3. LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Introduction

3.1 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment in the EIA Report has identified the key issues and the possible impacts due to the proposed work. It has also recommended mitigation measures for minimizing the impacts and for improving overall landscape and visual quality. The main Contractor to be employed by Ocean Park will be responsible for the implementation of mitigation measures. Both Ocean Park and the main Contractor shall employ their own qualified landscape consultants for the construction and during operation.

Monitoring Requirement

3.2 A Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) as a member of the ET, with substantial construction site experience shall be responsible for conducting the baseline review and monitoring the design, implementation and maintenance of landscape and visual mitigation measures during construction and operational phases in accordance with the EIA Report.

Construction Phase

Baseline Review

3.3 A baseline review shall be undertaken at the commencement of the construction contracts. The purpose of the review is:

· to check the status of the landscape resources within, and immediately adjacent to, the construction sites and works areas

· to determine whether any change has occurred to the status of the landscape resources since the EIA

· to determine whether amendments in the design of the landscape and visual mitigation measures are required for those changes

· to recommend any necessary amendments to the design of the landscape and visual mitigation measures

Design of Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

3.4 The landscape and visual mitigation measures shall be incorporated as soon as possible during detailed design stage, so as to ensure the mitigation effect and achieve the intended aims as described in Table 4.8, Section 4 of EIA report. Any changes to the mitigation measures that may be recommended as a result of the Baseline Review or ongoing Monitoring of the Design, Construction and Establishment Works shall be taken into account.

Landscape and Visual Monitoring

3.5 The design, implementation and maintenance of landscape and visual mitigation measures shall be checked bi-weekly to ensure that they are fully realised. Any potential conflicts between the proposed landscape measures and any other project works or operational requirements shall also be recorded for the Contractor to resolve in early stage, without compromising the intention of the mitigation measures.

Operational Phase

Landscape and Visual Monitoring

3.6 All landscape and visual mitigation measures shall be monitored quarterly during the first year of the Operational Phase to ensure that the effectiveness of the mitigations.

Mitigation Measures

Design Phase

3.7 The following good soft landscape design should be adopted:

· provision of large-size plants to ensure ‘instant’ greening effect

· maximum use of native woodland mix species wherever thematic planting not required

· use of hardy plants in consideration for the sun, altitude, wind direction, proximity to sea and microclimate factors

· incorporate existing vegetation into the permanent design

· provision of sufficient soil depth for on-structure planting

· use of fast growing tree species to counterbalance landform change visually

3.8 The following good hard landscape/ architectural design should be adopted:

· consideration of design input from the adjacent neighbour for fence wall

· consideration of design input for the retaining wall

· lighting design supported by carefully calculated photometric distribution to reduce light pollution

· selection of correct lights to match functional and thematic intention

· avoidance of glare of large building forms and outdoor hard paved areas

3.9 A competent person, trained in the theory and practice of outdoor lighting and illumination requirements and lighting systems will be employed to design the overall lighting strategy to avoid night-tine glare.

Construction Phase

3.10 During the construction of the Project, due consideration on existing surrounding vegetation during construction should be given:

· set up of temporary tree nurseries

· designation of ‘no-intrusion zones’, and to record any trespass by the Contractor, including the damage to existing vegetation

· hill fire prevention

· dust and erosion control for exposed soil

· well planned irrigation networks throughout the Establishment Period

· Quarterly report on existing trees to be retained or transplanted, with photographic record, to be provided by the Contractor

3.11 Appearance and view considerations:

· careful choice between ‘impermeable’ and ‘permeable’ hoardings

· control over the appearance of construction workers, construction plants/ machines

· proper screening and careful alignment of the temporary barging point and conveyor system

· careful selection of security floodlights to avoid light pollution

3.12 Inspection / site supervision by qualified resident site staff, such as Registered Landscape Architect (RLA).

Operational Phase

3.13 Ensure maximum tree transplanting and provision of compensatory planting at a min 1:1 ratio.

3.14 Minimize disturbance to existing roadside trees outside the new Park boundary.

3.15 One-year establishment period to ensure high quality and good maintenance of soft landscape works shall be provided. The Contractor shall be required to carry out routine horticultural operations, including watering, pruning, weeding, pest control, replacement of dead plants etc. to ensure healthy establishment of new planting during a 12-month establishment period.

3.16 The implementation for the recommended landscape and visual impact mitigation measures is presented in Appendix B.