5.1 The EIA has recommended visual mitigation measures to be undertaken during construction and operation phases of the Project. This Section defines the EM&A requirements to ensure the proposed visual impact mitigation measures are effectively implemented.
5.2 A register landscape architect (RLA) (as a member of the ET) shall be responsible for conducting the baseline review and monitoring the implementation of visual mitigation measures during construction phase in accordance with the EIA Report.
5.3 Baseline changes with respect to the visual environmental should be carried out in reference to the recorded baseline conditions of the site as described in Section 6 of the EIA Report. The monitoring should in particular record changes of the view conditions of each visually sensitive receiver. Parameters used to describe changes in each of the above should be the same as in Section 6 of the EIA Report.
5.4 The baseline monitoring should be conducted as a one-off site survey prior to commencement of any construction works in the project boundary.
Construction Phase
Baseline Review
5.5 A baseline review shall be undertaken at the commencement of the construction contracts. The purpose of the review is:
·
to check the status of the visual resources within, and
immediately adjacent to, the construction sites and works areas;
·
to determine whether any change has occurred to the status
of the visual resources since the EIA;
·
to
determine whether amendments in the design of the visual mitigation measures
are required for those changes; and
·
to
recommend any necessary amendments to the design of the visual mitigation
measures.
Design
of Visual Mitigation Measures
5.6 The visual mitigation measures shall be incorporated to ensure the mitigation effect and achieve the intended aims as described in Tables 5.2 and 5.3. Any changes to the mitigation measures that may be recommended as a result of the Baseline Review or ongoing Monitoring of the Design, Construction and Establishment Works shall be taken into account.
Visual
Monitoring
5.7
The design, implementation and
maintenance of visual mitigation measures shall be checked monthly to
ensure that they are fully required. Any potential conflicts between the
proposed visual measures and any other project works or operational
requirements shall also be recorded for the Contractor to resolve in early
stage, without compromising the intention of the mitigation measures.
Operation Phase
Visual
Monitoring
5.8
All visual mitigation measures shall be
monitored monthly by a register landscape
architect (RLA) during the first year of the operation phase to check the effectiveness
of the mitigation measures. Types of reports to
be prepared and submitted by the RLA during the first year of operation phase
of the Project include monthly EM&A report and final EM&A review
report. A copy of the monthly and final EM&A review reports shall be made
available to the EP holder and EPD.
5.9
Should
non-compliance of the visual impacts occur, actions in accordance with the
action plan stated in Table 5.1
shall be carried out.
Table 5.1 Event and Action Plan for Visual Impact - Construction Phase
|
Action Level |
Environmental Team
Leader (ET Leader) |
Independent
Environmental Checker (IEC) |
Engineer’s
Representative (ER) |
Contractor |
|
Non-conformity on one
occasion |
1. Identify source 2. Inform the IEC and the
ER 3. Discuss remedial actions
with the IEC, the ER and the Contractor 4. Monitor remedial action
until rectification has been completed |
1.
Check report 2.
Check the Contractor’s working method 3.
Discuss with the ER and the Contractor on possible
remedial measures 4.
Advise the ER on effectiveness of proposed remedial
measures |
1.
Notify the Contractor 2.
Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented |
1.
Amend working methods 2.
Rectify damage and undertake remedial measures or any
necessary replacement |
|
Repeated Non-conformity |
1. Identify source 2. Inform the IEC and the
ER 3. Increase monitoring
(site audit) frequency 4. Discuss remedial actions
with the IEC, the ER and the Contractor 5. Monitor remedial actions
until rectification has been completed 6. If exceedance stops,
cease additional monitoring (site audit) |
1.
Check report 2.
Check the Contractor’s working method 3.
Discuss with the ER and the Contractor on possible
remedial measures 4.
Advise the ER on effectiveness of proposed remedial
measures 5.
Supervise implementation of remedial measures |
1.
Notify the Contractor 2.
Ensure remedial measures are properly implemented |
1.
Amend working methods 2.
Rectify damage and undertake remedial measures or any
necessary replacement |
5.10
Visual mitigation measures in the construction and operation,
together with an indication of Funding, Implementation and Maintenance Agencies
are listed in Tables 5.2 and 5.3. Approval-in-principle
to the implementation, management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation
measures sought from the appropriate authorities in accordance with the ETWB TCW No. 3/2006 are also indicated in Table 5.2 and Table 5.3. Generally, all visual mitigation
measures which are presented in Appendix
A are to be implemented as early as possible.
Table 5.2 Proposed Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction Phase
|
ID No. |
Visual Mitigation Measures |
Funding Agency |
Implementation Agency |
|
CM1 |
Topsoil, where
identified, should be stripped and stored for re-use in the construction of the
soft landscape works, where practical. |
ArchSD |
ArchSD |
|
CM2 |
Existing trees
to be retained on site should be carefully protected during construction. |
ArchSD |
ArchSD |
|
CM3 |
Trees unavoidably
affected by the works should be transplanted where practical. |
ArchSD |
ArchSD |
|
CM4 |
Compensatory tree planting should be provided to compensate for felled trees. |
ArchSD |
ArchSD |
|
CM5 |
Control of night-time lighting. |
ArchSD |
ArchSD |
|
CM6 |
Erection of
decorative screen hoarding compatible with the surrounding setting. |
ArchSD |
ArchSD |
Table 5.3 Proposed Visual Mitigation Measures for Operation Phase
|
ID No. |
Visual Mitigation Measures |
Funding Agency |
Implementation Agency |
Maintenance/ Management Agency |
|
OM1 |
Aesthetic design of the façade/ chimneys/noise barriers and associated structures to harmonize with the surrounding settings. |
ArchSD |
ArchSD |
FEHD |
|
OM2 |
Aesthetic design of landscape roof |
ArchSD |
ArchSD |
FEHD |
|
OM3 |
Tree and shrub planting to enhance amenity. |
ArchSD |
ArchSD |
FEHD |
|
OM4 |
Reinstated of disturbed area |
ArchSD |
ArchSD |
FEHD |