Tai O Sheltered Boat Anchorage Monitoring, Hong Kong

• Client: Civil Engineering Department, Government of the Hong Kong SAR
• Lead consultant: CH2M-IDC Hong Kong Ltd.
• Components: Ecological survey, environmental impact assessment

Ecological Impact Assessment (EIA) of coastal boat anchorage and associated formation of intertidal platform for mangrove restoration project. The consultant carried out field mangrove survey and mapping, provided input to restoration design and methodology, and developed mangrove monitoring protocols.

CSPC Nanhai Petrochemicals Project, Hong Kong

• Client: CSPC
• Lead consultant: ENSRI consultant Ltd.
• Components: Ecological survey, environmental impact assessment

Ecological surveys at two areas near Daya Bay, China for the CSPC Nanhai Petrochemicals Project. Assessed potential impacts and advised on mitigation measures.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Facilities, Hong Kong

• Client: Civil Engineering Department, Government of the Hong Kong SAR
• Lead consultant: Ove Arup & Parters Hong Kong Ltd. Ltd.
• Components: Ecological survey, environmental impact assessment

Ecological assessment of proposed explosives disposal facility for use by Hong Kong Police Force. The consultants conducted baseline surveys at two sites at Cape Collinson and Tseung Kwan O; identify constraints, assess potential impacts and advise on mitigation measures and need for further studies.

Waste-to-Energy Incineration Facilities, Hong Kong

• Client: Environmental Protection Department, Government of the Hong Kong SAR
• Lead consultant: Camp Dresser McKee
• Components: Feasibility study, site selection, preliminary environmental impact assessment

Study to establish the feasibility of waste incineration with cogeneration to address Hong Kong’s shortage of landfill space. Ecosystems Ltd. provided ecological expertise on the study. The study included preliminary site assessment at four preselected sites, and detailed Environmental Impact Assessment on short-listed sites. Impacts of the project upon coastal and marine ecology and fisheries were key issues, as all sites under consideration were coastal and several would involve reclamation.

Formation & Servicing of Area 36, Fanling, Hong Kong

• Client: Civil Engineering Department, Government of the Hong Kong SAR
• Lead consultant: Maunsell Consultants Asia Ltd.
• Components: Ecological baseline surveys, environmental impact assessment

Ecological baseline survey and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of urban expansion into a rural area near Fanling New Town, New Territories. The project included site formation and installation of roads and sewers. Ecosystems Ltd. provided ecological expertise on the study. The consultants conducted multi-season surveys of terrestrial and aquatic biota on the site, assessed ecological impacts of the project, and proposed impact mitigation measures. A key issue was the fate of the Shek Sheung River which flows through the site, and secondary impacts upon the river system upstream and downstream of the site. Based on findings of ecological surveys, the original plan to culvert the river under Area 36 was replaced by a proposal to divert the river around the periphery of the site in a new channel designed to preserve some ecological functions as well as provide adequate flood control.

Ngau Tam Mei Water Treatment Works, Hong Kong

• Client: Water Supplies Department, Hong Kong Government
• Lead consultant: CES (Asia) Ltd.
• Components: Ecological baseline surveys, environmental impact assessment

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of a site proposed for construction of a water treatment plant and transfer facilities in Hong Kong’s North-western New Territories. Ecosystems Ltd. conducted ecological surveys and impact assessment. Major ecological concerns included potential impacts to an upland stream and fishponds, particularly as loss of wetlands to development is an increasingly urgent problem in this part of Hong Kong. The consultants proposed mitigation measures including design modification to reduce the amount of wetland lost.

Freshwater Reservoir at Mt. Davis, Hong Kong

• Client: Water Supplies Department, Hong Kong Government
• Lead consultant: Montgomery Watson
• Components: Ecological baseline surveys, environmental impact assessment

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of a site proposed for construction of a service reservoir on western Hong Kong Island. Ecosystems Ltd. provided ecological expertise to the study. The site consisted of a wooded hillside, and the key ecological issue identified was loss of woodland habitat which harboured protected plant species. Alternative design options, including open-cut and cavern options, were ranked in terms of ecological preference. On-site and off-site mitigation measures were proposed to address residual impacts.

Deep Bay Cable Laying, Hong Kong

• Client: China Light and Power Co. Ltd.
• Lead consultant: ERM-Hong Kong, Ltd.
• Components: Environmental impact assessment

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the laying of a power transmission cable across Deep Bay in Hong Kong’s North-west New Territories. Ecosystems Ltd. conducted the ecological impact assessment. The key ecological concern was the potential for disturbance to a sensitive coastal area and waterbird overwintering site of international importance. The consultants proposed measures to reduce disturbance to habitats through adjustment of the cable alignment and restoration of lost vegetation, and to birds by timing construction outside of the migration/wintering period.

Tai Po Development: Formation & Servicing of Areas 12 (Part) & 39, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong

• Client: Territory Development Department, Hong Kong Government
• Lead consultant: CES (Asia) Ltd.
• Components: Ecological survey, environmental impact assessment

Biodiversity survey and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of proposed development site near Tolo Harbour, Central New Territories. The site was a combination of existing woodland/rural area and new coastal reclamation. Ecosystems Ltd. provided ecological input to the study. Consultant input included surveys of flora and fauna, prediction of impacts, development of impact mitigation measures, and consultation with members of the public. Main ecological issues included potential impacts to established woodland areas. Mitigation measures proposed included woodland protection and restoration, and innovative design of stream channel to allow flood control while reducing impacts upon existing stream ecology.

Overhead Power Line Route Between Po Lam Substation and Sai Kung Substation, Hong Kong

• Client: China Light and Power Co. Ltd.
• Lead consultant: Urbis Travers Morgan Ltd.
• Components: Ecological baseline surveys, environmental impact assessment

Environmental assessment of an overhead power transmission line proposed through a woodland area near Sai Kung in Hong Kong’s eastern New Territories. The proposed routing cut through a woodland of high ecological value and floral and faunal diversity, and also crossed a Country Park and a Site of Special Scientific Interest for botany. Ecosystems Ltd. conducted ecological baseline surveys, focusing on vegetation and protected fauna species, and impact assessment. The consultants provided advice on realignment of the route to minimise fragmentation of woodland and avoid damage to sites of highest ecological value. Other mitigation measures were also identified as necessary.

Monitoring of South-East New Territories Landfill, Hong Kong

• Client: Green Valley Landfill
• Components: Ecological monitoring

Ecological monitoring of the construction and operation phases of the South-East New Territories (SENT) Landfill, one of three strategic landfills designed to cover Hong Kong’s solid waste disposal requirements for the next fifteen years. Ecosystems Ltd. was employed directly by the landfill operator. The project involved a baseline survey of the vegetation, birds, terrestrial mammals, invertebrates and marine benthos of the landfill site and environs, followed by monitoring surveys at 6-month intervals. Objectives of monitoring were to quantify impacts of landfill construction and operation, to detect any unexpected or excessive impacts, and to supply detailed ecological data that will guide eventual restoration of the site.

Munitions Store at Kau Shat Wan, Hong Kong

• Client: Confidential
• Lead Consultant: MateriaLab Ltd.
• Components: Environmental impact assessment, ecological monitoring

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of a stream valley and coastal site proposed for development of a munitions storage site. Ecosystems Ltd. provided ecological input to the study. Stream fauna, associated marine fauna near the outflow of the stream, and riparian vegetation were investigated and assessed. Sampling was conducted quarterly over a 12-month period in order to obtain a full picture of the ecological resource of the site. Monitoring of the site continued during the project construction phase.

Tai To Yan Cable TV Transmitter, Hong Kong

• Client: Wharf Cable Ltd.
• Lead consultant: AXIS Environmental Consultants Ltd.
• Components: Ecological survey, environmental impact assessment

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of a proposed cable TV transmitter installation in the North-west New Territories of Hong Kong. The site lay within a designated Country Park. Ecosystems Ltd. provided baseline survey and impact assessment. The consultants predicted ecological impacts of the project, and proposed mitigation measures including post-construction restoration of vegetation on and around the site, using native species of known utility to wildlife.

Tai O TV Transmitter, Hong Kong

• Client: ATV Ltd.
• Lead consultant: AXIS Environmental Consultants Ltd.
• Components: Ecological baseline survey, environmental impact assessment

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of a hillside site proposed for placement of a TV transmitter. The proposed site was located within a Country Park. Ecosystems Ltd. provided ecological input to the study. The site and surrounding area were surveyed for rare and protected species of flora and fauna. The consultants recommended mitigation measures including use of sensitive construction methods to minimise disturbance and prevent degradation of adjacent areas during construction.