Tung Chung New Town Extension – Salt Water Supply System

 

 

 

 

Detailed Preservation and/or Translocation Plan

for Plant Species of Conservation Importance for Tung Chung East

 

 

 

 

November 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

1         introduction.. 3

1.1       General 3

1.2       Background. 3

1.3       The Project 4

1.4       Scope of Works. 5

2         Target Species.. 6

2.1       Target Species. 6

2.2       Methodology for Pre-construction Surveys. 6

2.3       Methodology for Preservation of Transplanted and Retained Plant Species of Conservation Importance. 7

3         PRE-CONSTRUCTION vegetation survey results.. 9

4         Review of Receptor Site.. 10

5         transplantation proposal. 11

5.1       Transplantation Program.. 11

5.2       Transplantation Methodology. 11

5.3       Post-transplantation Maintenance. 13

5.4       Post-transplantation Monitoring. 14

6         Conclusion.. 15

7         Reference.. 16

 


Figures

Figure 1.1

General Layout of Contract No. NL/2017/03

Figure 1.2

General Layout of Contract No. NL/2020/02

Figure 1.3

General Layout of Contract No. NL/2020/03

Figure 1.4

General Layout of Contract No. NL/2020/04

Figure 1.5

General Layout of Contract No. NL.2020/07

Figure 2

Location and layout plan of proposed SWSR

Figure 2.1

Location and recommendation of recorded plants of conservation importance (Sheet 1 of 3)

 

Figure 2.2

Location and recommendation of recorded plants of conservation importance (Sheet 2 of 3)

 

Figure 2.3

Location and recommendation of recorded plants of conservation importance (Sheet 3 of 3)

 

Figure 3

Location of receptor site for the transplanted plants of conservation importance

 

 

Appendices

Appendix A

Photographic Record of Representative Habitat Conditions in the Group Survey at or adjoining the Project Site

 

Appendix B

Group Assessment Schedule of Plants of Conservation Importance

Appendix C

Photographic Record of the Affected Plants of Conservation Importance

 

Appendix D

Photographic Record of Receptor Site

 

Appendix E

Implementation Schedule

Appendix F

Method Statement of Transplanting

 


1                 introduction

1.1              General

1.1.1         AECOM Asia Co Ltd has been commissioned by the Civil Engineering and Development Depart (CEDD) to undertake Agreement No. CE 69/2015 (CE) – Tung Chung New Town Extension (East) – Design and Construction. The Agreement commenced on 16 June 2016 and is scheduled to be completed in June 2027.

1.1.2         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. This Plan only covers the work in TCE.  Detailed Preservation and/or Translocation Plan for Plant Species of Conservation Importance for TCW can be found at dedicated project website: www.env.tcnte-west.hk/ep-submissions.html.

1.2              Background

1.2.1         The study in North Lantau including Tung Chung area has been started since Port and Airport Development Strategy in 1989 for the study on the construction of replacement international airport at Chek Lap Kok.

1.2.2         Various studies have been continued after 1989 including North Lantau Development Study in 1990, Territorial Development Strategic Review in 1996 and Remaining development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho - Comprehensive Feasibility Study (CFS) in 1997. The latest CFS showed that it was feasible for Tung Chung and Tai Ho areas to accommodate a population target of about 334,000 in anticipation of the projected territory-wide demand by 2011.

1.2.3         Initial phase of development for Tung Chung has been completed and the housing developments of the Tung Chung area have a total capacity to accommodate 108,000 people upon full occupation

1.2.4         According to the latest Revised Concept Plan for Lantau, Tung Chung would be a comprehensively planned new town with a capacity to accommodate a total population of about 220,000.

1.2.5         The Civil Engineering and Development Department (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 the east and the west (i.e. TCE and TCW).

1.2.6         The TCE is proposed to be developed in phases. An implementation programme with phasing and packaging of works for the TCE project has been recommended under the P&E Study.

1.3              The Project

1.3.1         The Project of this Assignment (the Project) includes reclamation, site formation and engineering infrastructure works (including construction of Road P1) for the developments of TCE, provision of salt water supply to TCNT and SHW topside and infrastructure works in Tung Chung Area 58 in the existing TCNT.

1.3.2         The scope of Works under this Project comprises:

a)    Works in TCE

(i)        Reclamation of about 120 hectares of seabed abutting the coastal area between Tung Chung Phase 3A and Tai Ho Bay Inlet and associated site formation works for the proposed developments;

(ii)       Engineering infrastructure works including roads, drainage, sewerage including sewage pumping stations, and waterworks to support the proposed developments;

(iii)      Provision of a marina;

(iv)      Provision of a cycle track network;

(v)       Construction of a salt water pumping station for flushing use in TCNT, TCE, TCW and SHW topside;

(vi)      Landscaping, streetscaping and ancillary works; and

(vii)    Provision of environmental mitigation measures for the works mentioned in (i) to (vi) above;

b)    Works in the existing TCNT or SHW

(i)        Construction of a FWSR near Chek Lap Kok New Village or at Siu Ho Wan for TCE and TCW;

(ii)       Construction of a SWSR near Chek Lap Kok New Village for flushing use in TCNT, TCE, TCW and SHW topside;

(iii)      Site formation works including natural terrain hazards mitigation measures for the works mentioned in (i) and (ii) above;

(iv)      Changeover of salt water supply for toilet flushing in TCNT;

(v)       Waterworks for salt water supply for toilet flushing in SHW topside; and

(vi)      Engineering infrastructure works including roads, drainage, sewerage and waterworks to support the land allocation at Area 58 of the existing TCNT.

c)    Works related to Road P1

(i)        Reclamation of about 9 hectares of seabed for Road P1 (section between TCE and Tai Ho);

(ii)       Construction of Road P1 with cycle track (section between TCE and Tai Ho) and associated engineering infrastructure works including drainage, sewerage and waterworks;

(iii)      Site formation works for a cycle park of about 2 hectares near Tai Ho Interchange;

(iv)      Improvement works to existing Tung Chung Waterfront Road and Ying Hei Road, including construction of noise barriers and footbridges, resurfacing of road pavement, etc., for upgrading them to a primary distributor as part of Road P1;

(v)       Construction of an elevated interchange near Tai Ho connecting Road P1 to NLH and Cheung Tung Road (Tai Ho Interchange);

(vi)      Landscaping, streetscaping works and ancillary works; and

(vii)    Provision of environmental mitigation measures for the works mentioned in (i) to (vi) above.

1.4              Scope of Works

1.4.1         The Preservation and/or Translocation Plan for Plant Species of Conservation Importance of TCNTE development will be split and implemented under TCE and TCW respectively.

1.4.2         This Plan deals with potential impacts to plant species of conservation importance associated with all contracts in TCE, and CEDD has submitted another “Preservation and/or Translocation Plan for Plant Species of Conservation Importance” for TCW under the same environmental permit condition in the 3rd Quarter in year 2021 for approval.  It was confirmed that there were no plant species of conservation importance except for NL/2020/02 Salt Water Supply System under TCE.  The location and general layout of the extend of TCE are provided in Figure 1.1 to 1.5 respectively.

1.4.3         This Plan is prepared in accordance with the EP (Environmental Permit No. EP-519/2016) Condition 2.21 - Submission of Detailed Preservation and/or Translocation Plan for Plant Species of Conservation Importance.

1.4.4         To ensure the proposed measures are in compliance with the EIA requirements, relevant sections of the report addressing the EP requirements are tabulated in Table 1.1 below:

 

Table 1.1 EP Requirements

 

Requirements

Report Section

Submission of Detailed Preservation and/ or Translocation Plan for Plant Species of Conservation Importance

 

Condition 2.21 - The Permit Holder shall, no later than 3 months before the commencement of construction works at Tung Chung Valley, submit 3 hardcopies and 1 electronic copy of a Preservation and/ or Translocation Plan (The Plan) for the 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 for approval. The Plan shall include at least the following information:

 

-

(i) the target species;

 

·         Section 2.1

(ii) methodology for pre-construction survey, preservation and /or translocation for each species;

 

·         Section 2.2, 2.3

(iii) identification of suitable receptor sites;

·         Section 4,

(iv) an implementation programme; and

 

·         Appendix E

(v) a post-translocation monitoring programme.

·         Section 5.1, Appendix F

2                 Target Species

2.1              Target Species

2.1.1         According to the Condition 2.21 of the EP, this Plan should include plant species of conservation importance, including but not limited to Aquilaria sinensis, Pavetta hongkongensis and Gmelina chinensis, that could be affected by the Project.

2.1.2         A numbers of individuals of Aquilaria sinensis and Gmelina chinensis were recorded from the indicative SWSR works area in the Ecological Impact Assessment and Landscape Visual Impact Assessment under the EIA Report (Figure 9.5b and Appendix 11.1 of the EIA Report refers), and associated site formation works. A group vegetation survey was conducted in August 2020 under the consultancy agreement for the SWSR works area, in which 3 no. of Aquilaria sinensis and 35 no. of Gmelina chinensis were identified, (in which 4 no. of Gmelina chinensis, RT03, RT06, RT07 and RT08 were proposed to be transplanted) under the group vegetation survey conducted in August 2020.  Photographic record of representative habitat conditions in the group survey is presented in Appendix A, Appendix B and Appendix C respectively.

2.1.3         Further to the tree inspection conducted in August 2021 by the Contractor, it was recorded that 2 no. of Gmelina chinensis, RT03 and RT06 proposed to be transplanted were missing.  Please refer to Appendix F for the abstract of the detailed tree survey report regarding the findings for the captioned trees.

2.2              Methodology for Pre-construction Surveys

2.2.1         In accordance with the EP requirement, a group vegetation survey was conducted by certified arborists in August 2020 before the commencement of construction to identify the potentially affected individual plant species of conservation interest within the latest works area of the proposed SWSR.  Identification of vegetation species was made with reference to Flora of Hong Kong – Vol. 1 – 4 (Hong Kong Herbarium and South China Botanical Gardens, 2007; 2008; 2009; 2011).

2.2.2         In the group vegetation survey, all identified individuals with conservation value were labelled on-site and mapped. The following characteristics were also recorded for each identified individuals:

·         Estimate overall height (m);

·         Estimate trunk diameter (mm);

·         Estimate crown spread (m);

·         Amenity value (good/fair/poor);

2.2.3         Form (good/fair/poor);

·         Health (good/fair/poor);

·         Structural condition (good/fair/poor);

2.2.4         Suitability for transplanting (high/medium/low);

·         Conservation status;

·         Recommendation (retain/transplant/remove);

·         Justification; and

·         Remarks.

2.3              Methodology for Preservation of Transplanted and Retained Plant Species of Conservation Importance

2.3.1         Regular preservation should be implemented in order to ensure the health condition of the transplanted trees during the establishment period and maintenance period. 

2.3.2         The following regular preservation works shall carry out during the establishment period in order to subjoin the condition of the transplanted trees:

·         Watering shall be carried out daily during the dry season (September to April) and as requested during wet season to maintain a health growing condition.

·         Stakes shall be applied to firm up the transplanted trees and supporting materials shall be undertaken from time to time during the period and particularly after inclement weather.

·         Organic mulching shall be applied to improve the preservation environment and the plant health.  The recommended mulching depth is 50mm, extending 150mm beyond the perimeter of the tree pit and covering at least the entire root ball zone.

·         Slow-release fertilizer shall applied as instructed by certified Arborist and shall carried out in March and September each year.

·         Tree pruning to remove dead or dangerous branches as required by tree technician.

·         Pest and fungal control including regular inspection on pest and infection, removal of diseased plant and application of pesticide if necessary.

2.3.3         Apart from the transplanted individuals, retained individuals plant species of conservation importance should be fenced off prior to the commencement of construction if they are located in close proximity to the proposed works. Monthly monitoring of retained individuals by the Contractor’s Qualified Personnel should also be carried out throughout the construction period in order to check their conditions and report any injuries/damages.  Photographic record of the retained individuals should be taken during every monitoring visit.

 

Erection of Protective Fencing

2.3.4         Prior to the commencement of site clearance works and during the whole of the construction period, protection zone should be set up around the existing plants of conservation importance including 3 no. of Aquilaria sinensis and 33 no. of Gmelina chinensis which were recorded in the updated vegetation survey conducted in August 2021 (in which 2 no. of Gmelina chinensis, RT07 and RT08, are to be transplanted).  In locations where site hoarding is not erected, protective fencings with sufficient buffer zone will be provided.  Signposts should also be erected and regular tool box talk should be provided to inform the workers about the precautionary measures for protecting the concerned plant individuals and their root system.  The Contractor should keep the protection zone clean and tidy without building materials, waste and excess soil.  No digging, trenching, compaction, or other soil disturbance should be allowed in the protection zone.

Dust Control

2.3.5         During periods of drought, trunks, limbs and foliage should be sprayed with water to remove any accumulated construction dust.

Reporting Injury

2.3.6         Any damage or injury to the retained / transplanted plants should be reported to the Project Manager, ET and IEC immediately.  The Contractor should arrange a Qualified Personnel to inspect and conduct appropriate arboricultural / horticultural operation as necessary to the damaged / injured trees.

 

 

 

 


3                 PRE-CONSTRUCTION vegetation survey results

3.1.1         The SWSR works area largely comprises natural slope next to the existing Tung Chung Fresh Water Service Reservoir (FWSR). The vegetation is dominated by pine trees Pinus massoniana, Lophostemon confertus, Canthium dicoccum, Itea chinensis and Aporusa dioica scattered with other native trees such as Mallotus paniculatus, Schefflera heptaphylla, and some other common exotic plantation species, e.g. Acacia confusa and Casuarina equisetifolia along the vehicular access. Photographic record of representative habitat conditions in the group survey is presented in Appendix A.

3.1.2         Under the group vegetation survey conducted in August 2020, 35 no. of Gmelina chinensis and 3 no. of Aquilaria sinensis were identified, in which 2 no. of Gmelina chinensis, RT03 and RT06 were missing during the tree inspection conducted in August 2021 respectively, as plant species with conservation importance at or adjoining the Project Site. Detailed information and locations of each of the recorded individuals are presented in Appendix B and Figure 2.1 to Figure 2.3 respectively.

3.1.3         Based on the layout of the SWSR, none of the Aquilaria sinensis and only two of the Gmelina chinensis individuals (i.e. RT07 and RT08) are located within the area that would be affected by the proposed works (refer to Figure 2.1 to Figure 2.3). The photographic record, abstract of the detailed tree survey reporting regarding the findings of the two affected Gmelina chinensis is shown in Appendix C and Appendix F respectively. The affected individuals are in fair health condition, so it is proposed to be transplanted. 


4                  Review of Receptor Site

4.1.1         In order to provide consistent habitat characteristics (i.e. soil condition, topography, dominant plant species, degree of exposure to wind/sunlight, overhead/ground space for tree growth, and degree of human disturbance) allowing quick adaptation, the affected individuals are proposed to be transplanted within the project boundary of the SWSR Site. Indicative location of the receptor site is shown in Figure 3 and a photograph is presented in Appendix D.

4.1.2         The receptor site is located at the existing planting area to the west of the proposed SWSR. The site is within WSD’s purview with some existing trees proposed to be retained in the Tree Preservation and Removal Proposal. In between the retained trees, it is mainly covered with grass, vines and self-seeded invasive species Leucaena leucocephala below <95mm DBH. Site preparation works such as clearance and removal of existing vegetation, preparation of planting pits and importing of soil mix are required prior to the actual transplanting works.  

4.1.3         The receptor site will be reassessed by the Qualified Personnel (e.g. an Arborist in the List of Minimum Personnel Requirements for Landscape Works, Tree Management Works and Vegetation Maintenance Contracts) and agreed with ET/IEC, Project Manager and the future maintenance party prior to the commencement of transplantation taking into account the latest site condition. Habitat characteristics of the alternative sites should be similar to that of their original locations. Should any changes in the location of final receptor site be proposed afterwards, agreement from the Qualified Personnel, Project Manager, ET and IEC should be sought before informing the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP). 


5                 transplantation proposal

5.1              Transplantation Program

5.1.1         According to the tentative construction program, two of the affected individuals of Gmelina chinensis would be uplifted and transplanted in mid-November 2021 and would last for 14 working days tentatively subject to the approval of this Plan as required in EP Condition 2.21 and after one month root pruning period, of which three stages at two weeks interval. (i.e. root pruning works to be commenced in mid-October 2021 to mid-November 2021 tentatively). After uplifting, these individuals would be transplanted immediately to the tentative receptor sites on the same day.

5.1.2         The Contractor shall engage a Qualified Personnel to prepare and submit and detailed method statement and works programme for transplanting the existing trees, outlining the method, sequencing, timing of operations, and the location and type of machinery to be used for the following operations, prior to submit to the Project Manager. The transplanting operation of each tree should be documented in a report with photographic record.

5.1.3         Transplanting operations including root pruning stages should refer to Guidelines on Tree Transplanting by DEVB. Preparation for root pruning should ideally begin several months before the transplanting operation is required.

5.1.4         The transplanting method statement incorporated the methodology for pre-construction survey, preservation and translocation for each species, implementation programme and post translocation monitoring programme is shown in Appendix F.

5.2              Transplantation Methodology

Preparation of Receptor Site

5.2.1         Before transplanting, site clearance at the receptor sites should be carried out and overgrown weeds should be removed. Planting holes should be marked with individual tree numbers before the transplant and chosen to provide adequate growth space for future growth. Any large stones and concrete materials in and around the selected planting holes should be removed. Soil at the receptor sites should be ploughed and conditioned before the transplant as necessary.  Preparation of receptor site should be done carefully so that the root systems of the nearby vegetation are not damaged.

Preparation of Rootball and Root Pruning

5.2.2         Root pruning should normally take place during the wet season with a minimum of one month allowed for root regeneration between each stage of root pruning.

5.2.3         Further to the inspection conducted in August 2021 by the Contractor’s Qualified Personnel, it was confirmed the root pruning would be carried out in mid-October 2021 to mid-November 2021 and subsequently transplanting works tentatively, subject to the approval of this Plan.

5.2.4         The period of root pruning may be adjusted to suit specific tree species and/or imposed contract constraints.

5.2.5         The diameter of the rootball to be cut shall be determined by the Qualified Personnel.  Normally, the rootball to be cut should be ten times the trunk diameter at breast height and not less than 1500mm diameter, and 600 – 1200mm deep to enhance survival rate for transplanting.  Method statements should be submitted by the Contractor taking into account the size and species of trees, site constraints, arboricultural practices, etc for particular tree(s).

5.2.6         After determining the size of the rootball, the proposed circumference of the rootball shall be marked on the ground around the tree.

5.2.7         The trenches that are made for rootball preparation shall be backfilled with backfilling materials, to encourage new growth of root tips.  Rootball shall be kept moist from time to time during the preparatory period to stimulate new-root.

5.2.8         Roots shall be cut with a clean sharp knife or similar sharp implement to prevent tearing of the roots.

5.2.9         The Contractor’s Qualified Personnel shall make regular checks to ensure the stability of the tree and adjustments made accordingly throughout the entire root pruning/crown pruning stages.

5.2.10       Transplanted plants shall be inspected monthly by the Qualified Personnel to check the health of the tree. Any sign of deterioration shall be notified to the Project Manager, ET and IEC and remedial action shall be taken.  The Contractor shall water regularly, remove weed growth, fertilize, aerate the soil, folia feed, carry out insecticide treatment and any other horticultural work as necessary and as instructed by Qualified Personnel.

Tree Lifting and Protection 

5.2.11       Transplanting shall be carried out during early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not directly overhead.  No lifting shall take place during rainfall.  Tree shall be transplanted within twenty-four hours of lifting.

5.2.12       Wrap trunk and lower branches with accepted hessian and tie with jute string at least one day prior to rootball preparation. Before lifting, the outer edge of the previously dug trenches shall be loosened from the surrounding soil and the rootball undercut to allow the tree to be lifted free from the ground with the rootball intact.

5.2.13       A crane or lifting device shall be used to secure the tree and support its full weight when lifted without damaging the branches or trunk.  No items of hardware shall be inserted into the trunk or branches for lifting or other purposes.  Cables used for lifting shall be wrapped with protective rubber sheaf to prevent damage.

5.2.14       Plants shall be lifted carefully to avoid damage to rootball. Roots shall be cut free from ground, not pulled, using a suitable implement to give a clean cut.

5.2.15       A board shall be placed under the rootball or a rootball box shall be constructed to support the full width and depth of the rootball.

5.2.16       The Qualified Personnel shall be present to supervise the work.

Planting

5.2.17       Prior to the lifting of the trees, tree pits at their receptor sites shall be already prepared and agreed on site. All pits shall be 300-500mm greater than the size of the rootball of the tree to be transplanted at all sides and bottom. Tree pit base shall be scarified to a depth of 150mm.  Loosen the base and sides of the tree pit and fill with water twenty-four hours before planting to ensure free drainage. Trees shall be transplanted to the new tree pits within twenty-four hours after being lifted. All transplanted individuals should be saturated with water.

5.3              Post-transplantation Maintenance

Maintenance Duration 

5.3.1         All of the transplanted Gmelina chinensis individuals should be maintained by the Contractor for 12 months (establishment period) after planting into their final receptor sites.

Watering

5.3.2         These receptor sites should be thoroughly watered immediately after planting.  During the establishment period, the soil should be regularly monitored to prevent drying out. The individuals should be watered properly and adequately or daily, if required. After that, watering frequency should be conducted at least twice a week until the end of the establishment period. Frequency of watering should be adjusted accordingly so that the soil is kept moist. The Qualified Personnel would be responsible for determining and advising the Contractor the suitable moisture level and the frequency of watering.

Use of Mulch

5.3.3         Mulches help conserve moisture, maintain moderate soil temperature, and control weeds around plants. If required, organic mulches such as peat moss, thoroughly dried grass clippings or small wood chips could be placed on the soil surface over the plant root system.

Pruning/Weeding

5.3.4         Insect/fungal infested stems, or those infected with disease would be removed after transplantation. Pruning may also be required after transplantation to remove any broken stems. The receptor sites should be kept free from weeds throughout 12-months establishment period. Any unwanted weeds found in these areas should be removed by the Contractor once identified and/or when instructed by the Project Manager.  Weeding should be carried out by hand as much as possible and removed weeds should be disposed of appropriately by the Contractor.

 

5.4              Post-transplantation Monitoring

Performance

5.4.1         Health conditions of the transplanted individuals should be monitored by the Qualified Personnel in the presence of ET for two years at the receptor sites.  Monitoring of the transplanted individuals should be conducted once per monthly for the first year, and then quarterly for the second year as stipulated in EM&A Manual Section 11.4.4, given that the health conditions during the establishment period remained fair to good. Should problems relating to the transplanted tree health arise during the establishment period, monitoring frequency during post establishment period (throughout construction phase) would be subject to the situation and the advice of the ET.

5.4.2         Any post-transplantation monitoring findings should be included in the monthly inspection checklist/report and it should be submitted to the Project Manager, Environmental Team Leader and Independent Environmental Checker for review and record.

5.4.3         The Contractor shall be responsible if any Gmelina chinensis die during the transplantation process, within the two years monitoring period due to negligence or non-compliance of this Plan.  Replacement planting of new trees of the same species, or other species to the satisfaction of the Project Manager, at the Contractors’ expense would be deemed necessary under these conditions. 

Construction Activities

5.4.4         Any construction activities that may adversely affect the identified individual plant species of conservation importance should be reported in advance to the Project Manager for planning of preventive measures to avoid possible damage.

Photographic Record

5.4.5         The Contractor should submit a photographic record for the two Gmelina chinensis individuals to be transplanted during each of the following stages for record purpose:

5.4.6         Before transplantation - recording the existing growth angle and compass orientation of the plant, in order to allow replication during transplanting;

5.4.7         During Transplantation - recording each procedure, including digging and root pruning, any stems/branches pruning, formation of rootball, preparation works at all receptor sites, transportation of uplifted individuals to the receptor sites, planting of individuals at the receptor sites and after transplanting into the receptor sites; and

5.4.8         Post-Transplantation Period – recording the status of transplanted individuals during the 12-month establishment period and until the end of construction phase, following the aforementioned monitoring schedule.


6                 Conclusion

6.1.1         To fulfill the requirement of EP Condition 2.21, prior to commencement of construction of SWSR, a detailed vegetation survey was conducted in August 2020, in order to identify and record potentially affected plant species of conservation interest

6.1.2         During this group vegetation survey in August 2020, a total of 35 individuals of Gmelina chinensis and 3 individuals of Aquilaria sinensis were recorded within the proposed SWSR works area. 

6.1.3         Based on the proposed layout of the SWSR, none of the Aquilaria sinensis and only two of the Gmelina chinensis individuals are located within the area that would be affected by the proposed works. It is proposed that the two directly affected Gmelina chinensis trees are transplanted.

6.1.4         To provide consistent habitat condition, receptor site would be located within the project boundary of SWSR and would receive the two potentially affected Gmelina chinensis individuals. Although potential receptor site has been proposed, the Contractor should review the actual conditions before transplantation and propose suitable alternative receptor sites where necessary by Qualified Personnel and agreed with ET/IEC and Project Manager. Appropriate transplantation techniques, and post-transplantation care and monitoring are recommended and should be adopted as far as practicable. In addition, protective measures for the retained / transplanted individuals should also be adopted during the construction phase.


7                 Reference

 

Hong Kong Herbarium and South China Botanical Garden (2007). Flora of Hong Kong. Volume 1. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

 

Hong Kong Herbarium and South China Botanical Garden (2008). Flora of Hong Kong.  Volume 2. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

 

Hong Kong Herbarium and South China Botanical Garden (2009). Flora of Hong Kong.  Volume 3. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

 

Hong Kong Herbarium and South China Botanical Garden (2011). Flora of Hong Kong.  Volume 4. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.