6.1
This section identifies and evaluates the potential
impacts on capture and culture fisheries in the assessment area resulting from
the construction and operation of the Shatin to Central Link – Hung Hom to Admiralty Section (SCL (HUH-ADM)).
6.2
This assessment is based on desktop review of the
latest relevant literatures. It includes a description of baseline conditions,
identification and evaluation of potential impacts,
and recommended mitigation measures, where necessary.
Environmental Legislation, Policies, Plans,
Standards and Guidelines
6.3
This fisheries impact assessment was conducted
according to criteria and guidelines set out in the Annex 9 and Annex 17 of
Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM) in
order to provide complete and objective identification, prediction and
evaluation of potential fisheries impacts arising from the Project. EIAO-TM Annex 17 sets out the methodology for
assessment of fisheries impacts and Annex 9 provides the evaluation criteria.
6.4
Other local legislations that applies to fisheries and
are relevant to this fisheries impact assessment include the following:
Ÿ Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171) – aims to promote the
conservation of fish and other forms of aquatic life within the
Ÿ Marine Fish Culture Ordinance (Cap. 353) – regulates and protects marine
fish culture by designating areas of fish culture zone, granting license,
prohibiting unauthorized vessels and any deposition of chemicals or other
substance which are likely to cause injury to fish in a fish culture zone. The list of designated fish culture zones was
last revised in January 2000.
Ÿ The Water Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap.358) – aims to control water
pollution in the waters of
6.5
The assessment area for the fisheries impact is the same
as that for water quality impact and includes area within the Victoria Harbour
Water Control Zone (WCZ), the Eastern Buffer WCZ, the Western Buffer WCZ, as declared
under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance.
Areas within a distance of
Assessment Methodology
6.6
Baseline information on fisheries resources in the
assessment area was elucidated via a desktop review of available literatures. This review included relevant fisheries
baseline data presented in Port Survey 2006 (AFCD,
Description of the Environment
Sites of Fisheries Importance
6.8
There are two mariculture
areas identified in the assessment area, Tung Lung Chau Fish Culture Zone (FCZ)
and Ma Wan FCZ, which are about
Capture Fisheries
6.9
In 2010, the capture fishing industry landed
approximately 168,000 tonnes of fisheries product valued at $2,100 million (AFCD,
2011a). The industry consisted of about
3,900 fishing vessels and 8,200 fishermen.
Fishing activities were mainly conducted in the waters of the
continental shelf in
Table 6.1 Recent Hong Kong Capture Fisheries Industry Figures
|
Parameter |
2010 |
2009 |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
|
Fishing fleet size (No. of vessels) |
3,900 |
3,700 |
3,800 |
4,000 |
3,950 |
4,150 |
4,300 |
4,600 |
4,470 |
5,100 |
|
Local fishermen engaged in capture fisheries |
8,200 |
7,600 |
7,900 |
8,500 |
8,500 |
9,170 |
9,700 |
10,100 |
10,860 |
11,560 |
|
Production (thousand tonnes) |
168 |
159 |
158 |
154 |
155 |
162 |
167.5 |
157.4 |
169.8 |
174 |
|
Value of produce (HK$ million) |
2,100 |
2,000 |
1,780 |
1,530 |
1,600 |
1,600 |
1,600 |
1,500 |
1,600 |
1,700 |
Source:
AFCD 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011a
6.10
The latest AFCD Port Survey 2006 (AFCD 2011a) provides the most
updated information on capture fisheries in
6.11
The fishing operation within the assessment area was
mainly supported by vessels of less than
Table 6.2 Summary of Capture Fisheries Data in the Assessment Area
|
Parameter |
Mid |
|
Eastern |
Lei Yue Mun (1) |
|
|
East Lamma Channel(1) |
|
No. of vessels |
100-400 |
100-400 |
100-400 |
100-400 |
10-100 |
10-400 |
50-400 |
|
Adult fish production in terms of weight (kg/ha) |
100-400 |
100-400 |
100-400 |
100-400 |
> 0 and ≤ 100 |
50 - 200 |
50-400 |
|
Fish fry production in terms of density (tails/ha) |
None reported |
None reported |
None reported |
None reported |
None reported |
None reported |
> 0 and ≤ 50 |
|
Annual fisheries production (adult and
fry) in terms of value (HK$/ha) |
5,000 – 10,000 |
2,000 – 5,000 |
5,000 – 10,000 |
2,000 – 10,000 |
> 0 to 5,000 |
500 – 5,000 |
1,000 – 5,000 |
Source: AFCD 2011a
Note:
(1)
Geographic location refers
to Figure No. NEX2213/C/331/ENS/M51/030.
(2)
6.12
The number of fishing
vessels operating within the assessment area was generally between 100 and 400
vessels except the western Victoria Harbour (10 – 100 vessels), West Harbour
(10 - 400 vessels) and East Lamma Channel (50 – 400
vessels).
6.13
In terms of weight, 100 –
6.14
Important nursery grounds
can be identified
from the main areas of fry collection for the mariculture
industry. Fry collection in
6.15
In terms of capture fishery
production values, the mid
6.16
Capture fisheries
production of the top ten fish families within the assessment area is
summarized in Table 6.3.
Table 6.3 Fisheries Production (kg/ha) of the Top Ten Families in
the Assessment Area
|
Top ten fish families |
Mid |
|
Eastern |
Lei Yue Mun |
|
|
East Lamma Channel |
|
Scad (Carangidae) |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 to 40 |
|
Shrimp |
None reported |
≤ 5 |
None reported |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 to 10 |
≤ 5 to 20 |
|
Rabbitfish (Siganidae) |
> 60 |
10 - 20 |
> 60 |
20 - 60 |
≤ 5 to 20 |
≤ 5 to 40 |
≤ 5 to 60 |
|
Squid |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 to 60 |
|
Croaker (Sciaenidae) |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
5 - 20 |
≤ 5 to 10 |
≤ 5 to 20 |
≤ 5 to 10 |
|
Crab |
20 -40 |
≤ 5 |
20 -40 |
10 - 20 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
|
Mullet (Mugilidae) |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 to 10 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 to 10 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
|
Sardine (Clupeidae) |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 to 10 |
≤ 5 to 10 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 to 40 |
|
Seabream (Sparidae) |
10 - 20 |
5 - 10 |
10 - 40 |
10 - 40 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 to 20 |
≤ 5 |
|
Anchovy (Engraulidae) |
None reported |
None reported |
None reported |
20-40 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
Source:
AFCD 2011a
6.17
The most common capture
fish along the proposed cross harbour section of the Project was the low-valued Rabbitfish (Siganidae) (AFD, 1998), followed by crab. Rabbitfish was also
the most common capture fisheries in the rest of the assessment area. Apart from Rabbitfish,
Scad (Carangidae), Squid
and Sardine were also commonly captured in the East Lamma
Channel.
6.18
According to the “Fisheries Resources and Fishing
Operations in Hong Kong Waters” (AFD,
Culture Fisheries
6.19
Marine culture fisheries included marine fish culture
and oyster culture. Mariculture areas for marine fish included
26 fish culture zones (FCZs) located in various sheltered coastal areas in Hong
Kong marine waters and occupied about
6.20
There are two FCZs but no oyster culture present in
the assessment area. The Tung Lung Chau
FCZ and Ma Wan FCZ are shown in Figure
No. NEX2213/C/331/ENS/M51/030.
6.21
Although no figures are available on the individual production
of FCZ, it was estimated that culture fisheries of marine fish production in
2010 was about 1,512 tonnes valued at $118 million
which catered about 9% of local demand for live marine fish (AFCD, 2011b). Recent figures on marine fish culture are
presented in Table 6.4.
Table 6.4 Recent
Figures on
|
Parameter |
2010 |
2009 |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
|
No. Licensed operators |
1,035 |
1,050 |
1,060 |
1,070 |
1,078 |
1,092 |
1,125 |
1,155 |
1,240 |
1,370 |
|
Production (tonnes) |
1,512 |
1,437 |
1,370 |
1,532 |
1,490 |
1,540 |
1,540 |
1,490 |
1,211 |
2,470 |
|
Value (HK$ million) |
118 |
92 |
82 |
99 |
89 |
76 |
79 |
76 |
57 |
136 |
Source: AFCD 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011b
6.22
The species cultured varied depending on the
availability of imported fry. Common
species under marine culture include green grouper, brown-spotted
grouper, giant grouper, Russell's
snapper, mangrove
snapper, goldlined seabream, star snapper and red drum (AFCD, 2011b).
Identification, Prediction and Evaluation of Environmental Impacts
Construction Phase
6.23
The proposed marine works
required under the Project might result in impacts to fisheries resources. The major marine construction activities associated with the Project would include:
Ÿ Temporary reclamation works at Hung Hom
Landfall and Causeway
Bay Typhoon Shelter (CBTS);
Ÿ Partial demolition and
reinstatement of Hung Hom Freight Pier;
Ÿ IMT tunnel laying works within the mid
Ÿ Tunnel formation by cut and cover method from CBTS near the Police Officers’ Club
(POC) to the north of the CBTS breakwater; and
Ÿ IMT casting basin at Shek O Quarry.
6.24
The potential impacts to the fisheries resources
within the assessment area may include:
Ÿ Temporary loss of fishing ground;
Ÿ Loss of fish stock;
Ÿ Impact to livelihood of fishermen;
Ÿ Indirect impact on fisheries resources due to change in water quality;
and
Ÿ Noise disturbance impact to fisheries resources.
6.25
As demonstrated in the ecological impact assessment (Section
5.41 to 5.42, 5.54 and 5.65 to 5.66), CBTS supported a
very low diversity and abundance of marine fauna. Temporary reclamation, provision of mooring
site at CBTS involving dredging activities and relocation of Royal Hong Kong
Yacht Club (RHKYC) jetty are not expected to cause any loss of fishing ground
or fisheries resources, although indirect impact may affect fisheries resources in nearby waters.
Temporary Loss of Fishing Grounds
6.26
During construction phase, the marine-based
construction works or activities and the associated diversion of the Principal Fairway
where fishing is restricted would limit the access of the vessels, causing loss
of fishing ground. The potentially affected fishing ground would
include:
Table 6.5 Summary of Fisheries
Resources Affected by the Proposed Marine-based Activities or Construction Works
|
Locations of fishing ground |
Marine-based construction works/ activities |
Size
of affected area (ha) |
Adult fish
production in terms of weight(1) |
Fisheries
production (adult and fry) in terms of value(1) |
|
Mid |
Ÿ
Temporary reclamation Ÿ
Dredging activities Ÿ
Underwater blasting Ÿ
IMT laying activities |
~1.5 – 5(2) |
100 – |
$5,000 – 10,000/ha |
Note:
(1)
Refer to Section 6.13 and
6.14
(2)
The construction work in
6.27
As described in Table 6.5, about 1.5 -
Loss of Fish Stock
6.28
Underwater blasting activities might be taken place at two
locations along the proposed cross harbour section of the Project to remove bedrock along the alignment: one at sea front off Hung Hom and one at the
portion within the navigation channel (Figure No. NEX2213/C/331/ENS/M51/001
refers). Shock waves generated from underwater
blasting could kill the fisheries resources, mainly those with air bladders (Aplin, 1946). Air
bladder, blood vessels, rib and even all of the content of the body cavity of
fish could be exploded. Previous study
(Wright, 1982) showed that an overpressure greater than 100 kPa
would result in these effects. The area
with an overpressure greater than 100 kPa is known as
lethal zone. Whilst, the quantity of
shellfish and crustaceans including crabs killed by the detonation of
explosives is believed to be negligible (Wright & Hopky,
1998).
6.29
The number of fish killed is suggested to be dependent
on the fish population within the lethal zone at the time of detonation (Lewis,
1996). The size of the lethal zone, in
turns, is determined by the types of explosives, the magnitude of the
explosion, the dimensions of the water body (its area and depth), the nature of
the seabed, the depth at which the charge is set off, and the nature and
sensitivity of potentially impacted organisms (HyD,
1999). It is estimated with the standard
“Hong Kong Government M&Q’s vibration empirical formula” that the setback distance
(distance where the overpressure is greater than 100 kPa)
for the explosives used would be
6.30
The impact due to underwater blasting activities would
be short term in nature. Underwater
blasting, if needed, would be carried out tentatively one blast per 5 day cycle and occur within the
12 months excavation period. The size of lethal
zone is small and large proportion of captured fish in the direct affected area
consists of low-valued Rabbitfish. With a hard shell, crabs are highly resistant
to shock (Lewis, 1996). Potential damage
to crabs, another fisheries resources common in the affected area, is therefore
considered to be minor. Since the area
of fisheries habitat affected and the value of fisheries resources lost only
constitute a small proportion of the total fisheries resources, the impact is
considered to be minor and acceptable.
Impact to Livelihood
of Fishermen
6.31
There are about 100 – 400 vessels operating in the
affected area compared to 3,700 fishing vessels in
6.32
Although some areas would be temporarily unavailable for fishing activities, the size of the affected area would be small. Since the construction work would be carried
out in phases, the affected vessels could fish in other alternative areas in nearby waters. The affected
area would be re-opened after construction phase. The impact to livelihood of the fishermen
would be temporary and minor.
6.33
Indirect impacts on the fisheries resources
would be associated with changes of water quality due to temporary reclamation,
dredging, IMT tunnel construction, underwater blasting, and site runoff from
land-based construction works. Details are described and evaluated below.
Elevation of Suspended Solids (SS)
6.34
SS occur naturally in the marine environment by wave
action and vertical flux of water current.
Fish have evolved adaptation to tolerate changes in SS, i.e. flushing
water through their gills or simply moving to less turbid waters. Marine construction works, such as temporary
reclamation, dredging, and blasting activities, would increase the SS
level. Concentration of SS generated by
dredging is expected to be higher in the immediate vicinity of the
dredger. Dispersion would cause rapid
decrease in SS level beyond active dredging area.
6.35
Effects of SS on fisheries resources could be lethal
or sublethal through reduction in survivorship,
growth rate and reproductive potential due to stress incurred by the need to
constantly flush out deposited material.
High SS level may clog gill structure of fish and cause physical damage
and hinder transfer of oxygen. Fish egg
and larval fish (fry) are more susceptible to deleterious impacts from
sedimentation through smothering and clogging of their respiratory
systems. Adult fish are more likely to
move away when they detect certain SS level and therefore less sensitive to the
effects from SS.
6.36
If SS levels exceed tolerance thresholds and the fish
are unable to move away from the area, they may become stressed or even
die. The rate, timing and duration of SS
elevations will influence the type and extent of impacts on fish and
crustaceans (CPPC, 2006). Lethal
response had not been observed in adult fish at SS level less than 125 mg/L,
and sublethal effects were only reported at levels
exceeded 90 mg/L. However, guideline
values were identified for fisheries and selected marine ecological sensitive
receivers in Consultancy Study on
Fisheries and Marine Ecological Criteria for Impact Assessment based on
international marine water quality guidelines for the ecosystem
protection. The recommended value was 50
mg/L (AFCD, 2001). Besides, the Water
Quality Objective (WQO) for SS (i.e. elevation of less than 30% of ambient
baseline level) is also generally applicable to fisheries sensitive receivers
inside the relevant water control zones.
6.37
From the sediment plume modelling
results presented in Table 11.13
and Table 11.14 of this Report, under
unmitigated scenario, SS concentrations at most areas within the assessment
area were predicted to be less than 50 mg/L. The exceedance would only occur near Provident Centre in North Point (maximum SS
concentration: 52.97 mg/L). The affected
area was predicted to be small and localized.
6.38
However, non-compliance with the WQO for SS was
predicted in the
6.39
Installation of
gates at the gate frames of the existing quarry for the construction of the
Shek O IMT casting basin would not result in any adverse water quality impact
(see Sections 11.45 – 11.47). However, activities relating to
the flooding and draining of the casting basin for the removal of the formed
tunnel units would have the potential to impact on water quality. It is
anticipated that the large volume of water in the casting basin would tend to reduce this impact (see Section 11.180). To further reduce SS
level, measures including draining washdown waters
(and any concrete curing waters) to the treatment unit, settlement of washed waters
prior to discharge to the sea, comply the discharge from the treatment unit
with the Technical Memorandum standards for Effluents Discharged into Drains
and Sewerage Systems, Inland and Coastal Waters (TM-DSS), placement of
cofferdam and skimming of floating debris, would be implemented (Details refer
to Sections 11.181 to 11.183). With proper implementation of the above
measures, increased SS level is expected to be insignificant. Thus, no
unacceptable adverse impact on fisheries resources due to the increase of SS is
expected.
6.40
No important spawning or nursery grounds of commercial
fish species were identified within and in the vicinity of the proposed marine
works areas in
6.41
Impact to far field fisheries sensitive receivers
(i.e. Tung Lung Chau FCZ and Ma Wan FCZ) is not expected as these FCZs are
located outside the influence zone of the predicted sediment plumes (Appendices 11.9 and 11.10 of this Report refer). Therefore, no adverse impact at these FCZs
would be expected.
Release of Contaminant from Marine Sediment
6.42
Dredging activities can potentially cause the release
of contaminants from marine mud. Potential impacts on fisheries resources
include the accumulation of contaminants in the tissues of fish, resulting in sublethal effects which may alter behaviour,
reproduction and increase susceptibility to disease. Eggs, larvae and juveniles are particularly
susceptible to the sublethal effects of contaminants,
and elevated levels may lead to increased mortality. Bioaccumulation in commercially important fish
species may ultimately impact human health.
6.43
The elutriate tests have been conducted to
test for heavy metals, nutrients and organic compounds, including silver,
cadmium, copper, nickel, lead, chromium, arsenic, mercury, tributyltin
and chlorinated pesticides in the sediment.
Exceedance of water quality assessment
criteria of cadmium, copper, nickel, lead, chromium, arsenic and tributyltin was found at several locations along the cross harbour section (details
refer to Sections 11.164 to 11.165). Whilst, the Delft3D-WAQ model was used to
determine the maximum dimensions of mixing zones for zinc, total PCBs and
PAHs. Exceedance
of water quality assessment criteria of zinc was found at coastal area off Hung
Hom and outside CBTS (details
refer to Appendices 11.11 and 11.12). Contaminants released
due to the marine works could cause lethal or sublethal effects, such as growth inhibition, enzyme alteration and changes in physiological activities to fisheries resources (USEPA,
6.44
In the view that mobile subtidal fauna like
fish and crab is likely to avoid the dredging area and recolonize
after construction works and refuge habitats would be available in nearby
coastal waters for the affected resources, adverse
impact due to the release of contaminant on fisheries resources would be minimal.
6.45
Release of Nutrients from Marine Sediment
6.46
High nutrient levels in
marine water can trigger rapid increase in phytoplankton, resulting in algal
bloom. As the algae die, it will be
degraded, depleting dissolved oxygen.
When a large number of algae die, sudden drop in dissolved oxygen leads
to suffocation of fish and other organisms.
Sometimes, algal blooms are caused by phytoplankton which produces biotoxin. When
degraded, toxin released could be lethal to fish.
6.47
Based on the
assessment in relation to the sediment quality results, assuming that all
contaminants contained in the sediments that lost to the water environment
during dredging would instantaneously be released into the water column. The maximum elevations for unionized ammonia
(UIA) and total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) were 0.0024 mg/L and 0.055 mg/L,
respectively. All maximum elevations
for UIA and TIN were small as
compared to the WQO of 0.021mg/L and 0.4mg/L. Thus, it is anticipated that the dredging work would be unlikely to cause any unacceptable nutrient impact upon
the receiving water and any elevations of nutrients caused by the dredging
works would be transient only.
6.48
Since
insignificant change in nutrient levels is expected, impact on fisheries
resources would be unlikely.
Oxygen Depletion
6.49
Increase in SS in water column combining with a number
of other physical or biotic factors would reduce DO in water column. Elevated SS reduces light penetration, lowers
the photosynthetic rate of phytoplankton and so lowers the rate of oxygen
production in water column. Also, the
release of inorganic substances from the dredged sediments may cause
eutrophication and algal bloom.
Oxidation of dead algae may use up some of the oxygen in the water. If oxygen levels are depleted to low levels,
fish, especially those in early life stages may be unable to tolerate such
conditions and suffer hypoxia-induced mortality and / or stress including
reduced feeding and growth rate.
6.50
Based on the results of water quality
assessment (refer to Sections 11.173 to 11.174 of this
Report),
it is predicted that the DO level within the Harbour area would
be similar to that of the baseline condition.
The results comply with the WQO standard. No adverse impact on fisheries resources due to DO depletion is
expected from the construction activities.
6.51
Surface runoff from land based construction activities
near the coastal waters, including construction of the railway and IMT casting
basin, may also lead to a deterioration of marine water quality (i.e. increased
loads of suspended solid, contaminants and nutrient level) which could in turn
adversely affect fisheries resources. Standard good
site practice and management, and the implementation of mitigation measures,
proposed in Sections 11.216 and
11.219 to 11.256 of this Report, such as the use of silt/sediment and grease traps,
and effective site drainage would minimize any impacts to the marine
environment resulting from land based construction activities. No adverse fisheries impact associated with
the surface runoff is expected.
Noise Disturbance Impact
6.52
Apart from shock waves, underwater blasting would also
generate noise. Many fishes are known to
be sensitive to sounds (Tavolga, 1964; Würsig, 2000). They
would minimize the use of areas affected by underwater noise. Similarly, underwater blasting, if needed,
would be carried out tentatively one blast per 5 day cycle and occur within the
12 months excavation period. After the construction phase,
fishes are likely to recruit the affected area.
Therefore, the impact would be short term and reversible in nature. Moreover, the fisheries habitat has been
subject to noisy environment due to heavy marine traffic within the
6.53
The overall evaluation of construction phase fisheries
impacts for the proposed marine works are summarized in Table 6.6 below.
Table 6.6 Summary of Potential Fisheries
Impacts during Construction Phase
|
Criteria |
Construction Phase Impact |
|
Nature of impact |
Direct impact Loss of fishing ground due to the proposed
marine-based works is temporary and reversible in nature. The works areas would be re-opened for
fishing after the construction phase. Loss of fisheries resources due to underwater
blasting activities is reversible.
Fisheries resources would recolonize the
lethal zone and regenerated after the construction phase. Impact to the livelihood of fishermen is temporary
and reversible. The works areas would
be re-opened for fishing after the construction phase. Indirect impact Indirect impact due to change in water quality is
temporary and reversible. The level of
SS and DO would return to normal shortly after construction phase. The contaminants
and nutrients would be diluted by large volume of water. The effect would be transient. Noise disturbance due to underwater blasting
activities is temporary and reversible.
Blasting activities would be intermittent. |
|
Size of affected area |
Direct impact Small. A maximum of about Indirect impact Small. Only very localised SS level exceedance is expected (near Provident
Centre in North Point). |
|
Loss of fisheries resources / production |
Small. Temporary loss to an insignificant portion of the
total fisheries production in |
|
Destruction and disturbance of nursery and spawning
grounds |
No destruction and disturbance of important nursery
and spawning grounds for commercial fisheries species. |
|
Impact on fishing activity |
Low impact. The fishing ground in Victoria Harbour where the cross harbour section of this Project is proposed
supported 100 – 400 vessels and
adult fish production with a weight of 100 – |
|
Impact on aquaculture activity |
No impact to 2 fish culture zones (Tung Lung Chau FCZ and Ma Wan FCZ) within the
assessment area. |
|
Overall fisheries Impact |
Low |
Operation Phase
6.54
No direct or indirect impact to the fisheries resources would be expected during operation phase.
Since protective armour rock layers will be installed to prevent or minimize accidental damages of tunnel, repair
works would be unlikely. The only operation impact arising from the Project would be anticipated
if repair works were required, such as repairing and maintenance works for
accidental damage of the tunnel.
6.55
The protective armour rock layer would protrude
above the natural seabed, however, it would be kept at level below the existing Cross Harbour Tunnel except a section close to CBTS. This
section would be located to the north of the CBTS breakwater and about
Mitigation of Environmental Impacts
6.57
Potential impacts on fisheries resources and fishing
operations have been avoided or minimized during construction phase by minimizing
the size of the dredging and underwater blasting. The
dredging works will be in phases in order to minimize the impact on marine
traffic as well as fishing activities in the
6.58
To isolate the fisheries resources away from the
lethal zone, silt curtain would be deployed at near-shore to fence off fish
from entering the lethal zone during underwater blasting. It should be noted that it is not feasible to
deploy silt curtain or bubble curtain at offshore area particularly at
Principal Fairways due to heavy marine traffic.
6.59
After completion of armour rock filling, the final surfaces of the protective armour
rock layer shall be checked by ultrasonic sounding survey. Measures such as removing the rock or
breaking the rock into pieces shall be implemented in case of non-compliance.
Evaluation of Cumulative Environmental Impacts
·
Reclamation for WDII and CWB projects (2009 – 2017);
·
Dredging works for Proposed Cruise Terminal at Kai Tak (2013 – 2016);
·
Marine construction works for Kai Tak Development Project (2014 – unknown);
·
Installation of Submarine Gas Pipelines from Ma Tau Kok to North Point
for
·
Road T2 and
·
Laying of
·
Dredging at
·
Lei Yue Mun Waterfront Enhancement (unknown); and
·
Container Terminal 10 (CT10) (unknown).
6.61
As dredging and filling activities would be required
in the above projects, key
issue of concern would be the cumulative effect on the
deterioration of water quality in the
Evaluation of Residual Environmental Impacts
6.62
The identified residual
impact would be the temporary occupy of approximately 1.5 to
Environmental Monitoring
and Audit
6.63
As no unacceptable impacts have been predicted to
occur during the construction and operation of the Project, monitoring of
fisheries resources is considered not necessary. Nevertheless, the implementation of the water
quality mitigation measures stated in Sections
11.200 to 11.207, 11.209 to 11.211 and 11.213 to 11.256 should be checked as part of the environmental monitoring and audit
procedures during the construction phase as presented in the standalone
Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual.
6.64
No fish culture zones and important spawning or nursery grounds were identified within or in the vicinity
of the proposed marine works area.
6.65
The Project would temporarily occupy a maximum of about
6.66
Indirect impacts due to change of water quality
resulting from dredging and reclamation would be temporary and localized. Mitigation measures, such as installation of
silt curtain, use of closed grab dredger and reduction of dredging rate, would
be implemented to protect fisheries resources.
With the proper implementation of the mitigation measures recommended,
the impact due to water quality deterioration is considered to be acceptable.
6.67
No major operational phase impacts are expected. The protective armour
rock layer covering the surface of the finished IMT would protrude above the
natural seabed but it would largely be kept at a level below the existing Cross
Harbour Tunnel to minimize impact on any potential trawling activities in
6.68
No adverse impact on fisheries resources or activities
is expected from the construction and operation phases of the Project, and
therefore fisheries-specific mitigation measures and monitoring programme would not be required.
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|
Portion of fisheries
production affected due to temporary loss of fishing ground |
= |
Sum of fisheries production
in terms of value x Size of affected area |
|
Overall value of
produce |