5. Landscape and Visual

Introduction

5.1 The EIA has recommended landscape and visual mitigation measures for the construction and operation phases of the Project. This section defines the audit requirements to confirm the recommended landscape and visual impact mitigation measures are effectively implemented.

5.2 Site audit on landscape and visual aspects of the Project should be carried out during the construction phase. Specific audting during the operation phase of the Project is not required, with the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA implemented.

Mitigation Measures

5.3 Potential landscape and visual impacts have been carefully considered during the development of the Project design to (1) avoid impacts on important landscape resources as the first priority; and (2) locate, design and reduce physical extent of the works as far as possible, as well as identify mitigation measures, so as to minimize impacts on existing trees and open spaces, and to minimize the degree of visual impact.

5.4 The landscape and visual mitigation measures should be incorporated in the detailed design. The construction phase and operational phase mitigation measures proposed in the EIA are presented in Appendix A. The construction phase mitigation measures should be adopted from the commencement of construction and should be in place throughout the entire construction period while the mitigation measures for the operation phase should be adopted during the detailed design and be built as part of the construction works so that they are in place on the date of commissioning of the Project.

5.5 Any potential conflicts among the proposed mitigation measures, the Project works, and operational requirements should also be identified and resolved early. Any changes to the mitigation measures should be incorporated in the detailed design.

Audit Requirements

5.6 Site audit should be undertaken during the construction phase of the Project to check that the proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures are properly implemented and maintained as per their intended objectives. Site inspections should be undertaken by the ET at least once every two weeks during the construction period.

5.7 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 leading to any damages to existing trees should be reported to the IEC, ET and ER.

5.8 The progress of the engineering works should be regularly reviewed on site to identify the earliest practical opportunities for the soft landscape works to be undertaken.

5.9 The ET should also audit the operation phase mitigation measures proposed in the EIA Report to ensure that they are fully implemented by the Contractor in accordance with the Project design during the construction phase.