Chapter Title Page

11. Landscape, Visual and Glare Impact 11-1

11.1 Introduction_______________________________________________________________ 11-1

11.2 Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines______________________________ 11-1

11.3 Scope and Content of the Study________________________________________________ 11-2

11.4 Planning and Development Control Framework___________________________________ 11-10

11.5 Baseline Conditions_______________________________________________________ 11-15

11.6 Landscape Impact Assessment______________________________________________ 11-53

11.7 Visual Impact Assessment_________________________________________________ 11-105

11.8 Cumulative Effects________________________________________________________ 11-148

11.9 Environmental Monitoring and Audit___________________________________________ 11-150

11.10 Conclusions____________________________________________________________ 11-151

11.11 Glare Impact Assessment__________________________________________________ 11-161

Tables

Table 11.1:_ Attributes of the BCP and the Associated Road Work 11-3

Table 11.2:_ Impact Significance of Landscape or Visual Impact 11-7

Table 11.3:_ OZP No: S/NE-TKL/14-Ping Che/Ta Kwu Ling_ 11-10

Table 11.4:_ OZP No: S/NE-WKS/10-Wo Keng Shan_ 11-11

Table 11.5:_ OZP No: S/NE-MUP/11-Man Uk Pin_ 11-11

Table 11.6:_ OZP No: S/NE-HT/5-Hok Tau_ 11-12

Table 11.7:_ OZP No: S/NE-LYT/14-Lung Yeuk Tau and Kwan Tei South_ 11-12

Table 11.8:_ OZP No: S/NE-KLH/11-Kau Lung Hang_ 11-13

Table 11.9:_ Draft DPA/NE-TKLN/1_ 11-14

Table 11.10: Factors Affecting Sensitivity of VSRs and Overall Sensitivity Rating. 11-50

Table 11.11: Impact on Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas affected by the Project in the Section A, Zone 1_ 11-55

Table 11.12: Impact on Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas affected by the Project in the Section A, Zone 2_ 11-61

Table 11.13: Impact on Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas affected by the Project in the Section A, Zone 3_ 11-66

Table 11.14: Impact on Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas affected by the Project in the Section B_ 11-72

Table 11.15: Impact on Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas affected by the Project in the Section C_ 11-74

Table 11.16: Proposed Construction and Operation Phase Mitigation Measures (CM & OM) for Landscape and Visual Impacts_ 11-84

Table 11.17: Significance of Landscape Impacts in Construction and Operation Phases in Section A, Zone 1 (All impacts are adverse unless stated otherwise) 11-89

Table 11.18: Significance of Landscape Impacts in Construction and Operation Phases in Section A, Zone 2 (All impacts are adverse unless stated otherwise) 11-92

Table 11.19: Significance of Landscape Impacts in Construction and Operation Phases in Section A, Zone 3 (All impacts are adverse unless stated otherwise) 11-96

Table 11.20: Significance of Landscape Impacts in Construction and Operation Phases in Section B (All impacts are adverse unless stated otherwise) 11-98

Table 11.21: Significance of Landscape Impacts in Construction and Operation Phases in Section C (All impacts are adverse unless stated otherwise) 11-101

Table 11.22: Factors Affecting and Overall Magnitude of Change Experienced by Each VSR During Construction and Operation Phases_ 11-129

Table 11.23: Significance of Visual Impacts in Construction and Operation Phases, both before and after Mitigation (All impacts are adverse unless stated otherwise) 11-134

Table 11.24: A subjective interpretation of the CIE’s Glare rating system. 11-162

Table 11.25: Limiting GR value for lighting installations_ 11-162

Table 11.26: Sensitivity of VSRs for Glare Assessment 11-164

Table 11.27: Assumptions used in Glare Rating Prediction_ 11-165

Table 11.28: Predicted Glare Rating for VSRs near the BCP and Associated Above Ground Structure_ 11-166

Figures

Figure 11.1.0 Project Profile – Key Plan

Figure 11.1.1 Project Profile – Section A, Zone 1

Figure 11.1.2 Project Profile – Section A, Zones 1 & 2

Figure 11.1.3 Project Profile – Section A, Zones 2 & 3

Figure 11.1.4 Project Profile – Section A, Zones 2 & 3

Figure 11.1.5 Project Profile – Section B

Figure 11.1.6 Project Profile – Section C

Figure 11.2 Not Used

Figure 11.3.1 Proposed Landscape at Lower Deck Level Plan for BCP

Figure 11.3.2 Proposed Layout Plan at Upper Deck Level for BCP

Figure 11.3.3 BCP – Elevation

Figure 11.3.4 Ventilation Building Type A – G/F to 3/F Layout Plans

Figure 11.3.5 Ventilation Building Type A – 4/F Layout Plans & Section

Figure 11.3.6 Ventilation Building Type B – G/F to 3/F Layout Plans

Figure 11.3.7 Ventilation Building Type B – Section

Figure 11.3.8 Ventilation Building Type C – G/F to 3/F Layout Plans

Figure 11.3.9 Ventilation Building Type C – Section

Figure 11.3.10 Administration Building – Ground Floor Layout Plan

Figure 11.3.11 Administration Building – Section A-A, B-B

Figure 11.3.12 Viaduct – Typical Section

Figure 11.4.0 Existing Zonings within 500 m Study Area – Key Plan

Figure 11.4.1 Existing Zonings within 500 m Study Area – Section A, Zones 1 & 2

Figure 11.4.2 Existing Zonings within 500 m Study Area – Section A, Zones 1 & 2

Figure 11.4.3 Existing Zonings within 500 m Study Area – Section A, Zones 2 & 3

Figure 11.4.4 Existing Zonings within 500 m Study Area – Section A, Zones 2 & 3

Figure 11.4.5 Existing Zonings within 500 m Study Area – Section B

Figure 11.4.6 Existing Zonings within 500 m Study Area – Section C

Figure 11.5.1 Landscape Resources – Key Plan

Figure 11.5.2 Landscape Resources – Section A, Zones 1 & 2

Figure 11.5.3 Landscape Resources – Section A, Zones 1 & 2

Figure 11.5.4 Landscape Resources – Section A, Zones 2 & 3

Figure 11.5.5 Landscape Resources – Section A, Zones 2 & 3

Figure 11.5.6 Landscape Resources – Section B

Figure 11.5.7 Landscape Resources – Section C

Figure 11.5.8 Landscape Character Areas – Key Plan

Figure 11.5.9 Landscape Character Areas – Section A, Zones 1 & 2

Figure 11.5.10 Landscape Character Areas – Section A, Zones 1 & 2

Figure 11.5.11 Landscape Character Areas – Section A, Zones 2 & 3

Figure 11.5.12 Landscape Character Areas – Section A, Zones 2 & 3

Figure 11.5.13 Landscape Character Areas – Section B

Figure 11.5.14 Landscape Character Areas – Section C

Figure 11.5.15 Photorecord of Various Landscape Resources – Section A, Zone 1

Figure 11.5.16 Photorecord of Various Landscape Resources – Section A, Zone 2

Figure 11.5.17 Photorecord of Various Landscape Resources – Section A, Zone 3

Figure 11.5.18 Photorecord of Various Landscape Resources – Section B

Figure 11.5.19 Photorecord of Various Landscape Resources – Section C

Figure 11.5.20 Visual Envelope

Figure 11.5.21 Location Plan of Visual Sensitive Receivers – Key Plan

Figure 11.5.22 Location Plan of Visual Sensitive Receivers (Sheet 1 of 4)

Figure 11.5.23 Location Plan of Visual Sensitive Receivers (Sheet 2 of 4)

Figure 11.5.24 Location Plan of Visual Sensitive Receivers (Sheet 3 of 4)

Figure 11.5.25 Location Plan of Visual Sensitive Receivers (Sheet 4 of 4)

Figure 11.5.26 Photorecords of Visually Sensitive Receivers (Sheet 1 of 2)

Figure 11.5.27 Photorecords of Visually Sensitive Receivers (Sheet 2 of 2)

Figure 11.6.0 Impact on Landscape Resources – Key Plan

Figure 11.6.1 Impact on Landscape Resources – Section A, Zone 1

Figure 11.6.2 Impact on Landscape Resources – Section A, Zones 1 & 2

Figure 11.6.3 Impact on Landscape Resources – Section A, Zone 2

Figure 11.6.4 Impact on Landscape Resources – Section A, Zone 3

Figure 11.6.5 Impact on Landscape Resources – Section B

Figure 11.6.6 Impact on Landscape Resources – Section C

Figure 11.6.7 Impact on Landscape Character Areas – Key Plan

Figure 11.6.8 Impact on Landscape Character Areas – Section A, Zone 1

Figure 11.6.9 Impact on Landscape Character Areas – Section A, Zones 1 & 2

Figure 11.6.10 Impact on Landscape Character Areas – Section A, Zone 2

Figure 11.6.11 Impact on Landscape Character Areas – Section A, Zone 3

Figure 11.6.12 Impact on Landscape Character Areas – Section B

Figure 11.6.13 Impact on Landscape Character Areas – Section C

Figure 11.7.0 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Plan – Key Plan

Figure 11.7.1 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Plan – Section A, Zone 1

Figure 11.7.2 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Plan – Section A, Zones 1 & 2

Figure 11.7.3 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Plan – Section A, Zone 2

Figure 11.7.4 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Plan – Section A, Zone 3

Figure 11.7.5 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Plan – Section B

Figure 11.7.6 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Plan – Section C

Figure 11.7.7 VPs for Photomontages – Key Plan

Figure 11.7.8 VP1 Photomontage at Ha Heung Yuen

Figure 11.7.9 VP2 Photomontage at Tsung Yuen Ha

Figure 11.7.10 VP3 Photomontage at Kaw Liu Village

Figure 11.7.11 VP4 Photomontage at Nga Yiu Ha

Figure 11.7.12 VP5 Photomontage at Lung Mei Teng

Figure 11.7.13 VP6 Photomontage at Village West of Man Uk Pin

Figure 11.7.14 VP7 Photomontage at Tai Tong Wu

Figure 11.7.15 VP8 Photomontage at Loi Tung Village

Figure 11.7.16 VP9 Photomontage at Lung Shan Temple

Figure 11.7.17 VP10 Photomontage at Dawning Views

Figure 11.7.18 VP11 Photomontage at Yuen Leng

Figure 11.7.19 VP12 Photomontage at Wilson Trail

Appendices

Appendix 11.1 CIE and Luminarie Inputs

Appendix 11.2 Modelled Luminarie and VSR Locations

11. Landscape, Visual and Glare Impact

11.1 Introduction

This section identifies the landscape, visual and glare impacts associated with the Project in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance. Construction and operation phase impacts have been assessed.

The assessment includes:

¡ a list of the relevant environmental legislation and guidelines;

¡ a definition of the scope and contents of the Assignment, including a description of the assessment methodology;

¡ a review of the relevant planning and development control framework;

¡ a baseline study providing a comprehensive and accurate description of the baseline landscape and visual character, including sensitivities of potential sensitive receivers (SRs);

¡ identification of potential landscape and visual impacts and prediction of their sensitivity, magnitude and potential significance, before mitigation measures;

¡ recommendation of appropriate mitigation measures and associated implementation programmes; and

¡ identification of the significance of potential residual landscape and visual impacts.

Colour photographs showing baseline conditions are provided along with other illustrative materials and potential impacts are clearly mapped. The mitigation measures proposed for the potential impacts identified are described and illustrated with annotations, with cross-referencing between text, tables and illustrations. To help support conclusions, photomontages are provided from selected, representative Vantage Points (VPs), to offer comparison between existing views; proposals on Day 1 of operation without mitigation; on Day 1 of operation with mitigation, and at Year 10 of operation with mitigation.

The Glare Impact Assessment is discussed separately in Section 11.11.

11.2 Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

The following legislation, standards and guidelines are applicable to the assessment 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 10 (Criteria for Evaluating Visual and Landscape Impact, and Impact on Sites of Cultural Heritage)and 18 (Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment) as well as Annexes 11(Contents of an Environmental Impact Assessment [EIA] Report) and 21(Contents of an Environmental Monitoring and Audit [EM&A] Programme);

¡ EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2002 - Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance;

¡ Town Planning Ordinance (Cap 131);

¡ Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) issued by the Planning Department, in particular Chapters 4, 10, 11 and Section 7 in Chapter 12;

¡ ETWB No. 36/ 2004 - Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures (ACABAS);

¡ ETWB TCW No. 13/ 2003A - Guidelines and Procedures for Environmental Impact Assessment of Government Projects and Proposals Planning for Provision of Noise Barriers;

¡ ETWB TCW No. 2/2004 - Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features;

¡ ETWB TCW No. 29/2004 - Registration of Old and Valuable Trees, and Guidelines for their Preservation;

¡ ETWB TCW No. 10/2005 - Planting on Footbridges and Flyovers;

¡ ETWB TCW No. 3/2006 - Tree Preservation;

¡ Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong[1];

¡ WBTC No. 25/92 - Allocation of Space for Urban Street Trees, and

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

The study has also been conducted in accordance with the requirements of Section 3.4.11 of EIA Study Brief No. ESB-199/2008.

11.3 Scope and Content of the Study

11.3.1 Liantang/Heung Yeun Wai Boundary Control Point (BCP) and Associated Works (the Project)

The nature, extent and proposed timeline for the Project are described in detail in Section 2 of this report. Due to the magnitude of the works associated with the BCP (mainly the trunk road) as well as the limited duration of works, a number of project sections will commence concurrently, including the Lin Ma Hang section, Sha Tau Kok Road connection, Ping Yeung interchange and the Fanling portal section. The remaining sections will be constructed afterwards, in sequence from south to north.

Figure 11.1.0 shows the overall Project Profile and general Landscape Impact Assessment (LIA) Study Area while Figures 11.1.1 to 11.1.6 provide more detail on each of the Sections and Zones, showing where the Project alignment is viaduct and where it is at grade, and illustrate locations of key built structures such as ventilation and administration buildings and noise barriers. Figures 11.3.1 to 11.3.12 illustrate the specific attributes of the BCP, Administration Building and Ventilation Buildings/Portals. The key attributes of the Project are given in Table 11.1.

Table 11.1: Attributes of the BCP and the Associated Road Work

Items	Facilities	Quantity (Length/ Area )	Nominal Dimensions W-width; H-height; L-length	Highest mPD
Section A
BCP	Overall	1 (~24.9 ha)	602 m L x 460 m W	-
	Goods Vehicle Search Platforms & Office	2 (~2.45 ha)	228 m L x 64 m W and 155 m L x 64 m W	+29.5 mPD
	Passenger Terminal Building	1 (~1.12 ha)	152 m L x 74 m W x 24 m H	+49.50 mPD
	Structure-Upper Deck Level	1 (~4.38 ha)	270 m Lx162 m W	+25.50 mPD
	Fencing	~ 1800 m	Average 2 m above the formed ground (formed ground at +15 mPD)	+17 mPD
Road Works	At Grade only sections	~900 m	Highest 3-5 m above existing ground	+34.5 mPD
	Viaduct only sections	~2300 m	Highest 12-13 m above existing ground level	+36 mPD
	At Grade and Viaduct (interchange sections)	~800 m	At Grade to 12-13 m above existing ground level	+31 mPD
	Vent Building/Portal (Type A)	2 (~0.49 ha)	41.5 m L x 67 m W x38.5 m H	+ 70.5 mPD (North Portal, North Tunnel) +65.5 mPD (South Portal, North Tunnel)
	Vent Building/Portal (Type B) – North portal of South Tunnel	1 (~0.28 ha)	40.5 m L x 70.6 m W x 38.5 m H	+54.5 mPD (North Portal, South Tunnel)
	Administration Building	1 (~0.41 ha)	90 m L x 45 m W x10 m H	+33 mPD
Noise Barriers^†	Interchange at Ping Yeung	1 (152 m)	2.5 m
	Connecting road to North Tunnel portal ventilation building at Wo Keng Shan	3 (425 m)	0.8 m, 1 m and 2 m (above parapet for viaduct sections)
	Interchange at Sha Tau Kok Road	5 (832 m)	0.8 m, 1.5 m (x 2), 2 m and 5 m
Section B
	Vent Building (Type C)	1 (~0.17 ha)	43.5 m L x 40 m W x 20 m H	+49 mPD
Section C
Road Works	Viaduct only sections	100 m	Highest 14 m above existing ground level	+32.8 mPD
	At Grade and Viaduct (Fanling interchange section)	1200 m	At Grade to 19 m above existing ground level	+38.7 mPD
	Vent Building/Portal (Type A)	1 (~0.25 ha)	41.5 m L x 67 m W x 38.5 m H	+65.5 mPD
Noise Barriers	Interchange connection to Fanling Highway (Excluding noise barriers to be provided by other projects * )	10 (852 m)	1 m (x 2), 2.5 m, 3 m (x 5), 4 m and 5 m (above parapet for viaduct sections)
^† For noise barriers above the parapet, the parapet wall is 0.8 m high above road surface. * Excluded noise barriers are: 4 m, 5 m, 7 m and 8 m modified noise barriers proposed for the widening of Fanling highway. These noise barriers will be constructed by another project and are not considered part of the new structures of this Project.

11.3.2 Limits of the Study Area

The limit of the Landscape Impact Assessment Study Area is in general 500 m beyond the boundary of the Project works. Some of the Project works are located underground in tunnels however and the tunnel sections of the Project are unlikely to cause disturbance to existing landscape elements (aside from at the portals and where ventilation buildings or administration buildings are located). The Landscape Impact Assessment Study Area has therefore been limited to the area within 500 m of the at-grade and above ground Project works. Since the Project covers an extensive area, to account for variation in landscape resources or landscape character areas within this Study Area, it has been divided into three sections, of which Section A is split into three zones, as detailed below and illustrated in Figure 11.1.0.

¡ Section A: This comprises the at-grade sections at BCP, Frontier Area, Ping Yeung & Nga Yiu Ha and Loi Tung Area as well as containing the entire North Tunnel Section. Due to its large size Section A is further divided into three zones:

- Zone 1 – Area between the border with People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Frontier Closed Area Boundary (corresponding to sections 1 and 2 in Ecology Section’s Figure 9.1b), including the BCP, Lin Ma Hang Road improvement and top section of trunk road;

- Zone 2 – Area between the Frontier Closed Area Boundary and the northern area of Cheung Shan (approximately corresponding to section 3 in Ecology Section’s Figure 9.1b), including a viaduct section of the trunk road encompassing the Ping Yuen interchange and the North Tunnel northern portal; and

- Zone 3 – Area between the northern area of Cheung Shan and Pat Sin Leng Country Park, including some of the Country Park (approximately corresponding to section 5 in Ecology Section’s Figure 9.1b), including the Sha Tau Kok Road connetion.

¡ Section B: Middle ventilation at Lau Shui Heung (corresponding to section 6 in Ecology Section’s Figure 9.1b).

¡ Section C: Fanling portal (corresponding to section 7 in Ecology Section’s Figure 9.1b).

The limit of the Visual Impact Assessment Study Area is the maximum extent of the Visual Envelope of the works during the construction phase and operation phase. For this Project the visual envelope is illustrated in Figure 11.5.20.

11.3.3 Assessment Methodology

11.3.3.1 Landscape Impacts

In accordance with Annex 18 of the EIAO-TM, the landscape impact assessment covers the following:

1. Identification of the baseline landscape resources and landscape characters found within the Study Area.

This was achieved through site visits as well as a desk-top study of topographical maps, information databases and photographs. Where relevant, information from the Ecological Impact Assessment (Section 9) was extracted to supplement the baseline condition identification, as it became available. A Detailed Tree Survey was also undertaken, in which field surveys were conducted to identify attributes of trees ^([2]) within the Project Site, including details of species name, diameter at breast height (DBH), height, crown spread and health condition. Field surveys were separated into four distinct areas, the BCP area (part of Section A, Zone1), the North Connecting Road Area (part of Section A, Zone 1 and Section A, Zone 2), the Sha Tau Kok Road Area (Section A, Zone 3) and the Fanling & Po Kat Tsai Area (Section B and Section C). Full details of the Detailed Tree Survey and results are presented separately but key findings have been extracted from these data to constitute the Broad Brush Tree Survey. Summary information, such as approximate number of trees, dominant species and some average tree attributes have been included in this report for the key landscape resources (LRs) and a summary of the data for each Section/Zone is presented in Table 11.15a.

2. Assessment of the sensitivity of landscape resources/characters.

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 resource and character area was classified as follows:

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

3. Identification of potential sources of landscape impacts.

Various elements of the construction and operation works will potentially generate landscape impacts and these are discussed further in Section 11.6.1.

4. Identification of the magnitude of landscape impacts.

The magnitude of change caused by the impact depends on a number of factors including the compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape; the duration of the impact under construction and operation phases, the physical extent of the impact and the reversibility i.e. whether it is temporary or permanent. Landscape impacts have been quantified wherever possible. In addition, data for the BCP area (part of Section A, Zone1), the North Connecting Road Area (part of Section A, Zone 1 and Section A, Zone 2), the Sha Tau Kok Road Area (Section A, Zone 3) and the Fanling & Po Kat Tsai Area (Section B and Section C) were extracted from the Detailed Tree Survey to constitute the Broad Brush Tree Survey and summary information on the number of trees to be retained/ transplanted/ removed or compensated for each Section/Zone detailed. The magnitude of landscape impacts is classified as follows:

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

5. 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 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 effects. Further details of the mitigation measures are provided in Section 11.6.3. Approval-in-principle from the agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures has been sought and the relevant agencies are identified in Table 11.16. Where the relevant maintenance agencies for mitigation measures have not been finalised, CEDD as the project proponent will undertake the responsibility to finalise the maintenance arrangements.

6. Prediction of the significance of landscape impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures.

By identifying the sensitivity of the various landscape resources/characters and the magnitude of the various impacts, it is possible to categorise impacts in a logical and consistent fashion. Table 11.2 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely insignificant, slight, moderate, and significant, depending on the combination of a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of landscape resource/character with a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of impact.

Table 11.2: Impact Significance of Landscape or Visual Impact

Magnitude of Impact		Receptor Sensitivity (of Landscape Resource, Landscape Character Area or Visual Sensitive Receiver)
		Low	Medium	High
	Large	Slight/Moderate*	Moderate/Significant*	Significant
	Intermediate	Slight/Moderate*	Moderate	Moderate/Significant*
	Small	Slight	Slight/Moderate*	Moderate
	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant

* In those instances where the lower level of impact is predicted, this is justified in the description of the impact

The significant thresholds are defined as follows:

¡ Significant:	Adverse/beneficial impact which will cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality
¡ Moderate:	Adverse/beneficial impact which will cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality
¡ Slight:	Adverse/beneficial impact which will cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality
¡ Insignificant:	The impact will cause no discernible change in the existing landscape quality

7. Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts.

An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts is stated, according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM namely beneficial, acceptable, acceptable with mitigation measures, unacceptable and undetermined.

11.3.3.2 Visual Impacts

In accordance with Annex 18 of the EIAO-TM the visual impact assessment covers the following:

8. Identification and plotting of the Visual Envelope.

This is achieved by site visit, desktop study of topographic maps and aerial photographs and preparation of GIS visual envelope analysis to determine visibility of the Project from various locations. Further information regarding creation of the Visual Envelope is provided in Section 11.5.4.

9. Identification of Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) within the Visual Envelope.

Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) are people who would reside, play, work or travel within the Visual Envelope of the Project. Further information regarding the visual envelope and possible VSRs is provided in Section 11.5.5. In addition, Vantage Points (VPs) at various VSRs are selected as indicative of the range of views within the Visual Envelope, from which photomontages can be generated to help assess visual impacts.

10. Assessment of the sensitivity of the VSRs.

Factors considered include:

¡ The type of VSRs, which is classified according to whether the person is at home, at work, at play, or travelling. Those who view the impact from their homes are in general considered to be highly sensitive as the character of view from their home will have a substantial effect on their perception of quality and acceptability of their home environment and their general quality of life. Those who view the impact from their workplace are generally considered to be moderately sensitive as the character of view will have a less important effect on their perception of quality of life. Those who view the impact while taking part in an outdoor recreational activity may display varying sensitivity depending on the type of activity. Those who view the impact while travelling on a public thoroughfare will display varying sensitivity depending on the speed of travel.

¡ Assessment of the relative numbers of VSRs expressed in terms of whether there are very few, few, many or very many VSRs in any one category of VSR.

¡ Other factors considered as required by EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2002 includes value and quality of existing views, availability and amenity of alternative views, type, duration or frequency of view, and degree of visibility.

The sensitivity of VSRs is classified as follows:

¡ High:	The VSRs are highly sensitive to any change in its viewing experience
¡ Medium:	The VSRs are moderately sensitive to any change in its viewing experience
¡ Low:	The VSRs are only slightly sensitive to any change in its viewing experience

11. Assessment of the potential sources of visual impacts.

These are the various elements of the construction works and operation procedures that will potentially generate visual impacts and these are discussed further in Section 11.6.1.

12. Assessment of the potential magnitude of visual impacts.

Factors considered are as follows:

¡ Compatibility of the Project with the surrounding landscape;

¡ Duration of impacts under construction and operation phases;

¡ Scale of Project when viewed from the VSR;

¡ Reversibility of the impact;

¡ Scale of the impact and distance of the source of impact from the viewer; and

¡ Degree of visibility of the impact including distance between the Project and VSR and potential blockage of view i.e. the extent the impact dominates the field of vision of the viewer.

The magnitude of visual impact is classified as follows:

¡ Large:	The VSRs will experience a major change in the character of their existing views
¡ Intermediate:	The VSRs will experience a moderate change in the character of their existing views
¡ Small:	The VSRs will experience a small change in the character of their existing views
¡ Negligible:	The VSRs will experience no discernible change in the character of their existing views

13. Identification of the potential visual mitigation measures.

Potential visual mitigation measures 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; compensatory measures such as tree planting for trees unavoidably felled or buffer planting to screen roads and elevated structures. Further details of the mitigation measures are provided in Section 11.6.3. Approval-in-principle from the agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures has been sought and the relevant agencies are identified in Table 11.15. Where the relevant maintenance agencies for mitigation measures have not been finalised, CEDD as the project proponent will undertake the responsibility to finalise the maintenance arrangements.

In order to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed visual mitigation measures, photomontages from selected Vantage Points (VPs) looking towards the Project have been prepared to illustrate:

¡ Existing conditions;

¡ Day 1 of Operation Phase without Mitigation Measures;

¡ Day 1 of Operation Phase with Mitigation Measures; and

¡ Year 10 of Operation Phase with Mitigation Measures.

14. Prediction of the significance of visual impacts before and after the implementation of mitigation measures.

By identifying the sensitivity of the various VSRs, the number of affected VSRs and the magnitude of the impacts on each VSR, it is possible to categorise the degree of significance of the impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent manner. Table 11.2 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely, Insignificant, Slight, Moderate and Significant, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of impact and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of VSR. Consideration is also given to the relative numbers of affected VSRs in predicting the final impact significance – exceptionally low or high numbers of VSRs may change the result that might otherwise be concluded from Table 11.2. The significant thresholds are defined as follows:

¡ Significant:	Adverse/beneficial impact where the Project will cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality
¡ Moderate:	Adverse/beneficial impact where the Project will cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality
¡ Slight:	Adverse/beneficial impact where the Project will cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality
¡ Insignificant:	The impact will cause no discernible change in the existing visual quality

15. Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts.

An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts is stated, according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM namely beneficial, acceptable, acceptable with mitigation measures, unacceptable and undetermined.

11.4 Planning and Development Control Framework

This section provides an overview of the Government’s development intentions, statutory land-use and landscape planning goals and objectives for the Study Area. The Project is covered by a number of Outline Zoning Plans (OZPs) and a Development Permission Area as detailed below.

11.4.1 Outline Zoning Plans

The associated road works of the Project are currently covered by the following Outline Zoning Plans:

¡ S/NE-TKL/14-Ping Che/Ta Kwu Ling ¡ S/NE-WKS/10-Wo Keng Shan ¡ S/NE-MUP/11-Man Uk Pin

¡ S/NE-HT/5-Hok Tau ¡ S/NE-LYT/14-Lung Yeuk Tau and Kwan Tei South ¡ S/NE-KLH/11-Kau Lung Hang

The Project has been superimposed onto existing OZPs to determine whether there is an effect on the zoned use (refer to Figures 11.4.0 to 11.4.6). Impacts on existing zonings are listed in Tables 11.3 to 11.9 below. Although the Project footprint will permanently impact some areas zoned as Agriculture and Green Belt in some of the OZPs, the alignment has been chosen to minimise impact as far as possible. It should be noted that the objectives of the Plans are to indicate broad land use zonings. Small areas of some zones are predicted to be impacted by the Project Site but not the Project footprint and for e.g. Green Belt and Agriculture these areas can be reinstated. There is also a proposed Woodland Compensation Area to compensate for any trees felled due to the Project. Given the relatively small areas (compared to the overall OZP in the region) of some zones predicted to be permanently impacted by the Project, the need and justification for the Project (Section 2) and the contingency for limited development where justified in the OZPs, these impacts on Agriculture, Recreation and Green Belt Zones are not considered significant.

Table 11.3: OZP No: S/NE-TKL/14-Ping Che/Ta Kwu Ling

Zoning Types	Existing Area (ha)	Areas within the Project Site and within the Project footprint, Impacts are considered to be largely irreversible (except for areas under viaduct) (ha)	Areas within the Project Site but outside the Project footprint, Impacts are considered to be potentially reversible (ha)
Residential (Group C) (R(C))	1.26	Nil	Nil
Village Type Development (V)	40.64	0.002	0.008
Industrial (D)	14.64	Nil	Nil
Open Storage (OS)	124.52	0.03	0.02
Government, Institution or Community (G/IC)	17.63	Nil	Nil
Government, Institution or Community (1) (G/IC (1))	1.31	Nil	Nil
Open Space (O)	0.47	Nil	Nil
Agriculture (AGR)	265.30	0.37	0.50
Green Belt (GB)	87.24	Nil	0.02

Table 11.3 summarizes the areas of existing zoning types within OZP No: S/NE-TKL/14-Ping Che/Ta Kwu Ling, and the approximate areas within the Project Site, both within the Project footprint, where impacts are considered to be largely irreversible (except for areas under viaduct) and outside the Project footprint, where impacts are considered potentially reversible. There are no significant changes to any of the zonings. The permanent impact on 0.37 ha of AGR represents <0.2% of the total area of this zone.

Table 11.4: OZP No: S/NE-WKS/10-Wo Keng Shan

Zoning Types	Existing Area (ha)	Areas within the Project Site and within the Project footprint, Impacts are considered to be largely irreversible (except for areas under viaduct) (ha)	Areas within the Project Site but outside the Project footprint, Impacts are considered to be potentially reversible (ha)
Village Type Development (V)	2.59	Nil	Nil
Other Specified Uses (Landfill) (OU (Landfill))	154.89	Nil	Nil
Government, Institution or Community (G/IC)	1.87	Nil	Nil
Agriculture (AGR)	47.97	4.82	2.90
Green Belt (GB)	362.19	7.48	4.64

Table 11.4 summarizes the areas of existing zoning types within OZP No: S/NE-WKS/10-Wo Keng Shan and the areas within the Project Site, both within the Project footprint, where impacts are considered to be largely irreversible (except for areas under viaduct) and outside the Project footprint, where impacts are considered potentially reversible. There are no significant changes to any of the zonings. The permanent impacts on 4.82 ha and 7.48 ha of AGR and GB represent 10.0% and 2.1% of the total area of these zones.

Table 11.5: OZP No: S/NE-MUP/11-Man Uk Pin

Zoning Types	Existing Area (ha)	Areas within the Project Site and within the Project footprint, Impacts are considered to be largely irreversible (except for areas under viaduct) (ha)	Areas within the Project Site but outside the Project footprint, Impacts are considered to be potentially reversible (ha)
Residential (Group D) (R(D))	2.78	Nil	Nil
Village Type Development (V)	11.89	Nil	Nil
Government, Institution or Community (G/IC)	1.22	Nil	Nil
Agriculture (AGR)	97.36	6.25	6.90
Green Belt (GB)	63.74	3.23	3.11
Conservation Area (CA)	25.54	Nil	Nil

Table 11.5 summarizes the areas of existing zoning types within OZP No: S/NE-MUP/11-Man Uk Pin and the areas within the Project Site, both within the Project footprint, where impacts are considered to be largely irreversible (except for areas under viaduct) and outside the Project footprint, where impacts are considered potentially reversible. The permanent impacts on 6.25 ha and 3.23 ha of AGR and GB constitute approximately .6.4% and 5.1% of the total areas of these zoning types within this OZP.

Table 11.6: OZP No: S/NE-HT/5-Hok Tau

Zoning Types	Existing Area (ha)	Areas within the Project Site and within the Project footprint, Impacts are considered to be largely irreversible (except for areas under viaduct) (ha)	Areas within the Project Site but outside the Project footprint, Impacts are considered to be potentially reversible (ha)
Village Type Development (V)	24.19	Nil	Nil
Government, Institution or Community (G/IC)	1.89	Nil	Nil
Agriculture (AGR)	56.32	0.13	Nil
Green Belt (GB)	268.96	8.54	Nil

Table 11.6 shows that no zoning types are affected by the Project within OZP No: S/NE-HT/5-Hok Tau.

Table 11.7: OZP No: S/NE-LYT/14-Lung Yeuk Tau and Kwan Tei South

Zoning Types	Existing Area (ha)	Areas within the Project Site and within the Project footprint, Impacts are considered to be largely irreversible (except for areas under viaduct) (ha)	Areas within the Project Site but outside the Project footprint, Impacts are considered to be potentially reversible (ha)
Comprehensive Development Area (CDA)	26.20	Nil	Nil
Residential (Group C) (R(C))	11.32	Nil	Nil
Village Type Development (V)	79.38	Nil	Nil
Government, Institution or Community (G/IC)	11.19	Nil	Nil
Recreation (REC)	15.35	0.37	0.86
Other Specified Uses (OU)	3.35	Nil	Nil
Agriculture (AGR)	144.42	Nil	Nil
Green Belt (GB)	77.75	Nil	Nil

Table 11.7 summarizes the areas of existing zoning types within OZP No: S/NE-LYT/14-Lung Yeuk Tau and Kwan Tei South and the areas within the Project Site, both within the Project footprint, where impacts are considered to be largely irreversible (except for areas under viaduct) and outside the Project footprint, where impacts are considered potentially reversible. The permanent impact on 0.37 ha of REC constitutes approximately 2.4% of the total area of this zoning type within this OZP.

Table 11.8: OZP No: S/NE-KLH/11-Kau Lung Hang

Zoning Types	Existing Area (ha)	Areas within the Project Site and within the Project footprint, Impacts are considered to be largely irreversible (except for areas under viaduct) (ha)	Areas within the Project Site but outside the Project footprint, Impacts are considered to be potentially reversible (ha)
Open Storage (OS)	3.42	0.32	0.17
Government, Institution or Community (G/IC)	10.89	0.76	0.54
Residential (Group D) (R(D))	3.30	Nil	Nil
Village Type Development (V)	68.35	Nil	Nil
Other Specified Uses (OU)	6.39	0.08	0.35
Agriculture (AGR)	94.68	3.50	4.03
Green Belt (GB)	49.00	0.65	0.51

Table 11.8 summarizes the areas of existing zoning types within OZP No: S/NE-KLH/11-Kau Lung Hang within the Project Site, both within the Project footprint, where impacts are considered to be largely irreversible (except for areas under viaduct) and outside the Project footprint, where impacts are considered potentially reversible. Where the Project impacts on OS and G/IC these zoning types are considered compatible with the Project. There is 0.08 ha of OU permanently affected by the Project. The OU zoning type in this OZP is intended primarily to cater for the Kowloon-Canton Railway and associated facilities and covers the land presently used as railway track between Tai Wo and Fanling Station. Although the Project study area overlaps with this zoning type, it will not alter the railway and hence its impact on this zone type is insignificant. The permanent impact on 3.50 ha and 0.65 ha of AGR and GB constitutes 3.7% and 1.3% of the total areas of these zoning types within this OZP.

11.4.2 Land Use Planning for Frontier Closed Area (FCA) – Development Permission Area (DPA) Plans

The Frontier Closed Area (FCA) is not covered by an existing OZP. When the new Closed Area boundary is put in place in late 2011/early 2012, the total land area of the Frontier Closed Area (FCA) will be reduced from 2,800ha to 400ha and the areas released from the FCA will be put under planning control.

The BCP at Heung Yuen Wai, associated Lin Ma Hang Road improvement works and some of the connecting alignment, make up part of the area to be released. The future development of this area has been studied in “Agreement No. CE 45/2008(CE) Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control and Associated Works – Investigation”. It has also been investigated in the Planning Department’s “Land Use Planning for the Closed Area" study completed in July 2010, examining the future use of the areas released from FCA and their development potential and constraints, specifically “Agreement No. CE 60/2005 (TP)-Land Use Planning for Closed Area – Feasibility Study”; “Agreement No. CE 61/2007 (CE) - North East New Territories New Development Areas Planning and Engineering Study – Investigation”; and “The Land Use Planning For the Closed Area –Stage 2 Community Engagement Digest, Oct 2009”. The “Land Use Planning for the Closed Area" study was completed and the results gazetted on 30 July 2010, including a number of Development Permission Area (DPA) Plans drafted based on the study’s recommended development plan.

The Landscape Study Area falls within two such Development Permission Area (DPA) Plans, that of ‘Draft Man Kam To DPA Plan No. DPA/NE-MKT/1’ and ‘Draft Ta Kwu Ling North DPA Plan. No. DPA/NE-TKLN/1. The Project Site however is only located in DPA/NE-TKLN/1 and DPA/NE-MKT/1 will not be affected by the Project. The implementation of the proposed land uses for all DPAs will be largely subject to market-driven trends, and while the final report for the Study (released on 30 July 2010) proposed development proposals / infrastructure works to be completed between 2011 and 2017, no specific construction details (e.g. construction programme) are available.

According to Draft DPA/NE-TKLN/1, the general planning intention of the area is to promote cultural conservation, recreation tourism and provide suitable facilities to meet the territorial need and cross-boundary infrastructure. It is also the planning intention to protect the natural setting and cultural integrity of the area and promote sustainable agricultural activities. Provision has been made for an extensive recreation area stretching across the north to provide low-intensity recreational uses to complement other nearby land uses. The plan also makes provision for the BCP. Table 11.9 summarizes the total areas of various existing zoning types within Draft DPA/NE-TKLN/1 and the areas within the Project Site, both within the Project footprint, where impacts are considered to be largely irreversible (except for areas under viaduct) and outside the Project footprint, where impacts are considered potentially reversible. Detail is also provided to separate areas affected by the BCP construction and those affected by the associated works of the Project

Table 11.9: Draft DPA/NE-TKLN/1

		Non-BCP Area		BCP Area
Zoning Types	Existing Area (Ha)	Areas within the Project Site and within the Project footprint, Impacts are considered to be largely irreversible (ha)	Areas within the Project Site but outside the Project footprint, Impacts are considered to be potentially reversible (ha)	Areas within the Project Site and within the BCP footprint, Impacts are considered to be largely irreversible (except for areas under viaduct) (ha)	Areas within the Project Site but outside the BCP footprint, Impacts are considered to be potentially reversible (ha)
Government, Institution or Community (G/IC)	1.98	0.04	0.02	Nil	Nil
Other Specified Uses (OU)	23.82	0.07	0.04	21.21	1.5
Agriculture (AGR)	55.86	1.01	1.14	0.02	0.15
Green Belt (GB)	207.82	0.33	0.41	Nil	0.10
Recreation (REC)	116.15	5.92	4.49	Nil	Nil
Village Type Development (V)	23.88	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
Conservation Area (CA)	1.1	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil

Of the seven zoning types in this draft DPA with an overall area of about 430ha, the Project affects five different zoning types with a total area of 36.45ha i.e. <10% of the overall area.

G/IC: the affected area refers to the existing Ta Kwu Ling Police Station and Fire Station which will be insignificantly affected by the Lin Ma Hang Road improvement since the zoning type will not change.

OU: the only site zoned OU on this draft DPA is the area to the southwest of Pak Fu Shan and is intended primarily for the development of the boundary crossing facilities and related activities for the proposed LT/HWN BCP, accounting for several major facilities to achieve proper and smooth operation of the clearance procedures and traffic movements. Therefore the current Project fits with the intended use and affects the majority of the area designed OU.

AGR: this zone is intended primarily to retain and safeguard good quality agricultural land and fallow arable land with good potential for rehabilitation for cultivation and other agricultural purposes. Permanent impact of 0.02 and 1.01 ha is predicted in this zone from the BCP construction and associated works respectively which constitutes <0.02% of the total area of this zone in the DPA.

GB: although there is a general presumption against development in this zone, the draft DPA provides for the possibility of limited development on strong planning grounds. None of this zone is predicted to be permanently impacted by the BCP construction and just 0.33 ha by will be permanently impact by construction of the associated works of the BCP, which constitutes <0.01% of the total area of this zone in the DPA.

REC: the development of active and/or passive recreation and tourism/eco-tourism is encouraged in this area and similarly to GB zone, stream diversions within this zone need Board permission. The Lin Ma Hang The Lin Ma Hang Road improvement and BCP trunk road will impact 5.92 ha of this zone which is approximately 5% of the total area of this zone in the draft DPA. However most of the trunk road here is a viaduct section, so impacts will be significantly less. In addition, since this Plan specifically makes provision for the ‘Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point’, i.e. this Project, this impact is considered justified.

11.4.3 Country Park Designation

Approximately 500 m of the tunnel section from Loi Tung to Lung Shan is in the jurisdiction of Pat Sin Leng Country Park. With the alignment below ground, the Project will not impact on the Country Park.

11.5 Baseline Conditions

11.5.1 Physical, Human and Cultural Landscape Resources

11.5.1.1 Geology

The Study Area lies on both Jurassic volcanic rocks with an age of approximately 165 million years and much younger alluvium/colluviums ground of the quaternary period (from about 1.6 million years ago to the present). In Section A, the viaduct connecting the BCP to the Ping Yeung interchange lies over a potential fault zone (see Section 2). Further details of the geology of the area, can be found in Section 12.4 and illustrated in Figure 12.3.

11.5.1.2 Topography

The Study Area covers an area of mixed topography, generally being flatter in the north near the PRC border and hillier in the middle and southern Sections. Further details of the topography can be found in Section 12.4.

11.5.1.3 Drainage

The Study Area contains many streams, rivers and man-made drainage channels. The streams from the hills ultimately join together to form the major rivers in the area, including the Shenzhen River, Ping Yuen River and Ng Tung River. Sections of these rivers are sometime channelized, such as the Shenzhen and Ping Yuen Rivers in the north of the Study area. Section 12.4 contains more details of the hydrology of the area and drainage features within the Study Area are also described below.

11.5.2 Specific Landscape Resources

Landscape Resources (LRs) within the study boundary are divided into seven broad types and 25 specific types as detailed below.

LR1 – Water resources

¡ LR1.1 Watercourse – refers to natural or semi-natural river/stream courses.

¡ LR1.2 Channelized Watercourse – refers to modified river/stream courses, channelized with concrete or with gabion-fortified banks.

¡ LR1.3 Reservoir – refers to dammed, open reservoirs as well as covered, man-made service reservoirs.

¡ LR1.4 Pond – refers to freshwater ponds including abandoned ponds.

LR2 – Man-made slope

¡ LR2.1 Unvegetated Man-made Slope – refers to modified slopes, in particular for stability purposes, which contain no or very little vegetation.

¡ LR2.2 Vegetated Man-made Slope – refers to modified slopes which have been landscaped and contain vegetation, including mature trees.

LR3 – Woodland resources

¡ LR3.1 Woodland on Hillside.

¡ LR3.2 Woodland on Lowland.

¡ LR3.3 Fung Shui Woodland – refers to those recorded by AFCD or presented in Section 9, the Ecology Section.

LR4 – Shrubby grassland

¡ LR4.1 Shrubby Grassland on Hillside.

¡ LR4.2 Shrubby Grassland on Lowland.

LR5 – Farmland

¡ LR5.1 Active Farmland – refers to man-made areas for crop production, including on a commercial scale with a small number of structures for regular operation including greenhouses. Also includes orchard areas.

¡ LR5.2 Inactive Farmland – refers to areas once used for crop production that have now been abandoned and are often overgrown with grasses and small shrubs.

¡ LR5.3 Nursery – refers to landscaped planting for commercial sale, often with some plants in pots/planting trays. A small portion is often hard paved with temporary structures for regular operation.

LR6 – Built environment

¡ LR6.1 Rural Built/Open Storage Area – refers to buildings, often among farmland/nurseries, used for storing equipment, produce etc and their immediate surrounding area. Can include warehouses and often paved areas between buildings.

¡ LR6.2 Village Area – refers to village areas, with domestic structures, hard surfaces between buildings and often some landscaping. Village houses in village areas are often modern houses, many being of 2-3 storeys, and the area can contain some facilities such as police station or post office.

¡ LR6.3 Traditional Village Area – refers to rural village areas, with domestic structures, hard surfaces between buildings and often some landscaping, which contain a significant number of traditional one-storey village houses and are often associated with farmland. They often contain Ancestral Halls and Shrines.

¡ LR6.4 Industrial/Factory Area – refers to areas with factories and other commercial buildings, often with some open areas for storage, parking or other associated activities.

¡ LR6.5 Ongoing Development – refers to areas where construction is ongoing, or sites are being cleared/formed prior to development

¡ LR6.6 Transport Route without Significant Planting – refers to transportation infrastructure which comprises minor and normal roads, highways, railways, flyovers, noise barriers etc.

¡ LR6.7 Abandoned Military Camp – refers to the Burma Lines disused military camp

¡ LR6.8 Cemetery Area – refers to concentrated burial grounds where many graves are located in close proximity and often hard paved surfaces between graves to allow ease of access to the graves.

¡ LR6.9 Temple Area - refers to buildings designated as temples or places or worship, including monasteries/nunneries.

¡ LR6.10 Transport Route with Significant Planting – refers to roads with prominent roadside trees/amenity planting.

¡ LR6.11 Open Space – refers to urban parks, sitting out areas and areas for public use currently managed by the government.

LR7 – Landfill – refers to areas used for landfill of waste and their associated facilities.

A detailed tree survey including recommendations on individual tree treatments prepared in accordance with the guidelines stipulated in Environment, Transport and Works Bureau (ETWB) Technical Circular (Works) No. 3/2006 – Tree Preservation has also been carried out, with the Technical Circular ETWB TCW No. 29/2004 referenced for identification of registered Old and Valuable Trees (OVT) and potential OVT. A Detailed Tree Survey Report will be submitted separately to seek the relevant authorities’ approval. Using the provisional data from the Detailed Tree Survey, information regarding trees found within the Project Site boundary is detailed in Section 11.6.2 divided by each Section/Zone. Table 11.15a in this section also provides a summary of the impacts on trees in the key LRs, again divided by Section/Zone. Information regarding plants, including some trees, found in specific LRs in each Section/Zone is detailed below.

No registered or potential OVTs were recorded in the Project Site, based on the criteria and guidelines set out in ETWB TCW No. 29/2004.

Further descriptions of the LRs in each section/zone of the Study Area and their corresponding sensitivities follow.

11.5.2.1 Section A, Zone 1

Section A, Zone 1 of the Landscape Study Area lies between the border with PRC and the Frontier Closed Area Boundary and is dominated by expansive flat land with abundant vegetation and scattered small villages. A large proportion of the land is farmland with patches of active farmland growing cash crops being the major agricultural activity of the area. There is also extensive abandoned farmland and a large proportion of shrubby grassland and woodland on both lowland and hillsides. The villages are traditional with some containing more modern buildings and houses. Two fung shui woodlands are present. Channelized watercourses to cater for flooding or for drainage are also prominent local landscape features in the south west (Ping Yuen River / River Ganges) and across the north (Kong Yiu drainage channel).

Eighteen landscape resources were identified within this section of the Study Area as shown in Figures 11.5.2 and 11.5.3, and illustrated with various photographic records in Figure 11.5.15. Details of each different LR within Section A, Zone 1 and its sensitivity are given below.

LR1.1 – Watercourse: Main watercourses include the Shenzhen River, two meandering streams that are tributaries to the Ping Yuen River and a small stream which becomes a channel running into Shenzhen River just north of Kaw Liu village. The Shenzhen River is densely vegetated along its banks and has large volumes of running water and this section of the river is due to be channelized under the Regulation of Shenzhen River Stage 4 Project, in part to prevent flooding damage in the area. The other streams are also heavily vegetated along their banks with common riparian plant species including Commelina diffusa, Microstegium ciliatum, Coix lacryma-jobi and Bidens alba. This LR is vulnerable to any construction and relatively intolerant to change. The sensitivity of this LR is considered to be high.

LR1.2 – Channelized Watercourse: Refers to the Ping Yuen River / River Ganges and the Kong Yiu drainage channel which are two prominent landscape features in this area and a small channel running into Shenzhen River just north of Kaw Liu village. Water flow into the Ping Yuen River from Shenzhen River is controlled by the ‘River Ganges Pumping Station’. There are water channels along the river bed and abundant vegetation between the channels in non-flooding periods. The Kong Yiu drainage channel drains water from Kong Yiu, near the NENT landfill facility, to the Shenzhen River and appeared to be in poor conditions based on the presence of floating waste at its intersection with the Shenzhen River on one site visit. Both channelized watercourses are vegetated along their banks and the walkways on their banks allow for higher accessibility to the surrounding area. They are reasonably tolerant to change and the sensitivity of this LR is medium.

LR1.4 – Pond: Refers to abandoned and water ponds on farms (total six ponds recorded). They were previously used for irrigation purposes but have now been abandoned and become overgrown. Dominant plant species recorded in the pond areas and along their edges, include common weed species Panicum maximum and Mikania micrantha. The pond at the re-site location of Chuk Yuen Village is surrounded by a bund planted with trees and one species of conservation interest, Aquilaria sinensis, was found there. Overall, the ponds in this area are of poor quality having been overgrown with common plants but they cannot tolerate much change. Their sensitivity is medium.

LR3.1 – Woodland on Hillside: There is approximately 15.19 ha of this LR in this zone, in many isolated areas, predominantly bordering with woodland on lowland and other shrubby grassland LRs. This LR includes mature woodland trees and shrubs growing on hillside slopes. These woodlands share high similarity in plant species composition with adjacent areas. The dominant plant species are a mixture of native lowland plants and fruit trees, including native Celtis sinensis, Alangium chinense and Litchi chinensis. Plant species of conservation interest were found in hillside woodland in this area, including Aquilaria sinensis and Pavetta hongkongensis. This resource in this zone is considered to be relatively mature and the quality and significance of this LR is high in this area, with relatively little tolerance to change. The sensitivity of this landscape resource is high.

LR3.2 – Woodland on Lowland: This is in many isolated areas of varying size, bordering with many different LRs including woodland on hillside, other shrubby grassland LRs, farmland LRs and village areas. This LR includes mature woodland trees and shrubs growing on flat areas. These woodlands share high similarity in plant species composition with adjacent areas. The dominant plant species are a mixture of native lowland plants including native Celtis sinensis, Litsea glutinosa, Alangium chinense and Aporusa dioica. Some graves were found within lowland woodlands in this area. This resource in this zone is considered to be relatively mature and the quality and significance of this LR is high in this area, with relatively little tolerance to change. The sensitivity of this landscape resource is high.

LR3.3 – Fung Shui Woodland: There are two areas of fung shui woodlands recognized by AFCD in this zone, one behind Tsung Yuen Ha and the other behind Kan Tau Wai. The one behind Tsung Yuen Ha contains mature trees, including two of conservation interest, Aquilaria sinensis and Xylosma longifolium. Other dominant species include Machilus cf. kwangtungensis, Schefflera heptaphylla and Cinnamomum camphora. The woodland also has an earth shrine at its edge. The fung shui woodland behind Kan Tau Wai is of slightly lower quality by comparison and characterized by a small group of old Cinnamomum camphora trees which have high conservation value and a large patch of Bambusa spp. This LR contains mature trees with high local significance hence it is relatively intolerant to change, making its sensitivity high.

LR4.1 – Shrubby Grassland on Hillside: Plants recorded in this LR include the native Litsea rotundifolia, Psychotria asiatica and Cratoxylum cochinchinense, native fern Dicranopteris pedata, native grasses Miscanthus sinensis, Neyraudia reynaudiana and Ischaemum spp., and other scattered shrubs and small trees such as native Bridelia tomentosa, Ligustrum sinense, Microcos paniculata and Trema tomentosa. Graves were recorded in hillside shrubby grassland in this area. The LR is abundant, could establish itself easily and is considered to have medium sensitivity.

LR4.2 – Shrubby Grassland on Lowland: There is a significant tract of this LR along the Shenzhen River and it is one of the basic landscape elements within the zone that provides structure to the landscape. Plants found in this LR are similar to that found in LR4.1, including the native shrubs Litsea rotundifolia, Psychotria asiatica and Cratoxylum cochinchinense, native fern Dicranopteris pedata, native grasses Miscanthus sinensis, Neyraudia reynaudiana and Ischaemum sp. and other scattered shrubs and small trees such as native Bridelia tomentosa, Ligustrum sinense, Microcos paniculata and Trema tomentosa. There are also a number of trees within this resource dominated by the native species Ficus hispida, Celtis sinensis and Macaranga tanarius of medium or medium to high maturity. A Tin Hau Temple, recently renovated, was found in this LR behind Tsung Yuen Ha and some graves were also found in this resource on the patch north of Ping Yuen. The LR is abundant, could establish itself easily and is considered to have medium sensitivity.

LR5.1 – Active Farmland: This LR not only contains open active farmland, but north of the channelized watercourse near Tsung Yuen Ha there is an area with greenhouse structures. There are also some orchards, e.g. south of the Ping Yuen River near the Frontier Closed Area Boundary. This resource relies on an environment with sufficient water, sunlight and mild wind to ensure its productivity. The LR in this area (open crops and greenhouse crops) is of good quality, yet given the right environment, this LR is easy to recreate and is considered to have medium sensitivity.

LR5.2 – Inactive Farmland: Refers to farmland that is inactive and has mainly been abandoned in this area. The inactive farmlands in this zone have mostly been colonized by wild grasses or banana trees and often have shrubs on them. One grave was recorded in inactive farmland, just south of Lin Ma Hang Road, near Ta Kwu Ling village. This LR now has low value in terms of crop production, yet new vegetation has established itself and the LR is relatively intolerant to change. This LR is considered to have medium sensitivity.

LR6.1 – Rural Built/Open Storage Area: Refers to many isolated pockets of structures often found amongst farmland in this area. It is relatively tolerant to change with low landscape value and is considered of low sensitivity.

LR6.2 – Village Area: Refers to the modern village of Ta Kwu Ling, Kaw Liu and the active village of Chuk Yuen which are predominantly surrounded by farmland. Ta Kwu Ling covers a wide area and contains domestic houses and the Ta Kwu Ling police and fire station as well as a Government Department’s office, all of which are well fenced and surrounded by vegetation. In Kaw Liu most old houses have been replaced by 2-3 storey houses. Chuk Yuen Village has some graves located in the middle of the village. This LR has high landscape value but is relatively tolerant to change and therefore has medium sensitivity.

LR6.3 – Traditional Village Area: Refers to the more traditional villages of Fung Wong Wu, Tsung Yuen Ha, Kan Tau Wai, Tong Fong and the older part of Ta Kwu Ling (and does not include any fung shui woodland associated with the villages). All the villages are mostly hard-surfaced with small houses and winding paths and have limited softscape treatment including some trees and private amenity planting.

Fung Wong Wu has boundaries which are clearly demarcated with walls and trees and it is enclosed by the channelized Ping Yeung River on all except its south side. Although many houses have been replaced by modern housing blocks of 2-3 storeys it still contains many traditional houses. In Tsung Yuen Ha a portion of the old houses have been rebuilt into 2-3 storey houses and there is a landscaped area on the eastern edge of the village including a fish pond. It has two Ancestral Halls and a shrine nearby. Kan Tau Wai has some modern houses amongst the older traditional houses and contains an earth shrine at the north west of the village and a temple within the village. It is situated very near the top of Ping Che Road, to the east of this principle road. Tong Fong’s character has well been preserved and is historic with an ancestral hall. It is well situated at the foot of a hill and well protected by woodland.

Traditional village houses, ancestral halls and shrines within this LR are important features of this LR and make it more vulnerable to the change since they cannot be easily recreated. This resource has high sensitivity.

LR6.5 – Ongoing Development: Refers to a development area to the east of Lin Ma Hang Road, between Ta Kwu Ling and the existing Chuk Yuen. It is fenced off with hoardings and the site is covered by exposed soil. It is not sensitive to change and considered to have a low sensitivity.

LR6.6 – Transport Route without Significant Planting: Refers to Lin Ma Tang Road and other smaller roads in this zone. This resource has a strong ability to accommodate change and is considered to have a low sensitivity.

LR6.8 – Cemetery Area: Refers to areas with high concentrations of graves, south of Tsung Yuen Ha and east of Tong Fong. Although these areas are locally significant they located on scrubby hillside and do not have a high landscape value. This LR therefore has medium sensitivity.

LR6.9 – Temple Area: Refers to two temples, one at south of Tsung Yuen Ha and one within Kan Tau Wai village. These are landscape features in the area and have low ability to accommodate change. This LR has high sensitivity.

LR6.10 – Transport Route with Significant Planting: Refers to the landscaped Ping Che Road with many large, mature Melaleuca quinquenervia trees along its borders. The landscape value and the quality of this LR are increased by the planting and it also has a medium tolerance to change. The overall sensitivity of this landscape resource is medium.

11.5.2.2 Section A, Zone 2

Section A, Zone 2 of the Landscape Study Area lies between the Frontier Closed Area Boundary and the northern area of Cheung Shan. The landscape in the north-west of this zone is predominantly farmland with the occasional scattered small village and a few graves, plus the large village of Ping Yeung which is a prominent feature. The southern and eastern area of this zone is largely mountainous, containing areas of Cheung Shan and Wo Keng Shan and is dominated by vegetation in the form of woodland and shrubby grassland. In the south west there is also an area that has become more industrialised.

Eighteen landscape resources were identified within this section of the Study Area as shown in Figures 11.5.2, 11.5.3 and 11.5.4, and illustrated with various photographic records in Figure 11.5.16. Details of each different LR within Section A, Zone 2 and its sensitivity are given below.

LR1.1 – Watercourse: Refers to three streams; one in the south west of Ping Yeung village, extending to the border between the inactive agricultural land and lowland woodland to the west of the village; one to the north of Wo Keng Shan village at the foot of Wo Keng Shan, and one running through farmland towards the south west of the zone. All are tributaries to the channelized Ping Yuen River. Watercourses in this zone are not abundant, with many other watercourses having been modified and channelized. They can be considered as having high sensitivity.

LR1.2 – Channelized Watercourse: Refers to modified sections of two separate branches of the Ping Yuen River, one to the north of Ping Yeung village and the other running across the south of the zone, latterly following the Wo Keng Shan Road. Both these sections have been modified from meandering rivers or streams to straight-edge watercourses for discharging storm water. They are prominent landscape features, reasonably tolerant to change and the sensitivity of this LR is medium.

LR1.4 – Pond: Refers to abandoned ponds west of Ha Wo Keng Shan village and in a developed area near a commercial farm that may have been used for irrigation purposes but now appears not to be used. There are other affiliated ponds near the farm falling just outside the Study Area and this particular pond is a relatively small area of these. The pond near Ha Wo Keng Shan also appears to have been used for irrigation but is no longer in use. These ponds have low to medium value now and can accommodate some change. The sensitivity of this LR is medium.

LR2.2 – Vegetated Man-made Slope: Refers to roughly 2 ha of hillside slope bordering the North Eastern New Territories Landfill facility. It has been planted with trees such as Acacia confusa and Casuarina equisetifolia. These are now mature trees and are dominated by exotic Acacia confusa species. This LR can be relatively easily recreated and is considered to have medium sensitivity.

LR3.1 – Woodland on Hillside: Refers mainly to larger expanses in the southern region on Cheung Shan and Wo Keng Shan, with some smaller isolated pockets near the Frontier Closed Area Boundary in total covering an area of approximately 45 ha. This LR includes mature woodland trees and shrubs growing on hillside slopes. The dominant plant species of the Cheung Shan secondary woodland include the native species Alangium chinense, Aporusa dioica, Aquilaria sinensis, Bridelia tomentosa, Itea chinensis, Schima superba and Schefflera heptaphylla. Two plant species of conservation interest were found in hillside woodland in this zone, Pavetta hongkongensis and a large number of Aquilaria sinensis trees. A grave was found just south of Wo Keng Shan village in this zone. The quality and significance of this LR is high in this area, with relatively little tolerance to change. The sensitivity of this landscape resource is high.

LR3.2 – Woodland on Lowland: Refers to a few small isolated areas in this zone, often surrounded by farmland or bordering village areas, making up 20 ha in total. This LR includes mature woodland trees and shrubs growing on flat areas. Plants found in this LR are similar to that found in LR3.1, including dominant plant species such as the native species Alangium chinense, Aporusa dioica, Aquilaria sinensis (considered a species of conservation interest), Bridelia tomentosa, Itea chinensis, Schima superba and Schefflera heptaphylla. It is not a dominant resource in this zone and has relatively little tolerance to change. The sensitivity of this landscape resource is high.

LR4.1 – Shrubby Grassland on Hillside: Refers to large patches of this resource mainly in the southern and eastern regions of this zone, one of the basic elements that form the structure of the landscape in this zone. Plants found in this LR include the native species Litsea rotundifolia, Psychotria asiatica and Cratoxylum cochinchinense as well as the native fern Dicranopteris pedata and the native grasses Miscanthus sinensis and Ischaemum spp. The LR is abundant, could establish itself easily and is considered to have medium sensitivity.

LR4.2 – Shrubby Grassland on Lowland: Refers to small isolated patches of this resource in this zone. Plants found in this LR are similar to that found in LR4.1 including the native species Litsea rotundifolia, Psychotria asiatica and Cratoxylum cochinchinense, the native fern Dicranopteris pedata and the native grasses Miscanthus sinensis and Neyraudia reynaudiana. There are also a number of trees in this resource, mainly the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala and native Celtis sinensis of medium or medium to high maturity. Some graves were found in this LR in the northern region of the zone including a grave for the ‘Chan clan’ who are the main clan in the Ping Yeung area. The LR is not that tolerant to change but could establish itself easily and is considered to have medium sensitivity.

LR5.1 – Active Farmland: This resource is mainly situated in three distinct areas within this zone (see Figure 11.5.3 and 11.5.4). A grave was also found in the vicinity of some active farmland to the north of Ping Yeung. This LR relies on an environment with sufficient water, sunlight and mild wind to ensure its productivity. The LR in this area is mainly open crops and is of good quality, yet given the right environment, it is easy to recreate and is considered to have medium sensitivity.

LR5.2 – Inactive Farmland: Refers mainly to connected areas in this zone, with little fragmentation. It is mostly colonized by wild grasses, or banana trees and while it now has a low amenity value in terms of crop production yet the vegetation has established and forms part of the landscape structure in the zone. In some areas, there are scattered graves, especially near the terraced cemetery. This LR now has low amenity value in terms of crop production, yet new vegetation has now established itself. This LR is relatively intolerant to change and has medium sensitivity.

LR6.1 – Rural Built/Open Storage Area: Refers to many isolated areas in this zone. The resource is relatively tolerant to change with a low landscape value and is considered of low sensitivity.

LR6.2 – Village Area: Refers to Ping Yeung with a part of the village north of the channelized watercourse. Ping Yeung is a relatively large, spread out and well established village which has been undergoing transformation from a traditional village to a rural one. It contains some traditional houses at its centre (classified at LR6.3 below) amid modern residential housing blocks of 2-3 storeys and has paved winding paths and landscaped areas. Overall, this LR is dominated by domestic houses and its landscape amenity, significance and quality is moderate with reasonable tolerance to change, making its overall sensitivity medium.

LR6.3 – Traditional Village Area: Refers to the central area of Ping Yeung village, Wo Keng Shan and Ha Wo Keng Shan. The centre of Ping Yeung village has traditional houses and two ancestral halls. Wo Keng Shan is a small village with a few blocks of houses of 2-3 storeys and occasional fruit trees and contains an earth shrine worshiped by villagers and an ancestral hall. Ha Wo Keng Shan is a very small village with a row of traditional one storey houses with open courtyards in front of some of the buildings enclosed by walls. These buildings cannot be easily recreated and they are intolerant to change. This LR has high sensitivity.

LR6.4 – Industrial/Factory Area: Refers to a more industrial area to the south of this zone, around Ng Chow Road. There are individual factories which include bare ground (often gravelled) for storage/parking. Most of these areas are well fenced with small patches of wild grass or small shrubs growing on exposed ground. This LR has low amenity value and is capable of accommodating change. It has low sensitivity.

LR6.6 – Transport Route without Significant Planting: Refers to the roads in this zone, the principle one being the Wo Keng Shan Road in the south and to Ng Chow and Ping Yeung Road. Apart from the Wo Keng Shan Road, these routes are mainly irregular in shape. The resource has a strong ability to accommodate change and is considered to have low sensitivity.

LR6.8 – Cemetery Area: Refers to a cemetery area near the Frontier Closed Area Boundary which has no fencing or screen planting and is small in size. This LR does not have a high landscape value and is considered to have medium sensitivity.

LR6.9 – Temple Area: Refers to the Cheung Shan Monastery (previously named Cheung Sang Nunnery) at the foot of Wo Ken Shan just off the Wo Keng Shan Road, amongst woodland. It is a declared monument and highly intolerant to change. It has high sensitivity

LR7 – Landfill: Refers to a small area of the North Eastern New Territories Landfill facilities which partially infringe on this area in the mid-east. The overall size of the NENT Landfill site renders it very capable of accommodating change and this area of landfill is considered to be tolerant to change and have low sensitivity.

11.5.2.3 Section A, Zone 3

Section A, Zone 3 of the Landscape Study Area lies between the northern area of Cheung Shan and the Pat Sin Leng Country Park (including some Country Park area). The landscape is dominated by woodland and shrubby grassland, with a significant area of farmland in the mid-east, containing pockets of village areas. It has various watercourses, including tributaries to the Ping Yuen and Ng Tung rivers, mainly channelized but with some unmodified sections.

Seventeen landscape resources were identified within this section of the Study Area as shown in Figures 11.5.4 and 11.5.5, and illustrated with various photographic records in Figure 11.5.17. Details of each different LR within Section A, Zone 3 and its sensitivity are given below.

LR1.1 – Watercourse: Refers to a stream near Man Uk Pin which has numerous meanders and also runs near Shan Tong, as well as a small stream south of Loi Tung and a tiny section of a tributary stream to the Ng Tung river, in the mid west of the zone. The section of stream near Man Uk Pin is considered of ecological importance (See Section 9) and none of these streams can be recreated easily if lost. With the high landscape significance, this LR is relatively intolerant to change and has high sensitivity.

LR1.2 – Channelized Watercourse: Refers to sections of the stream near Man Uk Pin which have been modified with rock gabion in its banks, the channelized Ng Tung river and a drainage channel west of Loi Tung, as well as the drainage channel adjacent to Wo Keng Shan Road. The latter has been landscaped with vegetation on the banks and the Man Uk Pin channelized sections of stream have dense vegetation at the river bed. These are prominent landscape features, importantly linked to unmodified watercourses for continuity of watercourse resources. This resource is reasonably tolerant to change and its sensitivity is medium.

LR1.4 – Pond: Refers to three ponds. One is in a Nursery area in the middle of the zone and is most likely used for irrigation purposes. It has water running through it and potted plants along its edge. There are no other ponds in its proximity, but channelized watercourses nearby can most likely also be used for irrigation purposes. The other ponds are in front of Ma Mei Ha and Loi Tung villages. The pond at Ma Mei Ha is of poor quality with little water and dense vegetation. That at Loi Tung is of good quality and considered a fung shui pond with higher sensitivity than the other ponds. Overall these ponds have medium value and are relatively intolerant to change the overall sensitivity of this LR is medium.

LR3.1 – Woodland on Hillside: Refers to part of Cheung Shan in the north and, in the south an area covering Princess Hill and extending to part of Pat Sin Leng Country Park. This LR includes mature woodland trees and shrubs growing on hillside slopes and covers an extensive area of over 100 ha. Species found within the secondary woodland include native species Alangium chinense, Aporusa dioica, Aquilaria sinensis, Bridelia tomentosa, Itea chinensis, Schima superba and Schefflera heptaphylla. Three plant species of conservation interest were found in this hillside woodland, various Pavetta hongkongensis trees, a large number of Aquilaria sinensis trees and the native shrub Euonymus kwangtungensis. The quality and significance of this LR is high in this area, with relatively little tolerance to change and its sensitivity is high.

LR3.2 – Woodland on Lowland: Refers to a few small isolated areas of this resource often surrounded by farmland or bordering village areas. This LR makes up a total area under 10 ha in size and includes mature woodland trees and shrubs growing on flat areas. Species found include the native tree or shrub species Acronychia pedunculata, Alangium chinense, Aporusa dioica, Cratoxylum cochinchinense, Microcos paniculata, Schefflera heptaphylla, Melicope pteleifolia, Psychotria asiatica, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa and the native fern Blechnum orientale. It is not an abundant resource in this zone and has relatively little tolerance to change. The sensitivity of this landscape resource is high.

LR3.3 – Fung Shui Woodland: Refers to two areas of fung shui woodland recognized by AFCD, one behind Man Uk Pin village and the other behind Loi Tung Village. These fung shui woods are woodland habitat of older age, preserved by the local villagers for their fung shui beliefs. Plant species found include the native species Antidesma bunius, Aporusa dioica, Cinnamomum camphora, Endospermum chinense, Machilus chekiangensis, Pygeum topengii, Schefflera heptaphylla, Schima superba, Sterculia lanceolata, Syzygium hancei and naturalised fruit tree species Dimocarpus longan. In the Loi Tung fung shui woodland, tree species of conservation interest include Xylosma longifolium, Endospermum chinense and Pygeum topengii. This LR has high local significance and is relatively intolerant to change, making its sensitivity high.

LR4.1 – Shrubby Grassland on Hillside: Refers mainly to two patches of this resource, one in the south and one in the north of the zone. This is one of the basic elements that contribute to the landscape structure in this zone. Plants found in this LR include common species such as the native grass Microstegium ciliatum and the exotic herb species Bidens alba and Ipomoea cairica, as well as native shrubs Litsea rotundifolia, Psychotria asiatica and Cratoxylum cochinchinense, the native fern Dicranopteris pedata, and native grasses Miscanthus sinensis and Ischaemum spp.. The LR is abundant, could establish itself easily and is considered to have medium sensitivity.

LR5.1 – Active Farmland: Refers principally to the area around the village areas of Shan Tong. The LR in this area is a key landscape feature, occupying a prominent area of the Zone. This resource relies on an environment with sufficient water, sunlight and mild wind to ensure its productivity. The LR in this area is mainly open crops and is of good quality, yet given the right environment, is easy to recreate and is considered to have medium sensitivity.

LR5.2 – Inactive Farmland: Refers to inactive farmland around the village areas of Tai Tong Wu, Loi Tung, Shan Tong and Man Uk Pin. The inactive farmlands in this zone have mostly been colonized by wild grasses and small shrubs. The new vegetation has established itself and this LR is relatively intolerant to change and has medium sensitivity.

LR5.3 – Nursery: Refers to three isolated areas in this zone. One large area to the west of Wo Keng Shan Road, one west of Loi Tung and another small area east of Loi Tung. These areas have greenhouse structures as well as a little open commercial cultivation. Nurseries in general contain native and exotic agricultural species which are often potted and transportable meaning impacts on the plants can be easily avoided and this LR is tolerant to change. Overall this LR is considered to have low sensitivity.

LR6.1 – Rural Built/Open Storage Area: Refers to a few isolated pockets in this zone. These are man-made structures which are relatively tolerant to change, have low landscape value and this LR is considered to have low sensitivity.

LR6.2 – Village Area: Refers to small parts of the villages of Wang Shan and Keuk San and around Shan Tong. Shan Tong is made up of many village areas among predominantly active farmland. This zone only contains the periphery of Wang Shan and Keuk San villages and these contain village houses intermingled with farmlands with some woodland trees. Overall, this LR has many village houses interspersed with farmland. Its landscape amenity, significance and quality are moderate with reasonable tolerance to change, making its overall sensitivity medium.

LR6.3 – Traditional Village Area: Refers to the villages of Man Uk Pin, part of Loi Tung, Ma Mei Ha and Tai Tong Wu. Man Uk Pin is a medium sized village with a few blocks of 2-3 storey houses and many 1920/30s buildings. The eastern part of Loi Tung has some modern 2-3 storey houses as found elsewhere in the New Territories, but it has an Ancestral Hall and some historic residential buildings and is associated with some shrines to the west. Ma Mei Ha is a small village with a tennis court and some traditional houses. Tai Tong Wu is a small village with some modern 2-3 storey houses but also contains an Ancestral Hall and some traditional houses. These buildings, in particular the older ones and the Ancestral Halls cannot be easily recreated and are intolerant to change. This resource has high sensitivity.

LR6.4 – Industrial/Factory Area: Refers to a waste treatment facility to the east of Wo Keng Shan Road, near where it meets Sha Tau Kok Road. This industrial area is fenced with small patches of wild grass or small shrubs growing on exposed ground. It is capable of accommodating change and therefore this resource has low sensitivity.

LR6.6 – Transport Route without Significant Planting: Refers to the roads in this zone without roadside plantings. This LR has a strong ability to accommodate change and so is considered to have a low sensitivity.

LR6.10 – Transport Route with Significant Planting: Refers to the principle Sha Tau Kok Road and Wo Keng Shan Road which are largely landscaped with planted trees along their edges. There are large mature Melaleuca quinquenervia trees along the Sha Tau Kok Road. This resource has medium amenity value and a low ability to accommodate change and so is considered to have a medium sensitivity.

LR6.11 – Open Space: Refers to Wo Keng Shan Garden, the sitting out area for public use east of the Wo Keng Shan Road, Sha Tau Kok Road junction, currently managed by Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). The visual amenity value and the quality of this LR are medium with a medium tolerance to change. The sensitivity of this landscape resource is medium.

11.5.2.4 Section B

Section B of the Landscape Study Area is highly vegetated with both woodland and shrubby grassland in a largely hilly environment. On the lower lying ground there is some development including villages, industrial/factory areas and rural built/open storage areas as well as some farmland. A prominent feature of this area is the Ex-Burma Lines Military Site which is abandoned and currently inaccessible to the public.

Sixteen landscape resources were identified within this section of the Study Area as shown in Figure 11.5.6, and illustrated with various photographic records in Figure 11.5.18. Details of each different LR within Section B and its sensitivity are given below.

LR1.1 – Watercourse: Refers to the stream meandering away from the Lau Shui Heung Reservoir, one near Po Kat Tsai, passing through abandoned farmland and one flowing to the west of Lau Shui Heung Road. These streams often have full vegetation coverage. They are intolerant to change and have high sensitivity.

LR1.3 – Reservoir: Lau Shui Heung Reservoir is major landscape feature for leisure and visual amenity and well as water provision in the area as a whole. It is well vegetated with quality planting and is not tolerant to change. The sensitivity of this LR is considered to be high.

LR1.4 – Pond: Refers to an abandoned pond found in the middle of the industrial/factory area on the north eastern edge of this section. The pond is overgrown and of poor quality, with low landscape value now and is relatively intolerant to change. The sensitivity of this LR is medium.

LR3.1 – Woodland on Hillside: Refers to the largest resource in this section covering a total area of approximately 55 ha in size. This LR includes mature woodland trees and shrubs. The dominant species found include the native species Adinandra millettii, Antirhea chinensis, Canthium dicoccum, Glochidion wrightii, Gordonia axillaris, Homalium cochinchinensis, Litsea cubeba, Litsea glutinosa, Litsea rotundifolia, Sapium discolour, Schima superba and Zanthoxylum avicennae. The quality and significance of this LR is high in this area, with relatively little tolerance to change and its sensitivity is high.

LR4.1 – Shrubby Grassland on Hillside: Refers to three, large separate patches in the east of the section. Common plant species include the native fern Dicranopteris pedata, and native grasses Miscanthus sinensis and Ischaemum sp. The LR is abundant, could establish itself easily and is considered to have medium sensitivity.

LR4.2 – Shrubby Grassland on Lowland: Refers to two very small patches of this resource in the section. Dominant plants are a mixture of shrubs and small trees, including young specimens of the native Baeckea frutescens, the native shrubs Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Melastoma sanguineum, Ilex asprella, Litsea rotundifolia, Psychotria asiatica, Alangium chinense, Ficus variolosa and Cratoxylum cochinchinense. The LR could establish itself easily and is considered to have medium sensitivity.

LR5.1 – Active Farmland: There are two areas of active farmland in this section, one to the north of the Burma Lines and a second west of Lau Shui Heung in the mid east of the section including a seasonal strawberry farm. This resource relies on an environment with sufficient water, sunlight and mild wind to ensure its productivity. The LR in this area is mainly open crops and is of good quality, yet given the right environment, it is easy to recreate and is considered to have medium sensitivity.

LR5.2 – Inactive Farmland: There is one large continuous area to the west of this section and one tiny area at the west of Lau Shui Heng village. The larger area has streams running through it and was most likely wet agricultural land previously but is now overgrown. It has little tolerance to change and has medium sensitivity.

LR5.3 – Nursery: Refers to a small nursery to the west of Lau Shui Heung Road, enclosed by fencing. Nurseries in general contain native and exotic agricultural species which are often potted and transportable meaning impacts on the plants can be easily avoided and this LR is tolerant to change. Overall this LR is considered to have low sensitivity.

LR6.1 – Rural Built/Open Storage Area: Refers to a few isolated pockets in this zone. These are man-made structures which are relatively tolerant to change, have low landscape value and this LR is considered to have low sensitivity.

LR6.2 – Village Area: Refers to the various pockets of village areas that make up Po Kat Tsai and the outskirts of Fu Tei Pai village. Po Kat Tsai is made up of many make-shift structures clustered together while Fu Tei Pai is made up of some single storey houses with many modernized houses typical of elsewhere in the New Territories. Overall, this LR is dominated by modern domestic houses and its landscape amenity, significance and quality is moderate with reasonable tolerance to change, making the overall sensitivity of this LR medium.

LR6.3 – Traditional Village Area: Refers to the village of Lau Shui Heung, a small sized village with a few 2-3 storey houses but some traditional houses as well. These buildings cannot easily be recreated and they are intolerant to changes. This resource has high sensitivity.

LR6.4 – Industrial/Factory Area: Refers to industrial activities along Lau Shui Heung Road and Po Kak Tsai Road. There are individual fenced factories containing some exposed ground where small patches of wild grass or small shrubs have sometimes established themselves. Industrial areas are capable of accommodating change and this resource has low sensitivity.

LR6.6 – Transport Route without Significant Planting: Refers principally to the Po Kak Tsai Road and Lau Shui Heng Road which have minimum landscaped features. This resource has a strong ability to accommodate change and so is considered to have a low sensitivity.

LR6.7 – Abandoned Military Camp: Refers to the abandoned buildings called the Burma Lines enclosed in a fenced area not open to the public. This area is a typical campus setting for pre-handover military facilities and a site of archaeological interest due to its historical value. This LR is located in the natural area of Queen’s hill and is highly vegetated with many trees and other vegetation having grown up around the built structures. This resource is unique to the area but it has some ability to accommodate change as it is an abandoned facility already containing built structures. It is considered to have medium sensitivity.

LR6.9 – Temple Area: Refers to an abandoned Hindu Temple within the abandoned military camp which is considered a historic building. It is no longer used and is reasonably tolerant to change and has medium sensitivity.

11.5.2.5 Section C

Section C of the Landscape Study Area lies is centred around the Fanling Highway and Railway, where the Fanling portal will be constructed. It is dominated by hillside slopes fronting the plains which contain this strip of major traffic infrastructure. The traffic infrastructure is flanked by villages with a high association with agriculture.

Twenty-two landscape resources were identified within this section of the Study Area as shown in Figure 11.5.7 and illustrated with various photographic records in Figure 11.5.19. Details of each different LR within Section C and its sensitivity are given below.

LR1.1 – Watercourse: Refers to streams running through Kau Lung Hang Lo Wai and to the south east of the area, through Yuen Leng. Both are ecologically sensitive streams (See Section 9) and are rare and significant landscape elements that provide variety to the local landscape. This LR is considered to have high sensitivity.

LR1.2 – Channelized Watercourse: This is a prominent feature of this section, with channelization of the watercourse complete in the north and ongoing in the south. Where it has been established longer, there is some sparse vegetation along the watercourse banks but in the more recently created areas, the channel is surrounded by ongoing development and has hardly any vegetation. It is reasonably tolerant to change. and has medium sensitivity.

LR1.3 – Reservoir: Refers to the Tong Hang Freshwater Services Reservoir in the north of the section. It is entirely man-made and a covered reservoir. It is reasonably tolerant to change. This LR has low sensitivity.

LR1.4 – Pond: Refers to a single, large pond in the village of Nam Wa Po. The pond has freshwater of medium quality and is surrounded by fruit trees. It is intolerant to change and has high sensitivity.

LR2.1 – Unvegetated Man-made Slope: Refers to the area where hillside has been cut away to accommodate Tong Hang Freshwater Services Reservoir. There is no public access to the reservoir, but aerial photographs indicate the eastern slope is a rocky face, only mildly vegetated. This resource can tolerate change, has low landscape value and low sensitivity.

LR2.2 – Vegetated Man-made Slope: Refers to small areas to the west of Fanling Highway which have been planted with trees such as Acacia confusa, and one very small area where hillside has been cut away to accommodate Tong Hang Freshwater Services Reservoir. There is no public access to the reservoir, but aerial photographs indicate the western slope has been planted and is vegetated with some grasses and shrubs. There are under 2 ha of this resource in this section in total. The trees planted in the areas west of Fanling Highway are mature but mostly exotic species such as Acacia confusa. This LR is less tolerant to change than LR2.1 but can be relatively easily recreated and is considered to have medium sensitivity.

LR3.1 – Woodland on Hillside: Refers principally to two large areas, one behind Nam Wa Po and the other northeast of Tong Hang as well as some smaller patches in the south east of the section. This LR covers an area of approximately 40 ha and includes mature woodland trees and shrubs growing on hillside slopes. These woodlands share high similarity in plant species composition with adjacent areas. The dominant plant species are mixture of native lowland plants and trees, including Litsea rotundifolia, Psychotria asiatica, Ilex asprella, Ficus hirta, Gnetum luofuense, Desmos chinensis, Aporusa dioica, Cratoxylum cochinchinense and Schefflera heptaphylla. It is relatively intolerant to change and has high sensitivity.

LR3.2 – Woodland on Lowland: Refers to a few small isolated areas of this resource often surrounded by farmland or bordering village areas. This LR covers an area of approximately 5.5 ha and includes mature woodland trees and shrubs growing on flat areas. Plants found in this LR are similar to that found in LR3.1 but the dominant plant species include the native species Aporusa dioica, Bridelia tomentosa, Cratoxylum cochinchinense, Macaranga tanarius, Phyllanthus emblica and Schefflera heptaphylla. It is not an abundant resource in this section and has relatively little tolerance to change. The sensitivity of this landscape resource is high.

LR4.1 – Shrubby Grassland on Hillside: This resource complements the woodland on the hillside and covers an area of approximately 50 ha. Common plant species include the native grasses Miscanthus sinensis and Ischaemum sp and the native fern Dicranopteris pedata. The LR could establish itself easily and is considered to have medium sensitivity.

LR4.2 – Shrubby Grassland on Lowland: Refers two small areas, one in front of some new residential blocks at Nam Wai Po and one west of the petrol station located between Fanling Highway and the channel making up less than 1.5 ha in area. Dominant plants are common grasses, including Miscanthus spp. and Ischaemum spp. Both areas have low value and are of poor quality and therefore are considered to have low sensitivity.

LR5.1 – Active Farmland: Refers to various fragmented areas around the Fanling Highway. It relies on an environment with sufficient water, sunlight and mild wind to ensure its productivity. The LR in this area is mainly open crops and is of good quality, yet given the right environment, is easy to recreate and is considered to have medium sensitivity.

LR5.2 – Inactive Farmland: There are a few fragmented areas of inactive farmland overgrown with wild grasses and shrubs. The vegetation has established and is now one of the elements that form the structure of the landscape in the section. It has little tolerance to change and has medium sensitivity.

LR5.3 – Nursery: Refers to a small nursery to the east of Fanling Railway at Kiu Tau. Nurseries in general contain native and exotic agricultural species which are often potted and transportable meaning impacts on the plants can be easily avoided and this LR is tolerant to change. Overall this LR is tolerant to change and has low sensitivity.

LR6.1 – Rural Built/Open Storage Area: Refers to areas between the Fanling Highway and Railway, and two patches in the south of the Section, between Nam Wo Po and Tai Hang villages. It has some buildings and little vegetation with some gravelled/tarmac-ed open areas. These are man-made structures which are relatively tolerant to change and this LR is considered to have low sensitivity.

LR6.2 – Village Area: Refers to the villages of Yuen Leng, part of Kau Lung Han Lo Wai, Kau Lung Hang San Wai, Tong Hang, Wop Hop Shek San, Nam Wa Po and a piny portion of Tai Hang. Yuen Leng village covers a large area and has many modern houses of 2-3 storeys as well as some single storey houses interspersed with winding paths some landscaping. Most of Kau Lung Han Lo Wai is also modern, as are the villages of Kau Lung Hang San Wai, Tong Hang, Wop Hop Shek San, Nam Wa Po and a piny portion of Tai Hang. Parts of Wop Hop Shek San village have been converted to workshops and factories. Overall this resource has high landscape value and is relatively tolerant to change. It has medium sensitivity.

LR6.3 – Traditional Village Area: Refers to a small area of Kau Lung Hang Lo Wai which contains an Ancestral Hall and some more traditional village houses. These structures cannot be recreated easily and this resource has high sensitivity.

LR6.4 – Industrial/Factory Area: Refers to the workshops and factories near Wop Hop Shek San village and an area east of Nam Wa Po. There are individual fenced factories containing some open areas with small patches of wild grass or small shrubs growing on exposed ground. This LR has low amenity value and is capable of accommodating change. It has low sensitivity.

LR6.5 – Ongoing Development Area: Refers to the extensive channelization works occurring to the west of Fanling Highway. The resource has low landscape value and is highly capable of accommodating change. It has low sensitivity.

LR6.6 – Transport Route without Significant Planting: Refers to the Fanling Highway and Railway, substations and other associated municipal buildings. The Fanling Highway and Railway are large resources which are highly utilized and well linked but are man-made with have low landscape value and a reasonably good ability to accommodate change. This LR is considered to have low sensitivity.

LR6.8 – Cemetery Area: Refers to the large official Wo Hop Shek cemetery area covering much of the hillside to the north west of Fanling Highway in this section. These area is well vegetated and has medium landscape value. Wo Hop Shek is a major cemetery in Hong Kong and hence this LR has a high sensitivity.

LR6.9 – Temple Area: Refers to the Kwun Yam Temple across the stream from Nam Wa Po, near the industrial area. Being a significant landscape feature that is not tolerant to change, it has high sensitivity.

LR6.10 – Transport Route with Significant Planting: Refers to the roads surrounding Fanling Highway. Trees in this resource are dominated by exotic species, with many large, mature Melaleuca quinquenervia and Acacia confusa. This resource is reasonably intolerant to change and has medium sensitivity.

11.5.3 Landscape and Visual Character Areas (LCAs)

Eleven LCAs have been identified with the Landscape Study Area, making reference to the Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong Final Report ^([3]) and further adjusting for the specific Study Area. The eleven LCAs are listed below and illustrated in Figures 11.5.8 to 11.5.14. The LCAs are then described in detail for each Section/Zone of the Study Area.

LCA1 – Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape – large areas above 40 mPD dominated by woodland and shrubby grassland.

LCA2 – Heavily Populated Village Landscape – large areas with dense residential housing and good transportation infrastructure.

LCA3 – Agricultural Lowland Landscape – large areas dominated by cultivated land (active and abandoned) with scattered small villages and low-rise buildings.

LCA4 – Landfill Landscape – large areas designated as landfill with their associated infrastructure e.g. the North East New Territories (NENT) Landfill.

LCA5 – Cemetery Landscape – large areas of landscape designated as cemetery e.g. the Wo Hop Shek cemetery in the Fanling area.

LCA6 – Urban Periphery Village Landscape – areas on the fringes of urban developments, also bordering landscape of a more rural and natural nature.

LCA7 – Developed Rural Landscape – Areas dominated by small to medium sized villages interspersed with some agricultural land.

LCA8 – Reservoir Landscape – dammed or man-made reservoirs and their associated facilities.

LCA9 – Transportation Corridor Landscape – major highway and railway areas, with their scattered associated buildings.

LCA10 – Institutional Landscape – large ex-institutional area where the Burma Lines ex-military camp on Queen’s Hill is located.

LCA11 – Ongoing Development Landscape – large areas dominated by construction/development work e.g. watercourse channelization work near Nam Wa Po in the Fanling area.

11.5.3.1 Section A, Zone 1

Three landscape character areas were identified within this section of the Study Area as shown in Figures 11.5.9 and 11.5.10. Details of each different LCA within Section A, Zone 1 and its sensitivity are given below.

LCA1 – Natural Vegetated Hillside: Encompasses Pak Fu Shan in the north east of the zone and two other hilly patches in the east and along the Frontier Closed Area Boundary, predominantly covered with woodland or shrubby grassland and incorporating one area of fung shui woodland. This landscape area is largely natural and undeveloped but does contain some orchards and the occasional rural built/open storage area. The landscape amenity, significance and quality of this LCA are high with little tolerance to change. Therefore, the sensitivity is considered to be high.

LCA3 – Agricultural Lowland: This is predominantly low lying farmland (active and inactive) with several, small naturally vegetated areas of higher ground and some scattered human settlement. There are several important watercourses in the area; in the north it is bordered by the Shenzhen River and it also contains the Ping Yuen River and the Kong Yiu drainage channel, as well as some other small streams and channels. The area has an agricultural history and the watercourses contribute to the irrigation demands of such a landscape. There area also a few abandoned ponds which once served as irrigation reservoirs. The area contains a low level of built environment. There are a few traditional small villages scattered throughout the area, such as Kaw Liu and two with associated fung shui wood (Kan Tau Wai and Tsung Yuen Ha). It also encompass two scattered more recent small villages (Chuk Yuen and Ta Kwu Ling), including a police, a fire station and a satellite office for ArchSD at Ta Kwu Ling. The area has high landscape value considering its regionally significance in terms of its agricultural nature. Despite being populated, it is also protected to a degree, being within the Frontier Closed Border area and inaccessible to the general public. It has little tolerance to change and its sensitivity is high.

LCA5 – Cemetery Landscape: Refers to a very small area in the south west of the zone, near the Frontier Close Area Boundary. Although this area is not officially a cemetery, the low lying hills with grassland and shrubland found here contain a significant number of graves scattered throughout. The landscape serves social interest but has varied landscape quality given the propensity for hill fires started during traditional festivals. Therefore, the sensitivity is considered to be medium.

11.5.3.2 Section A, Zone 2

Five landscape character areas were identified within this section of the Study Area as shown in Figures 11.5.9, 11.5.10 and 11.5.11. Details of each different LCA within Section A, Zone 2 and its sensitivity are given below.

LCA1 – Natural Vegetated Hillside: Encompasses Wo Keng Shan and part of Cheung Shan in the south of the zone as well as an area just south west of the NENT Landfill facility. The hillside is predominantly covered with woodland or shrubby grassland, with the latter often dominating the higher ground. This landscape area is natural throughout, apart from the Wo Keng Shan Road and the NENT landfill road. The landscape amenity, significance and quality of this LCA are high with little tolerance to change. Therefore, the sensitivity is considered to be high.

LCA3 – Agricultural Lowland: This is predominantly low lying farmland (active and inactive) with no significant higher ground. This LCA has very little human settlement and only one traditional village, that of Wo Keng Shan. It is however split by the developed rural settlement of Ping Yeung village. The area has an agricultural history and some watercourses, both channelized and otherwise, which facilitate this land use. There area also a couple of abandoned ponds which once served as irrigation reservoirs. The area has high landscape value considering its regionally significance in terms of its agricultural nature. It has little tolerance to change and its sensitivity is high.

LCA4 – Landfill Landscape: Refers to a very small area of the NENT landfill site in the north east of the zone and the associated road. This landscape has high tolerance to change and its sensitivity is considered to be low.

LCA5 – Cemetery Landscape: Refers to a significant area in the south west of the zone, near the Frontier Close Area Boundary with one designated cemetery and a few low lying hills with grassland and shrubland that contain a significant number of graves scattered throughout. The landscape serves social interest but has varied landscape quality given the propensity for hill fires started during traditional festivals. Therefore, the sensitivity is considered to be medium.

LCA7 – Developed Rural Landscape: Two patches of rural land have been developed in this zone, one into a largely residential area, Ping Yeung village and one as more industrial region at the northern base of Chung Shan, which still has some active farmland. The landscape amenity, significance and quality of this LCA are moderate with reasonable tolerance to change. Therefore, the sensitivity is considered to be medium.

11.5.3.3 Section A, Zone 3

Three landscape character areas were identified within this section of the Study Area as shown in Figures 11.5.11 and 11.5.12. Details of each different LCA within Section A, Zone 3 and its sensitivity are given below.

LCA1 – Natural Vegetated Hillside: Encompasses Cheung Shan in the north of the zone and Princess Hill and part of Pat Sin Leng Country Park in the south. The hillside is predominantly covered with woodland or shrubby grassland. This landscape area is natural throughout, apart from the Wo Keng Shan Road. The landscape quality and significance of this LCA are high with little tolerance to change. Therefore, the sensitivity is considered to be high.

LCA3 – Agricultural Lowland: This landscape is mainly farmland (both active and inactive) on low lying ground bordered by Wo Ken Shan and Sha Tau Kok roads on its west and south. There area various settlements, in the form of villages and some rural built/open storage resources. The area does contain a small length of stream near the village of Man Uk Pin and an area of fung shui woodland behind this same village, which is an important element providing variety in the landscape. The value and significance of this LCA is high. It has little tolerance to change and its sensitivity is high.

LCA7 – Developed Rural Landscape: The areas surrounding Wo Ken Shan and Sha Tau Kok roads have become more developed in this zone, with various more recent villages near the older ones and some patches of built/open storage. There is still a substantial amount of farmland, although much of it is abandoned. The landscape is generally low lying. Its significance and quality are moderate with reasonable tolerance to change. Therefore, the sensitivity is considered to be medium.

11.5.3.4 Section B

Four landscape character areas were identified within this section of the Study Area as shown in Figure 11.5.13. Details of each different LCA within Section B and its sensitivity are given below.

LCA1 – Natural Vegetated Hillside: Encompasses the hillside surrounding Lau Shui Heng Reservoir in the south of the zone. The hillside is predominantly covered with woodland with some areas of shrubby grassland ground. This landscape area is natural throughout, and has a high quality. Its significance is also high and it has little tolerance to change. Therefore, the sensitivity is considered to be high.

LCA7 – Developed Rural Landscape: Two patches of rural land have been developed in this zone, one into a largely residential area, Fu Tei Pai and one which has industrial resources as well as village resource. The landscape amenity, significance and quality of this LCA are moderate with reasonable tolerance to change. Therefore, the sensitivity is considered to be medium.

LCA8 – Reservoir Landscape: The edge of Lau Shui Heung Reservoir, along with a dam, falls within the Study Area and makes up this reservoir landscape. The reservoir in its entirety is a large body of open water which is relatively intolerant to change and therefore its sensitivity is considered high.

LCA10 – Institutional Landscape: The abandoned buildings called the Burma Lines lie in this region. These buildings were a typical campus setting and used for pre-handover military facilities. This landscape is characterised by this historical feature and its surroundings, which are of archaeological interest. The Burma Lines Military Camp itself is highly vegetated with many trees and the associated hillside is also heavily vegetated with both trees and shrubby grassland. This LCA is unique in the area but has abandoned facilities which are able to accommodate some change. It is considered to have medium sensitivity.

11.5.3.5 Section C

Seven landscape character areas were identified within this section of the Study Area as shown in Figure 11.5.14. Details of each different LCA within Section C and its sensitivity are given below.

LCA1 – Natural Vegetated Hillside: This Section has two main areas of natural, vegetated hillside; in the north, the area in and around the edge of Pat Sin Leng Country Park which is predominantly vegetated by shrubby grassland, and in the south west a hillside covered in woodland predominantly, sitting being Nam Wa Po village. This landscape area is largely natural with some minor roads and tracks passing through it. The landscape amenity, significance and quality of this LCA are high with little tolerance to change. Therefore, the sensitivity is considered to be high.

LCA2 – Heavily Populated Village Landscape: This landscape is dominated by villages, those of Nam Wa Po to the west of Fanling Highway and to its east Yuen Leng, Kau Lung Hang San Wai and Kau Lung Hang Lo Wai. The landscape is on low-lying ground with a high density of residential houses, often 2 to 3 storeys high. This is an important residential landscape and has a reasonable tolerance to change. The sensitivity is considered to be low.

LCA5 – Cemetery Landscape: Refers to a significant area in the mid west of the zone, which forms part of the public Wo Hop Shek Cemetery. This cemetery is well known throughout Hong Kong and holds a high degree of local significance, especially during traditional ceremonies and events such as Ching Ming festival. The topography is hilly with scattered graves and the landscape is well vegetated and of medium quality. This LCA’s sensitivity is considered to be high.

LCA6 – Urban Periphery Village Landscape: Refers to the two village areas on either side of Fanling Highway and Railway, with border on Fanling Town itself. This area is predominantly residential with an industrial area near Wo Hop Shek. It is considered to have a medium tolerance to change and be of moderate amenity value, so its sensitivity is medium.

LCA8 – Reservoir Landscape: Refers to the Tong Hang Freshwater Services Reservoir in the north of the section. It has amenity value in terms of serving the local population with potable water but is entirely a man-made structure and covered such that no open water can be seen. It is reasonably tolerant to change and has low sensitivity.

LCA9 – Transportation Corridor Landscape: This landscape is made up of the Fanling Highway and eastern railway line and their scattered associated buildings and associated areas. The resource is considered to be highly tolerant to change and its sensitivity is low.

LCA11 – Ongoing Development Landscape: This landscape is characterised by ongoing channelization work in this Section of the Study Area. It has open topography with fragmented infrastructure or development undergoing construction stage with earth work machinery and channelization. The area is utilitarian with little or no soft landscape. The landscape quality and significance of this LCA are low with relatively high tolerance to change. Therefore, the sensitivity of this LCA is considered to be low.

11.5.4 Visual Envelope

The baseline for a Visual Impact Assessment is an understanding of the existing visual qualities within a region that could be affected by the Project. This area is referred to as the Visual Envelope. Visual Impact Assessment is undertaken by considering a visual envelope in which the visual impact of the project will be felt. Some elements that constrain the boundaries of the visual envelope include conglomerations of ridges, undulating landforms, woodlands, existing villages, houses and residential towers as well as distance. These elements will eventually contain the visual impact and form an effective visual barrier beyond which the impact will not expect to be felt.

There are four major above ground sections of the Project. They are as follows:

BCP to Wo Keng Shan Section. This section includes the proposed BCP, Lin Ma Hang Road improvement area and the Trunk Road from the BCP to the North Tunnel portal ventilation building at Wo Keng Shan. The trunk road alignment passes through the boundary of the Frontier Closed Area and includes at-grade alignment and viaducts as well as an interchange at Ping Yeung and the North Tunnel portal ventilation building at Wo Keng Shan (4 floors totalling 25 m in height on top of a 13.5 m high tunnel portal);

Sha Tau Kok Road Section. This section comprises the Trunk Road from the North Tunnel portal at Cheung Shan to the South Tunnel portal at Princess Hill, near Loi Tung and includes the Sha Tau Kok interchange. It contains both at grade alignment and viaducts. There is also an administration building (2 floors totalling 10 m in height) and two ventilation buildings (4 floors totalling 25 m in height on top of a 13.5 m high tunnel portal) at both the North and South Tunnel portals;

South Tunnel Middle Ventilation Building at Po Kat Tsai Section. This section comprises a single building of 4 floors totalling 20 m in height for the ventilation of the South Tunnel passing through Lung Shan;

Fanling Section. This section comprises the Trunk road from the South Tunnel portal at Fanling to the interchange with the existing Fanling Highway at Kau Lung Hang, via 5 single lane link roads, and also includes both at grade alignment and viaduct. There is also a portal ventilation building (4 floors totalling 25 m in height on top of a 13.5 m high tunnel portal of the South Tunnel in this area.

By inputting the heights of the proposed above ground structures and the natural topography of the area, a visual envelope was generated by GIS for the Project. This GIS based visual envelope was further refined by taking into consideration the location of major woodlands, scattered vegetation, existing buildings and infrastructures as well as the potential viewing distances, using both desktop research and site visits. The refined visual envelope is presented in Figure 11.5.20.

11.5.5 Description of Baseline Visual Character within Visual Envelope

The Project covers an extensive area and as shown in Figure 11.5.20, the extent of the visual envelope is largely defined by the topography. The general baseline visual character within the visual envelope of the Project site is characterised by the relatively flat areas framed by hillsides, approximately around the four major above-ground sections of the Project which are further detailed below.

11.5.5.1 BCP to Wo Keng Shan Section

The visual envelope for this section is the flat area framed by hills at Tung Lo Hang (approximately 80 mPD) and behind them, Wong Mau Hang Shan to the East as well as hills at Ngong Tong (approximately 130 mPD) and Shek Tsai Ha (approximately 170 mPD) also to the East; hills at Shui Lau Hang (approximately 140 mPD) and Cheung Shan (approximately 150 mPD) to the South; Lo Shue Ling (approximately 84 mPD) to the West; and to the north the envelope is contained by Pak Fu Shan (approximately 95 mPD) and the high-rise residential buildings across the border in Shenzhen. There are also some hills (approximately 98 mPD) visible in Shenzhen which are not a dominant feature but help to contain the view. Hung Lung Hang in this area is approximately 40 mPD, and although there are some hills further west of this, the visual envelope does not reach that far, but rather is contained by the viewing distance and natural vegetation on this perimeter.

This area is predominantly a rural, agricultural landscape, which comprises flat, open, green, vegetated land with scattered woodlands and trees. There are also some plant nurseries. To the east the land rises to higher ground and the NENT landfill is a feature in the background, including its landscaped slopes. Other hillside is naturally vegetated with both shrubby grassland and, in places, woodland. Low-rise village settlements are also found scattered in this area. To the north, in contrast to the rural landscape in the HKSAR, the high-rise buildings of Shenzhen are a prominent feature of the background.

This area contains small village settlements at locations such as Tsung Yuen Ha, Heung Yuen Wai, Ha Heung Yuen, Chuk Yuen (Village to be relocated), Kaw Liu, Chow Tin, Lei Uk, Fung Wong Wu, Kan Tau Wai, Tong Fong, Shui Hau, Shek O, Ta Kwu Ling, Nga Yiu Ha and Wo Keng Shan. A large part of this area is currently part of the Frontier Closed Area and as such is less developed. Further south in the visual envelope for this section, there is the slightly larger village of Ping Yeung and the area also contains some rural built/open storage areas and a few industrial areas south of Ping Yeung.

11.5.5.2 Sha Tau Kok Road Section

The visual envelope for this section is the flat area framed by Shui Lau Hang and Cheung Shan (approximately 150 mPD) to the North; hills at Sheung Wo Hang to the East (approximately 140 mPD); hills at Tai Hom Tuk to the West (approximately 90 mPD); and Princess Hill to the South (approximately 120 mPD).

This area contains village settlements such as Man Uk Pin, Loi Tung, Shan Tong, Ma Mei Ha, Leng Tsai Tsuen, Wang Shan Keuk San Tsuen and Tai Tong Wu. The area also contains some scattered agricultural lands and plant nurseries.

The major view within this area is generally of a rural residential landscape, which comprises low-rise village houses, vegetated land with scattered woodlands and trees as well as vegetated hillside in the background. The Sha Tau Kok Road and the large roadside trees near Loi Tung are also a dominant visual feature in this section.

11.5.5.3 South Tunnel Middle Ventilation Building at Po Kat Tsai Section

The visual envelope for this section is the flat area framed by two hills at Po Kat Tsai and Queen’s Hill to the North (approximately 80 mPD); hills at Tai Leng Pei to the East (approximately 170 mPD); hillside slope of Po Kat Tsai to the West (approximately 40 mPD); and Lung Shan to the South (approximately 310  mPD).

The view around the Po Kat Tsai village is relatively narrow being framed by Queen’s Hill and the hillsides to the South. This area contains village settlements such as Tai Wo, Po Kat Tsai, Tung Kok Wai and Wing Ning Wai with scattered agricultural lands and nurseries and a temple/columbarium, namely Lung Shan Temple, as well as plenty open/built storage areas and industrial workshops along Lau Shui Heung Road and Po Kak Tsai Road. The area also includes the Ex-Burma Lines Camp site on Queen’s Hill which is a proposed future Comprehensive Development Area (CDA)

The major view within this area is of a mix of industrial and rural, residential landscape. The industrial part of the view is dominated by large machinery and construction material. The rural, residential part of the view comprises low-rise village houses, scattered woodlands and trees, active/abandoned agricultural lands with vegetated hillsides in the background. Low-rise village houses and the Ex-Burma Lines Camp site are also visible behind tall trees.

11.5.5.4 Fanling Section

The visual envelope for this section is the flat area framed by Lung Shan to the North (approximately 310 mPD); Kat Tsai Shan Au (approximately 150 mPD) and Kau Lung Hang Shan (Cloudy Hill) to the East (approximately 420 mPD); hillside of Wo Hop Shek to the West (Approximately 50 mPD); and, the hillside at Chuk Hang beyond Hong Lok Yuen to the South (approximately 420 mPD).

This area contains the Fanling Highway, the railway lines section connecting Fanling Station and Tai Wo Station, village settlements and scattered agricultural land along both sides of Fanling Highway, spreading from the edge of the road to the foot of the hills. The villages include settlements at Tong Hang, Wo Hop Shek, Kau Lung Hang, Yuen Leng, Tai Wo, Nam Wa Po, Tai Hang, Wai Tau, Wo Tong Pui, Kaw Liu Ha and Hang Ha Po. This area also includes the Wo Hop Shek Cemetery (mainly the crematorium portion to the east), the built up area to the north-west with high rise residential such as Dawning Views and Wah Shum Estate; and the large low-rise residential development Hong Lok Yuen to the south. A section of the Wilson Trail Stage Eight on the hillside to the south and south east of Hong Lok Yuen is also included in this visual envelope.

The major view within this area is of a mix of developed residential settlements including some high rise residential buildings, major transport infrastructure and rural residential settlements. In the major transport infrastructure area, Fanling Highway and the railway lines with pedestrian footbridges across, with both sides predominantly lined with noise barriers dominate the view. The developed residential settlements include the high rise buildings to the northwest and Hong Lok Yuen houses spreading across the valley to the south east. Distant hillsides are visible in the backdrop of the view within this area. On the rural residential part it comprises low-rise village houses, scattered woodlands and trees, agricultural/abandoned agricultural land as well as vegetated hillsides in the background.

All of the above elements combine to create an overall visual envelope with baseline visual character that is generally of medium to high quality due to large extent of natural landscape, combined with man-made landscapes. .

11.5.6 Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

Within the visual envelope described above, people whose views could potentially affected by the Project were identified. These people are termed Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) and were categorized into seven major viewer groups as follows:

Residential VSRs – These VSRs are people living in the area and who view the Project from their homes. They are considered the most sensitive VSRs due to the character of the view from their homes having a substantial effect on their perception of quality and acceptability of their home environment and general quality of life.

Mixed Commercial /Residential VSRs – These VSRs are found in areas including buildings with residencies and commercial outlets. Since not all the VSRs are residents, their average sensitivity is relatively lower than areas containing predominantly residential VSRs but is still considered to be high in general due to the high potential of intrusion on their visual amenity

Occupational VSRs – These VSRs are people working in the area, who view Project from their workplace. Visual amenity is in general not considered a top priority within the average workplace and these VSRs are considered to be relatively less sensitive than residential VSRs as their view will have a less important effect on their perception of quality of life.

Industrial VSRs – These VSRs are people working in industrial areas, such as factories, and are considered even less sensitive than Occupational VSRs in general, due to the relatively lower quality of their existing view, being in an industrial area;

Travelling VSRs – These VSRs are people travelling on public roads and railways, both in public and private vehicles and on foot. They have varying sensitivity depending on the speed, nature and frequency of travel, but are general considered to be transitory to the area with less regard for the surrounding views and with low sensitivity.

Recreational VSRs – These VSRs are people engaging in recreational activities such as hikers on established trails and footpaths, people participating in team sports at recreation grounds. Sensitivity of these VSRs depends on duration of stay and nature of activity.

VSRs at Other Specified Use areas – Views from other specified use area e.g. visitors to cultural sites. Sensitivity of this group depends on the length of stay and nature of the activity.

For ease of reference, these VSRs categories are abbreviated to letters as follows: Residential (H), Industrial (I), Travelling (T), Mixed Commercial /Residential (C/R), Occupational (O), Recreational (R) and Other Specified Use (OU).

Within the visual envelope, VSR areas have identified (rather than single points), each separate VSR area containing predominantly one category of VSR. If many similar areas were identified, such as many small villages in the same area, either the village closest to the Project or, based on a site visit, the village having the best view towards the Project, was selected to represent the similar areas. Often existing vegetation, buildings and housing orientation largely blocked the view and some villages on the periphery of the visual envelope were particularly affected by this. Thus VSRs were selected to represent a wide range of people within the visual envelope and include those that would potentially be worst affected by the Project.

All VSRs areas were given an identification number, which is referred to in the text, tables and figures. The locations of the selected VSRs are mapped in Figures 11.5.21 to 11.5.25 and photographic records of each one are presented in Figures 11.5.26 and 11.5.27. The VSRs are described in detail below and their sensitivity also rated.

Basing on the value and quality of existing views, the types of viewers, the estimated number of viewers, the availability and amenity of alternative views, the duration and frequency of views towards the Project, and the degree of visibility of the Project, the sensitivity of each of the VSRs is described below, separated by section and summarised in Table 11.10.

11.5.6.1 BCP to Wo Keng Shan Section.

Heung Yuen Wai (H1) and Ha Heung Yuen (H2)

The VSRs are the villagers of Heung Yuen Wai and Ha Heung Yuen. The existing view is dominated by an open, flat, vegetated, green area with woodland in the mid-ground, and mountains and the cross-border high-rise buildings of Shenzhen in the background. Since Heung Yuen Wai and Ha Heung Yuen villages are small, viewer numbers are limited. Alternative views are available as views in other directions are of similar quality. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. The Project will be partially visible as surrounding woodland and vegetation screen some of the view to the Project. The sensitivity of these VSRs is considered Medium.

Tsung Yuen Ha (H3)

The VSRs are the villagers of Tsung Yuen Ha. The existing view is dominated by a tree-lined open-water channel at the edge of the village, an open, flat, green area with a plant nursery nearby in the mid-ground and vegetated hills in the background on the Hong Kong side of the border. Two high-rise buildings on the Shenzhen side are prominent in the background. Tsung Yuen Ha is a small village and viewer numbers are limited. Alternative views are available as views in other directions are of similar quality. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. These VSRs will have a full view towards the project and their sensitivity is considered High.

Re-site of Chuk Yuen Village (H4)

The VSRs are the future villagers of the re-sited Chuk Yuen Village. Chuk Yuen Village has not been re-sited at the time of writing, but is scheduled to be re-sited prior to the commencement of the Project. The existing view is dominated by an open agricultural land in the foreground, scattered trees and woodland in the mid-ground and vegetated hillside slopes in the background. The viewer numbers are considered low as the re-sited village is small. Alternative views are available and views in other directions are of similar quality. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. Houses in the new village are orientated to the south west and the BCP will therefore be out of the direct line of sight, but the connecting alignment could potentially be visible, although it might be partially screened by existing vegetation and topography. The sensitivity of these VSRs is considered Medium.

Kaw Liu Village (H5)

The VSRs are the villagers of Kaw Liu Village. Their view is currently dominated by open, flat, agricultural land with some trees in the mid-ground and vegetated hills in the background. The village is close to the Lin Ma Hang Road, with some houses facing the road. Some are also next to the Shenzhen River, with a view of the border fence at the back of the village. The landscaped slopes of the NENT landfill are noticeable in the background to the east in Hong Kong and across the border in Shenzhen, various high rise buildings are prominent. The viewer numbers are considered to be low as Kaw Liu Village is a small village. Alternative views are available as views in other directions are of similar quality. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. The degree of visibility of the Project will vary, with the Lin Ma Hang Road improvement works being fairly prominent but the remainder of the works will be partially screened by vegetation and topography. The sensitivity of these VSRs is considered Medium.

Fung Wong Wu (H6)

The VSRs are the villagers of Fung Wong Wu. The village sits at the intersection of two watercourses and the existing view is dominated by the wide watercourses in the foreground surrounding the village on all sides except to the south and wide green fields with scattered trees across the water in the middle distance. The built-up environment of Shenzhen is distinctly visible in the background to the north and the landscaped hillside of the NENT landfill is visible in the background to the east. The viewer numbers are considered few as Fung Wong Wu is a medium sized village. Alternative views are available as views in other directions are of similar quality. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. Visibility of the Project will be greatly limited as woodland and other vegetation largely screen the line of sight to the Project. The sensitivity of these VSRs is considered Medium.

Graveyard by Poultry Farm (OU1)

The VSRs are the visitors to a graves situated on a hill adjacent to a poultry farm in the Ta Kwu Ling Area (Refer to Section 12, Site Code GR04). The current view is open but partly blocked by an existing tree. The viewer numbers are considered to be very low as the grave is only visited occasionally by a small number of people. The graveyard faces in the general direction of the Project and this view is the only view available. The duration and frequency of views is considered transitory and occasional as the graveyard is only visited for short periods from time to time. Although the VSR will have a full view to the Project, the sensitivity of these VSRs is considered Low.

Graveyard by Kaw Liu Village (OU2)

The VSRs are the visitors to graves situated near the entrance of Kaw Liu Village along the Lin Ma Hang Road (Refer to Section 12, Site Code GR03). The current open view is of a green, vegetated area. The viewer numbers are considered very few as the grave is only visited occasionally by a small numbers of people. The current view is the only one available. The duration and frequency of views is considered transitory and occasional as the grave is only visited for short periods from time to time. Although the VSR will have a full view to the Project, the sensitivity of these VSRs is considered Low because of the few VSRs.

Earth Shrine near Tsung Yuen Ha (OU3)

The VSRs are the visitors to an earth shrine within Tsung Yuen Ha located southwest of the village and near the Kong Yiu drainage channel (Refer to Section 12, Site Code LF01). The existing open view is of a green, vegetated area. The viewer numbers are considered very few as the earth shrine is only visited occasionally by a small number of people. The current view is the only view available. The duration and frequency of views is considered transitory and occasional as the earth shrine is only visited for short periods from time to time. Despite the VSRs having a full view to the Project across the channelled watercourse from the earth shrine, their numbers are very low and temporary, so their sensitivity is considered Low.

Tin Hau Temple (OU4)

The VSRs are the visitors to a Tin Hau Temple located to the southwest of Tsung Yuen Ha and near Kong Yiu drainage channel (Refer to Section 12, Site Code BS11). The existing open view of a green, vegetated area. The viewer numbers are considered very low as the temple is visited occasionally by a small group of people. The current view is the only view available. The duration and frequency of views is considered transitory and occasional as the temple is only visited for short periods from time to time. The VSR will have a full view to the Project across the channelized watercourse from the temple, but the sensitivity of these VSRs is considered Low due to very low numbers of VSRs and their temporary nature.

Ta Kwu Ling Police Station (O1)

The VSRs are the police officers working at the Ta Kwu Ling Police Station (Refer to Section 12, Site Code G301). They have a frontal view onto Lin Ma Hang Road with some large trees in the parking area and trees and greenery surrounding it also. Viewers mainly work in the police station. The viewer numbers are considered low due to the small number of officers stationed at this post at any one time. There are limited views from the building in other directions. The duration and frequency of views is considered stationary and regular as people working in the station are looking at the same view on a regular basis. These VSRs will not have as great an interest in their surroundings as residents. Their view to the Project will be partially screening by trees and other vegetation and their sensitivity is considered Medium.

Nga Yiu Ha (H7)

The VSRs are the villagers of Nga Yiu Ha. Their main view is of a plant nursery with several stand alone single storey structures in an open field, agricultural land and woodland in the mid-ground; and vegetated hills in the background. Nga Yiu Ha is small village with few houses and therefore a low number of VSRs. Alternative views are available. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. The VSRs will have a full view of the Project in general. There are several individual houses that are located away from the major settlement area and may be closer to the Project and receive a greater impact. There are also two villagers’ graves (Section 12, Site code GR11 and GR12) located in close proximity to the works boundary of the Project. As a whole, the sensitivity of these VSRs is considered High.

Lung Mei Teng (R1)

The VSRs are the hikers and occasional visitors to graves on a small hill slope called Lung Mei Teng near Nga Yiu Ha. The existing open view from this high point is panoramic and of high quality, with dense lush green vegetation and fields. The viewer numbers are very low as only a small number of people go up onto the hill. Other similar views are available within the open range. The duration and frequency of views is considered transitory and occasional as hikers and grave visitors only stay on the hill for short periods of time. Visibility of the Project is partial as vegetation and trees in the mid-ground screen the proposed structures to some degree. The sensitivity of these VSRs is considered Medium.

Village on Wo Keng Shan Road (H8)

The VSRs are the villagers living in the village just off Wo Keng Shan Road. The existing view is of village houses with woodland and green fields screening views in most directions. The NENT landfill is visible in the background to the north. Viewer numbers are considered low as it is a small village settlement. Alternative views available in other directions are similar in quality. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. The VSRs will have a partial to full view towards the Project with some screening provided by existing vegetation. It is noted that a villager’s grave (Section 12, Site code GR09) is located close to the Project. There are also several individual houses located away from the major settlement area and may be closer to the Project. Hence, the overall sensitivity of the VSRs in this area is considered relatively High.

Ping Yeung East (H9)

The VSRs are the villagers of Ping Yeung especially the residents located on the east. The existing view is dominated by some village houses, with a wide green field and woodland in the mid-ground and a vegetated hillside in the background to the east. The viewer numbers are considered to be high as the area of Ping Yeung is large with many two- and three-storey houses. Alternative views are available as views in other directions are of similar quality. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. The Project will be partially visible as other buildings, woodland trees and vegetation will partially screen the line of sight to the Project. However, several individual houses are located away from the major settlement area and may be closer to the Project. Due to the high numbers and residential nature of VSRs present, the sensitivity of these VSRs is considered High.

Ping Yeung South Industrial Area (I1)

The VSRs are mainly workshop workers in the Ping Yeung South industrial area. The current view is dominated by scattered workshops separated by narrow, green strips and other views of similar quality are available. The duration and frequency of views is considered stationary and regular as the VSRs look at the same view on a regular basis. Since they are working and active, they do not usually have a continuous view and will be less mindful of their view and more concentrated on their work. The VSR will have a partial view to the Project due to visual obstruction by existing structures and vegetation. The sensitivity of these VSRs is considered Medium.

Proposed NDA (C/R1)

The current view consists of a wide green field with dense woodland and vegetated hillsides, with random graves and junk yards. Viewer numbers are predicted to be high. There are also good quality, alternative views available. The duration and frequency of views is considered to be stationary and regular as people working and living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. The Project will be partially visible as existing vegetation and topography form a visual obstruction and because the Project is a considerable distance away. The sensitivity of these VSRs is therefore considered Medium.

11.5.6.2 Sha Tau Kok Road Section.

Village West of Man Uk Pin (H10)

The VSRs are the villagers west of Man Uk Pin and the scattered residences in this area. The existing view includes village houses and agricultural land in the foreground, woodland in the mid-ground and vegetated hillside directly to the north and in the background to the south. There are few residences and therefore few viewers in this area. Alternative views are available but views are limited due to the topography and vegetation. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. The degree of visibility of the Project will be partial as woodland and other vegetation will partially screen the line of sight to the Project. The VSRs are relatively close to the Project Site with several individual houses located away from the major settlement area and potentially closer to the Project. These VSRs are close to the Project Site and given all these considerations, their sensitivity is considered High.

Sha Tau Kok Road (T1)

The VSRs are drivers and pedestrians on the Sha Tau Kok Road. The current view on Sha Tau Kok Road is dominated by the traffic with a section lined with large Melaleuca quinquenervia trees. Other views of similar quality are available. The duration and frequency of views is considered transitory and frequent. The VSRs will have a full view of the Project as the alignment will intersect the existing section of the Sha Tau Kok Road. The VSRs’ views change continuously while travelling and drivers generally concentrate on the road rather than on their surroundings. The sensitivity of these VSRs is considered Low.

Man Uk Pin (H11)

The VSRs are the villagers of Man Uk Pin. The existing view is towards village houses, agricultural lands and green fields with patches of woodland. The viewer numbers are considered high as Man Uk Pin is a medium-sized village. Alternative views are available as views in other directions are of similar quality. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. The view to the Project is partially obscured by existing vegetation. Their sensitivity is considered Medium.

Tai Tong Wu (H12)

The VSRs are the villagers of Tai Tong Wu. The existing view includes village houses and agricultural land in the foreground, woodland in the mid-ground and vegetated hillside in the background. The viewer numbers are considered high as Tai Tong Wu is a medium sized village. Alternative views are available but the views are limited due to the topography. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. Woodland and other vegetation partially screen the view to the Project, however there are several individual houses located away from the major settlement area which will are closer to the Project. These VSRs area relatively close to the Project and considering all factors their sensitivity is High.

Loi Tung Village (H13)

The VSRs are the villagers of Loi Tung Village. The existing view includes village houses in the foreground; woodland and large Melaleuca quinquenervia trees along Sha Tau Kok Road in the mid-ground and vegetated hillside in the background. The viewer numbers are considered high as Loi Tung is a medium to large village. Alternative views are available but the views are limited due to the topography and hillside slopes. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area look at the same view on a regular basis. The degree of visibility of the Project will be partial as woodland and vegetation will partially screen the view to the Project. However, there are several individual houses that are located away from the major settlement area and closer to the Project. A villagers’ shrine (Section 12, Site code LF07) is located in close to the Project. Considering all factors, particularly the short distance between the VSRs and the Project, their sensitivity is considered High.

11.5.6.3 South Tunnel Middle Ventilation Building at Po Kat Tsai Section.

Open Storage on Lau Shui Heung Road (I2)

The VSRs are the workers at the open storage area on Lau Shui Heung Road. The current view is dominated by storage yards, workshop structures and vehicular access with vegetated hillside in the background. The viewer numbers are considered low due to the small number of workers in this area. Other views with similar quality are available. The duration and frequency of views is considered stationary and regular as people working in the station are looking at the same view on a regular basis Since they are working and active, they do not usually has a continuous view and will also be less mindful of their view and more concentrated on their work. Due to the topography and vegetation, the VSRs will hardly be able to see the ventilation building in Po Kat Tsai. The sensitivity of these VSRs is therefore considered Low.

Tung Kok Wai (H14)

The VSRs are the villagers of Tung Kok Wai. The existing view is dominated by village houses with some planted trees in the foreground, the main road to the west and vegetated hillside in the background. The viewer numbers are considered high as this is a large residential area. Alternative views are available as views in other directions are of similar quality. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. The VSRs may be able to see the ventilation building but the main orientation of houses is away from this Project site and will be largely blocked by the natural topography and vegetation such that the Ventilation Building would only be visible from the roofs of the houses. Views towards the Fanling intersection are also blocked by natural topography and vegetation. The VSRs are a medium distance from the closest boundary of the Project Site and most of the Project alignment in this area is tunnel or behind hills and therefore not visible. The sensitivity of the VSRs in this area is considered Low.

Po Kat Tsai (H15)

The VSRs are the residents of settlement at Po Kat Tsai. The existing view is a mix of natural and man-made elements of village houses, a close by industrial area, open storage, Po Kak Tsai Road, vegetated hillside and some woodland. The viewer numbers are considered low as there are only a small number of residents in this area. Alternative views are present but Queen’s Hill and hillside slopes along Po Kak Tsai Road limit the views in a number of directions. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. The residential settlements do not face the ventilation building, so the Project is barely visible. Several individual houses are located away from the major settlement area on Po Kak Tsai Road and will possibly be relatively closer to the Project. Given these considerations and the proximity of these VSRs to the Project site, the sensitivity of these VSRs is considered High.

Proposed CDA (Ex-Burma Lines Military site) (H16)

The VSRs are the future residents at the proposed Comprehensive Development Area (CDA) located at the present Ex-Burma Lines Military site. The current view from the site consists of direct views towards an open storage area and Po Kak Tsai Road in the foreground and vegetated hills and woodland in the mid-ground and background. Though the site is currently abandoned, viewer numbers are predicted to be very high once this area has been redeveloped. The availability and amenity of other views is considered limited. The orientation of blocks, topography and existing trees have narrowed the available view, with the remaining view orientated toward the Ventilation Building. The duration and frequency of views is predicted to be stationary and regular as people who will live in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. The degree of visibility of will depend on the level of the new developments but can be predicted to be at best partial if higher-storey developments are built. The natural vegetation around the site and the topography are expected to screen most of the view of the Ventilation Building. The natural vegetation around the site and the topography are expected to screen some of the view toward the Project Site, but given the proximity of these VSRs to the Project Site, their sensitivity is considered High.

Lung Shan Temple (OU5)

The VSRs are the workers, worshippers and other visitors to the columbarium at the seven-storey Lung Shan Temple. The existing view is open and green surrounded by vegetated hills in the mid-ground and background. The concrete car park and the meandering road in the foreground are lined with trees and vegetation. The viewer numbers are considered few as the temple is only visited occasionally by small numbers of people. Other views area available as the view is open and panoramic. The duration and frequency of views is considered stationary and regular for workers and transitory and occasional for visitors. The VSRs have a partial view to the Project, which is partly screened by the existing, natural vegetation. The overall sensitivity of these VSRs is considered Medium.

Wing Ning Wai (H17)

The VSRs are the villagers of Wing Ning Wai. The existing view is dominated by village houses in the foreground with some planted trees, the main road to the west and vegetated hillside in the background. The viewer numbers are considered high as this is a large residential area. Alternative views of similar quality are available in other directions. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. The VSRs will possibly have a glimpse towards the Ventilation Building but the main orientation of houses is away from this structure and the Project Site and will largely be blocked by the natural topography and vegetation such that the Ventilation Building would only be visible from the roofs of the houses. Views towards the Fanling Intersection are also blocked by natural topography and vegetation. The VSRs are a medium distance from the closest boundary of the Project Site and most of the Project alignment in this area is tunnel or behind hills and therefore not visible. The sensitivity of the VSRs in this area is considered Low.

11.5.6.4 Fanling Section.

Dawning Views (H18)

The VSRs are the residents of top floors of high-rise apartment buildings facing east, such as the top floors of Dawning Views, Block 8. The top floors of these buildings currently have an open panoramic view, looking down to village houses in the foreground, are dominated by woodlands in the mid-ground and vegetated hillsides in the background. Viewer numbers are considered many with the high number of residents on the high rise building facing the Project to the North-east to East direction. There is no availability of alternative views as the affected residents will have a fixed view from their flats facing the Project. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. The degree of visibility of the Project from this elevated point is full with no screening possible. The sensitivity of these VSRs is therefore considered High.

Tong Hang (H19)

The VSRs are the villagers of Tong Hang. Despite being located next to the Fanling railway and highway, the existing views from Tong Hang are predominantly of vegetated, green areas, which were planted to screen the infrastructure. There is some open storage fencing and woodland in the mid-ground and vegetated hillside in the background. The viewer numbers are considered to be low as Tong Hang is a small village. Alternative views of similar qualities are available. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. The degree of visibility of the Project will be partial as woodland and other vegetation will partially screen the view to the Project. As the existing infrastructures are currently screened by vegetation, the VSRs in this area will be sensitive to changes that bring any infrastructure into their view. The sensitivity of these VSRs is considered High.

Wo Hop Shek Village (H20)

The VSRs are the villagers of Wo Hop Shek Village. The existing view is a mix of open storage, workshop and recycling factories in the foreground, as well as the nearby Fanling Highway and associated roadside planting. Dense vegetation dominates the foreground, through the trees, clusters of villages and roads in the mid-ground and distant hillsides in the background are visible. The viewer numbers are considered high as Wo Hop Shek Village is a medium-sized village. Alternative views are available as views in other directions are of similar quality. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. These VSRs will have a partial view towards the Project and their sensitivity is considered Medium.

Yuen Leng (H21)

The VSRs are the villagers of Yuen Leng and Kau Lung Hang. The existing view is dominated by undesirable views such as the existing Fanling Highway noise barriers, the railway power lines and traffic on the road that runs across the front of Yuen Leng and Kau Lung Hang. Mature trees are found scattered in the mid-ground and vegetated hillsides such as Kau Lung Hang Shan (Cloudy Hill) are visible in the background. The viewer numbers are considered very many as Yuen Leng and Kau Lung Hang is a large residential area. Alternative views of similar qualities are available. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area look at the same view on a regular basis. The VSRs in this area will have a full view of the Project. The sensitivity of these VSRs is considered High.

Tai Wo (H22)

The VSRs are the villagers of Tai Wo. The existing view is dominated by village houses in the foreground, the Fanling Highway in the mid-ground and vegetated hillside in the background. The viewer numbers are considered many as Tai Wo is a large village. Alternative views are available as views in other directions are of similar quality. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area look at the same view on a regular basis. The VSRs will be close to the Project and have a full view of it. Their sensitivity of is considered High.

Fanling Highway (T2)

The VSRs are drivers using the Fanling Highway and pedestrians crossing the highway via footbridges. The current view on the Fanling Highway is dominated by the traffic with noise barriers and green strips at the sides where there is roadside planting. The viewer numbers are considered high due to the high volume of traffic on this highway. The current view is not the only view and other views with similar quality are available. The duration and frequency of views is considered transitory and frequent as the road users will be passing through. The VSR will have a full view to the Project as the alignment will join an existing section of the Fanling Highway. The views constantly change while travelling, and drivers, which make up the majority of these VSRs, generally concentrate more on the road than on the surroundings. The sensitivity of these VSRs is considered Low.

Nam Wa Po (H23)

The VSRs are the villagers of Nam Wa Po. The existing view includes village houses, a pond, vegetation and woodland trees scattered across the area in the foreground but there is some ongoing channelization works also in front of the village; existing noise barriers that screen Fanling Highway are visible to some extent in the mid-ground and vegetated hillsides are visible in the background behind the Fanling Highway. The viewer numbers are considered to be high as Nam Wa Po is a large village. Alternative views of similar qualities are available. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. The degree of visibility of the Project will be partial as existing trees and other vegetation will partially screen the view to the Project. However, there are several individual houses that are located away from the major settlement area and will be relatively closer to the Project. The sensitivity of these VSRs to infrastructure development is considered Medium.

Tai Hang (H24)

The VSRs are the villagers of Tai Hang. The existing view includes village houses in the foreground, woodland and tree rows in the mid-ground and vegetated hillside and ridges in the background. The view to the existing infrastructure has been partially screened by trees planted along the edge of the Fanling Highway buffer road and some other woodland. Alternative views are available as views in other directions are of similar quality. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. Existing vegetation will largely limit the view toward the Project. There is a village grave (Section 12, Site code GR14) located in close proximity to the works boundary of the Project. The sensitivity of these VSRs is considered Medium.

Hong Lok Yuen (H25)

The VSRs are the residents of Hong Lok Yuen. The existing view is dominated by an elevated view of the valley and Fanling Highway, with woodland and vegetated hillside in the middle ground and the top portion of residential high rise in distance (e.g. Dawning View). The viewer numbers are considered high as Hong Lok Yuen is a large residential development. Alternative views are available within the open range view. The duration and frequency of views is stationary and regular as people living in the area will be looking at the same view on a regular basis. Only some residents in this area have a direct line of sight to the Project Site since natural topography and vegetation block that of many. The overall sensitivity of these VSRs is considered Medium.

Wilson Trail (R2)

The VSRs are the hikers on Stage 8 of the Wilson Trail near Hong Lok Yuen. There is an existing aerial view towards Hong Lok Yuen, Fanling Highway and adjacent villages, woodlands and vegetated areas in the mid-ground with Kau Lung Hang Shan (Cloudy Hill) and distant high rise residential buildings in the background. The viewer numbers are considered very low as the number of people on the trail is relatively small. Other similar views are available within the open range. The duration and frequency of views is considered transitory and occasional as hikers are only passing through and only stop occasionally for a short period of time. The degree of visibility of the Project is full as the view is elevated and can see the proposed structures clearly. Due to the good quality of the existing view, but its transitory nature, the sensitivity of these VSRs is considered Medium.

Columbarium in Wo Hop Shek Cemetery (OU6)

The VSRs are the visitors to the multi-storey columbarium located in Wo Hop Shek Cemetery. The columbarium is located on a hillside and the current view at ground level is dominated by trees and vegetation, with a distant view towards villages and Fanling Highway. On higher floors of the columbarium the view becomes more panoramic with less screening offered by natural vegetation and a clearer view of the Fanling Highway. The number of viewers is normally small, but rises greatly on festival days. Good alternative views are available. The duration and frequency of views is considered transitory and occasional as the columbarium is usually visited for only a short period of time. The view of the Project is mainly blocked by existing trees on the hillside. The sensitivity of these VSRs is therefore considered Low.

Table 11.10: Factors Affecting Sensitivity of VSRs and Overall Sensitivity Rating.

VSR ID *	VP	VSR Name	Value and Quality of Existing view	Viewer Category	Estimated number of Viewers	Availability and amenity of alternative views	Duration of view towards the Project	Frequency of view towards the Project	Degree of visibility of the Project	Sensitivity of VSR
			(Good / Fair / Poor)		(Very few / Few / Many / Very Many)		(Stationary / Transitory)	(Frequent / Regular / Occasional)	(Full / Partial / Glimpse)	(High / Medium / Low)
H1		Heung Yuen Wai	Good	Residential - Villagers	Few	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Partial	Medium
H2	1	Ha Heung Yuen	Good	Residential - Villagers	Few	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Partial	Medium
H3	2	Tsung Yuen Ha	Good	Residential - Villagers	Few	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Full	High
H4		Resite of Chuk Yuen Village	Good	Residential - Villagers	Few	Yes / Good alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Glimpse	Medium
H5	3	Kaw Liu Village	Good	Residential - Villagers	Few	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Partial	Medium
H6		Fung Wong Wu	Good	Residential - Villagers	Few	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Glimpse	Medium
OU1		Graveyard by Poultry Farm	Fair	Other Specified Use - Occasional visitors	Very Few	None	Transitory	Occasional	Full	Low
OU2		Graveyard by Kaw Liu Village	Fair	Other Specified Use - Occasional visitors	Very Few	None	Transitory	Occasional	Full	Low
OU3		Earth Shrine near Tsung Yuen Ha	Fair	Other Specified Use - Occasional visitors	Very Few	None	Transitory	Occasional	Full	Low
OU4		Tin Hau Temple	Fair	Other Specified Use - Occasional visitors	Very Few	None	Transitory	Occasional	Full	Low
O1		Ta Kwu Ling Police Station	Fair	Occupational - Working staff	Few	None	Stationary	Regular	Partial	Medium
H7	4	Nga Yiu Ha	Good	Residential - Villagers	Few	Yes / Open Views	Stationary	Regular	Full	High
R1	5	Lung Mei Teng	Good	Recreational - Hikers / Occasional visitors	Very Few	Yes / Elevated Open Views	Transitory	Occasional	Partial	Medium
H8		Village on Wo Keng Shan Road	Fair	Residential - Villagers	Few	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Partial	High
H9		Ping Yeung East	Fair	Residential - Villagers	Very Many	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Partial	High
I1		Ping Yeung South Industrial Area	Poor	Industrial - Workers	Few	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Partial	Medium
C/R1		Proposed NDA	Good	Mixed Commercial /Residential - Future Industrial and Commercial workers/ Residents	Many	Yes / Good alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Partial	Medium
H10	6	Village West of Man Uk Pin	Fair	Residential - Villagers	Few	Yes / Limited due to topography	Stationary	Regular	Partial	High
T1		Sha Tau Kok Road	Poor	Travelling - Road Users	Very Many	Yes / Similar alternatives	Transitory	Frequent	Full	Low
H11		Man Uk Pin	Fair	Residential - Villagers	Many	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Partial	Medium
H12	7	Tai Tong Wu	Fair	Residential - Villagers	Many	Yes / Limited views in other directions	Stationary	Regular	Partial	High
H13	8	Loi Tung Village	Fair	Residential - Villagers	Many	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Partial	High
I2		Open Storage on Lau Shui Heung Road	Poor	Industrial - Workers	Few	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Glimpse	Low
H14		Tung Kok Wai	Fair	Residential - Villagers	Very Many	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Glimpse	Low
H15		Po Kat Tsai	Fair	Residential - Villagers	Few	Yes / Limited views in other directions	Stationary	Regular	Glimpse	High
H16		Proposed CDA (Ex-Burma Lines Military site)	Fair	Residential - Future residents of the Proposed CDA	Very Many	Yes / Limited views in other directions	Stationary	Regular	Partial	High
OU5	9	Lung Shan Temple	Good	Other Specified Use - Workers/ Occasional visitors	Few	Yes / Open Views	Stationary for staff / Transitory for visitors	Regular for staff / Occasional for visitors	Partial	Medium
H17		Wing Ning Wai	Fair	Residential - Villagers	Very Many	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Glimpse	Low
H18	10	Dawning Views	Good	Residential - High rise residents	Very Many	None	Stationary	Regular	Full	High
H19		Tong Hang	Good	Residential - Villagers	Few	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Full	High
H20		Wo Hop Shek Village	Fair	Residential - Villagers	Many	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Partial	Medium
H21	11	Yuen Leng	Poor	Residential - Villagers	Very Many	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Full	High
H22		Tai Wo	Fair	Residential - Villagers	Many	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Full	High
T2		Fanling Highway	Poor	Travelling - Road Users	Very Many	Yes / Similar alternatives	Transitory	Frequent	Full	Low
H23		Nam Wa Po	Fair	Residential - Villagers	Very Many	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Partial	Medium
H24		Tai Hang	Fair	Residential - Villagers	Very Many	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Glimpse	Medium
H25		Hong Lok Yuen	Good	Residential - Low rise housing estate residents	Very Many	Yes / Similar alternatives	Stationary	Regular	Partial	Medium
R2	12	Wilson Trail	Good	Recreational - Hikers	Very Few	Yes / Elevated Open Views	Transitory	Occasional	Full	Medium
OU6		Columbarium in Wo Hop Shek Cemetery	Fair	Other Specified Use - Occasional visitors	Many	Yes / Good alternatives	Transitory	Occasional	Glimpse	Low

* H = Residential; I = Industrial; T = Travelling; C/R = Mixed Commercial /Residential; O = Occupational; R = Recreational; OU = Other Specified Use

11.5.7 Vantage Points (VPs)

Viewpoints (VPs) have been selected where typical views of the key VSRs within the visual envelope can be demonstrated. Photomontages have been prepared from these selected VPs to conceptually illustrate the worse case scenarios of visual impacts unmitigated and mitigated at Day 1 and Year 10 of operation respectively. The selected VPs are shown in Figure 11.7.7 and the photomontages are presented in Figures 11.7.8 to 11.7.19.

The selected VPs representing the worse case scenarios of visual impacts at key VSRs are as follows:

- VP1 Photomontage at Ha Heung Yuen (Refer to Figure 11.7.8)

- VP2 Photomontage at Tsung Yuen Ha (Refer to Figure 11.7.9)

- VP3 Photomontage at Kaw Liu Village (Refer to Figure 11.7.10)

- VP4 Photomontage at Nga Yiu Ha (Figure 11.7.11)

- VP5 Photomontage at Lung Mei Teng (Figure 11.7.12)

- VP6 Photomontage at Village West of Man Uk Pin (Figure 11.7.13)

- VP7 Photomontage at Tai Tong Wu (Figure 11.7.14)

- VP8 Photomontage at Loi Tung Village (Figure 11.7.15)

- VP9 Photomontage at Lung Shan Temple (Figure 11.7.16)

- VP10 Photomontage at Dawning Views (Figure 11.7.17)

- VP11 Photomontage at Yuen Leng (Figure 11.7.18)

- VP12 Photomontage at Wilson Trail (Figure 11.7.19)

11.6 Landscape Impact Assessment

11.6.1 Potential Sources of Impacts

The Project, as described in Section 2, will involve various sources of landscape and visual impact. The proposed development will create varying levels of impact on the landscape resources and landscape character areas at different stages of its lifetime. Potential landscape and visual impacts would be restricted to above ground and the footprint of construction works and operational facilities. The boundary of the Project Site (At grade / Tunnel) has been shown on various relevant plans. Cumulative impacts with impacts from other concurrent projects in the area are discussed in Section 11.8.

11.6.1.1 Construction phase

During the construction phase of the project, potential impacts will result from the following:

¡ Site clearance and tree removal/transplantation.

¡ Site formation works including cutting and filling.

¡ Construction of at grade facilities including drainage facilities associated with the BCP draining into the Shenzhen river, BCP building structures, tunnel portals, tunnel ventilation buildings, administration buildings, road re-alignment/improvements.

¡ Construction of above ground facilities including crossing boundary bridges, viaducts, interchanges, slip roads and noise barriers.

¡ Stockpiling of construction and demolition materials, including existing topsoil for reinstatement works, and storage of construction equipment and plants.

¡ Temporary structures within the Project Site including site offices and parking areas.

¡ Re-alignment of streams and watercourses.

11.6.1.2 Operation phase

During the operation phase of the project, potential impacts will result from the following:

¡ Operation of the BCP and associated buildings including sewerage treatment facility.

¡ Operation of upgraded Lin Ma Hang Road and the new Chuk Yuen Village Re-site Access Road

¡ Operation of new trunk road and intersections both at grade and viaduct.

¡ Operation of trunk road associated buildings including ventilation and administration buildings

¡ Provision of any noise mitigation structures.

¡ Residual impacts from loss of trees and vegetation during the construction phase.

¡ Landscaping works.

11.6.2 Nature and Magnitude of Landscape Impacts before Mitigation in Construction and Operation Phases

As detailed in Section 2 (Project Description), several initial alignment options were identified by Highways Department. Several rounds of new and revised alignment options, evaluations and refinements were undertaken based on the initial options and specific design specifications to result in the current preferred alignment. The initial set of alignment options were assessed during the Feasibility Study and the assessment results are summarised in Appendix 2.3. The recommended alignment in the Feasibility Study was subsequently adopted for application of the EIA Study Brief. Based on this recommended alignment, public consultations were undertaken during the preliminary design stage and in response to concerns raised here, the recommended alignment was further assessed and a total of nine refined alignment options were evaluated alongside the original recommended. These refinements focused on the section of alignment between Lau Shui Heung to the south of Sha Tau Kok Road and the tunnel through Cheung Shan to the north of Sha Tau Kok Road. For the refined alignment options, preliminary screening was conducted to ensure each option met basic criteria and requirements and then secondary screening was conducted in which environmental impacts including landscape & visual considerations were taken into account, for example avoidance of the Country Parks, fung shui woodland and to minimise impacts that would incur loss of trees. A final technical assessment was then conducted, including consideration of environmental factors, including landscape and visual. The current location of the alignment, as well as is associated supporting infrastructure, has therefore been extensively considered and impacts on landscape resources and character areas kept to a minimum.

The landscape resources and landscape character areas that are impacted by the construction and operation of the Project are illustrated in Figures 11.6.0 to 11.6.13 and detailed in Tables 11.11 to 11.15. All impacts are adverse unless stated otherwise and the Project Site refers to the above ground (at-grade and viaduct sections of the associated road of the Project and buildings) Project footprint area as well as the works area needed to construct these facilities. The Project Site does not include the underground (i.e. tunnel) sections of the Project and the Project footprint refers to the above ground land area taken up by the finished structures of the Project.

All existing landscape resources within the Project Site boundary (also sometimes referred to as the works area), are assumed to be cleared during construction as a worst case scenario assessment unless stated otherwise. Some trees in the Project Site will be retained however, and for LRs with significant numbers of trees within the Project Site, a summary of the trees located within the Project Site boundary of the LR is given in the ‘Source and Location of Impacted Areas’ column of the tables and an indication of the treatment of these trees given in the ‘Description of Construction impacts’. Table 11.15a summarises the approximate impact on the trees within the Project Site for LRs with significant numbers of trees, and is divided by each Section/Zone. Numbers are indicative only and based on the provisional Detailed Tree Survey Results.

When considering relative size of area impacted relative to the overall area of the resource in that Section/Zone, less than 5% was considered very small, 5% to <15% small, 15% to <40% moderate and 40% and above large. Relative size was considered in association with absolute area affected when considering magnitude of landscape impact. As described in the methodology, the temporary or permanent nature and reversibility of the impacts are also taken into account when determining magnitude of impacts.

Details of the visual impact magnitudes are described separately in the Visual Impact Assessment in Section 11.7.

11.6.2.1 Section A, Zone 1

The table below describes the impacts on landscape resources and landscape character areas during construction and operation and assesses the impact magnitude to be small, intermediate, large or negligible.

Provisional results from the Detailed Tree Survey indicate there are approximately 2730 trees within the Project Site in Section A, Zone 1, 2004 of which are in the BCP area. The dominant species are the native species Celtis sinensis, Ficus hispida, Macaranga tanarius and the exotic species Dimocarpus longan, Leucaena leucocephala (a weed species) and Litchi chinensis and on average the trees are 7-8 m high with 5 m crown spread and 200 mm DBH. Overall taking into account the existing conditions of the trees and the preliminary layout plan of the BCP and alignment of the connecting road and Lin Ma Hand road improvement, the current proposal is for approximately 580 trees in Section A, Zone 1 to be retained (of which ~300 in the BCP area), 350 transplanted (of which 333 from the BCP area), 100 removed (relates to dead trees or weed species Leucaena leucocephala) (of which ~80 from the BCP area), and 1700 felled (of which ~1290 from the BCP area). The main species being felled are Ficus hispida, Celtis sinensis, Macaranga tanarius (all native) and the exotic species Dimocarpus longan and Litchi chinensis. Mitigation measures for this felling are described in Section 11.6.3 – OM3. The key LRs in the Project Site in Section A, Zone 1 containing substantial numbers of trees to be felled are LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside), LR3.2 (Woodland on Lowland), LR4.2 (Shrubby Grassland), LR5.1 (Active Farmland), LR5.2 (Inactive Farmland), LR6.2 (Village Area) and LR6.3 (Traditional Village Area) and further details of impacts on the trees in these LRs are detailed in Table 11.11. Table 11.15a also summarises the information regarding trees in the Project Site located within key LRs in each Section/Zone, their proposed treatment and suggested number of compensation trees.

Table 11.11: Impact on Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas affected by the Project in the Section A, Zone 1

* Percentage is used to describe relative area only, not absolute area. It is approximately considered as follows: < 5% = very small, 5% to <15% = small, 15% to <40% = moderate, 40% and above = large

ID	Description	Total Area in Zone 1 (ha)	Area within Project Site in Zone 1 (ha)	Percentage within Project Site with respect to Total Area*	Compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape (Good / Fair / Low)	Source and Location of Impacted Areas	Description of Construction Impacts - including duration and reversibility	Description of Operation Impacts - assumed to be permanent and irreversible unless stated otherwise.	Magnitude of Impact - Construction	Magnitude of Impact - Operation
LR1.1	Watercourse	1.63 (2325 m)	0.10 (161 m)	6.1%	Low	Construction and operation of viaduct - a short length of Ping Yuen tributary river is within the Project Site, where the alignment is a viaduct. According to Section 5.5.2.1, the current design allows for no piers to be erected within the existing watercourse.	During construction, the temporary earthworks in the Project Site should avoid the watercourse (although they may come minimally into contact with the watercourse banks) and no structures will be built within it. Only a small length of this resource is in the Project Site but since the permanent alignment here is viaduct, not at-grade, the watercourse will not require modification. Overall the impact is considered small.	Assuming there are no piers within the watercourse, during operation the viaduct will be operating above a short length of the watercourse and should not directly impact it. Indirect shading impact will be minimal and for this small length of watercourse, the operation impact is considered negligible.	Small	Negligible
LR1.2	Channelized Watercourse	8.63 (4638 m)	0.46 (431 m)	5.3%	Fair	Construction and operation of BCP, viaduct and Lin Ma Hang Road improvement - Overall a relatively short length of this resource is within the Project Site. According to Section 5.5.2.1, the current design allows for no piers to be erected within the existing watercourse. Areas of this resource affected are: -Two sections of Kong Yiu drainage channel in at-grade works areas. One at the entrance to the BCP area where two bridges will be built where the alignment runs over the channel. Another at the eastern border of the BCP area where the existing small footbridge will be removed and possibly reprovisioned. -A very small area of drainage channel leading to Kaw Liu Village in the at-grade Lin Ma Hang Road improvement works area. -A small area of channelized watercourse running round the ongoing development within the Project Site where the alignment is a viaduct.	During construction: -At the entrance to the BCP area, the removal of the small footbridge and construction of two new bridges over the Kong Yiu Drainage Channel near the BCP entrance (and possible reprovision of the footbridge) may temporarily disturb the watercourses, but other temporary earthworks should have no direct impact. -Works may involve reversible, temporary diversion of existing drainage channel running under the current Lin Ma Hang Road e.g. to provide an extended box culvert to run under the widened road, but other temporary earthworks in this area should have no direct impact. -The temporary earthworks in the Project Site for the viaduct alignment should avoid the small length of channelized watercourse in the Project Site and no piers will be erected within the existing watercourses according to the current design.	During operation and prior to mitigation, assuming there are no piers within the watercourse, the viaduct will be operating above the channelized watercourse and should not directly impact it. Equally the flow of water through the newly extended box culvert will be similar to pre-construction. Indirect shading impact will be minimal and for this small length of watercourse, the operation impact is considered negligible.	Small	Negligible
LR1.4	Pond	0.85	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	Only one pond, at the Chuk Yuen Resite area, is close to the Project Site but will not be directly affected by construction works or operation of the Project.		Negligible	Negligible
LR3.1	Woodland on Hillside	15.19	0.56	3.7%	Low	Construction and operation of BCP and viaduct - Overall a small area of woodland on hillside is within the Project Site, estimated to contain approximately 190 trees of 30 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The dominant species are reportedly all native species, Alangium chinense, Celtis sinensis, Macaranga tanarius, Cinnamomum camphora and Microcos paniculata: Areas of this resource affected are located: -Near the BCP entrance -At the end of the new road to the re-sited Chuk Yuen Village -At viaduct sections in south of the zone.	During construction: -There may be modification of existing slope. -Works may involve clearance of existing vegetation within the Project Site, but outside the Project footprint, and this can potentially be reinstated. -Near the BCP and the end of the new road to the re-sited Chuk Yuen village, tiny areas of this resource fall within the at-grade alignment footprint and vegetation will be permanently removed. -Magnitude of permanent, irreversible impact under the viaduct section due to direct resource loss partially depends on the location of viaduct piers but the piers’ footprint is relatively small and impact to the surrounding under viaduct sections can potentially be reinstated. -There will be some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below. -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose the majority (~110) of the trees be retained and approximately 75 felled. Those trees proposed for felling are of medium or medium to high maturity and dominated by the native species Celtis sinensis and Macaranga tanarius. Approximately 5 trees, that are dead or the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala, are also proposed to be removed and no trees transplanted. Since under 1 ha of this resource if affected and the majority of trees will be retained, with less than 100 trees felled (predominantly common species), the impact on this resource is overall considered small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below.	Small	Small
LR3.2	Woodland on Lowland	12.60	2.20	17.5%	Low	Construction and operation of BCP, alignment near BCP, Lin Ma Hang Road improvement and new road to re-sited Chuk Yuen Village - Overall a moderate sized area of woodland on lowland is within the Project Site, estimated to contain approximately 420 trees of 35 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The dominant species are reportedly native species, Celtis sinensis, Ficus hispida and Macaranga tanarius as well as exotic species Acacia confusa and Leucaena leucocephala (weed). Areas of this resource affected are located: -Within the BCP area and alignment near the BCP entrance -Along the new road to the re-sited Chuk Yuen village -At a tiny section of the Lin Ma Hang Road improvement.	During construction: -Works may include some permanent modification of the topography to create embankments near the entrance to the BCP. -Works may involve clearance of existing vegetation in areas within the Project Site but outside the BCP/ alignment footprint and this can potentially be reinstated. -Within all affected areas, a large portion of the affected resource falls within the at-grade BCP, alignment near the BCP, new road to re-sited Chuk Yuen village and improved Lin Ma Hang Road and vegetation will be permanently removed. -A tiny portion of this resource is under the elevated section of the alignment and magnitude of permanent, irreversible impact due to direct resource loss partially depends on the location of supporting structures. -There will be some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below. -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose the majority (~220) of the trees be retained or transplanted and approximately 160 trees be felled. Those trees proposed for felling are of medium or medium to high maturity and dominated by the native species Celtis sinensis, Ficus hispida and Macaranga tanarius. Approximately 40 trees, that are dead or the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala, are also proposed fro removal. Since under 3 ha of this resource if affected and the majority of trees will be retained or transplanted, with less than 200 trees felled, predominantly common species, the impact on this resource is overall considered intermediate.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to that during construction.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR3.3	Fung Shui Woodland	2.88	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	The fung shui woodland at Tsung Yuen Ha is close to the works area and should not be directly affected by the construction works or the operation of the Project.		Negligible	Negligible
LR4.1	Shrubby Grassland on Hillside	35.17	0.15	0.4%	Low	Construction and operation of viaduct - Overall a very small area of shrubby grassland on hillside is within the Project site, under viaduct sections in the south of the zone.	During construction: -There may be modification of existing slope. -Works may involve clearance of existing vegetation in areas within the Project Site but outside the alignment footprint and this can potentially be reinstated. -Magnitude of permanent, irreversible impact under the viaduct section partially depends on the location of viaduct piers but the piers’ footprint is relatively small and the surrounding under viaduct sections can potentially be reinstated.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to that during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below.	Small	Small
LR4.2	Shrubby Grassland on Lowland	16.35	4.06	24.8%	Low	Construction and operation of BCP, alignment near BCP, new road to re-sited Chuk Yuen Village and viaduct - Overall a moderate sized area of this resource is within the Project Site, also in relation to the total area of this resource found within the Study Area. The area is estimated to contain approximately 130 trees of 30 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The dominant species are reportedly native species Ficus hispida, Celtis sinensis and Macaranga tanarius. Areas of this resource affected are located: -At the BCP -To the west of the Lin Ma Hang Road near the BCP entrance -Towards the end of the new road to the re-sited Chuk Yuen Village -Viaduct in south of the zone.	During construction: -Works may involve clearance of existing vegetation in roughly half of this resource located within the Project Site but outside the BCP/ alignment footprint or under viaduct sections, and these areas can potentially be reinstated. -Magnitude of permanent, irreversible impact under the viaduct section due to direct resource loss depends on the location of viaduct piers but the piers’ footprint is relatively small and the surrounding under viaduct sections can potentially be reinstated. -Roughly half the affected resource falls within the at-grade BCP footprint and vegetation will be permanently removed. -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose 50 of the affected trees be retained or transplanted and approximately 70 felled. Those trees proposed for felling are of medium or medium to high maturity and dominated by the native species Ficus hispida, Celtis sinensis and Macaranga tanarius. Approximately 10 trees, that are dead or the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala, are also proposed for removal. Although a large area of this resource is affected it is not very densely populated with trees and less than 100 trees will be felled, predominantly common species. There is also a substantial area of this resource in the Study Area that is not affected and overall the impact on this resource is considered intermediate.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to that during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR5.1	Active Farmland	37.04	10.06	27.2%	Low	Construction and operation of BCP, Lin Ma Hang Road improvement, new road to re-sited Chuk Yuen Village and viaduct - Overall a very large area of this resource, including some orchards, is within the Project Site but relative to the total area of this resource found within the Study Area, is moderate. The general vegetation within active farmland is described in Section 11.5.2. This area is also estimated to contain approximately 330 trees of 35 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The dominant species are reportedly exotic fruit trees including Dimocarpus longan and Litchi chinensis as well as common native species Ficus hispida, Celtis sinensis and Macaranga tanarius	During construction: -A large portion of the affected resource falls within the area of the at-grade BCP footprint and will be permanently and irreversibly cleared. -Much of the affected resource falls under the viaduct alignment and magnitude of permanent, irreversible impact due to direct resource loss depends on the location of viaduct piers but the piers’ footprint is relatively small. -A small portion of the affected resource lies along the at grade Lin Ma Hang Road improvement area of the Project Site. There will be some permanent and irreversible clearance of plants here where the resource falls in the road improvement footprint, but those areas outside the road improvement footprint can potentially be reinstated. -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose 100 of the affected trees be retained or transplanted and approximately 220 felled. Those trees proposed for felling are dominated by cultivated exotic fruit trees Dimocarpus longan, Litchi chinensis and Clausena lansium but native species Celtis sinensis, Ficus hispida, Macaranga tanarius and Cinnamomum camphora also make up a proportion of the felled trees. Approximately 10 trees, that are dead or the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala, are also proposed for removal. Although a relatively moderate sized area of this resource is affected, the absolute area is very large. For the size of the area, the number of trees to be felled is low by comparison to e.g. woodland and it is mainly cultivated exotic fruit trees that are lost, such that the impact on this resource is considered intermediate.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to that during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below.	Large	Large
LR5.2	Inactive Farmland	84.98	15.00	17.7%	Low	Construction and operation of BCP, Lin Ma Hang Road improvement and viaduct - Overall a very large area of this resource is within the Project Site, but relative to the total area of this resource found within the Study Area, is moderate. The general vegetation within inactive farmland is described in Section 11.5.2. This area is also estimated to contain approximately 1170 trees of 55 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The dominant species are reportedly the native species Ficus hispida, Celtis sinensis and Macaranga tanarius as well as native Microcos paniculata, exotic fruit tree species Dimocarpus longan and Litchi chinensis, and the exotic species Leucaena leucocephala and Melia azedarach.	During construction: -The majority of the affected resource falls within the at-grade BCP footprint and will be permanently and irreversibly cleared. -This is the main resource impacted by the at-grade Lin Ma Hang Road improvement and will be permanently and irreversibly cleared within the Lin Ma Hang Road improvement footprint but outside this footprint area vegetation clearance can potentially be reinstated. -A small portion of the affected resource is under the viaduct section and magnitude of permanent, irreversible impact due to direct resource loss depends on the location of viaduct piers, but the piers’ footprint is relatively small -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose 340 of the affected trees be retained or transplanted and approximately 800 felled. Those trees proposed for felling are dominated by the native species Ficus hispida, Celtis sinensis and Macaranga tanarius as well as native Microcos paniculata, exotic fruit tree species Dimocarpus longan and Litchi chinensis, and the exotic species Melia azedarach. Approximately 30 trees, that are dead or the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala, are also proposed for removal. Although a relatively moderate sized area of this resource is affected, the absolute area is very large and since the Project has compatibility with the resource and approximately 800 trees are proposed for felling, impact on this resource is considered large.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to that during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below.	Large	Large
LR6.1	Rural Built/Open Storage Area	11.44	0.42	3.7%	Fair	Construction and operation of Lin Ma Hang Road improvement and viaduct - Overall, a very small area of this resource is within the Project Site: Areas of this resource affected are located: -To the west of Lin Ma Hang Road towards the BCP entrance -Under the viaduct section near Ta Kwu Ling.	During construction: -The very small area of built storage to the west of Lin Ma Hang Road is outside the new road footprint within the Project Site and impacts from construction works here are expected to be temporary. -The magnitude of permanent and irreversible impact on this resource under the viaduct section will largely depend on the location of the viaduct piers, but the piers’ footprint is relatively small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to that during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below.	Small	Small
LR6.2	Village Area	5.22	2.90	55.5%	Fair	Construction and operation of BCP and Lin Ma Hang Road improvement - Overall a moderate area of this resource is within the Project Site, and this is a large proportion relative to the total area of this resource found within the Study Area. The general attributes of this resource are described in Section 11.5.2. The area is estimated to contain approximately 250 trees of 35 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The dominant species are reportedly the exotic fruit tree species Dimocarpus longan, Litchi chinensis and Mangifera indica as well as the native species Celtis sinensis. Areas of this resource affected: -the vast majority, comprised of the whole of the current Chuk Yuen Village, within the BCP area. -a tiny area, comprised of a small peripheral area Ta Kwu Ling Village, within the Lin Ma Hang Road improvement area.	Prior to construction: -The villagers of the current Chuk Yuen Village will have been re-located to the re-sited Chuk Yuen Village outside the Project works area. During construction: -The current Chuk Yuen Village structures and vegetation will be permanently removed from the BCP area. -The tiny part of Ta Kwu Ling Village affected, is partly within the new road footprint and will be permanently and irreversibly lost. For those areas outside the new road footprint, resource lost through site clearance can potentially be reinstated. -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose 50 of the affected trees be retained or transplanted and approximately 200 trees felled. Those trees proposed for felling are dominated the exotic fruit tree species Dimocarpus longan, Litchi chinensis and Mangifera indica as well as the native species Celtis sinensis. No trees are proposed for removal. Although the majority of the potentially affected area of this resource will be permanently lost and the majority of trees felled, under 3 ha is potentially affected, the felled trees are predominantly cultivated fruit trees and common species, the village will be uninhabited and the Project fairly compatible with the resource, the overall impact on this resource is considered intermediate.	During operation, the current Chuk Yuen Village (the majority of the affected area of this resource) will have been permanently re-located and the predicted impact on this resource is similar to that during construction.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR6.3	Traditional Village Area	6.22	0.49	7.8%	Low	Construction and operation of BCP - The affected resource within the Project Site is the abandoned Chuk Yuen Village, which is densely overgrown with woodland trees and makes up a relatively small percentage of all the traditional village area in this zone (the remainder of which are active). Although the area is small in absolute and relative terms, it is estimated to contain approximately 195 trees of 15 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The dominant species are reportedly all native species including Macaranga tanarius, Celtis sinensis, Bauhinia spp., and Ficus hispida.	During construction, all the affected resource is in the BCP area and will be permanently removed, including clearing (felling/transplantation/removal) of existing trees. -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose 30 of the affected trees be transplanted and approximately 160 trees felled. Those trees proposed for felling are the native species Macaranga tanarius, Bauhinia spp., Celtis sinensis and Ficus hispida. In addition, approximately 5 trees, that are dead or the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala, are proposed for removal. Although an absolute and relatively small area of this resource is potentially affected, it is all permanently and irreversibly lost and in addition over 100 trees are proposed for felling. With these considerations and the fact the Project has low compatibility with the resource, the overall impact is considered to be intermediate.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to that during construction.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR6.5	Ongoing Development	0.94	0.43	45.3%	Good	Construction and operation of viaduct - Only a very small area of this resource is within the Project Site, although due to there only being a small total area of this resource in the Study Area in this Zone, the relative area is large.	During construction: -Works may involve site clearance within the ongoing development area, but given the area is undergoing development already, impact is reduced. -The affected area is under the viaduct alignment and magnitude of permanent, irreversible, impact will partly depend on the location of the pier structures to, but the piers’ footprint is relatively small. Since the area potentially affected is so small in absolute terms and the Project is considered compatible with it, overall the magnitude of impact is small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to that during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below.	Small	Small
LR6.6	Transport Route without Significant Planting	5.77	1.61	27.8%	Good	Construction of BCP, Lin Ma Hang Road improvement and viaduct - Overall a moderate sized area of this resource is within the Project Site, mostly within the BCP and along the Lin Ma Hang Road improvement sections.	During construction: -Part of the affected resource within the BCP works area will be permanently removed. -Part of the affected resource along the Lin Ma Hang Road will be permanently modified by widening and surface improvement with some temporary traffic diversions. -Works may involve small amounts of clearance of existing vegetation at the roadside edges and this has the potential to be reinstated.	During operation and prior to mitigation, this resource which was within the BCP area will have been permanently lost but replaced by a transport corridor (negligible impact). Along the Lin Ma Hang Road this resource will have been reconstructed and upgraded. The overall impact is considered negligible	Small	Negligible
LR6.8	Cemetery Area	1.48	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is outside the Project Site and will not be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR6.9	Temple Area	0.02	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is outside the Project Site and will not be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR6.10	Transport Route with Significant Planting	0.33	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	The northern part of Ping Che Road, which is planted with mature Melaleuca quinquenervia trees along its edges, borders the Project Site for the Ling Ma Hang Road improvement section. No impact is anticipated.		Negligible	Negligible
LCA1	Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape	41.91	0.13	0.3%	Low	Construction and operation of viaduct - Overall a very small, almost negligible area of this landscape is in the Project Site, at a viaduct section of the connecting road alignment.	During construction: -Where existing vegetation is cleared in areas falling within the Project Site but outside the Project footprint, as well as those areas under the viaduct round the permanent supporting structures, these can potentially be reinstated or mitigated for by other means. -Permanent impacts e.g. though slope modification, will partly depend on the location of the viaduct piers but the area affected would be so small as to have a minor permanent impact on the overall landscape character. Although the Project has low compatibility with this LCA, the absolute and relative size impacted is very small. It is also an area of shrubby grassland not woodland vegetation and being under the viaduct section, the impact on the hillside vegetation, will be reduced. Considering LCAs are determined on a large scale, the overall magnitude of impact is small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this landscape is similar to that during construction.	Small	Small
LCA3	Agricultural Lowland Landscape	202.56	38.31	18.9%	Low	Construction and operation of BCP, Lin Ma Hang Road improvement, new road to re-sited Chuk Yuen Village and viaduct - Although a large area is affected (38.31ha) most of the landscape in this zone is Agricultural Lowland Landscape and overall a relatively moderate sized area of this resource is within the Project Site for all this zone.	During construction: -Earthworks in the Project Site will be incongruous with this landscape character area. -Where existing vegetation is cleared in areas within the Project Site but outside the Project footprint, as well as in those areas under the viaduct, these can potentially be reinstated or mitigated for by other means. -There will be some permanent removal of vegetation and possibly other structures and possible changes to the topography through earthworks. Due to the incompatibility of the Project with this landscape character, the very large absolute area affected and the Project cutting through the middle of the area, the overall impact is considered large.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this landscape is similar to that during construction.	Large	Large
LCA5	Cemetery Landscape	2.07	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This landscape is outside the Project Site and will not be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible

11.6.2.2 Section A, Zone 2

The table below describes the impacts on landscape resources and character areas in this area during construction and operation and assesses their magnitude to be small, intermediate, large or negligible.

Provisional results from the Detailed Tree Survey indicate there are approximately 2750 trees within the Project Site in Section A, Zone 2. The dominant species are the native species Schefflera heptaphylla, Itea chinensis, Macaranga tanarius, and Schima superba and exotic species Leucaena leucocephala (weed) and Litchi chinensis and on average the trees are about 13 m high with 8 m crown spread and 330 mm DBH. Overall taking into account the existing conditions of the trees and the preliminary layout plan of the alignment of the connecting road, the current proposal is for approximately 770 trees in Section A, Zone 2 to be retained, 30 transplanted, 150 removed (relates to dead trees or weed species Leucaena leucocephala), and 1800 felled. The main species being felled are the native species Schefflera heptaphylla, Itea chinensis and Macaranga tanarius (all native) and the exotic species Litchi chinensis. Mitigation measures for this felling are described in Section 11.6.3 – OM3. The key LRs in the Project Site in Section A, Zone 2 containing substantial numbers of trees to be felled are LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside), LR4.2 (Shrubby Grassland), LR5.1 (Active Farmland) and LR6.2 (Village Area). Due to the nature of the resource details are also given for LR3.2 (Woodland on Lowland) although very few trees are proposed for felling here. Further details of impacts on the trees in these LRs are detailed in Table 11.12. Table 11.15a also summarises the information regarding trees in the Project Site located within key LRs in each Section/Zone, their proposed treatment and suggested number of compensation trees.

Table 11.12: Impact on Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas affected by the Project in the Section A, Zone 2

* Percentage is used to describe relative area only, not absolute area. It is approximately considered as follows: < 5% = very small, 5% to <15% = small, 15% to <40% = moderate, 40% and above = large.

ID	Description	Total Area in Zone 2 (ha)	Area falling within Project Site in Zone 2 (ha)	Percentage within Project Site with respect to Total Area*	Compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape (Good / Fair / Low)	Source and Location of Impacts	Description of Construction Impacts - including duration and reversibility.	Description of Operation Impacts - assumed to be permanent and irreversible unless stated otherwise.	Magnitude of Impact - Construction	Magnitude of Impact – Operation
LR1.1	Watercourse	1.02 (2300 m)	0.23 (475 m)	22.4%	Low	Construction and operation of viaduct and Ping Yeung Interchange - Overall a relatively moderate length of Ping Yuen tributary stream that flows down from west of Wo Keng Shan through the village north of Ping Yeung, is within the Project Site where the alignment is a viaduct. According to Section 5.5.2.1, the current design allows for no piers to be erected within the existing watercourse.	During construction, the temporary earthworks in the Project Site, should avoid the watercourse (although they may come minimally into contact with the watercourse banks) and no structures will be built within it. A moderate length of this resource is in the Project Site but since the permanent alignment here is viaduct, not at-grade, the watercourse will not require modification. Overall the impact is considered small.	Assuming there are no piers within the watercourse, during operation the viaduct will be operating above a relatively moderate length of the watercourse and should not directly impact it. Assuming there are no piers within the watercourse, during operation the viaduct will be operating above a moderate length of the watercourse and should not directly impact it. Indirect shading impact will be minimal and for a length of watercourse < 500 m, the operation impact is considered negligible.	Small	Negligible
LR1.2	Channelized Watercourse	1.56 (2206 m)	0.38 (444 m)	24.6%	Fair	Construction and operation of viaduct, Ping Yeung Interchange and alignment near the north tunnel portal - Overall a moderate length of this resource is within the Project Site. According to Section 5.5.2.1, the current design allows for no piers to be erected within the existing watercourse. Areas of the resource affected are: -A length of channelized Ping Yuen tributary is within a viaduct section of the Project Site. -A length of channelized Ping Yuen tributary is within the at-grade Ping Yeung Interchange alignment Project Site. -A separate branch of the Ping Yuen River running across the south of the zone, following the Wo Keng Shan Road, is within the Project Site for the alignment near the north tunnel portal.	During construction: -The temporary earthworks in the Project Site for the viaduct alignments near Ping Yeung interchange and northern tunnel portal should avoid the channelized watercourse in the relevant areas and currently no piers will be erected within the existing watercourses. -At Ping Yeung interchange at-grade works, a new bridge will be built over the channel. Construction of this bridge may temporarily disturb the watercourse, but other temporary earthworks in the Project Site in this area should have no direct impact.	During operation and prior to mitigation assuming there are no piers within the watercourse the viaduct will be operating above the channelized watercourse and should not directly impact it. Indirect shading impact will be minimal and for this small length of watercourse, the operation is considered negligible	Small	Negligible
LR1.4	Pond	0.23	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR2.2	Vegetated Man-made Slope	1.95	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR3.1	Woodland on Hillside	46.78	5.47	11.7%	Low	Construction and operation of Ping Yeung interchange, north tunnel portal and connecting alignment - Overall a large area of this resource is within the Project Site, although since there is a large area of it in the Study Area in this Zone, relatively it is small. It is estimated to contain approximately 2220 trees of 85 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The dominant species are reportedly all native, including Schefflera heptaphylla, Itea chinensis, Schima suberba, and Macaranga tanarius but also include about 55 Aquilaria sinensis, a species of conservation interest. Areas of this resource affected are: -A very small patch at the at-grade northern slip road of the Ping Yeung interchange -The majority of affected area at the at-grade north tunnel portal and part of the connecting alignment. -A small patch in the viaduct section of the connecting alignment.	During construction: -There will be considerable modification of existing slope, particularly in the northern tunnel portal area and the section of at-grade works on approach, which involves slope cutting into the existing hillside where it will be difficult to retain existing trees. -Works may involve clearance of the resource of existing vegetation outside alignment footprint which can potentially be reinstated. -The very small patch on the northern slip road of the interchange falls mainly within the alignment footprint and vegetation here will be permanently and irreversibly removed. Some earthworks are also required in this area to form a permanent embankment to the new alignment. -Magnitude of permanent impact for the affected resource located under viaduct sections partially depends on the location of the supporting structures. -There will be some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below. -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose that approximately 600 trees be retained and 20 transplanted as well as approximately 1540 be felled. Those trees proposed for felling are of medium or medium to high maturity and dominated by the native species Schefflera heptaphylla and Itea chinensis. Approximately 60 trees, that are dead or the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala, are also proposed to be removed. Of the estimated 55 Aquilaria sinensis found in this area, it is proposed that approximately 35 be felled, 15 retained and 5 transplanted.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction.	Large	Large
LR3.2	Woodland on Lowland	18.41	0.92	5.0%	Low	Construction and operation of Ping Yeung interchange and viaduct sections to the north and south of the interchange - Overall a very small area of this resource, in both absolute and relative terms, is within the Project Site. It is estimated to contain approximately 70 trees of 15 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The dominant species are reportedly the exotic weed Leucaena leucocephala. Areas of this resource affected are: -A very small patch at the at grade southern slip road of the Ping Yeung interchange -A small area south of the Ping Yeung river in the viaduct works area north of the interchange -A small area in the viaduct works area south of the interchange.	During construction: -The very small patch on the southern slip road of the interchange falls mainly within the alignment and vegetation will be permanently removed. Some earthworks are also required in this area to form embankment to the new alignment. -For the areas where the alignment will be viaduct, there will be some vegetation clearance and impact from temporary earthworks. The magnitude of the permanent impact for the affected resource located under the viaduct section partially depends on the location of viaduct piers. -There will be some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below. -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose that approximately 50 trees be retained and approximately 10 trees be felled. No species dominates those proposed for felling and they are of medium or medium to high maturity and made up of native species Cleistocalyx operculatus, Syzygium hancei, Celtis sinensis, Cinnamomum camphora and Litsea glutinosa. Approximately 10 trees, that are dead or the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala, are also proposed to be removed and no trees transplanted. Given the very small area affected and low number of trees proposed for felling, the impact on this resource is considered small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below. .	Small	Small
LR4.1	Shrubby Grassland on Hillside	73.13	1.62	2.2%	Low	Construction and operation of at grade trunk road and viaduct - Overall a moderate area of this resource is in the Project Site, although relative to the total area of this resource in the Study Area in this zone, it is small. According to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey, there are very few (<20) trees in this area. Areas of this resource affected are: -The majority where the alignment cuts through the existing hillside, east of Ping Yeung. -Two tiny areas in the Project Site but outside the alignment footprint, north of the Ping Yuen river east of Ping Yeung and at the base of Wo Keng Shan.	During construction: -There will be considerable modification of existing slope, particularly where the alignment cuts through the existing hillside, east of Ping Yeung. Earthworks to form permanent embankments will also impact the resource in this area. -Works may involve clearance of existing vegetation in areas outside the alignment footprint which can potentially be reinstated.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below. .	Small	Small
LR4.2	Shrubby Grassland on Lowland	7.61	2.57	33.7%	Low	Construction and operation of Ping Yeung interchange and connecting alignment both at grade and viaduct - There is not a huge area of this resource in this zone and the moderate sized area that is within the Project Site is also moderate relatively. The area is estimated to contain approximately 80 trees of 15 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The dominant species are reportedly the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala (exotic weed) and native species Celtis sinensis. Areas of this resource affected are: -Viaduct section west of the interchange -Ping Yeung interchange both at grade and elevated -Viaduct section east of the interchange -At grade alignment east of Ping Yeung.	During construction: -There will be some impact from general earthworks and clearance of existing vegetation but in those areas outside the at-grade alignment footprint as well as under the viaduct sections where no supporting structures are placed, the resource can potentially be reinstated. -For those areas of affected resource within the at-grade alignment, there will be permanent clearance of existing vegetation. -For those areas of affected resource in the viaduct sections of the Project Site, the magnitude of permanent impact largely depends on where viaduct piers are located, but the piers’ footprint is relatively small. -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose that approximately 20 trees be retained and approximately 30 trees be felled. Those trees proposed for felling are of medium or medium to high maturity and dominated by the common native species Celtis sinensis. Approximately 30 trees, that are dead or the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala, are also proposed to be removed. Given the medium size of the area there are relatively very few trees in this resource and those proposed for felling are mainly common species, albeit native. Details of the shrubs and grasses affected are not contained in the tree survey, but much of the affected resource falls under the viaduct section so the resource lost can potentially be reinstated. Given these considerations, the overall impact is considered intermediate.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR5.1	Active Farmland	24.93	2.27	9.1%	Low	Construction and operation of Ping Yeung interchange and connecting alignment, viaduct and at grade - Overall a moderate sized area of this resource is in the Project Site. The general vegetation within active farmland is described in Section 11.5.2. This area is also estimated to contain approximately 190 trees of 30 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey, but the dominant species is reportedly the exotic cultivated fruit tree Litchi chinensis. Areas of this resource affected are: -At the northern Ping Yeung interchange -Viaduct just east of the interchange and also east of Ping Yeung Village -A tiny portion at the at-grade alignment east of Ping Yeung Village.	During construction: -The majority area of this resource affected by the Ping Yeung interchange northern slip road and roundabout will be permanently cleared of vegetation and will also be impacted by earth formation works such as building of embankments. -Only a small part of this area is outside the alignment footprint, where resource lost due to earthworks and clearance can potentially be reinstated. - Magnitude of permanent, irreversible impact under the viaduct section due to direct resource loss depends on the location of viaduct piers but the piers’ footprint is relatively small. -The tiny portion of the resource affected by the at-grade alignment east of Ping Yeung Village will be permanently cleared due to site formation and earth works such as building of embankment. -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose that approximately 60 trees be retained and approximately 130 trees be felled. Those trees proposed for felling are dominated by the exotic cultivated fruit tree Litchi chinensis. Approximately 30 trees, that are dead or the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala, are also proposed to be removed. Given the medium size of the area, there are relatively few trees in this resource and by its nature they are mainly exotic cultivated trees of lesser value. This reflects on the trees proposed for felling. Some of the affected resource falls under the viaduct section and so the impacts will be potentially reversible. Given these considerations and the extent of this resource elsewhere in the Study Area the overall impact on this resource is considered small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below.	Small	Small
LR5.2	Inactive Farmland	43.10	2.37	5.5%	Low	Construction and operation of trunk alignment, viaduct and at grade - Overall a moderate sized area of this resource is in the Project Site. The general vegetation within inactive farmland is described in Section 11.5.2. This area is also estimated to contain approximately 70 trees of 10 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey, and the dominant species is reportedly the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala.	During construction: -Roughly half the affected resource is within viaduct sections of the Project Site and existing vegetation cleared in these areas can potentially be reinstated. -Magnitude of permanent, irreversible impacts under the viaduct sections due to direct resource loss will largely depend on location of the viaduct piers but the piers’ footprint is relatively small. -Roughly half the affected resource is affected by at-grade works, where earthworks to create embankments and construction of the alignment will cause permanent irreversible impacts. -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose that approximately 20 trees be retained and approximately 20 be felled. Those trees proposed for felling are predominantly the common native species Ficus hispida. Approximately 30 trees, that are dead or the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala, are also proposed to be removed. Given the medium size of the area, there are very few trees in this resource and since they mainly exotic weed trees they are of lesser value. The trees proposed for felling are also mainly common, native species and few in number. Some of the affected resource falls under the viaduct section and so the impacts will be potentially reversible. Given these considerations and the extent of this resource elsewhere in the Study Area the overall impact on this resource is considered small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below.	Small	Small
LR6.1	Rural Built/ Open Storage Area	1.82	0.06	3.3%	Fair	Construction and operation of at grade slip road east of Ping Yeung - There is a moderate area of this resource in this Zone (1.82ha) of which a very small area is in the Project Site.	During construction the tiny area of this resource in the Project Site may be impacted by impacts from earthworks where resources lost can potentially be reinstated. About half the resource in the Project Site will be permanently impacted by the construction of the slip road.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource will cover an area of approximately 0.03 ha. Given this and the Project being fairly compatible with the resource, the overall impact is considered negligible.	Small	Negligible
LR6.2	Village Area	9.24	1.00	10.8%	Fair	Construction and operation of the Ping Yeung interchange and alignment directly east - Overall a small area of this resource is in the Project Site. The general attributes of this resource are described in Section 11.5.2. The affected area is estimated to contain approximately 50 trees of 15 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The dominant species are reportedly the exotic fruit trees Dimocarpus longan and Litchi chinensis and exotic Eucalyptus robusta and native Celtis sinensis. The affected resource is the village north of Ping Yeung which is almost entirely in the Project Site.	During construction: -The area may be impacted by temporary earthworks. A proportion of the resource will be permanently impacted by the construction of the slip roads and possibly further by the viaduct piers, depending on where they are located. -A number of existing buildings will be permanently lost to allow for the construction of the at-grade alignment. -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose that approximately 10 trees be retained and approximately 40 be felled. Those trees proposed for felling are predominantly exotic species and mainly cultivated fruit trees Dimocarpus longan and Litchi chinensis.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below.	Small	Small
LR6.3	Traditional Village Area	2.89	0.22	7.8%	Low	Construction and operation of viaduct - There is a small area of this resource in this Zone (2.89ha) of which a very small portion is in the Project Site at a viaduct section. The area of concern is the very small village of Ha Wo Keng Shan.	During construction, the whole little village falls under the viaduct section in the Project Site, and works may involve some potentially reversible earthworks in or near the village. Whether this resource suffers any permanent impact slightly depends on location of viaduct piers, but overall the absolute are is so small that the overall magnitude of impact is considered to be small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below. .	Small	Small
LR6.4	Industrial/ Factory Area	12.43	0.15	1.2%	Good	Construction and operation of northern tunnel portal - Overall a very small area of this resource is in the Project Site, at the south of the Zone near the tunnel portal.	During construction, the affected area may be potentially reversibly impacted by earthworks clearance of existing built area. There will not be many permanent impacts since the alignment in this area is mainly elevated and a lot the resource falls outside the alignment footprint.	During operation this resource will be minimally affected by some shading by the viaduct but otherwise will not suffer any changes and the impact is considered negligible.	Small	Negligible
LR6.6	Transport Route without Significant Planting	5.62	0.65	11.5%	Good	Construction and operation of Ping Yeung interchange and alignment connect to the northern tunnel portal - Overall a relatively small area of this resource is in the Project site at various locations throughout the zone.	During construction the various transport routes affected may be temporarily impacted by earthworks and road closures. Works may also involve permanent clearance of some roads. Some roads will also connect to the new alignment and may be upgraded. Given the small area affected and the good compatibility of the Project with the resource, the overall impact is considered to be small.	During operation, some transport routes will have been permanently lost, others fall under the viaduct sections of the alignment and others will have been made redundant due to new alternative routes or will have been cleared. Overall the impact at operation is negligible.	Small	Negligible
LR6.8	Cemetery Area	2.86	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR6.9	Temple Area	0.09	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR7	Landfill	3.24	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LCA1	Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape	117.58	8.49	7.2%	Low	Construction and operation of Ping Yeung interchange and alignment connect to the northern tunnel portal - Overall a large area of this landscape character falls within the Project Site, at a viaduct alignment area. Given the extent of this LCA in this zone, the relative area impacted is small.	During construction: -Works may involve some potentially reversible clearance of existing vegetation in areas falling within the Project Site but outside the Project’s structural footprint area, as well as -Permanent impacts e.g. though slope modification, will depend on the location of the viaduct piers. -The new alignment will permanently fragment this landscape, effectively isolating some smaller areas of it outside the Project Site. Also considering the larger scale on which landscape characters are viewed, the overall impact is considered intermediate.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this landscape is similar to during construction.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LCA3	Agricultural Lowland Landscape	87.49	9.33	10.7%	Low	Construction and operation viaduct - overall a large area of this resource falls within the Project Site. Given the extent of this LCA in this zone, the relative area impacted is small.	During construction: -Earthworks in the Project Site will be incongruous with this landscape character area. -Where existing vegetation is cleared in areas within the Project Site but outside the Project footprint, as well as in those areas under the viaduct, these can potentially be reinstated or mitigated for by other means. -There will be some permanent removal of vegetation and possibly other structures and possible changes to the topography through earthworks. Though the Project has low compatibility with this landscape character and is cutting through the middle of it, considering the absolute size and the larger scale on which landscape character are viewed, the overall impact is considered intermediate.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this landscape is similar to during construction.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LCA4	Landfill Landscape	2.6	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LCA5	Cemetery Landscape	14.18	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LCA7	Developed Rural Landscape	35.06	0.22	0.6%	Fair	Construction and operation viaduct - Overall a relatively very small sized area of this resource is within the Project Site, at the periphery of the landscape, so there is no fragmentation due to the Project.	During construction such a small area is impacted, and the resource affected is mainly industrial/factory areas so fairly compatible. There may be some temporary impacts due to construction works.	During operation such a small area of this landscape will have been impacted, and the resource affected is on the periphery of industrial/factory areas, such that the overall impact is considered negligible.	Small	Negligible

11.6.2.3 Section A, Zone 3

The table below describes the impacts on landscape resources and character areas in this area during construction and operation and assesses their magnitude to be small, intermediate, large or negligible.

Provisional results from the Detailed Tree Survey indicate there are approximately 3620 trees within the Project Site in Section A, Zone 3. The dominant species are the native species Schefflera heptaphylla and Acronychia pedunculata (both native), as well as the native species Endospermum chinense, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Pentaphylax euryoides, Cratoxylum cochinchinense, Itea chinensis, Alangium chinense and exotic species Melaleuca quinquenervia and on average the trees are about 8-9 m high with 11 m crown spread and 245 mm DBH. Overall taking into account the existing conditions of the trees and the preliminary layout plan of the alignment of the connecting road around Sha Tau Kok connection, the current proposal is for approximately 1650 trees in Section A, Zone 3 to be retained, 20 transplanted, 50 removed (relates to dead trees or weed species Leucaena leucocephala), and 1900 felled. The main species being felled are the native species Schefflera heptaphylla and Acronychia pedunculata as well as the native species Endospermum chinense and exotic species Melaleuca quinquenervia. Mitigation measures for this felling are described in Section 11.6.3 – OM3. The key LRs in the Project Site in Section A, Zone 3 containing substantial numbers of trees or trees to be felled are LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside), LR3.2 (Woodland on Lowland) and LR5.1 (Active Farmland) LR5.2 (Inactive Farmland) as well as LR6.10 (Transport route with Significant Planting), and further details of impacts on the trees in these LRs are detailed in Table 11.13. Table 11.15a also summarises the information regarding trees in the Project Site located within key LRs in each Section/Zone, their proposed treatment and suggested number of compensation trees.

Table 11.13: Impact on Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas affected by the Project in the Section A, Zone 3

* Percentage is used to describe relative area only, not absolute area. It is approximately considered as follows: < 5% = very small, 5% to <15% = small, 15% to <40% = moderate, 40% and above = large.

ID	Description	Total Area in Zone 3 (ha)	Area falling within Project Site in Zone 3 (ha)	Percentage within Project Site with respect to Total Area*	Compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape (Good / Fair / Low)	Source and Location of Impacts	Description of Construction Impacts - including duration and reversibility.	Description of Operation Impacts - assumed to be permanent and irreversible unless stated otherwise.	Magnitude of Impact - Construction	Magnitude of Impact - Operation
LR1.1	Watercourse	0.97 (2129 m)	0.10 (185 m)	10.1%	Low	Construction of Sha Tau Kok interchange - Overall a short length of this resource is affected, principally the stream that flows to the north of the Sha Tau Kok Road. As described in the baseline text (Section 11.5.2.3) this area of watercourse is undergoing channelization work as part of DSD's Drainage Improvement in Northern New Territories - Package C (Man Uk Ping Region) under EIA-128/2007. This channelization work is due to be completed by mid 2011 before the current Project construction works start.	The watercourse will have been channelized by the time construction work for this Project starts and the alignment will bridge it as viaduct section in the one area it passes over it. Further impacts from the earthworks in the Project Site should avoid the watercourse and permanent impacts are not anticipated. With regard to any other built structures near/ over the watercourse or channel upgrade works, these details will be resolved at the detailed design of this Project. Currently the impact is considered to be small.	Subject to final channelization work and the detailed design of this Project, during operation the viaduct will be operating above a relatively very small section of the watercourse and should not directly impact it. Conflicts of design with the newly constructed channel are to be finalised in detailed design of the Project.	Small	Small
LR1.2	Channelized Watercourse	2.14 (1992 m)	0.45 (471 m)	20.8%	Fair	Construction of Sha Tau Kok interchange and administration building - Overall a relatively short length of this resource is within the Project Site. The affected resource is: -Principally the channel that runs along Wo Ken Shan Road and then Sha Tau Kok Road. This channel is within the footprint of the at-grade and viaduct portions of the Sha Tau Kok Road interchange and the administration building. -A tiny portion of the drainage channel running through the nursery at Loi Tung is within the Project Site but does not conflict with the alignment. This watercourse is already undergoing channelization work as part of DSD's Drainage Improvement in Northern New Territories - Package C (Man Uk Ping Region) under EIA-128/2007.	During construction: -Works may involve temporary diversion of existing channelized Ng Chung river near current Wo Keng Shan Road and Sha Tau Kok Road junction, for construction of a new box culvert which will then permanently channel the flow of water. Apart from this, most of this channel will remain unchanged. -Works within the Project Site around the new administration building are not anticipated to impact the channel running alongside the new building. -Works are not anticipated to impact the tiny portion of drainage channel recently upgraded as part of the Drainage Improvement in Northern New Territories - Package C (Man Uk Pin Region) project.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to that during construction.	Small	Small
LR1.4	Pond	0.55	0.04	7.8%	Low	Construction and operation of northern tunnel portal and associated slip road - Overall a relatively small area of this resource is in the Project Site. It refers to an active pond, with water flowing through it, possibly used for irrigation purposes within a nursery. Other ponds in the area are not impacted.	During construction, the affected pond will be permanently removed due to earthworks to build the portal and slip road but the size of the pond is very small and the magnitude of impact is considered small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to that during construction.	Small	Small
LR3.1	Woodland on Hillside	105.45	7.00	6.6%	Low	Construction and operation of northern tunnel portal, Sha Tau Kok interchange and southern tunnel portal - This zone has a large area of this resource within the Project Site which is estimated to contain approximately 2270 trees of 82 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The dominant species are all native and include Acronychia pedunculata, Schefflera heptaphylla, Endospermum chinense and to a lesser degree Pentaphylax euryoides, Itea chinensis and Hibiscus tiliaceus. Approximately 40 Aquilaria sinensis were also found in the Project Site in this zone. It is a plant species of conservation interest. Areas of this resource affected: -A large proportion of the affected resource is on Princess Hill at the southern tunnel portal and connecting alignment -A smaller proportion of the affected resource is towards the base of Cheung Shan at the northern tunnel portal -A small proportion of the affected resource runs along the west side of Wo Keng Shan Road	During construction: -At the northern portal most of this resource is in the footprint area of the alignment and will be permanently lost. -At the southern portal and connecting alignment and along Wo Keng Shan Road, part of this resource is outside the footprint of the alignment and existing vegetation cleared during construction works can potentially be reinstated. -There will be considerable modification of existing slope, particularly within the footprint of the northern tunnel portal, southern tunnel portal and the connecting alignment, with slope cutting into the existing hillside where it will be difficult to retain existing trees. -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose that approximately 1050 trees be retained and 10 be transplanted as well as approximately 1200 be felled. Those trees proposed for felling are of medium or medium to high maturity and dominated by the native species Acronychia pedunculata, Schefflera heptaphylla and Endospermum chinense. Approximately 10 trees, that are dead or the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala, are also proposed to be removed. Of the estimated 40 Aquilaria sinensis found in this area, it is proposed that approximately 30 be felled and 10 retained.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction.	Large	Large
LR3.2	Woodland on Lowland	9.67	2.02	20.8%	Low	Construction and operation of Sha Tau Kok interchange and southern tunnel portal - Overall a moderate area is within the Project Site, which is estimated to contain approximately 575 trees of 66 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The dominant species are all native and include Schefflera heptaphylla, Acronychia pedunculata and Cratoxylum cochinchinense. Approximately 10 Aquilaria sinensis were also found in the Project Site in this zone. It is a plant species of conservation interest. Areas of this resource affected: -The majority of the affected resource is on Princess Hill at the southern tunnel portal and connecting alignment. -A small proportion lies along the western and southern perimeter of Wo Keng Shan Garden.	During construction: -At the southern portal and connecting alignment, about half of this resource is outside footprint of the alignment and existing vegetation cleared during construction works can potentially be reinstated. -The other half of the resource at the southern portal and connect alignment falls within the Project footprint and will be permanently lost. -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose that approximately 180 trees be retained and 5 be transplanted as well as approximately 390 felled. Those trees proposed for felling are of medium or medium to high maturity and dominated by the native species Schefflera heptaphylla, Acronychia pedunculata and Cratoxylum cochinchinense. Of the estimated 10 Aquilaria sinensis found in this area, it is proposed that approximately half be felled and half retained.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction.	Large	Large
LR3.3	Fung Shui Woodland	1.80	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR4.1	Shrubby Grassland on Hillside	37.49	3.30	8.8%	Low	Construction and operation of southern tunnel portal - Overall a moderate area of this resource is within the Project Site: -Roughly two thirds of the affected resource is located towards the base of Cheung Shan at the northern tunnel portal area. -The remainder is located at the southern portal area on Princess Hill.	During construction: -At the northern portal most of this resource is in the footprint area of the alignment and will be permanently lost. -At the southern portal, part of this resource is outside the footprint area of the alignment and existing vegetation cleared during construction works can potentially be reinstated. -There will be considerable modification of existing slope in both areas with slope cutting into the existing hillside and it will be difficult to retain trees on the steep slopes. The resource falling within the Project Site in this zone contains insignificant numbers of trees. About half of the resource falls outside the Project footprint, so any resource lost here can potentially be reinstated. There is a large area of this resource outside the Project Site, and the overall impact is considered intermediate.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR5.1	Active Farmland	17.10	2.36	13.8%	Low	Construction and operation of administration building and connecting road near Sha Tau Kok - Overall a moderate sized area is within the Project Site, to the east of Wo Keng Shan Road and north of Sha Tau Kok Road. The general vegetation within active farmland is described in Section 11.5.2. This area is also estimated to contain approximately 120 trees of 16 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The dominant species are the native Hibiscus tiliaceus and the exotic species Acacia mangium and Melaleuca quiniquenerva.	During construction: -About two thirds of the affected resource is in the footprint of the administration building, connecting road and associated at-grade works and will be permanently cleared -About a third of the affected resource in the Project Site is outside the footprint of the administration building, connecting road and associated at-grade works and impacts here from earthworks and site clearance can potentially be reinstated. -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose that approximately 80 trees be retained and 40 be felled. No particular tree species dominate for those trees proposed for felling but contain four or five of each of the exotic species Melaleuca quiniquenerva and native species Macaranga tanarius and Hibiscus tiliaceus. Cultivation here is less focused on trees and only a small number, not particularly cultivated species, although some exotic, will be affected. Given these considerations and the extent of this resource elsewhere in the Study Area the overall impact on this resource is considered small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction.	Small	Small
LR5.2	Inactive Farmland	19.05	2.30	12.1%	Low	Construction and operation of Sha Tau Kok interchange including viaduct leading into the interchange - Overall a moderate sized area is within the Project Site near the North and Eastern branch of the interchange. The general vegetation within inactive farmland is described in Section 11.5.2. The area is estimated to contain approximately 160 trees of 34 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The dominant species is the exotic Melaleuca quiniquenerva and to a lesser degree the exotic species Leucaena leucocephala (weed) and Albizia lebbeck and the native species Macaranga tanarius.	During construction: -About a third of the affected resource falls within the footprint of the at-grade alignment of the Sha Tau Kok interchange and will be permanently cleared. -About a third of the affected resource falls within the footprint of the viaduct leading into the interchange and the magnitude of permanent impact here will depend on the location of the viaduct piers. -About a third of the affected resource is outside the Project footprint and resource lost here from earthworks and site clearance can potentially be reinstated. -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose that approximately 50 trees be retained and 100 be felled. Of those trees proposed for felling the dominant species are the exotic species Melaleuca quiniquenerva and Albizia lebbeck and native species Macaranga tanarius. Approximately 10 trees, that are dead or the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala, are also proposed to be removed.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below. .	Small	Small
LR5.3	Nursery	6.25	2.15	34.3%	Fair	Construction and operation of northern tunnel portal, associated slip road and viaduct and southern portal and alignment - Overall a moderate sized area of this resource is in the Project Site: -Predominantly a large nursery area west of the Wo Keng Shan Road, within the northern portal, associated slip road and viaduct area. The nursery has a diverse micro-environment, reaching from the woodland above the road to the west down to the more open, often marshy, lower grounds. It makes use of the irrigation pond also affected by the Project works. -A small nursery near Loi Tung is affected by the Shak To Kok interchange and alignment to the southern tunnel portal.	During construction: -Roughly half of the large nursery to the west of Wo Keng Shan Road within the Project Site is in the footprint of the northern tunnel portal, associated slip road and viaduct and the resource in this area will be permanently lost. The structures built here will include embankments. -Roughly half of this large nursery in the Project Site is outside the footprint of the northern tunnel portal, associated slip road and viaduct and the resource lost in this area due to earthworks etc can potentially be reinstated. -The majority of the nursery near Loi Tung is not affected by the Project footprint, so the resource lost in this area due to earthworks etc can also potentially be reinstated.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below. .	Small	Small
LR6.1	Rural Built/Open Storage Area	6.29	0.23	3.6%	Fair	Construction and operation of administration building at Sha Tau Kok - Overall a very small area of this resource is within the Project Site to the east of Wo Keng Shan Road and north of Sha Tau Kok Road.	During construction most of the affected resource (a very small area) will be permanently impacted by construction of the at-grade facilities around the administration building but given the small size and the fair compatibility of this resource with the Project, the impact is considered negligible.	During operation the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction.	Negligible	Negligible
LR6.2	Village Area	9.40	0.51	5.4%	Low	Construction and operation of administration building and connecting road near Sha Tau Kok - Overall a very small area of this resource is within the Project Site to the east of Wo Keng Shan Road and north of Sha Tau Kok Road. Two village areas are affected and both have connecting areas falling outside the Project Site.	During construction: -Most of the affected resource is affected by the administration building, connecting road and associated at grade works and will be permanently cleared including removal of some buildings. -Part of both villages affected will have areas not affected by the construction of the Project. -There are many village areas in this zone not affected by the Project.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction.	Small	Small
LR6.3	Traditional Village Area	8.30	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR6.4	Industrial/ Factory Area	2.26	1.54	68.3%	Fair	Construction and operation of Sha Tau Kok interchange - Overall a moderate sized area is within the Project Site; three of the four patches of this resource in this zone are affected: -One area west of Wo Keng Shan channel and one between Wo Keng Shan Road and channel, which combined are approximately the size of the area south of Sha Tau Kok Road.	During construction: -About two thirds of this resource in the Project footprint and the majority of this will be permanently lost. The magnitude of permanent impact under the viaduct sections will largely depend on location of the viaduct piers. -About one third of this is outside the Project footprint and resource lost here due to site clearance and earthworks can potentially be reinstated. Given these considerations and the fact that this resource is fairly compatible with the Project, the overall impact is considered small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below.	Small	Small
LR6.6	Transport Route without Significant Planting	2.94	0.25	8.5%	Good	Construction and operation of northern tunnel portal and Sha Tau Kok interchange - Overall a very small area is within the Project Site: -Small road in the north of the Project Site for this zone -Sha Tau Kok Road west of its current intersection with Wo Keng Shan Road.	During construction, the small road running east-west in the north of the Project Site will be cleared and traffic will be permanently diverted. The construction of the Sha Tau Kok interchange will involve linking to this section of the existing road. During construction there may be temporary road closures to allow for modification of the resource but no permanent adverse impact is expected. Conversely, this resource may be improved in the longer term.	During operation, traffic that previously used the small road that would have been removed, have alternative routes close by. The Sha Tau Kok Road affected will have been improved and effectively the impact on this resource will be negligible. .	Small	Negligible
LR6.10	Transport Route with Significant Planting	1.83	0.92	50.2%	Good	Construction and operation of Sha Tau Kok interchange and road connecting to the administration building - There is not a large amount of this resource in the zone, and although relatively the area is large, the absolute area affected is small. Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey suggest there are approximately 160 trees in this area, predominantly the exotic species Acacia confusa and Melaleuca quinquenervia and the native species Hibiscus tiliaceus. The roads affected are section of: -Wo Keng Shan Road -Sha Tau Kok Road.	During construction, -The road connecting to the administration building will connect to the Wo Keng Shan Road and will be permanently impacted to make this connection. -Part of both roads fall under the viaduct and it is unlikely viaduct piers will be placed on this resource as it would obstruct traffic flow. -Two areas of the Wo Keng Shan Road are bisected by two new at-grade slip roads approaching the interchange roundabout from the viaduct and will be permanently impacted. -Permanent impacts at this stage may affect some trees planted along roadside edges but of the large Melaleuca quinquenervia observed along much of these roads, the majority will be retained. -Other areas falling within the Project Site but outside the footprint of the Project structures and impacts here due to site clearance and earthworks are potentially reversible. -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey suggest the majority of the trees be retained (110), and 50 felled. Of the trees proposed for felling, they are mainly the exotic species Acacia confusa as well as the native species Hibiscus tiliaceus. . Although the relative size appears large, the actual size of this resource suffering permanent impact is small and given the good compatibility of the Project with this resource, the overall impact is considered small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction.	Small	Small
LR6.11	Open Space	0.26	0.26	100.0%	Low	Construction and operation of Sha Tau Kok interchange - The Wo Keng Shan public garden all falls within the Project Site for the interchange. Being a public garden, it contains a high density of trees, approximately 100, roughly half of which are the exotic species Melaleuca quinquenervia and about a quarter the native species Cinnamomum camphora.	During construction all the resource in this zone is affected and will be cleared due to construction works. Part of the area falls under viaduct section of the alignment and the resource lost here has the potential to be reinstated. It is envisaged that approximately 10% of the trees in this resource will be able to be retained and some will be suitable for transplanting. Although only a very small area is affected, the only area of this resource in the zone will be permanently lost and the magnitude of impact is considered intermediate.	During operation, this garden will have been lost and permanently impacted.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LCA1	Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape	131.34	9.43	7.2%	Low	Construction and operation of northern tunnel portal, Sha Tau Kok interchange and southern tunnel portal - This zone has a large area of this resource and overall a relatively small area is within the Project Site at the northern tunnel portal and southern tunnel portal and connecting alignment although the absolute area impacted in large.	A noticeable area of this resource will be impacted by construction works and a significant part of this affected area will be permanently impacted by changing the natural topography such as by slope cutting. The landscape impacted is on the periphery of this landscape character area and there is no fragmentation. The relative size impacted is small and considering LCAs are determined on a large scale, the overall impact from affecting this 9.43 ha area is considered intermediate.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this landscape is similar to during construction.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LCA3	Agricultural Lowland Landscape	36.1	3.36	9.3%	Low	Construction and operation of administration building and connecting road near Sha Tau Kok - Overall a relatively small area of this landscape is in the Project Site. The impacted area may be considered moderate in absolute terms but LCAs are viewed on a larger scale than e.g. LRs, so the area is small for an LCA.	During construction: -Where existing vegetation is cleared in areas within the Project Site but outside the Project footprint, as well as in those areas under the viaduct, these can potentially be reinstated or mitigated for by other means. -There will be some permanent removal of vegetation and possibly other structures and possible changes to the topography through earthworks. -A large part of the affected area will be permanently impacted by the construction of the administration building and connecting road. The administration building is significantly larger than any structures in this landscape area and also incompatible with the character area. Due to the incompatibility of the Project with this landscape character, although the area affected is considered small, the overall impact is considered intermediate.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this landscape is similar to during construction.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LCA7	Developed Rural Landscape	64.32	10.63	16.5%	Fair	Construction and operation of northern tunnel portal, Sha Tau Kok interchange and southern tunnel portal – Overall, when considering LCAs, a moderate area of this landscape is affected.	During construction: - About half the affected area will be permanently impacted by construction of the portals and at-grade alignment, with permanent removal of plants and possible changes to the topography through earthworks. -About half the affected area is outside the Project footprint or under viaduct sections. In these areas, earthworks will be incongruous with this landscape character area and some vegetation will have to be cleared but resources lost can potentially be reinstated. -Fragmentation is minimal and the Project structures are in an area already occupied by two key road intersections.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this landscape is similar to during construction.	Intermediate	Intermediate

11.6.2.4 Section B

The table below describes the impacts on landscape resources and character areas in this area during construction and operation and assesses their magnitude to be small, intermediate, large or negligible.

Provisional results from the Detailed Tree Survey indicate there are almost no trees, within the Project Site in Section B. The five trees recorded made up of three native species, Macaranga tanarius, Ficus variegata and Bauhinia variegata and on average are about 5-6 m high with 4 m crown spread and 130 mm DBH. All these trees fall within LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside) and it is proposed that they all be retained, as detailed in Table 11.14. Table 11.15a also summarises the information regarding trees in the Project Site located within key LRs in each Section/Zone, their proposed treatment and suggested number of compensation trees.

Table 11.14: Impact on Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas affected by the Project in the Section B

* Percentage is used to describe relative area only, not absolute area. It is approximately considered as follows: < 5% = very small, 5% to <15% = small, 15% to <40% = moderate, 40% and above = large.

ID	Description	Total Area in Section B (ha)	Area falling with Project Site in Section B (ha)	Percentage within Project Site with respect to Total Area*	Compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape (Good / Fair / Low)	Source and Location of Impacts	Description of Construction Impacts - including duration and reversibility.	Description of Operation Impacts - assumed to be permanent and irreversible unless stated otherwise.	Magnitude of Impact - Construction	Magnitude of Impact - Operation
LR1.1	Watercourse	0.82 (1846 m)	0.00 (0 m)	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR1.3	Reservoir	0.65	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR1.4	Pond	0.03	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR3.1	Woodland on Hillside	56.93	0.12	0.2%	Low	Construction of ventilation building - Overall a very small area of this resource falls in the Project Site. It is estimated to contain only 5 trees of 3 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The species are all native and are Macaranga tanarius, Ficus variegata and Bauhinia variegata.	During construction, this resource is at the periphery of the Project Site boundary. It is likely that all construction works can avoid impacting this resource and preliminary results of the Detailed Tree Survey suggest all trees will be retained. Considering this fact and given the very small area of resource impacted the overall impact is small.	During operation, the ventilation building will have no impact on the resource and no trees are predicted to be felled.	Small	Small
LR4.1	Shrubby Grassland on Hillside	13.79	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR4.2	Shrubby Grassland on Lowland	0.50	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR5.1	Active Farmland	3.71	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR5.2	Inactive Farmland	4.02	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR5.3	Nursery	0.33	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR6.1	Rural Built/Open Storage Area	0.45	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR6.2	Village Area	5.91	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR6.3	Traditional Village Area	0.24	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR6.4	Industrial/Factory Area	9.74	1.00	10.3%	Fair	Construction of ventilation building - Overall a relatively small area of this resource falls in the Project Site. The affected resource is mainly open storage associated with industrial buildings.	During construction: -Most of the affected resource is located outside the footprint of the new mid-tunnel ventilation building and impacts from earthworks etc are potentially reversible. -A small area (about quarter of the affected resource) including some built structures, will be permanently cleared to make may for the construction of the ventilation building. The area of this resource in the Project Site is small and since only about a quarter of this is predicted to be permanently and irreversibly impacted, and the new ventilation building is compatible with the existing resource, magnitude of impact is small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction.	Small	Small
LR6.6	Transport Route without Significant Planting	1.75	0.12	6.6%	Good	Construction of ventilation building - Overall a relatively small area of this resource falls in the Project Site.	During construction, the existing road to the industrial/factory area will act as the access route for construction machinery and vehicles and impacts through vehicle use will be temporary and reversible.	During operation, no additional impact is anticipated on this resource.	Small	Negligible
LR6.7	Abandoned Military Camp	11.97	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted. It is protected from the Project Site by a small wooded hill in between.		Negligible	Negligible
LR6.9	Temple Area	0.01	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is too far from the Project Site to be impacted. It lies in an area closed the public so is already protected.		Negligible	Negligible
LCA1	Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape	43.91	0.03	0.1%	Low	Construction of ventilation building - Overall a relatively very, very small area of this landscape character falls in the Project Site.	Although in theory the Project has low compatibility with this LCA, no trees will be felled and in essence this LCA will not be affected by the Project during construction. Especially given the tiny area of this LCA and the larger scale in which LCA are viewed, the overall impact is considered small.	Given the tiny area of this landscape affected, despite the Project being incompatible with it, the overall impact cannot be considered more than small during operation.	Small	Small
LCA7	Developed Rural Landscape	43.08	1.20	2.8%	Fair	Construction of ventilation building - Overall a relatively very small area of this landscape character falls in the Project Site.	During construction, this landscape may be impacted by construction works including site clearance and possibly temporary construction facilities, but the relative area impacted is very small and overall impact is small.	During operation, this landscape will be permanently affected by the new ventilation building, but since the relative area impacted is very small and the Project is fairly compatible with the existing landscape, so the overall impact is small.	Small	Small
LCA8	Reservoir Landscape	0.77	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	The Lau Shui Heung Reservoir is too far away from the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LCA10	Historic Landscape	23.08	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	Although this landscape is near the Project Site, it is already closed to the public and so protected from any impacts from workers accessing the area		Negligible	Negligible

11.6.2.5 Section C

The table below describes the impacts on landscape resources and character areas in this area during construction and operation and assesses their magnitude to be small, intermediate, large or negligible.

Provisional results from the Detailed Tree Survey indicate there are approximately 2040 trees within the Project Site in Section C. The dominant species are the exotic species Acacia confusa as well as Leucaena leucocephala (exotic weed) and the native species Schefflera hepataphylla, Macaranga tanarius and Aporusa dioica. On average the trees are about 8 m high with 4-5 m crown spread and 220 mm DBH. Overall taking into account the existing conditions of the trees and the preliminary layout plan of the alignment of the connecting road around the Fanling intersection, the current proposal is for approximately 510 trees in Section C to be retained, 200 transplanted, 130 removed (relates to dead trees or weed species Leucaena leucocephala), and 1200 felled. The main species being felled is the exotic species Acacia confusa and the common native species Macaranga tanarius and Schefflera hepataphylla and in addition the exotic species Delonix regia, Dimocarpus longan and Melaleuca quiniquenervia, and native species Aporusa dioica and Ficus hispida. Mitigation measures for this felling are described in Section 11.6.3 – OM3. The key LRs in the Project Site in Section C containing substantial numbers of trees to be felled are LR2.2 (Vegetated Man-made slope), LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside), LR3.2 (Woodland on Lowland), LR5.1 (Active Farmland) as well as LR6.10 (Transport route with Significant Planting), and further details of impacts on the trees in these LRs are detailed in Table 11.15. Table 11.15a also summarises the information regarding trees in the Project Site located within key LRs in each Section/Zone, their proposed treatment and suggested number of compensation trees.

Table 11.15: Impact on Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas affected by the Project in the Section C

* Percentage is used to describe relative area only, not absolute area. It is approximately considered as follows: < 5% = very small, 5% to <15% = small, 15% to <40% = moderate, 40% and above = large.

ID	Description	Total Area in Section C (ha)	Area falling within Project Site in Section C (ha)	Percentage within Project Site with respect to Total Area*	Compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape (Good / Fair / Poor)	Source of Impacts	Description of Construction Impacts - including duration and reversibility.	Description of Operation Impacts - assumed to be permanent and irreversible unless stated otherwise.	Magnitude of Impact - Construction	Magnitude of Impact - Operation
LR1.1	Watercourse	0.54 (1229 m)	0.00 (0 m)	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR1.2	Channelized Watercourse	7.65 (4073 m)	2.06 (954 m)	26.9%	Fair	Construction and operation of viaduct - This section contains a lot of channelized watercourse and much of it is already undergoing extensive channelization works. Structures already exist to let water flow under the Fanling Highway. A moderate length of this resource is within the Project Site. According to Section 5.5.2.1, the current design allows for no piers to be erected within the existing watercourses.	During construction: -The temporary earthworks in the Project Site for the viaduct alignment should avoid the channelized watercourse, although they may come minimally into contact with the channelized watercourse banks. A moderate length of this resource lies within the Project Site but at least half of it is located outside the Project’s footprint and some of the other half is under viaduct sections of the new alignment. No modification of this resource is proposed and since no piers are currently planned to fall within it, permanent impacts are likely to be negligible. There will be some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below, but overall the impact is considered small.	Assuming there are no piers within the channelized watercourse, during operation, the viaduct will be operating above a relatively small area and short stretch of the channelized watercourse and will not directly impact it. Indirect shading impact is considered minimal and the impact at operation is considered negligible.	Small	Negligible
LR1.3	Reservoir	0.71	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR1.4	Pond	0.19	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR2.1	Unvegetated Man-made Slope	0.50	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR2.2	Vegetated Man-made Slope	1.82	0.20	10.8%	Fair	Construction and operation of at grade Fanling intersection - There is a very small area of this resource in the Project Site to the west of the Fanling Highway, which is estimated to contain approximately 101 trees of 10 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The dominant species in this area is the exotic species Acacia confusa.	During construction: -This resource is within the Project Site but outside the Project’s footprint. Therefore resource lost from e.g. temporary earthworks and possible clearance of existing trees and vegetation can potentially be reinstated, -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose that approximately 50 trees be retained and 1 transplanted as well as approximately 50 be felled. Those trees proposed for felling are of medium or medium to high maturity and dominated by the exotic species Acacia confusa. Given the small area affected, the likelihood of impacts being reversible, the fair compatibility of the Project with this resource and the fact that most trees felled are common, exotic species, the impact is considered small.	During operation, and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction.	Small	Small
LR3.1	Woodland on Hillside	40.24	2.48	6.2%	Low	Construction and operation of southern tunnel portal and Fanling intersection, at grade road - There is a moderate sized area of this resource in the Project Site which is estimated to contain approximately 620 trees of 60 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The trees are made up of predominantly the native species Schefflera heptaphylla and to a lesser extent Aporusa dioica, Ficus hispida, Cratoxylum cochinchinense and Sterculia lanceolata. The resource affected is located: -At the southern tunnel portal -At the at-grade road of the Fanling intersection.	During construction: -There will be considerable modification of existing slope at the southern tunnel portal and a large area of the hillside will be cut away to make way for the alignment and ventilation building. There will also be slope cutting at the at-grade works for the Fanling intersection. It will be difficult to retain trees on the steep slopes and tree species of conservation have been found in the portal area (Aquilaria sinensis). Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose that approximately 100 trees be retained and 70 transplanted as well as approximately 440 be felled. Those trees proposed for felling are of medium or medium to high maturity and dominated by the native species Schefflera heptaphylla and Aporusa dioica. Approximately 10 trees, that are dead or the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala, are also proposed to be removed. Of the estimated 10 Aquilaria sinensis found in this area, it is proposed that at least half be retained and the remainder either transplanted or felled. Despite the area of woodland being moderate size, a fairly large number of medium or medium to high mature trees will need to be felled including some species of conservation interest, and the impact is considered higher than the size of the area might suggest.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction.	Large	Large
LR3.2	Woodland on Lowland	5.63	0.85	15.1%	Low	Construction and operation of the Fanling intersection - Overall a small area is within the Project Site which is estimated to contain approximately 260 trees of 25 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. Roughly half the trees are the exotic species Leucaena leucocephala with high numbers of the common native species Macaranga tanarius and exotic species Acacia confusa. The resource affected is located: -At the southern part of the Project Site, for the at-grade Fanling road works -At the east of the Project Site at a viaduct section of the Fanling intersection.	During construction: -Most of the affected resource is within the Project’s footprint and will be permanently impacted by the construction of at-grade roads for the Fanling intersection. -A small part of the resource lies under an area of viaduct and resource lost due to construction works here can potentially be reinstated. -The permanent impact on this small area will depend on the location of the viaduct piers but their footprint is expected to be relatively small. Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose that approximately 70 trees be retained and 30 transplanted as well as approximately 100 be felled. Those trees proposed for felling are of medium or medium to high maturity and dominated by the exotic species Acacia confusa and the common native species Macaranga tanarius. Approximately 60 trees, that are dead or the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala, are also proposed to be removed. Considering the type of species proposed for felling, as well as the small absolute area, the overall impact is considered to be small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below. .	Small	Small
LR4.1	Shrubby Grassland on Hillside	51.16	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is close to the Project Site but will not be directly affected by the Project.		Negligible	Negligible
LR4.2	Shrubby Grassland on Lowland	1.36	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	A very small area of this resource is close to the Project Site but will not be directly impacted by Project		Negligible	Negligible
LR5.1	Active Farmland	7.55	1.19	15.8%	Low	Construction and operation of southern tunnel portal - Overall a small to medium sized area is within the Project Site. The general vegetation within active farmland is described in Section 11.5.2. This area is also, estimated to contain approximately 110 trees of 25 species according to preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey. The dominant species are all native and include Ficus hispida, Macaranga tanarius, Celtis sinensis, Ligustrum sinense and Ficus variegata. The resource affected is located at the southern tunnel portal.	During construction: -About two thirds of the affected resource is within the Project’s footprint and will be permanently impacted by the construction of the southern tunnel portal and at-grade roads connecting to it, and by embankment formation. -About a third of the resource lies falls outside the Project’s footprint and impacts here are potentially reversible. Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey propose that approximately 30 trees be retained and 10 transplanted as well as approximately 70 be felled. Those trees proposed for felling are of medium or medium to high maturity and dominated by the native species Macaranga tanarius as well as Celtis sinensis and the exotic species Delonix regia and Averrhoa carambola. Given the small area affected, the commonness and number of trees permanently affected the overall impact is considered small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction.	Small	Small
LR5.2	Inactive Farmland	8.15	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR5.3	Nursery	1.00	0.40	40.5%	Fair	Construction and operation of viaduct - There are only two nursery areas in this section and one of them falls entirely in the Project Site, meaning overall a relatively large area of this resource is within the Project Site at the Fanling interchange. However the absolute size of the area affected is small.	During construction: -All this resource lies under viaduct sections of the alignment and impacts here are potentially reversible. Permanent impact will largely depend on the location of viaduct piers but their footprint is expected to be relatively small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below.	Small	Small
LR6.1	Rural Built/ Open Storage Area	2.96	1.16	39.2%	Fair	Construction and operation of viaduct and small at-grade area - Overall a moderate area of this resource is within the Project Site for the viaduct Fanling intersection and a small at-grade area between the viaduct structures.	During construction: -About half of the affected resource is within the Project’s footprint but much of this is under viaduct section. Therefore the magnitude of permanent impact by the construction of at-grade roads for the Fanling intersection will depend on the location of the viaduct piers, whose footprint is relatively small. -In total about half of the resource is outside the Project’s footprint and in addition some lies under an area of viaduct as explained. Resource lost in these areas can potentially be reinstated. Given only about half of the resource within the Project Site is within the Project footprint and the fair compatibility of the resource with the Project, the overall impact is considered small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below.	Small	Small
LR6.2	Village Area	42.40	0.27	0.6%	Low	Construction and operation of southern tunnel portal and southern Fanling intersection viaduct - There is a large area of this resource in this section and relatively as well as in absolute terms, a very small area is within the Project Site. The impacted resource is located at: -Peripheral areas of Tong Hang Village at the southern tunnel portal -A peripheral edge of Nam Wa Po at the southern Fanling intersection viaduct, but no built structures fall within the Project Site and this is considered negligible.	During construction: -About half of the affected resource is within the Project’s footprint and at the south portal area of the Project Site, there may be the need to permanently demolish one or two built structures. -About half of the resource is outside the Project’s footprint resource lost in these areas can potentially be reinstated. Overall the impacted area is tiny and this resource will only experience a small impact.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below.	Small	Small
LR6.3	Traditional Village Area	1.12	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR6.4	Industrial/ Factory Area	7.29	0.52	7.2%	Fair	Construction and operation of at grade Fanling intersection - Overall a relatively small area of this resource is within the Project Site at the at-grade road of the Fanling intersection.	During construction, some of the affected resource will be temporarily affected by construction works including site clearance and earthworks. About half of the affected area will be permanently cleared to make may for the construction of the at-grade road and supporting embankments.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction.	Small	Small
LR6.5	Ongoing Development	9.41	2.51	26.7%	Good	Construction and operation of Fanling intersection - Overall a moderate sized area of this resource is within the Project Site both at the viaduct and at-grade works of the Fanling intersection.	During construction: -The Project will overlap with ongoing channelization work in the area of the Fanling intersection. The affected area will be temporarily affected by construction works including site clearance and earthworks which are all very compatible with the current resource. These impacts are also potentially reversible. -Most of the area is outside the Project footprint or is in under the viaduct sections and permanent impact will largely depend on the location of the viaduct piers. -A small portion that is within the footprint of the at-grade alignment will be permanently lost.	During operation only a small fraction of the area that fell within the Project Site during construction will have been permanently affected by the Project but it will have changed to finished rather than ongoing development, so the impact is considered negligible.	Small	Negligible
LR6.6	Transport Route without Significant Planting	15.63	3.23	20.6%	Good	Construction and operation of Fanling intersection - Overall a moderate sized area of this resource is within the Project Site both at the viaduct and at-grade works of the Fanling intersection	During construction: -A segment of the current Fanling Highway will be temporarily affected by the construction works to join the new BCP trunk road to the Fanling Highway. Impacts will mainly be temporary due to roadwork, machinery and vehicle movements and possibly some lane closures. The Fanling railway also lies within the Project Site but the construction works will avoid this and not impact it.	During operation overall a section of the Fanling Highway will have been replaced by the new Fanling interchange alignment and will be the same landscape resource, effectively negating any impact.	Small	Negligible
LR6.8	Cemetery Area	15.51	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR6.9	Temple Area	0.04	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LR6.10	Transport Route with Significant Planting	5.24	2.23	42.5%	Good	Construction and operation of Fanling intersection - Much of the current Fanling Highway in this area, and its connecting roads, have roadside planting including mature exotic trees. Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey suggest there are approximately 510 trees in this area, predominantly the exotic species Acacia confusa also with high numbers of the exotic species Spathodea campanulata and Melaleuca quinquenervia. Overall a moderate sized area of this resource is within the Project Site both at the viaduct and at-grade works of the Fanling intersection.	During construction -The roadwork along the Fanling Highway will temporarily affect this resource and the magnitude of permanent impact due to roadside planting clearance and will partly depend on the location of the viaduct piers, depending on their location. -Preliminary data from the Detailed Tree Survey suggest approximately 170 be retained and 60 transplanted (of which about 50 Spathodea campanulata transplanted). A further 250 trees are proposed for felling, of which approximately 2/3 are exotic species of medium or medium to high maturity, namely Acacia confusa, Melaleuca quinquenervia, Eucalyptus citriodora and Delonix regia. Given the moderate size of resource impacted, the good compatibility of the Project with this resource and potential to reverse impacts, and the fact that most trees to be felled are exotic, the impact is considered intermediate.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this resource is similar to during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below. .	Intermediate	Intermediate
LCA1	Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape	81.94	1.96	2.4%	Low	Construction and operation of southern tunnel portal and Fanling intersection, at-grade road - There is a medium sized area of this LCA affected which is relatively very small by comparison to the total area of this LCA in the Study area in this section. The impacted LCA is located: -At the southern tunnel portal -At the at-grade road of the Fanling intersection.	During construction this landscape is affected as by the impacts on the woodland on hillside resource (LR3.1) and given the relatively very small area affected and the presence of similar vegetation in areas outside the Project Site, the overall impact on the character is considered small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this landscape is similar to during construction.	Small	Small
LCA2	Heavily Populated Village Landscape	66.78	2.65	4.0%	Fair	Construction and operation of southern tunnel portal and southern Fanling intersection viaduct - There is a medium sized area of this resource in the Project Site, but relative to the total are a of this resource in the Study area, this a relatively very small area The affected LCA is located at: -Peripheral areas of Tong Hang Village at the southern tunnel portal. -The northern periphery of Nam Wa Po at the southern Fanling intersection viaduct.	During construction: -About half of this affected landscape in the Project Site lies within the Project’s footprint and will be permanently lost. -About half of this affected landscape in the Project Site lies outside the Project’s footprint and may be affected by potentially reversible site clearance and construction works. Also considering the larger scale on which landscape characters are viewed, the larger area of it outside the Project Site and the fair compatibility of the Project with this landscape character, the impact is considered small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this landscape is similar to during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below.	Small	Small
LCA5	Cemetery Landscape	20.42	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LCA6	Urban Periphery Village Landscape	11.86	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This landscape borders the Project Site of the Fanling portal but will not be directly affected by the Project.		Negligible	Negligible
LCA8	Reservoir Landscape	1.36	0.00	0.0%	n/a	n/a	This resource is not close enough to the Project Site to be impacted.		Negligible	Negligible
LCA9	Transportation Corridor Landscape	31.37	11.46	36.5%	Good	Construction and operation of southern tunnel portal and southern Fanling intersection viaduct - Overall a large area, including the major transport routes of Fanling highway and railway, is affected.	During construction: -Part of this landscape will be affected; the Fanling Highway, while other parts such as the railway line passing through this area, will not be affected. -There will be temporary impacts due to site work and machinery and as well as possible temporary lane closures on the Fanling Highway. -There will be some permanent impacts due to roadside planting clearance, but most of the trees felled will be exotic species and many of the impacts area potentially reversible. -The Project is effectively constructing resource key to this LCA and the compatibility is very good. Given the good compatibility of the Project with this LCA in particular, despite a large area being affected, the adverse impact LCA is considered small.	During operation and prior to mitigation, the predicted impact on this landscape is similar to during construction with some indirect, permanent, irreversible impact due to shading by the viaduct of the resource below.	Small	Small
LCA11	Ongoing Development Landscape	12.35	1.04	8.4%	Good	Construction and operation of Fanling intersection - Overall a small area of this landscape is within the Project Site at the southwest, affected by both viaduct and at-grade works.	During construction: -The Project will overlap with ongoing channelization work in the southern area of the Fanling intersection. The affected area will be potentially reversibly affected by construction works including site clearance and earthworks. Given this Project’s good compatibility with this LCA, during construction, the overall impact is considered small.	During operation only a small fraction of the area that fell within the Project Site during construction will have been permanently affected by the Project but the landscape will have changed to finished rather than ongoing development, so the impact is not considered adverse.	Small	Negligible

Table 11.15a: Summary of Trees located within key LRs of the various Sections/Zones of the Project Site and their Proposed Treatment

* Refers to removal of dead trees and trees of the exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala,

						Approximate Number of Trees Proposed to:
Key LRs with trees	LR Name	Area (ha)	Approximate Number of Trees within Project Site	Approximate Different Number of Species	Dominant Species within Project Site (native/exotic)	Retain	Transplant	Remove*	Fell	Dominant Species to be felled (native/exotic)	Approximate Number of Compensatory Trees (size=100mm)
Section A, Zone 1
All LRs	A1 Overall	38.43	2730	80	The native species Celtis sinensis, Ficus hispida, Macaranga tanarius and the exotic species Dimocarpus longan, Leucaena leucocephala (weed) and Litchi chinensis	580	350	100	1700	The native species Ficus hispida, Celtis sinensis, Macaranga tanarius and the exotic cultivated fruit tree species Dimocarpus longan and Litchi chinensis	2900 (2865 for trees in key LRs)
LR3.1	Woodland on Hillside	0.56	190	30	Alangium chinense, Celtis sinensis, Macaranga tanarius, Cinnamomum camphora, Microcos paniculata (all native).	110	0	5	75	Celtis sinensis, Macaranga tanarius (both native)	130
LR3.2	Woodland on Lowland	2.20	420	35	The native species Celtis sinensis and exotic species Leucaena leucocephala (weed) and Acacia confusa as well as native species Ficus hispida and Macaranga tanarius.	160	60	40	160	Celtis sinensis, Ficus hispida and Macaranga tanarius (all native)	270
LR4.2	Shrubby Grassland on Lowland	4.06	130	30	Ficus hispida, Celtis sinensis, Macaranga tanarius (all native)	30	20	10	70	Ficus hispida, Celtis sinensis and Macaranga tanarius (all native)	120
LR5.1	Active Farmland	10.06	330	35	Dimocarpus longan (exotic), Litchi chinensis (exotic), Celtis sinensis (native), Ficus hispida (native), Macaranga tanarius (native)	70	30	10	220	The native species Celtis sinensis, Ficus hispida, Macaranga tanarius and Cinnamomum camphora and exotic, cultivated fruit tree species Dimocarpus longan, Litchi chinensis and Clausena lansium.	375
LR5.2	Inactive Farmland	15.00	1170	55	Ficus hispida, Celtis sinensis, Macaranga tanarius (all native) and to a lesser degree native species Microcos paniculata and exotic species Dimocarpus longan, Leucaena leucocephala (weed), Litchi chinensis and Melia azedarach	160	180	30	800	Ficus hispida, Celtis sinensis, Macaranga tanarius (all native) and to a lesser degree native species Microcos paniculata and the exotic species Dimocarpus longan, Litchi chinensis and Melia azedarach.	1360
LR6.2	Village Area	2.90	250	35	The exotic cultivated fruit tree Dimocarpus longan, Litchi chinensis, Mangifera indica and native species Celtis sinensis.	30	20	0	200	The exotic cultivated fruit tree Dimocarpus longan, Litchi chinensis, Mangifera indica and the native species Celtis sinensis.	340
LR6.3	Traditional Village Area	0.49	195	15	Macaranga tanarius, Celtis sinensis, Bauhinia spp., Ficus hispida (all native)	0	30	5	160	Macaranga tanarius, Bauhinia spp.,Celtis sinensis, Ficus hispida (all native).	270
Section A, Zone 2
All LRs	A2 Overall	17.92	2750	100	The native species Schefflera heptaphylla, Itea chinensis, Macaranga tanarius, Schima superba and exotic species Leucaena leucocephala (weed) and Litchi chinensis.	770	30	150	1800	The native species Schefflera heptaphylla, Itea chinensis, Macaranga tanarius and exotic species Litchi chinensis.	2000 (1900 for trees in key LRs)
LR3.1	Woodland on Hillside	5.47	2220	85	Schefflera heptaphylla, Itea chinensis, Schima superba, Macaranga tanarius (all native). Also a high number (about 60) of Aquilaria sinensis, a species of conservation interest.	600	20	60	1540	Native species Schefflera heptaphylla and Itea chinensis.	1650
LR3.2	Woodland on Lowland	0.92	70	15	Leucaena leucocephala (exotic weed).	50	0	10	10	No dominant species. Two Cleistocalyx operculatus and Syzygium hancei to be felled and one each of Celtis sinensis, Cinnamomum camphora and Litsea glutinosa (all native species).	10
LR4.2	Shrubby Grassland on Lowland	2.57	80	15	Leucaena leucocephala (exotic weed) and Celtis sinensis (native).	20	0	30	30	The native species Celtis sinensis.	30
LR5.1	Active Farmland	2.27	190	30	Litchi chinensis (exotic cultivated fruit tree).	60	0	0	130	The exotic cultivated fruit tree species Litchi chinensis.	140
LR5.2	Inactive Farmland	2.37	70	10	Leucaena leucocephala (exotic weed).	20	0	30	20	The native species Ficus hispida	20
LR6.2	Village Area	1.00	50	15	The exotic cultivated fruit trees Dimocarpus longan and Litchi chinensis and exotic species Eucalyptus robusta as well as the native species Celtis sinensis.	10	0	0	40	The exotic cultivated fruit trees Dimocarpus longan and Litchi chinensis and exotic species Eucalyptus robusta.	45
Section A, Zone 3
All LRs	A3 Overall	23.42	3620	113	Schefflera heptaphylla and Acronychia pedunculata (both native), and to a lesser extent the native species Endospermum chinense, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Pentaphylax euryoides, Cratoxylum cochinchinense, Itea chinensis and Alangium chinense and the exotic species Melaleuca quinquenervia.	1650	20	50	1900	Schefflera heptaphylla and Acronychia pedunculata (both native), and to a lesser extent the native species Endospermum chinense and exotic species Melaleuca quinquenervia.	4100 (3800 for trees in key LRs)
LR3.1	Woodland on Hillside	7.00	2270	82	Acronychia pedunculata, Schefflera heptaphylla, Endospermum chinense as well as Pentaphylax euryoides, Itea chinensis, Hibiscus tiliaceus (all native)	1050	10	10	1200	The native species Acronychia pedunculata, Schefflera heptaphylla and Endospermum chinense.	2550
LR3.2	Woodland on Lowland	2.02	575	66	Schefflera heptaphylla, Acronychia pedunculata, Cratoxylum cochinchinense (all native)	180	5	0	390	Schefflera heptaphylla, Acronychia pedunculata and Cratoxylum cochinchinense (all native).	840
LR5.1	Active Farmland	2.36	120	16	Hibiscus tiliaceus (native) as well as exotic species Acacia mangium and Melaleuca quiniquenerva	80	0	0	40	No very dominant species, but four or five of the exotic species Melaleuca quiniquenerva as well as native species Macaranga tanarius and Hibiscus tiliaceus.	100
LR5.2	Inactive Farmland	2.30	160	34	The exotic species Melaleuca quiniquenerva and to a lesser extent Leucaena leucocephala (weed) and Albizia lebbeck as well as the native species Macaranga tanarius.	50	0	10	100	The exotic species Melaleuca quiniquenerva and to a lesser extent Albizia lebbeck and the native species Macaranga tanarius.	210
LR6.10	Transport Route with Significant Planting	0.92	160	16	The native species Hibiscus tiliaceus as well as exotic species Melaleuca quiniquenerva and Acacia mangium.	110	0	0	50	The native species Hibiscus tiliaceus as well as exotic species Acacia mangium.	100
Section B
All LRs	B Overall	1.23	5	3	Macaranga tanarius, Ficus variegata and Bauhinia variegata (All native)	5	0	0	0	n/a	n/a
LR3.1	Woodland on Hillside	0.12	5	3	Macaranga tanarius, Ficus variegata and Bauhinia variegata (all native).	5	0	0	0	n/a	n/a
Section C
All LRs	C Overall	17.11	2040	100	Exotic species Acacia confusa as well as Leucaena leucocephala (weed) and the native species Schefflera hepataphylla, Macaranga tanarius and Aporusa dioica.	510	200	130	1200	The exotic species Acacia confusa and native species Macaranga tanarius and Schefflera hepataphylla. To a lesser degree the exotic species Delonix regia, Dimocarpus longan and Melaleuca quiniquenervia and the native species Aporusa dioica and Ficus hispida.	2700 (2060 for trees in key LRs)
LR2.2	Vegetated Man-made Slope	0.20	101	10	Exotic species Acacia confusa.	50	1	0	50	The exotic species Acacia confusa (only other species to be felled is Eucalyptus robusta).	120
LR3.1	Woodland on Hillside	2.48	620	60	Predominantly native species Schefflera heptaphylla but also Aporusa dioica, Ficus hispida, Cratoxylum cochinchinense and Sterculia lanceolata (all native).	100	70	10	440	The native species Schefflera heptaphylla and Aporusa dioica	990
LR3.2	Woodland on Lowland	0.85	260	25	Mostly Leucaena leucocephala (exotic weed) (about 50%) with high numbers of Macaranga tanarius (native) and Acacia confusa (exotic).	70	30	60	100	The native species Macaranga tanarius and exotic species Acacia confusa.	230
LR5.1	Active Farmland	1.19	110	25	Ficus hispida, Macaranga tanarius, Celtis sinensis, Ligustrum sinense and Ficus variegata (all native).	30	10	0	70	Native specs Macaranga tanarius and to a lesser degree the native species Celtis sinensis and exotic species Delonix regia and Averrhoa carambola.	160
LR6.10	Transport Route with Significant Planting	2.23	510	40	Predominantly the exotic species Acacia confusa with high numbers of the exotic species Spathodea campanulata and Melaleuca quinquenervia.	170	60	30	250	The exotic species Acacia confusa, Melaleuca quinquenervia, Eucalyptus citriodora, Delonix regia.	560
WHOLE PROJECT SITE (Sections A, B and C)
All LRs	Overall Project Site	98.12 (72 in key LRs)	11145 (10256 in key LRs)	180	The dominant species is the native Schefflera heptaphylla. Other species appearing in high numbers include the native species Celtis sinensis, Macaranga tanarius, Ficus hispida and exotic species Acacia confusa as well as exotic weed species Leucaena leucocephala	3515 (3125 in key LRs)	600 (546 from key LRs)	430 (350 from key LRs)	6600 (6145 in key LRs)	Key species for felling include the native species Schefflera heptaphylla and Macaranga tanarius and the exotic species Acacia confusa.	11700 (10625 for trees in key LRs)

11.6.3 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures in Construction and Operation Phases

During the current landscape and visual impact assessment, mitigation measures to avoid, reduce or remedy impacts have all been considered, with highest priority given to impact avoidance and reduction. Many potential landscape and visual impacts have already been considered during the project design stage of the Project, with several different layouts/profiles for the Project considered and the merits of each with regard to avoidance of impacts on important landscape resources and reduction of the physical extent of the works taken into account when selecting the current Project design. For example, viaducts and tunnels have been extensively used to avoid or reduce disturbance to as many landscapes as possible (for further details, see Section 2). Further avoidance mitigation measures are proposed here for the detailed design stage of the construction phase, as well as measures to reduce and/or compensate for particular unavoidable impacts during the construction and operation of the Project. Construction phase mitigation measures will be carried out before or during the construction phase of the Project, while operation phase measures will be in place during the operational life of the Project.

Construction (CM) and Operation (OM) Mitigation Measures for the Project are described in Table 11.16 together with the associated funding, implementation, management and maintenance agencies where relevant.

Landscape & Visual Mitigation Plans illustrate the location of the recommended mitigation measures and are presented in Figures 11.7.1-11.7.6. Details for CM3 in these figures are indicative and will be subject to change during the detailed design stage. Other mitigation measures, e.g. CM4, CM5, will be present for construction phase and will not be included in the Landscape & Visual Mitigation Plans. Some of the recommended landscape and visual mitigation measures are conceptually illustrated on a series of photomontages in Figures 11.7.8-11.7.19.

Table 11.16: Proposed Construction and Operation Phase Mitigation Measures (CM & OM) for Landscape and Visual Impacts

ID No.	Mitigation Measures	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency	Management Agency ^([4]) ([5])	Maintenance Agency ^([6]) ([7])
CM1	Tree Protection and Preservation^([8])	CEDD	Contractors	Contractors during construction
	Trees/ woodland within the Project Site will be protected and preserved during the detailed design stage and construction phase.^([9])
CM2	Tree Transplantation^([10])	CEDD	Contractors	Contractor / LCSD^([11])
	Should removal of trees be unavoidable due to construction impacts, trees will be transplanted where technically feasible^([12])
CM3	Decorative Screen Hoarding	CEDD	Contractors
	Decorative screen hoarding will be erected along areas of the construction works site boundary where the works site borders publically accessible routes and/or is close to visually sensitive receivers (VSRs) to screen undesirable views of the works site. It is proposed that the screening be compatible with the surrounding environment and where possible, non-reflective, recessive colours be used.
CM4	Light Control	CEDD	Contractors
	Construction and night time lighting glare will be controlled to minimize glare impact to adjacent VSRs during the construction stage. This is considered a general measure for good practice.
CM5	Topsoil reuse	CEDD	Contractors
	Excavated topsoil should be conserved for re-use by the Project or other projects. This is considered a general measure for good site practice.
CM6	Watercourse Impact Mitigation^([13])	CEDD	Contractors	DSD (during operation)
	Where watercourses are anticipated to be unavoidably affected, for natural/ semi-natural watercourses, these will be modified to achieve a natural appearance similar to existing. A proposed Wetland Compensatory Area is also included within the Project Site and this will accommodate the natural watercourse currently existing in the proposed area. For channelized watercourses these will be modified to match the existing and some additional enhancement planting should be implemented to upgrade these channels. Bridges will be used to minimise the necessity of watercourse modification, and box culverts will also be used to protect watercourses where necessary.
OM1	Detailed Design Considerations	CEDD	Detailed designer/ Consultants	n/a
	Detailed design of development components should reduce landscape footprint and visibility of structures. The area allowed for any development components should be reduced to a practical minimum.^([14])
OM2	Aesthetically Pleasing Design	CEDD	Detailed designer/ Consultants	For BCP – Building Management Committee (BMC), ArchSD/ DSD^([15])
				For alignment structures – TD/ Tunnel Operator	For alignment structures – HyD/ Tunnel Operator
	The form, textures, finishes and colours of the proposed development components should be compatible with the existing surroundings. Light earthy tone colours such as shades of green, shades of grey, shades of brown and off-white may be utilised where technically feasible to reduce the visibility of the development components, including all roadwork, buildings and noise barriers etc. To further improve visual amenity, natural building materials such as stone and timber, should be preferably adopted for architectural features, where technically feasible.
OM3	Compensatory Planting	CEDD	Contractors	Contractor / LCSD and HyD (hard landscape features only)^([16])
	All compensatory planting of trees is to be carried out in accordance with ETWB TCW No. 03/2006. Section 9 (Ecology) contains further details of the compensatory planting specifically for woodland. A total woodland compensation area of 18.6 ha is proposed. In view of the maturity of the secondary woodland impacted, a higher compensation ratio is proposed and details can be found in the proposed Woodland Compensation Plan in Appendix 9.4. For key LRs containing substantial numbers of affected trees, Table 11.15a gives an approximation of the number of trees to be planted to compensate for the trees felled in each of these key LRs. Some compensatory shrub and ground cover planting will also be provided. Space is to be allowed on both sides of the associated road works, on the peripheries of both BCP and the Middle Ventilation building for such planting. This area of compensatory shrub and ground cover planting is approximately 21 ha in size over the whole project area. In addition, a Wetland Compensation Area (WCA) is proposed to compensate for some wet areas of farmland and shrubby grassland on lowland Section 9 (Ecology) contains further details of the WCA with Figure 9.28 showing a conceptual plan of the area. Details of the Wetland Compensation Plan (WCP) would be formulated and provided under a Habitat Creation and Management Plan during the detailed design stage.
OM4	Buffer Tree Planting	CEDD	Contractors	Contractor / LCSD and HyD (hard landscape features only)
	Tree planting shall be provided to screen the proposed structures and associated facilities. In addition, the compensatory shrub and ground cover planting detailed in OM3 will provide screening and improve compatibility with the surrounding environment.
OM5	Aesthetic Improvement Planting - Viaduct Structure	CEDD	Contractors	Contractor / LCSD and HyD (hard landscape features only)
	Planters will be provided for trailer planting to soften the hard, straight edges of the viaduct. Where space allows for planters, climbers are proposed to cover vertical, hard surfaces of the piers.
OM6	Aesthetic Improvement Planting - Under Viaduct	CEDD	Contractors	Contractor / LCSD and HyD (hard landscape features only)
	Shade tolerant plants will be planted, where light is sufficient, to improve aesthetic value of areas under viaducts.
OM7	Landscaped Slope	CEDD	Contractors	Contractor/ Slope maintenance departments (see WBTC No. 26/99)
	Where existing hillside slopes are anticipated to be modified (e.g. cut slope at the portals of the tunnel sections and embankments along the alignment) the final slope surface will be landscaped by hydroseeding, tree or shrub planting where slope gradient allows.
OM8	Green Roof	CEDD	Contractors	BCP – Contractor/ BMC/ArchSD/ DSD^([17])Alignment structures – Contractor/ Tunnel Operator
	Green roofing should be established on proposed buildings to reduce exposure to untreated concrete surfaces and mitigate visual impact to VSRs at high levels.
OM9	Vertical Greening	CEDD	Contractors	BCP – Contractor/ BMC/ ArchSD/ DSD^([18])Alignment structures – Contractor/ Tunnel Operator
	Vertical planting should be established to soften the hard, vertical surfaces of the proposed development components. These components will include walls of administration and ventilation buildings, retaining walls and road abutments.
OM10	Roadside Amenity Planting	CEDD	Contractors	Within BCP – Contractor/ BMC Outside BCP – Contractor/ LCSD and HyD (hard landscape features only)
	Roadside amenity planting should be provided, to enhance the landscape and visual quality of the existing and proposed transport routes and car parks.
OM11	Reinstatement	CEDD	Contractors	Contractor/ LCSD and HyD (hard landscape features only)
	Certain areas unavoidably disturbed by the Project will be reprovisioned. The Chuk Yuen Village within the BCP area will be re-sited to a designed location before commencement of the Project. Further details on the ‘Re-site of Chuk Yuen Village’ are discussed in Section 11.8. Existing farmland, rural built/open storage areas and industrial/factory areas will not be reinstated but such areas affected should be conditioned to suit future land use. For reinstatement involving planting measures, refer to other mitigation measures e.g. for woodland/shrubby grassland/vegetated slopes, see CM1, CM2, OM3, OM7. For watercourse, see CM6.
OM12	Light Control	CEDD	Contractors	For BCP – Contractor/ BMC^([19])/ ArchSD/ DSD^([20]) For alignment structures – HyD/ Tunnel Operator
	Street and night time lighting glare will be controlled to minimize glare impact to adjacent VSRs during the operation stage. This is considered a general measure for good practice.
OM13	Reprovisioned LCSD Garden	CEDD	Contractors	Contractor/ LCSD^([21])
	The Open Space of Wo Keng Shan public garden falls within the Project Site and will be reprovisioned to reprovide the amenities of the garden on a one to one basis^([22])e.g. exisiting trees, benches etc will be re-provided in the new garden. The proposed location of the reprovisioned garden is near the existing location and shown on Figure 11.7.4 and this is subject to confirmation by CEDD and LCSD.

11.6.4 Prediction of Significance of Landscape Impacts

The potential significances of landscape impacts during construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, are detailed in Tables 11.17 to 11.21. This assessment follows the methodology outlined in Section 11.3.3 and where the outcome of the significance matrix shown in Table 11.2 gives a slight/moderate or moderate/significant result, the individual factors of the LR/LCA and relevant impact have been considered and the most appropriate rating selected. The prediction of residual landscape impacts assumes the appropriate mitigation measures recommended and identified in Table 11.16, will be implemented and that plants planted as part of the mitigation measures will be well managed and mature in time to confer greater mitigation. The mitigation measure CM5 (Top soil reuse) is considered a general measure that should be applied throughout the Project Site during construction, and is not necessarily listed for specific LRs/LCAs unless particularly appropriate (e.g. for Active Farmland, or the larger areas encompassed by the LCAs).

11.6.4.1 Section A, Zone 1

Details of numbers of compensatory trees planted for each of the key LRs with trees impacted are given in Table 11.15a. With respect to the compensatory planting areas for shrubs and groundcover as well as trees outside of the designated ‘Woodland Compensation Area’ and within the Project Site, in Section A, Zone 1, approximately 1.5 ha is available within the BCP area and a further 4 ha in the rest of the zone, Some of the recommended landscape mitigation measures for this area are conceptually illustrated (along with some visual mitigation measures) on Figures 11.7.1 and 11.7.2.

Upon application of mitigation measures, residual impacts for operation of the Project in this zone at Year 10 will not be significant or moderate for any LR or LCA.

For LR5.1 (Active Farmland) the impact will be slight at Year 10 of operation since the area affected is large (approximately 10 ha) and mitigation measures such as detailed design considerations, top soil re-use, tree protection and preservation, tree transplantation and compensatory planting are envisaged to largely mitigate impacts. These will ensure the minimum number of trees is felled, but currently it is estimated that in the region of 220 trees will be felled. These will be compensated for by approximately 375 trees of 100 mm DHH and the compensation trees will be planted as close to the existing resource as is feasible, but where not possible they will be located in the Woodland Compensation Area. All these measures are not envisaged to mitigate impacts to the extent as to make them insignificant by Year 10, and impact at this time is considered to remain slight. LCA 3 (Agricultural Lowland Landscape) is similarly affected by the impact on LR5.1 and the significance of impact at Year 10 is suggested to remain slight. Upon application of mitigation measures, residual impacts on all other LRs/LCAs in this zone at Year 10 will be insignificant.

The potential significances of landscape impacts during construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, are detailed further in Table 11.17 below.

Table 11.17: Significance of Landscape Impacts in Construction and Operation Phases in Section A, Zone 1 (All impacts are adverse unless stated otherwise)

ID	LR/ LCA	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)	Magnitude of Change BEFORE Mitigation (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Insignificant, Slight, Moderate, Significant)^(1)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact (Insignificant, Slight, Moderate, Significant)
			Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation – Day 1	Operation – Year 10
LR1.1	Watercourse	High	Small	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant	CM6, OM1	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR1.2	Channelized Watercourse	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	CM6, OM1	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR1.4	Pond	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR3.1	Woodland on Hillside	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3, OM7	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR3.2	Woodland on Lowland	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR3.3	Fung Shui Woodland	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR4.1	Shrubby Grassland on Hillside	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight/	OM1, OM3, OM7	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR4.2	Shrubby Grassland on Lowland	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR5.1	Active Farmland	Medium	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM5, OM1, OM3	Slight	Slight	Slight
LR5.2	Inactive Farmland	Medium	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM5, OM1, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR6.1	Rural Built/Open Storage Area	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	OM1	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.2	Village Area	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3, OM11	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR6.3	Traditional Village Area	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR6.5	Ongoing Development	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Slight	OM1	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.6	Transport Route without Significant Planting	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	OM1, OM10, OM11	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.8	Cemetery Area	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.9	Temple Area	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.10	Transport Route with Significant Planting	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LCA1	Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, , OM1, OM3, OM7, OM9	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LCA3	Agricultural Lowland Landscape	High	Large	Large	Significant	Significant	CM1, CM2, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8, OM9, OM10, OM11	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LCA5	Cemetery Landscape	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant

Note:

(1) Where the outcome of the significance matrix shown in Table 11.2 gives a Slight/Moderate or Moderate/Significant result, the individual factors of the LR/LCA and relevant impact have been considered and the most appropriate rating selected.

11.6.4.2 Section A, Zone 2

Details of numbers of compensatory trees planted for each of the key LRs with trees impacted are given in Table 11.15a. With respect to the compensatory planting areas for shrubs and groundcover as well as trees outside of the designated ‘Woodland Compensation Area’ and within the Project Site, in Section A, Zone 2, approximately 4 ha is available. Some of the recommended landscape mitigation measures for this area are conceptually illustrated (along with some visual mitigation measures) on Figures 11.7.2 and 11.7.3.

Upon application of mitigation measures, residual impacts for operation of the Project in this zone at Year 10 will not be significant or moderate for any LR or LCA.

For LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside), the impact will be slight at Year 10 of operation. The mitigation measures such as detailed design considerations and tree protection and preservation will ensure the minimum number of trees is felled, but currently it is estimated that in the region of 1540 trees will be felled. These will be compensated for by approximately 1650 trees of 100 mm DHH and the compensation trees will be planted as close to the existing resource as is feasible, but where not possible they will be located in the Woodland Compensation Area. These measures along with landscaping any slopes affected (planted according to what their gradient allows) are envisaged to largely mitigate impacts, but not to the extent as to make them insignificant by Year 10. LCA 3 (Agricultural Lowland Landscape) is similarly affected due to the impact on LR3.1 and the significance of impact at Year 10 is suggested to remain slight. Upon application of mitigation measures, residual impacts on all other LRs/LCAs in this zone at Year 10 will be Insignificant.

The potential significances of landscape impacts during construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, are detailed further in Table 11.18 below.

Table 11.18: Significance of Landscape Impacts in Construction and Operation Phases in Section A, Zone 2 (All impacts are adverse unless stated otherwise)

ID	LR/ LCA	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)	Magnitude of Change BEFORE Mitigation (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Insignificant, Slight, Moderate, Significant) ^(1)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact (Insignificant, Slight, Moderate, Significant)
			Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation – Day 1	Operation – Year 10
LR1.1	Watercourse	High	Small	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant	CM6, OM1	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR1.2	Channelized Watercourse	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	CM6, OM1	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR1.4	Pond	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR2.2	Vegetated Man-made Slope	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR3.1	Woodland on Hillside	High	Large	Large	Significant	Significant	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3, OM7	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LR3.2	Woodland on Lowland	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR4.1	Shrubby Grassland on Hillside	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	OM1, OM3, OM7.	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR4.2	Shrubby Grassland on Lowland	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR5.1	Active Farmland	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM2, CM5, OM1, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR5.2	Inactive Farmland	Medium	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM5, OM1, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR6.1	Rural Built/Open Storage Area	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	OM1	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.2	Village Area	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR6.3	Traditional Village Area	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	OM1	Moderate	Slight	Insignificant
LR6.4	Industrial/Factory Area	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Slight	OM1	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.6	Transport Route without Significant Planting	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	None suggested	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.8	Cemetery	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.9	Temple Area	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR7	Landfill	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LCA1	Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Significant	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM5, OM1, OM3, OM7, OM9	Moderate	Slight	Insignificant
LCA3	Agricultural Lowland Landscape	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Significant	Significant	CM1, CM2, CM5, CM6. OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8, OM9, OM10, OM11	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LCA4	Landfill Landscape	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LCA5	Cemetery Landscape	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LCA7	Developed Rural Landscape	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	None suggested	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant

Note:

(1) Where the outcome of the significance matrix shown in Table 11.2 gives a Slight/Moderate or Moderate/Significant result, the individual factors of the LR/LCA and relevant impact have been considered and the most appropriate rating selected.

11.6.4.3 Section A, Zone 3

Details of numbers of compensatory trees planted for each of the key LRs with trees impacted are given in Table 11.15a. With respect to the compensatory planting areas for shrubs and groundcover as well as trees outside of the designated ‘Woodland Compensation Area’ and within the Project Site, in Section A, Zone 3, approximately 7 ha is available. Some of the recommended landscape mitigation measures for this area are conceptually illustrated (along with some visual mitigation measures) on Figure 11.7.4.

Upon application of mitigation measures, residual impacts for operation of the Project in this zone at Year 10 will not be significant or moderate for any LR or LCA.

For LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside) and LR3.2 (Woodland on Lowland), the impact will be slight at Year 10 of operation. The mitigation measures such as detailed design considerations and tree protection and preservation will ensure the minimum number of trees is felled, but currently it is estimated that in the region of 1200 are felled in LR3.1 and 390 in LR3.2. These will be compensated for by approximately 2550 and 840 trees respectively, of 100mm DBH. The compensation trees will be planted as close to the existing resource as is feasible, but where not possible they will be located in the Woodland Compensation Area. These measures along with landscaping any slopes affected (planted according to what their gradient allows) are envisaged to largely mitigate impacts so they are reduced from significant to moderate at Operation Day 1 and as the trees and other planting measures mature, to slight at Year 10 operation. Most of this impacted LR makes up part of LCA 3 (Agricultural Lowland Landscape) which will be similarly affected and the significance of impact at Year 10 is suggested to remain slight for this LCA as well.

For LR1.4 (Pond), one small pond will be lost due to the Project, but since it is small and of low ecological value (see Section 9), no mitigation measures are suggested. The project is providing a Wetland Compensation Area, which will play a role in providing similar habitat, and over a ten year period, the impact on this resource is considered to become insignificant.

Upon application of mitigation measures, residual impacts on all other LRs/LCAs in this zone at Year 10 will be insignificant.

The potential significances of landscape impacts during construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, are detailed further in Table 11.19 below.

Table 11.19: Significance of Landscape Impacts in Construction and Operation Phases in Section A, Zone 3 (All impacts are adverse unless stated otherwise)

ID	LR/ LCA	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)	Magnitude of Change BEFORE Mitigation (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Insignificant, Slight, Moderate, Significant) ^(1)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact (Insignificant, Slight, Moderate, Significant)
			Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation – Day 1	Operation – Year 10
LR1.1	Watercourse	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM6, OM1	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR1.2	Channelized Watercourse	Medium	Small	Small	Moderate	Slight	CM6, OM1	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR1.4	Pond	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	None suggested.	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR3.1	Woodland on Hillside	High	Large	Large	Significant	Significant	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3, OM7	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LR3.2	Woodland on Lowland	High	Large	Large	Significant	Significant	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LR3.3	Fung Shui Woodland	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR4.1	Shrubby Grassland on Hillside	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	OM1, OM3, OM7	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR5.1	Active Farmland	Medium	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM5, OM1, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR5.2	Inactive Farmland	Medium	Small	Small	Moderate	Slight	CM1, CM2, CM5, OM1, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR5.3	Nursery	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM2, OM1	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR6.1	Rural Built/Open Storage Area	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.2	Village Area	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	OM1	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR6.3	Traditional Village Area	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.4	Industrial/Factory Area	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	OM1, OM11	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.6	Transport Route without Significant Planting	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	OM10	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.10	Transport Route with Significant Planting	Medium	Small	Small	Moderate	Slight	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3, OM9, OM10	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR6.11	Open Space	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3, OM9, OM11, OM13	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LCA1	Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3, OM7, OM9	Slight	Slight	Slight
LCA3	Agricultural Lowland Landscape	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM5, CM6, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8, OM9, OM10, OM11	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LCA7	Developed Rural Landscape	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM6, OM1, OM3, OM9, OM11	Slight	Slight	Insignificant

Note:

(1) Where the outcome of the significance matrix shown in Table 11.2 gives a Slight/Moderate or Moderate/Significant result, the individual factors of the LR/LCA and relevant impact have been considered and the most appropriate rating selected.

11.6.4.4 Section B

Details of numbers of compensatory trees planted for each of the key LRs with trees impacted are given in Table 11.15a. With respect to the compensatory planting areas for shrubs and groundcover as well as trees outside of the designated ‘Woodland Compensation Area’ and within the Project Site, in Section A, Zone 3, approximately 0.5 ha is available. Some of the recommended landscape mitigation measures for this area are conceptually illustrated (along with some visual mitigation measures) on Figure 11.7.5.

Upon application of mitigation measures, residual impacts for operation of the Project in this zone at Year 10 will not be significant, moderate or slight for any LR or LCA and the Project has very little adverse impact in this area, being insignificant at operation Year 10 for all of them.

For LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside), a very small area is affected, right at the periphery of the Project Site and of the few trees reported at this location (under 10), is not envisaged that any of them will be adversely affected i.e. they will be retained. Detailed design considerations will ensure this remains the case and tree protection and preservation will ensure the trees are not harmed. Compensatory planting is suggested for this area, for any non-tree vegetation that may be impacted by the Project and can be reinstated subsequently. The area of LCA1 impacted by the Project Site is made up of this LR and so is similarly impacted. Suggestions to ensure any slopes in this area are landscaped and any excavated top-soil conserved are additional precautionary measures to ensure the impact to this landscape is mitigated and if possible the landscape is enhanced. The area impacted is not large or prominent enough to predict a significant beneficial impact from the project.

For LR6.4 (Industrial/Factory Area), the mid-ventilation building falls within this resource and while adverse impacts are predicted to be negated by detailed design considerations, green roofing of the building and vertical greening of its walls may provide some beneficial landscaping to the resource but not significant enough on its own to confer a beneficial impact. Similarly for LR6.6 (Transport Route without Significant Planting), roadside planting is suggested to enhance this resource but length of road affected is not long and by itself this measure will not confer a significant beneficial impact. These LRs are located within LCA7 however and it is suggested that their combined effect will have a small beneficial impact on this LCA at Year 10 of operation, when plants have had time to establish and mature.

Table 11.20: Significance of Landscape Impacts in Construction and Operation Phases in Section B (All impacts are adverse unless stated otherwise)

ID	LR/ LCA	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)	Magnitude of Change BEFORE Mitigation (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Insignificant, Slight, Moderate, Significant) ^(1)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact (Insignificant, Slight, Moderate, Significant)
			Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation - Day 1	Operation – Year 10
LR1.1	Watercourse	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR1.3	Reservoir	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR1.4	Pond	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR3.1	Woodland on Hillside	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR4.1	Shrubby Grassland on Hillside	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR4.2	Shrubby Grassland on Lowland	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR5.1	Active Farmland	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR5.2	Inactive Farmland	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR5.3	Nursery	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.1	Rural Built/Open Storage Area	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.2	Village Area	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.3	Traditional Village Area	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.4	Industrial/Factory Area	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Insignificant	OM1, OM8, OM9	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.6	Transport Route without Significant Planting	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	OM10	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.7	Abandoned Military Camp	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.9	Temple Area	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LCA1	Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM2, CM5, OM1, OM3, OM7	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LCA7	Developed Rural Landscape	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	OM1, OM7, OM8, OM10	Insignificant	Insignificant	Slight beneficial
LCA8	Reservoir Landscape	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LCA10	Institutional Landscape	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant

Note:

(1) Where the outcome of the significance matrix shown in Table 11.2 gives a Slight/Moderate or Moderate/Significant result, the individual factors of the LR/LCA and relevant impact have been considered and the most appropriate rating selected.

11.6.4.5 Section C

Details of numbers of compensatory trees planted for each of the key LRs with trees impacted are given in Table 11.15a. With respect to the compensatory planting areas for shrubs and groundcover as well as trees outside of the designated ‘Woodland Compensation Area’ and within the Project Site, in Section A, Zone 3, approximately 4 ha is available. Some of the recommended landscape mitigation measures for this area are conceptually illustrated (along with some visual mitigation measures) on Figure 11.7.6.

Upon application of mitigation measures, residual impacts for operation of the Project in this zone at Year 10 will not be significant or moderate for any LR or LCA.

For LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside) the impact will be slight at Year 10 of operation. The mitigation measures such as detailed design considerations and tree protection and preservation will ensure the minimum number of trees is felled, but currently it is estimated that in the region of 440 trees will be felled. These will be compensated for by approximately 990 trees of 100 mm DHH and the compensation trees will be planted as close to the existing resource as is feasible, but where not possible they will be located in the Woodland Compensation Area. These measures along with landscaping any slopes affected (planted according to what their gradient allows) are envisaged to mitigate such that they are reduced from significant to moderate at Day 1 of operation and as the trees and other planting measures mature, to slight at Year 10 operation.

Upon application of mitigation measures, residual impacts on all other LRs/LCAs in this zone will be insignificant.

Table 11.21: Significance of Landscape Impacts in Construction and Operation Phases in Section C (All impacts are adverse unless stated otherwise)

ID	LR/ LCA	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)	Magnitude of Change BEFORE Mitigation (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Insignificant, Slight, Moderate, Significant) ^(1)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact (Insignificant, Slight, Moderate, Significant)
			Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation – Day 1	Operation – Year 10
LR1.1	Watercourse	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR1.2	Channelized Watercourse	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	CM6, OM1	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR1.3	Reservoir	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR1.4	Pond	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR2.1	Unvegetated Man-made Slope	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR2.2	Vegetated Man-made Slope	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3, OM7	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR3.1	Woodland on Hillside	High	Large	Large	Significant	Significant	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3, OM7	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LR3.2	Woodland on Lowland	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR4.1	Shrubby Grassland on Hillside	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR4.2	Shrubby Grassland on Lowland	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR5.1	Active Farmland	Medium	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM5, OM1, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR5.2	Inactive Farmland	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR5.3	Nursery	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	OM1, OM11	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR6.1	Rural Built/Open Storage Area	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	OM1	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.2	Village Area	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	OM1	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.3	Traditional Village Area	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.4	Industrial/Factory Area	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	OM1, OM11	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.5	Ongoing Development	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	OM1	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.6	Transport Route without Significant Planting	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	None suggested	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.8	Cemetery	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.9	Temple Area	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR6.10	Transport Route with Significant Planting	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3, OM10	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LCA1	Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, OM1, OM3, OM7, OM9	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LCA2	Heavily Populated Village Landscape	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	OM1, CM6, OM9, OM11	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LCA5	Cemetery Landscape	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LCA6	Urban Periphery Village Landscape	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LCA8	Reservoir Landscape	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	None necessary	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LCA9	Transportation Corridor Landscape	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM2, CM6, OM1, OM3, OM9,OM10	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LCA11	Ongoing Development Landscape	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	OM1, CM6, OM9	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant

Note:

(1) Where the outcome of the significance matrix shown in Table 11.2 gives a Slight/Moderate or Moderate/Significant result, the individual factors of the LR/LCA and relevant impact have been considered and the most appropriate rating selected.

11.7 Visual Impact Assessment

The visual assessment analyses the potential visual impacts of the Project on the existing views, and on Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSR) identified within the visual envelope. In order to illustrate the visual impacts of the development, Vantage Points (VPs) were selected from which to prepare photomontages, comparing the existing views and the views upon completion of the Project, with and without mitigation. The residual impacts are evaluated qualitatively, in accordance with the requirements of Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM.

11.7.1 Potential Sources of Visual Impacts

The Project will create different levels of visual impact during construction and operation phases. The key potential sources of visual impacts during construction and operation are identified in Section 11.6.1.

11.7.2 Nature and Magnitude of Visual Impacts

As detailed in the methodology, a number of factors are used to determine the magnitude of visual impact caused by the Project during construction and operation. The approximate, closest distance between the Project and VSR is one such factor, together with the potential blockage of view, the duration and reversibility of impact, as well as the scale of the Project when viewed by the VSRs compatibility of the Project with the surroundings.

Figures 11.5.21 illustrates the locations of the VSRs, with Figures 11.5.22 to 11.5.25 providing more detail. The approximate viewing distances are listed for each VSR by section below and Section 11.7.3 provides details on the nature of visual impacts. The information regarding rating of the factors used to determine the magnitude of impacts is summarised in Table 11.22.

11.7.2.1 BCP to Wo Keng Shan Section.

Heung Yuen Wai (H1)

H1 is located approximately 1,000 m from the BCP and approximately 950 m from the Lin Ma Hang Road Improvement section.

Ha Heung Yuen (H2)

H2 is located approximately 860 m from the BCP and approximately 790 m from the Lin Ma Hang Road Improvement section of the Project. The VSRs are the villagers of Ha Heung Yuen.

Tsung Yuen Ha (H3)

H3 is located approximately 100 m from the BCP and approximately 40 m from the Lin Ma Hang Road Improvement section of the Project.

Re-site of Chuk Yuen Village (H4

H4 is located approximately 450 m from the BCP and approximately 5 m from the alignment of the Project.

Kaw Liu Village (H5)

H5 is located approximately 590 m from the BCP and is intersecting the Lin Ma Hang Road improvement section.

Fung Wong Wu (H6)

H6 is located approximately 1,220 m from the BCP and approximately 290 m from the Lin Ma Hang Road Improvement section of the Project.

Graveyard by Poultry Farm (OU1)

OU1 is located approximately 20 m from the alignment of the Project.

Graveyard by Kaw Liu Village (OU2)

OU2 is located approximately 5 m from the Lin Ma Hang Road Improvement section of the Project.

Earth Shrine near Tsung Yuen Ha (OU3)

OU3 is located approximately 20 m from the BCP of the Project.

Tin Hau Temple (OU4)

OU4 is located approximately 80 m from the BCP and approximately 40 m from the Lin Ma Hang Road Improvement section of the Project.

Ta Kwu Ling Police Station (O1)

O1 is located approximately 30 m from Lin Ma Hang Road improvement section of the Project.

Nga Yiu Ha (H7)

H7 is located approximately 65 m from the viaduct at Ping Yeung Interchange of the Project and approximately 30 m from the slip road with 2.5 m high noise barrier.

Lung Mei Teng (R1)

R1 is located approximately 980 m from the BCP, approximately 300 m from the Interchange and approximately 170 m from the alignment of the Project.

Village on Wo Keng Shan Road (H8)

H8 is located approximately 860 m from the ventilation building, approximately 250 m from the alignment and approximately 260 m from the 0.8 m high noise barrier of the Project.

Ping Yeung East (H9)

H9 is located approximately 160 m from Ping Yeung Interchange, approximately 1,360 m from the ventilation building, approximately 30 m from alignment and approximately 230 m from 0.8 m high noise barrier of the Project.

Ping Yeung South Industrial Area (I1)

I1 is located approximately 70 m from the ventilation building and approximately 70 m from the 2 m high noise barrier of the Project.

Proposed NDA (C/R1)

C/R1 is located approximately 200 m from the alignment the Project.

11.7.2.2 Sha Tau Kok Road Section.

Village West of Man Uk Pin (H10)

H10 is located approximately 210 m from the administration building, approximately 430 m from the ventilation building, approximately 440 m from the alignment and the 1.5 m noise barrier of the Project.

Sha Tau Kok Road (T1)

T1 intersects with the alignment and the 0.8 m, 1.5 m, 2 m, 3 m and 5 m noise barrier, approximately 240 m from the administration building and approximately 490 m from the ventilation building of the Project.

Man Uk Pin (H11)

H11 is located approximately 610 m from the ventilation building, approximately 520 m from Sha Tau Kok Road Interchange and approximately 490 m from the 1.5 m high noise barrier of the Project.

Tai Tong Wu (H12)

H12 is located approximately 210 m from the alignment, approximately 500 m from the administration building, approximately 440 m from the ventilation building, approximately 295 m from Sha Tau Kok Road Interchange and approximately 210 m from the 5 m high noise barrier of the Project.

Loi Tung Village (H13)

H13 is located approximately 100 m from the alignment, approximately 380 m from the administration building, approximately 210 m from the Sha Tau Kok Road Interchange and approximately 150 m from the 0.8 m, 1.5 m and 2 m high noise barrier of the Project.

11.7.2.3 South Tunnel Middle Ventilation Building at Po Kat Tsai Section.

Open Storage on Lau Shui Heung Road (I2)

I2 is located approximately 420 m from the mid-tunnel ventilation building of the Project.

Tung Kok Wai (H14)

H14 is located approximately 980 m from the mid-tunnel ventilation building of the Project.

Po Kat Tsai (H15)

H15 is located approximately 110 m from the mid-tunnel ventilation building of the Project.

Proposed CDA (Ex-Burma Lines Military site) (H16)

H16 is located approximately 140 m from the mid-tunnel ventilation building of the Project.

Lung Shan Temple (OU5)

OU5 is located approximately 750 m from the mid-tunnel ventilation building of the Project.

Wing Ning Wai (H17)

H17 is located approximately 1,000 m from the mid-tunnel ventilation building of the Project.

11.7.2.4 Fanling Section.

Dawning Views (H18)

H18 is located approximately 920 m from the alignment, approximately 1,050 m from the ventilation building and approximately 950 m from the 3 m high noise barrier of the Project.

Tong Hang (H19)

H19 is located approximately 40 m from the alignment, approximately 60 m from the ventilation building, approximately 80 m from the 3 m high noise barrier of the Project.

Wo Hop Shek Village (H20)

H20 is located approximately 200 m from the alignment, approximately 360 m from the ventilation building and approximately 330 m from the 3 m high noise barrier of the Project.

Yuen Leng (H21)

H21 is located approximately 100 m from the alignment, approximately 740 m from the ventilation building of the Project and approximately 120 m from the revised location of existing 4 m high vertical barrier of the Project.

Tai Wo (H22)

H22 is located approximately 310 m from the alignment, approximately 1,300 m from the ventilation building of the Project; approximately 420 m and 350 m from the revised location of existing 7 m and 8 m high vertical barrier respectively.

Fanling Highway (T2)

T2 intersects with the alignment and the 1 m, 2.5 m, 3 m, 4 m and 5 m high noise barriers and approximately 1,800 m from the ventilation building of the Project.

Nam Wa Po (H23)

H23 is located approximately 20 m from the alignment with the 1 m and 3 m high noise barrier, approximately 720 m from the ventilation building of the Project and approximately 110 m from the revised location of the 5 m high vertical barrier of the Project.

Tai Hang (H24)

H24 is located approximately 760 m from the alignment and approximately 1,560 m from the ventilation building of the Project.

Hong Lok Yuen (H25)

H25 is located approximately 1070 m from the alignment and approximately 2,050 m from the ventilation building of the Project.

Wilson Trail (R2)

R2 is located approximately 1500 m from the alignment and approximately 2,300 m from the ventilation building of the Project.

Columbarium in Wo Hop Shek Cemetery (OU6)

OU6 is located approximately 600 m from the alignment and approximately 810 m from the ventilation building of the Project.

11.7.3 Significance of Visual Impact before Implementation of Mitigation Measures

The analysis of overall significance of visual impact for each VSR before implementation of mitigation measures in construction and operation phase has been calculated by using the sensitivity of VSR and magnitude of impact following the matrix given in Table 11.2 of the methodology in Section 11.3.3. Key information is provided below with the results summarised in Table 11.23. All impacts are adverse unless stated otherwise.

Construction Phase

11.7.3.1 BCP to Wo Keng Shan Section

“Significant” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Tsung Yuen Ha (H3)

During the construction phase, the earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery in the works area for the BCP and the connecting alignment will attract attention and disturb the existing tranquil setting, particularly due to the close proximity but this will be temporary and reversible. When construction phase is complete, the existing view will be significantly blocked by the new structures and the view will have been changed completely. Given the high sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered to be Significant.

¡ Kaw Liu Village (H5)

During the construction phase, the earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery of the works area for the BCP and the connecting alignment will attract attention within the existing tranquil setting. Construction works associated with the Lin Ma Hang Road improvement will be right next to the village and therefore despite the impact being temporary and reversible, it will appear large scale. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered to be Significant.

¡ Ta Kwu Ling Police Station (O1)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery associated with the Lin Ma Hang improvement will be incongruous with the existing view of these VSRs. Although the view from the building may be partially screened by trees around the Police Station, there is only 5 m at their closest point to the works area. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Significant.

¡ Nga Yiu Ha (H7)

During the construction phase, the earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery of the works area for the interchange, viaduct and slip road alignment and noise barrier will be a marked contrast to the existing tranquil setting. Some of the village area falls within the works area and some structures may have to be removed causing further visual impact. The construction may have further impact on the several individual houses located away from the major settlement area. Given the high sensitivity of the VSR and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Significant.

¡ Village on Wo Keng Shan Road (H8)

During the construction phase, the earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery in the works area for the alignment, noise barrier and ventilation shaft will attract attention and disturb the more natural environment and the Project works will be noticeable. The construction may have further impact on the several individual houses located away from the major settlement area. Given the high sensitivity of the VSR and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Significant.

¡ Ping Yeung East (H9)

During the construction phase, the earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery of the works area for the interchange, alignment and noise barrier will attract attention within the more tranquil village setting and traffic through the village related to the construction is likely to increase temporarily throughout this phase. The ventilation shaft works area to the south will not be visible due to the long distance between these two areas and the natural topography and vegetation in between. However, the construction may have further impact on the several individual houses located away from the major settlement area. Given the high sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Significant.

“Moderate” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Heung Yuen Wai (H1)

During the construction phase, the earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery in the works area for the BCP and the connecting alignment will attract attention within the existing tranquil setting, but this will be temporary and reversible. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Moderate.

¡ Ha Heung Yuen (H2)

During the construction phase, the earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery in the works area for the BCP and the connecting alignment will attract attention within the existing tranquil setting, but this will be temporary and reversible. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Moderate.

¡ Fung Wong Wu (H6)

During the construction phase, the earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery in the works area for the BCP and the connecting viaduct alignment will not be that noticeable to the VSRs in this area, given their distance from these works, but the Lin Ma Hang Road improvement works area is close enough that it may attract some attention within the existing tranquil setting. The scale of Lin Ma Hang Road improvement section of the Project will be partially noticeable from the VSRs but largely screened by vegetation and the presence of construction facilities and machinery will be temporary and reversible. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Moderate.

¡ Lung Mei Teng (R1)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery of the Ping Yeung interchange, viaduct alignment and BCP works areas will contrast with the existing natural form and green coverage. Having an elevated view and being 170 m from the alignment at its closest point, this impact is likely to be noticeable. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSR and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual on the VSRs in this area during construction could be moderate or significant. Existing vegetation have effectively screened a large portion of the viaduct and interchange of the alignment. The overall significance is considered Moderate.

¡ Ping Yeung South Industrial Area (I1)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks and presence of construction facilities or machinery of the ventilation shaft and alignment works area will be in the mid-ground of the current view and only partially visible due to obstruction by existing structures (e.g. Workshops) and vegetation, so only reasonably noticeable despite being close. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Moderate.

“Slight” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Re-site of Chuk Yuen Village (H4)

During the construction phase, the earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery in the works area for the BCP will hardly be visible, while those for the connecting viaduct alignment will be mainly at ground level and screened by topography and vegetation. Once the higher structures are put in place, these may become visible. The impacts are mainly temporary and reversible. With the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and small magnitude of impact from the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction could be slight or moderate. Given that the alignment will only potentially be visible towards the latter part of construction when the higher viaduct structures are put in place, the impact is considered Slight.

¡ Graveyard by Poultry Farm (OU1)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery will contrast with the existing natural form and green coverage and the scale of change will be intrusive and compelling for the VSRs with only approximately 18 m to the Project works area at the closest point. The low sensitivity of the VSR and large magnitude of impact of the Project, result in the visual impact the VSRs in this area during construction to be considered Slight due to the very low number and temporary nature of the VSRs.

¡ Graveyard by Kaw Liu Village (OU2)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery associated with the Lin Ma Hang improvement will be incongruous with the natural setting of the surrounding landscape and the view of these VSRs. At their closest point to the works area (5 m) their view may be fully blocked. Given the low sensitivity of the VSR and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Slight, due to the very low number and temporary nature of the VSRs.

¡ Earth Shrine near Tsung Yuen Ha (OU3)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery will contrast with the existing natural form and green coverage and it will be intrusive and compelling viewing from The VSRs are only 20 m from the BCP works area boundary at their closest point. Given the low sensitivity of the VSR and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Slight due to the very low numbers and temporary nature of the VSRs.

¡ Tin Hau Temple (OU4)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery will contrast with the existing natural form and green coverage and it will be intrusive and compelling viewing from The VSRs are 28 m from the BCP works area boundary at their closest point. Given the low sensitivity of the VSR and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Slight due to the very low numbers of VSRs.

Visual impact assessment for the construction stage will not be applicable to the Proposed NDA (C/R1) at PingChe/ Ta Kwu Ling as there is no development program for this NDA yet.

11.7.3.2 Sha Tau Kok Road

“Significant” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Village West of Man Uk Pin (H10)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery of the works area for the alignment, administration building and ventilation shaft will attract attention within the existing tranquil setting. The movement of construction machinery is very noticeable in the setting. The construction may have further impact on the several individual houses located away from the major settlement area. Given the high sensitivity of VSR and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered to be Significant.

¡ Man Uk Pin (H11)

During the construction phase, the earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery of the works area for the alignment, noise barrier and ventilation shaft will attract attention. Despite there being partial screening of view by vegetation the Project Site is quite close to the VSRs in this area. The medium sensitivity of the VSR and large magnitude of impact of the Project, result in the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction to be considered Significant.

¡ Tai Tong Wu (H12)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery of the works area for the ventilation shaft and connecting alignment will attract attention within the existing tranquil setting. The administration building and noise barriers will not be visible as the topography blocks their view. The movement of construction machinery is very noticeable in this setting and the existing vegetation will not provide effective screening. The construction may have further impact on several individual houses located away from the major settlement area. Given the high sensitivity of the VSR and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact from the Project on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Significant.

¡ Loi Tung Village (H13)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery of the Project works area will attract attention within the existing tranquil setting. The movement of construction machinery is very noticeable in this setting and the VSRs close to the works area. The construction may have further impact on the several individual houses located away from the major settlement area. Given the high sensitivity of the VSR and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSR during construction is considered Significant.

“Moderate” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Sha Tau Kok Road (T1)

During the construction phase, as part of the future alignment will be elevated, contrasting to the current at grade road, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery and possible temporary closure of lanes will cause impacts on the existing view. The low sensitivity of the VSR and large magnitude of change of the Project, result in the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction to be considered Moderate.

11.7.3.3 South Tunnel Middle Ventilation Building at Po Kat Tsai Section

“Moderate” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Po Kat Tsai (H15)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, construction facilities or machinery of the ventilation building works area will not be noticeable from the majority of the VSRs unless when lorries are passing through Po Kat Tsai Road to the ventilation building works area. The construction may have further impact on the several individual houses located away from the major settlement area that are closer to the works area, yet existing vegetation will partially screen off their view. Given the high sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and small magnitude of visual impact from the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Moderate.

¡ Lung Shan Temple (OU5)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery of the works area for the ventilation building at Po Kat Tsai may be partly noticeable within the existing tranquil setting but will be quite far away from the VSRs and those at ground level will not readily be able to view the machinery. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on this VSR during construction is considered Moderate.

“Slight” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Open Storage on Lau Shui Heung Road (I2)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, construction facilities or machinery of the ventilation building works area will not be within view of the VSRs except when lorries drive along Lau Shui Heung Road. Given the low sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and small magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Slight.

¡ Tung Kok Wai (H14)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery of the works area for the alignment ventilation shaft and Fanling Intersection further south are not noticeable by the VSRs since their view is blocked by natural topography and vegetation. Given the low sensitivity of the VSR and small magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact from the Project on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Slight.

¡ Wing Ning Wai (H17)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery of the works area for the ventilation shaft and Fanling Intersection further south are not noticeable by VSRs since their view is blocked by the natural topography and vegetation. Given the low sensitivity of the VSR and small magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impacts on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Slight.

Visual impact assessment for the construction stage will not be applicable to the Proposed CDA (Ex-Burma Lines Military site) (H16) as the development will not be built before the construction phase of the Project.

11.7.3.4 Fanling Section

“Significant” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Dawning Views (H18)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, construction facilities and machinery will be noticeable from this area as will the slope cutting works to make way for the ventilation shaft that will result in the loss of some of the vegetated hillside in the background. The connecting road alignment works will not be as intrusive due to other ongoing works happening in this area for channelization for example. These impacts will be viewed at a relatively long distance and the area of the impacted view is relatively small. Considering the high sensitivity of the VSR and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Significant.

¡ Tong Hang (H19)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery in the Project works area will attract attention. The movement of construction machinery is very noticeable given the close proximity of the VSRs to the works area. Given the high sensitivity of the VSR and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Significant.

¡ Yuen Leng (H21)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery of the works area for the ventilation shaft, connecting alignment and noise barriers will be conspicuous. The movement of construction machinery will be very noticeable given the proximity of The VSRs to the Project works area and the probably increase in construction vehicles on the roads near the village. Given the high sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Significant.

“Moderate” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Wo Hop Shek Village (H20)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery of the works area for the alignment and ventilation shaft will be noticeable and partially intrude into the view of the VSRs despite some screening from existing vegetation. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Moderate.

¡ Tai Wo (H22)

During the construction phase, the end of the permanent alignment will be reasonably close to the VSRs and the ventilation shaft will be that far away that it will not be a significant feature in their view. The view will not be screened by vegetation, but as the current setting is already dominated by existing transport infrastructure in the direction of the Project alignment, the Project structures will not present an incongruous change to the view. Given the high sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Moderate.

¡ Fanling Highway (T2)

During the construction phase, the elevated part of the future alignment will contrast to the current at grade road. The temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery and possible temporary closure of lanes will cause impacts on the existing view. Given the low sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area is considered Moderate.

¡ Nam Wa Po (H23)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery of the Project works area will be noticeable as the Project works area is located right next to these VSRs. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Moderate.

¡ Tai Hang (H24)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery of the works area for the alignment and ventilation shaft cause noticeable disturbance as the VSRs are near the closest boundary of the Project Site. With medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Moderate.

¡ Hong Lok Yuen (H25)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery of the Project works area will be noticeable in the mid-ground view of those residencies facing toward the Project Site. Despite being far away, the vehicular traffic works associated with construction will cause some disturbance. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered to be Moderate.

¡ Wilson Trail (R2)

During the temporary construction phase, the earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery in the alignment and ventilation shaft works area will be fully in view, yet the distance is far. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Moderate.

“Slight” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Columbarium in Wo Hop Shek Cemetery (OU6)

During the construction phase, the temporary earthworks, lorry movements and presence of construction facilities or machinery will hardly be noticeable by the VSRs and will be temporary and reversible. With the low sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and small magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction is considered Slight.

Operation Phase

11.7.3.5 BCP to Wo Keng Shan Section

“Significant” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Tsung Yuen Ha (H3)

The compatibility of the BCP and the alignment of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered poor. Despite the two high-rise buildings in Shenzhen, the current view is generally of a tranquil village setting with natural elements and low-lying man-made structures. The BCP and alignment are both very close to the village and of a large scale compared to the low-lying profile of the existing structures. When viewed by these VSRs, it will be intrusive and compelling. During the operation phase, the BCP and connecting alignment will stand out from current setting and the existing view will be significantly blocked. There will be no screening of the Project to these VSRs. The Project will eventually completely and permanently modify the existing view. Given the high sensitivity of the VSR and large magnitude of impact, the resulting significance of the visual impact during operation is considered Significant.

Photomontage VP2 (Figure 11.7.9) illustrates the unmitigated impact on Operation Day 1 at a point around Tsung Yuen Ha and shows that the BCP and associated structures will be blocking a large portion of the view for these VSRs.

¡ Nga Yiu Ha (H7)

The compatibility of the Ping Yeung Interchange and the connecting viaduct, slip road and noise barrier of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered poor as the current view is open and dominated by natural elements and the new structures of the Project will be large and man-made. The Project will come to dominate the view of the VSRs fully blocking the view for many of them. During the operation phase, the permanent features of the slip road interchange, viaduct alignment and noise barrier will all be very close to some VSRs and highly conspicuous. The existing vegetation will not be able to effectively screen many of the VSRs from the visual impacts. The 2.5 m high noise barrier will be built on a southern slip road bend and for some distance run behind a few houses. The VSRs in these houses will still have an open view to the South over the agricultural land and river. Given the high sensitivity of the VSR and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered Significant.

Photomontage VP4 (Figure 11.7.11) illustrates the unmitigated impact on Operation Day 1 from the main access road to Nga Yiu Ha and shows that the alignment, although possibly partially screened by existing vegetation, will still be visible by these VSRs. Equally the noise barrier is hardly visible for existing vegetation.

¡ Village on Wo Keng Shan Road (H8)

The compatibility of the ventilation shaft, alignment and noise barrier of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered poor as the current view is dominated by natural elements and the Project is entirely man-made. During the operation phase, the alignment, noise barrier and ventilation shaft will be noticeable from this village. A large section of at grade and viaduct alignment stretches across the whole of the west of the view in the background for the VSRs although the view will be partially screened by existing vegetation. Given the high sensitivity of the VSR and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered to be Significant.

¡ Ping Yeung East (H9)

The compatibility of the Ping Yeung Interchange, ventilation shaft, alignment and Project noise barrier with the surrounding landscape is considered fair as the current view is a mix of natural and man-made elements and it is able to accommodate additional man-made change. The existing vegetation and other built houses in the village will partially block some of the view. During the operation phase, the interchange, alignment will stand out from the current village setting although the noise barriers will not be significantly visible. While the ventilation shaft to the south will not be visible due to the long distance between these two areas and the natural topography and vegetation in between. Given the high sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered to be Significant.

“Moderate” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Heung Yuen Wai (H1)

The compatibility of the BCP and the alignment of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered poor. Despite having a back drop to the high-rise built environment on the Shenzhen side, the current view is open and dominated by natural elements and any changes will be noticeable. The scale of the Project is medium and noticeable when viewed from this distance and will partially block the VSRs’ existing view. During the operation phase, the BCP and the connecting alignment will stand out from the current setting and will be a permanent feature. With the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation, is considered Moderate.

¡ Ha Heung Yuen (H2)

The compatibility of the BCP and the alignment of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered poor. Despite having a back drop to the high-rise built environment on the Shenzhen side, the current view is open and dominated by natural elements and any changes will be noticeable. The scale of the Project is medium and noticeable when viewed from this distance and will partially block the VSRs’ existing view. During the operation phase, the BCP and the connecting alignment will stand out from current setting and be a permanent feature. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered to be Moderate.

Photomontage VP1 (Figure 11.7.8) illustrates the unmitigated impact on Operation Day 1 at a point around Ha Heung Yuen. It is shown that a small portion of the proposed BCP building and structures are visible behind the existing vegetation.

¡ Lung Mei Teng (R1)

The compatibility of the BCP, the interchange and alignment of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered poor as the existing view consists of a large portion of high quality green vegetated area. Man-made structures of the Project will be conspicuous amongst this setting. Mid-ground trees and vegetation mean that that the view to the Project may be screened to a large degree. During the operation phase, the permanent viaduct and Ping Yeung interchange alignment would be noticeable but partially screened by mid-ground trees and vegetation. The higher elevations of the more distant BCP may also be noticeable from this point in the background through the existing vegetation and contrast against the natural elements of the current surroundings. The magnitude of impact is considered large.

Photomontage VP5 (Figure 11.7.12) illustrates the unmitigated impact on Operation Day 1 at a point at Lung Mei Teng and shows the natural screening provided by vegetation of the viaduct and interchange alignment. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSR and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation could be moderate or significant. Looking at Photomontage VP5 for this point, the natural screening provided by vegetation of the viaduct and interchange alignment ensures the significance is considered Moderate.

Photomontage VP5 (Figure 11.7.12) illustrates the unmitigated impact on Operation Day 1 at a point at Lung Mei Teng.

¡ Ping Yeung South Industrial Area (I1)

The compatibility of the ventilation shaft, alignment and noise barrier of the Project at operation with surrounding landscape is considered fair as the existing view is already dominated by man-made features in the foreground with limited vegetation. The potential blockage of view is considered partial as the future ventilation shaft and alignment will be partially screened from these VSRs. Since the current view is already dominated by man-made features the permanent ventilation shaft and alignment will not stand out a great deal during the operation phase. There will only be a partial view of these structures, despite their proximity. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered Moderate.

“Slight” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Resite of Chuk Yuen Village (H4)

The compatibility of the BCP and the alignment of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered poor as the current view is dominated by natural elements and the Project will be a distinct man-made feature. Despite the VSRs being quite close to the BCP and connecting alignment, the Project will hardly interrupt the existing view as the majority of the village houses are oriented away from the BCP and only a small viaduct section of the connection alignment may be visible. During the operation phase, the connecting viaduct alignment may be a permanent, slightly visible feature from the houses. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSR and small magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation could be slight or moderate. Given the BCP will hardly be visible and only a small section of the viaduct partially visible, the impact is considered to be Slight.

¡ Kaw Liu Village (H5)

The compatibility of the BCP and Lin Ma Hang Road improvement of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered poor as the current view is open and dominated by natural elements and the Project will be a distinct man made feature. However, during the operation phase, the Lin Ma Hang Road will be improved and slightly widened. The BCP and connecting alignment, particularly the viaduct, will be noticeable from the VSRs in this area however a large proportion of the structures will be partially screened by natural topography and vegetation. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and small magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation could be considered to be slight or moderate. Given the improvement to the existing road it is considered Slight.

Photomontage VP3 (Figure 11.7.10) illustrates the unmitigated impact on Operation Day 1 at a point around Kaw Liu Village. It is shown that the BCP building and the alignment is visible although they are partially blocked by existing vegetation.

¡ Fung Wong Wu (H6)

The compatibility of the BCP and the alignment of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered poor as the current view is dominated by natural elements and the Project will be a distinct man-made feature. The VSRs are situated < 1 km from the BCP and also far from the viaduct alignment, but they are near the Lin Ma Hang Road improvement area. During the operation phase, the improved Lin Ma Hang Road will not be visible by the VSRs since it is at ground level and screened by natural topography and vegetation. The BCP and connection viaduct alignment will hardly be noticeable to VSRs. Given the medium sensitivity of these VSRs, the small magnitude of impact of the Project, the distance of the visible element of the Project and the high level of screening by natural vegetation and topography of many other elements, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation would be considered Slight.

¡ Graveyard by Poultry Farm (OU1)

The compatibility of the alignment of the Project at operation with surrounding landscape is considered poor as the existing view is dominated by natural elements and the Project will be a distinct man-made feature. The future viaduct alignment will pass in front of VSRs in this area and potentially fully block their view during construction. During the operation phase, the viaduct will run overhead in front of the graveyard and will be very noticeable. The change in view will be intrusive and compelling, particularly for those VSRs closest to the Project (approximately 18 m). Given the low sensitivity of the VSR and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact for the VSRs in this area during operation is considered to be Slight rather than moderate, due to the very low number and temporary nature of the VSRs.

¡ Graveyard by Kaw Liu Village (OU2)

The compatibility of the Lin Ma Hang Road improvement with surrounding landscape is considered fair. During operation, the permanently improved and slightly wider Lin Ma Hang Road will be located in the same place as the existing Lin Ma Hang Road. The new viaduct alignment of the Project is behind the graveyard and further away and will not be a key view for these VSRs. The Project will therefore be fairly compatible with the surrounding landscape although the view will be partially affected. Given the low sensitivity of the VSR and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered Slight due to the very low number and temporary nature of the VSRs.

¡ Earth Shrine near Tsung Yuen Ha (OU3)

The compatibility of the BCP of the Project at operation with surrounding landscape is considered poor as the VSRs are in a natural setting environment with lush vegetation hence any man-made changes will be very noticeable. As the future BCP will be directly in front of these VSRs, their view may be fully blocked. During the operation phase, the permanent BCP structures in front of the VSRs will be very noticeable 20 m away at their closest point. Given the low sensitivity of the VSR and large magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered to be Slight due to the very low number and temporary nature of the VSRs.

¡ Tin Hau Temple (OU4)

The compatibility of the BCP of the Project at operation with surrounding landscape is considered poor as the VSRs are in a natural setting environment with lush vegetation hence any man-made changes will be very noticeable. The potential blockage of view is considered full as the future BCP will be directly in front view of these VSRs. During the operation phase, the permanent BCP structures would be very noticeable from the VSRs 28 m away at their closest point. Given the low sensitivity of the VSR and large magnitude of impact of the Project, and taking into account the very low numbers of VSRs and their temporary nature, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered Slight.

¡ Ta Kwu Ling Police Station (O1)

The compatibility of the Lin Ma Hang Road improvement of the Project at operation with surrounding landscape is considered fair. During the operation phase the improved and wider Lin Ma Hang Road will be located in the same place as the existing Lin Ma Hang Road. The new viaduct alignment of the Project is further away and will be screened by the vegetation and natural topography in between. There will be no potential blockage of view. The Project will therefore be fairly compatible with the surrounding landscape. With the medium sensitivity of the VSR and small magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered to be Slight.

¡ Proposed NDA (C/R1)

The compatibility of the alignment of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is predicted to be poor as the existing view is dominated by natural, green elements. Existing vegetation and trees may partially block the view to the Project and the VSRs will be quite far from permanent Project structures. With the medium sensitivity of the VSR and small magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered to be Slight.

11.7.3.6 Sha Tau Kok Road Section

“Significant” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Village West of Man Uk Pin (H10)

The compatibility of the administration building, ventilation shaft, the alignment and noise barrier of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered poor as the current view is dominated by natural elements making man-made changes noticeable. Existing vegetation will partially block the view. During the operation phase, the view to the permanent alignment, administration building, ventilation shaft and removal of trees on hillside will stand out. This will be only partially screened by roadside vegetation and woodland. The noise barriers will be visible but not very noticeable due to their position, height and/ or relatively long distance to VSRs. Given the high sensitivity of VSR and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered to be Significant.

Photomontage VP6 (Figure 11.7.13) illustrates the unmitigated impact on Operation Day 1 from a point west of Man Uk Pin Village. It is shown that the modified slope, tunnel ventilation building and the connecting alignment are partially in view behind the existing vegetation by the adjacent VSRs.

¡ Tai Tong Wu (H12)

The compatibility of the alignment, the administration building, the ventilation shaft, the Sha Tau Kok Road interchange and noise barrier of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered fair. The current view is a mix of natural and man-made elements and able to accommodate changes. There will be a partial blockage of existing view by existing trees but a large portion of the ventilation shaft will still be visible. During the operation phase, the view to the permanent ventilation shaft, connecting alignment and removal of trees on hillside will be partially screened by roadside vegetation and woodland. The administration building and noise barriers will not be visible due to the topography blocking their view. Given the high sensitivity of the VSR and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered Significant. Photomontage VP7 (Figure 11.7.14) illustrates the unmitigated impact on Operation Day 1 from a point in Tai Tong Wu. It is shown that the modified slope, tunnel ventilation building and the connecting alignment are fully in view by the adjacent VSRs.

“Moderate” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Man Uk Pin (H11)

The compatibility of the ventilation shaft, the Sha Tau Kok Road interchange and noise barrier of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered fair as the current view is dominated by infrastructures with a mix of natural and man-made elements and it is able to accept changes. During the operation phase, the permanent alignment and ventilation shaft will stand out from current setting, but the view will be partially screened by vegetation. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSR and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered Moderate.

¡ Loi Tung Village (H13)

The compatibility of the alignment, administration building, the Sha Tau Kok Road interchange and noise barrier of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered fair as the current view is a mix of natural and man-made elements and is able to accommodate changes. Vegetation will partially block the existing view. During the operation phase, the view to the permanent noise barriers, administration building and ventilation shaft will be partially screened by roadside vegetation and woodland trees. While the VSRs are highly sensitive, the magnitude of impact of the Project is intermediate, resulting in the significance of visual impact on the VSR during operation to be considered Moderate.

Photomontage VP8 (Figure 11.7.15) illustrates the unmitigated impact on Operation Day 1 from a point in Loi Tung Village. It is shown that the modified slope, tunnel ventilation building and the connecting alignment are fully in view by the adjacent VSRs; and the administration building is largely blocked by the existing vegetation.

“Slight” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Sha Tau Kok Road (T1)

The compatibility of the intersecting alignment and administration building of the Project at operation with surrounding landscape is considered fair as the existing view is already dominated by the road and traffic and hence the new road alignment and intersection will be compatible. As the future road alignment will directly intersect a section of the Sha Tau Kok Road, the view may be fully blocked. During the operation phase, the new permanent alignment would merge with the existing view of the Sha Tau Kok Road. Given the low sensitivity of the VSR and small magnitude of change of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered Slight.

11.7.3.7 South Tunnel Middle Ventilation Building at Po Kat Tsai Section

“Moderate” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Po Kat Tsai (H15)

The compatibility of the ventilation building of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered fair as there are a large amount of man-made structures and a few natural elements in the current setting. During the permanent operation phase, the ventilation building will not be noticeable by majority of VSRs due to the orientation of houses and the view being blocked by topography. Given the high sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and small magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered to be Moderate.

¡ Proposed CDA (Ex-Burma Lines Military site) (H16)

The compatibility with the surrounding landscape of the ventilation building of the Project at operation is considered fair as the current view consists of both man-made and natural elements. The potential blockage of view is considered partial since the site is screened by low vegetated hills with the trees on top between Po Kat Tsai and Po Kak Tsai Road. Despite the high sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, there will be screening of the Ventilation Building by existing vegetation and topography. The significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is to be considered Moderate.

¡ Lung Shan Temple (OU5)

The compatibility of the ventilation building of the Project at operation with surrounding landscape is considered fair as the current elevated view from the temple already consists of a mixture of natural and man-made elements. The view may be partially blocked by natural vegetation. During the operation phase, VSRs will only just be able to see the permanent ventilation building in the distance, though more so from the higher floors of the columbarium. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and small magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered Moderate.

Photomontage VP9 (Figure 11.7.16) illustrates the unmitigated impact on Operation Day 1 from an elevated point at Lung Shan Temple. It is shown that the middle ventilation building of the tunnel will be fully visible looking from a high point by these VSRs.

“Slight” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Open Storage on Lau Shui Heung Road (I2)

The compatibility of the ventilation building of the Project at operation with surrounding landscape is considered fair as the existing view is already dominated by man-made features in the foreground. The view should not be blocked for these VSRs. Since the current view is already dominated by man-made features, and views toward the Project are limited, the permanent ventilation building would hardly be noticeable during the operation phase. With the low sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and small magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered Slight.

¡ Tung Kok Wai (H14)

The compatibility of the ventilation building of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered fair as the current view is a dominated by man-made structures with some natural elements. The change in existing view will hardly be noticeable. Topography and vegetation will largely screen the permanent ventilation shaft and Fanling Intersection alignment during the operation phase. The considerable distance between the structures and the VSRs will make the structures indistinct. Given the low sensitivity of the VSR and small magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact from the Project on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered Slight.

¡ Wing Ning Wai (H17)

The compatibility of the ventilation building of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered fair as the current view is a dominated by man-made structures with some natural elements. The change in existing view will hardly be noticeable. Topography and vegetation will largely screen the permanent ventilation shaft and Fanling Intersection alignment during the operation phase. The considerable distance between the structures and the VSRs will make the structures indistinct. Given the low sensitivity of the VSR and small magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered Slight.

11.7.3.8 Fanling Section

“Significant” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Dawning Views (H18)

The compatibility of the alignment, ventilation shaft and noise barrier of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered poor as the existing view is dominated by the vegetated hillsides. The view towards the interchange will be partially blocked by the hillside but the ventilation shaft at the tunnel opening, removal of trees on hillside, noise barrier and the connecting alignment will be in full view of these VSRs. During the operation phase, the permanent ventilation shaft, noise barriers and connecting alignment will stand out as some of the vegetated hillsides in the background are lost. The connecting road alignment will not be as intrusive due to it being similar in nature to the existing Fanling Highway. Given the high sensitivity of the VSR and intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation will be Significant.

Photomontage VP10 (Figure 11.7.17) illustrates the unmitigated impact on Operation Day 1 looking south east from one of the top floors of Block 8 in Dawning Views Apartments. It is shown that the modified slope, tunnel ventilation building and the connecting alignment is fully in view of these VSRs looking from a high point. The interchange will be fully blocked by hillside.

¡ Tong Hang (H19)

The compatibility of the alignment, ventilation shaft and noise barrier of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered fair as the current view consists of natural and many man-made elements such as the Fanling Highway, MTR East Rail line and their associated structures. During the operation phase, the view to the permanent ventilation shaft and connecting alignment with the removal of trees on hillside will be fully visible due to their height. There may be some screening of the Project by existing roadside vegetation given the height of the ventilation shaft and connecting alignment and the proximity of these VSRs, this will remain a prominent new feature in their view. The noise barriers associated with the new Project structures will not be independently significant but will form part of the impact from the larger structures. Given the high sensitivity of these VSRs and the large magnitude of impact, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered Significant.

“Moderate” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Wo Hop Shek Village (H20)

The compatibility of the alignment, ventilation shaft and noise barrier of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered fair as the current view is dominated by man-made structures with some natural elements. During the operation phase, the permanent alignment and ventilation shaft will be noticeable from the current setting even the distance is far. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area, the intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project and the fact that existing vegetation will provide some screening, the resulting significance of the visual impact on these VSRs during operation is considered Moderate.

¡ Yuen Leng (H21)

The compatibility of the alignment, ventilation shaft and noise barrier of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered fair as the current view is dominated by man-made structures in the foreground where the Project will be located. The new structures of the Project will cause a conspicuous change to the existing view however, with the new alignment partially blocking the existing view. During the operation phase, the view to the permanent structures such as the ventilation shaft at the tunnel opening and connecting alignment will be partially screened by roadside vegetation and woodland trees. At operation, the structures will be mostly elevated and the traffic will hardly be visible to the residents at ground level. The existing railway noise barriers will also screen the alignment to a certain degree and without the construction works traffic in the vicinity and associated disturbances. The VSRs in this area have high sensitivity but since the existing view is already dominated by the Fanling Highway and MTR East Rail line, and their associated noise barriers, and the magnitude of the Project is intermediate the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered to be Moderate.

Photomontage VP11 (Figure 11.7.18) illustrates the unmitigated impact on Operation Day 1 at Yuen Leng looking north. It is shown that the proposed alignment, the tunnel ventilation building and the modified slope on the hillside are fully visible by these VSRs.

¡ Tai Wo (H22)

The compatibility of the alignment, ventilation shaft and noise barrier of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered fair as the current view is dominated by man-made structures with some natural elements. The existing view will be partially changed due to the Project. During the operation phase, the end of the permanent alignment will be reasonably close to the VSRs. The ventilation shaft will be far enough away that it will not represent a significant feature in their view. The current setting is already dominated by existing transport infrastructure in the direction of the end of the Project alignment, so while vegetation provides no screening, it will not be a significant change to the view. While the sensitivity of these VSRs is high, the magnitude of the impact of the Project is small, so the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation can be considered Moderate.

¡ Nam Wa Po (H23)

The compatibility of the alignment, ventilation shaft and noise barrier of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered fair as the current view contains some natural elements as well as on-going construction works and man-made structures. The existing view will be party blocked by vegetation. During the operation phase, vegetation will partially screen the view to the permanent ventilation shaft, connecting alignment and noise barriers. As there is a current view towards the existing noise barriers, the relocated noise barriers will have a lesser impact on the VSRs although all the new Project structures will be close to the VSRs and the new elevated alignment will be quite prominent. Given the medium sensitivity of these VSRs and the intermediate magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered Moderate.

¡ Hong Lok Yuen (H25)

The compatibility of the alignment and ventilation shaft of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered fair as the current view is a mix of natural and man-made elements and it is able to accept changes. The existing view will be partially blocked by vegetation. During the permanent operation phase with no construction vehicles or machinery in the Project Site, the visual impact will be reduced at this distance. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and small magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered Moderate.

¡ Wilson Trail (R2)

The compatibility of the alignment and ventilation shaft of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered fair as a large portion of the existing view consists of man-made structures in the Fanling Valley where the Project will be located. A relatively large portion of these VSR’s existing view could potentially be affected. During the permanent operation phase, the alignment and ventilation shaft will be integrated with the Fanling Highway which forms part of the large transport infrastructure already dominating a large portion of the existing view. The Project structures will therefore not be as noticeable. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and small magnitude of impact of the Project, the significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered Moderate. Photomontage VP12 (Figure 11.7.19) illustrates the unmitigated impact on Operation Day 1 from a point on Stage 8 of the Wilson Trail and shows that while the existing view is already dominated by infrastructures, the proposed alignment, the interchange, the noise barriers, the tunnel ventilation building and the modified slopes will be visible by these VSRs looking from a high point.

“Slight” adverse visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Fanling Highway (T2)

The compatibility of the joining alignment, noise barrier and ventilation shaft of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered fair; the new road alignment is highly compatible since the existing view is dominated by the road but the ventilation shaft is less compatible, resulting in an average ‘fair’ rating. The potential blockage of view is considered full as the future alignment will be joining a section of the existing Fanling Highway. During the operation phase, the new permanent alignment would merge with the existing view of the Fanling Highway and there would be no disruptions as in during the construction phase. Given the low sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and small magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered Slight.

¡ Tai Hang (H24)

The compatibility of the alignment and ventilation shaft of the Project at operation with the surrounding landscape is considered fair as the current view is a mix of natural and man-made elements. The main orientation of houses in this area is not facing the Project Site and the view will also be partly blocked in places by the existing vegetation. During the permanent operation phase, ventilation shaft is so far away from the VSRs that it will not be that noticeable. The new connecting alignment, while at a higher elevation and therefore noticeable, will be located on and above the existing Fanling Highway and Fanling Rail line infrastructure (MTR East Line), so will blend with the existing view and not cause a significant change to the view. Given the medium sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and small magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation could be slight or moderate, but is considered to be Slight, due to the orientation of the houses, the large distance to the ventilation shaft and existence of significant transport infrastructure in the view already.

¡ Columbarium in Wo Hop Shek Cemetery (OU6)

The compatibility of the alignment and ventilation shaft of the Project at operation with surrounding landscape is considered fair as the current elevated view from the columbarium is towards an area with a mixture of natural and man-made features. Due to the long distance to the Project Site and partial screening by vegetation, the potential blockage of view is considered negligible. During the operation phase, the permanent alignment and ventilation shaft will blend into the current view as seen from the elevated levels of the columbarium due to the long distance and partial screening by vegetation. Given the low sensitivity of the VSRs in this area and small magnitude of impact of the Project, the resulting significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during operation is considered to be Slight.

Table 11.22: Factors Affecting and Overall Magnitude of Change Experienced by Each VSR During Construction and Operation Phases

VSR ID *	VSR Name	Compatibility with surrounding landscape (Good / Fair / Poor)		Approximate Closest Viewing Distance to the Project	Potential blockage of view (Full / Partial / Nil)		Duration of impact (Temporary / Permanent)		Scale of the Project when viewed from the VSR (Small / Medium / Large)		Reversibility of impact (Yes / No)		Magnitude of Change (Large / Intermediate / Small / Negligible)
		Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
H1	Heung Yuen Wai	Poor	Poor	1000 m from BCP; 950 m from Lin Ma Hang road improvement section	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Intermediate	Intermediate
H2	Ha Heung Yuen	Poor	Poor	860 m from BCP; 790 m from Lin Ma Hang road improvement section	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Intermediate	Intermediate
H3	Tsung Yuen Ha	Poor	Poor	100 m from BCP; 40 m from Lin Ma Hang road improvement section	Full	Full	Temporary	Permanent	Large - Intrusive and compelling	Large - Intrusive and compelling	Yes	No	Large	Large
H4	Resite of Chuk Yuen Village	Poor	Poor	450 m from BCP; 5 m from Alignment	Nil from BCP. Potentially slight impact from connecting alignment	Nil from BCP. Potentially slight impact from connecting alignment	Temporary	Permanent	Small - Hardly noticeable	Small - Hardly noticeable	Yes	No	Small	Small
H5	Kaw Liu Village	Poor	Poor	590 m from BCP; Intersects the at grade Lin Ma Hang road improvement section	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Large - Intrusive	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Large	Small
H6	Fung Wong Wu	Poor	Poor	1220 from BCP; 290 m from Lin Ma Hang road improvement section	Nil	Nil	Temporary	Permanent	Small - Hardly noticeable	Small - Hardly noticeable	Yes	No	Intermediate	Small
OU1	Graveyard by Poultry Farm	Poor	Poor	20 m from Alignment	Full	Full	Temporary	Permanent	Large - Intrusive and compelling	Large - Intrusive and compelling	Yes	No	Large	Large
OU2	Graveyard by Kaw Liu Village	Poor	Fair	5 m from Lin Ma Hang Road Improvement Section	Partial	Full	Temporary	Permanent	Large - Intrusive and compelling	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Large	Intermediate
OU3	Earth Shrine near Tsung Yuen Ha	Poor	Poor	20 m from BCP	Full	Full	Temporary	Permanent	Large - Intrusive and compelling	Large - Intrusive and compelling	Yes	No	Large	Large
OU4	Tin Hau Temple	Poor	Poor	80 m from BCP, 40 m from Lin Ma Hang road improvement section	Full	Full	Temporary	Permanent	Large - Intrusive and compelling	Large - Intrusive and compelling	Yes	No	Large	Large
O1	Ta Kwu Ling Police Station	Poor	Fair	30 m from Lin Ma Hang Road Improvement Section	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Large - Intrusive	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Large	Small
H7	Nga Yiu Ha	Poor	Poor	65 m from the viaduct at Ping Yueng Interchange, 30 m from the slip road at Ping Yueng Interchange with 2.5 m high noise barrier	Full	Full	Temporary	Permanent	Large - Conspicuous	Large - Conspicuous	Yes	No	Large	Large
R1	Lung Mei Teng	Poor	Poor	980 m from BCP; 300 m from Interchange; 170 m from Alignment	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Large	Large
H8	Village on Wo Keng Shan Road	Poor	Poor	860 m from Ventilation Building; 250 m from Alignment; 260 m from 0.8 m high noise barrier	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Intermediate	Intermediate
H9	Ping Yeung East	Fair	Fair	160 m from Ping Yeung Interchange; 1360 m from Ventilation Building; 30 m from Alignment; 230 m from 0.8 m high noise barrier	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Large	Intermediate
I1	Ping Yeung South Industrial Area	Fair	Fair	70 m from Ventilation Building; 70 m from 2 m high Noise barrier	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable (Screened off by adjacent woodland)	Medium - Noticeable (Screened off by adjacent woodland)	Yes	No	Intermediate	Intermediate
C/R1	Proposed NDA	n/a	Poor	200 m from Alignment	n/a	Partial	n/a	Permanent	n/a	Small - Hardly noticeable	n/a	No	n/a	Small
H10	Village West of Man Uk Pin	Poor	Poor	210 m from Administration Building; 430 m from Ventilation Building; 440 m from Alignment and 1.5 m noise barrier	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Large	Intermediate
T1	Sha Tau Kok Road	Fair	Fair	Intersecting with Alignment with 0.8 m, 1.5 m, 2 m, 3 m and 5 m noise barrier; 240 m from Administration Building; 490 m from Ventilation Building.	Full	Full	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Large	Small
H11	Man Uk Pin	Fair	Fair	610 m from Ventilation Building; 520 m from Sha Tau Kok Road Interchange; 490 m from 1.5 m high noise barrier	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Large	Intermediate
H12	Tai Tong Wu	Fair	Fair	210 m from Alignment; 500 m from Administration Building; 440 m from Ventilation Building; 295 m from Sha Tau Kok Road Interchange; 210 m from 5 m high noise barrier	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Large	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Large	Intermediate
H13	Loi Tung Village	Fair	Fair	100 m from Alignment; 380 m from Administration Building; 210 m from Sha Tau Kok Road Interchange; 150 m from 0.8 m, 1.5 m and 2 m high noise barrier	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Large	Intermediate
I2	Open Storage on Lau Shui Heung Road	Fair	Fair	420 m from Mid-tunnel Ventilation Building	Nil	Nil	Temporary	Permanent	Small - Hardly noticeable	Small - Hardly noticeable	Yes	No	Small	Small
H14	Tung Kok Wai	Fair	Fair	980 m from Mid-tunnel Ventilation Building	Nil	Nil	Temporary	Permanent	Small - Hardly noticeable	Small - Hardly noticeable	Yes	No	Small	Small
H15	Po Kat Tsai	Fair	Fair	110 m from Mid-tunnel Ventilation Building	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Small - Hardly noticeable	Small - Hardly noticeable	Yes	No	Small	Small
H16	Proposed CDA (Ex-Burma Lines Military site)	n/a	Fair	140 m from Mid-tunnel Ventilation Building	n/a	Partial	n/a	Permanent	n/a	Medium - Noticeable	n/a	No	n/a	Intermediate
OU5	Lung Shan Temple	Fair	Fair	750 m from Mid-tunnel Ventilation Building	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Intermediate	Small
H17	Wing Ning Wai	Fair	Fair	1000 m from Mid-tunnel Ventilation Building	Nil	Nil	Temporary	Permanent	Small - Hardly noticeable	Small - Hardly noticeable	Yes	No	Small	Small
H18	Dawning Views	Poor	Poor	920 m from Alignment; 1050 m from Ventilation Building; 950 m from 3 m high noise barrier	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Intermediate	Intermediate
H19	Tong Hang	Fair	Fair	40 m from Alignment; 60 m from Ventilation Building; 80 m from 3 m high noise barrier	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Large	Large
H20	Wo Hop Shek Village	Fair	Fair	200 m from Alignment; 360 m from Ventilation Building; 330 m from 3 m high noise barrier	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Intermediate	Intermediate
H21	Yuen Leng	Fair	Fair	100 m from Alignment; 740 m from Ventilation Building; 120 m from revised location of existing 4 m high vertical barrier	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Large - Conspicuous	Large - Conspicuous	Yes	No	Large	Intermediate
H22	Tai Wo	Fair	Fair	310 m from Alignment; 1300 m from Ventilation Building; 420 m from revised location of existing 7 m high vertical barrier and 350 m from 8 m high vertical barrier	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Small - Hardly noticeable	Yes	No	Intermediate	Small
T2	Fanling Highway	Fair	Fair	Intersecting with Alignment with 1, 2.5, 3, 4, 5 m high noise barriers; 1800 m from Ventilation Building	Full	Full	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Medium	Yes	No	Large	Small
H23	Nam Wa Po	Fair	Fair	20 m from Alignment with 1 m & 3 m high noise barrier; 720 m from Ventilation Building; 110 m from 5 m high vertical barrier	Partial	Partial	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Intermediate	Intermediate
H24	Tai Hang	Fair	Fair	760 m from Alignment with 1 m & 3 m high noise barrier; 1560 m from Ventilation Building; 600 m from 5 m high vertical barrier	Nil	Nil	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Intermediate	Small
H25	Hong Lok Yuen	Fair	Fair	1070 m from Alignment; 2050 m from Ventilation Building	Nil	Nil	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Medium - Noticeable	Yes	No	Intermediate	Small
R2	Wilson Trail	Fair	Fair	1500 m from Alignment; 2300 m from Ventilation Building	Full	Full	Temporary	Permanent	Medium - Noticeable	Medium	Yes	No	Intermediate	Small
OU6	Columbarium in Wo Hop Shek Cemetery	Fair	Fair	600 m from Alignment; 810 m from Ventilation Building	Nil	Nil	Temporary	Permanent	Small - Hardly noticeable	Small - Hardly noticeable	Yes	No	Small	Small

* H = Residential; I = Industrial; T = Travelling; C/R = Mixed Commercial /Residential; O = Occupational; R = Recreational; OU = Other Specified Use

Table 11.23: Significance of Visual Impacts in Construction and Operation Phases, both before and after Mitigation (All impacts are adverse unless stated otherwise)

VSR ID *	VSR name	Magnitude of Change Before Mitigation (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Receptor Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)	Impact Significance Before Mitigation (Insignificant, Slight, Moderate, Significant)		Recommended Visual Mitigation Measures		Residual Impact Significance Upon Mitigation (Insignificant, Slight, Moderate, Significant)
		Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation Day 1	Operation Year 10
H1	Heung Yuen Wai	Intermediate	Intermediate	Medium	Moderate	Moderate	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Slight	Slight	Slight
H2	Ha Heung Yuen	Intermediate	Intermediate	Medium	Moderate	Moderate	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Slight	Slight	Slight
H3	Tsung Yuen Ha	Large	Large	High	Significant	Significant	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
H4	Resite of Chuk Yuen Village	Small	Small	Medium	Slight	Slight	CM3, CM4	OM4, OM7, OM9, OM12	Slight	Slight	Slight
H5	Kaw Liu Village	Large	Small	Medium	Significant	Slight	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Moderate	Slight	Insignificant
H6	Fung Wong Wu	Intermediate	Small	Medium	Moderate	Slight	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
OU1	Graveyard by Poultry Farm	Large	Large	Low	Slight	Slight	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
OU2	Graveyard by Kaw Liu Village	Large	Intermediate	Low	Slight	Slight	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
OU3	Earth Shrine near Tsung Yuen Ha	Large	Large	Low	Slight	Slight	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
OU4	Tin Hau Temple	Large	Large	Low	Slight	Slight	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
O1	Ta Kwu Ling Police Station	Large	Small	Medium	Significant	Slight	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Moderate	Slight	Insignificant
H7	Nga Yiu Ha	Large	Large	High	Significant	Significant	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
R1	Lung Mei Teng	Large	Large	Medium	Moderate	Moderate	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8, OM9, OM10, OM12	Slight	Slight	Slight
H8	Village on Wo Keng Shan Road	Intermediate	Intermediate	High	Significant	Significant	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
H9	Ping Yeung East	Large	Intermediate	High	Significant	Significant	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
I1	Ping Yeung South Industrial Area	Intermediate	Intermediate	Medium	Moderate	Moderate	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Slight	Slight	Slight
C/R1	Proposed NDA	n/a	Small	Medium	n/a	Slight	n/a	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	n/a	Slight	Insignificant
H10	Village West of Man Uk Pin	Large	Intermediate	High	Significant	Significant	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
T1	Sha Tau Kok Road	Large	Small	Low	Moderate	Slight	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
H11	Man Uk Pin	Large	Intermediate	Medium	Significant	Moderate	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Moderate	Slight	Slight
H12	Tai Tong Wu	Large	Intermediate	High	Significant	Significant	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
H13	Loi Tung Village	Large	Intermediate	High	Significant	Moderate	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Moderate	Slight	Slight
I2	Open Storage on Lau Shui Heung Road	Small	Small	Low	Slight	Slight	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM9, OM12	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
H14	Tung Kok Wai	Small	Small	Low	Slight	Slight	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM9, OM12	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
H15	Po Kat Tsai	Small	Small	High	Moderate	Moderate	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM9, OM12	Slight	Slight	Slight
H16	Proposed CDA (Ex-Burma Lines Military site)	n/a	Intermediate	High	n/a	Moderate	n/a	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM8, OM9, OM12	n/a	Slight	Slight
OU5	Lung Shan Temple	Intermediate	Small	Medium	Moderate	Moderate	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM8, OM9, OM12	Slight	Slight	Slight
H17	Wing Ning Wai	Small	Small	Low	Slight	Slight	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM9, OM12	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
H18	Dawning Views	Intermediate	Intermediate	High	Significant	Significant	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8, OM9, OM10, OM12	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
H19	Tong Hang	Large	Large	High	Significant	Significant	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
H20	Wo Hop Shek Village	Intermediate	Intermediate	Medium	Moderate	Moderate	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Slight	Slight	Slight
H21	Yuen Leng	Large	Intermediate	High	Significant	Moderate	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Moderate	Slight	Slight
H22	Tai Wo	Intermediate	Small	High	Moderate	Moderate	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Slight	Slight	Slight
T2	Fanling Highway	Large	Small	Low	Moderate	Slight	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
H23	Nam Wa Po	Intermediate	Intermediate	Medium	Moderate	Moderate	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Slight	Slight	Slight
H24	Tai Hang	Intermediate	Small	Medium	Moderate	Slight	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
H25	Hong Lok Yuen	Intermediate	Small	Medium	Moderate	Moderate	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Slight	Slight	Slight
R2	Wilson Trail	Intermediate	Small	Medium	Moderate	Moderate	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Slight	Slight	Slight
OU6	Columbarium in Wo Hop Shek Cemetery	Small	Small	Low	Slight	Slight	CM3, CM4	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9, OM10, OM12	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant

* H = Residential; I = Industrial; T = Travelling; C/R = Mixed Commercial /Residential; O = Occupational; R = Recreational; OU = Other Specified Use

11.7.4 Potential Visual Mitigation Measures

The proposed mitigation measures for visual impacts caused by the construction and operation phases together with the funding, implementation and maintenance/ management agencies are described in Table 11.16. The mitigation measures are illustrated in Figures 11.7.0 to 11.7.6

The design was presented to the Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures (ACABAS) in the 132^nd ACABAS meeting in September 2010. The Committee had several comments predominantly related to elements to be considered by the design team, including box girders should be slimmer, of different sizes as relating to different heights of structures and not have sharp angles. In relation to landscape and visual, the Committee suggested the possibility of adding a toe wall planter to support climbers’ growth from the foot of retaining walls and mitigation measures have been suitably adjusted as illustrated in the ‘Typical Section of Slope and Retaining Wall with Mitigation Measures’ diagram in Figure 11.7.3. The Committee also requested more greening was provided along Sha Tau Kok Road interchange, at ground level and at slopes, rather than just along the parapet of the viaduct, and Figure 11.7.4 illustrates that this comment has been incorporated accordingly.

11.7.4.1 Effectiveness of Potential Visual Mitigation Measures

Some mitigation measures for operation phase, such as OM1 (Detailed design considerations), OM2 (Aesthetically Pleasing Design) and OM12 (Light control) will be effective immediately and not change in effectiveness over time. Mitigation measures associated with new planting, such as OM3 (Compensatory Planting), OM4 (Buffer tree planting), OM5 & 6 (Aesthetic Improvement Planting for Viaduct Structure and underneath the Viaduct), OM7 (Landscaped Slope), OM8 (Green Roof), OM9 (Vertical Greening), OM10 (Roadside Amenity Planting) and OM11 (Reinstatement) will be effective at Day 1 Operation but over time and given the correct treatment, they will continue to become more effective as the vegetation matures. Therefore, the application of these visual mitigation measures will reduce the identified visual impacts on VSRs at the beginning of the Operational Stage and increasingly reduce the visual impacts as the plants mature.

Photomontages of the Project have been prepared from selected VPs as described in Section 11.5.7. The locations of the selected VPs are presented in Figure 11.7.7. Proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures are conceptually illustrated on a series of photomontages as shown in Figures 11.7.8 to 11.7.19. These represent the worst case scenarios of visual impacts at key VSRs showing the unmitigated and mitigated impact at Day 1 of operation and effectiveness of mitigation measures at Year 10 of operation.

11.7.5 Residual Visual Impact after implementation of mitigation measures

In accordance with the EIAO Guidance Note No.8/2002, the significance thresholds of residual impact upon mitigation on Operation Day 1 and Year 10 have been assessed. The potential significances of visual impacts during construction and operation phases after mitigation are summarised in Table 11.23, following the methodology stated in Section 11.3.3 and assuming all the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 11.16 are implemented accordingly. The residual visual impacts on the VSRs are presented in detail below. All impacts are adverse unless otherwise stated.

Construction Phase (After Mitigation)

11.7.5.1 BCP to Wo Keng Shan Section

“Moderate” adverse residual visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Tsung Yuen Ha (H3)

The VSRs are close to works area of the BCP and the Alignment of the Project and will still have a relatively large view of the construction activity but decorative screen hoarding of the Project Site, and lighting control will reduce the visual impact such that the significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from significant to Moderate.

¡ Kaw Liu Village (H5) and Ta Kwu Ling Police Station (O1)

These VSRs are close to the works area of Lin Ma Hang Road improvement of the Project and have a relatively large view of the construction activity. Decorative screen hoarding of the Project Site and lighting control will reduce the visual impact such that the significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in these areas during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from significant Moderate.

¡ Nga Yiu Ha (H7)

The VSRs are close to the works area of Ping Yeung Interchange and the associated road works of the Project and have a relatively large view of the construction activity. Decorative screen hoarding of the Project Site and lighting control will reduce the visual impact including for the VSRs on several individual houses located away from the major settlement area. The significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from significant to Moderate.

¡ Village on Wo Keng Shan Road (H8)

The VSRs are close to the works area of the alignment, noise barrier and ventilation shaft of the Project and have a relatively large view of the construction activity. Decorative screen hoarding of the Project Site and lighting control will reduce the visual impact including for the VSRs on several individual houses located away from the major settlement area. The significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from significant to Moderate.

¡ Ping Yeung East (H9)

The VSRs are close to the works area of the interchange, alignment and noise barrier of the Project and have a relatively large view of the construction activity. Decorative screen hoarding of the Project Site and lighting control will reduce the visual impact including for the VSRs on several individual houses located away from the major settlement area. The significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from significant to Moderate.

“Slight” adverse residual visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Heung Yuen Wai (H1) and Ha Heung Yuen (H2)

The VSRs in these areas will have a relatively small, partial view to the construction of the BCP and the connecting alignment of the Project. Screening and lighting control will mitigate the visual impact and the significance of the visual impact on these VSRs during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from moderate to Slight.

¡ Re-site of Chuk Yuen Village (H4)

The VSR in this area will have a relatively small, partial view to the construction of the connecting alignment of the Project. Screening and lighting control will mitigate the visual impact but not to the extent that it is considered an insignificant impact. Therefore the significance of the visual impact on this VSR during construction after mitigation is considered to remain Slight.

¡ Fung Wong Wu (H6)

The VSRs in this area will have a relatively small, partial view to the construction of the BCP and the connecting alignment of the Project. Screening and lighting control will mitigate the visual impact but not to the extent that it is considered an insignificant impact. Therefore significance of the visual impact on these VSRs during construction after mitigation is considered to remain Slight.

¡ Graveyard by Poultry Farm (OU1), Graveyard by Kaw Liu Village (OU2), Earth Shrine near Tsung Yuen Ha (OU3), Tin Hau Temple (OU4)

The VSRs in this area are very low in numbers and temporary in nature of the VSRs. Screening and lighting control will mitigate the visual impact from the construction of the BCP, alignment and associated road works of the Project but not to the extent that it is considered an insignificant impact. Therefore significance of the visual impact on these VSRs during construction after mitigation is considered to remain Slight.

¡ Lung Mei Teng (R1)

The VSRs in this area will have a relatively small, partial view to the construction of the Ping Yeung interchange, viaduct alignment and the BCP of the Project. Screening and lighting will mitigate the visual impact and the significance of the visual impact on these VSRs during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from moderate to Slight.

¡ Ping Yeung South Industrial Area (I1)

The VSRs in this area will have a relatively small partial view to the construction of the ventilation shaft and alignment of the Project. Screening and lighting control will mitigate the visual impact and the significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from moderate to Slight.

Visual impact assessment for the construction stage will not be applicable to the Proposed NDA (C/R1) at PingChe/ Ta Kwu Ling as there is no development program for this NDA yet and these VSRs are not envisaged to be present during construction.

11.7.5.2 Sha Tau Kok Road

“Moderate” adverse residual visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Village West of Man Uk Pin (H10)

The visual impact from the works area of the administration building, the ventilation shaft, Sha Tau Kok Road Interchange and noise barrier of the Project will be mitigated by screening and lighting control. The construction may still have impact on the several individual houses located away from the major settlement area. The significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from significant to Moderate.

¡ Man Uk Pin (H11)

The visual impact from the works area of the administration building, the ventilation shaft, Sha Tau Kok Road Interchange and noise barrier of the Project will be mitigated by screening and lighting control. The significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from significant to Moderate.

¡ Tai Tong Wu (H12)

The visual impact from the works area of the administration building, the Ventilation Shaft, Sha Tau Kok Road Interchange and noise barrier of the Project will be mitigated by screening and lighting control. The construction may still have impact on the several individual houses located away from the major settlement area. The significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from significant to Moderate.

¡ Loi Tung Village (H13)

The visual impact from the works area of the administration building, the ventilation shaft, Sha Tau Kok Road Interchange and noise barrier of the Project will be mitigated by screening and lighting control. The construction may still have impact on the several individual houses located away from the major settlement area. The significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from significant to Moderate.

“Slight” adverse residual visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Sha Tau Kok Road (T1)

The VSRs in this area will have a large view to the construction of the ventilation shaft and alignment of the Project. With the transient nature of the VSRs, screening and lighting control will mitigate the visual impact and the significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from moderate to Slight.

11.7.5.3 South Tunnel Middle Ventilation Building at Po Kat Tsai Section

“Slight” adverse residual visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Po Kat Tsai (H15) and Lung Shan Temple (OU5)

The VSRs in these areas will have a relatively small partial view to the construction of the ventilation building of the Project. Screening and lighting control will mitigate the visual impact and the significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in these areas during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from moderate to Slight.

¡ Open Storage on Lau Shui Heung Road (I2), Tung Kok Wai (H14), Wing Ning Wai (H17)

The VSRs in these areas will have a relatively small, partial view to the construction of the ventilation building of the Project. Screening and lighting control will mitigate the visual impact but not to the extent that it is considered an insignificant impact. Therefore the significance of the visual impact on these VSRs during construction after mitigation is considered to remain Slight.

Visual impact assessment for the construction stage will not be applicable to the Proposed CDA (Ex-Burma Lines Military site) (H16) as the development will not be built before the construction phase of the Project is finished.

11.7.5.4 Fanling Section

“Moderate” adverse residual visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Dawning Views (H18), Tong Hang (H19)

The visual impact from the works area of the alignment, ventilation shaft and noise barrier of the Project will be mitigated by screening and lighting control. The significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from significant to Moderate.

¡ Yuen Leng (H21)

The visual impact from the works area of the alignment, ventilation shaft and revised existing noise barrier of the Project will be mitigated screening and lighting control. The significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from significant to Moderate.

“Slight” adverse residual visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Fanling Highway (T2)

The VSRs in this area will have a large view to the construction of the ventilation shaft and alignment of the Project. With the transient nature of the VSRs, screening and lighting control will mitigate the visual impact and the significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in this area during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from moderate to Slight.

¡ Wo Hop Shek Village (H20), Tai Wo (H22), Nam Wa Po (H23) and Tai Hang (H24) and Hong Lok Yuen (H25)

The VSRs in these areas will have a relatively small partial view to the construction of the alignment and ventilation shaft of the Project. Screening and lighting control will mitigate the visual impact and the significance of the visual impact on the VSRs in these areas during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from moderate to Slight.

¡ Wilson Trail (R2)

The VSRs on this route will have an elevated view to the construction of the alignment and ventilation shaft of the Project. Screening and lighting control will mitigate the visual impact and the significance of the visual impact on the VSRs on this route during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from moderate to Slight.

¡ Columbarium in Wo Hop Shek Cemetery (OU6)

The VSRs in this area will view the construction from the alignment and ventilation shaft of the Project. Screening and lighting control will mitigate the visual impact and considering these VSRs have low sensitivity the significance of the visual impact during construction after mitigation is considered to be reduced from slight to Insignificant.

Operation Phase (Day 1 & Year 10 After Mitigation)

Some visual mitigation measures for operation phase, such as OM1 (Detailed design considerations), OM2 (Aesthetically Pleasing Design), OM12 (Light control) will be effective from Day 1 Operation. As described in Section 11.7.4.1, many visual mitigation measures for the operation phase involve new planting. At Day 1 Operation, these mitigation measures combined will be apparent and normally sufficient to reduce the significance of visual impacts, despite the planting measures not having reached their full mitigation potential. By Year 10 Operation it is assumed the plants will be better established and have grown in height and breadth such that the mitigation measures are more effective. Given these considerations, for the most part the actual rating of visual impact significance will be reduced between Day 1 Operation without mitigation and Day 1 Operation with mitigation, but this will also depend on other factors such as VSR distance from the project and sensitivity. A change in rating between Day 1 Operation with mitigation and Year 10 Operation with mitigation is considered individually for each VSR.

11.7.5.5 BCP to Wo Keng Shan Section

“Moderate” adverse residual visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Tsung Yuen Ha (H3)

Mitigation measures including non-planting measures as well as compensatory planting, buffer planting, aesthetic improvement planting, landscaped slopes, roadside amenity planting, green roofing and vertical greening are predicted to partially screen and enhance the full and large view towards the BCP of the Project. This will result in a reduction of adverse residual visual impacts from significant to Moderate at both Day 1 and Year 10 Operation.

Photomontage VP2 (Figure 11.7.9) illustrates the mitigated impact on Operation Day 1 and Operation Year 10 at a point around Tsung Yuen Ha. As shown in the photomontages, with the proposed buffer planting along the boundary of the BCP, the bulk of the buildings will be partially screened from the adjacent VSRs but the structures are still dominating the view.

¡ Nga Yiu Ha (H7)

Mitigation measures including non-planting measures as well as compensatory planting, buffer planting, landscaped slopes, aesthetic improvement planting and roadside amenity planting are predicted to partially screen and enhance the full and large view towards the Ping Yeung Interchange and the connecting roads of the Project. This will result in a reduction of adverse residual visual impacts from significant to Moderate at both Day 1 and Year 10 Operation.

Photomontage VP4 (Figure 11.7.11) illustrates the unmitigated impact on Operation Day 1 from the main access road to Nga Yiu Ha. As shown in the photomontages, with the buffer planting along the alignment, the alignment will be partially screened from the adjacent VSRs.

¡ Village on Wo Keng Shan Road (H8), Ping Yeung East (H9)

Mitigation measures including non-planting measures as well as compensatory planting, buffer planting, landscaped slopes, aesthetic improvement planting and roadside amenity planting are predicted to partially screen and enhance the view towards the Ping Yeung Interchange and the connecting roads of the Project. This will result in a reduction of adverse residual visual impacts from significant to Moderate at both Day 1 and Year 10 Operation.

“Slight” adverse residual visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Heung Yuen Wai (H1), Ha Heung Yuen (H2)

Mitigation measures including non-planting measures as well as compensatory planting, buffer planting, landscaped slopes, aesthetic improvement planting, green roof, vertical greening and roadside amenity planting are predicted to partially screen and enhance the view towards the BCP area and the connecting roads of the Project. This will result in a reduction of adverse residual visual impacts from moderate to Slight at both Day 1 and Year 10 Operation.

Photomontage VP1 (Figure 11.7.8) illustrates the mitigated impact on Operation Day 1 and Year 10 at a point around Ha Heung Yuen (H2). As shown in the photomontages, with the proposed buffer planting along the boundary of the BCP, the BCP building and structures will be largely screened from the adjacent VSRs.

¡ Lung Mei Teng (R1)

Mitigation measures including non-planting measures as well as compensatory planting, buffer planting, landscaped slopes, aesthetic improvement planting, green roof, vertical greening and roadside amenity planting are predicted to partially screen and enhance the visual amenity of the permanent BCP, viaduct and Ping Yeung Interchange alignment.

Photomontage VP5 (Figure 11.7.12) illustrates the mitigated impact on Operation Day 1 and Year 10 at a point at Lung Mei Teng. As shown in the photomontages, with the proposed buffer planting along the alignment, the Project will be screened from the adjacent VSRs. Looking at Photomontage VP5 for this point, the natural screening provided by vegetation of the viaduct and interchange alignment as well as the mitigation measure ensures the significance is considered to be reduced from moderate to slight. VP5 does not represent the only view of these VSRs towards the Project structures and the residual impact is considered to be Slight at both Day 1 and Year 10 Operation.

¡ Ping Yeung South Industrial Area (I1)

Mitigation measures including non-planting measures as well as compensatory planting, buffer planting, landscaped slopes, aesthetic improvement planting, green roof, vertical greening and roadside amenity planting will partially screen and enhance the view towards the BCP of the Project. This will result in a reduction of adverse residual visual impacts from moderate to Slight at both Day 1 and Year 10 Operation.

¡ Re-site of Chuk Yuen Village (H4)

Mitigation measures including planting and non-planting measures will screen and enhance the view of these VSRs towards the BCP connecting road and BCP structures of the Project such that it reduces the visual impact they experience. However prior to mitigation the significance of the visual impact is considered slight and at Day 1 Operation, and is not considered to have been reduced to the extent that it is insignificant. Therefore the visual impact on these VSRs at is Slight at Day 1 Operation. Given its proximity, the visual impact will also remain Slight at Year 10 Operation.

“Insignificant” adverse residual visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Kaw Liu Village (H5), Fung Wong Wu (H6), Graveyard by Poultry Farm (OU1), Graveyard by Kaw Liu Village (OU2), Earth Shrine near Tsung Yuen Ha (OU3), Tin Hau Temple (OU4), Ta Kwu Ling Police Station (O1) and the Proposed NDA (C/R1)

Mitigation measures including planting and non-planting measures will screen and enhance the view of these VSRs towards the Project such that it reduces the visual impact they experience. However prior to mitigation the significance of the visual impact is considered slight and at Day 1 Operation, is not considered to have been reduced to the extent that it is insignificant. Therefore the visual impact on these VSRs at is Slight at Day 1 Operation.

The compensatory planting, buffer planting, aesthetic improvement, landscaped slopes, roadside amenity planting, green roofing and vertical greening will mature sufficiently over time, such that by Year 10 Operation, the adverse residual visual impact on VSRs in these areas is considered Insignificant.

11.7.5.6 Sha Tau Kok Road Section

“Moderate” adverse residual visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Village West of Man Uk Pin (H10)

Mitigation measures including non-planting measures as well as compensatory planting, buffer planting, landscaped slopes, aesthetic improvement planting and roadside amenity planting are predicted to partially screen and enhance the view towards the administration building, ventilation shaft, the alignment and noise barrier of the Project. This will result in a reduction of adverse residual visual impacts from significant to Moderate at both Day 1 and Year 10 Operation.

Photomontage VP6 (Figure 11.7.13) illustrates the mitigated impact on Operation Day 1 and Year 10 from a point west of Man Uk Pin Village. As shown in the photomontages, the proposed slope landscaping and buffer planting will largely screen the structures from the adjacent VSRs.

¡ Tai Tong Wu (H12)

Mitigation measures including non-planting measures as well as compensatory planting, buffer planting, landscaped slopes, aesthetic improvement planting and roadside amenity planting are predicted to partially screen and enhance the view towards the administration building, ventilation shaft, the alignment and noise barrier of the Project. This will result in a reduction of adverse residual visual impacts from significant to Moderate at both Day 1 and Year 10 Operation.

Photomontage VP6 (Figure 11.7.14) illustrates the mitigated impact on Operation Day 1 and Year 10 from a point west of Man Uk Pin Village. As shown in the photomontages, with the proposed slope landscaping and buffer planting the impact will partially screen the structures although they are still visible from the VSRs.

“Slight” adverse residual visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Man Uk Pin (H11), Loi Tung Village (H13)

Mitigation measures including non-planting measures as well as compensatory planting, buffer planting, landscaped slopes, aesthetic improvement planting and roadside amenity planting are predicted to partially screen and enhance the view towards the administration building, ventilation shaft, the alignment and noise barrier of the Project. This will result in a reduction of adverse residual visual impacts from moderate to Slight at both Day 1 and Year 10 Operation.

Photomontage VP8 (Figure 11.7.15) illustrates the mitigated impact on Operation Day 1 and Year 10 from a point in Loi Tung Village (H13). As shown in the photomontages, with the proposed slope landscaping and buffer planting will effectively screen the structures from the adjacent VSRs.

“Insignificant” adverse residual visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Sha Tau Kok Road (T1)

Mitigation measures including planting and non-planting measures will screen and enhance the view of these VSRs towards the Project such that it reduces the visual impact they experience. However prior to mitigation the significance of the visual impact is considered slight and at Day 1 Operation, is not considered to have been reduced to the extent that it is insignificant. Therefore the visual impact on these VSRs at is Slight at Day 1 Operation.

The compensatory planting, buffer planting, aesthetic improvement, landscaped slopes, roadside amenity planting, green roofing and vertical greening will mature sufficiently over time, such that by Year 10 Operation, the adverse residual visual impact on VSRs in this area is considered Insignificant.

11.7.5.7 South Tunnel Middle Ventilation Building at Po Kat Tsai Section

“Slight” adverse residual visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Proposed CDA (Ex-Burma Lines Military site) (H16), Lung Shan Temple (OU5), Po Kat Tsai (H15)

Mitigation measures including non-planting measures as well as compensatory planting, buffer planting, aesthetic improvement planting, landscaped slopes, aesthetic improvement planting and roadside amenity planting are predicted to partially screen and enhance the view towards the ventilation building of the Project. This will result in a reduction of adverse residual visual impacts from moderate to Slight at Day 1 and Year 10 Operation.

Photomontage VP9 (Figure 11.7.16) illustrates the mitigated impact on Operation Day 1 and Year 10 from an elevated point at Lung Shan Temple (OU5). As shown in the photomontages, with the proposed buffer planting the impact will partially screen the middle ventilation building although they are still visible from the VSRs.

“Insignificant” adverse residual visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Open Storage on Lau Shui Heung Road (I2), Tung Kok Wai (H14) and Wing Ning Wai (H17)

Mitigation measures including planting and non-planting measures will screen and enhance the view of these VSRs towards the Project such that it reduces the visual impact they experience. However prior to mitigation the significance of the visual impact is considered slight and at Day 1 Operation, is not considered to have been reduced to the extent that it is insignificant. Therefore the visual impact on these VSRs at is Slight at Day 1 Operation.

The compensatory planting, buffer planting, aesthetic improvement, landscaped slopes, roadside amenity planting, green roofing and vertical greening will mature sufficiently over time, such that by Year 10 Operation, the adverse residual visual impact on VSRs in this area is considered Insignificant.

11.7.5.8 Fanling Section

“Moderate” adverse residual visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Dawning Views (H18), Tong Hang (H19)

Mitigation measures including non-planting measures as well as compensatory planting, buffer planting, aesthetic improvement planting, landscaped slopes, aesthetic improvement planting, green roofing and vertical greening are predicted to partially screen and enhance the full distant view towards the ventilation building and nearby structures of the Project. This will result in a reduction of adverse residual visual impacts from significant to Moderate at both Day 1 and Year 10 Operation.

Photomontage VP10 (Figure 11.7.17) illustrates the mitigated impact on Operation Day 1 and Year 10 looking south east from one of the top floors of Block 8 in Dawning Views Apartments (H18). As shown in the photomontages, with the proposed slope landscaping and buffer planting the impact will partially screen the structures and enhance the view although they are still visible from the VSRs.

“Slight” adverse residual visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Wo Hop Shek Village (H20), Yuen Leng (H21), Tai Wo (H22), Nam Wa Po (H23), Hong Lok Yuen (H25)

Mitigation measures including non-planting measures as well compensatory planting, buffer planting, aesthetic improvement planting, landscaped slopes, aesthetic improvement planting and vertical greening are predicted to partially screen and enhance the view towards the Fanling intersection and ventilation building of the Project. This will result in a reduction of adverse residual visual impacts from moderate to Slight at Day 1 and Year 10 Operation.

Photomontage VP11 (Figure 11.7.18) illustrates the mitigated impact on Operation Day 1 and Year 10 at Yuen Leng looking north (H21). As shown in the photomontages, with the proposed slope landscaping and buffer planting the impact will partially screen the alignment and the tunnel ventilation building although they are still visible from the VSRs. In fact, the view to the existing noise barriers will be largely enhanced by the proposed buffer planting.

¡ Wilson Trail (R2)

Mitigation measures including non-planting measures as well compensatory planting, buffer planting, aesthetic improvement planting, landscaped slopes, aesthetic improvement planting and vertical greening are predicted to partially screen and the elevated view of The VSRs towards the alignment, ventilation shaft and noise barrier of the Project. This will result in a reduction of adverse residual visual impacts from moderate to Slight at Day 1 and Year 10 Operation.

Photomontage VP12 (Figure 11.7.19) illustrates the mitigated impact on Operation Day 1 and Year 10 from a point on Stage 8 of the Wilson Trail. As shown in the photomontages, the proposed slope landscaping and buffer planting the impact will partially screen the structures. With the high elevation of view the alignment and associated structures are still largely visible from the VSRs, yet they are not very noticeable with the large amount of existing infrastructure.

“Insignificant” adverse residual visual impacts will be experienced by:

¡ Fanling Highway (T2) and Tai Hang (H24)

Mitigation measures including planting and non-planting measures will screen and enhance the view of these VSRs towards the Project such that it reduces the visual impact they experience. However prior to mitigation the significance of the visual impact is considered slight and at Day 1 Operation, is not considered to have been reduced to the extent that it is insignificant. Therefore the visual impact on these VSRs remains Slight at Day 1 Operation.

The compensatory planting, buffer planting, aesthetic improvement, landscaped slopes, roadside amenity planting, green roofing and vertical greening will mature sufficiently over time, such that by Year 10 Operation, the adverse residual visual impact on VSRs in this area is considered Insignificant.

¡ Wo Hop Shek Cemetery (OU6)

Mitigation measures including planting and non-planting measures will screen and enhance the view of these VSRs towards the Project such that it reduces the visual impact they experience. Prior to mitigation the significance of the visual impact is considered slight and at Day 1 Operation, considering the distance between the Project structures and the low sensitivity of these VSRs, it is considered to have been reduced to Insignificant after mitigation. The mitigation measures involving planting will mature over time and by Year 10 Operation the adverse residual visual impact on VSRs in this area will be further reduced but remain classified as Insignificant.

11.8 Cumulative Effects

Cumulative effect refers to the combined effects from the Project and any projects occurring within the Study Area concurrently with the Project, The cumulative effects can potentially give rise to cumulative impacts on the existing LRs/LCAs or VSRs.

Section 2 reviewed the potential concurrent projects and their implementation programmes where available, and concluded the following projects are concurrent projects to be assessed for cumulative impacts:

1. Regulation of Shenzhen River Stage 4 and its advance works;

2. North East New Territories (NENT) Landfill Extension;

3. North East New Territories New Development Areas - including Fanling Bypass;

4. Widening of Tolo Highway / Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling –only operational phase where practicable; and

5. Drainage Improvements in Northern New Territories – Package C (Remaining Works).

The cumulative impacts of the Land Use Planning for the Closed Area in terms of land use changes have also been considered in Section 11.4.

In addition, the construction of the re-sited Chuk Yuen Village is due be complete by early 2012 with population intake in early 2013, so the future villagers have been considered as planned VSRs in Section 11.7. In terms of the impacts on landscape due to the Chuk Yuen Village re-site, the site is currently dominated by Active Farmland (LR5.1), with an abandoned pond (LR1.4) and some Inactive Farmland (LR5.2). These landscape resources are expected to be lost and change to village area (LR6.2) but the site is small enough not to cause a significant change to the current landscape character of the area, which is Agricultural Lowland (LCA3) and overall the cumulative landscape impact is not considered to be significant.

11.8.1 The Regulation of Shenzhen (SZ) River Stage 4

Under the Regulation of the SZ River Stage 4 project, a section of SZ River will be retrained to upgrade the flood protection standard of the SZ River. In addition, the regulation project will tie in with the development of the proposed LT/HYW BCP. Associated with the river training works, the existing boundary patrol road and boundary fence of about 4.5 km in length running alongside the concerned river section are required to be realigned.

The regulation project is expected to interface with this LT/HYW BCP Project at the proposed BCP location. The residual impact of the regulation project alone on the landscape is expected to be negligible, given the expected small scale of the project and compatibility with the existing resources and character. The only exceptions may be the residual impact on Natural Stream (LR1.1 in this project) and Woodland on Lowland (LR3.2 in this project). The impact on Natural Stream would be due to the natural SZ River being retrained to a channelized watercourse (LR1.2 in this project) meaning the residual impacts may be slightly adverse. Under the LT/HYW BCP Project, the residual impacts of the Project in this area at Year 10 are slightly significant for Active Farmland (LR5.1) and LCA3 (Agricultural Lowland Landscape) in this area (Section A, Zone 1) but for Natural Stream and Woodland on Lowland they are insignificant. The impact on the remaining LRs and LCAs will also be insignificant in this area at Year 10 of operation.

The regulation project may also have some slight adverse residual impact on the trees in the area, where trees along the river cannot be retained or are unsuitable for transplanting and need to be cleared. As with the current Project, all tree loss will be compensated in accordance with ETWB TCW No. 03/2006 and given the relatively small area and number of trees affected by the regulation project in comparison to the LT/HYW BCP Project, the regulation project is not expected to significantly increase any residual adverse impact from LT/HYW BCP Project. .

With regard to cumulative visual impacts, the visual impact assessment of the regulation project has not been finalised but minimal visual impact will be expected due to the retraining of the Shenzhen River which mainly follows the existing river alignment. It is anticipated that the regulation project will commence in early 2012 and be completed in early 2017, so the construction phase of the projects may run concurrently from the end of 2013 to early 2017 and could potentially cause some cumulative visual impacts during this phase. Residents of Ta Kwu Ling Village and Kaw Liu Village may suffer some cumulative visual impacts during construction, as they will have project sites on two sides. However, the impacts will only be temporary during the construction works and assuming appropriate mitigation is adopted for the regulation project as well, no significant cumulative impacts are anticipated. Any view that the residents of Tsung Yuen Ha have of the regulation construction site, will be mostly blocked by their view of the current Project construction so impacts will be due to the current project only for these VSRs but will not be cumulative.

When both projects are operational, this Project is anticipated to have insignificant residual impact on the VSRs in Kaw Liu Village and Ta Kwu Ling at Year 10 and hence no cumulative effect is anticipated.

Thus the Regulation of SZ River Stage 4 is not expected to contribute to any significant landscape or visual cumulative effect.

11.8.2 North East New Territories (NENT) Landfill Extension

The existing NENT Landfill is due to be extended into a valley to the east of its current location, over an area of about 70ha. A large proportion of the extension will be located at the borrow/stockpiling area of the existing NENT Landfill. The extension contains construction, operation, restoration and aftercare phases and the tentative implementation programme for this project is for commencement of construction works in 2013/14 and landfill operation in 2015/16 with the associated capping of the existing landfill anticipated to commence progressively from 2013/14. The majority of disturbance to existing LRs/LCAs will arise during construction phase when excavation and slope formation works will be carried out. A slight cumulative impact on LRs/LCAs is anticipated when the construction activities of the extension and the Project coincide, but the extension project area only overlaps minimally with the Landscape Study Area. In terms of cumulative visual impacts, again slightly increased cumulative visual impacts are anticipated for those VSRs the north of the Visual Envelope for the Project, but much of the extension project will be shielded from these VSRs by natural topography, as the new extension area is in a valley. With the application of mitigation measures such as compensatory tree planting, tree preservation and transplanting and soft landscaping etc. to both projects the adverse impacts will be reduced.

11.8.3 North East New Territories New Development Areas (NDAs) – including Fanling bypass

The Planning and Development Study on North East New Territories (NENT Study) commissioned in 1998, identified Kwu Tung North (KTN), Fanling North (FLN) and Ping Che/Ta Kwu Ling (PC/TKL) as suitable NDAs. As part of the PC/TKL NDA, access to the NDA will be via an interchange between the Connecting Road to the BCP and the existing Ping Che Road, while access to the Fanling North NDA will be served by the proposed Fanling Bypass under the same study, which will be connected to the Fanling Highway at a proposed interchange near Wo Hop Shek in the east.

The planned construction period is from 2014 to 2020 with the first population intake by 2019. The construction periods of these NDAs and the LT/HYW BCP Project are foreseen to be coinciding. However, details on the construction programme and potential landscape and visual impact for the project are currently not available as the Statutory EIA for this project is yet to be completed and it is not possible to assess the cumulative impacts due to the NDA project. Therefore any cumulative impact will be assessed in the EIA for the NDAs.

11.8.4 Widening of Tolo Highway / Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling

An approximately 3 km long section of Tolo/Fanling Highway between Tai Hang and Wo Hop Shek Interchange is due to be widened. Its implementation programme is currently under review. The anticipated landscape and visual impacts from the highway widening project are expected to include loss of tree planting and landscape buffer, disturbance to existing settlement pattern, visual intrusion from the works in the construction phase and the structural features of road widening in the operation phase. Cumulative impacts will be expected if the construction activities of both projects coincide, as is currently anticipated. As the highway widening works follow the existing road network, no unacceptable cumulative impacts on the existing LRs and LCAs and visual cumulative impact will be anticipated with the implementation of mitigation measures such as tree preservation and transplanting, retention of vegetation etc. A further reduction of cumulative impacts would be achieved during operation as plants mature and soft landscape and visual mitigation measures take their effect over time.

11.8.5 Drainage Improvements in Northern New Territories – Package C (Remaining works)

This project is separate to the ‘Drainage Improvements in Northern New Territoris – Package C’ and involves improvement of Ping Yuen River through construction of 1.9 km of drainage channel in the Ta Kwu Ling area. The anticipated construction period is from late 2012 for completion in 2016 such that it is considered a concurrent project, however there is no EIA for this project as yet and therefore limited information on its environmental impacts. Since the Study Area for the drainage projects only minimally overlaps with that of the current Project Study Area and presumably will principally impact on watercourse landscape resources, which this Project has minimal impact on, no cumulative landscape impacts are anticipated. Equally cumulative visual impacts are anticipated to be minimal if any, but will only be able to be more accurately assessed when more details of the drainage project becomes available.

11.9 Environmental Monitoring and Audit

It is recommended that EM&A for landscape and visual resources is undertaken in accordance with the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process (EIAO TM), Annex 21 (Contents of an Environmental Monitoring and Audit [EM&A] Programme). The EM&A should be undertaken during the design, construction and operation stages of the Project. The design, implementation and maintenance of landscape and visual mitigation measures are key aspects of the Project and their implementation and maintenance should be checked to ensure that they are fully realised such that they mitigate landscape and visual impacts to their full potential. Possible conflicts between the proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures and any operational requirements should be resolved at the earliest possible date and without compromise to the intention of the mitigation measures. In addition to specific monitoring (e.g. of plants during establishment period), implementation of relevant mitigation measures recommended by the EIA should be monitored through the site audit programme throughout construction and operation phases.

11.10 Conclusions

The Liantang/Heung Yeun Wai Boundary Control Point (LT/HYW BCP) and Associated Works (the Project) extends over a large area of the north east New Territories in the HKSAR. It consists of two main components, the construction of the BCP at the northernmost point of Liantang, near Chuk Yuen and the construction of a connecting road, extending to the intersection with Fanling Highway at the southernmost point. The preferred layout of the LT/HYW BCP and alignment of the connecting road were established through a Feasibility Study entitled “Planning Study on Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Cross-boundary Control Point and its Associated Connecting Roads in Hong Kong – Feasibility Study” commissioned by the Planning Department and completed in September 2008. Many factors were considered including environmental factors, exiting structures, construction difficulties, operation and maintenance and cost, and several consultations were conducted to allow villagers to input into the study. The result is that much of the connecting road alignment is now in tunnel sections which alleviate any impacts on surrounding landscape and visual sensitive receivers. Full details of the consideration of alternatives can be found in Section 2.

The proposed Project covers the BCP (comprised of a main passenger building with passenger and cargo processing facilities and associated customs, transport and ancillary facilities with connection to Shenzhen via several bridges over the Shenzhen River) and the connecting road alignment, currently consisting of six main sections including two tunnel sections passing through Cheung Shan in the north and through Sze Tei Shan and Lung Shan in the south. The tunnel sections are not considered in the LVIA. The other four sections which are considered are:

¡ BCP to Wo Keng Shan Section: From the BCP to the North Tunnel portal at Wo Keng Shan (bisected by the Frontier Closed Area (FCA) boundary and including the Ping Yeung interchange). This area relates to Section A, Zones 1 & 2 of the LIA;

¡ Sha Tau Kok Road Section: From the North Tunnel portal at Cheung Shan to the South Tunnel portal at Princess Hill, near Loi Tung (including the Sha Tau Kok interchange). This area relates to Section A, Zone 3 of the LIA;

¡ Fanling Section: From the South Tunnel portal at Fanling to the Fanling intersection. This area relates to Section C of the LIA;

¡ South Tunnel Middle Ventilation Building at Po Kat Tsai: The South Tunnel has a Ventilation building in the middle, near Po Kat Tsai. This area relates to Section B of the LIA.

These above ground sections are comprised of both at grade alignment and viaduct sections and along with the Lin Ma Hang Road improvement form the basis for the LVIA for this Project.

The LVIA has been prepared is in accordance with Annexes 10 and 18 in the Hong Kong SAR Government's Technical Memorandum on the Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM) under the EIA Ordinance (Cap.499, S16), entitled "Criteria for Evaluating Visual and Landscape Impact" and "Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment", respectively and the EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2002 “Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance.”

11.10.1 Landscape Impact Assessment Conclusions

Since the Landscape Impact Assessment Study Area for the Project was so extensive and varied, it was divided into three Sections:

¡ Section A includes three of the alignment sections detailed above and was further split into three Zones. Zone 1 includes the BCP and associated works including the connecting alignment up to the FCA boundary. Zone 2 includes the connecting alignment from the FCA boundary to the northern area of Cheung Shan. Zone 3 includes the connecting alignment from the northern area of Cheung Shan to the Sha Tau Kok interchange.

¡ Section B includes the middle Ventilation Building at Lau Shui Heung from the South Tunnel alignment detailed above.

¡ Section C includes one alignment section detailed above, that from the South Tunnel portal at Fanling to the Fanling intersection.

The baseline study identified 24 Landscape Resources (LRs) and eleven Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) within the whole Study Area. Further details on the LIA results from each Study Area Section/Zone are given below.

11.10.1.1 Section A, Zone 1

Eights LRs/LCAs in this zone have high sensitivity: LR1.1 (Watercourse), LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside), LR3.2 (Woodland on Lowland), LR3.3 (Fung Shui Woodland), LR6.3 (Traditional Village Area), LR6.9 (Temple Area), LCA1 (Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape) and LCA3 (Agricultural Lowland Landscape). LCA3 (Agricultural Lowland Landscape) has significant impacts at construction and operation prior to mitigation, but by applying suitable mitigation measures, as detailed in Section 11.6.4, the significance of impact is reduced to moderate and by Year 10 of operation is slight. No other LR/LCA, of any sensitivity, suffers significant impacts prior to mitigation.

Five of the highly sensitive LRs/LCAs have moderately significant impacts at construction and/or operation prior to mitigation. These are LR1.1 (Watercourse), LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside), LR3.2 (Woodland on Lowland), LR6.3 (Traditional Village Area) and LCA1 (Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape). On application of suitable mitigation measures as detailed in Section 11.6.4, these impacts are all reduced to slight or insignificant at Day 1 operation.

LR4.2 (Shrubby Grassland on Lowland), LR5.1 (Active Farmland), LR5.2 (Inactive Farmland) and LR6.2 (Village Area) are all medium sensitive LRs which have moderately significant impacts prior to mitigation at construction and/or operation but upon mitigation, as detailed in Section 11.6.4, have only slight or insignificant impacts at Day 1 operation.

By Year 10 operation, LR5.1 (Active Farmland) is the only LR with slight residual impact. Since the area affected is large (approximately 10 ha) and mitigation measures such as detailed top soil re-use, tree protection and preservation, tree transplantation, and compensatory planting (of approximately 375 trees for the estimated 220 trees to be felled for this resource in this zone) are envisaged to largely mitigate impacts, but not to the extent as to make impacts insignificant by Year 10 operation. LCA 3 (Agricultural Lowland Landscape) is the only LCA to remain slightly impacted at Year 10, due to being similarly affected as LR5.1.

Residual impacts on all other LRs/LCAs in this zone at Year 10 will be insignificant.

11.10.1.2 Section A, Zone 2

Seven LRs/LCAs in this zone have high sensitivity: LR1.1 (Watercourse), LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside), LR3.2 (Woodland on Lowland), LR6.3 (Traditional Village Area), LR6.9 (Temple Area), LCA1 (Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape) and LCA3 (Agricultural Lowland Landscape). Of these, LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside), LCA1 (Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape) and LCA3 (Agricultural Lowland Landscape) have significant impacts at construction and operation prior to mitigation, but by applying suitable mitigation measures, as detailed in Section 11.6.4, the significance of impact is reduced to moderate and by Year 10 of operation impacts on LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside) and LCA3 (Agricultural Lowland Landscape) have been reduced to slight, and those on LCA1 (Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape), to insignificant. No other LR/LCA, of any sensitivity, has significant impacts prior to mitigation.

LR1.1 (Watercourse), LR3.2 (Woodland on Lowland), LR4.2 (Shrubby Grassland on Lowland), LR5.2 (Inactive Farmland) and LR6.3 (Traditional Village Area) have moderately significant impacts at construction and/or operation prior to mitigation. On application of suitable mitigation measures as detailed in Section 11.6.4, these impacts are all reduced to slight at Day 1 operation, except for LR1.1 (Watercourse) where the impact is insignificant already at Day 1. By Year 10, all impacts on these LRs/LCAs have been reduced to insignificant.

Residual impacts on all other LRs/LCAs in this zone at Year 10 will be insignificant.

11.10.1.3 Section A, Zone 3

Seven LRs/LCAs in this zone have high sensitivity: LR1.1 (Watercourse), LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside), LR3.2 (Woodland on Lowland), LR3.3 (Fung Shui Woodland), LR6.3 (Traditional Village Area), LCA1 (Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape) and LCA3 (Agricultural Lowland Landscape). Of these LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside) and LR3.2 (Woodland on Lowland) have significant impacts at construction and /or operation prior to mitigation. By applying suitable mitigation measures, including compensatory tree planting of approximately 2550 and 840 trees for the 1200 and 390 trees estimated to be felled in these areas respectively, as detailed in Section 11.6.4, the significance of impact is reduced to moderate for both these LRs, and by Year 10 of operation impacts on them both have been reduced to slight.

Moderate impacts are experienced by LRs/LCAs of high to medium sensitivity, during construction and/or operation prior to mitigation. These are LR1.1 (Watercourse), LR1.2 (Channelised Watercourse), LR4.1 (Shrubby Grassland on Hillside), LR5.1 (Active Farmland), LR5.2 (Inactive Farmland), LR6.10 (Transport Route with Significant Planting), LR6.11 (Open Space), LCA1 (Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape), LCA3 (Agricultural Lowland Landscape) and LCA7 (Developed Rural Landscape). Upon application of mitigation measures as detailed in Section 11.6.4, these are all reduced to slight or insignificant by Day 1 of operation and insignificant by Year 10, with the exception of LCA1 (Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape). This LCA is largely influenced by the impacts on LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside), LR3.2 (Woodland on Lowland) and will be similarly affected such that the significance of impact at Year 10 is suggested to remain slight.

Residual impacts on all other LRs/LCAs in this zone at Year 10 will be insignificant.

11.10.1.4 Section B

Six LRs/LCAs in this section have high sensitivity: LR1.1 (Watercourse), LR1.3 (Reservoir), LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside), LR6.3 (Traditional Village Area), LCA1 (Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape) and LCA8 (Reservoir Landscape) but none are significantly or moderately impacted during construction or operation, even prior to mitigation. Upon mitigation measure all impacts in this area are considered insignificant by Day 1 operation. By Year 10 operation, the impact on LCA7 (Developed Rural Landscape) is considered to be slightly beneficial given the planting mitigation measures that are suggested for LR6.4 (Industrial/Factory Area) and LR6.6 (Transport Route without Significant Planting) that make up a noticeable area in this LCA within the Study Area.

11.10.1.5 Section C

Nine LRs/LCAs in this section have high sensitivity: LR1.1 (Watercourse), LR1.4 (Pond), LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside), LR3.2 (Woodland on Lowland), LR6.3 (Traditional Village Area), LR6.8 (Cemetery), LR6.9 (Temple Area) LCA1 (Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape) and LCA5 (Cemetery Landscape). Of these LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside) has significant impacts at construction and operation prior to mitigation. By applying suitable mitigation measures, including compensatory tree planting of approximately 990 trees for the 440 trees estimated to be felled, as detailed in Section 11.6.4, the significance of impact is reduced to moderate, and by Year 10 of operation impacts are considered to be slight.

Moderate impacts are experienced by then LRs/LCAs of high to medium sensitivity, during construction and/or operation prior to mitigation. These are LR3.2 (Woodland on Lowland), LR5.1 (Active Farmland), and LCA1 (Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape). Upon application of mitigation measures as detailed in Section 11.6.4, these are all reduced to slight by Day 1 of operation and insignificant by Year 10.

Residual impacts on all other LRs/LCAs in this zone at Year 10 will be insignificant.

11.10.2 Visual Impact Assessment Conclusions

Areas that can potentially view the Project have been identified by constructing a baseline visual envelope, taking into account the natural topography of the land, the location of major woodlands, scattered vegetation, existing buildings or infrastructure, potential viewing distances and the heights of the newly built structures (buildings and roads) at the four major above-ground sections of the Project as detailed above.

The overall baseline visual character within the envelope is generally of medium to high quality due to the large extent of natural landscapes, combined with man-made landscapes.

Within the visual envelopes identified for the four major above ground sections, 39 VSRs of seven different categories, namely Residential (H), Industrial (I), Travelling (T), Mixed Commercial/ Residential (C/R), Occupational (O), Recreational (R) and Other Specified Use (OU), have been identified. The sensitivity of each VSR was assessed according to various factors including the value and quality of their existing views; availability and amenity of alternative views; type, duration or frequency of view; and degree of visibility of the Project. The magnitude of change caused by the Project on each VSR area was then assessed for both construction and operation phases of the Project. Since VSRs were grouped into designated areas, worst case scenarios were assessed for each VSR area when assessing visual impact i.e. VSRs closest to the Project in a village area were considered when assessing a village area VSR. For some VSR areas, a Vantage Point (VP) was selected from which to create a photomontage, to illustrate potential visual impact of the Project on that particular VSR. Mitigation measures were considered by which to alleviate the visual impacts on the VSRs and residual impact calculated at Day 1 of operation and Year 10 of operation with mitigation.

A summary of the findings from each section is presented below.

11.10.2.1 BCP to Wo Keng Shan Section

In this section, VSRs with high sensitivity are all in the Residential category (although some Residential VSRs in this section are also considered to have medium sensitivity). The VSRs are residents living in, close to, or with full views towards, the Project and include residents of Tsung Yuen Ha (H3), Nga Yiu Ha (H7), Village on Wo Keng Shan Road (H8) and Ping Yeung East (H9).

Of these VSRs, during construction and operation, they are all considered significantly impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs will be moderate. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, aesthetic improvement planting on and under viaduct, landscaped slope, vertical greening, roadside amenity planting and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be moderate.

In this section, VSRs with medium sensitivity are in the Residential, Occupational, Recreational, Industrial, Mixed and Commercial/Residential categories. They are people living in villages, working and travelling recreationally with partial or transient views towards the Project and include residents of Heung Yuen Wai (H1), Ha Heung Yuen (H2), Re-site of Chuk Yuen Village (H4), Kaw Liu Village (H5), Fung Wong Wu (H6), the workers at Ta Kwu Ling Police Station (O1), the hikers and occasional visitors to graves on the small hill slope of Lung Mei Teng (R1), workers working in Ping Yeung South Industrial Area (I1) and the future workers and residents in the Proposed NDA (C/R1). Of these VSRs:

¡ During construction, VSRs in the areas of Kaw Liu Village (H5) and Ta Kwu Ling Police Station (O1) are considered significantly impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs will be moderate. During operation VSRs in the areas of Kaw Liu Village (H5) and Ta Kwu Ling Police Station (O1) are considered slightly impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, aesthetic improvement planting on and under viaduct, landscaped slope, vertical greening, roadside amenity planting and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be slight at Day 1 and insignificant by Year 10.

¡ During construction and operation, the VSRs in the areas of Heung Yuen Wai (H1), Ha Heung Yuen (H2), Lung Mei Teng (R1) and Ping Yeung South Industrial Area (I1) are considered moderately impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs will be slight. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, aesthetic improvement planting on and under viaduct, landscaped slope, vertical greening, roadside amenity planting and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be slight at both Day 1 and Year 10.

¡ During construction, the VSRs in the area of Fung Wong Wu (H6) are considered moderately impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs will be slight. During operation Fung Wong Wu (H6) is considered slightly impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, landscaped slope, vertical greening, roadside amenity planting and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be slight at Day 1 and insignificant by Year 10.

¡ During construction and operation, the future VSRs in the area of Re-site of Chuk Yuen Village (H4) are considered slightly impacted by the Project before mitigation. The key measure to mitigate the impacts during construction is light control although screening may provide some additional mitigation. Despite these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs remains slight. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include buffer tree planting, landscaped slope, vertical greening and light control. Despite these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs remains slight at Day 1 and Year 10.

¡ During construction there will be no VSRs in the area of the Proposed NDA (C/R1) since it will not have been developed yet. During operation the future VSRs in this area are considered slightly impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, landscaped slope, vertical greening, roadside amenity planting and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be slight at Day 1 and insignificant by Year 10.

In this section, VSRs with low sensitivity are all in the Other Specified Uses category. They are people making temporary visits to cultural sites and graveyards including the Graveyard by Poultry Farm (OU1), Graveyard by Kaw Liu Village (OU2), Earth Shrine near Tsung Yuen Ha (OU3) and Tin Hau Temple (OU4). Of these VSRs during construction and operation, VSRs in all these areas are considered slightly impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Despite these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs remains slight. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, landscaped slope, vertical greening, roadside amenity planting and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be slight at Day 1 and insignificant by Year 10.

11.10.2.2 Sha Tau Kok Road Section

In this section, VSRs with high sensitivity are all in the Residential category (although some Residential VSRs in this section are also considered to have medium sensitivity). The VSRs are residents living close to, or with full views towards, the Project and include residents of the Village West of Man Uk Pin (H10), Tai Tong Wu (H12) and Loi Tung Village (H13). Of these VSRs,

¡ During construction and operation, VSRs in the areas of the Village West of Man Uk Pin (H10) and Tai Tong Wu (H12) are considered significantly impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs will be moderate. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, aesthetic improvement planting on and under viaduct, landscaped slope, vertical greening, roadside amenity planting and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be moderate at both Day 1 and Year 10.

¡ During construction, VSRS in the area of Loi Tung Village (H13) are considered significantly impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs will be moderate. During operation, Loi Tung Village (H13) is considered moderately impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, aesthetic improvement planting on and under viaduct, landscaped slope, vertical greening, roadside amenity planting and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be slight at both Day 1 and Year 10.

In this section, VSRs with medium sensitivity are all in the area of Man Uk Pin (H11) and are residents with a partial view of the Project. During construction, these VSRs are considered significantly impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs will be moderate. During operation these VSRs are considered moderately impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, aesthetic improvement planting on and under viaduct, landscaped slope, vertical greening, roadside amenity planting and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be slight at both Day 1 and Year 10.

In this section, VSRs with low sensitivity are all in the Travelling category and consist of people travelling on the traffic routes such as Sha Tau Kok Road (T1). During construction, VSRs on Sha Tau Kok Road (T1) are considered moderately impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs will be slight. During operation, these VSRs are considered slightly impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, aesthetic improvement planting on and under viaduct, landscaped slope, vertical greening, roadside amenity planting and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be slight at Day 1 and insignificant by Year 10.

11.10.2.3 South Tunnel Middle Ventilation Building at Po Kat Tsai Section

In this section, VSRs with high sensitivity are all in the Residential category (although some Residential VSRs in this section are considered to have low sensitivity). The VSRs are residents close to, or with a full view of, the Project. VSRs with high sensitivity include residents in the areas of Po Kat Tsai (H15) and the future residents of the Proposed CDA (Ex-Burma Lines Military site) (H16). Of these VSRs:

¡ During construction and operation, VSRs in the area of Po Kat Tsai (H15) are considered moderately impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs will be slight. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, vertical greening and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be slight at both Day 1 and Year 10.

¡ During construction, there will be no VSRs in the area of the Proposed CDA (Ex-Burma Lines Military site) (H16) since it will not have been developed yet. During operation the future VSRs in this area are considered moderately impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, green roof, vertical greening and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be slight at both Day 1 and Year 10.

In this section, VSRs with medium sensitivity are all in the Other Specified Uses category. The VSRs are people visiting Lung Shan Temple (OU5) with a partial or transient view of the Project. During construction and operation, VSRs in the area of Lung Shan Temple (OU5) are considered moderately impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs will be slight. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, green roof, vertical greening and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be slight at both Day 1 and Year 10.

In this section, VSRs with low sensitivity are in the Residential and Industrial categories. The VSRs are people further away from the Project including works in the area of Open Storage on Lau Shui Heung Road (I2) and residents in the areas of Tung Kok Wai (H14) and Wing Ning Wai (H17).

Of the VSRs with low sensitivity, during construction and operation, all these VSRs are considered slightly impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Despite these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs remains slight. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, vertical greening and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs is slight Day 1 and insignificant by Year 10.

11.10.2.4 Fanling Section

In this section, VSRs with high sensitivity are all in the Residential category (although some Residential VSRs in this section are also considered to have medium sensitivity). The VSRs are residents living in close to, or with full views towards, the Project and include residents in the areas of Dawning Views (H18), Tong Hang (H19), Yuen Leng (H21) and Tai Wo (H22). Of these VSRs:

¡ During construction and operation, VSRs in the areas of Dawning Views (H18) and Tong Hang (H19) are considered significantly impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs is moderate. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, landscaped slope, green roof, vertical greening, roadside amenity planting and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be moderate at both Day 1 and Year 10.

¡ During construction, VSRs in the area of Yuen Leng (H21) are considered to be significantly impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs will be moderate. During operation, these VSRs are considered to be moderately impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing Design, buffer tree planting, landscaped slope, green roof, vertical greening, roadside amenity planting and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be slight at both Day 1 and Year 10.

¡ During construction and operation, the VSRs in the area of Tai Wo (H22) are considered moderately impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs will be slight. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, landscaped slope, green roof, vertical greening, roadside amenity planting and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be slight at both Day 1 and Year 10.

In this section, VSRs with medium sensitivity are in the Residential and Recreational categories. The VSRs are people with partial or transient views towards the Project and include the residents of Wo Hop Shek Village (H20), Nam Wa Po (H23), Tai Hang (H24), Hong Lok Yuen (H25) and recreational hikers along the Wilson Trail (R2). Of these VSRs:

¡ During construction and operation, VSRs in the area of Wo Hop Shek Village (H20), Nam Wa Po (H23), Hong Lok Yuen (H25) and Wilson Trail (R2) are considered moderately impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs will be slight. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, landscaped slope, green roof, vertical greening, roadside amenity planting and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be slight at both Day 1 and Year 10.

¡ During construction, VSRs in the area of Tai Hang (H24) are considered moderately impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs will be slight. During operation these VSRs are considered slightly impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, landscaped slope, green roof, vertical greening, roadside amenity planting and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be slight at Day 1 and insignificant by Year 10.

In this section, VSRs with low sensitivity are in the Travelling and Other Specified Uses categories. The VSRs are people travelling on road or railway routes in the area of Fanling Highway (T2) and visitors to the Wo Hop Shek Cemetery (OU6). Of these VSRs:

¡ During construction, VSRs in the area of Fanling Highway (T2) are considered moderately impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs will be slight. During operation these VSRs are considered slightly impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing Design, buffer tree planting, landscaped slope, green roof, vertical greening, roadside amenity planting and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be insignificant.

¡ During construction and operation, VSRs in the vicinity of the Columbarium in Wo Hop Shek Cemetery (OU6) will be slightly impacted by the Project before mitigation. Key measures to mitigate the impacts during construction include decorative screen hoarding and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for construction of the Project on these VSRs will be insignificant. Key measures to mitigate the operational impacts include detailed design considerations, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer tree planting, landscaped slope, green roofing, vertical greening, roadside amenity planting and light control. Given these mitigation measures, the residual impact for operation of the Project on these VSRs will be insignificant at Day 1 and Year 10.

11.10.3 Overall Conclusions

Overall, the Project at operation Year 10 is not expected to have any significant or moderate residual impacts on the landscape. For landscape resources and character areas, there are likely to be slight operational residual impacts at Year 10 on LR5.1 (Active Farmland) and LCA3 (Agricultural Lowland Landscape) in Section A, Zone 1; LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside) and LCA3 (Agricultural Lowland Landscape) in Section A, Zone 2; LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside), LR3.2 (Woodland on Lowland) and LCA1 (Natural Vegetated Hillside Landscape) in Section A, Zone 3; and LR3.1 (Woodland on Hillside) in Section C. In Section B it is suggested that some beneficial impact may be experiences by LCA7 (Developed Rural Landscape).

With the implementation of mitigation measures, all other residual operational impacts on the landscape will be insignificant.

Overall, the Project at operation is not considered to have any significant residual visual impacts on VSRs. Following the implementation of mitigation measures, there are likely to be moderate operational residual impacts on residents in the areas of Tsung Yuen Ha (H3), Nga Yiu Ha (H7), Village on Wo Keng Shan Road (H8), Ping Yeung East (H9), Village West of Man Uk Pin (H10), Tai Tong Wu (H12), Dawning Views (H18) and Tong Hang (H19).

There are likely to be slight residual impacts on VSRs in the areas of Heung Yuen Wai (H1), Ha Heung Yuen (H2), Re-site of Chuk Yuen Village (H4), Lung Mei Teng (R1), Ping Yeung South Industrial Area (I1), Man Uk Pin (H11), Loi Tung Village (H13), Po Kat Tsai (H15), Lung Shan Temple (OU5), Wo Hop Shek Village (H20), Yuen Leng (H21), Tai Wo (H22), Nam Wa Po (H23), Hong Lok Yuen (H25) and on the Wilson Trail (R2) as well as the future VSRs in the area of the Proposed CDA (Ex-Burma Lines Military site) (H16).

With the implementation of mitigation measures, residual operational impacts on the remaining VSRs, namely those in the areas of Kaw Liu Village (H5), Fung Wong Wu (H6), Graveyard by Poultry Farm (OU1), Graveyard by Kaw Liu Village (OU2), Earth Shrine near Tsung Yuen Ha (OU3), Tin Hau Temple (OU4), Ta Kwu Ling Police Station (O1), Sha Tau Kok Road (T1), Open Storage on Lau Shui Heung Road (I2), Tung Kok Wai (H14), Wing Ning Wai (H17), Fanling Highway (T2), Tai Hang (H24) and Columbarium in Wo Hop Shek Cemetery (OU6), as well as the future VSRs in the Proposed NDA (C/R1), will be insignificant.

11.10.4 Outcome

The Project will produce some adverse landscape and visual impacts but these can be eliminated, reduced or offset to a large extent by specific measures. Therefore according to Annex 10 of the Technical Memorandum on the Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM), the Landscape and Visual Impacts are considered acceptable with mitigation.

11.11 Glare Impact Assessment

11.11.1 Introduction

Section 3.4.11.5 (v) of the EIA Study Brief No ESB-199/2008 require objective assessment be carried out to identify and evaluate potential Glare Impact arise from the Project.

This section of report details the results and comments from objective glare impact assessment for the outdoor lighting installations.

11.11.2 Environmental Legislations, Standards and Guidelines

While the EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2002 provides general guidance on the preparation of “Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment” under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, currently, there are no standardised objective assessment criteria or guideline from local authorities with respect to glare impact assessment for statutory approval process in HKSAR.

For the Project, the Glare Rating assessment methodology detailed in the British and European Standard BS EN 12464-2:2007 “Lighting of Places Part 2: Outdoor Work Place” is adopted for the objective evaluation of Glare Impact for outdoor lighting installations.

11.11.3 Assessment Methodology

Glare is defined in BS EN 12464-2 as the sensation produced by bright areas within the field of view of an observer, which can result in one of the following psycho-physical effects:

¡ Discomfort Glare – which results in discomfort but without impairing the vision of objects and details[23].

¡ Disability Glare – which impairs the vision of objects without necessarily causing discomfort[24].

The degree of glare is dependent on the total veiling luminance caused by the lighting installation (L_vl) and the equivalent veiling luminance of the environment in front of the observer (L_ve).

The level of glare for outdoor lighting installation can be objectively assessed using the International Commission on Illumination’s (CIE’s) Glare Rating system (Glare Rating system), which is defined as:

Glare Rating (GR) = 27 + 24 log₁₀ (L_vl/ L_ve^0.9)

L_vl = Total Veiling Luminance from all luminaries = ∑ 10 (E _eye / Θ²)

L_ve = Equivalent veiling luminance of the environment = 0.035 ρ E_hav / π

Where

¡ E _eye is the luminance at the observer’s eye in a plane perpendicular to the line of sight

¡ Θ is the angle between the observer’s line of sight and the direction of the light incident from the individual luminaries

¡ E_hav represents the average horizontal luminance of the area

¡ ρ represent the average reflectance of the area assuming diffuse reflection

To calculate the glare rating, the CIE’s standard observer is used for this assessment (see Figure A.1.1 in Appendix 11.1).

The Glare Rating system is related to the visual comfortable level. In general, the higher the GR the greater will be the visual discomfort. Table 11.24 below provide a subjective description of glare evaluation using the Glare Rating system:

Table 11.24: A subjective interpretation of the CIE’s Glare rating system.

Glare Rating GR	Descriptive Criteria
90	Unbearable
70	Disturbing
50	just admissible
30	Noticeable
10	Unnoticeable
Source: CIE’s Technical Report 112-1994

11.11.3.1 Assessment Criteria

BS EN 12464-2 provide recommendations for Glare Rating Limits (GR_L) for various areas, tasks and activities, which are ranging from GR of 45 to 55. Typical GR_L extracted from the Standard for various areas, tasks and activities similar to those surrounding the BCP and the associated above ground facilities are listed in Table 11.25 below for information.

Table 11.25: Limiting GR value for lighting installations

Type of Area, Task, or Activity	GRL
General circulation areas at outdoor work places
Walkways exclusively for pedestrians	50
Traffic areas for slowly moving vehicles (max. 10 km/h), e.g. bicycles, trucks and excavators	50
Regular vehicle traffic (max. 40 km/h)	45
Pedestrian passages, vehicle turning, loading and unloading points	50
Farms
Farm yard	55
Equipment shed (open)	55
Animals sorting pen	50
Parking areas
Light traffic, e.g. parking areas of shops, terraced and apartment houses; cycle parks	55
Medium traffic, e.g. parking areas of department stores, office buildings, plants, sports and multipurpose building complexes	50
Heavy traffic, e.g. parking areas of schools, churches, major shopping centres, major sports and multipurpose building complexes	50

Based on the above guidelines, a GR_L of 50 is adopted for this BCP project.

11.11.4 Baseline Condition and Sensitive Receivers

11.11.4.1 Background Condition

The areas surrounding the BCP and the associated elevated road and above ground structures are mainly natural or rural areas. For these areas, the background lighting environment is typically classified as “intrinsically dark” (E1) or “low district brightness” (E2) in accordance with BS EN 12464-2.

Since these natural and rural areas are dominated by grass and vegetation, a relatively low average reflectance would be appropriate for the calculation of Glare Rating. For the purpose of this assessment a reflectance (ρ) of 0.20 is used.

For conservative assessment, the glare rating prediction assumes only man-made lightings from the BCP and associated structures contribute to the veiling luminance of the environment within the study envelope. The prediction assumes dark sky condition and with no other lights sources from existing buildings and facilities surrounding the visual sensitive receivers.

In practise, light from surrounding buildings and reflected from high-reflectance surfaces (such as concrete surfaces for building facade) increases the equivalent veiling luminance of the environment. The higher background luminance would reduce the contrast between the direct light sources and the background lighting environment, which lower the glare rating and reduce the level of discomfort glare on the visual observer.

Hence, the general approach adopted for this study would likely over-estimate the glare impact and result in a conservative assessment.

11.11.4.2 Visual Sensitive Receivers

The visual sensitive receivers (VSRs) for the Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) study are used for the glare assessment. However, the assessment only considers glare impact on the following VSR categories:

¡ Residential VSR

¡ Villager VSRs

“Ancestral Worship” and “Recreational” type VSRs as defined in the LVIA study (e.g. graveyard at Kaw Liu Tsuen) are not included in this assessment. This reason for not including these VSRs from the assessment is because these locations are unlikely to be visited during evening and night periods, hence glare impact would be not be significant.

The identified VSRs for glare impact assessment are summarised on Table 11.26 below. The VSR locations used in the objective assessment is representative of the area identified in the LVIA study. The locations of the VSRs are presented in Figures 11.5.21 – 11.5.25.

Table 11.26: Sensitivity of VSRs for Glare Assessment

VSR		Name	Viewer Category and Estimated Number	Approx, Distance
H3	Tsung Yuen Ha		Villagers Small number of residing villagers	40m from Lin Ma Hang Road Improvement section
OU3	Earth Shrine near Tsung Yuen Ha		Occasional visitors Small number of visitors.	20m from BCP
OU4	Tin Hau Temple		Occasional visitors Small number of visitors	80m from BCP
H4	Resite of Chuk Yuen Village		Villagers Medium number of residing villagers	5m from alignment
H5	Kaw Liu Village		Villagers Medium number of residing villagers.	Along Lin Ma Hang Road improvement section
H6	Fung Wong Wu		Potential development	290m from Lin Ma Hang Road Improvement section
O1	Ta Kwu Ling Police Station		Working staff Small number of working staff.	30m from Lin Ma Hang Road Improvement Section
R1	Lung Mei Teng		Site of burial urns	170m from alignment
H7	Nga Yiu Ha		Villagers Medium number of residing villagers.	30m from slip road at Ping Yueng interchange
H8	Village on Wo Keng Shan Road		Villagers Small number of residing villagers.	250m from alignment
H9	Ping Yeung East		Villagers Medium number of residing villagers.	230m from alignment
H10	Village West of Man Uk Pin		Villagers Medium number of residents.	210m from administration building
H12	Tai Tong Wu		Villagers Medium number of residents.	210m from alignment
H13	Loi Tung Village		Low rise residential area Medium numbers of residents.	100m from alignment
H15	Po Kat Tsai		Villagers Small numbers of residing villagers	110 from mid-tunnel ventilation building
H16	Proposed CDA (Ex-Burma Lines Military Site)		Potential development	140 from mid-tunnel ventilation building
H19	Tong Hang (Note 1)		Potential development	40m from alignment
H21	Yuen Leng		Villagers Medium numbers of residing villagers	100m from alignment
H22	Tai Wo		Villagers Medium numbers of residing villagers	310m from alignment
H23	Nam Wa Po (Note 1)		Villagers Medium numbers of residing villagers	20m from alignment
H24	Tai Hang (Note 1)		Villagers Medium numbers of residing villagers	760m from alignment
Note 1: Assessment carried out at pedestrian bridge along existing highway and outside of the village.

11.11.4.3 Light Sources

The following direct man-made light sources are considered in the glare assessment:

¡ Road lighting surrounding the BCP

¡ Road lighting along elevated carriageway

¡ External lighting (floodlight) install outside the Po Kat Tsai Tunnel Ventilation Building.

At the time of preparation of this EIA, detailed lighting designs are not available for the BCP and associated facilities. Hence, the assumptions listed in Table 11.27 below are used for the glare rating prediction. The locations of these outdoor lighting installations used in this study are indicated in Figure A.2.1 to Figure A.2.7 in Appendix 11.2.

Table 11.27: Assumptions used in Glare Rating Prediction

Area	Description
BCP	Only road lighting installed along the perimeter of the BCP is considered in the calculation. The luminaries are located 10m above the alignment of the elevated highway and are spaced at approximately 36m interval. The lumen output of each light fitting is assumed to have a maximum luminous flux of 14000lm
Elevated Highway and future slip road	Only road lighting locate on either side of the dual-lane carriageways, road lighting for slip road along Kaw Liu Tsuen, and road lighting for slip road along Chuk Yuen Resite are considered in the glare rating calculation. The luminaries are located 10m above the alignment of the elevated highway and are spaced at 36m interval. The lumen output of each light fitting is assumed to have a maximum luminous flux of 14000lm
Tunnel Ventilation Building	Six external flood lights in total are installed on the building facade, with 2 floodlights aiming toward VSRs H15 and H16. The floodlights are installed with a 10 degree tilt down angle. The luminaries are assumed to be 4m above ground. The lumen output of each light fitting is assumed to have a maximum luminous flux of 12500lm

The lighting characteristic of the luminaries used in the prediction are shown in Figure A.1.2 and Figure A.1.3 in Appendix 11.1.

For the construction phase, the potential sources of glare from direct man-made light sources are security lighting within the construction works area. Since these lights are usually installed on ground level (approximately 0.5m high above ground) and with low light intensity, they are not considered in this assessment.

11.11.5 Identification, Prediction and Evaluation of Environmental Impact

During operational phase, the main sources of glare would be from the BCP perimeter lighting and those from connecting road alignment.

Within the BCP area, the potential sources of lighting include security lighting around the perimeter of the BCP and road lighting surrounding the traffic flow areas within the BCP as well on the outer perimeter road.

Along the connecting road alignment, the main source of lighting will be the standard roadside lights typically required for dual-lane carriageways and associated roadside and street lights at the intersections and roundabouts proposed at Ping Yeung, Loi Tung and Tong Hang areas. Lighting for the ventilation buildings and the administration building proposed near Wo Keng Shan is anticipated to be minimal.

Based on the assumption stated in Section 11.11.4.3, the glare rating predicted for the VSRs are detailed in Table 11.28 below.

Table 11.28: Predicted Glare Rating for VSRs near the BCP and Associated Above Ground Structure

VSR	Name	Predicted Glare Rating
H3	Tsung Yuen Ha	30
OU3	Earth Shrine near Tsung Yuen Ha	39
OU4	Tin Hau Temple	33
H4	Resite of Chuk Yuen Village	18
H5	Kaw Liu Village	63
H6	Fung Wong Wu	29
O1	Ta Kwu Ling Police Station	50
R1	Lung Mei Teng	29
H7	Nga Yiu Ha	30
H8	Village on Wo Keng Shan Road	32
H9	Ping Yeung East	32
H10	Village West of Man Uk Pin	25
H12	Tai Tong Wu	28
H13	Loi Tung Village	23
H15	Po Kat Tsai	27
H16	Proposed CDA (Ex-Burma Lines Military Site)	25
H19	Tong Hang (Note 1)	38
H21	Yuen Leng	36
H22	Tai Wo	33
H23	Nam Wa Po (Note 1)	48
H24	Tai Hang (Note 1)	29
Note 1: Assessment carried out at pedestrian bridge along existing highway and outside of the village.

The predicted glare rating for most of the VSRs within the study boundary are below the Glare Rating Limit of 50, with the exception of:

¡ VSR H5 at Kaw Liu Village – Predicted GR of 63

The high glare rating predicted at VSR H5 is due to close proximity and the VSR has direct line of sight (at the side) of the proposed road lighting installation along the slip road (see Figure A.2.8 in Appendix 11.2).

As discussed in the sections above, the objective assessment is based on conservative assumptions with dark sky and a relatively low background environmental lighting condition. Therefore it is likely that the actual glare impact at Kaw Liu Village would be less severe. Nevertheless, the predicted glare impact is subjectively between just admissible and disturbing and should therefore be reduced as far as practical to minimise adverse impact on the VSR at Kaw Liu Village.

11.11.6 Mitigation of Adverse Environmental Impact

Based on the assumptions detailed in Section 11.11.4.3, the predicted Glare Rating at the selected VSR locations are all below the Glare Rating Limit of 50, except at Kaw Liu Village where a Glare Rating of 63 was predicted.

It should be noted that detailed lighting design is not available at the preliminary design stage of the project but will be carried out by detailed design consultant for the Project. Hence the glare impact at Kaw Liu Village could be reduced by proper selection of the type and output luminaries and light fittings (e.g. reflector).

In order to minimise glare impact at the Kaw Liu Village VSR, the detailed lighting design for the slip road should select luminaries and fittings type to minimise direct view of the light source (from the sides) to control glare impact on nearby visual sensitive receiver locations. The Thorn luminary used in the prediction has relatively wide side dispersion resulted in peak luminous emittance from the side at approximately 60 degrees (see Figure A.1.2 in Appendix 11.1). Light fittings could be designed to restrict side dispersion and hence reduce the glare impact on the VSR.

In addition, a strategy of using lamp posts of lower height and with less interval spacing could help to reduce the lighting output from each lamp while maintaining the Transport Department’s minimum luminance requirement for the slip road. A lowering of the lighting output (i.e. luminous flux) would also help to reduce the glare impact on the observer.

It should be noted that the prediction results assume direct line of sight between the observers and the luminaries of the lighting installation and therefore represent the worst case Day 1 unmitigated scenario. With tree planting along the project boundary and along slip road, glare impact would be reduced due to reducing the direct sight of the luminaries.

11.11.7 Conclusion

Glare impact on VSRs located near the BCP and associated above ground structure have been reviewed using the Glare Rating method proposed by CIE and adopted in BS EN 12464-2 for outdoor lighting installations.

Based on the objective assessment with a Glare Rating Limit of 50, no significant discomfort glare condition is anticipated at the selected VSRs except for VSR H5 at Kaw Liu Village. The exceedance at Kaw Liu Village is due to direct line of sight of luminaries from proposed lighting installation along the slip road. However, with the recommended mitigation measures for the detailed lighting design, the potential glare impact at this VSR can be reduced to an acceptable level.

It must be noted that detailed design for outdoor lighting installations have not yet been carried out at this stage and the conclusion is indicative of typical configuration and is based on assumptions detailed in Section 11.11.4.3 of this report. These assumptions (e.g. location, type and number of luminaries) and the prediction results should be verified in future when detailed design information becomes available.

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([1]) PlanD. Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong Final Report. Available at: http://www.pland.gov.hk/pland_en/p_study/prog_s/landscape/landscape_final/index.html [Accessed 9 August 2010]

([2]) A plant is considered as a tree if its diameter at breast height (DBH) is 95mm or more (or girth [circumference of the trunk] measures 300 mm or more). ‘Breast height’ is standardised at a height of 1300 mm above ground level in Hong Kong according to ETWB TCW No. 3/2006 on Tree Preservation.

([3]) PlanD. Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong Final Report. Available at http://www.pland.gov.hk/pland_en/p_study/prog_s/landscape/landscape_final/index.html [Accessed 9 August 2010]

([4]) The Contractor will be responsible for landscaping during the agreed establishment and maintenance period. Other designated management and maintenance agents to take up maintenance and management of landscaping after end of agreed period.

([5]) A BMC will be formed to manage the BCP. To be confirmed.

([6]) The Contractor will be responsible for landscaping during the agreed establishment and maintenance period. Other designated management and maintenance agents to take up maintenance and management of landscaping after end of agreed period.

([7]) A BMC will be formed to manage the BCP. To be confirmed.

([8]) A detailed Tree Survey Report will be submitted separately for the Project in accordance with ETWB TCW No. 3/2006

([9]) There are no Old and Valuable Trees (OVT) listed in the Study Area. Fung Shui Woodlands are not impacted by the Project Site works area and will be protected in situ.

([10]) A detailed Tree Survey Report will be submitted separately for the Project in accordance with ETWB TCW No. 3/2006

([11]) Contractor responsible for landscaping during the agreed establishment and maintenance period. Other designated management and maintenance agents to take up maintenance and management of landscaping after end of agreed period.

([12]) Where transplantation is not feasible (e.g. health conditions, survival rate after transplantation, on slope) impacted trees will be felled. Wood resulting from tree felling should be recycled as mulch or soil conditioner which could be used within the Project or other projects.

([13]) Section 11.6.4 predicts impacts on LRs including LR1.1 (Watercourse), LR1.2 (Channelized Watercourse). Refer to Section 5.5.2.1 for detailed information on the proposed watercourse impacts and modifications. These are subject to change in detailed design stage.

([14]) In addition landscape fragmentation should be kept to a minimum and key wildlife routes preserved as reported in Section 9.

([15]) Subject to future confirmation and based on the latest layout of the BCP

([16]) Contractor responsible for landscaping during the agreed establishment and maintenance period. Other designated management and maintenance agents to take up maintenance and management of landscaping after end of agreed period.

([17]) Subject to future confirmation and based on the latest layout of the BCP

([18]) Subject to future confirmation and based on the latest layout of the BCP

([19]) A BMC will be formed to manage the BCP. To be confirmed.

([20]) Subject to future confirmation and based on the latest layout of the BCP

([21]) Contractor responsible for landscaping during the agreed establishment and maintenance period. Other designated management and maintenance agents to take up maintenance and management of landscaping after end of agreed period.

([22]) Preliminary agreement between CEDD and LCSD.

[23] This definition is extracted from CIE 112-1994 “Glare Evaluation System for Use with Outdoor Sports and Area Lighting”.

[24] This definition is extracted from CIE 112-1994 “Glare Evaluation System for Use with Outdoor Sports and Area Lighting”.