6                    LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

6.1              Introduction

6.1.1        Details of all mitigation measures should be further developed at the detail design stage.  The recommended mitigation measures should be included into the Contracted Document where the Contractor is responsible for their implementation as recommended in the EIA Study.  During the site environmental audit inspections, the ET and Independent Checker (Environment) (IC(E)) should be responsible for ensuring that landscape and visual mitigation measures are fully implemented by the Contractor, as per the approved construction programme.  Meanwhile, a landscape architect should be employed to ensure appropriate required quality be achieved for both hard and soft proposals. 

6.2              Recommended Mitigation Measures under CWB & IECL Project

Detailed Design Stage   

1.       Implementation of comprehensive Tree Survey Report at an early stage in accordance with Works Branch Technical Circular No. 24/94 to ensure specific recommendations for existing trees are resolved before construction.  Careful and efficient transplanting of affected trees at an early stage to appropriate locations in or outside the site area.  Transplant affected trees that are worthy of retention (in terms of form, health and size) and that have a good chance of survival after transplanting.  Government guidelines on the preservation and felling of trees are detailed in Government General Regulation 740, Works Branch Technical Circular No. 24/94 and Planning Environment and Lands Branch Technical Circular No. 3/94.  Transplanting works should be carried out under the supervision of a landscape architect.

2.       Amenity areas to be provided to visually reduce the scale of the roadworks.  Screen trees to be provided adjacent to the Police Officers Club to screen the elevated structures.

3.       Soil mounding at expansive amenity areas or where appropriate to further reduce the scale of elevated structures and on grade roads.

4.       Planting schedule should be suitable to the environmental conditions, that is, climbers on columns of elevated structures, roadside planting, and under elevated structure planting.  The planting should provide variety in form, colour and texture and should contain a high proportion of evergreen species to provide an all-year-round urban ‘green’ effect.  The planting schedule should integrate with the landscape design of the interface projects such as CRIII and WDII.  Planting schedule should also comply with maintenance requirements and sightlines requirements of Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD).  Reference should be made to LCSD’s Annex 1 (General Requirements of Soft Landscaping Design for Areas Under LCSD’s Maintenance Responsibilities) and to HyDTC No. 6/98 on Visibility of Directional Signs.

5.       Integrated design solution of engineering structures including elevated structures, administration and ventilation buildings, noise barriers, abutment walls, tunnel portals and a screen panel wall.  The designs are subject to the approval of the Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures (ACABAS).

6.       Soft landscape design around administration and ventilation buildings to compliment the architectural finishes and to reduce their scale and visual impact.

Tender Preparation Stage

1.       The Engineer / Consultant is responsible to supply the Contractor with construction specifications and accurate construction drawings.

2.       The recommended mitigation measures should be included into the Contract clauses where the Contractor is responsible for their implementation.

Construction Stage

1.       Approved new soil-mix for new planting areas.

2.       The existing trees recommended to be retained should be protected by means of fencing to prevent vehicular, construction machines or pedestrian intrusion which may potentially damage tree canopies, trunks and root zones.

3.       Advance planning and programme for transplanting of existing trees and reinstatement of roadside planting to early completion areas or unaffected site.

4.       Erection of screen hoarding, where appropriate, with surface treatment suitable to the urban context.

5.       Control of night lighting.  Use lighting system to divert the light from adjoining residential and hotel developments at night.

6.       ET and IC(E) should make monthly on-site visits to audit the recommended mitigation measures are implemented effectively as recommended in the approved EIA report and as per the construction programme.

Operation Stage

1.       A landscape architect should make monthly on-site visits (within the 12 months establishment period) to monitor the condition of the transplanted trees and newly planted vegetation before handing over the responsibility of maintenance to the relevant government department.