* Guidance Notes for Investigation and Remediation of Contaminated Sites of: Petrol Filling Stations; Boatyards; and Car Repair/Dismantling Workshops.

The following legislations, documents and guidelines also cover or have some bearing upon land contamination and the handling, treatment and disposal of contaminated waste in HKSAR, and are also considered in assessing potential impacts and their avoidance or mitigation:

* Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap 354);

* Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation (Cap 354);

* Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO ); and

* Code of Practice on the Packaging, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Waste, Environmental Protection Department (1992).

12.2 Baseline Environmental Conditions

The present land uses that give rise to potential concerns for land contamination including vehicle and mechanic maintenance and repair yards, and storage yards. The Lands Department Central Database of the Task Force (Blackspots) on Flytipping Control of Yuen Long District (March 2002) ^[25] was reviewed to identify if any concerned area is listed in the database.

12.3 Methodology of Land Contamination Impact Assessment

The evaluation of the potential impacts associated with the presence of these potentially contaminating uses is presented below.

12.3.1 Sources of Impacts

As the various premises in question are all fairly small in size, land contamination potential is judged to be localized. Although all the identified potential areas of concern lie within the current 50m Consultation Boundary, the alignment of the sewer/raising mains and the location of the pumping stations do not lie within the potential contaminated premises. Overall, contamination concerns from these facilities would only arise if any leakage or spillage of chemicals or contaminants have migrated from the specific premises through to areas where construction workers might come into contact with the soil.

Since the incidence of any spillage or leakage is unknown, there still remains a small, yet un-quantified potential for impacts to arise from the migration of contaminants from these premises to the Project site, or from other unidentified sources such as illegal dumping. With regard to the migration of contaminants from these premises, it is considered that a certain volume of contaminants could have been accidentally spilled, and resulting in negative impact to the works areas.

12.3.2 Potential Impacts from Contamination

Typical contaminants associated with vehicle and mechanic maintenance and related activities include petroleum hydrocarbon, fuels and lead. Potential impacts may arise from localized spillage and the possible presence of underground or aboveground storage tanks. These contaminants may cause negative impacts to sensitive receivers, including humans, during construction works or during the operational phase. Descriptions of the general hazardous premises of typical compounds, which may have been used or stored at these premises, are presented in Table 12.1.

Table 12.1: General hazardous substances potentially present in project site

Typical Material	General Hazardous Material
Petroleum Hydrocarbons (including Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, and Ethyl Benzene – BTEX)	Can be toxic by inhalation, ingestion and contact May be flammable at high concentrations
Oils, oily wastes	Can be toxic by contact Concentration may be flammable
Thinners, solvents, degreasants*	Can be toxic by inhalation, ingestion and contact
Heavy Metals* (including Copper, Chromium, Lead, and Zinc)	Can be toxic by ingestion and contact Most are toxic to fish, plants and marine plants (especially copper) Specific precautions may be required in relation to monitoring and dust control in excavation and site formation works
Acids (batteries)*	Toxic and harmful by contact Corrosive to metal, concrete

* Note: These materials are considered likely, although not solely restricted to being present at vehicle repair or service sites. The presence of such material has not been confirmed as no access was allowed at these premises.

Based on the available information on the proposed sewer/raising main alignment and the location of pumping stations, trench widths and the identified potentially contaminated premises, it is estimated that under the theoretical worst scenario (i.e. assuming all excavated materials from the trench adjacent to potentially contaminated premises as shown in Table 12.4 are contaminated), the amount of contaminated soil to be treated and disposed of will be in the order of approximately 9,297m³, i.e. 2066m (L) x 1.5m (W) x 3m (D). However, it should be noted that this is a very conservative assumption. As indicated by visual inspection, land contamination, if any, is judged to be localised. Therefore, the potential for off-site migration of contaminants from the potentially contaminated premises to the excavation areas is considered to be very low. Hence it is expected that the actual quantity of contaminated soils, if any, to be excavated will be much less than that estimated under the theoretical worst-case scenario.

12.3.3 Potential Impact on Receptors

The potential impacts to the Project from contaminated soil and groundwater are judged to be the following:

· Health risks to site workers;

· Disposal of contaminated soils, where encountered;

· Disposal of contaminated groundwater, where encountered; and

· Potential health risks to future users of the sites.

Health Risk to Site Workers

Site construction workers may become exposed to contaminated soils and groundwater during earth moving operations and the laying of pipelines or underground services. The main exposure routes for site construction workers are accidental direct ingestion of contaminated materials through poor hygiene and eating or smoking on site, or through direct contact with potentially toxic or harmful contaminants in excavated soil.

Disposal of Contaminated Soil

In the event that any contaminated soils are identified during site investigation (SI) works or further environmental investigations, they may require remediation or disposal prior to or as part of the construction programme. Prior agreement will need to be reached with EPD to ensure that these materials are dealt with appropriately in accordance with ProPECC Note 3/94. Any contaminated soils which are excavated will require treatment and/or off site disposal at an appropriate site which is licensed to accept “contaminated” soils. The actual type(s) and concentration(s) of contaminants will determine the final disposal requirements, following agreement of the proper disposal option with the Waste Facilities Management Group, and Waste Policy and Service Group of the EPD.

Contaminated Groundwater Disposal

Where excavations for sewers/raising mains or pumping stations take place below the groundwater table, there may be a need to dewater the pits for safety and construction purposes. Where dewatering takes place through layers of contaminated material or where any contaminated soil is being excavated, the groundwater may become contaminated, thereby requiring appropriate handling and disposal. Depending on the level of contamination encountered, and subject to the agreement of the EPD, groundwater will need to be disposed of in an appropriate manner, compliant with the WPCO.

Potential Health Risks to Future Users of the Site

During the operational phase, there is little potential for impacts associated with contaminated soils. However, maintenance workers or workers who may be commissioned to perform extensions or alterations to the sewers, mains or at the pumping stations at a later stage may come into contact with such materials, at which time all of the above mentioned impacts may be applicable. However, if contaminated material is identified during the construction stage, it is expected that appropriate remedial measures will have been undertaken either to ensure this material is mitigated or removed, or to ensure that future, direct contact with in-situ materials is avoided.

12.4 Assessment Approach

12.4.1 Identification Of Environmental Impact

The primary information collected on potentially contaminated premises was obtained from the Lands Department Central Database of the Task Force (Blackspots) on Flytipping Control of Yuen Long District (March 2002) along with carrying out site appraisal and review of aerial photographs and survey maps. The data was used to determine the potentially contaminated land within and adjacent to the proposed works areas of the Project.

The site appraisal was undertaken in the period from July 2002 to September 2002 to confirm locations of premises and extent of potential contaminating activities that are showing evidence of contamination.

12.4.2 Sources of Information

Reference was made to the following sources of information and a list of the aerial photographs reviewed during the course of the study is presented in Table 12.2:

· Hong Kong Ordinance Survey maps (1:1000 and 1:1500 scale) from various years along the proposed alignment;

· Selected aerial photos along the alignment from different years;

· Outline Zoning Plans (OZP’s) along the alignment;

· Hong Kong Geological Survey Memoir No.3, Geology of the Western New Territories;

· Hong Kong Geological Survey Solid and Superficial Geology Series Map No.6, Yuen Long; and

· Lands Department Blackspots Database for Yuen Long District (March 2002).

Table 12.2: Aerial photographs reviewed

Study Section	Date/Year	Photograph No.	Notes
Yuen Long South Branch	2000	CN27943 & CN27944 CN27963 CN28005 to CN28008	3500ft 3500ft 3500ft
1999	CN22599 & CN59600 CN24579 & CN24580 CN24582 CN24591 & CN24592 CN24632 to CN24635		4000ft 3500ft 3500ft 4000ft 4000ft
1995	CN10300 to CN10302 CN10385 to CN10387 CN10625 to CN10627 CN13047 CN13082 CN13100 to CN13102		3200ft 3200ft 3500ft 3500ft 3500ft 3500ft
1990	A22920 to A22923 A22946 to A22950 A22970 to A22973 A22996 & A22997		2000ft 2000ft 2000ft 2000ft
Lau Fan Shan/Mong Tseng and Yuen Long Effluent Pipeline	2001	CW30641 CW33005 to CW33010 CW33016 CW36580 to CW36581	1200ft 4000ft 4000ft 5400ft
1999	A49106 CN22453 CN24515	4000ft 3500ft 3500ft
1995	CN10141 to CN10147 CN10225 & CN10226 CN13135	3200ft 3200ft 3500ft
1990	A21587 & A21588 A21980 & A21981 A22177 A22236 A22238 to A22239	2000ft 2000ft 4000ft 4000ft 4000ft
Ngau Tam Mei and San Tin	2001	CN30026 & CN30027 CN30033 CW30507 CW31528 & CW31529 CW33574 CW33708 & CW33709 CW33853 & CW33854 CW35089	4000ft 4000ft 4500ft 2400ft 4000ft 4000ft 4000ft 2000ft
1999	A49244 to A49245 A49753 A49773 CN23692 CN23751 CN24396 CN24460	3500ft 4000ft 4000ft 3500ft 3500ft 3500ft 3500ft
1995	CN9797 to CN9799 CNCN10601 to CN10604 CN11869 CN11874 CN12952 CN12979 CN13004	3000ft 3000ft 3500ft 3500ft 3500ft 3500ft 3500ft
1990	A21610 to A21611 A21631 A21633 A21676 A21709 A21976 A21988 & A21989 A22173 to A22174 A22185 A22686 A22693 A22841		2000ft 2000ft 2000ft 2000ft 2000ft 2000ft 2000ft 4000ft 4000ft 2000ft 2000ft 2000ft

Study Section

Date/Year

Photograph No.

Notes

Yuen Long South Branch

2000

CN27943 & CN27944

CN27963

CN28005 to CN28008

3500ft

1999

CN22599 & CN59600

CN24579 & CN24580

CN24582

CN24591 & CN24592

CN24632 to CN24635

4000ft

3500ft

4000ft

1995

CN10300 to CN10302

CN10385 to CN10387

CN10625 to CN10627

CN13047

CN13082

CN13100 to CN13102

3200ft

3500ft

1990

A22920 to A22923

A22946 to A22950

A22970 to A22973

A22996 & A22997

2000ft

Lau Fan Shan/Mong Tseng and Yuen Long Effluent Pipeline

2001

CW30641

CW33005 to CW33010

CW33016

CW36580 to CW36581

1200ft

4000ft

5400ft

1999

A49106

CN22453

CN24515

4000ft

3500ft

1995

CN10141 to CN10147

CN10225 & CN10226

CN13135

3200ft

3500ft

1990

A21587 & A21588

A21980 & A21981

A22177

A22236

A22238 to A22239

2000ft

4000ft

Ngau Tam Mei and San Tin

2001

CN30026 & CN30027

CN30033

CW30507

CW31528 & CW31529

CW33574

CW33708 & CW33709

CW33853 & CW33854

CW35089

4000ft

4500ft

2400ft

4000ft

2000ft

1999

A49244 to A49245

A49753

A49773

CN23692

CN23751

CN24396

CN24460

3500ft

4000ft

3500ft

1995

CN9797 to CN9799

CNCN10601 to CN10604

CN11869

CN11874

CN12952

CN12979

CN13004

3000ft

3500ft

1990

A21610 to A21611

A21631

A21633

A21676

A21709

A21976

A21988 & A21989

A22173 to A22174

A22185

A22686

A22693

A22841

2000ft

4000ft

2000ft

Note: Photographs were reviewed for generalized land changes, as well as development of specific premises along the Project alignment.

12.4.3 General ProPECC Approach

In accordance with ProPECC PN 3/94 and the EPD’s Guidance Notes, an assessment evaluation should:

· Provide a clear and detailed account of the present use of the land in question and the relevant past land use history, in relation to possible land contamination;

· Identify those areas of potential contamination and associated impacts, risks or hazards; and

· If required, submit a plan to evaluate the actual contamination conditions for soil and/or groundwater.

The EPD’s Guidance Notes include a summary of the general steps of a detail contamination assessment study (Figure 12.1).

12.5 Site-specific Approach

However, as access for the premises is anticipated as restricted at this stage, it is not practicable to undertake a detailed sampling and analysis. The following alternative approach is adopted for the land contamination assessment.

(i) Review of the current and historical land uses was undertaken using information from aerial photographs, site visits, and government and public information on potential “blackspot” area. The objective is to identify any potentially contaminative land uses within the study area. Information about the locations of premises falling within the category of, or associating with, potentially contaminative land uses, as identified in the Section 3.1 of Annex 19 of the EIAO-TM is complied. Such information is shown on the maps in Figures 12.2 to 12.14.

(ii) Verification and visual inspection was undertaken to confirm the general environmental conditions associated with each of the identified premises. This non-intrusive approach serves to make an initial appraisal of the likely nature of any potential contamination, and where identified, to evaluate whether there are any significant evidences of land contamination associated with these premises.

(iii) A site appraisal profile was developed for each of the premises identified as having the potential for contamination. This profile identified the major potential land contamination concerns. For these premises, a preliminary review is made of potential environmental impacts or health concerns that may arise from, or during, future use of the land as a result of exposure to potentially contaminated materials.

(iv) Based on the profile results and type of land uses identified, an overview of the typical mitigation measures is undertaken.

The presence of any potential contamination along the Project alignment is related to the historical and current uses to which land has been put, both within and adjacent to the planned development. A review of current and historical land uses has been undertaken and the findings are presented below.

12.5.1 Review of Land Use Types

A review of historical maps and selected historical aerial photos indicated that the majority of the proposed Project is to be developed on open or slightly developed land, along roadway, public access corridors and vehicular access road of the drainage channels. The selected historical aerial photos also indicate that several types of industrial and commercial activities have been started along different sectors of the proposed alignment of the Project in the past decade. However, there is little information to indicate that any major industrial usage along the proposed alignment of the sewers/rising mains and the site for pumping stations. This was confirmed with site visits, which indicated that the proposed alignment would generally be located outside the boundaries of the potential premises of concern. The land uses of the potentially contaminated premises adjacent to the works area include:

· Vehicle and mechanic maintenance and repair yards;

· Car dismantling and dumps yards;

· Construction material and equipment storage yards;

· Metal scrap yards;

· Uncontrolled dumps or debris fields; and

· Cargo storage yards.

12.5.2 Current Land Uses

A summary of the current potentially contaminated land uses along the Project alignment is given in Table 12.3. These premises are identified in Figures 12.2 to 12.14, which cover only the premises with potential land contamination activities in the vicinity. A total of 79 premises have been identified based on the EPD’s criteria set in EIAO-TM and Guidance Notes. 31 premises are currently listed on the March 2002 edition of the Land’s Department “Blackspots” database. Premises located in excess of 50m from the proposed Project alignment have not been considered, as all of the premises identified are fairly small in size (all less than 0.5ha) except for the cargo storage yards, and there have been no reported cases of large scale spillage or leakage of potential contaminants. Land contamination potential has been judged to be localized. Furthermore, only the soil along the alignment will be disturbed during the earth and trench excavation.

Table 12.3: Potentially contaminated premises in the vicinity of the project sites

Site No.	Current Land Use	Observed Evidence of Contamination	Approximate Setback Distance from the Premises Boundary to the Sewer Alignment (m)
Yuen Long South Branch
1*	No Name	Open area with several container offices. Oil stain observed on unpaved area. Petrol filling activities was observed.	6
2*	No Name	Vehicles (Dump Truck) repairing workshop. Oil stain observed on unpaved area	4
3*	No Name	Metal hardware workshop. Unpaved area. Cannot access.	32
4*	Refuse Collection Point	Open dumping on unpaved area.	6
5	No Name	Vehicle repairing workshop. Oil stain on unpaved area observed.	8
6	Wah Seng General Construction Ltd.	Storage of construction materials.	8
7	No Name	Vehicle dismantling workshop and scrap yard.	6
8	Open area	Dismantled vehicle observed.	6
9	No Name	Warehouse of tupes and wheels.	6
10	No Name	Dismanlted dump truck. Minor oil stain observed on paved area with crack.	6
11*	Junic Construction Company	Storage of construction materials.	6
12	Tin To Transportation Ltd.	Cannot access.	7
13*	No Name	Vehicle repairing workshop. Oil stain observed on cracked paved area.	8
14	Wah Sing Company	Cannot access. (look like industrial building)	6
15	No Name	Storage of oil (petroleum/diesel)	8
16	No Name	Vehicle repairing workshop. Dismantled parts observed. Oil stain observed.	6
17	No Name	Vehicle repairing and dismantling workshop. Paved area with minor oil stain.	8
18	No Name	Woodworks workshop. Paved but cracked area.	6
19	Ho Chi Vehicular Engineering	Oil stain observed on paved area.	6
20	Shui Hing Construction Material	Cannot access.	6
21	Fung Sing Metal Company	Cannot access (Metal hardware workshop).	10
22	Fung Yuen Warehouse	Cannot access.	6
23	No Name	Former factory building/warehouse.	6
24	No Name	Parking area of fuel tanker vehicle.	20
25	Maintenance Workshops	Maintenance workshop and petrol filling station observed.	6
Lau Fan Shan/Mong Tseng and Yuen Long Effluent Pipeline
1	Sin Chun Mechanic (HK) Co., Ltd.	Storage (warehouse) of scaffolding. Several oil stains on unpaved area observed.	6
2	Wo Ping Vehicle Repairing Workshop	Vehicle maintenance and repairing. Oil stains on unpaved area observed.	6
3	Wo Hing Wooden Workshop	Cannot access but looks like no operation.	6
4	Chun Wun Container Co., Ltd.	Former container parking/storage yard. Minor oil stain observed.	8
5	Shun Fat Reynold Container Services Ltd.	Most of the area was paved, but cannot access inside.	7
6	No Name	Unpaved area with oil stains. Several cargo and vehicle were parked.	7
7	PCL Container Services Limited	Container maintenance and storage.	7
8	Lung Fai Vehicle Repairing Workshop	Truck maintenance and repairing. Oil stain observed on unpaved area.	7
9	A&A Warehouse	Container yard. Cannot access inside.	12
10	No Name	Storage of metal supporter (scrap yard). Unpaved area with oil stain. Several oil drum observed.	12
11	Hung Lee Container Yard	Container yard but cannot access inside.	7
12	Ho Yip Container Yard	Container yard but cannot access inside.	7
13	Asia Machinery Trading and Motor Services Co.	Truck maintenance and repairing workshop. Major oil stain observed.	7
14*	No Name	Container yard. Cannot access inside.	8
15*	No Name	Heavy equipment storage (excavator). Unpaved area maintenance workshops.	12
16*	No Name	Parking area. Major oil stain observed from fuel tanker.	12
17*	Ling Fung Container Rental Co.	Maintenance workshop observed on unpaved area.	12
18*	No Name	Dismantled vehicle and oil stain observed on unpaved area.	12
19*	No Name	Vehicle dismantling workshop. Major oil stain on unpaved area.	12
Ngau Tam Mei and San Tin
1	Leader Container Port	Container port/storage area.	52
2	Universal Car Limited	Vehicle parking. Warehouse was observed.	52
3	No Name – Cargo Truck Parking Area	Unpaved site. Several oil stain observed.	8
4	Ming Kee Car Repairing Workshop	Maintenance activities observed. Oil stains observed on paved area.	6
5	Express Car Repairing and Cleaning Workshop	Vehicle repairing workshop. Maintenance activities on paved area.	6
6	Chee Fu Vehicle Repairing Workshop	Several dismantled vehicles observed.	14
7	Yuen Fung Metal Hardware Workshop	Metal cutting in operation. Oil stain on unpaved area was observed.	14
8	Yeung Yuk Motor Ltd.	Vehicle repairing workshop. Oil stain on unpaved area observed.	14
9	Kin Kee Vehicle Dismantling Company	Dismantled vehicles and oil stains observed on unpaved area.	14
10	No Name (Cargo Truck Parking)	Cargo truck and excavator parked on unpaved area.	14
11*	Wo Kee Vehicle Repairing Co.	Dismantled vehicles observed. Major oil stains on unpaved area.	6
12*	No Name	Storage of fabricated material for housing project.	6
13*	No Name (Vehicle Repairing Workshop)	Vehicle printing and repairing activities observed. Major oil stain observed on unpaved area.	6
14	Wing Pat Cargo Truck Parking	Unpaved parking area.	6
15	Tong Kee Vehicle Repairing Workshop	Dismantled vehicle and oil stains on unpaved area observed.	6
16	Wai Wong Company	Cargo trucks and excavators parking on unpaved area.	6
17	Hung Hing Tire Repairing	Cargo truck parking and tyre repairing area.	6
18*	Wah Tong Mechanic Trading (HK) Ltd.	Parking of heavy equipment (e.g. excavators). Oil stain on unpaved area observed.	6
19*	Sun Hing Tire Repairing Ltd.	Cargo parking. Oil stains on unpaved area observed.	6
20*	Hing Yip Transportation Company	Cargo truck parking. Oil stain on unpaved area observed.	6
21*	King Tat Vehicle Repairing Workshop	Maintenance bay with major oil stain observed.	6
22*	Yet Tong Vehicle Repairing Workshop	Oil stain observed on unpaved area.	6
23*	Ng Chow Tire Repairing Company	Oil stains on unpaved area observed.	6
24*	Ko Tat Vehicle & Mechanic Company	Major oil stains observed on cracked area.	6
25*	Kong Ming & King Tat Car Repairing Workshops	Oil stains observed on cracked area.	6
26*	Way Chun Vehicle Repairing Company	Major oil stains on cracked/unpaved areas.	6
27*	Kong Lung Cargo Storage Area	Storage of cargo containers on unpaved area.	6
28*	Man Ming Mechanic Repairing Co.	Major oil stains observed on unpvaed area.	6
29*	Cheung Lung Truck Trading Co.	Maintenance workshop and scrap yard observed. Major oil stains on unpaved area.	6
30*	No Name	Cargo truck parking on unpaved area. Oil stains observed.	6
31*	Wai Wo Vehicle Repairing Co.	Oil stains observed on unpaved area.	6
32*	Hang Fung Vehicle Repairing Co.	Oil stains observed on unpaved area.	6
33*	Esso Petrol Filling Station	Normal Operation.	6
34	No Name	Cargo truck storage. Major oil stains on unpaved area.	6
35	No Name	Cargo truck storage. Oil stains on unpaved area.	6

Note*: Premises currently listed on the March 2002 edition of the Land’s Department “Blackspots” database.

As the identified potential contaminated premises were in operation, access to the premises for inspection was usually not permitted. Therefore, only a limited, preliminary visual assessment of these premises could be made.

12.6 Findings and Recommendations

The preliminary investigation identified the land uses adjacent to the proposed alignment of the sewers/raising mains with the minimal potential to give rise to land contamination, as defined in the EPD’s guidance documents. However, as the various premises in question are all fairly small in size and the land contamination potential is judged to be localised, therefore, the overall contamination concerns to the Project site area are considered to be very low. It is considered that the preparation of the Contamination Assessment Plan (CAP) for the detail site investigation, as stipulated in Section 12.4.3, is not required and not practical for the Project sites, as the proposed sewers/raising mains alignment and the location of pumping stations do not lie within the potential contaminated premises.

Although the risk of land contamination of the Project site area is very low, it is still recommended to conduct the “Confirmatory Soil Test” during the excavation to further safeguard the construction workers. Since great portion of the alignments are located underneath major roads, road closure for confirmatory testing is not feasibility. Therefore, it is suggested that the testing should be conducted during detailed design stage or the commencement of work when site access is still feasible.

12.6.1 Confirmatory Soil Testing

In accordance with preliminary information provided by the Project Proponent, it is anticipated that approximately 29.6km of trench excavation (excavation widths from 0.75m to 5.0m and excavation depth from 2.6m to 7.0m) will be required for the lining of the twin rising mains and gravity sewer. It is proposed to collect the confirmatory soil sample at the “High Sensitive” locations along the excavation alignment. These locations have relative short setback distances from the potentially contaminated premises that are operated with the potential usage of mobile contaminants, such as TPH.

The proposed sampling locations for the confirmatory soil samples are shown in Figures 12.2 to 12.14, and described in Table 12.4. There will be a total of 30 confirmatory sampling locations along the alignment.

Table 12.4:Sampling locations for the confirmatory soil samples along the alignment

Site No.	Current Land Use	Observed Evidence of Contamination	Approximate Length of Sewer close to the Premises Boundary (m) ⁽²⁾
Yuen Long South Branch
1*	No Name	Open area with several container offices. Oil stain observed on unpaved area. Petrol filling activities was observed.	225
2*	No Name	Vehicles (Dump Truck) repairing workshop. Oil stain observed on unpaved area	20
5 and	No Name	Vehicle repairing workshop. Oil stain on unpaved area observed.	68
6	Wah Seng General Construction Ltd.	Storage of construction materials.
7	No Name	Vehicle dismantling workshop and scrap yard.	32
10	No Name	Dismanlted dump truck. Minor oil stain observed on paved area with crack.	30
11*	Junic Construction Company	Storage of construction materials.	52
13*	No Name	Vehicle repairing workshop. Oil stain observed on cracked paved area.	45
16	No Name	Vehicle repairing workshop. Dismantled parts observed. Oil stain observed.	52
17 and	No Name	Vehicle repairing and dismantling workshop. Paved area with minor oil stain.	77
18	No Name	Woodworks workshop. Paved but cracked area.
19	Ho Chi Vehicular Engineering	Oil stain observed on paved area.	39
25	Maintenance Workshops	Maintenance workshop and petrol filling station observed.	26
Lau Fan Shan/Mong Tseng and Yuen Long Effluent Pipeline
2	Wo Ping Vehicle Repairing Workshop	Vehicle maintenance and repairing. Oil stains on unpaved area observed.	32
8	Lung Fai Vehicle Repairing Workshop	Truck maintenance and repairing. Oil stain observed on unpaved area.	71
13	Asia Machinery Trading and Motor Services Co.	Truck maintenance and repairing workshop. Major oil stain observed.	10
15* and	No Name	Heavy equipment storage (excavator). Unpaved area maintenance workshops.	140
16*	No Name	Parking area. Major oil stain observed from fuel tanker.
17* and	Ling Fung Container Rental Co.	Maintenance workshop observed on unpaved area.	130
18*	No Name	Dismantled vehicle and oil stain observed on unpaved area.
19*	No Name	Vehicle dismantling workshop. Major oil stain on unpaved area.	70
Ngau Tam Mei and San Tin
4	Ming Kee Car Repairing Workshop	Maintenance activities observed. Oil stains observed on paved area.	77
5	Express Car Repairing and Cleaning Workshop	Vehicle repairing workshop. Maintenance activities on paved area.	25
6	Chee Fu Vehicle Repairing Workshop	Several dismantled vehicles observed.	13
7	Yuen Fung Metal Hardware Workshop	Metal cutting in operation. Oil stain on unpaved area was observed.	58
8 and	Yeung Yuk Motor Ltd.	Vehicle repairing workshop. Oil stain on unpaved area observed.	52
9	Kin Kee Vehicle Dismantling Company	Dismantled vehicles and oil stains observed on unpaved area.
11*	Wo Kee Vehicle Repairing Co.	Dismantled vehicles observed. Major oil stains on unpaved area.	65
13* and	No Name (Vehicle Repairing Workshop)	Vehicle printing and repairing activities observed. Major oil stain observed on unpaved area.	97
15	Tong Kee Vehicle Repairing Workshop	Dismantled vehicle and oil stains on unpaved area observed.
18* and	Wah Tong Mechanic Trading (HK) Ltd.	Parking of heavy equipment (e.g. excavators). Oil stain on unpaved area observed.	148
21*	King Tat Vehicle Repairing Workshop	Maintenance bay with major oil stain observed.
22*	Yet Tong Vehicle Repairing Workshop	Oil stain observed on unpaved area.	45
23, 24, 25* and	Ng Chow Tire Repairing Company	Oil stains on unpaved area observed.	129
26*	Ko Tat Vehicle & Mechanic Company	Major oil stains observed on cracked area.
	Kong Ming & King Tat Car Repairing Workshops	Oil stains observed on cracked area.
	Way Chun Vehicle Repairing Company	Major oil stains on cracked/unpaved areas.
28* and	Man Ming Mechanic Repairing Co.	Major oil stains observed on unpvaed area.	161
29*	Cheung Lung Truck Trading Co.	Maintenance workshop and scrap yard observed. Major oil stains on unpaved area.
31* and	Wai Wo Vehicle Repairing Co.	Oil stains observed on unpaved area.	45
32*	Hang Fung Vehicle Repairing Co.	Oil stains observed on unpaved area.
33*	Esso Petrol Filling Station	Normal Operation.	32

Note: *Premises currently listed on the March 2002 edition of the Land’s Department “Blackspots” database.

⁽²⁾ Assuming an average trench width of 1.5m and average trench depth of 3m

Except for Shan Ha Tsuen PS (B1) and Shung Ching San Tsuen PS (B5) (Figure 12.2), other pumping stations are located more than 65m away from the potentially contaminated industrial premises (Table 12.5). The chance of potential land contamination is therefore minimal and thus confirmatory soil test is not required for the distant pumping staions. For pumping stations B1 and B5, a total of seven sampling locations will be required. As the pumping stations pose different dimension and excavation depth, therefore, a specific confirmatory soil sampling strategy is designed and summarized in Table 12.5.

Table 12.5: Sampling strategy of confirmatory soil testing for pumping stations

Pumping Station	Distance from site boundary to the potential site of contamination	Dimensions (m)	Pumping Station Excavation Depth (m)	Sampling Locations ⁽¹⁾	Sampling & Testing Strategy
Cassino Line PS (P5)	>200m	25 x 20	9	Not required	Sampling Depth: In between the depth of 0.5m to 3m subject to the decision of the Land Contamination Specialist. No of Samples: One soil sample shall be collected from each sampling location. Analytical Parameters: The analytical parameters stipulated in Table 12.6 shall be tested on each sample.
Fan Tin San Tsuen/San Lung Tsuen PS (P4)	>200m	40 x 30	13	Not required
San Tin PS (P3)	~ 65m	40 x 30	10	Not required
Ngau Tam Mei PS (P1)	>200m	40 x 40	13.5	Not required
Tam Mei Camp PS (P2)	>200m	40 x 30	11	Not required
Mong Tsueng Tsuen PS (A2)	>500m	40 x 30	10	Not required
Lau Fau Shan PS (A1)	>120m	25 x 20	10	Not required
Proposed PS beside Yuen Long Sewage Treatment Works (reclaimed fish pond) (OP1/AP1)	> 300m	100 x 70	15	Not required
Shan Ha Tsuen PS (B1)	~18m	40 x 30	10	Four (from boundary)
Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen PS (B2)	>300m	40 x 30	8.5	Not required
Pak Sha Tsuen PS (B7)	>180m	25 x 20	9	Not required
Sham Chung Tsuen PS (B3)	>200m	25 x 20	7	Not required
Shiu Tsiu San Tsuen PS (B4)	>300m	25 x 20	7.5	Not required
Shung Ching San Tsuen PS (B5)	~12m	25 x 20	9	Three
Nga Yiu Tau PS (B6)	>300m	25 x 20	9	Not required

Remark: (1) Simplified sampling point method - Guidance Notes for Investigation and Remediation of Contaminated Sites of: Petrol Filling Stations; Boatyards; and Car Repair/Dismantling Workshops.

Since the alignment of the sewer/rising mains and the location of pumping stations do not lie within the potential contaminated premises, the land contamination potential is judged to be localized. Therefore, the analytical parameter for the confirmatory test shall be confined to those mobile contaminants, such as TPH. The analytical parameters for relevant confirmatory soil testing (both for trench alignment and pumping stations) are summarised in Table 12.6.

Soil sampling shall be conducted immediately after the sampling point is excavated. For each sampling point, 3 confirmatory soil samples shall be collected from depths of 0.5m, 1.5m and 3m. The free product, if any, floating on the top of groundwater (if encountered) shall also be removed/recovered and analyzed. The collected soil samples and free product, if any, shall be analysed by a HOKLAS accredited laboratory.

The entire soil sampling programme shall be supervised by a qualified Land Contamination Specialist, who should have at least 7 years experience in land contamination assessment and be employed by the Contractor before the construction activities commence. In the event that any suspected contaminated soils (e.g. discoloured soil or visual/olfactory signs of contamination) were observed, additional confirmatory soil samples shall also be collected subject to the instruction of the Land Contamination Specialist. The Land Contamination Specialist shall also be responsible for the interpretation of the analytical results of the confirmatory soil samples for evaluation of the potential contamination levels.

For soil along the concerned sewer alignment, if the analytical results of any confirmatory soil sample exceeded the Dutch B value of the “Dutch List”, the segment of the excavated soils from 3m in front of the sampling point to 3m behind the sampling point shall be treated as contaminated. The sampling regime shall be repeated at both endpoints of the 3m-section contaminated soils until no exceedence of Dutch B value is detected.

For soil at the concerned pumping station, if the analytical results of any confirmatory soil sample exceeded the Dutch B value of the “Dutch List”, the section of the excavated soils of 3m horizontal radius and 1m vertical depth above and below of the sampling point shall be treated as contaminated. After the section of contaminated soil is excavated, at least 8 additional soil samples (i.e. the sampling location shall be decided by the Land Contamination Specialist) shall be collected at the boundary of the excavated hole and analysed for the same parameters. The excavation and sampling regime shall be repeated until no exceedence of Dutch B value is detected.

Before any excavated soils is confirmed as non-contaminated, it shall be assumed as “suspected contaminated material”, and stockpiled beside the excavated trench or within pumping station location. The excavated soils shall be covered by tarpaulin or other similar materials to prevent generation of site runoff. Fencing with warning sign shall also be erected around the stockpiled soils to prevent unauthorized entry. The stockpiled soils could be used, as the backfill material only if the confirmatory soil testing results confirmed the excavated soils is un-contaminated.

Table 12.6: Analytical parameters of confirmatory soil test

Parameters	Reference Analytical Method	Detection Limit (ug/L)
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Volatiles (C6 – C9)	USEPA 8260A	20
Extractable (C10 – C14)		50
Extractable (C15 – C28)	USEPA 8015A	100
Extractable (C29 – C36)		100

12.6.2 Remediation Method

In the absence of current legislation applicable to the clean-up of soil contamination in Hong Kong, the following remediation method will be adopted, if any excavated soil is confirmed as contaminated.

No matter what kind of contaminants is detected (i.e. TPH, BTEX, PAHs, Metals or halogenated & non-halogenated solvents), the contaminated soils shall be handled properly. For soils of high contaminants (exceeding Butch B value), it should be treated as chemical waste, and handled in accordance with the related documents under the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation. For less contaminated soils, approval from the Facilities Management Group (FMG) of EPD shall be obtained prior to the disposal of the contaminated soils to co-disposal landfill or other authorised disposal sites. Nevertheless, in-situ remediation methods should be adopted wherever possible and disposal to landfill should always be the last resort. A licensed contractor shall be appointed for the collection, transportation and disposal of the contaminated soils.

However, as Metal contaminants are of inorganic nature and they will not be degraded after disposal of at the landfill. Therefore, the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) shall be conducted if metal contaminants are detected and exceeded the Dutch B Value of the Dutch List. If the TCLP testing requirements (i.e. Table E1 of EPD’s Guidance Notes) are complied, the metal contaminated soils could be disposed of at the landfill directly with the approval of FMG of EPD. If the TCLP limits are exceeded, the metal contaminated soils shall be stabilised by ex-situ mixing with cement to form stabilised blocks, which can then be disposed of at the landfill site. The cement stabilisation method is summarised in the following section:

Cement Stabilisation

As only small quantities of metal contaminated soils is anticipated (if any), that are required to be treated, mixing can be undertaken by using excavator or similar small plant, although it is important to ensure adequate mixing of the cement and soil material. A designated area shall be reserved during the detailed design stage in case the cement stabilisation is required.

In order to ensure the cement/soil mixing ratio is sufficient to achieve the TCLP disposal criteria and to allow the mixture to set to form a solid matrix, trial tests shall be carried out to ascertain the correct mixing ratio required. Cement stabilisation shall only be conducted after the completion of trial tests and the correct mixing ratio of cement/soil is determined. The mixture shall be placed in moulds made from wooden formwork to set for approximately 1 week. The blocks shall be of a suitable size to allow handling and transport using standard construction plant, although larger blocks may be broken into smaller sizes for transport. After setting, sampling of the blocks should be subject to TCLP testing for the standard suite of metals as given in Table 11.2 in the previous Waste Management Section, to verify that the leachable contaminant concentrations have been reduced to below the threshold limits for landfill disposal.

During the stabilisation works, adequate measures shall be taken to prevent the generation of dust, to safeguard both workers and occupants of nearby areas. Particular attention shall be given to minimise dust generation during excavation and mixing, e.g. by use of dust suppression sprays. To prevent rainwater entering the mixture, each batch of mixture shall be covered throughout the entire setting and the stabilisation area shall be covered by means of a temporary shed. In addition, the stabilisation area shall be paved and bunded to prevent runoff coming out from the mixture.

The entire cement stabilisation works, (if required), shall be supervised by a Land Contamination Specialist. The Land Contamination Specialist shall also be responsible for the supervision of the trial tests, deciding the correct cement/soil mixing ratio. Such cement stabilization method should be approved by DEP and the progress of the stabilisation works should be reported to EPD periodically.

12.7 Mitigation Measures

It is considered unlikely that contaminated land issues will be a significant concern during either the construction or operational stage of the Project. The Contractor shall provide all information related to the analytical results of the samples, quantities of contaminated soil requiring treatment to EPD for approval prior to disposal and commencing construction activities. The qualified Land Contamination Specialist shall prepare a detailed sampling and treatment plan for submission to and agreement with EPD.

Apart from the confirmatory soil testing, it is also recommended that standard good practice measures are implemented during the construction phase to minimise any potential exposure to contaminated soils or groundwater as follows:

· The bulk earth-moving excavator equipment shall be used to minimise construction worker’s potential contact with contaminated materials where practical. Manual excavation shall be avoided.

· Exposure to any contaminated materials may be minimised by the wearing of appropriate clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves (when interacting directly with contaminated material), preventing smoking and eating during such activities, and providing adequate hygiene and washing facilities.

· Vehicle containing any contaminated materials should be suitably covered to limit potential dust emissions or contaminated wastewater run-off, and truck bodies and tailgates should be sealed to prevent any discharge during transport or during wet conditions.

· Only reputable waste hauliers should be used to collect and transport any contaminated material to an appropriate disposal site and procedures should be developed to ensure that illegal disposal of wastes does not occur.

· The necessary waste disposal permits should be obtained, as required, from the appropriate authorities, in accordance with the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap 354), Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation (Cap 354), as required.

· Records of the quantities of wastes generated and disposed of should be maintained.

· In accordance with good construction practice, silt traps should be used to reduce the impact to drainage caused by suspended solids (SS) arising from disturbed ground, or any construction materials such as cement and gravel. Groundwater should be disposed of in accordance with the WPCO, and its discharge licence requirements.

13.0 Ecological assessment

13.1 Legislation and Standards

The Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (TM-EIAO) has been used as a guideline for the current project. Other relevant environmental legislations, guidelines and references include:

* Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499)

* Relevant Study Brief;

* Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) Chapter 10;

* Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) and its subsidiary legislation the Forestry Regulations;

* Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170);

* Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208) and associated subsidiary legislation;

* Ecological Baseline Survey For Ecological Assessment (EIAO Guidance Note No. 7/2002);

* Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131), in particular, Town Planning Board Guidelines for Application for * Developments within Deep Bay Area under Section 16 of the Town Planning Ordinance;

* United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (1992);

* Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (the Ramsar Convention); and

* PRC relevant Regulations and Guidelines.

13.2 Assessment Methodology

A literature review of the ecological conditions within the study area was conducted. The review included Government and private sector reports, as well as unpublished information.

· The requirements of ecological impact assessment of the Project area followed Section 3.4.6, Appendix 3 of the Study Brief. The study brief specified at least 6 months of ecological surveys covering both wet and dry seasons.

The study area for terrestrial ecology included all areas within 500m from the site boundary of the works area (Figure 13.1). Relevant ecological studies were reviewed. Data gaps that might hinder the assessment of ecological impacts were filled by implementing field surveys. Field surveys focused on the proposed alignment and the pumping station but also included the 500m study area. Preliminary field surveys were performed in June 2002 to update and field check the validity of the information gathered during literature review, to identify ecological sensitive receivers and to select representative areas for detailed baseline surveys. Ecological surveys covering wet and dry seasons were undertaken from July 2002 to January 2003 to record ecological data within the assessment area and establish the ecological profile for incorporation into this report. Data analysis and discussion described habitats and species found in the assessment area, highlighting those that are rare, of conservation concern, or protected by law. Species groups surveyed and survey methods are as below.

For aquatic ecology, the assessment area is the same as that for water quality assessment described in Section 3.4.3.2, Appendix C of the Study Brief, i.e. “all areas within 500m from the Project boundary, plus any stream courses and the associated water system in the vicinity that will be affected by the project”.

13.2.1 Habitats and Vegetation

Surveys were performed on 13 June, 25 July, 8 August, 26 September, 27 November, 19 December 2002, and 6 January 2003. Habitats were mapped based on the 2001 and 2002 government aerial photos and field ground truthing. Representative areas of each habitat type were surveyed on foot. Plant species of each habitat type encountered and their relative abundance were recorded with special attention to rare or protected species. Nomenclature and conservation status of plant species follow Xing et al. (2000)^[79] and Wu and Lee (200) ^[75]. Coloured photographs of all habitats encountered on site and of ecological features of special importance were provided. Habitat map of the site was produced at the required scale using GIS software.

13.2.2 Avifauna

The bird communities of selected habitats within the Study Area were surveyed using the point count method. Locations of sampling points are shown in Figure 13.2. Surveys were carried out on 27 May, 13 and 27 June (breeding season and summer migration), 22 August, 26 September (autumn migration), 22 and 27 November, 9 December 2002 and 6 January 2003 (winter migration). Ten minutes were spent counting birds at each sampling point, and all birds seen or heard within 30 m of each point were counted and identified to species where possible. Bird species encountered outside counting points but within the assessment area were also recorded to produce a complete species list. Signs of breeding (e.g. nests, recently fledged juveniles) within the study area were also recorded. Relative abundance and species richness of birds were computed. Ornithological nomenclature in this report follows Carey et al. (2001) ^[42].

The three active egretries within the Study Area – Mai Po Village, Mai Po Loong and Shing Uk egretries – were surveyed on 27 May and 27 June 2002. The breeding species and number of nests with incubating adults or chicks of each species in each egretry were recorded. The annual estimate of the ardeid breeding population was taken to be the sum of the highest counts for each species in the surveys.

13.2.3 Other Terrestrial Fauna

Herpetofauna seen within the Study Area were conducted through active searching. All reptiles and amphibians sighted and heard were recorded. Herpetofauna surveys were carried out on 25 July and 9 December 2002. A night survey of amphibians was performed on 30 August 2002. Nomenclature used in this report for reptiles follows Karsen et al. (1998) ^[51] while that for amphibians follows Lau and Dudgeon (1999) ^[60].

Dragonflies and butterflies of selected habitats within the Study Area were surveyed using the point count method. Locations of sampling points for dragonflies and butterflies were same as those for birds (Figure 13.2). Five minutes were spent counting dragonflies and butterflies at each sampling point, and all dragonflies and butterflies seen within 10 m of each point were counted. Dragonflies and butterflies encountered outside counting points but within the assessment area were recorded in order to produce a complete species list. Nomenclature for butterflies follows Walthew (1997) ^[68] and dragonfly nomenclature follows Wilson (1995) ^[67]. Dragonfly and butterfly surveys were carried out on 25 July and 26 August (wet season), and 9 December 2002 and 6 January 2003 (dry season). Relative abundance and species richness of dragonflies and butterflies in each type of habitat were computed.

Surveys of mammals within the Study Area were conducted. All sightings, tracks, and signs of mammals found were recorded. Mammal surveys were performed on 25 July and 8 August (wet season), and 9 December 2002 and 6 January 2003 (dry season). A night survey of mammals was performed on 30 August 2002. Nomenclature for mammals follows Wilson and Reeder (1992) ^[69].

13.2.4 Aquatic fauna

Aquatic fauna were surveyed on 13 and 27 June, 8 August, 9 December 2002 and 6 January 2003 by active searching and direct observation at streams and channels identified during the wet season and dry seasons. Boulders in the streams, if encountered, were overturned to locate aquatic animals beneath. A dip net was used to collect organisms along the streams. All encountered organisms were identified to the lowest possible taxon and recorded. Colour photographs were taken. Special attention was paid at the stream crossings (where the proposed sewage alignment cuts across existing streams or drainage channels).

13.3 Ecology Baseline Condition

Figure 13.1 shows the sites of conservation importance (Note 1, Appendix A of Annex 16 of TM) within or near the study area. These include:

· Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site

About 1,500 ha of wetland in the Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay was listed as a Ramsar Site in 4 September 1995. The area is the largest wetland in Hong Kong. The wetland acts as a refueling station and wintering site for thousands of migratory birds during their migrations between the Arctic Russia and Australia. The total migratory birds using the area may be over 120,000. Some of them are globally threatened species such as Black-faced Spoonbill, Saunders' Gull, Baikal Teal, Baer's Pochard and Dalmatian Pelican. The site is also of special value for its large mangrove stands and reed beds (AFCD’s web site http://www.afcd.gov.hk/conservation/con_e.htm).

· Site for Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) (Mai Po Marshes, Inner Deep Bay, Mai Po Village)

Mai Po Marshes SSSI was designated in 1976 and is the only area in Hong Kong where large number of duck, shore and marsh birds can regularly be seen and, as such have a very considerable scientific and educational potential. Inner Deep Bay SSSI was designated in 1986 and is the largest and most importance mudflats for dwarf mangroves and feeding site for migrating birds in Hong Kong. Mai Po Village SSSI was an egretry and was designated in 1979 (Anon, updated) ^[32]. However, the location of the nesting site has been shifted away to nearby locations outside the SSSI boundary since 1998.

· Wetland Buffer Area and Wetland Conservation Area

The planning intention of the WCA is to protect and conserve the ecological value of the fishponds in which form an integral part of the wetland ecosystem in the Deep Bay Area.

All the existing active and abandoned fishponds (excluding SSSIs) forming a continuous wetland habitat in Ma Tso Lung, San Tin, Mai Po, Nam Sang Wai and Tsim Bei Tsui, covering an area of around 1,400 hectares, have been zoned as a Wetland Conservation Area (WCA) under the OZPs. The principle for landuse control is avoidance of loss of fishponds and negative off-site disturbance from undesirable landuses, and habitat fragmentation within the WCA. The types of activities whicih may be considered within the WCA include conservation, environmental education and essential infrastructural projects.

The main objective of the Wetland Buffer Area (WBA) is to protect the ecological integrity of the WCA through the designation of a 500m wetland buffer along the boundary of the WCA. (Source: Town Planning Board Guidelines TPB PG-No. 12B)

In addition to above, based on Note 2, Appendix A of Annex 16 of TM, important habitats found within the study area where an ecological assessment will be necessary include:

· Egretries (Mai Po Loong, Mai Po Village and Shing Uk)

Other than Mai Po Village, two more egretries were identified within the study area. Shing Uk egretry is the same as egretry at the north of Wan Chau Fresh Water Reservoir referred in the ESB. It was active during the ecological surveys for this study but has now been abandoned in 2003. Detailed description is in the result section of bird surveys below.

· Dragonfly hot spot (Tai Tong)

Tai Tong is a hot spot for dragonflies identified by Wilson (1995) ^[67]. Half of the site is located inside Tai Lam Country Park (Wilson 1997)^[8^6]. Detailed description is in the result section of literature review of other terrestrial fauna below.

Habitats and Vegetation

(a) Literature Review

The study area boundary of YLKTSSD Stage 1 covers part of the study area of the current proposed alignment (Figure 13.1). Survey results relevant to this study are reviewed. According to the 12-month ecological survey results, habitats found within the current study area included cultivated land, streams/channel, fishponds, woodland, grassland/shrubland and urbanised. No plant species of conservation interest were found during the Stage 1 study within the current study area.

A review of the results of biodiversity surveys of Hong Kong flora (Xing et al. 2000 and Siu 2000) ^{[79] & [64]} found 3 rare or very rare plant species, Spiranthes hongkongensis recorded in “Yuen Long”, Sphenoclea zeylanica in “Tin Shui Wai”, and Ruppia maritima in gei wais of “Mai Po”, (Appendix 13.1a), which are presumably located within or in the vicinity of the current Study Area. These species were not recorded during the field surveys for the current study.

(b) Field survey

Most of the study area, particularly the area to be directly affected by the proposed Project is highly urbanised and degraded by existing and on-going development, including village housing, roads and drainage channels. Habitats found within the study area include plantation, mixed woodland, grassland/shrubland, cultivated land/orchard, fishpond, stream/channel, mangrove, and disturbed/urbanized/wasteland areas (Figure 13.2). A total of 249 plant species were recorded, 34% of which are exotics (Appendix 13.1b). One locally rare fern, Ceratopteris thalictroides, and one locally restricted sedge, Schoenoplectus littoralis subsp. subulatus, were recorded within the study area. No other plant species of conservation interest was recorded.

The “Important Habitats Where an Ecological Assessment Will Be Necessary” listed in Note 1, Appendix A, Annex 16 to the TM-EIAO existing in or near to the study area are:

· Woodlands larger than 1 ha in size (young, mixed woodland in this study);

· Natural stream courses over 100 metres (semi-natural stream course).

Most of these habitats are located away from areas to be directly impacted by the Project. Table 13.1 lists the area of each habitat type recorded within the study area.

Table 13.1 :Habitat types recorded within the study area

Habitat type	Area (ha)	No. of plant species recorded
Plantation	20.8	62
Mixed Woodland	93.4	78
Grassland/Shrubland	309.1	79
Cultivated Land/Orchard (active and abandoned)	338.5	98
Fishpond (active and abandoned)	292.8	59
Stream/ Channel	89.9	-
Mangrove	9.4	10
Urbanised/Disturbed/Wasteland	1601.4	74

(c) Plantation

Plantation was found along roads, on “managed” hillsides (e.g. at Cassino Line) and near villages. Most of the trees planted ranged between 10-15m. Species commonly planted were exotics, including Acacia confusa, Casuarina equisetifolia, Eucalyptus citriodora, and Melaleuca quinquenervia. Little understorey was developed under plantation, which was mostly densely planted as a monotypic stand and/or under active management such as weeding and pruning. Sixty-two plant species were recorded within this habitat.

(d) Mixed Woodland

Mixed woodland was found on hillsides scattered within the study area. Woody canopies of native species were found to be gradually established under old plantation or at grave sites where hill fires were less frequent. The mixed woodland habitats are young in age and have an open canopy and an understorey densely overgrown with grasses and shrubs. Canopy species reached a height of 8-12 m and included both exotic species (e.g. Acacia confusa, Casuarina equisetifolia, and Eucalyptus citriodora) and pioneer native species (e.g. Celtis tetrandra subsp. sinensis, Macaranga tanarius and Litsea glutinosa). Understorey species consisted of a variety of tree, shrub and herb species, including Alocasia macrorrhiza, Psychotria rubra, Ligustrum sinensis, and Uvaria microcarpa. The secondary woodland habitats within the study area had moderate species diversity; 78 plant species were recorded. No rare/protected species were found in this habitat.

(e) Grassland/Shrubland

Patches of grassland/shrubland were found on hillsides with graves present, in areas frequently burnt by fires. These areas had low plant cover (mostly between 1-2m) and were dominated by a mixture of native ferns and grasses and weedy species. Species commonly seen include Dicranopteris linearis, Neyraudia reynaudiana, Panicum maximum Rhodomyrtus tomentosa and Ilex asprella. The grassland habitat within the study area has moderate species diversity and a simple structure. A total of 79 plant species were recorded in these habitats.

(f) Cultivated Land/Orchard

Cultivated lands within the study area were mainly located in Yuen Long South and were mostly abandoned. Remnants of crops (e.g. Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum, Colocasia esculenta, and Lactuca sativa) were also found in abandoned fields together with grasses, herbs and weeds (e.g. Mikania micrantha, Bidens pilosa, and Urochloa mutica) that naturally colonised the land. Orchards were scattered around villages and on hillsides within the study area. Major fruit trees included Dimocarpus longan, Litchi chinensis and Musa paradisiaca. Most orchards seemed to be actively managed as the fruit trees were in good form and the understorey were well maintained. Ninety-eight species were recorded in this habitat. The cultivated land/orchard habitat within the study area represents man-made habitat and is of little floristic importance.

(g) Fishponds

Fishponds were mainly located inside the Wetland Conservation Area at San Tin, Tai Sang Wai and Yuen Long North. About 80% of the fishponds within the study area were still active. Pond bunds consisted of grasses, fruit trees and weeds typically found in this type of habitat in Hong Kong. Dominant species included Urochloa mutica, Panicum maximum, and Mikania micrantha. Reeds, floating vegetation and other herbs including Phragmites australis, Cyperus spp., Eichhornia crassipes and Alocasia macrorrhiza also colonized abandoned fishponds. 59 species were recorded in this habitat. One locally rare fern (Wu and Lee 2000) ^[75], Ceratopteris thalictroides, and the locally restricted sedge (Xing et al. 2000), Schoenoplectus littoralis subsp. subulatus, were found in an abandoned fishpond near Shing Uk (Figure 13.2). Ceratopteris thalictroides has been recorded in paddy fields and ditches along with other weeds (So 1994) ^[36], while Schoenoplectus littoralis subsp. subulatus has been recorded in coastal wetlands in Hong Kong (Xing et al. 2000) ^[79]. These two species are located within the 500m boundary but outside the project area.

(h) Stream / Channel

Two main drainage channels, the Kam Tin River Section 60CD and Tin Shui Wai Western Drainage Channel fall within the study area. Except the stream sections near Tai Tong (Stream B) and Shun Shan New Village (Stream C) with semi-natural banks and the one in San Wai (Stream A) still being generally natural, all other stream sections or nullahs are channelled and/or polluted (For locations of streams A, B and C, please refer to Figure 13.2). Plant species was not recorded separately for this habitat due to the lack of riparian vegetation and disturbed nature of the channel bank. Plant species recorded along the stream/channels can be referenced to nearby disturbed/urbanised habitat and cultivated lands, while plant species recorded along the stream/channels near the estuary can be referenced to mangrove habitat.

(i) Mangroves

Narrow belts of mangroves were planted or naturally colonized along sections of the drainage channels and nullahs under tidal influence. A few individual mangrove trees were also found along the coast of Lau Fau Shan within the study area. Common species found include Acanthus ilicifolius, Aegiceras corniculatum and Kandelia candel. The mangroves within the study areas were small in size, young and simple in structure.

(j) Urbanised/Disturbed/Wasteland

This habitat type consists mainly of village houses, roads, parks, construction sites, container yards and wasteland. Over 60% of the vegetation recorded within this habitat type was exotic species weedy in nature or planted for landscaping purposes. Species commonly found include Leucaena leucocephala, Mikania micrantha, Bidens pilosa, Panicum maximum and Celtis tetrandra subsp. sinensis. This habitat was highly disturbed in nature and was of little ecological interest. Most of the proposed pumping stations and sewers were on this habitat.

Bird

(a) Literature Review

A total of 63 bird species was recorded within or near the Study Area by members of Hong Kong Bird Watching Society between 1993 and 1998 (Appendix 13.2). Twenty-two species were identified as breeding species (e.g., White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus, Chinese Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis). Most are common and widespread in Hong Kong (Carey et al. 2001) ^[42]. Uncommon breeding species included Striated Heron Butorides striatus, Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis, Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha and White-shouldered Starling Sturnus sinensis were recorded breeding. Striated Heron and Yellow Bittern bred in mangrove habitats, Spot-billed Duck mainly in gei wais of Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve and White-shouldered Starling in old houses near cultivated lands (ibid.) ^[42].

Bird species of conservation importance included Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes, Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus, Black Kite Milvus lineatus, Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus, Japanese Sparrowhawk A. gularis, Besra A. virgatus, White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster, Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus, Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela, Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus, Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo, Peregrine Falcon F. peregrinus, Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis, Lesser Coucal C. bengalensis, Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides and Hwamei Garrulax canorus (Zheng and Wang 1998) ^[78]. White-bellied Sea Eagle is primarily maritime (Carey et al. 2001) ^[42]. Black-winged Kite, Black Kite, Eurasian Hobby, Japanese Sparrowhawk and Peregrine Falcon can be found in many types of habitats (ibid.) ^[42]. Black Baza, Crested Goshawk, Besra, Crested Serpent Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle and Asian Barred Owlet are inhabitants of forest (ibid.) ^[42]. The two coucal species and Hwamei are mainly found in shrubland (ibid.) ^[42]. All raptor species are Class 2 Protected Animals of China and listed in Appendix II of CITES (Zheng and Wang 1998) ^[78]. The two coucal species are Class 2 Protected Animals of China and Hwamei is listed in Appendix II of CITES (ibid.) ^[78].

(b) Field surveys

A total of 37 bird species (e.g., Little Egret Egretta garzetta) were recorded during quantitative surveys within the Study Area (Appendix 13.3). Eight bird species were recorded at proposed locations of pumping stations (urbanized/disturbed). All are common and widespread in Hong Kong (Carey et al. 2001) ^[42]. A total of 9 bird species (e.g., Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax and Red-billed Starling Sturnus sericeus) were recorded between sampling points within the Study Area (Appendix 13.4). Birds habitats within the Study Area (e.g., cultivated lands) are mostly disturbed, fragmented and isolated, and were of small sizes. Urbanized/disturbed sites supported the lowest bird abundance and species richness, and were due to high human disturbance and lack of vegetation cover. Grassland/shrubland in the Study Area supported the second lowest bird abundance, and species richness was equally low as in urbanized/disturbed sites (Table 13.2). Grasslands are known to support low abundance and diversity of wildlife (Thrower 1984 ^[65], Dudgeon and Corlett 1994 ^[48], Kwok and Dahmer 2001 ^[54]). Bird abundance was equally high in cultivated lands/orchard and mixed woodland, and species richness was highest in mixed woodland (Table 13.2). However, all bird species recorded in these two types of habitats are habitat generalists (e.g., Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis, bulbuls). There are only a few previous studies on bird communities of woodlands and cultivated lands (e.g., Kwok and Corlett 1999, 2000^{[52] [47]}, Kwok and Dahmer 2001 ^[54], Kwok and Lock 2002 ^[57]). Compared to the observations of these previous local studies, bird abundance in woodlands and cultivated lands in the Study Area can be considered moderate. Bird species of lesser flexibility in habitat uses (e.g., ardeids) were mainly recorded in fishponds. Density of waterfowls in fishponds in the Study Area is 4.4 birds ha^-1, and is slightly low to that in fishponds in nearby areas, Tsim Bei Tsui, in NWNT (6.6 birds ha^-1) (May 2001 – January 2002) (Carey 2002) ^[44]. This was due to the fact than some surveyed fishponds (e.g., San Wai) were isolated. Total bird density (waterfowls and non-waterfowls) in isolated ponds (8.3 birds ha^-1) (e.g., San Wai, Fong Kong Wai) are lower than less isolated ponds (13.6 birds ha^-1) (e.g., Shing Uk, San Tin).

Table 13.2 : Bird communities of each type of habitat in the Study Area

Cultivated lands

Fishponds

Mixed Woodland

Grassland/ Shrubland

Mangroves

Urbanized/

Disturbed

Bird density

(birds ha^-1)

18.7

13.4

18.4

3.5

12.4

1.8

Species richness

(species point^-1)

3.1

3.0

3.8

1.0

2.0

1.0

Bird species of conservation importance included Black Kite, Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus and Greater Coucal. All three species are Class 2 Protected Animal of China, and Black Kite and Common Kestrel are listed in Appendix 2 of CITES (Zheng and Wang 1998) ^[78]. Black Kite was recorded in fishponds, Common Kestrel in cultivated lands and Greater Coucal in mixed woodlands (Figure 13.2).

Nine bird species were recorded nesting within the Study Area. These were Black-crowned Night Heron, Little Egret, Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus, Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, Great Egret Casmerodius albus, Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis, Great Tit Parus major, Black-collared Starling Sturnus nigricollis and Common Magpie Pica pica. All the ardeid species nested in the three egretries within the Study Area.

Three active egretries – the Mai Po Village Egretry, Mai Po Loong Egretry and Shing Uk Egretry – were located within the Study Area in 2002. The nesting ardeid species in these egretries are common in Hong Kong. However, due to the high hunting pressure of ardeids in Pearl Delta, the ardeid nesting population in the Deep Bay area is of regional importance (Landsdown et al. 2000) ^[59]. The ardeid nesting population in the Deep Bay area is similar to the summation of all known colonies in Pearl Delta in 1995, when the area of wetland habitats in the latter is 20 times bigger (Young and Cha 1995) ^[76].

Mai Po Village Egretry: Five ardeid species were recorded nesting in the Mai Po Village egretry in 2002 (Table 13.3). These were the Black-crowned Night Heron, Little Egret, Chinese Pond Heron, Cattle Egret and Great Egret. A total of 93 ardeid nests were recorded and Little Egret was numerically the dominant species (48.4% of total nesting pairs). Ardeid nesting population of Mai Po Village egretry ranged between 12.7% and 14.5% of total ardeid nesting population in Hong Kong between 1999 and 2001 (Wong et al. 2000 ^[71], Kwok and Wong 2001^[55], Wong 2002 ^[73], and was the biggest ardeid nesting colony in Deep Bay Area between 1998 and 2002 (Carey 1998 ^[39], Wong et al. 2000 ^[71], Kwok and Wong 2001 ^[55], Wong and Kwok 2002 ^[72], Wong 2003 ^[74]).

Table 13.3 : Number of ardeid nests of each ardeid species in the Mai Po Village Egretry during the monitoring study between 1998 and 2002

Species	1998 ¹	1999 ²	2000 ³	2001 ⁴	2002
Black-crowned Night Heron	45	26	40	25	13
Little Egret	38	39	44	50	45
Chinese Pond Heron	34	12	6	7	20
Cattle Egret	16	22	10	15	12
Great Egret	0	6	8	12	3
Total	133	105	108	109	93

¹Carey 1998, ² Wong et al. 2000, ³ Kwok and Wong 2001, ⁴ Wong and Kwok 2002 ^{[39] [71] [72] [55]}

Use of feeding habitats of all nesting ardeid species in Mai Po Village egretry have been studied (Wong 1991^[70], 2002^[73], Pearson 1993 ^[61], Aspinwall & Company Hong Kong Ltd. 1997 ^[33], Young 1998 ^[76], City University of Hong Kong 2001) ^[46]. During breeding season, Chinese Pond Heron (Pearson 1993 ^[61], Aspinwall & Company Hong Kong Ltd. 1997 ^[33], Young 1998 ^[76], Wong 2002 ^[73]), Little Egret (Wong 1991 ^[70], Pearson 1993 ^[61], Aspinwall & Company Hong Kong Ltd. 1997 ^[33], City University of Hong Kong 2001 ^[46], Wong 2002 ^[73]), Great Egret (Wong 2002 ^[73]) and Black-crowned Night Heron (City University of Hong Kong 2001 ^[46]) feed most frequently in fishponds, while Cattle Egret feed most frequently on cultivated lands (Wong 2002 ^[73]).

Mai Po Loong Egretry: The Mai Po Loong egretry was first reported in 1996, and no survey was done in 1998 and 1999. Ardeid nesting population of this egretry were 2.0% and 4.8% of total ardeid nesting population in Hong Kong in 2000 and 2001 respectively (Kwok and Wong 2001 ^[55], Wong 2002 ^[73]). Uses of feeding habitats by ardeids nesting in Mai Po Loong egretry has never been studied, but the nesting ardeids probably feed in nearby fishponds and cultivated lands during breeding season.

Little Egret and Chinese Pond Heron nested in the Mai Po Loong egretry in 2002 (Table 13.4), as in previous years (L. Young, pers. comm. ^[59], Kwok and Wong 2001 ^[55], Wong and Kwok 2002 ^[72]). A total of 39 ardeid nests were recorded in 2002.

Table 13.4 : Number of ardeid nests of each ardeid species in the Mai Po Loong Egretry in 1996 and 1997

Species	1996 ¹	1997 ¹	2000 ²	2001 ³	2002
Little Egret	0	0	1	1	5
Chinese Pond Heron	10	20	14	43	34
Total	10	20	15	44	39

¹ L. Young, pers. comm., ² Kwok and Wong 2001, ³ Wong and Kwok 2002

Shing Uk Egretry: The Shing Uk egretry was first reported in 2001, and made up 6% of total ardeid nesting population in Hong Kong in 2001 (Wong and Kwok 2002) ^[72]. Uses of feeding habitats by ardeids nesting in Shing Uk egretry was studied in 2001 (Wong 2002) ^[73]. Little Egret and Chinese Pond Heron feed most frequently on fishponds during breeding season. Cattle Egret feed most frequently in fishponds during low tide, and cultivated lands during high tide in breeding season.

Little Egret, Chinese Pond Heron and Cattle Egret nested in the Shing Uk egretry in 2002 (Table 13.5), as in 2001 (Wong and Kwok 2002) ^[72]. A total of 21 ardeid nests were recorded in 2002. This egretry was abandoned in 2003.

Table 13.5 : Number of ardeid nests of each ardeid species in Shing Uk Egretry

Species	2001 *	2002
Little Egret	40	16
Chinese Pond Heron	5	3
Cattle Egret	5	2
Total	50	21

* Wong and Kwok 2002 ^[72]

Other Terrestrial Fauna

(a) Literature Review

A roost of Japanese Pipistrelles Pipistrellus abramus has been reported near Shing Uk Village (Ades 1999) ^[28]. Japanese Pipistrelle is the commonest bat species in Hong Kong (ibid.) ^[28]. All bats are protected under WAPO (Cap. 170) in Hong Kong.

Eight species of amphibian (e.g., Brown Tree Frog Polypedates megacephalus) were recorded within the Study Area between November 1991 and December 1996 by Lau and Dudgeon (1999) ^[60] (Appendix 13.5). All are common or widely distributed in Hong Kong.

Sixteen species of dragonfly (e.g., Ictinogomphus pertinax) were recorded in lowland streams at Tai Tong near the Study Area by Wilson (1997) ^[^86] (Appendix 13.6). This is the only locality for Paragomphus capricornis, and one of the two sites for Lamelligomphus hongkongensis in Hong Kong. Tai Tong also supported a number of stream specialists, such as Macromia urania, Megalogomphus sommeri and Burmagomphus vermicularis. Half of this site is located within Tai Lam Country Park (ibid.) ^[87].

(b) Field surveys

Japanese Pipistrelles were observed in fishponds and cultivated lands within Study Area. Japanese Pipistrelle is common and widespread in Hong Kong (Ades 1999) ^[28]. Javan Mongoose Herpestes javanicus was sighted at fishponds near San Tin. This species was first recorded in Hong Kong in 1990, and its recorded range has expanded rapidly since that time. Javan Mongoose, however, is recently considered as an introduced species (Corlett 2001) ^[47]. Both Japanese Pipistrelle and Javan Mongoose are protected under WAPO (Cap. 170) in Hong Kong. Burrows of rodents (Rattus spp.) were observed on grassy hillsides within the Study Area. Rattus spp. are commonly found near residential areas and the species known to occur in Hong Kong are of low conservation value.

Five species of amphibian were recorded in the Study Area. These were the Asian Common Toad Bufo melanostictus, Gunther’s Frog Rana guentheri, Paddy Frog R. limnocharis, Brown Tree Frog Polypedates megacephalus and Asiatic Painted Frog Kaloula pulchra. All are common and widespread in Hong Kong (Karsen et al. 1998) ^[51]. Tadpoles of Asian Common Toads and Gunther’s Frogs were found in water storage tanks in cultivated lands within the Study Area.

Six species of reptile were recorded in the Study Area. These were the Red-eared Slider Trachemys scripta, Chinese Gecko Gekko chinensis, Bowring’ Gecko Hemidactylus bowringii, Changeable Lizard Calotes versicolor, Chinese Skink Eumeces chinensis and Long-tailed Skink Mabuya longicaudata. All are common and widespread in Hong Kong (Karsen et al. 1998) ^[51]. Chinese Gecko, Bowring’ Gecko, Changeable Lizard, Chinese Skink and Long-tailed Skink were all recorded in cultivated lands in the Study Area. Red-eared Slider was recorded in fishponds in the Study Area, and is an exotic species.

Eight species of dragonflies were recorded within the Study Area during quantitative surveys (e.g., Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens) (Appendix 13.7). All are common and widespread in Hong Kong (Wilson 1995, 1997) ^[67^{& 8}^6]. No additional dragonfly species was recorded between sampling points within the Study Area. Both abundance and species richness of dragonfly were highest in cultivated lands, and lowest in urbanized/disturbed sites within the Study Area (Table 13.6).

Table 13.6 : Dragonfly communities of each type of habitat in the Study Area

	Cultivated lands (active and abandoned)	Fishponds (active and abandoned)	Woodland	Grassland	Urbanized/ disturbed
Density (individuals ha^-1)	54.6	42.4	19.1	10.6	2.0
Species richness (species point^-1)	1.5	1.0	0.6	0.3	0.1

Cultivated lands

(active and abandoned)

Fishponds

(active and abandoned)

Woodland

Grassland

Urbanized/

disturbed

Density

(individuals ha^-1)

54.6

42.4

19.1

10.6

2.0

Species richness

(species point^-1)

1.5

1.0

0.6

0.3

0.1

A total of twelve species of butterfly were recorded within the Study Area during quantitative surveys (e.g., Great Eggfly Hypolimnas bolina) (Appendix 13.8). All are common or very common in Hong Kong (Walthew 1997) ^[68]. Abundance of butterfly was highest in cultivated lands, while species richness of butterfly was highest in woodland (Table 13.7). Both abundance and species richness of butterfly were lowest in urbanized/disturbed sites. An additional 9 species of butterfly (e.g., Great Orange Tip Hebomoia glaucippe) was recorded between sampling points within the Study Area (Appendix 13.9). All are common or very common in Hong Kong (Walthew 1997) ^[68].

Table 13.7 : Butterfly communities of each type of habitat in the Study Area

Cultivated lands

(active and abandoned)

Fishponds

(active and abandoned)

Woodland

Grassland

Urbanized/

disturbed

Density

(individuals ha^-1)

63.7

31.8

21.2

4.0

Species richness

(species point^-1)

2.0

1.4

2.2

1.0

0.1

Aquatic Fauna

(a) Literature Review

Literature review revealed little information on aquatic fauna within the assessment area. It is noted that the areas of Yuen Long, San Wai, Tin Shui Wai, Shan Pui and San Tin were not included in the Hong Kong-wide stream fish survey conducted by Chong & Dudgeon (1992)^[45].

At least 8 species of freshwater fishes (Chinese barb Puntius semifasciolatus; Oriental weatherfish Misgurnus anguillicaudatus; Vietnam catfish Silurus cochinchinensis; Mosquito fish Gambusia affinis; Tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus; Sharphead sleeper Eleotris oxycephalus; Barcheek goby Rhinogobius giurinus; Chameleon goby Tridentiger trigonocephalus) were reported to occur in the western New Territories (Lam 2002)^[58]. However, only the two exotic species, Chinese Barb and Oriental Weatherfish had records of occurrence inside or close to the assessment area of the present project. Both Chinese Barb and Oriental Weatherfish are common and widespread in Hong Kong.

Kam Tin River is well known to be severely impacted by sewage. Previous studies reported that Kam Tin River was heavily polluted with domestic and industrial sewage, and the pollution together with its anoxic condition together were responsible for a low species richness and diversity. (Binnie 1992; 1996)^[37][38].

The section of Kam Tin River within the 43CD Works area was found to have a "very poor macrobenthic community" with only 2 to 4 species, dominated by oligochaetes (Binnie 1992)^[37]. Catfish were sighted in the lower section under tidal influence. Mosquito fish Gambusia affinis and the Apple snail Pomacea lineata have been recorded in the Kam Tin area, and 4 individuals of terrapins of unidentified species, which were probably exotic and imported for food, were observed in the Kam Tin River (Kam Tin Bypass, Binnie 1996)^[38].

Aquatic fauna surveys were undertaken at the Kam Tin River Section 60CD drainage channel during the EIA study for Stage 1 of this project in 2000 and 2001. Three-layer gill net was used to sample aquatic organisms. The dominant aquatic organism found in 60CD drainage channel during both the wet season and dry season surveys was the widespread Tilapia Oreochromis spp.. Other aquatic fauna found, in very low numbers, included Mud Crab Scylla serrata and Mullet Mugil affinis, and Mud Carp Cirrhinus molitorella.

(b) Field Surveys

Except the stream section near San Wai STW (Stream A), Tai Tong (Stream B) and Sung Shan New Village (Stream C) with semi-natural banks (Figure 13.2), all other stream sections or nullahs are channelled and/or polluted.

Despite the extensive size of the assessment area, aquatic fauna were found to have a limited distribution and were only recorded in a few isolated locations during the present study, primarily at the natural section at San Wai and semi-natural sections at Tai Tong and Sung Shan New Villages. There was no major difference in the aquatic fauna communities observed between the wet and dry seasons in the present survey.

The habitat survey and stream fauna survey of the present study confirmed that the majority of streams within the study area were channelled and polluted, especially where the streams passed through villages and lands used for agricultural purposes.

In these locations the stream water was odorous and with bubbles which indicate bacterial activities and low dissolved oxygen levels. The remaining streams were also poor in water quality. Other pollution influences observed included domestic wastewater from residential areas.

Freshwater snails, Apple snail Pomacea lineata, were recorded. In the natural section of stream and also the surrounding cultivated land at San Wai, the apple snail Pomacea lineata was found. This snail originates from South America. It was first introduced into China as a pond culture species, but like Tilapia, has become a naturalised fauna. In Hong Kong, there is no rearing of this snail and they are not taken as food. Pomacea lineata is considered an agricultural pest known to damage vegetables. A previous study reported its occurrence in the Kam Tin area agricultural fields in high abundance (Binnie 1996)^[38].

Another freshwater snail Melanoides tuberculatus was also found in the Stream A. It is also common in streams in Hong Kong and also could be found in ponds in Northwest New Territories.

A species of atyid shrimp Caridina cantonensis was found in this stream and was in moderate abundance. The atyid shrimp Caridina cantonensis is the most widespread member among the three congeneric species in Hong Kong (Cai and Ng 1999). C. cantonensis is usually found in the mid- to upper reaches of natural streams. This aquatic species is a typical component of the stream fauna in fair to good quality waters in Hong Kong. The species is of no conservation concern.

Tilapia was also recorded in the two semi-natural streams (Stream B and Stream C). Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) was first introduced to China in the early 1970s for pond culture. In Hong Kong, wild Tilapia is believed to be of pond stock origin. Their high adaptability make them successful in wild conditions and they are able to colonise habitats that most native fish species cannot survive in, such as polluted stream courses with low oxygen levels. Although they mainly feed on plant material, Tilapia can consume virtually every kind of organic material including zooplankton, phytoplankton, aquatic invertebrates, detritus and sediments. They are also capable of naturally breeding in many types of water bodies including small, static ponds. In many cases, including the present study, Tilapia dominates the aquatic habitats and is the only fish species found.

Two main drainage channels, the Kam Tin River Section 60CD and Tin Shui Wai Western Drainage Channel fell within the study area. The dominant aquatic organism found in the two drainage channels during both the wet season and dry season surveys was the widespread Tilapia Oreochromis spp. Abundant individuals were found in the shallow water inside the channels during the low tide. The characteristic circle-shaped nests were also spotted in a large number on the bottom of the channels.

Table 13.8 : Results of the stream survey for the present study during June 2002 to January 2003

Location	Common name	Species name	Abundance*
San Wai	Apple snail	Pomacea lineata	++
	Freshwater snail	Melanoides tuberculata	+
	Atyid shrimp	Caridina cantonensis	++

Tai Tong	Tilapia	Oreochromis sp.	++

Shun Shan New Village	Tilapia	Oreochromis sp.	++

Tin Shui Wai Western Drainage Channel	Tilapia	Oreochromis sp.	+++
60CD (Shan Pui River and Kam Tin River)	Tilapia	Oreochromis sp.	+++

*Abundance: +++: Abundant, ++: Common, +: Occasional

None of the recorded species was rare or of conservation value. The majority of the streams within the Study Area are therefore of low ecological value to aquatic fauna.

In addition to the seriously polluted conditions, a main feature of the stream courses inside the Study Area observed during the survey was their high ratio of replacement by artificial channels. Stream courses surveyed within the Study Area were, or are currently, largely being modified or re-routed by various channelisation projects.

13.4 Evaluation of Species and Habitat of Conservation Importance

Habitats found within the study area were evaluated in terms of ecological importance using the criteria set forth in Annex 8, Table 2 of the TM-EIAO. Details are listed in Tables 13.9 to 13.19.

Table 13.9 : Evaluation of ecological importance of plantation

Criteria	Remarks
Naturalness	Man-made, planted. Some natural colonization.
Size	20.8 ha in total within the study area
Diversity	Moderate diversity of plant (62 species), low structural complexity and low fauna diversity.
Rarity	None recorded
Re-creatability	Easy to recreate
Fragmentation	Moderately fragmented.
Ecological linkage	Not functionally linked to any highly valued habitat in close proximity in a significant way.
Potential value	Moderate, becoming mature woodland given time and appropriate management (e.g. thinning, fire prevention).
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant nursery or breeding ground recorded during the survey.
Age	Young (mostly less than 30 years) based on tree size, structure and species composition.
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	The abundance of avifauna was moderate and other terrestrial fauna was low.
Overall Ecological value	Low.

Table 13.10 : Evaluation of ecological importance of mixed woodland

Criteria	Remarks
Naturalness	Secondary, semi-natural, formed of a mixture of planted and native species. Moderately disturbed by presence of the grave sites.
Size	93.4ha in total within the study area
Diversity	Moderate diversity of plant (78 species), moderate structural complexity and low fauna diversity.
Rarity	Protected species recorded during the survey was Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis.
Re-creatability	Habitat characteristics and species composition are difficult to recreate. It will take 10-40 years for the secondary woodlands to be re-created.
Fragmentation	Moderately fragmented. Isolated patches scattered within the study area.
Ecological linkage	Not functionally linked to any highly valued habitat in close proximity in a significant way.
Potential value	Moderate, becoming mature woodland given time and protection from disturbance.
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant nursery or breeding ground recorded during the survey, but could provide breeding habitats for birds and butterflies.
Age	Young (mostly less than 30 years) based on tree size, woodland structure and species composition.
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	The abundance of avifauna was moderate and other terrestrial fauna was low.
Overall Ecological value	Moderate.

Table 13.11 : Evaluation of ecological importance of grassland/shrubland

Criteria	Remarks
Naturalness	Semi-natural, subject to high level of human disturbance
Size	Moderate, with total approximately 309.1ha.
Diversity	Moderate diversity in flora (79 species) and fauna.
Rarity	Neither rare nor protected species were recorded during the survey.
Re-creatability	Could be re-created.
Fragmentation	Continuous patch within study area.
Ecological linkage	Not functionally linked to any highly valued habitat in close proximity.
Potential value	Limited due to presence of graves and consequent frequent fire disturbance.
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant nursery or breeding ground recorded.
Age	Young, early stage of succession or in an arrested climax imposed and maintained by hillfires.
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	The abundance of avifauna and other terrestrial fauna was low.
Overall Ecological value	Low.

Table 13.12 : Evaluation of ecological importance of cultivated land/orchard

Criteria	Remarks
Naturalness	Man-made habitat.
Size	Total approximately 338.5 ha.
Diversity	Moderate for vegetation (totally 98 species for the whole area, mostly crops or exotic species) and fauna
Rarity	Protected species recorded during the survey was Kestrel Falco tinnunculus.
Re-creatability	Readily creatable.
Fragmentation	Most formed a relatively continuous cover, although some scattered within the developed area and were therefore fragmented.
Ecological linkage	Not functionally linked to any highly valued habitat in close proximity.
Potential value	Low.
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant nursery or breeding ground recorded. May provide breeding habitats of dragonflies and amphibians.
Age	Young
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	The abundance of avifauna was moderate and other terrestrial fauna was low.
Overall Ecological value	Low.

Table 13.13 : Evaluation of ecological importance of fishpond

Criteria	Remarks
Naturalness	Man-made habitat.
Size	Moderate 292.8ha in total
Diversity	Low to moderate, 52 plant species recorded.
Rarity	One rare plant species Water Fern Ceratopteris thalictroides found in an abandoned pond. Black-eared Kite Milvus lineatus is Class 2 Protected Animal of PRC and listed in Appendix 2 of CITES.
Re-creatability	Readily re-creatable.
Fragmentation	Contiguous in Wetland Conservation Area, isolated ponds in urbanized/disturbed area.
Ecological linkage	In Wetland Conservation Area, form part of the remaining contiguous piece of wetland in NWNT.
Potential value	Feeding habitats of nesting ardeids of egretries within the Study Area
Nursery/breeding ground	No nursery or breeding ground recorded. Limited as breeding habitats of amphibian and dragonfly since fishes are present.
Age	Not applicable.
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	The abundance of avifauna was moderate and other terrestrial fauna was low.
Overall Ecological value	High in Wetland Conservation Area, Low in other area.

Table 13.14 : Evaluation of ecological importance of stream/channel

Criteria	Remarks
Naturalness	Semi-natural (stream) to man-made (channel).
Size	The total length of all channels and stream courses are about 13.8km.
Diversity	For aquatic fauna, moderate in only one section of natural stream, low in two semi-natural sections and very low in channels. Low to moderate for dragonflies.
Rarity	None recorded
Re-creatability	Drainage channel – readily re-creatable. Semi-natural stream course – re-creatable Natural stream course - difficult to re-create.
Fragmentation	Not applicable.
Ecological linkage	Flows eventually converged into Inner Deep Bay. Not functionally linked to any highly valued habitat in close proximity.
Potential value	Low ecological potential as the ongoing Main Drainage Channel projects have been transforming the remaining natural stream courses into concrete channels.
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant nursery or breeding ground recorded, but semi-natural streams could provide breeding habitats for dragonflies and amphibians.
Age	Young for channel, not applicable for stream
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Low in natural and semi-natural sections, high in drainage channels (60CD, Tin Shui Wai Western Drainage Channel).
Overall Ecological value	Moderate for natural section of stream, low for semi-natural section and low for drainage channels.

Table 13.15 : Evaluation of ecological importance of mangroves

Criteria	Remarks
Naturalness	Semi-natural (planted/naturally colonized)
Size	9.4 ha in total
Diversity	Low for plants
Rarity	None recorded during the survey for this study
Re-creatability	Readily creatable through planting.
Fragmentation	Quite fragmented within study area.
Ecological linkage	Linked to Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site.
Potential value	Limited as extent constrained by drainage channels.
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant nursery or breeding ground recorded
Age	Young
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Low during the survey for this study
Overall Ecological value	Low (Lau Fau Shan) to moderate (along 60CD).

Table 13.16 : Evaluation of ecological importance of urbanised/disturbed/wasteland

Criteria	Remarks
Naturalness	Man-made habitat.
Size	Large in size, with total approximately 1061.4 ha.
Diversity	Low in terms of flora (74 species recorded, mostly exotics), low in terrestrial fauna.
Rarity	None recorded
Re-creatability	Readily re-creatable.
Fragmentation	Formed a continuous cover within the study area.
Ecological linkage	Not functionally linked to any highly valued habitat in close proximity.
Potential value	Low.
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant nursery or breeding ground recorded.
Age	Not applicable.
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Low in terms of terrestrial fauna and avifauna.
Overall Ecological value	Low.

Table 13.17 : Evaluation of ecological importance of Mai Po Village Egretry

Criteria	Remarks
Naturalness	Egretry in several stands of roadside Melaleuca plantations
Size	Large, supporting 93 pairs of ardeids in 2002
Diversity	High; five species: Chinese Pond Heron, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Night Heron, Great Egret
Rarity	Uncommon nesting species Great Egret, which only nest in 6 out of the 19 egretires in HK in 2002.
Re-creatability	Bamboo and trees can be transplanted, but egretry may not be easy to create
Fragmentation	No applicable
Ecological linkage	Near fishpond and inter-tidal mudflat feeding areas
Potential value	High
Nursery/breeding ground	Ardeid nesting site
Age	Unknown
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	High number of nesting pairs and species richness by local standard
Overall Ecological value	Moderate. Supports 9% of all nesting pairs in HKSAR in 2002, and largest in Deep Bay area between 1998 and 2002

Table 13.18 : Evaluation of ecological importance of Mai Po Loong Egretry

Criteria	Remarks
Naturalness	Egretry in several stands of Casuarina plantation behind a vehicle maintenance workshop.
Size	Moderate, supporting 39 pairs of ardeids in 2002
Diversity	Low; two species: Chinese Pond Heron and Little Egret
Rarity	Both are the commonest ardeid nesting species in Hong Kong
Re-creatability	Bamboo and trees can be transplanted, but egretry may not be easy to create
Fragmentation	No applicable
Ecological linkage	Near fishpond feeding areas
Potential value	Moderate
Nursery/breeding ground	Ardeid nesting site
Age	Unknown
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Small number of nesting pairs and species richness by local standard
Overall Ecological value	Moderate. Supports 4.8% of all nesting pairs in HKSAR in 2002

Table 13.19 : Evaluation of ecological importance of Shing Uk Egretry

Criteria	Remarks
Naturalness	Egretry in orchard
Size	Small to moderate, supporting 21 pairs of ardeids in 2002
Diversity	Moderate; three species: Chinese Pond Heron, Little Egret and Cattle Egret
Rarity	Common ardeid nesting species in Hong Kong
Re-creatability	Bamboo and trees can be transplanted, but egretry may not be easy to create
Fragmentation	No applicable
Ecological linkage	Near fishpond feeding areas
Potential value	Small
Nursery/breeding ground	Ardeid nesting site
Age	Unknown
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Small number of nesting pairs and species richness by local standard
Overall Ecological value	Moderate. Supports 2.8% of all nesting pairs in HKSAR in 2002, but abandoned in 2003

The list and evaluation of the floral and faunal species of ecological interest recorded within the study area, according to the TM-EIAO, are given in Tables 13.20 and 13.21:

Table 13.20 : Evaluation of floral species with ecological interest within the study area

Species	Growth Form	Location	Protection status	Distribution	Rarity
Ceratopteris thalictroides	fern	In an abandoned pond near Shing Uk	Not protected by local or regional regulations	Sam A Tsuen, Lai Chi Chong, Kam Tin, Po Toi Island and Ping Chau (Mirs Bay)	Rare (Wu and Lee 2000) [^75]
Schoenoplectus littoralis subsp. subulatus	sedge	In an abandoned pond near Shing Uk	Not protected by local or regional regulations	Coastal wetland	Restricted (Xing et al. 2000) [^79]

Table 13.21 : Evaluation of faunal species of ecological interest recorded within the study area

Species	Protection status	Distribution	Rarity	Relevant to project
Black Kite	Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170) Class II Protected Animal in PRC CITES Appendix II	Distribute widely in Hong Kong, can be in many types of habitats.	Common in Hong Kong	No
Common Kestrel	Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170) Class II Protected Animal in PRC CITES Appendix II	Distribute widely in Hong Kong, mainly found in open areas	Common/uncommon in Hong Kong	No
Greater Coucal	Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170) Class II Protected Animal in PRC CITES Appendix II	Found in shrubland habitats	Common in Hong Kong	No
Nesting ardeids	Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170)	Distribute widely in Hong Kong, all nest in lowlands, and sometimes near areas of high disturbance	Mostly common breeders in Hong Kong,	Yes

Habitats of Black Kite, Common Kestrel and Greater Coucal are not going to be affected by this project as the construction works are mainly confined to developed/disturbed areas (see Table 13.22). Ardeids are nest-bound during breeding season. The sewerage works at the Ngau Tam Mei and San Tin Areas (2A-2T and 2B-1T) will bypass the Mai Po Village and Mai Po Loong egretries. Nesting ardeids are therefore the potential sensitive receiver of this project.

13.5 Impact Identification and Evaluation for Construction Phase

The significance of ecological impacts is evaluated based primarily on the criteria set forth in Table 1, Annex 8 of the TM-EIAO:

· habitat quality;

· species affected;

· size/abundance of habitats/organisms affected;

· duration of impacts;

· reversibility of impacts; and

· magnitude of environmental changes.

Impacts are generally ranked as "minor", "moderate" or "severe", although in a few cases a ranking of "minimal" (less than "minor") may be given. The ranking of a given impact will vary based on the criteria listed above. For example, an impact might be ranked as "minor" if it affected only common species and habitats, or if it affected only small numbers of individuals or small areas, whereas it might be ranked as "severe" if it affected rare species or habitats, large numbers of individuals or large areas. The major factors giving rise to a ranking are explained in the text. As noted in Annex 16 of the TM-EIAO, a degree of professional judgment is involved in the evaluation of impacts.

The proposed sewage disposal works would include construction of pumping stations, laying of underground rising mains and gravity sewers with various excavation widths at various depths (see Chapter 4 for details). Only 3 items are Designated Elements under this project: pumping stations in Ngau Tam Mei and north of Yuen Long and a section of rising main in the northwestern side of Yuen Long (See Chapter 2). Potential ecological impacts identified during construction phase include habitat loss due to site formation, noise and disturbance, construction dust and surface runoff. Five proposed pumping stations and part of the proposed sewage alignment fall within the Wetland Conservation Area (WCA) or the Wetland Buffer Area (WBA) (Figure 13.1). Loss of habitats to pumping stations would be permanent. However, most of the pumping stations would be constructed in urbanized/disturbed habitats. Loss of habitats to sewers and areas with the site limits would be temporary as most of the sewers will be buried underneath the existing road or along drainage channels which will be reinstated after construction. The potential impacts of each works package and designated/non-designated element will be evaluated separately for easy reference.

13.5.1 Tin Shui Wai and San Wai Areas (Alternative 2A-1T)

The proposed sewage disposal works at Tin Shui Wai and San Wai would cause a permanent loss of 0.23 ha of urbanised/disturbed/wasteland, 0.23ha of plantation and 0.05 ha of fishpond (underneath planned road of HSKNTD) and a temporary loss of 13.27 ha of urbanised/disturbed/wasteland, 0.46 ha of mixed woodland, 0.24 ha of grassland/shrubland, and 0.20 ha of fishpond (mainly underneath earth bund).

The ecological impacts are considered minor due to limited area of habitats to be affected, temporary nature of the impacts and the low ecological values of the habitats to be lost. The abandoned fishpond where the rare fern Ceratopteris thalictroides and the restricted sedge Schoenoplectus littoralis subsp. subulatus were located was more than 500m away from the sewers and would not be affected by the project. Use of pipe-jacking will avoid loss and disturbance of stream channel/nullah at the Tin Shui Wai channel crossing.

The proposed Yuen Long Effluent pumping station (YLEPS) is located within WCA. It will encroach 0.23 ha of disturbed habitats as well as 0.23 ha of 60CD plantation area. These plantation trees are young, composed of common species and of simple structure. The potential ecological impact due to loss of these plantation trees is therefore minor, but will be mitigated by compensatory planting to ensure no unacceptable loss of ecological function of the original MDC mitigation planting area (see Section 13.6.1 for details).

Four fishpond bunds will be disturbed by this works package(Figures 13.2 and 13.5a). Three are within the WCA near the proposed Yuen Long Effluent pumping station (YLEPS), while the fourth one is located at the San Wai area. As investigated by DSD (Section 5), the current alignment is the only feasible option in consideration of various engineering constraints. Both the YLEPS and YLSTW are all surrounded by fish ponds/river on three sides, while laying of sewer underneath the earth bund of fish pond (about 430m in length) is unavoidable (fish ponds are located within the WSD Reserve and no work will be carried out within the WSD boundary area). Regarding the fishpond at San Wai area, the sewer will be laid underneath future major road (about 30m in length) at HSKNTD. As agreed with DSD, PlanD and TDD, this alignment will have minimal implication on future planning and development zoning. Since only sewer laying will be carried out around the affected fish ponds, the construction period will be short term in nature and confined to 1 to 2 months.

The affected fishpond at San Wai area lies outside the Wetland Buffer Area. It is small (about 0.27ha), isolated and surrounded by newly fill area and therefore is of limited ecological value. Only the northern section of the pond (0.05ha) will be encroached by the sewers and will be permanently resumed for the project. According to the 1999 HSKNTD Digest, this section of the alignment will be underneath a vehicular road. Therefore the resumed section of the pond will be earth-filled after construction. Due to the temporary nature of impact (for sewer laying) and small portions (earth bunds only) of the 3 ponds to be impacted, and the small size, isolated nature of the one pond and the limited area to be permanently lost (for road construction by the HSKNTD- sewer will be laid underneath the planned road), the ecological impact of pond loss is considered minor. There will be no-net-loss in wetland area at the WCA and CA.

The mixed woodland is young and moderate in species richness. Only common plant species were recorded. Loss of the woodland habitat would be temporary, as the works area will be reinstated after construction. Potential ecological impacts to the mixed woodland are therefore considered minor. Revegetation with native woodland species is proposed to mitigate the loss.

The shrubland/grassland is young and moderate in species richness. Only common plant species were recorded. Loss of 0.24 ha of the shrubland/grassland habitat would be temporary, as the works area will be reinstated after construction. Potential ecological impacts to the shrubland/grassland are therefore considered minor.

This element of the project would involve only one crossing at stream/channel habitat, i.e. Tin Shui Wai Western Drainage Channel, where pipe will be installed. Trenchless method (pipe-jacking) will be used for the pipe laying underneath the channel. No dredging work will be required. The indirect impacts to stream fauna including sedimentation or disturbance are considered to be minimal.

Table 13.22 : Habitat loss caused by Alternative 2A-1T

Item	Works Item No.	DE	NDE	Within WCA	Habitat Loss (ha)
					Urbanised/ Disturbed Wasteland	Mixed Woodland	Grassland/ Shrubland	Fish Pond	Plantation
					Urbanised/ Disturbed Wasteland	Mixed Woodland	Grassland/ Shrubland	Fish Pond	Plantation
Pumping Station	AP1	Yes	-	Yes	0.23	-	-	-	0.23
Sewers	AS1	Yes	-	430m of AS1 within WCA	0.24	-	-	0.20	-
Sewers	AS2-AS5		Yes	-	13.03	0.46	0.24	0.05	-

DE = Designated Element, NDE= Non-Designated Elements

Bird species and terrestrial fauna recorded in mixed woodlands within the Study Area are mainly habitat generalists and disturbance tolerant. The potential impact to terrestrial fauna due to temporary loss of 0.46 ha of mixed woodland is ranked as minor.

The Shing Uk egretry is about 100m from the proposed alignment, and will not be affected by noise and visual disturbance arising from the project. No feeding habitats of nesting ardeids of Shing Uk egretry will be affected. This egretry was abandoned in 2003.

Noise and visual disturbance may be generated during site formation and construction, potentially affecting the distribution and behavior of fauna in adjacent habitats. In particular, the proposed location of the Yuen Long effluent pumping station, although only encroaches disturbed habitat and plantation, is within WCA and close to the mangrove plantation and inter-tidal mudflat of Channel 60 CD Contract A, which is an important feeding habitat of many species of waterbirds in winter. Although no species of conservation interest was recorded during the current study, construction works may potentially cause disturbance to the wintering waterbirds. Mitigation is therefore required to minimise the impacts to the wintering birds within the WCA. For the other sewer alignment, due to the highly urbanized nature of the surrounding areas along the alignment, limited conservation potential and disturbance tolerance of the species recorded, and the temporary nature of the impact, potential impacts to fauna from this source are ranked as minor.

13.5.2 Ngau Tam Mei and San Tin Areas (2A-2T and 2B-1T)

The proposed sewage disposal works at Ngau Tam Mei and San Tin areas would cause a permanent loss of 0.57 ha of urbanised/disturbed/wasteland and a temporary loss of 5.05 ha of urbanised/disturbed/wasteland. The ecological impacts are considered minor due to limited area of habitats to be affected and the low ecological values of the habitats to be lost.

Table 13.23 : Habitat loss caused by 2A-2T and 2B-1T

Item	Works Item No.	DE	NDE	Within WCA	Within WBA	Habitat Loss (ha)
Item	Works Item No.	DE	NDE	Within WCA	Within WBA	Urbanised/ Disturbed/ Wasteland
Pumping Station	P1	Yes	-	No	Yes	0.16
Pumping Station	P2-P5	-	Yes	No	Yes (P3 and P4 only)	0.41
Sewers	S1-S7	-	Yes	Yes (564m of S1)	Yes (928m of S2, whole S4, S5, and S6)	5.05

DE = Designated Element, NDE= Non-Designated Elements

Noise and visual disturbance may be generated during site formation and construction, potentially affecting the distribution and behavior of fauna in adjacent habitats. In particular, a section of S1 to be constructed along the access road of 100CD is within WCA and close to the mangrove plantation and inter-tidal mudflat of Channel 60 CD Contract A, which is an important feeding habitat of many species of waterbirds in winter. Although no species of conservation interest was recorded during the current study, construction works may potentially cause disturbance to the wintering waterbirds. Mitigation is therefore required to minimise the impacts to the wintering birds within the WCA. For other sewer sections, due to the highly urbanized nature of the surrounding areas along the alignment, limited conservation potential and disturbance tolerance of the species recorded, and the temporary nature of the impact, potential impacts to fauna from this source are ranked as minor.

The construction works of this project would not cause direct loss of feeding habitats of ardeids. Indirect impact due to the project will include visual disturbance, dust and noise generated from construction work of the sewerage alignment near the Mai Po Village Egretry and Mai Po Loong Egretry. These two egretries are located near Castle Peak Road section of the proposed sewers. The Mai Po Loong Egretry is also located near a vehicle maintenance workshop. Nesting ardeids in these two egretries are used to traffic noise, and ardeids can tolerate human disturbance to certain degree (Landsdown et al. 2000) ^[59]. In fact, a number of local big ardeid nesting colonies are found within or near sources of disturbance, e.g., Ho Sheung Heung egretry (in storage backyard of village houses), former Tai Po Market egretry (adjacent to Tai Po KCRC Railway Station). However, recent observations showed that there is a decline in breeding populations, which may be related to high levels of cumulative disturbance caused by various construction works during breeding season (Wong, L.C. per comm.). To take a precautionary approach, it is therefore recommended that construction work near these two egretries to be carried out from September to March outside breeding season to minimise the impacts.

No stream crossing would be involved in the sewage alignment of this element. The sewage alignment will mostly follow existing roads or drainage channels (100CD which is under construction). The only concern would be site runoff at the works site close to 100CD and 60CD. Potential impacts on aquatic fauna are ranked as minimal.

13.5.3 Lau Fau Shan and Mong Tseng Areas (2A-3T)

The proposed sewage disposal works at Lau Fau Shan and Mong Tseng areas would cause a permanent loss of 0.17 ha of urbanised/disturbed/wasteland and a temporary loss of 4.06 ha of urbanised/disturbed/wasteland, 0.02 ha of plantation, and 0.04 ha of shrubland/grassland. Where the alignment and/or the site limit encroach the bank of Tin Shui Wai Channel, pipe-jacking construction method would be used and therefore no loss of stream channel or mangrove established on embankment is anticipated. The ecological impacts are considered minor due to limited area of habitats to be affected and the low ecological values of the habitats to be lost.

Table 13.24 : Habitat loss caused by 2A-3T

Item	Works Item	DE	NDE	Within WBA	Habitat Loss (ha)
Item	Works Item	DE	NDE	Within WBA	Urbanised/Disturbed/ Wasteland	Plantation	Shrubland/ Grassland
Pumping Station	A1-A2	-	Yes	Yes (A2)	0.17	-	-
Sewers	G1-G2	-	Yes	736m of G2 within WBA	4.06	0.02	0.04

DE = Designated Element, NDE= Non-Designated Elements

Noise and visual disturbance may be generated during site formation and construction, potentially affecting the distribution and behavior of fauna in adjacent habitats. Due to the highly urbanized nature of the surrounding areas along the alignment, limited conservation potential and disturbance tolerance of the species recorded, and the temporary nature of the impact, potential impacts to fauna from this source are ranked as minor.

The proposed alignment would be in the vicinity of some isolated fishponds. The potential impact to bird is considered minor due to the temporary nature of the impact and low bird abundance in isolated fishponds.

No stream crossing would be involved in the sewage alignment of this element. The sewage alignment will mostly follow existing roads or drainage channels. No impacts on aquatic fauna from this element would be expected.

There was also a small area of marine and coastal habitat located at the northeast end of this part of the assessment area. Given the distance between this habitat and the alignment (at least 300m), no direct or indirect (e.g. site runoff) impacts from the project would be expected.

13.5.4 Shap Pat Heung Area (2B-2T)

The proposed sewage disposal works Shap Pat Heung areas would cause a permanent loss of 0.37 ha of urbanised/disturbed/wasteland and 0.12ha of cultivated land and a temporary loss of 3.35 ha of urbanised/disturbed/wasteland, and 0.14 ha of cultivated land. Use of pipe-jacking construction method will avoid loss and disturbance at the stream crossing. The ecological impacts are considered minor due to limited area of habitats to be affected and the low ecological values of the habitats to be lost.

Table 13.25 : Habitat loss caused by 2B-2T

Item	Works Item	DE	NDE	Habitat Loss (ha)
Item	Works Item	DE	NDE	Urbanised/Disturbed/Wasteland	Cultivated Land
Pumping Station	B1-B7	-	Yes	0.37	0.12
Sewers	H1-H11	-	Yes	3.35	0.14

DE = Designated Element, NDE= Non-Designated Elements

Noise and visual disturbance may be generated during site formation and construction, potentially affecting the distribution and behavior of fauna in adjacent habitats. Disturbance sensitive species will leave the site during site formation. Due to the highly urbanized nature of the surrounding areas along the alignment, limited conservation potential and disturbance tolerance of the species recorded, and the temporary nature of the impact, potential impacts to fauna from this source are ranked as minor.

This element of the project would involve only one crossing at stream/channel habitat near Shung Ching San Tsuen where pipe will be installed. Trenchless method (pipe-jacking) will be used for the pipe laying underneath the channel. No dredging work will be required. The indirect impacts to stream fauna including sedimentation or disturbance are considered to be minimal. The two semi-natural stream sections were located at the southern end (Stream B, Tai Tong) and southeast end (Stream C, Shun Shan New Village) of the boundary of this part of assessment area. Both of them are upstream to the alignment of the sewer. The dragonfly hotspot at Tai Tong is located upstream of the construction area and will not be encroached by this element of the project. In addition, this element only affects the channelised portion of the stream channel in Tai Tong. Therefore, no impacts on aquatic fauna from this element would be expected.

Total habitat loss caused by the project is summarised in Table 13.26, while potential impacts of project construction are summarised in Table 13.27.

Table 13.26 : Habitat loss caused by the proposed project

	Potential Loss (ha)
Habitat	Designated Element	Non-Designated Element
Temporary Loss	-	-
Urbanised/Disturbed Wasteland	0.24	25.49
Mixed Woodland	-	0.46
Grassland/ Shrubland	-	0.28
Fish Ponds	0.20	-
Plantation	-	0.02
Cultivated Land	-	0.14
Permanent Loss
Urbanised/Disturbed Wasteland	0.39	0.95
Fishpond	-	0.05
Cultivated Land	-	0.12
Plantation	0.23	-

Table 13.27: Construction-stage Impacts.

Activity	Receiver	Potential Impacts	Nature of Impacts	Severity	Mitigation Recommended
Site formation	Habitats and species associated (mainly urbanised/disturbed/ wasteland, but also include channel, cultivated land, woodland, plantation)	Total loss of flora and habitats within site formation boundary. Loss of habitats for fauna	Permanent for pumping stations, Temporary for sewers, reversible, small scale, limited species affected	Minor	Reinstatement of works area to its original conditions and compensatory planting at San Pui ponds to mitigate loss of plantation to YLEPS
Noise and disturbance	Wildlife species on adjacent habitats	Changes in distribution, activity patterns	Temporary, reversible, small scale, limited species affected	Minor	Good site practice Avoid winter for construction of elements within WCA and avoid breeding season near egretries
Construction dust	Vegetation	Inhibition of vegetation growth	Temporary, reversible, small scale, limited species affected	Minor	Good site practice
Surface runoff	Aquatic fauna	Changes in distribution, and/or activity patterns of associated fauna	Reversible, small scale, limited species affected	Minimal in Tin Shui Wai and San Wai Areas & Ngau Tam Mei and San Tin Areas. No impact in Lau Fau Shan and Mong Tsang Areas & Shap Pat Heung Area	Good site practice. Prevention of runoff to streams and marine habitats, desilt runoff

13.5.5 Cumulative Impacts

There are a number of major infrastructure projects currently implemented or planned in the study area. These include YLKTSSD Stage 1, San Wai Sewerage Treatment Works, West Rail and various Main Drainage Channels (60CD, 22CD, 29CD, 113CD).

In accordance with paragraph 2.1(ix) of the EIA study brief, the EIA report shall “identify, predict and evaluate the residual (i.e. after practicable mitigation) environmental impacts, the cumulative effects expected to arise due to other committed or planned development(s) at area near the project site and the total environmental impacts of the projects under the YLKTSSD including (i) YLKTSSD Stage 1; and (ii) YLTSSD Stage 2; and (iii) the Upgrading and Pumping Station project, the construction and operation phases of the proposed project in relation to the sensitive receivers and potential affected uses.” Construction of YLKTSSD Stage 1 caused direct habitat loss of approximately 0.26 ha cultivated lands of moderate ecological value, approximately 0.15 ha of abandoned and partially filled fishpond and approximately 1.02 ha of urbanised/developed areas. No adverse residual impact is expected due to the construction and operation of the sewerage system and pumping stations after the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures. The Upgrading and Pumping Station project is a non-designated project where minimal area of disturbed/urbanised habitats was affected. Due to the limited size of habitat to be lost and the disturbed nature of the development area, the current project will not cause significant adverse cumulative ecological impacts to the study area.

The proposed San Wai STW, expansion of Ha Tsuen Pumping Station and alignments for emergency outfall (Alternative 1) would cause a permanent loss of 1.75 ha of fishponds, 0.01 ha of grassland, 0.29 ha of mixed woodland, 9.91ha of urbanised habitats, and a temporary loss of 0.01 ha of grassland, 0.02 ha of stream channel/nullah and 2.65 ha of urbanised/disturbed habitats. The project will mainly cause permanent loss of habitats of low ecological importance, hence ecological impact is considered minor. This project will largely reduce the chance of discharging raw sewage into Deep Bay and therefore the project has an overall positive ecological impact. The potential cumulative ecological impacts due to the San Wai STW project are expected to be low.

Quite a number of sections of the proposed sewers will lie on the access roads of these MDCs and will be constructed after completion of these MDCs and may therefore affect the mitigation areas (e.g. landscape planting areas and isolated abandoned meanders) of these projects. The landscape plans of these MDC projects were reviewed. The proposed sewer alignment and sewerage pumping stations will not encroach any abandoned meanders of 22CD, 29CD and 113CD. Direct impact on these meanders would be minimal. Noise and visual disturbance may be generated during site formation and construction of the sewerage alignment at Ngau Tam Mei and San Tin Areas (2A-2T and 2B-1T), and Shap Pat Heung Area (2B-2T), potentially affecting the distribution and behavior of fauna using these meanders. Due to the highly urbanized nature of the surrounding areas along the alignment, and the temporary nature of the impact, cumulative impacts to fauna from this source are ranked as minor.

The landscape plans show that part of the sewer alignment and sewerage pumping stations will encroach some roadside trees, shrubs to be planted or areas to be hydroseeded along the channels under the MDC projects. In particular, about 0.23ha of the mitigation planting areas of 60CD within the WCA zone will be encroached by Yuen Long Effluent Pumping Station. Potential ecological impacts are minor due to the linear nature of these plantation and limited area to be affected. The extent of disturbance at 113CD and 29CD cannot be quantified at this stage, but a list of potential species to be affected is given in Table 13.28. Mitigation is recommended to compensate for the loss of these planting areas by replanting with the same species of the same quantity by the contractor upon completion of construction.

The proposed alternative alignment of 2A-1T will not encroach and affect the fishponds and the proposed private development at Fung Lok Wai, a designated project under EIAO. The development is located within the CA zone and is located at least 120m away from the proposed alignment and would not cause net loss of wetland within the CA zone. No direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts are anticipated.

Overall, the contribution of the development projects to the cumulative ecological impacts in the NWNT region is not expected to be high as most of the affected areas have been developed previously and each project has/will provide specific mitigation measures. In addition, the proposed project would mainly cause loss of habitats of low ecological values. The residual impacts from the various development projects are acceptable and therefore would not affect the area. The proposed works in this Study aim to provide a sewerage system to cater for the existing and additional developments in the NWNT area thereby improving the water quality of a polluted region and ultimately benefiting the environment in the future. The proposed works in this Study would encroach some of the mitigation areas for MDCs. However, with the implementation of the standard site practice and recommendations proposed in Section 13.6, no unacceptable cumulative impacts are anticipated. Cumulative impacts predicted to arise from the proposed project in conjunction with concurrent projects are not expected to result in greater adverse ecological impacts than impacts arising from the concurrent projects independently.

Table 13.28: Landscape and mitigation planting area of MDCs potentially affected by this project.

Section	Item encroaching MDC	MDC	Species/Planting Mix to be encroached
Alternative 2A-1T	Pumping Station AP1	60CD	Mitigation planting area including:
			Melaleuca quinquenervia
			Ficus microcarpa
			Sapium sebiferum
			Casuarina equisetifolia
			Hibiscus tiliaceus
			Celtis tetrandra subsp. sinensis
			Melastoma candidum
			Landscape planting area including:
2B-2T	Sewer Section H3	113CD	Gossampinus malabaricum
			Rhapis excelsa
			Caryota ochlandra
			Casuarina equisetifolia
	Pumping Station B3		Unspecified Tree
	Pumping Station B4		Schima superba
			Unspecified Tree
2A-2T	Sewer Section S3	29CD	Woodland Shrub Mix
			Hydroseeded Area
			Amenity Shrub and Groundcover Planting
	Pumping Station P2		Cinnamomum camphora
			Ficus microcarpa

13.6 Impact Avoidance and Mitigation Measures for Construction Phase

During the detailed design stage, the following issues should be considered as possible to further minimise the impacts:

· Refinement of the site limit to avoid or minimise use of fish ponds as temporary works area

· Refinement of site limit to minimise use of mixed woodland as temporary works area

· Interface problem with MDC projects, and refinement of the site limit to minimise the disturbance and encroachment to landscape planting areas of various MDC projects.

Standard site practice including the following, should be enforced to minimise the disturbance to the surroundings:

· Prevent stream/channel sedimentation during construction by erection of sediment barriers and operation of siltation traps in streams/channels which could potentially be affected.

· Treat any damage that may occur to individual major trees in the adjacent area with surgery.

· Reinstate work sites/disturbed areas immediately after completion of the construction works, in particular, through on-site tree/shrub planting along the woodland section at Tin Shui Wai, reinstatement of the 3 fishponds within WCA (Figure 13.5). Tree/shrub species used should make reference from those in the surrounding area.

· Regularly check the work site boundaries to ensure that they are not exceeded and that no damage occurs to surrounding areas. Appropriate construction method will be adopted to ensure that no dewatering of nearby fishpond is required.

· Owing to the close proximity to the Wetland Conservation Area at Mai Po and North of Yuen Long EPS, the training of staff on the concepts of site cleanliness and on appropriate waste management procedures should also emphasis on the prohibition of waste dumping at the nearby wetland.

In addition to standard site practice, recommendations specific to each Work Package are proposed below and are summarised in Figure 13.5. The recommendations as well as other mitigation measures and requirement will be put in the EP under EIAO under the standard legal procedure so that the Contractor will refer to the conditions in the EP and EM&A manual to reinstate the site.

13.6.1 Tin Shui Wai and San Wai Areas (Alternative 2A-1T)

During this preliminary design phase, a tree survey and compensatory proposal had been completed and the draft tree survey report has been submitted to relevant departments for comment. A detailed tree survey should be performed during the detailed design phase (with the ultimate alignment) by the DSD at the mixed woodland in order to provide information for site reinstatement by the contractor.

Although no ecological sensitive species were recorded during the study, it is recommended that the construction period of items within WCA, i.e. the pumping station AP1 and 430m of AS1 be restricted to April through October to avoid the potential disturbance to wintering waterbirds (Figure 13.5). In order to reduce the impact on the nearby fishpond within WCA, laying of sewer will be conducted in 20m segment. The construction works will also be scheduled during non rainy days. It is anticipated that the construction works within WCA would last for two calender-years. Appropriate construction method will be adopted to ensure that no dewatering of nearby fishpond is required. Such construction method shall be agreed by DSD before commencement of works.

Replanting area would also be provided (Figure 13.5) to compensate for the loss of 60CD mitigation planting area on a like-to-like basis by using the native species recorded in the existing 60CD planting (Table 13.28). A potential replanting area is located at Shan Pui Ponds. These abandoned ponds are within WCA and are government ponds. These ponds form an island between 60CD and are accessible by boat. The grassy area highlighted in Figure 13.5 is above high tide zone and will not be subject to tidal action. About 0.35 ha will be planted, which can compensate for the loss from YLEPS at a 1.5:1 ratio to off-set the time loss and to reduce of risk of poor survival. Saplings of native tree species recorded in 60CD plantation including Sapium sebiferum, Hibiscus tiliaceus and Celtis tetrandra subsp. sinensis and others including Macaranga tanarius and Melia azedarach will be used in the replanting area. These trees except Hibiscus tiliaceus bear berries which can provide food for frugivorous birds. Plant and bird diversities and therefore the ecological values of the area will be enhanced. These trees can also provide a screening effect for the waterbirds using San Pui ponds as well as serve as a roosting site for birds, and thereby enhance the wetland function of the area. Maintenance schedule should be specified in the landscape contract and should include irrigation and weeding on a bimonthly basis for the first year of establishment to enhance survival. Tree seedlings dead within the first year should be replaced by the landscape contractors. Upon completion of the landscape contract the plantation should be handed over to AFCD. A detailed replanting plan should be included during the detailed design stage.

13.6.2 Ngau Tam Mei and San Tin Areas (2A-2T and 2B-1T)

Although no ecological sensitive species were recorded during the study, it is recommended that the construction period of items within WCA, i.e. 560m of S1 along 100CD, be restricted to April through October to avoid the potential disturbance to wintering waterbirds (Figure 13.5).

Due to the potential noise disturbance from construction works, it is recommended that construction period of the alignment sections within 100m from Mai Po Village and Mai Po Loong egretries be restricted to September through March to avoid breeding season as possible to reduce disturbance to breeding birds (Figure 13.5).

13.6.3 Lau Fau Shan and Mong Tseng Areas (2A-3T)

No mitigation measure is required, as the ecological impact is considered minor.

13.6.4 Shap Pat Heung Area (2B-2T)

No mitigation measure is required, as the ecological impact is considered minor.

13.7 Impact Identification and Evaluation for Operational Phase

The sewage pipeline will be underground and the operation will not pose any observable impact to the surrounding habitats and the associated flora or fauna. Noise from operating the pumping stations will not pose any significant impact to nesting ardeids and other fauna which are disturbance tolerant. No impact on the stream/channel habitat or on aquatic fauna is anticipated. The potential operational impact is ranked as minor.

13.8 Impact Avoidance and Mitigation Measures for Operational Phase

No mitigation measure is required for any of the Works Package as the ecological impact is considered minor.

13.9 Residual Impacts

No residual ecological impacts are anticipated as a result of the construction and operation of the proposed sewerage system and pumping stations.

13.10 Conclusion

Most of the study area, particularly the area to be directly affected by the proposed Project is highly urbanised and degraded by existing and on-going development. Habitats found within the study area include plantation, mixed woodland, grassland/shrubland, cultivated land/orchard, fishpond, stream/channel, mangrove, and disturbed/urbanized/wasteland areas. Two species of plants and 4 species/groups of birds of conservation interest were recorded. The designated elements would cause a permanent loss of 0.39 ha of urbanized/disturbed/wasteland and 0.23ha of plantation for construction of pumping stations, and a temporary loss of 0.24 ha of urbanized/disturbed/wasteland and 0.20 ha of fishponds for construction of sewers. There will be no-net-loss in wetland area at the WCA and CA.

The non-designated element would cause a permanent loss of 0.95 ha of urbanized/disturbed/wasteland, 0.05 ha of fishponds and 0.12 ha of cultivated land and a temporary loss of 25.49 ha of urbanized/disturbed/wasteland, 0.46 ha of mixed woodland, 0.28 ha of shrubland/grassland, 0.02 ha of plantation, and 0.14 ha of cultivated land. The overall ecological impacts are ranked as minor. Standard site practice and recommendations to each works package are made. No residual impacts are anticipated.

On top of the EIAO application, a rezoning request to change the landuse for some pumping stations are required by DSD during detailed design stage. Supporting ecological impact assessment is required to justify the case. Without the approval from the Town Planning Board, land right for construction will not be given.

14.0 Landscape and visual assessment

14.1 Introduction

This chapter of the report outlines the landscape and visual impacts associated with the Stage 2 Trunk Sewerage Extension of the packages (listed below) of the Yuen Long and Kam Tin Sewerage and Sewage Disposal (hereinafter called 'the Project') under Agreement No. CE 66/2001(EP) in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, which became law in Hong Kong on 1st April 1998. Both construction and operation impacts are assessed. In particular, the following sections of the works are included in this assessment:

· Area A1, Package 2A - 3T (Lau Fau Shan / Mong Tseng);

· Area A2, Package 2A - 1T (Yuen Long);

· Area B, Packages 2A-2T & 2B-1T (Ngau Tam Mei/San Tin); and

· Area C, Package 2B - 2T (Yuen Long South Branch).

The assessment includes:

· A listing of the relevant environmental legislation and guidelines;

· A definition of the scope and contents of the study, including a description of the assessment methodology;

· A review of the relevant planning and development control framework;

· A review of comments on landscape and visual issues received during previous consultation with the public and/or advisory bodies and how these have been addressed in the design;

· A baseline study providing a comprehensive and accurate description of the baseline landscape and visual character;

· Recommendation of appropriate mitigation measures and associated implementation programmes for both designated and non-designated elements;

· Identification of the potential landscape and visual impacts and prediction of their magnitude and potential significance, before and after the mitigation measures; and

· An assessment of the acceptability or otherwise of the predicted residual impacts, according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the TM-EIA.

All potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures are clearly mapped and illustrated with clear annotation and cross-referencing between text, tables and illustrations. Colour photographs showing baseline conditions, and photomontages and illustrative materials supporting conclusions are provided. The locations of all viewpoints are clearly mapped.

14.2 Environmental Legislation and Guidelines

The following legislation, standards and guidelines are applicable to the evaluation of landscape and visual impacts associated with the construction and operation of the project:

* Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap.499.S.16) and the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process (EIAO TM), particularly Annexes 3, 10, 18, 20 and 21;

* Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines;

* WBTC No. 25/93 - Control of Visual Impact of Slopes;

* WBTC No. 14/2002 - Management and Maintenance of Natural Vegetation and Landscape Works and Tree Preservation;

* WBTC No. 25/92 - Allocation of Space for Urban Street Trees;

* WBTC No. 17/2000 – Improvements to the Appearance of Slopes;

* HyDTC No. 10/2001 – Visibility of Directional Signs;

* WBTC No. 19/98 - The Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures (ACABAS);

* WBTC 17/2000 - Improvement to the Appearance of Slopes;

* WBTC No. 7/2002 - Tree Planting in Public Works;

* EIAO Guidance Note 8/2002 on Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment; and

* Outline Zoning Plans as listed in Section 14.4 below.

In addition, reference has been made to the EIA(DE) Report and ES(NDE) Report of Stage 1.

14.3 Scope and Content of the Study

14.3.1 Limits of the Study Area

The limits of the visual impact studies are the Zones of Visual Influence (ZVIs) of the Works during the construction and operational phases, which are illustrated in Figures 14.26 to 14.33 inclusively.

14.3.2 Assessment Methodology

Landscape and visual impacts have been assessed separately for the construction and operational phases. The assessment of landscape impacts has involved the following procedures:

Identification of the baseline landscape resources (physical and cultural) and landscape character found within the study area. This is achieved by site visit and desk-top study of topographical maps, information databases and photographs.

Assessment of the degree of sensitivity to change of the landscape resources and landscape character. This is influenced by a number of factors including whether the resource/character is common or rare, whether it is considered to be of local, regional, national or global importance, whether there are any statutory or regulatory limitations/ requirements relating to the resource, the quality of the resource/character, the maturity of the resource, and the ability of the resource/character to accommodate change. The sensitivity of each landscape feature and character unit is classified as follows:

· High:	Important landscape or landscape resource of particularly distinctive character or high importance, sensitive to relatively small changes
· Medium:	Landscape or landscape resource of moderately valued landscape characteristics reasonably tolerant to change
· Low:	Landscape or landscape resource, the nature of which is largely tolerant to change

Identification of potential sources of landscape impacts. These are the various elements of the construction works and operational procedures that would generate landscape impacts on individual Landscape Character Areas and Landscape Resources.

Identification of the magnitude of landscape impacts. The magnitude of the impact depends on a number of factors including the physical extent of the impact, the landscape and visual context of the impact, the compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape; and the time-scale of the impact - i.e. whether it is temporary (short, medium or long term), permanent but potentially reversible, or permanent and irreversible. Landscape impacts have been quantified wherever possible. The magnitude of landscape impacts is classified as follows:

Large:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer a major change
Intermediate:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer a moderate change
Small:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer slight or barely perceptible changes
Negligible:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer no discernible change.

Identification of potential landscape mitigation measures. These may take the form of adopting alternative designs or revisions to the basic engineering and architectural design to prevent and/or minimise adverse impacts; remedial measures such as colour and textural treatment of building features; and compensatory measures such as the implementation of landscape design measures (e.g. tree planting, creation of new open space etc) to compensate for unavoidable adverse impacts and to attempt to generate potentially beneficial long term impacts. A programme for the mitigation measures is provided. The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified and their approval-in-principle has been sought.

Prediction of the significance of landscape impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesising the magnitude of the various impacts and the sensitivity of the various landscape resources, it is possible to categorise impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 14.1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely insubstantial, slight, moderate, and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of impact and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of landscape resource/character. The significant thresholds are defined as follows:

Substantial:	Adverse/ beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality
Moderate:	Adverse/ beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality
Slight:	Adverse/ beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality
Insubstantial:	No discernible change in the existing landscape quality

Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts. An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the TM-EIAO. The prediction is made for both designated and non-designated elements of the Works.

Table 14.1 : Relationship between receptor sensitivity and impact magnitude in defining impact significance

Large

Moderate (Slight)*

Moderate /

Substantial

Magnitude of Impact

Intermediate

Slight / Moderate

Moderate

Moderate /

Substantial

Small

Insubstantial / Slight

Slight / Moderate

Moderate (Slight)*

Negligible

Insubstantial

Low

Medium

High

Receptor Sensitivity

(of Landscape Resource, Landscape Character Area or VSR)

*In principle the assessment will be Moderate impact. However in certain circumstances the assessment maybe Slight.

The assessment of visual impacts has involved the following procedures:

Identification of the zones of visual influence during the construction and operational phases of the (project). This is achieved by site visit and desk-top study of topographic maps and photographs, and preparation of cross-sections to determine visibility of the (project) from various locations. Zones of Visual Influence can be defined as the area from within which any part of the development or construction works can be seen.

Identification of the visually sensitive receivers (VSRs) within the ZVIs at construction and operational phases. These are the people who would reside within, work within, play within, or travel through, the ZVIs.

Identification of baseline visual resources. these are key views, viewing corridors/viewing direction and visual character.

Identification of potential sources of visual impacts. These are the various elements of the construction works and operational procedures that would generate visual impacts.

Assessment of the degree of sensitivity to change of the VSRs. Factors considered include:

§ the type of VSRs, classified according to whether the person is at home, at work, at play, or travelling. Those who view the impact from their homes are considered to be highly sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook from their home will have a substantial effect on their perception of the quality and acceptability of their home environment and their general quality of life. Those who view the impact from their workplace are considered to be low as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook will have a less important effect on their perception of their quality of life. Those who view the impact whilst taking part in an outdoor leisure activity may display varying sensitivity depending on the type of leisure activity. Those who view the impact whilst travelling on a public thoroughfare will also display varying sensitivity depending on the speed of travel. But in general terms are deemed to be acceptable.

§ Other factors, which are considered (as required by EIAO GN 8/2002) include the value and quality of existing views, the availability and amenity of alternative views, the duration or frequency of views, and the degree of visibility.

§ Identification of the relative numbers of VSRs. This is expressed in terms of whether there are very few, few, many or very many VSRs in any one category of VSR.

Assessment of potential magnitude of visual impacts. Factors considered include:

§ the compatibility with the surrounding landscape;

§ the duration of the impact;

§ the reversibility of the impact;

§ the scale of the impact and distance of the source of impact from the viewer;

§ the degree of visibility of the impact, and the degree to which the impact dominates the field of vision of the viewer.

Identification of potential visual mitigation measures. These may take the form of adopting alternative designs or revisions to the basic engineering and architectural design to prevent and/or minimise adverse impacts; remedial measures such as colour and textural treatment of building features; and compensatory measures such as the implementation of landscape design measures (e.g. Tree planting, creation of new open space etc) to compensate for unavoidable adverse impacts and to attempt to generate potentially beneficial long term impacts. A programme for the mitigation measures is provided. The agencies responsible for funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified and their approval-in-principle has been sought.

Prediction of the significance of visual impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesizing the magnitude of the various visual impacts and the sensitivity of the VSRs, and the numbers of VSRs that are affected, it is possible to categorise the degree of significance of impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 14.1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely, insubstantial, slight, moderate and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of impact and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of VSRs.

Prediction of acceptability of impacts. An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the TM-EIA and an assessment of the implications of this LVIA for the LVIA presented for stage 1 of the study.

In addition, the following assumption has been made in the assessment:

· It is assumed that funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation proposals can be satisfactorily resolved according to the principles in WBTC 14/2002. All mitigation proposals in this report are practical and achievable within the known parameters of funding, implementation, management and maintenance. The suggested agents for the funding and implementation (and subsequent management and maintenance, if applicable) are indicated in Tables 14.2, 14.3, 14.5 and 14.6. Approval-in-principle to the implementation, management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation measures has been sought from the appropriate authorities.

14.4 Planning and Development Control Framework

A review has been undertaken of the current planning goals and objectives, statutory land-use and landscape planning designations for the study area. The final technical report on the Territorial Development Strategy Review, (1995), sets out the recommended planning and development strategy for the study area.

· The statutory designations for the study area are shown on the following Outline Zoning Plans (OZP's) (see Figures 14.6 to 14.9 inclusively):

· For Package A2, 2A - 3T Lau Fau Shan / Mong Tseng

· Tin Shui Wai OZP - S/TSW/7

· Lau Fau Shan OZP - S/YL-LFS/5

· For Package 2b, 2a - 1t Yuen Long Effluent Pipeline

· Ping Shan OZP - S/YL-PS/9

· Ha Tsuen OZP - S/YL-HT/4

· For Package b, 2A - 2T Ngau Tam Mei / San Wai

· Mai Po and Fairview Park OZP - S/YL-MP/4

· Ngau Tam Mei OZP - S/YL-NTM/8

· San Tin OZP - S/YL-ST/5

· For Package C, 2B - 2T Yuen Long South Branch Sewers

· Tai Tong OZP - S/YL-TT/10

It is considered that the project would be in accord with the planning goals and objectives for the study areas, as set out in the TDSR and the OZP's.

For individual sewage pumping station as proposed under the project, planning permission from the Town Planning Board will be sought as required under relevant OZP whereas the laying of sewage pipes are always permitted. Nevertheless, the project will be carefully designed to minimise any potential adverse impacts on the environment.

14.5 Baseline Study

14.5.1 Physical Landscape Resources and Character Areas

The Baseline Landscape Resources are mapped in Figures 14.10 to 14.13.1 inclusively. . For ease of reference, the Baseline Study has been split into four different sections:

· Package 2A-3T Lau Fau Shan / Mong Tseng Trunk Sewerage

· Package 2A-1T Yuen Long Effluent Pipeline

· Package 2A-2T Ngau Tam Mei/San Wai Trunk Sewerage Phase 1 and 2;

· Stage 2B-2T Yuen Long South Branch Sewers.

Location Plans and Extent of Works are illustrated in Figures 14.1 to 14.1.3 and 14.2 to 14.5 inclusively. Photo views illustrating the landscape resources, visually sensitive receiver's areas and landscape context are illustrated Figures 14.18 to 14.25.1 inclusively. Sensitivity to change of landscape resources is shown in Table 14.4. For ease of cross-reference between text, tables and figures, each key Landscape Resource and Landscape Character Area that may be affected by the works is given an identity number.

14.5.2 Landscape Descriptions

Package 2A - 3T Lau Fau Shan / Mong Tseng Trunk Sewerage

i. Landscape Context

The Sewer alignment lies on the Lau Fau Shan Peninsula, an area of undulating upland rising to a height of around 80 mPD. The Peninsula lies between Deep Bay to the west and what was formerly an area of reed bed and salt marsh, now occupied by the new town of Tin Shui Wai and the Western Channel, a nullah discharging into Deep Bay.

ii. Landcover and Landuse

The uplands of the Peninsula are largely undeveloped and are covered by scrub and grassland. At lower elevations are found villages such as Lau Fau Shan and Mong Tseng, surrounded by largely remnant agriculture, fishponds and woodland. A limited number of lanes and narrow roads connect the villages.

In many areas, agriculture has given way to open storage as the predominant land use, whilst on the eastern side of the Peninsula, a new major road is under construction.

iii. Key Landscape Resources

Key landscape resources within the Study Area of this section of the alignment include:

· roadside amenity planting and trees;

· fish ponds;

· agricultural land (mainly disused); and

· nullah.

iv. Landscape Character

Whilst upland areas retain a largely, undeveloped, remote and tranquil character, the decline of traditional agricultural practice and the incursion of open storage and road infrastructure associated with the Tin Shui Wai area means that lowland areas have a fairly incoherent and degraded rural fringe character. This is particularly true of areas around Lau Fau Shan.

Landscape Character Areas / Areas falling within the Sewer Study Area include:

REF.	LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREA	SENSITIVITY TO CHANGE
LCA1	Mong Tseng Tsuen historic village and environs	Medium
LCA2	Fish ponds at Mong Tseng	High
LCA3	Highways and amenity landscape west of Tin Shui Wai	Low
-	NOT USED	-
-	NOT USED	-
LCA6	Plains and isolated hills west of the nullah	Low
LCA7	Warehousing and factories south of Lau Fau Shan Road	Low
LCA8	Village landscapes north of Lau Fau Shan Road	Medium
LCA9	Warehousing and factories at Lau Fau Shan	Low
LCA10	Low density mixed urban landscape at Lau Fau Shan	Low
LCA11	Fish ponds on Deep Bay Road	High

Package 2A - 1T Yuen Long Sewage Effluent Pipeline (Alternative Scheme)

i. Landscape Context

The Sewer lies on an undulating coastal plain, south of Deep Bay. Most land is low-lying (typically below 20 mPD), but rising to around 60 mPD on low hills. The area lies south of Deep Bay and what was formerly an area of reed bed and salt marsh, now occupied by the new town of Tin Shui Wai. A number of small streams fall from higher ground, whilst the Western Channel is a major nullah discharging into Deep Bay.

ii. Landcover and Landuse

Higher ground and hills are largely undeveloped and are covered by scrub and grassland. On the lowlands are located villages such as San Wai and the new town of Tin Shui Wai, a medium and high-rise development located on land reclaimed from Deep Bay. Lower lying areas consist of largely remnant agriculture (in the south) and extensive areas of fish ponds in the west (except for the industrial estate and sewage treatment works in the far west of the Study Area. A limited number of lanes and tracks connect the villages and fishing communities, except in Tin Shui Wai which is connected to Yuen Long by major highways infrastructure.

A new Main Drainage Channel (MDC) with mitigation plantings at the south west of the alignment will be completed at the time of installation of the pipeline.

iii. Key Landscape Resources

Key landscape resources within the Study Area of this section of the alignment include:

· roadside amenity planting and trees (in and around Tin Shui Wai);

· areas of secondary woodland;

· young plantation woodland;

· scattered trees;

· TDD MDC mitigation plantings;

· extensive areas of fish ponds; and

· agricultural land (mainly disused);

iv. Landscape Character

In the eastern part of the area where fishponds predominate, the landscape has a fairly remote, open and exposed character. The generally intact pattern of landscape features means that the landscape retains a reasonable level of coherence. In Tin Shui Wai, the large scale and high rise buildings of the new town determine landscape character. This creates a fairly uniform landscape pattern of development and highways, which retains little sensitivity to further development. In the west outside the new town, the landscape is characterised by remnant rural features and retains, in part, its traditional landscape pattern of fields, fishponds, dwellings and scattered vegetation, resulting in a fairly coherent and tranquil agrarian landscape.

The following Landscape Resources fall within the study area of the Designated Project Yuen Long Effluent Pipeline:

REF.	LANDSCAPE RESOURCE	SENSITIVITY TO CHANGE	APPROX AREA (M² unless stated otherwise)
LR11	Shan Pui River The river channel is approximately 80m wide and has been channelised with stone embankments. This resource has a medium sensitivity to change	Medium	323571
LR11A	Small trees on site of proposed Yuen Long Effluent Pumping Station The trees within this resource group range in height between 3-5m and are very young, appearing to have been recently planted. Species include Melastoma candidum, Sapium sebiferum and Celtis tetandra. This resource has a medium sensitivity to change.	Medium	2300
LR12	Ponds north and west of Yuen Long Sewage Works This resource is an extensive networks of ponds western side of Shui Pui River. The area is low-lying with few features except the banks separating ponds and the occasion tree on the bank. This resource has a high sensitivity to change.	High	833615
LR12A	Ponds east of Shan Pui River This resource is an extensive networks of ponds on the eastern side of Shui Pui River. The area is low-lying with few features except the banks separating ponds and the occasion tree on the bank. This resource has a high sensitivity to change.	High	290862
LR13	Trees around Yuen Long Sewage Works The trees within this resource group range in height between 4-8m and are well established. Species include Melia azedarach, Macaranga tanarius, and Celtis sinensis. This resource has a medium sensitivity to change.	Medium	24 trees
LR14	Channelised waterway flowing into Shan Pui River The nullah flowing into Shan Pui River is approximately 5m wide with concrete embankments approximately 2m. This resource has a low sensitivity to change	Low	160m (length)
LR14A	Woodland vegetation to the north of Tai Tseng Wai The vegetation in this area is a mix of exotic and native species, consisting of both tree and shrub species. The quality of the vegetation is mixed with areas where it has been disturbed by humans. This resource has a medium sensitivity to change.	Medium	164808
LR15	Street trees in Yuen Long Industrial Estate The trees within this resource group range in height between 4-12m and are well established. Species include Melaleuca leucadendron, Bauhinia sp. and Aleurites moluccana. This resource has a medium sensitivity to change.	Medium	+300 trees
LR16	Fields in Tai Tseng Wai The fields in this area are predominantly abandoned agricultural land with pockets of cultivation within the village area. The land is low lying with few features. This resource has a low sensitivity to change.	Low	19362
LR17	Fields west of Shing Uk Tseun The fields in this area are predominantly abandoned agricultural land with pockets of cultivation. The land is low lying with few features. This resource has a low sensitivity to change.	Low	5758
LR18	Fields east of Tin Shui Wai The fields in this area are predominantly abandoned agricultural land with small isolated ponds. The land is low lying with few features. This resource has a low sensitivity to change.	Low	28057
LR19	Tree belts above Shing Uk Tseun The vegetation in this area is a mix of exotic and native species, consisting of both tree and shrub species. The quality of the vegetation is mixed with areas where it has been disturbed by humans. The higher slopes are predominantly grassland. This resource has a medium sensitivity to change.	Medium	339994
LR19A	Amenity Planting around Residential developments in Tin Shui Wai The planting within the residential developments at Tin Shui Wai consist of large trees, 5-8m in height with a wide variety of species. This resource has a high sensitivity to change.	High	158003
LR19B	Tree Belt east of Tin Shui Wai The vegetation in this area is a mix of exotic and native species, consisting of both tree and shrub species. The height of vegetation ranges between 5-10m and is well established. This resource has a medium sensitivity to change.	Medium	18789
LR19C	Tree Belt adjacent to Tin Shui Wai The trees within this resource group range in height between 4-8m and are well established. Species consist predominantly of Leucaena leucocephala This resource has a medium sensitivity to change.	Medium	13543

Package 2A - 2T Ngau Tam Mei / San Wai Trunk Sewerage

i. Landscape Context

The Sewer alignment lies on the coastal plain, formed by sedimentary deposits, east of Deep Bay. Most land is low-lying (typically below 20 mPD), rising to the granitic uplands to the east. A number of streams fall from these uplands into Deep Bay. Work is nearing completion to construct major drainage channels to take run-off from the Ngau Tam Mei Valley across the plain to Deep Bay. Several abandoned meanders and TDD mitigation plantings are a result of these works.

ii. Landcover and Landuse

Close to the sea, land has historically been reclaimed to create an extensive area of fishponds. In this area lies the extensive low-rise residential development of Fairview Park. Inland, the landscape is more typically rural with the scattered villages, such as Yau Tam Mei, Fan Tin Tsuen, On Lung Tsuen and Mai Po Lo Wai, located on the edge of the coastal plain and in valleys. These areas contain active and disused agricultural land, fishponds as well as scattered factories, open storage areas and military camps, such as Ngau Tam Mei and Cassino Lines. These are interspersed by scattered woodland and trees. Castle Peak Road runs along the edge of the coastal plain, with smaller lanes winding into village's inland.

iii. Key Landscape Resources

Key landscape resources within the Study Area of this section of the alignment include:

· roadside amenity planting and trees (esp. in and around Fairview Park and Castle Peak Road)

· areas of secondary woodland;

· young plantation woodland;

· scattered trees;

· abandoned meanders (resulting from TDD MDC works);

· TDD MDC mitigation plantings;

· extensive areas of fish ponds; and

· agricultural land (mainly disused).

The following Landscape Resources fall within the study area of the Designated Project Yuen Long Effluent PipelineNgau Tam Mei Sewage Pumping Station:

REF.	LANDSCAPE RESOURCE	SENSITIVITY TO CHANGE	APPROX AREA (M²) (unless stated otherwise)
LR30	Street Trees on Castle Peak Road The trees within this resource group range in height between 4-12m and are well established. Species include Eucalyptus sp., Ficus microcarpa and Leucaena leucocephala. This resource has a medium sensitivity to change.	Medium	200m (length) - approx. 200 trees
LR31	Street Trees on San Tin Highway The trees within this resource group range in height between 6-10 metres and are well established. Species include Eucalyptus sp., Macaranga tanarius, Ficus microcarpa and Leucaena leucocephala. This resource has a medium sensitivity to change.	Medium	70m (length) - approx. 50 trees
LR32	Ponds on Castle Peak Road The ponds along Castle Peak Road are a remnant of the original landscape before a lot of the area was drained. The ponds have few features and vegetation is limited to the surrounding banks. This resource has a high sensitivity to change.	High	1244
LR35	MDC under construction between Tam Mei Camp and Kam Tin River The MDC is approximately 40m wide and has been channelised with very linear banks. Planting is proposed for the banks but this is yet to establish. Due to its modified nature the MDC has a low sensitivity to change.	Low	68999
LR36	Ponds beside MDC under construction The ponds adjacent to the MDC are a remnant of the original landscape before a lot of the area was drained. The ponds have few features with vegetation limited to the surrounding banks. This resource has a high sensitivity to change.	High	4823
LR36A	Wooded hillsides behind Wai Tsai The vegetation in this area is a mix of exotic and native species, consisting of both tree and shrub species. The quality of the vegetation is mixed with areas where it has been disturbed by humans. This resource has a medium sensitivity to change.	Medium	39273
LR37	Fields beside MDC under construction The fields are low-lying often with water channels running between plant beds. The character of this resource is open but has been heavily modified with the construction of banks. Areas of abandoned fields also exist within this resource, This resource has a low sensitivity to change.	Low	345419
LR37A	Amenity Planting associated with Palm Springs and Royal Palms The planting within the residential developments at Tin Shui Wai consists of large trees, 5-8m in height with a wide variety of species. This resource has a high sensitivity to change.	High	94604
LR38	Channelised waterway east of Fairview Park This is a narrow drainage channel to the east of Fairview Park. This resource has a low sensitivity to change.	Low	240m (length)

iv. Landscape Character

In the western part of the area where fishponds predominate, the landscape has a fairly remote, open and exposed character, diminished slightly by the presence of Fairview Park and ongoing construction works. The generally intact pattern of landscape features means that the landscape retains a reasonable level of coherence.

In western parts, the landscape is more enclosed, intimate and agrarian, characterised by remnant rural features. It retains, in part, its traditional landscape pattern of fields, fishponds, dwellings and scattered vegetation, resulting in a fairly coherent and tranquil agrarian landscape.

The landscape along Castle Peak Road is influenced to a great extent by this highway and associated features. The presence of factories and storage yards in this area results in a somewhat degraded and incoherent rural fringe character.

Landscape Character Areas falling within the Designated Project Sewer Study Area include:

REF.	LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREA	SENSITIVITY TO CHANGE	Approx Area (m²)
LCA35	Low rise suburban housing estates at Maple Gardens This character area is adjacent to San Tin Highway and is low rise residential. It has a low sensitivity to change.	Low	123594
LCA36	Warehousing and factories east of Palm Springs This character area contains large warehouses and factories adjacent to Deep Bay Road and Palm Springs. It has a low sensitivity to change.	Low	62168
LCA37	MDC landscape between Tam Mei Camp and Kam Tin River This character area contains the newly constructed MDC channel and fields on either side. Some ponds also still exist within this area. The visual dominance of the MDC gives the character area a low sensitivity to change.	Low	529661
LCA38	Palm Springs This character area is a low rise residential development with substantial landscape planting and amenity. It has a high sensitivity to change.	High	96343
LCA39	Fairview Park This character area is a low rise residential development with substantial landscape planting and amenity. It has a high sensitivity to change.	High	5578
LCA40	Chuk Yuen Tseun Village This character is located to the south of the MDC and contains the San Tin Highway and Deep Bay Road. Dwellings are low rise and the character area has a medium sensitivity to change.	Medium	155406
LCA41	Yam Tam Mei Tseun This character area is located to the south of the MDC. Dwellings are low rise and the character area has a medium sensitivity to change.	Medium	81837
LCA41A	Wai Tsai Village Area This character area is located to the north of the MDC on slightly elevated land. Dwellings are low rise and the character area has a medium sensitivity to change.	Medium	71557

Landscape Character Areas falling within the Non-Designated Project Sewer Study Area include:

REF.	LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREA	SENSITIVITY TO CHANGE
LCA28	Military camps at Cassino Line	Low
LCA29	Plains and isolated hills east of Ka Leung Road	Low
LCA30	Historic villages and environs at San Leung Tsuen	High
LCA31	Fish ponds at Tsing Lung Tsuen	High
LCA32	Plains and isolated hills east of Castle Peak Road	Low
LCA33	Fish ponds north of Castle Peak Road	High
LCA34	Village landscape at Mai Po Lo Wai	Medium

Package 2B - 2T Yuen Long South Branch Sewers

i. Landscape Context

The Sewer alignments lie on the floor of a valley formed by granitic uplands at Shap Pat Heung, south of the town of Yuen Long. The valley floor is extensive and low lying (mostly below 20 mPD). Numerous streams run off higher ground to the valley floor where they are collected by a series of nullahs, which discharge into the drainage systems north of Yuen Long.

ii. Landcover and Landuse

The valley floor comprises a typical agrarian Hong Kong landscape of numerous scattered villages set amongst remnant and active agricultural fields, which are broken by scattered trees and woodland. Some villages contain historic features of landscape value, such as ancestral halls and are connected only by narrow roads and lanes, which wind through the countryside. Agriculture has in recent years given way to more intrusive land uses such as open storage and breaking yards. An MDC with associated mitigation plantings is currently under construction and borders several villages and open fields. The construction of the MDC has created several abandoned meanders, which are considered to be landscape resources (LR46A).

iii. Key Landscape Resources

Key landscape resources within the Study Area of this section of the alignment include:

· scattered woodland and secondary vegetation;

· abandoned meanders (resulting from TDD MDC works);

· TDD MDC mitigation plantings;

· agricultural land (active and disused); and

· nullahs.

iv. Landscape Character

Though slightly degraded by more recent land uses, the landscape retains mostly intact its traditional pattern of agrarian features. This results in a rural fringe landscape, which is for the most part intimate, coherent and tranquil in character.

Landscape Character Areas / Areas falling within the Sewer Study Area include:

REF.	LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREA	SENSITIVITY TO CHANGE
LCA42	Historic villages and environs at Shan Ha Tsuen	Medium
LCA43	Plains and isolated hills south of Yuen Long Highway	Low
LCA44	Historic villages and environs north of Shan Ha Tsuen	Low
LCA45	Mixed urban fringe landscapes adjacent to Yuen Long Highway	Low
LCA46	Historic villages and environs at Tin Lau Tsuen and Muk Kiu Tau	Medium
LCA47	Plains and isolated hills west of Kung Um Road	Low
LCA48	Mixed urban fringe landscapes west of Kung Um Road	Low
LCA49	Plains and isolated hills east of Kung Um Road	Low
LCA50	Village landscapes at Pak Sha Tsuen	Medium
LCA51	Mixed urban fringe landscapes west of Pak Sha Tsuen	Low
LCA52	Mixed urban fringe landscapes west of Kung Um Road	Low
LCA53	Lowland valley floor west of nullah	Low
LCA54	MDC landscape between Tai Tong Tsuen and Yuen Long Highway	Low
LCA55	Plains and isolated hills west of Tai Tong Road	Medium
LCA56	Historic villages and environs of Shung Ching San Tsuen, Shui Tsiu Lo Wai and Hung So Tsuen	Medium
LCA57	Mixed urban fringe landscapes east of Tai Shu Ha Road East	Low
LCA58	Village landscapes west of Tai Shu Ha Road East	Medium
LCA59	Plains and isolated hills east of Tai Shu Ha Road East	Low
LCA60	Village landscapes east of Tai Shu Ha Road East	Medium
LCA61	Plains and isolated hills at Yau Cha Po	Low

14.6 Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI)

The ZVI will vary between the construction phase and operational phase. The two ZVI’s are described below.

· Construction Phase

The ZVI for the construction phase is illustrated in Figures 14.26, 14.28, 14.30 & 14.32 respectively. It will extend from the roadway and back to the first line of village housing and / or tree belts set back from the works area. The extent of the zone is therefore variable from 5 m to approx. 300 m back from the works area.

· Operational phase

The ZVI for the operational phase is illustrated in Figures 14.14.27, 14.29, 14.31 & 14.33 respectively and describes the area from which the operational works can be seen.

14.6.1 Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

Table 14.7 lists the key VSRs found within the ZVI’s for the construction and operational phases. For ease of reference, each VSR is given an identity number, which is used in the Table and also in Figures 14.54 to 14.59 inclusively, and which illustrate the residual visual impacts. The VSR's and their sensitivity during construction are listed below.

Package 2A - 3T Lau Fau Shan / Mong Tseng Trunk Sewerage

i. Views

Views from the various VSR's (listed in Table 14.7) are panoramic in rural parts of the study area, with high visual amenity. Due to the variable building densities of the scattered open storage areas, village settlements and high rise residential development of the remaining areas, views of the landscape are often broken and short with moderate to low visual amenity. Views experienced by various VSR's are shown in Figures 14.19, 14.21, 14.23, 14.25 & 14.25.1 respectively.

ii. Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

VSRs within the Study Area of this part of the alignment include:

Residential VSRs

Type. ID of VSR	Key Visual Receiver	Sensitivity
R1	Residents of Mong Tseng Tsuen	High
R2	Residents of Tin Shui Wai east of nullah	High
R3	Residents of Tin Wah Estate	High
R3A	Planned Residents of R(C) zone	High
R4	Residents of Ngau Hom and San Hing Tsuen	High
R5	Residents of Lau Fau Shan	High
R5A	Planned Residents of C/R zone	High

Occupational VSRs

Type. ID of VSR	Key Visual Receiver	Sensitivity
I1	Agricultural workers in fields east of Mong Tseng Tsuen	Low
I2	Workers in open storage between Lau Fau Shan Road and Sha Kong Wai	Low
I3	Workers in open storage south of Lau Fau Shan Road	Low
I4	Workers in open storage east of Deep Bay Road	Low
I5	Workers in open storage west of Deep Bay Road	Low

Travelling VSRs

Type. ID of VSR	Key Visual Receiver	Sensitivity
T1	Travellers on Tin Wah Road between the nullah and Lau Fau Shan Road	Medium
T2	Travellers on Lau Fau Shan Road	Medium
T3	Travellers on Deep Bay Road	Medium

Package 2A - 1T Yuen Long Sewage Effluent Pipeline

i. Views

ii. Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

VSRs within the Study Area of this part of the alignment include:

Residential VSRs

Type. ID of VSR	Key Visual Receiver	Sensitivity
R6	Residents of Ng Uk Tsuen, Tai Tseng Wai and Shing Uk Tsuen north of Fuk Shun Street (including Leon and Jade Courts)	High
R7	Residents of Tai Tseng Wai and Shing Uk Tsuen south of Fuk Shun Street (including Vienna Villa and Carole Garden)	High
R8	Residents of Tin Shui Wai north of Tin Wah Road	High
R9	Residents of Tin Shui Wai south of Tin Wah Road	High

Occupational VSRs

Type. ID of VSR	Key Visual Receiver	Sensitivity
I6	Workers in Yuen Long Industrial Estate	Low
I6.1	Workers in fields and ponds beside Shan Pui River	Low
I7	Agricultural workers in Ng Uk Tsuen	Low
I8	Workers in open storage west of nullah	Low
I9	Workers in open storage between Tseung Kong Wai and Fung Kong Tsuen	Low

Travelling VSRs

Type. ID of VSR	Key Visual Receiver	Sensitivity
T4	Travellers on Wang Lee Street	Medium
T5	Travellers on Fuk Hi Street	Medium
T6	Travellers on Fuk Yan Street	Medium
T7	Travellers on Fuk Shun Street	Medium
T8	Travellers on Tin Wah Road	Medium
T9	Travellers on road between nullah and Ping Ha Road	Medium
T10	Travellers on Ping Ha Road	Medium

Package 2A - 2T Ngau Tam Mei / San Wai Trunk Sewerage

i. Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

VSRs within the Study Area of this part of the alignment include:

ii. Views

Views from the various VSR's (listed in Table 14.7) are panoramic in rural parts of the study area, with high visual amenity. Due to the variable building densities of the scattered open storage areas and village settlements of the remaining areas, views of the landscape are often broken and short with moderate to low visual amenity.

Residential VSRs

Type. ID of VSR	Key Visual Receiver	Sensitivity
R10	Residents of Man Yuen Chuen	High
R11	Residents of Fairview Park	High
R12	Residents of Chuk Yuen Tsuen	High
R13	Residents of Yau Mei San Tsuen	High
R13A	Residents of Palms Springs and Royal Palms	High
R14	Residents of Yau Tam Mei Tsuen	High
R14A	Residents of Villa Camellia and Royal Camellia	High
R15	Residents of Yau Tam Mei San Tsuen	High
R16	Residents of Casa Paradizo	High
R17	Residents of Maple Gardens	High
R18	Residents of Mai Po San Tsuen and Mai Po Lo Wai	High
R19	Residents of San Lung Tsuen / Fan Tin Tsuen	High
R20	Residents west of Ka Lung Road	High

Occupational VSRs

Type. ID of VSR	Key Visual Receiver	Sensitivity
I10	Agricultural workers in Nam Sang Wai	Low
I11	Workers in open storage west of Chuk Yuen Tsuen	Low
I12	Agricultural workers between Fairview Park and Royal palms	Low
I13	Workers in open storage on west side of Castle Peak Road between Mai Po San Tsuen and Royal Palms	Low
I14	Workers in open storage on west side of Castle Peak Road between Mai Po Lo Wai and Tsing Lung Tsuen	Low
I15	Workers in open storage between Castle Peak Road and San Tin Highway	Low
I16	Workers in open storage on Ka Lung Road	Low
I17	Workers in Casino Lines Military Camp	Low

Travelling VSRs

Type. ID of VSR	Key Visual Receiver	Sensitivity
T11	Travellers on Kam Pok Road	Medium
T12	Travellers on Fairview Park Boulevard	Medium
T13	Travellers on Castle Peak Road	Medium
T14	Travellers on San Tin Highway	Medium
T15	Travellers on Kwu Tung Road	Medium
T16	Travellers on Ka Lung Road	Medium

Recreational VSRs

Type. ID of VSR	Key Visual Receiver	Sensitivity
O1	Recreational Users adjacent to Fairview Park	High

Package 2B - 2T Yuen Long South Branch Sewers

i. Views

Views from the various VSR's (listed in Table 14.7) are panoramic in rural parts of the study area, with moderate to high visual amenity. Due to the variable building densities of the scattered open storage areas and village settlements of the remaining areas, views of the landscape are often broken and short with moderate to low visual amenity.

ii. Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

VSRs within the Study Area of this part of the alignment include:

Residential VSRs

Type. ID of VSR	Key Visual Receiver	Sensitivity
R21	Residents of Lam Hau Tsuen	High
R22	Residents of Shan Ha Tsuen	High
R23	Residents of Tin Liu Tsuen on King Um Road East (including Sun Mei Garden and In Keep Garden)	High
R24	Residents of Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen on King Um Road East (including Chun Fat Garden)	High
R25	Residents of Pak Sha Tsuen (including Golden Villa)	High
R26	Residents of Wong Nai Tun Tsuen on King Um Road East	High
R27	Residents of Sham Chung Tsuen facing west	High
R28	Residents of Muk Kiu Tau facing east	High
R29	Residents of Shui Tsiu San Tsuen facing west (including Round Profit Garden)	High
R30	Residents of Tai Tong Tsuen	High
R31	Residents of Sham Chung Tsuen facing Tai Tong Road (including Denon Garden)	High
R32	Residents of Shung Ching San Tsuen facing Tai Tong Road	High
R33	Residents of Shui Tsiu Lo Wai facing Tai Tong Road	High
R34	Residents of Shui Tsiu San Tsuen facing Tai Tong Road (including Chun Wah Villa)	High
R35	Residents of Nam Hang Tsuen facing (including Ka Fat Garden)	High
R36	Residents of Hang Tso Tin Tsuen	High
R37	Residents of Shung Ching San Tsuen facing Tai Shu Ha Road West	High
R38	Residents of Tai Kei Leng	High
R39	Residents of Tong Tau Po Tsuen	High

Occupational VSRs

Type. ID of VSR	Key Visual Receiver	Sensitivity
I18	Workers in agricultural fields between Lam Hau Tsuen and Shan Ha Tsuen	Low
I19	Workers in open storage south of Yuen Long Highway and west of King Um Road	Low
I20	Workers in open storage west of King Um Road	Low
I21	Workers in open storage south east end of King Um Road	Low
I22	Workers in open storage east side of King Um Road	Low
I23	Workers in open storage west of Sham Chung Tsuen	Low
I24	Workers in open storage west of Shui Tsiu San Tsuen	Low
I25	Workers in open storage east of Tai Tong Road	Low
I26	Workers in open storage west of Tai Tong Road	Low
I27	Workers in open storage on Tai Shu Ha Road West	Low

Travelling VSRs

Type. ID of VSR	Key Visual Receiver	Sensitivity
T17	Travellers on King Um Road	Medium
T18	Travellers on Tai Tong Road	Medium
T19	Travellers on Tai Shu Ha Roads East and West	Medium

Other VSRs

Type. ID of VSR	Key Visual Receiver	Sensitivity
W1	Worshippers at Tai Shu Ha Temple	High

14.7 Landscape Impact Assessment

14.7.1 Potential Sources of Impacts

The proposed development would involve:

· excavation of a 6 m wide trench (a vast proportion of which will be in the carriageway), and pipe jacking method when crossing waterways;

· installation and burial of approximately 28.5 km of sewerage pipe (a small length of which is a Designated Element in Package 2A - 1T); and

· construction of 12 No.'s of pumping stations (2 of which are Designated Elements (Yuen Long Effluent Pumping Station and Ngau Tam Mei Sewage Pumping Station)).

The proposed development would create varying levels of impact on the physical landscape resources and landscape character of the surrounding areas during the construction stage. Potential impacts would result from the following:

· site clearance works involving the removal of specified existing vegetation;

· construction of site access;

· excavation works for the installation and burial of the pipe within the road carriageway, footpath, fields, tree belts and pipe jacking method when crossing waterways;

· haulage off-site of excavated materials;

· materials stockpiling;

· importation and storage of construction materials and plant;

· hazard lighting for temporary traffic management;

· the laying down of utilities, including water and power;

· construction of temporary parking and working areas;

· hoarding for protection and screening of building works; and

· construction of pumping stations.

The proposed development would create varying levels of impact on the physical landscape resources and landscape character of the surrounding areas during the operational stage. Potential impacts would result from the following:

· Pumping Stations and associated access ways where necessary.

14.7.2 Nature and Magnitude of Landscape Impacts Before Mitigation in Construction Phase

The magnitude of the impacts, before implementation of mitigation measures, on the landscape resources and landscape character areas that would occur in the construction phase are described below and tabulated in Table 14.4. All impacts are adverse unless otherwise stated.

Tree Belts / Scattered Vegetation

Few tree belts and scattered vegetation will be affected during the course of the construction works if mitigation measures described in Tables 14.2 and 14.5 are adhered to.Landscape Resource LR11A will suffer a permanent loss of 0.23ha of woodland trees (approximately 220 nos.). The trees located around the Yuen Long Sewage Works (LR13) will have a small magnitude of change with 14 of 24 trees being lost in construction phase before mitigation. Within the designated project area, there is approximately 60.7ha of tree belts or scattered vegetation resources. The proposed works will have an impact on approximately 0.7ha of this resource during construction.

Street Trees

There is the potential for the trenching to impact upon a small number of street trees. This may in some cases include disturbance of the roots themselves with machinery. However, in vast majority of cases the trench will be in the carriageway and impacts on the trees will be negligible in magnitude.

Within the designated project areas, over 400 street trees were recorded. The location of the sewage line in the road will result in none of this resource being affected.

Abandoned Meanders

Several abandoned meanders are the result of TDD MDC works (LR35A & LR46A). However, in all cases where this occurs, the trench for pipeline works will be in the service road and there will be no impacts on the meanders.

TDD MDC Mitigation Plantings

TDD mitigation plantings along the recently constructed MDC's will be in place prior to installation of the pipelines. However, in all cases where this occurs, the trench will be in the centre of the service road and impacts on the plantings will be negligible in magnitude. The design of plantings associated with the MDC is still ongoing and DSD has agreed that the design can be adjusted/fine tunedin the detailed design stage so that the YKLTSSD Works do not result in any significant impacts on TDD mitigation plantings along the MDCs after TDD landscape design is completed in the future.

Ponds

The proposed route for the sewerage lines and locations for pumping stations will not affect any ponds.

Within the designated project area there is 113ha of Ponds. None of this resource will be impacted upon during construction.

Cultivation

A small proportion of the pipeline will be installed in cultivated areas during the course of the pipeline installation works (approximately 450 m of Area A2, Package 2A - 1T, whereby the route deviates from the road and passes through approximately 100 m of fields between Fuk Shun Street, Yuen Long and Tin Wah Road, Tin Shui Wai). The affects of the works will be minimised if mitigation measures described in Tables 14.2 and 14.5 are adhered to.

Within the desiginated project areas there is 39.8ha of fields, of which 0.12ha will be impacted upon during construction.

Landscape Character Areas - LCA1 to LCA61

There would be a large magnitude of temporary impact on the landscape character of road corridors during the course of construction works. Similarly, the impact during construction of the pumping stations there would be a large magnitude of temporary impact on the landscape character of rural and village areas, and to a lesser extent, industrial and high rise residential areas.

14.7.3 Nature and Magnitude of Landscape Impacts Before Mitgation in Operation Phase

The magnitude of the impacts, before implementation of mitigation measures, on the Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas that will occur in the operation phase are the same as the permanent and irreversible impacts described above for the construction phase. They are tabulated in Table 14.4. All impacts are adverse unless otherwise stated.

Landscape Resources

All impacts on landscape resources will be insubstantial during the operation period with the exception of LR11A which will suffer a permanent loss of 0.23ha of woodland trees. The trees are not yet well established and will be easily compensated by the planting of 0.40ha adjacent to the proposed Yuen Long Effluent Pumping Station.

Landscape Character Areas - LCA1 to LCA61

The Landscape Character Areas would generally have insubstantial impacts during the operation phase with the exception of Mong Tseng Tsuen historic village and environs (LCA1) which would have moderate adverse impact due to the location of the substation conflicting with the historical character of the village.

14.7.4 Landscape Mitigation Measures

Recommended landscape mitigation measures for impacts caused during the construction and operational phases are described below in Tables 14.2 and 14.3, together with the associated funding, implementation and management and maintenance agencies. All measures are on-site mitigation measures and are illustrated in Figures 14.34 to 14.37.1 inclusively.

Table 14.2: Proposed construction phase landscape mitigation measures

ID No.	Landscape Mitigation Measure	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency
CM1	NOT USED	-	-
CM2	Topsoil (uncontaminated), where identified, should be stripped and stored for re-use in the reinstatement of topography and soft landscape, where practical.	DSD	DSD
CM3	NOT USED	-	-
CM4	NOT USED	-	-
CM5	All existing trees shall be carefully protected during construction. Detailed Tree Protection Specification shall be provided in the Contract Specification. Under this Specification, the Contractor shall be required to submit, for approval, a detailed working methodology for the protection of trees prior to undertaking any works adjacent to all retailed trees.	DSD	DSD
CM6	NOT USED	-	-
CM7	Reinstatement of turf grass cover disturbed during excavation of turfed areas.	DSD	DSD
CM8	NOT USED	-	-
CM9	Transplantation of affected trees to holding nursery with the view to relocation within the immediate vicinity towards the completion of construction works. Approximately 33 nos of affected trees were identified as being able to be successfully transplanted.	DSD	DSD

Table 14.3: Proposed operational phase landscape mitigation measures

ID No.	Landscape Mitigation Measure	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency	Management Agency*	Maintenance Agency*
OM1	Tree planting to compensate for any affected trees. 211 trees of heavy standard size are proposed to be planted as compensation around the proposed pumpinsg stations	DSD	DSD	LCSD or DSD	LCSD
OM2	NOT USED	-	-	-	-
OM5	Compensatory planting of approximately 0.35ha for the loss of 0.23ha of plantation (approximately 220 trees) at YLEPS	DSD	DSD	LCSD or DSD	LCSD
OM6	Application of grass turf to the roof of YLEPS of sewage pumpng stations (0.24ha)	DSD	DSD	DSD	DSD

*Management and Maintenance Agencies are identified as per WBTC 14/2002

Note: If the management and maintenance of the landscape mitigation measures cannot be agreed with other Government Departments the landscape mitigation measures will be the responsibility of the project proponent, DSD.

Programme of Implementation of Landscape Mitigation Measures

The construction phase measures listed above should be adopted from the commencement of construction and should be in place throughout the entire construction period. The operational phase measures listed above should be adopted during the detailed design, and built as part of the construction works so that they are in place at the date of commissioning of the project. However, it should be noted that the full effect of the compensatory plantings, wherever necessary, would not be appreciated for several years.

14.7.5 Prediction of Significance of Landscape Impacts

The potential significance of the landscape impacts during the construction and operational phases, before and after mitigation, are provided below in Table 14.4 and mapped in Figures 14.38 to 14.45.1 inclusively. This assessment follows the methodology outlined in Section 14.3.2 (Assessment Methodology) and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Tables 14.2 and 14.3 above would be implemented.

Construction Phase Residual Impact (Landscape)

In the Construction Phase, after the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, there will still be some adverse residual landscape impacts as described below. These residual landscape impacts in the construction phase are mapped in Figures 14.38, 14.38.1, 14.40, 14.40.1, 14.40.2, 14.42, 14.42.1, 14.42.2, 14.42.3, 14.44 & 14.44.1 respectively and suggested mitigation measures shown in Table 14.2. The following is a summary of the findings in Table 14.4 below:

· Landscape Resources - Tree Belts

After mitigation, and particularly if tree protection measures are adhered to (CM5) and the reinstatement of turf grasses (CM7), residual affects will be insubstantial with the exception of LR19. Tree Belts above Shing Uk Tseun (LR19) will suffer a a slight impact significance before mitigation due to the construction works constituting a small magnitude of change. With mitigation the impact will be reduced to insubstantial.

There will be a slight negative impact upon a small group of young woodland tree species (Melastoma candidum, Sapium sebiferum and Celtis tetandra subsp. Sinensis) on the site of the proposed Yuen Long Effluent Pumping Station (LR11A). As these are very young (only 50 mm dia), they are not a particularly sensitive resource and new planting around the periphery of the pumping station site is proposed as mitigation for them.

The trees located around the Yuen Long Sewage Works (LR13) will have a small magnitude of change during the construction phase before mitigation reducing to insubstantial after mitigation (CM5, CM9, OM1). All other Tree Belt Resources will have insubstantial impact significance before mitigation.

· Landscape Resources - Cultivation

After mitigation, and particularly if boundaries, soil and soil erosion measures are adhered to (CM2 &), residual affects will be insignificant for all Cultivation resources with the exception of Fields east of Shan Ha Tseun (LR42) which will have a small magnitude of change constituting a slight adverse impact before mitigation. With mitigation the residual impact will be insubstantial.

· Landscape Resources - Trees along Roads

After mitigation, particularly maintaining a minimum of 2 m distance between the trees and trench excavation (CM6), and proper tree protection and working methodologies are adopted (CM5), residual affects will be insubstantial for all Trees along the Road Resources.

· Landscape Resources - Abandoned Meanders

Several abandoned meanders will result from TDD MDC works (LR35A & LR46A). However, in all cases where this occurs, the trench for pipeline works will be in the service road and there will be no impacts on the meanders.

· Landscape Resources - TDD MDC Mitigation Plantings (22CD, 29CD, 113CD)

TDD mitigation plantings along recently constructed MDC's will be in place prior to installation of the pipelines. However, in all cases where this occurs, the trench will be in the centre of the service road and impacts on the plantings will be negligible in magnitude. The design of plantings associated with the MDC is ongoing and TDD has agreed that the design will be amended so that the Works do not result in any significant impacts on their plantings.

· Landscape Character - LCA1 to LCA61

The impacts upon landscape character in the construction phase will be insubstantial in all areas except the villages of Mong Tseng Tsuen (LCA1), Yuen Long Industrial Estate (LCA13), San Leung Tsuen (LCA30), MDC Landscape between Tam Mei Camp and Kam Tin River (LCA37), Shan Ha Tsuen (LCA42), Historic villages and environs at Tin Lau Tseun and Muk Kiu Tau (LCA46), and Villages Landscapes at Pak Sha Tsuen (LCA50) where residual impacts will be slight to moderate, as identified in Table 14.4. This is due to the moderate to high landscape amenityof these areas, their high sensitivity to change and the fact that in these areas, construction works will contrast unfavourably with existing rural landscape qualities. The residual landscape impacts in the construction phase are mapped in Figures 14.46, 14.48, 14.49 and 14.52 respectively.

Operational Phase Residual Impact (Landscape)

In the Operational Phase, after the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, there will be no adverse residual landscape impacts, as identified in Table 14.4 and mapped in Figures 14.39, 14.39.1, 14.41, 14.41.1, 14.41.2, 14.43, 14.43.1, 14.43.2, 14.43.3, 14.45 & 14.45.1 respectively and suggested mitigation measures shown in Table 14.3.

· Landscape Resources - Tree Belts

Residual significance will be largely insubstantial following mitigation if tree replacement and transplanting is adopted (OM1) and all levels and turf grasses are reinstated to existing conditions. However, even with mitigation measures in place, residual impacts for LR19 will be insubstantial due to the significant loss of trees and maturity of canopy cover.

· Landscape Resources - Trees along Roads

If a minimum of 2 m from the centre of the trees from trench excavation is maintained and if proper tree protection and working methodologies are adopted (OM1), the residual significance will be insubstantial.

· Landscape Resources - Cultivation

There will be no affects upon cultivated areas during the operational phase.

· Landscape Character - LCA1 to LCA61

Following implementation of the proposed mitigation measures (OM1), the impacts on landscape character after mitigation will be insubstantial in most areas except where limited opportunities for mitigation have resulted in a commensurately increased significance of impact. This is due to the fact that the only visible evidence of the works will be the pumping stations and the affects of these will be mitigated to a certain extent by plantings and finishes to the structures. However, due to their close proximity to the operation, Historic villages and environs at San Leung Tsuen (LCA30), and MDC Landscape Tam Mei Camp and Kam Tin River (LCA37) will retain a slight residual impact at Year 10. In the case of the former, the new structure will contrast with existing older buildings whilst in the latter, the size of the building will represent a significant change to the landscape. These are indicated in Table 14.4 and mapped in Figures 14.47, 14.49, 14.51 and 14.53 respectively.

Table 14.4: Significance of residual landscape impacts in construction and operational phases (adverse impacts unless otherwise stated)

Table 14.4	Landscape Resource / Landscape Character	Package	Sensitivity to Change (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Change (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance Threshold BEFORE Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance Threshold AFTER Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
ID. No.										Construction	Operation
			Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation			DAY 1	YEAR 10
Part 1 - Physical Landscape Resources (Topography, Vegetation, Drainage, Soil, Open Space, Special Features, etc)
LR1	Fields in Mong Tseng Tsuen	2A-3T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR2	Ponds in Mong Tseng Tsuen	2A-3T	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3	Tree belt between road beside nullah and ponds	2A-3T	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR4	Trees on nullah banks	2A-3T	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR5	Nullah	2A-3T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR5A	Tree amenity Planting adjacent to Tin Wah Road	2A-1T	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR5B	Amenity planting in the medium strip in Tin Wah Road	2A-1T	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR6	Street trees on Tin Wah Road	2A-3T	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR7	Street trees on Lau Fau Shan Road	2A-3T	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR8	Fields beside Lau Fau Shan Road	2A-3T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR9	Street trees on Deep Bay Road	2A-3T	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR10	Channelised waterway on Deep Bay Road	2A-3T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR11	Shan Pui River (32ha)	2A-1T	Medium	Medium	Negligible (0ha loss)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR11A	Small trees on site of proposed Yuen Long Effluent Pumping Station (0.23ha(220 trees))	2A-1T	Medium	Medium	Small (loss of 0.23ha, 220 trees felled)	Small	Slight	Slight	CM5, CM9 OM1	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR12	Ponds north and west of to Yuen Long Sewage works (82ha)	2A-1T	High	High	Negligible (No Impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR12A	Ponds east of Shan Pui River (29ha)	2A-1T	High	High	Negligible (No Impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR13	Trees around Yuen Long Sewage works (24 trees)	2A-1T	Medium	Medium	Small (14 to be felled)	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR14	Channelised waterway flowing into Shan Pui River (6.8km long)	2A-1T	Low	Low	Negligible (No impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR14A	Woodland Vegetation to the north of Tai Tseng Wai (16.4ha)	2A-1T	Medium	Medium	Negligible (No impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR15	Street trees in Yuen Long Industrial Estate (approx. 300 trees)	2A-1T	Medium	Medium	Negligible (No impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR16	Fields in Tai Tseng Wai (1.9ha)	2A-1T	Low	Low	Small (0.06ha loss)	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM7	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR17	Fields west of Shing Uk Tsuen (4.6ha)	2A-1T	Low	Low	Small (0.04ha loss)	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM7	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR18	Fields east of Tin Shui Wai (2.8ha)	2A-1T	Low	Low	Small (0.02ha, 10 trees)	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM7	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR19	Tree belts above Shing Uk Tsuen (33ha)	2A-1T	Medium	Medium	Small (0.6ha, 75 trees)	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR19A	Amenity Planting around residential developments in Tin Shui Wai (15.8ha)	2A-1T	High	High	Negligible (No impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR19B	Tree Belt east of Tin Shui Wai (1.8ha)	2A-1T	Medium	Medium	Negligible (No impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR19C	Tree Belt adjacent to Tin Shui Wai (1.4ha)	2A-1T	Medium	Medium	Negligible (No impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR20	Street trees on Tin Ying Road	2A-1T	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR21	Pond west of Ting Ying Road	2A-1T	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR22	Street trees between Ping Ha Road and nullah	2A-1T	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR23	Tree belt south west of Ping Ha Road	2A-1T	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR24	Tree belts on Ka Lung Road	2A-2T	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR25	Fields west of Ka Lung Road	2A-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR26	Street trees on Ka Lung Road	2A-2T	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR27	Street trees on Kwu Tung Road	2A-2T	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR28	Tree belts on Castle Peak Road	2A-2T	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR29	Street trees on road to Fan Kam Tsuen	2A-2T	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR30	Street trees on Castle Peak Road (approx. 50 trees)	2A-2T	Medium	Medium	Negligible (No impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR31	Street trees on San Tin Highway (approx. 200 trees)	2A-2T	Medium	Medium	Negligible (No impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR32	Ponds on Castle Peak Road (0.12ha)	2A-2T	High	High	Negligible (No impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR33	Channelised waterways on Castle Peak Road	2A-2T	Low	Low	Negligible (No impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR34	Fields beside Castle Peak Road	2A-2T	Low	Low	Negligible (No impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR35	MDC under construction between Tam Mei Camp and Kam Tin River (6.9ha)	2A-2T	Low	Low	Negligible (No impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR35A	Abandoned meanders adjacent to newly constructed MDC	2A-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR36	Ponds beside MDC under construction (0.48ha)	2A-2T	High	High	Negligible (No impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR36A	Wooded Hillside behind Wai Tsai (3.9ha)	2A-2T	Medium	Medium	Negligible (No impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR37	Fields beside MDC under construction (34.5ha)	2A-2T	Low	Low	Negligible (No impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR37A	Amenity Planting associated with Palm Springs and Royal Palms (9.4ha)	2A-2T	High	High	Negligible (No impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR38	Channelised waterway east of Fairview Park (240m in length)	2A-2T	Low	Low	Negligible (No impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR39	Channelised waterways running into MDC under construction	2A-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR40	Street Trees along Yuen Long highway	2B-2T	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR41	Tin Tsuen Channel east of Shan Ha Tsuen	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR42	Fields east of Shan Ha Tsuen	2B-2T	Medium	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR43	Fields along Kung Um Road	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR44	Nullah along Kung Um Road	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR45	Street trees along Kung Um Road	2B-2T	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR46	MDC under construction between Sham Chung Tsuen and Tai Tong Tsuen	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR46A	Abandoned meanders adjacent to newly constructed MDC	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR47	Fields along MDC under construction	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR48	Trees along MDC under construction	2B-2T	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR49	Fields beside Tai Tong Road	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR50	Street trees along Tai Tong Road	2B-2T	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR51	Nullah between Tai Shu Ha Roads East & West	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR52	Fields along Tai Shu Ha Roads East & West	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Part 2 -Landscape Character Areas
LCA1	Mong Tseng Tsuen historic village and environs	2A-3T	Medium	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LCA2	Fish ponds at Mong Tseng	2A-3T	High	High	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	OM1, OM6	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA3	Highways and amenity landscape west of Tin Shui Wai	2A-3T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA4	Shui Pui River and Ponds (61.9ha)	2A-1T	High	High-	Negligible (No Impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA5	Hill Area north of Tai Tsuen Wai (13.2ha)	2A-1T	High	High	Negligible(No Impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA6	Plains and isolated hills west of the nullah	2A-3T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA7	Warehousing and factories south of Lau Fau Shan Road	2A-3T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA8	Village landscapes north of Lau Fau Shan Road	2A-3T	Medium	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA9	Warehousing and factories at Lau Fau Shan	2A-3T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA10	Low density mixed urban landscape at Lau Fau Shan	2A-3T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA11	Fish ponds on Deep Bay Road	2A-3T	High	High	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA12	Fish ponds north of Yuen Long Industrial Estate (88.8ha)	2A-1T	High	High	Small (1.04ha)	Small (0.5ha)	Moderate	Slight	CM2, CM5, CM9, OM1, OM6	Moderate	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA13	Yuen Long Industrial Estate (66.6ha))	2A-1T	Low	Low	Small (0.9ha)	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA14	Historic mixed urban landscape at Tai Tsuen Wai (13ha)	2A-1T	High	High	Negligible (No Impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA15	Village landscape at Shing Uk Tsuen (11.7ha)	2A-1T	Medium	Medium	Small (0.72ha)	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA16	Fish ponds west of Shing Uk Tsuen (7.5ha)	2A-1T	High	High	Small (No Impact)	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA17	Plains and isolated hills at Wang Chau Reservoir (4.6ha)	2A-1T	Medium	Medium	Small (0.3ha)	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA18	Mixed urban fringe landscape below Wang Chau Reservoir (29ha)	2A-1T	Low	Low	Small (0.36ha)	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA19	Future development area northeast of Tin Shui Wai (27.9ha)	2A-1T	High	High	Small (0.72ha)	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM7, CM9, OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA20	High rise housing estates at Tin Shui Wai either side of Tin Wah Road (25.4ha)	2A-1T	Low	Low	Negligible (No Impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA21	Warehousing and factories west of Tin Shui Wai	2A-1T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA22	Plains and isolated hills at Tung Tau Tsuen	2A-1T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA23	Fields, villages and MDC	2A-1T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA24	NOT USED	2A-1T	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
LCA25	Chu Wong Ling Hill Area	2A-1T	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA26	Open storage area to the west of Yuen Long Industrial Area	2A-1T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA27	Kai Shan Upland Area (33.3ha)	2A-1T	High	High	Small (0.6ha)	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA28	Military camps at Cassino Line	2A-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA29	Plains and isolated hills east of Ka Leung Road	2A-2T	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA30	Historic villages and environs at San Leung Tsuen	2A-2T	High	High	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LCA31	Fish ponds at Tsing Lung Tsuen	2A-2T	High	High	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA32	Plains and isolated hills east of Castle Peak Road	2A-2T	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA33	Fish ponds north of Castle Peak Road	2A-2T	High	High	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA34	Village landscape at Mai Po Lo Wai	2A-2T	Medium	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA35	Low rise suburban housing estates at Maple Gardens (12.4ha)	2A-2T	Low	Low	Negligible (No Impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA36	Warehousing and factories east of Palm Springs (6.2ha)	2A-2T	Low	Low	Negligible (No Impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA37 (53ha)	MDC landscape between Tam Mei Camp and Kam Tin River	2A-2T	Low	Low	Small (0.2ha)	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Slight	Slight	Slight
LCA38 (9.6ha)	Palm Springs	2A-2T	High	High	Negligible (No Impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA39 (0.5ha)	Fairview Park	2A-2T	High	High	Negligible (No Impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA40 (15.5ha)	Chuk Yuen Tsuen Village	2A-2T	Medium	Medium	Negligible (No Impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA41 (8.2ha)	Yam Tam Mei Tsuen	2A-2T	Medium	Medium	Negligible (No Impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA41A (7.2ha)	Wai Tsai Village Area	2A-2T	Medium	Medium	Negligible (No Impact)	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA42	Historic villages and environs at Shan Ha Tsuen	2B-2T	Medium	Medium	Small	Intermediate	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LCA43	Plains and isolated hills south of Yuen Long Highway	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA44	Historic villages and environs north of Shan Ha Tsuen	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA45	Mixed urban fringe landscapes adjacent to Yuen Long Highway	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA46	Historic villages and environs at Tin Lau Tsuen and Muk Kiu Tau	2B-2T	Medium	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LCA47	Plains and isolated hills west of Kung Um Road	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA48	Mixed urban fringe landscapes west of Kung Um Road	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA49	Plains and isolated hills east of Kung Um Road	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA50	Village landscapes at Pak Sha Tsuen	2B-2T	Medium	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA51	Mixed urban fringe landscapes west of Pak Sha Tsuen	2B-2T	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA52	Mixed urban fringe landscapes west of Kung Um Road	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA53	Lowland valley floor west of nullah	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA54	MDC landscape between Tai Tong Tsuen and Yuen Long Highway	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA55	Plains and isolated hills west of Tai Tong Road	2B-2T	Medium	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA56	Historic villages and environs of Shung Ching San Tsuen, Shui Tsiu Lo Wai and Hung So Tsuen	2B-2T	Medium	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA57	Mixed urban fringe landscapes east of Tai Shu Ha Road East	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA58	Village landscapes west of Tai Shu Ha Road East	2B-2T	Medium	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA59	Plains and isolated hills east of Tai Shu Ha Road East	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA60	Village landscapes east of Tai Shu Ha Road East	2B-2T	Medium	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM2, CM5, CM9 OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA61	Plains and isolated hills at Yau Cha Po	2B-2T	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

Table 14.7: Significance of visual impacts in the construction and operational phases (Note: all impacts adverse unless otherwise noted)

Table 14.7	Package	Key Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Degree of Visibility (Full, partial, glimpse)	Minimum Distance Between VSR and Source(s) of Impact (M)	Magnitude of Impact (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Receptor Sensitivity & Number (Low, Medium, High) (Very Few, Few, Many, Very Many)		Impact Significance before Mitigation Measures (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Residual Impact Significance Day 1 after Mitigation Measures (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Residual Impact Significance 10 years after Mitigation Measures (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
Type ID. of VSR		Key Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Degree of Visibility (Full, partial, glimpse)
					Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Operation
R1	2a-3t	Residents Of Mong Tseng Tsuen	Full	20	Large	Large	High Very Few	High Very Few	Substantial	Substantial	Substantial	Moderate	Slight
R2	2a-3t	Residents Of Tin Shui Wai East Of Nullah	Partial - Full	100	Negligible	No Impact	High Very Many	High Very Many	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R3	2a-3t	Residents Of Tin Wah Estate	Glimpse	150	Negligible	No Impact	High Few	High Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R3A	2a-3T	Planned Residents of R(C) zone	Full	20	Small	Small	High Very Few	High Very Few	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R4	2a-3t	Residents Of Ngau Hom And San Hing Tsuen	Partial - Full	30	Small	No Impact	High Very Few	High Very Few	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R5	2a-3t	Residents Of Lau Fau Shan	Partial - Full	50	Small	Negligible	High Very Few	High Very Few	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R5A	2a-3T	Planned Residents of C/R zone	Full	20	Small	No Impact	High Very Few	High Very Few	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R6	2a-1t	Residents Of Ng Uk Tsuen, Tai Tseng Wai And Shing Uk Tsuen North Of Fuk Shun Street	Partial - Full	20	Small	No Impact	High Very Few	High Very Few	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R7	2a-1t	Residents Of Tai Tseng Wai And Shing Uk Tsuen South Of Fuk Shun Street	Partial - Full	20	Small	No Impact	High Very Few	High Very Few	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R8	2a-1t	Residents Of Tin Shui Wai North Of Tin Wah Road	Partial - Full	40	Negligible	No Impact	High Very Many	High Very Many	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R9	2a-1t	Residents Of Tin Shui Wai South Of Tin Wah Road	Partial - Full	40	Negligible	No Impact	High Very Many	High Very Many	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R10	2a-2t	Residents Of Man Yuen Chuen	Glimpse	30	Negligible	No Impact	High Very Few	High Very Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R11	2a-2t	Residents Of Fairview Park	Glimpse	150	Negligible	Negligible	High Very Few	-High Very Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R12	2a-2t	Residents Of Chuk Yuen Tsuen	Glimpse	100	Negligible	Negligible	High Very Few	High Very Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R13	2a-2t	Residents Of Yau Mei San Tsuen	Partial - Full	60	Small	Negligible	High Very Few	High Very Few	Slight	Insubstantial	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R13A	2a-2t	Residents of Palm Springs and Royal Palms	Partial-Full	400	Small	Negligible	High, Many	High, Many	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R14	2a-2t	Residents Of Yau Tam Mei Tsuen	Partial - Full	30	Small	Small	High Very Few	High Very Few	Moderate	Slight	Slight	Slight	Slight
R14A	2a-2t	Residents of Villa Camellia and Royal Palms	Partial - Full	120	Small	Negligible	High, Few	High, Few	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R15	2a-2t	Residents Of Yau Tam Mei San Tsuen	Partial - Full	100	Small	Small	High Very Few	High Very Few	Moderate	Slight	Slight	Slight	Slight
R16	2a-2t	Residents Of Casa Paradizo	Partial - Full	50	Small	No Impact	High Very Few	High Very Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R17	2a-2t	Residents Of Maple Gardens	Partial - Full	100	Small	No Impact	High Very Few	High Very Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R18	2a-2t	Residents Of Mai Po San Tsuen And Mai Po Lo Wai	Partial - Full	30	Small	No Impact	High Very Few	High Very Few	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R19	2a-2t	Residents Of San Lung Tsuen / Fan Tin Tsuen	Partial - Full	10	Large	Large	High Very Few	High Very Few	Substantial	Substantial	Substantial	Moderate	Slight
R20	2a-2t	Residents West Of Ka Lung Road	Partial - Full	40	Small	No Impact	High Very Few	High Very Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R21	2b-2t	Residents Of Lam Hau Tsuen	Partial	200	Small	No Impact	High Very Few	High Very Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R22	2b-2t	Residents Of Shan Ha Tsuen	Partial - Full	10	Intermediate	Small	High Very Few	High Very Few	Moderate	Moderate	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
R23	2b-2t	Residents Of Tin Liu Tsuen On King Um Road East	Partial - Full	40	Small	Negligible	High Few	High Few	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R24	2b-2t	Residents Of Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen On King Um Road East	Partial - Full	30	Small	Negligible	High Few	High Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R25	2b-2t	Residents Of Pak Sha Tsuen	Partial - Full	40	Small	Negligible	High Few	High Few	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R26	2b-2t	Residents Of Wong Nai Tun Tsuen On King Um Road East	Partial - Full	20	Small	No Impact	High Few	High Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R27	2b-2t	Residents Of Sham Chung Tsuen Facing West	Partial - Full	30	Small	No Impact	High Very Few	High Very Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R28	2b-2t	Residents Of Muk Kiu Tau Facing East	Partial - Full	50	Small	Negligible	High Very Few	High Very Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R29	2b-2t	Residents Of Shui Tsiu San Tsuen Facing West	Partial - Full	30	Small	Negligible	High Very Few	High Very Few	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R30	2b-2t	Residents Of Tai Tong Tsuen	Partial - Full	30	Small	No Impact	High Very Few	High Very Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R31	2b-2t	Residents Of Sham Chung Tsuen Facing Tai Tong Road	Partial - Full	30	Small	No Impact	High Few	High Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R32	2b-2t	Residents Of Shung Ching San Tsuen Facing Tai Tong Road	Partial - Full	30	Small	No Impact	High Few	High Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R33	2b-2t	Residents Of Shui Tsiu Lo Wai Facing Tai Tong Road	Partial - Full	30	Small	Negligible	High Few	High Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R34	2b-2t	Residents Of Shui Tsiu San Tsuen Facing Tai Tong Road	Partial - Full	30	Small	No Impact	High Few	High Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R35	2b-2t	Residents Of Nam Hang Tsuen Facing	Partial - Full	30	Small	No Impact	High Few	High Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R36	2b-2t	Residents Of Hang Tso Tin Tsuen	Partial - Full	30	Small	No Impact	High Few	High Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
R37	2b-2t	Residents Of Shung Ching San Tsuen Facing Tai Shu Ha Road West	Partial - Full	30	Small	Negligible	High Few	High Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R38	2b-2t	Residents Of Tai Kei Leng	Partial - Full	30	Small	Negligible	High Few	High Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R39	2b-2t	Residents Of Tong Tau Po Tsuen	Partial - Full	30	Small	Negligible	High Few	High Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
I1	2a-3t	Agricultural Workers In Fields East Of Mong Tseng Tsuen	Partial - Full	20	Small	No Impact	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
I2	2a-3t	Workers In Open Storage Between Lau Fau Shan Road And Sha Kong Wai	Glimpse	40	Negligible	No Impact	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
I3	2a-3t	Workers In Open Storage South Of Lau Fau Shan Road	Glimpse	40	Negligible	No Impact	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
I4	2a-3t	Workers In Open Storage East Of Deep Bay Road	Glimpse	30	Negligible	Negligible	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
I5	2a-3t	Workers In Open Storage West Of Deep Bay Road	Glimpse	10	Small	Small	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
I6	2a-1t	Workers In Yuen Long Industrial Estate	Partial	20	Negligible	No Impact	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
I6.1	2a-1t	Workers In Fields And Ponds Beside Shan Pui River	Full	20	Small	Small	Low, very few	Low, Very Few	Slight	Slight	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
I7	2a-1t	Agricultural Workers In Ng Uk Tsuen	Partial	30	Negligible	No Impact	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
I8	2a-1t	Workers In Open Storage West Of Nullah	Glimpse	30	Negligible	No Impact	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
I9	2a-1t	Workers In Open Storage Between Tseung Kong Wai And Fung Kong Tsuen	Glimpse	10	Negligible	No Impact	Low Few	Low Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
I10	2a-2t	Agricultural Workers In Nam Sang Wai	Glimpse	30	Negligible	No Impact	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
I11	2a-2t	Workers In Open Storage West Of Chuk Yuen Tsuen	Partial - Full	20	Negligible	No Impact	Low Few	Low Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
I12	2a-2t	Agricultural Workers Between Fairview Park And Royal Palms	Partial - Full	20	Negligible	Negligible	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
I13	2a-2t	Workers In Open Storage On West Side Of Castle Peak Road Between Mai Po San Tsuen And Royal Palms	Partial - Full	30	Negligible	No Impact	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
I14	2a-2t	Workers In Open Storage On West Side Of Castle Peak Road Between Mai Po Lo Wai And Tsing Lung Tsuen	Partial - Full	30	Negligible	Negligible	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
I15	2a-2t	Workers In Open Storage Between Castle Peak Road And San Tin Highway	Partial - Full	30	Negligible	Negligible	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
I16	2a-2t	Workers In Open Storage On Ka Lung Road	Partial - Full	30	Negligible	No Impact	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
I17	2a-2t	Workers In Casino Lines Military Camp	Partial - Full	30	Negligible	No Impact	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
I18	2b-2t	Workers In Agricultural Fields Between Lam Hau Tsuen And Shan Ha Tsuen	Full	10	Small	No Impact	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
I19	2b-2t	Workers In Open Storage South Of Yuen Long Highway And West Of King Um Road	Partial - Full	30	Negligible	No Impact	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
I20	2b-2t	Workers In Open Storage West Of King Um Road	Partial - Full	30	Negligible	Negligible	Low Few	Low Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
I21	2b-2t	Workers In Open Storage South East End Of King Um Road	Partial - Full	30	Negligible	No Impact	Low Few	Low Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
I22	2b-2t	Workers In Open Storage East Side Of King Um Road	Partial - Full	30	Negligible	Negligible	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
I23	2b-2t	Workers In Open Storage West Of Sham Chung Tsuen	Partial - Full	30	Negligible	No Impact	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
I24	2b-2t	Workers In Open Storage West Of Shui Tsiu San Tsuen	Partial - Full	30	Negligible	Negligible	Low Very Few	Low Very Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
I25	2b-2t	Workers In Open Storage East Of Tai Tong Road	Partial - Full	30	Negligible	Negligible	Low Few	Low Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
I26	2b-2t	Workers In Open Storage West Of Tai Tong Road	Partial - Full	30	Negligible	Negligible	Low Few	Low Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
I27	2b-2t	Workers In Open Storage On Tai Shu Ha Road West	Partial - Full	30	Negligible	No Impact	Low Few	Low Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
T1	2a-3t	Travellers On Tin Wah Road Between The Nullah And Lau Fau Shan Road	Full	5	Small	No Impact	Medium Many	Medium Many	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
T2	2a-3t	Travellers On Lau Fau Shan Road	Full	5	Small	No Impact	Medium Many	Medium Many	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
T3	2a-3t	Travellers On Deep Bay Road	Full	5	Small	Negligible	Medium Many	Medium Many	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T4	2a-1t	Travellers On Wang Lee Street	Full	5	Small	No Impact	Medium Few	Medium Few	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	-	-
T5	2a-1t	Travellers On Fuk Hi Street	Full	5	Small	No Impact	Medium Few	Medium Few	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
T6	2a-1t	Travellers On Fuk Yan Street	Full	5	Small	No Impact	Medium Few	Medium Few	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
T7	2a-1t	Travellers On Fuk Shun Street	Full	5	Small	No Impact	Medium Few	Medium Few	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
T8	2a-1t	Travellers On Tin Wah Road	Full	5	Small	No Impact	Medium Few	Medium Few	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
T9	2a-1t	Travellers On Road Between Nullah And Ping Ha Road	Full	5	Small	No Impact	Medium Few	Medium, Few	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
T10	2a-1t	Travellers On Ping Ha Road	Full	5	Small	No Impact	Medium Few	Medium Many	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
T11	2a-2t	Travellers On Kam Pok Road	Full	5	Small	No Impact	Medium Few	Medium Many	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
T12	2a-2t	Travellers On Fairview Park Boulevard	Full	5	Small	No Impact	Medium Few	Medium Many	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
T13	2a-2t	Travellers On Castle Peak Road	Full	5	Small	Negligible	Medium Many	Medium Many	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T14	2a-2t	Travellers On San Tin Highway	Glimpse	5	Small	Negligible	Medium Many	Medium Many	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T15	2a-2t	Travellers On Kwu Tung Road	Full	5	Small	No Impact	Medium Few	Medium Few	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
T16	2a-2t	Travellers On Ka Lung Road	Full	5	Small	No Impact	Medium Few	Medium Few	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-
T17	2b-2t	Travellers On King Um Road	Full	5	Small	Negligible	Medium Many	Medium Many	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T18	2b-2t	Travellers On Tai Tong Road	Full	5	Small	Negligible	Medium Many	Medium Many	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T19	2b-2t	Travellers On Tai Shu Ha Roads East And West	Full	5	Small	Negligible	Medium Many	Medium Many	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
W1	2b-2t	Worshippers At Tai Shu Ha Temple	Partial - Full	20	Intermediate	Small	Medium Few	Medium Few	Moderate	Slight	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
O1	2a-2t	Recreational Users adjacent to Fairview Park	Partial - Full	75	Small	No Impact	High Very Few	High, very few	Slight	-	Insubstantial	-	-

ID No.	Visual Mitigation Measure	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency	Management Agency*	Maintenance Agency*
OM3	Sensitive architectural design to the pumping stations and perimeter fences should be implemented to reduce their visual impact and make them compatible with the surrounding rural environment. This is to include the use of dark brown clay tiles to provide texture and pattern to building surfaces as well as helping to minimize any visual impact. This treatment is shown in Figures 14.60 to 14.63 inclusively.	DSD	DSD	DSD	EMSD
OM4	Soft landscape works around the pumping stations will include multi-layered trees and shrubs to screen and enhance. Wherever possible, they will be continuous with nearby street trees and amenity plantings.	DSD	DSD	LCSD and DSD	LCSD