To change these two images, click on the
individual image (NOT the larger
“canvass”] and then select Shape Fill from
the Drawing Tools Format Menu, then
Picture and select the .jpg image from the
server.
To change these two images, click on the
individual image (NOT the larger
“canvass”] and then select Shape Fill from
the Drawing Tools Format Menu, then
Picture and select the .jpg image from the
server.
To change these two images, click on the
individual image (NOT the larger
“canvass”] and then select Shape Fill from
the Drawing Tools Format Menu, then
Picture and select the .jpg image from the
server.
To change these two images, click on the
individual image (NOT the larger
“canvass”] and then select Shape Fill from
the Drawing Tools Format Menu, then
Picture and select the .jpg image from the
server.
SMEC INTERNAL REF. 7076457 D05
EIA Report Volume V: Executive Summary
Mai Po Nature Reserve Infrastructure
Upgrade Project
Revision 7.3 – Final
Prepared for World Wide Fund For Nature Hong Kong
20 October 2021
Contents
ES-i
EIA REPORT VOLUME V: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Mai Po Nature Reserve Infrastructure Upgrade Project
Prepared for World Wide Fund For Nature Hong Kong
SMEC Internal Ref. 7076457 D05
20 October 2021
Contents
1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... ES-1
1.1 Project Background ................................................................................................................................. ES-1
1.2 The EIA Study .......................................................................................................................................... ES-1
2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................................................... ES-2
2.1 Project Elements ..................................................................................................................................... ES-2
2.2 With the Project in Place ........................................................................................................................ ES-2
2.3 Without the Project in Place ................................................................................................................... ES-2
2.4 Project Programme ................................................................................................................................. ES-3
3 SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS .......................................................................... ES-3
3.1 Air Quality Impact ................................................................................................................................... ES-3
3.2 Noise Impact ........................................................................................................................................... ES-3
3.3 Water Quality Impact ............................................................................................................................. ES-4
3.4 Waste Management Implications ........................................................................................................... ES-5
3.5 Ecological Impact .................................................................................................................................... ES-6
3.6 Fisheries Impact ...................................................................................................................................... ES-8
3.7 Landscape and Visual Impact .................................................................................................................. ES-8
4 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................... ES-9
Figures
Figure 1 Statutory Plan Showing Location of Project and its Environs
Figure 2 Components of the Project – the Preferred Development Option
Figure 3 Project Programme
Figure 4 Locations of Representative ASRs
Figure 5 Locations of Representative NSRs
Figure 6 Location of Representative WSRs
Figure 7 Habitat Map of Project Site and Assessment Area
Executive Summary
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EIA REPORT VOLUME V: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Mai Po Nature Reserve Infrastructure Upgrade Project
Prepared for World Wide Fund For Nature Hong Kong
SMEC Internal Ref. 7076457 D05
20 October 2021
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Background
1.1.1 For decades, the Mai Po Nature Reserve (“MPNR”) has served Hong Kong as one of the most
valuable ecological assets in the city, and is managed by the World Wide Fund for Nature Hong
Kong (“WWF”). Tens of thousands of visitors have shared collective memories of connecting with
nature and understanding gei wai cultural heritage over the years. As an internationally
recognized important wetland, it has also welcomed numerous local and overseas ecologists and
trained wetland managers in the region.
1.1.2 Being a leading and responsible conservation and education Non-Government Organisation
(“NGO”), WWF aspires to bring the outdoor nature’s classroom that is MPNR to an even broader
section of society, and to the Mai Po experience with the “21st Century Nature Classroom” – a
first class learning environment. To realise this aspiration WWF (the Project Proponent)
proposes an upgrade of key infrastructure – the Mai Po Nature Reserve Infrastructure Upgrade
Project (“the Project”) – that will cater for visitors, ensuring that facilities within the MPNR meet
the expectations of visitors now and in the future.
1.1.3 The Project aims to highlight to all visitors the beauty and importance of nature in their own
lives. Visitors can discover biodiversity year-round, have opportunities to observe the reserve’s
bird life, and connect to nature. For more than three decades, the biodiversity of over 2,050
species at MPNR has served to educate and enlighten Hong Kongers from all walks of life.
1.1.4 The Project Site and its environs are shown on Figure 1.
1.2 The EIA Study
1.2.1 MPNR is located within an area zoned as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (“SSSI”) on the Mai
Po and Fairview Park Outline Zoning Plan (“OZP”) No. S/YL-MP/6. Project Elements within MPNR
are Designated Projects (“DPs”) under Category under Item Q.1 of Part I, Schedule 2 of the
Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (“EIAO”) and require an Environmental Permit
(“EP”) prior to construction.
1.2.2 The Project Proponent, WWF, has prepared an Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) Report
to assess the impacts of the proposed construction works on MPNR. The EIA Report comprises
the following assessments, which have been carried out in accordance with the Technical
Memorandum on the EIA Process (“EIAO-TM”) following the requirements of the EIA Study Brief
issued by the Authority:
Air Quality Impact. Assesses the potential air quality impact on representative Air Sensitive
Receivers (“ASRs”) due to the construction of the Project and associated works.
Noise Impact. Assesses potential noise impact on representative Noise Sensitive Receivers
(“NSRs”) due to the construction of the Project and associated works.
Water Quality Impact. Assesses potential water quality impact on representative Water
Sensitive Receivers (“WSRs”) due to the construction and operation of the Project and
associated works, including but not limited to construction site drainage, discharge of
stormwater and surface runoff taking into account the cumulative impact from the existing,
committed and planned projects in the vicinity of the Project.
Waste Management Implications. Assesses potential waste management implications
arising from the construction and operation of the Project and associated works.
Ecological Impact. Assesses potential ecological impact due to the Project and associated
works.
Fisheries Impact. Assesses potential fisheries impact due to the Project and associated works.
Landscape and Visual Impacts. Assessment of potential landscape and visual impacts due to
the construction and operation of the Project and associated works.
Executive Summary
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2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1 Project Elements
2.1.1 Within the Project Site, the Mai Po Nature Reserve Infrastructure Upgrade Project will comprise
the following elements, which are shown on Figure 2:
1. Construction of New Tower Hide 2 (“TH2”). TH2 is a new three-storey tower hide, modelled
on the design of the existing TH1 at gei wai 8 and hence will be of the same height. TH2 is
essentially a 7.9m three storey, metal-framed structure, clad in “Onduline” (a brand of
lightweight roofing and cladding material) for water proofing. Some internal components
such as window frames, and floors will be made of wood coated in fire retardant paint. The
Onduline roof will further be overlaid with racks that support solar panels, which will take
the height of TH2 to 8.4m. Batteries on the ground floor will store electricity that will be
used to power minimal floor lighting, internal fans and WiFi. No toilets or washrooms will be
provided. This area of the reserve is of particular value for the observation of raptors in
MPNR and required a hide of several storeys. This area is generally off-limits to public and
school visitors, and is primarily used for research purposes.
2. Construction of New Tower Hide 3 (“TH3”). This is a new three-storey tower hide that follows
the same design as the new TH2, discussed above. TH3 is planned to be built on the bund
between gei wais 7 and 8, facing towards gei wai 8a. The area to the west of TH3 is ideal for
viewing and learning about waterbirds that utilise rain-fed ponds, open-water gei wai, and
reedbeds. The Project Proponent has designed the location of the hide to ensure that visitors
are occluded on the reserve as much as possible when stopping to view waterbirds. As such,
public and students will use bird hides wherever possible.
3. Construction of New Boardwalks. The concrete footpath running between the MPNR
entrance and the Mai Po Education Centre (“MPEC”) to the existing TH1 and the new TH3 is
in a poor state of repair, cracked and in some places subsiding, making passage challenging
for some visitors. The new path was designed to provide universal access, with six Education
Areas (“EAs”) utilising interactive materials. The plan also made provision for seven
wheelchair passing bays. The design would be as a raised wooden boardwalk over the
original concrete path to ensure no fragmentation of habitat.
2.2 With the Project in Place
2.2.1 The Project will facilitate universal access and provision of new educational components through
the provision of two new Tower Hides and the replacement of the existing footpaths with
boardwalks. The MPEC will also be refurbished internally for safe and flexible provision for public
education programme. With enhancement of the hardware of the public education programme,
the software/ programming can be further developed and diversified for the general public.
2.2.2 In other words, the Project will provide opportunities to empower people from different backgrounds
and sectors of society with important knowledge about wetland and environmental protection and
sustainable development in a unique natural setting. In doing so, the Project will also help government
achieve some of the actions set out in the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (“BSAP”).
2.3 Without the Project in Place
2.3.1 If the Project does not go ahead, MPNR will be left with its existing aging infrastructure – some
of it more than 30 years old – that cannot cope with the demands of the community; WWF will
not be able to help government achieve BSAP Actions 21b and 21c; it will remain difficult to
monitor the southern part of MPNR; and WWF will not be able to realise their aspirations to
transform Mai Po into a first class learning institute.
2.3.2 Furthermore, organisations that use MPNR, such as the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society
(“HKBWS”), will not be able to benefit from the provision of the new Tower Hides.
Executive Summary
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2.4 Project Programme
2.4.1 The EIA Report has assessed the impacts from the construction of the Project based on the
programme for construction given in Figure 3. It shows the works for the Project commencing in
April 2022 after completion of the planned drain down of gei wai for 2022 under the MPNR
Management Plan 2019-2024. Construction of the Project will not be concurrent with planned
maintenance works. In mid-May 2022 the Project works will stop for the habitat management
and planned gei wai refill under the MPNR Management Plan and will recommence in early-
September 2022 for completion in mid-October 2022.
3 SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACTS
3.1 Air Quality Impact
3.1.1 Within the 500m Assessment Area, thirteen representative ASRs have been identified, including
domestic premises at Fairview Park and Palm Springs and a number of village houses in
proximity to Tam Kon Chau Road. These are shown on Figure 4.
3.1.2 Fugitive dust is the major impact during construction activities, such as excavation, stockpiling,
earth moving, transferring or handling of dusty materials. Dust can also arise from bare ground
that is cleared for construction of boardwalks. Fugitive dust emissions will be generated from
the movement of vehicles along existing paved roads (the Boundary Road), the unpaved
temporary access routes within the Project Site, and external paved roads.
3.1.3 A qualitative assessment of air quality impacts was carried out for the construction stage. The
actual ambient concentrations of Respirable Suspended Particulates (“RSP”) and Fine Suspended
Particulates (“FSP”) at the Yuen Long AQMS in year 2020 are well within the limits of the Air
Quality Objectives (“AQO”). In addition, the baseline air quality monitoring results represent
ambient air quality in the vicinity of MPNR and the averaged 1-hour TSP is less than 70µg/m
3
,
which is far less than the 500µg/m
3
limit under Annex 4 of TM-EIAO. It revealed that the vicinity
of the Project Site has a very low ambient TSP concentrations. Given that most of the dust
impacts typically associated with on-site construction have been avoided due to the off-site pre-
fabrication of building elements and that the area of bare ground (for new boardwalk) is also
relatively small, no significant increase in air quality impact at ASRs is anticipated during
construction and no exceedance of AQO limits for RSP and FSP is expected
3.1.4 Given the small scale of construction works and its short duration, limited vehicle movement
and well planned routing of vehicles within the Site, together with the use of off-site pre-
fabrication as far as practicable, adverse construction dust impacts generated from construction
activities and vehicle movement around the Site is not anticipated.
3.1.5 With the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures and good site practice,
adverse air quality impacts during the construction stage are not anticipated.
3.2 Noise Impact
3.2.1 The Project Site is the MPNR, known for its wildlife and tranquillity. There are no major roads
nearby and very little vehicular traffic. Inside MPNR there are no major noise sources and the
prevailing noise environment is rural and low noise.
3.2.2 Within the 300m Assessment Area, ten representative NSRs have been identified, including
domestic premises at Fairview Park and a number of village houses in proximity to Tam Kon
Chau Road. These are shown on Figure 5.
3.2.3 Noise impacts arising from construction of the Project are mainly due to the use of Powered
Mechanical Equipment (“PME”) for various construction activities. There will also be noise from
Executive Summary
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the movement of vehicles along existing paved roads (the Boundary Road), the unpaved
temporary access routes within the Project Site, and external paved roads.
3.2.4 The construction programme has been arranged such that construction work during Restricted
Hours will not be required. Also, percussive piling will not be required.
3.2.5 The noise impact arising from the construction of the Project at representative NSRs has been
assessed and shows that noise levels at these NSRs will comply with relevant noise criteria. As
such, further noise mitigation measures during construction are not necessary.
3.2.6 No adverse noise impact is anticipated from the construction of the Project.
3.3 Water Quality Impact
3.3.1 Deep Bay is ecologically important, with extensive intertidal mudflats backed by mangal, tidal gei
wai and fishponds. Oyster culture is a feature of Deep Bay and it has the largest and most
important mangrove habitat in Hong Kong. The mudflats of Inner Deep Bay also have high
conservation value as an important feeding ground for a huge number of resident and migratory
birds. The Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site was recognised in 1995 as a “Wetland of
International Importance”.
3.3.2 Any water pollution generated by the Project will not only affect the gei wai within MPNR but
also has the potential to affect Deep Bay through the regular water exchange and gei wai drain-
down that are part of the normal operation of the gei wai.
3.3.3 A number of natural watercourses of varying sizes run through the Assessment Area, connecting
different types of wetland habitats and providing drainage to the area. The most important
watercourse is the Shan Pui River that which flows from Fairview Park, around the southeast
boundary of MPNR and then between the Reserve and Lut Chau, before joining the Kam Tin
River in the extreme southeast of the Assessment Area. In addition, two smaller watercourses
discharge into the Shenzhen River to the north of Tam Kon Chau.
3.3.4 Surrounding the Project Site, there are also a number of commercial fishponds while the Site
itself is located within the Mai Po Marshes SSSI and the Inner Deep Bay SSSI is located west of
the Project Site. Within the 500m assessment area, eight representative WSRs have been
identified, as shown in Figure 6.
3.3.5 Potential water quality impacts for a typical construction site would arise from general
construction activities, muddy site runoff, accidental spillage of liquids and sewage effluent from
construction workforce. Traditionally, construction sites have collected muddy/contaminated
water from perimeter drains and treated it in sedimentation tanks prior to discharge to
municipal drains or to local water courses.
3.3.6 In less ecologically sensitive areas there is unlikely to be any lasting damage from this discharge,
but this Project is located in a Ramsar Site, one of the most ecologically valuable and sensitive
wetlands in Hong Kong. Any leakage or discharge of muddy/contaminated surface water from
works areas could quickly enter a gei wai. Not only is there the possibility of direct impacts to the
ecology of the gei wai themselves, but due to the normal water exchange process, pollutants could
also enter Deep Bay and induce secondary impacts there. This risk is not acceptable to WWF.
3.3.7 Given that traditional approaches for control of water quality on construction sites are not
sufficient for this Project, an alternative approach must be found. Particularly since the work sites
are adjacent to water bodies, where any runoff would end up, and from there may ultimately flow
into Deep Bay. WWF will adopt a “Zero Water Pollution” approach during construction,
particularly for TH2 and TH3. This relies on two key elements; avoiding pollution of adjacent gei
wai and Deep Bay; and avoiding generating polluted runoff from works areas in the first place.
3.3.8 To avoid pollution of adjacent gei wai and Deep Bay, the schedule of foundation works at TH2
and TH3 – the most potentially polluting period during construction in terms of runoff – will be
aligned with the schedule of draining the adjacent gei wai in the latest MPNR Management Plan
Executive Summary
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2019-2024. The drained gei wei undergoing such maintenance are not hydraulically connected
to any other gei wai nor to Deep Bay, i.e. they are fully isolated from surrounding water bodies.
A perimeter bund will be constructed around the work sites for TH2 and TH3 to ensure that any
runoff generated from these sites is discharged only into the adjacent drained gei wai and not
into any other water-filled gei wai that are hydraulically connected to each other and to Deep
Bay. Runoff is therefore prevented from entering other water-filled gei wai and Deep Bay and
hence potential pollution of these water bodies is avoided.
3.3.9 To avoid generating polluted runoff from works areas in the first place, zero contaminated
runoff will be achieved through implementation of a series of measures, including off-site pre-
fabrication, off-site concrete mixing, off-site maintenance/repair of plant, taking extreme care
when re-fuelling plant, covering open/exposed ground, provision of chemical toilets, bunded,
covered construction waste material storage areas, and waterproof general waste receptacles.
3.3.10 In addition to this, the Works Contractor shall follow good site practice and be responsible for
the design construction, operation and maintenance of applicable mitigation measures specified
in ProPECC PN 1/94, a government guideline for construction site drainage.
3.3.11 With the above measures in place during the construction stage, it is unlikely that there will be
any adverse water quality impact to the gei wai or to Deep Bay as a result of the works.
Furthermore, no cumulative impact is identified.
3.3.12 During operation, no adverse water quality impact is anticipated as the two new tower hides will
not be provided with toilets or washrooms, and so no wastewater will be generated. Runoff
from the roof of the tower hides and from the boardwalks will not be contaminated.
3.3.13 No adverse water quality impact is anticipated during the construction or operation stages of
the Project.
3.4 Waste Management Implications
3.4.1 During construction, different types of waste may be produced, including inert Construction and
Demolition (“C&D”) material, C&D waste and general refuse (there will be no chemical waste as
there will be no maintenance of plant or equipment on site). To ensure that the majority of
construction waste is acceptable at public filling areas or for recycling, all waste materials arising
from the construction work shall be sorted on-site and be separated into different groups for
disposal at landfills, Public Fill Reception Facilities (“PFRFs”), or recycling, as appropriate.
3.4.2 During the three months of construction it has been estimated that 280.3 tonnes of waste will
be generated, of which up to 261.3 tonnes could potentially be treated/recycled/recovered,
which is a 93% waste diversion rate from landfill. The breakdown into different types of
construction waste is discussed below.
3.4.3 Inert C&D material does not decompose, such as debris, rubble, earth and concrete, and is
suitable for land reclamation and site formation. An estimated 96.0 tonnes of inert C&D material
will be generated, which equates to 32.0 tonnes per month on average. This waste will be sent
to the PFRFs at Tuen Mun Area 38, around 16km from the Site.
3.4.4 C&D waste can decompose and generate odour, such as bamboo, timber, vegetation, packaging
waste and other organic material, and is therefore unsuitable for land reclamation. An estimated
13.1 tonnes of C&D waste (non-inert) will be generated, which equates to 4.4 tonnes per month
on average, which will be taken off-site for recycling. At least 3.8 tonnes should be able to be
recycled and the remaining 9.3 tonnes or less will be disposed of at NENT Landfill as a last resort.
An estimated 157.6 tonnes of C&D waste (vegetation) will be generated, which equates to 52.5
tonnes per month on average. All of this will be reduced in size to aid biodegradation and then
composted within MPNR – none will require off-site disposal.
Executive Summary
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3.4.5 General refuse is Municipal Solid Waste (“MSW”) and an estimated 13.6 tonnes will be generated
by construction workers. This equates to 4.5 tonnes per month on average, and will be taken off-
site for recycling. At least 3.9 tonnes should be able to be recycled and the remaining 9.7 tonnes
or less will be disposed of at NWNT Transfer Station in Yuen Long as a last resort.
3.4.6 With proper waste segregation and recycling as well as provision of waste management training,
the amount of general refuse required to be disposed of at landfills is minimised. Provided that
the recommended mitigation measures are followed, there should be no adverse waste impact
from the handling, transportation or disposal of inert C&D material, C&D waste or general waste
during construction.
3.4.7 During operation, there will be no waste of any type generated within the Project Site. No waste
receptacles are provided within MPNR and visitors will be encouraged to take their waste home
with them.
3.5 Ecological Impact
3.5.1 MPNR contains habitats, such as dwarf mangroves, gei wai and rain-fed ponds, that provide
important roosting and foraging sites for a large number of waterbirds, including internationally
important species such as the globally-threatened Black-faced Spoonbill. The existing ecological
baseline data available for the Project Site is extensive, due in part to WWF’s long-term
ecological monitoring programme, and covers:
Habitat and Flora
Non-flying Mammals
Bats
Avifauna, including Black-faced Spoonbill, Collared Crow, Anatidae and breeding Black-
winged Stilts
Reptiles
Amphibians
Butterflies
Adult Odonates, including Four-spot Midget
Fireflies (Mai Po Bent-winged Firefly)
Aquatic fauna (fish and crustaceans)
Benthic macroinvertebrates
3.5.2 In addition to the above, supplementary surveys for this Project were conducted between
November 2016 and December 2017 to provide more Project-specific data and the ecological
information concerning MPNR and the surrounding 500m Assessment Area, covering most of
the above. The data collected were verified with further surveys from September 2019 to August
2020. A summary of the habitats in MPNR is provided on Figure 7 .
3.5.3 To avoid disturbance on habitats and birds, there shall be no noisy outdoor construction work
other than mobilisation and vehicle movement from 16 October to 15 April, which is the dry
season. This recommended constraint on construction period arises as this is ecologically the
most sensitive period when there are a large number of migratory water birds present.
3.5.4 For all project elements, the majority of construction components will be prefabricated off-site
to minimise any impacts associated with construction on-site in ecologically sensitive areas.
Furthermore, as a worst case, the ecological assessment assumes that all three Project elements
will be constructed concurrently.
3.5.5 The area of direct habitat loss is small (approximately 0.07ha of bund), both in absolute terms
and relative to the area of these habitats within MPNR. The number of individuals of flora and
fauna that will be impacted is correspondingly small. Magnitude will be low as only a very small
area (approximately 0.07ha of bund, 0.033% of these habitats) will be converted to developed
areas. Impact would be of Low to Moderate Severity in both construction and operational
phases of the project in view of the very small areas involved.
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3.5.6 The area of direct temporary loss is small (approximately 0.31ha / 3,100m
2
of bund), both in
absolute terms and relative to the area of these habitats within MPNR. The number of individuals
of flora and fauna which will be impacted is correspondingly small. Magnitude will be low as only
a very small area (approximately 0.31ha of bund, 0.15% of these habitats) will be temporarily lost
and only 0.05ha will be affected at any one time. Impact would be of Low Severity in both
construction and operational phases of the project in view of the very small areas involved.
3.5.7 Disturbance occurs when activities within a development site result in a reduction of the value of
a habitat outside the site, usually as a consequence of fauna being deterred from using the
habitat. Disturbance to brackish gei wai and rain-fed pond has been assessed as of Low Severity
during the wet season construction period due to the low numbers of disturbance-sensitive
species utilising these habitats at that time.
3.5.8 Bats are generally insensitive to disturbance while they are active (at night). However, they are
potentially vulnerable at their roosts, especially at maternity/nursery roosts where females with
dependent young are present. Whilst regular roosting sites would not be affected by the Project,
mitigation measures will be implemented.
3.5.9 A large number of bird species of conservation importance occur regularly in the Project Site and
the Assessment Area in significant numbers. On and off-site impacts on these species will take
place if they are displaced due to the direct habitat loss arising from the Project and/or are
displaced due to disturbance arising from construction or operation of the project elements. No
significant disturbance impact is predicted from construction of new footpaths as there will be
no significant increase in disturbance in the area. Similarly, no significant increase in disturbance
impacts are predicted from operation of the footpath as the number of visitor hours is predicted
to decline, nor from the new TH3 and TH2 as these facilities will be designed with the explicit
objective of permitting visitors to observe wildlife without causing disturbance.
3.5.10 The wet season timing of construction between mid-April and mid-October reduces greatly the
potential for adverse impacts as the large number of birds that winter at Mai Po and Inner Deep
Bay will not be present. This, in addition to the small scale of the facilities and the use of on-site
assembly as much as possible, reduces the scope for disturbance impacts arising from
construction of the two tower hides.
3.5.11 There are two species of concern, however, the Collared Crow and the Eurasian Otter. With regard
to Collared Crow, low disturbance impacts are predicted from construction of TH2 if a minor
change to the timing of construction and related activity is incorporated in order to prevent
adverse impacts on birds gathering at pre-roost sites in the area. Thus, Low Impact on Collared
Crow during both construction and operational phases of the Project. Potential construction phase
impacts on Eurasian Otter, which is regionally threatened, have been assessed as Moderate in the
absence of mitigation. Eurasian Otter is a nocturnal species in HK, and its activity will not coincide
with construction or use of the project elements by visitors. However, pre-construction checks on
the footprint and vicinity of the project elements is required to ensure that there are no daytime
rest sites that could be disturbed, which would result in residual impacts of Low severity.
3.5.12 The current ecological conditions and potential ecological impacts of the Project have been
assessed. Based on this review, measures to avoid and minimise ecological impacts have been
recommended. With these measures in place it is considered that all significant ecological
impacts from the Project will be addressed and there will be no unacceptable residual impacts.
3.5.13 A number of ecological mitigation measures were proposed:
Mitigation for Potential Construction Phase Disturbance to Mammals, in particular Eurasian
Otter – As a precautionary measure, adequate site checks in the works area and in the
immediate vicinity of all Project elements should be conducted by a suitably qualified ecologist
prior to commencement of works to search for substantive usage of the habitat by flora and/or
fauna of conservation concern, e.g. the presence of an otter holt or similar site. If roosting or
breeding species are found appropriate measures should be taken to avoid adverse impact,
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including adjustments to the timing of the works. It is proposed that the potential for
disturbance impacts on species using adjacent habitats be further reduced by screening works
areas during the construction phase. In addition, planting of bamboo (using the native species
Bambusa tuldoides (青稈竹, 花眉竹) a minimum of 2m high and of sufficient depth to provide
an effective screen will be carried out along the access to the new Tower Hides to reduce
disturbance during the operational phase. It may be necessary to install artificial screens in the
early phase while the natural screen planting reaches acceptable height/depth.
Mitigation for Potential Construction Phase Disturbance to Collared Crow Roost and Pre-
roost Sites – To avoid impacts on nocturnal roost sites and associated pre-roost gatherings
of Collared Crow in the vicinity of gei wai 20, all construction activity, including the passage
of construction vehicles, will cease two hours before sunset. This means 4pm in the wet
season construction period.
Precautionary Measures to Address Potential Impacts on Breeding Ardeids – Ahead of
construction, checks will be conducted during the breeding season at or near works areas to
check for the presence of breeding ardeids within 500m of the footprint of project elements.
These checks should be carried out two weeks prior to construction commencing and the
day before. Should any egretry be discovered in the vicinity of works areas, the need for
mitigation measures shall be assessed.
Precautionary Measures to Address Potential Mortality Impacts – Adequate site checks
along haul roads, in the works area and in the immediate vicinity should be conducted prior
to the commencement of works at TH2 and TH3 to detect substantive use of adjacent
habitat by species of conservation concern. If roosts or breeding species are found,
appropriate measures should be taken to avoid adverse impact, including adjustments to the
timing of works.
3.6 Fisheries Impact
3.6.1 A literature review, internet search and site visits were conducted to assess the baseline status
of pond fish culture activity within the 500m Assessment Area. During site visits, local villagers,
fish farmers and pond owners were interviewed. The ponds observed were categorised as
active, inactive, abandoned or gei wai. Commercial fish ponds are present, mainly located
around the northern perimeter of MPNR and to the south.
3.6.2 There are no fish ponds in the Project Area and so there will be no direct impact on fisheries
within the Project Area during construction. Adjacent to the Project Site are commercial
fisheries. However, with the mitigation measures proposed to control dust, water pollution and
waste generation, indirect impacts on fisheries due to construction activities will be insignificant.
Overall, therefore, no adverse fisheries impact is anticipated during the construction stage.
3.6.3 There are no capture fisheries known within the assessment area, and no assessment of impacts
thereon has been carried out. Any polluted runoff from work areas will be isolated from Deep
Bay and hence no adverse water quality impact to fisheries resources in Deep Bay are predicted.
3.6.4 The two new tower hides will not be provided with toilets or washrooms and so no wastewater
will be generated during the operation stage. Runoff from the roof of the tower hides and from
the footpaths will not be contaminated. As such, there will be no point or non-point pollution
sources due to the operation of the Project and therefore no impact to the water systems – fish
ponds, gei wai or Deep Bay – or associated sensitive receivers within the Project Site or within
the Assessment Area for fisheries impact. Overall, therefore, no adverse fisheries impact is
anticipated during the operation stage.
3.7 Landscape and Visual Impact
3.7.1 The assessment included a review of the planning and development control framework, and any
approved and planned developments in the 500m Assessment Area. The assessment of
landscape impact covered both Landscape Resources (“LR”) and Landscape Character Areas
Executive Summary
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(“LCA”), while the assessment of visual impact identified and predicted the type and extent of
impacts from visual obstruction, changes in visual amenity and compatibility of the Project
within a defined Assessment Area.
3.7.2 Based on the assessment, the Project will result in loss of small areas of natural landscape
resources due to the construction of new tower hides and new access connecting the new tower
hides. There will be no net loss due to the proposed new boardwalk. The Project is considered to
result in only Small changes in the affected LRs and LCA. The resulting construction and
operational phase impacts range from Slight to Moderate without mitigation.
3.7.3 The Project is considered to have Fair compatibility with the surrounding environments given its
small scale/ limited footprints of development and low level of blockage of existing view that
may arise. Most of the Visually Sensitive Receivers (“VSRs”) which are considered to have Low
sensitivity will only notice Negligible changes and experience Insubstantial visual impacts from
the construction and operation of the Project. However, there are some VSRs including the
visitors in MPNR and workers along the pond bund near gei wai 20 who can view different
portions the Project elements and will notice Small to Medium level of visual changes during
construction and/or operation of the Project. The resulting visual impacts are expected to be
Moderate without mitigation.
3.7.4 With full implementation of the mitigation measures including responsive design of the new
Tower Hides and footpaths, and implementation of bamboo screen plantings at the new Tower
Hides, the overall landscape and visual impacts resulting from the construction and operation of
Project are all considered to be Acceptable, and some of the receivers may experience
potentially Beneficial impacts from new boardwalk that is more aesthetically compatible with
the surrounding natural landscapes.
3.7.5 In conclusion, any potential landscape and visual impacts arising from the construction and
operation of the Project are all considered to be Acceptable when appropriate mitigation
measures are implemented.
4 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1.1 A qualitative assessment of air quality impacts was carried out for the construction stage. No
exceedance of AQO limits for RSP and FSP at representative ASRs is expected. No significant
increase in air quality impact at ASRs is anticipated during the construction stage. With the
implementation of the recommended mitigation measures and good site practice, adverse
impacts during the construction stage are not anticipated.
4.1.2 The noise impact arising from the construction of the Project at the representative off-site NSRs
has been assessed. The results of the assessment indicate that noise levels at these NSRs will
comply with the relevant noise criteria. As such, further noise mitigation measures are not
necessary. No adverse noise impact is anticipated during the construction stage of the Project.
4.1.3 A “Zero Water Pollution” approach will be adopted during construction, particularly for TH2 and
TH3. In addition to this, the Works Contractor shall also follow good site practice and adopt
mitigation measures specified in ProPECC PN 1/94 for construction site drainage. With the above
measures in place during the construction stage, it is unlikely that there will be any adverse water
quality impact to the gei wai or to Deep Bay as a result of the works. Furthermore, no cumulative
impact is identified. Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure and to demonstrate that the “Zero
Water Pollution” approach is working, it is proposed to carry out water quality EM&A within
Deep Bay before, during and after the foundation works at TH2 and TH3. During operation, no
adverse water quality impact is anticipated as the two new tower hides will not be provided with
toilets or washrooms, and so no wastewater will be generated. Overall, therefore, no adverse
water quality impact is anticipated during the construction or operation stages of the Project.
Executive Summary
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4.1.4 During construction, it is estimated that a total of 280.3 tonnes of waste will be generated, of
which up to 261.3 tonnes could potentially be treated /recycled/recovered, which is a 93% waste
diversion rate from landfill. This waste comprises inert C&D material, C&D waste and general
refuse. Chemical waste will not be generated as WWF will mandate in all contract documents that
there shall be no maintenance or repair of vehicles, plant or equipment on site. Provided that the
recommended mitigation measures are followed, there should be no adverse waste impact from
the handling, transportation or disposal of inert C&D material, C&D waste or general waste during
construction. During the operation, there will be no waste of any type generated within the
Project Site. No waste receptacles are provided within MPNR and visitors will be encouraged to
take their waste home with them. Overall, therefore, no adverse waste management implications
are anticipated during the construction or operational stages of the Project.
4.1.5 The current ecological conditions and potential ecological impacts of the Project have been
assessed. Based on this review, measures to avoid and minimise ecological impacts have been
recommended. With these measures in place and having considered the relevant assessment
criteria listed in the EIAO-TM (i.e. effects on health of biota, the magnitude, geographic extent,
duration and frequency of adverse impacts, the likely community size affected, the degree to
which the adverse impacts are irreversible, the ecological context, the international or regional
importance of the species or habitats and both the likelihood and degree of uncertainty of
adverse environmental impacts), it is considered that all significant ecological impacts from the
Project will be addressed and there will be no unacceptable residual impacts.
4.1.6 There are no commercial fishponds in the Project Area and so there will be no direct impact on
fisheries within the Project Area during construction. Adjacent to the Project Site are commercial
fisheries. However, with the mitigation measures proposed in this report to control dust, water
pollution and waste generation, indirect impacts on fisheries due to construction activities will be
insignificant. The two new tower hides will not be provided with toilets or washrooms and so no
wastewater will be generated during the operation stage. Runoff from the roof of the tower hides
and from the footpaths will not be contaminated. As such, there will be no point or non-point
pollution sources due to the operation of the Project and therefore no impact to the water
systems – fish ponds, gei wai or Deep Bay – or associated sensitive receivers within the Project
Site or within the Assessment Area for fisheries impact. Overall, therefore, no adverse fisheries
impacts are anticipated during the construction or operational stages of the Project.
4.1.7 With full implementation of the recommended mitigation measures, the overall landscape and
visual impacts resulting from the construction and operation of Project are all considered to be
acceptable. Some of the receivers may experience potentially beneficial impacts from the
upgrading of the existing paved footpath to the new wooden boardwalks, which are more
aesthetically compatible with the surrounding natural landscapes.
4.1.8 Overall, the EIA Study has concluded that with the implementation of recommended mitigation
measures, no adverse environmental (air quality, noise, water quality, waste), ecological,
fisheries or landscape and visual impacts are anticipated during the construction or operation
stages of the Project.
4.1.9 The demolition and rebuild of Peter Scott Field Study Centre (PSFSC) near MPNR will have been
completed by March 2022 whereas the construction of this Project will commence at end-April
2022. As such, the demolition and rebuild of PSFSC will not be carried out concurrently with this
Project. There are also no other concurrent projects near MPNR. Thus, cumulative
environmental impacts for this Project is not anticipated. As shown in the Project Programme in
Figure 3, there are also no concurrent works related to the MPNR Management Plan 2019-2024
and so no cumulative environmental impacts.
4.1.10 A comprehensive EM&A programme has been recommended, covering baseline, impact and
post-construction monitoring of various parameters, to ensure that there are no unacceptable
impacts and to demonstrate compliance with the findings of the EIA Study.
Figures
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Figure 1 Statutory Plan Showing Location of Project and its Environs
Source: Extract from the approved Mai Po and Fairview Park OZP No. S/YL-MP/6, from PlanD Statutory Planning Portal 2.
Deep
Bay
Mangroves
0 250 500
Metres
Mai Po Marshes SSSI
Mangroves
Mai Po Nature Reserve
Project Site Boundary
Commercial
Fish Ponds
Gei Wai
Gei Wai
PSFSC
Figures
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Mai Po Nature Reserve Infrastructure Upgrade Project
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Figure 2 Components of the Project – the Preferred Development Option
Source: Google Earth Pro
TH2
Indicative Routes for Construction Traffic:
Existing Paved Roads
Temporary Access Along Bunds (Unpaved)
Haul Road ID
Project Components:
New Tower Hides
New Boardwalk / With EAs
Project Site Boundary
Existing Facilities
(not DPs in EIA)
Gei Wai Number
TH3
0 100 200 300 400 500
Metres
Boardwalk to TH3
Boardwalk to TH2
Boardwalk Above
Main Footpath
Boardwalk Above
Access to TH1
MPEC
TH1
MPNR Entrance
10
17
3
24
14
13
12
11
8
4
6
7
23
20
21
22
16
15
18
19
5
9
2
1
HR1
HR
HR2
HR3
HR4
HR5
HR1
HR1-2
HR1-3
HR1-3
HR1-4
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Figure 3 Project Programme
New TH2 (including Boardwalk Access)
Foundation Works (Phase 1)
Superstructure Works (Phase 2)
Roof, Cladding and Interior Works upto Handover
New TH3 (including Boardwalk Access)
Foundation Works (Phase 1)
Superstructure Works (Phase 2)
Roof, Cladding and Interior Works upto Handover
New Boardwalk (including EAs)
Construction (Part 1 - North)
Construction (Part 2 - Centre)
Construction (Part 3 - South)
Vehicular Movement (Site-wide)
Construction Vehicles
Planned MPNR Management Plan Maintenance Activities in 2022 - NOT Concurrent
Drain Down of gei wai
Habitat management
Gei Wai Refill
Key: Dry season during which there will be no outdoor Works for the Project within MPNR
Outdoor Works for the Project within MPNR
Works for Other Projects (including
the planned drain-down and re-fill of gei wai i #7, 8a, 19, 20e)
Jan
Other Projects
2022
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Jun
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Dec
Project Activity
Dec
2022
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Jun
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Figure 4 Locations of Representative ASRs
Tam Kon Chau
Palm Springs
Wo Shang Wai
Fairview Park
Royal
Palms
500m Assessment Area
Project Site
ASR 7
ASR 10
ASR 11
ASR 8
ASR 6
ASR 9
ASR 4
ASR 5
ASR 3
ASR 1
ASR 2
ASR 12
ASR 13
0 250 500
Metres
Legend:
Project Site
Residential Areas
ASRs within 500m of the Project Site Boundary
Representative ASRs
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EIA REPORT VOLUME V: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Mai Po Nature Reserve Infrastructure Upgrade Project
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Figure 5 Locations of Representative NSRs
NSR 8
NSR 9
NSR 6
NSR 7
NSR 1
NSR 5
Palm Springs
Wo Shang Wai
300m Assessment Area
NSR 3
NSR 2
NSR 4
Fairview Park
Tam Kon Chau
0 250 500
Metres
Legend:
Project Site
Residential Areas
NSRs within 300m of the Project Site Boundary
Representative NSRs for Assessment
Royal
Palms
NSR 10
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Mai Po Nature Reserve Infrastructure Upgrade Project
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Figure 6 Location of Representative WSRs
Legend:
Project Site
Water Sensitive Receiver (WSR)
Commercial Fishpond (WSR 6)
Mai Po Marshes SSSI (WSR 7)
Inner Deep Bay SSSI (WSR 8)
500m Assessment
Area
Gei Wai Within the Site
(WSR 2)
0 250 500
Metres
Deep Bay
(WSR 1)
Shan Pui River
(WSR 3)
Shenzhen River
(WSR 4)
Channelised
Watercourse
(WSR 5)
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Figure 7 Habitat Map of Project Site and Assessment Area
Figure 7
Figure 6
Assessment Area
Assessment Area
Habitat Map of Project Site and
Assessment Area
Habitat Map of Project Site and
Assessment Area
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