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 under MTRCL consultancy NEX2110. 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:

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

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

f) 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 (ETWBTCW 29/2004). “Important Trees” as defined in ETWBTCW 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 ETWBTCW 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.

Description of Project Works in Sham Shui Po District

2.3.3 The XRL section within the Sham Shui Po District involves the following major works.

¨ Ground treatment works along tunnel alignment from road level

¨ Footbridge demolition, pile removal, and permanent footbridge reinstatement works at Sham Mong Road and Hoi Fai Road junction.

¨ NC1 culvert diversion and barrette removal works

¨ YC2 culvert diversion and pile removal works

¨ Nam Cheong Property pile removal

¨ Nam Cheong TBM launch shaft works area

¨ Nam Cheong spoil removal and barging area

¨ FS1 culvert diversion and pile removal works

¨ WD1 culvert diversion and pile removal works

¨ Temporary footbridge erection, existing footbridge demolition, pile removal, and permanent footbridge reinstatement works at Sham Mong Road and Sham Shing Road Junction

¨ MTR Tsuen Wan Line temporary access shaft and protection works

¨ Lai Chi Kok flyover underpinning works.

¨ Temporary traffic management schemes (TTMS) for the above associated works.

2.3.4 In addition it is necessary to remove the following items that obstruct the works along Sham Mong Road:

¨ Abandoned Shum Shui Po Ferry Pier

¨ Abandoned FMD Market Pier

¨ Reconstructed F.M.O. Pier

¨ Existing DSD Rising Mains

¨ Abandoned Cargo Abattoir

¨ CLP spare equipment building pile foundation

Additional Works Areas

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

¨ Nam Cheong park works area

¨ Yen Chow Street works area

¨ Nam Cheong TBM launch shaft works area

¨ Nam Cheong barging point.

Necessity for Removal of Trees

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

2.3.7 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.

2.3.8 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

2.3.9 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” (ETWBC(W) 3/2006, clause 17);

¨ the tree is of high conservation value, including rare and precious species (ETWBC(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.

2.3.10 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

2.3.11 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.

2.3.12 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 1116 living trees (plus 342 ‘exempted’ living trees) identified inside, or just outside, the Gazettal Boundary in the Sham Shui Po District, plus 11 dead trees. All dead trees are recommended to be felled.

b) 427 of the living trees (plus 163 ‘exempted’ living trees) can be retained in situ during and after the Works, of which 2 (plus 1 exempted tree) are currently recommended to be pruned.

c) 474 trees are recommended to be transplanted as a result of the Works.

d) 213 trees are recommended to be felled as a result of the Works. (In addition, 178 ‘exempted’ living trees and the 11 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 Sham Shui Po District.

2.4.3 There are 7 Important Trees (as defined by ETWBTCW 29/2004) in the Gazettal Boundary in the Sham Shui Po District as described in Table 2.1.

2.4.4 2 of the Important Trees are unavoidably affected by the works for the following reasons

¨ CO4/109 U0030: Camellia oleifera is listed under the Forestry Ordinance CAP 96 as a rare or protected species. It is sited on the roof of a CLP Building which is required to be demolished under the Project. As the specimen is small, it is recommended to be transplanted.

¨ C04/112 T10012: Ailanthus fordii is listed under the Forestry Ordinance CAP 96 as a rare or protected species. It’s location near the centre of an important works area in Nam Cheong Park makes it impracticable to retain. Due to its small size it is recommended to be transplanted.

Table 2.1 – Important Trees

DWG	Tree No.	Species	Location	Ht (m)	Dia. (m)	Spread (m)	Recommendation
104	T9597	Ficus microcarpa	Fu Cheong Estate (At the junction of Yen Chow Street West and Sai Chuen Road)	10	1.13	9	Retain
104	T9598	Ficus microcarpa	Ditto	10	2.18	10	Retain
104	T9599	Ficus microcarpa	Ditto	9	1.35	7	Retain
104	T9600	Celtis sinensis	Ditto	9	1	8	Retain
109	U0030	Camellia oleifera	Roof Garden of CLP Sham Mong Road Sub-station	6	0.10	3	Transplant
110	T9668	Ficus microcarpa	At Kwai Chung Road near Interchange of Lit Chi Kok (Tree inside fenced area, may be within government land)	7.5	1.12	6	Retain
112	T10012	Ailanthus fordii	Nam Cheong Park	9	0.22	3	Transplant

Breakdown of Affected Trees by Species

2.4.5 A breakdown of the affected trees by species is provided in Table 2.2.

Table 2.2 – Impacts on Trees by Species

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia auriculiformis			1	1	2
Acacia confusa	33			9	42
Acacia mangium	7		5	4	16
Ailanthus fordii			1		1
Albizia lebbek	1		3	3	7
Aleurites moluccana	1		10	1	12
Archontophoenix alexandrae	11		14	1	26
Bauhinia purpurea	2				2
Bauhinia variegata	57	1	26	29	113
Bombax ceiba	8		4	4	16
Bridelia tomentosa				1	1
Broussonetia papyrifera	5			1	6
Callistemon viminalis	2		10		12
Camellia oleifera			1		1
Camellia semiserrata			1		1
Carica papaya				1	1
Caryota ochlandra			15	3	18
Cassia siamea			1	2	3
Cassia surattensis	1			2	3
Celtis sinensis	12		5	8	25
Cerbera manghas	3		1		4
Chrysalidocarpus lutescens			1		1
Chukrasia tabularia			10	6	16
Cinnamomum camphora	5		11	4	20
Cleistocalyx operculatus			1		1
Cordia dichotoma			2		2
Crateva unilocularis			7		7
Delonix regia			3	2	5
Elaeocarpus chinensis			1		1
Elaeocarpus decipiens			1		1
Eucalyptus camaldulensis	3		6		9
Eucalyptus citriodora	1		1		2
Eucalyptus robusta	3				3
Ficus benjamina	19		1	21	41
Ficus elastica			1		1
Ficus microcarpa	48		54	2	104
Ficus religiosa	2			1	3
Ficus variegata var. chlorocarpa				3	3
Ficus virens var. sublanceolata	2		19		21
Garcinia oblongifolia				1	1
Grevillea robusta	14		12	1	27
Ilex rotunda			1		1
Itea chinensis			1		1
Lagerstroemia speciosa	3		1		4
Leucaena leucocephala	(163)*	(1)*		(178)*	(342)*
Ligustrum lucidum			3		3
Litsea glutinosa	2		4	4	10
Livistona chinensis			6		6
Lophostemon confertus	1		3	6	10
Macaranga tanarius				10	10
Magnolia grandiflora			3		3
Melaleuca quinquenervia	83		65		148
Melia azedarach	2	1		26	29
Michelia alba	10		6		16
Microcos paniculata				1	1
Morus alba			1	2	3
Peltophorum pterocarpum	42		48		90
Phoenix roebelenii			2		2
Plumeria rubra			13	1	14
Pongamia pinnata	1		26	36	63
Psidium guajava				1	1
Pterocarpus indicus	1		2		3
Reevesia thyrsoidea			1		1
Rhus succedanea				1	1
Roystonea regia	33		47	1	81
Sapium discolor	1				1
Sapium sebiferum	1			1	2
Spathodea campanulata			10	1	11
Sterculia lanceolata			1	2	3
Syagrus romanzoffiana				3	3
Syzygium cuminii	7				7
Syzygium jambos				1	1
Ternstroemia gymnanthera			1		1
Tetradium glabrifolium				3	3
Toona sinensis				2	2
Grand Total	427 (590)*	2 (3)*	474	213 (391)*	1116 (1458)*

*Under EWBTC(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

2.4.6 A breakdown of the affected trees according to the Government Department responsible to advise Lands Department under ETWBC(W) 3/2006 is provided in Tables 2.3 to 2.7.

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

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia auriculiformis			1		1
Acacia confusa	1			3	4
Acacia mangium	7		5	1	13
Ailanthus fordii			1		1
Albizia lebbek			3	1	4
Aleurites moluccana	1		10		11
Archontophoenix alexandrae	11		14	1	26
Bauhinia purpurea	2				2
Bauhinia variegata	57		26	4	87
Bombax ceiba	4		2		6
Broussonetia papyrifera	1				1
Callistemon viminalis	2		10		12
Carica papaya				1	1
Caryota ochlandra			15	3	18
Cassia siamea			1		1
Cassia surattensis	1				1
Celtis sinensis	7		4	1	12
Cerbera manghas	3				3
Chrysalidocarpus lutescens			1		1
Chukrasia tabularia			10	6	16
Cinnamomum camphora	5		11		16
Cleistocalyx operculatus			1		1
Cordia dichotoma			2		2
Crateva unilocularis			7		7
Delonix regia			3	2	5
Eucalyptus camaldulensis	3		6		9
Eucalyptus citriodora			1		1
Ficus benjamina			1		1
Ficus elastica			1		1
Ficus microcarpa	40		54		94
Ficus religiosa	1			1	2
Ficus virens var. sublanceolata	2		19		21
Grevillea robusta	14		12	1	27
Ilex rotunda			1		1
Itea chinensis			1		1
Lagerstroemia speciosa	3		1		4
Leucaena leucocephala	(37)*			(8)*	(45)*
Ligustrum lucidum			2		2
Litsea glutinosa			4	3	7
Livistona chinensis			6		6
Lophostemon confertus	1		3	6	10
Macaranga tanarius				3	3
Magnolia grandiflora			3		3
Melaleuca quinquenervia	83		63		146
Melia azedarach	2				2
Michelia alba	10		6		16
Morus alba			1		1
Peltophorum pterocarpum	42		48		90
Phoenix roebelenii			2		2
Plumeria rubra			13	1	14
Pongamia pinnata	1		26	35	62
Psidium guajava				1	1
Pterocarpus indicus			2		2
Reevesia thyrsoidea			1		1
Roystonea regia	30		47	1	78
Sapium discolor	1				1
Spathodea campanulata			10	1	11
Syagrus romanzoffiana				3	3
Syzygium cuminii	3				3
Grand Total	338 (375)*	0	461	79 (87)*	878 (923)*

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

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia auriculiformis				1	1
Acacia confusa	8			4	12
Acacia mangium				3	3
Albizia lebbek	1				1
Bauhinia variegata				1	1
Bombax ceiba	4		2	4	10
Bridelia tomentosa				1	1
Broussonetia papyrifera	4			1	5
Cassia surattensis				2	2
Celtis sinensis	1		1	3	5
Cinnamomum camphora				3	3
Eucalyptus citriodora	1				1
Eucalyptus robusta	3				3
Ficus benjamina	19			21	40
Ficus microcarpa	5			2	7
Ficus religiosa	1				1
Ficus variegata var. chlorocarpa				2	2
Leucaena leucocephala	(126)*	(1)*		(168)*	(295)*
Macaranga tanarius				3	3
Morus alba				2	2
Pongamia pinnata				1	1
Pterocarpus indicus	1				1
Roystonea regia	3				3
Sapium sebiferum				1	1
Syzygium cuminii	1				1
Tetradium glabrifolium				3	3
Toona sinensis				2	2
Grand Total	52 (178)*	0 (1)*	3	60 (228)*	115 (410)*

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

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia confusa	24			2	26
Albizia lebbek				2	2
Aleurites moluccana				1	1
Bauhinia variegata		1		23	24
Celtis sinensis	4			4	8
Cinnamomum camphora				1	1
Ficus microcarpa	3				3
Ficus variegata var. chlorocarpa				1	1
Garcinia oblongifolia				1	1
Leucaena leucocephala				(2)*	(2)*
Litsea glutinosa	2			1	3
Macaranga tanarius				4	4
Melia azedarach		1		26	27
Microcos paniculata				1	1
Rhus succedanea				1	1
Sapium sebiferum	1				1
Sterculia lanceolata				2	2
Syzygium cuminii	3				3
Syzygium jambos				1	1
Grand Total	37	2	0	71 (73)*	110 (112)*

Table 2.6 – Affected Trees for which ArchSD advise LandsD under ETWBTC(W) 3/2006

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Bauhinia variegata				1	1
Camellia oleifera			1		1
Camellia semiserrata			1		1
Cassia siamea				2	2
Cerbera manghas			1		1
Elaeocarpus chinensis			1		1
Elaeocarpus decipiens			1		1
Ligustrum lucidum			1		1
Melaleuca quinquenervia			2		2
Sterculia lanceolata			1		1
Ternstroemia gymnanthera			1		1
Grand Total	0	0	10	3	13

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;

¨ proposed trees; and

¨ locations of trees transplanted back to the site at the end of the works.

_3.2_T_r_{ee
Protection, Tree Pruning, and Tree Transplanting}_Proposals

Tree Protection Strategy

3.2.1 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 under the tree protection zone; and prohibition of cleaning out of concrete mixers, or washing of equipment within 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

3.2.2 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 details for the tree protection works will be provided in the Tree Protection Plan required under EP condition 2.15. The specification for the tree pruning works will be according to the Soft Landscape Works Particular Specification, attached in Appendix V.

Tree Transplanting Strategy

3.2.3 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.

3.2.4 In Sham Shui Po District, it is not possible to immediately relocate any of the transplanted trees to final receptor locations in the roadside landscape areas in Sham Shui Po District due to lack of space. All transplanted trees will be held in the project Holding Nursery until such time as they can be transplanted back to the project site.

3.2.5 Proposed final destination locations for the transplanted trees are provided in the Compensatory Planting Plans (refer to the areas coloured purple in the Compensatory Tree Planting and Transplanting Plans in Appendix III). The exact final receptor sites of the transplanted trees will depend on the detailed design of the engineering works, and will be determined by the C802 Design Consultants in their detail designs.

3.2.6 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.

_3.3_{Compensatory Tree Planting}

Compensatory Tree Planting Strategy

3.3.1 In accordance with ETWTC 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

3.3.2 A total of 213 trees are proposed to be felled (not including dead and ‘exempted’ trees). The aggregate girth of the 213 trees to be felled is 113 m.

3.3.3 To replace this amount of tree girth (as per ETWBTC(W) 3/2006) with heavy standard trees (with average diameter of 100mm) would require 360 Heavy Standard Trees.

3.3.4 However, there is not enough space in this dense urban area in which to provide so many trees, especially as all the 474 transplanted trees will also be relocated within the District. It is therefore proposed to plant a minimum of 213 heavy standard trees, representing a ratio of compensatory trees to felled trees of 1:1 by tree number.

Locations for Compensatory Tree Planting

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

3.3.6 Generally, the project design provides the following opportunities for compensatory tree planting in the Sham Shui Po District:

a) Specimen tree planting in Nam Cheong Park

b) Street tree planting along Sham Mong Road

c) Street tree planting at Yen Chow Street

d) Specimen tree planting at Nam Cheong Ventilation Building (VB7)

e) Street tree planting at Sham Mong Road/Hing Wah Street West junction

f) Specimen tree planting at junction of Sham Mong Road and Sham Shing Road

g) Roadside planting at the Kwai Chung Road/Tsing Sha Highway Interchange

h) Slope reinstatement planting at Mei Lai Road works area adjacent to Castle Peak Road

3.3.7 The approximate locations of the compensatory tree planting are indicated in the Compensatory Tree Planting Plans attached in Appendix III (Drawings no. 820/T/380/ATK/A58/852-862 and the schedule is shown in drawing no. 820/T/380/ATK/A58/863)[1]. There will be 281 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. 213 trees.

3.3.8 As a portion of Nam Cheong Park which was previously affected by Kowloon South Link project will be used as temporary works area for XRL project, the reinstatement of the concerned area will be carried out upon completion of the XRL project. The landscape plans endorsed by LCSD are enclosed in Appendix III. These landscape plans are not included in the calculation of the tree compensation.

Recommended Tree Species for use in XRL Project

3.3.9 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. For those tree species to be used for reinstating Nam Cheong Park affected by the Kowloon South Link project, please refer to plant schedule as shown in drawing KDB400/LA/08001 rev.0 of Appendix III.

3.3.10 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)

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

3.3.11 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.

_3.4_{Consolidated Findings of Tree Survey and Compensatory Proposals in this PLAN}

3.4.1 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-2: Works in Sham Shui Po District

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

Total Trees in Sham Shui Po District

Trees to be retained

Trees to be retained and pruned

Trees to be transplanted

Trees to be felled (excludes 11 nos. dead tree)

Proposed Compensatory Tree Planting

1116 (1458)*

427 (590)*

2 (3)*

474

213 (391)*

281 (213)** #

Heavy Standard

** Minimum number of compensatory trees required.

# Compensatory trees for area of Nam Cheong Park affected by KSL project are not included in the figure.

3.4.2 A total of 1116 trees (exclude “exempted” weed trees) currently exist in the area covered by TLP-2.

3.4.3 There are no Old or Valuable Trees (as listed in the Register of Old and Valuable Trees), however, there are 7 ‘Important Trees’ (as defined by ETWBTCW 3/2006) as described in Table 2.1. 5 of these will be retained, and 2 will be transplanted.

3.4.4 A total of 427 trees will be retained (including 5 ‘Important Trees’), 213 trees will be felled, 474 trees will be transplanted (including 2 ‘Important Trees’), and 281 compensatory heavy standard trees will be planted (or a mix of semi-mature and heavy standard trees to suit the final landscape design, with a total girth equivalent to or exceeding 213 heavy standard trees.

3.4.5 All transplanted trees will be held in a holding nursery until they can be relocated back within the project site.

3.4.6 It is proposed that all transplanted trees are relocated within the District. Proposed final destination locations for the transplanted trees are provided in the Compensatory Planting Plans in Appendix III. The exact final locations of the transplanted and compensatory trees will depend on the detailed design of the engineering works.

[1] Note 1: Please note that Landscape Planting Plan are indicated in the drawings no. 820/T/380/ATK/A58/880-890 and 820/T/380/ATK/A58/824, 829, 830, 831, 833)

	(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)*	550
**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)*	303 (317)*	0	22	47	47
*****TLP-5: Works in Tuen Mun District	1084 (1150)*	897 (954)*	9 (16)*	0	178 (180)*	178
***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)*	4477 (4914)*	16# (24)*	1057#	3840# (4664)*	5819#

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