Agreement No

7.1 This section presents the methodology for the assessment of the potential landscape and visual impact associated with the construction and operation phases of the Project. The proposed works include the construction and operation of organic waste treatment facilities at Siu Ho Wan, North Lantau.

7.2 This Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is prepared in accordance to 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.

7.3 The photomontages and general layouts provided in this section 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.

Project Description

7.4 The Site comprises a total area of about 2 ha with no nearby residential development. The Site can be accessed via the Cheung Tung Road and Sham Fung Road adjacent to the North Lantau Highway. Figure 7.1 shows a location plan for the Project and Figure 7.2 shows the proposed layout of OWTF at the Site.

7.5 Although part of the Project site is currently occupied by a private concrete batching plant, it is to be decommissioned and made available by 2011.

Environmental Legislation and Standards

7.6 The following have been considered:

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

Ÿ 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.

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

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

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

Ÿ 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.

Ÿ 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.

Ÿ ETWB TCW No. 3/2006 - Tree Preservation

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

Ÿ 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.

Ÿ 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.

Ÿ 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.

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

Ÿ 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.

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

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

Ÿ Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong

Methodology of Assessment of Landscape Impacts

7.7 Landscape and visual impacts have been assessed separately for the construction and operation phases. The assessment of landscape impacts has involved the following procedures:

Identification of Baseline Landscape Resources

7.8 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.

Assessment of Degree of Sensitivity to Change

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

Ÿ quality and maturity of landscape resources/characters;

Ÿ rarity of landscape resources/characters;

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

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

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

7.10 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.

Identification of Potential Sources of Landscape Impacts

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

Identification of Magnitude of Landscape Impacts

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

Ÿ the physical extent of the impact;

Ÿ compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape;

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

Ÿ reversibility of change.

7.13 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.

Identification of Potential Landscape Mitigation Measures

7.14 Mitigation measures may take the form of:

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

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

Ÿ 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.

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

Predicted Significance of Landscape Impacts

7.16 By synthesizing 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 7.1 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 7.1 Relationship between Sensitivity and Impact Magnitude in Defining Impact Significance

		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

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

Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts

7.18 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.

Methodology of Assessment of Visual Impacts

7.19 The assessment of visual impacts has involved the following.

Identification of Zones of Visual Influence (ZVIs)

7.20 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).

Identification of Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

7.21 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 of the Project.

Assessment of Degree of Sensitivity to Change

7.22 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.

7.23 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.

7.24 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.

Identification of Relative Numbers of VSRs

7.25 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.

Identification of Potential Sources of Visual Impacts

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

Assessment of Potential Magnitude of Visual Impacts

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

Ÿ the compatibility with the surrounding landscape

Ÿ the duration of the impact

Ÿ the reversibility of the impact

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

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

7.28 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.

Identification of Potential Visual Mitigation Measures

7.29 These may take the form of adopting alternative designs 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 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.

Prediction of Significance of Visual Impacts

7.30 By synthesizing 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 categorize 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,

7.31 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.

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

Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts

7.33 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.

7.34 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.

Baseline Study

7.35 Landscape baseline review comprises of the identification of all existing Landscape Resources (LR) and Landscape Character Areas (LCA) within 500m from the Project (Refer Figure 7.3). They are mapped in Figure 7.5 and Figure 7.6 respectively. In terms of the visual aspect, VSRs within and beyond the ZVI of the OWTF site are mapped in Figure 7.7 to Figure 7.9. The photos showing the view angles from VSRs are presented in Figures 7.10 to 7.19.

7.36 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.

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

Ÿ Identification and plotting of visual envelope of the Project and associated works;

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

Ÿ 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

Ÿ 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.

7.38 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 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.

7.39 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.

Reviewing of Planning and Development Control Framework

7.40 The Site falls within an area zoned “Government” (G) on the Siu Ho Wan Layout Plan (Plan No. L/I-SHW/1). According to the adopted Layout Plan (Plan No. L/I-SHW/1), the site is reserved for a possible grease trap waste treatment facility subject to the findings of a detailed feasibility study being undertaken by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD).

7.41 The adjacent areas that surround the Site are mainly zoned “Government” (G) and “Other Specified Uses” (OU).

7.42 The Site and its surrounding areas are rural in character situated on relatively flat land intermixed with established development, i.e. vehicle pound and bus depots. The main economic activities have remained constant without any major commercial changes.

7.43 The proposed OWTF would help increase the setting in this Area. It would help in that the new buildings and facilities are planned in an orderly layout and are aesthetically pleasing to bring harmony with the surrounding government facilities. The nature of the OWTF is very similar to the adjacent existing government treatment works in that they are treatment facilities. Sites in the adjacent areas have been designated for various government uses.

Landscape Resources (LRs)

7.44 The Site is currently occupied by several tenants under short-term tenancy for production of concrete and storage of equipments. One of these tenants, Excellent Wealthy Limited, has now vacated their short-term tenancy for Quon Hing concrete plant and their facilities dismantled leaving only the existing concrete slab in situ.

7.45 The Site is situated on an existing concrete slab with a PD elevation range between +6.2mPD and +6.7mPD. The Site slopes gently down towards Sham Fung Road in a general south-west to north-east direction. There are no major undulations throughout and the Site meets flush with the surrounding terrain.

7.46 Landscape resources surrounding the Site is described below (refer to Table 7.2 & Figure 7.5).

Table 7.2 Landscape Resources within a 500m Radius of the Site

Id No.	Landscape Resource	Sensitivity
LR1	Tree Covered Hill Slope
	There is an existing tree covered hill slope to the east and north-east of the Site. This hill is proposed as an extension of the Lantau North Country Park.	Medium
LR2	Inshore Water
	The inshore water is situated to the north-west of the Site beyond the North Lantau Highway.	Low
LR3	Roadside Amenity Planting
	The roadside amenity plantings that run along the North Lantau Highway are situated to the north-west of the Site . it serves as a physical and vegetative buffer between the highway and adjoining lands to mitigate the potential negative impacts generated by the highway.	Low

Landscape Character Areas (LCAs)

7.47 With reference to the special landscape features, the Site falls within the ‘’Reclamation / Ongoing Major Development Landscape” category in accordance with Planning Department’s Landscape Character Map of Hong Kong on September 2005 (Refer to Figure 7.4). According to the description of Explanatory Notes of the Map, these are transitional landscapes which are currently awaiting or are undergoing large scale construction or re-development. Some consist of land undergoing development whilst others are vacated sites which are awaiting re-development. They are typically characterized by a flat, low-lying topography, lack of significant vegetation or significant built structures and may include major earthworks, partially completed structures, as well as features such as cranes and earth moving machinery. In Hong Kong, landscapes on this scale are generally reclaimed from the sea and so are often characterized by their proximity to the coast. As a result of their indeterminate status or the disturbance caused by ongoing construction work, such landscapes usually have an incoherent, desolate and transient character.

7.48 The Site is rural industrial in character located at the foot of the mountain range with various vehicle depots and centres surrounding most of its boundary to the north and west.

7.49 The baseline survey information described in the previous paragraphs is used to identify landscape resources and character areas within the Study Area. These landscape resources are the sensitive receivers that form the basis of the landscape assessment. The majority of the Study Area is either bus depot or vehicle pound and centre. As a result, the significant landscape features are restricted to natural topography and native tree and scrub vegetation that partially surrounds the Site.

7.50 Seven distinct areas of landscape character have been identified as part of the baseline assessment (refer to Table 7.3). The character areas primarily reflect variations in topography, land-use and vegetation cover. The location of these character areas is shown in Figure 7.6.

Table 7.3 Landscape Character Areas

Id No.	Landscape Character Area	Description	Sensitivity
LCA1 Facilities w/ Large Paved Surface Areas	Siu Ho Wan Vehicle Pound Vehicle Examination Centre and Weigh Station	Land occupied by vehicle pound vehicle examination centre and weigh station.	Low
	North Lantau Refuse Transfer Station	Land occupied by refuse transfer facilities.	Low
	Designated DSD / WSD Joint Maintenance Depot	Land designated for future DSD / WSD joint maintenance depot.	Low
LCA2	Bus Depots	Land occupied by bus companies	Low
LCA3 Vegetated Areas	Hill Slope	Land occupied by vegetated earth knolls or mounds.	Medium
LCA3 Vegetated Areas	Undesignated Government Land	Government undesignated land.	Low
LCA4 Treatment Facilities	Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works	Land occupied by water treatment works facilities	Low
LCA4 Treatment Facilities	Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works	Land occupied by sewage treatment facilities.	Low
LCA5 Transport Corridors	Road Corridor	Land occupied by secondary vehicular road to serve as access route.	Low
	North Lantau Highway	Land occupied by high speed vehicular road serving Lantau Island.	Medium
	Amenity Strip	Land occupied by landscape greening and amenity.	Low
	Promenade including Cycle Track	Land occupied by pedestrian walkway with amenity and includes a cycling track.	Low
LCA6	Future Lantau Logistics Park	Land designated for future regional open space and GIC uses.	Low
LCA7	Inshore Water	Expanse of open water body.	Low

Landscape Sensitivity

7.51 The LRs and LCAs that would be potentially affected during the Construction Phase and Operation Phase, together with their sensitivity, are listed in Table 7.4.

Table 7.4 Landscape Resources (LRs) and Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) and their 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 (Low, Medium, High)
LR1	Tree Covered Hill Slope	Common	Large / Medium / Small	Medium	Medium
LR2	Inshore Water	N/A	N/A	N/A	Low
LR3	Roadside Amenity Planting	Common	Small	Medium	Low
LCA1 Facilities w/ Large Paved Surface Areas	Siu Ho Wan Vehicle Pound Vehicle Examination Centre and Weigh Station	N/A	N/A	N/A	Low
	North Lantau Refuse transfer Station	Common	Medium / Small	Low	Low
	Designated DSD / WSD Joint Maintenance Depot	N/A	N/A	N/A	Low
LCA2	Bus Depots	N/A	N/A	N/A	Low
LCA3 Vegetated Areas	Hill Slope	Common	Large / Medium / Small	Medium / High	Medium
LCA3 Vegetated Areas	Undesignated Government Land	Common	Small	Low	Low
LCA4 Treatment Facilities	Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works	Common	Medium/Small	Low	Low
LCA4 Treatment Facilities	Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works	Common	Small	Low	Low
LCA5 Transport Corridors	Road Corridor	N/A	N/A	N/A	Low
	North Lantau Highway	N/A	N/A	N/A	Medium
	Amenity Strip	Common	Medium / Small	Low	Low
	Promenade including Cycle Track	N/A	N/A	N/A	Low
LCA6	Future Lantau Logistics Park	N/A	N/A	N/A	Low
LCA7	Inshore Water	N/A	N/A	N/A	Low

Tree Survey Results

Existing Trees

7.52 A broad brush tree survey, which identifies the species and approximate numbers to be affected, was conducted. The survey area includes the site area of the OWTF.

7.53 The Site is currently a concrete slab with no vegetative cover other than a few isolated indigenous tree species (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). They are generally very common species consisting predominately Leucaena leucocephala. The conditions of these trees are generally fair and have low amenity value.

7.54 There are no LCSD Champion Trees or Registered Old and Valuable Trees or protected tree species found within the survey area as stipulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plans Ordinance (Cap. 586).

Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI)

Visual Envelope

7.55 The Site is currently used by one existing concrete plants with silos and conveyor belts for one operating concrete companies.

7.56 The general level of the Site is roughly between +6.2mPD and +6.7mPD, gently sloping uniformly in a south-west to north-east direction.

7.57 The Site meets flush with the adjacent Vehicle Pound Vehicle Examination Centre and Weigh Station facility as well as meeting flush with the other boundaries. Although the Site is fairly open it is nevertheless partially shielded from ground plane views by the adjacent vehicle pound and bus depots.

7.58 In accordance to the EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2002, the assessment area for Visual Impact Assessment (VIA), should be up to the visual envelope (zone of visual influence) which is generally the viewshed formed by natural / man-made features such as ridgeline or building blocks. The VSRs within the ZVI are illustrated in Figure 7.8. The view angles and photos from the Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) within the Study Area and the view angles from the VSRs are illustrated in Figure 7.7 to Figure 7.9.

Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

Existing Visually Sensitive Receivers

7.59 Due to the remoteness of the Site, only a few VSRs were identified. The existing groups of VSR are generally based on developments. The locations of the VSR groups are shown on Figures 7.7 to 7.9. For ease of reference, each VSR is given an identity number, which is used in all relevant tables and figures in this section. VSR are divided into 6 types: Commercial, Commercial / Residential, Residential, Recreational, Government / Institution / Community / Occupational and Transport related.

7.60 “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’,

7.61 “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 the VSRs is provided in Table 7.5.

7.62 The magnitude of the impacts, before implementation of mitigation measures, on the VSRs that would occur in the construction phase are described and tabulated in Table 7.6. 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.

7.63 The VSRs within the immediate view shed formed around the Site are:

· (VSR 1) Siu Ho Wan Vehicle Pound Vehicle Examination Centre and Weigh Station to the north-west.

· (VSR 2) Bus Depots to the north.

· (VSR 3) Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works to the south-east.

· (VSR 4) North Lantau Highway travelers to the north-west.

· (VSR 5) Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works to the south-west.

· (VSR 6) North Lantau Refuse Transfer Station to the north.

· (VSR 10) Lantau North (Extension) Country Park Hikers to the north-east, east and south-east.

· (VSR 11) Future Lantau Logistic Park to the north-west.

7.64 Within the intermediate view shed of the ZVI, the VSR includes:

· (VSR 12) Ferry passengers to the north-west.

· (VSR 13) Future Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link.

· (VSR 14) Future Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (north section).

7.65 Within the distant view shed of the ZVI, the VSRs are:

· (VSR 7) Asia World Expo at the International Airport to the west

· (VSR 8) Residents of the low to medium rise residential developments of Gold Coast situated to the distant north.

· (VSR 9) Butterfly Beach beach goers to the distant north-west.

· (VSR 14) Future Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (south section).

· (VSR 15) Future Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road.

7.66 The VSRs are described as follow:

VSR 1- Siu Ho Wan Vehicle Pound Vehicle Examination Centre and Weigh Station

7.67 The Siu Ho Wan Vehicle Pound Vehicle Examination Centre and Weigh Station is adjacent to the Site and located to the north-west. Although the Site is fully visible to the south-east facing facades of the buildings of Siu Ho Wan Vehicle Pound Vehicle Examination Centre and Weigh Station, the elements within the Site is highly compatible with those at Siu Ho Wan Vehicle Pound Vehicle Examination Centre and Weigh Station. Therefore, the proposed OWTF project will not pose any adversity to the Siu Ho Wan Vehicle Pound Vehicle Examination Centre and Weigh Station.

7.68 The impact is considered Small. It will enhance and enrich the quality environment of Siu Ho Wan Vehicle Pound Vehicle Examination Centre and Weigh Station.

VSR 2 – Bus Depots

7.69 The bus depots, including the City Bus Ltd. Siu Ho Wan Bus Depot and the Kowloon Motor Bus Ltd. Siu Ho Wan Bus Depot, are located to the north of the Site. The Site would be quite visible to the occupants of the Bus Depots facing towards the Site to the south.

7.70 The impact is considered Small due to its compatible nature of the proposed OWTF project which is not intrusive and well screened by adequate landscaping.

VSR 3 – Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works

7.71 Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works is located to the south-east of the Site. The Site would only be highly visible to the occupants of the Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works facilities facing towards the Site to the north-west.

7.72 The impact is considered Intermediate due to its closeness and situated over-looking the OWTF Site.

VSR 4 – North Lantau Highway Travelers

7.73 The travelers along North Lantau Highway are located to the north-west of the Site.

7.74 The impact is considered Intermediate due to its relative closeness and the fact that any distractions to the drivers will adversely affect their safety.

VSR 5 – Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works

7.75 Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works is located to the south-west beyond the Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works facilities behind the existing hill.

7.76 The impact is considered NIL as it is invisible to and from the OWTF site.

VSR 6 – North Lantau Refuse Transfer Station

7.77 North Lantau Refuse Transfer Station is located to the north beyond the North Lantau Highway. It is still within the zone of visual acuity where objects are still apparent.

7.78 The impact is considered Small.

VSR 7 – Asia World Expo

7.79 Asia World Expo is located to the north-west of the Site and within the distant view shed of the ZVI.

7.80 The impact is considered NIL due to its visual acuity degeneration as the Site is too far away to be clearly visible.

VSR 8 – Gold Coast

7.81 Gold Coast residential developments are respectfully located to the north and north-west of the Site.

7.82 The Site is only barely visible even when views are not obscured by the weather or pollution.

7.83 The impact is considered NIL due to its visual acuity degeneration as the Site is too far away to be clearly visible.

VSR 9 – Butterfly Beach

7.84 Butterfly Beach recreational facilities are located to the north and north-west of the Site.

7.85 The Site is only barely visible even when views are not obscured by the weather or pollution.

7.86 The impact is considered NIL due to its visual acuity degeneration as the Site is too far away to be clearly visible.

VSR 10 – Lantau North (Extension) Country Park Hikers

7.87 The country park extension wraps around the OWTF site as well as the Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works facilities. The mountain is situated to the north-east, east and to the south-east of the OWTF site.

7.88 The impact is considered Intermediate.

VSR 11– Future Lantau Logistics Park

7.89 The future Park is situated on the sea-ward side of the North Lantau Highway. The North Lantau Highway acts as a physical and visual buffer between the OWTF Site and this Park. The land is set lower than the existing highway elevation where the vantage view points into the OWTF site from here is almost totally obscured by the highway.

7.90 Based on the relative close proximity of the North Lantau Highway and the finished road elevation of the North Lantau Highway, it is logical to predict that the OWTF development impact on this VSR is considered Small.

VSR 12 – Ferry Passengers

7.91 The vantage viewpoints from the ferries vary depending on how close the ferry is to shoreline within the ZVI. The closer the ferry is to the shoreline, the more obscured the OWTF site becomes while it becomes more visible when the ferry is further away from the shoreline.

7.92 The impact is considered Small.

VSR 13 Future Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link

7.93 This future major road runs in a general north-south direction connecting Kowloon with the future Hong Kong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities and located to the northwest of the OWTF.

7.94 Travelers will have occasional glimpses of the proposed OWTF development as they travel on the exposed portions of the Link towards Lantau Island and the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities.

7.95 The impact of the proposed OWTF site is considered Negligible as it is over 4200m away where the visual acuity degenerates.

VSR 14 Future Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities

7.96 The HZMB is located to the east of the existing Airport and 4500m away from the proposed OWTF development.

7.97 Travelers to the facilities will have occasional glimpses of the OWTF but the impact is considered Negligible because the visual acuity of the OWTF site in very low.

VSR 15 Future HZMB Hong Kong Link Road

7.98 The proposed OWTF site is over 6000m away and cannot be easily perceived with any visual acuity. Therefore, the impact is considered N/A.

Table 7.5 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)	Amenity of Alternative Views (Good / Fair / Poor)	Degree of Visibility (Full / Partial / Glimpse)	Frequency of View (Very Frequent / Frequent / Occasional / Rare)	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)
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)	Amenity of Alternative Views (Good / Fair / Poor)	Degree of Visibility (Full / Partial / Glimpse)		Construction	Operation
VSR 1	Siu Ho Wan Vehicle Pound Vehicle Examination Centre and Weigh Station	GIC	Very Few	Poor	Yes	Poor	Full	Rare	Low	Low
VSR 2	Bus Depots	T (Bus Depot)	Very Few	Poor	Yes	Poor	Partial	Rare	Low	Low
VSR 3	Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works	GIC	Few	Fair	Yes	Fair	Partial	Rare	Low	Low
VSR 4	North Lantau Highway	T (Travelers)	Few	Good	Yes	Good	Glimpse	Occasional	Medium	Low
VSR 5	Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works	GIC	Few	Fair	Yes	Fair	NIL	Rare	N/A	N/A
VSR 6	North Lantau Refuse Transfer Station	GIC	Few	Fair	Yes	Good	Glimpse	Rare	Low	Low
VSR 7	Asia World Expo	C	Many	Good	Yes	Good	NIL	Occasional	N/A	N/A
VSR 8	Gold Coast Residents	R/C (Residential / Tourist)	Many	Good	Yes	Good	NIL	Occasional	N/A	N/A
VSR 9	Butterfly Beach	Recreational	Many	Good	Yes	Good	NIL	Occasional	N/A	N/A
VSR 10	Lantau North (Extension) Country Park Hikers	Recreational	Many	Poor	Yes	Good	Partial	Occasional	Medium	Low
VSR 11	Future Lantau Logistics Park	C	Many	Poor	Yes	Good	Glimpse	Occasional	Low	Low
VSR 12	Ferry Passengers	T	Many	Fair	Yes	Good	Partial	Occasional	Low	Low
VSR 13	Future Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link	T (Travelers)	Many	Fair	Yes	Good	Glimpse	Occasional	Low	Low
VSR 14	Future Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities	T (Travelers)	Many	Fair	Yes	Good	Glimpse	Occasional	Low	Low
VSR 15	Future HZMB Hong Kong Link Road	T (Travelers)	Many	Fair	Yes	Good	NIL	Occasional	N/A	N/A

R = Residential; C = Commercial, C/R = Commercial/Residential, GIC = Government/Institution/Community,

O = Open space, OU = Others use; T = Transport related; N/A = Not applicable; NIL = None

Table 7.6 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)
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)		Reversibility of Change (Yes / No)	Construction	Operation
VSR 1	Siu Ho Wan Vehicle Pound Vehicle Examination Centre and Weigh Station	Full	10	Small	Fair	Rare	No	Small	Negligible
VSR 2	Bus Depots	Partial	30	Small	Fair	Rare	No	Small	Negligible
VSR 3	Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works	Glimpse	50	Medium	Good	Rare	No	Intermediate	Small
VSR 4	North Lantau Highway	Glimpse	40	Large	Fair	Rare	No	Intermediate	Small
VSR 5	Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works	N/A	200	Large	Good	NIL	No	NIL	NIL
VSR 6	North Lantau Refuse Transfer Station	Glimpse	400	Medium	Good	Rare	No	Small	Negligible
VSR 7	Asia World Expo	NIL	5500	Large	Poor	NIL	No	NIL	NIL
VSR 8	Gold Coast Residents	NIL	5500	Large	Poor	NIL	No	NIL	NIL
VSR 9	Butterfly Beach	NIL	7000	Large	Poor	NIL	No	NIL	NIL
VSR 10	Lantau North(Extension) Country Park Hikers	Partial	300	Large	Poor	Occasional	No	Intermediate	Small
VSR 11	Future Lantau Logistics Park	Glimpse	150	Large	Poor	Occasional	No	Small	Negligible
VSR 12	Ferry Passengers	Partial	500	Small	Poor	Occasional	No	Small	Negligible
VSR 13	Future Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link	Glimpse	4200	Large	Fair	Occasional	No	Negligible	Negligible
VSR 14	Future Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities	Glimpse	4500	Large	Fair	Occasional	No	Negligible	Negligible
VSR 15	Future HZMB Hong Kong Link Road	NIL	6000	Large	Fair	NIL	No	N/A	N/A

R = Residential; C = Commercial, C/R = Commercial / Residential, GIC = Government / Institution / Community,

O = Open space, OU = Others use; T = Transport related; N/A = Not applicable; NIL = None

Landscape Impact Assessment

Sources of Landscape Impacts

Construction Phase

7.99 Sources of impacts in the construction phase would include:

Ÿ construction of digesters and administration building

Ÿ Installation of utilities, including water, drainage and power

Ÿ stockpiling of excavated and construction materials

Ÿ removal of existing vegetation

Ÿ after-dark lighting and welding

Ÿ dust during dry weather

Operation Phase

Ÿ The sources of impacts of the Project in the operation stage are negligible.

Degree of Compatibility of Project

7.100 The Project would cause little adverse change in the existing landscape setting of the Siu Ho area, which is currently a conglomeration of vehicle pound / examination centre / bus depots and water treatment works landscape character as the proposed development is of similar land use nature. It is noted that the affected trees are minimal in numbers, are of low to medium amenity value and the landscape setting of the surrounding area is generally very rural industrial.

Nature and Magnitude of Landscape Impacts

7.101 During the construction phase, the impacts to the LRs and LCAs would be Small.

Prediction of Significance of Landscape Impacts

7.102 The potential significance of the landscape impacts during the construction and operation phases before the implementation of the mitigation measures are provided in Table 7.9. The impact significance of most landscape resources and landscape character areas would be slight and insubstantial.

Landscape Mitigation Measures

7.103 Appropriate landscape design measures will be developed in order to mitigate the assessed minimal landscape impacts as far as possible and to increase the introduced landscape quality. The proposed Landscape Master Plan aims to create an introduced landscape green setting befitting the proposed organic waste treatment facilities development to achieve an integrated blending of the proposed development with the adjacent neighbours and surrounding rural landscape through the use of both indigenous and ornamental tree species.

7.104 The proposed landscape mitigation measures, together with an indication of funding, implementation and maintenance agencies, in the construction and operation are listed in Table 7.7 and Table 7.8. Generally, all landscape mitigation measures are to be implemented as early as possible and they are illustrated in Figure 7.20 to Figure 7.30.

7.105 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.

7.106 A few isolated indigenous trees identified within the Site would be affected by the Project. It is proposed to remove the weed trees “Leucaena leucocephala” and the remaining trees of low amenity value. Implementation of compensatory planting for heavy standard trees will be of a ratio not less than 1:1 total tree girth 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.

7.107 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.

7.108 Ground level greening is very much restricted by the facilities requirements where all of the proposed components and utilities do not permit an abundance of traditional tree / shrub / groundcover planting. However, the principle of providing maximum greening has been implemented in that wherever possible & allowable, hard paved surface areas will be paved with Grasscrete or similar product possessing identical function of allowing storm water drainage percolation while producing maximum grass greening.

Table 7.7 Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction Phase

ID No.	Potential Impact	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency	Maintenance/ Management Agency
CM1	Existing topsoil loss	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 loss	Compensatory tree planting should be provided to compensate for felled trees.	EPD	EPD (via Contractor)	EPD (via Contractor)
CM3	Night time lighting impact	Control of night-time lighting.	EPD	EPD (via Contractor)	EPD (via Contractor)
CM4	Visual impact of construction site	Erection of decorative screen hoarding compatible with the surrounding setting.	EPD	EPD (via Contractor)	EPD (via Contractor)

Table 7.8 Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Operation Phase

ID No.	Potential Impact	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency	Maintenance/ Management Agency
OM1	Visual impact of building mass	Aesthetic design of the façade, including its colour theme, pattern, texture, materials, finishing and associated structures to harmonize with the surrounding settings.	EPD	EPD (via Contractor)	EPD (via Contractor)
OM2	Visual impact of roof structures	Grass/ groundcover planting to soften the roof.	EPD	EPD (via Contractor)	EPD (via Contractor)
OM3	Visual and landscape impact	Heavy standard tree planting to screen proposed associated structures.	EPD	EPD (via Contractor)	EPD (via Contractor)
OM4	Landscape and environmental impact	Grasscrete paving to soften the harshness of large paved surface areas wherever possible.	EPD	EPD (via Contractor)	EPD (via Contractor)

Programme of Implementation of Mitigation Measures

7.109 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.

Residual Landscape Impacts

7.110 The Residual Impacts are those, which remain after the proposed mitigation measures have been implemented. In the case of planting, it may be 10 – 15 years post construction before the vegetation reaches a level of maturity, which allows it to perform the intended design objectives. The residual impact in this instance will reduce over time as the vegetation becomes established and matures.

7.111 The potential significance of landscape impacts during the construction and operation phases after the implementation of the mitigation measures are provided in Table 7.9. 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.

7.112 After the implementation of the mitigation measures, the impact significance of the OWTF to the Siu Ho area during the construction phase and on day 1 of the operation phase would be reduced to Slight, and the impact significance after 10-year operation of the OWTF would be Insubstantial. The sunken roof greening is designed to address potential visual negative impact from view point elevations above the OWTF facilities.

7.113 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 facilities with rural industrial landscape character, is not high, the impact during the construction and operation phase are considered acceptable.

Table 7.9 Significance of Landscape Impacts in Construction and Operation Phases

Id No.	Landscape Resource/ Landscape Character	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Impact (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
		Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)							(Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation	Operation
LR1	Tree Covered Hill Slope	Medium	Low	Small	Negligible	Moderate	Insubstantial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR2	Inshore Water	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3	Roadside Amenity Planting	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA1 Facilities with Large Paved Surface Areas	Siu Ho Wan Vehicle Pound Vehicle Examination Centre and Weigh Station	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
	North Lantau refuse Transfer Station	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	insubstantial	insubstantial	Insubstantial
	Designated DSD / WSD Joint Maintenance Depot	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA2	Bus Depots	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA3 Vegetated Areas	Hill Slope	Medium	Low	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Slight	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA3 Vegetated Areas	Undesignated Government Land	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA4 Treatment Facilities	Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works	Low	Low	Intermediate	Small	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA4 Treatment Facilities	Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works	Low	Low	NIL	NIL	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LCA5 Transport Corridors	Road Corridor	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
	North Lantau Highway	Medium	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
	Amenity Strip	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
	Promenade including Cycle Track	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA6	Future Lantau Logistics Park	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA7	Inshore Water	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

N/A = Not applicable; NIL = None

Visual Impact Assessment

Potential Sources of Visual Impacts

7.114 The Project would create varying levels of visual impact during the construction and operation phases. The potential sources of impacts are stated in Section 7.99.

Prediction of Significance of Visual Impacts

7.115 The potential significance of the visual impacts during the construction and operation phases without the mitigation measures are provided in Table 7.10. The photomontages of the OWTF before the implementation of mitigation measures are illustrated in Figures 7.24 and 7.28.

7.116 The proposed OWTF Phase I development is highly compatible with its immediate adjacent land use and surrounding topography. The scale and design of the proposed Project will not have any negative landscape or visual impacts to its immediate and surrounding landscape character or view shed.

VSR 1 View Angle A: View from boundary between OWTF Site and Siu Ho Wan vehicle Pound Vehicle Examination Centre and Weigh Station (Refer Figure 7.10)

7.117 This view illustrates the rural storage yard character of the surrounding area and confirms that there are no tall building structures which may be sensitive to the proposed development within the OWTF Site.

7.118 The impact of the OWTF Site is Small, visible and considered Beneficial due to the nature of the proposed development. It will not have any negative visual impact.

VSR 1 View Angle B: Siu Ho Wan vehicle Pound Vehicle Examination Centre and Weigh Station (Refer Figure 7.10)

7.119 This view confirms that the areas surrounding the OWTF Site are not VSRs as they themselves exert a negative visual impact to their surrounding VSRs.

7.120 The impact of the OWTF Site is Small as this area is not a sensitive receiver. It is considered Beneficial due to the nature of the proposed development. It will not have any negative visual impact.

VSR 1 View Angle C: Siu Ho Wan vehicle Pound Vehicle Examination Centre and Weigh Station (Refer Figure 7.10)

7.121 This view confirms that the areas surrounding the OWTF Site are not VSRs as they themselves exert a negative visual impact to their surrounding VSRs.

7.122 The impact of the OWTF Site is Small as this area is not a sensitive receiver. It is considered Beneficial due to the nature of the proposed development. It will not have any negative visual impact.

VSR 2 View Angle A: View from outside the Bus Depots looking towards the OWTF Site (Refer Figure 7.11)

7.123 This view confirms that the areas surrounding the OWTF Site are not VSRs as they themselves exert a negative visual impact to their surrounding VSRs.

7.124 The impact of the OWTF Site is Small as this area is not a sensitive receiver. It is considered Beneficial due to the nature of the proposed development. It will not have any negative visual impact

VSR 2 View Angle B: View from outside the Bus Depots looking towards the OWTF Site (Refer Figure 7.11)

7.125 This view confirms the existing concrete plants character, the silos which are somewhat similar to that of the proposed organic waste treatment facilities development for the Site.

7.126 The impact of the OWTF Site is Small as this area is not a sensitive receiver. It is considered Beneficial due to the nature of the proposed development. It will not have any negative visual impact.

VSR 3 View Angle A: View from Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works (Refer Figure 7.12)

7.127 The impact is Negligible as the OWTF Site is not visible behind the existing slope vegetation.

VSR 3 View Angle B: View from Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works (Refer Figure 7.12)

7.128 The impact of the OWTF Site is Intermediate and quite visible and up close. But this area is not a sensitive receiver. It is considered Beneficial due to the nature of the proposed development. It will not have any negative visual impact

VSR 3 View Angle C: View from the building roof top of Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works (Refer to Figure 7.12)

7.129 Most of the VSRs of the OWFT Site are easily visible here. Based on the proposed architectural design of the OWTF facilities, the whole development is easily the best of the surrounding facilities. When compared to the existing concrete production operation facilities, there is a renewed order in the OWTF proposal vs. chaos.

7.130 The impact is Intermediate and it is considered Beneficial due to the nature and design of the proposed development. It will not have any negative visual impact.

VSR 3 View Angle D: View from the Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works (Refer to Figure 7.12)

7.131 The OWTF Site is partially visible and the impact is Moderate. The proposed OWTF structures are very pleasing replicating waves in the ocean to convey a sense of cleaning and serenity.

7.132 The impact of the OWTF is Intermediate and it is considered Beneficial due to the integrated design approach of all the elements.

VSR 4 View Angle A: View from the Sham Fung Road (Refer to Figure 7.13)

7.133 This view confirms the existing concrete plant character, the silos which are somewhat similar to that of the proposed organic waste treatment facilities development for the Site.

7.134 The impact of the OWTF Site is Intermediate and it is considered Beneficial due to the nature of the proposed development. It will not have any negative visual impact.

VSR 4 View Angle B: View from the Sham Fung Road (Refer to Figure 7.13)

7.135 This view confirms the bulk of the existing concrete production building structures which exerts a negative visual quality. In contract, the proposed OWTF building structures are very orderly.

7.136 The impact of the OWTF Site is Intermediate and it is considered Beneficial.

VSR 5 View Angle A: View from the Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works (Refer to Figure 7.14)

7.137 The OWTF Site is not visible at all as the existing knoll is taller than the proposed OWTF structures. Hence, it poses no visual impact.

VSR 6 View Angles A, B and C: View from North Lantau Refuse Transfer Station (Refer to Figure 7.15)

7.138 The OWTF Site is partially visible with Small impact and it can be considered Beneficial.

VSR 7 View Angle A: View from Asia World Expo (Refer to Figure 7.16)

7.139 The OWTF Site is hardly visible here as there are over 5000m between it and the Site. A distance where visual acuity degenerates rapidly.

7.140 The impact is therefore NIL.

VSR 8 View Angle A: View from Gold Coast ‘Pearl Island” (Refer to Figure 7.17)

7.141 The OWTF Site cannot be identified from these two areas because the Site is well beyond the 5000m distance, a threshold where visual acuity diminishes to almost zero.

7.142 Thus, the impact of the OWTF Site is NIL

VSR 9 View Angles A: Views from Butterfly Beach Recreational Facilities (Refer to Figure 7.18)

7.143 The OWTF Site cannot be identified from these two areas because the Site is well beyond the 5000m distance, a threshold where visual acuity diminishes to almost zero.

7.144 Thus, the impact of the OWTF Site is NIL.

VSR 10: View Angles A: View from Lantau North (Extension) Country Park Hikers (Refer to Figure 7.19)

7.145 The OWTF Site is moderately visible within the ZVI. The proposed greening of the roof structures will be quite visisble from above and will go a long way to mitigate any negative visual impact it may exert onto the VSRs.

7.146 The impact of the OWTF Site is Intermediate and it can be considered Beneficial. It will not have any negative visual impact.

VSR 10: View Angles B: View from Lantau North (Extension) Country Park Hikers (Refer to Figure 7.19)

7.147 This view near the ZVI limit confirms the visual acuity diminished a great deal. The proposed landscaping / greening will mitigate any potential visual negativities and integrates the OWTF with the surrounding areas and camouflage the OWTF.

7.148 The impact of the OWTF Site is Intermediate and it can be considered Beneficial. It will not have any negative visual impact.

VSR 11 Future Lantau Logistics Park

7.149 There is no direct access to this Site and hence no photomontage can be presented for this VSR in this assessment. Nevertheless, the assessment is based on desktop study together with field survey of the adjacent surrounding areas to arrive at the assessment below.

7.150 The future Park is situated on the sea-ward side of the North Lantau Highway. The North Lantau Highway acts as a physical and visual buffer between the OWTF Site and this Park.

7.151 The land is set lower than the existing highway elevation where the vantage view points into the OWTF site from here at ground level is predicted to be almost totally obscured by the highway. The visual impact is insignificant.

7.152 Based on the relative close proximity of the North Lantau Highway and the finished road elevation of the North Lantau Highway together with the tree buffer plantings on either side of the Highway, it is anticipated that the OWTF development impact on this VSR is considered Small.

VSR 12 Ferry Passengers

7.153 There is no photomontage presented for this VSR in this assessment. The below assessment is based on desktop study together with field survey of the adjacent surrounding land areas to arrive at the assessment below.

7.154 The vantage viewpoints from the ferries vary depending on how close the ferry is to shoreline. The closer the ferry is to the shoreline, the more obscured the OWTF site becomes while it becomes more visible up to the threshold when the ferry is further away from the shoreline within the ZVI.

7.155 The proposed OWTF site is well obscured by the tree buffer strips along the NLH and the Amenity Strip that separates the Site from the road corridors.

7.156 The impact is considered Small.

VSR 13 Future Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link

7.157 There is no photomontage presented for this VSR in this assessment. The below assessment is based on desktop study together with field survey of the adjacent surrounding land areas to arrive at the assessment below.

7.158 Travellers on this future major road will have glimpses of the proposed OWTF development as they travel on the exposed portions of the Link towards Lantau Island and the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities.

7.159 The proposed OWTF site is over 4200m away and well obscured by the tree buffer strips along the NLH and the Amenity Strip that separates the Site from the road corridors.

7.160 The impact is considered Negligible.

VSR 14 Future Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities

7.161 There is no photomontage presented for this VSR in this assessment. The below assessment is based on desktop study together with field survey of the adjacent surrounding land areas to arrive at the assessment below.

7.162 The proposed OWTF site is over 4500m away and well obscured by the tree buffer strips along the NLH and the Amenity Strip that separates the Site from the road corridors.

7.163 The impact is considered Negligible.

VSR 15 Future HZMB Hong Kong Link Road

7.164 There is no photomontage presented for this VSR in this assessment. The below assessment is based on desktop study together with field survey of the adjacent surrounding land areas to arrive at the assessment below.

7.165 The proposed OWTF site is over 6000m away and cannot be easily ascertained visually. Therefore, the impact is considered N/A.

Visual Mitigation Measures

7.166 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 Tables 7.7 and 7.8. The visual mitigation measures are illustrated in Figures 7.20 to 7.30.

7.167 The project areas are predominantly in waterfront context and surrounding by compatible land use, and mountain at the back drop. Therefore mitigation measures would focus on enhancing the visual quality and compatibility of the 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 roof 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.

7.168 The programme of implementation of the mitigation measures is as listed in Section 7.109 and Tables 7.7 and 7.8.

Residual Visual Impacts

7.169 The Residual Impacts are those, which remain after the proposed mitigation measures have been implemented. In the case of planting, it may be 10 – 15 years post construction before the vegetation reaches a level of maturity, which allows it to perform the intended design objectives. The residual impact in this instance will reduce over time as the vegetation becomes established and matures.

7.170 After the implementation of the mitigation measures, the residual impacts during the Construction Phase and on Day 1 of the Operation Phase to the VSRs would vary from Moderate through Slight to Insubstantial. But after 10-Year operation of the OWTF, the residual impact to the VSRs would all be reduced to Insubstantial.

Table 7.10 Significance of Visual Impacts in Construction and Operation Phases

Id No	Key Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Impact (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance without Mitigation Measures (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Visual Impact of OWTF Development on VSRs (Adverse / Beneficial)	Residual Impact Significance with Mitigations (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
		Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)								Construc-tion	Operation
		Construc-tion	Operation	Construc-tion	Operation	Construc-tion	Operation			Construc-tion	Day 1	Year 10
VSR 1	Siu Ho Wan Vehicle Pound Vehicle Examination Centre and Weigh Station	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstan-tial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Beneficial	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR 2	Bus Depots	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstan-tial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Beneficial	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR 3	Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works	Low	Low	Interme-diate	Small	Moderate	Slight	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Beneficial	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
VSR 4	North Lantau Highway	Medium	Low	Interme-diate	Small	Moderate	Insubstan-tial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Beneficial	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
VSR 5	Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works	N/A	N/A	NIL	NIL	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
VSR 6	North Lantau Refuse Transfer Station	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstan-tial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Beneficial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR 7	Asia World Expo	N/A	N/A	NIL	NIL	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
VSR 8	Gold Coast Residents	N/A	N/A	NIL	NIL	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
VSR 9	Butterfly Beach	N/A	N/A	NIL	NIL	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
VSR 10	Lantau North (Extension) Country Park Hikers	Medium	Low	Interme-diate	Small	Moderate	Slight	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Beneficial	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
VSR 11	Future Lantau Logistics Park	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstan-tial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Beneficial	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR 12	Ferry Passengers	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstan-tial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Beneficial	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR 13	Future Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Slight	Insubstan-tial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Beneficial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR 14	Future Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Slight	Insubstan-tial	CM1 to CM4, OM1 to OM4	Beneficial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR 15	Future HZMB Hong Kong Link Road	Low	Low	NIL	NIL	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

N/A = Not applicable; NIL = None