the comparison between the baseline period and the present quarter (tenth quarter of the impact phase being assessed), the p-value for the differences in average dolphin encounter rates of STG and ANI were 0.0015 and 0.0139 respectively. If the alpha value is set at 0.05, significant differences were detected between the baseline and present quarters in both dolphin encounter rates of STG and ANI.

3.5.53 For the comparison between the baseline period and the cumulative quarters in impact phase (i.e. first ten quarters of the impact phase being assessed), the p-value for the differences in average dolphin encounter rates of STG and ANI were 0.0004 and 0.0001 respectively. Even if the alpha value is set at 0.01, significant differences were detected in both the average dolphin encounter rates of STG and ANI (i.e. between the two periods and the locations).

3.5.54 The AFCD monitoring data during March 2015 to May 2015 has been reviewed by the dolphin specialist. During the same quarter, no dolphin was sighted from 87.62 km of survey effort on primary lines in NEL, while only one group of three dolphins were sighted from 184.19 km of survey effort on primary lines in NWL. This review has confirmed that the extremely low occurrence of dolphins reported by the HKLR03 monitoring survey in spring 2015 in NEL and NWL survey areas is accurate.

3.5.55 There is no evidence showing that the sources of impact directly related to the construction works of HKLR03 that may have affected the dolphin usage in the NEL region.

3.5.56 All dolphin protective measures are fully and properly implemented in accordance with the EM&A Manual. According to the Marine Travel Route Plan, if vessels are crossing along edge of the proposed marine park, the travelling speed will keep not exceeding 5 knots when crossing the edge of the proposed marine park. The Contractor will continue to provide training for skippers to ensure that their working vessels travel from source to destination to minimize impacts on Chinese White Dolphin and avoid anchoring at Marine Department’s designated anchorage site - Sham Shui Kok Anchorage (near Brothers Island) as far as practicable. Also, it is recommended to complete the marine works of the Contract as soon as possible so as to reduce the overall duration of impacts and allow the dolphins population to recover as early as possible.

3.5.57 A meeting was held on 10 July 2015 with attendance of representative of Highways Department, ENPO, Resident Site Staff (RSS), Environmental Team (ET) and dolphin specialist for Contract Nos. HY/2010/02, HY/2011/03, HY/2012/07, HY/2012/08. Also, main Contractor for Contract Nos. HY/2011/03 and HY/2012/08 attended the meeting. The discussion/recommendation as recorded in the minutes of the meeting, which might be relevant to HKLR03 Contract are summarized below.

3.5.58 It was concluded that the HZMB works is one of the contributing factors affecting the dolphins. It was also concluded the contribution of impacts due to the HZMB works as a whole (or individual marine contracts) cannot be quantified nor separate from the other stress factors.

3.5.59 It was reminded that the ETs shall keep reviewing the implementation status of the dolphin related mitigation measures and remind the contractor to ensure the relevant measures were fully implemented.

3.5.60 It was recommended that the marine works of HZMB projects should be completed as soon as possible so as to reduce the overall duration of impacts and allow the dolphins population to recover as early as possible.

3.5.61 It was also recommended that the marine works footprint (e.g., reduce the size of peripheral silt curtain) and vessels for the marine works should be reduced as much as possible, and vessels idling / mooring in other part of the North Lantau shall be avoided whenever possible.

3.5.62 It was suggested that the protection measures (e.g., speed limit control) for the proposed Brothers Island Marine Park (BMP) shall be brought forward as soon as possible before its establishment so as to provide a better habitat for dolphin recovery. It was noted that under the Regular Marine Travel Route Plan, the contractors have committed to reduce the vessel speed in BMP.

3.5.63 There was a discussion on exploring possible further mitigation measures, for example, controlling the underwater noise. It was noted that the EIA reports for the projects suggested several mitigation measures, all of which have been implemented.

3.6 Mudflat Monitoring Results

Sedimentation Rate Monitoring

3.6.1 The baseline sedimentation rate monitoring was in September 2012 and impact sedimentation rate monitoring was undertaken on 20 March 2015. The mudflat surface levels at the four established monitoring stations and the corresponding XYZ HK1980 GRID coordinates are presented in Table 3.9 and Table 3.10.

Table 3.9 Measured Mudflat Surface Level Results

	Baseline Monitoring (September 2012)			Impact Monitoring (March 2015)
Monitoring Station	Easting (m)	Northing (m)	Surface Level (mPD)	Easting (m)	Northing (m)	Surface Level (mPD)
S1	810291.160	816678.727	0.950	810291.151	816678.718	1.0070
S2	810958.272	815831.531	0.864	810958.254	815831.542	0.958
S3	810716.585	815953.308	1.341	810716.604	815953.303	1.455
S4	811221.433	816151.381	0.931	811221.418	816151.412	1.097

Table 3.10 Comparison of Measurement

	Comparison of measurement			Remarks and Recommendation
Monitoring Station	Easting (m)	Northing (m)	Surface Level (mPD)	Remarks and Recommendation
S1	-0.009	-0.009	0.120	Level continuously increased
S2	-0.018	0.011	0.094	Level continuously increased
S3	0.019	-0.005	0.114	Level continuously increased
S4	-0.015	0.031	0.166	Level continuously increased

3.6.2 This measurement result was generally and relatively higher than the baseline measurement at S1, S2, S3 and S4. The mudflat level is continuously increased.

Water Quality Monitoring

3.6.3 The mudflat monitoring covered water quality monitoring data. Reference was made to the water quality monitoring data of the representative water quality monitoring station (i.e. SR3) as in the EM&A Manual. The water quality monitoring location (SR3) is shown in Figure 2.1.

3.6.4 Impact water quality monitoring in San Tau (monitoring station SR3) was conducted in March 2015. The monitoring parameters included dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity and suspended solids (SS).

3.6.5 The Impact monitoring result for SR3 were extracted and summarised below:

Table 3.11 Impact Water Quality Monitoring Results (Depth Average)

Date	Mid Ebb Tide			Mid Flood Tide
Date	DO (mg/L)	Turbidity (NTU)	SS (mg/L)	DO (mg/L)	Turbidity (NTU)	SS (mg/L)
2-Mar-15	7.04	4.65	7.10	8.03	10.95	4.30
4-Mar-15	7.38	9.55	6.65	7.29	19.15	17.45
6-Mar-15	7.34	17.80	6.90	7.39	14.65	7.55
9-Mar-15	7.08	14.55	10.55	7.07	13.20	8.55
11-Mar-15	7.19	16.30	8.90	7.21	13.30	10.05
13-Mar-15	7.14	15.50	6.20	7.14	20.85	12.75
16-Mar-15	7.18	13.30	7.15	7.20	12.35	9.90
18-Mar-15	7.16	5.35	8.55	7.17	8.80	11.45
20-Mar-15	7.61	9.90	10.90	6.86	5.75	7.90
23-Mar-15	6.18	20.40	12.85	6.93	7.85	11.75
25-Mar-15	7.16	5.50	7.85	6.98	5.75	8.40
27-Mar-15	6.92	3.95	7.30	6.87	2.70	6.20
30-Mar-15	7.19	4.85	5.60	7.33	5.30	4.65
Average	7.12	10.89	8.19	7.19	10.82	9.30

Mudflat Ecology Monitoring

Sampling Zone

3.6.6 There are two survey areas specified under the updated EM&A Manual for the Contract, namely Tung Chung Bay and San Tau. Tung Chung Bay survey area is divided into three sampling zones (TC1, TC2 and TC3) and there is one sampling zone at San Tau (ST). Survey of horseshoe crabs, seagrass beds and intertidal communities were conducted in each sampling zone. The present survey was conducted in March 2015 (totally 5 sampling days between 7^th and 22^nd March 2015). The locations of sampling zones are shown in Annex I of Appendix O.

Horseshoe Crabs

3.6.7 Active search method was conducted for horseshoe crab monitoring by two experienced surveyors at every sampling zone. During the search period, any accessible and potential area would be investigated for any horseshoe crab individuals within 2-3 hours in low tide period (tidal level below 1.2 m above Chart Datum (C.D.)). Once a horseshoe crab individual was found, the species was identified referencing to Li (2008). The prosomal width, inhabiting substratum and respective GPS coordinate were recorded. A photographic record was taken for future investigation. Any grouping behavior of individuals, if found, was recorded. The horseshoe crab surveys were conducted on 7^th (for TC1), 8^th (for TC3), 20^th(for ST) and 21^st (for TC2) March 2015. The weather was sunny on 7-8^th March while it was cloudy on 20^th -21^st March 2015.

Seagrass Beds

3.6.8 Active search method was conducted for seagrass bed monitoring by two experienced surveyors at every sampling zone. During the search period, any accessible and potential area would be investigated for any seagrass beds within 2-3 hours in low tide period. Once seagrass bed was found, the species, estimated area, estimated coverage percentage and respective GPS coordinate were recorded. A photographic record was taken for future investigation. The seagrass beds surveys were conducted on 7^th (for TC1), 8^th (for TC3), 20^th(for ST) and 21^st(for TC2) March 2015. The weather was sunny on 7-8^th March while it was cloudy on 20^th-21^st March 2015.

Intertidal Soft Shore Communities

3.6.9 The intertidal soft shore community surveys were conducted in low tide period on 7^th (for TC1), 8^th(for TC3), 21^st(for TC2) and 22^ndMarch 2015 (for ST).At each sampling zone, three 100 m horizontal transects were laid at high tidal level (H: 2.0 m above C.D.), mid tidal level (M: 1.5 m above C.D.) and low tidal level (L: 1.0 m above C.D.). Along every horizontal transect, ten random quadrats (0.5 m x 0.5m) were placed.

3.6.10 Inside a quadrat, any visible epifauna were collected and were in-situ identified to the lowest practical taxonomical resolution. Whenever possible a hand core sample (10 cm internal diameter ´ 20 cm depth) of sediments was collected in the quadrat. The core sample was gently washed through a sieve of mesh size 2.0 mm in-situ. Any visible infauna were collected and identified. Finally the top 5 cm surface sediments was dug for visible infauna in the quadrat regardless of hand core sample was taken.

3.6.11 All collected fauna were released after recording except some tiny individuals that are too small to be identified on site. These tiny individuals were taken to laboratory for identification under dissecting microscope.

3.6.12 The taxonomic classification was conducted in accordance to the following references: Polychaetes: Fauchald (1977), Yang and Sun (1988); Arthropods: Dai and Yang (1991), Dong (1991); Mollusks: Chan and Caley (2003), Qi (2004).

Data Analysis

3.6.13 Data collected from direct search and core sampling was pooled in every quadrat for data analysis. Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index (H’) and Pielou’s Species Evenness (J) were calculated for every quadrat using the formulae below,

H’= -Σ ( Ni / N ) ln ( Ni / N ) (Shannon and Weaver, 1963)

J = H’ / ln S, (Pielou, 1966)

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

Mudflat Ecology Monitoring Results and Conclusion

Horseshoe Crabs

3.6.14 Table 3.1 and Figure 3.1 of Appendix O shows the records of horseshoe crab survey at every sampling zone. There were three and one individuals of Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda found only in TC1 and TC2 respectively. Relatively more individuals of both species Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda and Tachypleus tridentatus were found in TC3 (total 70 ind.) and ST (total 31ind.). All individuals were mainly found on fine sand or soft mud substrata. The group size varied from 2 to 11 individuals for every sight record.

3.6.15 There was one important finding that a mating pair of Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda was found in ST (prosomal width: male 155.1 mm, female 138.2 mm) (Figure 3.1 of Appendix O). It indicated the importance of ST as a breeding ground of horseshoe crab. Moreover, two moults of Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda were found in TC1 with similar prosomal width 130-140 mm (Figure 3.1 of Appendix O).It reflected that a certain numbers of moderately sized individuals inhabited the sub-tidal habitat of Tung Chung Wan after its nursery period on soft shore. These individuals might move onto soft shore during high tide for feeding, moulting and breeding. Then it would return to sub-tidal habitat during low tide. Because the mating pair should be inhabiting sub-tidal habitat in most of the time. The record was excluded from the data analysis to avoid mixing up with juvenile population living on soft shore.

3.6.16 Table 3.2 of Appendix O summarizes the survey results of horseshoe crab at every sampling zone. For Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, the search record was 0.8 ind. hr^-1 person^-1(3 ind., mean prosomal width: 42.98 mm), 0.3ind. hr^-1 person^-1(1 ind., 46.28 mm), 7.2ind. hr^-1 person^-1(43 ind., 33.92 mm), 2.2ind. hr^-1 person^-1(13 ind., 45.48 mm)in TC1, TC2, TC3 and ST respectively. According to Li (2008), the prosomal width of recorded individuals ranged 13.79 - 69.68 mm that was about 3-11 years old. For Tachypleus tridentatus, the search record was 4.5 ind. hr^-1 person^-1(27 ind., 43.61mm) and 3.0 ind. hr^-1 person^-1(18 ind., 51.77 mm) in TC3 and ST respectively. The prosomal width of recorded individuals ranged 27.37 - 72.66 mm that was about 3.5 - 8.5 old.

3.6.17 No marked individual of horseshoe crab was recorded in present survey. Some marked individuals were found in previous surveys conducted in September 2013, March 2014 and September 2014. All of them were released through a conservation programme conducted by Prof. Paul Shin (Department of Biology and Chemistry, The City University of Hong Kong (CityU)). It was a re-introduction trial of artificial bred horseshoe crab juvenile at selected sites. So that the horseshoe crabs population might be restored in the natural habitat. Through a personal conversation with Prof. Shin, about 100 individuals were released in the sampling zone ST on 20 June 2013. All of them were marked with color tape and internal chip detected by specific chip sensor. There should be second round of release between June and September 2014 since new marked individuals were found in the survey of September 2014.

3.6.18 The artificial bred individuals, if found, would be excluded from the results of present monitoring programme in order to reflect the changes of natural population. However, the mark on their prosoma might have been detached during moulting after a certain period of release. The artificially released individuals were no longer distinguishable from the natural population without the specific chip sensor. The survey data collected would possibly cover both natural population and artificially bred individuals.

Population difference among the sampling zones

3.6.19 Figure 3.2 and 3.3 of Appendix O show the changes of number of individuals, mean prosomal width and search record of horseshoe crabs Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda and Tachypleus tridentatus respectively in every sampling zone along the sampling months. In general, higher search records (i.e. number of individuals) of both species were always found in ST followed by TC3. In contrast, much lower search record was found in other sampling zones especiallyTC2 (2 ind. in September 2013, 1 ind. in March, June, September 2014 and March 2015).There was no spatial difference of horseshoe crab size (prosomal width) among the sampling zones.

3.6.20 It was obvious that ST was an important nursery ground for horseshoe crab especially newly hatched individuals due to larger area of suitable substratum (fine sand or soft mud) and less human disturbance (far from urban district). Relatively, TC3 was another nursery ground adjacent to ST showing moderate but fluctuating number of horseshoe crab. Relatively, other sampling zones were not a suitable nursery ground especially TC2. Possible factors were less area of suitable substratum (especially TC1) and higher human disturbance (TC1 and TC2: close to urban district and easily accessible). In TC2, large daily salinity fluctuation was a possible factor either since it was flushed by two rivers under tidal inundation. The individuals found in TC1 and TC2 were believed migrating from TC3 and ST during high tide while it might leave over a certain period of time. It accounted for the variable search records in the sampling zones along the sampling months. For example, few individuals of Tachypleus tridentatus were found in TC1 only between September 2012 and September 2013. However it no longer appeared while few individuals of Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda were found after March 2014.

Seasonal variation of horseshoe crab population

3.6.21 Throughout the monitoring period conducted, the search record of horseshoe crab declined obviously during dry season especially December (Figures 3.2 and 3.3 of Appendix O). No individual of horseshoe crabwas found in the survey of December 2013. Next year, 2 individuals of Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda and 8 individuals of Tachypleus tridentatus were found only in December 2014. As mentioned, the horseshoe crabs were inactive and burrowed in the sediments during cold weather (<15 ºC). Similar results of low search record in dry season were reported in a previous territory-wide survey of horseshoe crab. For example, the search records in Tung Chung Wan were 0.17 ind. hr^-1 person^-1and 0 ind. hr^-1 person^-1in wet season and dry season respectively (details see Li, 2008).After the dry season, the search record increased with the warmer climate.

3.6.22 Between the sampling months September 2012 and December 2013, Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda was a less common species relative to Tachypleus tridentatus. Only 4 individuals were ever recorded in ST in December 2012. This species had ever been believed of very low density in ST hence the encounter rate was very low. In March 2014, it was found in all sampling zones with higher abundance in ST. Based on its average size (mean prosomal width 39.28-49.81 mm), it indicated that breeding and spawning of this species had occurred 3-4 years ago along the coastline of Tung Chun Wan. However, these individuals were still small while their walking trails were inconspicuous. Hence there was no search record in previous sampling months. From March 2014 to March 2015, more individuals were recorded due to larger size and higher activity.

3.6.23 For Tachypleus tridentatus, sharp increase of number of individuals was recorded in ST with wet season (from March to September 2013). According to a personal conversation with Prof. Shin (CityU), his monitoring team had recorded similar increase of horseshoe crab population during wet season. It was believed that the suitable ambient temperature increased its conspicuousness. However similar pattern was not recorded during the wet season of 2014.The number of individuals increased in March and June 2014 followed by a rapid decline in September 2014. Apart from natural mortality, migration from nursery soft shore to subtidal habitat was another possible cause. Since the mean prosomal width of Tachypleus tridentatus continued to grow and reached about 50 mm in Sep 2014. Then it varied slightly between 50-60 mm from September 2014 to March 2015. Most of the individuals might have reached a suitable size strong enough to forage in sub-tidal habitat.

3.6.24 Figure 3.4 of Appendix O shows the changes of prosomal width of horseshoe crab Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda and Tachypleus tridentatus in ST where was regarded as an important nursery ground. As mentioned above, Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda was rarely found between September 2012 and December 2013 hence the data were lacking. From March to September 2014, the size of major population (50% records between upper and lower quartile) fluctuated between 30-40 mm and 45-60 mm. Such fluctuation should be due to variable encounter rate influenced by weather. For Tachypleus tridentatus, a consistent growing trend was observed for the major population from December 2012 to December 2014 regardless of change of search record. The prosomal width increased from 15-30 mm to 55-70 mm. As mentioned, the large individuals might have reached a suitable size for migrating from the nursery soft shore to subtidal habitat. In the present survey (March 2015), the size decreased slightly with prosomal width 40-55 mm. It further indicated some of order individuals might have migrated to sub-tidal habitat.

Impact of the HKLR project

3.6.25 The present survey was the tenth time of the EM&A programme during the construction period. Based on the results, impact of the HKLR project could not be detected on horseshoe crabs considering the factor of natural, seasonal variation. In case, abnormal phenomenon (e.g. very few numbers of horseshoe crab individuals in warm weather, large number of dead individuals on the shore) is observed, it would be reported as soon as possible.

Seagrass Beds

3.6.26 Table 3.3 of Appendix O show the records of seagrass beds survey at every sampling zone. There was no record of seagrass in other sampling zones. In ST, a long strand of Zostera japonica was found on sandy substratum nearby the seaward side of mangrove area at tidal level 2.0 m above C.D. (Figure 3.5 of Appendix O). The estimated area was about 69.6 m² while the estimated vegetation coverage was 50-70% and average area 23.2 m² (Table 3.4 of Appendix O). Another seagrass Halophila ovalis was reported disappeared in previous survey in December 2014. In present survey, two small patches of Halophila ovalis were found coninhabiting with the long strand of Zostera japonica (Figure 3.5 of Appendix O). The estimated area ranged 1.0-4.0 m² while the estimated vegetation coverage was 30%. The total area and average area of seagrass beds were 5.0 m² and 2.5 m² respectively (Table 3.4 of Appendix O). Some labelled sticks were inserted in the area where used to be the seagrass patch of highest coverage. Through informal enquiry with AFCD staffs on site, the sticks were used to trace the recolonization pattern of seagrass after the rapid disappearance reported in December 2014.

Temporal variation of seagrass beds

3.6.27 Figure 3.6 of Appendix O shows the changes of estimated total area of seagrass beds in ST along the sampling months. For Zostera japonica, it was not recorded in the 1^st and 2^nd surveys of monitoring programme. Seasonal recruitment of few, small patches (total seagrass area: 10 m²) was found in March 2013 that grew within the large patch of seagrass Halophila ovalis. Then the patch size increased and merged gradually with the warmer climate from March to June 2013 (15 m²). However the patch size decreased sharply and remained similar from September 2013 (4 m²) to March 2014 (3 m²). In June 2014, the patch size increased obviously again (41 m²) with warmer climate. Similar to previous year, the patch size decreased again and remained similar September 2014 (2 m²) to December 2014 (5 m²). In March 2015 (present survey), the patch size increased sharply again (69.6 m²) and became the dominant seagrass Halophila ovalis resulting in less competition for substratum and nutrients.

3.6.28 For Halophila ovalis, it was recorded as 3-4 medium to large patches (area 18.9-251.7 m²; vegetation coverage 50-80%) beside the mangrove vegetation at tidal level 2 m above C.D in the December 2013 (first survey). The total seagrass bed area grew steadily from 332.3 m² in September 2012 to 727.4 m² in December 2013. Flowers could be observed in the largest patch during its flowering period in December 2013. In March 2014, 31 small to medium patches were newly recorded (variable area 1-72 m² per patch, vegetation coverage 40-80% per patch) in lower tidal zone between 1.0 and 1.5 m above C.D. The total seagrass area increased further to 1350 m². In Jun. 2014, these small and medium patches grew and extended to each others. These patches were no longer distinguishable and were covering a significant mudflat area of ST. It was generally grouped into 4 large areas (1116 – 2443 m²) of seagrass beds characterized of patchy distribution, variable vegetable coverage (40-80%) and smaller leaves. The total seagrass bed area increased sharply to 7629 m². In September 2014, the total seagrass area declined sharply to 1111 m². There were only 3-4 small to large patches (6-253 m²) at high tidal level and 1 patch at low tidal level (786 m²). Typhoon or strong water current was a possible cause (Fong, 1998). In September 2014, there were two tropical cyclone records in Hong Kong (7^th-8^th September: no cyclone name, maximum signal number 1; 14^th-17^th September: Kalmaegi maximum signal number 8SE) before the seagrass survey dated 21^st September 2014. The strong water current caused by the cyclone, Kalmaegi especially, might have given damage to the seagrass beds. In addition, natural heat stress and grazing force were other possible causes reducing seagrass beds area. Besides, Halophila ovalis could be found in other mud flat area surrounding the single patch. But it was hardly distinguished into patches due to very low coverage (10-20%) and small leaves.

3.6.29 In December 2014, all the seagrass patches of Halophila ovalis disappeared in ST. Figure 3.7 of Appendix O shows the difference of the original seagrass beds area nearby the mangrove vegetation at high tidal level between June 2014 and December 2014. Such rapid loss would not be seasonal phenomenon because the seagrass beds at higher tidal level (2.0 m above C.D.) were present and normal in December 2012 and 2013. According to Fong (1998), similar incident had occurred in ST in the past. The original seagrass area had declined significantly during the commencement of the construction and reclamation works for the international airport at Chek Lap Kok in 1992. The seagrass almost disappeared in 1995 and recovered gradually after the completion of reclamation works. Moreover, incident of rapid loss of seagrass area was also recorded in another intertidal mudflat in Lai Chi Wo in 1998 with unknown reason. Hence Halophila ovalis was regarded as a short-lived and r-strategy seagrass that can colonize areas in short period but disappears quickly under unfavourable conditions (Fong, 1998).

Unfavourable conditions to seagrass Halophila ovalis

3.6.30 Typhoon or strong water current was suggested as one unfavourable condition to Halophila ovalis (Fong, 1998). As mentioned above, there were two tropical cyclone records in Hong Kong in September 2014. The strong water current caused by the cyclones might have given damage to the seagrass beds.

3.6.31 Prolonged light deprivation due to turbid water would be another unfavouable condition. Previous studies reported that Halophila ovalis had little tolerance to light deprivation. During experimental darkness, seagrass biomass declined rapidly after 3-6 days and seagrass died completely after 30 days. The rapid death might be due to shortage of available carbohydrate under limited photosynthesis or accumulation of phytotoxic end products of anaerobic respiration (details see Longstaff et al., 1999). Hence the seagrass bed of this species was susceptible to temporary light deprivation events such as flooding river runoff (Longstaff and Dennison, 1999).

3.6.32 In order to investigate any deterioration of water quality (e.g. more turbid) in ST, the water quality measurement results at two closest monitoring stations SR3 and IS5 of the EM&A programme were obtained from the water quality monitoring team. Based on the results from June to December 2014, the overall water quality was in normal fluctuation except there was one exceedance of suspended solids (SS) at both stations in September. On 10^th September, 2014, the SS concentrations measured at mid-ebb tide at stations SR3 (27.5 mg/L) and IS5 (34.5 mg/L) exceeded the Action Level (≤23.5 mg/L and 120% of upstream control station’s reading) and Limit Level (≤34.4 mg/L and 130% of upstream control station’s reading) respectively. The turbidity readings at SR3 and IS5 reached 24.8-25.3 NTU and 22.3-22.5 NTU respectively. The temporary turbid water should not be caused by the runoff from upstream rivers. Because there was no rain or slight rain from 1^st to 10^th September 2014 (daily total rainfall at the Hong Kong International Airport: 0-2.1 mm; extracted from the climatological data of Hong Kong Observatory). The effect of upstream runoff on water quality should be neglectable in that period. Moreover the exceedance of water quality was considered unlikely to be related to the contract works of HKLR according to the ‘Notifications of Environmental Quality Limits Exceedances’ provided by the respective environmental team. The respective construction of seawall and stone column works, which possibly caused turbid water, were carried out within silt curtain as recommended in the EIA report. Moreover there was no leakage of turbid water, abnormity or malpractice recorded during water sampling. In general, the exceedance of suspended solids concentration was considered to be attributed to other external factors, rather than the contract works.

3.6.33 Based on the weather condition and water quality results in ST, the co-occurrence of cyclone hit and turbid waters in September 2014 might have combined the adverse effects on Halophila ovalis that leaded to disappearance of this short-lived and r-strategy seagrass species. Fortunately Halophila ovalis was a fast-growing species (Vermaat et al., 1995). Previous studies showed that the seagrass bed could be recovered to the original sizes in 2 months through vegetative propagation after experimental clearance (Supanwanid, 1996). Moreover it was reported to recover rapidly in less than 20 days after dugong herbivory (Nakaoka and Aioi, 1999). As mentioned, the disappeared seagrass in ST in 1995 could recover gradually after the completion of reclamation works for international airport (Fong, 1998). The seagrass beds of Halophila ovalis might recolonize the mudflat of ST through seed reproduction as long as there was no unfavourable condition in the coming months. In March 2015 (present survey), two small patches of Halophila ovalis were newly found coinhabiting with another seagrass species. But its total patch area was still very low relative to the previous records. The recolonization rate was low while cold weather and insufficient sunlight were possible factors between December 2014 and March 2015. Moreover, it would need to complete with more abundant seagrass Zostera japonica for substratum and nutrient. Therefore it was too early to conclude if Halophila ovalis would recolonize to its original size. Or the dominance of seagrass bed would be replaced by Zostera japonica. Regular monitoring was necessary.

Impact of the HKLR project

3.6.34 The present survey was the tenth survey of the EM&A programme during the construction period. The results showed that density and the distribution pattern of Halophila ovalis were significantly lower than or different from those recorded in the baseline monitoring. Based on the results, there was recolonization of both seagrass species Halophila ovalis and Zostera japonica in ST. The seagrass patches were predicted to increase in the coming warm season. Hence the negative impact of HKLR project on the seagrass was not significant. In case, adverse phenomenon (e.g. reduction of seagrass patch size, abnormal change of leave colour) is observed again, it would be reported as soon as possible.

Intertidal Soft Shore Communities

3.6.35 Table 3.5 and Figure 3.8 of Appendix O show the types of substratum along the horizontal transect at every tidal level of every sampling zone. The relative distribution of different substrata was estimated by categorizing the substratum types (Gravels & Boulders / Sands / Soft mud) of the ten random quadrats along the horizontal transect. The distribution of substratum types varied among tidal levels and sampling zones:

· In TC1, the distribution of substratum was similar among three tidal levels. High percentage of ‘Gravels and Boulders’ was recorded (80-90%) at all tidal levels. The remaining substratum was ‘Soft mud’ (20%) at high tidal level while it was ‘Sands’ at mid and low tidal levels.

· In TC2, higher percentage of ‘Sands’ (50-60%) were recorded at high and mid tidal levels followed by ‘Soft mud’ (40-50%). At low tidal level, ‘Soft mud’ was the main substratum (70%) followed by ‘Sands’ (30%).

· In TC3, the distribution of ‘Sands’ (50%) and ‘Soft mud’ (50%) was even at high and mid tidal levels. ‘Gravels and Boulders’ was the main substratum type (100%) at low tidal level.

· In ST, ‘Gravels and Boulders’ (80-100%) was the main substratum at high and mid tidal levels. the distribution of ‘Gravels and Boulders’ (30%), ‘Sands’ (40%) and ‘Soft mud’ (30%) was even at low tidal level.

3.6.36 There was neither consistent vertical nor horizontal zonation pattern of substratum type in all sampling zones. Such heterogeneous variation should be caused by different hydrology (e.g. wave in different direction and intensity) received by the four sampling zones.

3.6.37 Table 3.6 of Appendix O lists the total abundance, density and number of taxon of every phylum in the present survey. A total of 15440 individuals were recorded. Mollusca was significantly the most abundant phylum (total individuals 15115, density 504 ind. m^-2, relative abundance 97.9%). The second abundant phylum was Arthropoda (154 ind., 5 ind. m^-2, 1.0%). The third and fourth abundant phyla were Annelida (75 ind., 3 ind. m^-2, 0.5%) and Sipuncula (47 ind., 2 ind. m^-2, 0.3%). Relatively other phyla were very low in abundances (density £1 ind. m^-2, relative abundance £0.2%). Moreover, the most diverse phylum was Mollusca (45 taxa) followed by Arthropoda (13 taxa) and Annelida (8 taxa). There were 1-2 taxa recorded only for other phyla. The complete list of collected specimens is shown in Annex III of Appendix O.

3.6.38 Table 3.7 of Appendix O shows the number of individual, relative abundance and density of each phylum in every sampling zone. The total abundance (3514-4300 ind.) varied among the four sampling zones while the phyla distributions were similar. In general, Mollusca was the most dominant phylum (no. of individuals: 3387-4247 ind.; relative abundance 96.4-98.8%; density 452-566 ind. m^-2). Other phyla were significantly lower in number of individuals. Arthropoda was the second or third abundant phylum (35-90 ind.; 1.0-2.6%; 5-12 ind. m^-2) in TC2 and ST. Annelida was the second or third abundant phylum (27-31 ind.; 0.8%; 4 ind. m^-2) in TC2 and TC3. Sipuncula was the third abundant phylum (18 ind.; 0.5%; 2 ind. m^-2) in TC3. Cnidaria (sea anemone) was the second abundant phylum (36 ind.; 1.0%; 5 ind. m^-2) in ST. Relatively, other phyla were low in abundance among the four sampling zones (< 0.5%).

Dominant species in every sampling zone

3.6.39 Table 3.8 of Appendix O lists the abundant species (relative abundance >10%) in every sampling zone. In TC1, gastropod Batillaria multiformis was the most abundant clearly (434-446 ind. m^-2, relative abundance 69-77%) at high and mid tidal levels (major substratum: ‘Gravels and Boulders’). It was the second abundant taxon at much lower density (136 ind. m^-2, 27%) at low tidal level (major substratum: ‘Gravels and Boulders’). Rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata (169 ind. m^-2, 33%, attached on boulders) was the most abundant at moderate density at low tidal level. Gastropod Monodonta labio (65-92 ind. m^-2, 10-18%) was the second and third abundant taxa at mid and low tidal levels respectively.

3.6.40 At TC2, gastropods Cerithidea djadjariensis (506 ind. m^-2, 66%) was the most abundant clearly at high tidal level (major substrata: ‘Sands’ and ‘Soft mud’) followed by gastropod Cerithidea cingulata (144 ind. m^-2, 19%). At mid (major substratum: ‘Sands’) and low (major substratum: ‘Soft mud’) tidal levels, gastropod Cerithidea djadjariensis was also the most abundant at low-moderate density (62-150 ind. m^-2, 33%) followed by rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata (41-91 ind. m^-2, 20-22%) and gastropod Batillaria zonalis (37-54 ind. m^-2, 12-20%).

3.6.41 At TC3, gastropod Cerithidea djadjariensis was the most abundant at moderate density (264-290 ind. m^-2, 46-47%) at high and mid tidal levels (major substrata: ‘Sands’ and ‘Soft mud’) followed by gastropod Batillaria multiformis (79-175 ind. m^-2, 14-28%) and Cerithidea cingulata (129-161 ind. m^-2, 21-28%). At low tidal level (major substratum: ‘Gravels and Boulders’), rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata (140 ind. m^-2, 36%) was the most abundant at moderate density followed by gastropods Monodonta labio (109 ind. m^-2, 28%) and Batillaria multiformis (49 ind. m^-2, 13%).

3.6.42 At ST, gastropod Batillaria multiformis was most abundant (288 ind. m^-2, 42%) at moderate density at high tidal level (major substratum: ‘Gravels and Boulders’) followed by gastropod Monodonta labio (114 ind. m^-2, 17%) and rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata (100 ind. m^-2, 15%). At mid tidal level (major substratum: ‘Gravels and Boulders’), rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata (136 ind. m^-2, 24%) was the most abundant at moderate density. Other less abundant taxa were gastropods Monodonta labio (115 ind. m^-2, 20%) and Batillaria multiformis (92 ind. m^-2, 16%). At low tidal level (major substrata: ‘Sands’ and ‘Soft mud’), gastropod Lunella coronata (55 ind. m^-2, 26%) and rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata (46 ind. m^-2, 22%) were common taxa at low densities.

3.6.43 There was no consistent zonation pattern of species distribution observed across all sampling zones and tidal levels. The species distribution should be affected by the type of substratum primarily. In general, gastropods Batillaria multiformis (total number of individuals: 4354 ind., relative abundance 28.2%), Cerithidea djadjariensis (3667 ind., 23.8%) and Cerithidea cingulata (1392 ind., 9.0%) were the most commonly occurring species on sandy and soft mud substrata. Rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata (2008 ind., 13.0%) and gastropod Monodonta labio (1376 ind., 8.9%) were commonly occurring species inhabiting gravel and boulders substratum.

Biodiversity and abundance of soft shore communities

3.6.44 Table 3.9 of Appendix O shows the mean values of number of species, density, biodiversity index H’ and species evenness J of soft shore communities at every tidal level and in every sampling zone. Among the sampling zones, the number of species (11-15 spp. 0.25 m^-2) in ST was relatively higher than other sampling zones (6-12 spp. 0.25 m^-2). The mean H’ (1.81) and J (0.73) in ST were relatively higher than that in TC1, TC2 and TC3 (H’: 1.15-1.35; J: 0.51-0.66). But the mean densities were similar and ranged 187-768 ind. m^-2 among the sampling zones).

3.6.45 Across the tidal levels, there was no consistent difference of the mean number of species, H’ and J in all sampling zones. The mean densities were similar among the three tidal levels in TC1 (510-646 ind. m^-2). In other sampling zones, the mean density at high and mid tidal level (450-768 ind. m^-2) was relatively higher than low tidal level (187-387 ind. m^-2).

3.6.46 Figures 3.9 to 3.12 of Appendix O show the temporal changes of mean number of species, mean density, H’ and J at every tidal level and in every sampling zone along the sampling months. No consistent temporal change of any biological parameters was observed. All the parameters were under slight and natural fluctuation with the seasonal variation. For the present survey (March 2015), increase of mean density was observed in TC1, TC2 and ST relative to previous survey in December 2014. It was believed the natural recovery after cold, dry season.

Impact of the HKLR project

3.6.47 The present survey was the tenth survey of the EM&A programme during the construction period. Based on the results, impacts of the HKLR project were not detected on intertidal soft shore community. In case, abnormal phenomenon (e.g. large reduction of fauna densities and species number) is observed, it would be reported as soon as possible.

3.7 Solid and Liquid Waste Management Status

3.7.1 The Contractor registered with EPD as a Chemical Waste Producer on 12 July 2012 for the Contract. Sufficient numbers of receptacles were available for general refuse collection and sorting.

3.7.2 The summary of waste flow table is detailed in Appendix K.

3.7.3 The Contractor was reminded that chemical waste containers should be properly treated and stored temporarily in designated chemical waste storage area on site in accordance with the Code of Practise on the Packaging, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes.

3.8 Environmental Licenses and Permits

3.8.1 The valid environmental licenses and permits during the reporting period are summarized in Appendix L.

4 Environmental Complaint and Non-compliance

4.1 Environmental Exceedances

4.1.1 The detailed air quality, noise, water quality and dolphin exceedances are provided in Appendix M. Also, the summaries of the environmental exceedances are presented as follows:

Air Quality

4.1.2 An Action Level exceedance and a Limit Level exceedance of 1-hr TSP level at AMS5 were recorded during the reporting period. No Action Level exceedances of 24-hr TSP level at AMS5 were recorded during the reporting period.

4.1.3 No Action and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP were recorded at AMS6 during the reporting period.

Noise

4.1.4 There were no Action and Limit Level exceedances for noise during daytime on normal weekdays of the reporting period.

Water Quality

4.1.5 During the reporting period, four Action Level exceedances for suspended solid level were recorded. No exceedances of Limit Level for suspended solid level were recorded. No exceedances of Action and Limit Level for dissolved oxygen level and turbidity were recorded. There were no specific activities recorded during the monitoring period that would cause any significant impacts on monitoring results and no leakage of turbid water or any abnormity or malpractice was observed during the sampling exercise. Therefore, all exceedances were considered as non-contract related. The detailed numbers of exceedances recorded during the reporting period at each impact station are summarised in Table 4.1.

Dolphin

4.1.6 There was one Limit Level exceedance of dolphin monitoring for the quarterly monitoring data (March 2015– May 2015). According to the contractor’s information, the marine activities undertaken for HKLR03 during the quarter of March 2015 to May 2015 included reclamation, excavation of stone platform, construction of seawall, temporary drainage diversion and ground investigation.

4.1.7 There is no evidence showing the current Limit Level non-compliance directly related to the construction works of HKLR03 (where the amounts of working vessels for HKLR03 have been decreasing), although the generally increased amount of vessel traffic in NEL since the impact phase (October 2012). It should also be noted that reclamation work under HKLR03 (adjoining the Airport Island) situates in waters which has rarely been used by dolphins in the past, and the working vessels under HKLR03 have been travelling from source to destination in accordance with the Marine Travel Route to minimize impacts on Chinese White Dolphin. In addition, the contractor will implement proactive mitigation measures such as avoiding anchoring at Marine Department’s designated anchorage site – Sham Shui Kok Anchorage (near Brothers Island) as far as practicable.

4.1.8 All dolphin protective measures are fully and properly implemented in accordance with the EM&A Manual. According to the Marine Travel Route Plan, if vessels are crossing along edge of the proposed marine park, the travelling speed will keep not exceeding 5 knots when crossing the edge of the proposed marine park. The Contractor will continue to provide training for skippers to ensure that their working vessels travel from source to destination to minimize impacts on Chinese White Dolphin and avoid anchoring at Marine Department’s designated anchorage site - Sham Shui Kok Anchorage (near Brothers Island) as far as practicable. Also, it is recommended to complete the marine works of the Contract as soon as possible so as to reduce the overall duration of impacts and allow the dolphins population to recover as early as possible.

Table 4.1 Summary of Water Quality Exceedances

Station	Exceedance Level	DO (S&M)		DO (Bottom)		Turbidity		SS		Total Number of Exceedances
Station	Exceedance Level	Ebb	Flood	Ebb	Flood	Ebb	Flood	Ebb	Flood	Ebb	Flood
IS5	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
IS5	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
IS(Mf)6	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
IS(Mf)6	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
IS7	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
IS7	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
IS8	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	4 Mar 2015	0	1
IS8	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
IS(Mf)9	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
IS(Mf)9	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
IS10	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	23 Mar 2015	0	1
IS10	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
SR3	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
SR3	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
SR4	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	9 Mar 2015	0	1
SR4	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
SR5	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	23 Mar 2015	0	1
SR5	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
SR10A	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
SR10A	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
SR10B	Action Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
SR10B	Limit Level	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0	0
Total	Action	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	4**
Total	Limit	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0**

Notes:

S: Surface;

M: Mid-depth;

** The total exceedances.

4.2 Summary of Environmental Complaint, Notification of Summons and Successful Prosecution

4.2.1 There were two environmental complaints received during the reporting period. The summary of environmental complaints is presented in Table 4.2. The details of cumulative statistics of Environmental Complaints are provided in Appendix N.

Table 4.2 A Summary of Environmental Complaints for the Reporting Period

Environmental Complaint No.	Date of Complaint Received	Description of Environmental Complaints
COM-2015-066	8 April 2015	Air Quality
COM-2015-068	10 April 2015	Noise

4.2.2 No notification of summons and prosecution was received during the reporting period.

4.2.3 Statistics on notifications of summons and successful prosecutions are summarized in Appendix M.

5 Comments, Recommendations and Conclusion

5.1 Comments

5.1.1 According to the environmental site inspections undertaken during the reporting period, the following recommendations were provided:

§ The Contractor was reminded to provide impervious sheeting for the cement bags at S11 and N13.

§ The Contractor was reminded to provide water sprinkling for the piling activity at S9.

§ The Contractor was reminded to maintain waste water treatment plant and treat wastewater properly prior to discharge at S9 and N1.

§ The Contractor was reminded to undertake the wheel washing activity inside the wheel washing facility at N1.

§ The Contractor was reminded to provide a standard wheel washing facility at the entrance/exit of S8A and N20.

§ The Contractor was reminded to keep the silt curtains connected to each other and avoid gaps between silt curtains at Portion X.

§ The Contractor was reminded to remove the stagnant water inside the recessed eyes of the hydraulic jacking set at S11.

§ The Contractor was reminded to remove the stagnant water pool at S9, S11, N13 and N15.

§ The Contractor was reminded to clean up the muddy water at S7 and clean up the sullage at S11.

§ The Contractor was reminded to clean up the fill materials along the edge of Vessel Full Yue.

§ The Contractor was reminded to replace the broken sand bags at S25 and provide sand bags along the edge of the road at N13.

§ The Contractor was reminded to provide sand bags along the whole boundary at Airport Road and public sewers at S23 to avoid water seepage.

§ The Contractor was reminded to remove fill material inside the gullies and place sand bags along the gullies to avoid dropping or washing away of fill materials into the drainage system.

§ The Contractor was reminded to provide cover to the gully in order to avoid falling of silt or other object into the gully.

§ The Contractor was reminded to provide drip trays for the chemical containers at Vessel Full Yue and at N1.

§ The Contractor was reminded to remove excessive oil at a metal joint on Vessel Full Yue and clean up the oil leakage at N4.

§ The Contractor was reminded to stack up of chemical containers should be avoided on Vessel Shun Tat 82.

§ The Contractor was reminded to remove the empty oil containers at S11 and disposed of them as chemical wastes.

§ The Contractor was reminded that a proper bund should be formed to avoid falling off of materials into the sea.

§ The Contractor was reminded to remove the rubbish from the gutter at RS01 and rubbish on the seawall at S7.

§ The Contractor was reminded to provide a container to store the rubbish at N20.

§ The Contractor was reminded that concrete waste should be properly collected and contained for disposal or reuse as appropriate.

5.2 Recommendations

5.2.1 The impact monitoring programme for air quality, noise, water quality and dolphin ensured that any deterioration in environmental condition was readily detected and timely actions taken to rectify any non-compliance. Assessment and analysis of monitoring results collected demonstrated the environmental impacts of the contract. With implementation of the recommended environmental mitigation measures, the contract’s environmental impacts were considered environmentally acceptable. The weekly environmental site inspections ensured that all the environmental mitigation measures recommended were effectively implemented.

5.2.2 The recommended environmental mitigation measures, as included in the EM&A programme, effectively minimize the potential environmental impacts from the contract. Also, the EM&A programme effectively monitored the environmental impacts from the construction activities and ensure the proper implementation of mitigation measures. No particular recommendation was advised for the improvement of the programme.

5.3 Conclusions

5.3.1 The construction phase and EM&A programme of the Contract commenced on 17 October 2012. This is the eleventh Quarterly EM&A Report which summarizes the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 March 2015 to 31 May 2015.

Air Quality

5.3.2 An Action Level exceedance and a Limit Level exceedance of 1-hr TSP level at AMS5 were recorded during the reporting period. No Action Level exceedances of 24-hr TSP level at AMS5 were recorded during the reporting period.

5.3.3 No Action and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP were recorded at AMS6 during the reporting period.

Noise

5.3.4 There were no Action Level and Limit Level exceedances for noise during daytime on normal weekdays of the reporting period.

Water Quality

During the reporting period, four Action Level exceedances for suspended solid level were recorded. No exceedance of Limit Level for suspended solid level was recorded. No exceedances of Action and Limit Level for dissolved oxygen level and turbidity were recorded.

Dolphin

5.3.5 There was one Limit Level exceedance of dolphin monitoring for the quarterly monitoring data (March – May 2015).

5.3.6 During this quarter of dolphin monitoring, no adverse impact from the activities of this construction project on Chinese White Dolphins was noticeable from general observations.

5.3.7 Although dolphins rarely occurred in the area of HKLR03 construction in the past and during the baseline monitoring period, it is apparent that dolphin usage has been significantly reduced in NEL in 2012-15, and many individuals have shifted away from the important habitat around the Brothers Islands.

5.3.8 It is critical to monitor the dolphin usage in North Lantau region in the upcoming quarters, to determine whether the dolphins are continuously affected by the various construction activities in relation to the HZMB-related works, and whether suitable mitigation measure can be applied to revert the situation.

Mudflat -Sedimentation Rate

5.3.9 This measurement result was generally and relatively higher than the baseline measurement at S1, S2, S3 and S4. The mudflat level is continuously increased.

Mudflat - Ecology

5.3.10 The March 2015 survey was the tenth survey of the EM&A programme during the construction period. Based on the results, impacts of the HKLR project could not be detected on horseshoe crabs and intertidal soft shore community. Based on the results, there was recolonization of both seagrass species Halophila ovalis and Zostera japonica in ST. The seagrass patches were predicted to increase in the coming warm season. Hence the negative impact of HKLR project on the seagrass was not significant.

Environmental Site Inspection and Audit

5.3.11 Environmental site inspection was carried out on 4, 11, 18 and 27 March 2015, 1, 8, 15, 22 and 30 April 2015 and 6, 13, 20 and 29 May 2015. Recommendations on remedial actions were given to the Contractors for the deficiencies identified during the site inspections.

Monitoring Activity		Monitoring Date
Monitoring Activity		March 2015	April 2015	May 2015
Air Quality	1-hr TSP	2, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30	2, 8, 14, 20, 24 and 29	5, 11, 15, 21 and 27
Air Quality	24-hr TSP	5, 11, 17, 23 and 27	1, 8, 13, 17, 23 and 28	AMS5: 4, 8, 14, 20 and 26 AMS6: 4, 12, 15, 20 and 26
Noise		2, 12, 18, 24 and 30	8, 14, 20 and 29	5, 11, 21 and 27
Water Quality		2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27 and 30	1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27 and 29	1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27 and 29
Chinese White Dolphin		4, 11, 17 and 26	8, 10, 17 and 22	4, 8, 14 and 18
Mudflat Monitoring (Ecology)		7, 8, 10, 20, 21 and 22	-	-
Mudflat Monitoring (Sedimentation rate)		20	-	-
Site Inspection		4, 11, 18 and 27	1, 8, 15, 22 and 30	6, 13, 20 and 29

Environmental Monitoring	Parameters	Action Level (AL)	Limit Level (LL)
Air Quality	1-hr TSP	1	1
Air Quality	24-hr TSP	0	0
Noise	L_eq_{(30 min)}	0	0
Water Quality	Suspended solids level (SS)	4	0
	Turbidity level	0	0
	Dissolved oxygen level (DO)	0	0
Dolphin Monitoring	Quarterly Analysis (Mar to May 2015)	0	1

1 Introduction

1.1 Basic Project Information

1.1.5 This is the eleventh Quarterly Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) report for the Contract which summarizes the monitoring results and audit findings of the EM&A programme during the reporting period from 1 March 2015 to 31 May 2015.

1.2 Project Organisation

1.2.1 The project organization structure and lines of communication with respect to the on-site environmental management structure with the key personnel contact names and numbers are shown in Appendix A.

1.3 Construction Programme

1.3.1 A copy of the Contractor’s construction programme is provided in Appendix B.

1.4 Construction Works Undertaken During the Reporting Period

1.4.1 A summary of the construction activities undertaken during this reporting period is shown in Table 1.1. The Works areas of the Contract are showed in Appendix C.

2 EM&A Requirement

2.1 Summary of EM&A Requirements

2.1.1 The EM&A programme requires environmental monitoring of air quality, noise, water quality, dolphin monitoring and mudflat monitoring as specified in the approved EM&A Manual.

2.1.2 A summary of Impact EM&A requirements is presented in Table 2.1. The locations of air quality, noise and water quality monitoring stations are shown as in Figure 2.1. The transect line layout in Northwest and Northeast Lantau Survey Areas is presented in Figure 2.2.

2.2 Action and Limit Levels

2.2.1 Table 2.2 presents the Action and Limit Levels for the 1-hour TSP, 24-hour TSP and noise level.

2.2.2 The Action and Limit Levels for water quality monitoring are given as in Table 2.3.

2.2.3 The Action and Limit Levels for dolphin monitoring are shown in Tables 2.4 and 2.5.

2.3 Event Action Plans

2.3.1 The Event Actions Plans for air quality, noise, water quality and dolphin monitoring are annexed in Appendix D.

2.4 Mitigation Measures

2.4.1 Environmental mitigation measures for the contract were recommended in the approved EIA Report. Appendix E lists the recommended mitigation measures and the implementation status.

3 Environmental Monitoring and Audit

3.1 Implementation of Environmental Measures

3.1.2 A summary of the Implementation Schedule of Environmental Mitigation Measures (EMIS) is presented in Appendix E.

3.1.3 Regular marine travel route for marine vessels were implemented properly in accordance to the submitted plan and relevant records were kept properly.

3.1.4 Dolphin Watching Plan was implemented during the reporting period. No dolphins inside the silt curtain were observed. The relevant records were kept properly.

3.2 Air Quality Monitoring Results

3.2.1 The monitoring results for 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP are summarized in Tables 3.1 and 3.2 respectively. Detailed impact air quality monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are presented in Appendix G.

3.2.2 An Action Level exceedance and a Limit Level exceedance of 1-hr TSP level at AMS5 were recorded during the reporting period. No Action Level exceedances of 24-hr TSP level at AMS5 were recorded during the reporting period.

3.2.3 No Action and Limit Level exceedances of 1-hour TSP and 24-hour TSP were recorded at AMS6 during the reporting period.

3.3 Noise Monitoring Results

3.3.1 The monitoring results for construction noise are summarized in Table 3.3 and the monitoring results and relevant graphical plots for this reporting period are provided in Appendix H.

*A correction factor of +3dB(A) from free field to facade measurement was included.

3.3.2 There were no Action and Limit Level exceedances for noise during daytime on normal weekdays of the reporting period.

3.3.3 Major noise sources during the noise monitoring included construction activities of the Contract and nearby traffic noise.

3.4 Water Quality Monitoring Results

3.4.1 Impact water quality monitoring was conducted at all designated monitoring stations during the reporting period. Impact water quality monitoring results and relevant graphical plots are provided in Appendix I.

3.4.2 During the reporting period, four Action Level exceedances for suspended solid level were recorded. No exceedance of Limit Level for suspended solid level was recorded. No exceedances of Action and Limit Level for dissolved oxygen level and turbidity were recorded.

3.4.3 Water quality impact sources during the water quality monitoring were the construction activities of the Contract, nearby construction activities by other parties and nearby operating vessels by other parties.

3.5 Dolphin Monitoring Results

Data Analysis

Summary of Survey Effort and Dolphin Sightings

3.5.9 During the period of March to May 2015, six sets of systematic line-transect vessel surveys were conducted to cover all transect lines in NWL and NEL survey areas twice per month.

3.5.11 The total survey effort conducted on primary lines was 655.32 km, while the effort on secondary lines was 244.49 km. Both survey effort conducted on primary and secondary lines were considered as on-effort survey data. A summary table of the survey effort is shown in Annex I of Appendix J.

Distribution

Encounter Rate

3.5.23 Even within the same spring quarters, the dolphin encounter rates in NWL during spring 2015 were small fractions of the ones recorded in spring (March –May) 2013 and (March – May) 2014 (Table 3.7).

3.5.29 To ensure the continuous usage of North Lantau waters by the dolphins, every possible measure should be implemented by the contractors and relevant authorities to minimize all disturbances to the dolphins.

Group Size

3.5.33 Notably, none of the larger dolphin groups were sighted near the HKLR03 reclamation site during the present monitoring period (Figure 3 of Appendix J).

Habitat Use

Mother-calf Pairs

Activities and Associations with Fishing Boats

Photo-identification and Individual Range Use

3.5.42 From March to May 2015, over 800 digital photographs of Chinese White Dolphins were taken during the impact phase monitoring surveys for the photo-identification work.

3.5.43 In total, 16 individuals sighted 18 times altogether were identified (see summary table in Annex III of Appendix J and photographs of identified individuals in Annex IV of Appendix J). All of these 18 re-sightings were made in NWL.

3.5.44 The majority of identified individuals were sighted only once during the three-month period, with the exception of two individuals (NL136 and NL284) being sighted thrice.

3.5.46 Three recognized females (NL104, NL123 and NL202) were accompanied with calves during their re-sightings. All three mothers were frequently sighted with their calves throughout the HKLR03 impact phase monitoring period since October 2012.

Individual range use

3.5.47 Ranging patterns of the 16 individuals identified during the three-month study period were determined by fixed kernel method, and are shown in Annex V of Appendix J.

Action Level / Limit Level Exceedance

3.5.55 There is no evidence showing that the sources of impact directly related to the construction works of HKLR03 that may have affected the dolphin usage in the NEL region.

3.5.58 It was concluded that the HZMB works is one of the contributing factors affecting the dolphins. It was also concluded the contribution of impacts due to the HZMB works as a whole (or individual marine contracts) cannot be quantified nor separate from the other stress factors.

3.5.59 It was reminded that the ETs shall keep reviewing the implementation status of the dolphin related mitigation measures and remind the contractor to ensure the relevant measures were fully implemented.

3.5.60 It was recommended that the marine works of HZMB projects should be completed as soon as possible so as to reduce the overall duration of impacts and allow the dolphins population to recover as early as possible.

3.5.61 It was also recommended that the marine works footprint (e.g., reduce the size of peripheral silt curtain) and vessels for the marine works should be reduced as much as possible, and vessels idling / mooring in other part of the North Lantau shall be avoided whenever possible.

3.5.63 There was a discussion on exploring possible further mitigation measures, for example, controlling the underwater noise. It was noted that the EIA reports for the projects suggested several mitigation measures, all of which have been implemented.

3.6 Mudflat Monitoring Results

Sedimentation Rate Monitoring

3.6.2 This measurement result was generally and relatively higher than the baseline measurement at S1, S2, S3 and S4. The mudflat level is continuously increased.

Water Quality Monitoring

3.6.3 The mudflat monitoring covered water quality monitoring data. Reference was made to the water quality monitoring data of the representative water quality monitoring station (i.e. SR3) as in the EM&A Manual. The water quality monitoring location (SR3) is shown in Figure 2.1.

3.6.4 Impact water quality monitoring in San Tau (monitoring station SR3) was conducted in March 2015. The monitoring parameters included dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity and suspended solids (SS).

3.6.5 The Impact monitoring result for SR3 were extracted and summarised below:

Mudflat Ecology Monitoring

Sampling Zone

Horseshoe Crabs

Seagrass Beds

Intertidal Soft Shore Communities