9 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

9.1 Introduction

9.1.1.1 This section presents the methodology for the assessment of the potential landscape and visual impact associated with the construction and operational phases of the Project. The proposed works include the construction and operation of (i) a sludge treatment facility located in the East Ash Lagoon area, and (ii) an access roadworks to connect the facility to the existing Nim Wan Road.

9.1.1.2 This landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) follows the criteria and guidelines as stipulated in Annexes 10 and 18 of Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) Technical Memorandum and EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2002.

9.1.1.3 The photomontages and general layouts provided in this report are based on the reference design.  The actual design will be carried out by the contractor.  It should be noted that the reference design will be used by the contractor for reference, but will not constrain the actual design.

9.2 Project Description

9.2.1.1 Figure 9.1 shows a location plan for the project and Figure 9.2 shows the aerial view of the existing ash-lagoon and the surrounding areas in Nim Wan. Full description and justification on the need on the extension project is provided in Section 2 of this report.

9.3 Environmental Legislation and Standards

9.3.1.1 The following have been considered:

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, Annexes 10 and 18 of Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) Technical Memorandum and EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2002.

· The Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap96) – prohibits felling, cutting, burning or destroying of trees and growing plants in forests and plantations on government land. Its subsidiary regulations prohibit the picking, felling or possession of listed rare and protected plant species.

· The Forestry Regulations – made under Section 3 of the Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96), defined the list of protected species in Hong Kong.

· Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586);

· Government General Regulation 740 – sets out restrictions on the preservation and felling of trees in Hong Kong.

· ETWB TC(W) No. 29/2004 Registration of Old and Valuable Trees and Guidelines for their Preservation – provides priority protection to the trees in the Register.  Furthermore, the Government has already put in place a comprehensive range of administrative and legislative measures to preserve trees on Government land.

· ETWB TC(W) No. 2/2004 Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features – sets out the government departmental responsibilities for maintenance of vegetation and hard landscape features.

· ETWB TCW No. 3/2006 - Tree Preservation

· ETWB TCW No. 11/2004 - Cyber Manual for Greening

· WBTC No. 14/2002 Management and Maintenance of Natural Vegetation and Landscape Works, and Tree Preservation – defines and outlines the management and maintenance responsibilities for natural vegetation and landscape works, and the authorities for tree preservation and felling.

· WBTC No. 7/2002 Tree planting in Public Works – affirms the advocated policy on tree planting which adopts a flexible and balanced approach in the planning and design of public works.

· WBTC 17/2000 – Improvement to appearance of slopes, outlines the principles and procedures recommended for all departments involved in new slope works and maintenance of existing slopes for improving aesthetic and environmental impact of slope works.

· WBTC No. 25/93 – Control of Visual Impact of slopes, outlines the design principles recommended to be used in designing man-made slopes for Public Works projects in order to reduce their adverse visual impact.

· GEO publication No. 1/2000 - ‘Technical Guidelines on Landscape Treatment and Bio-engineering for Man-Made Slopes and Retaining Walls’.

· Technical Report of Landscape Value Mapping in Hong Kong by Planning Department – establishes the essential landscape baseline information which provides a systematic reference framework to facilitate landscape assessment and broad environmental assessment of major projects at territorial level.

· Government General Regulation 740 – restrictions on the preservation and felling of trees in Hong Kong

· Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines Chapter 4 and Chapter 11

· Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong

9.4 Methodology of Assessment of Landscape Impacts

9.4.1 Introduction

9.4.1.1 Landscape and visual impacts have been assessed separately for the construction and operation phases.

9.4.1.2 The assessment of landscape impacts has involved the following procedures:

9.4.2 Identification of Baseline Landscape Resources

9.4.2.1 Site visits and desktop study of topographical maps, information databases and photographs were carried out to identify the baseline landscape resources within the sites and works area.

9.4.3 Assessment of Degree of Sensitivity to Change

9.4.3.1 The degree of sensitivity to change of the landscape resources would be influenced by a number of factors including:

· quality and maturity of landscape resources/characters,

· rarity of landscape resources/characters,

· whether is considered to be of local, regional, national or global importance,

· whether there are any statutory or regulatory limitations/requirements relating to the landscape resource/characters, and

· ability of the landscape resource/character to accommodate change.

9.4.3.2 The sensitivity of each landscape resources and character areas is classified as follows:

High:	Important landscape or landscape resources of particularly distinctive character or high importance, sensitive to relatively small changes.
Medium	Landscape or landscape resources of moderately valued landscape characteristics reasonably tolerant to change.
Low:	Landscape or landscape resources of low valued landscape characteristics.

9.4.4 Identification of Potential Sources of Landscape Impacts

9.4.4.1 The elements of the construction works and operational procedures that would generate landscape impacts are identified.

9.4.5 Identification of Magnitude of Landscape Impacts

9.4.5.1 The magnitude of the impact (or magnitude of change) depends on a number of factors including:

· the physical extent of the impact,

· compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape,

· duration of impacts i.e. whether it is temporary (short, medium or long term), under construction and operation phases, and

· reversibility of change.

9.4.5.2 The magnitude of landscape impacts is classified as follows:

Large:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer a major change.
Intermediate:	The landscape or landscape resources would suffer moderate change.
Small:	The landscape or landscape resources would suffer slight or barely perceptible change.
Negligible:	The landscape or landscape resources would suffer no discernible change.

9.4.6 Identification of Potential Landscape Mitigation Measures

9.4.6.1 Mitigation measures may take the form of:

· adopting alternative design or revisions to the basic engineering and architectural design to prevent and/or minimize adverse impacts,

· remedial measures such as colour and textural treatment of physical, engineering and building features, and

· compensatory measures such as implementation of landscape design measures (e.g. tree planting, creation of new open space etc) to compensate for unavoidable adverse impacts and to attempt to generate potentially beneficial long term impacts.

9.4.6.2 The agencies responsible for the funding implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified.

9.4.7 Predicted Significance of Landscape Impacts

9.4.7.1 By synthesising the magnitude of various impacts and the sensitivity of various landscape resources it is possible to categories impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 9.1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely insubstantial, slight, moderate, and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of impact and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of landscape resource/character.

Table 9.1    Relationship between Receptor Sensitivity and Impact Magnitude in Defining Impact Significance

		Receptor Sensitivity (of Landscape Resource, Landscape Character Area or VSRs)
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Impact (Change)	Large	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial
	Small	Insubstantial / Slight	Slight / Moderate	Moderate
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

9.4.7.2 The significance of landscape impacts before and after implementation of mitigation measures are predicted.

9.4.8 Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts

9.4.8.1 An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM.

9.5 Methodology of Assessment of Visual Impacts

9.5.1 Introduction

9.5.1.1 The assessment of visual impacts has involved the followings.

9.5.2 Identification of Zones of Visual Influence (ZVIs)

9.5.2.1 Site visits and desktop study of topographic maps and photographs, and preparation of cross-section are carried out to determine visibility of the project during the construction and operation phase from various locations and to identify the zones of Visual Influence (ZVIs).

9.5.3 Identification of Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

9.5.3.1 Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) are the people who would reside within, work within, play within, or travel through, the ZVIs during the construction and operation stages.

9.5.4 Assessment of Degree of Sensitivity to Change

9.5.4.1 In the assessment of the degree of sensitivity to change of the VSRs, the types of VSRs are considered. Those VSRs who view the impact from their homes are considered to be highly sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook from their home would have a substantial effect on their perception of the quality and acceptability of their home environment and their general quality of life. Those who view the impact from their workplace and at school are considered to be only moderately sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook would have a less important, although still material, effect on their perception of their quality of life. The degree to which this applies depends on whether the workplace is industrial, retail or commercial. Those who view the impact whilst taking part in an outdoor leisure activity may display varying sensitivity depending on the type of leisure activity. Those who view the impact whilst traveling on a public thoroughfare would also display varying sensitivity depending on the speed of travel.

9.5.4.2 Other factors which are considered (as required by EIAO GN 8/2002) include the value and quality of existing views, the availability and amenity of alternative views, the duration or frequency of view, and the degree of visibility.

9.5.4.3 The sensitivity of VSRs is classified as follows:

High:	The VSR is highly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.
Medium:	The VSR is moderately sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.
Low:	The VSR is only slightly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.

·

9.5.5 Identification of Relative Numbers of VSRs

9.5.5.1 The relative numbers of VSRs is expressed in term of whether there are very few, few, many or very many VSRs in any one category of VSR.

9.5.6 Identification of Potential Sources of Visual Impacts

9.5.6.1 The elements of the construction works and operational procedures that would generate landscape impacts are identified.

9.5.7 Assessment of Potential Magnitude of Visual Impacts

9.5.7.1 In the assessment of the potential magnitude of visual impacts, the following factors are considered:

· the compatibility with the surrounding landscape

· the duration of the impact

· the reversibility of the impact

· the scale of the impact and distance of the source of impact from the viewer

· the degree of visibility of the impact, and the degree of which the impact dominates the field of vision of the viewer

9.5.7.2 The magnitude of visual impacts is classified as follows:

Large:	The VSRs would suffer a major change in their viewing experience.
Intermediate:	The VSRs would suffer a moderate in their viewing experience.
Small:	The VSRs would suffer a small change in their viewing experience.
Negligible:	The VSRs would suffer no discernible change in their viewing experience.

9.5.8 Identification of Potential Visual Mitigation Measures

9.5.8.1 These may take the form of adopting alternative designs or revisions to the basic engineering and architectural design to prevent and/or minimise adverse impacts, remedial measures such as colour and textural treatment of building features, and tree planting to screen the roads and associated bridge structures. A programme for the mitigation measures is provided. The agencies responsible for the implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified and their approval-in-principle has been sought.

9.5.9 Prediction of Significance of Visual Impacts

9.5.9.1 By synthesising the magnitude of the various visual impacts and the sensitivity of the VSRs, and the numbers of VSRs that are affected, it is possible to categorise the degree of significance of the impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of impact and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of VSRs, the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds is shown below, including insubstantial, slight, moderate and substantial,

9.5.9.2 The significance of visual impacts is categorized as follows:

Substantial:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality.
Moderate:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality.
Slight:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality.
Insubstantial:	No discernible change in the existing visual quality.

9.5.9.3 The significance of landscape impacts before and after implementation of mitigation measures are predicted.

9.5.10 Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts

9.5.10.1 An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM.

9.5.10.2 Funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation proposals can be satisfactorily resolved according to the principles in ETWB TCW No. 3/2006. All mitigation proposals in this report are practical and achievable within the known parameters of funding, implementation, management and maintenance. Approval-in-principle to the implementation, management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation measures is being sought from the appropriate authorities.

9.6 Baseline Study

9.6.1.1 Landscape baseline review comprises of the identification of all existing Landscape Resources (LR) and Landscape Character Areas (LCA) within 500m from the project.  They are mapped in Figure 9.3 and Figure 9.8 respectively.  The photos showing the LRs and LCRs are presented in Figure 9.4 to Figure 9.7 and Figure 9.9 to Figure 9.12 respectively.  In terms of the visual aspect, Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) within the Zones of Visual Influence (ZVI) of the project are mapped in Figure 9.13.  The photos showing the VSRs are presented in Figure 9.14 to Figure 9.17.  The photos showing some of their representative views to the proposed works are presented in Figure 9.18 and Figure 9.19.

9.6.1.2 In the landscape assessment, the existing and planned landscape resources and character of the assessment areas would be described, appraised, analyzed and evaluated.  Plans of suitable scale showing the baseline landscape resources and landscape character mapping of impact assessment are used to present the findings of impact assessment.  A broad brush tree survey which identifies the species and approximate numbers to be affected is included.  The assessment focuses on the sensitivity of the landscape framework and its ability to accommodate change.  The degree of compatibility of the Project and associated works with the existing and planned landscape settings would be identified. The landscape impact assessment quantifies the potential landscape impacts as far as possible, so as to illustrate the significance of such impacts arising from the Project and associated works.  All landscape impacts are clearly mapped.

9.6.1.3 In the visual impact assessment, clear illustrations including mapping of visual impact would be provided.  The assessment includes:

l Identification and plotting of visual envelope of the Project and associated works,

l Identification of key groups of sensitive receivers within the visual envelope with regard to views from ground level, sea level and elevated vantage points,

l Description of the visual compatibility of the Project and associated works within the surrounding, both existing and planned uses, its obstruction and interference with the key views of the adjacent areas, and

l Description of severity of visual impacts in terms of nature, distance and number of sensitive receivers.  The visual impact of the Project and associated works with and without mitigations shall be assessed, and the effectiveness of the mitigation measures shall be demonstrated.

9.6.1.4 The merits of preservation in totality, in parts or total destruction of existing landscape and the establishment of new landscape character areas are evaluated.  Alternative alignment(s), design(s) and construction methods that would avoid or reduce the identified landscape and visual impacts have been evaluated for comparison before adopting other mitigation or compensatory measures to alleviate the impacts.  The mitigation measures proposed would not only be concerned with damage reduction but also include consideration of potential enhancement of existing landscape and visual quality.

9.6.1.5 Measures would be included in the detailed design, construction and operation of the Project and associated works to mitigate landscape and visual impact and reduce them to the acceptable levels.  Relevant responsible parties would be identified for the on-going management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation works to ensure their effectiveness throughout the operation phase of the Project and associated works.  A practical programme and funding proposal for the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures would be provided.

9.7 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

9.7.1.1 A review of the existing and planned development framework for the proposed works and for the surroundings has been considered.  It aims to identify issues for the neighbouring planned land uses, to identify potential resources and sensitive receivers, and to ensure a high compatibility between the proposed project and the surroundings.

9.7.1.2 The following Outline Zoning Plans (OZP) have been reviewed: Sheung Pak Nai & Ha Pak Nai Outline Zoning Plan OZP no. S/YL-PN/9; Ping Shan OZP no. S/YL-PS/11; Lam Tei & Yick Yuen OZP no. S/TM-LTYY/6 and Tuen Mun OZP No. S/TM/23.  However, the project site and areas within the 500m study boundary are not covered within any OZP and no land use is specified in the statutory plans.

9.7.1.3 The proposed STF is considered to be compatible with the adjacent environment. Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures will be applied to avoid the adverse landscape and visual impacts in consideration with the surrounding environment.

9.8 Landscape Resources

9.8.1.1 Although situated in a remote location, the area is strongly influenced by human disturbance in terms of landscape resource pattern.  Landscape resources are identified and described below.

LR1 – Ash-lagoon and Seashore

9.8.1.2 The ash-lagoon itself is considered as a unique landscape resource.  It has been formed to be a dump site - a temporary storage site for ash generated from the adjacent power plant.  Throughout the years, a number of grasses, creepers, groundcovers, and small shrubs have grown.  Larger shrubs and even small trees, such as Macaranga tanarius and Leucaena leucocephala, are even found at the edge of the lagoon, including along the seawalls.  Some portions have become somewhat marshy with grasses and water ponds (or water-like liquid ponds).  The force of nature is evident, especially for the Middle Lagoon where active dumping has mostly ceased for years.  Several bird species have also been spotted, and reference should be made to Section 7 of this EIA.

LR2 – Tidal Stream

9.8.1.3 This LR refers to two semi-natural to manmade water channels found within the study boundary.  These water channels may be formed during the construction and may result in significant establishment of shrubby riparian vegetation with occasional trees, along some of the stream banks.

LR3 – Young Mangrove

9.8.1.4 This LR refers to small mangroves found at certain locations of the tidal streams where sediments have accumulated.  There is a mix of small mangrove trees and grasses/ creepers, suggesting an early, unstable stage of mangrove colonization.

LR4 – Disturbed Woodland

9.8.1.5 This LR refers to disturbed woodland, located in and between various abandoned village areas and hard-paved platform areas.  Most tree species are common in this area, including Celtis sinensis, Leucaena leucocephala, Ligustrum sinense, Macaranga tanarius, Microcos paniculatus, Rhus spp, and Sterculia lanceolata.  Several large and mature trees including Ficus microcarpa, Clausena lansium and Dimocarpus longan are found planted at several locations where village houses once existed.  An area along the access road to the abandoned village site is dominated mostly by Hibiscus tiliaceus, which may suggest the original shoreline before the ash-lagoon was constructed.

LR5 – Grassland/ Shrubland

9.8.1.6 This LR refers to the barren hillside areas or disturbed areas dominated by mostly grasses and groundcovers with some small shrubs.  There are occasional small trees, limited to pioneer trees such as Macaranga tanarius and Leucaena leucocephala.

LR6 – Slope/ Reinstated Plantation

9.8.1.7 This LR refers to manmade slopes or disturbed flat areas planted or reinstated with hydroseeding and woodland mix, comprised of a mix of planted and self-seeded trees.  These trees are of common native and exotic species, including Acacia spp., Casuarina equisetifolia, Celtis sinensis, Eucalyptus spp., Ficus spp., and Macaranga tanarius etc.

LR7 – Seawater

9.8.1.8 This LR refers to the sea area adjacent to the site.

9.9 Landscape Character Areas

9.9.1.1 The area is remote with very few people, except truck drivers and workers in the ash-lagoon and WENT landfill site.  Access to many LCAs is either restricted by guards or hidden by topography and vegetation.  Landscape character is widely diversified, and in fact, quite contrasting within the study boundary.  LCAs have been identified and are described below.

LCA1 –‘Man-made’Ash-lagoon and Seashore

9.9.1.2 This LCA refers to the ash-lagoon and the manmade rocky seawall, which covers a large, open area.  It is isolated from the surroundings by distance, vegetation and water, with a distant view to the hills at the south and the sea to the north.  The ash-lagoon is not open to the public and access is restricted by guards at the entrance.  Depending on the ‘age’ of different phases of the ash-lagoon, the site is mostly covered with exposed ash, liquids or semi-liquids, medium-tall grasses, small shrubs and creepers.  There are also occasional birds resting in the area.  The LCA feels secluded and somewhat like a sanctuary, creating a strong contrast to LCA2 and LCA3.  However, due to restricted access and its nature as a dump site or wasteland, its sensitivity is only Medium, not High.

LCA2 – Unpleasant Landfill Site

9.9.1.3 This LCA refers to the adjacent WENT landfill site, which is characterized by heavy trucks, dust, smells, and landfill/ industrial nature.  The area is unpleasant, and access is restricted at the entrance.

LCA3 – Dusty Road

9.9.1.4 This LCA refers to Nim Wan Road and the surrounding hilly and/ or vegetated landscape.  Nim Wan Road is the only access road to the ash-lagoon and WENT landfill site.  Although trees are found along the road, this section of Nim Wan Road within the study boundary is characterized by heavy trucks, dust, and smells, with very few other types of vehicles and pedestrians.  Views along the road are restricted by topography and vegetation.  The space is unpleasant to be inside.

LCA4 – Abandoned Area

9.9.1.5 This LCA refers to the abandoned village area to the south of the ash-lagoon.  The village was a small seaside village before the ash-lagoon was built, as evident by an old Tin-hau temple and some building rubble remaining in the area.  There are also some large, abandoned, hard-paved platforms, which were later found to be the ex-BBC station during desktop study.  Very few people know of the village and access to the area nowadays, as the area is somewhat hidden by dense vegetation with only one access road of gravel and dirt.

LCA5 – Barren Hillside

9.9.1.6 This LCA refers to the hillside area and the firing range to the south of the ash-lagoon.  The landscape is characterized by exposed rocks and low grasses with occasional shrubs and small trees.  Due to steep topography and its proximity to the firing range, few people would like to go to the area.

9.10 Landscape Sensitivity to Change

9.10.1.1 The landscape resources and landscape character areas that would be potentially affected during the construction phase and operation phase, together with their sensitivity to change, are listed in Table 9.2.

Table 9.2    List of the Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Area and its Sensitivity to Change

Id. No.	Landscape Resource/Character Area	Major Tree Species (Common, Rare)	Tree Size (Large, Medium, Small)	Amenity value of the trees (Low, Medium, High)	Sensitivity to Change (Low, Medium, High)
LR1	Ash-lagoon and Seashore	Common	Medium	Medium	Medium
LR2	Tidal Stream	Common	Small	High	High
LR3	Young Mangrove	Common	Small	High	High
LR4	Disturbed Woodland	Common	Medium	Medium	Medium
LR5	Grassland/ Shrubland	Common	Small	Low	Low
LR6	Slope/ Reinstated Plantation	Common	Small	Low	Low
LR7	Seawater	Nil	Nil	Nil	Low
LCA1	‘Man-made’ Ash-lagoon and Seashore	Common	Medium	Medium	Medium
LCA2	Unpleasant Landfill Site	Common	Small	Low	Low
LCA3	Dusty Road	Common	Small	Low	Low
LCA4	Abandoned Area	Common	Medium	Medium	Medium
LCA5	Barren Hillside	Common	Small	Low	Low

9.11 Tree Survey Results

9.11.1.1 A broad brush tree survey, which identifies the species and approximate numbers to be affected, was conduced.  The survey area includes the site area of the STF and its vicinity.

9.11.1.2 A total of 1,184 nos. of trees, which are in a trunk diameter of 95mm or more and a height of 1.3m above the ground level as defined in ETWB TCW No. 3/2006, was identified within the survey area.  Approximately 460 trees would be affected due to the construction works of the STF.  Most affected species identified in the ash-lagoon and seashore (LR1 and LCA1) are common trees, such as Casuarina equisetifolia (5%), Celtis sinensis (4%), Leucaena leucocephala (1%), Macaranga tanarius (84%) and Acacia confuse (6 %).   Among the affected trees, approximate 5 nos. are weed trees “Leucaena leucocephala”. No LCSD Champion Trees or Registered Old and Valuable Trees are found. The heights of the trees are in a range of 1.5m to 12m; their trunk diameters are ranging from 85mm to 480mm; and their spreads are from 1m to 7m. It was found that about 2% of the trees were in poor health condition and 98% of the trees were in fair health condition; 7% of the trees were in poor form and 93% of the trees were in fair form; 7% of the trees were with low amenity value and 93% of the trees were with medium amenity; 99% of the trees were with low survival rate after transplanting and 1% of the trees were with medium survival rate after transplanting.

9.12 Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI)

9.12.1.1 The primary and secondary ZVI for the Project during the construction phase are illustrated in Figure 9.13.  The photos of the Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) within the Study Area and the views from the VSRs are illustrated in Figure 9.14 to Figure 9.19. Primary ZVI is the area within 1000m from the proposed developments while secondary ZVI is the area with an average distance of more than 1000m from the developments.

9.13 Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

9.13.1.1 Due to the remoteness of the site, only a few VSRs were identified. Table 9.3 lists the VSRs found within the ZVIs. For ease of reference, each VSR is given an identity number, which is used in all relevant tables and figures in this report. VSR are divided into 6 types: Commercial, Commercial/ Residential, Residential, Recreational, Government/ Institution/ Community / Occupational and Transport related.

9.13.1.2 “Frequency of View” depends on the type and nature of VSRs: all Residential VSRs and Commercial/ Residential VSRs are frequent; all other commercial VSRs are occasional; for Government/ Institution/ Community VSRs, institution-related, post-office-related VSRs and those with ‘Glimpse Degree of Visibility’ are rare, all other Government/ Institution/ Community VSRs are occasional; all Recreational VSRs within the waterfront are very frequent, those with ‘glimpse Degree of Visibility’ are rare, the others are occasional; transport related VSRs depends on ‘Minimum Distance between VSRs and Impact Source’ and ‘Degree of Visibility’,

9.13.1.3 “Sensitivity to Change” are high for VSRs with medium to many ‘Number of Individuals’, good ‘Quality of Existing View’, 0-200 m ‘Minimum Distance between VSRs and Impact Source’, partial to full ‘Degree of Visibility’ and occasional to very frequent ‘Frequency of View’; “Sensitivity to Change” are low for VSRs with glimpse ‘Degree of Visibility’, more than 950m ‘Minimum Distance between VSRs and Impact Source’, or rare ‘Frequency of View’; otherwise “Sensitivity to Change” are Medium. The sensitivity of change of the VSRs is provided in Table 9.3.

9.13.1.4 The magnitude of the impacts, before implementation of mitigation measures, on the landscape resources and character areas that would occur in the construction phase are described and tabulated in Table 9.4. 

9.13.1.5 Most of the VSRs are insensitive and with few population.  The views of the VSRs to the surroundings are often blocked by vegetation and topography, except for those having the coastal view of the STF.

Table 9.3    Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) and their Sensitivity to Change

Id. No.	Key Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)	Type of VSRs	Number of Individuals (Many/ Medium/ Few/ Very Few)	Quality of Existing View (Good/ Fair/ Poor)	Availability of Alternative Views (Yes/ No)	Degree of Visibility (Full/ Partial/ Glimpse)	Frequency of View (Very Frequent/ Frequent/ Occasional/ Rare)	Sensitivity to Change (Low, Medium, High)
								Construction	Operation
VSR1	Shekou	Residential	Many	Poor	Yes	Glimpse	Occasional	Medium	Medium
VSR2	Pak Nai	Residential/ tourist	Medium	Good	Yes	Partial	Occasional	High	High
VSR3	Sea of Deep Bay	Sea Travelers	Few	Good	Yes	Glimpse	Occasional	Low	Low
VSR4	HKSZ Western Corridor	Residential	Many	Good	Yes	Glimpse	Rare	Low	Low
VSR5	WENT Landfill Site	Occupational	Very few	Good	Yes	Full	Rare	Low	Low
VSR6	Ash-lagoon	Occupational	Few	Fair	Yes	Full	Rare	Low	Low
VSR7	Power Station	Occupational	Few	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Rare	Low	Low
VSR8	Firing Range	Hikers	Very few	Good	Yes	Partial	Rare	Low	Low
VSR9	Nim Wan Road	Travelers	Few	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Rare	Low	Low
VSR10	Future Access Road	Travelers	Few	Fair	Yes	Partial	Occasional	Medium	Medium

R = Residential; C = Commercial, C/R = Commercial/Residential, GIC = Government/Institution/Community, O = Open space, OU = Others use; T = Transport related.

Table 9.4    Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) and Their Magnitude of Impacts

Id No.	Key Visual Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Blockage of View (Full/ Partial/ Glimpse	Viewing Distance (m)	Scale of Development (Large/ Medium/ Small)	Compatibility (Good/ Fair/ Poor)	Duration of Impacts (Very Frequent/ Frequent/ Occasional/ Rare)	Reversibility of Change (Yes/ No)	Magnitude of Impacts (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible
								Construction	Operation
VSR1	Shekou	Glimpse	6000	Small	Fair	Rare	No	Small	Small
VSR2	Pak Nai	Partial	1500	Medium	Fair	Frequent	No	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR3	Sea of Deep Bay	Glimpse	5000	Medium	Fair	Rare	No	Small	Small
VSR4	HKSZ Western Corridor	Glimpse	6500	Small	Fair	Rare	No	Negligible	Negligible
VSR5	WENT Landfill Site	Full	500	Large	Fair	Occasional	No	Small	Small
VSR6	Ash-lagoon	Partial	1000	Medium	Fair	Occasional	No	Small	Small
VSR7	Power Station	Partial	1800	Medium	Fair	Rare	No	Negligible	Negligible
VSR8	Firing Range	Partial	1500	Medium	Fair	Rare	No	Negligible	Negligible
VSR9	Nim Wan Road	Glimpse	500	Large	Fair	Rare	No	Small	Small
VSR10	Future Access Road	Full	5	Large	Fair	Occasional	No	Intermediate	Intermediate

R = Residential; C = Commercial, C/R = Commercial/Residential, GIC = Government/Institution/Community, O = Open space, OU = Others use; T = Transport related.

9.14 Landscape Impact Assessment

9.14.1 Sources of Landscape Impacts

Construction Phase

9.14.1.1 Sources of impacts in the construction phase would include:

· construction of administration building & visitor/education centre,  wastewater treatment plant & sewage holding tank,  seawater pumping station, desalination plant & storage tank (2-storey high)

· chimney (about 65m above ground with dimensions of 5m × 7.5m)

· installation of incinerators (about 30m above ground)

· installation of utilities, including water, drainage and power

· temporary site access areas, site cabins and heavy machinery

· stockpiling of excavated and construction materials

· increased road traffic congestion

· removal of existing vegetation

· after-dark lighting and welding

· dust during dry weather

· decommissioning of the existing ash lagoon

Operation Phase

9.14.1.2 The sources of impacts of the project in the operation stage would be related to the following above ground structures:

· incinerators and chimney

· new administration building, control room and bridge

· chemical storage building and chemical dosing area

· wastewater treatment plant and sewage holding tank

· seawater pumping station, desalination plant and storage tank

9.14.2 Degree of Compatibility of Project

9.14.2.1 The Project would cause change in the existing landscape setting of the ash-lagoon and seashore area, which is currently a dump site of ash with shrubland landscape character, as the existing tree or shrubs in the site area would be affected.  However, it is noted that the affected trees are of low to medium amenity value and the landscape setting of the surrounding area is unpleasant due to the existence of the WENT landfill and dusty road. 

9.14.3 Nature and Magnitude of Landscape Impacts

9.14.3.1 During the construction phase, the impacts to the landscape resources and landscape character areas would be negligible, except for ash-lagoon and seashore (LR1 and LCA1). The magnitude and description of the impacts on LR1 and LCA1 are provided in Table 9.5. 

Table 9.5    Significant Landscape Impacts of the Proposed Works during Construction Phase

Id No.	Landscape Resources/ Landscape Character Areas	Source of Impact	Description of Impacts	Magnitude of Impacts
LR1	Trees on Ash-lagoon and Seashore	· Construction works within STF · Storage of construction equipment and plant · Construction traffic · Material stockpiling · Night lighting etc. · Temporary site access area, site cabins and heavy machinery	· Approx.460 no. of existing trees within the STF would be affected. · Amenity value of affected trees are medium	Large
LCA1	‘Man-made’ Ash-lagoon and Seashore	· Construction works within STF and works areas · Storage of construction equipment and plant · Construction traffic · Material stockpiling · Night lighting etc. · Temporary site access area, site cabins and heavy machinery	· Approx. 460 no. of existing trees within the STF and works area would be affected. · Amenity value of affected trees are medium	Large

9.14.3.2 As some impacts during the construction phase would be permanent and irreversible, the magnitude of the impact to the ash-lagoon and seashore (LR1 and LCA1) during the operation phase would the same as that during the construction phase.

9.14.4 Prediction of Significance of Landscape Impacts

9.14.4.1 The potential significance of the landscape impacts during the construction and operation phases before the implementation of the mitigation measures are provided in Table 9.8.  The impact significance of most landscape resources and landscape character areas would be insubstantial, except for ash-lagoon and seashore (LR1 and LCA1).

9.14.5 Landscape Mitigation Measures

9.14.5.1 The proposed landscape mitigation measures, together with an indication of funding, implementation and maintenance agencies, in the construction and operation are listed in Table 9.6 and Table 9.7.  Generally, all landscape mitigation measures are to be implemented as early as possible and they are illustrated in Figure 9.20 to Figure 9.23.

9.14.5.2 Aesthetic design of proposed structure will be sensitive design to match with adjacent landscape setting of the site. Greening is proposed along the boundary to provide further screening and enhance the waterfront area.

9.14.5.3 Considering trees with trunk diameter measures 95 mm or more and neither under an unrecoverable health problem nor poor condition, there are about 460 no. of trees would be affected by the Project. It is proposed to remove the five weed trees “Leucaena leucocephala”.  Those affected trees with medium survival rate after transplanting would be transplanted.  For the remaining affected trees with low survival rate after transplanting are proposed to be felled.  Implementation of compensatory planting for heavy standard trees will be of a ratio not less than 1:1 within the site. Detailed tree preservation, transplanting and felling including compensatory planting proposals will be prepared and submitted to relevant government departments for approval in accordance with ETWB TC no. 3/2006 and ETWB TCW No. 29/2004. 

9.14.5.4 It is expected that the heavy standard trees would create immediate greening effect.  As the affected trees, which are of low to medium amenity value, would be replaced by heavy standard trees, the proposed mitigation measures would not only alleviate the impact due to the project, but also enhance the existing landscape. 

Table 9.6    Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction Phase

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency	Maintenance/ Management Agency
CM1	Topsoil, where identified, should be stripped and stored for re-use in the construction of the soft landscape works, where practical.	EPD	EPD (via Contractor)	EPD (via Contractor)
CM2	Existing trees to be retained on site should be carefully protected during construction.	EPD	EPD (via Contractor)	EPD (via Contractor)
CM3	Trees unavoidably affected by the works should be transplanted where practical.	EPD	EPD (via Contractor)	EPD (via Contractor)
CM4	Compensatory tree planting should be provided to compensate for felled trees.	EPD	EPD (via Contractor)	EPD (via Contractor)
CM5	Control of night-time lighting.	EPD	EPD (via Contractor)	EPD (via Contractor)
CM6	Erection of decorative screen hoarding compatible with the surrounding setting.	EPD	EPD (via Contractor)	EPD (via Contractor)

Table 9.7    Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Operation Phase

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency	Maintenance/ Management Agency
OM1	Aesthetic design of the façade, chimneys of STF and associated structures to harmonize with the surrounding settings.	EPD	EPD (via Contractor)	EPD (via Contractor)
OM2	Shrub and climbing planting to soften proposed structures	EPD	EPD (via Contractor)	EPD (via Contractor)
OM3	Heavy standard tree planting to screen proposed associated structures.	EPD	EPD (via Contractor)	EPD (via Contractor)
OM4	Reinstated of disturbed area	EPD	EPD (via Contractor)	EPD (via Contractor)

9.14.6 Programme of Implementation of Mitigation Measures

9.14.6.1 The construction phase mitigation measures listed above shall be adopted from the commencement of construction and shall be in place throughout the entire construction period.  The operation phase mitigation measures listed above shall be adopted during the detailed design and be built as part of the construction works so that they are in place at the date of commissioning of the Project.

9.14.7 Residual Landscape Impacts

9.14.7.1 The potential significance of landscape impacts during the construction and operation phases after the implementation of the mitigation measures are provided in Table 9.8.  The assessment was conducted based on the assumptions that the recommended mitigation measures would be implemented, and the full effect of the mitigation measures would be realized after 10 years.   

9.14.7.2 After the implementation of the mitigation measures, the impact significance of the STF to the ash-lagoon and seashore during the construction phase and on day 1 of the operation phase would be reduced to moderate, and the impact significance after 10-year operation of the STF would be slight. 

9.14.7.3 Considering the facts that the affected trees with low to medium amenity value will be compensated by high standard trees, and landscape value of the existing “man-made” ash-lagoon, which is a dump site of ash with shrubland landscape character, is not high, the impact during the construction and operation phase are considered acceptable.

Table 9.8    Significance of Landscape Impacts in the Construction and Operation Phases

Id. No.	Landscape Resource / Landscape Character	Sensitivity to Change (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Change  (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance before Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Impact Significance Day 1 after Mitigation		Impact Significance  10 years after Mitigation
									(Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation	Operation
LR1	Ash-lagoon and Seashore	Medium	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LR2	Tidal Stream	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Nil	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3	Young Mangrove	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Nil	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR4	Disturbed Woodland	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Nil	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR5	Grassland/ Shrubland	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Nil	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR6	Slope/ Reinstated Plantation	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Nil	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR7	Seawater	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Nil	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA1	‘Man-made’ Ash-lagoon and Seashore	Medium	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM2 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LCA2	Unpleasant Landfill Site	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Nil	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA3	Dusty Road	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Nil	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA4	Abandoned Area	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Nil	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA5	Barren Hillside	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Nil	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

9.15 Visual Impact Assessment      

9.15.1 Potential Sources of Visual Impacts

9.15.1.1 The Project would create varying levels of visual impact during the construction and operation phases.  The potential sources of impacts are stated in Section 9.14.1.

9.15.2 Prediction of Significance of Visual Impacts

9.15.2.1 The potential significance of the visual impacts during the construction and operation phases without the mitigation measures are provided in Table 9.9. The photomontages of the STF before the implementation of mitigation measures are illustrated in Figure 9.22 and Figure 9.23.  The significance of the visual impacts to the residents in Shekou (VSR1) and the travelers of the future access road (VSR10), which would be opened in year 2016/17, would be moderate, while that to the residents in Pak Nai would be substantial (VSR2). 

9.15.3 Visual Mitigation Measures

9.15.3.1 The proposed visual mitigation measures, together with an indication of funding, implementation, and management and maintenance agencies, in the construction and operation phases are summarized in Table 9.6 and Table 9.7. The visual mitigation measures are illustrated in Figure 9.22 and Figure 9.23.

9.15.3.2 The project areas are predominantly in waterfront context and surrounding by industrial waste land, bounded by dense vegetations and mountain at the back drop. Therefore mitigation measures would focus on enhancing the visual quality and compatibility of the STF’s waterfront settings. Architectural design theme with respect the overall image/development to achieve visual conformity will be developed in details during the detailed design stage. The facade colour theme, pattern, texture, materials, finishing, greening of the structures and building mass will be sensitively designed in form, base colour/tone variation, micro and macro texture, and reflectivity/ light absorbance to avoid glare and to match with adjoining environment.

9.15.3.3 The programme of implementation of the mitigation measures is as listed in Section 9.14.6.

9.15.4 Residual Visual Impacts

9.15.4.1 The residual visual impacts in the construction and operation phases after the implementation of proposed mitigation measures are listed out in Table 9.9.  It was assumed that the recommended mitigation measures would be implemented, and the full effect of the mitigation measures would be realized after 10 years.  

9.15.4.2 After the implementation of the mitigation measures, the residual impacts during the construction phase and on day 1 of the operation phase to the residents in Shekou (VSR1) and in Pak Nai (VSR2), and the travelers of the future access road (VSR10) would be reduced to slight or moderate.  After 10-year operation of the STF, the residual impact to these VSRs would be reduced to insubstantial or slight.

Table 9.9    Significance of Visual Impacts in Construction and Operation Phases

Id No	Key Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)	Receptor Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Impact (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance without Mitigation Measures (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance with Mitigations (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
									Construction	Operation
		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation			Day 1	Year 10
VSR1	Shekou	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM5 to CM6, OM1 to OM4	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
VSR2	Pak Nai	High	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Substantial	Substantial		Moderate	Moderate	Slight
VSR3	Sea of Deep Bay	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight		Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR4	HKSZ Western Corridor	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial		Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR5	WENT Landfill Site	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight		Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR6	Ash-lagoon	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight		Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR7	Power Station	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial		Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR8	Firing Range	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial		Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR9	Nim Wan Road	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight		Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR10	Future Access Road	Medium	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate		Slight	Slight	Insubstantial

9.16 Conclusion

9.16.1.1 Seven landscape resources and five landscape character areas were identified within 500m from the site area.  The impact to these landscape resources and landscape character areas would be insubstantial, except for the ash-lagoon and seashore (LR1 and LCA1).  Mitigation measures, such as aesthetic design of the proposed STF matching with adjacent landscape setting of the site, greening along the site boundary to provide screening and enhance the waterfront area, would be implemented.  After the implementation of the mitigation measures, the residual impact to the ash-lagoon and seashore during the construction phase and on day 1 of the operation phase would be reduced to moderate, and the long-term residual impact to the ash-lagoon and seashore would be reduced to slight.  Considering the fact that the affected trees in the site area are of low to medium amenity value and landscape value of the existing “man-made” ash-lagoon is not high, the impact during the construction and operation phase are considered acceptable.

9.16.1.2 Ten visual sensitive receivers (VSRs) were identified within the zone of visual influence.  Most of these VSRs have low sensitivity to change, and the magnitude of impact to them would be negligible or small.  Therefore, the visual impact to seven VSRs would be insubstantial or slight during construction and operation phase.  However, the visual impact to the residents in Shekou (VSR1) and the travelers of the future access road adjacent to the STF (VSR10) would be moderate, while that to the residents in Pak Nai would be substantial (VSR2).  Mitigation measures would be implemented during the construction and operation phase to reduce the potential visual impacts to these VSRs.  After the implementation of the mitigation measures, the residual impact to these VSRs during the construction phase and on day 1 of the operation phase would be reduced to slight or moderate, and the long-term residual impact to these VSRs would be reduced to insubstantial or slight.

9.16.1.3 Overall, it is considered that the residual landscape and visual impacts of the proposed development would be acceptable with mitigation measures during construction and operation phases.