The
objectives of this MAI include the following:
·
to
undertake a desktop review of marine archaeological sites in the project area;
·
to
review available geophysical reports and data, and evaluate if further
geophysical survey is required;
·
to
establish the archaeological potential of the selected site; and
·
to
assess the potential impact that may arise from the development and recommend
appropriate mitigation measures where necessary.
The baseline review is presented in full in Part 1,
Section 4.6 of this EIA Report and summarised here. The Marine Archaeological
Investigation Report is presented in Annex G.
Although the baseline review of the literature found that
the East of Sha Chau Study Area has potential for underwater cultural heritage
sites, no sites of historical or archaeological significance were identified
from the literature, or the charts of the East of Sha Chau Study Area.
Evaluation
of Geophysical Survey([1])
A review of the data, maps and figures for the East of Sha
Chau Survey Area (see Annex G Figure 3.1) by a marine archaeologist, Mr William
Frederick Jeffery, verified the conclusions of the geophysicists that the
seabed contained only natural or dumped materials (Annex G). The Survey Area had been greatly
impacted by anchoring, trawling and dredging and the likelihood of it containing
any well-preserved remains is very minimal. While the potential for well-preserved remains greatly
increased below the seabed, no evidence of archaeological material below the
seabed at East of Sha Chau Survey Area could be found.
The review of charts, literature of the Study Area and
supplemented by a review of Geophysical Survey data at East of Sha Chau Survey
Area failed to locate any evidence of marine archaeological interest. Therefore, no impact on any marine
archaeological deposit arising from the construction of the Mud Disposal
Facility is expected based on the understanding that only the Survey Area would
potentially impacted by the proposed development.
The review of the literature indicated that the region
adjacent to the East of Sha Chau Facility had been occupied for over 4,000
years and had been a focal point for Chinese and international maritime
trade. On this basis there is the
potential to include sites and objects of archaeological and historical
significance; however, a review of charts identified no shipwreck records.
Geophysical survey findings indicated that the area has been
heavily disturbed by anchoring, trawling and dredging. The likelihood of the area containing
any well-preserved remains is considered minimal.
No cultural heritage resources were found below the seabed
in the East of Sha Chau Facility from the review of geophysical survey
data. No marine archaeological
resources were identified at the site of the East of Sha Chau Facility and
hence the proposed development will impose no impact to marine archaeological
resources.