11
Fisheries
11.1.1
This section presents the potential
impacts on culture fisheries during the construction and operation of the
Project. Details of the Project key
elements are described in Section 2.
Baseline conditions for fisheries resources in the Assessment Area were identified from field survey and latest relevant literature. Potential direct, indirect, cumulative and
residual impacts on fisheries resources during the construction and operation
phases of the Project were identified and evaluated. Mitigation measures to mitigate any identified adverse impacts were recommended, where necessary.
·
The Environmental
Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499), and its subsidiary legislation –
provides guidelines on the environmental impact assessment process.
·
Annex 9 of the
Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAO-TM) – recommends
the criteria that can be used for evaluating fisheries impact.
·
Annex 17 of EIAO-TM – sets
out the general approach and methodology for assessment of fisheries impacts
arising from a project which may affect fishing and aquaculture activities,
fisheries resources and habitats as well as aquaculture sites.
·
Fisheries Protection
Ordinance (Cap. 171) – promotes the conservation of fish and other forms of
aquatic life within Hong Kong waters by regulating fishing practices to prevent
detrimental activities to the fisheries industry. The authority may also make rules for the
management and control of fishing in any fisheries protection area, including
but not limited to the specification of any zone within any fisheries
protection area and the prohibition of any fishing in the specified zone.
·
Marine Fish Culture
Ordinance (Cap 353) – regulates and protects marine fish cultured by
designating areas of fish culture zone, granting licenses, prohibiting
unauthorised vessels and any deposition of chemicals or other substances which
are likely to cause injury to fish in a fish culture zone.
·
Water Pollution Control
Ordinance (Cap. 358) – aims to control water pollution in waters of Hong
Kong. Water Control Zones (WCZs) are
designated with individual water quality objectives to promote the conservation
and best use of those waters in the public interest.
Assessment Area
Literature Review
11.2.3 The fisheries baseline condition of
the Assessment Area were identified through a
comprehensive review of available literatures within the past 10 years on
culture fisheries, as listed in Table 11.1. Older studies were not reviewed
due to the significant and constant changes in land use in the area prior to
that cut-off date.
Table 11.1 Baseline Information of Fisheries Resources
in the Assessment Area
|
Relevant Literature
|
|
1)
EIA Report for
Yuen Long Barrage Scheme (AEIAR-228/2021) (DSD, 2021)
|
|
2)
EIA Report for
Proposed Low-rise and Low-density Residential Development at Various Lots and
their Adjoining Government Land in D.D. 104, East of Kam Pok Road, Mai Po,
Yuen Long. New Territories (AEIAR-205/2017) (Glory Queen Limited, 2016)
|
|
3)
EIA Report for
Comprehensive Development and Wetland Protection near Yau Mei San Tsuen
(AEIAR-189/2015) (Asia King Development Limited, 2015)
|
|
4)
EIA Report for
Proposed Residential Cum Passive Recreation Development within
"Recreation" Zone and "Residential (Group C)" Zone at
Various Lots in DD 104, Yuen Long, N.T. (AEIAR-182/2014) (Capital Chance Ltd,
2013) (1)
|
|
5)
EIA Report for North East New Territories New Development Areas
(AEIAR-175/2013) (CEDD, 2013a)
|
|
6)
EIA Report for
Development of Lok Ma Chau Loop (AEIAR-176/2013) (CEDD, 2013b)
|
|
7)
Aquaculture
data available from AFCD
website (AFCD, 2023)
|
|
8)
AFCD Annual
Report 2012 – 2021 (AFCD, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020,
2021)
|
Note:
(1)
The figure of the pond status within the Assessment
Area of this study is not available online.
11.2.4
Along
the eastern bank of Kam Tin Main Drainage Channel (KTMDC), contiguous active
and inactive fishponds were present south of Cheung Chun San Tsuen, in AFCD Au
Tau Fisheries Office, and west of AUT Station. Active and inactive fishponds
were also recorded in Nam Sang Wai on the western bank of KTMDC (DSD, 2021).
11.2.5
A
contiguous block of abandoned fishponds was present in Pok Wai (Glory Queen
Limited, 2016). Scattered active and
inactive/abandoned fishponds were identified in Yau Mei San Tsuen but a few
have likely been filled and converted to other land uses according to recent
desktop research. Ornamental carp was
observed in the active fishpond; bighead carp, grass carp, mosquito fish and
tilapia were observed in one of the inactive/abandoned fishponds, but no fish
were observed in others (Asia King Development Limited, 2015).
11.2.6
Active
fishponds were identified in San Tin (CEDD, 2013b). The ponds near Chau Tau were observed to be
either abandoned or completely overgrown (CEDD, 2013a; 2013b). However, as reviewed in recent desktop
research, the pond appeared to be associated with the adjacent Chau Tau Tsuen
Stormwater Pumping Station and was likely a water retention pond.
11.2.7
The
active fishponds located at east of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Ma Tso Lung
Campsite recorded by CEDD (2013a) were filled as seen in the latest available
digital aerial photographs. Inactive
fishponds were also present near Fung Kong Shan and Kwu
Tung (ibid.).
11.2.8
According
to desktop research on the digital aerial photographs, ponds/fishponds largely
concentrate in Shek Wu Wai, Ngau Tam Mei, Pok Wai, Au Tau, Cheung Chun San
Tsuen, Nam Sang Wai, and area near Nam Hang Tsuen, northwest of the temporary
explosive magazine site near Tai Shu Ha West Road.
Fishpond Survey Methodology
11.2.9
There
is only limited baseline information on the fisheries resources within the
Assessment Area. Due to the high level
of anthropogenic disturbance and substantial development in the area, the
fishpond status within the Assessment Area have likely changed. Thus, site inspections were conducted in 2021
and 2022, and also additional site checks in 2023 to collect up-to-date
baseline information of culture fisheries and verify the information from
literature review.
11.2.10
Site
inspections, in addition to desktop research with recent aerial photographs,
were undertaken to investigate the status and conditions of pond culture
resources within the Assessment Area, with particular focus on those near the
proposed NOL alignment. Observation was
made on the presence of any aquaculture practice and activities (e.g. draining, liming, re-profiling, stocking, feeding and
harvesting), evidence of any recently used devices/equipment and sign of
vegetation management. Local villagers
were interviewed during site inspections to supplement the site observation
regarding the status of the ponds.
Special attention was given to fishpond culture resources as well as any
watercourses which served as water sources for fishpond areas and were important
to aquaculture activities.
11.2.11
Ornamental
ponds and ponds utilized for non-fisheries related activities (e.g. for wetland
compensation or wastewater treatment) were not considered as fishponds. Based on the site inspection findings,
fishponds were categorized as follows:
·
Active: with evidence of operating
commercial aquaculture activities, including commercial fishponds, fish fry
ponds and water flea ponds;
·
Inactive: with no evidence of operating
commercial aquaculture activities, but no major physical constraints to the
resumption of operation in the short-term, including ponds with fish present in
non-commercial quantities; and
·
Abandoned: with physical evidence that
aquaculture has not taken place for many years (e.g. overgrown with vegetation)
and/or where there are obvious physical constraints to resumption in the
short-term (e.g. fenced off).
Pond Fish Culture
11.3.1
The
pond fish/ aquaculture industry of Hong Kong is mainly centred
in the northwest New Territories.
Fishponds are either freshwater or brackish. According to AFCD (2023), the local inland
ponds covered approximately 1,129 ha and produced 2,073 tonnes
of freshwater fish amounting to $55 million in 2022. The majority of these farms engaged in
polyculture and farmed species such as bighead carp, grass carp, common carp
and silver carp in combination with tilapia or grey mullet, while a few of them
practised monoculture of carnivorous species such as
giant groupers, seabreams and spotted scat in brackish fishponds near the
coastline. Fishpond farms had been
gradually declining in numbers since the 1970s, especially in the Deep Bay area
as these farms are being replaced by urban development.
11.3.2
Some
recent data on local pond fish culture industry are summarized in Table 11.2 below.
Table 11.2 Annual
Pond Fish Production and Fishpond Area from 2012 to 2022
|
Year
|
Pond Fish Production
(tonne)
|
Fishpond Area
(ha)
|
|
2022
|
2,073
|
1,129
|
|
2021
|
2,926
|
1,130
|
|
2020
|
2,516
|
1,130
|
|
2019
|
2,278
|
1,131
|
|
2018
|
2,536
|
1,132
|
|
2017
|
2,543
|
1,132
|
|
2016
|
2,543
|
1,135
|
|
2015
|
2,092
|
1,140
|
|
2014
|
2,001
|
1,140
|
|
2013
|
2,187
|
1,150
|
|
2012
|
2,306
|
1,150
|
Source: AFCD (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021,
2022, 2023)
11.3.3 During the site inspections undertaken in 2021 and 2022 under the
current study, approximately 183 fishponds were identified within the
Assessment Area, comprising 37.48 ha area in total. Representative photographs of active,
inactive and abandoned fishponds within the Assessment Area are presented in Appendix 11.1. The locations of identified
fishponds were mapped in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M58/302
to 308.
11.3.4 Considering that the NOL alignment
spans across a number of areas with different site conditions, the Assessment
Area is separated into six areas i.e. Kam Sheung Road/Pat Heung (KSRPH) area,
Sha Po/Au Tau (SPAUT) area, Ngau Tam Mei/Pok Wai (NTMPW) area, San Tin/Shek Wu
Wai (SATSWW) area, Kwu Tung/Chau Tau (KTUCT) area and
Tai Shu Ha (TSH) area (Figure No. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M58/301 refers). No fishpond was identified in KSRPH and KTUCT areas. In general, fishponds within the Assessment
Area appeared to be rain-fed or rely on adjacent ponds for water source since
the adjoining watercourses often received discharge from adjacent land uses and
were of inferior water quality. Table
11.3 presents the
summary of numbers, size and status of fishponds in different areas.
Sha Po/Au Tau
(SPAUT) Area
11.3.5
Fishponds
in SPAUT area concentrated around Cheung Chun San Tsuen, near Nam Sang Wai Road
and south of Pok Wai. The fishponds
south of Cheung Chun San Tsuen, west of Nam Sang Wai Road and near Pok Wai were
extensive and of relatively large scale while those at the west of Cheung Chun
San Tsuen were smaller in scale (Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M58/303
to 304 refer). More than half of them are either inactive or abandoned. The active fishponds south of Cheung Chun San
Tsuen and Pok Wai were observed with active management practices for culture
fishery (e.g. draining of ponds, reprofiling and feeding, operating aerators
and fish feeders), while the active fishponds within the AFCD Au Tau Fisheries
Office were found to be utilized for experimental purpose. No signs of aquaculture activities were found
on the inactive fishponds. The abandoned
fishponds were overgrown by dense vegetation to various extent. Table
11.3 presents the
summary of numbers, size and status of fisponds in differernt areas.
11.3.6
No
fishpond would fall within the at-grade works site/area of Au Tau Station and
Pok Wai Ancillary Building (PWA). Only
an abandoned fishponds
(i.e. SA#43) would be
affected by the at-grade works site/area of Shui Mei Road Ancillary Building
(SMA), while the remaining fishponds (i.e. SA#39 to 42 and SA#44 to 45) within
at-grade works site/area of SMA would be affected by road works (by other). Besides, three active (i.e. SA#2 to 4), two
inactive (i.e. SA#15 to 16) and three abandoned (i.e. SA#14 and SA#19 to 20)
fishponds were located above the NOL underground alignment between Kam Sheung
Road (NOL) Station and SMA (Figure No. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M58/303 refers).
Ngau Tam Mei / Pok Wai (NTMPW) Area
11.3.7
Fishponds in NTMPW area were recorded north of Pok Wai and scattered in
Ngau Tam Mei on both sides of the Ngau Tam Mei Drainage Channel (Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M58/304
to 305 refer). Only inactive and abandoned fishponds were present north of Pok Wai, most of
which were larger in scale and contiguous.
Fishponds in Ngau Tam Mei were smaller in scale and scattered. The inactive fishponds north of Pok Wai were
found lacking management for pond fish culture while the abandoned fishponds
were overgrown by plants. Table
11.3 presents the
numbers, size and status of fishponds with in NTMPW area.
11.3.8
In
Ngau Tam Mei, the active fishponds (i.e. NP#38 to 42)
were identified within the New Age Organic Farm which has been registered under
the AFCD Accredited Fish Farm Scheme (AFFS), while NP#33 to 37 were actively
managed for koi culturing. The inactive
and abandoned fishponds were recorded with no current utilization for
commercial aquaculture activities and overgrown with vegetations. Among them, two abandoned fishponds were
recorded within the works site/area of NTM Station and Ngau Tam Mei Depot
(NTD). NP#31 and NP#32 were abandoned
and found to be drained. Both were
overgrown by vegetation. No fishponds were identified within the works site/area of Long Ha
Ancillary Building (LHA) and no fishpond located above the NOL underground
Alignment.
San Tin / Shek Wu Wai (SATSWW) Area
11.3.9
Small-scale
fishponds mainly scattered between village and agricultural areas south of San
Tin Highway near Shek Wu Wai and were small in size (Figure No. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M58/306 refers). Most of these fishponds
were either inactive or abandoned, and fenced off. No evidence shown that the fishponds were in
operation for pond fish culturing while abandoned fishponds were overgrown by
vegetations. Among them, one active
(i.e. SS#1), five inactive (i.e. SS#2, SS#16 and 17, and SS#20 and 21) and 14
abandoned (i.e. SS#3, SS#8, SS#11 and 12, SS#18, SS#27 to 32, and SS#53 to 55)
fishponds fall within the works site/area of SAT Station and San Tin Ancillary
Building (SNA). An active indoor fish
farm (i.e. SS#1) which was registered under AFCD AFFS, was identified further
south, and was partially within the works site/area of SAT Station and SNA. No fishponds were recorded
within the works site/area of Ka Lung Road Ancillary Building (KLA).
11.3.10
Fishponds
of larger scale were identified north of San Tin Highway (Figure No. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M58/307 refers), where the recorded active fishponds were observed with
aerators and fish feeders and were registered under AFCD AFFS. The recorded inactive fishponds were observed
with no signs of commercial aquaculture in the recent site inspections. None of which were located within the works
site/area. Table
11.3 presents the
numbers, size and status of fishponds within SATSWW area.
Tai Shu Hai (TSH) Area
Table 11.3 Summary of
Number and Size of Ponds by Area
|
Fishpond
Category
|
Within 500m Assessment Area
|
Within At-grade Works Site/Area
|
|
Active
|
Inactive
|
Abandoned
|
Total
|
Active
|
Inactive
|
Abandoned
|
Total
|
|
Area
|
Size of Pond (Number of Pond)
|
|
SPAUT
(3)
|
7.30 ha (26)
|
2.73 ha (6)
|
10.97 ha (25)
|
21.00 ha (57)
|
0
|
0
|
0.13 ha (1)
|
0.13 ha (1)
|
|
NTMPW
|
0.58 ha (10)
|
4.81 ha (13)
|
2.82 ha (25)
|
8.21 ha (48)
|
0
|
0
|
0.17 ha (2)
|
0.17 ha (2)
|
|
SATSWW
|
2.98 ha (8)
|
3.49 ha (26)
|
1.67 ha (43)
|
8.15 ha (77)
|
0.71 ha (1)
|
0.23 ha (5)
|
0.44 ha (14)
|
1.38 ha (20)
|
|
TSH
|
0
|
0
|
0.12 ha (1)
|
0.12 ha (1)
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Total
|
10.86 ha (44)
|
11.03 ha (45)
|
15.58 ha (94)
|
37.48 ha (183)
|
0.71 ha (1)
|
0.23 ha (5)
|
0.74 ha (17)
|
1.68 ha (23)
|
Notes:
(1)
Partial
encroachment into pond assumed loss of whole pond.
(2)
The size and percentage included in this table have
been subject to rounding adjustments. Any discrepancies between total and sums
of individual numbers listed therein are due to rounding.
(3)
Part of the
works site of SMA will be occupied for road works by others before the
construction of SMA commences thus is not considered as direct loss of fishpond
under the Project.
Construction Phase
Direct Impact
Loss of Fishponds
11.4.1
The
works sites/areas of SMA, NTM Station and NTD, SAT Station and SNA would
directly affect some fishponds in SPAUT, NTMPW and SATSWW areas respectively. A
total of 23 ponds including one active, five inactive and 17 abandoned
fishponds are anticipated to be lost due to the construction of NOL (refer to Table 11.3). The works site and project
footprint of SMA would lead to long-term loss of one abandoned fishponds (i.e. SA#43) in SPAUT area. The northeastern tip
of the works site of NTM Station and NTD would result in short-term loss of two
abandoned (i.e. NP#31 and 32) fishponds in NTMPW area. The works site/area of
SAT Station and SNA would cause short-term loss of one active (i.e. SS#1), five
inactive (i.e. SS#2, SS#16 to 17, and SS#20 and 21) and 14 abandoned (i.e.
SS#3, SS#8, SS#11 to 12, SS#18, SS#27 to 32, and SS#53 to 55) fishponds in SATSWW area. Table 11.4 presents the loss of fishponds in
size within the at-grade works site/area.
11.4.2
The
Project would result in 0.13 ha and 0.61 ha loss of abandoned fishponds in the
long term and short term respectively (refer to Table 11.4). Since these abandoned fishponds
have not been utilized for fisheries activities in the long term and were
observed to be either overgrown with vegetation or fenced off, which renders
resumption to active fisheries activities unlikely in the short term, direct
loss of these abandoned fishponds is not likely to lead to significant impact
on fisheries resources.
11.4.4
As
a result, 0.71 ha active fishponds and
0.23 inactive fishponds in SATSWW area would be lost in the short term due to
NOL Project, comprising about 0.06% and 0.02% of fishpond areas in Hong Kong
respectively. Considering that the area of short-term loss of fishponds does
not account for a significant proportion of the total fishpond area in Hong
Kong, the impact on fisheries resources is considered minor.
Table 11.4 Long-term
and Short-term Losses of Fishponds within the Works Site/Area of SPAUT, NTMPW
and SATSWW Area
|
|
Long-term
Loss (ha)
|
Short-term
Loss (ha)
|
|
Fishpond Category
|
Active
|
Inactive
|
Abandoned
|
Total
|
Active
|
Inactive
|
Abandoned
|
Total
|
|
SPAUT (4)
|
0
|
0
|
0.13
|
0.13
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
NTMPW
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0.17
|
0.17
|
|
SATSWW
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0.71
|
0.23
|
0.44
|
1.38
|
|
Total
|
0
|
0
|
0.13
|
0.13
|
0.71
|
0.23
|
0.61
|
1.55
|
Notes:
(1)
Partial
encroachment into pond assumed loss of whole pond.
(2)
The size and percentage included in this table have
been subject to rounding adjustments. Any discrepancies between total and sums
of individual numbers listed therein are due to rounding.
(3)
Long-term
loss is defined as the footprint area of the permanent aboveground structures (i.e. stations and ancillary buildings). Short-term loss is
defined as the area temporarily occupied for works sites and areas outside the
permanent aboveground structures, which would be released upon the completion
of construction.
(4)
Part of the
works site of SMA will be occupied for road works by others before the
construction of SMA commences thus it is not considered as direct fishpond loss
under the Project.
Indirect Impact
11.4.5
Indirect
fisheries impact may arise if construction activities result in indirect water
quality impacts due to construction site runoff and drawdown of water table,
disruption or disturbance of aquaculture-related activities, etc. Such impacts can be avoided by appropriate
construction site management protocols.
However, direct rainfall has been the major water source of fishponds
within the Assessment Area. No
unacceptable impacts to the water source of fishponds are expected in the
Project.
Construction Works and Construction
Runoff
11.4.6
Fishponds
and fish culture activities in close vicinity to the works site/area within the
SPAUT and NTMPW areas would be potentially affected by uncontrolled/untreated
run off, chemical waste and sediment would deteriorate of water quality, acute
or chronic effect may arise on fish, thus affecting the pond fish culture
activities and production.
11.4.7
Uncontrolled
runoff, chemical waste and sediment generated from construction could
potentially pose indirect impacts on the water quality of the adjoining
watercourses, as well as the adjacent water bodies. Pollutants discharging into the water bodies
adjoining fishponds may also eventually cause impacts on culture
fisheries. Moreover, blockage of the
water bodies due to poor construction activities (i.e. disorderly dumping of
excavated material) may also affect the water quality and supply to pond fish culture
activities.
Water Quality Deterioration
11.4.8
The
proposed construction works would have potential indirect off-site impacts on
adjacent active fishpond, pond bund and drainage ditches due to construction
dust deposition, site runoff and chemical waste spillage (e.g.
oil and other pollutants from mechanical equipment). Pollutants may enter into fishponds and cause
acute or chronic effect on fish, thus affecting the pond fish culture
activities and production of active fishpond.
Given direct rainfall is the major water source for fishponds recorded
within the Assessment Area, the impacts are therefore anticipated to be minor.
However, as the impacts would be temporary and insignificant with precautionary
measures (e.g. good site practices) in place during the construction phase as
detailed in Section 6. Therefore,
no significant fisheries impact due water quality deterioration arising from
the Project are anticipated.
Accidental Spillage and Potential
Contamination of Surface Water and Groundwater
11.4.9
The
use of chemicals such as engine oil and lubricants, and their storage as waste
materials has the potential to impact water quality if spillage occurs and
enters adjacent water environment. Waste
oil may infiltrate into the surface soil layer, or runoff into the nearby water
environment, increasing hydrocarbon levels. Groundwater pollution may also
arise from the improper use and storage of chemicals and petroleum products
within the works site/area where groundwater infiltrates into the area. Infiltration to groundwater may occur at area
where faults and/or fissures are present in the rock mass. Accidental spillage and potential
contamination of surface water and groundwater could potentially pose indirect
impacts on the water quality of the adjoining modified watercourses and
adjacent active fishponds, an elevated toxic level may have acute or chronic
effects on fish, thus affecting pond fish culture activities. Given direct rainfall is the major water
source for fishponds recorded within the Assessment Area and most of the
fishponds were built by concrete walls and bottom, the impacts are therefore
anticipated to be minor. However, with
the implementation of good site practices as detailed in Section 11.10
to minimize chance of accidental spillage and potential contamination of
surface water and groundwater, the fisheries impacts
arising from water quality deterioration due to accidental spillage and
potential contamination of surface water and groundwater are therefore expected
to be minor.
Draw-down of Water
Table, Disruption or Disturbance of Pond Culture Related Activities
11.4.10
There
would be active fishponds located above the proposed NOL Alignment, including
three active (i.e. SA#2 to 4) in SPAUT area.
Underground tunnelling works may potentially lead to groundwater drawdown, thus
affecting the structures of these fishponds.
However, most of the ponds are lined with impervious layer or
impermeable soil, as well as built with concrete to retain water. Moreover, the underground works would be
located in general at least 10 m below the local ground level. Besides, direct rainfall has been the major
water source for fishponds within the Assessment Area. Thus, no unacceptable fisheries impact due to
groundwater drawdown would be anticipated.
11.4.11
Moreover,
it is of standard engineering practices to provide waterproofing system and
hydraulic cut-off whenever deep excavation is required to avoid the ingress of
groundwater into excavation zone that the chance of water table drawdown would
be unlikely. No adverse impacts from
potential drawdown of groundwater table of ponds adjacent to Project area are
therefore anticipated. Nonetheless, in
light of the short separation distance between the aboveground works sites of
ABs and stations where would have deep excavation works and the nearby ponds,
groundwater observation wells and recharge wells will be provided to verify the
acceptability of any drawdown of water table from the proposed works and to
avoid any disturbance of pond culture activity as far as practicable. Groundwater table will be closely monitored
as per S.7.239 of GS for Civil Engineering Works published by CEDD with action
and limit levels at the observation well.
In case of any events of abnormal drawdown of groundwater table near the
excavation area, groundwater dewatering will stop, and water will be pumped
into the recharge wells to recover the normal groundwater table as necessary.
Potential Vibration and Construction Noise Impact to Fishponds
11.4.12
Potential
vibration and construction noise impact may arise from the tunneling works of
NOL alignment beneath the active fishponds located in SPAUT area (i.e. SA#1 to
7, and SA#21 to 36) and in vicinity to those in NTMPW (i.e. NP#33 to 42) and
SATSWW areas (i.e. SS#35 to 38).
11.4.13
The
underground works would be located approximately in general 10 m or more below
the local ground level. Since the
geological condition along the underground tunnel is mainly soft in nature as
the tunnel would be laid largely below alluvium, the soft geology would provide
significant damping of vibrations and hence considerably reduce the
transmission of ground-borne noise and vibrations. The vibration impact to fishponds is
anticipated to be minor.
11.4.14
In
addition, as given in Section 2, by the time the construction works
of the Project commences, the active fishponds in SATSWW area would have been
lost due to a concurrent project (i.e. STLMC DN) in 2025, and those in NTMPW area would also be lost due
to another concurrent project (i.e. NTM LUR) in NTMPW area in 2028. Thus the vibration and noise impact to fishponds arising from NOL is not
considered to be a significant impact to fisheries.
Operation Phase
Indirect Impact
Potential Vibration and Ground-borne
Noise Impact to Fishponds
11.4.15
When
trains operate in tunnels that are located in close proximity to aboveground
structures, there is a possibility that vibrations associated with train
movement will be transmitted through the ground. Ground-borne noise levels were predicted
using a conservative approach based on the maximum operation capacity of
railway system. All of the predicted
ground-borne noise levels at existing residential receivers are well below the
stipulated ground-borne noise criteria (Section 5 refers). It is therefore envisaged that the
operation of the Project would not have adverse effect to the fish culture.
Table 11.5 Fisheries Impact on Fishponds within the Assessment Area of NOL
Alignment
|
Criteria
|
Active Fishpond
|
Inactive Fishpond
|
Abandoned Fishpond
|
|
Nature of impact
|
Construction Phase
Short-term loss of active
fishponds in SATSWW area
Indirect water quality
impacts due to land-based construction and construction run-off, accidental
spillage and potential contamination of surface water and groundwater during
construction phase
Indirect water quality
impacts due to site runoff and spillage during operation phase
Potential indirect vibration
and noise impacts due to tunneling and aboveground works during construction phase
Operation Phase
Indirect impacts due to
potential vibration impact to fishponds
|
Construction Phase
Short-term loss of some
inactive fishponds in SATSWW area
No Indirect water quality
impacts due to land-based construction and construction run-off, accidental
spillage and potential contamination of surface water and groundwater during
construction phase
Operation Phase
No operation phase direct
and indirect impact
|
Construction Phase
Long-term loss of an
abandoned fishpond in SPAUT area. Short-term loss of some abandoned fishponds
in NTMPW and SATSWW areas
No indirect fisheries impact
Operation Phase
No operation phase direct
and indirect impact
|
|
Size of affected area
|
Short-term loss of 0.71 ha
|
Short-term loss of 0.23 ha
|
Long-term of 0.13 ha
Short-term loss of 0.61 ha
|
|
Loss of fisheries resources / production
|
Low, as only loss of one
active fishpond
|
Low, as most of the affected
ponds are not actively managed currently
|
Very low, as most of the
affected ponds have been abandoned and not utilized for fisheries production
for years
|
|
Destruction and disturbance of nursery and
spawning grounds
|
Not applicable
|
Not applicable
|
Not applicable
|
|
Impact on fishing activity
|
Low
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
|
Impact on aquaculture activity
|
Very low direct and indirect
impact affecting small area of active fishponds, as well as temporary, thus
low
|
No impact is anticipated on
aquaculture activity
|
No impact is anticipated on
aquaculture activity
|
|
Overall impact before
mitigation
|
Minor
|
Negligible
|
Negligible
|
11.6.1
There
is a couple of concurrent development projects along the Project area as
detailed in Section 2, including NTM LUR and STLMC DN in NTMPW and SATSWW areas.
11.6.2
The
areas of identified fishponds coinciding with the area of STLMC DN are total
approximately 5.87 ha. Considering that most of the fishponds recorded in
SATSWW areas are either inactive or abandoned, and the affected total fishpond
area accounts for a loss of 0.52% of the overall fishpond area in Hong Kong,
fisheries impact is therefore considered as minor.
Avoidance
11.7.2
Impacts
on key fisheries resources would be largely avoided through the adoption of
underground scheme, alignment selection process and appropriate construction
methods for the Project. Direct loss of
active fishponds due to NOL construction was minimised
where practicable. Impact to inactive
fishponds and abandoned fishponds, blockage of access to surrounding fishponds,
and restriction on pond culture related activities were also reduced to a large
extent.
11.7.3
As
described in Section 11.4.10 to Section 11.4.11, the Project may result in
potential impacts on groundwater table during the
construction phase, and the potential impact on hydrology could be avoided
through the implementation of precautionary measure during tunnelling
works. Details of the mitigation and
contingency plans to monitor groundwater level are presented in Appendix 6.1.
Minimisation
Control of
Site Runoff
11.7.4
In order to minimise the potential indirect fisheries
impacts due to deterioration of water quality on the adjacent ponds, guidelines
for handling and disposal of construction discharges as well as appropriate
mitigation measures and good site practices are described below.
11.7.5
In particular, measures and good site practices
stipulated in the ProPECC PN 1/94 “Construction Site
Drainage” and in ETWB TC (Works) No. 5/2005 “Protection of Natural Streams /
Rivers from Adverse Impacts Arising from Construction Works” to minimise
surface run-off and the chance of erosion should be followed to minimise potential
impacts to nearby fisheries resources.
Relevant good site practices include:
·
Construction
works near watercourses should be programmed to minimise soil excavation in the
wet season (i.e. April to September). If soil excavation cannot be avoided in these
months or at any time of year when rainstorms are likely, temporarily exposed
slope surfaces should be covered (e.g. by tarpaulin),
and temporary access roads should be protected by crushed stone or gravel, as
excavation proceeds;
·
Construction
works close to the inland waters should be carried out in the dry season as far
as practicable where the flow in the surface channel or stream is low;
·
Surface
run-off from construction sites should be discharged into storm drains via
adequately designed sand / silt removal facilities such as sand traps, silt
traps and sedimentation basins;
·
Open
stockpiles of construction materials (e.g. aggregates,
sand and fill material) on sites should be covered with tarpaulin or similar
fabric. Intercepting channels should be
provided (e.g. along the crest / edge of excavation)
to prevent storm run-off from washing across exposed soil surfaces. Arrangements should always be in place in
such a way that adequate surface protection measures can be safely carried out
well before the arrival of rainstorm;
·
Earthworks
final surfaces should be well compacted and the
subsequent permanent work or surface protection should be carried out
immediately after the final surfaces are formed to prevent erosion caused by
rainstorms. Appropriate drainage like
intercepting channels should be provided where necessary;
·
Good
site practices should be adopted to remove rubbish and litter from construction
sites so as to prevent the rubbish and litter from spreading from the site
area. It is recommended to clean the
construction sites on a regular basis; and
·
Silt
removal facilities, channels and manholes should be maintained
and the deposited silt and grit should be removed regularly (as well as at the
onset of and after each rainstorm) to prevent overflows and localized flooding.
Noise and
Vibration
11.7.6
Details of mitigation measures to control noise and
vibration due to the construction of the Project were identified and are
discussed in Section 5.
11.7.7
The impacts from construction noise would be temporary
and negligible with the following good site practices in place during the
construction phase :
·
Only
well-maintained plant should be operated on-site and
plant should be serviced regularly during the construction program;
·
Silencers
or mufflers on construction equipment should be utilized and should be properly
maintained during the construction programme;
·
Machines
and plant (such as trucks) that may be in intermittent use should be shut down
between work periods or should be throttled down to a minimum;
·
Plant
known to emit noise strongly in one direction should, wherever possible, be
orientated so that the noise is directed away from the nearby fishponds;
·
Material
stockpiles and other structures should be effectively utilized, wherever
practicable, in screening noise from on-site construction activities;
·
Use
of movable barrier for certain powered mechanical equipment (PME); and
·
Use
of noise enclosure or acoustic shed to cover stationary PME.
Minimising Chance of Accidental Spillage and Potential Contamination of
Surface Water and Groundwater
11.7.8
Contractor
must register as a chemical waste producer if chemical wastes would be produced
from the construction activities. The
Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap 354) and its subsidiary regulations in particular
the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation should be observed and
complied with for control of chemical wastes.
11.7.9
Any
service shop and maintenance facilities should be located on hard standings
within a bunded area, and sumps and oil interceptors should be provided. Maintenance of vehicles and equipment
involving activities with potential leakage and spillage should only be
undertaken within the areas appropriately equipped to control these discharges.
11.7.10
Disposal
of chemical wastes should be carried out in compliance with the Waste Disposal
Ordinance. The Code of Practice on the
Packaging, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes published under the Waste
Disposal Ordinance details the requirements to deal with chemical wastes. General requirements are given as follows:
·
Suitable
containers should be used to hold the chemical wastes to avoid leakage or
spillage during storage, handling and transport.
·
Chemical
waste containers should be suitably labelled, to notify and warn the personnel
who are handling the wastes to avoid accidents.
·
Storage
area should be selected at a safe location on site and adequate space should be
allocated to the storage area.
Other Good Site Practices
11.7.11
Good
site practices should be strictly followed to avoid adverse impacts arising
from the construction activities. Recommendations
for good site practices during the construction phase include:
·
Nomination
of approved personnel, such as a site manager, to be responsible for
implementation of good site practices, arrangements for waste collection and
effective disposal to an appropriate facility;
·
Training
of site personnel in site cleanliness, concepts of waste reduction, reuse and recycling, proper waste management and chemical
waste handling procedures;
·
Provision
of sufficient waste reception/ disposal points, and regular collection of waste;
·
Adoption
of appropriate measures to minimise windblown litter and dust during
transportation of waste by either covering trucks or by transporting wastes in
enclosed containers;
·
Provision
of regular cleaning and maintenance programme for drainage systems, sumps and
oil interceptors;
·
Adoption
of a recording system for the amount of wastes
generated, recycled and disposed (including the disposal sites); and
·
Preparation of Waste Management Plan (WMP), as part of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
Review on Compensation Requirement
11.7.12
As
discussed in Sections 11.4.1 to 11.4.4, there will be unavoidable
temporary loss of active, inactive and abandoned fishponds located at SATSWW
and NTMPW areas under this Project. The Project boundary was carefully
developed with due consideration in engineering and site constraints such that
the loss of pond culture fisheries could be minimised as far as possible.
11.7.13
Considering
the permanently
affected fishponds in SPAUT area have been abandoned and not utilized for
fisheries production for years, and the temporarily affected fishpond area in SATSWW area would be handed over to project
proponent of STLMC DN for further developments after the construction of NOL,
no compensatory measure would be required from this Project.
11.7.14
Under
the current land policy, the affected commercial fishery undertakings would not
be relocated or reprovided by public works. Though in cases where fishery undertakings
are affected by a development, ex-gratia allowance will be offered to fisheries
operators financially. Therefore, the
fishery operator could relocate and continue the fishery production at an
alternative location subject to his decision and at his own cost.
11.8.1 With the implementation of
mitigation measures detailed in Section 11.7, no unacceptable adverse impacts on
fisheries due to deterioration in water quality would arise during construction
phase.
Monitoring of Impact from
Groundwater Drawdown
11.9.1 Groundwater levels will be monitored
at the areas close to the aboveground works sites where
would have deep excavation and active fishponds in pre-construction and
construction stages as part of the comprehensive groundwater monitoring
strategy (Section 6 refers). A monitoring and emergency
response plan should be prepared in relation to potential impacts due to
groundwater drawdown, will form part of the EM&A requirement in the
EM&A Manual and should be agreed with EPD and AFCD before commencement of
the construction works. The plan should
include, but not be limited to, details of monitoring locations and programme,
a mechanism to monitor the implication from the works to the groundwater system
and fishponds including their water levels, action levels and emergency
responses such as immediate action, remedial action and investigation.
11.10.1 A fisheries impact assessment based on the existing available
information and site inspections on pond culture fisheries resources and
activities within the Assessment Area has been undertaken, following the
criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing fisheries impact as stated
in Annexes 9 and 17 of the EIAO-TM.
11.10.2
The
Project would only involve land-based construction works within the proposed
works site/area of the NOL alignment. As
a result, a total of 0.71 ha active, 0.23 ha inactive and 0.61 ha abandoned
fishponds in NTMPW and SATSWW areas would be lost in short-term, comprising
about 0.06%, 0.02% and 0.05% of fishponds areas in Hong Kong respectively. The long-term loss of 0.13 ha abandoned
fishpond in SPAUT area comprise 0.01% fishponds areas in Hong Kong, which does
not account for a significant proportion of the total fishpond area in Hong
Kong. The fisheries impacts arising from the Project
is therefore considered minor. In
addition, with the implementation of mitigation measures recommended in the
Water Quality Impact Assessment Section for controlling water quality impact (Section 6 refers), the Project would
not cause any unacceptable water quality impact to adjacent active fishponds
near NOL alignment during construction and operation. Impacts on groundwater table, and indirect
impacts due to noise and vibration are anticipated to be insignificant.
Overall, no unacceptable fisheries impact is anticipated from the Project.
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2012-2013.
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2014-2015.
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2015-2016.
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2016-2017.
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2018-2019.
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(AFCD) (2020). Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Annual Report 2019-2020.
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(AFCD) (2021). Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Annual Report 2020-2021.
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