Appendix
3.6
Wetland Mitigation Construction Methodology
Appendix 3.6
Wetland
mitigation construction methodology
The objective of
creating and enhancing wetlands in the Lok Ma Chau area is to compensate for
the loss of habitat due to the construction of the Spur Line station and
associated structures. The following
clauses detail key methodological requirements for the wetland construction in
accordance with the wetland design and targets as described in the Habitat
Creation and Management Plan (HCMP).
The wetland should be constructed in as short a time as possible and
with minimum disturbance to the surrounding ecological habitat.
General
procedures
A detailed Method Statement
shall be prepared by the contractor based on this document and the tender
package, for approval prior to commencement of the works on site. As a minimum the Method Statement shall
provide detailed descriptions, plans and work programmes covering construction
of the bunds, drainage infrastructure and water supplies, the wetland base,
soil handling and storage procedures, planting methods and management over the
establishment period. This statement will be reviewed by the Resident Engineer,
Landscape Architect and Ecologist to ensure compliance with the main objectives
of the ecological mitigation for this area. These objectives include the provision of a functional
wetland in accordance with the HCMP, in the shortest time possible and with
minimum disturbance to the surrounding ecological habitat.
During wetland construction,
measures must be taken by the Contractor to prevent soil or silty-runoff
entering watercourses. The Contractor must also ensure that existing
watercourses are not blocked during wetland construction works. Suitable
diversions must be put in place. The Contractor must inclement documentation of
the intended measures in the Method Statement.
The Contractor shall include
within the Method Statement a Contingency Action Plan to deal with issues
listed in the HCMP.
No wetland construction works
shall take place until the Method Statement and associated Contingency Action
Plan has been approved by the Resident Engineer, RLA and ecologist.
The Contractor shall ensure
his construction work is supervised by a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA)
and an appropriately qualified ecologist with proven experience of successful
implementation of wetland restoration schemes. This work must be carried out by
a suitable landscape contractor with proven experience of creating semi-natural
wetland habitats in Hong Kong.
The contractor shall be
restricted to working within a designated works area by KCRC within the overall
gazetted boundary. Under no circumstances shall the contractor extend his
working area outside this designated works area without the permission of the
Resident Engineer, Landscape Architect and Ecologist.
2.4m screening
should be erected in the areas where work is being carried out, to reduce
visual disturbance impacts.
During the period of wetland
construction, only equipment and vehicles required specifically for the wetland
construction shall be permitted to operate in the designated working area. Other activities that may potentially
impact the environment, such as washing lorries, fuel and chemical storage,
shall be prohibited.
Works shall be carried out
only during the normal working day of 0700 to 1900 hrs. Floodlighting of the
works area shall not be permitted.