8. LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

8.1 Introduction

8.1.1 The EIA has recommended landscape and visual mitigation measures to be undertaken during construction and operation phases of the Project. This section defines the EM&A requirements to ensure the proposed landscape and visual impact mitigation measures are effectively implemented.

8.1.2 The construction phase EM&A of the landscape and visual environment and mitigation works shall be carried out as part of the site audit programme. Specific EM&A during operation phase of the Project is not required as long as the proposed mitigation measures in the EIA and as depicted in the Landscape Plan are fully implemented.

8.2 Baseline Monitoring

8.2.1 Baseline changes with respect to the landscape and visual environments should be carried out in reference to the recorded baseline conditions of the site as described in the EIA. The monitoring should in particular record changes of each landscape resource, landscape character area and the view conditions of each visually sensitive receiver. Parameters used to describe changes in each of the above should be the same as in the EIA.

8.2.2 The baseline monitoring should be conducted as a one-off site survey prior to commencement of any construction works.

8.3 Monitoring and Audit

8.3.1 Monitoring and audit should be undertaken during the construction phase of the Project to ensure and check that the implementation and maintenance of landscape and visual mitigation measures are being properly carried out. Site inspections should be undertaken at least once every two weeks through the construction period.

8.3.2 A landscape auditor (as a member of the ET) shall be employed to review Contractor’s submission and proposals and to monitor and audit the Contractor’s landscape works in particular to ensure the existing trees retained on-site are being well preserved, tree transplanting and felling operations are being undertaken in accordance with the requirements, procedures and specifications as stipulated in the contract and the approvals granted by concerned authorities, and all the newly planted vegetations are being maintained properly during the establishment period.

8.3.3 In particular, the extent of the agreed works areas should be regularly checked during the construction phase. Any trespass by the Contractor outside the limit of the works, including any damage to existing trees, woodland and vegetation should be noted.

8.3.4 The landscape auditor should also audit the proposed operation phase mitigation measures in the EIA to ensure they are fully implemented by the Contractor within the Project design and construction.

8.4 Event and Action Plan

8.4.1 Should non-compliance of the landscape and visual impacts occur, actions in accordance with the action plan stated in Table 8.1 should be carried out.

Table 8.1

Event and Action Plan for Landscape and Visual Impact - Construction Phase

Action Level	Environmental Team (ET) Leader	Independent Environmental Checker (IEC)	Engineer’s Representative (ER)	Contractor
Non-conformity on one occasion	1. Identify source 2. Inform the IEC and the ER 3. Discuss remedial actions with the IEC, the ER and the Contractor 4. Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed	1. Check report 2. Check the Contractor’s working method 3. Discuss with the ER and the Contractor on possible remedial measures 4. Advise the ER on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures	1. Notify the Contractor 2. Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented	1. Amend working methods 2. Rectify damage and undertake remedial measures or any necessary replacement
Repeated Non-conformity	1. Identify source 2. Inform the IEC, the ER and EPD 3. Increase monitoring (site audit) frequency 4. Discuss remedial actions with the IEC, the ER and the Contractor 5. Monitor remedial actions until rectification has been completed 6. If exceedance stops, cease additional monitoring (site audit)	1. Check report 2. Check the Contractor’s working method 3. Discuss with the ER and the Contractor on possible remedial measures 4. Advise the ER on effectiveness of proposed remedial measures 5. Supervise implementation of remedial measures	1. Notify the Contractor 2. Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented	1. Amend working methods 2. Rectify damage and undertake remedial measures or any necessary replacement

8.5 Landscape and Visual Impact Mitigation Measures

8.5.1 A comprehensive range of landscape mitigation measures (LMM) and landscape framework have been developed in conjunction with the site planning and phasing of the site works as shown in Table 8.2 will illustrate the mitigation measure for each SVR. The landscape framework includes the following enhancement and mitigation measures.

8.5.2 Recommended landscape mitigation measures at construction stage are:

· LMM1 Advance tree transplanting

· LMM2 Sensitive design site hoarding

· LMM3 Preservation of existing tree to be retained

· LMM4 Demarcation of tree protection zone

· LMM5 Minimize of construction works in stream

· LMM6 Soil conservation

· LMM7 Operational time restriction

8.5.3 To minimize the impact on landscape and visual features, proper provision of mitigation measures during the design stage would result in a visually more compatible design when viewed at adjacent environment. Subject to the detailed design, possible mitigation measures to be considered during design stage should include:

· LMM8 Selection of fast growing native tree and shrub mixes

· LMM9 Preservation of stream and pond not affected

· LMM10 Sensitive treatment and design to the external finish of channels walls

· LMM11 Maintenance of planting works

· LMM12 Compensation planting of mangrove

8.5.4 To mitigate the loss of 16 trees, 114 nos. of new trees in heavy standard size will be planted within the site. The proposed trees consisting mostly of native species will include Celtis sinensis, Cinnamomum parthenoxylon, Ficus microcarpa, Hibiscus tiliaceus and Cassia siamea. The total aggregated girth size of compensatory trees of 8.55 m is more than the felled 3.59 m. Therefore, loss of tree will be compensated with a ratio of more than 1:1 in terms of numbers and aggregated girth size.

8.5.5 The following native shrub species are recommended to be planted on the hydroseeded slope of the embankments: Calliandra haematocephala, Codiaeum variegatum, Duranta repen and Lxora stricta. Drooping plants such as Jasminum mesnyi, Russelia equisetiformis and Asparagus sprengeri are recommended to be planted to soften and provide greenery to the channel walls.

Landscape Plan

8.5.6 As details of the proposed planting cannot be ascertain at the EIA stage, the preliminary design stage of the Project, it is recommended that a detailed Landscape Plan be submitted before commencement of planting or landscape works of the Project. The Landscape Plan should include the locations, size, number and species of plantings, design details, implementation programme, maintenance and management schedules, and drawings in scale of 1:1000 showing the landscape and visual mitigation measures. The Landscape Plan should be certified by the ET Leader and verified by the Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) as conforming to the information, requirements and recommendations set out in the approved EIA Report before submission to the relevant authorities.

8.5.7 The implementation schedule for the recommended mitigation measures is presented in Appendix A.

8.5.8 If the above measures are not sufficient to restore the impacts to acceptable levels upon the advice of ET Leader, the Contractor shall liaise with the ET Leader on some other mitigation measures, endorsed by IEC and propose to ER for approval, and implement the mitigation measures.

Table 8.2

Summary of Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures Programming Management

LMM	Recommended Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures	Objectives of the Recommended Measures & Main Concerns	Location / Timing	What requirements or standards for the measure to achieve	Funding/ Implementation Agent	Management and Maintenance Agent
LMM1	Advance tree transplanting of existing trees affected by the proposed development.	Preservation of existing trees	Project area / Commencement of construction	Require advance tree surgery preparation Comply to ETWB TCW No. 3/2006	Project Proponent / Contractor	LCSD*
LMM2	Sensitively designed site hoarding in both color and form to screen view to the construction works.	Visual enhancement	Project area / Commencement of construction	N/A	Project Proponent / Contractor	Project Proponent / Contractor
LMM3	Preservation of existing tree to be retain on area not affected by the proposed development.	Conservation of existing trees; Visual screen	Project area not affected with tree surgery works / Commencement of construction	Comply to ETWB TCW No. 3/2006	Project Proponent / Contractor	LCSD*
LMM4	Demarcation of the tree protection zone for retain trees	Preservation of existing trees	Project area / Commencement of construction and throughout construction period	Comply to ETWB TCW No. 3/2006	Project Proponent / Contractor	Project Proponent / Contractor
LMM5	Minimization of the construction works in the existing stream	Preservation of existing landscape resources and landscape character	Project area / Commencement of construction and throughout construction period	Comply to ETWB TCW No. 5/2005	Project Proponent / Contractor	Project Proponent / Contractor
LMM6	Soil conservation – conservation of existing and imported soil resources.	Conservation of existing topsoil	Project area not affected for stockpile / Commencement of construction and throughout construction period.	Existing soil resources on site will be conserved in stockpiles with a maximum height of 2 m. All material stockpiles should be covered with an impermeable material and sandbagging diversions should also be placed around exposed soil. Material stockpiled should be in area with the least obstruction to pedestrian.	Project Proponent / Contractor	Project Proponent / Contractor
LMM7	Operational time restrictions to limit after dark welding and lighting.	Limit night time glare	Project area / Throughout the construction period	N/A	Project Proponent / Contractor	Project Proponent / Contractor
LMM8	Selection of fast growing native trees and shrubs mix in compensation for the removal / disturbance area. Planting will be planted along the channel bunds as landscape treatment to screen the built element and mitigate the landscape and visual impact. The combination of natives trees and shrubs mix will provide a more diverse edge effect and break up the overall visual dominance.	Visual screen; Landscape compensation	Project area / Construction period	Selection and agree on the specified plant species	Project Proponent / Contractor	LCSD*
LMM9	Preservation of existing stream and pond not affected by the development.	Preservation of Landscape resources and character	Section of existing stream and pond not affected by the project / Throughout the construction period and operation period	Comply to ETWB TCW No. 5/2005	Project Proponent / Contractor	DSD (for area within DSD Boundary)*
LMM10	Provide sensitive treatment and design to the external finish of the channel walls such as adopting the use of natural materials and planting to soften surface of built structures	Visual enhancement	Commencement of construction and throughout the construction period	N/A	Project Proponent / Contractor	DSD*
LMM11	Maintenance of planting works upon completion.	Landscape compensation	Operation period	Agree on the maintenance requirement and programme Comply to ETWB TCW No.2/2004	Project Proponent / Contractor	Contractor (for the establishment period after construction); DSD and LCSD*
LMM12	Compensation planting of mangrove to stream bed	Landscape compensation	Operation period	Agree on the maintenance requirement and programme Comply to ETWB TCW No.2/2004	Project Proponent / Contractor	Contractor (for the establishment period) No long term maintenance necessary

* The project proponent (CEDD) will assume to be responsible for the mitigation measures until an agreement is reached between CEDD and relevant parties on the management and maintenance of the mitigation measures.