10 Landscape and visual

10.1 Introduction

10.1.1.1 This section summarizes the findings of the landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) for the Yuen Long Effluent Polishing Plant (YLEPP).

10.1.1.2 The purpose of the LVIA is as follows:

a) The landscape and visual baseline reviews of the existing condition landscape resources (LRs) and landscape character areas (LCAs), planning and development control framework, and the visual amenity and visually sensitive receivers (VSRs).

b) The assessment identifies potential landscape and visual impacts that would occur during the construction and operational phases of all above-ground structures for YLEPP.

c) Identify key issues and potentially significant changes to the existing landscape and visual conditions that could result from the “Project” and associated facilities during construction and operation; and

d) Recommend mitigation measures in terms of reducing landscape and visual impacts.

10.1.1.3 The assessment area for landscape impact assessment shall include areas within a 500m distance from the site boundary of the YLEPP and any other areas likely to be impacted by YLEPP. The assessment area for the visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope of the Project.

10.1.1.4 The list of all Designated Projects (DPs) under Schedule 2 within the assessment area is listed in Section 1 of this EIA report. The alternative options/alignments/designs for the Project considered are discussed in Section 2 of this EIA report.

10.1.1.5 There are 3 DPs involved in YLEPP:-

· Item F.1, Part I of Schedule 2 of the EIAO - Sewage treatment works with an installed capacity of more than 15,000 m3/day.

· Item F.4, Part of Schedule 2 of the EIAO - an activity for reuse of treated sewage effluent from a treatment plant

· Item G.4, Part I of Schedule 2 of the EIAO - A waste disposal facility (excluding any refuse collection point), or waste disposal activity, for (a) refuse; or (b) chemical, industrial or special wastes

10.1.1.6 The abovementioned DPs are located within the existing boundary of YLSTW. The design of YLEPP would involve all these DPs elements, which merge in the entire sewage/sludge treatment process and energy recovery functions. Thus, the YLEPP, which involves all the DPs elements, is assessed as a whole.

10.2 Environmental Legislation, Standards and Criteria

10.2.1.1 The following legislation, standards and guidelines are applicable to landscape and visual impact assessment associated with the construction and operation of the YLEPP:

· EIAO (Cap.499 S.16) and the EIAO-TM, particularly Annexes 10 and 18;

· EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010 Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment;

· Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131);

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

· Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) Chapter 4 – Recreation, Open Space & Greening, Chapter 10 - Conservation and Chapter 11 – Urban Design Guidelines;

· AFCD Nature Conservation Practice Note No. 2 - Measurement of Diameter at Breast Height (DBH);

· AFCD Nature Conservation Practice Note No. 3 – The Use of Plant Names;

· ETWB TCW No. 29/2004 - Registration of Old and Valuable Trees (OVT), and Guidelines for their Preservation;

· ETWB TCW No. 8/2005 - Aesthetic Design of Ancillary Buildings in Engineering Projects;

· DEVB TCW No. 2/2012 - Allocation of Space for Quality Greening on Roads;

· DEVB TCW No. 3/2012 - Site Coverage of Greenery for Government Building Projects;

· DEVB TCW No. 6/2015 - Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features;

· DEVB TCW No. 7/2015 - Tree Preservation;

· Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) Publication No. 1/2011 – Technical Guidelines on Landscape Treatment and Bio-Engineering for Man-Made Slopes and Retaining Walls;

· Guidelines on Tree Transplanting (September 2014) issued by Greening, Landscape and Tree Management (GLTM) Section of DEVB;

· Guidelines on Tree Preservation during Development (April 2015) issued by GLTM Section of DevB; and

· Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong.

10.2.1.2 Outline Zoning Plans (OZPs) gazetted under Town Planning Ordinance provides the statutory framework for land use development. The relevant OZPs includes S/YL-LFS/9 Lau Fau Shan & Tsim Bei Tsui OZP, S/YL-MP/6 Mai Po & Fairview Park OZP, S/YL-NSW/8 Nan Sang Wai OZP, S/YL-PS/18 Ping Shan OZP and S/YL/23 Yuen Long OZP.

10.3 Assessment Methodologies

10.3.1 Landscape Impact Assessment Methodology

Landscape Baseline Review and Assessment on Degree of Sensitivity on Landscape Resources (LRs) and Landscape Character Areas (LCAs)

10.3.1.1 The assessment of the potential impacts of a proposed scheme on the existing landscape comprises two distinct sections, namely the baseline survey and the landscape impact assessment. Landscape Impact Assessment (LIA) Study Area has been undertaken to include all areas within 500m of the site boundary in accordance with the EIA Study Brief.

10.3.1.2 A baseline survey of the existing landscape resources and landscape character has been undertaken based on a combination of desktop studies and site surveys. The landscape elements which contribute to the landscape character include:

· Local topography and geology

· Woodland extent and type

· Other vegetation types

· Built form

· Patterns of settlement

· Land use

· Scenic spots

· Prominent watercourses and water bodies

10.3.1.3 The process of landscape characterisation draws on the information gathered in the desktop and site survey and provides an analysis of the way in which the elements including the identified LRs interact to create the character of the landscape. The Study Area is then divided into broadly homogenous units of similar character, which are called LCAs.

10.3.1.4 The sensitivity of the individual LRs and LCAs is rated using low, medium or high depending on the following factors:

· Condition, quality and maturity (maturity in this context refers to the age of the LR or LCA relative to its constituent components therefore a woodland containing mature trees would be considered to have a high level of maturity) of the LRs / LCAs;

· Importance and rarity of special landscape elements (rarity being of either local, regional, national or global importance);

· Significance of the LRs / LCAs from a local and regional perspective (therefore the sensitivity of a LR or LCA which is either rare in a local or regional context is greater than one which is common place);

· Ability of the LRs / LCAs to accommodate change; and

· Statutory or regulatory requirements relating to the landscape including its resources.

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

· High - Important landscape character or resource of particularly distinctive character or high importance, sensitive to relatively small change.

· Medium – Landscape character or resource of moderately valued landscape characteristics reasonably tolerant to change.

· Low – Landscape character or resource, the nature of which is largely tolerant to change.

Identification of Potential Sources of Landscape Changes

10.3.1.6 The degree of significance of landscape impact is derived from the magnitude of change which the Project will cause to the LRs/LCAs and the sensitivity of the LRs/LCAs. This makes a comparison between the landscapes, which would have existed in the absence of the Project with that predicted as a result of the implementation of the Project. The “Magnitude of Change” is assessed based on the factors including:

· The physical extent of impact;

· The landscape context of impact; and

· Compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape;

· The timescale of impact, i.e. whether it is temporary in short, medium or long terms; and

· Reversibility of change.

10.3.1.7 The “Magnitude of Change” is rated as large, intermediate, small and negligible:

· Large – Notable permanent change in the landscape characteristics over an extensive area ranging to very intensive changes over a more limited area

· Intermediate – Moderate change in localized area

· Small – Virtually imperceptible change or temporary change

· Negligible – Virtually no change in the area

Identification of Potential Landscape Mitigation Measures.

10.3.1.8 These may take the form of adopting basic engineering design to prevent and/or minimise adverse landscape impacts before adopting other mitigation or compensatory measures to alleviate the impacts. Potential mitigation measures shall also include the preservation of vegetation and natural landscape resources, transplanting trees in good condition and value, provision of screen planting, re-vegetation of disturbed lands, compensatory planting, woodland restoration, aesthetic design of aboveground structures including provision of finishes, colour scheme, texture of materials used and any measures to mitigate the impact on the existing and planned land use and visually sensitive receivers (VSRs). A programme for the mitigation measures is provided. The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified.

10.3.1.9 The hierarchy of mitigation measures are discussed in later sections.

Prediction of the significance of landscape impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures.

10.3.1.10 By synthesizing the magnitude of the various impacts and the sensitivity of the various landscape resources, it is possible to categorise impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. The below matrix shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely insubstantial, slight, moderate, and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of change and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of landscape resource /character.

Table 10.1 Significance Threshold Matrix for Landscape Impact

Magnitude of Change caused by Project	Large	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial
	Small	Insubstantial / Slight	Slight / Moderate	Moderate
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
		Low	Medium	High
		Sensitivity of LRs/ LCAs

Note: All impacts are adverse unless otherwise noted with beneficial

10.3.1.11 The significance of landscape impacts is categorised as follows:

· Substantial – Adverse or beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality

· Moderate – Adverse of beneficial impact where the proposal would cause noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality

· Slight – Adverse or beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality

· Insubstantial – No discernible change in the existing landscape quality

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

10.3.2 Visual Impact Assessment Methodology

10.3.2.1 The assessment of the potential visual impact of the scheme comprises two distinct parts:

· Baseline survey; and

· Visual impact assessment which includes the identification of the sources of visual impact, and their magnitude, that would be generated during construction and operation phases of the proposed works; and identification of the principal visual impacts primarily in consideration of the degree of change to the baseline conditions.

Visual Baseline Review and Identification of Visual Envelope (VE) and Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

10.3.2.2 The assessment area for the Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) is defined by an Visual Envelope (VE) which includes all areas from which the proposed works can be seen, or the area forms the view shed formed by natural / manmade features such as existing landform, built development and for example areas of woodland / large trees. Within the VE, Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI) is identified to demonstrate the visibility of the proposed works. This is achieved through a combination of detailed walkover surveys, and desktop study of topographic maps and photographs, and preparation of cross-sections to determine visibility of the improvement works from various locations.

10.3.2.3 The baseline survey of all views towards the proposals is undertaken by identifying:

· The VE and ZVI as have been described above and may contain either wholly or partially within views. This must also include indirect effects such as offsite construction activities and temporary works;

· The visually sensitive receivers (VSRs), both present and planned, within the visual envelope whose views will be affected by the scheme; and

10.3.2.4 The potential VSRs are considered as four groups:

· Views from residences (Home) – the most sensitive of receivers due to the high potential of intrusion on the visual amenity and quality of life;

· View from industrial zones (Industrial) – less sensitive than above due to visual amenity being less important within the work environment;

· Views from recreational landscapes (Play) – including all areas apart from the above, e.g., public parks, recreation grounds, footpaths, cultural sites etc. Sensitivity of this group depends on the length of stay and nature of activity, e.g. sitting in a park as opposed to an active sporting pursuit; and

· Views from riverside access and public roads (Travelling) – including vehicle travellers with transitory views.

· Views from institution (Institution) – including workers or students at an institution, where views are less important within the work or study environment.

· Views from agriculture sites (Agriculture) including fish ponds area, usually less human activities with less duration of works. Thus the degree of sensitivity is relatively low.

10.3.2.5 The assessment of sensitivity has also been based on the quality and extent of the existing view. Therefore a view from a residential property, which would normally be considered as the most sensitive view, may be less so if for example it is degraded by existing development or partially screened by intervening visual obstacles such as existing vegetation. Factors affecting the sensitivity of receivers for evaluation of visual impacts include:

· Value and quality of existing views;

· Availability and amenity of alternative views;

· Type and estimated number of receiver population;

· Duration or frequency of view; and,

· Degree of visibility.

10.3.2.6 Views available to the identified VSRs are rated according to their sensitivity to change using low, medium or high as follows:-

· High - The VSR is highly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience;

· Medium - The VSR is moderately sensitive to any change in their viewing experience; and

· Low - The VSR is only slightly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.

10.3.2.7 The location and direction of its view relative to the scheme also influences the sensitivity of each group. Typical viewpoints from within each of the visually sensitive groups are identified and their views described.

10.3.2.8 The identification of relative numbers of VSRs is expressed in terms of whether there are “many”, “medium” and “few” VSRs in any one category of VSR.

Identification of Potential Source of Visual Changes

10.3.2.9 The factors affecting the magnitude of change for assessing the visual impacts include the following:

· Scale of the works and the associated supporting facilities;

· Compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape forming the view extent of visibility (level of potential blockage of the view);

· Degree of visibility;

· Scale of impact and viewing distance;

· Duration of impacts under construction and operational phases; and

· Reversibility of change.

10.3.2.10 The magnitude of change to the views will be classified as follows:

· Large: e.g. large project works extent/ extensively blocked the views of VSRs / Project nature is not compatible to existing visual context / works area located in the foreground of the visual context / permanent impacts / irreversible of change;

· Intermediate: e.g. intermediate project works extent / partially blocked the views of VSRs / project nature is fairly compatible to existing visual context / works area located in the middle ground of the visual context and not immediately adjacent to VSRs or their views are already partially screened by existing topography, built structures or vegetation / permanent impacts/ irreversible of change;

· Small: e.g. small project works extent / no blockage of views / project nature is compatible to existing visual context / works area located in distant to VSRs / permanent impacts and duration of construction impacts is short/ Irreversible change or temporary change of view; and

· Negligible: e.g. no discernible change in visual context.

Identification of Potential Visual Mitigation Measures

10.3.2.11 These may take the form of adopting basic engineering design to prevent and/or minimise adverse visual impacts before adopting other mitigation or compensatory measures to alleviate the impacts. Potential mitigation measures shall also include the preservation of vegetation and natural landscape resources, provision of screen planting, re-vegetation of disturbed lands, compensatory planting, woodland restoration, aesthetic design of aboveground structures including provision of finishes, colour scheme, texture of materials used and any measures to mitigate the impact on the existing and planned land use and VSRs. A programme for the mitigation measures is provided. The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified.

10.3.2.12 The hierarchy of mitigation measures are discussed in later sections.

Prediction of the significance of visual impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures.

10.3.2.13 The significance threshold for visual impact is rated in a similar fashion to the landscape impact, i.e. significant, moderate, slight and negligible. The impacts may be beneficial or adverse.

10.3.2.14 Therefore, the impact is derived from the magnitude of change, which the project will cause, to the existing visual context and the sensitivity of VSRs. The significance threshold is derived from the following matrix:

Table 10.2 Significance Threshold Matrix for Visual Impact

Magnitude of Change caused by Project	Large	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Significant
	Small	Insubstantial / Slight	Slight / Moderate	Moderate
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
		Low	Medium	High
		Sensitivity of VSRs

10.3.2.15 The significance of visual impacts is categorised as follows:

· Substantial – Adverse/ beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality and visual amenity

· Moderate – Adverse/ beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality and visual amenity

· Slight – Adverse/ beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality and visual amenity

· Insubstantial – No discernible change in the existing landscape quality or visual amenity

10.3.3 Hierarchy of Mitigation Measures

10.3.3.1 The purpose of mitigation is to avoid, reduce, and where possible remedy or offset any adverse effects on the environment arising from the proposed works. The ideal strategy for identifiable adverse impacts is one of avoidance. If this is not possible, alternative strategies of reduction, remediation and compensation should be explored.

10.3.3.2 Mitigation measures may be considered fewer than two categories:

· Primary mitigation measures that intrinsically comprise part of the identification of proposed works through an iterative process. This form of mitigation is generally the most effective; and

· Secondary mitigation measures designed to specifically address the remaining (residual) adverse effects arising from the proposed works.

10.3.3.3 Primary mitigation measures form integrated mainstream components of the proposed works focusing on the adoption of alternatives to the alignment and their associated above-ground structures; and refinements to the basic engineering and architectural design including layout, built structures etc to avoid and/or minimize potential adverse impacts. The design philosophy can also describe the benefits to the design of alternative solutions, introduced to reduce potential adverse impacts, and indicate how these have been addressed.

10.3.3.4 Secondary mitigation measures are specifically designed to mitigate the adverse impacts of the proposed works and are considered in the assessment of the landscape and visual impacts. These may take the form of remedial measures such as colour and textural treatment of built structure; and compensatory measures such as the implementation of landscape design measures (e.g. tree planting, creation of new amenity area etc) to compensate for unavoidable adverse impacts and to attempt to generate potentially beneficial long-term impacts.

10.3.4 Assessment of Residual Impacts

10.3.4.1 The residual impacts are those, which remain after the proposed mitigation measures, have been implemented. This has been assessed both during the construction period and during the design year, which is often taken to be 10 to 15 years after the proposed scheme has been opened to normal operation when the soft landscape mitigation measures are deemed to have reached a level of maturity, which allows them to perform their original design objectives.

10.3.4.2 The level of impact is derived from the magnitude of change, which the project will cause to the LRs/LCAs and the visual context of VSRs taking into account the beneficial effects of the proposed mitigation and the sensitivity of LRs/LCAs and VSRs. The significance threshold is derived from the matrices described separately above for the landscape and visual impacts.

10.3.4.3 In accordance with Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM a final conclusion is also made of the residual landscape and visual impacts attributable to the proposed scheme. The degree of residual impact is considered in accordance with the Residual Impact Significance Threshold Matrix in Table 10.3 below.

Table 10.3 Residual Impact Significance Threshold Matrix

Impact	Description
Beneficial	The project will complement the landscape and visual character of its setting, will follow the relevant planning objectives and will improve overall and visual quality.
Acceptable	There will be no significant effects on the landscape, no significant visual effects caused by the appearance of the project, or no interference with key views.
Acceptable with mitigation measures	There will be some adverse effects, but these can be eliminated, reduced or offset to a large extent by specific measures.
Unacceptable	The adverse effects are considered too excessive and are unable to mitigate practically.
Undetermined	Significant adverse effects are likely, but the extent to which they may occur or may be mitigated cannot be determined from the study. Further detailed study will be required for the specific effects in question.

10.3.5 Graphic Presentation of Mitigation Measures

10.3.5.1 In order to illustrate these landscape and visual impacts and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures, photomontages at selected representative viewpoints have been prepared to illustrate:

· Existing conditions

· Day 1 of Operation Phase without Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

· Day 1 of Operation Phase with Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures and

· Year 10 of Operation Phase with Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

10.4 Review of the Planning and Development Control Framework

10.4.1.1 The land use zones overlaid on the Project layout is shown in Figure 10.1.

10.4.1.2 The Project does not have direct impact at the area and other zonings. The Project is an improvement work on the existing YLSTW, and is compatible to the existing and planned land uses and planning framework. The works boundary and construction programme is presented in Appendix 2.3. The improvement works introduce higher quality of landscape within the project site. The Project is thus considered to be acceptable in planning terms. Upon establishment of the recommended landscape and visual mitigation measures, YLEPP will be integrated with the future outlook of this landscape context.

10.5 Baseline Study

10.5.1 Landscape Resource (LR)

10.5.1.1 The details of Baseline LRs which will be potentially affected by the Project, together with their sensitivity are described in Table 10.4. The locations of baseline LRs are mapped in Figure 10.2. Photo views illustrating the LRs within the study area are illustrated in Figure 10.3 and Figure 10.4.

Table 10.4 Baseline LRs and their Sensitivity

LRs	Description	Sensitivity
LR-01	Amenity Planting in the Existing YLSTW (~7.8 ha) This LR covers extensive at grade trees within the existing YLSTW Site. Trees are found in the landscape areas. Trees found are all common landscape species. There is no Old & Valuable Tree (OVT) nor endangered and protected species identified within this resource. This LR contains about 320 numbers of trees and majority of them are from fair to good health conditions and fair to good tree forms. They are in a range of heights from 4m to 24m. Collectively as a whole, they form a mature green mass to the LR (58% of the existing trees at and over 10m tall). The trees along the periphery of the LR form an important screen/ buffer and greening enhancement to the adjacent industrial estate and natural sensitive area. They are mainly of common tree species including Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia confusa, Aleurites moluccanna, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Bombax, ceiba, Carica papaya, Casuarina equisetifolia, Celtis sinensis, Clausena lansium, Delonix regia, Dimocarpus longan, Eriobotrya japonica, Ficus elastica, Ficus microcarpa, Litchi chinensis, Koelreuteria bipinnata, Lagerstroemia speciose, Lophostemon confertus, Macaranga tanarius, Mangifera indica, Michelia x alba, Morus alba, Psidium guajava, Pterocarpus indicus and Terminalia catappa; and palms including Archontophoenix alexandrae, Phoenix roebelenii, Roystonea regia and Syagrus romanzoffiana. Tree felling would be avoided wherever possible by good planning of the development. If tree removal cannot be avoided, transplanting affected trees to an appropriate location will be considered. Compensatory planting would also be provided to compensate for the loss of any vegetation. The ability to accommodate change is high and the sensitivity of this LR is considered as low.	Low
LR-02	Waterbodies in Shan Pui River and Kam Tin River (~26.9 ha) This LR comprises waterbodies of Shan Pui River, which is a valuable swamp in Hong Kong. Connecting to the wetlands and conservation area to the north, the growth of dense reeds and mangroves, attracting a lot of migratory birds to stopover. This LR has been partially naturalized and becoming more important for the connectivity of natural planting and habitats. These waterbodies are popular place for photography enthusiasts and bird watching hot spot. Kam Tin River has maintained a relatively natural river bed, providing habitats similar to the original wetland environment, and allows wildlife to find shelter, forage and breed. It is a common landscape resource. These two waterbodies together become a single important element in the local context and for the conservation of the northern wetland. It is a common but important landscape resource. The quality of this resource is high and the ability of this resource to accommodate change is low. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.	High
LR-03	Mangroves in Shan Pui River and Kam Tin River (~4.7 ha) Mangroves are planted along the riverbanks of the new channel and Shan Pui River. The mangroves are remnants of mangroves planted during the channelization works of the Shan Pui River and Kam Tin River. The mangroves nearby the YLSTW/YLEPP site are also invaded and dominated by the exotic mangroves Sonneratia spp. prohibit the growth of the native mangrove trees. Within this LR, the mangrove stand including Sonneratia spp., Acanthus ilicifolius, Aegiceras corniculatum, avicennia marina, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Excoecaria agallocha and Kandelia obovate can be discovered. It is a unique landscape resource which is of regional importance. The quality of this resource is high and the ability of this resource to accommodate change is low. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.	High
LR-04	River Promenade at Yuen Long Industrial Estate and Nam Sang Wai (~1.5 ha) This promenade locates along the east side of the Yuen Long Industrial Estate overlooking Shan Pui River offers a natural monopoly view of Nam Sang Wai, creating a leisure environment for passive recreation and contemplation of the river and Nam Sang Wai. Nam Sang Wai Road on the east river bank is a linear space/road comprising cycling and riverside walk with natural shrubs and trees planting along the riverbank. The trees and shrubs planting on the east and west promenades create green edges framing the river corridor, creating a natural and serene setting and a visual corridor in this context. This LR contains about 150 numbers of young to mature trees and they are from fair to good health conditions and fair to good tree forms. They are in a range of heights from 4m to 10m and mainly of common tree species including Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia confusa, Casuarina equisetifolia, Celtis sinensis, Ficus microcarpa, Lophostemon confertus, Macaranga tanarius, Morus alba, Pterocarpus indicus and Terminalia catappa. It is a common landscape resource. The quality of this resource is high and the ability of this resource to accommodate changes is low. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.	High
LR-05	Fishponds (~46.9 ha) Fung Lok Wai is a wide and unobstructed open space consists mainly of fish ponds. As it is neighbouring to the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site, many water birds reside there. It is also the wintering or stopover site for many migratory birds. It is a very important natural open space, as half of Fung Lok Wai is protected by the Ramsar Convention, and also on the Hong Kong government’s List of Priority Sites for Enhanced Conservation. Nam Sang Wai site has an “island-like” physical environment and is topographically flat. It currently comprises an area of fish ponds, including ponds which are managed for commercial fish farming activities as well as ponds which were inactive for number of years and have become overgrown with vegetation. This area also has a fair to good quality open space with natural shrubs and trees planting. This LR contains about 400 numbers of young to mature trees scattered around the fish ponds. They are from fair to good health conditions and fair to good tree forms. They are in a range of heights from 4m to 10.m. They are mainly of common tree species including Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia confusa, Casuarina equisetifolia, Celtis sinensis, Cinnamomum camphora, Cleistocalyx nervosum, Crateva unilocularis, Eucalyptus robusta, Ficus microcarpa, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Macaranga tanarius, Morus alba, Pterocarpus indicus and Terminalia catappa. The quality of this resource is high and the ability of this resource to accommodate changes is low. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.	High
LR-06	Plantation at Nam Sang Wai (~2.9 ha) Many of the trees present at the Nang Sang Wai are exotic species and are not of intrinsic ecological value. These trees are an important roosting site of the Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo. The plantation appears unmanaged with low maintenance and is slowly being naturalised. It has a slight significant in a local perspective to support the overall function of the local landscape. This LR contains about 600 numbers of trees and they are from fair to good health conditions and fair to good tree forms. They are in a range of heights from 4m to 10m. They are mainly of common tree species including Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia confusa, Callistemon viminalis, Casuarina equisetifolia, Celtis sinensis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus robusta, Ficus microcarpa, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Macaranga tanarius, Melaleuca Leucadendron, Morus alba and Spathodea campanulata. The ability of this resource to accommodate changes is medium. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium.	Medium
LR-07	Orchard (~8.4 ha) Areas of orchard are located to the west of the Study Area and north of Ng Uk Tsuen from 12 mPD to about 30 mPD. The orchards are also planted contiguous to woodland areas. This LR appears to be managed with quality planting of tree grouping. The trees form a lush green mass to this LR creating a natural wooded hillside. This LR contains about 2,000 numbers of trees and they are from fair to good health conditions and fair to good tree forms. They are in a range of heights from 5m to 15m. They are mainly of common tree species including Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia confusa, Casuarina equisetifolia, Celtis sinensis, Delonix regia, Eucalyptus robusta, Ficus microcarpa, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Macaranga tanarius and Morus alba. The ability of this resource to accommodate changes is medium. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium.	Medium
LR-08	Shrub Mosaic (~3.6 ha) The main areas of this resource are situated on the upper hill slopes (~30 mPD) and summits of the peaks (~61.7 mPD) forming the Ah Kai Shan range. It has a gressy and shrubs planting mass in natural quality. It is significant to the overall appearance of the green hill and hence the local perspective. This LR will not be affected by the Project. The ability of this resource to accommodate changes is low. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.	High
LR-09	Grassland (~2.3 ha) Large and small patches of grasslands are located throughout the Study Area. They are open and vacant with fair to good quality. Majority of grasslands located adjacent to the Border Road. Within the natural open space, it is a unique landscape resource which is of regional importance. This LR contains about 300 numbers of trees and majority of them are from fair to good health conditions and fair to good tree forms. They are in a range of heights from 4m to 15m. They are mainly of common tree species including Acacia confusa, Acacia mangium, Celtis sinensis, Ficus microcarpa and Hibiscus tiliaceus. The grassland being outside the Project site and buffered by retained trees of the Project, what will not be disturbed. The quality of this resource is high and the ability of this resource to accommodate change is low. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as low.	Low
LR-10	Amenity Planting in Developed Area (~32.2 ha) Amenity tree and shrub planting is found within the roadside amenity planters and landscape areas of Yuen Long Industrial Estate. This LR is a common landscape resource with fair to good quality trees and sometime understory planting. This LR contains about 800 numbers of trees along the streets, within industrial lots and residential areas. Majority of them are from fair to good health conditions and fair to good tree forms. They are in a range of heights from 4m to 12m. They are mainly of common tree species including Bauhinia blakeana, Callistemon viminalis, Cinnamomum camphora, Delonix regia, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Melaleuca Leucadendron and ‎Spathodea campanulata; and palms including Archontophoenix alexandrae. The quality of this resource is medium and the ability of this resource to accommodate changes is medium. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium.	Medium
LR-11	Reedbed at Nam Sang Wai (~7.0 ha) Reedbed habitats, as found at the Nam Sang Wai Site, are utilised by some reedbed associated bird species as stopover sites during migration periods and supported roosts of passerine birds. It is a common natural landscape resource almost at the centre of Nam Sang Wai and surrounded by fish ponds with good quality. It is considered ecologically important locally with contracst of open field and tree masses. With the respect to the development of the Project, there would be no impact to this resource. However, the ability of this resource to accommodate changes is low. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.	High

10.5.2 Landscape Character Areas (LCAs)

10.5.2.1 The details of baseline LCAs which will be potentially affected by the Project, together with their sensitivity are described in Table 10.5. The locations of baseline LCAs are mapped in Figure 10.5. Photo views illustrating the LCAs within the study area are illustrated in Figure 10.6.

Table 10.5 Baseline LCAs and their Sensitivity

LCAs	Description	Sensitivity
LCA-01	Existing YLSTW (~7.8 ha) This LCA is primarily characterised by an extensive area of YLSTW including tanks, associated plants, buildings, car park and pumping station in average quality and appearance. The industrial quality of YLSTW is aged and has well established trees and shrubs plantings giving the area a lushly planted rural industrial setting, which also form an important natural backbone within its site context. The trees are considered highly mature with a range of heights from 4m to 24m with over 57% higher than 10m. This LCA has high ability to accommodate change. The overall sensitivity of this LCA is therefore considered as low.	Low
LCA-02	Shan Pui River Inshore Water (~31.6 ha) This is an area of man-made river naturalized with many tributaries. The extensive mudflats from the Deep Bay sediments create habitat for establishment of mangroves as an important vegetative component of the estuarine landscape. The continuous sediments and nutrients provided by Shan Pui River with the preserved fishponds, mangroves planting with exotic species and preservation of natural riverbed soil, extending the wetland to form a unique natural river corridor character to the Inner Deep Bay. The tidal mudflats and mangroves at the confluence of the rivers, attracting a lot of migratory birds to this area, giving a good quality natural landscape character to this LCA.. This LCA has low ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LCA is therefore considered as high.	High
LCA-03	Nam Sang Wai Wetland (~20.3 ha) Nam Sang Wai has an ‘island-like’ physical environment comprises an area of fish ponds including ponds which are managed for commercial fish farming activities. There are also ponds that are inactive for years and become overgrown with vegetation. It has a wetland character with ecological importance. The wetland habitat provides sanctuary for many birds and flora such as reeds and mangroves, further enhance the natural character. The seasonal gathering of waterbirds in the estuary at Nam San Wai proved that the ecological value of the Nam Sang Wai wetlands area should be well preserved. This LCA has low ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LCA is therefore considered as high.	High
LCA-04	Tai Sang Wai Mangrove (~2.2 ha) This LCA is in a quality natural state and characterised as conservation area. Site with Special Scientific Interest and a Ramsar Site in the Deep Bay area and with international importance. They carry valuable mangroves and fish ponds and integrate with the SSSI and wetland. Partly attached with the Ramsar site it is an important green buffer and a sensitive wetland for Yuen Long in the local context and the regional perspective. This type of LCA has low ability to accommodate changes. The sensitivity is considered as high.	High
LCA-05	Fung Lok Wai Wetland (~38.1 ha) This LCA is formed by the deposition of sediments in the estuaries of Kam Tin River, Shan Pui River and other rivers, the extensive mudflats near Deep Bay serve as an important habitat for waterfowl. Thus, the wetlands in Deep Bay area including intertidal mudflats, mangroves and fishponds are of international significance. This LCA has a similar landscape character to that of LCA-03, but it is preserved in a more natural state more integrated with the Deep Bay area. The site indeed has high ecological value and is Hong Kong's prime ecological treasury. This LCA has low ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered as high.	High
LCA-06	Secondary Woodland Tai Tseng Shan (~12.0 ha) This LCA serves as the green belt at Ping Shan area. The Kai Shan Range forms the dominant landform and being characterised by a range of minor peaks creating a ridgeline on southwest of the Study Area. The peak of Tai Tseng Shan rising to 61.7 mPD forming a natural green hill character. The hillsides are clothed in dense woodland which gives way to shrub land and grassland towards the summits. Areas of orchard located to the west of the adjacent Study Area. This feature in conjunction with the fishponds to Kai Shan is important in establishing the overall landscape character of the Study Area. This LCA has medium ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered as medium.	High
LCA-07	Yuen Long Industrial Estate (~32.2 ha) This LCA is characterised by the industrial and utilitarian nature of its land uses. It is completed in 1983 and is stepping into an aged appearance. The industrial estate includes certain number of large and major factories and warehouse complexes such as bus depot, petrol chemical, steel, non-ferrous metal and other industries in a normal street grid pattern. The industrial estate is in a medium density with typical industrial streetscape as other industrial areas in Hong Kong. There are typical street trees planting along Wang Lee Street, Wang Lok Street and Fuk Hi Streets. This LCA has high ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered as low.	Low

10.5.3 Broad Brush Tree Survey

10.5.3.1 A survey of existing trees along the peripheral of the proposed project site of YLEPP was carried out in 2017. The broad-brush tree survey findings including tree survey plans and tree schedule are illustrated in Appendix 10.1.

10.5.3.2 It is estimated that a total of 5,000 numbers of trees exist within the 500m assessment area. The broad-brush tree survey identified a total number of 315 trees (trees of trunk diameter of 95mm or more) within YLSTW site. In general, these trees are of fair health condition and tree form, with average height of majority of trees ranges from 4 to 23m. The dominant tree species include Ficus microcarpa, Koelreuteria bipinnata, and Casuarina equisetifolia. They are generally of mature size. There is no OVT identified within the project boundary. All tree species surveyed are common in Hong Kong and not of specific conservation interest.

10.5.3.3 A tree felling application under requirements of stated in the DEVB TC(W) No. 6/2015 – “Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features”, ETWB TC(W) No. 29/2004 – “Registration of Old and Valuable Trees, Guidelines for their Preservation” and DEVB TC(W) No. 7/2015 – “Tree Preservation”, will be conducted in later stage of this Assignment.

10.5.4 Existing Visual Context

Visual Envelope and Zones of Visual Influence

10.5.4.1 The Visual Envelope (VE), the area from which the proposed development will be seen, is shaped by a combination of the existing adjacent built development and the landform in the surrounding of the proposed alignment. The VE is bounded by the wooded hill on the west with the natural topography to several hill top levels of 34.5mPD, 56.5mPD and 60.5mPD creating a non-visible zone to the west/ southwest. It is also bounded by the industrial buildings to the south with levels from 7.5mPD to 28.5mPD creating a non-visible zone to the south. While the west to southeast are mostly wetlands/ ponds with low vegetations and scattering trees creating a wider and farther visible zone. Within the VE, a number of key VSRs have been identified during construction and operation phases. They are listed, together with their baseline assessment and sensitivity, in Table 10.6 and mapped in Figure 10.7.

10.5.4.2 The identification of the VE from site appraisal was utilized to determine the areas or representative VSRs that could potentially see the development during the construction and operation phases. The topographic and dimensions/heights of buildings are also considered base on available information.

10.5.4.3 The sensitivity of VSRs is assessed in accordance with EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010. Key factors including type of VSRs, number of individuals within the VSRs, quality of existing view, availability of alternative views, degree of visibility, duration of view and frequency of view of the VSRs are evaluated.

10.5.4.4 As presented in Figure 10.7, visual envelope mainly extended to east (Nam Seng Wai) and north (Fung Lok Wai) from YLSTW/YLEPP. The existing Yuen Long Industrial Estate (YLIE) is located south of YLSTW/YLEPP. Visual envelope from YLIE is mainly obstructed by Topfine Machinery (approx. +16.5 mPD), Dunwell Group (approx. +20.5 mPD) and Eastern Pretech (HK) Ltd (approx. +28.5 mPD) and only limited to Wang Lok Street and Wang Lee Street, where is close to the entrance of YLSTW/YLEPP. Kai Shan (approx. +61.7 mPD) is located west of YLSTW/YLEPP, which obstructs the view angle from most area in Ng Uk Tsuen.

10.5.4.5 There are six types of key VSR types identified in the VE of the Project. They are selected and represent the sensitive receivers that may be affected during the Project period. They include:-

(1) Residential VSRs (Home) who are living in the adjacent low to mid-rise residential developments to the west and the south of the Project or occupants in village housing, such as Shing Uk Tsuen, Tai Tseng Wai, Leon Court and Ng Uk Tsuen (approx. max height of 8m and rising from street level of ~4.5mPD to hillside level of ~12mPD). These VSRs are living in a distance away from the Project (minimum distance is about 500m) and mostly screened by the industrial buildings on the northeast side (from ~16.5 to 22.5 mPD). Many of the village houses are also on the southward side of the hill in a south facing direction embraced by the hill slope. This create permanent south facing views for the villagers. Therefore, these VSRs are considered to have low sensitivity as their visual perception toward the Project have less effect on their general quality of life and acceptability of their home environment.

(2) Industrial VSRs (Industrial) at work of the occupants in industrial area. These VSRs are located in individual lots with fence walls along Wang Lee Street, Wang Lok Street and Fuk Hi Street. Most of them are industrial (e.g. San Miguel Brewery Hong Kong Limited (~16.5 mPD) to the southwest of Wang Lee Street and Fuk Hi Street and Nestle Hong Kong Limited (~13.5 mPD) east of San Miguel) to technological development companies (e.g. Topfine Machinery (~16.5 mPD) southwest to the Project and Toppan Form Card Technology (HK) Limited east of Nestle) which have internal work stations/ offices with car parks and loading/ unloading bays fronting the streets. For this nature of industrial setup, the occupants have rare to occasional chances to have views toward the Project when they arrive the places, go out for lunch/ duties or depart from works. However, those VSRs are only work destination and most occupants always travel not towards the Project, reducing the chance of visual contact. They are considered to have low sensitivity as their visual perception have less effect on their quality of life for their duration of work at the industrial/ technological sites.

(3) Recreational VSRs (Play) at play in open space and promenade including cycling. These VSRs include those who are occasionally use the open spaces in Nam Sang Wai (including the Nam Sang Wai Education Trail) and the promenade along the east edge of the Industrial Estate. The promenades and open space are in extensive natural horizon with panoramic view and views in different direction. The existing condition in Figure 10.12 illustrate the visual perception for those traveling along the access road/ education trail when they get closer to the Project. As the mature trees and understory planting provide adequate natural buffer, and Project’s infrastructure is far less intrusive than the industrial, the visual impact is therefore minimized. However, these VSRs are considered to have different degree of visual sensitivities as their visual perception depend on the duration of stay and distance to the Project. There is moderate to less effect on their quality of life for their duration of stay at the recreational open space or promenade. They are considered to have medium sensitivity.

(4) Travelling VSRs (Travelling) travelling on a public route. Wang Lee Street and Wang Lok Street are the main routes for the VSRs travelling towards the Project. There are street trees along both sides which control the visual corridor for both Streets. Together with the tall industrial buildings on both sides, the view in the traveling direction is narrowed. A slightly clear visibility to the Project can only be seen when Wang Lee Street and Wang Lok Street starting to merge and 200m from their intersection. Apart from this, those travelling in public/private vehicles or on foot depends on the duration and speed of their travels and the possibility of stay during their travels, may display varying degree of sensitivities. However, the chances of traveling on foots should only be seen for arriving/waiting for public transport. Travelling on foots along the Streets are rare. With these considerations, there is less effect on the quality of life for the VSRs for their duration of travelling on these public routes. They are considered to have low sensitivity.

(5) Institutional VSRs (Institution) at work or study at AFCD. The degree of sensitivity depends on the indoor or outdoor activities and services that may take place. There are also less people staying or involving at one point during the day or occasional period of times. There is very minimal effect on the quality of life for the VSRs for their duration of stay/ activities at AFCD. They are considered to have low sensitivity.

(6) Agriculture VSRs (Agriculture) of those who normally work there and infrequent passerby at fish ponds area. The activities around there are minimal. With respect to the illustration of the existing condition in Figure 10.14 (in a closeup view), considering a larger field of agricultural field of ponds in a wider horizon, there is less effect on the quality of life for the few numbers of VSRs for their duration of work or occasional travelers in the agricultural/fish ponds. The degree of sensitivity to the few numbers of VSRs are therefore consider low.

10.5.4.6 Details on sensitivity for individual VSRs are discussed in Table 10.6 and their views to YLSTW/YLEPP is presented in Appendix 10.2.

Visual Baseline Condition

10.5.4.7 The proposed Project as illustrated in Figure 10.1 include the YLEPP only. The YLEPP is proposed on the existing YLSTW at the west side of the Shan Pui River. The key visual resources around would be the Shan Pui River, Kam Tin River, Nam Sang Wai, mangroves, fishponds and natural wooded hill. The Project is embraced by these key visual resources on the east, north and west sides, creating a green and open landscape as the visual background. South of the Project is the existing Yuen Long Industrial Estate with a predominate visual character of slightly old but slightly urban to rural character. There are also mix of residential area and building, such as Ng Uk Tsuen of rural houses and the Leon Court of low rises adding to the rural character of the immediate site. The Project is with mature trees and planting around the site boundary which visually buffered and integrated with the natural surroundings. While Shan Pui River as the major north-south visual corridor, the mature trees and planting along the Project boundary reinforce the visual corridor without any intrusion. The natural wooded hill forms a major high ground with views toward Fung Lok Wai and Nam Sang Wai. A graphical presentation on visual above-mentioned resources is in Figure 10.7 and the photo records is presented in Appendix 10.2. Significant visual impacts these remote and occasional users are therefore very unlikely.

Table 10.6 Baseline VSRs and their Sensitivity

VSR ID.	VSRs	Type of VSRs	Number of Individuals (Many/ Medium/ 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 (Frequent/ Occasional/ Rare)	Sensitivity (High / Medium / Low)
VSR-01	Recreational users in Nam Sang Wai (Plate 1 of Appendix 10.2, Figure 10.10)	Play	Many	Good	Yes	Partial	Long	Frequent	High
VSR-02	Recreational users in River Promenade at YLIE (Plate 2 of Appendix 10.2)	Play	Few	Good	Yes	Partial	Long	Frequent	Medium
VSR-03	Occupants in Yuen Long Industrial Estate (Plate 4 of Appendix 10.2)	Industrial	Many	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Rare	Low
VSR-04	Travellers in Wang Lok Street (Plate 4 of Appendix 10.2, Figure 10.12)	Travelling	Medium	Fair	Yes	Partial	Short	Occasional	Low
VSR-05	Travelers in Wang Lee Street (Plate 5 of Appendix 10.2)	Travelling	Medium	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Occasional	Low
VSR-06	Occupants in Tai Tseng Shan (Plate 6 of Appendix 10.2, Figure 10.14)	Home	Few	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Occasional	Medium
VSR-07	Residents in Ng Uk Tsuen (Plate 7 of Appendix 10.2)	Home	Many	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Rare	Medium
VSR-08	Residents in Leon Court (Plate 8 of Appendix 10.2)	Home	Many	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Rare	Medium
VSR-09	Recreational users in Border Road (Plate 9 of Appendix 10.2, Figure 10.16)	Play	Few	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Occasional	Medium
VSR-10	Occupants in Fung Lok Wai (Plate 10 of Appendix 10.2)	Agriculture	Few	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Rare	Low
VSR-11	Travelers in Tai Sang Wai (Plate 11 of Appendix 10.2)	Travelling	Few	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Rare	Low
VSR-12	Occupants in Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Office (Nam Sang Wai) (Plate 12 of Appendix 10.2)	Institution	Few	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Rare	Low

10.6 Landscape Impact Assessment

10.6.1 Layouts, Design and Built-form

10.6.1.1 YLEPP will be developed in phases. Given the current sewage treatment capacity is 70,000 m³/d ADWF, the treatment capacity will be extended to 100,000 m³/d and 180,000 m³/d ADWF respectively, subject to project sewage flow.

10.6.1.2 The details of alternative layouts, design and built-form are discussed in Section 2.5 of this EIA report, a summary on YLEPP layout designs is presented as below:-

10.6.1.3 The internal layout options have been developed with consideration of numerous engineering constraints and environmental considerations, such as treatment capacity, sewage and sludge treatment process, green building considerations, current YLSTW operation in construction phase, etc. A summary is given in below:-

Sewage Treatment Works (DP F1):

· The locations, size and arrangement on new treatment facility is bounded by recommended treatment options. Thus, compacted size treatment facility is provided in the layout, such that to minimize the footprints and number of affected trees within the site.

· In green building consideration, energy recovery from biogas is recommended. Thus, sludge digesters, gas holders, CHP is proposed in YLEPP.

· The required treatment capacity would limit the size of treatment units and so as the requirement of odour emission and the requirement on deodorization units to cater the odour nuisance due to sewage treatment process. The covered treatment units would also provide opportunities in green roofing to enhance the landscape value.

· There is a need to continue operation of YLSTW, thus Phase 1 construction should be commenced on east side of the site.

Effluent Reuse (DP F4):

· Effluent reuse are limited to non-potable use within the treatment process, the layout design of effluent reuse facilities is then merged to that of overall sewage treatment process within entire YLEPP.

Organic Waste Facility (DP G4):

· As a sustainability consideration, co-digestion of organic wastes with sewage sludge within YLEPP is recommended to significantly enhance biogas generation and, hence, increase the generation of renewable energy for plant usage. Additional facilities for organic wastes co-digestion, including reception facilities and digesters, will be located within the YLEPP’s footprint.

10.6.1.4 In overall YLEPP, all the treatment units will be covered and ventilated via deodorization units. Provision of green roofing or solar panel will be fully considered. All the treatment units and buildings are designed with due considerations on minimizing the building heights by such means as adopting equipment that requires low headroom. This is to ensure all the aboveground structures would not be excessively bulky so as to minimize the visual impacts.

10.6.1.5 All the trees along the eastern and northern boundary of the site be retained as much as possible in order to maintain a tree-barrier surrounding YLEPP to avoid/minimise visual impact.

10.6.2 Source of Construction Phase Impact on LRs and LCAs

10.6.2.1 The main potential impact on the existing LRs are the loss of existing trees due to the site formation works, construction works, utilities system and internal road network proposed within the YLEPP.

10.6.2.2 Except the current YLSTW, the proposed development does not have direct impact to all LCAs outside YLSTW/YLEPP as the construction works are within the existing project site in YLSTW.

10.6.3 Source of Operation Phase Impact on LRs and LCAs

10.6.3.1 Aesthetic consideration will be taken into account in the design of the Project, such as enhancing the appearance of new buildings. Landscaping works may be undertaken to enhance the general outlook of the existing YLSTW. The future layout would be developed to well integrate the provisioning works into the existing natural landscape and the inclusion of attractive landscaping features.

10.6.4 Impacts on Existing Trees

10.6.4.1 According to Appendix 10.1, the major conflicts from the proposed works such as excavations would have adequate set-back from the trees along the eastern and northern boundaries. As proposed roadworks along the boundaries would mainly be shallow works on or above the road sub-base, majority of the existing trees along eastern and northern sides of the site would not be affected.

10.6.4.2 Tentatively, all the perimeter trees alongside east and north side of the site will be retained. The impacted trees are all located to the current stuff amenity of existing YLSTW only. There are in total of approximate 315 surveyed tree, where 158 nos. trees proposed for retention and approximate 154 nos. trees are proposed for felling and tentatively 3 nos. trees are proposed for transplanting. Compensatory tree and tree protection zones shall be provided either on-site or off-site within other DSD’s facilities in accordance with the DEVB TC/W No. 7/2015, subject to further tree felling application.

10.6.5 Magnitude and Significance Threshold of Landscape Impacts

10.6.5.1 The magnitude of unmitigated landscape impacts associated with the construction phase and operational phases of the Project are assessed and described in Table 10.7. Since all the proposed works will be well within existing YLSTW, it is anticipated that the magnitude of change to all LRs and LCAs (except that within YLSTW, LR-01 and LCA-01), are negligible and the impact significance is therefore insubstantial.

10.6.5.2 The sensitivity of the Amenity Planting in the Existing YLSTW (LR-01) is low. It is predicted that the magnitude of change to LR-01 will be large during the construction phase and operation phase. The impact significance, without mitigation measures, will be moderate during the construction phase and operation phase.

10.6.5.3 The sensitivity of the Existing YLSTW (LCA-01) is low. It is predicted that the magnitude of change to LCA-01 will be large during the construction phase and operation phase. The impact significance, without mitigation measures, will be moderate during the construction phase and operation phase.

Table 10.7 Magnitude of Landscape Impacts during Construction and Operation

ID	Landscape Resources/ Character Areas	Potential Source of Impact	Description of Impacts	Sensitivity	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)		Impact Significance (without mitigation measures)
ID	Landscape Resources/ Character Areas	Potential Source of Impact	Description of Impacts	Sensitivity	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
Landscape Resources
LR-01	Amenity Planting in the Existing YLSTW	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures.	Under the demolition works, majority of the at-grade vegetation surrounding the site will be preserved. Existing buildings and internal trees will be demolished and re-built during construction phase, whereas new buildings and amenity areas will be in place during operational phase.	Low	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate
LR-02	Waterbodies in Shan Pui River and Kam Tin River	Nil	Nil	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-03	Mangroves in Shan Pui River and Kam Tin River	Nil	Nil	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-04	River Promenade at Yuen Long Industrial Estate and Nam Sang Wai	Nil	Nil	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-05	Fishponds	Nil	Nil	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-06	Plantation at Nam Sang Wai	Nil	Nil	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-07	Orchard	Nil	Nil	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-08	Shrub Mosaic	Nil	Nil	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-09	Grassland	Nil	Nil	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-10	Amenity Planting in Developed Area	Nil	Nil	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-11	Reedbed at Nam Sang Wai	Nil	Nil	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Landscape Character Assessment
LCA-01	Existing YLSTW	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	Under the demolition works, majority of the at-grade vegetation surrounding the site will be preserved. Existing buildings and internal trees will be demolished and re-built during construction phase, whereas new buildings and amenity areas will be in place during operational phase.	Low	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate
LCA-02	Shan Pui River Inshore Water	Nil	Nil	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA-03	Nam Sang Wai Wetland	Nil	Nil	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA-04	Tai Sang Wai Mangrove	Nil	Nil	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA-05	Fung Lok Wai Wetland	Nil	Nil	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA-06	Secondary Woodland Tai Tseng Shan	Nil	Nil	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA-07	Yuen Long Industrial Estate	Nil	Nil	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

10.7 Visual Impact Assessment

10.7.1 Magnitude and Significance Threshold of Visual Impacts

10.7.1.1 The magnitude of changes during construction and operation phases is assessed based on the viewing distance, compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape, duration of changes, scale of development, reversibility of change, potential blockage of view as shown in Table 10.8, Table 10.9 and Table 10.10 determine the significance thresholds of VSRs. The photograph records for each VSR viewing to the site is shown in Appendix 10.2.

10.7.1.2 During construction phase, all construction works will be limited to the boundary within existing YLSTW only. Noise barriers with absorptive materials of at least 4m high will be erected along the northern, eastern, and western sides of the site to screen construction noise and human disturbance from waterbirds foraging nearby. The existing retained mature trees along the perimeter of the site will form a natural screen and buffer same as before the construction. The Project during construction phase has a medium compatibility with the surrounding landscape as exist before. The construction works will last for a few years and the visual impact due to the construction will be screened by the perimeter trees. Construction activities with tower cranes will only affect the visual perception in the duration of the building works and will be temporary when hoisting of building materials will be required The duration of visual impact, therefore, will not be long and thus the visual impact shall be considered as medium. The YLEPP development is planned at a reasonable scale for its proper operation and function. The buildings to be erected will be slightly higher (from 5.7m to 12m) but will only be located at the original building location only (Figure 10.7 and Figure 10.8). With such planning and building height consideration, the scale of the development is considered medium within the context of the Project site. The changes that will be made to the development cannot be reversed but the additional greening and enhancement work in the landscape will create positive change to the Project.

10.7.1.3 During operation phase, additional trees, understory planting, vertical greenery and green roof will be provided near, around and/ or on top of the buildings to enhance the physical appearance, aesthetic and greening of YLEPP. The Project will be integrated with the natural surrounding as much as before the construction and will be highly compatible with the immediate surrounding. The building and landscape design with natural and ecological consideration would also fit in well with the surrounding landscape and visual context. The buildings/ tanks of heights ranging from 5.7m to 12m will sit there permanently and will have a long-term impact. However, such long-term impact will be offset by additional enhancement from the landscape mitigation measures. As construction will be completed and no addition will be carried out during the operation phase, the scale of development is considered as small. The changes that will be made to the development cannot be reversed but the additional greening and enhancement work in the landscape will create positive change to the Project.

VSR-01 Recreational Users in Nam Sang Wai (Play) - (Plate 1 of Appendix 10.2)

10.7.1.4 This group of VSR represents the recreational users of the Nam Sang Wai Road with a wide and unobstructed panoramic view of Shan Pui River, Kam Tin River and Nam Sang Wai. In general, views to most YLEPP facilities will be blocked by the retained trees along east side of the site, except the top level of new facilities. While the YLEPP is located at north of YLIE which forms a sight of industrial areas along Nam Sang Wai promenade, the YLEPP is considered compatible with its existing surroundings. Considering the blockage of view and limited numbers of people in this group, the magnitude of change to this VSR during construction and operation phases is considered to be small. It is anticipated that the significance thresholds would be moderate impact to VSR-01. The viewpoint is selected because of its high sensitivity with public interest (Viewpoint P2). As represented by the photomontages in Figure 10.10 and Figure 10.11, the main visual impact will come from the building works construction in YLEPP. However, the view of the VSR is largely screened by trees along the peripheral of the Project site.

VSR-02 Recreational Users in River Promenade (Play) - (Plate 2 of Appendix 10.2)

10.7.1.5 This group of VSR represents the recreational users along the west promenade of Shan Pui River, accessible through the pedestrian linkages from the Yuen Long Industrial Estate. The general perception of this VSR is having a wide and unobstructed panoramic view of Shan Pui River and Nam Sang Wai. However, west promenade at Shan Pui River is far away from downtown and no direct linkage to other recreation uses. Only negligible visitors are identified compared to that from VSR-01. As the promenade also has an existing row of trees along the edge which create a continuous canopy from south to north. The existing industrial buildings together with the row of trees created blockage and screen up to the Project site. The magnitude of change to this VSR during construction and operation phases is considered to be negligible and the significance thresholds is considered as insubstantial.

VSR-03 Occupants in Yuen Long Industrial Estate (Industrial) - (Plate 3 of Appendix 10.2)

10.7.1.6 This occupational VSR will have potential views from the industrial area to the south of the YLEPP. Within the industrial area, the various building locations and heights (Figure 10.7) with enclosure of boundary fence/ wall and the highly internalized industrial operation create different degree of blockage of views towards the YLEPP. The magnitude of change to the visual impact during construction with building activities/ tower cranes for this VSR at VSR will be small and that during the operation phase will be negligible. The significance thresholds is insubstantial to slight and insubstantial during construction and operational phase respectively.

VSR-04 Travelers in Wang Lok Street (Travelling) - (Plate 4 of Appendix 10.2)

10.7.1.7 This VSR travelers traveling along Wang Lok Street have only restricted view along the street due to the street trees and industrial building forming a linear street corridor. Until the travelers reach the intersection of Wang Lok Street and Wang Lee Street facing the entrance road of YLEPP, the visual impact would increase. For the closest distance of 5m to the YLEPP, the view would also be partially blocked by the perimeter trees at YLEPP. The sensitivity of this VSR is considered as low. In general, views to front door of YLEPP facilities will be mainly blocked by the retained trees and shrubs along south side of the site and outside the site. The viewpoint is selected because it is the closest point with direct sight to YLEPP (Viewpoint P1) (Figure 10.12 to Figure 10.13). The visual perception of the construction site will be temporary and will cause a small magnitude of change during the construction period with temporary landscape mitigation measure at the Project site entrance. Upon the completion of construction, at the operation phase, with enhancement to the building and landscape, the magnitude of change to this VSR will be small. The significance thresholds is insubstantial to slight during both construction and operational phase.

VSR-05 Travelers in Wang Lee Street (Travelling) - (Plate 5 of Appendix 10.2)

10.7.1.8 This VSR travelers traveling along Wang Lee Street have restricted view along the street due to the street trees and industrial building forming a linear street corridor. Before the travelers reach the intersection of Wang Lok Street and Wang Lee Street, the view toward the YLEPP from the Kowloon Motor Bus Depot, the visibility to YLEPP would slightly increase if no parking buses. The visual perception of the construction site will be temporary and will cause a negligible magnitude of change during the construction period with temporary landscape mitigation measure at the Project site entrance. Upon the completion of construction, at the operation phase, the magnitude of change to this VSR will be negligible. Thus, the significance thresholds is insubstantial during both construction and operational phase.

VSR-06 Occupants in Tai Tseng Shan (Home) - (Plate 6 of Appendix 10.2)

10.7.1.9 The VSR has views towards the west area of YLEPP where existing sludge thickening building, dewatering house and gas holders can be seen from between the existing mature trees at the perimeter of the Project site (Figure 10.14 to Figure 10.15). The existing trees (4-11m tall Mangifera indica, 16m tall Pterocarpus indicus and other 4m tall Phoenix roebelenii) with understory planting provide partial blockage of views. During the construction period, the magnitude of change is small considering the building activities and tower cranes. This will be temporary for the construction period of that particular area when new sludge thickening building of approx. 18.3 mPD and new gas holders of up to 20 mPD to be erected. Upon the completion of construction, at the operation phase, with enhancement to the building and landscape the magnitude of change to this VSR will be small. The significance thresholds is slight to moderate for both construction and operational phase. The viewpoint is selected because the west side of YLEPP is lack of retained perimeter trees.

VSR-07 Residents in Ng Uk Tsuen (Home) - (Plate 7 of Appendix 10.2)

10.7.1.10 This VSR is composed of 2 to 3 stories high village housing (approx. 8m tall) rising from street level from approx. 4.5mPD to 12 mPD. The blockage of views is created by the immediate industrial buildings (from approx. 19.5 mPD to 24.5 mPD) and the green hill to the northeast side (from approx. 34.5mPD to 56.5mPD). Many of the village houses are also on the southward side of the green hill in a south facing direction embraced by the hill slope. This create permanent south facing views for the villagers. Thus, for both construction and operation stages, the magnitude of change to this VSR will be negligible and the significance thresholds is insubstantial.

VSR-08 Residents in Leon Court (Home) - (Plate 8 of Appendix 10.2)

10.7.1.11 This VSR is composed of 2 to 3 stories high housing cluster at street level (approx. maximum 8m tall). The blockage of views is created by the immediate industrial buildings (from 15m to 20m tall) to the northeast side. Thus, for both construction and operation stages, the magnitude of change to this VSR will be negligible and the significance thresholds is insubstantial.

VSR-09 Recreational Users in Border Road (Play) - (Plate 9 of Appendix 10.2)

10.7.1.12 The VSR will have views from the north towards the Project site. With the infrequent recreational users, the activities around there are minimal. The 18m tall existing Ficus microcarpa with the understory planting along the northern perimeter of the Project site provide permanent dense screen and green buffer. The viewpoint is selected because it could also represent the view from north of the YLEPP. As represented by the photomontages in Figure 10.16 and Figure 10.17, the magnitude of change to this VSR will be negligible and the significance thresholds is insubstantial.

VSR-10 Occupants in Fung Lok Wai (Agriculture) - (Plate 10 of Appendix 10.2)

10.7.1.13 The VSR will have views from the northwest towards the Project site. Existing sludge thickening building and gas holders can be seen from between the existing mature trees at the northwest perimeter of the Project site. This VSR is the occupants who normally work there and the activities around there are limited to agricultural/ fish farming. The 18m tall existing Ficus microcarpa with the understory planting along the northern perimeter and 4-11m tall existing Mangifera indica along the northwest boundary of the Project site will provide permanent dense screen and green buffer. Thus, for both construction and operation stages, the magnitude of change to this VSR will be negligible and the significance thresholds is insubstantial.

VSR-11 Travelers in Tai Sang Wai (Travelling) - (Plate 11 of Appendix 10.2)

10.7.1.14 This VSR who is mostly be looking for enjoyment of natural views and scenery towards Nam Sang Wai and Tai Sang Wai. The traveling experience along the Yau Pok Road until the west end of the road has a perception of wetland on the south side and roadside tree planting on the north side. These vegetation/ trees form a natural enclosure higher than normal eye level with no possible view toward the YLEPP. There is no visual impact to this VSR and hence for both construction and operation stages, the magnitude of change to this VSR will be negligible and the significance thresholds is insubstantial.

VSR-12 Occupants in Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Office (Nam Sang Wai) (Institution) - (Plate 12 of Appendix 10.2)

10.7.1.15 This group of VSR represents a particular user group who attend indoor or outdoor activities east of Nam Sang Wai Road surrounded by thick tree groups on the north and west sides, and only with views toward Nam Sang Wai. The views toward YLEPP are blocked by the thick tree group to the west. It is anticipated that there would be no visual impact to this VSR. Considering the blockage of view and limited numbers of people in this group, the magnitude of change to this VSR during construction and operation phases is considered to be negligible and the significance thresholds is insubstantial.

10.7.2 Recommended Photomontage Viewpoints

10.7.2.1 Computer generated photomontages are prepared to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact of the Project. The criteria for the selection of representative viewpoints for photomontages include:-

· The viewpoints which cover the aboveground / above sea structure viewed from major public viewpoint represents key VSRs or VSR group who would be potentially affected by the proposed Project; and

· The viewpoints which shall be able to represent the worst-case scenarios and demonstrate the compatibility of the above ground / above sea structures to the adjacent visual context and illustrate the visual effect during Day 1 without mitigation measures, Day 1 with mitigation measures and Year 10 with mitigation measures.

10.7.2.2 Based on the location of the proposed works, selected viewpoints from key representative VSRs are mapped in Figure 10.7. Computer generated photomontages illustrating the potential landscape and visual impact of the Project, as well as the effectiveness of proposed mitigation measures are shown in Figure 10.10 to Figure 10.19. They are described in the following sections.

10.7.2.3 Viewpoint P1 – Viewpoint from YLIE. This viewpoint represents typical view of travelers in Wang Lok Street (i.e. VSR-04) from YLIE. These VSRs possess direct view to the project site within their medium and short viewing distance.

10.7.2.4 Viewpoint P2 – Viewpoint from Nam Sang Wai. This selected viewpoint represents view of recreational users in Nam Sang Wai (i.e. VSR-01). It shows their full exposure to the project site at medium viewing distance.

10.7.2.5 Viewpoint P3 – Viewpoint from Tai Tseng Shan. This viewpoint is selected as representative view from occupants in Tai Tseng Shan (i.e. VSR-06). It is a panoramic view to the proposed project site at medium to short viewing distance.

10.7.2.6 Viewpoint P4 – Viewpoint from Boarder Road. This viewpoint represents the typical view of recreational users in Border Road (i.e. VSR-09). It is a view from the northeastern direction of the project site at short viewing distance.

10.7.2.7 Viewpoints from the remaining VSRs are not included for photomontages because their views to the project site are generally partially to completely obscured by the surrounding development.

Table 10.8 Magnitude of Change to Views during Construction and Operation

VSR ID.	VSR	Approx. Viewing Distance (m)	Compatibility of the Project with the Surrounding Landscape (High/ Medium/ Low)		Duration of Impacts (Long/ Medium/ Short)		Scale of Development (Large/ Medium/ Small)		Reversibility of Change (Yes/ No)		Potential Blockage of View (Full/ Partial/ Nil)		Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
VSR ID.	VSR	Approx. Viewing Distance (m)	C	O	C	O	C	O	C	O	C	O	C	O
VSR-01	Recreational users in Nam Sang Wai (Play)	150m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
VSR-02	Recreational users in River Promenade (Play)	150m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Full	Full	Negligible	Negligible
VSR-03	Occupants in Yuen Long Industrial Estate (Industrial)	200m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Negligible
VSR-04	Travellers in Wang Lok Street (Travelling)	40m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
VSR-05	Travelers in Wang Lee Street (Travelling)	100m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Partial	Partial	Negligible	Negligible
VSR-06	Occupants in Tai Tseng Shan (Home)	70m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
VSR-07	Residents in Ng Uk Tsuen (Home)	450m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Full	Full	Negligible	Negligible
VSR-08	Residents in Leon Court (Home)	400m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Full	Full	Negligible	Negligible
VSR-09	Recreational users in Border Road (Play)	50m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Full	Full	Negligible	Negligible
VSR-10	Occupants in Fung Lok Wai (Agriculture)	350m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Full	Full	Negligible	Negligible
VSR-11	Travelers in Tai Sang Wai (Travelling)	500m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Full	Full	Negligible	Negligible
VSR-12	Occupants in Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Office (Nam Sang Wai) (Institution)	300m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Full	Full	Negligible	Negligible

Note: C – Construction Phase, O – Operational Phase

Table 10.9 VSRs and their Significance Thresholds During Construction Phase

VSR ID.	VSRs	Type and Approximate Number of VSRs	Description of Existing View and Degree of Visibility (No view/ Glimpse/ Partial view/ vista/ open view/ panorama view)	Receiver Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Source of Impact	Approximate Minimum viewing Distance of VSRs	Magnitude of Change (Negligible/ Small/ Intermediate/ Large)	Significance thresholds of potential visual impact (before mitigation)
VSR-01	Recreational users in Nam Sang Wai (Play)	Recreational (Many)	Partial	High	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	150m	Small	Moderate
VSR-02	Recreational users in River Promenade (Play)	Recreational (Many)	Partial	Medium	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	150m	Negligible	Insubstantial
VSR-03	Occupants in Yuen Long Industrial Estate (Industrial)	Industrial (Many)	Glimpse	Low	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	200m	Small	Insubstantial / Slight
VSR-04	Travellers in Wang Lok Street (Travelling)	Travelling (Medium)	Partial	Low	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	40m	Small	Insubstantial / Slight
VSR-05	Travelers in Wang Lee Street (Travelling)	Travelling (Medium)	Glimpse	Low	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	100m	Negligible	Insubstantial
VSR-06	Occupants in Tai Tseng Shan (Home)	Residential (Few)	Glimpse	Medium	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	70m	Small	Slight / Moderate
VSR-07	Residents in Ng Uk Tsuen (Home)	Residential (Many)	Glimpse	Medium	Negligible	450m	Negligible	Insubstantial
VSR-08	Residents in Leon Court (Home)	Residential (Many)	Glimpse	Medium	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	400m	Negligible	Insubstantial
VSR-09	Recreational users in Border Road (Play)	Recreational (Few)	Glimpse	Medium	Negligible	50m	Negligible	Insubstantial
VSR-10	Occupants in Fung Lok Wai (Agriculture)	Agriculture (Few)	Glimpse	Low	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	350m	Negligible	Insubstantial
VSR-11	Travelers in Tai Sang Wai (Travelling)	Travelling (Few)	Glimpse	Low	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	500m	Negligible	Insubstantial
VSR-12	Occupants in Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Office (Nam Sang Wai) (Institution)	Institution (Few)	Glimpse	Low	Negligible	300m	Negligible	Insubstantial

Table 10.10 VSRs and their Significance Thresholds During Operational Phase

VSR ID.	VSRs	Type and Approximate Number of VSRs	Description of Existing View and Degree of Visibility (No view/ Glimpse/ Partial view/ vista/ open view/ panorama view)	Receiver Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Source of Impact	Approximate minimum viewing Distance of VSRs	Magnitude of Change (Negligible/ Small/ Intermediate/ Large)	Significance thresholds of potential visual impact (before mitigation)
VSR-01	Recreational users in Nam Sang Wai (Play)	Recreational (Many)	Partial	High	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	150m	Small	Moderate
VSR-02	Recreational users in River Promenade (Play)	Recreational (Many)	Partial	Medium	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	150m	Negligible	Insubstantial
VSR-03	Occupants in Yuen Long Industrial Estate (Industrial)	Industrial (Many)	Glimpse	Low	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	200m	Negligible	Insubstantial
VSR-04	Travellers in Wang Lok Street (Travelling)	Travelling (Medium)	Partial	Low	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	40m	Small	Insubstantial / Slight
VSR-05	Travelers in Wang Lee Street (Travelling)	Travelling (Medium)	Glimpse	Low	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	100m	Negligible	Insubstantial
VSR-06	Occupants in Tai Tseng Shan (Home)	Residential (Few)	Glimpse	Medium	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	70m	Small	Slight / Moderate
VSR-07	Residents in Ng Uk Tsuen (Home)	Residential (Many)	Glimpse	Medium	Negligible	450m	Negligible	Insubstantial
VSR-08	Residents in Leon Court (Home)	Residential (Many)	Glimpse	Medium	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	400m	Negligible	Insubstantial
VSR-09	Recreational users in Border Road (Play)	Recreational (Few)	Glimpse	Medium	Negligible	50m	Negligible	Insubstantial
VSR-10	Occupants in Fung Lok Wai (Agriculture)	Agriculture (Few)	Glimpse	Low	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	350m	Negligible	Insubstantial
VSR-11	Travelers in Tai Sang Wai (Travelling)	Travelling (Few)	Glimpse	Low	Demolition and rebuilt of the treatment units and building structures	500m	Negligible	Insubstantial
VSR-12	Occupants in Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Office (Nam Sang Wai) (Institution)	Institution (Few)	Glimpse	Low	Negligible	300m	Negligible	Insubstantial

10.8 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

10.8.1.1 The proposed engineering works have been designed to minimise any potential landscape and visual impact as much as possible. Mitigation measures are proposed to alleviate the potential adverse landscape and visual impact.

10.8.1.2 The proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures in the construction and operation are listed in Table 10.11 and Table 10.12 below, together with an indication of Funding, Implementation and Maintenance Agencies.

Table 10.11 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction Phase

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency
Applicable to both Landscape & Visual Impact
CM1	Preservation of Existing Vegetation All the existing Trees to be retained and not to be affected by the Project shall be carefully protected during construction accordance with DEVB TCW No. 7/2015 - Tree Preservation and the latest Guidelines on Tree Preservation during Development issued by GLTM Section of DevB. Any existing vegetation in landscaped areas and natural terrain not to be affected by the Project shall be carefully preserved.	DSD	DSD
CM2	Transplanting of Affected Trees Trees unavoidably affected by the works shall be transplanted as far as possible in accordance with DEVB TCW No. 7/2015 - Tree Preservation and the latest Guidelines on Tree Transplanting issued by GLTM Section of DevB.	DSD	DSD
CM3	Compensatory Tree Planting Any trees to be felled under the Project shall be compensated in accordance with DEVB TCW No. 7/2015 - Tree Preservation. For trees to be compensated on slopes, the guidelines for tree planting stipulated in GEO Publication No. 1/2011 will be followed.	DSD	DSD
Applicable to Visual Impact
CM4	Control of Night-time Lighting Glare All the night time lighting shall be avoided as far as possible. No light glare shall illuminate directly outside the site.	DSD	DSD
CM5	Erection of Decorative Screen Hoarding Site hoardings, if any, shall be painted in dull green colour	DSD	DSD
CM6	Management of Construction Activities and Facilities Construction activities shall be well scheduled and avoid powered mechanical equipment’s operating simultaneously. All stockpiling areas and idled area shall be covered by tarpaulin sheet or hydroseeded as far as possible.	DSD	DSD

Table 10.12 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Operation Phase

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency	Maintenance/ Management Agency
Applicable to both Landscape & Visual Impact
OM1	Roadside and Amenity Planting Roadside amenity trees and understory planting to be planted along EVA and access roads within YLEPP.	DSD	DSD	DSD
OM2	Infill Planting Proposals Infill planting of trees, shrubs and/or groundcovers shall be incorporated into the YLEPP layout where space is available.	DSD	DSD	DSD
OM3	Enhancement of Landscape Buffer With the retained existing trees surrounding the YLSTW perimeter, thickening of understory plantings and/or moundings in YLEPP will be created as landscape buffer to the surroundings as much as possible.	DSD	DSD	DSD
Applicable to Visual Impact
OM4	Control of Night-time Lighting Glare All the night time lighting shall be avoided except for safety purpose. No light glare shall illuminate directly outside the YLEPP.	DSD	DSD	DSD
OM5	Responsive Design of Building Aesthetically pleasing design as regard to the form, material and finishes shall be incorporated to all buildings, engineering structures and associated infrastructure facilities so as to blend in the buildings and structures to the adjacent landscape and visual context.	DSD	DSD	DSD

10.8.1.3 The construction phase mitigation measures listed above shall be implemented as early as possible in order to minimize the landscape impacts in the construction stage. The operation phase mitigation measures listed above shall be adopted during the detailed design and be built as part of Project so that they are in place at the date of commissioning of the Project. However, it should be noted that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would only be appreciated after several years.

10.8.1.4 The tentative landscape master plan, which outlines the landscape design and proposed mitigation measures at YLEPP, is presented in Figure 10.8. The location plan of individual mitigation measures is presented in Figure 10.9.

10.9 Residual Impact

10.9.1 Significance of Residual Landscape Impacts

10.9.1.1 The potential significance of the landscape impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, is provided in Table 10.13. The assessment follows the proposed methodology and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 10.11 and Table 10.12 above would be implemented, and the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be realised after ten years.

Amenity Planting in the Existing YLSTW (LR-01) and Existing YLSTW (LCA-01) – Construction Phase

10.9.1.2 The preservation of Existing Vegetation (CM1), most of the trees surrounding the site (approximate 158 out of 315) will be well preserved, subject to further tree felling application according to statutory requirements. Other trees will require felling or transplantation due to unavoidable conflict, imbalance/ poor form and/ or poor health. Planting areas/ ground that will not be disturbed either from the non-disturbed existing planting areas or natural slope planting with existing preserved trees, will also be carefully preserved.

10.9.1.3 Under current proposal, 3 nos. of tree is recommended to be transplanted (CM2), subject to detail tree survey results. The recommended final recipient site should be adjacent their current location to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of transplantation.

10.9.1.4 The compensatory tree planting (CM3) will be reviewed together with the possible transplantation. This will not solely be a consideration on the location of trees but also the review of landscape design and treatment to create desirable semi-final outcome for mitigation in construction stage. This will include the design of landscape mounding/ soil leveling with temporary/ permanent understory planting effective to maximize screening/noise buffering.

10.9.1.5 It is predicted that the implementation of the above mitigation measures would provide adequate measure during the construction stage, hence reducing the impact significance to slight for both LR-01 and LCA-01.

Amenity Planting in the Existing YLSTW (LR-01) and Existing YLSTW (LCA-01) – Day 1 and Year 10 Operation

10.9.1.6 Roadside and amenity trees and planting (OM1) within YLEPP shall be implemented following the overall landscape design in a simple and naturalistic approach. The purpose is to create natural and pleasant landscape along circulation routes where pedestrian and vehicular access would benefit from the overall landscape setting.

10.9.1.7 Other infill planting proposal (OM2) will also be implemented in insolated or inner planting areas to create natural but dense planting mass. This will be designed with trees in OM1, CM1 and CM3 as a comprehensive landscape setting.

10.9.1.8 The approach to the enhancement of Landscape buffer (OM3) continues from CM3 implemented in the construction stage with further refinement/ improvement to create the landscape setting as per the goals in landscape design for each functional zone.

10.9.1.9 It is predicted that the implementation of the above final mitigation measures for the operation phase would provide a possible and comprehensive mitigation measure within the site during Day 1 and Year 10 of YLEPP. The impact significance after implementation of mitigation measures will be slight in Day 1. In Year 10, when further mature growth of proposed compensatory trees, the impact significance after implementation of mitigation measures will be reduced to insubstantial.

Other LRs and LCAs

10.9.1.10 It is predicted that there would not be any discernable change in other LRs and LCAs identified within the assessment area of the YLEPP.

Table 10.13 Significance of Landscape Impacts during Construction and Operation Phases

ID No.	Landscape Resource / Character Areas	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Change (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance before Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Significance of Residual Impact (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
		C	O	C	O	C	O		C	O
		C	O	C	O	C	O		C	Day 1	Year 10
Landscape Resources
LR-01	Amenity Planting in the Existing YLSTW	Low	Low	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM3, OM1, OM2, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR-02	Waterbodies in Shan Pui River and Kam Tin River	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-03	Mangroves in Shan Pui River and Kam Tin River	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-04	River Promenade at Yuen Long Industrial Estate and Nam Sang Wai	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-05	Fishponds	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-06	Plantation at Nam Sang Wai	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-07	Orchard	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-08	Shrub Mosaic	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-09	Grassland	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-10	Amenity Planting in Developed Area	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-11	Reedbed at Nam Sang Wai	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Landscape Character Area
LCA-01	Existing YLSTW	Low	Low	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM3, OM1, OM2, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LCA-02	Shan Pui River Inshore Water	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA-03	Nam Sang Wai Wetland	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA-04	Tai Sang Wai Mangrove	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA-05	Fung Lok Wai Wetland	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA-06	Secondary Woodland Tai Tseng Shan	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA-07	Yuen Long Industrial Estate	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

Note: C – Construction Phase, O – Operation Phase

10.9.2 Significance of Residual Visual Impacts

10.9.2.1 The potential significance of the visual impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, is provided in below table. The assessment followed the proposed methodology and assumed that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 10.11 and Table 10.12 above would be implemented, and the full effect of the visual mitigation measures should be realised after ten years.

Recreational Users in Nam Sang Wai (VSR-01) – Viewpoint P2

10.9.2.2 VSR-01 is located at grade in the promenade at Nam Sang Wai, approximately 150m away from the YLEPP and representing the visitors. The viewpoint is selected because of its high sensitivity with public interest. In general, views to most YLEPP facilities will be blocked by the retained trees along east side of the site, except the top level of new facilities. While the YLEPP is located at north of YLIE which forms a sight of industrial areas along Nam Sang Wai promenade, the YLEPP is considered compatible with its existing surroundings and will bring an overall insubstantial residue impact in long term. The impact significance after implementation of mitigation measures is slight during construction phase, whereas is considered as slight in Day 1 operation and will be further reduced to insubstantial in Year 10 operation. Photomontages for VSR-01 is presented in Figure 10.10 to Figure 10.11.

Travelers in Wang Lok Street (VSR-04) – Viewpoint P1

10.9.2.3 VSR-04 is located at grade just in the entrance of YLEPP, approximately 40m away from the YLEPP and representing the travelers at YLIE. The viewpoint is selected because it is the closest point (~40m) with direct sight to YLEPP. However, the sensitivity of this VSR is considered as low. In general, views to front door of YLEPP facilities will be mainly blocked by the retained trees and shrubs along south side of the site and outside the site. The impact significance after implementation of mitigation measures is insubstantial during construction phase, Day 1 operation and Year 10 operation. Photomontages for VSR-01 is presented in Figure 10.12 to Figure 10.13.

Occupants in Tai Tseng Shan (VSR-06) – Viewpoint P3

10.9.2.4 VSR-06 mainly represents the fishpond operators located at west of YLEPP, approximately 70m away from the YLEPP. The viewpoint is selected because the west side of YLEPP is lack of retained perimeter trees. The existing trees (4-11m tall Mangifera indica, 16m tall Pterocarpus indicus and other 4m tall Phoenix roebelenii) with understory planting provide partial blockage of views. The new sludge thickening building of approx. 18.3 mPD and new gas holders of up to 20 mPD will be erected. The impact significance after implementation of mitigation measures is slight during construction phase, whereas is considered as slight in Day 1 operation and will be further reduced to insubstantial in Year 10 operation. Photomontages for VSR-06 is presented in Figure 10.14 to Figure 10.15.

Recreational users in Border Road (VSR-09) – Viewpoint P4

10.9.2.5 VSR-09 is generally a remote area with limited access and thus few visitors only. The viewpoint is selected because it could also represent the view from north of the YLEPP. The existing trees (4-11m tall Mangifera indica, 16m tall Pterocarpus indicus and other 4m tall Phoenix roebelenii) with understory planting provide partial blockage of views. The impact significance after implementation of mitigation measures is insubstantial at all time. Photomontages for VSR-06 is presented in Figure 10.16 to Figure 10.17.

Figure 10.1	Review of Planning and Development Framework
Figure 10.2	Landscape Resources
Figure 10.3	Landscape Resources Photos (Sheet 1 of 2)
Figure 10.4	Landscape Resources Photos (Sheet 2 of 2)
Figure 10.5	Landscape Character Areas
Figure 10.6	Landscape Character Areas Photos
Figure 10.7	Visual Envelope and Visually Sensitive Receivers
Figure 10.8	Tentative Landscape Master Plan of YLEPP
Figure 10.9	Locations of Proposed Mitigation Measures
Figure 10.10	Photomontage P1 (Sheet 1 of 2)
Figure 10.11	Photomontage P1 (Sheet 2 of 2)
Figure 10.12	Photomontage P2 (Sheet 1 of 2)
Figure 10.13	Photomontage P2 (Sheet 2 of 2)
Figure 10.14	Photomontage P3 (Sheet 1 of 2)
Figure 10.15	Photomontage P3 (Sheet 2 of 2)
Figure 10.16	Photomontage P4 (Sheet 1 of 4)
Figure 10.17	Photomontage P4 (Sheet 2 of 4)
Figure 10.18	Photomontage P4 (Sheet 3 of 4)
Figure 10.19	Photomontage P4 (Sheet 4 of 4)

ID. No.	VSRs	Receptor Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Change (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance Threshold BEFORE Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance Threshold AFTER Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
		Receptor Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)							C	O
		C	O	C	O	C	O		C	DAY 1	YEAR 10
VSR-01	Recreational users in Nam Sang Wai (Play)	High	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1,CM2,CM3,CM4,CM5,CM6 OM1,OM2,OM3,OM4,OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
VSR-02	Recreational users in River Promenade (Play)	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1,CM2,CM3,CM4,CM5,CM6 OM1,OM2,OM3,OM4,OM5	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR-03	Occupants in Yuen Long Industrial Estate (Work)	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1,CM2,CM3,CM4,CM5,CM6 OM1,OM2,OM3,OM4,OM5	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR-04	Travelers in Wang Lok Street (Traveling)	Low	Low	Small	Small	Insubstantial/Slight	Slight	CM1,CM2,CM3,CM4,CM5,CM6 OM1,OM2,OM3,OM4,OM5	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR-05	Travelers in Wang Lee Street (Traveling)	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1,CM2,CM3,CM4,CM5,CM6 OM1,OM2,OM3,OM4,OM5	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR-06	Occupants in Tai Tseng Shan (Home)	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight / Moderate	Slight / Moderate	CM1,CM2,CM3,CM4,CM5,CM6 OM1,OM2,OM3,OM4,OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
VSR-07	Residents in Ng Uk Tsuen (Home)	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1,CM2,CM3,CM4,CM5,CM6 OM1,OM2,OM3,OM4,OM5	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR-08	Residents in Leon Court (Home)	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1,CM2,CM3,CM4,CM5,CM6 OM1,OM2,OM3,OM4,OM5	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR-09	Recreational users in Border Road (Play)	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1,CM2,CM3,CM4,CM5,CM6 OM1,OM2,OM3,OM4,OM5	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR-10	Occupants in Fung Lok Wai (Work)	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1,CM2,CM3,CM4,CM5,CM6 OM1,OM2,OM3,OM4,OM5	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR-11	Travelers in Tai Sang Wai (Traveling)	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1,CM2,CM3,CM4,CM5,CM6 OM1,OM2,OM3,OM4,OM5	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
VSR-12	Occupants in Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Office (Nam Sang Wai) (Work)	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1,CM2,CM3,CM4,CM5,CM6 OM1,OM2,OM3,OM4,OM5	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial