Report

Zoning Type	OZP/DPA number and extent of zoning within the site boundary that will undergo change (ha)	Comments on Major land use changes
DP7 – Utilisation of Treated Sewage Effluent (Including KTN Flushing Water Service Reservoir and FLN Flushing Service Water Reservoir
Green Belt (GB)	DPA/NE-MTL/2 1.21 S/FSS/17 1.27 S/NE-KLH/11 0.85	Approximately 1.21ha of this zoning will be modified for the construction of the Kwu Tung North Flushing Water Service Reservoir. Approximately 1.27ha will be modified for utilisation of treated sewage effluent adjacent to the proposed Shek Wu Hui STW site. Approximately 0.85ha would be modified for the construction on the Fanling North Flushing Water Service Reservoir.
DP11 – Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works – Further Expansion.
Green Belt	S/FSS/17 3.33	Approximately 3.33ha of this zoning type will be modified to the north east of the existing STW.
Other Specified Uses (OU)	S/FSS/17 9.72	Approximately 9.72ha of this zoning type will be affected by the upgrading and expansion works, the future land use matches the present function.
DP13 – New Sewage Pumping Stations in FLN NDA
Agriculture (AGR)	S/NE-FTA/12 0.46	The following approximate areas would be affected by the proposed SPSs. SPS south of Fu Tei Au: 0.16ha SPS south of Wa Shan: 0.15ha SPS opposite Sacred Hill: 0.15ha
Green Belt (GB)	S/FSS/17 0.09ha	Approximately 0.09ha of this zoning type will be modified on the SPS site located north of Ha Pak Tsuen, off Man Kam To Road.

Table 12C.3.1 - Landscape Resources and Their Sensitivity- FLN NDA (DP 7, 11 and 13)

Id. No.	Landscape Resource (LR)	Quality & Maturity (High /Medium /Low)	Rarity (High /Medium /Low)	Ability to Accommodate Change (High /Medium /Low)	Sensitivity (High /Medium /Low)
FLR 1 - Channelized Water Course
Refers to modified water courses channelized with concrete or grasscrete, or with gabion-fortified banks, water courses undergoing such channelization. This LR includes both large channelized river water courses as well as some much smaller concrete lined water courses associated with agricultural land. This LR also includes some walkways along the larger water course and the vegetation associated with the water course, both within the channel and along the banks as well as the ridge of the banks. The vegetation mainly consists of grasses and shrubs, but also includes trees in some areas as detailed further in the individual LR descriptions. Within the Study Area of the DPs this LR includes sections of Ng Tung River, Shek Sheung River, Sheung Yue River and Ma Wat River and is one of the prominent landscape features running across a large part of the Study Area.
1.1	Ng Tung River (Fanling District)	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Ng Tung River (Fanling District) runs in an east-west direction in the FLN NDA Study Area. It collects water from Ma Wat River in the east, then Shek Sheung River and Sheung Yue River further west and finally empties into the Shenzhen River outside the study area. Ng Tung River is modified with grasscrete banks and tree planting is found in its immediate vicinity. Dominant plantation tree species are Acacia auriculiformis and Acacia confusa. Other trees also recorded include Ficus virens and Leucaena leucocephala. The river also includes a nullah in the south of the Study Area and some small channels linking through culverts under the banks of the main channel to smaller channelized watercourses which connect to drainage systems and sometimes to more natural watercourses. This resource is reasonably tolerant to change and its sensitivity is medium.
1.2	Shek Sheung River	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Shek Sheung River collects water from the south and flows north, joining the Sheung Yue River west of the Sheung Shui Slaughter House. There is another branch of Shek Sheung River that splits from Ng Tung River and flows round the south of the Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works. Water drained from Tin Ping San Tsuen low land area flows into this branch after passing through a floodwater storage area. This LR is mainly a grasscrete banked, trapezoidal channel, formed for the purpose of flood protection of the Fanling and Kwu Tung areas. Water partially dries out during the dry season and there is only a small amount of water at the base of the channel, with grass on either side. There are grasses and shrubs along the river’s embankment also, as well as trees planted along both sides in many sections of the river. The dominant tree species are exotic, including Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia confusa, Eucalyptus spp. and Leucaena leucocephala. Native trees of lower abundance can also be found, e.g. Celtis sinensis, Cinnamomum camphora, Cleistocalyx operculatus, Ficus microcarpa, Ficus virens and Sapium sebiferum. Overall this river is relatively tolerant to change and its sensitivity is considered to be medium.
1.3	Sheung Yue River	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. The Study Area of FLN NDA covers a short section of Sheung Yue River on the west where it drains water from Ho Sheung Heung and other areas in Kwu Tung. It joins Shek Sheung River before flowing into Ng Tung River. Its banks are fortified with a rigid lining of stone masonry among which grasses grow sparsely between the stone blocks. At ground level, planted trees are found along both sides of the river. Most of the dominant trees are exotic, including species such as Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia confusa, Eucalyptus spp. and Leucaena leucocephala. Other trees include the native species Cinnamomum camphora, Ficus microcarpa, Ficus virens and Macaranga tanarius. This river is reasonably capable of accommodating change and its sensitivity is considered to be medium.
1.4	Ma Wat River	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Ma Wat River runs across the southeast part of the FLN NDA Study Area, passing through industrial, rural and agricultural areas. It joins Ng Tung River near Kan Lung Tsuen. Water in the channel decreases significantly during the dry season when its concrete bottom is often partly exposed and dry. There is grasscrete along both its banks, where Imperata koenigii is one of the dominant grasses. Tree planting consisting of large and mature trees is found in the immediate vicinity of this river. Dominant tree species are Acacia confusa, Ficus microcarpa, Melia azedarach and Leucaena leucocephala. Trees with lower abundance include native species (Bauhinia blakeana, Celtis sinensis, Macaranga tanarius and Sapium sebiferum) and exotic (Casuarina equisetifolia and Pterocarpus indicus) species. Overall this river is relatively tolerant to change and its sensitivity is considered to be medium.
1.6 (KLR-1.4)	Water Course Network in Long Valley	Medium	Low	High	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR describes a network of waterways in the Long Valley area which eventually connect and flow into a box culvert near the Kwu Tung Road junction with Castle Peak Road. The channels are mainly vertically-sided concrete channels which are vital for irrigation purposes but have little vegetation. The riparian vegetation comprises common and widespread herb species. This LR has a reasonable ability to accommodate change, being a man-made network of water channels, but overall it is vital to the Long Valley agricultural area and its sensitivity is considered to be medium.
FLR 2 – Water Course
Refers to natural or semi-natural water courses, including short sections with concreted banks. This LR also includes vegetation associated with the water course, both within the streams and along the banks as well as in the immediate vicinity. The vegetation mainly consists of grasses and shrubs, but also includes some trees in certain areas such as the upland streams, as detailed further in the individual LR descriptions. The vegetation often provides a subtle transition between this LR and its surrounding LR(s). Within the Study Area of the DPs, this LR includes watercourses running down from different hills into lowland areas.
2.1	Natural Stream in Tin Ping Shan Agricultural Land	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Refers to a natural stream passing through Tin Ping Shan (Sacred Hill) agricultural land and finally flowing into the channelized Shek Sheung River. This is a narrow stream with grasses and climbers overgrowing along its banks. The grasses mainly include Bidens alba, Polygonum chinense and Oxalis corymbosa. Although parts of this stream are more natural, much of it passes through development areas and is adjacent to open storage areas. It is degraded by pollution while some sections of the stream are fortified by concrete banks. This LR has medium tolerance to change and its sensitivity is considered to be medium.
2.2	Natural Stream at Cham Shan	Medium	Medium	Low	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This natural stream comes from Cham Shan and flows down to the lowland rural area in the northwest of the FLN NDA Study Area. It is not perennial and water flow may cease during the dry season. The banks of this stream is overgrown with common grasses such as Alocasia odora, Bidens alba and Panicum maximum, particularly in the upstream sections where it flows through extensive grasslands. Within the downstream sections in lowland rural areas, its banks are partially paved in places and the water quality is low as rubbish is commonly found near and in the stream. This LR is not of high quality but it is relatively intolerant to change. The sensitivity is considered to be medium.
2.3	Natural Streams at Lung Shan	Medium	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR refers to natural streams located at the foothill of Lung Shan and running through all heavily vegetated areas. The streams are intermittent and cease flowing during the dry season. Grasses and climbers grow along their banks. These include Alocasia odora and Cuscuta chinensis as well as some invasive species such as Mikania micrantha. This LR is relatively intolerant to change and its sensitivity is considered to be high.
2.5 (KLR-2.2)	Natural Streams at Tai Shek Mo	Medium	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. These natural streams run off Tai Shek Mo, where rainwater flows down from the hill and reaches lowland areas such as Ngam Pin. Some of these streams are intermittent and cease flowing during the dry season. Grasses and shrubs overgrow the banks of these streams including common grasses such as Alocasia odora, Wedelia trilobata and Panicum maximum. This LR is relatively intolerant to change and its sensitivity is considered to be high.
2.6 (KLR-2.4)	Natural Streams at Ma Tso Lung	High	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR describes natural streams running off Ma Tso Lung to the lowland area in Ma Tso Lung San Tsuen in the northwest of KTN NDA Study Area. Plants include fruit trees (i.e. Dimocarpus longan and Litchi chinensis) and native understory species (e.g. Lophatherm gracile and Alocasia odora) and the other vegetation is affected by the exotic climber species Mikania micrantha and herb species Bidens alba and Alocasia macrorhizos. The section at Ma Tso Lung is regarded as ecologically important due to its naturalness and well developed bank area. This LR is relatively intolerant to change and its sensitivity is considered to be high.
FLR 3 – Water Pond
Refers to freshwater ponds. The ponds are often associated with agricultural land and used for irrigation, and punctuate the traditional field pattern. Some ponds are also found near residential or developed areas, and have aesthetic; landscape value and some are fish ponds. This LR also includes vegetation associated with the ponds, both within and around the banks as well as in the immediate vicinity. The vegetation mainly consists of grasses and shrubs, with scarce trees. These water ponds are mainly in Fu Tei Au and Wai Loi Tsuen in FLN NDA, but also in the area overlapping with KTN, including Ho Sheung Heung and Long Valley.
3.1	Ho Sheung Heung and Long Valley Water Ponds	Medium	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR refers to part of the area of ponds in Ho Sheung Heung and Long Valley that are covered by the Study Area of FLN NDA. Ponds in Ho Sheung Heung retain water most of the time including during both the dry and wet seasons, while those in Long Valley are periodically emptied by local farmers during the dry season for management purposes and irrigation. The bunds of these ponds are vegetated by grasses and low shrubs, as well as some fruit trees such as Musa x paradisiaca, Litchi chinensis, Mangifera indica, Dimocarpus longan and Citrus maxima. The ponds within this LR are of medium quality with common fruit trees present and are relatively intolerant to change. The sensitivity of this LR is considered to be high.
3.2	Water Ponds within the Closed Area	Medium	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Part of the north FLN NDA study area lies within the Closed Area and the water ponds of this LR are mainly located north of Sheung Shui Water Treatment Works and beside the Sha Ling Livestock Waste Control Centre but also at the northern base of Cheung Po Tau. In the west, they are generally large ponds covering a reasonably large area while those in the east are large but more isolated. Some of them are active fish ponds, some inactive fish ponds and some connect with wet agricultural land in their vicinity. This LR is relatively intolerant to change and its sensitivity is considered to be high.
3.3	Fu Tei Au Water Ponds	Low	Medium	Low	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This is a group of water ponds located between Fu Tei Au Road and Ng Tung River. The ponds were most likely used for commercial fish farming and for irrigation purposes in the past and have now mainly been abandoned. Common grasses (e.g. Bidens alba and Pennisetum spp.) and small trees (e.g. Bombax ceiba and Leucaena leucocephala) grow densely along the banks. Trees are planted or naturally have established themselves on the pond bunds; these include Macaranga tanarius, Litchi chinensis, Dimocarpus longan and Ficus hispida. The quality and significance of this LR is relatively low, but it is intolerant to change. Its sensitivity is therefore considered as medium.
3.5	Wai Loi Tsuen Water Pond	Low	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR is on the periphery of Wai Loi Tsuen serving as the moat of this traditional village. It has concrete banks and is connected with Shek Sheung River to its west. Since this is a LR having significant artificial characteristics, it is relatively tolerant to change, however the moat has cultural landscape significance and therefore its sensitivity is considered to be medium.
FLR 4 – Marsh / Wetland
Refers to freshwater marsh/ wetland landscape resources. Some of them are found at old river meanders which have been truncated during river channelization and retraining, overgrown with herbaceous vegetation and often with some areas of seasonal or permanent open water. Within the Study Area of the DPs, this LR is found along certain sections of Ng Tung River and Sheung Yue River as well as in Long Valley agricultural land.
4.1	Marshes in Long Valley and near Tsung Yeun	Medium	High	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR refers to part of the Long Valley marshes and marshes near Tsung Yeun that are covered by the Study Area of FLN NDA to its west. They are located within Long Valley agricultural land and in the agricultural land near Tsung Yeun and include both permanent wet marshes and well vegetated marshes. For the permanent wet marshes, they used to be fish ponds or used for irrigation purpose and have now been abandoned and are not actively managed. These marshes contain water all year round; dense emergent vegetation is present in the marshes and shows relatively high diversity including Phragmites karka, sedges Cyperus iria and Kyllinga aromatica, and herbs and climbers Ipomoea aquatica, Polygonum barbatum and Polygonum lapathifolium. For the well vegetated marshes, a large portion of the wetland area is covered with rich and moist topsoil, colonised by common and widespread species such as Brachiaria mutica, Panicum maximum, Bidens alba, Ludwigia perennis and the common wetland fern Cyclosorus interruptus. This LR is fairly rare and is relatively intolerant to change and its sensitivity is considered to be high.
4.2	Mitigation Wetland	Medium	High	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Several plots of marsh are located along Ng Tung River and Sheung Yue River. They were formerly meanders of the river and were isolated during the river channelization. To mitigate the ecological impact resulting from channelization, these areas are now managed by a government department to provide marsh habitat, mainly for wetland dependent wildlife and are hence a wetland landscape resource. Wetland plants and riparian vegetation have been planted and include Commelina diffusa, Hedychium coronarium, Ludwigia perennis and Nelumbo nucifera. Bamboos and trees are also planted along the bunds, e.g. Acacia auriculiformis, Cinnamomum camphora, Hibiscus tiliaceus and Ilex rotunda. This LR had medium quality and maturity and in general marsh habitats are reasonably rare in Hong Kong. Additionally this LR is relatively intolerant to change so its sensitivity is considered to be high.
FLR 5 – Plantation
Refers to medium sized and larger clusters of trees that have been planted and are distinct from natural woodland in terms of species composition since they have been planted by man. Common tree species in this LR include Ficus virens, Ficus microcarpa, Acacia confusa, Bombax ceiba, Macaranga tanarius and Melaleuca quinquenervia. Further details are given in the individual LR descriptions. Within the Study Area of the DPs, this LR is found in the vicinity of Wai Loi Tsuen, Ha Pak Tsuen, On Kwok Villa and Noble Hill.
5.1	Plantation in the Vicinity of Wai Loi Tsuen	Medium	Medium	High	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. A mixture of native and exotic trees is planted around the moat of Wai Loi Tsuen and its vicinity, serving as a good screen for the road and industrial area to the west of the village. Compared to those trees planted immediately along the Shek Sheung River in its vicinity, trees in this plantation have a relatively higher diversity, including native species (Bauhinia blakeana, Celtis sinensis and Ficus microcarpa) and exotic species (Acacia confusa, Aleurites moluccana, Bombax ceiba, Cassia siamea, Casuarina equisetifolia, Eucalyptus citriodora, Grevillea robusta, Lagerstroemia speciosa and Melaleuca quinquenervia). This LR has medium amenity value and relatively high capacity to accommodate change and its sensitivity is considered to be medium.
5.2	Ha Pak Tsuen Plantation	High	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. A patch of plantation is located to the east of Ha Pak Tsuen and a number of large mature trees within the village park area near Mun Hau Tsuen. Trees are densely planted within the village as well as along the nearby roads leading to the village to enhance the landscape value of this area. Among these planted trees, Chinese Banyan Ficus microcarpa is one of the most prominent trees as most of them are mature and large. Other tree species include native (Macaranga tanarius) and exotic (Acacia confusa and Bombax ceiba) species. Although this resource was originally man made, it now has many large, mature trees in a traditional village setting and this is harder to recreate, so it has a relatively low capacity to accommodate change. Its sensitivity is considered to be high.
5.3	Plantation in the Vicinity of On Kwok Villa and Noble Hill	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. There is significant plantation on the periphery of On Kwok Villa and Noble Hill mainly along Tin Ping Road, Lung Sum Road, Ma Sik Road and a branch of Ng Tung River. Trees planted in this area are reasonably mature and dense. They include native (Ficus virens, Ficus microcarpa, Bauhinia blakeana and Macaranga tanarius) and exotic (Bombax ceiba, Cassia siamea, Delonix regia, Eucalyptus spp., Ficus religiosa and Melaleuca quinquenervia) species. Although trees in this LR provide a certain high landscape value, the trees are set amongst modern residential areas. The LR was originally a man-made resource and is able to be recreated fairly easily meaning it has a reasonable capacity to accommodate change. Its sensitivity is therefore considered to be medium.
5.5	Plantation in the Vicinity of Hak Ka Wai	Medium	Medium	High	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This area of plantation is largely associated with the narrow Sheung Yue River channel and the villages of Hak Ka Wai and Tsung Pak Long, including in their playground areas and public facilities. This plantation generally comprises exotic tree species dominated by Acacia confusa. Other species in lower abundance include exotic species (Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia mangium, Araucaria heterophylla, Casuarina equisetifolia, Livistona chinensis and Leucaena leucocephala) and native species (Cinnamomum camphora, Ficus microcarpa, and Macaranga tanarius). This LR has a relatively high capacity to accommodate change and its sensitivity is considered to be medium.
FLR 6 - Hillside Woodland
Refers to woodland areas largely scattered over hillsides, including at the base of hills and associated patches of woodland. This LR is predominantly composed of native tree species and is generally located some distance from intense human activities (except at the base of hills where it often borders rural development areas), growing naturally with some understory vegetation. Common tree species in this LR include Acacia confusa, Macaranga tanarius, Ficus microcarpa, Dimocarpus longan, Celtis sinensis, Cinnamomum camphora and Ficus hispida. Further details are given in the individual LR descriptions. Within the Study Area of the DPs, this LR is largely scattered at the foothill of Cham Shan, Wa Shan and Lung Shan, Tai Shek Mo.
6.1	Sheung Shui Water Treatment Works Hillside Woodland	High	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Several small patches of woodland lie at the eastern base of the hillside surrounding Sheung Shui Water Treatment Works. Trees grow naturally and densely in this area and dominant species include Macaranga tanarius, Celtis sinensis, Cinnamomum camphora, Melia azedarach and Leucaena leucocephala. This LR is relatively mature and intolerant to change. The sensitivity of this LR is considered to be high.
6.2	Cham Shan and Wa Shan Hillside Woodland	High	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR refers to the relatively large and continuous woodlands along the foothills of Cham Shan and Wa Shan to their western and southern sides, bordering shrubland/grassland on the higher ground above and rural villages and agricultural lands in the lowland area below. Due to limited human disturbance, these trees are mature in medium to large sizes. Dominant tree species include both native and exotic ones. Dominant native trees are Celtis sinensis, Cinnamomum camphora, Ficus hispida, Ficus variegata var. chlorocarpa, Rhus succedanea, Sapium discolor, Ficus microcarpa and Macaranga tanarius. Dominant exotic species include Melia azedarach, Dimocarpus longan, Syzygium jambos, Leucaena leucocephala, Acacia confusa and Casuarina equisetifolia. This LR is considered to be relatively mature and of high quality and it has little capacity to tolerate change. The sensitivity of this LR is considered to be high.
6.4	Hillside Woodland at Lung Shan and Wa Mei Shan	High	Medium	Low	High
This LR covers part of the woodlands on the foothill of Lung Shan to the northeast of Fanling Highway and the foothill of Wa Mei Shan to the southwest in the vicinity of Wo Hop Shek. This resource includes mature woodland trees growing on hillside slopes, including native species (Celtis sinensis, Macaranga tanarius, Ficus hispida, Ficus microcarpa and Litsea glutinosa) and exotic species (Acacia confusa, Eucalyptus spp., Dimocarpus longan, Melia azedarach and Syzygium jambos). The quality and landscape value of this LR is relatively high, with little tolerance to change and its sensitivity is considered to be high.
6.5 (KLR-6.3)	Hillside Woodland in Ma Tso Lung, Tit Hang and Fung Kong	High	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR refers to the narrow, winding and largely continuous patches of woodland in the hillside areas of Ma Tso Lung, Tit Hang and Fung Kong. Woodlands in these areas predominantly border uphill shrubland/grassland areas and lowland woodlands, and sometimes adjoin rural and industrial areas. Due to limited human disturbance, these trees are mature in medium to large sizes. Dominant tree species include both native and exotic ones. Dominant native trees are Ficus hispida, Cinnamomum camphora, Rhus succedanea, Celtis sinensis, Ficus microcarpa and Macaranga tanarius. Dominant exotic species include Melaleuca quinquenervia, Leucaena leucocephala, Melia azedarach, Acacia confusa and Casuarina equisetifolia. This LR is considered to be relatively mature and of high quality and it has little capacity to tolerate change. The sensitivity of this LR is considered to be high.
6.6 (KLR-6.2)	Tai Shek Mo Hillside Woodland	High	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Several small patches of woodland are scattered among the southern flank of Tai Shek Mo. Dominant species include exotic trees Acacia confusa and Casuarina equisetifolia as well as native trees Celtis sinensis, Cinnamomum camphora, Ficus microcarpa and Macaranga tanarius. This LR is considered to be relatively mature and of high quality and it has little capacity to tolerate change. The sensitivity of this LR is considered to be high.
FLR 7 – Lowland Woodland
Refers to woodland growing on low ground (generally <40 mPD), often found near rural village areas of human activities in small, fragmented patches, with differing tree species according to location. Common tree species found in this LR include Dimocarpus longan, Cinnamomum camphora, Macaranga tanarius, and Leucaena leucocephala. Further details are given in the individual LR descriptions. Within the Study Area of the DPs, this LR is found in Vernon Pass, Fu Tei Au, Hung Kiu San Tsuen, Sacred Hill, Ling Hill and Ling Shan Tsuen.
7.2	Lowland Woodland at Fu Tei Au and Sheung Shui Water Treatment Works	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR refers to several patches of woodland in Fu Tei Au area and in the close vicinity of Sheng Shui Water Treatment Works. They are generally surrounded by or bordering rural areas and abandoned agricultural lands and so receive moderate human disturbance leading to the vegetation within the LR being of lower quality. Trees in this resource are not diverse and dominated by Dimocarpus longan, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Celtis sinensis, Macaranga tanarius and Cinnamomum camphora. This is a landscape resource of medium quality and has a medium tolerance to change, making its sensitivity medium.
7.3	Hung Kiu San Tsuen Lowland Woodland	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR refers to the lowland woodlands in the vicinity of Hung Kiu San Tsuen, east of Man Kam To Road. These woodlands are largely surrounded by adjacent industrial/open storage areas and therefore potentially suffer from disturbance by human activities making this resource of lower quality than it would otherwise be. These trees are of medium to large sizes, and are dominated by both native and exotic species. The most abundant native species include Celtis sinensis, Ficus microcarpa, Ficus hispida, Bischofia javanica, Cinnamomum camphora, and Macaranga tanarius, while exotic species include Averrhoa carambola, Casuarina equisetifolia, Leucaena leucocephala, Dimocarpus longan and Melia azedarach. This LR has a medium amenity value, relatively low quality, a medium tolerance to change and its sensitivity is considered to be medium.
7.4	Sacred Hill Lowland Woodland	Medium	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR is located to the east of Tin Ping Shan Tsuen, adjacent to the large Tin Ping Shan Tsuen agricultural lands. Common tree species include Celtis sinensis, Ficus microcarpa and Macaranga tanarius. This LR is relatively intolerant to change and its sensitivity is considered to be high.
7.5	Ling Hill and Ling Shan Tsuen Lowland Woodland	High	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR refers to the woody areas near the intersection of Ma Sik Road and Jockey Club Road. These woodland patches are on the periphery of and associated with Ling Shan Tsuen. There is an old temple (Sam Sheung Temple) located in this village and it is also surrounded by this woodland. Trees in this resource are fairly large and mature including both native and exotic species. They are native (Celtis sinensis, Ficus microcarpa and Macaranga tanarius) and exotic (Acacia confusa, Delonix regia and Dimocarpus longan). This is a natural resource of high quality and is not able to accommodate change. Its sensitivity is considered to be high.
7.7	Lowland Woodland near Tai Tau Leng	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR refers to a small patch of woodland located near Tai Tau Leng. This woodland patch is largely surrounded by adjacent industrial/open storage areas and therefore potentially suffered from disturbance by human activities making this resource of lower quality than it would otherwise be. Common tree species include Leucaena leucocephala, Acacia confuse and Cinnamomum camphora. This LR has a medium amenity value and medium tolerance to change. Its sensitivity is considered to be medium.
FLR 8 - Shrubland / Grassland Mosaic
Refers to a mosaic of shrubland and grassland which is usually large in size and uniform in appearance. This LR is typical of the fire-maintained hill-slopes in Hong Kong and common grass species include Miscanthus sinensis, Neyraudia spp. and Panicum spp. Further details are given in the individual LR descriptions. Within the Study Area of the DPs, this LR is found largely on hillsides, particularly on Tai Shek Mo, Wa Shan, Cham Shan and Lung Shan, as well as some relatively lowland areas to the west of the Study Area.
8.1	Shrubland/Grassland Mosaic along Sheung Yue River and Ng Tung River	Low	Low	High	Low
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. These shrublands /grasslands are all located in lowland areas and in the vicinity of man-made resources such as channelized watercourses, rural and urban development areas. They are waste grounds through lack of maintenance and have been gradually colonized by weeds and climbers. This LR is of low landscape value and amenity and is relatively tolerant to change. Its sensitivity is low.
8.2	Fu Tei Au Shrubland/Grassland Mosaic	Low	Low	High	Low
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This resource is located north of Fu Tei Au Road surrounding the Sheung Shui Water Treatment Works. It is dominated by grasses such as Miscanthus sinensis and Miscanthus floridulus and some small trees including Rhus succedanea and Macaranga tanarius are also present in this area. This LR is of low landscape value and amenity and is relatively tolerant to change. Its sensitivity is low.
8.3	Shrubland/Grassland Mosaic at Cham Shan and Wa Shan	Medium	Low	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This is an extensive and continuous resource in the northeast of the Study Area of FLN NDA, i.e. the hillsides of Cham Shan and Wa Shan. Similar to most of the other hillsides in Hong Kong, this large area of grassland is also maintained by hill fires and mainly colonized by grasses. Grass and herb species such as Miscanthus sinensis, Neyraudia reynaudiana and Panicum spp. are widespread within the resource. Nevertheless, some patches close to Cheung Po Tau which are undergoing vegetation succession towards shrubland, support higher plant diversity and show more complex floristic structure. Shrubs commonly found in these areas include Melastoma candidum, Rhus succedanea, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa and Sapium discolor. This LR can re-establish itself fairly easily and is therefore considered to be relatively tolerant to change but is of medium quality and maturity. Its sensitivity is considered to be medium.
8.4	Shrubland/Grassland Mosaic at Lung Shan	Medium	Low	Medium	Medium
This LR is part of the extensive shrubby grassland on the uplands of Lung Shan. It merges into hillside woodland at the foothills and is sometimes adjacent to the urban development area. Similar to the other hilly shrubland/grassland in Hong Kong, this LR is maintained by periodical hill fires. This LR can re-establish itself fairly easily and is therefore considered to be relatively tolerant to change. It is of medium quality and maturity and its sensitivity is considered to be medium.
8.5 (KLR- 8.3)	Shrubland/Grassland Mosaic in Tai Shek Mo and the Western Range Foothills	Medium	Low	Medium	Medium
This LR is an extensive area of shrubby grassland on the uplands of Tai Shek Mo and the foothills of the Western Ranges covering Ma Tso Lung. It largely merges into hillside woodland in at the foothills and is sometimes adjacent to some rural and urban development areas. Similar to the other hilly shrubland/grassland in Hong Kong, this LR is also maintained by periodical hill fires. This LR can re-establish itself fairly easily and is therefore considered to be relatively tolerant to change. Its sensitivity is medium.
FLR 9 - Agricultural Land
Refers to land used for agriculture including crops and orchards as well as ornamental plant nurseries. This LR contains a small number of structures such as small irrigation ponds, green houses, equipment sheds and small/ narrow hard paved areas. It not only contains agricultural vegetation but also some scattered non-agricultural vegetation including some shrubs and trees. It is often an intermediary between areas of development and natural areas. Within the Study Area of the DPs, this LR is mainly found in Tin Ping Shan, Ma Shi Po and Sheung Shui Wa Shan.
9.1	Agricultural Lands in Ho Sheung Heung and Long Valley	High	High	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. The Study Area of FLN NDA covers small parts of the agricultural lands in Ho Sheung Heung and Long Valley in the west. They are mainly wet agricultural lands, including both active and inactive fields. Common wetland crops in Long Valley and Ho Sheung Heung share a high similarity in their species composition, including Ipomoea aquatic, Nasturtium officinale, Eleocharis dulcis, Oryza sativa and Trapa bispinosa. Fruit trees are present along field bunds including Dimocarpus longan, Litchi chinensis and Magnifera indica. This LR is of good quality and a significant local resource due to its large size, long history and crop production. Although agricultural land is normally relatively easy to re-establish in the right environment, this particular LR would be relatively hard to recreate in Hong Kong given its size and it being largely not fragmented. Its sensitivity is high.
9.2	Fu Tei Au Agricultural Land	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Agricultural land in Fu Tei Au area is partially abandoned. Common vegetables such as Brassica parachinensis and Lactuca sativa are grown in the active fields. In those inactive fields, grasses dominated by Miscanthus spp. have colonized the land, with some isolated shrubs and trees growing along the previous field bunds without management. Those trees include Dimocarpus longan, Litchi chinensis and Magnifera indica. The active portion of this LR is of high quality. This LR provides some green space between the hard surfaces of industrial/open storage areas or rural development areas making it locally reasonably important. Agricultural land is fairly easy to re-establish in the right environment and especially given some of this land is abandoned, it has medium tolerance to change. The LR is considered to have medium sensitivity.
9.3	Agricultural Land between Ng Tung River and Shek Sheung River	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. A patch of active agricultural land is located in the flood area between Ng Tung River and Shek Sheung River, north of Po Wan Road. This agricultural land probably connected with the agricultural land in Tin Ping Shan Tsuen (FLR-9.4) in the past but has now been separated by an open storage area between them (FLR-13.1). The area of this LR is relatively small, but of reasonable quality. This LR has medium value and being agricultural land has medium ability to tolerate change in the right environment. It is considered to have medium sensitivity.
9.4	Tin Ping Shan Tsuen Agricultural Land	Medium	Medium	High	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Tin Ping Shan Tsuen agricultural land is located on the north of Tin Ping Shan Tsuen. This is a reasonably sized, un-fragmented area of agricultural land and more than half the fields remain active. In addition to open farmlands, there are also some orchards in which small fruit trees including Musa x paradisiaca, Litchi chinensis and Dimocarpus longan are cultivated. The LR is mature and established and of high quality, yet since it is agricultural land, in the right environment it could be recreated, meaning it has reasonable capacity to accommodate change. It is considered to have medium sensitivity.
9.5	Agricultural Land at Sheung Shui Wa Shan	Medium	Medium	High	Medium
This LR is located in the lowland area at the foot of Wa Shan, along the eastern bank of Ng Tung River. Much of the agricultural land within this area is abandoned with weeds, climbers, isolated shrubs and banana trees and some other invasive trees (e.g. Leucaena leucocephala) colonizing the land. However some areas are still active and this land is a green resource neighboring village developments. This LR has medium landscape quality and maturity. Being agricultural land it is relatively tolerant to change in the right environment. It is considered to have medium sensitivity.
9.6	Agricultural Land in Wu Nga Lok Yueng, Siu Hang San Tsuen, Siu Hang Tsuen and Shek Wu San Tsuen	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This resource is mainly situated in the east of the Study Area of FLN NDA and includes both active and inactive agricultural lands. A variety of crops are grown in the active fields, including Benincasa hispida, Pisum sativum, Solanum melongena and Lactuca sativa. As a result of human activity of cultivation, vegetation on the bunds of these fields is poorly developed and is dominated by common herbs such as Ageratum conyzoides, Hedyotis diffusa and Kyllinga brevifolia and Lobelia chinensis and few shrubs and trees are present. Some of the inactive fields, due to the lack of management and disturbance for a long time, are beginning to develop naturally into grassland or shrubby grassland with colonisation by herbs, isolated shrubs and small trees. This LR is mature and established yet the land is highly fragmented and overall the LR is not of high quality. Since it is agricultural land, in the right environment it could be re-established, meaning it has reasonable capacity to accommodate change. It is considered to have medium sensitivity.
9.8 (KLR-9.4)	Other Agricultural Lands in KTN	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR refers to several small and fragmented agricultural lands in different locations within the study area of KTN, including Chau Tau Tsuen, Pak Shek Au, Yin Kong, Kam Tsin and Tai Tau Leng. Most of these agricultural lands have been wholly or partly abandoned and grass and shrubs now grow in the fields. For those fields remaining active, common crops cultivated by farmers include Brassica parachinensis and Lactuca sativa. This LR has low to medium value in terms of crop production and is relatively tolerant to change. It is considered to have medium sensitivity.
FLR 10 - Open Space / Recreation Area Refers to areas that provide recreational use either in the form of playground areas or sports pitches. There is vegetation associated with this LR, as well as landscaped planting. Within the Study Area of the DPs, this LR is found at North District Sports Ground and Lo Wu Saddle Club.
10.1	North District Sports Ground	Medium	Medium	High	Low
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. North District Sports Ground is a multi-purpose sports ground located between Jockey Club Road and Tin Ping Road. Facilities provided in this sports ground include natural grass football field, running track, covered grandstand, public leisure pool, basketball/volleyball courts and outdoor and indoor tennis courts. Dominant amenity trees planted in this LR include Ficus microcarpa, Bauhinia blakeana and Bauhinia variegata. This LR has medium landscape value and due to its man-made nature and high percentage of hard landscape, has a high capacity to accommodate change. Apart from the open grass pitch, it has little planting and therefore soft landscape is relatively low value. Overall its sensitivity is considered to be low.
10.3	Lo Wu Saddle Club	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Situated along Ho Sheung Heung Road, Lo Wu Saddle Club has more than 50 years of history and has a stable complex including grass riding arenas as well as clubhouse facilities and a schooling arena. Trees found within this LR include Melia azedarach, Celtis sinensis and Delonix regia. This LR is of relatively high quality and amenity value. The artificial elements can accommodate change relatively easily but the fields where horses graze are less able to accommodate change. Overall this LR’s sensitivity is considered to be medium.
FLR 11 – Urban Development Area Refers to urbanized areas which are heavily developed with considerable hard paved surfaces and limited landscaped areas. These LRs consist mainly of large clusters of medium to high density buildings with a high degree of related infrastructure and often with some high rise developments, with some associated facilities such as post office, police station, hospital, restaurants, supermarkets etc. The LR also includes work sites where construction is ongoing, or sites being cleared/ formed prior to development of a structure that would form part of an urban area. Vegetation in this LR is mainly landscape planting with scattered amenity shrubs and trees, some small public green spaces and private gardens. Within the Study Area of the FLN NDA, this LR broadly covers Lo Wu Correctional Institution and the large urban development areas in Sheung Shui and Fanling.
11.1	Lo Wu Correctional Institution	Low	Low	High	Low
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Lo Wu Correctional Institution is located in between Ho Sheung Heung Road and the foothills of Tai Shek Mo. Buildings in this LR are medium-rise and roads are all hard-paved. Tree planting is limited within the institution although it does have some green roofs. This LR has a high ability to accommodate change due to its man-made nature and is considered to have low sensitivity.
11.2	Sheung Shui Urban Development Area	Low	Low	High	Low
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR refers to the northeastern part of the Sheung Shui town centre. There are high-rise public (e.g. Tin Ping Estate) and private (e.g. Tsui Lai Garden, On Kwok Villa and Noble Hill) estates, training centres, multi-storey car park and home for the aged located in this area. Gardens and small scale playgrounds can also be found associated with those residential blocks. Amenity trees and shrubs are planted and well maintained to enhance the environment, and the dominant tree species are Melaleuca quinquenervia, Acacia confusa, Bauhinia blakeana, Ficus microcarpa, Bombax ceiba, Cassia siamea, Eucalyptus citriodora and Phoenix roebelenii. This LR has low landscape value and due to its man-made nature, has a high capacity to accommodate change. Its sensitivity is considered to be low.
FLR 12 - Rural Development Area Refers to traditional villages, modern villages and small scale residential areas dominated by domestic structures (mainly of 2-3 stories) interwoven with roads and paths, There are some Ancestral Halls, shrines and temples, and this LR may also contain some facilities such as small police stations, post offices, and covered water reservoirs and pumping stations and some small, managed, recreational areas (such as football and basketball pitches) and small wasteland areas either wholly or partly covered by weedy or sparse vegetation. This LR has a few small orchard areas associated with it and private gardens, as well as amenity planting among the built structures. This LR usually occurs in fragmented patches with agricultural or natural landscape resources adjacent to it. Within the Study Area of the DPs, this LR includes Ngam Pin, Fu Tei Au, Sheung Shui lowland area, Lung Yeuk Tau, Wo Hap Shek, as well as some areas at the base of Wa Shan and Lung Shan.
12.1	Rural Development Area in Ngam Pin	Low	Medium	Medium	Low
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR is just located within the Closed Area. Residential buildings within the village are old and simple, mainly constructed in metal. Tall grasses grow along the roads winding between houses without management and much of the area is abandoned. This LR is considered to have low sensitivity.
12.2	Rural Development Area in the Vicinity of Fu Tei Au	Low	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR mainly covers the rural area between Fu Tei Au Road and Ng Tung River. Settlements in this area consist predominantly of simple and traditional houses of a single storey, some of which are fenced off. Trees are present both along the roads winding between houses and in private gardens, including Dimocarpus longan, Macaranga tanarius and Aleurites moluccana. Man Ming Temple, constructed before 1924, is located within to the south of this LR. It is a Grade 3 Historic Building which is a three-hall building, with two open corridors on the two sides of the central hall, used to access the end hall. This resource has limited landscape value, but some of its structures have heritage significance and therefore have little ability to accommodate change. Its sensitivity is overall considered to be medium.
12.4	Rural Development Area in Sheung Shui Lowland Area	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This is a lowland resource where a number of villages are concentrated, particularly in the western part which encompasses Wai Loi Tsuen, Man Kok Village, Mun Hau Tsuen, Po Sheung Tsuen, Ha Pak Tsuen, Chung Sum Tsuen, Tai Yuen Tsuen (collective named as Sheung Shui Heung/Sheung Shui Wai). The eastern part of this LR includes Tin Ping Shan Tsuen. Fung Kai School with its associated football pitch and several basketball pitches and some mature trees are also located at the centre of this LR. Those villages are well established, consisting of some modern housing of 2-3 storeys and some traditional housing and include one declared monument and two graded historical buildings. Liu Man Shek Tong Ancestral Hall, a declared monument, was built by Liu Man Shek Tong in 1751 at Mun Hau Tsuen. This typical three-hall two-courtyard building is decorated by plaster mouldings, wood carvings and murals of auspicious motifs and pictures. One of the graded historic buildings is Liu Ying Lung Study Hall, situated at Po Sheung Tsuen which is a confirmed Grade 1 Historic Building. It was renovated in 1923 and was once the place where Spring Equinox, births and weddings were celebrated. The other is Old Sheung Shui Police Station, which is a confirmed Grade 2 Historic Building. It was one of thirteen police stations built soon after the British took over the New Territories and later became a police reporting centre and then a Junior Police Call (JPC) Club House after the new Sheung Shui Police Station was opened in 1979. Tin Ping Shan Tsuen in the east is relatively small, mainly consisting of more traditional and simple structured houses of a single storey. Most areas are hard-surfaced and have limited vegetation except those private amenity plantings. Given the traditional nature of much of this LR and its historical buildings, this LR is relatively intolerant to change and is considered to have medium sensitivity.
12.5	Wa Shan Rural Development Area	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR refers to several rural development areas along the hillsides or at the foothill of Wa Shan. They are largely rural settlements including Sheung Shui Wa Shan village, Siu Hang Tsuen and Siu Hang San Tsuen. Most of these villages are undergoing transformation due to the fact that many houses have been replaced by modern housing blocks of 2-3 storeys and some new housing blocks are being constructed. This LR has limited softscape treatment but does include some trees (e.g. Mangifera indica, Dimocarpus longan and Livistona chinensis) and private amenity plantings (e.g. Duranta erecta). One temple is located in Siu Hang Tsuen, (Fuk Tak Temple), established some 100 years ago. The temple is for the worship of the Earth God and other gods/deities that give protection to the villagers and so is locally important. Although the temple has a ‘Nil Grade’ historic building value, it is at one end of the Lung Yeung Tau Heritage Trail. It is a large piece of grassland for military purpose. Many mature trees grow in the surroundings, including Macaranga tanarius, Celtis sinensis, Leucaena leucocephala and Eucalyptus spp. This LR is largely a man-made area but some of the historical buildings and the vegetation associated with the firing range are relatively intolerant to change. The overall sensitivity of this LR is medium.
12.7	Rural Development Area at Wo Hop Shek and Lung Shan	Low	Low	High	Low
This LR includes Cyber Domaine, Tong Hang, Tong Hang Tung Chuen (at the foothill of Lung Shan), part of the Wo Hop Shek San Tsuen in Wo Hop Shek, Kau Lung Hang San Wai and Yuen Leng. It also includes the Tong Hang Fresh Water Service Reservoir that is located on the hillside of Lung Shan. Trees commonly found in this LR are Melaleuca quinquenervia, Celtis sinensis , Ficus hispida, Leucaena leucocephala, Dimocarpus longan, and Eucalyptus citriodora This LR is dominated by domestic residencies. Its landscape amenity, significance and quality are moderate and it has a high ability to tolerate change, making its overall sensitivity low.
12.8	Rural Development Area at Ma Shi Po	Medium	Low	Medium	Medium
This LR is dominated by domestic residencies. Its landscape amenity, significance and quality are medium and it has limited ability to tolerate change given the age of those old village houses and its relationship with the surrounding agricultural land, making its overall sensitivity medium.
12.9	Wu Nga Lok Yeung and Ling Shan Tsuen Rural Development Area	Low	Low	High	Low
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR mainly refers to two patches of continuous rural development located at Wu Nga Lok Yeung as well as Ling Shan Tsuen and Good View New Village. Some of the construction works at Wu Nga Lok Yeung are suspended, leaving two rows of 3-storey unfinished village houses on exposed ground. Plants are generally absent from this area. The village houses in Ling Shan Tsuen and Good View New Village are relatively concentrated with large trees frequently found along the winding roads and in private gardens. These trees include Celtis sinensis, Dimocarpus longan, Livistona chinensis and Macaranga tanarius, etc. This LR is dominated by domestic residencies. Its landscape amenity, significance and quality are medium and it has high ability to tolerate change, making its overall sensitivity low.
12.12 (KLR- 12.2)	Rural Development Area in Long Valley, Yin Kong, Tsung Pak Long and Hak Ka Wai	Medium	High	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR lies between the Shek Sheung River and Fanling Highway to the southeast of Long Valley. It covers three villages: Yin Kong Tsuen, Hak Ka Wai and Tsung Pak Long. Yin Kong Tsuen is a traditional village undergoing transformation. Some of the existing residential houses in the northern part of the village are identified as historical buildings. Earth shrines associated with Fung Shui Trees (Ficus microcarpa in most cases) are present including the Grade 2 listed Earth God Shrine of Kam Tsin historic building. In addition an old western styled Enchi Lodge (Grade 2 historic building) is located on the southern part of the village. Between the northern and southern parts of the village there is grassland which would have been agricultural land in the past. On the other hand, the modern aspect of Yin Kong Tsuen is presented by many well-established modern village houses as well as facilities such as small-scaled playgrounds. Hak Ka Wai is a traditional village with around 100 years of history. It consists of two rows of residences, an ancestral hall (the Wong Shek Chung Ancestral Hall), a study hall, an entrance gate, enclosing walls and a watch tower. This village is a Grade 1 historic building. Tsung Pak Long is a traditional village undergoing transformation. It contains ancestral halls, earth shrines, a school and a church in traditional style to its northwest. Most areas within this LR are hard-surfaced and have limited vegetation except those private amenity plantings, in which fruit trees Dimocarpus longan, Carica papaya and Citrus reticulata and landscaping shrub Duranta erecta and Murraya paniculata are commonly found. The historic buildings located in this LR, particularly the relatively large area of Hak Ka Wai village, cannot be easily recreated and this LR is relatively intolerant to change. Overall it is considered to have high sensitivity.
12.14 (KLR-12.11)	Rural Development Area in Ma Tso Lung	Low to Medium	Medium	Low	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR refers to the rural area at Ma Tso Lung on the northwest of the KTN NDA Study Area. It mainly covers two villages, i.e. Ma Tso Lung San Tsuen and Shun Yee San Tsuen, which are relatively small, mainly consisting of more traditional houses of a single storey. Trees associated with this area include some fruit trees such as Diospyros kaki, Musa x paradisiaca and Dimocarpus longan as well as other native and exotic trees such as Bauhinia blakeana, Leucaena leucocephala, and Bombax ceiba. Although these structures cannot be recreated easily and have low ability to accommodate change, their landscape quality and maturity are not high and overall this LR has medium sensitivity.
12.15 (KLR-12.10)	Lo Wu Rifle Range	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Lo Wu Rifle Range is located between Fung Kong Shan and the Tai Shek Mo mountain. It is a large piece of grassland for military purpose. Many mature trees grow naturally in the surroundings, including Bauhinia blakeana, Macaranga tanarius, Celtis sinensis and Leucaena leucocephala. This LR is a man-made area but it is green land not hard surface and so has a medium tolerance to change. The sensitivity of this LR is medium.
FLR 13 - Industrial / Open Storage Refers to areas which are heavily adapted for human industrial use, such as factory facilities, waste processing plants and other industrial buildings, often with some open areas for storage, parking or other associated activities. These areas have small roads within them and some concrete drainage channels. There is very little existing vegetation within this LR. Within the Study Area of the DPs, this LR is geographically divided into Sheung Shui and Fanling industrial/open storage areas and will be further described individually.
13.1	Sheung Shui Industrial/Open Storage Area	Low	Low	High	Low
The western part of this LR contains Sheung Shui Water Treatment Works, Sheung Shui Slaughter House, Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works as well as several warehouses and industrial buildings. Planted trees are found along the roads and dominant species include Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia confusa and Leucaena leucocephala. The rest of this LR is largely used for open storage and car parks as well as several waste processing plants but there is one recognized Tin Hau Temple (No. 41 Hung Kiu San Tsuen), but this has a ‘Nil Grade’ historic building value. Trees within this area are not actively managed and grasses occupy many places between the car parks. Tree species commonly found include Leucaena leucocephala, Bauhinia blakeana, Bauhinia variegata, Macaranga tanarius, Delonix regia, Cassia siamea, Bombax ceiba, Syzygium jambos, Ficus virens, Mangifera indica and Acacia auriculiformis. This LR has relatively low landscape amenity value and consists mostly of modern man-made structures that can be easily recreated. Its sensitivity is considered to be low.
13.4 (KLR-13.3)	Industrial/Open Storage in Shek Tsai Leng, Tong Kok and Fung Kong	Low	Low	High	Low
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR is located around the villages of Shek Tsai Leng, Fung Kong, Tung Fong and Tong Kok and is generally in the middle of the KTN NDA. This LR at Fung Kong falls within the Study Area of the DP. This continuous area is largely used for open storage and car parks. Also, several waste processing plants are present. Trees within this LR are not actively managed and grasses occupy many places between the car parks. Tree species commonly found in the area include Macaranga tanarius, Celtis sinensis, Bauhinia blakeana, Mallotus paniculatus, Ficus microcarpa, Acacia confusa, Casuarina equisetifolia, Leucaena leucocephala, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Dimocarpus longan, Livistona chinensis, Morus alba, Psidium guajava and Artocarpus macrocarpon. This LR predominantly consists of man-made structures which have a high capacity to tolerate change and have low landscape value. This LR is considered to have low sensitivity.
FLR 14 - Major Transportation Corridor Refers to MTRC railway, Fanling Highway, as well as Sha Tau Kok Road (Lung Yeuk Tau) and all the associated intersections. There is tree planting along the sides of the roads consisting of a variety of indigenous and exotic species such Cassia siamea and Acacia confusa. In addition, there is some planting along the central divider (median) in some sections, including of amenity shrubs such as Allamanda schottii and sometimes palm trees Livistona chinensis.
14.1	MTRC East Rail	Low	Low	High	Low
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. The LR includes a short section of MTRC East Railway running between Sheung Shui and Lo Wu Stations. No significant planting is found along the railway lines and trees growing randomly in its vicinity are dominated by Leucaena leucocephala. This resource is highly utilized by the general public and well linked but it is man-made with low landscape value and a high ability to accommodate change. Its sensitivity is low.
14.3	Fanling Highway	Medium	Low	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR is a major transportation corridor connecting Fanling, Sheung Shui, Kwu Tung and other adjacent areas. It includes a short section of Fanling Highway with a reasonable amount of roadside planting with some mature tree. Species include Melaleuca quinquenervia, Bombax ceiba, Ficus microcarpa, Casuarina equisetifolia, Acacia confusa and Bauhinia blakeana. This is a man-made resource, and due to the roadside planting is less able to accommodate change and its overall sensitivity is considered to be medium.
14.4	MTRC near Fanling Highway	Low	Low	High	Low
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR is small section of the MTRC East Rail line running parallel to Fanling Highway. It has no planting associated with it, only noise barriers at its edges. This is a man-made resource which has a high ability to accommodate change. Its overall sensitivity is considered to be low.

Table 12C.3.2 Landscape Character Areas and their Sensitivity – FLN NDA (DP7, 11 and 13)

Id. No.	Landscape Character Area (LCA)	Quality & Maturity (High /Medium /Low)	Rarity (High /Medium /Low)	Ability to Accommodate Change (High /Medium /Low)		Sensitivity (High /Medium /Low)
KLCA-1	Natural Hillside Landscape	High	High	Low		High
Refers to large hillside areas which are dominated by shrubland, grassland and some woodland patches.
Within the Study Area the LCA encompasses Tai Shek Mo (183 mPD), Western Range of Tai Shek Mo (Ma Tso Lung and Lok Ma Chau) (144 mPD), Ki Lun Shan (222 mPD), and Fung Kong Shan (40 mPD).
Tai Shek Mo lies to the north of the Study Area. The primary ridgeline extends southward while the Western Range ridgeline runs approximately NE-SW, covering Ma Tso Lung and Lok Ma Chau. These two sections of LCA are separated by lower land and to their south the smaller Fung Kong Shan is located.
Ki Lun Shan lies to the southwest of the Study Area.
FLCA-1	Natural Hillside Landscape	High	High	Low	High
Refers to large hillside areas which are dominated by shrubland, grassland and some woodland in places such as the ravines.
Within the Study Area of the DPs, this LCA encompasses Tai Shek Mo (183 mPD), Fung Kong Shan (40 mPD), Cham Shan and Wa Shan to the north reaching 164 mPD and the foothills of Lung Shan to the south. Other areas of this LCA found within the study area are at Wong Kong Shan, and Ling Hill. They are at a relatively lower in height and close to human activities.
This LCA is predominantly natural and of high quality. It is a significant LCA within the Study Area and has a low tolerance to change. Therefore its sensitivity is considered to be high.
FLCA-2	Rural and Urban Peripheral Village Landscape	Medium	Medium	Medium		Medium
Refers to rural village areas and village areas on the fringes of urban developments, including relic landscapes of former villages. This LCA is dominated by small or medium sized villages with modern and traditional houses and some temples, interspersed with small agricultural plots and comprises a broad mixture of other land uses including water ponds, schools, sports grounds, and playgrounds, some open storage areas and car parks. This LCA also has some patches of woodland as well as vegetation associated with the villages and park areas.
Within the Study Area of the DPs, this LCA is generally found at the foothills of the Tai Shek Mo, Cham Shan and Wa Shan along the northern bank of Ng Tung River such as Fu Tei Au as in other lowland areas such as Long Valley, Tsung Pak Long, Fu Tei Au; Sheung Shui Wai, Shek Wu San Tsuen, Tong Hang and Wo Hop Shek.
This LCA is considered to have medium tolerance to change and be of moderate amenity value. Its sensitivity is therefore medium.
FLCA-3	Urban Development Landscape	Low	Low	High		Low
This LCA sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Refers to urban areas with significant numbers of high-rise developments and extensive transport infrastructure. It also contains car parks and open areas associated with urban development such as playgrounds and small parks and sitting out areas. This LCA has limited natural vegetation but does include some man-made landscaping.
Within the Study Area of the DPs, this LCA is found only towards the south-western boundary including Sheung Shui town centre, with buildings becoming more modern. It includes the high-rise developments such as Woodland Crest and some high rise estates such as Tin Ping Estate.
This is an important residential landscape and has high tolerance to change. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered to be low.
FLCA-4	Industrial Landscape	Low	Low	High		Low
Refers to areas comprising a broad mix of land uses including factories, utility facilities, workshops, open storage and some channelized water courses. It is normally located on low lying ground or at the base of hills and may include small and fragmented areas of residential houses and their associated agricultural land. There is little significant vegetation among this built environment, but small patches of vegetation do exist, particularly along the channelized river.
Within the Study Area for FLN NDA this LCA is mainly comprised of factory buildings, vacant land and open storage. It includes the Fanling Industrial Area that is found between Sha Tau Kok Road and Ma Wat River channel. The Sheung Shui Slaughter House, Sheung Shui Water Treatment Works and Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works, at the west of the Study Area and the open storage uses along Man Kam To road are also included.
This LCA contains man-made facilities that are able to accommodate change, particularly if they have been abandoned. Except for the significant planting along Ng Tung River, most areas in this LCA comprise degrade and un-made ground where vegetation has been largely removed, resulting in a low landscape amenity. Therefore, the sensitivity of this LCA is considered to be low.
FLCA-5	Lowland Agricultural Landscape	Medium	Medium	Medium		Medium
This LCA sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Refers to large areas dominated by agricultural land (active and abandoned) with scattered small villages and low-rise buildings and may also include some fishponds and irrigation ponds. This LCA is mostly found among lowlands and floodplain areas.
Within the Study Area for FLN NDA the key area of this LCA is found at Tin Ping Shan Valley. Tin Ping Shan (Sacred Hill) Valley is located to the west of Ng Tung River and contains abandoned agricultural fields and drained concrete fishponds as well as some active agriculture.
The value and quality and maturity of this LCA is medium. In some locations this LCA can accommodate a reasonable level of change; its overall sensitivity is considered to be medium.
FLCA-6	Major Transportation Corridor Landscape	Low	Low	High		Low
This LCA sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Refers to major highway and railway areas, with their scattered associated buildings.
Within the Study Area of the DPs, Fanling Highway and MTRC East Railway are major transport routes stretching in a variety of directions and located at the east, west and south boundaries of the Study Area.
The LCA is considered to be highly tolerant to change and its sensitivity is low.
FLCA-7	Major Water Course Corridor Landscape	Medium	Medium	Medium		Medium
Refers to modified water courses channelized with concrete or grasscrete and also includes some walkways along the water course and the vegetation associated with the water course, both within the channel and along the banks as well as in the ridge of the banks.
Within the Study Area of DPs, this LCA includes sections of Ng Tung River, Shek Sheung River and Sheung Yue River.
The landscape amenity and significance of this LCA are medium. Due to its largely man-made state, it is reasonably tolerant to change and its sensitivity is considered to be medium.

Table 12C.6.1 Magnitude of Change on LRs (DP 7, 11 and 13)

Note - For LRs where no impact is recorded, these have been omitted.

LR Code	Name	*DPs and Site No. (Land Use Type) Impacting LR**	Area of LR within study area and within DP boundary (ha) or length (m or Km)				Physical extent of the impact (Small/ Medium/ Large)	Compatibility with Surrounding Landscape (Good /Fair /Poor)		Duration of Impact (Temporary [Short/Medium term], Permanent)		Reversibility of Change (Reversible/ Irreversible)		Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
LR Code	Name	*DPs and Site No. (Land Use Type) Impacting LR**					Physical extent of the impact (Small/ Medium/ Large)	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
FLR 1	Channelized Water Course
1.1	Ng Tung River (Fanling District)	DP 7: Utilization of Treated Sewage Effluent DP11: Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works - Further Expansion (SWHSTW) DP 13: New Sewage Pumping Station	Study Area: 35.8ha / 3.5km DP Boundary: 2.25ha/ 528m				Small	Fair	Good	Temporary Medium	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Small	Negligible
1.1	Ng Tung River (Fanling District)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation The proposed DPs will be constructed at the top of the riverbank fronting the river channel. Vegetation clearance together with soil stripping and excavation works will be undertaken at the river banks Impact of the TSE reuse facilities and Sewage Pumping Stations (except the one off Man Kam To Road) will only affect a small area of this LR and this will again mainly be at construction stage during site formation. The further expansion of the STW at A2-3 may also have an impact on a larger area of the banks and adjacent. Impacts at these sites will be during site formation initially but at operation land use will have changed only for a small area adjacent to the river itself. The river banks has already been heavily altered through channelization and alignment modifications, therefore no valuable natural features will be lost or affected. In this case the compatibility of the scheme is considered to be fair in construction due to the physical disruption and good in operation. Due to the relatively small scale of the area affected and taking into account previous highly engineered alterations to this resource the magnitude of change is considered to be small during construction and negligible in operation.
1.2	Shek Sheung River	DP11: Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works - Further Expansion (SWHSTW)	Study Area: 25.1ha / 2.6km DP Boundary: 0.42ha / 100m				Small	Poor	Poor	Temporary Short	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Small	Negligible
1.2	Shek Sheung River	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation The proposed DP will be constructed at the top of the riverbank fronting the river channel. Vegetation clearance together with breaking out hard surfaces, soil stripping and excavation works will be undertaken beyond the upper bank away from the river channel. The river banks have already been heavily altered through channelization and alignment modifications; however some vegetation will be lost which is relatively rare in this landscape scenario. In this case the compatibility of the scheme is considered to be poor both in construction and operation. Due to the relatively small scale of the area affected and taking into account previous highly engineered alterations to this resource the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible.
FLR 6	Hillside Woodland
6.4	Hillside Woodland at Lung Shan and Wa Mei Shan	DP7: Utilization of Treated Sewage Effluent	Study Area: 23.28 DP Boundary: 0.04				Small	Fair	Fair	Temporary Short Term	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
6.4	Hillside Woodland at Lung Shan and Wa Mei Shan	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation A very small area of this LR is located within site D4-1 which is the proposed area for the Fanling North Flushing Water Service Reservoir. The trees in this very small area may be affected during site clearance and formation for D4-1 and topographical changes by filling and cutting slope up to 62 m, although the height of slope to be expose by completion is 56 m. However, the majority of this LR will remain unaffected by the Project and the overall magnitude of change is considered to be small.
FLR 7	Lowland Woodland
7.2	Lowland Woodland at Fu Tei Au and Sheung Shui Water Treatment Works	DP 13: New Sewage Pumping Station		Study Area: 4.8ha DP Boundary: 0.11ha		Small		Fair	Fair	Permanent	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
7.2		Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation A small area of woodland sits within the works area of the SPS south of Fu Tei Au. Existing trees would require felling to allow construction of the pumping station. As a result of the existing human disturbance such as abandoned agricultural lands and partly developed rural area surrounding these woodlands, the overall sensitivity is medium and the LR has some capacity to accept change. As a result the compatibility during construction and operation is considered to be fair. As a result of the small area concerned and the overall medium capacity of the LR to accept change, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be Small.
FLR 8	Shrubland/Grassland Mosaic
8.4	Shrubland/ Grassland Mosaic at Lung Shan	DP7: Utilization of Treated Sewage Effluent	Study Area: 22.12ha DP Boundary: 1.44ha				Small	Fair	Fair	Permanent	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Large	Larger
8.4	Shrubland/ Grassland Mosaic at Lung Shan	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation A small part of this LR sits within site D4-1 which is the proposed site for the Fanling North Flushing Water Service Reservoir. The area is close to the existing Fresh Water Service Reservoir at north of Tong Hang Tung and adjacent to the existing access road. The preliminary design of the reservoir and its access road, which is subject to change at the detailed design stage, suggests the site formation work required will affect a small area of this LR (1.4 ha). The highest proposed cut/ fill slopes for the reservoir will be 62 m with a maximum 40 degree angle for all slopes. The exposed slope at completion will be up to 56 m high as some of the slope will be backfilled. There will therefore be some topography changes in this area. The existing shrubland/ grassland in this area will also be lost during construction although there is potential for landscaping of the reservoir roofs and cut/ fill slopes and remediation in future. As a result of the relatively small area concerned forming part of a much larger LR and the medium capacity to accept change, the compatibility during construction and operation is considered to be fair. However, the detailed reservoir design is not yet finalised and will continue to be refined to try and reduce potential impacts. At operation this small area will be largely incompatible with the current LR and will change the land use. Despite the relatively small size of the area affected, the irreversibility of the work, the topographical changes including up to 62 m cut/fill slope above the reservoir within the hillside are considered to generate a large magnitude of change during construction and operation.
8.5 (KLR- 8.3)	Shrubland/ Grassland Mosaic in Tai Shek Mo and the Western Range Foothills	DP7: Utilization of Treated Sewage Effluent	Study Boundary: 71.2ha DP Boundary: 1.21ha				Medium	Fair	Fair	Permanent	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
8.5 (KLR- 8.3)		Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation Most of this shrubland/grassland is located outside the DP boundary and the Project will have no impact on it. A small area of this large scale LR sits within site G1-4 and will require considerable site formation during construction to form the level construction platform. The preliminary design of the reservoir proposes cut/ fill slopes of up to 38m. At completion the exposed face of slope above the reservoir would be 32 m in length. The overall topography beyond this area will not be changed. The existing vegetation in these areas will be lost although there is potential for landscaping of the reservoir roofs and re-profiled slopes. However, the detailed reservoir design is yet not finalised and will continue to be refined to try and reduce potential impacts. As a result of the relatively small area concerned forming part of a much larger LR and the medium capacity to accept change, the compatibility during construction and operation is considered to be fair. Despite the relatively small size of the area affected, the topographical changes including up to 32 m cut/fill slope above the reservoir within the hillside are considered to generate an intermediate magnitude of change during construction and operation.
FLR 9	Agricultural Land
9.2	Fu Tei Au Agricultural Land	DP13: New Sewage Pumping Stations	Study Area: 3.61 DP Boundary: 0.04				Small	Poor	Poor	Permanent	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
9.2	Fu Tei Au Agricultural Land	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation A very small area of this LR will be lost for the construction of the proposed SPS south Fu Tei Au. Construction works will require site clearance and filling works to achieve the required site levels. As a result of the development this area of agricultural land will be replaced with a small building and associated boundary works, in this case the compatibility is considered to be poor during construction and operation. Given the very small size of the area concerned it is considered the overall magnitude of change during construction and operation would be small.
9.5	Agricultural Land at Sheung Shui Wa Shan	DP13: New Sewage Pumping Stations		Study Area: 8.02ha DP Boundary: 0.03			Small	Poor	Poor	Permanent	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
9.5	Agricultural Land at Sheung Shui Wa Shan	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation A very small area of this LR will be lost for the construction of the proposed SPS south of Wa Shan. Construction works will require site clearance and filling works to achieve the required site levels. As a result of the development this area of agricultural land will be replaced with a small building and associated boundary works, in this case the compatibility is considered to be poor during construction and operation. Given the very small size of the area concerned it is considered the overall magnitude of change during construction and operation would be small.
FLR 12	Rural Development Area
12.7	Rural Development Area at Wo Hop Shek and Lung Shan	DP7: Utilization of Treated Sewage Effluent	Study Area: 33.7 DP Boundary: 0.11				Small	Good	Good	Temporary Short	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Negligible	Negligible
12.7	Rural Development Area at Wo Hop Shek and Lung Shan	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation This LR covers the existing access road to the Tong Hang Fresh Water Reservoir. Construction works will require some reconfiguration to the existing road in order to form a new road junction to provide access to the proposed FWSR. Construction works will require breaking out of existing road surface and localized ground modeling followed by construction of new road surface. As the existing LR functions as a road and the proposed works would involve road construction, the overall compatibility during construction and operation is considered to be good. Given the good compatibility of these works, limited extent and identical function, the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible both in construction and operation.
12.8	Rural Development Area at Ma Shi Po	DP13: New Sewage Pumping Stations			Study Area: 3.77ha DP Boundary: 0.14	Small		Fair	Fair	Temporary Short	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Negligible	Negligible
12.8	Rural Development Area at Ma Shi Po	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation The construction works for the SPS opposite Sacred Hill will impact this LR through vegetation clearance, soil stripping and cut and fill works to achieve the required site levels. Taking into account the previously developed nature of this LR the compatibility is considered to be fair during both construction and operation. As a result of the very limited extent of this LR impacted within the construction footprint and the medium ability to accept change, the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible.
FLR 13	Industrial / Open Storage
13.1	Sheung Shui Industrial/Open Storage Area	DP 7: Utilization of Treated Sewage Effluent DP 11: Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works - Further Expansion (SWHSTW) DP13: New Sewage Pumping Stations		Study Area: 59.6ha DP Boundary: 11.95ha			Large	Fair	Good	Temporary Short	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Small	Negligible
13.1	Sheung Shui Industrial/Open Storage Area	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation DP 7 works within this LR relate to the western boundary of the proposed DP site which runs along the access road to Sheung Shui Slaughter House. Works would require clearance of scrub and some tree felling where access points are formed and construction of perimeter fencing. Given the industrial nature of the LR and limited extent of the works, the compatibility of the DP is also considered to be fair during construction, due to some vegetation loss and good during operation. DP11 will impact this resource through upgrading works within the existing STW site and extension works involving the construction of completely new STW facilities. Upgrading works will require decommissioning and demolition works of existing plant, this will all be based within the footprint of the existing site. The extension works will occupy a site currently used for open storage type uses; works will require clearance of low scrub vegetation, removal of existing temporary structures and breaking out of hard surfaces. Given the existing function of the site for sewage treatment facilities and disturbed nature of the receiving landscape, the compatibility of the DPs is considered to be fair in construction (due to size of construction area affected) and good in operation. DP13 SPS off Man Kam To Road will impact a very small area of this LR. Works will involve demolition of temporary structures and minor cut and fill works to form the required levels for the formation of the pumping station and surrounding boundary treatments. Given the already disturbed and highly changeable nature of the land use and the limited extent of the works, the compatibility of the DP is also considered to be fair during construction and good during operation. This area has already been significantly altered through the construction of the existing STW, large scale Sheung Shui Slaughter House facilities and ongoing open storage functions with the landscape appearing highly disturbed. It is therefore considered that the magnitude of change during construction would be small during to the highly changeable nature of the receiving landscape and negligible in operation given the good compatibility.

Table 12C.6.2 Magnitude of Change on LCAs (DP 7, 11 and 13)

Note - For LCAs where no impact is recorded, these have been omitted.

LCA Code	Name	*Site No. (Land Use Type) Impacting LCA**	Area of LCA affected within DP boundary (ha)	Physical extent of the impact (Small/ Medium/ Large)	Compatibility with Surrounding Landscape (Good /Fair /Poor)		Duration of Impact (Temporary [Short/Medium term], Permanent)		Reversibility of Change (Reversible/ Irreversible)		Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
LCA Code	Name	*Site No. (Land Use Type) Impacting LCA**	Area of LCA affected within DP boundary (ha)	Physical extent of the impact (Small/ Medium/ Large)	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
KLCA-1	Natural Hillside Landscape	The LCA affected by the sites: DP7: KTN Flushing Water Service Reservoirs.	Study Boundary: 68.52ha DP Boundary: 1.22ha	Small	Good	Good	Permanent	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
		Most of this LCA falls outside the DP boundary; the site designated for the KTN Flushing Water Service Reservoir (D4-1) sits completely within this LCA. Since this LCA already contains water reservoirs within hillside locations, this is considered compatible with the Project during operation, although it will be less compatible during the slope cutting / profiling and earthwork filling operations during construction. The construction works for both the reservoirs will require large alterations to these hillsides, during the construction stage this will involve major earthwork operations to achieve the level platforms in the hillside required to site the reservoir facilities which will involve the clearance of vegetation (mainly Shrubland) and removal of natural contours. In order to stabilise the uphill slopes, engineered retaining slopes will be constructed with faces of approximately 38m long. Since the majority of this LCA will remain unaffected by the Project the magnitude of change is considered to be small in both construction and operation.
FLCA-1	Natural Hillside Landscape	The LCA affected by the sites: DP7: FLN Flushing Water Service Reservoirs.	Study Boundary: 84.53 DP Boundary: 1.63ha	Small	Good	Good	Permanent	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
		Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation The construction works for both the reservoirs will require large alterations to these hillsides, during the construction stage this will involve major earthwork operations to achieve the level platforms in the hillside required to site the reservoir facilities which will involve the clearance of vegetation (mainly Shrubland) and removal of natural contours. In order to stabilise the uphill slopes, engineered retaining slopes will be constructed with faces of approximately 62m long. As this character area is natural and undeveloped hillside terrain, the development will constitute a significant change therefore the compatibility during construction and operation is considered to be poor. Whilst the construction footprint identified is relatively small, the works will involve creating level topography in a steeply sloped hillside area therefore the magnitude of change in both construction and operation is considered to be large.
FLCA-2	Rural and Urban Peripheral Village Landscape	The LCA is affected by sites: DP 13: Sewage Pumping Stations	Study Area: 180.15ha DP Boundary: 0.46	Small	Fair	Fair	Temporary Medium Term	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Negligible	Negligible
		Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation 3no. SPS are located within this LCA, the are SPS south of Fu Tei Au, SPS south of Wa Shan and SPS opposite Sacred Hill. Construction works will require vegetation clearance within the site, cut and fill works to achieve the required levels for construction of the pumping station building and boundary walls. As a result of the previously developed nature of these sites and small scale footprint of the DPs, the compatibility during construction and operation is considered to be fair. Taking into account the precedent for development in this LCA, and the previously developed nature of the sites, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be negligible.
FLCA-4	Industrial Landscape	The LCA affected by the sites: D7: Utilization of Treated Sewage Effluent DP11:Proposed expansion and upgrading of Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works at FLN NDA DP13: SPS of Man Kam To Road	14.1	Medium	Fair	Good	Temporary Medium Term	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Small	Negligible
		Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation The construction works for TSE at SWHSTW will involve vegetation clearance together with soil stripping and excavation works to form the foundations with TSE handling equipment. This area of ground has already been heavily altered through channelization and alignment modifications to Ng Tung River, therefore no valuable natural features will be lost or affected. In this case the compatibility of the scheme is considered to be fair both in construction and operation. DP11 will impact this LCA through upgrading works within the existing STW site and extension works involving the construction of completely new STW facilities. Upgrading works will require decommissioning and demolition works of existing plant, this will all be based within the footprint of the existing site. The extension works will occupy a site currently used for open storage type uses; works will require clearance of low scrub vegetation, removal of existing temporary structures and breaking out of hard surfaces. Given the existing function of the site for sewage treatment facilities and disturbed nature of the receiving landscape, the compatibility of the DPs is considered to be fair in construction (due to size of construction area affected) and good in operation. DP13 SPS off Man Kam To Road will impact a very small area of this LCA. Works will involve demolition of temporary structures and minor cut and fill works to form the required levels for the formation of the pumping station and surrounding boundary treatments. Given the already disturbed and highly changeable nature of the land use and the limited extent of the works, the compatibility of the DP is also considered to be fair during construction and good during operation. This area has already been significantly altered through the construction of the existing STW, large scale Sheung Shui Slaughter House facilities and on-going open storage functions with the landscape appearing highly disturbed. It is also an area that is highly changeable, in this case the compatibility is considered to be fair during construction and good in operation. As a result of the fair compatibility of the works during construction and taking into the large extent of the area, it is considered that the magnitude of change during construction would be small. Due to the good compatibility of the DPs, and highly changeable nature of the receiving landscape the magnitude of change during operation would be negligible.
FLCA-7	Major Water Course Corridor Landscape	The LCA affected by the sites: DP11:Proposed expansion and upgrading of Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works at FLN NDA DP 13: Sewage Pumping Stations	0.40	Small	Fair	Fair	Temporary Medium Term	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Negligible	Negligible
FLCA-7	Major Water Course Corridor Landscape	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation The majority of the works forming these DPs will fall within the adjacent industrial landscape LCA. In this location both DPs have a frontage to Ng Tung River. The proposed DPs will be constructed at the top of the riverbank fronting the river channel. Vegetation clearance together with soil stripping and excavation works will be undertaken beyond the upper banks away from the river channels. The river banks has already been heavily altered through channelization and alignment modifications, therefore no valuable natural features will be lost or affected. In this case the compatibility of the scheme is considered to be fair both in construction and operation. Due to the relatively small scale of the area affected and taking into account this piece of landscape would be more associated with the adjacent industrial land due to its history of extensive engineered alterations to this LCA, the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible, during both construction and operation.

Table 12C.8.1 Significance of landscape impacts on LRs (DP 7, 11 and 13)

LR Code	Name	LR Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Magnitude of Impact (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible		Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)
LR Code	Name	LR Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
FLR 1	Channelized Water Course
1.1	Ng Tung River (Fanling District)	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant
1.2	Shek Sheung River	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant
FLR 6	Hillside Woodland
6.4	Hillside Woodland at Lung Shan and Wa Mei Shan	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate
FLR 7	Lowland Woodland
7.2	Lowland Woodland at Fu Tei Au and Sheung Shui Water Treatment Works	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
FLR 8	Shrubland/Grassland Mosaic
8.4	Shrubland/ Grassland Mosaic at Lung Shan	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial
8.5 (KLR- 8.3)	Shrubland/ Grassland Mosaic in Tai Shek Mo and the Western Range Foothills	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial
FLR 9	Agricultural Land
9.2	Fu Tei Au Agricultural Land	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
9.5	Agricultural Land at Sheung Shui Wa Shan	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
FLR 12	Rural Development Area
12.7	Rural Development Area at Wo Hop Shek and Lung Shan	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant
12.8	Rural Development Area around Ma Shi Po	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant
FLR 13	Industrial / Open Storage
13.1	Sheung Shui Industrial/ Open Storage Area	Low	Small	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant

In summary for LRs, moderate adverse impact is predicted during the construction and operational stages for FLR 6.4 Hillside Woodland at Lung Shan and Wa Mei Shan. Substantial impacts are predicted for FLR-8.4 Shrubland/Grassland Mosaic at Lung Shan and FLR - 8.5 Shrubland/Grassland Mosaic in Tai Shek Mo and the Western Range Foothills due to the scale and nature of the impact arising from the construction of the Flushing Water Service Reservoirs under DP7. These works will involve topographical changes within natural landscape areas which will lead to direct loss of these LRs.

Slight adverse impacts are predicted for FLR 7.2 Lowland Woodland at Fu Tei Au and Sheung Shui Water Treatment Works, this is due to loss of trees within an area of medium sensitivity. Slight adverse impacts are also predicted in relation to FLR 9.2 Fu Tei Au Agricultural Land and FLR 9.5 Agricultural Land at Sheung Shui Wa Shan due to the direct loss of this LR. In addition FLR 1.1 Ng Tung River (Fanling District), 1.2 Shek Sheung River will experience slight adverse impacts during construction due to the close interface with the works areas where excavation works will be required behind the river bank.

The remaining LRs will all experience insignificant impacts at the construction and operational stages.

Table 12C.8.2 Significance of Impacts on LCAs (DP7, 11 and 13)

LCA Code	Name	LCA Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Magnitude of Impact (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible		Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)
LCA Code	Name	LCA Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
KLCA1	Natural Hillside Landscape	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate
FLCA1	Natural Hillside Landscape	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate
FLCA2	Rural and Urban Peripheral Village Landscape	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant
FLCA4	Industrial Landscape	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant
FLCA7	Major Water Course Landscape	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant

In summary for LCAs, moderate impacts are predicted during the construction and operational stages for KLCA 1 and FLCA 1 – Hillside Landscape, located in KTN and FLN respectively. This impact would be generated as a result of the reservoir developments within this LCA of high sensitivity which would disrupt topography within this natural landscape setting.

The remaining LCAs will all experience a slight or insignificant impact at the construction and operational stages.

12C.9 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction and Operation

The proposed mitigation measures for the Project are summarized in Table 12C.9.1 below and described in detail following. Mitigation measures not applicable to these DPs have been omitted from this list. The same table also lists the agents responsible for the capital funding, the implementation and the maintenance of the suggested measures. These agents will be agreed before the start of construction.

Table 12C.9.1–Summary of Proposed Mitigation Measures

Mitigation Measure Code	Summary Description	Capital Funding Agency ⁽[1]⁾	Implementation Agency	Post-Construction Maintenance Agency⁽[2]⁾
MM1	Minimum Topographical Change	Government/ Private Sector	Contractors of the Government/ Private Sector	n/a
MM2	Detailed Design - Visual	Government/ Private Sector	Contractors of the Government/ Private Sector	DSD/WSD
MM4	Tree Protection & Preservation	Government/ Private Sector	Contractors of the Government/ Private Sector	n/a
MM5	Tree Transplantation	Government/ Private Sector	Contractors of the Government/ Private Sector	DSD/WSD
MM6	Slope Landscaping	Government/ Private Sector	Contractors of the Government/ Private Sector	DSD/WSD
MM7	Compensatory Planting	Government/ Private Sector	Contractors of the Government/ Private Sector	DSD/WSD
MM8	Woodland Compensatory Planting	Government/ Private Sector	Contractors of the Government/ Private Sector	DSD/WSD
MM9	Vertical Greening	Government/ Private Sector	Contractors of the Government/ Private Sector	DSD/WSD
MM10	Green Roof	Government/ Private Sector	Contractors of the Government/ Private Sector	DSD/WSD
MM11	Screen Planting	Government/ Private Sector	Contractors of the Government/ Private Sector	DSD/WSD
MM14.3	Watercourse Impact Mitigation – Enhancement Planting on Embankment	Government/Private Section	Contractors of the Government/Private Sector	DSD/WSD
MM16	Screen Hoarding	Government/ Private Sector	Contractors of the Government/ Private Sector	DSD/WSD
MM17	Light Control	Government/ Private Sector	Contractors of the Government/ Private Sector	DSD/WSD

Minimum Topographical Change (MM1)

Some elements of the revised RODP, in this case the Flushing Water Service Reservoirs, are still undergoing basic design refinements therefore the design assumes a worst case scenario whereby comprehensive mitigation measures would be required. The detailed design of these facilities should adopt a robust approach to minimising land take to reduce the potential for construction of engineered slopes and disruption to natural terrain. With respect to the proposed top water levels and founding levels, a cut slope formation of about 39m and 62m high for KTN and FLN flushing water service reservoirs respectively is envisaged. Based on preliminary stability assessment, the proposed cut / fill slope angle would not exceed 40° to satisfy the requirement of minimum Factor of Safety of 1.4.

To minimise landscape and visual impacts, the footprint and elevation should be optimised to reduce topographical/ landform changes, as well as reduce land take and interference with natural terrain and reduce overall earth movements. Where there is a need to significantly cut into the existing landform, retaining walls should also be considered as well as with profiled slopes, to minimise landform changes and land resumption.

Where engineered slopes are proposed, a terraced design is recommended that will allow planting of larger species planting within the slope face to assist with mitigating visual impacts. Generally these should link with other planted areas to avoid a conspicuous green patch on an otherwise unplanted hillside.

In addition, earthworks and engineered slopes should be designed to provide a structurally stable and visually interesting landform, which is compatible with surrounding landscape and mimics the natural contouring and terrain (e.g. introduction and continuation of natural features such as spurs and ridges where appropriate) to support assimilation with the hillside setting and avoid the appearance of straight, geometric line within the natural setting.

Detailed Design (Visual) (MM2)

The overall design of the DP has considered reducing visual impacts.

The form, textures, finishes and colours of the proposed SPS buildings and boundary treatments should aim to be compatible with the existing surroundings. To improve visual amenity, designs should be aesthetically pleasing and treatment of structures also improve visual amenity. For example natural building materials such as stone and timber, should be considered for architectural features, and light earthy tone colours such as shades of green, shades of grey, shades of brown and off-white should also be considered to reduce the visibility of the development components, including all structures, buildings and fencing.

For DP11 and DP7, the operational requirements for sewage treatment plant layout and built is likely to restrict some of the options in terms of visual improvements. Visual improvement can be achieved through the use of natural earthtone colours such as shades of green, shades of grey, shades of brown and off-white. In addition to tree screening, structural screens or barriers using natural materials, such as timber, that enclose unsightly features of the development can assist in reducing visual impact.

In terms of the reservoir construction works, the main structure of these will be below ground however, above ground features such a small ancillary buildings should also follow the approach described above.

Tree Protection & Preservation (MM4)

Exiting trees to be retained within the Project Site should be carefully protected during construction. Detailed Tree Protection Specification shall be provided in the Contract Specification. Under this specification, the Contractor shall be required to submit, for approval, a detailed working method statement for the protection of trees prior to undertaking any works adjacent to all retained trees, including trees in contractor’s works areas. (Tree protection measures will be detailed at Tree Removal Application stage).

Tree Transplantation (MM5)

Trees unavoidably affected by the Project works should be transplanted where practical. Trees should be transplanted straight to their final receptor site and not held in a temporary nursery as far as possible. A detailed Tree Transplanting Specification shall be provided in the Contract Specification, where applicable. Sufficient time for necessary tree root and crown preparation periods shall be allowed in the project programme. A detailed transplanting proposal will be submitted to relevant government departments for approval in accordance with ETWBTC 2/2004 and 3/2006 and final locations of transplanted trees should be agreed prior to commencement of the work.

Slope Landscaping (MM6)

Hydroseeding of modified slopes should be done as soon as grading works are completed to prevent erosion and subsequent loss of landscape resources and character. Woodland tree seedlings and/ or shrubs should be planted where the slope gradient and site conditions allow. In relation to embankments formed above the reservoirs, planting terraces are incorporated into the design to allow for greening of any engineered slopes.

In addition, landscape planting should be provided for the retaining structures associated with modified slopes, where conditions allow. All slope landscaping works should comply with GEO Publication No. 1/2011-Technical Guidelines on Landscape Treatment for Slopes.

Compensatory Planting (MM7)

Compensatory tree planting for felled trees shall be provided to the satisfaction of relevant Government departments. Required numbers and locations of compensatory trees shall be determined and agreed separately with Government during the Tree Removal Application process under ETWBTC 3/2006. Compensatory planting is proposed at the open areas within development lots.

Compensatory planting for shrub cover should be considered in suitable locations including native species such as Melastoma malabathricum, Diospyros vaccinioides, Gardenia jasminoides, Ixora chinensis, Ligustrum sinense, Litsea rotundifolia, Melastoma dodecandrum, Atalantia buxifolia, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Rhaphiolepis indica, and Rhododendron simsii.

For specific woodland compensatory planting, see MM8.

For compensatory planting in relation to reservoir construction, also see MM10.

Woodland Compensatory Planting (MM8)

Specific Woodland compensatory planting is proposed for any areas of woodland that are unavoidably affected. The location and design of the woodland compensatory planting will principally be within habitats of lower value such as upland grassland. These have been considered both within the NDAs.

The proposed locations are mostly on the foothills of Tai Shek Mo and on Fung Kong Shan in KTN NDA with a small area in the northern FLN NDA.

The total area allocated for compensatory woodland planting is more than 16 ha. This provision allows in part for the fact that it will take some time for the compensatory planting to achieve the landscape and ecological function and value of the area to be lost. In addition, it allows for the fact that not all of the areas identified for planting will prove to be plantable, by virtue of topography and ground conditions and, especially, because though the areas identified are largely grassland it is inevitable that these areas will already support some patches of trees and shrubs which would be inappropriate for further planting.

The intention of the compensatory woodland will be to recreate areas of quality woodland, not necessarily to compensate for loss of trees on a like for like basis. Native tree species are suggested for planting, including Ailanthus fordii, Bischofia javanica, Castanopsis fissa, Celtis sinensis, Cinnamomum burmannii, Cinnamomum camphora, Xanthoxlyum avicennae, Liquidambar formosana, Sapium discolor, Schefflera heptaphylla and Ilex rotunda. In addition some understory vegetation may be planted including shrubs such as Atalantia buxifolia, Diospyros vaccinioides, Gardenia jasminoides, Ixora chinensis, Ligustrum sinense, Litsea rotundifolia, Melastoma malabathricum, Melastoma dodecandrum, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Rhaphiolepis indica, and Rhododendron simsii.

Vertical Greening (MM9)

Planting of climbers to grow up vertical surfaces were appropriate, such as along perimeter fencing and building walls are recommended to break up uniform surfaces and provide visual amenity.

Green Roof (MM10)

Roof greening has been proposed for all sewage pumping stations in order to improve visual integration within the proposed urban setting and reduce exposure to untreated concrete surfaces and particularly mitigate visual impact to VSRs at high levels.

Green roofing is also proposed within the reservoir schemes; in this case the reservoir enclosure which covers the storage tanks can be landscaped. This will assist in reducing the exposure to untreated man-made surfaces. In addition, shrubland/ grassland can be established over the reservoir, partly compensating for the loss of this resource during construction.

Screen Planting (MM11)

Tall screen/buffer trees and shrubs should be planted to screen proposed structures such as sewage treatment plants and buildings. This measure may additionally form part of the compensatory planting and will improve compatibility with the surrounding environment and create a pleasant pedestrian environment.

Watercourse Impact Mitigation (MM14)

For channelized watercourses if these are modified, they should match the existing and include enhancement planting to upgrade the channels as appropriate, including consideration of wetland planting along embankments where appropriate.

Enhancement Planting on Embankment MM14.3

For channelised watercourses, if these are modified, the Drainage Services Department Practice Note No.1/2005 – Guidelines on Environmental Considerations for River Channel Design, should be considered and appropriate mitigation measures included ensuring the new watercourses match the existing as far as possible. Measures can include enhancement planting to upgrade the channels as appropriate, including consideration of wetland planting along embankments where appropriate; as well as consideration of the best materials for the channel lining (e.g. gabion). All measures must also ensure any necessary maintenance work can be carried out and that the channel meets all its requirements for water flow.

The proposed construction of sewage treatment facilities of DP7 and DP11 would interface with Ng Tung River and Shek Sheung River. All SPSs excluding SPS of Man Kam To Road would also interface with Ng Tung River. In all cases this would involve excavation works behind the river bank, including some breaking out of surfaces. As stated above, the replacement channel works should match the existing and where possible include enhancement planting.

Screen Hoarding (MM16)

Screen hoarding shall be erected along areas of the construction works site boundary where the works site borders with public accessible routes and/or is close to visually sensitive receivers (VSRs), to screen undesirable views of the works site. It is proposed that the screening be compatible with the surrounding environment and where possible, non-reflective, recessive colours be used.

Light Control (MM17)

Construction day and night time lighting should be controlled to minimise glare impact to adjacent VSRs during the construction stage. Street and night time lighting shall also be controlled to minimize glare impact to adjacent VSRs during the operation phase. This is considered a general measure for good practice.

The reservoir development will appear on undeveloped or artificially lit hillsides therefore external lighting provision should be heavily restricted.

Other good practise measures.

For areas unavoidably disturbed by the Project on a short term basis e.g. works areas, the general principle to try and restore these to their former state to suit future land use, should be adhered to.

With regard to topsoil, where identified, it should be stripped, treated appropriately, and where suitable and practical stored for re-use in the construction of the soft landscape works such as roadside amenity strips, and open space sites. It is assumed that the topmost 100mm of soil surface will be topsoil material. This good site practice and will also minimize off-site disposal.

For all planting, this should be installed as soon as the areas become available, to achieve early establishment.

12C.10 Significance of Residual Landscape Impacts upon mitigation

The proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures, as described in Section 12C.9, have been applied to the various impacts and used to identify potential residual impacts.

The potential significance of residual landscape impacts during the construction and operational phases, before and after mitigation at day 1 and year 10, are provided in Tables 12C.10.1 and 12C.10.2. The tables assume that the appropriate mitigation measures have been applied and that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be fully realised and established after 10 years.

Where insignificant impacts have been identified prior to mitigation, mitigation measures are still shown in the table as these areas would be applied as best practice in the construction and operational stages as part of a consistent design and construction approach.

Landscape mitigation measures are presented on Figures 12.52.52, 12.52.70 to 75, 12.52.87 to 88 and 12.52.91 to 94.

LR Code	Name	Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)	Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance UPON Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)
FLR 1	Channelized Water Course
1.1	Ng Tung River (Fanling District)	Slight	Insignificant	4, 5, 6, 7, 14.3	4, 6	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
1.2	Shek Sheung River	Slight	Insignificant	4, 5, 6, 7, 14.3	4, 6	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
FLR 6	Hillside Woodland
6.4	Hillside Woodland at Lung Shan and Wa Mei Shan	Moderate	Moderate	1, 4, 5, 8	4, 6	Sight	Slight	Insignificant
FLR 7	Lowland Woodland
7.2	Lowland Woodland at Fu Tei Au and Sheung Shui Water Treatment Works	Slight	Slight	1, 4, 5, 7	4, 6	Sight	Slight	Insignificant
FLR 8	Shrubland/ Grassland Mosaic
8.4	Shrubland/Grassland Mosaic at Lung Shan	Substantial	Substantial	1, 5, 6, 7, 9,10	4, 6	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
8.5	Shrubland/Grassland Mosaic in Tai Shek Mo and the Western Range Foothills	Substantial	Substantial	1, 5, 6, 7, 9,10	4, 6	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
KLR 9	Agricultural Land
9.2	Fu Tei Au Agricultural Land	Slight	Slight	1, 4, 5, 6, 7	4	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
9.5	Agricultural Land at Sheung Shui Wa Shan	Slight	Slight	1, 4, 5, 6, 7	4	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
FLR 12	Rural Development Area
12.7	Rural Development Area at Wo Hop Shek and Lung Shan	Insignificant	Insignificant	1, 4, 5, 6, 7	4	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
12.8	Rural Development Area around Ma Shi Po	Insignificant	Insignificant	1, 4, 5, 6, 7	4	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
FLR 13	Industrial/Open Storage
13.1	Sheung Shui Industrial/Open Storage Area	Insignificant	Insignificant	1, 4, 5, 6, 7	4	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant

VP CODE	Name	Category of VSR (Strategic/ District/ Local)	Type of VSR	Approximate Closest Viewing Distance (m) to Proposed Schedule 2 DP	Number of Individuals (Very Many / Many / Few / Very Few)	Quality of Existing View (Good / Fair / Poor)	Availability of Alternative Views (Yes / No)	Degree of Visibility (Full / Partial / Glimpse)	Duration of view (Long, Medium, Short)	Frequency of View (Very Frequent / Frequent / Occasional / Rare)	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)
KVP10 (K5b)	Southern Knoll of Fung Kong Shan	District	Recreational (& some Residential & Occupational)	Approx.100m when looking towards both east and south	Few	Good	Yes	Full	Medium	Frequent	Medium
Fung Kong Shan ridgeline runs in an inverted C shape from north to south and the ridgeline is not easily accessible with no clear path and much vegetation. The view north is partially blocked by the northern ridge, some Shenzhen high rise buildings are still visible in the background. The existing electricity pylons nearby and open industrial area at the northern base are both visually detracting elements to the view which in general is green from the shrubby grassland of the hills. View looks towards the proposed location for the Kwu Tung North Flushing Water Service Reservoir.

VP Code	Name	Category of VSR (Strategic/ District/ Local)	Type of VSR	Approximate Closest Viewing Distance (m) to Proposed Schedule 2 DP	Number of Individuals (Very Many / Many / Few / Very Few)	Quality of Existing View (Good / Fair / Poor)	Availability of Alternative Views (Yes / No)	Degree of Visibility (Full / Partial / Glimpse)	Duration of view (Long, Medium, Short)	Frequency of View (Very Frequent / Frequent / Occasional / Rare)	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)
FVP4	Corner of San Wan Road and San Po Street	Local	Pedestrian, travelling	15	Many	Poor	Yes	Partial	Short	Frequent	Low
View from end of service road leading to the south of Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment works. Glimpse views of the existing sewage treatment plant above ancillary buildings and sheds are possible. The boundary wall of the STW and security fencing of the MTR East Rail line channel views along the service road. Views toward the peaks and ridgelines of Tai Shek Mo form the backdrop of the view.
FVP5	Chuk Wan Street adjacent Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works.	Local	Pedestrian, travelling	50	Many	Poor	Yes	Partial	Short	Frequent	Low
VP represents a typical view from pedestrian / vehicular bridge crossing Ng Tung River adjacent to the existing Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works. Generally the view from the area is enclosed until reaching this point whereby longer distance views are made possible along the open corridor of the channelized river. The engineered embankment and formalized channels are a visual detractor in the views; this together with the STW facilities and other industrial type buildings and uses forms a relatively poor quality environment. The elevated and undulating terrain forming the background to the views provide some positive visual amenity.
FVP6a	Highpoint above Fu Tei Au Tsuen, facing south	District	Recreational	400	Few	Good	Yes	Full	Short	Occasional	Medium
	VP represents typical view from hillside above Fu Tei Au Tsuen looking towards the Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works and the western edge of the Sheung Shui urban area. The STW and adjacent slaughter house buildings are very large scale and detract from the quality of the view. Area of agricultural land (including some ponds) evokes a rural character although this is highly fragmented as a result of areas of built form and the engineered channels of Ng Tung river. The mountainous terrain of Kai Kung Leng within Lam Tsuen Country Park creates a dramatic backdrop to the view.
FVP7	Jockey Club Road, adjacent Ha Pak Tsuen	Local	Pedestrian, travelling	90	Many	Poor	Yes	Partial	Short	Frequent	Low
VP represents typical view along Jockey Club road adjacent to Ha Pak Tsuen. Residential developments are set back behind dense screens formed by mature vegetation. Vegetation cover beyond residential boundaries becomes sparser and less mature. Open storage land use on the other side of the road detracts significantly from the quality of the view. Glimpse views towards the high ground of Cheung Po Tau provide some visual amenity.
FVP8	Access road adjacent Ng Tung River, west of Wa Shan Tsuen	Local	Recreational	50	Many	Fair	Yes	Partial	Short	Occasional	Medium
VP represents typical view on access path running parallel to Ng Tung River to the west of Wa Shan Tsuen. The river corridor allows open uninterrupted views through the local area. Mature tree cover along the boundary of the path (on both sides of the river) screens the appearance of the smaller scale village type developments and surrounding agricultural land, only the high rise built form within the Sheung Shui / Fanling urban areas is visible.
FVP9	Access track, Sheung Shui Wa Shan	Local	Residential, Occupational	125	Few	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Long	Frequent	Medium
Typical view experienced from within the Sheung Shui Wa Shan area. The gently sloping terrain and intervening mature vegetation cover forms a comprehensive screen between the village area and Ng Tung River and subsequent urban area of Sheung Shui making outward views difficult. Glimpsed views of mountains and ridgelines within Lam Tsuen Country Park can be seen above the tree line. Land uses within this area are varied; parking, hard standing and smaller commercial units detract from the overall visual quality.
FVP11	Sitting out area adjacent road bridge over Ng Tung River	Local	Recreational, travelling	110	Many	Fair	Yes	Partial	Short	Frequent	Medium
This VP represents the typical view experienced from the small sitting out area/shelter which overlooks Ng Tung River, facing back towards Sheung Shui, from the river path. The various low scale village and agricultural development throughout the northern area of Sheung Shui are well concealed with mature vegetation of the middle ground whereas the high-rise built form of the urban area dominates the view. The rigid geometry of engineered river channels detracts from the quality of the view.
FVP12	Lung Sum Avenue adjacent Woodland Crest	Local	Pedestrian, residential and travelling.	80	Many	Fair	Yes	Partial	Long	Frequent	High
This VP demonstrates the view along Lum Sum Avenue facing northeast, in front of the Woodland Crest Estate. The road, car parking and fenced off concrete drainage channel form the majority of the view. Vegetation cover is sparse and appears unmaintained. Long distance views to mountains on the horizon provide valuable visual amenity.
FVP25	Residential Block, Wah Sum Estate	District	Residential	515	Very Many	Good	Yes	Full	Long	Very Frequent	High
This VP demonstrates the typical view from residential towers located at the Wah Sum Estate and its immediate vicinity. The elevation allows for an unobstructed view through the valley to the south east of Fanling and along the infrastructure corridor formed by the MTR East Rail Line and Fanling Highway. The mountainsides of Lung Shan and Kau Lung Hang Shan dominate the view. Villages and isolated developments occupy a large percentage of the valley floor.

Table 12C.13.1- Magnitude of visual change for visual sensitive receivers (VSRs) due to Schedule 2 DPs (7, 11 and 13)

.VP (Yes [Y]/ blank)	VSR Code (Code for other NDA)	Name	VSR Category (Strategic/ District/ Local)	Key Designated Projects (DPs)/ Sites with Structures causing Visual Impact (Land Use Type)*	Blockage of View (Full/ Partial/ Nil)	Approximate Closest Viewing Distance to Proposed NDA (m)	Scale of Development (Large/ Medium/ Small)	Compatibility with Surrounding Landscape (Good /Fair /Poor)		Duration of Impact (Temporary [Short/Medium term], Permanent)		Reversibility of Change (Reversible/ Irreversible)		Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
		Name	VSR Category (Strategic/ District/ Local)		Blockage of View (Full/ Partial/ Nil)		Scale of Development (Large/ Medium/ Small)	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
		Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation
Y	KVP10 (K5b north)	Southern Knoll of Fung Kong Shan	District	DP7 (Kwu Tung North Flushing Water Service Reservoir)	Partial	Approx.100m when looking towards both east and south	Medium	Poor	Poor	Temporary [Short]	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
		VP would experience views towards the construction works associated with the KTN Flushing Water Service Reservoir. This would involve major earthwork operations to form the level platform for the reservoir area and permanent removal of the natural hillside, replacing it with slopes and level area of a highly engineered and un-natural appearance. Due to the scale of operations the construction works are likely to be highly visible together with the construction movements to handle the large amounts of cut material taken from the hillside. Given the removal of natural landscape and replacement with engineered forms in this view, the compatibility of the works are considered to be poor in construction and operation. As a result of the scale of change that will occur in the view and openness of the local landscape towards this point, the magnitude of change in construction and operation is considered to be intermediate. Overall the magnitude of change is predicted to be intermediate during construction and operation.
	FVP4	Corner of San Wan Road and San Po Street	Local	DP11	Partial	15	Large	Fair	Good	Temporary [short]	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Intermediate	Small
		VP would experience views toward the south of the proposed SWHSTW upgrading works. Decommission and demolition works would be visible within the existing site footprint together with reconstruction and reconfiguration of the plant. Given the established development of the STW in this view there will not be a large change in the type of view experienced in the future, there compatibility of the project is considered to be fair during construction and good in operation. As a result of the works, in this view, being contained within the existing footprint of the STW, the main change in this landscape would be the demolition and reconfiguration (including resizing) of existing facilities. In this case it is considered that the magnitude of change during construction would be intermediate, reducing to small in operation would be small.
	FVP5	Chuk Wan Street adjacent Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works	Local	DP7 and DP11	Partial	50	Medium	Fair	Good	Temporary [Short]	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
		VP would mainly experience views towards the Proposed Expansion and Upgrading of Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works, although glimpse views through the site towards DP7 (TSE at SWHSTW) may be possible during construction and operation. Views towards the construction works to form the extension to the STW works involving vegetation clearance and excavation works. Operational views would include new above ground storage tanks and ancillary buildings. The scale of the development is relatively large as the works cover the whole site and will occupy a site which has been used for open storage purposed without permanent structures. Taking into account the existing visual setting of the STW and Slaughter House together with the generally degraded and highly engineered landscape, the compatibility of the DPs are considered to be fair during construction and good in operation. As a result of the increased footprint of the proposed works, the presence of the STW will increase within the immediate landscape setting causing additional visual intrusion. As this development is linked to the existing facility there is some visual association which would assist in lessening the overall perception of change. As a result the overall magnitude of change during construction and operation would be intermediate.
Y	FVP6a	Highpoint above Fu Tei Au Tsuen, facing south	District	DP7 and DP11	Partial	400	Large	Fair	Fair	Temporary [Short]	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
		VP would experience view over the proposed SWHSTW upgrading and Extension works together with the adjacent Utilisation of TSE site adjacent. As a result of the elevation, the full extent of the DP areas can be seen; this would be worsened by any vegetation clearance within the site which could open up the view further. A clear view of the construction works would be possible together with the upgrading works to the existing STW. Taking into account that the site would be viewed within the context of an industrial and highly disturbed landscape the compatibility during construction and operation is considered to be fair. Due to the combined scale of the construction site, associated clearance works, opening up of view, extent of visibility and the likely visually intrusive operations of the construction works the magnitude of change during construction is considered to be large. As this development is linked to the existing facility there is some visual association which would assist in lessening the overall perception of change however, the development works comprise very large structures. As a result the overall magnitude of change during construction and operation would be large.
	FVP7	Jockey Club Road, adjacent Ha Pak Tsuen	Local	DP13	Partial	90	Small	Good	Good	Temporary [Short]	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Negligible	Negligible
Y		Views from this VSR will experience some change as a result of the SPS off Man Kam To Road where demolition and construction activity to form the building and boundary walling would be partially visible. The site is presently used for open storage and has already been heavily altered. Existing tree cover spread throughout the open storage provides some intervening cover. As a result of existing highly changeable open storage landscape together with the degraded nature of the view, the compatibility during construction and operation is considered to the good. Due to small scale nature of the DP in the view combined with a good compatibility with the receiving landscape, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be negligible.
	FVP8	Access road adjacent Ng Tung River, west of Wa Shan Tsuen	Local	DP13	Partial	50	Small	Poor	Fair	Temporary [Medium]	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
		VP would experience views of the construction and operation of the SPS south of Wa Shan which fronts onto the river channel in the middle ground of the view. Tree clearance within the construction footprint would open up partial views of the construction works. The site would also be seen in the context of the Fanling Bypass Western Section which would be a far larger component of the view. Due to existing mature tree cover and the relatively undeveloped appearance of the immediate view, it is considered that the SPS would have a poor compatibility with the receiving landscape. In operation it would be seen in conjunction with the Fanling Bypass and other landscaping works therefore the compatibility would be fair. As a result of the small scale footprint of the site, the magnitude of change in construction and operation is considered to be small.
	FVP11	Sitting out area adjacent road bridge over Ng Tung River	Local	DP13	Partial	110	Small	Fair	Fair	Temporary [Short]	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Small	Negligible
		VP will experience views of the construction and operation of the SPS opposite Sacred Hill which is located directly across the river. Vegetation clearance works within the site would open up the works and views to construction operations to form the pumping station building and surrounding boundary wall. In the future the SPS would be seen in the context of the FLN NDA development. Taking into account the existing urban backdrop and previous leveling and development works in the proposed site, the compatibility of the DP during construction and operation is considered to be fair. As result of the fair compatibility and small scale nature of the development in the view and the future backdrop/integration with the FLN NDA, the overall magnitude of change is considered to be small in construction and negligible in operation. The magnitude of change, therefore, is considered to be small during construction and negligible in operation.
	FVP12	Lung Sum Avenue adjacent Woodland Crest	Local	DP13	Partial	110	Small	Fair	Fair	Temporary [Short]	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Small	Negligible
		VP will experience views of the construction and operation of the SPS opposite Sacred Hill which is located to the right hand side of the view at end of the concrete channel which leads to Ng Tung River. Vegetation clearance works within the site would open up the works and views to construction operations to form the pumping station building and surrounding boundary wall. In the future the SPS would be seen in the context of the FLN NDA development. Taking into account the future urban backdrop and previous leveling and development works in the proposed site, the compatibility of the DP during construction and operation is considered to be fair. As result of the fair compatibility and small scale nature of the development in the view and the future integration with the FLN NDA, the overall magnitude of change is considered to be small in construction and negligible in operation. The magnitude of change, therefore, is considered to be small during construction and negligible in operation.
Y	FVP25	Residential Block, Wah Sum Estate	District	DP7 (Fanling North Flushing Water Service Reservoir)	Partial	515	Medium	Poor	Poor	Temporary [Medium]	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
		VP would experience views towards the construction works associated with the FLN Flushing Water Service Reservoir. This would involve major earthwork operations to form the level platform for the reservoir area and permanent removal of the natural hillside, replacing it with slopes and level area of a highly engineered and un-natural appearance. Due to the scale of operations the construction works are likely to be highly visible together with the construction movements to handle the large amounts of cut material taken from the hillside. Given the removal of natural landscape and replacement with engineered forms in this view, the compatibility of the works are considered to be poor in construction and operation. As a result of the medium scale of change that will occur in the view and openness of the local landscape towards this point, the magnitude of change in construction and operation is considered to be intermediate. Overall the magnitude of change is predicted to be intermediate during construction and operation.

VSR Code (Code for other NDA)	Name	VSR Category (Strategic/ District/ Local)	VSR Type	VSR Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)	Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)	Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance UPON Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)
Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation Day 1	Operation Year 10
KVP10 (K5b north)	Southern Knoll of Fung Kong Shan	District	Recreational (& some Residential & Occupational)	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate/ Substantial	Moderate/ Substantial	1, 2, 4, 6, 11, 16	2, 9, 11, 12, 17	Moderate/ substantial	Moderate	Slight

VSR Code (Code for other NDA)	Name	VSR Category (Strategic/ District/ Local)	VSR Type	VSR Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)	Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)	Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance UPON Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)
FVP 4	Corner of San Wan Road and San Po Street	Local	Pedestrian, travelling	Low	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Slight	2, 4, 11, 16, 17	2, 4, 11, 16, 17	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
FVP5	Chuk Wan Street adjacent Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works.	Local	Pedestrian, travelling	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Slight	Slight	2, 4, 11, 16, 17	2, 9, 10, 11, 17	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
FVP6a	Highpoint above Fu Tei Au Tsuen, facing south	District	Recreational	Medium	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate	2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 17	2, 9, 10 11, 12, M17	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
FVP7	Jockey Club Road, adjacent Ha Pak Tsuen.	Local	Pedestrian, travelling	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	2, 4, 11, 16, 17	2, 9, 11, 12, 14, 17	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
FVP8	Access road adjacent Ng Tung River, west of Wa Shan	Local	Recreational	Medium	Small	Small	Slight/ Moderate	Slight	2, 4, 11, 16, 17	2, 9, 11, 17	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
FVP11	Sitting out area adjacent road bridge over Ng Tung River.	Local	Recreational, travelling	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight/ Moderate	Insignificant	2, 4, 11, 16, 17	2, 9, 11, 12, 14, 17	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
FVP12	Lung Sum Avenue adjacent Woodland Crest Estate.	Local	Pedestrian, residential and travelling	High	Small	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant	2, 4, 6, 11, 16, 17	2, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
FVP25	Residential Block, Wah Sum Estate	District	Residential	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate/ Substantial	Moderate/ Substantial	1, 2, 4, 11, 16, 17	2, 9, 11, 12, 17	Moderate/ Substantial	Moderate	Slight

12C.15 Conclusion

12C.15.1 Landscape Character Areas

In terms of residual impact on LCAs, moderate adverse impacts, prior to mitigation, are predicted during the construction and operational stages for KCLA1 and FLCA 1 – Hillside Landscape within KTN and FLN, generated as a result of the reservoir developments within the natural landscape of these high sensitivity LCAs. The proposed mitigation measures, including minimisation of topographical change, compensatory planting within the DP boundary and slope landscaping of the new cut slopes, will assist in reducing the initial scale of the impact. The site does allow potential to plant areas within the site, such as on the proposed cut slopes above the reservoir and greening measure such as green roofing type treatments to the reservoir cover so that planting can be re-established insitu. In this case it is considered that post mitigation; moderate adverse impacts would remain during construction reducing to insignificant after 10 years of operation. This follows establishment of landscape planting measures including compensatory planting, tree protection and preservation on the fringes of the DPs, tree transplantation and green roofing.

The remaining LCAs will all experience slight or insignificant impact at the construction and operational stages. This is as a result of the construction works being largely within industrial areas where the impacts to the resource would be limited due to the existing poor condition and low sensitivity. This principally relates to DP7 and 11 works at SWHSTW.

12C.15.2 Landscape Resources

Only a very small area (approximately 400m²) of Hillside Woodland at Lung Shan and Wa Mei Shan (FLR-6.4) would be affected by the FLN Flushing Water Reservoir works. Moderate adverse impacts prior to mitigation are predicted, these would be generated by the high sensitivity of the resource and requirement for felling to reconfigure the existing road access. Measures to protect and preserve trees, as well as transplant and actively compensate them with woodland plantation, will reduce this impact. Since this LR is on hillside, measures to reinstate/ landscape any slopes that are affected will also help mitigate impacts. The impact level is considered to reduce to slight at construction and operation day 1, and become insignificant by year 10 when the compensatory woodland planting will have matured to its full potential.

Substantial adverse impacts during construction and operation prior to mitigation are predicted in relation to FLR-8.4 Shrubland/Grassland Mosaic at Lung Shan and FLR-8.5 Shrubland/Grassland Mosaic in Tai Shek Mo and the Western Ranges Foothills. This is as a result of construction works for the KTN and FLN Flushing Water Reservoirs despite the relatively small construction footprint. Considerable site formation works would be required comprising cut/ fill slopes of up to 62m and 38m respectively at a maximum 40 degree gradient. Detailed engineering design of the reservoirs is not finalised however, measures to minimise changes to natural terrain, reduce land take and reduce overall earth movements should be integrated within the works. Retaining walls should also be considered as well as cut slopes where this would allow reduced landform changes. Engineered slopes should integrate tree/shrub planting across the face to help screen and visually integrate these features with the surrounding landscape. The engineered landform should be carefully detailed so that these slopes can tie into existing natural contours beyond the works area. Landscaping of the reservoir roofs will also help to mitigate the impact to the shrubland/ grassland (no trees will be planted on the roof itself) by creating a green vegetated area rather than hardscape surface. Planting of climbers to grow up vertical surfaces where appropriate would also soften any wall structures and break up uniform surfaces. By implementing all these measures as well as taking care to landscape any slopes that are formed and implement protection, preservation, transplantation and compensatory planting for trees, the impact is considered to reduce to moderate at operation day 1. With soft landscaping maturing and conferring greater mitigation by year 10 of operation, the impact is considered to be slight.

It is considered that all the remaining impacts to LRs could be mitigated to slight or insignificant at the construction stage through mitigation works.

12C.15.3 Visual Impact

In summary, the visual impact assessment determined that VSRs in the vicinity of FVP25 Residential Block, Wah Sum Estate would experience moderate/ substantial adverse visual impacts as a result of the construction of the FLN FWSR (DP7). These impacts would result from the loss of natural hillside terrain through the large scale earthwork operations required to form the level area required for the reservoir platform and upper slope stabilisation. In operation day 1 this is considered to reduce to moderate as the scale of the construction footprint will reduce and visual mitigation measure such as screen planting will have been implemented. Measures such as screen planting around the perimeter of the facility, on engineered slopes and green roof treatment across the reservoir itself will assist greatly in breaking up the appearance of the DP within its landscape setting. Whilst these mitigation measures can assist in reducing the adverse operational visual impacts, it is unlikely they could ever fully mitigate the intrusion of engineered forms (reservoir and slopes) into a natural landscape setting. It is predicted that at year 10, once visual mitigation measures have fully established and reached a sufficient level of maturity that the residual impact significance could be reduced to slight. This takes into account the extent and high visibility of infrastructure corridors (MTRC East Rail and Fanling Highway) within the valley floor. These features are considered large scale visual detractors; when the reservoir is seen in the context of these features, it is considered the overall visual impact of the DP would be less severe.

Prior to visual mitigation works, VSRs in the vicinity of KVP10 (K5b north) Southern Knoll of Fung Kong Shan are predicted to experience moderate / substantial adverse impacts due to the construction and operation of the KTN FWSR (DP7). As in the case of the FLN FWSR, the principal source of the impact is derived from the major earthworks operations to form the platform for the reservoir and the visibility of stabilisation works to the upper slope faces, all set within a large area of natural landscape. Due to the visual openness of the receiving landscape, as a result of low level shrubland ground cover, the construction works are likely to be highly visible from a wide area. Following application of mitigation measures including screen planting around the perimeter of the facility, on engineered slopes and green roof treatment across the reservoir it is considered by operation (day 1) these visual impacts will reduce to a moderate level as construction movements, open ground and slope cutting works will have ceased and overall works area reduced. At this stage, visual mitigation measures will not have achieved a level of maturity that would fully assist with the visual integration of the development into the receiving landscape. It is predicted the residual impact significance at year 10 of operation would reduce to slight following mitigation works reaching a sufficient level of maturity. This assessment takes into account the future visibility of road development forming part of DP4, residential and potential activity centre development forming part of the KTN NDA which would be seen in front of the reservoir within the lower valley. In this case these new developments would provide an urban context to the DP which would lessen the impact severity of the reservoir from the VSR.

Moderate adverse impacts during construction have been predicted for FVP4 Corner of San Wan Road and San Po Street, FVP6a Highpoint above Fu Tei Au Tsuen, facing south and FVP12 Lung Sum Avenue adjacent Woodland Crest. In relation to FVP4, the moderate adverse impacts predicted at the construction stage prior to mitigation relate to DP11, construction works of the SWHSTW would be visible, whilst it is considered that the visual impact will reduce to slight at operation as the type of view experience would not have large change given the established development of the SWHSTW in this view. By implementing screen planting, vertical greening and green roof, the residual impact is considered to be insignificant at operation.

In the case of VSRs in the vicinity of FVP6a, the impacts are generated by the construction stage of the SWHSTW upgrading and extension works (DP11) and TSE at SWHSTW (DP7). These impacts are generated by the combination of the construction footprint of these adjoining sites together with the likely visually intrusive scale of the construction operations (demolition and plant assembly). As these new large scale structures will be visually associated with the existing STW, slaughter house facilities, engineered channel of the Ng Tung River and wider urban and industrial setting, increasing the overall footprint of industrial form in the local landscape, the level of impact is considered to remain at a moderate adverse level during construction and operation day 1 post mitigation. Ultimately once screen planting, vertical greening and green roof measures have been implemented and planting has established then the level of impact at operation year 10 would reduce to slight.

In relation to FVP12, the moderate adverse impacts predicted at the construction stage prior to mitigation relate to DP13 SPS opposite Sacred Hill and respond to the high sensitivity of residential VSRs in the vicinity. Given the small scale nature of the DP, it is considered these impacts can be reduced to slight during the construction mainly through screening measures, green roofing and vertical greening combined with good site practices (screen hoarding and light control). The site has been previously disturbed through levelling works and sits within a wider visual setting of the channelized Ng Tung River; in the future developments forming part of the FLN NDA will also be seen within the view. In this case, also taking into consideration the low height and footprint of the DP, the level of impact would drop to insignificant during the operation stages post mitigation. The impacts in relation to FVP11 Sitting out area adjacent to road bridge over Ng Tung River relate to the same DP and impact mitigation corresponds to the same influences and outcome.

It is considered that all remaining VSRs could be mitigated to slight and insignificant at the construction stage through mitigation works.

12C.15.4 Cumulative impacts

Cumulative impacts are assessed for concurrent developments together with the wider NDA projects as follows.

12C.15.5 FLN & KTN NDA

The assessment of impacts in relation to LRs and LCAs in this section has considered the construction of the schedule 2 DPs in isolation so that it is possible to identify and quantify their specific influences and contributions to potential landscape and visual impacts within the wider NDA projects. In general the construction footprint of the schedule 2 DPs are significantly smaller than the schedule 3 components and the associated impacts on LRs and LCAs are also far smaller. When considered together the impact of the schedule 2 projects would not alter the outcome of the Schedule 3 assessment as this has taken into the account the same LRs/LCAs within broadly the same study area. It is only on the periphery of the urban area where the schedule 2 DPs potentially exert additional impact on LRs and LCAs beyond the construction footprint of the Schedule 3 works such as both KTN and FLN Flushing Water Service Reservoirs. In both cases the assessment has identified that these works cannot be fully mitigated through direct landscape mitigation compensation and the principal method of dealing with their presence would be through visual mitigation.

In the case of the FLN FWSR, the cumulative impact of the DP would not change the current assessment as the FLN NDA is remote from the associated works area.

In relation to KTN FWSR, this would be seen in the context of the far larger proposed KTN fresh water service reservoir which would be located to the east of the DP on the same hillside. In this case the overall cumulative impact is likely to become more severe (from slight to moderate) in the operational stage year 10 scenario due to the large extent of the hillside that will be affected.

In terms of visual impact, the DP13 SPS structures will be integrated directly within or around the FLN NDA therefore in operation, they will be seen in the context of the new urban development of which they will form a very small component. In this case there would be no change in the impact assessment.

12C.15.6 Agreement No. CE42/2006(TP) Planning Study on Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Cross-boundary Control Point and its Associated Connecting Roads in Hong Kong – Feasibility Study.

A new Boundary Control Point (BCP) is proposed to be constructed at Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai together with its connecting roads and other associated works. These works involve a tunnel portal which will appear on the same hillside, approximately 500m further to the south together with associated road infrastructure (on viaducts) which connect to the Fanling Highway. There will be a significant intrusion of new road into the open valley landscape in the vicinity of the reservoir which will have a far greater operational footprint. In this case, this case there may be a marginal increase in the cumulative impact from high sensitivity VSRs with a view of this area. However, the visual impact mitigation measures associated with the reservoir would ultimately assist the development to become more recessive into the landscape setting through greening, becoming less associated with the wider highway infrastructure works which are a more dominant visual detractor.

12C.15.7 Agreement No. CE53/2008(CE) Planning and Engineering Study on Development of Lok Ma Chau Loop - Investigation

The LMC Loop eastern connection road lies within the study area of KTN NDA; this will link to DP 4 (KTN NDA Road D1 to D5) distributor road south of Ma Tso Lung. This project is remote from the DPs within this assessment; there would be no cumulative impacts.

12C.15.8 Widening of Tolo Highway/ Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling (Stage 2)

This project falls on the outer visual setting of the FLN FWSR, where is may form part of the view from existing sensitive VSRs. In this case, as the works are well contained within the highway corridor, it is unlikely to affect the assessment. In terms of landscape impacts, there are also not affected.

12C.15.9 Construction of cycle tracks and the associated supporting facilities from Sha Po Tsuen to Shek Sheung River.

This project is remote from the DPs within this assessment; there would be no cumulative impacts.

12C.15.10 Site Formation and Associated Infrastructural Works for Development of Columbarium, Crematorium and Related Facilities at Sandy Ridge Cemetery.

The Sandy Ridge site is located to the north of the two NDA sites, to the east of the NG Tung River and adjacent to Lo Wu MTR station at the border with Shenzhen. This project is remote from these DPs and there would be no cumulative impact.

12C.15.11 Overall Conclusion

It is considered that work in relation to the SWHSTW comprising DPs 7 and 11 (including the expansion, upgrading and adjacent utilisation of TSE) and the proposed SPS in FLN NDA (DP13) would generally be acceptable within the receiving landscape both in term of landscape and visual impact. Through the application of mitigation measures, principally compensatory planting (for screening and replacement trees) and sensitive detailed design of the future developments, the majority of impacts during the construction stage can be controlled to slight or insignificant levels. In operation these impacts can all be mitigated to insignificant or slight levels at an early stage when landscape planting has matured, providing effective screening and compensation for loss of landscape resources incurred at the construction stage.

In this case, tree screening mitigation measures combined with landscape treatments to engineered slopes can assist in reducing the visual impact of the reservoir developments to slight adverse impacts at operational stage year 10. It is considered that, providing full implementation of the recommended mitigation measure that visually these developments would be acceptable within the landscape setting.

On review of the likely residual impacts and possibility to reduce all to slight or insignificant level by operational year 10, it is considered that DPs 7, 11 and 13 would be acceptable in terms of landscape and visual impacts.

^([1]) CEDD/ other government departments will be responsible for funding except where sites are tendered out to private investors, when these investors will be responsible for the funding.

^([2]) The Contractor will be responsible for landscaping during the agreed establishment and maintenance period. Other designated maintenance agents to take up maintenance of landscaping after end of agreed period.

DP Package C
7	Utilization of Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) from Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works (SWHSTW)	F4	An activity for the reuse of treated sewage effluent from a treatment plant. Three facilities are included: Site for utilisation of TSE at SWH STW (FLN Site A2-3). KTN Flushing Water Service Reservoir (KTN Site G1-4). FLN Flushing Water Service Reservoir (FLN Site D4-1).
11	Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works - Further Expansion (SWHSTW)	F1	Sewage treatment works with an installed capacity of more than 15,000 m3 per day.
13	New Sewage Pumping Stations (SPSs) in FLN NDA	F3	A sewage pumping station---(b) with an installed capacity of more than 2000 m3 per day and a boundary of which is less than 150 m from an existing or planned residential area or educational institution. 4no. SPS are included: (1) SPS south of Fu Tei Au (FLN Site A1-6). (2) SPS off Man Kam To Road (FLN Site B2-3). (3) SPS south of Wa Shan (FLN Site B1-4). (4) SPS opposite Sacred Hill (FLN Site C2-3).