Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

9. LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

9.1 Introduction

9.1.1 The objective of this Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) report is to identify the existing and proposed landscape elements and the visual quality within the limits of the primary visual envelope of the study area (Figure 9.1) and provide an evaluation of the impact on the landscape and visual aspects due to the proposed improvement works with engineered drainage channel and other associated works (the Project). Alternative alignment options of the Project are discussed in detail in Section 2.4. The assessment will cover the landscape and visual impact on the surrounding with stage of the life cycle through out the Project.

9.1.2 It will address the main concerns from the visual and landscape point of view to derive mitigation measure to minimize the landscape and visual impact due to the Project.

9.2 Legislation

9.2.1 The assessment of the landscape and visual impact due to the proposed Project has been carried out all in accordance with the criteria and methodology in Annexes 10 and 18 of the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process (EIAO-TM) issued under the EIAO (Cap.499).

9.2.2 The HKPSG (Chapter 10 – Landscape and Conservation) outlines the criteria, which should be considered when planning in the rural environment; the Government Circular regarding tree preservation ETWB TC(W) No. 3/2006 – Tree Preservation is also applied to this assessment.

9.2.3 In addition, the following guidelines and technical circulars have been considered in the landscape and visual assessment:

(i) EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2002 – Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment under the EIAO;

(ii) WBTC No. 17/2000 – Improvement to the Appearance of Slopes;

(iii) ETWB TC(W) No. 2/2004 – Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features;

(iv) ETWB TC(W) No. 29/2004 – Registration of Old and Valuable Trees, and Guidelines for their Preservation;

(v) Technical Guidelines on Landscape Treatment and Bio-Engineering of Man-made Slope and Retaining Walls (GEO Publication No. 1/2000); and

(vi) Use of Vegetation as Surface Protection on Slope (GEO 1999).

9.3 Assessment Methodology

9.3.1 The methodology adopted for the proposed Project conforms to the requirements of the EIAO. A robust methodology will be derived for the LVIA to meet the requirements of the EIA Study Brief and the EIAO-TM. It consists of:

· A definition of the scope and contents of the proposed works;

· Review of Planning Development Control Framework;

· A comprehensive description of the baseline landscape and visual character;

· Identification of the potential landscape and visual impacts and prediction of its magnitude and extent of impact;

· Recommendations on mitigation measures; and

· Assessment of residual impact and conclusion.

Scope and Contents

9.3.2 In setting the scope of the landscape and visual impact assessment for proposed development, the following aspects will be considered:

· Site description;

· Proposed development;

· Level of details required for baseline studies;

· Key viewpoints to be covered;

· System to be used for judging significance of impact;

· Other development if cumulative impacts are to be assessed;

· Impact assessment; and

· Recommended mitigation measures.

Key Issues to be Addressed

9.3.3 The assessment identifies the impacts of the proposed Project, upon the character of that landscape and upon the visual amenity of that area. The surrounding area has its distinctive character and its own landscape value. The alteration of the existing landscape elements, such as tree belt would be vulnerable to the existing landscape character. The study area is exposed to view thus lead to the loss of visual quality on the surrounding. Mitigation measure should be addressed to compensate on the loss of visual quality due to the proposed Project.

9.3.4 Key issues relating to landscape impact of the Project will include:

· Impacts upon the landscape character within the study area; and

· Impacts upon the proposed landscaping in the study area from the surrounding area.

9.3.5 Key issues relating to the visual impact of the Project will include:

· Impact upon sensitive receivers due to the proposed improvement works during the construction stage and operation stage; and

· Interference of views due to the proposed improvement works.

Baseline Study

9.3.6 The baseline study will present an appraisal of the landscape and visual resources of the study area. It will focus on the sensitivity of the landscape and visual impact on the visual receiver and its ability to accommodate change. Under the EIA Study Brief, the study area defines for the Landscape Impact Assessment is approximately 500 meters from the proposed works site boundary. A visual envelop defines the area for the Visual Impact Assessment. This is generally the view shed formed by natural/manmade feature such as tree line and building block.

9.3.7 Landscape resources considered include topography, woodland, and other vegetation, built form, settlement pattern, land use, scenic spots and details of local streetscapes. The baseline study described the landscape resource by identifying broadly homogenous Landscape Character Units (LCUs) of a similar character, they are rated on the quality of element, their sensitivity to change and its importance at various geographical level.

9.3.8 Visual resources considered are typical viewpoints located and direct towards the Project. A visual envelop will establish which define the extent of visual influence of the Project and the potential visual impacts. Definition of the extent of the view shed formed by natural / man-made feature, such as ridgeline or building blocks, will be based on desktop study and site investigation. As the topography of the site area is situated within a lower ground level, the zone of visual influence is expected to be limited within the immediate surrounding area. Sensitive Visual Receivers (SVRs) identified in this assessment are representative in that individual or groups that have a similar sensitivity to changes in the visual and landscape environment.

Review of the Planning and Development Control Framework

9.3.9 A review of the planning and development control framework has been undertaken to provide an insight to the future outlook of the area affected and the way the proposed development would fit into its wider context. This will also give further insight into possible future sensitive receiver that might be affected by the proposed improvement works.

Principle View Point

9.3.10 Viewpoint from area surrounding the study area will be established and examined. They are representation of the specific type of SVRs subject to the impact covered by proposed improvement works.

Methodology for Assessment of Landscape and Visual Impact

Landscape Impact

9.3.11 Landscape impacts can be positive or negative. They are assessed at two levels:

· Impacts upon individual landscape features and resources; and

· Impacts upon landscape character.

9.3.12 Landscape impacts are assessed as a function of the magnitude of change and the sensitivity of the landscape resource or landscape character. Landscape sensitivity is assessed as high, medium and low, and magnitude of change is assessed as large, intermediate, small and negligible. Landscape impacts are assessed subsequent to the implementation of prescribed mitigation measures at both construction and operational stages.

· Landscape sensitivity is the ability of the landscape resource or character to accommodate change without prejudice to the quality of that resource.

· Magnitude of change is the degree of degradation or intrusion on the landscape element on which it may be possible to affect through landscape or environment enhancement.

9.3.13 Impacts are assessed as substantial, moderate and slight (positive or negative). Insignificant impacts are termed negligible. A matrix is used to assess landscape impacts and is shown in the Table below:

Landscape Impact Characteristic (Positive or Negative)

Magnitude of Change	Sensitivity of Landscape Resource / Character
Magnitude of Change	High	Medium	Low
Large	Substantial	Substantial / Moderate	Moderate
Intermediate	Substantial / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Slight
Small	Moderate	Moderate / Slight	Slight
Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible

Substantial - Adverse / Beneficial impact where the proposed project would cause significant degradation or improvement in existing landscape baseline conditions.

Moderate - Adverse / Beneficial impact where the proposed project would cause noticeable degradation or improvement in existing landscape baseline conditions.

Slight - Adverse / Beneficial impact where the proposed project would cause a barely noticeable degradation or improvement in existing landscape conditions or where the changes brought about by the project would not be apparent in visual terms.

Negligible - The proposed project does not perceptibly affect the existing landscape baseline conditions.

Visual Impact

9.3.14 Visual impacts can be positive or negative and are defined as a function of the sensitivity of a receiver and the magnitude of the change to that receiver’s existing view.

9.3.15 The assessment of visual impacts is structured by receiver sensitivity. Sensitive Visual Receivers (SVRs) are identified through the definition of the structure’s Zone of Visual Influence or ZVI (i.e. the area within which views of the study area are possible). For the purpose of this study, receivers have been grouped into the following categories:

Residential - Those people who would view the proposal from their home.

Occupational - Those people who would view the proposal from their workplace.

Travelers - Those people who would view the proposal from their vehicles or on foot.

Recreational - Those people who would view the proposal whilst engaging in recreational activities.

9.3.16 The sensitivity of receivers to visual impacts is influenced by the immediate context of the viewer, the activity in which they are engaged and the value that they attach to this location in particular. Receivers are categorized as being of high, medium or low sensitivity to visual impacts.

9.3.17 Those who view the proposal from their homes are considered to be highly sensitive to any visual intrusion. This is because the attractiveness, or otherwise, of the view would have a notable effect on a resident’s general quality of life and acceptability of their home environment.

9.3.18 Those people who view the scheme from their workplace are considered relatively less sensitive to visual intrusion. This is because they are employed in activities where visual outlook plays a less important role in the perception of the quality of the working environment. They are classified as a low sensitivity group.

9.3.19 For those who view the scheme whilst engaging in outdoor leisure pursuits, visual sensitivity varies depending on the type of recreational activity. Those taking a stroll in a park, for example, would be classified as a high sensitivity group compared to football players who would have a low sensitivity rating.

9.3.20 For those people who view the scheme from public thoroughfares, the degree of visual intrusion experienced depends on the speed of travel and whether views are continuous or only occasional. Generally, the slower the speed of travel and the more continuous the viewing experience, then the greater the degree of sensitivity.

9.3.21 The criteria used to determine the sensitivity of SVRs are given below:

· Value and quality of existing views;

· Type of view;

· Availability and amenity of alternative views;

· The number of visual receivers;

· The category or type of visual receivers as discussed above;

· The particular visual backdrop from specific viewpoints;

· The frequency (length and duration of time) the proposed development is in view; and

· Distance to the project.

9.3.22 The criteria used to determine the magnitude of change to a view are given below:

· Proximity of receivers;

· Degree of change of views;

· The particular visual backdrop to the development from specific important view points;

· The landscape context of the proposed development;

· The nature of the proposed development and its compatibility with the surrounding landscape;

· Scale of development;

· Reversibility of change;

· Potential blockage of view; and

· Duration of impacts under construction and operation phase.

9.3.23 Impacts are assessed as substantial, moderate and slight. Insubstantial impacts are termed negligible. A matrix is used to assess visual impacts and is shown in Table below:

Visual Impact Characteristic (Positive or Negative)

Magnitude of Change	Sensitivity of Receiver Group
Magnitude of Change	High	Medium	Low
Large	Substantial	Substantial / Moderate	Moderate
Intermediate	Substantial / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Slight
Small	Moderate	Moderate / Slight	Slight
Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible

Substantial - Adverse / Beneficial impact where the proposed project would cause significant degradation or improvement in existing visual baseline conditions.

Moderate - Adverse / Beneficial impact where the proposed project would cause noticeable degradation or improvement in existing visual baseline conditions.

Slight - Adverse / Beneficial impact where the proposed project would cause a barely noticeable degradation or improvement in existing visual conditions or where the changes brought about by the project would not be apparent in visual terms.

Negligible - The proposed project does not perceptibly affect the existing visual baseline conditions

Recommendation for Mitigation Measure

9.3.24 Alternative alignment, design and construction method that would avoid or reduce the identified impacts on landscape, or that would make the project visually more compatible with the surrounding setting will be examined. The identification of the landscape and visual impact will highlight those sources of conflict requiring design solutions or modification to reduce impacts and absorb the improvement and associated activities into the surrounding landscape. These mitigation efforts will consider factors as listed below and will derive landscape mitigation proposals to alleviate the identified landscape and visual impact.

· Woodland, tree and shrub planting to new or disturbed slopes, amenity strips, highway reservations and adjacent to any proposed structures;

· Contouring of new slopes to blend with existing topography in a natural manner;

· Earth mounding and screening;

· Highlighting unacceptable impacts and considering alternative proposals;

· Hard landscape elements including design and appearance of proposed facility; and

· Significant landscape elements.

Residual Landscape and Visual Impact

9.3.25 Residual impact is defined as the impact remaining after all practical methods of mitigation have been implemented. The final stage of the LVIA study is to assess the significance of the residual impacts. The impacts will be classified according to their level of significance as summarized below:

· Beneficial - the project will complement the landscape and visual character of its setting, will follow the relevant planning objectives and will improvement the landscape and visual quality of the study area.

· Acceptable - the assessment indicates that there will be no significant effects on the landscape, no significant visual effects caused by the appearance of the project, or no interference with key views.

· Acceptable with mitigation measure - there will be some adverse effects; these can be eliminated, reduced or offset to a large extent by specific measures.

· Unacceptable - the adverse effects are considered too excessive and are unable to mitigate practically.

· Undetermined - significant adverse effects are likely, but the extent to which they may occur or may be mitigated cannot be determined from the study. Further detailed study will be required for the specific effects in question.

9.4 Existing Site Condition

9.4.1 The Project is located at the south of Lau Fau Shan, partially running within the heart of Hung Hau Tsuen between the shore of Deep Bay and Deep Bay Road. The aerial photograph of the subject site is shown in Figure 9.2. To the south is Yuen Tau Shan, Tin Shui Wai Town Centre is located to the east with Deep Bay to the northwest of site. The site for the proposed improvement works will sits on a natural muddy-bottomed stream course and portion of squatter huts constructed on stilts.

Landscape and Visual Context in the Study Area

9.4.2 The landscape elements and visual context in the immediate vicinity has been characterized by a number of contrasting features as illustrated in Figure 9.3.

9.4.3 The subject site is situated along the watercourse of Hang Hau Tsuen stream, bounded by the shore of Deep Bay to the west and Deep Bay Road to the east. Orientated in east to west direction, abandoned farmland, fishponds and scattered buildings occupy the area around the east portion of the site. Towards the west portion of the site, squatter huts largely occupy immediate areas along the banks of the stream. Further towards the mouth of the stream entering to Deep Bay, large mangrove cover is found along the mudflats of the stream. Apart from the extensive backdrop of large open storage of containers to the distance east of the site, the visual context is mainly man-made rural character in a natural setting, which consists of concrete channel stream among the building area to natural stream bed toward the Deep Bay area; and extensive container storage to the east to huts constructed on stilts along the banks.

Woodland / Vegetated Area

9.4.4 A wooded hill slope is located at the south of the site. It is mature woodland that forms a green pleasant backdrop on views to the south. Other vegetated area are found mainly along roadsides, in villages and in amenity area surrounding the study area with vegetated mangrove characterize the mouth of Hang Hau Tsuen stream entering Deep Bay.

Residential / Settlement Area

9.4.5 Settlement area are located at the distance east, north and south of the study area in Hang Hau Tsuen, village houses of 1 to 3 stories high are located on both sides of the stream which stretch and collects to Lau Fau Shan, Deep Bay Grove and Sha Kong Tsuen located along the shore of Deep Bay. San Hing Tsuen is located of the distance east of site bounded by Lau Fau Shan Road. Due to the topography of the area is generally flat, with the site located at a lower ground level, distance open view to the site from the surrounding area is limited.

Open Container Storage Area

9.4.6 The open container storage areas are located at the east to south of the study area. The landscape context of this area is in great contrast with the natural setting of the surrounding landscape. The extent and bulkiness of the containers have a substantial visual intrusion on the surrounding.

Fish Pond

9.4.7 Fishponds are found at the immediate north and south of the site. The ponds vary in size and shape. All of the ponds have been abandoned and not maintained. Nevertheless, the overgrown vegetation on the bunds of the ponds forms a pleasant view to the receptors.

Coastal Area

9.4.8 Deep Bay is located to the west of the study area. The coastal land along this area is generally taken up by shellfish farming. The estuary along Deep Bay area is colonized by mangrove.

Agricultural Land

9.4.9 Agricultural land is mainly composed of croplands and orchards. Most of the croplands were abandoned and dominated by grasses and weeds, while a few pockets were actively farmed and mainly grown with vegetables.

9.5 Description of the Proposed Development

9.5.1 The Project is intended to alleviate the flooding problem in the area by converting the existing Hang Hau Tsuen stream between Deep Bay and Deep Bay Road into an engineered channel. The proposed project works comprise:

(i) training of Hang Hau Tsuen stream including construction of a drainage channel of 370 m in length connecting the downstream ends of Fung Kong Tsuen Channel and San Hing Tsuen Channel to Deep Bay;

(ii) construction of a 25 m long triple-cell box culvert of 5.5 m (W) x 3 m (H) beneath the Deep Bay Road and 4 nos. of footbridges across the channel;

(iii) provision of an access road of 3.5 m in width with passing bays along the northern bank of the channel, a 3.5 m in width maintenance access along the southern bank of the channel and footpaths of 2 m in width on both sides of the channel and ancillary works such as retaining walls, drainage and water works as well as associated landscaping works; and

(iv) a viewing point and car park at the downstream end of the channel.

Life Cycle of the Proposed Development

9.5.2 The life cycle of this work can be divided into the construction stage and operational stage.

9.6 Baseline Study

Background

9.6.1 The baseline study will present an appraisal of the landscape and visual resources of the assessment area. It will focus on the sensitivity of the landscape and visual impact on the visual receiver and its ability to accommodate change.

Baseline Landscape Resources

9.6.2 In accordance with the EIA Study Brief, Landscape Character Units (LCUs) and Landscape Elements (LEs) have been identified within 500 m from the site boundary. Their results are described in Table 9.1 for Landscape Elements and Table 9.2 for Landscape Character Units. These to include the followings:

LEs

· LE1 - Woodland (Approx. 12 ha)

- Existing wooded area comprises the predominantly wooded hillsides around the site.

· LE2 - Existing Vehicle Corridor (Approx. 1.25 ha)

- Existing linear structure for vehicle of Deep Bay Road, Lau Fau Shan Road and other minor roads.

· LE3 - Residential/Settlement area (Approx. 16 ha)

- Existing residential areas and village settlement at Hang Hau Tsuen, Lau Fau Shan, Sha Kong Tsuen and Deep Bay Grove, as well as market stores, shops, small temple and school within Lau Fau Shan.

· LE4 - Open Storage (Approx. 27.2 ha)

- Existing large open storage area and workshop buildings within Lau Fau Shan.

· LE5 - Stream course (Approx. 0.78 ha)

- Man-made and natural stream course within the study area.

· LE6 - Fish Pond (Approx. 1 ha)

- Existing abandoned fishpond around the subject site.

· LE7 - Open Water (Approx. 37 ha)

- Deep Bay at the west of the subject site

· LE8 - Agricultural Land (Approx. 7.6 ha)

- Existing abandoned and a few active agricultural field and orchards within the study area.

· LE9 - Scrubland/Grassland and Roadside Planting (Approx. 9 ha)

- Existing green area comprises the predominantly roadside planting, scrubland and grassland within the study area.

LCUs

· LCU1 - Upland and Hillside

- Existing green area comprises the predominantly of hillside plantation area, woodland, roadside planting, scrubland and fresh water body.

· LCU2 - Transport Corridor

- Existing linear structure for vehicle of Deep Bay Road, Lau Fau Shan Road and other minor roads.

· LCU3 - Village and Settlement

- Existing residential and settlement area at Hang Hau Tsuen, Lau Fau Shan, San Hing Tsuen, Sha Kong Tsuen and residential development of Deep Bay Grove.

· LCU4 - Industrial / Utility

- Existing large open container storage area, warehouse and workshop building within Lau Fau Shan area.

· LCU5 - Coastal Area

- Mudflats of mangrove and shellfish farming along the shoreline of Deep Bay.

Table 9.1

Landscape Elements (LEs)

Landscape Elements
LE	Type	Description	Sensitivity to Change
LE1	Woodland Quantity: Medium	Existing wooded area comprise the predominantly wooded hillsides around the site	Medium
LE2	Vehicle Corridor Quantity: Low	Existing linear structure for vehicle of Deep Bay Road, Lau Fau Shan Road and other minor roads	Low
LE3	Residential/Settlement area Quantity: Medium	Existing residential areas and villages settlement at Hang Hau Tsuen, Lau Fau Shan, Sha Kong Tsuen and Deep Bay Grove, as well as market stores, shops, small temple and school within Lau Fau Shan	Low
LE4	Open Storage Quantity: Large	Existing large open storage area and workshop buildings within Lau Fau Shan.	Low
LE5	Stream Course Quantity: Low	Man-made and natural stream course within the study area	Medium
LE6	Fish Pond Quantity: Low	Existing abandon fish pond around the subject site	Medium
LE7	Open Water (Deep Bay) Quantity: Large	Deep Bay at the west of the subject site	High
LE8	Agricultural Land Quantity: Medium	Existing abandoned and a few active agricultural land within the study area	Low
LE9	Scrubland/Grassland and Roadside Planting Quantity: Medium	Existing green area comprises the predominantly roadside planting, scrubland and grassland within the study area.	Medium

Table 9.2

Landscape Character Units (LCUs)

Landscape Character Units
LCU	Name	Description	Quality / Sensitivity to Change
LCU1	Upland and Hillside	Existing green area comprises the predominantly of hillside plantation area, woodland, roadside planting, scrubland and fresh water body	Medium/Medium
LCU2	Transport Corridor	Existing linear structure for vehicle of Deep Bay Road, Lau Fau Shan Road and other minor roads	Medium/Low
LCU3	Village and Settlement	Existing residential and settlement area houses at Hang Hau Tsuen, Lau Fau Shan, San Hing Tsuen, Sha Kong Tsuen and residential development of Deep Bay Grove	Medium/Low
LCU4	Industrial / Utility	Existing large open container storage area, warehouse and workshop building within Lau Fau Shan area	Low/Low
LCU5	Coastal Area	Mudflats of mangrove and shell fish farming along the shoreline of Deep Bay	High/High

9.6.3 A tree survey has been carried out and the extent of existing trees in conflict with the improvement works was assessed in the Tree Survey Report. The location of trees surveyed is shown on Figure 9.16. Information from the Tree Survey Report is summarized below:

(i) There are in total 14 tree species found at the location within the site boundary of the proposed improvement works. The most abundant tree species are Celtis sinensis (16 nos.) and Macaranga tanarius (16 nos.), they are common native woodland trees of height from 4 m to 12 m, trunk diameter from 0.12 m to 0.85 m and a spread from 4 m to 12 m.

(ii) Bauhinia purpurea (5 nos.) usually planted for amenity purpose, another amenity trees Cassia surattensis (1 nos.) are exotic species of height from 5 m to 8 m, trunk diameter from 0.15 m to 0.3 m and spread from 5 m to 8 m.

(iii) Delonix regia (2 nos.) and Albizia lebbek (1 no.) are exotic ornamental tree species of height from 6m to 10m, trunk diameter from 0.27 m to 1.0 m and spread from 6 m to 15 m.

(iv) Many native woodland trees are found of height from 3 m to 10 m, trunk diameter from 0.12 m to 1.0 m and spread from 3 m to 7 m, they are Melia azedarach (3 nos.), Ficus microparpa (2 nos.), Morus alba (2 nos.), Bridelia tomentosa (1 no.) and Sapium sebiferum (1 no.).

(v) Several common fruit tree species of height from 4 m to 6 m, trunk diameter from 0.1 m to 0.15 m and spread from 3 m to 4 m are found in residential area, Dimocarpus longan (1 no.), Mangifera indica (1 no.) and Clausena lansium (1 no.).

(vi) Trees surveyed have good to poor tree form and health with medium to low amenity value and survival rate after transplanting.

(vii) No trees in the Study Area are registered as Old and Valuable Trees (OVTs) under ETWB TC(W) No. 29/2004 or are considered potentially registrable as OVTs.

(viii) Based on the layout of the development, the proposed treatment to the existing trees are as follows:

· Existing trees survey on site 53 nos.

· No. of trees proposed for retention 27 nos.

· No. of trees proposed for transplant 10 nos.

· No. of trees proposed for felling 16 nos.

(ix) 26 existing trees within the works area will be affected by the proposed improvement works. Of which 10 nos. of trees will be transplanted as they have relatively higher survival rate after transplanting and better tree form and health. Transplant trees include Celtis sinensis (5 nos.), Bauhinia purpurea (3 nos.), Albizia lebbek (1 no.) and Ficus microparpa (1 no.).

(x) The remaining trees, Macaranga tanarius (5 nos.), Celtis sinensis (2 nos.), Melia azedarach (3 nos.), Morus alba (1 no.), Sapium sebiferum (1 no.), Bauhinia purpurea (1 no.), Bridelia tomentosa (1 no.), Cassia surattensis (1 no.) and Delonix regia (1 no.), have low survival rate after transplanting, poor tree form and health and/or are in conflict with the proposed Project design, these trees are proposed to be felled with compensatory tree planting.

Baseline Visual Resources

9.6.4 In accordance with the study methodology, Sensitive Visual Receivers (SVRs) within the visual envelope were identified and grouped into types as shown in Table 9.3. The visual resources closely relate to the landscape character units. These units vary from traffic corridor, residential development to woodland.

9.6.5 A visual envelope has been mapped to determine SVRs. Key views from and towards the proposed Project are shown in Figure 9.5 and described as below.

Key Views toward the Proposed Development

*- Figure 9.6*	View South from Hang Hau Tsuen
*- Figure 9.7*	View South from Hang Hau Tsuen
*- Figure 9.8*	View Southeast from Hang Hau Tsuen
*- Figure 9.9*	View North from Hang Hau Tsuen
*- Figure 9.10*	View Southwest from Deep Bay Grove
*- Figure 9.11*	View North from Deep Bay Road
*- Figure 9.12*	View Northwest from Wing Jan Kindergarten
*- Figure 9.13*	View Northwest from Hang Hau Tsuen Sitting-Out Area

9.6.6 Details of the SVRs are listed in Table 9.3.

Source of Landscape Impact

9.8.2 The source of construction landscape impact will include:

· The removal of existing vegetation;

· The construction works of principle site formation works for the drainage channel and associated works;

· Designation of temporary site area for storage, plant cabins and associated site equipment; and

· Temporary construction arrangement that affect access to adjacent area.

Prediction and Evaluation of Landscape Impact during Construction

9.8.3 A landscape impact is a physical change to an existing landscape resource. Any loss or alteration can be assessed and re-provisioned or compensated by landscape mitigation measures. The landscape impact in the construction stage will have a moderate to slight negative impact upon the landscape character units and landscape element of the study area by the construction of the drainage channel. A summary of the disturbance to the LCUs is shown in Table 9.4 and to the LEs in Table 9.5. The potential landscape impact is quantified in Tables 9.4 and 9.5. The levels of the landscape impact on individual LCUs and LEs at construction stage have been stated in Tables 9.6 and 9.7 respectively.

LCU1 – Upland and Hillside

9.8.4 The site formation and construction of the proposed channel will affect the hillside plantation, scrubland and water stream / pond character of the upland area. As the proposed channel will largely sit on the existing Hang Hau Tsuen stream, the magnitude of change would be Intermediate during construction and the impact would be Moderate adverse.

LCU2 – Transport Corridor

9.8.5 No work is carried out within this LCU, therefore the magnitude of change is Negligible and the impact is also Negligible.

LCU3 – Village and Settlement

9.8.6 The construction of the proposed channel will affect a few of the village houses, inducing small magnitude of change. However, since the sensitivity is Low, the impact would be Slight adverse during construction.

LCU4 – Industrial / Utility

9.8.7 No work is carried out within this LCU, therefore the magnitude of change is Negligible and the impact is also Negligible.

LCU5 – Coastal Area

9.8.8 No work is carried out within this LCU, therefore the magnitude of change is Negligible and the impact is also Negligible.

LE1 - Woodland

9.8.9 No work is carried out within the LE, therefore the magnitude of change is Negligible and the impact is also Negligible.

LE2 – Existing Vehicle Corridor

9.8.10 No work is carried out within the LE, therefore the magnitude of change is Negligible and the impact is also Negligible.

LE3 – Residential / Settlement Area

9.8.11 The site formation works of the proposed channel will affect a few of the village structures near the edge of the stream, causing a disturbance of approximately 0.19 ha. The magnitude of change is Small inducing a Slight adverse during construction.

LE4 – Open Storage

9.8.12 No work is carried out within the LE, therefore the magnitude of change is Negligible and the impact is also Negligible.

LE5 – Stream Course

9.8.13 The proposed channel will largely sit on the existing course affecting approximately 0.32 ha. The magnitude of change during construction would be Intermediate inducing a Moderate adverse impact.

LE6 – Fish Pond

9.8.14 The site formation works of the proposed channel will affect approximately 0.08 ha of the fishpond edge. For the formation of the approximately 5 m high flood bank, the affected pond edge will be filled with soil to form the eventual vegetated embankment. Therefore, the magnitude of change would be Small inducing a Moderate adverse impact during construction.

LE7 – Open Water (Deep Bay)

9.8.15 No work is carried out within the LE, therefore the magnitude of change is Negligible and the impact is also Negligible.

LE8 – Agricultural Land

9.8.16 No work is carried out within the LE, therefore the magnitude of change is Negligible and the impact is also Negligible.

LE9 – Scrubland/Grassland and Roadside Planting

9.8.17 The proposed works will affect approximately 1.18 ha of vegetated stream banks area and some mangrove area. This will involve the removal the existing tree and shrub vegetations for the site formation work and construction of the channel and associated improvement works. The magnitude of change during construction would be Intermediate, inducing a Moderate adverse impact.

Source of Visual Impact

9.8.18 The elements of the proposed development would create varying levels of visual impact on the visual amenity of the surrounding area during construction stage. Potential impact would result from the followings:

· Removal of existing vegetation within the site;

· Storage of existing topsoil and reinstatement works;

· Possible glares generated from the area flood light at night;

· Material stockpiling;

· Construction equipment and plants; and

· Temporary parking area on site, accommodation and working areas.

Prediction and Evaluation of Visual Impacts during Construction

9.8.19 It is considered that SVRs located close to the construction works will receive a substantial to moderate negative visual impact. On this basis, SVRs in the following location as illustrated in Table 9.8 would be worst affected during the construction stage.

SVR1 (VPT 1.1)

9.8.20 This group of visual receptors is the residents from the Hang Hau Tsuen, which is located mainly on the north bank of the stream with a few residents located at the southwest side of the stream. The village houses are generally packed in tight cluster facing each other, with most of the building found to be derelict. The residents located along the stream banks just outside the subject site area will have an open or partially open view to the subject site. Due to the limited number of visual receptor and would consider that exterior view plays an important part of their normal life, thus the visual impact caused during construction stage is considered as substantial adverse.

SVR2 (VPT 2.1)

9.8.21 This group of visual receptors is the passengers and pedestrians traveling along Deep Bay Road. At a few advantage locations along this relatively quiet road, the visual receptors have an open view to the site. This group of visual receptors is mainly transit in nature and the time to pass through this section of road is relatively short, thus the visual impact is considered as slight adverse during construction stage.

SVR3 (VPT 3.1)

9.8.22 This group of visual receptors is the teachers and pupil of Wing Jan Kindergarten to the southeast of site. Located on a higher ground level not screened by immediate vegetation, this group of visual receptors has open view of the site. The visual impact is considered as moderate adverse during the construction stage.

SVR4 (VPT 4.1)

9.8.23 This group of visual receptors is the visitors to the Hang Hau Tsuen Sitting-Out Area to the southeast of the subject site. Apart from a few immediate screen trees, these visual receptors have an open view of the site. Due to the sitting-out area is very small with limited visitors and expected short staying time, the visual impact caused is considered as moderate adverse during the construction stage.

9.8.24 Slight to negligible visual impact will be felt by SVRs located in the distance of the subject site.

SVR1 (VPT 1.2)

9.8.25 This group of visual receptors is the residents from Deep Bay Grove to the north of the site. The view towards the site is largely screened by the existing tree and vegetation between the subject site and Deep Bay Grove. This group of visual receptors have no view of the proposed works. Thus, the visual impact is considered as negligible during construction stage.

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment during Operational Stage

Background

9.8.26 The proposed improvement works is to alleviate the flooding problem in the area by converting the existing stream into an engineered channel. The new drainage channel, footbridges and footpaths will intrude into the local landscape context. Once the improvement work is put into operation, it will not result in any further perceptible change to the existing landscape and visual character.

Prediction and Evaluation of Landscape Impact during Operation

9.8.27 During operational stage, it is anticipated that the magnitude of change from the baseline condition will be small. Apart from LCU1, LE3, LE5, LE6 and LE9 will experience a moderate to slight adverse landscape impact due to the lost of existing tree and vegetation, residential area and disturbance to the stream and fish pond, no change is predicted to the other LCUs and LEs. A summary of landscape impact during operation is given in Tables 9.6 and 9.7.

Prediction and Evaluation of Visual Impact during Operation

9.8.28 On completion of construction and during operation of proposed development, no perceptible change to views from SVRs in the baseline condition is predicted other than the cumulative impact to the VPT1.1, VPT2.1, VPT3.1 and VPT4.1. A summary of visual impact during operation is given in Table 9.8.

SVR 1 (VPT 1.1)

9.8.29 A few residents at Hang Hau Tsuen will have direct view of the site and the completed drainage channel. With the completion of the construction works, there will not be a critical change to the view. With the implementation of mitigation measure, the upgraded channel and associated footpaths will be a more pleasant environment with amenity planting along both sides. Compare to the somewhat unhygienic state of the existing stream view, the residual visual impact caused by the proposed development on this group of visual receptors is considered as moderately beneficial. Photomontages of views from north of Hang Hau Tsuen towards the proposed Project are shown in Figures 9.20 to 9.22.

SVR 2 (VPT 2.1)

9.8.30 This group of passengers and pedestrian along Deep Bay Road will have view of the upgrade channel. Due to the time to pass through this section of road is short, the visual impact caused during operation stage is considered slight adverse with the incorporation of the proposed mitigation measure of landscape treatment, the residual visual impact is considered slightly beneficial.

SVR 3 (VPT 3.1)

9.8.31 This group of teachers and pupil will have view of the upgraded channel. With the incorporation of proposed mitigation measure of landscape treatments the visual impact caused to this group of visual receptors during operation stage is considered slightly beneficial. Photomontages of views from Wing Jan Kindergarten towards the proposed Project are shown in Figures 9.17 to 9.19.

SVR 4 (VPT 4.1)

9.8.32 The visitors to the Hang Hau Tsuen Sitting-Out area will have view of the upgraded channel. The visual impact caused during the operation stage is considered moderate to slight adverse. With the incorporation of proposed mitigation measures and landscaping, the residual visual impact is considered moderately beneficial.

Nighttime Glare Assessment

9.8.33 Nighttime glare is potentially a significant visual impact. Yet, permanent lighting of the proposed improvement works is required to meet the safety and security requirement.

9.8.34 The impact of the nighttime glare for the proposed improvement works will be similar to the existing lighting provision along the footpaths.

9.8.35 No visual impact from nighttime glare is expected during the operational stage.

9.8.36 It is predicted that the magnitude of change will be negligible resulting in negligible impact.

Table 9.9

Summary of Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures Programming Management

LMM	Recommended Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures	Objectives of the Recommended Measures & Main Concerns	Location / Timing	What requirements or standards for the measure to achieve	Funding/ Implementation Agent	Management and Maintenance Agent
LMM1	Advance tree transplanting of existing trees affected by the proposed development.	Preservation of existing trees	Project area / Commencement of construction	Require advance tree surgery preparation Comply to ETWB TCW No. 3/2006	Project Proponent / Contractor	LCSD*
LMM2	Sensitively designed site hoarding in both color and form to screen view to the construction works.	Visual enhancement	Project area / Commencement of construction	N/A	Project Proponent / Contractor	Project Proponent / Contractor
LMM3	Preservation of existing tree to be retain on area not affected by the proposed development.	Conservation of existing trees; Visual screen	Project area not affected with tree surgery works / Commencement of construction	Comply to ETWB TCW No. 3/2006	Project Proponent / Contractor	LCSD*
LMM4	Demarcation of the tree protection zone for retain trees	Preservation of existing trees	Project area / Commencement of construction and throughout construction period	Comply to ETWB TCW No. 3/2006	Project Proponent / Contractor	Project Proponent / Contractor
LMM5	Minimization of the construction works in the existing stream	Preservation of existing landscape resources and landscape character	Project area / Commencement of construction and throughout construction period	Comply to ETWB TCW No. 5/2005	Project Proponent / Contractor	Project Proponent / Contractor
LMM6	Soil conservation – conservation of existing and imported soil resources.	Conservation of existing topsoil	Project area not affected for stockpile / Commencement of construction and throughout construction period.	Existing soil resources on site will be conserved in stockpiles with a maximum height of 2 m. All material stockpiles should be covered with an impermeable material and sandbagging diversions should also be placed around exposed soil. Material stockpiled should be in area with the least obstruction to pedestrian.	Project Proponent / Contractor	Project Proponent / Contractor
LMM7	Operational time restrictions to limit after dark welding and lighting.	Limit night time glare	Project area / Throughout the construction period	N/A	Project Proponent / Contractor	Project Proponent / Contractor
LMM8	Selection of fast growing native trees and shrubs mix in compensation for the removal / disturbance area. Planting will be planted along the channel bunds as landscape treatment to screen the built element and mitigate the landscape and visual impact. The combination of natives trees and shrubs mix will provide a more diverse edge effect and break up the overall visual dominance.	Visual screen; Landscape compensation	Project area / Construction period	Selection and agree on the specified plant species	Project Proponent / Contractor	LCSD*
LMM9	Preservation of existing stream and pond not affected by the development.	Preservation of Landscape resources and character	Section of existing stream and pond not affected by the project / Throughout the construction period and operation period	Comply to ETWB TCW No. 5/2005	Project Proponent / Contractor	DSD (for area within DSD Boundary)*
LMM10	Provide sensitive treatment and design to the external finish of the channel walls such as adopting the use of natural materials and planting to soften surface of built structures	Visual enhancement	Commencement of construction and throughout the construction period	N/A	Project Proponent / Contractor	DSD*
LMM11	Maintenance of planting works upon completion.	Landscape compensation	Operation period	Agree on the maintenance requirement and programme Comply to ETWB TCW No.2/2004	Project Proponent / Contractor	Contractor (for the establishment period after construction); DSD and LCSD*
LMM12	Compensation planting of mangrove to stream bed	Landscape compensation	Operation period	Agree on the maintenance requirement and programme Comply to ETWB TCW No.2/2004	Project Proponent / Contractor	Contractor (for the establishment period) No long term maintenance necessary

* The project proponent (CEDD) will assume to be responsible for the mitigation measures until an agreement is reached between CEDD and relevant parties on the management and maintenance of the mitigation measures.

Table 9.10 Summary of Residual Landscape Impacts (With Landscape Mitigation Measures)

Landscape Character Units (LCUs) / Landscape Elements (LEs)	Without Recommended Mitigation Measures		Recommended Mitigation Measures	With Recommended Mitigation Measures
	Landscape Impact during Construction Stage	Landscape Impact during Operation Stage	Recommended Mitigation Measures	Threshold of Residual Landscape Impact during Construction Stage	Threshold of Residual Landscape Impact during Operation Stage
*Landscape Character Units (LCUs)*
LCU 1 – Upland and Hillside	Moderate adverse	Slight adverse	LMM1 to LMM5 and LMM7 to LMM12	Slight adverse	Slight beneficial
LCU 2 – Transport Corridor	Negligible	Negligible	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LCU 3 – Village and Settlement	Slight adverse	Negligible	LMM2, LMM3, LMM7 and LMM8, LMM10 to LMM12	Slight adverse	Slight beneficial
LCU 4 – Industrial / Utility	Negligible	Negligible	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LCU 5 – Coastal Area	Negligible	Negligible	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
*Landscape Elements (LEs)*
LE 1 – Woodland	Negligible	Negligible	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LE 2 – Existing Vehicle Corridor	Negligible	Negligible	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LE 3 – Residential / Settlement Area	Slight adverse	Slight adverse	LMM2, LMM3, LMM7 and LMM8, LMM10 to LMM12	Slight adverse	Slight adverse
LE 4 – Open Storage	Negligible	Negligible	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LE 5 – Stream Course	Moderate adverse	Slight adverse	LMM5, LMM9, LMM10, LMM12	Slight adverse	Negligible
LE 6 – Fish Pond	Moderate adverse	Moderate adverse	LMM9	Slight adverse	Slight adverse
LE 7 – Open Water (Deep Bay)	Negligible	Negligible	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LE8 – Agricultural Land	Negligible	Negligible	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LE9 –Scrubland/Grassland and Roadside Planting	Moderate adverse	Slight adverse	LMM1, LMM3, LMM4, LMM8, LMM10 to LMM12	Slight adverse	Moderate beneficial

Table 9.11 Summary of Residual Visual Impacts (With Landscape Mitigation Measures)

SVR Number	Without Recommended Mitigation Measures		Recommended Mitigation Measures	With Recommended Mitigation Measures
SVR Number	Visual Impact during Construction Stage	Visual Impact during Operation Stage	Recommended Mitigation Measures	Significance Threshold of Residual Visual Impact during Construction	Significance Threshold of Residual Visual Impact during Operation
SVR1
VPT1.1	Substantial adverse	Moderate adverse	LMM2, LMM3, LMM7, LMM8, LMM10 and LMM11	Moderate adverse	Moderate beneficial
VPT1.2	Negligible	Negligible	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
SVR2
VPT2.1	Slight adverse	Slight adverse	LMM2, LMM3, LMM7, LMM8, LMM10 and LMM11	Slight adverse	Slight beneficial
SVR3
VPT3.1	Moderate adverse	Slight adverse	LMM2, LMM3, LMM7, LMM8, LMM10 and LMM11	Slight adverse	Slight beneficial
SVR4
VPT4.1	Moderate adverse	Slight adverse	LMM2, LMM3, LMM7, LMM8, LMM10 and LMM11	Slight adverse	Moderate beneficial

SVR	Location and Quantity of Viewer Group	Viewer Group	Max. Staying Time	Distance to the Project	Frequency and Duration of View and Sources of Impact Type of View	Sensitivity to Change and Visual Intrusion
SVR 1	- VPT1.1 (*Figures 9.6* – *9.9*) - Hang Hau Tsuen	Residents	24hr Depends on SVRs	Approx. 0 – 100m	- Open to Obstructed View towards the site. Degree of View Varies depends on location of SVRs. - High frequency. - View during day and night. Duration of view is varies depends on the activity of SVRs.	Medium
SVR 1	- VPT1.2 (*Figure 9.10*) - Deep Bay Grove	Residents	24hr Depends on SVRs	Approx. 150m	- Obstructed view towards the site. - High frequency. - View during day and night. Duration of view is varies depends on the activity of SVRs.	Medium
SVR 2	- VPT2.1 (*Figure 9.11*) - Deep Bay Road	Passengers & Pedestrian	Approx. 2min	Approx. 0 – 100m	- Open view towards the site. - Low frequency.	Low
SVR 3	- VPT3.1 (*Figure 9.12*) - Wing Jan Kindergarten	Teachers & Students	Approx. 8 hrs Depends on SVRs	0 – 80m	- Open view towards the site. - Medium frequency.	Medium
SVR 4	- VPT4.1 (*Figure 9.13*) - Hang Hau Tsuen Sitting-Out Area	Visitors	Approx. 2 – 30 mins Depends on SVRs	30m	- Open view towards the site. - Low frequency.	Medium

Landscape Character Units	Description	Disturbance
LCU 1	Upland and Hillside	1.58 ha
LCU 2	Transport Corridor	Nil
LCU 3	Village and Settlement	0.19 ha
LCU 4	Industrial / Utility	Nil
LCU 5	Coastal Area	Nil

Landscape Elements	Type of Landscape Element	Total Area within the Study Area	Area in Interaction with the Development
LE 1	Woodland	Approx. 12 ha	Nil
LE 2	Existing Vehicle Corridor	Approx.1.25 ha	Nil
LE 3	Residential/Settlement area	Approx. 16 ha	Approx. 0.19 ha
LE 4	Open Storage	Approx. 27.2 ha	Nil
LE 5	Stream Course	Approx. 0.78 ha	Approx. 0.32 ha
LE 6	Fish Pond	Approx. 1 ha	Approx. 0.08 ha
LE 7	Open Water (Deep Bay)	Approx. 37 ha	Nil
LE 8	Agricultural Land	Approx. 7.6ha	Nil
LE 9	Scrubland/Grassland and Roadside Planting	Approx. 9 ha	Approx. 1.18ha

Landscape Impact (Without Mitigation Measures)
Landscape Character Units		Disturbed Area	Quality / Sensitivity of Change	Construction Stage		Operational Stage
Landscape Character Units		Disturbed Area	Quality / Sensitivity of Change	Magnitude of Change and Source of Landscape Impact	Significance Threshold of Residual Landscape Impact	Magnitude of Change	Significance Threshold of Residual Landscape Impact
LCU 1	Upland and Hillside	1.58 ha	Medium/Medium	Intermediate (Site formation + Construction of Drainage Channel)	Moderate adverse	Small	Slight adverse
LCU 2	Transport Corridor	Nil	Medium/Low	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LCU 3	Village and Settlement	0.19 ha	Medium/Low	Small (Site formation + Construction of Drainage Channel)	Slight adverse	Negligible	Negligible
LCU 4	Industrial / Utility	Nil	Low/ Low	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LCU 5	Coastal Area	Nil	High/High	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible

Landscape Impact (Without Mitigation Measures)
SVRs (Type)	Name of (VPT) Location	Sensitivity to Change and Visual Intrusion	Construction Stage		Operational Stage
SVRs (Type)	Name of (VPT) Location	Sensitivity to Change and Visual Intrusion	Magnitude of Change	Significance Threshold of Potential Visual Impact	Magnitude of Change	Significance Threshold of Potential Visual Impact
SVR1	Residential Settlement
	VPT1.1 Hang Hau Tsuen	Medium	Large	Substantial adverse	Intermediate	Moderate adverse
	VPT1.2 Deep Bay Grove	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR2	Traffic Corridor
SVR2	VPT2.1 Deep Bay Road	Low	Small	Slight adverse	Small	Slight adverse
SVR3	Institutional
SVR3	VPT3.1 Wing Jan Kindergarten	Medium	Intermediate	Moderate adverse	Small	Slight adverse
SVR4	Recreational
SVR4	VPT4.1 Hang Hau Tsuen Sitting-Out Area	Medium	Intermediate	Moderate adverse	Small	Slight adverse