Express rail study missed 41 species, group says
The MTR Corp's ecological impact assessment for the cross-border express rail link last year missed out at least 41 fauna species present in Tsoi Yuen Tsuen, an eco-education group said yesterday.
Most of the 41 species not recorded were common species and it was inexcusable that the MTR ecological survey had not noticed and recorded them, said Ken Ching See-ho, director of the Eco-education and Resources Centre. Ching released the results of their study that cross-checked the MTR's survey.
The group's survey, which covered an area of 0.7 square kilometres at the village between October and June, found 23 butterfly species, 10 bird species and eight dragonfly species, most of which are common, were not recorded among the 136 species noted in the MTR's assessment of the Kam Tin and Shek Kong area. The group also found that rare or uncommon species were not mentioned in the MTR's report, such as Bonelli's eagle and the common birdwing butterfly, both protected species.
'The MTR's assessment not only failed to record rare species, but also to include dozens of common birds and insects,' Ching said. 'Some of them are so easily seen in ditches that you can't miss them.'
The MTR's ecological survey, released in May last year, was part of its environmental impact assessment for the express railway project. The company had appointed AECOM Environment to conduct it.
The consultant had concluded that 'no direct impact to significant areas nor species of conservation interest are anticipated from the project'.
Ching also criticised the Environmental Protection Department for not having a cross-checking mechanism for environmental impact assessments conducted by consultants appointed by project proponents.
Tsoi Yuen Tsuen, planned as the emergency rescue station for the underground express rail, became a rallying point for anti-rail protests earlier this year. Hundreds of young people supported local villagers who did not want to quit farming and leave their homes. The Legislative Council approved funding for the HK$66.9 billion project in January.
The MTR said yesterday that its ecological survey had been conducted over more than six months and covered both dry and wet seasons. Detailed discussions had been held with relevant government departments before the scope and methodology of the survey was agreed.
It said the environmental impact of the project would be continuously monitored and the results posted on its website monthly.
