8. Ecology

8.2 Environmental Legislation and Standards

8.2.1 The Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (TM-EIAO), particularly Annexes 8 and 16 of the TM, has been used as a guideline for ecological impact assessment of the project. Other relevant environmental legislation, guidelines and references include:

· Town Planning Board Guidelines for Application for Developments within Deep Bay Area under Section 16 of the Town Planning Ordinance (TPB PG-No. 12C);

· Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131);

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap.499);

· Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap.586) and its subsidiary legislation;

· EIAO Guidance Note No. 6/2010 – Some Observations on Ecological Assessment from the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Perspective;

· EIAO Guidance Note No. 7/2023 – Ecological Baseline Survey for Ecological Impact Assessment;

· EIAO Guidance Note No. 10/2023 – Methodologies for Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecological Baseline Surveys;

· Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170);

· Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ("CITES");

· International Union for Conservation of Nature (“IUCN”)

· Environment, Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No.5/2005 – Protection of natural streams/rivers from adverse impacts arising from construction works

8.2.2 Criteria of evaluating species of conservation importance include:

· IUCN;

· China Plant Red Data Book;

· China Species Red List;

· China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals;

· Category I or II protected species in mainland China;

· Red List of China’s Vertebrates;

· Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong (2003);

· CITES;

· Forestry Regulations (Cap. 96A) which are subsidiary legislation of the Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96);

· Cap.170;

· Cap.586;

· Plant species considered ‘Rare’ or ‘Very Rare’ listed by Corlett et al. (2000) where applicable;

· Fauna species considered of concern in Fellowes et al. (2002)

8.3 Assessment Methodology

Literature Review

8.3.1 A literature review was carried out based on existing reports from the Government and private sectors, and known literature on different faunal and floral groups; these are outlined below:

· AEIAR-203/2016 (AECOM, 2016) (Agreement No. CE 2/2011 (CE) Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area Planning and Engineering Study – Investigation – Ecological Impact Assessment Report);

· AEIAR-215/2017 (ARUP, 2017) (Agreement No. CE 35/2012 (CE) Planning and Engineering Study for Housing Sites in Yuen Long South – Investigation)

· A/YL-TYST/1146 (CEDD, 2022);

· A/YL-TYST/1155 (CEDD, 2022);

· A/YL-TYST/1201 (CEDD, 2023) (Agreement No. CE 92/2017 (CE) Site Formation and Infrastructure Works for Public Housing Development near Tan Kwai Tsuen,Yuen Long – Investigation, Design and Construction);

· Hong Kong Biodiversity (AFCD publication);

· Hong Kong Bird Watching Society (HKBWS) study reports;

· Memoirs of Hong Kong Natural History Society;

· Various natural history field guides for Hong Kong.

8.3.2 In the literature review, most of the Assessment Area under Current Project have been covered (see Figure 8.4).

8.3.3 Latest available approved EIA report was study for housing sites in Yuen Long South (ARUP, 2017), and the ecological surveys were conducted in 2013. Data also included additional surveys in 2014 and verification surveys in 2016. Flora and fauna species of conservation importance were not recorded within the Project Site. Flora and fauna species of conservation importance were recorded within the Current Assessment Area, near the TYSTI, are presented in Figure 8.3 and Figure 8.4.

8.3.4 Latest available study was for public housing development near Tan Kwai Tsuen (CEDD, 2023). Ecological surveys were conducted in 2016 and further surveys were conducted in 2018 and 2019. Flora and fauna species of conservation importance were recorded within the Current Assessment Area and are presented in Figure 8.3and Figure 8.4.

8.3.5 The following ecological surveys for the Current Project were conducted to fill the information gap due to spatial and temporal difference of the Assessment Area.

Ecological Surveys

8.3.6 The survey period covered wet season for a period of 4 months, from April to July 2023. The survey programme is shown in Table 8.1 below.

Table 8.1 Ecological Survey Programme

Tasks	2023
Tasks	Apr	May	Jun	Jul
Field Surveys
Habitat and Vegetation Surveys	✓
Terrestrial Mammal Surveys	✓	✓	✓	✓
Avifauna Surveys	✓	✓	✓	✓
Egretry Surveys	✓	✓	✓	✓
Herpetofauna Surveys	✓	✓	✓	✓
Butterfly and Odonate Surveys	✓	✓	✓	✓
Aquatic Assemblages Surveys		✓		✓

8.3.7 The ecological field surveys involved the Assessment Area (AA) which is defined as all area within 500m from the proposed works boundary (see Figure 8.2). The surveys covered the ecological context (both fauna and flora) associated with the Study Area and will cover various fauna groups as required.

8.3.8 All floral and faunal species of conservation importance recorded during the surveys were photographed as far as possible and the locations of the records was marked with a GPS device and indicated on the habitat maps.

8.3.9 A comprehensive species list of each taxa surveyed (including both flora and fauna) will be compiled, with the conservation status, protection status, and other relevant information (such as distribution, rarity, nativeness, etc.) for each species reported. The species list of each taxa surveyed will be presented under different habitats within the Site and within the Study Area outside the Site respectively.

Habitat and Vegetation Survey

8.3.10 Habitats within the Study Area were identified by making reference to the latest available aerial photographs obtained from Lands Department and also ground-truthing. Habitats identified are illustrated on a habitat map of an appropriate scale (e.g., 1:1000 to 1:5000) to show the distribution and coverage of each habitat type. The habitat map has been reviewed and updated, if necessary, throughout the 4-month study period.

8.3.11 Ecological characteristics of each identified habitat type, such as size, vegetation type, dominant floral species present, species abundance and diversity, community structure, naturalness, seasonal patterns and inter-dependence of habitats and species, and presence of any features of ecological importance, are discussed in Section 8.4. Representative photographs of each habitat type and any importance ecological features are provided in Appendix 8.3.

8.3.12 Vegetation survey was conducted via transects once within the study period. Floral species observed during the surveys were identified to species level, with their relative abundance recorded.

8.3.13 A plant species list presenting the recorded plant species and presence of species of conservation concern was established for the Study Area (Appendix 8.1). The plant species list also presented the conservation status, the form (e.g., herbaceous, shrub, tree) and categorize whether the species is native or exotic. Nomenclature and conservation status of floral species follows Xing et al. (2000), Wu & Lee (2000), Barretto et al. (2011) as well as AFCD (2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012).

Mammal Survey

8.3.14 Mammal surveys (including day and night-time surveys) were carried out monthly via transects. Since most mammalian species in Hong Kong occur at low densities, surveys for mammals included both direct observation and active searching for signs of mammal occurrence (including potential roost, footprints, and droppings). Night-time surveys were also conducted to supplement the findings from day-time surveys. Bat surveys were conducted using bat recorders along transects. For any bat roosts found within the Study Area and any foraging bats observed along the transects, number of bats were counted.

8.3.15 Nomenclature of species will follow AFCD’s Hong Kong Biodiversity Database. A comprehensive list of species recorded from the Study Area with conservation and protection status indicated, is presented in Appendix 8.2.

Avifauna Survey

8.3.16 Surveys for birds were conducted monthly by transect count with the aid of a pair of binoculars at a suitable time (usually in early morning) when birds are most active. Night-time surveys were conducted to detect presence of nocturnal species. Avifauna species were detected either by direct sighting or by their call. Species recorded was identified and quantified, with special reference to behaviors such as feeding, roosting, and breeding. During the avifauna survey, special attention has been given to presence of any egretry, pre-roosting site and night roost within the Study Area.

8.3.17 Nomenclature of species will follow the updated List of Hong Kong Birds published by the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. A comprehensive list of species recorded from the Study Area with conservation and protection status indicated, is presented in Appendix 8.2.

Egretry Survey

8.3.18 Hung Shui Kiu Egretry was first discovered in 2021 (Anon, 2021). Egretry Surveys were conducted monthly in the breeding season (Apr – Jul 2023). The distribution and abundance of nests for different ardeid species, determined by the presence of incubating adults or chicks, were recorded directly from vantage points along the edge of the egretry with the use of 8-10x binoculars.

Herpetofauna Survey

8.3.19 Herpetofauna surveys (including day and night-time surveys) were conducted four times in wet season. All potential habitats for amphibian and reptile will be actively searched throughout the survey. It would also be necessary to examine or uncover microhabitats (e.g., stones, crevices, or rotten log) deliberately to reveal the presence of the amphibians and reptiles hiding under these covers. Active searching for eggs and tadpoles of amphibians in aquatic habitats was conducted to indicate breeding activities. All life form of amphibians, including adult, tadpole, juvenile and egg, were recorded to indicate the breeding potential in the survey site.

8.3.20 Nomenclature of species will follow AFCD’s Hong Kong Biodiversity Database. A comprehensive list of species recorded from the Study Area with conservation and protection status indicated, is presented in Appendix 8.2.

Butterfly and Odonate Survey

8.3.21 Odonates and butterflies survey were conducted monthly. For butterflies, active searching for larvae and pupae within 5m of the transects was conducted. For odonates, special attention was paid to aquatic habitats such as watercourses. All species observed was identified to species level and quantified. Species occurring outside 5m of the transects but within the Study Area were also be recorded. The surveys were conducted at suitable weather condition to avoid overcast weather when butterfly and odonates are less active and less easy to be detected.

8.3.22 Nomenclature of species will follow AFCD’s Hong Kong Biodiversity Database. A comprehensive list of species recorded from the Study Area with conservation and protection status indicated, is presented in Appendix 8.2.

Aquatic Assemblages Survey

8.3.23 Aquatic fauna, including freshwater/brackish macro-invertebrates and fishes at sizeable streams, notable water bodies (e.g., ponds) and other wetlands in the terrestrial / estuarine areas was the focus. The species was surveyed by direct observation and active searching by hand nets, baited traps and other standard field sampling techniques as appropriate, depending on the actual site conditions. The survey team has the Special Permit from AFCD issued under Cap.170 for the surveys using hand nets and traps.

8.3.24 Within each stream/channel, surveys were conducted ideally to cover different sections of the stream/channel. Aquatic fauna surveys were conducted twice in wet season, each of which shall individually cover the whole Study Area. During each survey, all survey transects/ sampling locations for terrestrial fauna were covered.

8.3.25 Nomenclature of species will follow AFCD’s Hong Kong Biodiversity Database. A comprehensive list of species recorded from the Study Area with conservation and protection status indicated, is presented in Appendix 8.2.

8.4 Baseline Conditions

Project Site and Assessment Area

8.4.1 The Project comprises:

· Widening of an approximately 1000-metre-long at-grade road section (with 20m long x 8m wide bridge deck at Shui Fu Road) of YLH between Lam Tei Quarry Interchange (LTQI) and Tin Shui Wai West Interchange (TSWWI) (the road levels at about +24 to +37 mPD) from existing dual-three lane to dual-four lane (additional 7.3m width carriageway) at eastbound and one side of the existing YLH supported by slope works, and existing central divider will be adjusted toward south between LTQI and future Ping Shan South Housing Development (PSS), and toward north between PSS and TSWWI;

· Widening of an approximately 600-metre-long at-grade road section of YLH between Tin Shui Wai West Interchange and Tong Yan San Tsuen Interchange (the road levels at about +14 to +19 mPD) from existing dual-three lane to dual-four lane (additional 7.3m width carriageway) at westbound and one side of the YLH support by retaining structures, and existing central divider will be adjusted toward south between TSWWI and TYSYI;

· Widening of an approximately 300-metre-long at-grade slip road connecting Hung Tin Road (southbound) to Yuen Long Highway (eastbound) (the road levels at about +13 to +14 mPD) from existing one lane to two lanes (additional 3.65m width carriageway) support by retaining structures;

· Associated works including civil, geotechnical, slope, road drainage, waterworks, utilities, public lighting, landscaping works, sign gantries modification, noise barrier upgrading/re-provisioning works due to the widening of Yuen Long Highway, traffic control and surveillance system, re-provisioning of facilities affected by the proposed road works and environmental mitigation measures; and

· The interfacing works with other projects.

8.4.2 The Assessment Area (AA) for the purpose of ecological impact assessment of the Project includes all areas within 500m from the boundary of the Project Site and any areas likely to be impacted by the Project. In this context, Project Site in the report refers to the area within the Project Site boundary, whereas AA refers to the area within the 500m radius but excluding the Project Site.

Recognized Sites of Conservation Importance

8.4.3 According to Approved Tong Yan San Tsuen Outline Zoning Plan (No. S/YL-TYST/14) and Approved Lam Tei and Yick Yuen Outline Zoning Plan (No. S/TM-LTYY/12), there are Conservation Area (CA) zones located at the southern Assessment Area. The zoning intention is to protect and preserve the existing natural landscape, ecological and topographical features for conservation, education and research purposes and to separate sensitive natural environment such as Country Park from the adverse effects of development. Semi-natural watercourse, plantation and grassland/shrubland are the habitats recorded within the CA zone. Ecological value of the semi-natural watercourse is moderate while ecological value of plantation and grassland/shrubland are low to moderate.

8.4.4 Hung Shui Kiu Egretry was first discovered in 2021 (Anon, 2021). It is located at the northern margin of the Assessment Area, i.e., 500m away from the nearest Project Site boundary.

8.4.5 The CA zone and Hung Shui Kiu Egretry are presented in Figure 8.1.

Habitat and Flora

Literature review

8.4.6 The Project Site and Assessment Area have been partly covered in the literatures. Assessment Area, where covered in study for Yuen Long South (Arup, 2017) were categorized into 16 habitats.

Table 8.2 Habitats and their ecological value in AEIAR-215/2017

Habitat	Ecological Value
Watercourse	Low
Channelised Watercourse	Low to moderate
Pond	Low to moderate
Wet Agricultural Land	Low to moderate
Dry Agricultural Land	Low to moderate
Inactive Agricultural Land	Low to moderate
Seasonally Wet Grassland	Low to moderate
Grassland	Low
Grassland/Shrubland	Low to moderate
Secondary Woodland	Low to moderate
Plantation	Low
Orchard	Low
Village Area	Low
Wasteland	Low
Developed Area	Low

8.4.7 Assessment Area, where covered in study for Tan Kawi Tsuen (CEDD, 2023) were categorized into 15 habitats.

Table 8.3 Habitats and their ecological value in A/YL-TYST/1201

Habitat	Ecological Value
Mixed Woodland	Low to moderate
Plantation Woodland	Low to moderate
Shrubland	Low to moderate
Landscape Plantation	Low
Hillside Shrubby Grassland	Low to moderate
Low-lying Grassland	Low
Agricultural Land	Low
Orchard	Low
Pond	Low to moderate
Stream	Moderate (for the upstream of semi-natural watercourse at the southern west of the Current Assessment Area); Low for others
Drainage Channel	Low
Village Area	Low
Wasteland	Low
Works Area	Negligible
Urban & Industrial Area	Negligible

8.4.8 Five flora species of conservation importance (Nepenthes mirabilis, Aquilaria sinensis, Artocarpus hypargyreus, Camellia oleifera, Gnetum luofuense) were recorded from literature. Fauna species of conservation including, two mammal (Pallas’s Squirrel, Short-nosed Fruit Bat), one reptile (Buff-striped Keelback), one amphibian (Chinese Bullfrog), three butterfly (Danaid Eggfly, Dark Brown Ace, Grass Demon), one odonate (Blue Chaser) and two aquatic invertebrates (Larvae of Emerald Cascader, Somanniathelphusa zanklon), were recorded from literature. All of these species were recorded outside the Project Site. Their locations are presented in Figure 8.4.

Survey Findings

8.4.9 The 4-month ecological baseline survey were conducted from April 2023 to July 2023. A total of 10 habitats, including channelised watercourse, semi-natural watercourse, pond, agricultural land, orchard, grassland/shrubland, plantation, village area, wasteland and developed area, had been identified.

8.4.10 Among these habitats, Project Site consists extensively developed area with some plantation and village area.

8.4.11 A habitat map for the Project Site and AA was prepared based on recent aerial photographs and detailed ground-truthing. The map is provided as Figure 8.3. Scale of 1:5000 is presented in Figure 8.3A, 8.3B and 8.3C. The area of each habitat was then calculated and presented in Table 8.4 below.

Table 8.4 Areas of Habitats in Project Sites and AA

Habitat	Project Site	AA (excluding Project Site)	Total
Habitat	(ha)	(ha)	(ha)
Channelised Watercourse	-	2.7 (length of ~5.7km)	2.7 (length of ~5.7km)
Semi-natural Watercourse	-	1.2 (length of ~1km)	1.2 (length of ~1km)
Pond	-	0.8	0.8
Agricultural Land	-	7.9	7.9
Orchard	-	1.3	1.3
Grassland/Shrubland	-	40.2	40.2
Plantation	1.8	54.1	56.0
Village Area	1.6	62.4	64.0
Wasteland	-	0.2	0.2
Developed Area	17.6	216.1	233.7
Total	21.1	386.8	408.0

8.4.12 Plant species recorded in the respective habitats along the transect and nearby areas in the Assessment Area are presented in Appendix 8.1. No flora species of conservation importance was recorded within the Project Site. A seedling of the Aquilaria sinensis was found at TSWWI, within the AA.

Channelised watercourse

8.4.13 The channelised watercourse include Hung Shui Kiu Channel (HSKC), channels along Shan Ha Road and Kiu Hung Road within the AA. The channelised watercourses have been heavily engineered and modified for improvement of drainage within the area. A total of 22 bird, 4 amphibian, 2 reptile, 8 butterfly and 20 odonate species have been recorded during the surveys. Species of conservation importance including bird species Chinese Pond Heron and Little Egret, odonate species Emerald Cascader and freshwater crab Somanniathelphus zanklon have been recorded.

Semi-natural watercourse

8.4.14 Natural streams were recorded in the literature but section within the current Assessment Area have been partly modified. Two sizable semi-natural watercourses located at the southern west of AA, including the Tan Kwai Tsuen Stream (TKTS) and Hung Shui Hang Stream (HSHS). The section of TKTS within AA was observed with anthropogenic pollution. The middle course is narrower and is bottomed with large boulders. At the lower course, the bottom is sand and silt, and the riverbank has been modified with concrete and under department management. There is a dam built in between, connecting to the channelised watercourse downstream.

8.4.14a Although there were Nepenthes mirabilis along TKTS in the literature, the species was not recorded at the section within AA under this study. A total of 16 bird, 4 amphibian, 1 reptile, 12 butterfly, 28 odonate species were recorded utilizing the semi-natural watercourse and the associated riparian area.

Pond

8.4.15 Scattered ponds were recorded at the northern east of AA, with agricultural areas at Fui Sha Wai and near TYSTI. All ponds are abandoned. A total of 1 bird, 3 amphibian, 1 reptile, 4 butterfly and 18 odonate species have been recorded during the surveys.

Agricultural land

8.4.16 Active agricultural lands were recorded at Fui Sha Wai, near TYSTI and at Wo Ping San Tsuen. Dominant species include common fruit trees such as Dimocarpus longan, Litchi chinensis, Musa x paradisiaca and common crop species. A total of 8 bird, 3 amphibian, 2 reptile, 11 butterfly and 13 odonate species have been recorded during the surveys. One odonate species of conservation importance, Blue Chaser, has been recorded within the agricultural lands.

Orchard

8.4.17 Orchard of common fruit trees such as Dimocarpus longan and Litchi chinensis and Artocarpus heterophyllus, was recorded near Tan Kwai Tsuen Salt Water Service Reservoir. A total of 2 amphibian, 1 reptile, 7 butterfly and 1 odonate species have been recorded during the surveys.

Grassland/shrubland

8.4.18 Hillside areas to the south of Project Site, are mainly covered with typical species in shrubby grassland, such as Miscanthus floridulus, Miscanthus sinensis, Neyraudia reynaudiana and trees of shrubland species such as Rhus succedanea. A total of 1 mammal, 19 bird, 4 amphibian, 2 reptile, 18 butterfly and 3 odonate species have been recorded during the surveys.

Plantation

8.4.19 Plantation stands are scattering within the AA, including extensive patches at the interchanges and hillside areas to the south of Project Site around the Tan Kai Tsuen. Acacia confusa and Lophostemon confertus are the most dominant plantation species in this habitat. Part of the areas were described as “Mixed Woodland” and/or “Plantation Woodland” in the literature, while both were dominated by planted species. A total of 1 mammal, 10 bird, 2 amphibian, 3 reptile, 17 butterfly and 6 odonate species have been recorded in plantation area within the AA during the surveys; among these, one species of conservation importance, Short-nosed Fruit Bat, a very common species in Hong Kong, have been recorded roosting on Chinese Fan-palm Livistona chinensis. All bat species is protected under Cap.170 in Hong Kong. A total of 5 bird, 3 amphibian, 2 reptile, 10 butterfly and 3 odonate species have been recorded in the plantation area within the Project Site during the surveys, without species of conservation importance.

Village area

8.4.20 Village areas recorded within AA included extensive area at the west of AA and scattered along the Project Site. Fruit trees and village plantation species such as Ficus microcarpa are the most dominant species in the village areas. A total of 3 bird, 2 amphibian, 3 reptile, 9 butterfly and 3 odonate species have been recorded in village area within the AA during the surveys. A total of 3 bird, 1 amphibian, 3 reptile, 5 butterfly and 7 odonate species have been recorded in the village area within the Project Site during the surveys, without species of conservation importance.

Wasteland

8.4.21 A small piece of wasteland (0.2ha) was recorded at Fui Sha Wai. According to the literature, the area was part of the agricultural land, but it was bulldozed. Only 1 amphibian and 1 butterfly was recorded during the surveys.

Developed area

8.4.22 Most of the AA are highly developed, including low-rise residential estates, highway, road networks and brownfield operations. This habitat is dominated by a wide range of amenity street tree and ornamental species and weedy vegetation along the roadside verges. A total of 3 mammal, 21 bird, 2 amphibian, 7 reptile, 13 butterfly and 5 odonate species have been recorded in developed area within the AA during the surveys; among these, 3 mammal species of conservation importance (Short-nosed Fruit Bat, Japanese Pipistrelle and Pallas’s Squirrel) and 1 reptile species of conservation importance (Common Rat Snake) were recorded. A total of 7 bird, 2 amphibian, 3 reptile, 7 butterfly and 1 odonate species have been recorded in the developed area within the Project Site during the surveys, without species of conservation importance.

Fauna

Mammals

8.4.23 A total of 4 mammal species were recorded within the AA. Short-nosed Fruit Bat and Japanese Pipistrelle are very common bat species in urban areas and widely distributed in Hong Kong. Pallas’s Squirrel is common and fairly distributed in Hong Kong. Short-nosed Fruit Bat, Japanese Pipistrelle and Pallas’s Squirrel are protected under Cap. 170. Japanese Pipistrelle was observed foraging within developed area during the night-time transect survey along Castle Peak Road (Ping Shan). Roosts of Short-nosed Fruit Bat were recorded next to the Hung Shui Kiu Egretry and near the TYSTI. All roosts were found with Chinese Fan-Palms. Maximum of 11 bats were recorded at the roosts next to the Hung Shui Kiu Egretry and maximum of 7 bats were recorded at the roosts near the TYSTI.

8.4.24 A comprehensive species list is presented in Table 1 in Appendix 8.2.

Avifauna

8.4.25 A total of 37 bird species were recorded within the AA. Six species of conservation importance were recorded, Chinese Pond Heron, Eastern Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Crested Serpent Eagle, Besra and Black Kite. Chinese Pond Heron which is considered as Potential Regional Concern (Fellowes et al. 2002), was recorded in channelised watercourse across Wo Ping San Tsuen. Eastern Cattle Egret was occasionally recorded in open storage area to the south of TYSTI. Little Egret which is considered as Potential Regional Concern (Fellowes et al. 2002), was recorded in channelised watercourse next to the egretry and semi-natural watercourse. Crested Serpent Eagle which is protected under Cap.586, was recorded in plantation area near North West New Territories Refuse Transfer Station. Besra which is protected under Cap.586, was recorded in village area at Wo Ping San Tsuen. Black Kite which is protected under Cap.586, was recorded in village area and developed area.

8.4.26 A total of 14 bird species were recorded with Project Site. Four species of conservation importance were recorded in flight across the Project Site, including Chinese Pond Heron, Eastern Cattle Egret, Little Egret and Black Kite.

8.4.27 A comprehensive species list is presented in Table 2 in Appendix 8.2.

Egretry

8.4.28 Hung Shui Kiu Egretry remained active during the breeding season in 2023. Little Egrets were observed nesting on trees next to Hung Tai Road and Hung Shui Kiu Main Street. Maximum count of 25 Little Egret nests were recorded in May 2023, and number of nests gradually decreased after that. Number of nests recorded were similar to previous breeding seasons, which was less than 2% of total number in Hong Kong. The breeding population is considered low in Hong Kong context.

Herpetofauna

8.4.29 A total of 8 reptile species and 8 amphibian species were recorded within the AA. All species are widely distributed in Hong Kong (AFCD). Common Rat Snake is considered of Potential Regional Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002), which was recorded near TSWWI.

8.4.30 A total of 4 reptile species and 3 amphibian species were recorded within Project Site. No species of conservation importance was recorded within the Project Site.

8.4.31 Comprehensive species list is presented in Table 3 and Table 4 in Appendix 8.2.

Butterfly and odonate

8.4.32 A total of 39 butterfly species were recorded within the AA while 14 butterfly species were recorded within Project Site. None of these are of conservation importance.

8.4.33 A total of 40 odonate species were recorded within the AA; six of them are species of conservation importance. A total of 7 odonate species were recorded within Project Site; none of these are of conservation importance.

8.4.34 Comprehensive species list is presented in Table 5 and Table 6 in Appendix 8.2.

Aquatic assemblages

8.4.35 Sampling locations included TKTS and HSHS, were surveyed. A total of 7 fish species and 8 aquatic invertebrate species were recorded within the AA. Three of these are species of conservation importance. Freshwater Crab Somanniathelphusa zanoklon was considered of Global Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002) and Endangered in the IUCN Red List (Esser and Cumberlidge 2008. Somanniathelphusa zanklon. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2008: Accessed on 03 August 2023). Hainan Clubtail Lamelligomphus hainanensis was considered of Local Concern while Emerald Cascader Zygonyx iris was considered of Potential Global Concern.

8.4.36 Comprehensive species list is presented in Table 7 in Appendix 8.2.

8.5 Evaluation of Habitats

8.5.1 The ecological importance of the habitats within the Project Site and Study Area is evaluated and presented in Table 8.5 to Table 8.17.

Habitat within Project Site

Table 8.5 Habitat evaluation for Plantation

Criteria	Plantation
Naturalness	Artificial Habitat disturbed by nearby human activities and traffic
Size	1.8 ha
Diversity	Low diversity (5 bird, 3 amphibian, 2 reptile, 10 butterfly and 3 odonate species)
Rarity	Common habitat
Re-creatability	Readily re-creatable
Fragmentation	Highly fragmented by developed areas and roads
Ecological linkage	Low ecological linkage
Potential value	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	No known significant nursery or breeding ground
Age	Within the past few decades
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Low abundance
Ecological value	Low

Table 8.6 Habitat evaluation for Village Area

Criteria	Village Area
Naturalness	Entirely artificial
Size	1.6 ha
Diversity	Low diversity (3 bird, 1 amphibian, 3 reptile, 5 butterfly and 7 odonate species)
Rarity	Common habitat
Re-creatability	Readily re-creatable
Fragmentation	Not applicable
Ecological linkage	Low ecological linkage
Potential value	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	No known significant nursery or breeding ground
Age	Within the past few decades
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Low abundance
Ecological value	Low

Table 8.7 Habitat evaluation for Developed Area

Criteria	Developed Area
Naturalness	Entirely artificial
Size	17.6 ha
Diversity	Low diversity (7 bird, 2 amphibian, 3 reptile, 7 butterfly and 1 odonate species)
Rarity	Common commensal habitat
Re-creatability	Readily re-creatable
Fragmentation	Not applicable
Ecological linkage	No significant linkages with habitats of ecological significance
Potential value	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	No known significant nursery or breeding ground
Age	Within the past few decades
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Low abundance of wildlife
Ecological value	Negligible

Habitat within AA (excluding Project Sites)

Table 8.8 Habitat evaluation for Channelised Watercourse

Criteria	Channelised Watercourse
Naturalness	Heavily engineered or modified for improvement of drainage
Size	2.7 ha, approximately length of 5.7km
Diversity	Low diversity (22 bird, 4 amphibian, 2 reptile, 8 butterfly and 20 odonate species)
Rarity	Common habitat Species of conservation importance recorded: - freshwater crab Somanniathelphusa zanklon, - odonate species Emerald Cascader; - bird species Chinese Pond Heron and Little Egret.
Re-creatability	Readily re-creatable
Fragmentation	Fragmented by developed areas and roads
Ecological linkage	Limited ecological linkage
Potential value	Limited
Nursery/breeding ground	No known significant nursery or breeding ground. The section adjacent to the Hung Shui Kiu Egretry is outside the AA
Age	Over several decades
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Low abundance of wildlife
Ecological value	Low

Table 8.9 Habitat evaluation for Semi-natural watercourse

Criteria	Semi-natural Watercourse
Naturalness	Semi-natural with anthropogenic disturbance
Size	1.2 ha, approximately length of 1km
Diversity	Low to moderate (16 bird, 4 amphibian, 1 reptile, 12 butterfly and 28 odonate species)
Rarity	Common habitat Species of conservation importance recorded: - freshwater crab Somanniathelphusa zanklon; - odonate species Tiger Hawker, Hainan Clubtail, Ruby Darter, Scarlet Basker and Emerald Cascader; - bird species Little Egret.
Re-creatability	Re-creatable
Fragmentation	Not fragmented
Ecological linkage	Ecologically linked with adjacent habitats
Potential value	Could be enhanced if anthropogenic disturbance from nearby villages could be further reduced
Nursery/breeding ground	Potential breeding ground of freshwater crab Somanniathelphusa zanklon and odonate species including Tiger Hawker, Hainan Clubtail and Emerald Cascader
Age	Over several decades
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Low to moderate abundance of wildlife
Ecological value	Moderate

Table 8.10 Habitat evaluation for Pond

Criteria	Pond
Naturalness	Entirely artificial habitat
Size	0.8 ha, very small
Diversity	Low diversity (1 bird, 3 amphibian, 1 reptile, 4 butterfly and 18 odonate species)
Rarity	Common habitat
Re-creatability	Readily re-creatable
Fragmentation	Fragmented
Ecological linkage	Low ecological linkage to other habitats
Potential value	Low due to small pond area, pond use and isolated location
Nursery/breeding ground	No known significant nursery or breeding ground
Age	Unknown
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Low abundance of wildlife
Ecological value	Low

Table 8.11 Habitat evaluation for Agriculture Land

Criteria	Agricultural Land
Naturalness	Artificial habitat created for cultivation of crops
Size	7.9 ha
Diversity	Low diversity (8 bird, 3 amphibian, 2 reptile, 11 butterfly and 13 odonate species)
Rarity	Common habitat Species of conservation importance recorded: - odonate species Blue Chaser
Re-creatability	Readily re-creatable
Fragmentation	Fragmented
Ecological linkage	Low ecological linkage to other habitats
Potential value	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	No known significant nursery or breeding ground
Age	Unknown
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Low abundance of wildlife
Ecological value	Low

Table 8.12 Habitat evaluation for Orchard

Criteria	Orchard
Naturalness	Artificial habitat created for cultivation of fruit trees
Size	1.3 ha
Diversity	Low diversity (2 amphibian, 1 reptile, 7 butterfly and 1 odonate species)
Rarity	Common habitat
Re-creatability	Readily re-creatable
Fragmentation	Fragmented
Ecological linkage	Low ecological linkage to other habitats
Potential value	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	No known significant nursery or breeding ground
Age	Unknown
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Low abundance of wildlife
Ecological value	Low

Table 8.13 Habitat evaluation for Grassland/Shrubland

Criteria	Grassland/Shrubland
Naturalness	Semi-natural habitat undergoes natural succession, with anthropogenic disturbance including hill fire
Size	40.2 ha
Diversity	Low to moderate diversity (1 mammal, 19 bird, 4 amphibian, 2 reptile, 18 butterfly and 3 odonate species)
Rarity	Common habitat
Re-creatability	Readily re-creatable
Fragmentation	Fragmented
Ecological linkage	Ecologically linked with adjacent habitats
Potential value	Will be enhanced through natural succession
Nursery/breeding ground	No known significant nursery or breeding ground
Age	Over several decades
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Low to moderate abundance of wildlife
Ecological value	Low to moderate

Table 8.14 Habitat evaluation for Plantation

Criteria	Plantation
Naturalness	Man-made
Size	54.1 ha
Diversity	Low diversity (1 mammal, 10 bird, 2 amphibian, 3 reptile, 17 butterfly and 6 odonate species)
Rarity	Common habitat Short-nosed Fruit Bat, a very common species in Hong Kong was recorded roosting on Chinese Fan-palm Livistona chinensis. A young seedling of protected tree species Aquilaria sinensis was recorded at the plantation edge (roadside) but away from the Project site.
Re-creatability	Readily re-creatable
Fragmentation	Highly fragmented by developed areas and roads
Ecological linkage	Low ecological linkage
Potential value	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	No known significant nursery or breeding ground
Age	Unknown
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Low abundance of wildlife
Ecological value	Low

Table 8.15 Habitat evaluation for Village Area

Criteria	Village Area
Naturalness	Entirely artificial
Size	62.4 ha
Diversity	Low diversity (3 bird, 2 amphibian, 3 reptile, 9 butterfly and 3 odonate species)
Rarity	A common habitat in the New Territories
Re-creatability	Readily re-creatable
Fragmentation	Not applicable
Ecological linkage	No significant functional or ecological linkage with other habitats
Potential value	Negligible
Nursery/breeding ground	No known significant nursery or breeding ground
Age	Over several decades
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Low abundance of wildlife
Ecological value	Low

Table 8.16 Habitat evaluation for Wasteland

Criteria	Wasteland
Naturalness	Entirely artificial
Size	0.2 ha
Diversity	Very low faunal and floral diversity (1 amphibian and 1 butterfly species)
Rarity	A common habitat in the New Territories
Re-creatability	Readily re-creatable
Fragmentation	Not applicable
Ecological linkage	No significant functional or ecological linkage with other habitats. The bulldozed agricultural land was highly fragmented and surrounded by village areas
Potential value	Negligible
Nursery/breeding ground	No known significant nursery or breeding ground
Age	Recent
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Very low floral and faunal diversity and abundance
Ecological value	Very Low

Table 8.17 Habitat evaluation for Developed Area

Criteria	Developed Area
Naturalness	Entirely artificial
Size	216.1 ha, 55.9% of the AA
Diversity	Low to moderate floral and faunal diversity (3 mammal, 21 bird, 2 amphibian, 7 reptile, 13 butterfly and 5 odonate species)
Rarity	Common habitat Species of conservation importance recorded: - mammal species, Short-nosed Fruit Bat, a very common species in Hong Kong was recorded roosting on Chinese Fan-palm Livistona chinensis; Japanese Pipistrelle and Pallas’s Squirrel - reptile species Common Rat Snake
Re-creatability	Readily re-creatable
Fragmentation	Not applicable
Ecological linkage	No significant linkages with habitats of ecological significance
Potential value	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	No known significant nursery or breeding ground
Age	Over several decades
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Low abundance and diversity of wildlife commensal with anthropogenic activities
Ecological value	Low

8.5.2 Species of conservation importance (1 flora, 3 mammal, 6 avifauna, 1 reptile, 6 odonate, 3 aquatic fauna) have been recorded within the AA under the current study. Locations are shown in Figure 8.3.

Table 8.18 Flora and Fauna Specis of Conservation Importance

Species	Protection Status	Conservation Status	Distribution in Hong Kong	Ecological Value
Flora
Incense Tree Aquilaria sinensis	Cap.586	Vulnerable (IUCN)	Commonly found in lowland forest and fung shui woodland	Low (single specimen within developed area)
Mammal
Short-nosed Fruit Bat Cynopterus sphinx	Cap.170	Near Threatened (RLCV)	Very widely distributed in urban and countryside areas throughout Hong Kong	Moderate (Roosts have been recorded within AA)
Japanese Pipistrelle Pipistellus abramus	Cap.170	-	Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong	Low
Pallas’s Squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus	Cap.170	-	Fairly widely distributed	Low
Avifauna
Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus	Cap.170	PRC (RC) (Fellowes et al. 2002)	Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Low
Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus Coromandus	Cap.170	(LC) (Fellowes et al. 2002)	Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Low
Little Egret Egretta garzetta	Cap.170	PRC (RC) (Fellowes et al. 2002)	Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Moderate (the egretry)
Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela	Cap.170, Cap.586	(LC) (Fellowes et al. 2002)	Widely distributed in shrublands on hillsides throughout Hong Kong	Low
Besra Accipiter virgatus	Cap.170, Cap.586	-	Common Resident	Low
Black Kite Milvus migrans	Cap.170, Cap.586	(RC) (Fellowes et al. 2002)	Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Low
Reptile
Common Rat Snake Ptyas mucosus	Cap.586	PRC (Fellowes et al. 2002)	Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Low
Odonate
Dingy Dusk-hawker Gynacantha subinterrupta	-	LC (Fellowes et al. 2002)	Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Low (low in number recorded)
Tiget Hawker Polycanthagyna erythromelas	-	LC (Fellowes et al. 2002)	Frequents small ponds or puddles in forests. Widespread in woodlands all over Hong Kong.	Low (low in number recorded)
Blue Chaser Potamarcha congener	-	LC (Fellowes et al. 2002)	Widely distributed in the New Territories.	Low (low in number recorded)
Ruby Darter Rhodothemis rufa	-	LC (Fellowes et al. 2002)	Widely distributed in ponds and marshes with dense floating plants	Low (low in number recorded)
Scarlet Basker Urothemis signata	-	LC (Fellowes et al. 2002)	Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Low (low in number recorded)
Emerald Cascader Zygonyx iris	-	PGC (Fellowes et al. 2002)	Widely distributed in moderately clean, rapidly flowing forested streams throughout Hong Kong.	Low (low in number recorded)
Aquatic Fauna
Hainan Clubtail (Larva) Lamelligomphus hainanensis	-	LC (Fellowes et al. 2002)	Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Low (low in number recorded)
Emerald Cascader (Larva) Zygonyx iris	-	PGC (Fellowes et al. 2002)	Widely distributed in moderately clean, rapidly flowing forested streams throughout Hong Kong.	Low (low in number recorded)
Freshwater crab Somanniathelphusa zanklon	-	GC (Fellowes et al. 2002); Endangered (IUCN)	Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Low (low in number recorded)

8.6 Potential Ecological Impact

Assessment Methodology

8.6.1 Based on the literature review and survey findings, potential ecological impacts were identified, quantified, where possible, and assessed. Ecological impacts during construction phase and operational phase are categorized.

· Direct habitat loss;

· Disturbance during construction phase;

· Indirect impacts on habitats of ecological importance through disturbance during construction phase;

· Indirect impacts on flora and fauna species of conservation importance during construction phase;

· Disturbance during operational phase;

· Potential bird collision during operational phase;

· Impact to Hung Shui Kiu egretry during operational phase;

· Impact to flora and fauna species of conservation importance during operational phase

Identification of Impacts

Construction Phase

Direct habitat loss

8.6.2 The proposed road widening works involves modifications of the existing interchanges, where approximately 1.8ha plantation and 1.6ha village fringe areas fall within the works area. The remaining works area is mainly the existing highway/ road (~17.6ha developed area). The existing plantation area is highly fragmented and disturbed by surrounding traffic; also from the survey findings, the wildlife diversity and abundance within the area is low. The direct impact on wildlife due to the habitat loss within the Project Site, is anticipated to be negligible to low significance.

Table 8.19 Potential Ecological Impact of Habitat Loss

Criteria	Developed Area	Plantation	Village Area
Habitat Quality	Negligible	Low	Low
Species	No flora and fauna species of conservation importance was recorded	No flora and fauna species of conservation importance was recorded	No flora and fauna species of conservation importance was recorded
Size	~17.6ha	~1.8ha	~1.6ha
Duration	Throughout the construction and operation phase	Throughout the construction and operation phase	Throughout the construction and operation phase
Reversibility	Irreversible	Irreversible	Irreversible
Magnitude	Low	Low	Low
Impact severity without mitigation	Negligible	Minor	Minor

8.6.3 No direct habitat loss will result in the broader AA outside the Project Site. No specific mitigation measures would be required.

Disturbance

8.6.4 In form of noise, light and dust, the existing habitats along YLH has been disturbed by traffic and other anthropogenic activities and existing fauna might have already accommodated. Noise and dust generated from construction activities within the Project Site might temporarily reduce the utilization of adjacent habitats by wildlife during construction phase. However, the Project Site is highly developed, and disturbance is already existing in the surrounding areas. Utilization of this type of habitat by fauna is very low due to the high level of disturbance, it is also unlikely that these areas are inhabited by disturbance sensitive animals. In addition, disturbance due to noise, dust and human activities will be short-term and localized. The potential impact is expected to be insignificant. Good site practice will be implemented to further minimize the potential impact.

8.6.5 In form of surface runoff, downstream of all watercourses identified along the YLH are channelised watercourse under DSD management. These channlised watercourses have been already impacted by various sources of runoff within the highly developed area. Potential impact due to the construction works is anticipated to be insignificant. The semi-natural watercourse is located at higher elevation and separated from the proposed works area by man-made dam. Impacts due to potential change in water quality, hydrodynamics properties and hydrology on semi-natural watercourse and alterations to riparian habitats, are therefore not anticipated. Good site practice will be implemented to further minimize the potential impact.

Table 8.20 Potential Ecological Impact to Watercourses

Criteria	Channelised Watercourses	Semi-natural Watercourse
Habitat Quality	Low	Moderate
Species	freshwater crab Somanniathelphusa zanklon, odonate species Emerald Cascader; bird species Chinese Pond Heron and Little Egret	freshwater crab Somanniathelphusa zanklon; odonate species Tiger Hawker, Hainan Clubtail, Ruby Darter, Scarlet Basker and Emerald Cascader; bird species Little Egret.
Size	2.7ha, approximately length of 5.7km	1.2 ha, approximately length of 1km
Duration	Temporary (construction phase) Permanent (operation phase)	No impact is anticipated
Reversibility	Reversible (construction phase) Irreversible (operation phase)	No impact is anticipated
Magnitude	Minor	No impact is anticipated
Impact severity without mitigation	Negligible	No impact is anticipated

Indirect impacts on habitats of ecological importance through disturbance

8.6.6 Indirect impacts on the habitats would be induced during the construction phase, in the form of noise, light, dust and other anthropogenic activities.

8.6.7 The CA zone is located at the southern west of the AA, which is 150m away from the nearest Project Site boundary. Based on the current study and in literature review, disturbance impacts to the CA zone are not anticipated.

8.6.8 The Hung Shui Kiu Egretry is located at the northern margin of the AA, which is 500m away from the nearest Project Site boundary. With such separation from the works area, disturbance impacts to the egretry is not anticipated.

8.6.9 Chinese Fan-palm Livistona chinensis at the TYSTI, are potential roosts of Short-nosed Fruit Bat. Short-nosed Fruit Bat have been recorded under current study and in literature review, at three locations (shown in Figure 8.3 and Figure 8.4) within the AA, where Livistona chinesis have been planted. Both bats in roost and bite marks on the fronds have been recorded, which suggest the roosting location varies with time. It is anticipated the disturbance impact to the potential roosts in close vicinity of works area (i.e. 50m) is of minor significance, in the absence of mitigation measures. Disturbance impact to the potential roosts during operation phase is anticipated to be negligible since the existing area is highly disturbed.

Table 8.21 Potential Ecological Impact to Habitats of Ecological Importance

Criteria	Hung Shui Kiu Egretry	Potential Bat Roost	Conservation Area
Habitat Quality	High	High	High
Species	Little Egret in breeding season	Short-nosed Fruit Bat	Emerald Cascader (Larva), Hainan Clubtail (Larva), Somanniathelphusa zanklon, Tiger Hawker
Size	N/A	N/A	7.7 ha grassland/shrubland, 4.76 ha plantation and 0.86 ha semi-natural watercourse
Duration	Temporary (construction phase) Permanent (operation phase)	Temporary	N/A
Reversibility	Reversible (construction phase) Irreversible (operation phase)	Reversible (construction phase) Irreversible (operation phase)	Reversible (construction phase) Irreversible (operation phase)
Magnitude	Negligible due to the distance from works area	Low to moderate during construction phase if the roost is located within 50m from the works area	Negligible due to the distance from works area
Impact severity without mitigation	Negligible	Minor (construction phase) Negligible (operation phase)	Negligible

Indirect impacts on flora and fauna species of conservation importance

8.6.10 All flora species of conservation importance were recorded outside the Project Site, uphill and/or upstream. These plants are separated from the proposed works area due to higher elevation and would not be affected by the proposed works in the lowland area. Any potential vibration, dust, run-off from the construction works will also be avoided and/or minimized. No indirect impact is anticipated.

8.6.11 Species of conservation importance (3 mammal, 6 avifauna, 1 reptile, 6 odonate, 3 aquatic fauna) have been recorded within the AA under the current study. Since avifauna and reptile species of conservation importance recorded are highly mobile and versatile in habitat utilisation, and more suitable habitats are available outside the Project Site, it is anticipated the impacts (noise, dust, traffic and human activities) to avifauna and reptile species of conservation importance is like the existing level due to everyday heavy traffic.

8.6.12 Odonate and aquatic fauna species of conservation importance have been recorded at the semi-natural watercourse at the southern west of AA and the channelised watercourse within the AA. Although the section of semi-natural watercourse is a downstream, it is located at higher elevation than the bottom of YLH viaducts and separated by a dam from the channelised watercourse to the north. It is anticipated water quality impact to the semi-natural watercourse and the species of conservation importance are negligible. The potential impact of site runoff to the channelised watercourse and the fauna species of conservation importance is minor, in the absence of mitigation measures.

Table 8.22 Potential Indirect impacts on flora and fauna species of conservation importance

Criteria	Potential Indirect impacts on flora and fauna species of conservation importance
Species	Flora: Nepenthes mirabilis, Aquilaria sinensis, Artocarpus hypargyreus, Camellia oleifera and Gnetum luofuense Mammal: Short-nosed Fruit Bat, Japanese Pipistrelle and Pallas’s Squirrel Bird: Chinese Pond Heron, Eastern Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Crested Serpent Eagle, Besra and Black Kite Reptile: Common Rat Snake Odonate: Dingy Dusk-hawker, Tiger Hawker, Blue Chaser, Ruby Darter, Scarlet Basker and Emerald Cascader Aquatic Fauna: Hainan Clubtail (Larva), Emerald Cascader (Larva) and freshwater crab Somanniathelphusa zanklon
Protection Status	Recorded mammal and bird species of conservation importance are protected under Cap.170. Crested Serpent Eagle, Besra and Black Kite are protected under Cap.586. Common Rat Snake is also protected under Cap,586
Distribution	All widely distributed in Hong Kong
Rarity	Aquilaria sinensis: Vulnerable (IUCN), Cap.586, Near Threatened in Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong Nepenthes mirabilis: Cap.96A, Cap.586, CITES (II), Vulnerable in Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong Artocarpus hypargyreus: Near Threatened in Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong Camellia oleifera: Rare, Cap.96A Gnetum luofuense: Near Threatened (IUCN) Bird species are listed in Fellowes et al. (2002) as: Potential Regional Concern: Chinese Pond Heron and Little Egret Regional Concern: (Chinese Pond Heron), (Little Egret) and (Black Kite) Local Concern: (Eastern Cattle Egret) and (Crested Serpent Eagle) Those in parentheses indicate that the assessment is on the basis of restrictedness in breeding and/or roosting sites rather than in general occurrence. Common Rat Snake: Potential Regional Concern (Fellowes et al. 2002) Odonate species are listed in Fellowes et al. (2002) as: Potential Regional Concern: Emerald Cascader Local Concern: Dingy Dusk-hawker, Tiger Hawker, Blue Chaser, Ruby Darter and Scarlet Basker. Aquatic fauna species are listed in Fellowes et al. (2002) as: Global Concern: freshwater crab Somanniathelphusa zanklon Potential Regional Concern: Emerald Cascader (Larva) Local Concern: Hainan Clubtail (Larva)
Duration	Temporary (construction phase) Permanent (operation phase)
Reversibility	Reversible (construction phase) Irreversible (operation phase)
Magnitude	Insignificant
Impact severity without mitigation	Impact to flora species of conservation importance: Negligible Impact to fauna species of conservation importance: Minor (construction phase); Negligible (operational phase)

Operational Phase

Disturbance

8.6.13 In form of noise, light and dust, the existing habitats along YLH has been disturbed by traffic and other anthropogenic activities and existing fauna might have already accommodated. The potential impact is expected to be insignificant.

8.6.14 In form of surface runoff, downstream of all watercourses identified along the YLH are channelised watercourse under department management. The semi-natural watercourse is located at higher elevation and separated from the proposed works area by man-made dam. No impact to the semi-natural watercourse is anticipated.

Potential bird collision

8.6.15 There will be reprovision of noise barriers along the road that may cause bird collision if not mitigated. However, it is anticipated that the number of birds passing through is low due to the highly disturbed nature, as recorded in the current study. The potential impact is anticipated to be minor. Mitigation such as adopting bird friendly design, such as using falcon sticker, tinted materials should be considered to further reduce the potential impact. The use of transparent/reflective materials should be avoided or minimized.

Impact to Hung Shui Kiu egretry

8.6.16 The Hung Shui Kiu egretry is located at highly disturbed area while separated from the proposed works. Impacts from the Yuen Long Highway during operation phase is expected to be negligible.

Impact to flora and fauna species of conservation importance

8.6.17 Fauna sensitive to human disturbance might have already avoided this area; while the existing species might have already accommodated disturbance. Impact to flora and fauna species of conservation importance found within the Assessment Area are anticipated to be insignificant.

Summary of Predicted Impacts

8.6.18 Predicted potential ecological impacts in the absence of mitigation measures are summarized in Table 8.23 below.

Table 8.23 Summary of potential ecological impacts

Impact	Sources	Receivers	Nature of impacts						Significance of ecological impact	Mitigation required
Impact	Sources	Receivers	Habitat quality	Species affected	Size / abundance	Duration	Reversibility	Magnitude	Significance of ecological impact	Mitigation required
*Construction Phase – Direct Impact*
Habitat Loss	Works areas of the proposed development	Plantation within works area	Low	Low flora and terrestrial faunal diversity	approximately 1.8ha plantation and 1.6ha village fringe	Permanent	Not reversible	Minor	Insignificant	No
*Construction Phase – Indirect Impact*
Disturbance impacts (noise, dust and other human activities)	Construction works	Sensitive habitats near the works area	Range from “very low” to “moderate” for various habitat types	Terrestrial fauna	Vary	Temporary	Reversible	Minor	Insignificant	Good site practice
Surface runoff	Surface runoff from works area	Channelised watercourse	Low	Aquatic fauna	Vary	Temporary	Reversible	Minor	Insignificant	Follow water quality mitigation measures suggested in Water Quality Impact Assessment
*Operational Phase – Indirect Impact*
Disturbance impacts	The widen road and new slip road	Sensitive habitats near the potential development area	Range from “very low” to “moderate” for various habitat types	Terrestrial fauna	Vary	Permanent	Not reversible	Insignificant	Insignificant	No
Surface runoff	The widen road and new slip road	Channelised watercourse	Low	Aquatic fauna	Vary	Permanent	Not reversible	Insignificant	Insignificant	No
Potential bird collision	The re-provided noise barriers along roads	Birds	N/A	Birds	N/A	Permanent	Not reversible	Minor	Minor	Adopting bird friendly design
*Impact to Recognized Site of Conservation Importance/ importance habitat*
Impact to Hung Shui Kiu Egretry	Disturbance raised from construction and operational phase of the Project	Hung Shui Kiu Egretry	N/A	The ardeid using Hung Shui Kiu Egretry	N/A	Temporary (construction phase) Permanent (operation phase)	Reversible (construction phase) Permanent (operation phase)	Insignificant	Insignificant	No
Impact to Potential bat roosts (Chinese Fan-palm)	Disturbance raised from construction phase of the Project	Potential bat roosts	N/A	Short-nosed Fruit Bat	N/A	Temporary (construction phase) Permanent (operation phase)	Reversible (construction phase) Permanent (operation phase)	Insignificant	Minor	Precautionary check for the presence of bat roosts within 50m from works area. Suitable screening between the bat roosts and construction works area.
*Impact to Species of Conservation Importance*
Impact to flora species of conservation importance	Direct impact / disturbance raised from construction and operational phase of the Project	Flora species of conservation importance recorded within the Assessment Area	N/A	Flora species of conservation importance recorded within the Assessment Area	N/A	Temporary (construction phase) Permanent (operation phase)	Reversible (construction phase) Permanent (operation phase)	Insignificant	Insignificant	No
Impact to fauna species of conservation importance	Direct impact / disturbance raised from construction and operational phase of the Project	Fauna species of conservation importance recorded within the Assessment Area	N/A	Fauna species of conservation importance recorded within the Assessment Area	N/A	Temporary (construction phase) Permanent (operation phase)	Reversible (construction phase) Permanent (operation phase)	Insignificant	Minor (construction phase) Insignificant (operation phase)	No

Cumulative Impacts

8.6.19 In order to assess the cumulative impacts, a review of best available information at the time of preparing this EIA report to identify a number of other projects that are undergoing planning, design, construction and/or operation within the construction and/or operational period for this Study has been conducted.

· Site Formation and Infrastructure Works for Yuen Long South First Phase Development - Contract 3 (Commenced in December 2022; Expected Completion in 2025)

· Site Formation and Infrastructure Works near Tan Kwai Tsuen in Yuen Long - Contract 1. (Commenced in December 2022; Expected Completion in 2028)

· Site Formation and Infrastructure Works near Tan Kwai Tsuen in Yuen Long - Contract 2. (Commenced in May 2023; Expected Completion in 2028)

· Site Formation and Infrastructure Works near Tan Kwai Tsuen in Yuen Long – Contract 1 (Commenced in December 2022)

· Site Formation and Infrastructure Works near Tan Kwai Tsuen in Yuen Long - Contract 2 (Commenced in May 2023)

· Yuen Long South Development – Second Phase Development (Detailed design commenced in 2022; Target completion of construction works by 2031)

· Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area - Second Phase Development (Detailed design commenced in 2020; Target completion of construction by 2034)

8.6.20 Works nature of the Project and the above listed projects are similar, which mainly comprise site formation works, construction of access road and the ancillary works including drainage, sewerage etc. Construction phase of this Project will be tentatively commenced in 2028 and completed by 2032. Site formation and infrastructure works listed above will be completed before the commencement of this Project. During construction phase of Yuen Long South Development and Hung Shui Kiu/ Ha Tsuen New Development Area, there will be potential cumulative disturbance impacts to adjacent habitats. However, the projects are located within highly developed area with limited ecological resources, where existing fauna might have already accommodated anthropogenic disturbance. Significant cumulative ecological impact is therefore not expected.

8.6.21 Cumulative impacts during operation phase are also not expected due to the nature of the concurrent projects and the existing highly disturbed assessment area.

8.7 Proposed Mitigation Measures

8.7.1 Mitigation measures will follow the hierarchy detailed in Annex 16 of TM-EIAO, following the order of priority: avoidance, minimization and compensation. Wherever possible, on-site mitigation measures are preferred over off-site mitigations.

Avoidance

8.7.2 No site or habitat of conservation importance would be directly impacted. Direct impacts on the flora and fauna species of conservation importance would also be avoided.

Minimization

Potential Disturbance through Disturbance from Construction Works

8.7.3 In general, disturbance can be in the form of noise, run-off, dust and disturbance from construction workers. In order to reduce noise and visual impact, the use of screening during construction will be adopted. Duration of impact can be shortened by proper phasing and sectional completion of the works. As the potential disturbance impacts from construction works are predicted to be insignificant or minor, the proposed measures below are precautionary in nature.

· A site hoarding will be in place before the commencement of work, to ensure that disturbance from the proposed work is minimized.

· Construction workers will also be briefed regarding the sensitivity of the areas before the commencement of the works and requested not to disturb any areas nearby, for example, bat roosts in the vicinity of works area.

· The site boundary will be clearly defined (i.e., fenced with the screening materials mentioned).

· Any works beyond the boundary strictly prohibited.

8.7.4 In addition, other source reduction mitigation measures below are recommended:

· Use of quieter Quality Powered Mechanical Equipment (QPME).

· Use of movable noise barriers or noise shield for mechanical equipment.

· Provision of higher density fixed opaque and non-reflective temporary noise barrier (3m tall) with color scheme blended with the environment will also be implemented to reduce construction noise and disturbances with better noise insulation.

8.7.5 It is proposed that a properly designed temporary drainage system within the site will be implemented and direct discharge away from watercourses downstream to the existing storm drain nearby will occur. The drainage system will be equipped with sand/silt removal facilities to treat the surface run-off. A properly designed temporary drainage system together with standard site practices deployed during the construction phase will minimize the chance of site run-off and the chance of pollution to watercourses downstream. Further, mitigation measures proposed under the Water Quality Impact Assessment contribute to the minimization of potential disturbance to the adjacent habitats.

Potential Bird Collision

8.7.6 Potential bird collision risk arising from the Project is predicted to be minor. As a precaution to further minimize bird collision due to the re-provided noise barriers along the new roads, bird friendly design should be adopted for the noise barriers, such as using falcon sticker and tinted materials. The use of transparent/reflective materials should be avoided or minimized. Guidelines on Design of Noise Barriers (EPD & HyD, 2003) and Practice Notes No. BSTR/PN/003 (Revision E) Noise Barriers with Transparent Panels (HyD, 2020) could be referred for the design of the noise barrier/enclosure to avoid and minimize bird mortality from collisions.

Potential impact to potential bat roosts

8.7.7 As mentioned in the sections above, any potential roosts in the close vicinity of the works area (i.e. 50m) should be inspected by a suitably qualified ecologist, prior to the commencement of works as a precautionary measure. Suitable screening should be applied to separate disturbance due to workers and/or noise from the potential bat roosts.

8.7.8 It is recommended on a precautionary basis, prior to the felling and/or transplanting of trees, sites should be checked for the presence of bat roosts by a suitably qualified ecologist. If roosts are found, any tree removal work should be postponed until the roost is vacated.

8.8 Residual Impact

8.8.1 Among the habitat loss during construction phase, the loss of developed area and plantation area will be re-provided by the future roads and landscaping works. The residual impact of habitat loss is considered acceptable.

8.8.2 For indirect impact related to noise, dust, run-off and other anthropogenic activities would be minor/insignificant during construction and operational phases. With the implementation of the measures as mentioned in Section 8.1, no adverse residual impact is anticipated during both construction and operational phases.

8.9 Environmental Monitoring and Audit

8.9.1 The implementation of the mitigation measures shall be audited regularly during the construction phase. Requirements of environmental audit are provided in Chapter 11. With the implementation of the measures as mentioned in Section 8.7, no adverse residual impact is anticipated during both construction and operational phases.

8.10 Conclusion

8.10.1 Ecological impact assessment for the Project was conducted following the EIA Study Brief No. ESB-356/2022 and the guidelines of the EIAO-TM Annexes 8 and 16. Ten habitats including channelised watercourse, semi-natural watercourse, pond, agricultural land, orchard, grassland/shrubland, plantation, village area, wasteland and developed area had been identified. In general, the habitats within Project Site and Assessment Area are of low ecological value as most of them are within or adjacent to highly urbanized area that receiving human disturbance. No direct impact to semi-natural watercourse (moderate ecological value) and grassland/shrubland (low to moderate ecological value) are anticipated; while the disturbance impact during construction phase is minor and will be further minimized with the recommended mitigation measures.

8.10.2 The Project Site is highly developed and have been exposed to the existing high level of anthropogenic disturbance. Impacts of direct habitat loss are thus of negligible to low significance. No significant ecological impact is anticipated during both construction phase and operational phase.

8.10.3 Impact to Hung Shui Kiu Egretry is insignificant due to the distance from the nearest works boundary, and the egretry itself is located within highly disturbed area. Impact to potential bat roosts is also insignificant as recorded roosts were all located at highly disturbed area; however, the disturbance impact during construction phase to any roost within 50m from the works area is expected to be minor and will be mitigated within the recommended measures. Impact to flora species of conservation importance is not anticipated during both construction phase and operational phase. Impact to fauna species of conservation importance is expected to be minor during construction phase and will be mitigated with recommended measures; while it is insignificant during operational phase.

8.10.4 Any proposed works-related significant adverse impacts will be avoided and/or minimized with the recommended mitigation measures, including implementation of good site practice during construction phase, proper phasing, following water quality mitigation measures, precautionary checking for potential bat roosts and adopting bird friendly design for the re-provided noise barriers. Adverse residual ecological impacts are not anticipated.

8.1.1 This Chapter presents the findings of an assessment of potential ecological impacts associated with the Project. It also presents the baseline information collected on the existing ecological condition in the Assessment Area and describes the ecological importance of this area.

8.1.2 The ecological surveys have been carried out in accordance with the requirements set out in the EIA study brief (No.: ESB-356/2022), in particular, Appendix G, issued to the Highways Department on 14 July 2022.