Detailed
Preservation and/or Translocation Plan for
Plant
Species of Conservation Importance
for
Tung Chung New Town Extension (West)
(EP
No. EP-519/2016)
June 2022
1.
Project Description
The
development of Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE), comprising Tung Chung
East (TCE) and Tung Chung West (TCW), is a mega-scale and complex project
aiming to provide land to meet the future housing economic and social
development needs of Hong Kong. Due to the fact that
the proposed works are geographically separated, the implementation of
mega-scale Project is divided into two packages, namely TCE and TCW
respectively. In accordance with the tight delivery programme, the Project will
be implemented in phases under separate contracts for the developments of TCE
and TCW.
2. Scope
of Works for Tung Chung New Town Extension
The
Tung Chung New Town Extension project (the Project) comprises the following
elements:
(i)
reclamation
of the seabed by a non-dredged method at TCE to form a total of about 130
hectares of land;
(ii)
construction
of about 4.9 kilometers of seawalls, with an
eco-shoreline, three drainage box culvert outfalls, three circulation drains
and a seawater intake at TCE;
(iii)
provision
of infrastructure for Tung Chung Area 58, including construction of a single
two-lane road with a footpath and the associated utility works;
(iv)
site
formation works at TCW;
(v)
construction
of the River Park including a visitor centre at TCW;
(vi)
construction
of proposed open space;
(vii)
construction
of sustainable urban drainage systems at TCW;
(viii)
construction
of roads, footpaths, cycle tracks and the associated junction / road
improvement works;
(ix)
engineering
infrastructure works covering drainage, sewerage, waterworks (including a fresh water service reservoir, a salt water service
reservoir and a salt water pumping station), common utility tunnels and
landscaping works; and
(x)
implementation
of environmental mitigation measures and environmental monitoring and audit
programme for the works.
3. Implementation
Programme
The
Contract No NL/2020/05 – Tung Chung New Town Extension – Site Formation and
Infrastructure Works at Ma Wan Chung (i.e. Contract 5)
at TCW has been awarded in May 2021 and is scheduled for completion in 2025.
The main contractor for Contract No. NL/2020/05 is Build King – Richwell Civil Joint Venture (BKRCJV).
The
Contract No NL/2020/06 – Tung Chung New Town Extension – Site Formation and
Infrastructure Works at Tung Chung Valley, Phase 1 (i.e.
Contract 6) at TCW has been awarded in May 2021 and is scheduled for completion
in 2025. The main contractor for Contract No. NL/2020/06 is China Railway Group
Limited (CREC).
The
detailed design for the first phase of site formation and infrastructure works
at TCE and TCW (First Phase development) has been completed, while the detailed
design for the remaining phase of site formation and infrastructures works is
in progress.
4. Submission
under EP
Since
land resumption in TCW is still in process and the public works areas will be
handed over to the relevant authority (CEDD) in phases, the pre-construction
survey for plant species of conservation importance and the subsequent
preservation and/or translocation exercise will be implemented in phases. This
Plan outlines the framework in carrying out the pre-construction survey for
plant species of conservation importance and implementing the subsequent
preservation and/or translocation exercise in TCW for future public works
contractors and private developers to follow. For the Detailed Preservation
and/or Translocation Plan for Plant Species of Conservation Importance for TCE,
please refer to the dedicated project website: http://env.tcnte.hk/ep-submissions.html.
CONTENTS
2 TARGET SPECIES OF PRESERVATION AND/OR TRANSLOCATION
2.1 REQUIREMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PERMIT
2.2 LOCATIONS OF TARGET SPECIES
4 Methodology for Preservation and/or Translocation and Proposed Receptor Sites
4.2 IDENTIFICATION OF SUITABLE RECEPTOR SITES
5 Preservation and/or Translocation Proposal
6 Post-translocation Monitoring Programme
1 introduction
1.1
GENERAL
1.1.1 This plan is prepared by China Railway Engineering Group Limited (known as CREC) in accordance with the Condition 2.21 of the Environmental Permit No. EP-519/2016 dated 09/08/2016.
1.1.2 This plan only covers the works in Tung Chung West (TCW). For the same plan for TCE, please refer to http://env.tcnte.hk/ep-submissions.html.
1.2
PROJECT BACKGROUND
1.2.1 In mid-1996, the Government completed the Territorial Development Strategy Review (TDSR) which identified housing shortfall in the medium to long term. The TDSR also identified the North Lantau New Town (NLNT) as a strategic growth area, among other areas to meet the territorial housing demand, with a revised population target of 320,000 by 2011.
1.2.2 In 2004, the Administration formulated a concept plan for planning initiatives on Lantau (Concept Plan). The Concept Plan was then revised in mid-2007 taking into account comments collected from the public consultation (Revised Concept Plan). Under the Revised Concept Plan, Tung Chung is to remain a comprehensively planned new town for a population of 220,000 with adequate community facilities and regional facilities to serve the whole of Lantau.
1.2.3 The CEDD and the Planning Department (PlanD) jointly commissioned Agreement No. CE 32/2011(CE) - Planning and Engineering Study on the Remaining Development in Tung Chung (P&E Study) in 2012. The P&E Study aims at identifying development potentials and opportunities to extend Tung Chung into a distinct community to meet housing, social, economic, environmental and local needs. Under the P&E Study, various planning, engineering and environmental studies were carried out to formulate a development scheme to extend existing Tung Chung to Tung Chung East (TCE) and Tung Chung West (TCW).
1.2.4 The P&E Study adopted a three-stage Public Engagement (PE) programme to facilitate public discussions and foster consensus building. Taking into account the public views and the planning and technical assessments, the Recommended Outline Development Plans (RODPs) for TCE and TCW were finalized under the P&E Study and were endorsed in January 2015. The planned new population of TCE and TCW under the RODPs would be around 120,000 and 25,000 respectively. With the new population in TCE and TCW, the total planned population in Tung Chung will reach about 270,000 upon full development.
1.2.5 The development theme of Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) will pursue a sustainable and balanced approach while taking account of its strategic location and the synergy effect to make Tung Chung a regional commercial hub for retail and office developments. The TCNTE development, comprising TCE and TCW, will provide about 49,600 flats for an additional population of 145,500 and about 877,000m2 gross floor area (GFA) for commercial uses. The housing mix for public housing and private housing is of a ratio of 65:35 approximately.
1.2.6 The general scope of works for TCW includes site formation and engineering infrastructure works for the development of TCW and engineering infrastructure improvement works for both public and private development. The scope of the Project comprises the following principal works components:
(a) Site formation works, including decontamination works, for the proposed infrastructure, Government, Institution or Community (G/IC) sites, subsidized housing and private development;
(b) Engineering infrastructure works including roads, drainage, sewerage including sewage pumping stations, and waterworks to support the proposed developments in TCW;
(c) Provision of public sewerage including sewage connection points inside village areas including but not limited to Ma Wan Chung, Wong Nai Uk, Shek Lau Po, Ngau Au, Lam Che, Nim Yuen, Mok Ka and Shek Mun Kap, and other unsewered areas of TCW;
(d) Provision of a cycle track network in TCW;
(e) Provision of a footbridge across Shun Tung Road;
(f) Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS), including but not limited to provision of an attenuation & treatment pond for each residential development site and provision of roadside bioswales;
(g) De-channelization of the channelized portion of Tung Chung Stream near Shek Lau Po;
(h) A River Park along the eastern tributary of Tung Chung Stream (section between Chung Yat Street and Shek Mun Kap Road);
(i) Natural terrain hazard mitigation measures;
(j) Ma Wan Chung Improvement Works;
(k) Revitalisation of the ex-Tung Chung Public School;
(l) Landscaping, streetscaping, re-provisioning and ancillary works;
(m) Engineering infrastructure improvement works for Tung Chung Area 6 according to the findings of the engineering assessments for rezoning the area from "G/IC" use to commercial use; and
(n) Provision of environmental mitigation measures for the works mentioned in (a) to (m) above.
1.2.7 According to the plant survey from the EIA study AEIAR-196/2016 Tung Chung New Town Extension, plant species of conservation importance include Aquilaria sinensis, Cibotium barometz, Gmelina chinensis, Halophilia ovalis, Ligustrum punctifolium, Pavetta hongkongensis, Uvaria calamistrata, Zostera japonica and Zoysia sinica were recorded within the assessment area of TCW. Among them, only Aquilaria sinensis, Cibotium barometz, Pavetta hongkongensis and Gmelina chinensis were recorded within the Project Site in TCW (Appendix A).
1.2.8 Individuals of Aquilaria sinensis were found within the footprints of TCV-1, TCV-7, polders and the works area of the proposed service reservoirs. Individuals of Gmelina chinensis were recorded within the works area of the proposed service reservoirs, while individuals of Cibotium barometz and Pavetta hongkongensis were recorded within the footprint of the proposed widening at Shek Mun Kap Road. Results of the group tree surveys conducted for LVIA of the EIA study also uncovered more individuals of Aquilaria sinensis and Gmelina chinensis within the development footprints. Mitigation measures including preservation and/or translocation in these areas prior to site formation was recommended in the EIA stage as mitigation to minimize the impacts on these plant species of conservation importance.
1.2.9 As stated in the EIA report, preservation and/or translocation of plant species of conservation importance will cover all areas for public works, provided before site formation commences by the government departments responsible for the construction of those public works of the site formation works for those sites. This measure will also be required in TCV-1 in where plant species of conservation importance were recorded, and which are zoned for residential/commercial developments by private developers and the lands within mostly belong to private lots. The names of the various development areas during the EIA study are shown in Appendix B.
1.2.10 This Detailed Preservation and/or Translocation Plan for Plant Species of Conservation Importance states the target species, methodology for Pre-construction survey, preservation and/or translocation, identification of suitable receptor sites for translocation, a post-translocation monitoring programme and implementation programme.
1.3
PURPOSE OF THIS PLAN
1.3.1 This plan is prepared in accordance with Condition 2.21 of the Environmental Permit No. EP-519/2016 "The Permit Holder shall, no later than 3 months before the commencement of construction works at Tung Chung Valley, submit 3 hard copies and 1 electronic copy of the Preservation and / or Translocation Plan (The Plan) for plant species of conservation importance, including but not limited to Aquilaria sinensis, Pavetta hongkongensis and Gmelina chinensis, that could be affected by the Project to the Director of Environmental Protection for approval." The Plan shall include at least the following information:
· the target species;
· methodology for Pre-construction survey, preservation and/or translocation for each species;
· identification of suitable receptor sites;
· an implementation programme; and
· a post-translocation monitoring programme.
1.3.2
The site formation of the development areas in TCW will be implemented by
phases. Most of the development areas in TCW are private lands, land
resumption is still processing at the time of preparing present Plan.
Preparation of Pre-construction survey to obtain the up-to-date information of
the target species shall be carried out after land resumption by phases prior
to preservation and/or translocation of plant species of conservation
importance to fulfil the EP requirements. This Plan outlines the
framework in carrying out the Pre-construction survey for plant species of
conservation importance and implementing the subsequent preservation and/or
translocation exercise in TCW for future public works contractors and private
developers to follow.
2 TARGET SPECIES OF PRESERVATION AND/OR TRANSLOCATION
2.1
REQUIREMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PERMIT
2.1.1 In accordance with Condition 2.21 of the EP, the target species for preservation/translocation including the plant species of conservation importance but not limited to Aquilaria sinensis, Pavetta hongkongensis and Gmelina chinensis.
2.1.2 Plant species of conservation importance are defined from protection status (e.g. listed under Forestry Regulations and Cap. 586 in Hong Kong, listed by IUCN or CITES, or listed as Category I or II protected species in mainland China); species distribution (e.g. endemic); and rarity (e.g. considered rare or very rare by Corlett et al. (2000), regarded as rare by Yip et al. (2010)). However, exotic invasive species, escaped cultivars or captive species, vagrants and introduced species are excluded.
2.1.3 The following laws/regulations and conventions for conservation importance are relevant with evaluation of the conservation importance of plant species.
· Forestry Regulations (Cap. 96A) which are subsidiary legislation of the Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96);
· Category I/ II/ III in List of Wild Plants under State Protection;
· Considered ‘Rare’ or ‘Very Rare’ plant species listed by Corlett et al. (2000) or regarded as ‘Rare’ by Yip et al. (2010) where applicable;
· China Plant Red Data Book;
· Threatened Species List of China’s Higher Plants (Qin et al. 2017);
· Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586);
· Category I or II State Protected Wild Animals;
· The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species (Species which are classified by IUCN as Least Concern (LC), Near Threatened (NT), Data Deficient (DD), or Not Evaluated (NE), and not covered by any other laws/regulations/conventions are not considered of conservation importance in the present EcoIA.); and
· The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
2.2
LOCATIONS OF TARGET SPECIES
2.2.1 As stated in the EIA report, preservation and/or translocation of plant species of conservation importance will cover all areas for public works and a location for private development. The implementation area of the preservation and/or translocation exercise within the boundary of Contract 5 and 6 are shown in Appendix C1 & C2.
2.2.2 Indicative locations of the plant species of conservation importance recorded in TCW under the EIA study were marked. Appendix D shows the locations of the plant species of conservation importance recorded in the EIA study overlaid with the present development areas (both public works and private development), only Aquilaria sinensis and Pavetta hongkongensis were within the development areas.
2.2.3 During the EIA stage, a publication from KFBG named "Ecological and Conservation Importance of Tung Chung, Lantau" documented species of conservation importance including plant, in order to highlight the ecological importance of Tung Chung. According to the report, Nepenthes mirabilis, Spiranthes hongkongenis, Goodyera procera were recorded along the streamside; Aquilaria sinensis, Gmelina chinensis, Dioscorea hispida, Gymnosphaera hancockii were recorded in the woodland and orchard; Halophila sp., Zostera japonica and Ligustrum punctifolium were recorded in Tung Chung Bay. However, the locations were not indicated on map.
2.2.4 A tree survey was conducted under a formal Tree Preservation and Removal Proposal prepared by Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd in accordance with the requirements as stipulated in DEVB TCW No. 4/2020. The tree survey was conducted from January 2017 to November 2018 and in the process of being renewed from August 2020 onwards to assess all existing trees within the Contract 5 and Contract 6 boundary. For affected trees of which the tree survey has expired the 2-year valid period, their conditions and photos have also been updated in August to September 2020. Target species Aquilaria sinensis, Canthium dicoccum and Gmelina chinensis were recorded in the tree survey. As the tree survey was not exhaustively covered all target species, Pre-construction survey for plant species of conservation importance will be conducted by the qualified botanist appointed by contractor.
2.2.5 Plant survey was conducted by Green Power in recent years. Plant species of conservation importance include Trachelospermum jasminoides, Chamaecrista leschenaultiana, Cibotium barometz, Gnetum luofuense, Acacia pennata, Nepenthes mirabilis, Ania hongkongensis, Goodyera procera, Spiranthes sinensis, Canthium dicoccum, Aquilaria sinensis and Gmelina chinensis were recorded within and nearby the lower Tung Chung River catchment (Appendix E) (Green Power 2021).
2.3
CRITERIA OF TRANSLOCATION
2.3.1 Although the plant species mentioned in Section 2.2 are considered as species of conservation importance, translocation of all the species are not practical and unnecessary in terms of ecology due to the growth form and commonness in Hong Kong.
2.3.2 Besides the three species i.e. Aquilaria sinensis, Pavetta hongkongensis and Gmelina chinensis specified in the EP condition, the species under statutory protection should also be transplanted as far as practicable, if they are not able to be preserved on site. For example, Ania hongkongensis, Cibotium barometz, Goodyera procera, Gymnosphaera hancockii, Nepenthes mirabilis and Spiranthes sinensis are all protected by Hong Kong laws (Cap. 96A and/or Cap. 586) and included in other legislations, conventions and guidelines.
2.3.3 Acacia pennata, Chamaecrista leschenaultiana, Dioscorea hispida and Trachelospermum jasminoides are regarded as "Rare" by Corlett et al. 2000. These species are counted as species of conservation importance and be included in the preservation/translocation. As Dioscorea hispida exhibits climber growth form, thus no translocation is recommended for this species.
2.3.4 Canthium dicoccum is classified as "Vulnerable" in IUCN Red List but not included in any Hong Kong law, mainland legislation, and any conventions and guidelines. In fact, this species is common in Hong Kong and also regarded as "Common" by Corlett et al. 2000.
2.3.5 Gnetum luofuense is
only classified as "Near Threatened" in IUCN Red List and not included in any
Hong Kong law, mainland legislation, and any conventions and guidelines.
Classifying as "Near Threatened" in IUCN Red List, this species is not
currently facing a high risk of extinction in the wild, and indeed, this
species is very common in Hong Kong and also regarded as "Very Common" by
Corlett et al. 2000. In addition, this species is a climber
and usually entangles other vegetation, it will be very difficult to separate
it out for translocation.
3 PRE-CONSTRUCTION SURVEY
3.1
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
3.1.1 As most of the development areas in TCW are private lands and land resumption are still processing at the time of preparing present Plan, a detailed Pre-construction survey for the target species (which are the plant species of conservation importance, including but not limited to Aquilaria sinensis, Pavetta hongkongensis and Gmelina chinensis) will be conducted and a Preservation and/or Translocation Proposal will be submitted within 1 calendar month after the completion of the Pre-construction survey to the Project Manager, ET and IEC before submission to EPD.
3.1.2 Qualified botanist will be engaged to carry out a Pre-construction survey focusing on the target species at the commencement of the respective Contracts and shall be completed within 9 months before translocation. The qualified botanist should possess a degree in a botany or related field equivalent to the standards of Level 3 or above in the Hong Kong Qualification Framework and have at least 5 years’ experience in Hong Kong on vegetation surveys, and preferably with a relevant professional qualification, including but not limited Certified Arborist and Professional Tree Inspection. The appointment of the qualified botanist shall be agreed by ET and IEC and approved by the Project Manager. The Pre-construction survey record shall cover all target species within the site boundary. The Implementation Area of the Preservation and /or Translocation Exercise contained in Appendix C1 & C2 were prepared in accordance with the approved EIA Report AEIAR-196/2016 (Figure 9.5a and 9.5b) and site boundary line identified under the respective Contract drawings (Drawing no. 251854/C6/G/1000 and 251854/C5/G/1111) of Contract Nos. NL/2020/05 and NL/2020/06. The qualified botanist shall also ascertain the presence and update the quantities and latest conditions of the target species.
3.1.3 The target species should be recorded and the corresponding location(s) should be mapped. Photographic records of each identified target species and the following information and characteristics should be noted:
· Plant Species (Scientific Name and Chinese Name) and Conservation Status;
· Overall Height (m);
· Trunk Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) (mm) (for tree and shrub only); DBH is not required for small shrub and herbal species
· Crown Spread (m) (for tree and shrub only);
· Form (for tree only);
· Health;
· Structural Condition;
· Suitability for Transplanting and Remarks;
· Recommendation;
· Additional Remarks (if any).
3.1.4
The assessment criteria for the target species, including Form, Health,
Structural Condition and Suitability for Transplanting are stated in Appendix F.
4 Methodology for Preservation and/or Translocation and Proposed Receptor Sites
4.1
PRESERVATION
4.1.1 The target species outside the boundary of the development areas (Appendix C1 & C2) will not be impacted directly. The mitigation measures for the target species within the site boundary will follow the recommendation of the qualified botanist. The retained target species will be preserved and retained throughout the construction period.
4.1.2 Extensive site formation works are required within the development areas. Depending on the site condition and detailed design of the development layout, the target species will be preserved as far as practicable, otherwise, translocation will be conducted.
4.1.3 Tentative method statement for preservation and translocation works of target species is shown in Appendix G.
4.2 IDENTIFICATION OF SUITABLE RECEPTOR SITES
4.2.1 The qualified botanist should confirm the exact location of the receptor sites for each individual target species being transplanted after the Pre-construction survey.
4.2.2 The potential suitable receptor sites could not be identified as this stage. Key considerations in identifying suitable receptor sites are set out for future qualified botanist to follow:
1) The receptor sites provide enough space for translocation
2) The receptor sites should be near to the sites of target species
3) The receptor sites should avoid excessive soil moisture
4) The receptor sites shall match with the original habitats
5) Consent shall be gauged from the owners of the receptor sites beforehand
4.3
TRANSLOCATION
4.3.1 All proposed translocation works should be supervised by qualified botanist that should possess a degree in a botany or related field equivalent to the standards of Level 3 or above in the Hong Kong Qualification Framework and have at least 5 years’ experience in Hong Kong on translocation, and preferably with a relevant professional qualification, including but not limited to Certified Arborist and Professional Tree Inspection. The appointment of the qualified botanist shall be agreed by ET and IEC and approved by the Project Manager.
4.3.2 The Contractor shall also engage a qualified landscape subcontractor to carry out the translocation works. All translocation works should be carried out in planting season (preferably from March to May and no later than September), prior to site formation.
4.3.3 Based on the results of the
Pre-construction survey, the qualified botanist will determine the best
appropriate translocation methodology to suit the present environment, size and condition of the plant species to be
transplanted. Translocation Report shall be prepared and submitted to ET,
IEC and the Project Manager after within 1 calendar
month after the completion of translocation. The general approach of such
translocation works for the target species is shown in Appendix
G.
5 Preservation and/or Translocation Proposal
5.1.1 The qualified botanist shall conduct a Pre-construction survey for target species, including but not limited to the quantity, location(s), size(s) and the information stated in Section 3.1.3 of each target species identified within the development areas.
5.1.2 The qualified botanist shall determine, with justification, on the feasibility and transplant ability of each identified individual or target species and propose respective suitable receptor locations and necessary site preparation works for the target species.
5.1.3 Preservation and/or Translocation Proposal shall propose translocation methodology (make reference to Appendix G), implementation programme, confirmation of the receptor site(s), post-translocation monitoring and maintenance arrangement/programme for the translocated individuals of the target species. The Plan shall also identify the future maintenance parties of each proposed receptor sites.
5.1.4 Preservation and/or Translocation Proposal shall propose feasible protective measure for preserving any specimens of the target species considered to be protected in-situ within the development areas.
5.1.5 Preservation and/or Translocation Proposal shall be accepted by the Project Manager, Environmental Team and Independent Environmental Checker.
5.1.6 The Preservation and/or Translocation Proposal shall contain the following items:
· Plant species of conservation importance recorded within Project Boundary in vegetation survey
· Recommendation on Plant species of conservation importance (i.e. avoidance and minimization)
· Methodology of in-situ preservation and translocation.
· Identification of temporary nursery site (if applicable), receptor site for the plant species proposed to be transplanted.
· Implementation programme for in-situ preservation and translocation.
· Post-translocation monitoring and maintenance programme (such as monitoring frequency, maintenance programme and indicate future maintenance agent of the plant species to be transplanted).
· Appendix/ Figure: Location of the Plant species of conservation importance recorded
· Appendix/ Figure: Photo record of the Plant species of conservation importance recorded
6 Post-translocation Monitoring Programme
6.1.1 Surveys will be conducted to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the preservation (within the development areas) and translocation programme. Survival and health conditions of transplanted plant individuals as well as individuals to be preserved in-situ will be monitored, necessary maintenance operation will also be recommended. The monitoring surveys shall be carried out by qualified botanist.
6.1.2 For transplanted individuals, the monitoring will be after translocation for two years and throughout the construction period (for in-situ preserved individuals). The frequency will be monthly for the first year, and then quarterly for the second year as the monitoring frequency can be reduced after the 1-st year stabilization. A landscape contractor should be employed to conduct the maintenance works (e.g. weeding and watering) as recommended by the qualified botanist for the transplanted individuals.
6.1.3 For the in-situ preserved plant individuals, the monitoring will be conducted monthly throughout the construction period, to monitor if the construction works affect the preserved individuals. The condition of the tree-protection zone, if any, should be regularly checked.
6.1.4
The qualified botanist should
prepare a monitoring report after each monitoring to document the findings and
recommendation of the preservation and/or post-translocation monitoring, which
will be submitted to ET, IEC and the Project Manager
within 2 weeks of monitoring.
7 Implementation Programme OF PRESERVATION AND/OR TRANSLOCATION OF PLANt SPECIES OF CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE for public works
7.1.1 Depending on the site condition and detailed design of the development layout, the target species will be preserved as far as practicable. Otherwise, translocation will be conducted. The translocation works, if approved, should be carried out in planting season (preferably from March to May and no later than September), prior to site formation. The tentative programme for implementing the preservation and/or translocation exercise for each individual public works areas is shown in Table 1, Table 1.1 and Appendix C1 & C2. The Detailed Preservation and/or Translocation Plan for Plant Species of Conservation Importance will be updated and submitted to EPD for approval when the remaining contracts commence.
Table 1 Tentative Programme for Implementing the Preservation and/or Translocation Exercise of Plant Species of Conservation Importance for Each Individual Public Works Area in Tung Chung Valley
|
Individual Public Works Areas |
Time for Implementing Preservation and/or Translocation Exercise |
|
Area 42 |
Jun 2022 |
|
Area 46 |
Apr 2023 |
|
New Road L29 |
Jun 2022 |
|
Shek Mun Kap Road and Bridge C |
Jun 2022 |
|
SATP 05 and SATP 07 |
Apr 2023 |
Table 1.1 Tentative Programme for Implementing the Preservation and/or Translocation Exercise of Plant Species of Conservation Importance for Each Individual Public Works Area in Ma Wan Chung
|
Individual Public Works Areas |
Time for Implementing Preservation and/or Translocation Exercise |
|
Part E (Tung Chung Road North) |
Jun 2022 |
|
Part G |
Jun 2022 |
|
Part H (Town Park) |
Jun 2022 |
|
Part H (Hiking Trail) |
Jun 2022 |
7.1.2 An implementation schedule summarizing the preservation and/or translocation programme is shown in Table 2.
Table 2 Implementation Schedule
|
Section Ref. |
Recommended Task |
Deliverable/ Tasks required for implementation |
Objective of the Task & Main Concerns to address |
Who to implement /maintain the task? |
Location of the task |
When to implement the task? |
|
2 & 3 |
Pre-construction survey for the target species (which are the plant species of conservation importance, including but not limited to Aquilaria sinensis, Pavetta hongkongensis and Gmelina chinensis) |
Pre-construction survey report should be submitted to ET, IEC and the Project Manager before submission to EPD |
Minimize the potential impact to plant species of conservation importance |
Qualified botanist appointed by Contractor/CEDD/ private developer |
Development areas of public and private works |
Completed within 9 months before translocation |
|
3.1.1 & 5 |
Preservation and/or Translocation Proposal |
Preservation and/or Translocation Proposal should be submitted to ET, IEC and the Project Manager |
Minimize the potential impact to plant species of conservation importance |
Qualified botanist appointed by Contractor/CEDD/ private developer |
Development areas of public and private works, and receptor sites |
Submitted within 1 calendar month after the completion of Pre-construction survey |
|
4.1 |
Preservation |
Monitoring record should be submitted to the Project Manager |
Minimize the potential impact to plant species of conservation importance |
Contractor and qualified botanist appointed by Contractor/CEDD/ private developer |
Development areas of public and private works |
Monitoring conducted monthly throughout the construction period |
|
4.2 |
Identification of Suitable Receptor Sites |
The detail should be provided at Preservation and/or Translocation Proposal
|
Minimize the potential impact to plant species of conservation importance |
Contractor and qualified botanist appointed by Contractor/CEDD/ private developer |
Receptor sites |
After the Pre-construction survey |
|
Section Ref. |
Recommended Task |
Deliverable/ Tasks required for implementation |
Objective of the Task & Main Concerns to address |
Who to implement /maintain the task? |
Location of the task |
When to implement the task? |
|
4.3 |
Translocation
|
The qualified botanist should be agreed by ET and IEC and approved by the Project Manager |
Minimize the potential impact to plant species of conservation importance |
Landscape Contractor and qualified botanist appointed by Contractor/CEDD/ private developer |
Development areas of public and private works, and receptor sites |
Planting season (preferably from March to May and no later than September), prior to site formation. |
|
4.3.3 |
Translocation report
|
The translocation report should be submitted to ET, IEC and the Project Manager |
Minimize the potential impact to plant species of conservation importance |
Landscape Contractor and qualified botanist appointed by Contractor/CEDD/ private developer |
Development areas of public and private works, and receptor sites |
Submitted within 1 calendar month after the completion of translocation. |
|
6 |
Post-translocation monitoring |
The qualified botanist should prepare a monitoring report after each monitoring to document the findings and recommendation of the preservation and/or post-translocation monitoring |
Minimize the potential impact to plant species of conservation importance |
Contractor and qualified botanist appointed by Contractor/CEDD/ private developer |
Development areas of public and private works, and receptor sites |
After translocation for two years and throughout the construction period (for in-situ preserved individuals). The frequency will be monthly for the first year, and then quarterly for the second year |
|
6.1.4 |
Monitoring Report |
The monitoring report should be submitted to ET, IEC and the Project Manager |
Minimize the potential impact to plant species of conservation importance |
Contractor and qualified botanist appointed by Contractor/CEDD/ private developer |
Development areas of public and private works, and receptor sites |
Within 2 weeks of monitoring |
8 Reference
Corlett, R. T., Xing, F., Ng, S. C., Chau, L. K. C., & Wong, L. M. Y. (2000). Hong Kong vascular plants: distribution and status. Memoirs of the Hong Kong Natural History Society, 23: 1-157.
Yip, J. K., Yip, J. K. L., Liu, E. K. Y., Ngar, Y. N., & Lai, P. C. C. (2010). A floristic survey of marshes in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Biodiversity 19: 7-16.
Qin et al., 2017. Threatened Species List of China’s Higher Plants. Biodiversity Science 2017, Vol. 25, Issue (7): 696-744.
Green Power 2021, Ecological Baseline Study of Tung Chung River Catchment 2021
(END)
Appendix A1 – Plant
Species of Conservation Importance recorded during the EIA Study (southern
half)
Appendix A2 – Plant Species of Conservation Importance recorded during the EIA Study (northern half)
Appendix B1 – Names of Development Area in the Northern Tung Chung Valley during the EIA Study Part I (Extracted from EIA Report)
Appendix B2 – Names of Development Area in the Northern Tung Chung Valley during the EIA Study Part II (Extracted from EIA Report)
Appendix B3 – Names of Development Area in the Northern Tung Chung Valley during the EIA Study Part III (Extracted from EIA Report)
Appendix
C1 – Implementation Area
of the Preservation and/or Translocation Exercise in Tung Chung Valley
Appendix C2 – Implementation Area of the Preservation and/or Translocation Exercise Ma Wan Chung for NL/2020/05
Appendix D – Locations of Plant Species of Conservation Importance recorded in EIA Study overlaid with Development Areas
Appendix
E – List
of Species of Conservation Importance Concern Provided by Green Power
Appendix
F – Assessment
Criteria for Target Species
Appendix
G – Tentative Method
Statement for Preservation and Translocation Works of Target Species
