9
ECOLOGICAL MONITORING
Monitoring
Requirements and Protocol
9.1
As
required under Section 12.3.2.5 of the Updated EM&A Manual, where
development under the NDAs project is undertaken within 200m (the maximum
distance at which it is predicted there may be some disturbance, and hence a
reduction in numbers of large waterbirds) of Sheung Yue River and Long Valley,
weekly transect at both high and low tides should be followed (It is considered
high tide when the tidal levels are above 1.5m and low tide when the tidal
levels are below 1.5m at Tsim Bei Tsui Station).
9.2
The
purpose of the survey is to identify and enumerate all bird
species utilizing the river channels and Long Valley Nature Park (LVNP) and
identify any sources of actual or potential disturbance to birds due to
construction activities throughout the construction period according to the methodology
specified in Table 12.1 in the Updated EM&A Manual.
9.3
Monitoring
in Long Valley followed the methodology adopted by the
regular HKBWS bird monitoring programme in order to obtain comparable results and a complete
coverage of the area in the shortest possible time.
Monitoring
Frequency
9.4
High
tide and low tide avifauna monitoring was required to be carried out on a
weekly basis. Additional
night-time avifauna monitoring in Long Valley was required to be carried out twice
monthly from September to April.
|
Date
of avifauna monitoring: |
5, 6, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 27 October 2023 |
|
Date of night-time monitoring: |
6 and 16 October 2023 |
Monitoring
Location
9.5
The
avifauna monitoring was carried out at Ng Tung River, Sheung Yue River and Long
Valley in the reporting
month according to the construction programme.
The transect routes in the reporting month were as follows:
•
T1. Ng Tung
River
•
T2. Ng Tung
River
•
T3. Sheung Yue
River
•
T5. Long Valley
9.6
As
the sensitive receivers (large waterbirds) were easily visible, the transect
route only needed to follow one bank of the rivers.
9.7
The location of
Transects T1, T2, T3 and T5 is shown in Figure
9 for reference.
Monitoring
Parameters
9.8
The monitoring
parameters and survey methodology for each transect are described below:
•
Abundance of
birds
•
Types of habitat of which birds in use
•
Notable bird behaviours such as roosting, feeding, nesting and presence
of juveniles
• Birds heard through birdcalls that could not be
located were marked as “heard”, while birds flying over the survey area were
marked as “flight”. Species of conservation significance were specified.
9.9
Other
information at the time of survey such as weather condition, tidal condition,
tide level and noticeable natural or anthropogenic activities were documented.
9.10 For Avifauna survey, Ornithological nomenclature
would make reference to The Avifauna of Hong Kong (Carey et al. 2001), The Birds of Hong Kong and South China (Viney et al. 2005), and the most recent
updated list from other sources (e.g. Hong Kong Bird
Watching Society).
Monitoring
Results
9.11
In total, 67
species of birds were recorded during the bird surveys within assessment area.
Among the recorded birds, there were 27 species of waterbirds. The detailed
list of waterbirds and all recorded birds are shown in Appendices L1k and L1l respectively.
9.12
Among the four
transects, transect T5 had a higher species diversity and abundance due to its
diverse habitat types within Long Valley. Species such as Ardeola bacchus and Egretta garzetta were commonly
found roosting and foraging at wetland habitats such as agricultural lands and
shallow water habitats.
9.13
Along transect
T5 in Long Valley, species with conservation interest such as Himantopus himantopus, which is a passage migrant, was
commonly observed in shallow water habitats.
9.14
Construction works were observed in T5 in
the reporting month.
9.15
Transect T3 was
conducted along Sheung Yue River. Bird species such as Ardeola bacchus and Egretta garzetta were commonly observed
feeding and roosting on the river bank and river bed. Construction works were
observed beside Sheung Yue River.
9.16
Transects T1
and T2 are located at Ng Tung River. Ardeola bacchus and Egretta garzetta were commonly found feeding and roosting along
the Ng Tung River. Fishing activities were observed at both T1 and T2.
Potential anthropogenic sources of disturbance observed along T1 and T2
including the usage of remote control boats.
9.17
Avifauna
monitoring in construction phase was conducted during the reporting month and
the detailed results are attached in Appendix
L1.
9.18 Table 9.1 summarises the avifauna monitoring
results during the reporting month.
Table 9.1 Summary
Table of Avifauna Monitoring Results to Corresponding Action and Limit Levels.
|
Monitoring Parameter |
Result in Reporting Month |
Baseline Level in Corresponding Month |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
|
birds* using Ng Tung River, Sheung Yue
River and Shek Sheung River Mean abundance of large water |
106.25 |
16 |
10 |
7 |
|
Mean abundance of Ardeola bacchus
using Ng Tung River, Sheung Yue River and Shek Sheung River |
17.25 |
14 |
6 |
4 |
|
Mean Abundance of Bird recorded in
LVNP |
1020.25 |
567 |
472 |
337 |
|
Mean Abundance of Ardeola bacchus recorded
in LVNP |
22.25 |
18 |
14 |
10 |
|
Environmental disturbance and
damage from activities in LVNP |
- |
- |
Activity likely to cause unacceptable environmental disturbance or
damage noted in LVNP. |
Activity causing unacceptable environmental disturbance or damage
noted in LVNP. |
|
*Note Large Waterbirds includes: Ardea alba,
Ardea cinerea, Egretta eulophotes, Egretta garzetta, Ardea intermedia and Phalacrocorax
carbo |
||||
9.19 No Action or Limit Level exceedance in avifauna
monitoring was recorded during the reporting month.
Monitoring
Requirements and Protocol
9.20 As required under Section 12.3.2.14
of the Updated
EM&A Manual, aquatic faunal monitoring should be carried out during the
construction phase.
9.21 Larger organisms such as fish should
be monitored by direct counting, while kick-netting and sweep-netting should be
used for invertebrate sampling. There should be three replicates for
invertebrate sampling at each sampling point. For kick-netting, the net should
be placed with the opening facing the water current, and the substrate should
be disturbed by kicking to dislodge organisms from the stream bed.
Sweep-netting should be conducted when kick-netting is not feasible, such as in
area with no water current. Small organisms that could not be identified with
naked eye should be brought to the laboratory for identification under the
dissecting microscope.
Monitoring
Frequency
9.22 Quantitative aquatic fauna replicate
surveys of stream fauna was required to be carried out on a monthly basis during
wet season. Three replicates for invertebrates sampling and direct counting of
fish fauna were
performed respectively.
Due to Typhoon Signal no.9 was in force and consider the
safety issue, ecological monitoring was postponed to 19 Oct 2023.
Date of aquatic fauna monitoring: 19th October
2023
Monitoring
Location
9.23
During
wet season, the monitoring locations required to be carried out in Ma
Tso Lung Stream are as follow:
|
•
MS_01 |
•
MS_02 |
•
MS_03 |
•
MS_04 |
•
MS_05 |
|
•
MS_06 |
•
MS_07 |
•
MS_08 |
•
MS_09 |
•
MS_10 |
|
•
MS_11 |
•
MS_12 |
•
MS_13 |
•
MS_14 |
•
MS_15 |
9.24 The location of monitoring
stations
is shown
in Figure 10 for reference.
Monitoring
Parameters
9.25
The
monitoring parameters and survey methodology for each monitoring station are
described below:
•
Species
composition
•
Abundance
•
Distribution
for invertebrates and fish fauna
•
Species of conservation
significance would be specified
9.26 Other information at the time of
survey such as weather conditions and noticeable natural or
anthropogenic activities were recorded.
Monitoring
Status
9.27
According to the
Updated EM&A Manual, quantitative aquatic fauna replicate surveys of stream
fauna is required to be carried out on monthly basis during wet season.
9.28 In the survey of aquatic fauna, a total of 14
aquatic invertebrate species were recorded in Ma Tso Lung Stream and Siu Hang
San Tsuen Stream. There were 4 fish species recorded in the reporting month.
One (1) species of conservation importance was recorded, namely Oreochromis mossambicus.
9.29 For the monitoring on 19th
October 2023, two monitoring stations, MS_01 & MS_05, were found dried-up.
No aquatic invertebrate nor fish species was recorded in those stations.
9.30
Aquatic
faunal monitoring in construction phase was conducted during the reporting
month and the results are attached in
Appendices L2 to L3.
9.31 Table 9.2 and Table
9.3 summarises the aquatic monitoring results during the
reporting month.
Table 9.2 Summary
Table of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates Monitoring Results to Corresponding Action
and Limit Levels.
|
Number of Native Species Recorded in
Stations: MS_01 - MS_15 |
Result in Reporting Month |
Baseline Level in Corresponding Month |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
|
MS_01 |
0 |
0 |
NA |
NA |
|
MS_02 & MS_03 |
4 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
|
MS_04, MS_06 & MS_07 |
2 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
|
MS_05 |
0 |
0 |
NA |
NA |
|
MS_08, MS_09 & MS_10 |
6 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
MS_11 |
0 |
0 |
NA |
NA |
|
MS_12 |
0 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
|
MS_13 & MS_14 |
2 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
|
MS_15 |
2 |
0 |
NA |
NA |
Table 9.3 Summary
Table of Fish Monitoring Results to Corresponding Action and Limit Levels.
|
Number of Native Species Recorded in
Stations: MS_01 - MS_15 |
Result in Reporting Month |
Baseline Level in Corresponding Month |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
|
MS_01 |
0 |
0 |
NA |
NA |
|
MS_02 & MS_03 |
0 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
|
MS_04, MS_06 & MS_07 |
0 |
2 |
NA |
1 |
|
MS_05 |
0 |
0 |
NA |
NA |
|
MS_08, MS_09 & MS_10 |
0 |
0 |
NA |
NA |
|
MS_11 |
0 |
0 |
NA |
NA |
|
MS_12 |
0 |
0 |
NA |
NA |
|
MS_13 & MS_14 |
0 |
0 |
NA |
NA |
|
MS_15 |
0 |
0 |
NA |
NA |
9.32 One (1) Limit Level exceedance was
recorded during the reporting month during monitoring of aquatic fauna.
Monitoring
Requirements and Protocol
9.33 As required under Section 12.3.2.17
of the Updated
EM&A Manual, monitoring of measures to minimise impacts should be carried out
during the construction phase.
9.34 The purpose of survey is to monitor
the effectiveness of measures to minimise impacts on ecologically sensitive
habitats from disturbance and pollution by standard faunal transect surveys.
Mammal survey
9.35 Mammal survey should be performed
during both day and night times, in areas along the transect routes which may
potentially be utilized by terrestrial mammals. Field signs such as droppings,
footprints, diggings and burrows left by larger
terrestrial mammals should be observed. Mammals directly observed should be
recorded, and identification should be made as accurate as possible form the
field signs observed.
9.36 Bat survey should be conducted along
the transect routes shortly after sunset, with the use of a bat detector to
record the echolocation calls. The relative abundance of the species
encountered should be estimated with reference to the baseline monitoring
results, i.e. using a scale from one (species recorded
within transect routes) to three (dominant species within transect routes), for
comparison between baseline results and the current monitoring results.
Nomenclature of mammal should be based on Shek (2006).
Herpetofauna survey (Amphibians and
Reptiles)
9.37 Both day-time and night-time
amphibian surveys should be conducted whenever possible following or during
periods of rainfall, focusing on areas suitable for amphibians (e.g. forest, shrublands, grasslands, streams, ponds,
marshes, etc.). Calling amphibians should be recorded, supplemented by visual
observation of eggs, tadpoles, adult frogs, and toads.
9.38 Active searching of appropriate
microhabitats such as stones, pond bunds, crevices and leaf debris should be
performed mainly. Observation of exposed, basking and
foraging reptiles should also be conducted. Nomenclature of amphibian and
reptile should be based on Chan et al. (2005) and Karsen et al. (1998),
respectively.
Insect survey (Butterfly and Dragonfly)
9.39 Butterflies and dragonflies observed
along the transects should be identified and counted. Preferable habitats of
the insects such as watercourses, fishponds, and vegetated areas should be
observed with special attention. Nomenclature and protection status of the
species should be based on Lo et al. (2005) for butterflies and Tam et al.
(2011) for dragonflies.
Monitoring
Frequency
9.40
Monitoring
surveys of ecological sensitive receivers such as mammals, insects (butterflies
and dragonflies), and herpetofauna was undertaken on a monthly
bases.
|
Date of monitoring
surveys of ecological sensitive receivers: |
12, 18
October 2023 |
Monitoring
Location
9.41
The
transect routes in the reporting month according to the construction
works are as follows:
•
T1. Ma Tso Lung
riparian zone and associated wetland habitats;
•
T1. Green belt
areas E1-8, D1-8 and G1-3 in KTN NDA;
•
T1. AGR one C2-4
and C2-2 in KTN NDA;
•
T1. Area north
of Ng Tung River;
•
T3. Area west of
Siu Hang San Tsuen Stream;
•
T4. South side
of Fanling Highway and Castle Peak Road in the
vicinity of Pak Shek Au;
•
T5. Area west and
east of the southern limit of the FLN NDA work area; and
•
T6. Areas in the
western part of KTN.
9.42 The location of Transects is shown
in Figure 11 for reference.
Monitoring
Parameters
9.43
The
monitoring parameters and survey methodology for each transect are described below:-
•
Species
composition
•
Abundance
•
Distribution
for fauna observed
•
Species of
conservation significance would be specified
Monitoring
Results
Mammal
9.44
During the survey, a total of 5 mammal species were recorded from
transects. Two (2) species of conservation importance were recorded, namely Cynopterus sphinx
and Pipistrellus abramus.
9.45
Domestic dogs, Canis lupus familiaris,
were commonly found at transect T1, T4 and T6, where associated with human
settlements, whilst domestic cats, Felis catus, were found at T1 and T4.
9.46
Echolocation
calls of bats were recorded with a bat detector. The bat detector would list
out possible bat species having similar echolocation calls in pattern and
frequency. The structure of the echolocation calls from the recordings was
later analysed to identify species as far as possible
(the lack of literature on echolocation call structure makes the field
identification of some bat species in Hong Kong difficult, and some species
could only be identified to genus level, or remain unidentified from the
recordings).
9.47
Identification
of bat species encountered in the surveys was made with consideration of the
possible bat species suggested by the bat detector, the distribution of
suggested bat species in Hong Kong, previous records of bat species in the EIA
Report and Baseline Monitoring Report, and the structure of echolocation calls
of the recordings (including call structure, frequency, duration, inter pulse
interval etc., with reference to relevant literatures).
9.48
Pipistrellus abramus was recorded with FM/QCF call structure and frequency around 45 kHz to
68 kHz (Ma et al., 2010, p.319). The above characteristics were further
compared with data from relevant literatures to confirm the identities.
References were also made to Tong (2016).
9.49
Bat species, Cynopterus sphinx was observed roosting in the
tent-shaped shelter under fronds of Chinese Fan-palm during the monitoring at
T1. Pipistrellus abramus was recorded in
flight at nighttime at all transect.
Herpetofauna (Amphibians and Reptiles)
9.50
Among the
transects, a total of 14 herpetofauna species were observed. Species including
toads, frogs, skinks, snakes and geckos were recorded
near wetland habitats and watercourse. Transects T1 had the highest species
diversity among all transects.
Insects (Butterfly and Dragonfly)
9.51 During the insect survey, a total of 52 butterfly
species were recorded from transects. Ten (10) species of butterfly recorded
was of particular conservation interest, namely Hypolimnas misippus, Charaxes marmax, Jamides alecto Jamides celeno, Horaga onyx, Udaspes folus, Tajuria cippus, Pieris rapae, Catochrysops strabo and Zizula hylax. Transect T1 had recorded the highest butterfly diversity among all
transects.
9.52 15 species of odonata
were recorded in the reporting month. Transect T1 had recorded the highest
odonatan diversity among all transect.
9.53 Ecological sensitive receivers such as
mammals, insects (butterflies and dragonflies), and herpetofauna monitoring during
construction phase was conducted in the reporting month and the results
are attached in Appendices
L4 to L7.
9.54 Table 9.4 summarises the mammal monitoring
results during the reporting month.
Table 9.4 Summary
Table of Mammal Monitoring Results to Corresponding Action and Limit Levels.
|
Number of Native Species
Recorded in each transect |
Result in Reporting Month |
Baseline Level in Corresponding Month |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
|
T1 |
2 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
|
T3 |
1 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
|
T4 |
1 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
|
T5 |
1 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
|
T6 |
1 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
9.55 Table 9.5 summarises the herpetofauna
monitoring results during the reporting month.
Table 9.5 Summary
Table of Herpetofauna Monitoring Results to Corresponding Action and Limit
Levels.
|
Number of Native Species
Recorded in each transect |
Result in Reporting Month |
Baseline Level in Corresponding Month |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
|
T1 |
11 |
8 |
6 |
4 |
|
T3 |
2 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
|
T4 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
|
T5 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
|
T6 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
9.56 Table 9.6 summarises the butterfly monitoring
results during the reporting month.
Table 9.6 Summary
Table of Butterfly Monitoring Results to Corresponding Action and Limit Levels.
|
Number of Species Recorded
in each transect |
Result in Reporting Month |
Baseline Level in Corresponding Month |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
|
T1 |
43 |
23 |
16 |
12 |
|
T3 |
8 |
13 |
9 |
7 |
|
T4 |
16 |
12 |
8 |
6 |
|
T5 |
13 |
14 |
10 |
7 |
|
T6 |
19 |
15 |
11 |
8 |
9.57 Table 9.7 summarises the odonata
monitoring results during the reporting month.
Table 9.7 Summary
Table of Odonata Monitoring Results to Corresponding Action and Limit Levels.
|
Number of Native Species
Recorded in each transect |
Result in Reporting Month |
Baseline Level in Corresponding Month |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
|
T1 |
11 |
12 |
8 |
6 |
|
T3 |
1 |
11 |
8 |
6 |
|
T4 |
1 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
|
T5 |
3 |
10 |
7 |
5 |
|
T6 |
10 |
11 |
8 |
6 |
9.58 Six (6) Action Level exceedance and
Four (4) Limit Level exceedance was recorded in non-aquatic fauna monitoring
during the reporting month.
9.59 For the monitoring conducted on 18
October 2023 at
Transect T5, a section of the transect route was found located within a private
property and hence not
accessible. Another section of transect T5 was found blocked by a new
accumulation of fallen trees. The inaccessible part are
shown in Photo 1 and Photo 2 below. The adjusted accessible
transect route is shown in Figure 11.
|
|
|
|
Photo
1. Inaccessible part of transect T5 located within a private property. |
Photo 2. Inaccessible part of
transect T5 blocked by fallen trees. |
Results and Observation
Action and Limit Level Exceedance
9.60 One (1) limit level exceedance for
fish monitoring was recorded at MS_04, MS_06 & MS_07. The exceedances were
considered non-project related.
9.61 For the MS_04, MS_06 & MS_07, no
project-reated construction site activity was observed
directly nearby. No exceedance of Water Quality was recorded in reporting
month. Besides the environmental condition, no exceedance in number of native
species of aquatic macroinvertebrates was recorded at the same location, whilst
4 non-native species of fishes were recorded in the same locations, thus it
seems that the exceedance was unlikely due to project-related construction
works. Future results of these transects will be continuously reviewed.
9.62 Six (6) action level exceedance and
Four (4) limit level exceedance for non-aquatic fauna were recorded at T3, T4
and T5. The exceedances were considered non-project related.
9.63 Large proportion of vegetative
habitat along T3 (including some shrubs, wood and tall
grass) were observed either removed, tarmacked, and concreted as haul road by
construction works outside of project, first reported in the Monthly Monitoring
Report in December 2021. The altered condition at transect might have been less
favourable to inhabitance of butterfly, herpetofauna
and odonates, as some species of these taxonomic
groups prefers wet vegetated habitats that provides shelters, as opposed to open and dry habitat such as a tarmacked haul road. Previous
odonate monitoring results see a drop in odonate records between summer of 2021 and 2022, during the
period which construction activities outside of project were observed.
9.64 The weather condition of monitoring
on 18th October was drizzle and had 38.3mm total rainfall, which
might have affected butterfly and odonate occurrence,
as well as certain groups of reptilians such as geckos and snakes, which
commonly seeks shelters during rainstorms. Active searches were conducted on
microhabitats along the transect, of which all species observed have been
recorded.
9.65 For the transect of T3, T4 & T5,
necessary Ecological mitigation measures were provided by all nearby
project-related sites. In addition, no exceedance in other environmental
parameters was recorded around 18th October, suggesting that it is
unlikely that the exceedance recorded during ecological monitoring in T3, T4
& T5 was project-related. No evidence to suggest that the exceedance was
related to project activities, as supported by environmental monitoring data.
Future results of these transects will be continuously reviewed.
Details of the Influencing Factors
Major Activities
9.66
During the
survey of Monitoring of Measures to Minimise
Disturbance to Water Birds in Sheung Yue River and Long Valley, anthropogenic
activities including soil turning with excavator and other construction
activities were observed in Long Valley. Construction works were observed
beside Sheung Yue River.
9.67
The
anthropogenic activities affected only a small area of the habitat in Long
Valley during monitoring and would only pose minor disturbances to the birds..
9.68
During the
survey of Monitoring of Measures to Minimise
Disturbance to Water Birds in Ng Tung River, anthropogenic activities including
construction works beside T2, recreational usage of remote
control boats and helicopters at both T1 and T2, and recreational
fishing by fishing rod at both T1 and T2 were observed.
9.69
During the
survey of Monitoring of Measures to Minimise Impacts
on Ecological Sensitive Habitats from Disturbance and Pollution, construction
activities NOT under this Project were observed at T3 and T5.
Weather Conditions
9.70 According to the observation during
survey, temperature and the rain flow records in the reporting month (Reference: http://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/pastwx/metob202310.htm), weather conditions
might pose influence towards the monitoring results.
9.71 The detailed ecological
monitoring results are attached in Appendix
L.
References
Ma, J., Jones, G., Zhu, G. J., & Metzner, W.
(2010). Echolocation behaviours of the Japanese
pipistrelle bat Pipistrellus abramus during foraging flight. Acta Theriologica, 55(4), 315-332.
Tong, C. F. (2016).
Distribution and preference of landscape features and foraging sites of
insectivorous bats in Hong Kong urban parks. (Master dissertation)