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Transplantation Report for the Plant
Species of Conservation Importance
Northeast New Territories Landfill
Extension (NENTX) | Contract No. EP/SP/77/15
0092/22/ED/0240 00 | 30 November 2022
Formal
Veolia Environmental Services Hong Kong Limited
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ET certification letter
IEC verification letter
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Document Control
Document
Information
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Project Title
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Northeast New Territories Landfill Extension (NENTX) |
Contract No. EP/SP/77/15
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Document Title
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Transplantation Report for the Plant
Species of Conservation Importance
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Fugro Project No.
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0092/22
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Fugro Document No.
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0092/22/ED/0240
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Issue Number
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00
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Issue Status
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Formal
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Fugro Legal Entity
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Fugro
Technical Services Limited
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Issuing Office Address
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13/F,
Fugro House – KCC2, 1 Kwai On Rd, Kwai Chung, NT, Hong Kong
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Client
Information
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Client
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Veolia Environmental Services Hong Kong
Limited
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Client Address
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40/F.,
One Taikoo Place, Taikoo Place, 979 King's Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
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Client Contact
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Mr. William Wan
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Client Document No.
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NENTX-AURE-RP-ZZ-E-007-I-I01
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Document History
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Issue
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Date
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Status
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Comments on Content
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Prepared By
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Checked By
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Approved By
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00
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16 Nov 2022
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Draft
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Awaiting client’s comments
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Various
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FN
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CY
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00
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30 Nov 2022
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Formal
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For ET’s certification and IEC’s
verification
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AY
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FN
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CY
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Project Team
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Initials
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Name
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Role
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CY
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Colin Yung
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Project Manager
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FN
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Fenelyn Nabuab
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Ecologist/ ISA Certified Arborist HK1821A/TRAQ
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RL
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Ray Li
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Environmental Consultant/ ISA Certified
Arborist HK1838A/TRAQ
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KJB
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Kalvin Jay Boregon
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Ecologist
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SMR
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Sheila Marie Rabi
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GIS Specialist
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JPT
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Jhomar Tillo
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Ecologist
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AY
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Andy Yuen
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Assistant Environmental Consultant
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1.1.3
Specifically, Condition 2.7 of the EP and Condition
2.5 of the FEP states that
“The Permit Holder shall, no later than one month before the
commencement of construction of the Project, submit to the Director for
approval four hard copies and one electronic copy of a detailed vegetation
survey covering the affected habitats located within the Project area for the
purpose of updating, identifying and recording the location and number, health
condition and suitability for transportation of the affected individual plant
species in order to provide details for the transplantation scheme. The survey shall cover the four plant species
of conservation importance including the Aquilaria sinensis, Rhododendron
simsii, Endospermum chinense, and Arundina graminifolia. The
detailed vegetation survey shall be prepared by a qualified botanist or
ecologist and shall be certified by the ET Leader and verified by the IEC as
conforming to the information and recommendations contained in the approved EIA
Report.”
1.1.4
To carry out the detailed vegetation survey
and prepare the
transplantation proposal in order to fulfil the above EP and FEP conditions, EPD
have commissioned ERM-Hong Kong, Limited
(ERM) to undertake
the Provision of
Consultancy Services for
Study on Ecological Conditions and Corresponding
Transplantation and Translocation for NENT Landfill Extension.
1.2.1
This
Post-transplantation Report for Plant Species of Conservation Importance (the “Report”)
is prepared after the completion of transplantation works to present the actual
details of the transplantation scheme, i.e., updated description of the
physical environment of the receptor sites, number, health conditions, and
photos of the transplanted species.
1.2.2
The
transplantation works were conducted in fulfilment of Conditions 2.7 and 2.9 of
the EP and Conditions 2.5 and 2.7 of the FEP and in accordance with the
approved Transplantation Proposal for Plant Species of Conservation Importance
(Rev.1) (NENTX-FUG-RP-E-EM-002-I02) (the “approved
Proposal”).
1.2.3
This Report is prepared by a qualified ecologist certified by the
Environmental Team (ET) Leader and Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) in
accordance with Condition 2.7 of the EP and Condition 2.5 of the FEP.
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Section 2 details the
methodology of the transplantation activities;
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Section 3 describes the actual transplantation
works for the plant species of conservation importance
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Section 4 details the post-transplantation
maintenance;
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Section 5 details the
post-transplantation monitoring and audit; and
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Section 6 details the
implementation programme.
2.3.1
Further
to coordination with AFCD, no permit was required to for the transplantation
works under Cap. 96 Forests and
Countryside Ordinance and Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals
and Plants Ordinance.
2.4.2
The summary of measurements and health conditions of the plant species of conservation importance proposed for transplantation
are shown in Table 2.1 and the
location of the collection sites for these plant species of conservation importance
is shown in Appendix A.
Table 2.1: Summary of Measurements
and Health conditions
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Reference
no.
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Species
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DBH
(mm)
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Height
(cm)
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Spread
(m)
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Health
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AS‐021
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Incense Tree
Aquilaria sinensis
土沉香
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N/A
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170
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1.0
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Good
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AS‐031
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N/A
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130
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1.0
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Good
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CB‐01
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Lamb of Tartary
Cibotium barometz
金毛狗
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N/A
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100
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1.5
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Good
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GP-01 to GP-192
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Bottlebrush Orchid
Goodyera procera
高斑葉蘭
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N/A
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10 - 30
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N/A
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Good
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Notes:
1. Still a sapling
2. One of cluster of Bottlebrush Orchid may be composed of one
ind. up to 12 individuals.
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2.4.3
Nonetheless,
walkthrough survey of the accessible areas of NENTX Project site was conducted
to check for the presence of other possible plant species of conservation
importance, as far as practicable, prior to the actual transplantation works.
2.5.1.1
The three plant species of conservation
importance were transplanted to suitable receptor sites. To further safeguard these species, the selected
receptor sites were within or adjacent to the facilities managed by the
Contractor. Moreover, the similarity in site conditions between the collection
site and receptor site and the accessibility of the receptor for future
maintenance and monitoring were also considered in the selection.
2.5.1.2
The location of the actual receptor sites is
shown in Appendix B.1.
2.5.1.3
The two nos. of Incense Tree saplings were
transplanted to the landscaping area(s) adjacent to the future office site of
the NENTX Landfill (Plate 1, Appendix B.2). On the other hand, the
individual of Lamb of Tartary and clusters of Bottlebrush Orchid were
transplanted in the Upper Section of Ping Yuen River outside but proximate to the
NENTX Project Site (Plates 2-4,
Appendix B.2). This section of the Ping Yuen River is a
natural shady stream with rocky substrate and moderately flowing water
surrounded by woodland habitat. Vegetation communities were observed thriving
in the riparian zone and in the earth pockets of the rocky substrate. The
upper section of the riparian zone of this receptor site will provide the
shaded and moist environment for Lamb of Tartary and the earth pockets between
rocks in its stream bed for Bottlebrush Orchid. Furthermore, as the proposed
receptor site is about 50 m in length, which is longer than the collection site
(about 30 m in length), constraint on its capacity to receive all the
transplanted orchids is not anticipated. Lastly, the accessibility and
proximity of this receptor site may reduce plant stress during transport and
allow immediate transplantation; and ensures effective maintenance and
monitoring of the transplanted species without difficulties and delay.
2.5.2.1
Minimal site clearance and preparation were
carried before the actual transplantation works. Rubbish, litter, and all
deleterious material were removed from the surface of the ground and from the
soil for planting; and overgrown weeds were removed manually. The receptor site
was also checked for the presence of other plant species of conservation
importance to ensure that no such species will be affected during
transplantation works.
2.5.2.2
Planting pits were excavated onsite after the
determination of the actual sizes of the root balls of the transplant. Any
large stones, i.e., stones exceeding 25mm in diameter, found in the planting pit
were removed. Compacted soil around the planting pit were loosened with a spade
to facilitate air penetration.
2.5.2.3
Some photographic records of the
receptors site preparation are shown in Appendix B.3.
2.6.3.1
The recommended root ball to diameter ratio is
10:1 (GLTMSDB, 2014) with depth of 12 inches for Incense Tree saplings. Once
the rootball have been prepared and dug to the desired depth, the root ball was
shaped with sharp spade or knife or similar sharp implement to prevent breaking
the root ball. Root ball cuts were clean to avoid tearing or breaking the
roots. All cut roots were trimmed cleanly back to the healthy tissues to reduce
the split and torn roots. Root ends were cut sharply to promote a flush of new
fibrous roots, helping the individuals recover faster from injuries (GLTMSDB,
2014). The full circumference of the root balls was then wrapped
with damp hessian
to maintain moisture during the transplantation process. The burlapped root balls
were then transplanted into the prepared planting pits/locations immediately.
2.6.3.2
The root balls were planted by following the same orientation
and soil gradient of their original locations, as far as practicable. Root ball
supporting material such as the damp hessian were removed from the root ball
prior to final back filling. The back-fill soil was reinstated and settled in
layered sections to limit future settling and prevent air pockets. It was not
compacted to a density that inhibits root growth; however, it was tamped firmly
around the base to stabilise the individual, but the rest of the soil were
tamped only lightly or left to settle on its own. Water was added to the root
ball and the backfill to bring the root ball to field capacity and when finally
set, the top surface of the root ball were below the surrounding soil (GLTMSDB,
2014). No fertilizer was added in the planting pits or on the root ball surface
to avoid chemical burning of the roots by the fertilizers. However, mulch, was
placed around the individuals to retain moisture.
2.6.3.3
As the receptor site for the Incense Tree sapling is within
the NENTX Project Site, temporary construction netting, or other appropriate
eye-catching netting was set up around the receptor site to demarcate the works
exclusion zone throughout the construction period of the Project. Moreover, shading
nets were established to provide a semi-shady environment for the transplanted
saplings at least for the first three months to avoid direct exposure of the
saplings to direct sunlight. Duration of the provision of shading nets will be
adjusted during the post-transplantation monitoring and maintenance period.
2.6.3.4
The root ball was prepared with sufficient root ball depth of
about 12 inches. Once the rootball have been prepared and dug to the desired
depth, same procedures for root ball preparation and transplantation in the
receptor site as detailed in Sections 2.6.3.1
and 2.6.3.2 of this Proposal were followed.
2.6.3.5
For easy recognition of the transplanted
plants during post-transplantation maintenance and monitoring period, a
numbered tag made of waterproof and durable material was placed on each
individual/clusters. The tags will be maintained throughout the
post-transplantation maintenance and monitoring period.
2.6.3.6
As mentioned in Table 2.1 of this Proposal, Bottlebrush Orchids are growing in cluster with one up to
12 individual per cluster. The individuals
growing close together were transplanted in the same root ball so as to keep
the root mass intact, as much as possible, and minimise potential damage to the
underground root systems. Wherever possible, the root balls were prepared with
sufficient root ball depth of about 6 inches. However, the actual root ball
dimensions and practicality of root ball preparation will be adjusted in
accordance with the actual site condition which is to be determined by the
qualified ecologist or botanist.
2.6.3.7
It should be noted that many individuals/clusters of
Bottlebrush Orchid were observed to grow on rocks in streambed with small earth
pockets. These individuals/clusters with most of their lateral roots and root
hairs exposed on the substrate surface, were removed by modified bareroot.
After digging the trench (if any), the soil on the lateral roots were partially
washed-off with water to minimize injury during removal from the substrate.
However, to provide some protection to the rest of the root system and help
them recover more rapidly, they were prepared “semi-bare” such that significant
amount of soil was left clinging to the roots. Soil substrate removal from the
roots was only minimally done and as far as practicable.
2.6.3.8
Any tap root or anchor root that still holds at a depth
beyond 12 inches were cut off. To lift each individual cluster out of the
trench, each were grasped at the base of its stem, close to the substrate. The
root collar of each plant was marked before transplanting to ensure subsequent
planting at an appropriate depth at the receptor site such that the finish
level will be 1 inch below the marked collar level to allow plant settlement.
The roots were kept moist by wrapping it in plastic or wet paper (Shaughnessy
et al., 1999).
2.6.3.9
As far as practicable, each cluster/individual were inserted
to the planting pit with 50% wider width than its root system such that its
roots can be fully expanded and arranged in their natural position. It was ensured
that roots were neither be in crowded and twisted orientation; nor arranged in
a circle against the wall of the hole or all in one direction as roots
improperly arranged at planting can result in slow growth or even the death of
the individuals after a few years. To prevent unnecessary settling of the
plant, the center portion of the bottom area of the planting pit was elevated
higher than the edges. The mound height was determined by placing the plant on
the mound so that the pre-marked portion of the root collar is an inch above
the soil line of the planting pit (GLTMSDB, 2014). While holding each
individual at the center of the pit, the subsoil was added while fingers are
gently working among the roots and firming the soil to eliminate air pockets. Then,
the topsoil was added and was lightly tamped upon (Shaughnessy et al., 1999).
Wires or other means of supporting system may be necessary to temporarily fix
the orchids to the nearby large stones before their root system develops that will
enable them to withstand water flow.
2.6.3.10
For easy recognition of the transplanted plants
during post-transplantation maintenance and monitoring period, a numbered tag
made of waterproof and durable material were placed on each
individual/clusters. The tags will be maintained throughout the
post-transplantation maintenance and monitoring period.
2.6.4
Some
photographic records of the receptors site preparation are shown in Appendix C.
3.1.1
The transplantation works were conducted on 10 November 2022 and
in accordance with Condition 2.9 of the EP and Condition 2.7 of the FEP, which states
that “the transplantation shall be carried out according to the transplantation
scheme approved under Condition 2.7 of the EP and Condition 2.5 of the FEP before commencement of construction of the Project. Moreover, since most plants use more energy to
sustain their flowers and fruits during flowering/fruiting period,
transplanting of Incense Trees, Lamb of Tartary, and Bottlebrush Orchids was
conducted in a period when these plants are not in bloom (if applicable), i.e.,
late October to early November, which is also outside the peak of flowering
period of the Incense Tree and Bottlebrush Orchid. Conducting the
transplantation works outside their flowering period can reduce transplantation
shock of the transplanted individuals.
3.1.2
Prior
to the actual transplantation works, walkthrough survey of the accessible areas
of NENTX Project site was conducted. During this survey, no additional plant
species of conservation importance was recorded.
3.1.3
All
the individuals of plant species of conservation importance listed in Table 2.1 of this Report were transplanted in accordance
with the approved transplantation scheme. The number, measurements, health
conditions, and photos of the transplanted plant species of conservation
importance are shown in Appendix D.
4.1.1
Transplantation
works were conducted in fulfilment of Conditions 2.7 and 2.9 of the EP and
Conditions 2.5 and 2.7 of the FEP. The scheme employed in the transplantation
works was in accordance with the approved Proposal.
4.1.2
All proposed individuals
of plant species of conservation importance, i.e., . two nos. of Incense Tree
saplings, one cluster of Lamb of Tartary, and about 19 clusters of Bottlebrush
Orchid were
successfully transplanted to their respective receptor sites on 10 November
2022. All the transplanted individuals
were in good heath condition.
4.1.3
All
the transplanted individuals will be maintained by the Contractor for 12 months
(establishment period) after planting to the receptor sites in accordance with Section 4 of the
approved Proposal.
Moreover, their survival and growth will be monitored by a qualified ecologist
or botanist in accordance with Section 5 of the approved Proposal.
Environmental Protection Department. 2007. Environmental Monitoring
and Audit Manual for the North East New Territories (NENT) Landfill Extension –
Feasibility Study. Prepared by Ove and
Arup Hong Kong Limited for the Environmental Protection Department.
Environmental Protection Department. 2007. Environmental Impact
Assessment Report for the North East New Territories (NENT) Landfill Extension
– Feasibility Study. Prepared by Ove and
Arup Hong Kong Limited for the Environmental Protection Department.
Environmental Protection Department. 2022. Detailed Vegetation
Surveys and Transplantation Proposal (V2). Provision of
Consultancy Services for
Study on Ecological Conditions and Corresponding
Transplantation and Translocation for NENT Landfill Extension. Prepared by
ERM-Hong Kong Limited for Environmental Protection Department.
Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section Development Bureau
(GLTMSDB). 2014. Guidelines on Tree Transplanting. https://www.greening.gov.hk/filemanager/content/pdf/tree_care/Guidelines_on_Tree_Transplanting_e.pdf.
Accessed on 24 October 2020.
Shaughnessy, D., B. Polomski and T. Fernandez. 1999. Transplanting
established trees and shrubs. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/transplanting-established-trees-shrubs/. Accessed on 24 October 2020. [This is the bookmark for the end of the main section. Do not
put content past this point]