2 Tree Survey Findings and recommendations

_2.1_{Tree Survey}

2.1.1 A comprehensive survey of all trees potentially impacted by the XRL over all works sites and works areas was conducted in mid 2008. The tree survey information presented herein is an extract from that survey.

2.1.2 Since the 2008 survey was undertaken, the XRL gazettal boundary has been slightly revised, necessitating an additional survey which has been undertaken in early 2009. The trees identified from this additional survey are identified in the tree survey drawings and schedules by a prefix “U” before the tree number (e.g. U0001).

2.1.3 The following technical circulars, practice notes and publications have been referenced:

¨ Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96);

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

¨ Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department – Nature Conservation Practice Note No. 02 (Rev. Jun 2006)

¨ Country Park Ordinance (Cap. 208);

¨ Environment, Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No. 2/2004 - Maintenance of Vegetation and Hand Landscape Features;

¨ Environment, Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No. 3/2006 – Tree Preservation;

¨ Environment, Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No. 29/2004 - Registration of Old and Valuable Trees and Guidelines for their Preservation;

¨ Highways Department Technical Circular No. 3/2008 - Independent Vetting of Tree Works under the Maintenance of Highways Department;

¨ General Regulation (GR) 740;

¨ Standing Interdepartmental Landscape Technical Group (SILTECH) Publication - 'Tree Planting and Maintenance in Hong Kong' (Webb, 1991);

¨ Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department Publication - 'Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong' (2004) and

¨ Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department Publication - 'Check List of Hong Kong Plants' (2004).

¨ Highways Department – Landscape Unit – Requirements for Handover of Vegetation to Highways Department (undated)

2.1.4 Trees were surveyed individually and the following characteristics are recorded in the Tree Schedule in Appendix I:

¨ tree reference number;

¨ District within which tree is located;

¨ botanical name;

¨ Chinese common name;

¨ Height (m);

¨ trunk diameter at 1.3m above ground level (m);

¨ crown spread (m);

¨ form (good / fair / poor);

¨ health (good / fair / poor);

¨ amenity value (high / medium / low);

¨ survival rate after transplanting (high / medium / low);

¨ Government Department responsible for maintenance of the tree. This is based on the ETWBTC(W) 2/2004 “Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape features”, Appendix A “Areas of Responsibilities of Departments on Maintenance of Vegetation”;

¨ Government Department responsible for providing expert advice to LandsD on removal of the tree. This is based on the ETWBTC(W) 3/2006 “Tree Preservation”, Appendix B “Departmental Responsibilities for Providing Expert Advise to LandsD for vetting of Tree Removal Applications”;

¨ trees in the Register of Old and Valuable Trees are identified in accordance with ETWBTC(W) No. 29/2004 - Registration of Old and Valuable Trees and Guidelines for their Preservation;

¨ trees considered as “Important Trees” in accordance with ETWBTC(W) 3/2006 “Tree Preservation”

¨ other remarks.

2.1.5 Following the assessment of the impacts of the XRL works on the trees, the following information has been added to the Tree Schedule:

¨ Recommendation (Retain / Retain and Prune / Transplant / Fell); and

¨ Justification for the Recommendation (i.e. reason why the tree is unavoidably affected by the works)

_2.2_{Tree Classification
Criteria}

2.2.1 In the tree survey, trees have been assessed and classified in accordance with criteria for classification of form, health, survival rate and amenity value, as described below.

Form (Good / Fair / Poor)

2.2.2 Tree Form is classified as follows:

a) Good: trees with well-balanced form, upright, evenly branching, well-formed head and generally in accordance with the standard form for its species;

b) Fair: trees with generally balanced form with natural compensations for loss of branches or leaning trunks;

c) Poor: trees with very unbalanced form, leaning, contorted, bending trunk, suffering from loss of major branches with general damage and growing close to adjacent trees.

Health (Good / Fair / Poor)

2.2.3 The "Health and Condition" of trees is assessed by evaluating the following criteria:

a) Foliage

¨ Colour and general appearance; and

¨ Presence of insect and/or fungal infection.

b) Branches

¨ Presence of dead, broken, cut or crossing branches;

¨ Presence of heavy horizontal branches which may cause tree instability; and

¨ Presence of any special phenomena of the branches likely to cause hazard.

c) Trunk

¨ Presence of tightly forked or multi-ascending trunk may be a sign of weakness (depends on specie);

¨ Presence of cavities or internal/ external rot as may be evidenced by presence of moisture seeping through the trunk, and / or fungi growing on the trunk; and

¨ Serious bark damage.

2.2.4 Based on evaluation of above criteria, the classification of ‘Health and Condition’ is as follows:

a) Good: Trees with a low incidence of the less serious features listed above and a high chance of a fast recovery from such features.

b) Fair: Trees with a higher incidence of the less serious features and a medium chance of recovery from those features.

c) Poor: Trees with more serious health features listed above and with a low chance of recovery from those features, even with remedial treatment.

Survival Rate Following Transplanting (High / Medium / Low)

2.2.5 The assessment of the survival rate of trees following transplanting is evaluated as High, Medium or Low, taking account of the following criteria:

¨ the typical ability of that tree species to survive transplanting;

¨ the tree size, form and existing health condition;

¨ the presence of any physical impediments to the preparation of root balls, such as wall, utilities, manholes, rocks, foundations etc.; and

¨ the inclined angle of the tree roots – the steeper the incline, the less chance of survival.

2.2.6 The grading of "Survival Rate following Transplanting" is therefore as follows:

a) High: Over 60% chance of survival provided that proper preparation and transplanting methodology is adopted.

b) Medium: 30-60% chance of survival provided that proper preparation and transplanting methodology is adopted.

c) Low: Less than 30% chance of survival even if proper preparation and transplanting methodology is adopted.

Amenity Value (High/Medium/Low)

2.2.7 The positive contribution of trees to their surrounding urban and landscape context is expressed as their "Amenity Value". Factors that are taken into consideration in the assessment include:

¨ Conservation value: Trees on the Register of Old and Valuable Trees (ETWBTC(W) 29/2004). “Important Trees” as defined in ETWBTC(W) 3/2006 “Tree Preservation”. Rare or protected species, as listed by the Agriculture and Fisheries & Conservation Department. Fung Shui significance is also taken into account.

¨ Functional value: provide screening, shade or shelter.

¨ Age and maturity.

¨ Visual impact: the degree of positive visual impact created by the tree, or conversely, the degree of adverse visual impact that would result from loss of the tree.

¨ Status & form: a good representative specimen of its species, present condition, potential hazard and stability.

2.2.8 The grading of "Amenity Value" is therefore as follows:

a) High: “Old and Valuable Trees” and “Important Trees”. Rare or protected species. Trees with fung shui significance. Mature trees with good health condition and form.

b) Medium: Common species with average health, medium condition and acceptable form. Rare or protected species, fung shui significance , but with poor health condition and form.

c) Low: Common weedy species, little or non-functional common species with poor health condition and poor form. Young and small trees of common species in accordance with the mature size for its species.

“Old and Valuable Tree” or “Important Tree”

2.2.9 If the tree is on the Register of Old and Valuable Trees, it is identified in the Schedule as an “Old and Valuable Tree” (OVT).

2.2.10 In accordance with ETWBTC(W) 29/2004 “Registration of Old and Valuable Trees and Guidelines for their Preservation”, if a tree meets one or more of the following criteria, it is identified in the Schedule as an “Important Tree” (IT):

¨ Trees of 100 years old or above;

¨ Trees of cultural historical or memorable significance e.g. Fung Shui tree, tree as landmark of monastery or heritage monument, and trees in memory of an important person or event;

¨ Trees of precious or rare species;

¨ Trees of outstanding form (taking account of overall tree sizes, shape and any special features) e.g. tree with curtain like aerial roots, trees growing in unusual habitat; or

¨ Trees with trunk diameter equal or exceeding 1.0m (measured at 1.3m above ground level), or with height/canopy spread equal or exceeding 25m.

“Exempted Trees”

2.2.11 Certain types of tree are exempted from the control requirements of ETWBTC(W) 3/2006, including:

¨ Trees made hazardous due to natural causes such as lightning, typhoon, torrential rain or landslide;

¨ Dead, dying or diseased trees; and

¨ Self-seeded trees of undesirable ‘weed’ species such as Leucaena leucocephala.

_2.3_{Assessment of Impacts on
Trees}

Design Reference Documents

2.3.1 In order to determine whether or not the existing trees will be affected by the proposed works, reference has been made to the latest available engineering designs.

2.3.2 For ease of reference, the engineering design for the engineering works has been overlaid on the tree survey drawings in Appendix II. In addition Appendix IV includes additional information explaining impacts on trees, such as layouts of temporary works areas.

Description of Project Works in Yau Tsim Mong District

2.3.3 The XRL section within the Yau Tsim Mong District involves the following major works.

West Kowloon Terminus

2.3.4 The West Kowloon Terminus (WKT) located in West Kowloon Reclamation Area is an underground station bounded by:

¨ the proposed West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) in the south;

¨ Airport Railway Kowloon Station (KOW) in the west;

¨ the future Austin Station (AUS) of Kowloon Southern Link to the east; and

¨ Jordan Road to the north.

2.3.5 WKT will be the gateway to the Mainland from Hong Kong, with distinctive architecture, landmark features and user-friendly. HKSAR and Mainland Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities will be co-located.

2.3.6 Open excavation is considered appropriate for constructing the majority of the station. However, special construction techniques are envisaged to be required for critical locations, such as in the area of the KSL tunnels, or near the seawalls located along the harbour front. The techniques include soil stabilization by grouting, tie-back ground anchors, etc.

Approach Tunnel

2.3.7 The approach tunnel to the north of WKT will be constructed by conventional cut-and-cover methods. The tunnel alignment is constrained laterally and vertically by existing buildings and structures. On plan, the tunnel box passes below the existing box culverts JR, PS, WR and DS, as well as the Kowloon Southern Link (KSL) tunnel box which has been constructed. In addition, the alignment clashes with the existing foundations of Footbridge 14 and Highway Bridges T and D1.

2.3.8 Based on site records, there are substantial underground services and utilities within the footprint of the XRL. They include storm and sewage drains, gas mains, box culverts, water mains, CLP high voltage electric cables, etc. Most of these utilities intercept the approach tunnels north of Jordan Road and will be permanently and/or temporarily diverted or supported in-situ during construction.

2.3.9 At the location where the XRL passes below the KSL, the KSL tunnel has already been designed to be supported on diaphragm walling and piles to allow subsequent undermining when constructing the approach tunnel structure underneath. These enabling works were constructed during the KSL Construction Contract.

Ventilation Building at WKT

2.3.10 The ventilation building is located north of Site A and Jordan Road and adjacent to footbridge FB14. It is designed for tunnel ventilation and smoke control, and sits above the approach tunnels. Cut and cover construction is envisaged with a temporary cofferdam with strutted excavation and traffic deck above. The proposed permanent PTI and the landscaped deck over the PTI is also integrated with the ventilation building.

Ventilation Building VB8

2.3.11 Ventilation building VB8 is located Hoi Wang Road (MKV - chainage 140+560).

Additional Works Areas

2.3.12 Recognizing the necessity of adequate site area required for an extensive work of this nature, an additional work area has been reserved for part or the entire duration of the project in the following location:

a) Works area (TBM retrieval shaft) located at the existing public open space car park adjacent to the Hoi Ting Road and Hoi Wang Road intersection

Necessity for Removal of Trees

2.3.13 In order for these Works to be constructed a certain minimum number of trees must inevitably be removed.

2.3.14 Detailed discussions have been held with the design engineers to ensure that the impact on these existing trees along is minimised, and the total number of affected trees is kept to the minimum required to undertake the works.

2.3.15 The Tree Schedule in Appendix I includes a column providing the justification why a tree is unavoidably affected by the works.

Basis of Recommendation to Transplant

2.3.16 Trees that are unavoidably affected by the works and need to be removed are selected for transplanting instead of felling on the basis of a combination of factors including the location of the tree; the species, form, health and amenity value of the tree; the ease and cost of transplanting; the survival rate following transplanting and safety of transplanting operation. All of the following criteria must be satisfied for a tree to be recommended for transplanting instead of felling:

¨ Form and health are at least “fair”;

¨ one of the categories “Amenity Value” and “Survival Rate” is “high” and the other is at least “medium” (ETWBTC(W) 3/2006, clause 17);

¨ the tree is of high conservation value, including rare and precious species (ETWBTC(W) 3/2006, clause 17);

¨ the tree is easily accessible, not on steeply sloping ground, and safe to transplant;

¨ there are no objects such as manholes, waterpoints, hydrants etc. that would interfere with rootball preparation; and

¨ tree preparation and transplanting must be able to be undertaken safely.

2.3.17 In addition affected street trees in paving and in roadside planters are also recommended for transplanting if they are in good condition.

Basis of Recommendation to Fell

2.3.18 If a tree that has to be removed is not selected to be transplanted according to the criteria above, then it is recommended to be felled.

2.3.19 In addition, the following trees are recommended to be felled, irrespective of whether or not they are affected by the works:

¨ all dead trees within the gazettal boundary;

¨ trees within the gazettal boundary considered hazardous to public safety and which cannot be rendered safe by tree pruning work; and

¨ trees within the gazettal boundary with contagious pests or diseases that cannot be eradicated by pest or disease control measures.

_2.4_{Summary of Implications
For Trees}

2.4.1 In summary, the Tree Survey reveals that:

a) There are 2540 living trees (including 130 ‘exempted’ weed trees) identified inside, or just outside, the Gazettal Boundary in the Yau Tsim Mong District, plus 23 dead trees. All dead trees are recommended to be felled.

b) 1533 of the living trees (including 36 ‘exempted’ weed trees) can be retained in situ during and after the Works, of which 4 are currently recommended to be pruned.

c) 373 trees are recommended to be transplanted as a result of the Works.

d) 536 trees are recommended to be felled as a result of the Works. (In addition, 94 ‘exempted’ living trees and 23 dead trees are to be felled)

Old and Valuable Trees and Important Trees

2.4.2 There are no Old or Valuable Trees (as listed in the Register of Old and Valuable Trees) in the Gazettal Boundary in the Yau Tsim Mong District.

2.4.3 There is 1 Important Tree (as defined by ETWBTC(W) 29/2004) in the Gazettal Boundary in the Yau Tsim Mong District as follows:

¨ T1808 - Ficus microcarpa (7m height, 1.1m diameter, 8m spread) located in MTRCL’s Kowloon Southern Link construction site near Man Cheong Street which is classed ‘Important’ due to its diameter greater than 1m.

Breakdown of Affected Trees by Species

2.4.4 A breakdown of the affected trees by species is provided in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1 – Impacts on Trees by Species

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia auriculiformis	171			25	196
Acacia confusa	313			163	476
Acacia mangium	118			25	143
Albizia lebbeck	44			4	48
Aleurites moluccana	18		11	6	35
Araucaria heterophylla				5	5
Archontophoenix alexandrae	9		33	8	50
Bauhinia blakeana	3				3
Bauhinia purpurea	1		13	28	42
Bauhinia variegata	11	1		3	15
Bombax ceiba	9	1	21	2	33
Callistemon viminalis			1		1
Carica papaya				3	3
Caryota ochlandra				8	8
Cassia fistula	4				4
Cassia siamea	7		2	2	11
Cassia surattensis			5	4	9
Casuarina equisetifolia	139			65	204
Celtis sinensis	10		24	3	37
Chukrasia tabularia	1				1
Cinnamomum burmannii				2	2
Cinnamomum camphora	6		3		9
Cinnamomum parthenoxylon	3				3
Clausena lansium				1	1
Crateva trifoliata	12		28		40
Crateva unilocularis	9		3	2	14
Crateva unilocularis	1				1
Delonix regia	12			4	16
Dolichandrone cauda-felina	3				3
Erythrina variegata	2				2
Eucalyptus camaldulensis	233			79	312
Eucalyptus citriodora	3				3
Ficus benjamina	12		51	16	79
Ficus elastic			1		1
Ficus microcarpa	36	1	24	17	78
Ficus virens var. sublanceolata	4				4
Grevillea robusta			2	1	3
Hibiscus tiliaceus	9		10	5	24
Khaya senegalensis	3				3
Lagerstroemia speciosa	9			3	12
Leucaena leucocephala	(36)*			(94)*	(130)*
Litsea glutinosa	1	1			2
Livistona chinensis	11			9	20
Lophostemon confertus	1				1
Macaranga tanarius	2		1	5	8
Mangifera indica	3			1	4
Melaleuca quinquenervia	38		25	1	64
Melia azedarach	22		1	9	32
Michelia x alba				1	1
Morus alba			1		1
Peltophorum pterocarpum	42		16		58
Phoenix roebelenii	1		6		7
Phyllanthus emblica				1	1
Plumeria rubra				2	2
Psidium guajava				1	1
Pterocarpus indicus	8			2	10
Roystonea regia	20		41	3	64
Sapium discolor	1				1
Sapium sebiferum	6		2	2	10
Spathodea campanulata	9		15	3	27
Sterculia lanceolata	4				4
Syzygium cumini	98		33	5	136
Syzygium hancei				1	1
Syzygium jambos	3				3
Terminalia mantaly	4				4
Eucalyptus exserta	8			1	9
Eucalyptus robusta				5	5
Grand Total	1497 (1533)*	4	373	536 (630)*	2410 (2540)*

*Under ETWBTC(W) 3/2006 Leucaena leucocephala is considered a self-seeded weed tree and can be felled w/o compensation. Totals without brackets exclude Leucaena. Totals in brackets include Leucaena.

Breakdown of Affected Trees by Government Department

2.4.5 A breakdown of the affected trees according to the Government Department responsible to advise Lands Department under ETWBTC(W) 3/2006 is provided in Tables 2.2 to 2.5.

Table 2.2 – Affected Trees for which LCSD advise LandsD under ETWBTC(W) 3/2006

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia auriculiformis	13			9	22
Acacia confusa	24			51	75
Acacia mangium	15			9	24
Albizia lebbeck	1				1
Aleurites moluccana	3		11	1	15
Araucaria heterophylla				1	1
Archontophoenix alexandrae	9		33	8	50
Bauhinia blakeana	2				2
Bombax ceiba	6		19	1	26
Callistemon viminalis			1		1
Carica papaya				1	1
Cassia fistula	4				4
Cassia siamea	5		2		7
Casuarina equisetifolia	16			12	28
Celtis sinensis	2		24	2	28
Cinnamomum burmannii				1	1
Cinnamomum camphora	6		3		9
Cinnamomum parthenoxylon	3				3
Crateva trifoliata	11		28		39
Crateva unilocularis			3		3
Crateva unilocularis	1				1
Delonix regia	1			2	3
Eucalyptus camaldulensis	25			29	54
Eucalyptus citriodora	2				2
Ficus benjamina	3		46	10	59
Ficus microcarpa	9		18	5	32
Ficus virens var. sublanceolata	4				4
Grevillea robusta			2	1	3
Hibiscus tiliaceus	9		10	5	24
Khaya senegalensis	3				3
Lagerstroemia speciosa	5				5
Leucaena leucocephala	(4)*			(13)*	(17)*
Lophostemon confertus	1				1
Macaranga tanarius	1				1
Melaleuca quinquenervia	28		25		53
Melia azedarach	6			4	10
Morus alba			1		1
Peltophorum pterocarpum	31		16		47
Phoenix roebelenii			6		6
Pterocarpus indicus	1				1
Roystonea regia	20		41	2	63
Spathodea campanulata	1		15	3	19
Syzygium cumini	13		30	2	45
Syzygium jambos	3				3
Terminalia mantaly	4				4
Grand Total	291 (295)*	0	334	159 (172)*	784 (801)*

Table 2.3 – Affected Trees for which AFCD advise LandsD under ETWBTC(W) 3/2006

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia auriculiformis	50			16	66
Acacia confusa	47			62	109
Acacia mangium	63			13	76
Albizia lebbeck	11			4	15
Aleurites moluccana	12			5	17
Araucaria heterophylla				4	4
Bauhinia blakeana	1				1
Bauhinia purpurea	1				1
Bauhinia variegata	9	1		3	13
Bombax ceiba	2	1	2	1	6
Cassia siamea				2	2
Casuarina equisetifolia	34			27	61
Celtis sinensis	2			1	3
Chukrasia tabularia	1				1
Cinnamomum burmannii				1	1
Clausena lansium				1	1
Crateva unilocularis	9			2	11
Delonix regia	6			2	8
Erythrina variegata	2				2
Eucalyptus camaldulensis	114			44	158
Eucalyptus citriodora	1				1
Ficus benjamina	5		1		6
Ficus elastica			1		1
Ficus microcarpa	8	1		5	14
Lagerstroemia speciosa	4			3	7
Leucaena leucocephala	(21)*			(76)*	(97)*
Litsea glutinosa		1			1
Livistona chinensis				2	2
Macaranga tanarius	1			5	6
Mangifera indica				1	1
Melaleuca quinquenervia	6			1	7
Melia azedarach	13		1	2	16
Peltophorum pterocarpum	11				11
Phoenix roebelenii	1				1
Phyllanthus emblica				1	1
Psidium guajava				1	1
Pterocarpus indicus	1			2	3
Sapium discolor	1				1
Sapium sebiferum	3			1	4
Spathodea campanulata	7				7
Syzygium cumini	20			3	23
Syzygium hancei				1	1
Eucalyptus exserta	8				8
Eucalyptus robusta				5	5
Grand Total	454 (475)*	4	5	221 (297)*	684 (781)*

Table 2.4 – Affected Trees for which HyD advise LandsD under ETWBTC(W) 3/2006

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia auriculiformis	108				108
Acacia confusa	242			49	291
Acacia mangium	40			3	43
Albizia lebbeck	32				32
Aleurites moluccana	3				3
Bauhinia variegata	2				2
Bombax ceiba	1				1
Carica papaya				1	1
Cassia siamea	2				2
Casuarina equisetifolia	89			26	115
Celtis sinensis	6				6
Crateva trifoliata	1				1
Delonix regia	5				5
Dolichandrone cauda-felina	3				3
Eucalyptus camaldulensis	94			6	100
Ficus benjamina	3			1	4
Ficus microcarpa	8		5	7	20
Leucaena leucocephala	(11)			(2)*	(13)*
Litsea glutinosa	1				1
Mangifera indica	3				3
Melaleuca quinquenervia	4				4
Melia azedarach	3			3	6
Pterocarpus indicus	6				6
Sapium sebiferum	3		2	1	6
Spathodea campanulata	1				1
Sterculia lanceolata	4				4
Syzygium cumini	65		3		68
Eucalyptus exserta				1	1
Grand Total	729 (740)*		10	98 (100)*	837 (850)*

Table 2.5 – Affected Trees for which ArchSD advise LandsD under ETWBTC(W) 3/2006

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia confusa				1	1
Bauhinia purpurea			13	28	41
Carica papaya				1	1
Caryota ochlandra				8	8
Cassia surattensis			5	4	9
Ficus benjamina	1		4	5	10
Ficus microcarpa	11		1		12
Leucaena leucocephala				(3)*	(3)*
Livistona chinensis	11			7	18
Macaranga tanarius			1		1
Michelia x alba				1	1
Plumeria rubra				2	2
Roystonea regia				1	1
Grand Total	23		24	58 (61)*	105 (108)*

3 Compensatory Tree Planting and Transplanting proposal

_3.1_Introduction

3.1.1 The compensatory tree planting and transplanting proposals are indicated on the drawings in Appendix III and described below. The drawings indicate

¨ the existing trees that have been recommended to be retained;

¨ indicative planting zones for proposed trees; and

¨ indicative planting zones for trees transplanted back to the site at the end of the works.

_3.2_{Factors which preclude
Compensatory Tree Planting}

3.2.1 Along the XRL alignment, there are factors which influence the potential for compensatory tree planting. The factors which affect the compensatory planting design in Yau Tsim Mong District are described briefly below.

Proposed View Corridor from WKT Development to Victoria Harbour

3.2.2 A wide view corridor is proposed in the detailed design stretch from the WKT Development to Victoria Harbour (ref. plan C8001/T/XRL/URB/C04/052 attached in Appendix III). Although the view corridor is not indicated on any current Government plans, the idea has received initial support from Planning Department, and therefore to avoid potential conflict with the view corridor, no compensatory tree planting is proposed in this area.

Proposed Noise Barriers

3.2.3 A large number of noise barriers are proposed on the roads surrounding the West Kowloon Terminus site. It is anticipated that these may preclude tree planting in some areas due to lack of space. The full extent of the impacts of the noise barriers on potential tree planting is not yet known but for the purposes of this report, no tree planting is shown in these areas.

3.2.4 Planters with climbers would be provided along the noise barrier. Please refer to the drawing no. 811B-B-311-AAT-A58-051A and the extract approved by ACABAS on 15 December 2009 showing the planting detail on noise barrier as enclosed in Appendix IV for information.

_3.3_T_r_{ee Protection, Tree Pruning, and Tree Transplanting}_Proposals

Tree Protection Strategy

3.3.1 As identified in the Tree Survey, a number of trees that are proposed to be retained will be within the railway works areas and great care will need to be taken during construction to ensure that no damage occurs to them. Tree protection measures written into the contract documents shall include the provision of sturdy protective fencing located along the edge of the tree protection zone (not just around the tree trunk); prohibition of storage of any materials under the tree protection zone; prohibition of construction traffic within the tree protection zone; and prohibition of cleaning out of concrete mixers, or washing of equipment underneath the tree protection zone. The contractor is required to fulfil the requirements regarding tree protection work as stated in the Particular Specification for Tree Works, Soft Landscape Works & Related Work, attached in Appendix V.

Tree Pruning Strategy

3.3.2 During the course of construction work, some trees which are recommended to be retained in their existing positions may need to have their roots or branches pruned to enable nearby construction work. The specification for the tree pruning works will be according to the Soft Landscape Works Particular Specification, attached in Appendix V.

Tree Transplanting Strategy

3.3.3 Whenever possible along the XRL, trees proposed to be transplanted will be moved directly to a final location within the works boundary. However, such final receptor locations will not be immediately available for all transplanted trees due to the works programme, in which case the trees that cannot be immediately located to a final receptor site will be transplanted to a Temporary Holding Nursery until such time as it is appropriate to transplant them to their final location.

3.3.4 In Yau Tsim Mong District, it is possible to immediately relocate a large quantity of the transplanted trees to final receptor locations in the roadside landscape areas along the West Kowloon Corridor (refer to the Compensatory Tree Planting and Transplanting Plans in Appendix III). The remainder will be held in the project Holding Nursery until such time as they can be transplanted back to the project site. Generally, the largest of the transplanted trees will be selected for immediate relocation to the West Kowloon Corridor.

3.3.5 The specification for the tree transplanting works will be according to Particular Specification for Tree Works, Soft Landscape Works and Nursery Works, attached in Appendix V.

_3.4_{Compensatory Tree Planting}

Compensatory Tree Planting Strategy

3.4.1 In accordance with ETWBTC(W) 3/2006, the compensatory planting proposal has the basic primary objective of planting compensatory trees in a ratio not less than 1:1 in terms of quality and quantity.

Numbers of Compensatory Trees

3.4.2 A total of 536 trees are proposed to be felled (not including dead and ‘exempted’ weed trees). The aggregate girth of the 536 trees to be felled is approximately 334 m.

3.4.3 To replace this amount of tree girth with heavy standard trees (as per ETWBTC(W) 3/2006) (each with diameter between 75-125mm according to the PS in Appendix V)) would require approximately 1,070 trees - i.e. about 2 times the number of trees felled. Given the densely developed urban area within Yau Tsim Mong District, it is not practical to provide such a large number of compensatory trees as there is simply not enough space to do so.

3.4.4 Therefore, it is proposed to plant a minimum of 536 trees, which comprise an appropriate combination of semi-mature trees, heavy standard trees and standard trees, and semi-mature palms to suit the detailed landscape design requirements. This represents a compensatory planting slightly ratio in excess of 1:1 for the number of felled trees.

Locations for Compensatory Tree Planting

3.4.5 The exact final locations for the compensatory trees will depend on the detailed design of the engineering works.

3.4.6 Generally, the project design provides the following opportunities for compensatory tree planting in the Yau Tsim Mong District:

a) Street tree planting along Lin Cheung Road.

b) Street tree planting along Sham Mong Road

c) Street tree planting along Hoi Wang Road

d) Amenity tree planting within the West Kowloon Terminus site

e) Screen tree planting at Ventilation Building VB8.

f) Amenity tree planting on podium and at grade for District Open Space north of West Kowloon Terminus site

3.4.7 The approximate locations of the compensatory tree planting are indicated in the Compensatory Tree Planting Plans attached in Appendix III. There will be 835 compensatory trees under the current proposal. These plans and the number of compensatory trees may be further refined as when the detailed layouts of the permanent XRL structures and maintenance areas are finalised; nevertheless, the plans will include the tree quantities that will meet the minimum requirement i.e. 536 trees.

Recommended Tree Species for use in XRL Project

3.4.8 Tables 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 list suggested tree compensation species to be used along the XRL. There are three lists for different primary functions – street / roadside avenue trees; native woodland planting; and ornamental planting.

3.4.9 It should be noted that that the lists are not exhaustive or exclusive, and landscape designers responsible for the detailed designs shall be permitted to propose suitable alternative species that meet the functional requirements of the landscape design.

Table 3.1: Tree / Palm Species suitable for Native Woodland Planting

Native Species Only

Ailanthus fordii (Ailanthus)

Bauhinia blakeana (Hong Kong orchid tree)

Bauhinia variegate (Camel’s foot tree)

Broussonetia papyrifera (Paper Mulberry)

Celtis sinensis (Chinese hackberry)

Choerospondias axillaries (Hog Plum)

Cinnamomum burmannii (Cinnamon tree)

Ficus microcarpa (Chinese banyan)

Ficus superba var. japonica (Superb fig)

Ficusvariegata var. Chlorocarpa (Common red-stem)

Ficus virens var. sublanceolata (Big-leaved fig)

Liquidambar formosana (Sweet gum)

Litsea glutinosa (Pond spice)

Litsea monopetala (Persimmon–leaved Litsea)

Phoenix hanceana (Spiny date-palm)

Reevesia thyrsoidea (Reevesia)

Schefflera heptaphylla (Ivy Tree)

Sapium discolor (Mountain tallow)

Sapium sebiferum (Tallow-tree)

Sterculia lanceolata (Scarlet Sterculia)

Table 3.2: Tree / Palm Species suitable for Roadside and Street Tree Planting

Primarily Non-native Species (Native Species underlined)

Aleurites moluccana (Candlenut tree)

Bischofia javanica (Autumn maple)

Bombax ceiba (Cotton tree)

Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor tree)

Crateva unilocularis (Spider tree)

Delonix regia (Flame of the forest)

Liquidambar formosana (Sweet gum)

Melaleuca quinquenervia (Paper-bark tree)

Falcataria moluccana (Batai, Albizia)

Peltophorum pterocarpum (Yellow Poinciana)

Ficus benjamina (Weeping fig)

Tabebuia rosea (Pink Trumpet)

Terminalia mantaly (Madagascar Almond)

Table 3.3: Other Tree / Palm Species suitable for Ornamental Planting

Primarily Non-native Species (Native Species underlined)
Acacia auriculiformis (Ear-pod Wattle) Acacia confusa (Acacia, Wattle) Acacia mangium (Acacia, Wattle) Archontophoenix alexandrae (King palm) Bauhinia blakeana (Hong Kong orchid tree) Bauhinia variegata (Camel’s foot tree) Callistemon viminalis (Tall bottlebrush) Callistemon rigidus (Stiff bottlebrush) Caryota ochlandra (Fishtail palm) Cassia fistula (Golden shower) Cassia siamea (Kassod tree) Cassia surattensis (Sunshine tree) Casuarina equisetifolia (Horsetail tree) Cerbera manghas (Cerbera) Erythrina corallodendron (Coralbean tree) Erythrina crista-galli (Cockspur coral tree) Erythrina speciosa (Common Coral tree) Erythrina variegata (Indian Coral tree) Ficus elastica (India-rubber Tree) Ficus religiosa (Peepul Tree) Ficus rumphii (Mock Peepul Tree)	Grevillea banksii (Bank’s Grevillea) Grevillea robusta (Silk oak) Lagerstroemia speciosa (Queen crape-myrtle) Livistona chinensis* (Chinese fan-palm) Magnolia grandiflora (Lotus-flowered Magnolia) Melia azedarach (Persian Lilac) Michelia x alba (White champak) Millettia brandisiana (Mempari) Plumeria acutifolia (Frangipani) Plumeria rubra (Frangipani) Pterocarpus indicus (Burmese rosewood) Roystonea regia (Royal palm) Spathodea campanulata (African Tulip Tree) Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm) Syzygium cumuni (Java Plum) Syzygium jambos (Rose Apple) Tabebuia argentea (Silver Trumpet Tree) Tamarindus indica (Tamarind) Terminalia catappa (Indian almond) Trachycarpus fortunei (Windmill Palm) Washingtonia robusta (Petticoat palm)

Primarily Non-native Species (Native Species underlined)

Acacia auriculiformis (Ear-pod Wattle)

Acacia confusa (Acacia, Wattle)

Acacia mangium (Acacia, Wattle)

Archontophoenix alexandrae (King palm)

Bauhinia blakeana (Hong Kong orchid tree)

Bauhinia variegata (Camel’s foot tree)

Callistemon viminalis (Tall bottlebrush)

Callistemon rigidus (Stiff bottlebrush)

Caryota ochlandra (Fishtail palm)

Cassia fistula (Golden shower)

Cassia siamea (Kassod tree)

Cassia surattensis (Sunshine tree)

Casuarina equisetifolia (Horsetail tree)

Cerbera manghas (Cerbera)

Erythrina corallodendron (Coralbean tree)

Erythrina crista-galli (Cockspur coral tree)

Erythrina speciosa (Common Coral tree)

Erythrina variegata (Indian Coral tree)

Ficus elastica (India-rubber Tree)

Ficus religiosa (Peepul Tree)

Ficus rumphii (Mock Peepul Tree)

Grevillea banksii (Bank’s Grevillea)

Grevillea robusta (Silk oak)

Lagerstroemia speciosa (Queen crape-myrtle)

Livistona chinensis* (Chinese fan-palm)

Magnolia grandiflora (Lotus-flowered Magnolia)

Melia azedarach (Persian Lilac)

Michelia x alba (White champak)

Millettia brandisiana (Mempari)

Plumeria acutifolia (Frangipani)

Plumeria rubra (Frangipani)

Pterocarpus indicus (Burmese rosewood)

Roystonea regia (Royal palm)

Spathodea campanulata (African Tulip Tree)

Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm)

Syzygium cumuni (Java Plum)

Syzygium jambos (Rose Apple)

Tabebuia argentea (Silver Trumpet Tree)

Tamarindus indica (Tamarind)

Terminalia catappa (Indian almond)

Trachycarpus fortunei (Windmill Palm)

Washingtonia robusta (Petticoat palm)

*Livistona chinensis is native to South China

Programme for Compensatory Tree Planting

3.4.10 The compensatory planting will be programmed to be completed by the time of the opening of the railway. The trees will be planted at the earliest possible time.

_3.5_{Consolidated Findings of
Tree Survey and Compensatory Proposals in this plan}

3.5.1 Table 3.4 summarises the consolidated findings and recommendations of the tree survey and compensatory planting proposals.

Table 3.4 : Summary of Tree Totals for TLP-1: Works in Yau Tsim Mong District

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

Total Trees in Yau Tsim Mong District

Trees to be retained

Trees to be retained and pruned

Trees to be transplanted

Trees to be felled (excludes 99 nos. Leucaena leucocephala*, and 23 nos. dead tree)

Proposed Compensatory Tree Planting

2410 (2540)*

1497 (1533)*

373

536 (630)*

835# (536)**

** Minimum number of compensatory trees required.

# the stated figure is subject to final landscape design

3.5.2 To-date, a total of 2410 trees (not including “exempted” weed trees) currently exist in the area covered by TLP-1. 1497 of these will be retained, plus another 4 that can be retained but which will require pruning, 536 trees will be felled, 373 trees will be transplanted, and there will be 835 compensatory trees will be planted, comprising a mix of semi-mature, heavy standard, and standard trees and semi-mature palms under the current proposal to suit the final landscape design. The number of compensatory trees may be further refined as when the detailed layouts of the permanent XRL structures and maintenance areas are finalised; nevertheless, the plans will include the tree quantities that will meet the minimum requirement i.e. 536 trees.

3.5.3 As many transplanted trees as possible will be relocated immediately to final receptor sites in the roadside landscape areas along the West Kowloon Corridor within Yau Tsim Mong District. The remainder will be held in a holding nursery until such time as they can be relocated back within the project site.

3.5.4 The exact final locations of the transplanted and compensatory trees will depend on the detailed design of the engineering works.

_3.6_M_{itigation measures}

3.6.1 The mitigation measures recommended in the EIA report are shown in the drawings in Appendix III.

3.6.2 Landscape and visual mitigation measures for ventilation building (MKV) and other building structure (WKP and PTI) are highlighted in the drawings. Please refer to the table 3.5 for detail.

Table 3.5: Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures in TLP-1

Item	Drawing no.	OM1	OM3	OM3a	OM3b	OM5
1	810A/B/311/AAT/A58/021	/				/
2	810A/B/311/AAT/A58/022	/				/
3	810A/B/311/AAT/A58/023	/				/
4	811B/B/311/AAT/A58/021	/	/			/
5	811B/B/311/AAT/A58/022	/	/			/
6	811B/B/311/AAT/A58/023	/				/
7	811B/B/311/AAT/A58/024	/				/
8	811B/B/WKP/AAT/A58/032			/	/
9	811B/B/WKP/AAT/A58/033			/	/
10	811B/B/WKP/AAT/A58/034			/	/
11	811B/B/WKP/AAT/A58/035			/	/
12	811B/B/WKP/AAT/A58/036			/	/
13	811B/B/301/AAT/A12/007			/	/
14	811A/B/MKV/AAT/A58/021	/	/		/
15	811A/B/MKV/AAT/A58/022	/	/		/
16	811A/B/MKV/AAT/A58/023	/	/		/
17	811A/B/MKV/AAT/A58/024			/
18	811A/B/MKV/AAT/A58/025			/
19	811B/B/303/AAT/A58/521	/	/
20	811B/B/303/AAT/A58/522	/	/			/
21	811B/B/303/AAT/A58/523	/				/

Remark: ID of the mitigation measures shall refer to the XRL EIA report, Table 7.11

	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)	(5)	(6)
Tree Planting and Landscape Plan	Trees Surveyed in Gazettal Boundary	Trees to be Retained	Trees to be Retained and Pruned	Trees to be transplanted	Trees to be Felled	Compensatory Tree Planting
**TLP-1: Works in Yau Tsim Mong District	2410 (2540)*	1497 (1533)*	4	373	536 (630)*	835
***TLP-2: Works in Sham Shui Po District	1116 (1458)*	427 (590)*	2 (3)*	474	213 (391)*	281
*****TLP-3: Works in Kwai Tsing District	54 (67)*	36 (38)*	0	4	14 (25)*	14
*****TLP-4: Works in Tsuen Wan District	372 (386)*	297 (309)*	0	42	33 (35)	51
*****TLP-5: Works in Tuen Mun District	1084 (1150)*	897 (954)*	9 (16)*	0	178 (180)*	240
***TLP-6: Works in Yuen Long District – Mai Po	109 (121)*	16 (20)*	1	8	84 (92)*	99
*****TLP-7: Works in Yuen Long District - Remainder	4245# (4937)*	1301# (1462)*	0	176#	2768# (3299)*	4650#
CUMULATIVE TOTAL	9390# (10659)*	4471# (4906)*	16# (24)*	1077#	3826# (4652)*	6170#

1 Introduction

2 Tree Survey Findings and recommendations

3 Compensatory Tree Planting and Transplanting proposal

4 Cumulative Tree Felling and Tree Compensation for the XRL