11               Historical, archaeological and CULTURAL HERITAGE ASSESSMENT

11.1          Introduction

11.1.1    This Section of the report presents the results of an assessment of potential impacts on historical, archaeological and cultural heritage resources in the Project Area as a result of construction and operational activities based on the Draft RODP and the preferred CKWLR alignment to satisfy Clause 6.2(c)(xiii) of the Study Brief.  Mitigation measures required to ameliorate the potential impacts to acceptable levels have been recommended, where appropriate.  A full bibliography is presented in Annex H of this report.

11.2          Legislation, Standards, Guidelines & Criteria

11.2.1    The following legislation, standards, guidelines and criteria are  relevant to the evaluation of impacts on cultural heritage resources in Hong Kong:

·                      Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499.S16). Technical Memorandum on the EIA Process (EIAO TM);

 

·                      Guidance Notes on Assessment of Impact on Sites of Cultural Heritage in Environment Impact Assessment Studies(GN CH);

 

·                      Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance (Cap. 53); and

 

·                      Hong Kong Planning standards and Guidelines (HKPSG).

 

Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance (Cap. 53)

11.2.2    The heritage resources of Hong Kong are governed by a range of legislative and planning mechanisms.  The Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance (Cap. 53), provides statutory protection against the threat of development for declared monuments, historical buildings and archaeological sites to enable their preservation for posterity.  The Ordinance establishes statutory procedures to be followed in making such a declaration.

11.2.3    In practice, certain deemed monuments have been identified by the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) and agreement reached with the owners of the Monument to provide for specific measures to ensure preservation-there is not, however, any statutory procedure to cover this.  Deemed monuments have the potential to be upgraded to statutory declared monuments in the usual way. 

11.2.4    A wide range of sites of cultural heritage are identified and recorded by the AMO in addition to those in respect of which a declaration has been made under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance; historic buildings and structures are so recorded as follows:

Grade 1Buildings of outstanding merit, which every effort should be made to preserve if possible.

 

Grade 2Buildings of special merit; effort should be made to selectively preserve.

 

Grade 3Buildings of some merit, but not yet qualified for consideration as possible monuments.  These are to be recorded and used as a pool for future selection.

 

11.2.5    This classification is for AMO internal reference and has no statutory protection power.  Although there are no statutory provisions for the protection of the sites of historical interest, Graded Buildings and Deemed Monuments in Hong Kong, the Government has administrative procedures which state that consideration must be given to protect listed and locally designated historic buildings and sites of cultural interest.

11.2.6    Archaeological surveys were undertaken to identify archaeological sites in Hong Kong. The AMO has set boundaries on the identified sites and has administrative procedures, which state that consideration must be given to protect known archaeological sites in Hong Kong. However, the current record of archaeological sites in Hong Kong is known to be incomplete as many areas are not yet surveyed, there is a need to ensure that procedures and mechanisms, which ensure the preservation or formal notification of previously unknown archaeological resources that may be revealed or discovered during project assessment or construction, are identified at an early stage in project planning.

EIAO, EIAO TM AND GN CH

11.2.7    Guidelines on the approach, methodologies and criteria to be used in the conduction a cultural heritage impact assessment (HIA) are included under Annex 10 and 19 of the EIAO TM.  The stated in EIAO TM Annex 10 criteria for evaluating impacts to sites of cultural heritage include:

·                      The general presumption in favour of the protection and conservation of all sites of cultural heritage because they provide an essential, finite and irreplaceable link between the past and the future and are points of reference and identity for culture and tradition; and

 

·                      Adverse impacts on sites of cultural heritage shall be kept to an absolute minimum.

 

11.2.8    However, the GN CH serves only as a reference to assist the understanding of the requirements set in the Annexes 10 and 19.

Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines

 

11.2.9    The HKPSG, Chapter 10 (Conservation), provides general guidelines and measures for the conservation of historical buildings, archaeological sites and other antiquities.

11.3          Assessment Methodology

Baseline Research

11.3.2    A baseline study including both desk-top study and field surveys have been compiled to develop a general appraisal of archaeology and built historical features in the Project Area to include:

·                      all sites of archaeological interest;

·                      all pre-1950 buildings and structures;

·                      selected post-1950 buildings and structures of high architectural and historical significance and interest; and

·                      landscape features include sites of historical events, boundary and milestones, historic field patterns, tracks, fish ponds and cultural element such as fung shui woodlands and clan graves.

 

11.3.3    Desk-top study to identify the above elements has included reference and review of the following:

·                      archive records held by the AMO;

·                      published records;

·                      unpublished records;

·                      Journals of the Hong Kong Archaeological Society;

·                      maps and aerial photos from Lands Department;

·                      information from other government departments; and

·                      relevant Findings of EIA Reports and Relevant Studies etc.

 

The bibliography of is presented in Annex H.

 

11.3.4    Preliminary site observation and field surveys have also been undertaken to identify additional built heritage and to investigate the archaeological potential which might be affected by the proposed development within the Project Area which included:

·                      a preliminary site observation within the Project Area in winter 1998;

 

·                      focused scoped archaeological field observation and field scans for historical buildings undertaken at Luk Keng, Yam O, Tso Wan, Fa Peng, Wan Tuk and Ngong Shuen Au in November 1998;

 

·                      fieldwalking and field scans at Tsing Chau Tsai Headland undertaken in November 1999

 

·                      focused scoped archaeological field evaluation along the CKWLR alignment undertaken in November 1999; and

 

·                      focused scoped archaeological field evaluation at the proposed VEA at Tso Wan.

 

 

11.3.5    Prior to the commencement of the two focused scoped archaeological field evaluations undertaken at Tso Wan and along the preferred CKWLR alignment, field evaluation programmes to define the scope of work, sampling technique, the sample rationale applied and the site record forms to be applied had been developed and agreed by the AMO

11.3.6    Any additional standing heritage identified within the Study Area which are of potential historic or cultural importance and not recorded by AMO are presented in Section 11.4.5 of this report and the AMO have been reported.

Impact Assessment

11.3.7    The assessment of direct and indirect impacts upon identified heritage resources has been conducted for both NLDFS and CKWLR in accordance with the approach outlined in Annex 19 of the TM and specifically for NLDFS in accordance with Clause 6.2(c)(xiii) of the Study Brief.  The assessment hierarchy is as follows:

·                      Preservation in totality will be a beneficial impact and will enhance the cultural and socio-economical environment if suitable measures to integrate the sites of cultural heritage into the proposed project are carried out.

 

·                      If, due to site constraints and other factors, only preservation in part is possible, this must be fully justified with alternative proposals or layout designs, which confirm the impracticability of total preservation.

 

·                      Total destruction must be taken as the very last resort in all cases and shall only be recommended with a meticulous and careful analysis balancing the interest of preserving the archaeological, historical, architectural and other cultural values as against that of the community as a whole.

 

11.4          Baseline Condition

Archaeological Resources

11.4.2    A review of existing information has focused on the archives held by the AMO and supplemented by the Archaeological Survey Report for Lantau Port Development conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in 1991, the 1997-1998 Territory Wide Archaeological Survey (TWAS) report at North Lantau conducted by AMO appointed specialist team, the Wan Tuk Archaeological Site Investigation conducted by AMO appointed specialist team and supplemented by archaeological field evaluations undertaken by the EIA Study Team. 

11.4.3    No declared archaeological sites under the AMO have been identified within the Project Area.  However, a number archaeological sites listed by the AMO under its administrative procedures are identified within the Study Area;  these are presented in Table 11.4a and shown in Figure 11.3a.

Table 11.4a   Listed Archaeological Sites by AMO (December 1999)

 

	Archaeological Sites	Description
1	Luk Keng Tsuen	This site had been surveyed by the Hong Kong Archaeological Society in 1985 and by the CUHK in 1991. Neolithic coarseware pottery and stone ring fragments, Tang dynasty lime kiln debris and Ming dynasty blue and white porcelain was unearthed.   This site is currently densely vegetated and is considered to have significant archaeological value.
2	Yam O	Archaeological survey undertaken by the CUHK identified some blue and white porcelain through surface survey; the site is located to the Southwest of Luk Keng Tsuen.
3	Sze Pak	Late Neolithic pottery shards and stone implements were unearthed in this site.
4	Wan Tuk	This site was identified by AMO during the 1997-1998 TWAS.  According to the survey result, although the extent of the site was not certain, a Tang dynasty charcoal kiln site was thought likely to be buried somewhere in this site which may cover an area of 2,250 m2 located to the south of a stream at Wan Tuk.  A further detailed archaeological field evaluation was undertaken by an AMO appointed specialist team in October 1999 (Zhuhai Relic Management Committee, 1999) to investigate the extent of archaeological deposits potentially impacted by the developments within the Study Area at Wan Tuk.  The survey was divided into 3 main survey area as shown in Figure 11.3b.  No archaeological deposit were identified in Survey Area 3.  A small amount of pottery shards dated to Yuan dynasty (1279-1368 AD) were unearthed in T6 at Survey Area 2 (SA2); Neolithic pottery shards and settlement features were identified in test pit T5 and T2 (see Figure 11.3b for test pits location).   Although this survey did not identify the Tang kiln site location, it is estimated that the extent of the Neolithic site may cover an area of 1,000 m2 within Survey Area 1(SA1) and SA2 are considered to have archaeological interest.
5	Chok Ko Wan (Penny’s Bay)	Several extensive archaeological excavations had been undertaken during 1986-1992 (Meacham, 1986-88; Lam, 1989-92) and most of the information had been retrieved.  Large quantities of early Ming dynasty shards were recovered.  The comparative rarity of Ming sites in Hong Kong makes these findings of importance; the excavation also revealed a historic lime kiln site and prehistoric coarse and incised/impressed earthware shards.  The site has been modified by the construction of the CLP power station.  For the purpose of the CLWLR EIA, an archaeological field survey was undertaken including this site and the details is described in further detail below.
6	Fa Peng Teng	Artefacts collected indicated that ancient human activities may have existed at this site (AMO, 1998).  However, as there is lack of  cultural layer deposit in this area, this may not be a favourable site for prehistoric settlement.
7	Pa Tau Kwu	A Neolithic occupation site identified by the CUHK(CUHK, 1991).  This site was further surveyed by specialists appointed by the AMO in 1997-1998 (AMO, 1998).  The site is currently densely vegetated and well preserved.  Preservation in situ of this site is required by AMO.

11.4.4    Apart from the listed archaeological sites, archaeological investigations were undertaken at Siu Ho Wan, Ta Shui Wan, Ngong Shuen Au, Tsing Chau Tsai, Tai Chuen, Yi Chuen prior to the NLH Development by the CUHK (CUHK, 1991).  These sites are now developed as part of the NLH.

11.4.5    Two archaeological field evaluations (fieldwalking, surface collection, augering and small scale test pits survey) have been undertaken along the CKWLR alignment and within the proposed VEA zone at Tso Wan.  The findings of the results are presented below :

·                      Area from Ngong Shuen Au to Wan Tuk: This area has been surveyed prior to the NLH development and resurveyed during the Wan Tuk archaeological investigation undertaken by the AMO appointed specialist team (SA3 as shown in Figure 11.3b), which concluded that this area has no archaeological potential.

 

·                      Coastal area underneath existing Cheoy Lee Shipyard (CLS): According to the archaeological deposits identified at the Penny’s Bay area (Scott Wilson, 1999a & 1999b; Meacham, 1986-88; Lam, 1989-92), the coastal area beneath the existing CLS is considered to have archaeological potential.  However, no field survey has been undertaken prior to the occupation of the CLS during the 1960s.  According to the review of aerial photos in the past, the coastline of Penny’s Bay area before the occupation of CLS is shown in Figure 11.3c.  Most of the existing CLS site was reclaimed since the 1960s and the hills of the area had been cut and filled for the formation of the CLS site.  Therefore, the area may have been extensively modified by construction and operation of these facilities, therefore, any significant archaeological deposits may have been disturbed or destroyed to an unknown extent.  The decommissioning of the CLS will require a separate Schedule 2 EIA and that study could provide an opportunity to undertake an archaeological field evaluation of this site as access to this site was not possible as part of this EIA.

 

·                      Chok Ko Wan Archaeological Site: As described in Table 11.3a, Chok Ko Wan archaeological site is a well-known Ming dynasty archaeological site.  The EIA Study Team field walked the site and undertook 7 auger holes within the site area to further investigate the potential extent of the lime kiln site and the potential site boundary as shown in Figure 11.3d .  A number of mid-Ming dynasty finds were collected through surface collection.  Although no finds were identified from the augering, previous survey auger work at the site in 1992 identified carbonized seeds and nuts which provide a palaeoenvironmental information of the area that Chok Ko Wan was a primary coastal forest during the mid-Holocene.

 

·                      CKWLR alignment from Chok Ko Wan to north west of Pa Tau Kwu Pak Wan: Field walking was undertaken along this section of the CKWLR alignment.  This section is located on very steep slope on both sides of the valley close to Chok Ko Wan and the headlands are covered with short vegetation (30-50 cm in height).  Such topography is unfavourable for human settlements.  Therefore, this area could only be regarded as catchment areas for human activities.  The soils of the area are shallow and comprises intrusive igneous rocks with large quartz crystals which may provide good material for making stone tools.  However, this soil was unfavourable for archaeological deposit accumulation.  Moreover, no archaeological finds were collected during fieldwalking.  Therefore, this section of the CKWLR alignment is regarded as of no archaeological potential. 

 

·                      A built structure to the northwest of Pa Tau Kwu was identified by the EIA Study Team during the field evaluation for CKWLR undertaken in mid-November 1999.   The granite built structure was located on the eastern end of a headland between Pa Tau Kwu Pak Wan and the listed Pa Tau Kwu Archaeological Site as shown in Figure 11.3e and Figure 11.3f.  It comprises a rectangular stone built structure measuring approximately 3 m x 4 m which is probably dated to Qing dynasty. A ceramic pile, approximately 1 m long, was identified located 1 m from the southeast edge of the built structure; pottery shards dated to Qing dynasty and shell deposits were identified within 10 cm layer of the topsoil nearby the structure.  The purpose of the built structure is not certain but it may be used for communication or for coastal defence purposes.  One 1 m x 1.5 m test pit located at the southeast corner which cut across the east wall of the built structure and one 1 m x 1 m test pit location approximately 20 m from the west wall of the built structure were excavated to investigate the overall archaeological deposit of the area.  The 1 m x 1 m test pit indicated a very low archaeological potential due to the in situ weathered soil.  It was concluded that only the built structure 2 m from each wall is considered to have heritage significance.

 

·                      Pa Tau Kwu Pak Wan archaeological site is identified by the EIA Study Team during the archaeological field evaluation for CKWLR undertaken in mid-November 1999. Two test pits excavated and 7 auger holes were bored. A number of Tang dynasty pottery shards, late Neolithic reddish chalky pottery shards, kiln brick were unearthed and some reddish coarse sand brick of kiln fire chamber and fire bars, as well as a Bronze Age pottery shard with lozenge design were collected during surface collection.  Although the exact location of the kiln site was not identified, the potential extent of archaeological deposit has been marked and presented in Figure 11.3e .

 

·                      Tso Wan archaeological site has been a known site since the 1930's.  Although local villagers indicated that artefacts have been found at this site, the archaeological surveys undertaken by the CUHK did not recover significant artefacts from this site.  The TWAS (AMO, 1998) has re-surveyed this site and identified some pottery shards dating after Ming/Qing dynasty.  Although no significant archaeological deposit were identified, the topographical characteristic of Tso Wan is a typical coastal archaeological site.  As a village expansion area (VEA) has been proposed at Tso Wan, an archaeological field evaluation has been undertaken at Tso Wan by the EIA Study Team to investigate the archaeological potential of the area. 

 

11.4.6    Fieldwalking of the proposed VEA boundary as shown in Figure 11.3a , identified six areas of archaeological potential for further investigation as illustrated in Figure 11.3g .  Six 1 m x1 m to 1 m x 1.5 m test pits were excavated and 38 auger holes were bored.  However, only some pottery shards dated after Ming/Qing dynasty were identified.  The result of the field evaluation concluded that although the topography at Tso Wan is a typical archaeological site environment, no significant features or finds were identified and therefore, most of the area is considered to have no archaeological potential with some areas regarded as low archaeological potential as shown in Figure 11.3g

11.4.7    Fa Peng low archaeological potential site was identified by Schofield in the 1930s.  Located at the southeast coast of Tsing Chau Tsai as shown in Figure 11.3h , the site has been surveyed by the CUHK and has been recently re-surveyed by the AMO during their 1997-1998 TW AS[1].  TWAS.  The survey conducted by AMO’s appointed archaeological team identified no artefacts in this site and indicated that the possibility of archaeological deposit was low.

Marine Archaeology

11.4.8    Marine archaeological resources in Hong Kong have not been extensively investigated and few written records are available.

Penny’s Bay

11.4.9    Two Marine Archaeological Investigations (MAIs) were undertaken in 1999 (Scott Wilson (Hong Kong) Ltd., 1999a and 1999b) to identify potential archaeological resources in Penny’s Bay within the proposed Theme Park and associated developments.  The baseline review of information indicated that the volume and quality of archaeological material found during land excavation at Penny’s Bay and Wan Tuk gives the area high archaeological potential and the soft, silty Hang Hau Formation sediments provide an excellent preservation environment for such materials.  Detailed analysis of geophysical data identified 49 seabed areas considered to have high marine archaeological potential and recommended subsea (diver) inspections to further investigate them.  Diver inspections were undertaken by a local marine archaeologist in April and a specialist team appointed by AMO in November 1999 to inspect the areas identified from the two MAIs.  However, no significant marine archaeological deposits were identified as buried in the seabed of the Penny's Bay reclamation area and AMO has confirmed that no further underwater archaeological investigation is required.

 

Yam O

11.4.10A baseline review indicated a high archaeological potential of shipwrecks within the proposed 10 ha reclamation area at Yam O.  Blue-and-white porcelain shards were retrieved from Luk Keng Bay suggested that the Yam O area may have been used as an anchorage for overseas trade ships.  A Geophysical Survey was undertaken by Civil Engineering Department (CED) (Unit 6, Survey Division, CED,1999) at the proposed 10 ha reclamation area at Yam O, however, the data did not reveal any seabed anomalies and did not provide 100% coverage of the area.  Therefore, a detailed diver survey of the 10 ha reclamation area at Yam O was carried out by a marine archaeologist in late January 2000 for further detailed investigation.  Only anthropogenic material including tyres, oil drums fishing nets and construction waste were identified.  It was concluded that no significant marine archaeological deposits were identified as buried in the seabed of the proposed 10 ha Yam O reclamation (Scott Wilson (Hong Kong) Ltd., 2000).

Other Marine Areas within the Study Area

11.4.11Discussion between CED and AMO had concluded that marine archaeological survey for proposed reclamations along the Northshore and to the east of Tsing Chau Tsai headland would be conducted before the commencement of any dredging and reclamation works, which is thus be outside the scope of this Schedule 3 EIA Study. 

Historical Buildings and Landscape Features

11.4.12Neither declared/deemed monuments nor graded historical buildings are located within the Study Area.  However, a number of pre-1950 historic buildings and landscape features were recorded or identified during baseline study and supplemented by field surveys which comprise:

·                      An abandoned Indian House at Tai Chuen:  This is a two-storey building probably constructed in 1920's identified by AMO during their Territory Wide Survey.  The building was formerly occupied by 2 persons of Indian decent, a father and his son, for residential purpose.  This building was abandoned after the occupation of the Japanese where it had been used as an execution ground.

 

·                      A built structure to the northwest of Pa Tau Kwuwas identified by the EIA Study Team during the archaeological field evaluation for CKWLR undertaken in mid-November 1999.  The details are presented in Section 11.4.5 above.

 

·                      Two Qing dynasty grave sites near Chok Ko Wan: have been identified by the EIA Study Team during the archaeological field evaluation undertaken in mid-November 1999. The two graves are located some 160 m and 200 m to the eastern edge of the of the Penny’s Bay GTP.  According to the headstone inscription of the two grave sites, Grave 1 and Grave 2 date to 1915 and 1838 respectively  (see Figures 11.3i for location, photographic and headstone inscription records).

 

·                      Two boundary stones at Tso Wan have been identified by the EIA Study Team during the archaeological field evaluation at Tso Wan in January 2000.  (see Figure 11.3g for location).  The boundary stones are believed to belong to a Chan clan, with their ancestral hall called “Chan man-on” as shown on the stones.  (see Figure 11.3j and k for photographic record and rubbing of the stone inscription).  According to the oral information provided by villagers at Tso Wan, the Tso Wan area belonged to the Ma Wan villagers before they leased the land during the 1950’s.  Therefore, the boundary stones might belong to the Ma Wan villagers.  The construction date of the stones are not certain, it is estimated that they are made during the pre-1900 period.  The stones measure 16 cm in length, 12 cm width and 28 cm in height and made from granite.

 

·                      Three Qing dynasty grave sites at Tso Wan have been identified by the EIA Study Team during the field survey at Tso Wan in January 2000 (see Figure 11.3g for location and see Figure 11.3l-n for photographic record and headstone inscriptions). These grave sites belong to the Chan clan and dated to 1902.

 

·                      A memorial stone tablet located at the southern cliff of Pa Tau Kwu Pak Wan, which recorded the history of a shipwreck of a Chinese ship named "Foshan" in 1971.  Eighty-eight people died due to the shipwreck caused by the Typhoon “Rose”.  Although this is a post-1950 feature, due to its historical value, it is further addressed. (see Figure 11.3e for location and see Figure 11.3o for photographic record.)

 

·                      A grave site within the Fa Peng Teng archaeological site was identified at the western end of the site (see Figure 11.3a for location and Figure 11.3p for photographic record), this is a potential pre-1950 grave site and therefore is addressed.

 

·                      Vase (Fa Peng) Rock to the North of Fa Peng:  This Vase Rock is recorded which may have some historical relation with the Vase Rock in Cheung Chau (CHU, 1998). The place Fa Peng is named after this rock.  Therefore, this rock is considered to have local historical value and is addressed (see Figure 11.3h)

 

11.5          Potential Sources of Impacts

11.5.1    Potential impacts on identified historical, archaeological and cultural heritage resources within and in close proximity to the NLDFS Project Area boundary may arise from the following:

·                      Landtake for both temporary and permanent facilities which may result in damage to, or loss of, archaeological remains and deposits, culturally significant features and changes to the physical coherence of historic landscapes; and

 

·                      Severance and “islanding” may result from permanent landtake required for the NLDFS or CKWLR construction; areas of historic and cultural interest may be severed, thereby altering or destroying their integrity.

 

·                      Construction works may result in damage to or loss of buried archaeological sites by:

 

·                      Disturbance through excavation at or near an archaeological site, topsoil stripping and the passage of heavy machinery on exposed and buried deposits;

 

·                      Change in the watertable due to construction and development activities;

 

·                      The burial of sites resulting in a limitation on accessibility for future archaeological investigations (including surface survey and remote sensing techniques) and obscuring visible surface evidence;

 

·                      The introduction of archaeological material with spoil from other sites; and

 

·                      Ground compaction due to construction activities or the weight of permanent filled materials may cause damage or distortion to buried archaeological remains, especially in soft alluvial deposits.

 

11.5.2    Indirect impacts such as visual and noise intrusion on the setting and amenity of historic and cultural resources (eg. grave sites and monuments and culturally or historically significant landscape features).

11.6          NLDFS: Assessment of Historical, Archaeological And Cultural Heritage Impacts

11.6.1    This section presents an assessment of the potential impact on the heritage resources within the Project Area, based on the Draft RODP, as described in Section 2.

11.6.2    The Draft RODP will be mainly on reclaimed land and the following assessment will focus on potential cultural heritage impacts in relation to the following developments:

·                      Theme Park (Phases I and II) and associated developments;

·                      Proposed village expansion area (VEA) at Tso Wan to accommodate about 62 outstanding small houses for recognized villages in North-East Lantau;

·                      Road P1 with tunnel portal areas at Yam O;

·                      Water Service Facilities including salt water/fresh water reservoirs and a salt water pumping station on the hill slopes to the west of Fa Peng.

·                      Looking Out Area on the Tsing Chau Tsai headland; and

·                      Waterworks Reserve to the at Yam O Tuk.

 

Theme Park and Its Associated Developments

11.6.3    The Theme Park and its associated developments will be largely formed on reclaimed land.  Heritage resources within the area (inclusive of the 1.5 km CKWLR western section, Road P2, and the PBRL) that may be impacted by the developments include:

·                      As Ta Shui Wan, Ngong Shuen Au Kiln archaeological sites were developed by the NLH, no impact to these two sites arising from the Theme Park and associated development is expected.

 

·                      As no archaeological potential is expected at the area from Ngong Shuen Au to Wan Tuk, no impact is expected.

 

·                      The preferred CKWLR, PBRL and Road P2 alignments has avoided and minimised direct impact to most of the known archaeological sites including the Wan Tuk and Chok Ko Wan and on other considerations.  However, potential impact towards Wan Tuk, Chok Ko Wan archaeological sites and the archaeological potential site at CLS still exist where preservation in situ may not be practical.  The detail impact assessment of these sites is shown below.  

 

·                      No archaeological potential in Area SA3 at Wan Tuk, therefore, no impact to any archaeological deposit in SA3 is expected.  Preservation in situ at SA1 and SA2 is possible as the proposed construction works at the site would not involve soil excavation of the site.  Therefore, the impact to these areas is considered acceptable.  However, filling works are required for part of the SA2 and part of SA1 and SA2 for the construction of the temporary access road and ground level adjustment work respectively.  (see Figure 11.3b for areas to be impacted by the temporary access road).  This may result in ground compaction, limitation on accessibility for future archaeological investigation (including surface survey and remote sensing techniques) and obscure present visible surface evidence.  Moreover, the raising of the ground level nearby Wan Tuk archaeological site for the Penny’s Bay reclamation may lead to waterlogging of the site, which may change the watertable of the site and result in damage to the archaeological deposits, during construction and operation stages.

 

·                      The Penny’s Bay reclamation would require filling of materials to raise up the ground level to between +6.5 and +8 mPD which involve partially filling of materials on top of the Chok Ko Wan archaeological site.  This may result in limitation to future investigation and the ground compaction may result in damage to the archaeological deposit of the site.  Moreover, the construction of the structural support of the CKWLR its associated construction works may impact this site due to permanent landtake for the construction. The full cultural heritage impact assessment for the this site due to the construction of the CKWLR is presented in Section 11.8.5 of this report and it is concluded that the Penny’s Bay reclamation should avoid and minimise the filling of this site.

 

·                      A number of the original coastal areas beneath the existing CLS may potentially be impacted by CKWLR, Road P2 and PBRL (see Figure 11.3c).  As the portal area at Wan Tuk has been cut by previous development, any surviving archaeological deposit of the area may have be destroyed or disturbed in an unknown level.  Moreover, the section from Wan Tuk towards the Theme Park of the PBRL is to be constructed at-grade, which is on top of the Penny’s Bay reclamation site at a level of + 8 mPD, no excavation of the soil at the original coastal level at CLS is expected.  Therefore, the impact arising from the PBRL is considered minimal.  The Road P2 and the CKWRL are to be constructed on viaduct at the Penny’s Bay area, where permanent landtake for the construction of the structural support for the road alignments may result in damage to or loss of archaeological deposit.  However, as no archaeological field evaluation has been undertaken due to private ownership at this area, the extent and significance of any archaeological deposit of this area is unknown.  Since the original topography of the CLS area has been modified by cut and fill for the CLS, any surviving archaeological deposit at the area may have been disturbed or destroyed to an unknown level.  Therefore, the potential impact arising from the developments of the area may not be significant but should not be discounted. If there are any archaeological deposits surviving in the areas as shown in Figure 11.3c to be impacted by the structural support, preservation in situ wound be impractical.  Moreover, the Penny’s Bay Reclamation may result in ground compaction and limitation on accessibility for future archaeological investigation.

 

·                      Archaeological field evaluation is required for further detailed assessment, and the proposed decommissioning of the CLS will require separate Schedule 2 EIA which will provide an opportunity to undertake an archaeological field evaluation of the original coastal area prior to CLS’s occupation to investigate the archaeological potential of the area as access to this private site was not possible as part of this EIA Study. 

 

·                      The proposed eastern stormwater channel for the Theme Park (Phase II) will discharge within 300 m of the Pa Tau Kwu archaeological site, it comprises a Schedule 2 Designated Project under the EIA Ordinance.  However, the cultural heritage impact assessment undertaken as part of the Theme Park EIA has reviewed impact on this site from the channel, and has concluded that this site will not be impacted.

 

·                      As the Fa Peng Teng archaeological site is strictly outside the Theme Park EIA Study Area and far away from the Theme Park construction areas, no impact is expected.

 

·                      No significant archaeological resources were identified at the seabed of Penny's Bay and the proposed 10 ha reclamation area at Yam O (AMO, pers. comm. and Scott Wilson (Hong Kong) Ltd., 2000).  AMO has confirmed that no further underwater archaeological investigation is required and, therefore, the Penny's Bay and Yam O reclamation are not envisaged to cause any impact on marine archaeological resources.  As mentioned in Section 11.4.11, the other marine archaeological areas  within the Study Area are outside the scope of this Schedule 3 EIA Study. 

 

·                      No standing heritage sites have been identified within the Theme Park Study Area and therefore, no impact is expected.  However, construction activities for Theme Park and associated developments may limit accessibility to 2 grave sites which are strictly outside the Theme Park and associated developments Study Area boundary during construction and operation stages.

 

Preliminary Layout Plan for VEA at Tso Wan

11.6.4    No village houses have been located at the low archaeological potential areas, the identified 3 grave sites and 2 boundary stones within the preliminary VEA, therefore, no impact is expected.  However, any change of the plan in the detailed design stage may lead to an impact to the these sites if they are not taken into account.

Fresh and Salt Water Service Reservoirs at West of Fa Peng

11.6.5    According to the topography of the proposed water service facilities area near Fa Peng, it is an unfavourable environment for archaeological deposit accumulation due to the steep slope, the rocky, shallow condition of weathered soil at this high level (approximately 80 m high).  However, the associated access link to the water service facilities may damage to the low archaeological potential area at Fa Peng during construction.  Any archaeological deposit may be disturbed or destroyed due to the construction of the access link.

11.6.6    The Vase Rock is located approximately 9 m from the cut slope construction for the reservoirs, no direct impact is expected.  However, the construction work may threaten the stability of the Vase Rock.

Looking Out Area on the Tsing Chau Tsai

11.6.7    As the proposed looking out area on Tsing Chau Tsai headland is located outside the Fa Peng Teng archaeological site, no direct impact to this site is expected.  The trail alignment designed should also take into consideration existing grave sites in the area.

Road P1

11.6.8    The Road P1 may directly impact the Yam O archaeological site as its alignment is on part of the Yam O site as shown in Figure 11.3a .  The construction of the road may lead to permanent landtake of the site which may result in damage to, or loss of, archaeological remains and deposits of the site.  However, as the Road P1 is a Designated Project and thus a detailed archaeological field evaluation will be required for the Road P1 alignment as part of a separate stand alone Schedule 2 EIA of Road P1.

Waterworks Reserve at Yam O Tuk

11.6.9    According to the topography of the proposed waterworks reserve at south of Yam O, the site is unfavourable for archaeological deposit due to its steep slope, and high level, (approximately 40 m high) which may be the catchment area for human activities, therefore, no in situ archaeological deposit is expected to be found in this area.

Other Developments

11.6.10The area at Sze Pak is zoned as "Conservation Area" or "Countryside Conservation Area" and Luk Keng Tsuen area is zoned as “Conservation Area” under the Draft OZP.  No impact to these two listed archaeological sites are expected provided that no soil disturbance is allowed within the zoned areas.

11.6.11Having reviewed the final preliminary design of the proposed locations of the drainage channels within the Project Area, no drainage channels are identified within 300 m of sites of cultural heritage listed or recorded by AMO.  However, it should be noted that the drainage channel at Fa Peng is located at the valley area which is considered to have low archaeological potential (see Figure 11.3h).  Although this site is not declared/listed to be statutorily protected or administratively protected by the AMO, an opportunity should be provided for an archaeological field evaluation to be undertaken to verify the environmental acceptability of the proposed development.

11.6.12The impact to the Indian House has been taken into consideration in the detailed design of the Route 10(NLYLH) alignment.

11.7          NLDFS: Mitigation Of Adverse Historical, Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Impacts

Theme Park And Associated Developments

11.7.1    It is recommended that plastic sheets shall be used to cover the impacted area within Area SA2 of Wan Tuk archaeological site before the temporary access road construction.  After the completion of the Penny's Bay reclamation, all the fill materials and plastic sheets at the site shall be removed.  The filling area required for Penny's Bay reclamation at Areas SA1 and SA2 of Wan Tuk archaeological site should be avoided.  If it is unavoidable, the area required to be filled should be kept in an absolute minimum.  Should there be any unavoidable filling work required at the Wan Tuk site for the Penny's Bay Reclamation, plastic sheets should be used to cover the filled area prior to the filling work.  Moreover, as the filling work on part of the SA1 and 2 or nearby may result in a waterlogged site condition, detailed design of filling ground level adjustment work should consider runoff diversion of the site to prevent any waterlogged condition.

11.7.2    The detailed design of structural support locations for the CKWLR and Road P2 at the original coastal area should be avoided to ensure the potential impact to any surviving archaeological remains is kept in an absolute minimum.  If preservation in situ is not possible for the archaeological deposit identified under the CLS decommissioning EIA, the impacted archaeological deposits should be mitigated by rescue excavation.  However, as the Penny's Bay reclamation would result in limitation on accessibility for future archaeological investigation at the area, a total rescue excavation instead of a partial rescue excavation could be considered, if necessary, before the construction of these transport infrastructural elements associated with the Theme Park development so that the archaeological deposits of the area could be preserved by record in totality.

11.7.3    As Chok Ko Wan archaeological site may potentially filled up due to the Penny's Bay reclamation and the site may potentially be impacted by the structural support of the CKWLR and its associated work and, having considered that this site has been investigated a number of times and partially destroyed by the construction of the GTP, only partial preservation in situ is possible.  It is recommended that a full rescue excavation programme of 1 months long is implemented as early as possible prior to site is filled to allow preservation by record in totality.

11.7.4    Additionally, the Pa Tau Kwu archaeological site and the 2 grave sites near Penny's Bay GTP should be indicated on any construction plans as “temporary protection areas” to ensure construction activities avoided any impact to these sites. An indicative plan for such purpose is presented in Figure 11.6a.  Moreover, the site boundaries, with the provision of at least 5m buffer zone, should be fenced off at their physical locations so that construction workers’ attention is drawn to ensure no direct impact to the grave sites and no soil disturbance to the archaeological site are allowed.  Furthermore, the grave owners should be informed so that special arrangement to visit the grave sites is possible, when necessary during construction stage.  Detail development plan should retain any access possibility to the grave sites for future visitors after the completion of the developments.

Preliminary Layout Plan for VEA at Tso Wan

11.7.5    No impact to the heritage resources within the VEA is expected and therefore, no mitigation measure is required.  However, it is recommended that the detailed design of the VEA to avoid the impact to the low archaeological potential areas, the 3 grave sites and the 2 boundary stones.  Moreover, should there be unavoidable impact on the low archaeological potential areas, a detailed archaeological survey should be undertaken at the impacted areas.  Planning of this area could also consider other development proposals to encourage the heritage value of the area such as the 2 boundary stones which would provide positive contribution to heritage tourism development. 

Fresh and Salt Water Reservoirs at West of Fa Peng

11.7.6    The proposed access link for the water service facilities at Fa Peng should consider to avoid  the impact to the low archaeological potential area at Fa Peng as shown in Figure 11.3h.  If the impact is proved unavoidable and reduced an absolute minimum, a detailed archaeological field evaluation should be undertaken to further investigate the impact to any archaeological deposit due to the construction of the access link.

11.7.7    The Vase Rock should be marked on the plan for this development at Fa Peng to ensure the avoidance of any potential impact to or instability of the Vase Rock.

Looking Out Area on the Tsing Chau Tsai

11.7.8    It is recommended that the detailed design of the trail should locate the alignment at the Fa Peng Teng archaeological site boundary to avoid the direct impact to this site and the potential objection from grave owners.  If it is unavoidable, a detailed archaeological field evaluation should be undertaken along the alignment within the archaeological site boundary. 

Road P1

11.7.9    The current preliminary alignment of Road P1 has encroached into the Yam O Luk Keng Detailed design of the Road P1 alignment shall avoid the direct impact to the Yam O archaeological site and a detailed archaeological filed evaluation shall be performed for the Road P1 alignment as part of a separate Schedule 2 EIA for Road P1.

Waterworks Reserve to Yam O Tuk

11.7.10Since no in situ archaeological deposit is expected to be buried at the proposed waterworks reserve at Yam O Tuk, no mitigation measure is required.

Other Developments

11.7.11An opportunity should be provided to undertake an archaeological field evaluation at the low archaeological potential site at Fa Peng to confirm the environmental acceptability of the construction of the drainage channel.

11.8          CKWLR: Assessment of Historical, Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Impacts

11.8.1    This section presents an assessment of the potential impact on the heritage resources along the CKWLR alignment.  The proposed CKWLR will be partially built on reclaimed land from Ngong Shuen Au to Chok Ko Wan and continues from Chok Ko Wan to Pa Tau Kwu Pak Wan.  A number of heritage sites may potentially be impacted and the assessment is presented below:

11.8.2    The area from Ta Shui Wan to Wan Tuk SA3 is considered to have no archaeological potential, therefore, no impact to this site is expected.

11.8.3    There is no archaeological potential at the seabed of Penny’s Bay, therefore, no impact to marine archaeological deposit is expected. 

11.8.4    The preferred CKWLR alignment has avoided and minimised direct impact to most of the known archaeological sites including the Wan Tuk, Pa Tau Kwu Pa Wan, Pa Tau Kwu and the built structure on a headland to the northwest of Pa Tau Kwu and it is the preferred alignment on other considerations.  However, the CKWLR alignment section from Wan Tuk to Chok Ko Wan may potentially impact any surviving archaeological deposit at the original coastal area beneath CLS at Wan Tuk and near Chok Ko Wan due the permanent landtake for the construction of the structural support of the CKWLR.  The impact assessment of this CLS site has been addressed in Section 11.6.3 of this report.

11.8.5    The CKWLR alignment section from Wan Tuk to Chok Ko Wan may also potentially impact on the Chok Ko Wan archaeological site due to permanent landtake for the construction of the structural support for this viaduct section.  It may result in damage to or loss of archaeological deposit of the site.

11.8.6    The CKWLR alignment section from Chok Ko Wan to northwest of Pa Tau Kwu are topographically unfavourable for human settlement and human activities due to the steep slope along the valley.  Therefore, no historical, archaeological and cultural heritage impact to this section of the CKWLR alignment is expected.

11.8.7    The CKWLR alignment from northwest of Pa Tau Kwu to Pa Tau Kwu Pak Wan may potentially impact on a built structure at the northwest of Pa Tau Kwu or the Pa Tau Kwu Pak Wan archaeological site.  If the CKWLR avoids the direct impact to the built structure as far as possible, this would require the presence of a 15 m high retaining wall to the north.  On the other hand, if the Pa Tau Kwu Pak Wan site is preserved, the built structure may be destroyed.

11.8.8    No development at the stone tablet at a cliff near Pa Tau Kwu Pak Wan has been proposed, therefore, no direct impact is expected.  The 2 Qing dynasty grave sites near Chok Ko Wan are located over 120 m from the CKWLR alignment, and thus no direct impact to these sites is expected.  However, access to these sites may be affected during the construction and operation of the CKWLR.

11.9          CKWLR: Mitigation of Adverse Environmental Impacts

11.9.1    The appropriate mitigation measure for CLS site has been recommended in Section 11.7.2 of this report.

11.9.2    It is recommended that the detailed design of the CKWLR should avoid locating the structural support at the Chok Ko Wan archaeological site as far as possible and a full rescue programme at this site has been recommended in Section 11.7.3 of this report due to the impact from Penny's Bay reclamation.

11.9.3    The appropriate mitigation measure for the 2 grave sites near Chok Ko Wan has been addressed in Section 11.7.4 of this report.

11.9.4    Having considered the heritage significance of the 2 sites, a built structure to the northwest of Pa Tau Kwu and the Pa Tau Kwu Pak Wan archaeological site, it is recommended the detailed design of the CKWLR alignment should avoid the direct impact to the built structure as far as possible and the adverse visual impact should be mitigated through design of landscaping features.  The detailed design of the structural support location of the CKWLR should avoid the direct impact on the Pa Tau Kwu Pak Wan archaeological site and keep the impact an absolute minimum.  If the impact is proven unavoidable, the impacted area should be preserved by record, i.e. by partial rescue excavation.  Moreover, the built structure should be marked on any construction plans as ”temporary protection area” and the physical location of site boundaries, with the provision of at least 5 m buffer zone, should be fenced off and drawn to construction workers’ attention to ensure the site is not impacted.

11.9.5    Additionally, although there is no direct impact to the Pa Tau Kwu archaeological site and the stone tablet at a cliff near Pa Tau Kwu Pak Wan, these sites should be indicated on any construction plans as ”temporary protection area” to ensure construction activities avoid any impact to these sites.  An indicative plan for such purpose is presented in Figure 11.6a. Moreover, the site boundaries, with the provision of at least 5m buffer zone, should be fenced off at their physical locations so that construction workers’ attention is drawn to ensure no direct impact to the stone tablet and no soil disturbance to the archaeological site is allowed. 

11.10      Residual Environmental Impact

11.10.1Provided that the NLDFS and CKWLR mitigation measures recommended in Section 11.7 and Section 11.9, respectivelyare implemented.  No residual impact is expected in terms of cultural heritage resources.

11.10.2However, further detailed archaeological field evaluation is to be undertaken under the CLS decommissioning EIA and appropriate mitigation measures to identified archaeological deposits, if any, should be provided under the CLS decommissioning EIA.

11.10.3Detailed archaeological field evaluations have been recommended to be undertaken for the water service facilities and the drainage channel at Fa Peng, for the waterworks reserve provision at Yam O Tuk and for the Schedule 2 EIA of Road P1 and appropriate mitigation measures to potentially impacted archaeological deposits, if any, should be provided to confirm there would have no residual impact arising from the developments.

11.11      Impacts Summary

11.11.1Table 11.11a below presents the impact summary of the historical, archaeological and cultural heritage resources for NLDFS and CKWLR and the financial implications on the recommended mitigation measures. 

Table11.11a - Historical, Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Impact Summary Table

Location	Construction Impact	Mitigation Measures [Financial Implications]	Operational Impact	Mitigation Measure
Wan Tuk archaeological site	Ground compaction and limitation on accessibility for future archaeological investigation   The ground level adjustment work at or near the site result in a waterlogged site condition	Plastic sheets shall be used to cover the impact area before the temporary access road construction.[3,500 m2 area, HK$52,500]   After the completion of the Penny Bay reclamation, all the fill materials and plastic sheets should be removed. [assumed filled 1 m deep of an area 3,500 m2, HK$140,000]   The filled up area required for Penny’s Bay ground level adjustment work at SA1 and SA2 should be avoided.  If it is unavoidable, the impacted area should be kept in an absolute minimum.[15/m2]   Any area required to be filled shall be covered by plastic sheets before filling work.   Detailed design of filling work or ground level adjustment work should consider diversion of site runoff to prevent any waterlogged conditions by drainage provision.	Potential waterlogged site condition	No waterlogging condition should be allowed by drainage provision.
Chok Ko Wan archaeological site	Potential damage to or loss of archaeological deposit   Limit accessibility for future archaeological investigation and ground compaction	A full rescue excavation to be implemented prior to the reclamation of this site as early as possible.   Sufficient time (1 month) and funding [HK$500,000] should be allocated.	N/A or Nil	N/A or Nil
CLS archaeological potential site	Potential damage to or loss of archaeological deposit at the original coastal area beneath the CLS   Limit accessibility for future archaeological investigation	Detailed design of structural support of the CKWLR and Road P2 should avoid the potential impact to the original coastal areas at CLS site.   An opportunity should be provided for an archaeological field evaluation at the coastal area of existing CLS as part of the Schedule 2 EIA for the CLS decommissioning. [*]   If the impact on archaeological deposits is unavoidable, the impacted area should be mitigated by rescue excavation programme.[**]   A full rescue programme could be considered, if necessary, to allow preservation by record in totality of this site.[**]	Limit accessibility for future archaeological investigation	A full rescue programme could be considered, if necessary, to allow preservation by record in totality of this site.
A built structure to the northwest of Pa Tau Kwu	Adverse visual impact caused by the construction of a 15 m high retaining wall to the north of the site Increase potential impact on Pa Tau Kwu Pak Wan archaeological site	The detailed design of the CKWLR alignment to avoid the direct impact to the built structure as far as possible and the adverse visual impact to be mitigated through properly design of landscaping features.   Site location marked on any construction plans as “temporary protection area” [to be provided]   The physical location of site boundaries, with the provision of at least 5 m buffer zone, should be fenced off and drawn the construction workers’ attention to ensure no soil disturbance within the archaeological site boundary is allowed. [54m long, HK$59,400]
Pa Tau Kwu Pak Wan archaeological site	Potential damage to or loss of archaeological deposit of the site due to landtake for the construction of the structural support of the CKWLR.	The detailed design of the structural support location of the CKWLR should avoid the direct impact and kept the impact to the site in an absolute minimum.  If the impact is proven unavoidable, the impacted area should be preserved by record, i.e. by partial rescue excavation. [***]	N/A or Nil	N/A or Nil
Pa Tau Kwu archaeological site and a stone tablet at a cliff near Pa Tau Kwu Pak Wan	No direct impact.   Potential uncontrolled construction work may result in damage to the site	Site location marked on any construction plans as “temporary protection area”   The physical location of site boundaries, with the provision of at least 5 m buffer zone, should be fenced off and drawn the construction workers’ attention to ensure no soil disturbance within the archaeological site boundary is allowed. [ 1,012 m long, HK$1,111,000]	N/A or Nil	N/A or Nil
Tso Wan heritage sites	No direct impact to the heritage resources within the VEA is expected.	Detailed planning of the VEA should avoid the potential impact upon the low archaeological potential areas, the 3 grave sites and the 2 boundary stones within existing VEA.   Should there be unavoidable plans on the low archaeological potential areas, a detailed archaeological survey should be undertaken at the impacted areas. [****]   Planning of this area could consider other development proposals to encourage the heritage value of the area such as the 2 boundary stones which would provide positive contribution to heritage tourism development.	N/A or Nil	N/A or Nil
Fa Peng low archaeological potential site	Potential damage to or loss of archaeological deposit due to the construction of the access link for the provision of the water service facilities   Potential damage to or loss of archaeological deposit due to the construction of the drainage channel provision	An opportunity should be provide to undertake an archaeological field evaluation at the low archaeological potential site at Fa Peng to confirm the environmental acceptability of the construction of the drainage channel and the access link. [HK$250,000]   The proposed access link for the water service facilities at Fa Peng should consider to the heritage sties and keep the impact in an absolute minimum	N/A or Nil	N/A or Nil
Vase Rock at Fa Peng	No direct impact   Potential uncontrolled construction activities   Stability of the Rock.	The Vase Rock should be marked on the plan of the reservoirs to ensure the avoidance of any potential impact to the rock   The stability of this Rock should be assess during  construction work to ensure its stability will not be affected. [HK$500,000 for investigative work only, without remedial work]	N/A or Nil	N/A or Nil
Fa Peng Teng archaeological site and the grave site within the site boundary	Topsoil disturbance due to the construction of the trail at Fa Peng archaeological site   Potential objection from grave owners due to the location of the trail aligned in front of the grave	·               Detailed design of the trail should avoid locating the trail on the Fa Peng Teng archaeological site boundary and potential objection from grave owners ·               If the impact is unavoidable, a detailed archaeological evaluation should be undertaken along the trail alignment within the archaeological site boundary {#]	N/A or Nil	N/A or Nil
Yam O archaeological site	Landtake of the site result in damage to or loss of the archaeological deposit of the site due to the construction of the Road P1	·               Detailed design of the Road P1 alignment shall avoid the direct impact to the Yam O archaeological site. ·               Further archaeological filed evaluation shall be performed for the Road P1 alignment as part of a separate Schedule 2 EIA.[##]	N/A or Nil	N/A or Nil
Two Qing dynasty grave sites	No direct impact.   Potential damage to the grave sites   Limit accessibility to these sites may be impacted during construction.	Site location marked on any construction plans as “temporary protection area”   The physical location of site boundaries, with the provision of at least 5 m buffer zone, should be fenced off and drawn the construction workers’ attention to ensure no soil disturbance within the archaeological site boundary is allowed. [100m long, HK$11,000]   The grave owners should be informed so that special arrangement to these sites is possible when necessary.   Development plan should retain access possibility to these sites for future visitors after the completion of the developments.	Limit accessibility to these sites may be impacted during construction.	Access possibility should be retained for visiting these sites by proper planning of the development. .

Note:

N/A - Not applicable

* Funded under the Schedule 2 EIA for the CLS decommissioning

** Subject to the field evaluation result to be undertaken under the Schedule 2 EIA for the CLS decommissioning.

*** Subject to the area to potentially impacted.

**** Subject to the detail design stage plan

#  subject to the detail design stage result

## Funded under the Schedule 2 EIA for the Road P1

11.12      Conclusions

11.12.1Literature reviews of available information supplemented with results of marine archaeological dive surveys undertaken throughout the Project indicate that there is no marine archaeological deposits within the Penny’s Bay and the 10 ha Yam O reclamation areas.  For other proposed NLDFS reclamations, further marine archaeological investigations will be performed to confirm the potential impacts and identify appropriate rescue excavation arrangements, if necessary, prior to commencement of the dredging and reclamation works. 

11.12.2Potential impact to archaeological resources may arise from temporary or permanent landtake, ground compaction, topsoil or subsoil disturbance during construction, change in water table which may result in damage to, or loss of the archaeological remains and a limitation on accessibility for future investigation and visits.  The proposed Penny's Bay Reclamation will involve filling of the Chok Ko Wan archaeological site which avoidance of direct impact is considered impractical.  Given the site has been partially damaged by previous construction works and some of the archaeological remains have been excavated, it is recommended a total excavation of the site to preserve the archaeological records in totality.

11.12.3Potential impacts to the Wan Tuk archaeological site due to construction of the temporary access road for the Penny's Bay reclamation.  In order to preserve the sites in situ, mitigation measures by covering the impacted area (SA2) with plastic sheets before filling of the temporary access road so that the area can be reinstated after the work.  Avoidance of direct impacts on the Areas SA1 and SA2 has been recommended through ground level adjustment.  In addition, avoidance of  waterlogged conditions through detailed design of runoff diversion have been recommended to preserve the archaeological remains.

11.12.4The Chok Ko Wan Link Road alignment has avoided the built structure to the north of Pa Tau Kwu headland.  Detailed design of the road will avoid having support structures on the Pa Tau Kwu Pak Wan archaeological site as far as practicable. Whilst it is expected that the potential impact to the archaeological site is likely of be insignificant, the residual impact could be mitigated by partial rescue excavation.

11.12.5Archaeological/ heritage sites situated in close proximity to construction sites including the Pa Tau Kwu and the Pa Tau Kwu Pak Wan archaeological sites, a built structure to the northwest of Pa Tau Kwu, a stone tablet at a cliff near Pa Tau Kwu Pak Wan and the two grave sites near Chok Ko Wan.  These sites shall be marked on construction plans as ”temporary protection area”. The sites shall be properly fenced, with the inclusion of 5 m buffer zone, with display of warning notice to prohibit trespassing which may cause soil disturbance to the archaeological sites.  Stability checking is recommended to ensure no residual impact towards the Vase Rock.

11.12.6The CKWLR and Road P2 alignments have only minimal direct impact onto the original natural coastline underneath the perimeter of the Cheoy Lee Shipyard where potential archaeological remains may exist.  Archaeological field evaluation of the original natural coastline area has been recommended when the CLS site is available.  The potential impacts can be further reduced by locating the structural support of the roads outside the potentially archaeological importance area based on results of the future field evaluations.  In the case if preservation in situ is not possible, residual impact could be mitigated by partial rescue excavation.

11.12.7Field evaluation at the proposed Tao Wan low archaeological site have identified no underground remains of significant archaeological value. Detailed design of the VEA should ensure avoidance of direct impact upon the 3 grave sites and the 2 boundary stones identified at Tso Wan.  A confirmation field evaluation is recommended when the layout plan of the proposed VEA is available at the detailed design stage.

11.12.8The proposed Looking Out Area and the walking trails have avoided both the Fa Peng and the Fa Peng Teng archaeological site hence no direct impact is expected.  A drainage channel has been proposed within 300 m from the Fa Peng archaeological site which constitutes a Schedule 2 Designated Project under the EIAO.  Further field evaluation is recommended at the detailed design stage if direct impact is unavoidable.

11.12.9Direct impact on the Yam O archaeological site could be mitigated by adjustment of the Road P1 alignment in the detailed design stage.  Road P1 is a Schedule 2 Designated Project which an Environmental Permit is needed for its construction and operation.  Further field evaluation is recommended to provide data for the detailed design and formulation of appropriate mitigation measures, where necessary.

11.12.10Detailed archaeological field evaluations are recommended to be undertaken at Fa Peng to confirm there is no residual impact arising from the proposed development.

11.12.11In conclusion, the archaeological impact assessment has confirmed the acceptability of the Penny's Bay and the Yam O reclamation by marine archaeological investigations, and the preferred CKWLR alignment.  Potential impacts on the archaeological and heritage sites due to NLDFS developments have been identified.  While it is envisaged that most of the potential impacts on heritage resources could be avoided through proper design of the proposed developments, residual impacts could be ameliorated through the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures.  Further field evaluations have been recommended, where appropriate, to obtain information for detailed design of the proposed developments.