Ecological Mitigation Measures

Yuen Long Bypass Floodway (YLBF)

Objective of the Ecological Mitigation Measure:

To mitigate the loss of wetland habitat of importance to birds, amphibians and dragonflies due to the Yuen Long Bypass Floodway Project by the enhancement of abandoned fishponds.

Details:

The wetland mitigation project consists of enhancement of the ecological value and active management for wildlife of about 5ha abandoned fishponds and the provision of a natural reedbed water filtering system as well as associated water storage/settlement ponds.

The enhanced wetland is being established with ponds re-profiled, aquatic vegetation planted and fish stocked. The wetland will be managed by AFCD according to an Ecological Habitat Management Plan specifically developed in the EIA Study for the YLBF Project. After establishment, the following management works will be carried out: management of water levels, management and monitoring of water quality, vegetation management and fish stocking. A dedicated ecological monitoring programme will also be implemented during the operation phase.

Results:

The ecological monitoring programme is expected to commence in 2006.

Reference:

Black & Veatch Hong Kong Limited (2003) Design of Wetland and Update of Tree Survey for Yuen Long Bypass Floodway – Ecological Habitat Management Plan (EHMP). Report submitted to Territory Development Department, Hong Kong.

Photos:

Yuen Long Bypass Floodway Enhanced Wetland

Natural Reedbed Water Filtering System	Shallow pond created from reprofiling of abandoned fishpond
Aquatic vegetation being established in the enhanced wetland	An artificial bat house created as a potential bat roosting site
Shallow marshes created as habitat for amphibians and dragonflies