¡ A baseline study providing a comprehensive and accurate description of the baseline landscape resources, landscape character areas, zone of visual influence and key groups of existing and planned visually sensitive receivers (VSRs).

¡ Identification of the source of landscape and visual impacts;

¡ Recommendation of appropriate mitigation measures and associated implementation programmes;

¡ Assessment of the potential landscape and visual impacts, by taking into account the sensitivity of receivers, prediction of the magnitude of change experienced by the receivers and resulting potential impact significance, before and after the mitigation measures; and

¡ Clear evaluations and explanation with supportive arguments of all relevant factors considered in arriving at the significance thresholds of the landscape and visual impacts.

15.1.1.3 Colour photographs showing baseline conditions (photographs are augmented to show all approved planned / committed projects), and photomontages and illustrative materials supporting conclusions are provided and the locations of all viewpoints are clearly mapped. Photomontages at representative locations provide comparison between existing views (augmented to show all approved planned / committed projects); proposals on Day 1 after completion without mitigation; on Day 1 after mitigation, and in Year 10 after mitigation.

15.2 Landscape and Visual Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

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

¡ Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap 499) and the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process (EIAO-TM), particularly Annexes 3, 10, 11, 18, 20 and 21;

- An Ordinance to provide for assessing the impact on the environment of certain projects and proposals, for protecting the environment and for incidental matters.

- The Technical Memorandum sets out the principles, procedures, guidelines, requirements and criteria for the technical content of an environmental impact assessment study brief or environmental impact assessment report.

¡ Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines;

- The Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) is a Government manual of criteria for determining the scale, location and site requirements of various land uses and facilities.

¡ Hong Kong 2030 Planning Vision and Strategy Final Report;

- Is a long-term planning strategy to guide future development and provision of strategic infrastructure and to help implement government policy targets in a spatial form.

¡ Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong;

- Essential landscape baseline information to provide a systematic reference framework to facilitate landscape assessment and broad environmental assessment of major projects at territorial level.

¡ EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010;

- The Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, (Cap 499) Guidance Note advises on the requirements in vetting Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment of designated projects under the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process for the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance.

¡ Town Planning Ordinance (Cap 131);

- To promote the health, safety, convenience and general welfare of the community by making provision for the systematic preparation and approval of plans for the lay-out of areas of Hong Kong as well as for the types of building suitable for erection therein and for the preparation and approval of plans for areas within which permission is required for development.

¡ Foreshore and Sea-bed (reclamations) Ordinance (Cap 127);

- To provide for the publication of proposals in respect of reclamations over and upon any foreshore and sea-bed; to make provision in respect of objections to the proposals, the payment of compensation and connected matters; and to repeal the Public Reclamations and Works Ordinance (Cap 113, 1984 Ed.) and the Foreshores and Sea Bed Ordinance (Cap 127, 1984 Ed.).

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

- To consolidate and amend the law relating to forests and plants, and to provide for the protection of the countryside.

¡ Country Parks Ordinance (Cap 208);

- To provide for the designation, control and management of country parks and special areas.

¡ Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap 476) and associated subsidiary legislation;

- To provide for the designation, control and management of Marine Parks and Marine Reserves.

¡ Protection of Endangered Species of Animals And Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586);

- To regulate the import, introduction from the sea, export, re-export, and possession or control of certain endangered species of animals and plants and parts and derivatives of those species; and to provide for incidental and connected matters.

¡ Approved Chek Lap Kok Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) No. S/I-CLK/12;

¡ Approved Tung Chung Town Centre Area Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) No. S/I-TCTC/18;

¡ SILTech Publication (1991) – Tree Planting and Maintenance in Hong Kong (Standing Interdepartmental Landscape Technical Group) [11-23];

¡ GEO publication (1/2009) – Prescriptive Measures for Man-made Slopes and Retaining Walls;

¡ GEO 1/2011 – Technical Guidelines on Landscape Treatment for Slopes;

- This publication presents guidance on good practice of landscape treatments for man-made slopes and engineering works on natural terrain in Hong Kong.

¡ Land Administration Office Instruction (LAOI) Section D-12 – Tree Preservation;

- It is policy to ensure that no tree is felled unnecessarily nor, where control exists, without the prior consent of Government and that whenever possible, and appropriate, approval to the felling of any tree is made subject to a compensatory landscaping/replanting scheme.

¡ Land Administration Office, Lands Department Practice Note 7/2007 - Tree Preservation and Tree Removal Application for Building Development in Private Projects;

- This practice note ensures trees are not unnecessarily felled on private lots.

¡ DEVB TC (W) No.2/2012 Allocation of Space for Quality Greening on Roads;

- This circular aims to introduce improvements in greenery, to develop existing greened areas and allow opportunities for greening and landscape during the planning and development of public works projects.

¡ DEVB TC (W) No.3/2012 Site Coverage of Greenery for Government Building Projects;

- This circular sets out the standards and requirements on site coverage of greenery for new government building projects and the methodology of measurement and calculation for the purpose of the required site coverage of greenery

¡ DEVB TC (W) No.2/2013 Greening on Footbridges and Flyovers;

- This circular updates the policy and requirements for greening on new footbridges and flyovers in built-up areas

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

- This circular sets out the departmental responsibilities for maintenance of vegetation and hard landscape features.

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

- This circular sets out the procedures for registration of old and valuable trees on unleased Government land within built-up areas and tourist attraction spots in village areas.

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

- This circular updates the membership of the Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures (ACABAS). Revised guidelines for ACABAS submissions are also included to promote better understanding of the submission requirements.

¡ ETWB TCW No. 5/2005 – Protection of Natural Streams/Rivers from Adverse Impacts Arising from Construction Works;

- This circular provides an administrative framework to better protect all natural streams/rivers from the impacts of construction works. The procedures promulgated under this Circular aim to clarify and strengthen existing measures for protection of natural streams/rivers from government projects and private developments.

¡ ETWB TCW No. 10/2013 - Tree Preservation;

- This circular sets out the policy on tree preservation, and the procedures for control of tree felling, transplanting and pruning in Government projects.

¡ WBTC No. 25/93 – Control of Visual Impact of Slopes;

- This circular outlines the design principles recommended to be used in designing manmade slopes for Public Works projects in order to reduce their adverse visual impact.

¡ WBTC No. 17/2000 – Improvement to the Appearance of slopes in connection with WBTC 25/93;

- This circular outlines the principles and procedures recommended for all departments involved in new slope formation and in upgrading and maintenance of existing slopes for improving the aesthetic and environmental impact of slope works.

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

- This circular affirms the advocated policy on tree planting which adopts a flexible and balanced approach in the planning and design of public works.

¡ Latest Proper Planting Practices and other relevant guidelines issued by Development Bureau (Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section).

¡ Latest Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Approved Plant Species List.

15.2.2 Review of Relevant Planning and Development Control Framework

15.2.2.1 A review will be undertaken of the relevant planning and development control framework for the landscape study area (500 m beyond the limit of the works). The relevant OZPs for the project works are the Chek Lap Kok Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-CLK/12 and Tung Chung Town Centre Area Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-TCTC/18. Extracts of which are shown in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-002 and described in Section 15.5.3.

15.3 Scope and Content of Study

15.3.1 Project Site Boundary

15.3.1.1 Land is required to be formed to the north of the existing HKIA by land formation to provide a platform for the development of the third runway and all associated airport infrastructure and facilities. The tentative project site boundary comprises the proposed land formation footprint, boundary of existing airport island, and potential daylighting point for the submarine fuel pipelines on Sheung Sha Chau Island, and is shown in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-001 and MCL/P132/EIA/15-010.

15.3.2 Major Work Components

15.3.2.1 Construction of proposed land formation area: The project covers mainly an area of land formation of approximately 650 ha to the north of the existing HKIA and other relevant modifications on the existing airport island due to this future development. The land formation activities comprise mainly ground treatment, seawall construction and filling.

15.3.2.2 Construction of airport related infrastructure and superstructures: Upon completion of the land formation, various construction activities relating to infrastructure and superstructures will commence. The layouts and designs for individual components are subject to the ongoing infrastructure scheme design for the project.

15.3.2.3 Diversion of submarine fuel pipelines: The preferred method for diversion of the submarine fuel pipelines involves horizontal directional drilling (HDD), which is a trenchless installation technique commonly used in drilling oil and gas wells. The HDD method will be deployed to install the pipelines directly from the existing HKIA to Sheung Sha Chau Island by underground drilling. The pipelines will land on Sheung Sha Chau Island where the existing aviation fuel receiving facility (AFRF) is located. A temporary floating work platform may be required.

15.3.2.4 Diversion of 11 kV submarine cable: The preferred method for diversion of the 11 kV submarine cable involves diversion via water jetting method with field joint (to connect the new cable to the existing cable) to the south of the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau (SCLKC) Marine Park. The cable will be buried about 5 m below seabed. At the field joint area, a small area of excavation will be needed to expose the existing cable, which will then be lifted up to a barge for forming the field joint. Upon completion of the field joint, the remaining cable will be buried below seabed level. During construction, marine vessels carrying out the cable diversion and field joint connection works will produce landscape and visual impacts. The minor impacts produced from these works are included in the LVIA, however, they are not the focus of the assessment.

15.3.2.5 Please refer to Chapter 4 for a detailed list of the project components.

15.3.3 Consideration of Alternative Options

15.3.3.1 The alternative options and opportunities available for provision of a third runway in Hong Kong, in terms of its alignment, the associated airport layout and construction methods have been considered and elaborated in Chapter 3 of the EIA. Consideration of the landscape and visual implications of the alternative options is included as one of the key differentiators in the comparison of the different options leading to the selection of the preferred option. Further details can be referred to Section 3.4.4. This Chapter 15 details the landscape and visual impacts of the preferred option.

15.3.4 Limits of Study Area

15.3.4.1 The limit of the landscape impact study is 500 m beyond the boundary of the works (as stated in the EIA study brief), which is shown in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-001.1). The limit of the visual impact study is the Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI) of the works during the construction and operation phases (as stated in the EIA study brief, which is illustrated in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-010).

15.3.4.2 As the cable and fuel line have different construction methods they will have different landscape and visual outcomes. The diversion of the 11 kV submarine cable would result in some increased vessel activity, resulting in a potential impact upon the Landscape Character Area (LCA) (and VSRs), and therefore the alignment is included in the landscape study area. Diversion of the 11 kV submarine cable will produce minor landscape and visual impacts. The minor impacts produced from these works are included in the LVIA, however, they are not the focus of the assessment. On the other hand, the submarine fuel pipelines would be constructed by HDD, which is a trenchless installation technique that involves the installation of pipes, conduits, and cables in a shallow arc using a surface-launched drilling rig. Consequently the 500 m landscape study area and ZVI include the surface-launched drilling rig on airport island and daylighting point on Sheung Sha Chau Island. There will be no landscape or visual impact on the sea area above the undersea alignment of the fuel pipelines and consequently the sea area above the undersea alignment is not included in the landscape study area. The daylighting point on Sheung Sha Chau Island will produce minor landscape and visual impacts. The minor impacts produced from these works are included in the LVIA, however, they are not the focus of the assessment.

15.4 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Methodology

15.4.1 General Approach

15.4.1.1 Landscape and visual impacts shall be assessed separately for the construction and operation phases. The assessment of landscape impacts shall involve the following procedures.

15.4.2 Landscape Impact Methodology

15.4.2.1 Identification of the baseline Landscape Resources (LRs) and Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) found within the study area. This is achieved by site visits and desk-top studies of topographical maps, information databases, approved EIAs of the committed projects and photographs. Reference is also made to the ‘Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong’ study.

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

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

15.4.2.3 Identification of potential sources of landscape change. These are the various elements of the construction works and operational procedures that would generate landscape change.

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

Large:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer a major change
Intermediate:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer a moderate change
Small:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer slight or barely perceptible changes
Negligible:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer no discernible change
None:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer absolutely no impact

15.4.2.5 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; remedial measures such as colour and textural treatment of building features; and compensatory measures such as the implementation of landscape design measures (e.g. tree planting, creation of new open space etc.) to compensate for unavoidable adverse impacts and to attempt to generate potentially beneficial long term impacts. A programme for the mitigation measures is provided. The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified and their approvals-in-principle are being sought.

15.4.2.6 Prediction of the significance of landscape impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesising the magnitude of the various changes and the sensitivity of the various landscape resources it is possible to categorise impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 15.1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely insubstantial, slight, moderate, and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of change and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of the LRs / LCAs. The significance thresholds are defined as follows:

Substantial:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality
Moderate:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality
Slight:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality
Insubstantial:	No discernible change in the existing landscape quality
None	Absolutely no change in the existing landscape quality

Table 15.1: Relationship between Receptor Sensitivity and Magnitude of Change in Defining Impact Significance

Magnitude of Change	Large
	Intermediate
	Small
	Negligible
	None
		Low	Medium	High
		Receptor Sensitivity (of Landscape Resource, Landscape Character Area or VSR)
Note: The colours in the above table categorise the total spectrum of impacts rising from the lowest value at the bottom left corner to the highest value at the top right corner. It may be seen that for some combination of classification levels of Magnitude of Change and Receptor Sensitivity, there are 2 possible impact significance thresholds. When the Magnitude of Change and Receptor Sensitivity are assessed to be towards to higher ends of each classification level the resultant impact significance would be deemed to be the higher of the two impact significance thresholds.

15.4.2.7 Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts. An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five levels of significance set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM is stated in the conclusion in Section 15.10.3.1. According to Annex 10, the evaluation of landscape and visual impacts may be classified into five levels of significance based on type and extent of the effects concluded in the EIA study:

¡ The impact is beneficial if the project will complement the landscape and visual character of its setting, will follow the relevant planning objectives and will improve overall and visual quality;

¡ The impact is acceptable if the assessment indicates that there will be no significant effects on the landscape, no significant visual effects caused by the appearance of the project, or no interference with key views;

¡ The impact is acceptable with mitigation measures if there will be some adverse effects, but these can be eliminated, reduced or offset to a large extent by specific measures;

¡ The impact is unacceptable if the adverse effects are considered too excessive and are unable to mitigate practically;

¡ The impact is undetermined if significant adverse effects are likely, but the extent to which they may occur or may be mitigated cannot be determined from the study. Further detailed study will be required for the specific effects in question.

15.4.3 Broad Brush Tree Survey Methodology

15.4.3.1 A broad brush tree survey in accordance with the EIA Study Brief is described in Section 15.5.6 and illustrated in Drawings MCL/P132/EIA/15-027.1, MCL/P132/EIA/15-027.2, MCL/P132/EIA/15-027.3, MCL/P132/EIA/15-027.4, MCL/P132/EIA/15-027.5 and MCL/P132/EIA/15-027.6. The survey provides baseline information on the existing trees within the project site boundary and identifies dominant tree species, maturity, rarity and any plant species of conservation interest.

15.4.3.2 Existing trees within the project boundary were surveyed in groups according to the location, in which the following information was identified for each tree group:

¡ Tree group number;

¡ Botanical name and Chinese name of the main species found in the group;

¡ Approximate number of trees in the group;

¡ An assessment of average tree form (good / fair / poor) for each species found in each group;

¡ An assessment of average tree health (good / fair / poor) for each species found in each group;

¡ An assessment of average amenity value (high / medium / low) for each species found in each group; and

¡ Additional remarks are provided on the estimated approximate age range of the trees.

15.4.3.3 No rare or protected trees species were identified in the broad brush tree survey, however the absence of such species cannot be absolutely confirmed in a broad brush survey.

15.4.4 Visual Impact Methodology

15.4.4.1 Landscape and visual impacts are assessed separately for the construction and operation phases. The assessment of visual impacts has involved the following procedures.

15.4.4.2 Identification of the Visual Envelope and Zones of Visual Influence (ZVI) during the construction and operation phases of the 3RS. The visual envelope is the area from which any part of the proposed project can be seen and may contain areas, which are fully visible, partly visible and non-visible from the project. The ZVI is the portion of the visual envelope that is within 10 km from the proposed project. Identification of the visual envelope and ZVI is achieved by site visits and desk-top studies of topographic maps and photographs to determine the visibility of the 3RS from various locations. Given the effects of distance and the panoramic qualities of many views, VSRs beyond 10 km from the project will scarcely notice (and will find it very difficult to distinguish) the 3RS in their wider views. At these distances, the proposed 3RS will not form a feature of any significance in the VSRs frame of view and consequently will not influence the visual experience of the VSR. Hence 10 km is considered the limit of the Zone of Visual Influence.

15.4.4.3 Identification of the Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) within the ZVI at construction and operation phases. These are the people who would reside within, work within, play within, or travel through, the ZVI. VSRs at both existing and committed developments will be considered in this assessment.

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

¡ The type of VSRs, classified according to whether the person is at home, at work, at play, or travelling. Those who view the impact from their homes are considered to be highly sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook from their home will have a substantial effect on their perception of the quality and acceptability of their home environment and their general quality of life. Those who view the impact from their workplace are considered to be only moderately sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook will have a less important, although still material, effect on their perception of their quality of life. The degree to which this applies depends on whether the workplace is industrial, retail or commercial. Those who view the impact while taking part in an outdoor leisure activity may display varying sensitivity depending on the type of leisure activity. Those who view the impact while travelling on a public thoroughfare will also display varying sensitivity depending on the speed of travel.

¡ Other factors which are considered (as required by EIAO GN 8/2010) include the value and quality of existing views and views from planned developments, the availability and amenity of alternative views, the duration or frequency of view, and the degree of visibility.

15.4.4.5 The sensitivity of VSRs is classified as follows:

High:	The VSR is highly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience
Medium:	The VSR is moderately sensitive to any change in their viewing experience
Low:	The VSR is only slightly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience

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

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

15.4.4.8 Assessment of the potential magnitude of visual change. Factors considered include:

Duration and Frequency of the impact:	Temporary / Permanent: This refers to the long term presence of the visual change – whether it is experienced by the VSR for the whole duration of the construction phase or operation phase, or only part thereof. Intermittent / Continuous: This refers to short term frequency of the visual change - is it always visible (continuous) or only at certain times (intermittent). For example, travelling VSRs may only see the source intermittently as they travel along their journey, whereas residential VSRs may have continuous views from their living room.
Reversibility of the impact:	Reversible / Irreversible
Compatibility of the project with the Visual Backdrop:	High / Medium / Low
Distance of the source of impact from the viewer:	Shortest distance measured in metres (m) between the VSR and the source.
Degree of visibility of Source(s) of Visual Impact:	Full: virtually full uninterrupted view of the source of impact Partial: partial view of the source of impact which is slightly hidden by intervening elements such as buildings, vegetation etc. Obscured: partial view of the source of impact which is largely hidden by intervening elements such as buildings, vegetation etc.
Scale of the development	Small / Medium / Large
Potential Blockage of Existing Views	Full / Partial / Slight / Negligible: The degree to which the source of the impact blocks existing open views currently experienced by the VSR.

15.4.4.9 The magnitude of visual change is classified as follows:

Large:	The VSRs would suffer a major change in their viewing experience;
Intermediate:	The VSRs would suffer a moderate change in their viewing experience;
Small:	The VSRs would suffer a small change in their viewing experience;
Negligible:	The VSRs would suffer no discernible change in their viewing experience;
None	The VSRs would suffer absolutely no change in their viewing experience.

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

15.4.4.11 Prediction of the significance of visual impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesising the magnitude of the various visual changes and the sensitivity of the VSR, and the number of individuals in the VSR that are affected, it is possible to categorise the degree of significance of the impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 15.1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely, insubstantial, slight, moderate and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible / small / intermediate / large magnitude of change and a low / medium / high degree of sensitivity of VSRs. Consideration is also given to the relative numbers of individuals in the VSRs in predicting the final impact significance - exceptionally low or high numbers of individuals in a VSR may change the result that might otherwise be concluded from Table 15.1. The significance of the visual impacts is categorised as follows:

Substantial:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality perceived by the general population;
Moderate:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality perceived by the general population;
Slight:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality perceived by the general population;
Insubstantial:	No discernible change in the existing visual quality perceived by the general population;
None	Absolutely no change in the existing visual quality perceived by the general population.

15.4.4.12 Prediction of Acceptability of Residual Impacts. An overall assessment of the acceptability or otherwise of the residual impacts 10 to 15 years after implementation of visual mitigation measures, according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM.

15.4.5 Assumptions and Limitations

15.4.5.1 In accordance with EIAO Guidance Note 8/2010 (paragraph 3.7(a)) approved projects should form part of the baseline conditions. Therefore, the landscape and visual outcomes (including proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures) of approved projects currently under construction, including the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facility (HKBCF), associated Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR), the Southern Connection of Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL), Residential / Commercial Development at Tung Chung (Area 55a), Residential Development at Tung Chung (Area 55b) and the Public Rental Housing Development at Tung Chung (Area 56) will be included as part of the baseline conditions for the 3RS. The predicted completion date for the aforementioned projects is 2015 / 16 which is before commencement of the 3RS.

15.4.5.2 The aforementioned projects are discussed below and are indicated on Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-011.

¡ HKBCF and HKLR - HKBCF will serve as a transportation hub and provide clearance facilities for goods and passengers using the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge (HZMB). The proposed HKBCF will be located on an artificial island of about 130 ha reclaimed from the open waters off the northeast of HKIA. It is next to HKIA and Tung Chung New Town Extension Study which are at convenient locations with good transportation connectivity. With a variety of transport modes available in the proximity, HKBCF will become a multi-modal transportation hub with HKIA, SkyPier, Airport Express Line and Tung Chung Line in the area. HKLR will comprise sea viaducts in the western waters of Hong Kong, tunnels through Scenic Hill and underneath the Airport Road and Airport Express Line, and at-grade roads on reclamation along the east coast of airport island. The project consists of a dual three-lane carriageway in the form of viaduct from the HK SAR boundary to Scenic Hill of approximately 9.4 km in length. The projects are due for completion in 2016.

¡ Southern Connection of TM-CLKL - TM-CLKL will be a dual two-lane carriageway connecting the Tuen Mun Western Bypass (TMWB) at Tuen Mun Area 40 in the north with the proposed HZMB HKBCF, the airport and North Lantau in the south. The northern connection between Tuen Mun and HKBCF will be a sub-sea tunnel while the southern connection between HKBCF and North Lantau will be on viaducts. The Southern Connection of TM-CLKL is due for completion in 2016.

¡ Residential Development at Tung Chung (Area 56) - Tung Chung Area 56 covers a site area of about 32,500 m² and is located to the east of Ying Hei Road. According to the Tung Chung Town Centre Area Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-TCTC/18, the site is zoned “Residential (A)” and has a plot ratio of five. The residential development is in line with the planning intention. The development will consist of four domestic blocks of 41 storeys high. Completion of the proposed development at Tung Chung (Area 56) is expected in 2016.

¡ Residential / Commercial Development at Tung Chung (Area 55a) – Tung Chung Area 55a covers an area of about 25,400 m² and is located north of Ying Hei Road. According to the Tung Chung Town Centre Area Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-TCTC/18, the site is zoned “Residential (A)” and has a plot ratio of five. Completion of the residential / commercial development at Tung Chung (Area 55a) is expected in 2016.

¡ Residential Development at Tung Chung (Area 55b) - Tung Chung Area 55b covers as area of about 26,400 m² and is located north of Ying Hei Road. According to the Tung Chung Town Centre Area Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-TCTC/18, the site is zoned “Residential (A)” and has a plot ratio of five. Completion of the residential development at Tung Chung (Area 55b) is expected in 2015.

15.4.5.3 In addition, the following assumptions are made in the assessment:

¡ It is assumed that funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the landscape and visual mitigation proposals can be satisfactorily resolved according to the principles in ETWB TCW No. 2/2004. All mitigation proposals in the EIA report shall be practical and achievable within the known parameters of funding, implementation, management and maintenance. The suggested agents for the funding and implementation (and subsequent management and maintenance, if applicable) are indicated in the EIA report. Approvals-in-principle to the implementation, management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation measures are being sought from the appropriate authorities.

15.4.6 Concurrent Projects

15.4.6.1 The concurrent projects that fall within the ZVI, therefore relating to the visual impact assessment, have been identified below and are indicated on Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-011. The visual impacts of these concurrent projects are taken into account in the cumulative assessment.

¡ Northern Connection of TM-CLKL - The proposed TM-CLKL, together with the proposed TMWB, is a proposed strategic road link between North West New Territories (NWNT), North Lantau, the proposed HZMB HKBCF and HKIA. The Northern Connection of TM-CLKL is located just east of the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal and is due for completion in 2018.

¡ Tung Chung New Town Extension Study – According to the Stage 2 Public Engagement exercise in May 2013, the Tung Chung East Extension will comprise of a 120 ha landscape formation, primarily for residential and recreational use. It is estimated to accommodate a population of 110,000. The Tung Chung West Extension will comprise of a 14 ha land formation, primarily for residential and recreational use, the proposed Tung Chung West Station, high density developments close to the existing Tung Chung Road, medium density developments in areas adjacent to Yat Tung Estate and village clusters near the Tung Chung River Estuary to provide a stepped building height profile towards Tung Chung Bay. The Tung Chung West Extension is estimated to accommodate a population of 43,000. The Tung Chung New Town Extension Study would generate primarily residential and recreational VSRs in large numbers. According to communications with the project proponent in December 2013, this project is currently undergoing engineering and environmental assessment, and no detailed construction programme is confirmed at this stage, though construction is currently targeted to commence in 2018 and it is anticipated that the first population intake would occur in 2023/24.

¡ Proposed Public Housing Development at Tung Chung West (Area 39) – The Public Rental Housing (PRH) development at Tung Chung Area 39 is located on the south west of Yat Tung Estate. To the east are villages including Ha Ling Pei, Wong Ka Wai and Lung Tseng Tau; to the west is agricultural land; and to the south are YMC of Hong Kong Christian College and Caritas Charles Vath College. The site area of the proposed development is approximately 3.23 ha. The proposed development will consist of four domestic blocks ranging from 94 - 130 m high providing around 3,800 PRH flats. Construction of the PRH development at Tung Chung West (Area 39) will commence in 2014 with completion in 2018.

¡ Proposed Residential Development at Tung Chung (Area 54) - Tung Chung Area 54 covers an area of about 32,400 m² and is located north of Ying Hei Road. According to the Tung Chung Town Centre Area Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-TCTC/18, the site is zoned “Residential (A)” and has a plot ratio of five. Completion of the proposed development at Tung Chung (Area 54) is anticipated to be in 2019/20.

¡ Lantau Logistics Park (LLP) - The LLP will be developed on the 72 ha out of a total reclamation area of 112 ha off the north shore of Lantau Island immediately to the north of, and encompassing, the existing Siu Ho Wan railway depot with proposals for possible Logistics Park extension or other compatible uses for the remaining 40 ha of reclamation area. The new reclamation will be an extension of the existing reclamation carried out for the North Lantau Highway and the Siu Ho Wan depot. The exact layout of the proposed LLP reclamation is subject to further study and will be confirmed after detailed investigation. Construction work will involve reclamation, construction of surcharge, handling and stockpiling of excavated materials for roadworks, drainage, waterworks, concreting works and construction traffic movements on unpaved roads. According to communications with the project proponent in September 2013, the development programme for the LLP is yet to be confirmed, and the land uses for the proposed reclamation are subject to the outcomes of Agreement No. CE 9/2011(CE).

¡ Leisure and Entertainment Node at Sunny Bay - The Sunny Bay Reclamation, at the gateway to the north east Lantau tourism hub and near the Sunny Bay MTR Station, was recommended as a tourism node in the ‘Northshore Lantau Development Feasibility Study’. It is suitable for a leisure and entertainment node, particularly for youths, which may comprise such components as entertainment, dining, fashionable stores, performance venues, theme attractions and indoor leisure and sports facilities like indoor man made beach. The proposal could create synergy with Hong Kong Disneyland and other tourism proposals on Lantau. Based on discussions with Planning Department in August 2013, it was identified that this proposal does not yet have an implementation programme, and the land uses for this proposed reclamation is also subject to the outcomes of Agreement No. CE 9/2011(CE) – Increasing Land Supply by Reclamation and Rock Cavern Development cum Public Engagement – Feasibility Study.

¡ New Contaminated Mud Marine Disposal Facility at Airport East/East Sha Chau - The project involves the sequential disposal of contaminated mud into a series of dredged pits. The new CMP to the south of The Brothers will operate between 2013 and 2016. Disposal of contaminated sediment will begin at CMP Pit Vb at East Sha Chau upon completion of disposal at the CMP south of The Brothers and this is expected to be ongoing throughout 2016 and 2017. Thereafter, disposal will begin at CMP Pit Vc at East Sha Chau, followed by Pit Vd at East Sha Chau.

¡ Intermodal Transfer Terminus (ITT) – A planned development on HKIA to meet the additional demand from an increase of transfer passengers at HKIA following the opening of the aforementioned HZMB project. The works will include the expansion and modification of the existing SkyPier facilities (located at the north-eastern extent of HKIA) to provide an ITT, a bonded road linking ITT to HKBCF (the portion within HKIA), other associated road works and an underground APM maintenance facility. Construction is tentatively scheduled to commence in 2014 for completion in 2017.

¡ North Commercial District (NCD) – A planned development of a new commercial centre with basement car parking in the location of the existing SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course. NCD will accommodate various commercial facilities include offices, hotels, and retail. Construction is tentatively scheduled to commence in 2015 for completion in 2019

¡ Organic Waste Treatment Facilities at Siu Ho Wan - A planned development at Siu Ho Wan which aims to recycle source-separated organic waste generated from the C&I sectors (mostly food waste) to useful products, thereby minimising requirement for landfill disposal.. The facilities will adopt anaerobic digestion and composting technologies to recycle organic waste into biogas and compost products. According to communications with the project proponent in August 2013, it is estimated that the DBO contract will be awarded in early 2014 and the plant will be commissioned in mid-2016.

¡ Potential Sites for Columbarium Developments – Group B – Feasibility Study - Two sites in the Tsuen Wan District located at the eastern and western end of Sham Shui Kok Drive in Siu Ho Wan, North Lantau are shortlisted potential sites for columbarium development. Based on communication with the works agent in January 2014, the study is still in the feasibility stage and there is no implementation programme available yet, though it is initially proposed that this development may be operational by 2020. Given that insufficient information is available at this stage, this project cannot be considered as a concurrent project for cumulative impact assessment, however, it will be considered as a potential future sensitive receiver in relevant technical assessments.

¡ Planning and Engineering Study for Tuen Mun Areas 40 and 46 and the Adjoining Areas – This is a planning and engineering study on the future land use options for Tuen Mun Areas 40 and 46 and the adjoining areas. Area 40 is currently zoned as “Industrial” use while parts of Area 46 is zoned as “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Crematorium, Columbarium, Funeral Services Centre and Open Space”. The study aims to investigate the potential for re-planning these areas for alternative uses such as commercial, office and hotel uses, logistics uses, high technology industry uses, residential use, etc. According to the latest information from the project website, the feasibility study commenced in May 2013 and is anticipated for completion in 2015, however the future development proposal is yet to be determined. Given that insufficient information is available at this stage, this project cannot be considered as a concurrent project and cumulative impacts will not be assessed.

¡ Cycle Track between Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun - This project aims to provide a cycle track between Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun together with associated supporting and recreational facilities. According to latest information published by the project proponent on this project, the project is currently undergoing detailed design, which is estimated to be completed in phases from mid-2014 to 2015, and the programme of construction works could only be finalised upon completion of the detailed design work. Given that the construction programme is unconfirmed, this project cannot be assessed for cumulative construction phase impacts.

15.4.6.2 The concurrent projects which fall within the 500 m landscape study area, therefore relating to the landscape impact assessment, have been identified below. These projects, identified below, are discussed in detail in Section 15.4.6.1 above, and are indicated on Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-011. The landscape impacts of these concurrent projects are taken into account in the cumulative assessment.

¡ Tung Chung New Town Extension Study (partial);

¡ New Contaminated Mud Marine Disposal Facility at East Sha Chau (partial);

¡ Intermodal Transfer Terminus;

¡ The North Commercial District.

15.4.7 Photomontages

15.4.7.1 Representative views from various locations have been selected to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed impact mitigation proposal and residual impacts of the development in both short and long terms. Photomontages illustrating the proposed works and the recommended mitigation measures as well as the confirmed projects and mitigation measures are listed in Section 15.7.4. The locations of the selected viewpoints are indicated in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-010 with the viewpoints illustrated in Drawings MCL/P132/EIA/15-017.1 to MCL/P132/EIA/15-026.2. The photomontages illustrate the proposed development under the following scenarios:

¡ Existing Baseline Conditions in June 2013;

¡ Planned Baseline Conditions in 2016 before commencement of the 3RS (with committed and approved projects: HKBCF, HKLR, Southern Connection of the TM-CLKL, Residential/Commercial Development at Tung Chung (Area 55a), Residential Development at Tung Chung (Area 55b) and Public Rental Housing (PRH) Development at Tung Chung (Area 56));

¡ Day 1 of completed works without mitigation measures;

¡ Day 1 of the completed works with mitigation measures; and

¡ The completed works with mitigation after 10 years.

15.5 Baseline Conditions

15.5.1 Landscape and Visual Study Area

15.5.1.1 Chek Lap Kok was an island in the western waters of Hong Kong. Together with the smaller Lam Chau, it was levelled and merged via land formation into the 12.48 km² platform for the current HKIA, which opened for commercial operations in 1998. The island is located north of Lantau Island off Ma Wan Chung and Tung Chung. The southern end of the Chek Lap Kok forms a small peninsula, which has been left largely undeveloped. This area is facing Tung Chung and is now named "Scenic Hill". It is the site of the Ancient Kiln Park and the Chek Lap Kok Angle Station of the Ngong Ping 360 cable car.

15.5.1.2 Chek Lap Kok is located north of Tung Chung, which is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island. Tung Chung was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma Wan Chung in the north-western coast of Lantau Island developed as part of the Airport Core Programme.

15.5.1.3 Located south of Chek Lap Kok is Lantau Island which encompasses a land mass of 147 km², it is the largest island in Hong Kong, almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island. Lantau Island primarily consists of mountainous terrain. Lantau Peak (934 m) is the highest point of the island. It is the second highest in Hong Kong, after Tai Mo Shan, and is almost twice the height of Victoria Peak. Other mountains include Sunset Peak (869 m), Lin Fa Shan (766 m), Nei Lak Shan (751 m) and Yi Tung Shan (747 m). The largest country park of Hong Kong, Lantau South Country Park is located on the island, which hosts two other parks, namely Lantau North Country Park and its extension. These parks cover slightly more than half of the area of Lantau Island.

15.5.1.4 Located across Urmston Road is Castle Peak, Tai Lam Country Park and the town of Tuen Mun. Castle Peak is a 583 m high peak in the western New Territories of Hong Kong. The area to the west of the hill was also named Castle Peak. It is an industrial area with several power plants owned by CLP. Tai Lam Country Park, is a country park located in the Tai Lam, at the south of Yuen Long and east of Tuen Mun, in the western New Territories of Hong Kong. This country park has an area of 54 km². Tuen Mun is a town near the mouth of Tuen Mun River and Castle Peak Bay in the New Territories. It was one of the earliest settlements in Hong Kong which can be dated back to the Neolithic period. Tuen Mun is now a modern mainly residential area in north-west New Territories.

15.5.2 Committed and Approved Projects under Construction

15.5.2.1 In accordance with EIAO Guidance Note 8/2010 (paragraph 3.7(a)) approved projects to be completed before commencement of the 3RS, should form part of the baseline conditions. Therefore, the landscape and visual outcomes of approved projects currently under construction, including HKBCF, HKLR Southern Connection of TM-CLKL, Residential / Commercial Development at Tung Chung (Area 55a), Residential Development at Tung Chung (Area 55b) and Public Rental Housing (PRH) Development at Tung Chung (Area 56) are included as part of the baseline conditions for the 3RS as the aforementioned projects would be completed before commencement of construction for the 3RS in 2016.

15.5.2.2 For ease of understanding, the baseline study describes what will be in existence once the current approved and committed projects already under construction are completed. It is upon that baseline that the impacts of future construction and operation of the 3RS will be felt, and it is the 3RS’s impact on that baseline that are assessed, quantitatively and qualitatively, in this LVIA.

15.5.2.3 A review of the current land-uses within the study area is outlined below in Section 15.5.3. The existing LRs and LCAs within the study area have been identified and described in Sections 15.5.4 and 15.5.5. The sensitivities of the LRs and LCAs have been summarised in Table 15.2 and Table 15.3.

15.5.3 Review of Current Land-Uses within the Assessment Area

15.5.3.1 A review has been undertaken of the current land-use and marine park designations within the landscape study area. The relevant OZPs for the project works are the Chek Lap Kok Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-CLK/12 and Tung Chung Town Centre Area Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-TCTC/18 extracts of which is shown in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-002.

Chek Lap Kok Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-CLK/12

15.5.3.2 The object of the plan is to specify the broad land use zonings and major transport network for Chek Lap Kok and the HZMB and HKBCF so any development will be under statutory planning control.

15.5.3.3 The following describes the land use zonings on land falling within the boundaries of the plan which are always permitted and which may be permitted by the Town Planning Board, with or without conditions on application.

¡ Other Specified Uses (“OU”): This zoning covers land for a number of specified uses. These fall under the following specific areas as outlined below;

- Airport; intended for the development of airport operational facilities;

- Airport Service Area; indented for the development of airport support facilities to facilitate the operation of the airport;

- Boundary Crossing Facilities; intended for the development of boundary crossing facilities and related activities for the HZMB;

- Business Park; intended for the business activities relating to the airport;

- Highways Maintenance Area; intended to designate areas for the provisions of backup area for operations and maintenance of HKLR;

- Pier; intended to designate land for piers to facilitate marine access to Chek Lap Kok;

- Satellite Control Building; intended to reserve land for the development of a satellite control building;

- Sea Rescue Station; intended primarily to reserve land for the reprovisioning of the existing Fire Services Department East Sea Rescue Facilities. The existing facilities will be affected by the proposed automated people mover associated with HKBCF;

- Ventilation Building; to reserve land for the development of a ventilation building associated with the TM-CLKL;

- Amenity Area; designated land for major roadside amenity areas and landscape buffers. This includes the areas between the Dragonair Tower and China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC) Tower and the proposed carriageway from HKBCF and HKLR.

¡ Commercial (“C”): Intended for airport related activities as well as other commercial developments and business activities. This area is primarily focused in the north eastern portion of Chek Lap Kok where the aim is to provide an aesthetically pleasant environment for airport related enterprises and other business activities. Other supporting facilities in this zone include hotels, offices, retail, exhibition centre, and recreational. A large portion of this area is taken up by transport infrastructure including public car parks, terminal buildings and the Airport Express Line Station. This zoning currently occupies 118.8 ha within the current OZP.

¡ Government, Institutional or Community (“G/IC”): Intended for the provision of Government, institution, or community facilities to support any airport operations and serve the needs of other developments on Chek Lap Kok. Existing facilities within this zone include the Government flying services centre, fire station, police complex and airmail centre. This zone currently occupies 12.30 ha within the current OZP.

¡ Green Belt (“GB”): The planning intention for this zone is to preserve the existing natural landscape at the knoll at the south eastern point of the Chek Lap Kok to provide a visual and environmental buffer for the adjacent new town development of Tung Chung. The zone also holds the purpose of providing a passive recreational outlet.

¡ Cultural Heritage Site: A cultural heritage site (Ha Law Wan Site of Archaeological Interest) is located north of Scenic Hill with ancient kilns dated back to Yuan Dynasty. It is noted that the site has been deemed worthy of preservation.

Tung Chung Town Centre Area Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-TCTC/18

15.5.3.4 The object of the plan is to specify the broad land use zonings and major transport networks so that development within the area can be put under statutory planning control.

15.5.3.5 The following describes the land use zonings on land falling within the boundaries of the plan which are always permitted and which may be permitted by the Town Planning Board, with or without conditions on application.

¡ Open space (“O”): Intended primarily for the provision of open-air public space for active and/or passive recreational uses serving the need of local residents as well as the general public. In addition to other areas, the zone also covers the waterfront open spaces in Areas 52 and 59 including a prestigious waterfront promenade which will be extended to the east to Tai Ho and to the west, Tung Chung West in the future. It also covers the open space links and other open spaces at Areas 7, 16, and 18 which serve as environmental buffers for the North Lantau Highway (NLH) and other major roads. This zone currently occupies 55.70 ha within the current OZP.

¡ Comprehensive Development Area (“CDA”): Intended for comprehensive development / redevelopment of the area for residential and commercial uses with the provision of open space and other supporting facilities which may include offices, shop and services, places of entertainment, eating places and hotels, functioning as the economic centre in the town centre. This zoning currently occupies 2.14 ha within the current OZP.

¡ Government, Institutional or Community (“G/IC”): Intended for the provision of Government, institution, or community facilities to support the needs of the local residents and/or wider district region or the territory. It is also intended to provide land for uses directly related to Government, organisation providing social services to meet community needs and other institutional establishments. This zone currently occupies 22.32 ha within the current OZP.

¡ Other Specified Uses (“OU”): This zoning denotes land allocated or reserved for specified uses including railway ventilation and other associated plants to the north east of the Tung Chung MTR Station, sewage pumping station in Area 12, proposed ferry pier in Area 50, two proposed petrol filling stations in Area 58, a traction substation in Area 58, and a cable car portal and its related commercial development in Area 2. This zone currently occupies 2.86 ha within the current OZP.

¡ Commercial (“C”): Intended for commercial oriented developments which may include land uses such as offices, shop and services, places of entertainment, eating places and hotels, functioning as the economic centre in the town centre. This zoning currently occupies 2.14 ha within the current OZP.

¡ Green Belt (“GB”): The planning intention for this zone is to primarily define the limits of the urban and suburban development areas by natural features and to preserve existing topography and natural vegetation at the fringe of the new town as well as to provide passive recreational outlets. This zone does not feature within the proposed 500 m landscape study area of this project.

Designated Marine Parks and Marine Reserves

15.5.3.6 The Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park is situated in the open water on the western side of Hong Kong. This marine park was designated on 22 November 1996. It covers a total sea area of about 1,200 ha. The boundary is demarcated by yellow light buoys deployed at the corners of the marine park. The landward boundary largely follows the high water mark along the coastline of the islands.

¡ Section 21, Clause (1) of the Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap 476) states: the Authority may approve in writing the carrying out of any work for the purposes of inspecting or repairing any existing structure or facility within any marine park or marine reserve and may, after seeking the advice of the Board, approve the carrying out of any new development within any marine park or marine reserve, where he considers it to be in the public interest to do so, and may impose any conditions on granting the approval.

¡ Section 21, Clause (2) states: Sections 10 and 11 shall, with necessary modifications, apply in respect of an application for approval to carry out any work or new development referred to in subsection (1) within a marine park or marine reserve.

Hong Kong 2030 Planning Vision and Strategy Final Report

15.5.3.7 The necessity for the 3RS is described in the Hong Kong 2030 Planning Vision and Strategy Final Report which concludes that it recognises the importance of the continual development of HKIA as key in sustaining Hong Kong’s economic growth and priority needs to be given in strengthening this sector of development.

Other Relevant Studies, Guidelines and Manuals

- Urban Design Guidelines and Standards Manual for New Airport at Chek Lap Kok;

- SkyCity Masterplan Urban Design Guidelines;

- SkyCity landscape Masterplan;

- Tung Chung New Town Development Study;

- Revised Concept Plan for Lantau;

- Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL);

- Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge, Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities – Investigation;

- Tung Chung New Town Development Extension Study;

- Planning and Engineering Study on the Remaining Development in Tung Chung - Feasibility Study; and

- Dredging, Management and Capping of Contaminated Sediment Disposal Facility to the South of The Brothers

Conclusion

15.5.3.8 It is concluded that there is no conflict between the proposed 3RS and the current relevant planning and development control framework for existing land, as the proposed development is consistent with the current designated land uses on existing land. There is also no conflict with existing land zoned Green Belt and Open Space as the predicted extent of area of works does not encroach into the aforementioned land zonings. However, Town Planning Ordinance approvals and Foreshore and Sea-bed (reclamations) Ordinance approvals will be required for the proposed land formation within the major works components of the 3RS. Furthermore, under section 10 of the Marine Parks Ordinance, approval has to be sought for any development within a marine park. Section 10 of the Marine Parks Ordinance States “An application for approval by the Authority under Section 9 to carry out new development shall be made to the Authority in writing which application shall include details of the proposal for the new development.”.

15.5.4 Landscape Resources

15.5.4.1 The baseline LRs that will be affected during the construction phase and operation phase, together with their sensitivity to change, are described below. The locations of the LRs are mapped in Drawings MCL/P132/EIA/15-003.1, MCL/P132/EIA/15-003.2, MCL/P132/EIA/15-003.3, MCL/P132/EIA/15-003.4 and MCL/P132/EIA/15-007. Photo-views illustrating the LRs of the study area are illustrated in Drawings MCL/P132/EIA/15-005.1, MCL/P132/EIA/15-005.2 and MCL/P132/EIA/15-009. For ease of reference and co-ordination between text, tables and drawings, each LR is given an identity number. The below listed LRs represent the baseline condition after completion of the approved committed projects. This includes new landscape elements such as compensatory planting which is planned to be implemented as part of the approved committed projects and will in fact exist during commencement of the 3RS so will therefore form part of the baseline condition for the 3RS, except for minor advanced works that are targeted to commence in 2015.

CLK/LR1 - Coastal Waters of North Lantau

15.5.4.2 The seawater body forms part of the coastal waters of North Lantau and is a valuable resource contributing to the unique waterfront setting of Tung Chung. These Coastal Waters surrounding Chek Lap Kok are an important recreational resource as they are frequented by commercial and pleasure craft marine traffic. Given the regional importance and physical characteristics of this landscape the sensitivity given is High.

15.5.4.3 After implementation of the approved committed projects, a loss of approximately 60 ha of coastal waters will occur resulting in an area of approximately 12,000 ha for this resource.

CLK/LR2 – Grass / Turf Areas around Runways and Verges

15.5.4.4 These are the large, flat, low-lying grass areas which have been established around the primary airport infrastructure, runway network and roadside areas on Chek Lap Kok. A continuous band of grass approximately 100 m wide abuts the northern land formation edge and continues around a portion of both the eastern and western extents of the North Runway. Given the nature of the LR its subsequent high tolerance to change, the sensitivity given is Low.

15.5.4.5 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the implementation of the approved committed projects.

CLK/LR3 – Landscaped Areas Around Existing Airport Buildings

15.5.4.6 These areas include the water features and soft landscape areas around the existing buildings on airport island. These areas are primarily situated along vehicle / pedestrian access ways, along private roads and around the perimeter of the buildings. Landscaped areas consist of amenity water features, ground covers, low shrub planting, small size semi mature trees and broad leaf vegetation. Species assessed include Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata', Ixora stricta, Callistemon viminalis, Cassia surattensis, Bauhinia spp., Roystonea regia, Casuarina equisetifolia, Calliandra haematocephala, Lagerstroemia indica, Lantana montevidensis, Agave americana, and Hibiscus spp. Much of the planting is relatively young and can be relatively easily replaced to a similar state; however semi-mature tree species do exist throughout the area. Given the quality of the LR, relative maturity of particular species and ability to accommodate some change, the sensitivity is considered Low.

15.5.4.7 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the implementation of the approved committed projects.

CLK/LR4a - Roadside Vegetation – Amenity Planting

15.5.4.8 A planting theme has been implemented for amenity planting throughout the commercial areas and associated airport facilities alongside major roads and access routes of Chek Lap Kok. Amenity areas consist of low hedges defining planting areas with large grassed areas, groundcovers, small shrubs, ornamental palms and small semi mature trees. Species identified include Ixora stricta, Albizia lebbeck, Casuarina equisetifolia, Acacia confusa, Acacia mangium, Cassia siamea, Dalbergia odorifera, Grevillea robusta, Leucaena leucocephala, Delonix regia, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Litsea glutinosa, Macaranga tanarius, Melia azedarach, Phoenix roebelenii, Plumeria rubra, Roystonea regia, Calliandra haematocephala, Duranta repens 'Golden Leaves', Bougainvillea spp., Cycas revoluta, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Ravenala madagascariensis, Archontophoenix alexandrae, Acacia auriculiformis, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Ficus microcarpa 'Golden Yellow', Ficus benjamina, Bauhinia spp., Cocos nucifera, and Nerium spp. Planting arrangements are featured on roundabouts, traffic islands, median strips and along pedestrian footways. Much of the planting is relatively young and can be relatively easily replaced to a similar state; however semi-mature tree species do exist throughout the area. Given the quality of the LR, relative maturity of particular species and ability to accommodate some change, the sensitivity is considered Medium.

15.5.4.9 It is anticipated that the construction of infrastructure associated with HKBCF, located adjacent to Airport Road, would result in loss of approximately 2 ha of existing roadside vegetation. The existing landscape resource is approximately 57 ha. Similarly construction of HKLR along the Chek Lap Kok South Road would result in loss of approximately 2 ha of existing roadside vegetation. After the implementation of the approved committed projects, the area of this landscape resource would be reduced to approximately 53 ha for this resource. However, landscape and visual mitigation measures, including amenity roadside planting and screen planting will be implemented under those projects.

CLK/LR4b - Roadside Vegetation on Modified Slopes

15.5.4.10 Vegetation is predominantly located on slopes at the Airport North Interchange. Both self-seeded and planted native and exotic woodland species such as Hibiscus tiliaceus, Pinus elliottii, Leucaena leucocephala, Thevetia peruviana, Bauhinia spp., Acacia confusa, Acacia mangium, Nerium spp., and Agave americana occupy the engineered slopes around the highway infrastructure. The sensitivity of this vegetation is considered Low as it is predominantly incidental, of common species and of low quality.

15.5.4.11 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the implementation of the approved committed projects.

CLK/LR5 - Natural Coastline

15.5.4.12 The natural coastline features at a variety of locations on both the south eastern point of Chek Lap Kok and Lantau Island accommodating a varying degree of human disturbance. An almost continuous band of natural coastline exists to the west of Tung Chung Bay to Sha Lo Wan interrupted briefly by piers and jetties. The Southern coastline of Scenic Hill adjoins the designated Green Belt under the current OZP (No. S/I-CLK/12). Natural coastline also features along the eastern edge of Tung Chung Bay and the north eastern tip of Chek Lap Kok. Due to the quality and natural status, its regional importance, and low tolerance to change, the sensitivity given is High.

15.5.4.13 The existing landscape resource is approximately 9,950 linear metres. After the implementation of the approved committed projects, a loss of approximately 1,650 linear metres of coastal waters will occur resulting in 8,300 linear metres for this resource.

CLK/LR6 – Amenity / Compensatory Planting on HKBCF/HKLR

15.5.4.14 Following the completion of HKLR and HKBCF programmed for 2016 (ref. Government Contract Nos. HY/2011/03 and HY/2011/09) this resource will comprise of amenity roadside planting and landscaped areas / environmental buffers including hydroseeding and peripheral planting. Given the recent instalment of the landscape treatment and relative ease of replacement there is a high ability for this landscape resource to accommodate change. Sensitivity: Low.

15.5.4.15 After the implementation of the committed and approved projects the entire existing resource grassland / scrub on coastal edge, encompassing 6 ha, would be lost.

CLK/LR7 - Streams

15.5.4.16 A number of small streams have been identified within and around the villages of Tin Sam, Kau Liu and San Tau. The streams originate and fall within the vegetated hillsides of Lantau North Country Park. The streams are seasonal or of very low base flow. Given the natural landscape status and local importance the sensitivity given is Medium.

15.5.4.17 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the implementation of the approved committed projects.

CLK/LR8 - Agricultural Land

15.5.4.18 Agricultural land within the villages of San Tau is comprised of various areas of active and inactive agricultural land with farms and fish ponds. Though this LR accommodates a degree of human disturbance, semi-mature tree species do exist throughout the area, the sensitivity is considered Medium.

15.5.4.19 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the implementation of the approved committed projects.

CLK/LR9 - Natural Rocky and Sandy Shore with Mangrove/Mudflat

15.5.4.20 This is a stretch of natural shoreline containing natural rocks, mudflats, mangroves and dense coastal vegetation. The LR includes the San Tau Beach which holds Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status largely due to the ecological value with rare seagrass species. Mangrove species include Aegiceras corniculatum, and Avicennia marina. Given the natural landscape status, rarity, regional importance and quality of the LR, the sensitivity to change is considered High.

15.5.4.21 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the implementation of the approved committed projects.

CLK/LR10a - Coastal Woodland and Scrubland on North Lantau

15.5.4.22 This is woodland and scrubland that covers the coastal hillsides on Lantau Island facing towards Chek Lap Kok. This LR falls within the designated Lantau North Country Park. Dominant species comprise Mallotus paniculatus, Thevetia peruviana, Acacia confusa, Macaranga tanarius, Bauhinia spp., Celtis sinensis, Acacia mangium, Calliandra haematocephala, Dicranopteris linearis, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, and Pinus elliottii. Given the relatively natural landscape status, regional importance, and low tolerance to change, the sensitivity is considered High.

15.5.4.23 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the implementation of the approved committed projects.

CLK/LR10b - Coastal Woodland and Scrubland on Scenic Hill

15.5.4.24 This is the various forms of vegetation that cover the slopes of Scenic Hill. This area is designated Green Belt under the current OZP (No. S/I-CLK/12). Dominant species comprise Mallotus paniculatus, Thevetia peruviana, Acacia confusa, Macaranga tanarius, Bauhinia spp., Celtis sinensis, Acacia mangium, Calliandra haematocephala, Dicranopteris linearis, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, and Pinus elliottii. Given the relatively natural landscape status, regional importance and low tolerance to change, the sensitivity is considered High.

15.5.4.25 The existing landscape resource is approximately 21 ha. After the implementation of the approved committed projects, a loss of approximately 2 ha of coastal woodland and scrubland of Scenic hill will occur resulting in an area of 19 ha for this resource.

CLK/LR11 - Amenity Planting in Urban Park

15.5.4.26 Amenity planting within the public parks of Tung Chung features a selection of species such as Hibiscus tiliaceus, Livistona chinensis, Bauhinia spp., Calliandra haematocephala, Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. Cumingiana, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Pongamia pinnata, Acacia auriculiformis, Ixora spp., Schefflera arboricola, Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri', Ficus microcarpa 'Golden Yellow', and Rhododendron spp. Much of the planting is relatively young and can be relatively easily replaced to a similar state; however semi-mature tree species do exist throughout the area. Given the quality of the LR, relative maturity of particular species and ability to accommodate some change, the sensitivity is considered Medium.

15.5.4.27 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the implementation of the approved committed projects.

CLK/LR12 – Grassland / Scrub on Vacant Land

15.5.4.28 Vacant lots are currently in existence on Chek Lap Kok and in Tung Chung. These areas are generally devoid of LRs and accommodate temporary land use including open storage and car parking. These spaces are generally covered in self-seeded vegetation comprising of low growing opportunistic scrub and grass species, with occasional residual ornamental plants from previous uses. Species include Lantana camara, Leucaena leucocephala, Roystonea regia, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Wedelia trilobata, Chloris spp., Melinis spp., and Cerbera manghas. The sensitivity of this vegetation is considered Low as it is predominantly of common species and low quality.

15.5.4.29 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the implementation of the approved committed projects.

CLK/LR13 – Artificial / Man–made Coastline

15.5.4.30 An artificial coastline of approximately 17,000 m surrounds the majority of Chek Lap Kok and Tung Chung. This engineered coastline consists of loose quarried armour rock which forms the edge of the land formation where it meets the North Lantau coastal waters. Given this resource has no natural landscape status or regional importance and accommodates a high tolerance to change, the sensitivity is Low.

15.5.4.31 The existing landscape resource is approximately 17,000 linear metres. After the implementation of the approved committed projects, artificial / man–made coastline will increase to 24,000 linear metres for this resource.

SC/LR1 - Natural Rocky Coastline of Sha Chau Islands

15.5.4.32 The remote Sha Chau islands both present natural rocky coastlines of approximately 1,250 m. Sheung Sha Chau Island (north of Sha Chau Island) features a continuous rocky coastline around the circumference of the island, totalling approximately 900 m, which is briefly interrupted by the existing Sha Chau jetty to the east. The rocky coastline of Sheung Sha Chau Island is peppered with large boulders with occasional rocky outcrops appearing just off the coastal edge. Sha Chau Island is located approximately 250 m south of Sheung Sha Chau Island. The landscape study area captures the northern most portion of the island where rocky coastlines are present around the small knolls and rocky outcrops. The sensitivity given is High.

15.5.4.33 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the implementation of the approved committed projects.

SC/LR2 - Natural Vegetation on Sha Chau Islands

15.5.4.34 Both islands are heavily covered with naturally established and opportunistic vegetation. Sheung Sha Chau Island topography stems from a singular landform consisting of two distinguished hills rising steadily from the coastline to approximately +50 mPD. The entire island is heavily covered with vegetation. The northern portion of Sha Chau Island features two vegetated knolls less than +20 mPD separated by a low elevated area vegetated to the shoreline. The northern portion of the island is separated from the main landform by a large sandbar which becomes submerged at high tide. Vegetation on the Sha Chau islands includes Hibiscus tiliaceus, Phoenix hanceana, Scaevola taccada, Pandanus tectorius, Ficus superba var. japonica, Wedelia chinensis, Gordonia axillaris, Schefflera heptaphylla, Dicranopteris linearis, Litsea glutinosa, Lantana camara, Casuarina equisetifolia, Bridelia tomentosa, Terminalia catappa, Cerbera manghas, Rhaphiolepis indica, Cassytha filiformis, and Alpinia zerumbet. The sensitivity given is High.

15.5.4.35 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the implementation of the approved committed projects.

SC/LR3 - Coastal Waters of Sha Chau Islands

15.5.4.36 This resource comprises the coastal waters surrounding Sha Chau islands. These waters were designated as the SCLKC Marine Park in 1996 by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The Marine Park covers a total sea area of about 1,200 ha. The boundary is demarcated by yellow light buoys deployed at the corners of the Marine Park. The sensitivity given is High.

15.5.4.37 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the implementation of the approved committed projects.

SC/LR4 – Natural Sandy Coastline of Sha Chau Island

15.5.4.38 Approximately 600 m of sandy coastline feature around the northern portion of Sha Chau Island. These areas are particularly present on the east and western shorelines between the two knolls featuring on this area of the island. In addition, a large sandbar (approximately 140 linear metres) also connects the northern portion to the main landform of the island which becomes submerged for a short period of time at high tide. Any changes to this LR would likely be irreversible therefore the sensitivity given is High.

15.5.4.39 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the implementation of the approved committed projects.

15.5.4.40 The sensitivities for the LRs identified for Chek Lap Kok and Sha Chau islands are summarised in Table 15.2 below.

Table 15.2: Landscape Resources

Ref. ID.	Description	Sensitivity to Change (Low, Medium, High)
CLK/LR1	Coastal waters of North Lantau Baseline: approx. 12,000 ha	High
CLK/LR2	Grass / turf areas around runways and verges Baseline: 260 ha	Low
CLK/LR3	Landscaped areas around existing airport buildings Baseline: 4.5 ha	Low
CLK/LR4a	Roadside vegetation – Amenity Planting Baseline: 53 ha	Medium
CLK/LR4b	Roadside vegetation on modified slopes Baseline : 5 ha	Low
CLK/LR5	Natural coastline Baseline: 8,300 lm	High
CLK/LR6	Amenity / compensatory planting on HKBCF / HKLR Baseline: 40 ha	Low
CLK/LR7	Stream Baseline: 1,100 lm	Medium
CLK/LR8	Agricultural land Baseline: 1 ha	Medium
CLK/LR9	Natural rocky and sandy shore with mangrove / mudflat Baseline: 3 ha	High
CLK/LR10a	Coastal woodland and scrubland on North Lantau Baseline: 50 ha	High
CLK/LR10b	Coastal woodland and scrubland on Scenic Hill Baseline: 19 ha	High
CLK/LR11	Amenity planting in urban park Baseline: 4 ha	Medium
CLK/LR12	Grassland / scrub on vacant land Baseline: 114 ha	Low
CLK/LR13	Artificial / man-made coastline Baseline: 17,000 m	Low
SC/LR1	Natural rocky coastline of Sha Chau islands Baseline: 1,250 lm	High
SC/LR2	Natural vegetation on Sha Chau islands Baseline: 10 ha	High
SC/LR3	Coastal waters of Sha Chau islands Baseline: 165 ha	High
SC/LR4	Natural sandy coastline of Sha Chau Island Baseline: 600 m	High

15.5.5 Landscape Character Areas

15.5.5.1 Several LCAs have been identified within the study area based on the ‘Landscape Value Map of Hong Kong’ study. These areas, and their sensitivity to change, are described below. The locations of the LCAs are indicated on Drawings MCL/P132/EIA/15-004 and MCL/P132/EIA/15-008. Photo-views illustrating the LCAs within the study area are illustrated in Drawings MCL/P132/EIA/15-006 and MCL/P132/EIA/15-009. For ease of reference and co-ordination between text, tables and drawings each LCA is given an identity number. The below listed LCA’s represent the baseline condition after completion of the approved committed projects.

CLK/LCA1 - Airport Landscape

15.5.5.2 This extensive LCA consists of a flat, open and an expansive reclaimed landscape comprising airport runways, taxiways, grass verges, and the terminal complex. The landscape also contains a significant number of associated low and medium-rise out-buildings, offices and related facilities surrounding the airport and its complex, all connected by roads and highways. Other than grass, vegetation is limited to ornamental tree and shrub planting along access roads and areas around buildings. The result is a landscape characterised by its visual openness and expansive large scale, airport activity and artificial character. Sensitivity: Low.

15.5.5.3 After the implementation of the approved committed projects, a loss of approximately 3 ha of airport landscape will occur resulting in an area of 1,100 ha for this character area.

CLK/LCA2- Inshore Water Landscape

15.5.5.4 These are areas of coastal water to the north, east and west of Chek Lap Kok. The character area is partially enclosed by surrounding landmasses including Lantau Island and the south west coast of the New Territories, as well as Lung Kwu Chau and the Sha Chau islands which create a limited sense of enclosure or containment. While the landscape is characterised predominantly by the horizontality and muted hues of the coastal waters, the landscape also includes ferry traffic as well as other waterborne recreational and commercial activity. The result is a largely open and natural landscape which is interspersed human features and activities. Sensitivity: High.

15.5.5.5 After the implementation of the approved committed projects, a loss of approximately 60 ha of inshore water landscape will occur resulting in an area of approximately 12,000 ha for this character area.

CLK/LCA3 - Strait Landscape

15.5.5.6 This area of inshore coastal waters is framed by artificial seawall of Chek Lap Kok to the north and the natural coastline of Sha Lo Wan and Tung Chung to the south. The landscape is characterised predominantly by the surrounding landforms and the neutral tones of the sheltered coastal waters. These features produce a natural marine landscape with a distinct sense of enclosure, characterised by the coastal edge and features of marine activities. The natural rocky and sandy shore with mangrove / mudflat of San Tau (CLK/LR9) holds SSSI status largely due to the ecological value with rare seagrass species. As a consequence of the artificial northern edge of the landscape, the planned presence of the HKLR within the LCA and narrow linear shape, the character area has some ability to accommodate change without compromising its existing nature. Sensitivity: Medium.

15.5.5.7 After the implementation of the approved committed projects, a loss of approximately 3 ha of strait landscape will occur resulting in an area of 170 ha for this character area.

CLK/LCA4a - Coastal Upland and Hillside Landscape – Sha Lo Wan

15.5.5.8 This landscape area is located on the northern slopes of Sha Lo Wan, east of Tung Chung. The upland landscape of Sha Lo Wan consists of hillsides, knolls, ridges and spurs and is covered in scrub and grassy vegetation with occasional rocky outcrops. Woodland is found on the lower slopes where seasonal rocky streams travel down the hillsides. This portion of the LR falls within the Lantau North Country Park boundary and abuts the SSSI of San Tau beach. Due to the location, the landscape contains few human features other than footpaths and power lines, and possesses a remote character. The hillside landscape offers significant views from Lantau Island. At the base, the hillsides accommodate rocky coasts, sandy bays or cliffs. Given the regional importance, the quality of the LCA and low tolerance to accommodate change the sensitivity given is High.

15.5.5.9 After the implementation of the approved committed projects, a loss of approximately 1 ha of coastal upland and hillside landscape – Sha Lo Wan will occur resulting in an area of 35 ha for this character area.

CLK/LCA4b - Coastal Upland and Hillside Landscape – Scenic Hill

15.5.5.10 This landscape area encompasses the last remaining area of natural hillside of the original Chek Lap Kok. The upland landscape of Scenic Hill consists of hillsides, knolls, ridges and spurs and is covered in scrub and grassy vegetation with occasional rocky outcrops. Scrubland is found on the lower slopes to the south where natural rocky coastline can be found whereas to the north coastal woodland exists. At the peak of Scenic Hill a viewing pavilion allows for distant sightlines and panoramic views of Chek Lap Kok and Tung Chung. This area is designated Green Belt under the current OZP (No. S/I-CLK/12). Sensitivity: High.

15.5.5.11 After the implementation of the approved committed projects, a loss of approximately 2 ha of coastal upland and hillside landscape – Scenic Hill will occur resulting in an area of 24 ha for this character area.

CLK/LCA5 - Mixed Modern Comprehensive Development Landscape

15.5.5.12 The built area of Tung Chung supports an urban landscape developed systematically in recent years. Located primarily on reclaimed land, the landscape is defined by its combination of land uses including open spaces, an assembly of commercial, retail and residential towers linked by roads and highway infrastructure also serving Chek Lap Kok. The landscape is characterised by the predominance of man-made resources and by its varied character of man-made and natural features of often differing forms, scales and colours. The result is a somewhat incoherent landscape in various stages of development and establishment. Sensitivity: Low.

15.5.5.13 This LCA is not anticipated to be impacted by the implementation of the approved committed projects.

CLK/LCA6 - Rural Coastal Plain Landscape

15.5.5.14 This flat lowland vegetated landscape sits between the predominant hillsides of Lantau Island and the inshore waters around Tung Chung Bay. Descending towards the bay, the landscape shows signs of land formation from the sea over time as a result of various degrees of human occupation. The natural rocky and sandy shore with mangrove / mudflat of San Tau (CLK/LR9) holds SSSI status largely due to the ecological value with rare seagrass species. Small villages are scattered within the fabric of the landscape set back from the coastal edge, connected by winding lanes sided by thickets of vegetation. A handful of rock bedded streams flow from the higher ground within shallow valleys, before entering the sea primarily via fabricated outlets. Sensitivity: High.

15.5.5.15 This LCA is not anticipated to be impacted by the implementation of the approved committed projects.

CLK/LCA7 - Transportation Corridor Landscape

15.5.5.16 The landscape extends along the transportation corridor on the eastern edge of Chek Lap Kok and includes the infrastructure associated with HKBCF which extends along the south coast of Chek Lap Kok. The primary features are the railway, highway and local roads. This linear landscape includes flyovers, roundabouts, signage gantries, traffic islands, and footbridges as well as miscellaneous roadside land uses. Between the roads and railway are landscaped embankments with semi-mature vegetation including trees and shrubs. Sensitivity: Low.

15.5.5.17 After the implementation of the approved committed projects, an increase of approximately 60 ha of transportation corridor landscape will occur resulting in an area of 225 ha for this character area.

CLK/LCA8 - On-going Major Development Landscape

15.5.5.18 Located to the east of Terminal 2 (T2), on the site of the temporary golf course planned to be decommissioned due to the future NCD development, this LCA is surrounded by various airport facilities and infrastructure. At the time of the 3RS construction, this will be a transitional landscape awaiting or undergoing construction and redevelopment. The land will be characterised by flat, low-lying topography, stripped of significant vegetation or significant built structures and will include major construction activity such as cranes or other construction machinery involved in the construction of the NCD development . As this landscape has an indeterminate status with on-going disturbance, the landscape will have a desolate and transient character and a Low sensitivity to change.

15.5.5.19 This LCA is not anticipated to be impacted by the implementation of the approved committed projects.

SC/LCA1 - Island Landscape

15.5.5.20 Lying offshore from the main landmass of Hong Kong, the Sha Chau islands are located in the north Lantau waters within the SCLKC Marine Park, and forms part of the Lung Kwu Chau, Tree Island and Sha Chau SSSI. The islands are rocky and steep in nature and are entirely covered in shrub and grass vegetation. Sheung Sha Chau Island contains no human features or access apart from the connection to the Sha Chau jetty. Sha Chau Island, located 250 m south of Sheung Sha Chau Island, contains a handful of human features. These include a Tin Hau Temple, an Approach Surveillance Radar and a Secondary Surveillance Radar for air traffic control. Isolated and exposed, the island landscape is particularly notable for its remote character. Sensitivity: High.

15.5.5.21 This LCA is not anticipated to be impacted by the implementation of the approved committed projects.

SC/LCA2 - Sha Chau Islands Inshore Water Landscape

15.5.5.22 These are areas of coastal waters surrounding the Sha Chau islands. The Sha Chau jetty (on Sheung Sha Chau Island) may be visited by fuel tankers servicing the airport. The character area of the landscape is sheltered by the adjacent islands and rocky outcrops. The landscape is characterized by its isolated location and muted hues of the coastal waters. Due to its Marine Park status, the limited number of marine vessels visiting the area (due to restrictions on marine traffic) heightens the impression of an isolated setting with few human interruptions. Sensitivity: High.

15.5.5.23 This LCA is not anticipated to be impacted by the implementation of the approved committed projects.

15.5.5.24 The sensitivities for the LCAs identified for Chek Lap Kok and Sha Chau islands are summarised in Table 15.3 below.

Table 15.3: Landscape Character Areas

Ref. ID.	Description	Sensitivity to Change (Low, Medium, High)
CLK/LCA1	Airport landscape Baseline: 1,100 ha	Low
CLK/LCA2	Inshore water landscape Baseline: Coastal waters of North Lantau (Approx. 12,000 ha)	High
CLK/LCA3	Strait landscape Baseline: 170 ha	Medium
CLK/LCA4A	Coastal upland and hillside landscape – Sha Lo Wan Baseline: 35 ha	High
CLK/LCA4B	Coastal upland and hillside landscape – Scenic Hill Baseline: 24 ha	High
CLK/LCA5	Mixed modern comprehensive development landscape Baseline: 30 ha	Low
CLK/LCA6	Rural coastal plain landscape Baseline: 15 ha	High
CLK/LCA7	Transportation corridor landscape Baseline: 225 ha	Low
CLK/LCA8	On-going major development landscape Baseline: 13 ha	Low
SC/LCA1	Island landscape Baseline: 10 ha	High
SC/LCA2	Sha Chau islands inshore water landscape Baseline: 160 ha	High

15.5.6 Broad Brush Tree Survey

15.5.6.1 A broad tree survey was undertaken within the project site boundary of the 3RS. The survey includes tree group survey data and tree group plans recording approximate numbers of trees (with estimated stem diameter over 95 mm diameter at 1.3 m above ground) and is illustrated on Drawings MCL/P132/EIA/15-027.1, MCL/P132/EIA/15-027.2, MCL/P132/EIA/15-027.3, MCL/P132/EIA/15-027.4, MCL/P132/EIA/15-027.5 and MCL/P132/EIA/15-027.6. As certain details of the project are yet to be confirmed, a broad assessment has been made on the potential impacts on the trees.

15.5.6.2 The tree group survey was primarily focused to the southern and eastern regions of Chek Lap Kok due to the absence of trees within the airside zones of HKIA. No rare or endangered species and no “Old and Valuable Trees” (OVTs) as defined under ETWB TC(W) 29/2004 or listed in the LCSD OVT Register were identified within the survey area, although the absence of such species cannot be absolutely confirmed in a broad brush survey. Due to the broad nature of this survey potential OVTs or “Important Trees” as defined by ETWB TC(W) 10/2013 have not been identified. The dominant species surveyed were Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia confusa, Albizia lebbeck, Bauhinia purpurea, Casuarina equisetifolia, Cerbera manghas, Erythrina variegata, and Hibiscus tiliaceus. It is noted that some areas of trees may be affected due to the evolving site conditions associated with HKLR and HKBCF and may not exist at the commencement of the construction phase of the 3RS.

15.5.6.3 There are no trees occupying Sheung Sha Chau Island which is the only island in the Sha Chau islands that would be affected by the works associated with the 3RS, namely the submarine fuel pipeline daylighting point. None of the existing trees on the other island in the Sha Chau islands are anticipated to be affected by the works associated with the 3RS.

15.5.7 Summary of Tree Impacts

15.5.7.1 The tree groups anticipated to be affected by the 3RS are TG002, TG003, TG004, TG005 TG006, TG006A, TG006C, TG006D, TG007, TG010A, TG011, TG016, TG017, TG018, TG019, TG019A, TG020 TG022, TG023, TG024, TG025, TG030 and TG033.

15.5.7.2 The design of the 3RS has been considered to minimise the number of trees affected. It is estimated that approximately 2,000 trees would be affected by the 3RS. This is a preliminary estimate. The accurate number of trees affected by the works (number of trees felled or transplanted) and the number of compensatory trees required will be determined by a detailed tree survey at detail design stage. Tree preservation and compensatory tree planting will be carried out in accordance with ETWB TC(W) No. 10/2013 Tree Preservation.

15.5.8 Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI)

15.5.8.1 The visual envelope is the area from which any part of the proposed project can be seen and may contain areas, which are fully visible, partly visible and non-visible from the project. The ZVI is the portion of the visual envelope that is within 10 km from the proposed project, since any potential VSRs beyond this would suffer negligible impacts due to their distant location. Given the effects of distance and the panoramic qualities of many views, VSRs beyond 10 km from the project will scarcely notice (and will find it very difficult to distinguish) the 3RS in their wider views. At these distances, the proposed 3RS will not form a feature of any significance in the VSRs frame of view and consequently will not influence the visual experience of the VSR. Hence 10 km is considered the limit of the Zone of Visual Influence.

15.5.8.2 Given the predominant waterfront location and the medium to low rise of the proposed development, the ZVI has been mapped based on the exposure of the proposed development on surrounding environment and is shown in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-010. In accordance with GN 8/2010 the ZVI may contain areas which are fully visible, partly visible, and non-visible from the project. Areas of visual shadow may occur within the ZVI due to intervening topography, dense vegetation and man-made structures.

15.5.8.3 The extensive scale of the development in an open location allows for a wide visual envelope and ZVI within the region generally bound by the mountainous topography of Lantau and the New Territories. The visual envelope extends south across Tung Chung and through areas of North and South Lantau Country Parks where it is defined by the predominant ridgelines of Lantau Island to the south and east. To the southwest the visual envelope includes the coastal settlement of Tai O and extends west as far as the maritime boundary of HKSAR. To the east the visual envelope extends along Urmston Road sea channel past the north-east tip of Lantau Island as far as Tsuen Wan (which is more than 10 km from the project boundary). To the north the visual envelope is defined by the ridgelines of Tai Lam Country Park, the coastal areas of Tuen Mun, Castle Peak and Lung Kwu Tau.

15.5.8.4 The ZVI includes almost all of the areas described above, but does not include the eastern portion of Urmston Road sea channel that is beyond 10 km from the project site, as illustrated in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-010.

15.5.9 Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

15.5.9.1 Within the ZVI for the 3RS, a number of key VSRs have been identified. These VSRs are mapped in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-010 and listed in Table 15.4.

15.5.9.2 For ease of reference, each VSR is given an identity number, which is used in the text tables and drawings.

Table 15.4: Key Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

VSR ID.	Key VSR	Value and Quality of Existing View (Poor, Fair , Good)	Availability of Alternative Views (Yes, No)	Number of Individuals (Very Few, Few, Many, Very Many)		Sensitivity to Change (Low, Medium, High)
				Construction	Operation	Construction		Operation
Residential VSRs
RES-1	Residents of Villages of Tai O	Good	Yes	Many	Many	High	High
RES-2	Residents of Villages of Sha Lo Wan	Fair	No	Few	Few	High	High
RES-3	Residents of Tung Chung including, Tung Chung Crescent, Seaview Crescent, Caribbean Coast, Area 53 to Area 56.	Good	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	High	High
RES-4	Residents along south coast of Tuen Mun	Good	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	High	High
RES-5	Residents of Hong Kong Gold Coast	Good	Yes	Many	Many	High	High
RES-6	Residents of Siu Lam	Good	Yes	Many	Many	High	High
RES-7	Proposed residents of Tung Chung East	Good	Yes	N/A	Very Many	N/A	High
RES-8	Residents of Lung Kwu Tan	Good	Yes	Many	Many	High	High
RES-9	Residents of planned Tung Chung West future development including Area 39	Good	Yes	N/A	Very Many	N/A	High
RES-10	Residents of Sham Shek Tsuen	Good	No	Few	Few	High	High
RES-11	Residents of Sai Tso Wan Village	Good	No	Very Few	Very Few	High	High
RES-12	Residents of San Tau, Kau Liu and Tin Sam Villages	Fair	No	Few	Few	High	High
RES-13	Residents of Shek Lau Po and Mok Ka Village	Good	No	Few	Few	High	High
RES-14	Residents of Tung Hing Village	Good	No	Very Few	Very Few	High	High
RES-15	Residents of Sheung Ling Pei Village	Fair	No	Many	Many	High	High
RES-16	Residents of Ma Wan New Village	Fair	No	Many	Many	High	High
RES-17	Residents of Pak Mong Village	Good	No	Few	Few	High	High
RES-18	Residents of Ngau Kwu Long Village	Good	No	Few	Few	High	High
RES-19	Residents of San Shek Wan Village	Good	No	Few	Few	High	High
RES-20	Residents of Yat Tung Estate	Good	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	High	High
RES-21	Residents of Tai Ho San Tsuen	Good	No	Few	Few	High	High
Recreational VSRs
REC-1	Visitors to AsiaWorld-Expo	Poor	No	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
REC-2	Visitors to Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel	Fair	No	Many	Many	High	High
REC-3	Visitors to Hong Kong Airport Passenger Terminal	Fair	No	Many	Many	High	High
REC-4	Visitors to Regal Hotel	Fair	No	Many	Many	High	High
REC-5	Passengers of Cable Cars of Ngong Ping 360	Good	Yes	Many	Many	High	High
REC-6	Hikers of Nei Lak Shan	Good	Yes	Few	Few	High	High
REC-7	Hikers of Fung Wong Shan (Lantau Peak)	Good	Yes	Few	Few	High	High
REC-8	Hikers of Tai Tung Shan (Sunset Peak)	Good	Yes	Few	Few	High	High
REC-9	Hikers of Lantau North Country Park	Good	Yes	Few	Few	High	High
REC-10	Hikers of Lantau South Country Park	Good	Yes	Few	Few	High	High
REC-11	Recreational users of future Tung Chung East Development	Fair	Yes	N/A	Many	N/A	High
REC-12	Hikers of Scenic Hill	Good	Yes	Few	Few	High	High
REC-13	Passengers / Drivers of recreational marine craft in north Lantau waters and Urmston Road	Good	Yes	Few	Few	High	High
REC-14	Passengers / Drivers of recreational marine craft in Castle Peak Bay	Good	Yes	Many	Many	High	High
REC-15	Recreational users of Butterfly Beach	Good	Yes	Many	Many	High	High
REC-16	Hikers of Castle Peak	Good	Yes	Few	Few	High	High
REC-17	Recreational users of Tung Chung Outdoor Recreation Camp	Fair	No	Many	Many	High	High
REC-18	Recreational users of Man Tung Road Park	Fair	No	Many	Many	High	High
REC-19	Hikers of Tai Lam Country Park	Good	Yes	Few	Few	High	High
REC-20	Recreational users of Planned Entertainment Node	Good	Yes	N/A	Many	N/A	High
REC-21	Recreational users of Sha Chau	Good	Yes	Very Few	Very Few	High	High
REC-22	Recreational users of Golden Beach	Good	Yes	Many	Many	High	High
REC-23	Hikers from Tung Chung to Tai O	Good	No	Few	Few	High	High
REC-24	Visitors to Tai Ho	Good	No	Few	Few	High	High
REC-25	Visitors to proposed NCD hotels and commercial facilities	Fair	Yes	N/A	Many	N/A	High
REC-26	Recreational users of future Tung Chung West Development	Fair	Yes	N/A	Many	N/A	High
REC-27	Users of Proposed Columbarium Developments for Tsuen Wan	Good	Yes	Very Few	Very Few	Low	Low
Travelling VSRs
T-1	Passengers / Drivers of Vehicles and MTR along North Lantau Highway	Good	No	Very Many	Very Many	Medium	Medium
T-2	Passengers / Drivers of Vehicles and MTR along Cheong Wing Road	Good	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	Medium	Medium
T-3	Passengers of commercial aircraft	Good	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	Medium	Medium
T-4	Passengers / Drivers of the proposed Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TMCLKL)	Good	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	Medium	Medium
T-5	Passengers / Drivers of the proposed Hong Kong Link Road HKLR	Good	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	Medium	Medium
T-6	Passengers of Ferry’s in north Lantau waters and Urmston Road	Good	Yes	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
T-7	Passengers / Drivers of Vehicles along castle peak road and Tuen Mun Road	Good	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	Medium	Medium
T-8	Passengers / Drivers of Vehicles along Lung Mun Road	Good	Yes	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
T-9	Passengers / Drivers of Vehicles at planned Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities	Good	No	Very Many	Very Many	Medium	Medium
T-10	Passengers / Drivers of vehicles along Tung Chung road	Good	Yes	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
T-11	Ferry Passengers from Tung Chung to Tai O	Good	Yes	Few	Few	Medium	Medium
T-12	Ferry Passengers at Public Pier in Tung Chung	Fair	No	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
T-13	Ferry Passengers at Public Pier in Tuen Mun	Good	Yes	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
Occupational VSRs
O-1	Workers / Staff of Asia World Expo	Poor	No	Many	Many	Low	Low
O-2	Workers of Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel	Fair	No	Many	Many	Low	Low
O-3	Workers / Staff of Chek Lap Kok Facilities	Fair	Yes	Many	Many	Low	Low
O-4	Workers / Staff of Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering LTD.	Fair	Yes	Few	Few	Low	Low
O-5	Workers / Staff of Hong Kong Passenger Terminal	Fair	No	Very Many	Very Many	Low	Low
O-6	Workers of Regal Hotel	Fair	No	Many	Many	Low	Low
O-7	Workers / Staff of Pillar Point	Fair	Yes	Few	Few	Low	Low
O-8	Workers of EcoPark	Good	Yes	Few	Few	Low	Low
O-9	Workers on commercial aircraft on and around Chek Lap Kok	Fair	Yes	Many	Many	Low	Low
O-10	Workers of planned Lantau Logistic Park (LLP) at the possible LLP extension	Good	Yes	N/A	Many	N/A	Low
O-11	Workers of Cathay Pacific City	Good	No	Many	Many	Low	Low
O-12	Workers of Castle Peak Power Station	Fair	Yes	Few	Few	Low	Low
O-13	Workers of Siu Ho Wan	Good	Yes	Few	Few	Low	Low
O-14	Workers at HKBCF	Fair	Yes	Many	Many	Low	Low
O-15	Workers of proposed NCD hotels and commercial facilities	Fair	Yes	N/A	Many	N/A	Low
O-16	Workers of Siu Ho Wan MTR Depot	Good	No	Few	Few	Low	Low
O-17	Future workers of potential commercial development in Tung Chung East	Fair	Yes	N/A	Very Many	Low	Low
O-18	Future workers of potential commercial development in Tung Chung West	Fair	Yes	N/A	Very Many	Low	Low
Note: ‘Duration and Frequency of Views’ and ‘Degree of Visibility’ have been taken into account in assessing the magnitude of change in view experience by the VSRs and cannot be double counted in determining the sensitivity of the VSR.

Table 15.5: Magnitude of Landscape Change during the Construction and Operation Phases before Mitigation

ID No.	Landscape Resources/ Landscape Character Areas	Source of Impact	Description of Impacts	Magnitude of Change before Mitigation
CLK/LR1	Coastal waters of North Lantau	Construction - Construction of proposed land formation and exposed fill and sediment - Presence of temporary construction plants, platforms, structures, construction machinery, marine vessels and construction vehicle traffic - Laying of 11 kV submarine cable - Daylighting point of submarine fuel pipeline - Dust and construction debris	Construction - Loss of approximately 650 ha of coastal waters - Baseline area is entire north Lantau waters - Increased marine traffic	Large
CLK/LR1	Coastal waters of North Lantau	Operation - Presence of land formation	Operation - Same as described for construction phase	Large
CLK/LR2	Grass/turf areas around runways and verges	Construction - Construction of proposed land formation and exposed fill and sediment - Storage of existing topsoil for reinstatement works - Materials stockpiling - Daylighting point of submarine fuel pipeline - Presence of temporary construction plants, platforms, structures, construction machinery, marine vessels and construction vehicle traffic - Site clearance works involving the removal of existing vegetation - Construction of temporary site access - Dust and construction debris - Construction of on-site offices and working areas - Construction of airport infrastructure (landside roads, airside perimeter roads and airside tunnels) - Construction of associated airport buildings - Construction of temporary parking areas - Expansion of the Midfield freighter apron on the existing airport island; - Temporary road works and traffic management - Presence of other related construction activities	Construction - Loss of approximately 50 ha of Grass / turf areas around runways and verges - Baseline vegetation coverage is 260 ha	Intermediate
CLK/LR2	Grass/turf areas around runways and verges	Operation - Presence of new associated airport buildings and facilities - Presence of T2 expansion building - Presence of new passenger concourse - Presence of new associated airport infrastructure - Additional operational vehicular traffic	Operation - Same as described for construction phase	Intermediate
CLK/LR3	Landscaped areas around existing airport buildings	Construction - Site clearance works involving the removal of existing vegetation - Dust and construction debris - Construction of airport infrastructure (landside roads, airside perimeter roads, airside tunnels, and APM / BHS and associated tunnel ventilation buildings) - Storage of existing topsoil for reinstatement works - Construction of associated airport buildings - Temporary road works and traffic management - Presence of other related construction activities	Construction - Loss of approximately 0.1 ha* of vegetation around existing buildings - Baseline vegetation coverage is 4.5 ha - This area may contain young to semi mature species including Callistemon viminalis, Casuarina equisetifolia, Calliandra haematocephala, Hibiscus spp., as well as opportunistic and invasive vegetation of common species including Leucaena leucocephala. - No OVTs are located within the affected area	Negligible
CLK/LR3	Landscaped areas around existing airport buildings	Operation - Presence of new associated airport infrastructure - Additional operational vehicular traffic	Operation - Same as described for construction phase	Negligible
CLK/LR4a	Roadside Vegetation – Amenity Planting	Construction - Site clearance works involving the removal of existing vegetation - Construction of temporary site access - Dust and construction debris - Construction of on-site office and working areas - Construction of airport infrastructure (landside roads, airside perimeter roads, airside tunnels, and APM / BHS and associated tunnel ventilation buildings) - Construction of associated airport buildings - Construction of temporary parking areas - Storage of existing topsoil for reinstatement works - Temporary road works and traffic management - Presence of other related construction activities	Construction - Loss of approximately 15 ha* of roadside vegetation - Baseline vegetation coverage is 53 ha - Species anticipated to be affected include semi mature to mature Acacia auriculiformis Albizia lebbeck, Casuarina equisetifolia - Young to mature: Acacia confusa, Acacia mangium, and Hibiscus tiliaceus - Young to semi mature: Bauhinia purpurea, Cassia siamea, Dalbergia odorifera, Ficus benjamina, Ficus microcarpa, Grevillea robusta,and the invasive species Leucaena leucocephala - Young: Delonix regia, Lagerstroemia speciosa, and Litsea glutinosa - Semi mature: Macaranga tanarius, Melia azedarach, Phoenix roebelenii, Plumeria rubra, and Roystonea regia - No OVTs are located within the affected area	Intermediate
CLK/LR4a	Roadside Vegetation – Amenity Planting	Operation - Presence of new associated airport buildings and facilities - Presence of T2 expansion building - Presence of new associated airport infrastructure - Additional operational vehicular traffic	Operation - Same as described for construction phase	Intermediate
CLK/LR4b	Roadside vegetation on modified slopes	Construction - Site clearance works involving the removal of existing vegetation - Construction of temporary site access - Dust and construction debris - Construction of airport infrastructure (landside roads, airside perimeter roads, airside tunnels, and APM / BHS and associated tunnel ventilation buildings) - Construction of associated airport buildings - Storage of existing topsoil for reinstatement works - Temporary road works and traffic management - Presence of other related construction activities	Construction - Loss of approximately 0.2 ha* of roadside vegetation on modified slopes - Baseline vegetation coverage is 5 ha - Vegetation anticipated to be affected predominantly includes a stand of semi mature Pinus elliottii trees and Leucaena leucocephala which occurs extensively along this edge and is an invasive introduced species. - No OVTs are located within the affected area	Small
CLK/LR4b	Roadside vegetation on modified slopes	Operation - Presence of new associated airport infrastructure - Additional operational vehicular traffic	Operation - Same as described for construction phase	Small
CLK/LR5	Natural coastline	None	None	None
CLK/LR6	Amenity / Compensatory planting on HKBCF / HKLR	None	None	None
CLK/LR7	Streams	None	None	None
CLK/LR8	Agricultural land	None	None	None
CLK/LR9	Natural rocky and sandy shore with mangrove / mudflat	None	None	None
CLK/LR10a	Coastal woodland and scrubland on North Lantau	None	None	None
CLK/LR10b	Coastal woodland and scrubland on Scenic Hill	None	None	None
CLK/LR11	Amenity planting in urban park	None	None	None
CLK/LR12	Grassland / scrub on vacant land	Construction - Site clearance works involving the removal of existing vegetation - Construction of temporary site access - Dust and construction debris - Construction of airport infrastructure (landside roads, airside perimeter roads, airside tunnels, and APM / BHS and associated tunnel ventilation buildings) - Temporary road works and traffic management - Presence of other related construction activities	Construction - Loss of approximately 6 ha* of grassland / scrub on vacant land - Baseline vegetation coverage is 130 ha - Anticipated species of various stages of maturity to be impacted include Lantana camara, Leucaena leucocephala, Roystonea regia, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Wedelia trilobata, Chloris spp., Melinis spp., and Cerbera manghas. - These are areas supporting opportunistic and self-seeded vegetation comprising of common or invasive species - No OVTs are located within the affected area	Small
CLK/LR12	Grassland / scrub on vacant land	Operation - Presence of new associated airport infrastructure - Additional operational vehicular traffic	Operation - Same as described for construction phase	Small
CLK/LR13	Artificial / man-made coastline	Construction - Construction of proposed land formation and exposed fill and sediment - Site clearance works involving the removal of existing vegetation - Construction of temporary site access - Haulage off-site of excavated materials - Laying of 11 kV submarine cable - Construction of airport infrastructure (landside roads, airside perimeter roads, airside tunnels, and APM / BHS and associated tunnel ventilation buildings) - Presence of temporary construction plants, structures, construction machinery, marine vessels and construction vehicle traffic - Presence of other related construction activities - Installation of airport utilities	Construction - Loss of approximately 6,000 m of artificial / man-made coastline - Baseline artificial / man-made coastline is 17,000 m	Small
CLK/LR13	Artificial / man-made coastline	Operation - Presence of land formation - Presence of new associated airport infrastructure	Operation Same as described for construction phase	Small
SC/LR1	Natural rocky coastline of Sha Chau islands	Construction - Daylighting point of submarine fuel pipeline - Dust and construction debris - Construction of temporary site access - Presence of other related construction activities	Construction - Loss of approximately 30 m* of natural rocky coastline - Baseline natural rocky coastline is 1,250 linear metres	Small
SC/LR1	Natural rocky coastline of Sha Chau islands	Operation - Presence of submarine fuel pipeline daylighting point	Operation - Same as described for construction phase	Small
SC/LR2	Natural vegetation on Sha Chau islands	Construction - Site clearance works involving the removal of existing vegetation - Daylighting point of submarine fuel pipeline - Dust and construction debris - Presence of other related construction activities	Construction - Loss of approximately 0.05 ha* of natural vegetation - Baseline vegetation coverage is 10 ha - Anticipated species of various stages of maturity to be impacted include Hibiscus tiliaceus, Phoenix hanceana, Scaevola taccada, Pandanus tectorius, Ficus superba var. japonica, Wedelia chinensis, Gordonia axillaris, Schefflera heptaphylla, Dicranopteris linearis, Litsea glutinosa, Lantana camara, Casuarina equisetifolia, Bridelia tomentosa, Terminalia catappa, Cerbera manghas, Rhaphiolepis indica, Cassytha filiformis, and Alpinia zerumbet. These are of common species found on Hong Kong’s existing island habitats - No OVTs are located within the affected area	Small
SC/LR2	Natural vegetation on Sha Chau islands	Operation - Presence of submarine fuel pipeline daylighting point; - Loss of vegetation	Operation - Same as described for construction phase	Small
SC/LR3	Coastal waters of Sha Chau islands	None	None	None
SC/LR4	Natural sandy coastline of Sha Chau Island	None	None	None
CLK/LCA1	Airport landscape	Construction - Site clearance works involving the removal of existing vegetation - Construction of temporary site access - Haulage off-site of excavated materials - Storage of existing topsoil for reinstatement works - Materials stockpiling - Dust and construction debris - Construction of on site office and working areas - Construction of T2 expansion - Construction of new passenger concourse - Construction of airport infrastructure (landside roads, airside perimeter roads, airside tunnels, and APM / BHS and associated tunnel ventilation buildings) - Construction of associated airport buildings - Construction of temporary parking areas - Expansion of the Midfield freighter apron on the existing airport island; - Temporary road works and traffic management - Construction night lighting - Presence of temporary construction plants, structures, construction machinery, marine vessels and construction vehicle traffic - Presence of other related construction activities - Installation of airport utilities	Construction - Presence of construction works and associated machinery and equipment will change visual amenity	Small
CLK/LCA1	Airport landscape	Operation - Presence of land formation - Presence of new associated airport buildings and facilities - Presence of new passenger concourse - Presence of T2 expansion building - Additional operational night lighting - Maintenance of third runway and associated structures - Presence of new associated airport infrastructure	Operation - Increase area of landscape character - Increase in airport related traffic	Small
CLK/LCA2	Inshore water landscape	Construction - Construction of proposed land formation and exposed fill and sediment - Presence of marine traffic, including but not limited to construction vessels, barges, plants - Dust and construction debris - Laying of 11 kV submarine cable - Construction night lighting - Presence of other related construction activities	Construction - Loss of approximately 650 ha of coastal water - Baseline coastal waters is approximately 2,080 ha of the entire north Lantau coastal waters - Increased marine traffic - Presence of marine construction machinery	Large
CLK/LCA2	Inshore water landscape	Operation - Presence of land formation	Operation - Loss of 650 ha of coastal waters - Even without construction activity, presence of large land formation will change landscape character	Large
CLK/LCA3	Strait landscape	None	None	None
CLK/LCA4A	Coastal upland and hillside landscape – Sha Lo Wan	None	None	None
CLK/LCA4B	Coastal upland and hillside landscape – Scenic Hill	None	None	None
CLK/LCA5	Mixed modern comprehensive development landscape	None	None	None
CLK/LCA6	Rural coastal plain landscape	None	None	None
CLK/LCA7	Transportation corridor landscape	None	None	None
CLK/LCA8	On-going Major Development Landscape	Construction - Construction of temporary site access - Dust and construction debris - Construction of airport infrastructure (landside roads, airside perimeter roads, airside tunnels, and APM / BHS and associated tunnel ventilation buildings) - Construction of on-site office and working areas - Temporary road works and traffic management - Presence of other related construction activities	Construction - Presence of construction equipment and machinery	Small
CLK/LCA8	On-going Major Development Landscape	Operation - Presence of new associated airport infrastructure - Additional operational vehicular traffic	Operation - Presence of new associated airport infrastructure	Negligible
SC/LCA1	Island landscape	Construction - Daylighting point of submarine fuel pipeline - Construction of temporary site access - Presence of temporary construction plants, platforms, structures, construction machinery, marine vessels and construction vehicle traffic - Site clearance works involving the removal of existing vegetation	Construction - Loss of approximately 0.05 ha* of natural vegetation - Baseline vegetation coverage is 10 ha - Loss of approximately 30 m* of natural coastline - Baseline natural rocky coastline is 1,250 linear metres	Small
SC/LCA1	Island landscape	Operation - Presence of submarine fuel pipeline daylighting point - Loss of vegetation	Operation - Loss of vegetation and natural coastline - Presence of submarine fuel pipeline daylighting point	Small
SC/LCA2	Sha Chau islands inshore water landscape	Construction - Presence of marine traffic, including but not limited to construction vessels, barges. - Presence of temporary construction plants, platforms, structures, construction machinery, marine vessels and construction vehicle traffic - Dust and construction debris	Construction - Presence of marine traffic, including but not limited to construction vessels, barges, plant will change landscape character	Small
SC/LCA2	Sha Chau islands inshore water landscape	Operation - None	Operation None	None

* Assumptions have been made due to lack of detailed design information at this stage

15.6.4 Landscape & Visual Mitigation Measures

Review of Planning Principles and Architectural Design

15.6.4.1 The development of the 3RS reflects the need for a third runway as outlined in the Hong Kong International Airport Master Plan 2030 (MP2030). The master plan states that in terms of the alignment of the third runway, the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) has investigated a total of 15 alignment options with regard to operational safety, obstacle clearances, environmental issues, Pearl River Delta airspace issues, air traffic control procedures, runway usability and capacity. NATS concluded that the best alignment for a third runway would be parallel to and north of the existing two runways. Eighteen airport layout options were evaluated against the following five major criteria (a) airfield efficiency; (b) passenger convenience; (c) cargo operations efficiency;(d) surface access; and (e) environmental impact. The final recommended airport layout featured in the MP2030 is a northward expansion of the airport facility.

15.6.4.2 The third runway concourse (TRC) is based upon the aspects of the design and planning of the existing T1. The TRC responds to the MP2030 studies and traffic forecasts. The TRC objectives also include the enhancement of passenger experience and their expectations of a world class airport, maximisation of commercial opportunities for revenue generation and safeguards future growth potentials, has a terminal-like facility that is safe, secure, user-friendly, energy efficient, easy to maintain and cost, creates a unique sense of place and is iconic for Hong Kong and a building which is architecturally outstanding. Architecturally, the geometry of the roof is based on a sphere which creates an “undulating” effect inside the TRC concourse from the east to the west with a constant curvature visually in all directions. There are two types of façade under consideration that correspond to functional, architectural and performance needs. The first type includes the glazed façade areas which are mostly seen on arrivals, departures and mezzanine levels. Glazed areas in these levels can enhance passenger’s experience and improve daylight performance. The second type includes the solid areas which are mostly seen on apron level where functions such as ramp accommodation and plant rooms are developed.

15.6.4.3 The objectives of the T2 expansion are to respond to the MP2030 studies and traffic forecasts by providing an airport terminal that facilitates a simple, direct and efficient flow for air passengers and baggage. The architectural theme for the expanded T2 building is based on a feather concept with a design to provide not only an elegant reference point, but also provides a way of unitising the roof into east / west orientated strips that breaks down both the sale of the roof plane and provides a strong directional orientation. The intended effect will create a series of light ‘feathers’ gently resting on a series of supports.

15.6.4.4 The architectural design measures described above are intended to enhance the visual quality of the new development. These shall be adopted during the detailed design, and will be built as part of the construction works so that they are in place at the date of commissioning of the 3RS.

15.6.4.5 Minimisation of the land formation footprint has been adopted during the planning and design stage of the 3RS.

15.6.4.6 Although stripping and storing of topsoil during the construction phase is not listed as a mitigation measure, it is considered good site practice and should be implemented where practical.

15.6.4.7 In addition, a number of landscape and visual mitigation measures are identified below to further mitigate adverse impacts and enhance beneficial impacts.

Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

15.6.4.8 The proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures for potential impacts generated during the construction and operation phases are described below in Table 15.6 and Table 15.7 and Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-028.1 to MCL/P132/EIA/15-028.6, together with the associated funding, implementation, management and maintenance agencies.

Table 15.6: Proposed Construction Phase Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measure	Landscape measure	Visual measure	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency
CM1	The construction area and contractor’s temporary works areas should be minimised to avoid impacts on adjacent landscape.	✓	✓	AAHK	Contractor
CM2	Reduction of construction period to practical minimum.		✓	AAHK	Contractor
CM3	Phasing of the construction stage to reduce visual impacts during the construction phase.		✓	AAHK	Contractor
CM4	Construction traffic (land and sea) including construction plants, construction vessels and barges should be kept to a practical minimum.		✓	AAHK	Contractor
CM5	Erection of decorative mesh screens or construction hoardings around works areas in visually unobtrusive colours.		✓	AAHK	Contractor
CM6	Avoidance of excessive height and bulk of site buildings and structures.		✓	AAHK	Design Engineer
CM7	Control of night-time lighting by hooding all lights and through minimisation of night working periods.		✓	AAHK	Contractor
CM8	All existing trees shall be carefully protected during construction. Detailed Tree Protection Specification shall be provided in the Contract Specification. Under this specification, the Contractor shall be required to submit, for approval, a detailed working method statement for the protection of trees prior to undertaking any works adjacent to all retained trees, including trees in contractor’s works areas.	✓		AAHK	Contractor
CM9	Trees unavoidably affected by the works shall be transplanted where practical. A detailed Tree Transplanting Specification shall be provided in the Contract Specification, if applicable. Sufficient time for necessary tree root and crown preparation periods shall be allowed in the project programme.	✓		AAHK	Contractor
CM10	Land formation works shall be followed with advanced hydroseeding around taxiways and runways as soon as practical.	✓	✓	AAHK	Contractor

Note: AAHK stands for Airport Authority Hong Kong

Table 15.7: Proposed Operation Phase Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measure	Landscape Measure	Visual Measure	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency	Management Agency	Maintenance Agency
OM1*	Sensitive landscape design of land formation edge by incorporating different angles of gradient and the use of a range of armour rock sizes placed randomly in a riprap approach for an irregular appearance. Planting of native coastal plants shall be incorporated.		✓	AAHK	Design Engineer	AAHK	AAHK
OM2	All above ground structures, including, APM / BHS tunnel ventilation buildings, emergency and firemen’s’ accesses etc. shall be, either fully integrated with the planned buildings, or sensitively designed in a manner that responds to the existing and planned urban context, and minimises potential adverse landscape and visual impacts.		✓	AAHK	Design Engineer	Building Operator	Building Operator
OM3	Sensitive design of buildings and structures in terms of scale, height and bulk (visual weight).		✓	AAHK	Design Engineer	Building Operator	Building Operator
OM4	Use appropriate building materials and colours in built structures to create cohesive visual mass.		✓	AAHK	Design Engineer	Building Operator	Building Operator
OM5	Lighting units to be directional and minimise unnecessary light spill and glare.		✓	AAHK	Design Engineer	AAHK	AAHK
OM6	Greening measures, including vertical greening, green roofs, road verge planting and peripheral screen planting shall be implemented.	✓	✓	AAHK	Contractor	AAHK	AAHK
OM7	Compensatory tree planting for all felled trees shall be provided to the satisfaction of relevant Government departments. Required numbers and locations of compensatory trees shall be determined and agreed separately with Government during the Tree Felling Application process under the relevant technical circulars.	✓	✓	AAHK	Contractor	AAHK	AAHK
OM8	Streetscape (e.g. paving, signage, street furniture, lighting etc.) shall be sensitively designed in a manner that responds to the existing and planned urban context, and minimises potential adverse landscape and visual impacts.	✓	✓	AAHK	Design Engineer	AAHK	AAHK
OM9	All streetscape areas and hard and soft landscape areas disturbed during construction shall be reinstated to equal or better quality (due to implementation of screen planting, road verge planting etc.), to the satisfaction of the relevant Government departments.	✓	✓	AAHK	Contractor	AAHK	AAHK
OM10	Aesthetic improvement planting of viaduct structure through greening of structure to mitigate visual impact of viaduct form.		✓	AAHK	Design Engineer	AAHK	AAHK
OM11	Sensitive design of footbridges, noise barriers and enclosures with greening (screen planting/climbers/planters) and chromatic measures.		✓	AAHK	Design Engineer	AAHK	AAHK
A conceptual section illustrating the mitigation measure OM1* is presented in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-029

Note: AAHK stands for Airport Authority Hong Kong

Programme of Implementation of Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

15.6.4.9 The construction phase measures listed above shall be adopted from the commencement of construction and shall be in place throughout the entire construction period. The operation phase measures listed above shall be adopted during the detailed design, and be built as part of the construction works so that they are in place at the date of commissioning of the 3RS. However, it should be noted that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would not be appreciated for several years.

15.6.5 Prediction of Significance of Landscape Impacts

15.6.5.1 The potential significance of the landscape impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, are provided below in Table 15.8 and mapped in Drawings MCL/P132/EIA/15-012.1 to MCL/P132/EIA/15-015. This assessment follows the methodology outlined in Section 15.4 above and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 15.6 and Table 15.7 above will be implemented, and that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures will be realised after 10 years. Photomontages of the proposed development before and after mitigation are illustrated in Drawings MCL/P132/EIA/15-017.1 to MCL/P132/EIA/15-026.2 inclusive.

Construction Phase before Mitigation

15.6.5.2 In the construction phase, before the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, there will be some adverse landscape impacts as summarised below and identified in Table 15.8.

Landscape Resources

15.6.5.3 Coastal waters of North Lantau (CLK/LR1) would experience impacts of Substantial significance due to a loss of 650 ha of coastal waters due to construction of the new land formation.

15.6.5.4 Roadside vegetation – amenity planting (CLK/LR4a) located along the existing roadside verges and landscape buffers would experience reversible impacts of Moderate significance before the implementation of mitigation measures during the construction phase.

15.6.5.5 Grass / Turf areas around runways and verges (CLK/LR2), Roadside Vegetation on Modified Slopes (CLK/LR4b), Natural Rocky Coastline of Sha Chau islands (SC/LR1) , Artificial / man-made coastline (CLK/LR13) and Natural Vegetation on Sha Chau islands (SC/LR2) would experience impacts of Slight significance during the construction phase of the 3RS before the implementation of mitigation measures.

Landscape Character Areas

15.6.5.6 Inshore Water Landscape (CLK/LCA2) would experience an impact significance of Substantial significance due to highly visible marine construction activity and the loss of 650 ha of the character area.

15.6.5.7 Due to the construction of the daylighting point for the fuel pipelines, Island Landscape (SC/LCA1) would suffer a loss of approximately 30 m of natural coastline and 0.5 ha of natural vegetation, resulting in an impact of Slight significance. Due to the presence of marine construction traffic in the surrounding waters, Sha Chau islands Inshore Water Landscape (SC/LCA2) would suffer an impact of Slight significance.

15.6.5.8 During construction and before implementation of mitigation measures, On-going Major Development Landscape (CLK/LCA8) would experience impacts of Slight significance due to the construction of airport infrastructure (landside roads and APM / BHS and associated tunnel ventilation buildings)

15.6.5.9 It is predicted that all other LRs and LCAs that are not described above will experience impacts of insubstantial significance or are not anticipated to be affected by the 3RS.

Operation Phase before Mitigation

15.6.5.10 In the operation phase, before the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, there will be some adverse landscape impacts as summarised below and identified in Table 15.8.

Landscape Resources

15.6.5.11 The prediction of the significance of landscape impacts before mitigation on landscape resources during the operation phase are the same as described for the construction phase.

Landscape Character Areas

15.6.5.12 During operation and before implementation of mitigation measures, Inshore Water Landscape (CLK/LCA2) would continue to experience an impact significance of Substantial after the loss of 650ha of inshore water landscape.

15.6.5.13 During operation and before implementation of mitigation measures, Island Landscape (SC/LCA1) would continue to experience an impact significance of Slight after the loss of natural coastline and vegetation and the presence of the submarine fuel pipeline daylighting point.

15.6.5.14 It is predicted that all other LRs and LCAs that are not described above will experience impacts of insubstantial significance or are not anticipated to be affected by the 3RS.

Construction Phase after Mitigation

15.6.5.15 In the construction phase, after the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, there will be adverse residual landscape impacts as summarised below and identified in Table 15.8.

15.6.5.16 Although implementation of the recommended mitigation measures should slightly reduce the magnitude of the residual landscape impacts during the construction phase, this will not be sufficient to reduce the overall significance thresholds described above for the before mitigation scenario.

Landscape Resources

15.6.5.17 Coastal waters of North Lantau (CLK/LR1) would experience impacts of Substantial significance due to a loss of 650 ha of coastal waters due to construction of the new land formation.

15.6.5.18 Roadside vegetation – amenity planting (CLK/LR4a) located along the existing roadside verges and landscape buffers would experience impacts of Moderate significance after the implementation of mitigation measures during the construction phase.

15.6.5.19 Grass / Turf areas around runways and verges (CLK/LR2), Roadside Vegetation on Modified Slopes (CLK/LR4b), Natural Rocky Coastline of Sha Chau islands (SC/LR1) and Natural Vegetation on Sha Chau islands (SC/LR2) would experience residual impacts of Slight significance during the construction phase of the 3RS.

Landscape Character Areas

15.6.5.20 Inshore Water Landscape (CLK/LCA2) would experience a residual impact significance of Substantial significance due to highly visible marine construction activity and the loss of 650 ha of the character area.

15.6.5.21 After mitigation measures have been implemented the construction of the daylighting point for the fuel pipeline, Island Landscape (SC/LCA1) would continue to suffer a loss of approximately 30 m of natural coastline and 0.5 ha of natural vegetation, resulting in an impact of Slight significance. Due to the presence of marine construction traffic in the surrounding waters, Sha Chau islands Inshore Water Landscape (SC/LCA2) would suffer an impact of Slight significance.

15.6.5.22 After mitigation measures, On-going Major Development Landscape (CLK/LCA8) would continue to experience impacts of Slight significance due to the construction of airport infrastructure (landside roads and APM / BHS and associated tunnel ventilation buildings).

15.6.5.23 It is predicted that all other LRs and LCAs that are not described above will experience residual impacts of insubstantial significance or are not anticipated to be affected by the 3RS.

Operation Phase after Mitigation

15.6.5.24 In the operation phase, after the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, there will be some adverse residual landscape impacts as summarised below and identified in Table 15.8.

15.6.5.25 Implementation of the recommended mitigation measures will reduce the magnitude of the residual landscape impacts during the operation phase, and in some cases this will be sufficient to reduce the overall significance thresholds described above for the before mitigation scenario.

Landscape Resources

15.6.5.26 For the Coastal waters of North Lantau (CLK/LR1) the substantial residual impacts experienced during the construction phase after the implementation of mitigation measures due to the loss of 650 ha of the resource would remain Substantial at Day 1 and Year 10 of the operation phase, as loss of 650 ha of coastal waters cannot be mitigated.

15.6.5.27 The residual impacts on Natural Rocky Coastline of Sha Chau islands (SC/LR1) after mitigation are predicted to remain as Slight at Day 1 and Year 10 of the operation phase due to the irreversible change to the resource.

15.6.5.28 The residual impacts on Roadside Vegetation – Amenity Planting (CLK/LR4a) located along the existing roadside verges and landscape buffers would be reduced due to the implementation of mitigation measures such as compensatory planting. Residual impacts after mitigation at Day 1 are predicted to be Slight and would reduce further to Insubstantial at Year 10 after the establishment and maturity of the compensatory planting.

Landscape Character Areas

15.6.5.29 The Inshore Water Landscape (CLK/LCA2) would experience a residual impact of Substantial significance at Day 1 and Year 10 due to the loss of 650 ha of inshore water, which cannot be effectively mitigated.

15.6.5.30 It is predicted that all other LRs and LCAs that are not described above will experience residual impacts of insubstantial significance or are not anticipated to be affected by the 3RS.

Id. No.	Landscape Resource / Landscape Character	Sensitivity to Change during Construction and Operation Phases (Low, Medium, High)	Magnitude of Change before Mitigation (None, Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)	Impact Significance Threshold BEFORE Mitigation (None, Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)	Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance Threshold AFTER Mitigation (None, Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
Landscape Resources
CLK/LR1	Coastal waters of North Lantau	High	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1	Substantial	Substantial	Substantial
CLK/LR2	Grass / turf areas around runways and verges	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Slight	Slight	CM1	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
CLK/LR3	Landscaped areas around existing airport buildings	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1, CM8 -9, OM6-9	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
CLK/LR4a	Roadside Vegetation – Amenity Planting	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM8 -9, OM6-9	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
CLK/LR4b	Roadside vegetation on modified slopes	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM8 -9, OM6-9	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
CLK/LR5	Natural coastline	High	None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
CLK/LR6	Amenity / compensatory planting on HKBCF/HKLR	Low	None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
CLK/LR7	Streams	Medium	None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
CLK/LR8	Agricultural land	Medium	None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
CLK/LR9	Natural rocky and sandy shore with mangrove / mudflat	High	None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
CLK/LR10a	Coastal woodland and scrubland on North Lantau	High	None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
CLK/LR10b	Coastal woodland and scrubland on Scenic Hill	High	None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
CLK/LR11	Amenity planting in urban park	Medium	None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
CLK/LR12	Grassland/scrub on vacant land	Low	Small	Small	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1, OM6	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
CLK/LR13	Artificial / man-made coastline	Low	Small	Small	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1,OM6	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
SC/LR1	Natural rocky coastline of Sha Chau islands	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1	Slight	Slight	Slight
SC/LR2	Natural vegetation on Sha Chau islands	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM8-9, OM7	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
SC/LR3	Coastal waters of Sha Chau islands	High	None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
SC/LR4	Natural sandy coastline of Sha Chau Island	High	None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
Landscape Character Areas
CLK/LCA1	Airport landscape	Low	Small	Small	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1, OM6, OM8-9	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
CLK/LCA2	Inshore water landscape	High	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1	Substantial	Substantial	Substantial
CLK/LCA3	Strait landscape	Medium	None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
CLK/LCA4A	Coastal upland and hillside landscape – Sha Lo Wan	High	None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
CLK/LCA4B	Coastal upland and hillside landscape – Scenic Hill	High	None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
CLK/LCA5	Mixed modern comprehensive development landscape	Low	None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
CLK/LCA6	Rural coastal plain landscape	High	None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
CLK/LCA7	Transportation corridor landscape	Low	None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
CLK/LCA8	On-Going Major Development Landscape	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
SC/LCA1	Island landscape	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM8-9, OM6	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
SC/LCA2	Sha Chau islands inshore water landscape	High	Small	None	Slight	None	CM1	Slight	None	None

15.7 Visual Impacts Assessment

15.7.1 Potential Sources of Visual Impacts

15.7.1.1 The sources of visual impacts of the project during construction and operation phases have been described in Section 15.6.1.

15.7.2 Visual Change Before Mitigation in the Construction and Operation Phase

15.7.2.1 The magnitude of visual change resulting from the construction and operation phases of the 3RS is presented in Table 15.9.

15.7.3 Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

15.7.3.1 The proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures for impacts from the construction and operation phases are described previously in Table 15.6 and Table 15.7, together with the associated funding, implementation, management and maintenance agencies and the proposed implementation programme. Please refer to Drawings MCL/P132/EIA/15-028.1 to MCL/P132/EIA/15-028.6 for the landscape and visual mitigation arrangement plan.

15.7.4 Viewpoints

15.7.4.1 The viewpoints were selected as representative examples of the visual impacts of the project. Viewpoints have been selected to provide close, medium and long range views of the project. The locations of the viewpoint locations are indicated in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-010. The photomontages showing the proposed development at ‘Existing Baseline Conditions’ in June 2013, ‘Planned Baseline Conditions in 2016 before commencement of the 3RS’ (with committed and approved projects: HKBCF, HKLR, the Southern Connection of the TM-CLKL CLKL, Residential / Commercial Development at Tung Chung (Area 55a), Residential Development at Tung Chung (Area 55b) and the Public Rental Housing Development at Tung Chung (Area 56)), ‘Day 1 of completed works without mitigation measures’, ‘Day 1 of the completed works with mitigation measures’ and ‘Year 10 of the completed works with mitigation measures’ are illustrated in Drawings MCL/P132/EIA/15-017.1 to MCL/P132/EIA/15-026.2.

¡ VP1 - Viewpoint from Castle Peak. This viewpoint was selected as representative of views from potential recreational VSRs (Hikers along Castle Peak, REC-16) as it provides direct and panoramic views of the development site and represents a highly sensitive VSR group. The viewpoint is located at a viewing pavilion along one of the hiking trails around Castle Peak and provides an elevation of approximately +580 mPD.

¡ VP2 - Viewpoint from Miami Beach Towers. This viewpoint was selected as representative of views from potential residential VSRs (Residents along south coast of Tuen Mun, RES-4) as it represents a large group of highly sensitive receivers who have direct and panoramic views of the development. The viewpoint is located at the residential development of Miami Beach Towers.

¡ VP3 - Viewpoint from Marriott Hotel. This viewpoint was selected as representative of views from potential recreational VSRs (Visitors to Marriott Hotel, REC-2) as it represents a large group of highly sensitive receivers who have direct and panoramic close range views of the development. The viewpoint is located from a northeast facing vantage point within the Marriott Hotel.

¡ VP4 - Viewpoint from Caribbean Coast. This viewpoint was selected as representative of views from potential residential VSRs (Residents of Tung Chung, RES-3) as it represents a large group of highly sensitive receivers who are closest to the development. The viewpoint is located at the residential development of Caribbean Coast.

¡ VP5 - Viewpoint from Ngong Ping 360. This viewpoint was selected as representative of views from potential recreational VSRs (Passengers of Cable Car of Ngong Ping 360, REC-5) as it represents a large group of highly sensitive receivers who have elevated and panoramic views of the development. The viewpoint is located within one of the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Cars and provides a transient view at an elevation ranging from approximately +60 mPD to +580 mPD.

¡ VP6 - Viewpoint from Lantau Hiking Trail. This viewpoint was selected as representative of views from potential recreational VSRs (Hikers of Lantau North Country Park, REC-9) as it provides direct and panoramic views of the development and represents a highly sensitive VSR group. The viewpoint is located along Wong Lung Hang Country Trails in Lantau North Country Park and provides an elevation of approximately +500 mPD.

¡ VP7 - Viewpoint from Golden Beach. This viewpoint was selected as representative of views from potential recreational VSRs (Recreational Users of Golden Beach, REC-22) as it provides direct and panoramic views of the development and represents a highly sensitive VSR group. Golden Beach is the largest public beach in Tuen Mun with a total area of 78,500 m² and a length of 545 m. The viewpoint is located on Golden Beach.

¡ VP8 - Viewpoint from St. Stephens Tai O Family Buildings. This viewpoint was selected as representative of views from potential residential VSRs (Residents of Villages of Tai O, RES-1), as it provides partial views of the development and represents a highly sensitive VSR group. Tai O is a fishing town, partly located on an island of the same name, on the western side of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. The viewpoint is located at a viewing pavilion in Kau Shan Tei within Tai O.

¡ VP9 - Viewpoint from potential recreational users of future Tung Chung East Development. This viewpoint was selected as representative of views from future potential recreational VSRs (Recreational users of future of Tung Chung East REC-11), as it provides partial views of the development and represents a highly sensitive VSR group.

¡ VP10 – Viewpoint from Fu Shan in Tai O. This viewpoint was selected as representative of views from potential recreational VSRs (Hikers from Tung Chung to Tai O, REC-23) as it provides direct and panoramic views of the development and represents a highly sensitive VSR group. Fu Shan Country Trail starts from the access next to Hung Shing Temple in Shek Tsai Po Street and passes the peak of Fu Shan before reaching Kau San Tei, rising to a height of 105 mPD.

15.7.4.2 Viewpoints from VSRs (RES10 Residents of Sham Shek Tsuen, RES17 Residents of Pak Mong Village, RES19 Residents of San Shek Wan Village and REC24 Visitors to Tai Ho) located in recognised villages along Lantau’s north coast are not included in the photomontages because views of the project site from these locations are partially to completely obscured by the surrounding topography and existing vegetation, as is demonstrated in Drawings MCL/P132/EIA/15-030.1 to MCL/P132/EIA/15-030.4.

15.7.4.3 The MTR Siu Ho Wan Depot, O-16 Workers at Siu Ho Wan MTR Depot, is not accessible to the public and the view would be obstructed by the HKBCF development, therefore it is an insignificant viewpoint and is not included as such.

15.7.4.4 The view from Sunny Bay MTR Station has not been included as a viewpoint as it entirely obstructed by intervening topography and is therefore not suitable as a viewpoint.

Table 15.9: Magnitude of Visual Change during the Construction and Operation Phases before Mitigation

VSR ID	Key VSR	Compatibility of the Project with the Visual Backdrop (High/Medium/Low)	Duration and Frequency of Impacts (Temporary/Permanent & Intermittent/Continuous)		Scale of Development (Large/Medium/Small) & Reversibility of Change (Yes/No)	Degree of Visibility of Source(s) of Visual Impact (Full, Partial, Obscured) & Distance Between VSR & Nearest Source(s) of Impact		Potential Blockage of Existing View (Full/Partial/Slight/Negligible)		Magnitude of Visual Change BEFORE Mitigation
VSR ID	Key VSR		Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
Residential VSRs
RES-1	Residents of Villages of Tai O	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Obscured, ~6,600m	Obscured, ~6,600m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Negligible
RES-2	Residents of Villages of Sha Lo Wan	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Obscured, ~2,500m	Obscured, ~2,500m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Negligible
RES-3	Residents of Tung Chung including, Tung Chung Crescent, Seaview Crescent, Caribbean Coast, Area 53 to Area 56	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Full, ~900m	Full, ~900m	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
RES-4	Residents along south coast of Tuen Mun	Medium	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Full, ~6,200m	Full, ~6,200m	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
RES-5	Residents of Hong Kong Gold Coast	Medium	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Full, ~7,500m	Full, ~7,500m	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
RES-6	Residents of Siu Lam	Medium	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Full, ~8,700m	Full, ~8,700m	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
RES-7	Proposed residents of Tung Chung East	Low	N/A	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	N/A	Full, ~2,500m	N/A	Negligible	N/A	Small
RES-8	Residents of Lung Kwu Tan	High	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Partial, ~6,500m	Partial, ~6,500m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
RES-9	Residents of planned Tung Chung West future development including Area 39	Low	N/A	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	N/A	Full, ~1,500m	N/A	Negligible	N/A	Small
RES-10	Residents of Sham Shek Tsuen	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Obscured, ~2,000m	Obscured, ~2,000m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Negligible
RES-11	Residents of Sai Tso Wan Village	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Obscured, ~3,500m	Obscured, ~3,500m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Negligible
RES-12	Residents of San Tau, Kau Liu and Tin Sam Villages	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Obscured, ~400m	Obscured, ~400m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
RES-13	Residents of Shek Lau Po and Mok Ka Village	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Obscured, ~1,900m	Obscured, ~1,900m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
RES-14	Residents of Tung Hing Village	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Obscured, ~1,700m	Obscured, ~1,700m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
RES-15	Residents of Sheung Ling Pei Village	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Obscured, ~1,500m	Obscured, ~1,500m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
RES-16	Residents of Ma Wan New Village	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Obscured, ~1,400m	Obscured, ~1,400m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
RES-17	Residents of Pak Mong Village	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Obscured, ~3,200m	Obscured, ~3,200m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
RES-18	Residents of Ngau Kwu Long Village	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Obscured, ~4,000m	Obscured, ~4,000m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
RES-19	Residents of San Shek Wan Village	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Obscured, ~1,900m	Obscured, ~1,900m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Negligible
RES-20	Residents of Yat Tung Estate	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Partial, ~900m	Partial, ~900m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-21	Residents of Tai Ho San Tsuen	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Obscured, ~5,500m	Obscured, ~5,500m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
Recreational VSRs
REC-1	Visitors to AsiaWorld-Expo	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Partial, 0m*	Partial, 0m*	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
REC-2	Visitors to Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Partial, 0m*	Partial, 0m*	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
REC-3	Visitors to Hong Kong Airport Passenger Terminal	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Partial , 0m*	Partial , 0m*	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
REC-4	Visitors to Regal Hotel	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Partial, 0m*	Partial, 0m*	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
REC-5	Passengers of Cable Cars of Ngong Ping 360	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Full, ~ 0-3,600m	Full, ~ 0-3,600m	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
REC-6	Hikers of Nei Lak Shan	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Full, ~3,000m	Full,~3,000m	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
REC-7	Hikers of Fung Wong Shan (Lantau Peak)	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Full, ~4,500m	Full, ~4,500m	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
REC-8	Hikers of Tai Tung Shan (Sunset Peak)	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Full, ~4,200m	Full, ~4,200m	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
REC-9	Hikers of Lantau North Country Park	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Full, ~2,800m	Full, ~2,800m	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
REC-10	Hikers of Lantau South Country Park	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Full, ~600-10,000m	Full, ~600-10,000m	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
REC-11	Recreational users of future Tung Chung East Development	Low	N/A	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	N/A	Partial, ~600m	N/A	Negligible	N/A	Small
REC-12	Hikers of Scenic Hill	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Full, 0m*	Full, 0m*	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
REC-13	Passengers / Drivers of recreational marine craft in north Lantau waters and Urmston Road	Medium	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Full, ~0-10,000m	Full, ~0-10,000m	Partial	Partial	Large	Inter-mediate
REC-14	Passengers / Drivers of recreational marine craft in Castle Peak Bay	Medium	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Full, ~6,200m	Full, ~6,200m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
REC-15	Recreational users of Butterfly Beach	Medium	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Full, ~5,500m	Full, ~5,500m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
REC-16	Hikers of Castle Peak	High	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Full, ~6,500m	Full, ~6,500m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
REC-17	Recreational users of Tung Chung Outdoor Recreation Camp	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Obscured, ~1,200m	Obscured, ~1,200m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
REC-18	Recreational users of Man Tung Road Park	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Obscured, ~200m	Obscured, ~200m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
REC-19	Hikers of Tai Lam Country Park	Medium	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Full, ~8,000m	Full, ~8,000m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
REC-20	Recreational users of Planned Entertainment Node	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	N/A	Partial, ~7,500m	N/A	Negligible	N/A	Negligible
REC-21	Recreational users of Sha Chau	High	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous t	Large, No	Full, ~1,300m	Full, ~1,300m	Slight	Slight	Large	Intermediate
REC-22	Recreational users of Golden Beach	Medium	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Full, ~8,000m	Full, ~8,000m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
REC-23	Hikers from Tung Chung to Tai O	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Partial, ~200 – 5,200m	Partial,~200 – 5,200m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Negligible
REC-24	Visitors to Tai Ho	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Obscured, ~4,200m	Obscured, ~4,200m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
REC-25	Visitors to proposed NCD hotels and commercial facilities	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	N/A	Partial, 0m*	N/A	Negligible	N/A	Negligible
REC-26	Recreational users of future Tung Chung West Development	Low	N/A	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	N/A	Partial, ~400m	N/A	Negligible	N/A	Negligible
REC-27	Users of Proposed Columbarium Developments for Tsuen Wan	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Partial, ~5,500m	Partial, ~5,500m	Slight	Slight	Negligible	Negligible
Travelling VSRs
T-1	Passengers / Drivers of Vehicles and MTR along North Lantau Highway	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Full, ~0-10,000m	Full, ~0-10,000m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Negligible
T-2	Passengers / Drivers of Vehicles and MTR along Cheong Wing Road	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Full, ~10m	Full, ~10m	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
T-3	Passengers of commercial aircraft	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Full, ~0-10,000m	Full, ~0-10,000m	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
T-4	Passengers / Drivers of the proposed Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TMCLKL)	Medium	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Full, ~2,000m	Full, ~2,000m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Negligible
T-5	Passengers / Drivers of the proposed Hong Kong Link Road HKLR	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Full, ~0-10,000m	Full, ~0-10,000m	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
T-6	Passengers of Ferry’s in north Lantau waters and Urmston Road	Medium	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Full, ~0-10,000m	Full, ~0-10,000m	Slight	Slight	Intermediate	Small
T-7	Passengers / Drivers of Vehicles along castle peak road and Tuen Mun Road	Medium	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Obscured, ~7,900m	Obscured, ~7,900m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
T-8	Passengers / Drivers of Vehicles along Lung Mun Road	High	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Obscured, ~4,000m	Obscured, ~4,000m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
T-9	Passengers / Drivers of Vehicles at planned Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities	Medium	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Obscured, ~700m	Obscured, ~700m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Negligible
T-10	Passengers / Drivers of vehicles along Tung Chung road	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Obscured, ~1,300m	Obscured, ~1,300m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
T-11	Ferry Passengers from Tung Chung to Tai O	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Full, ~100 – 5,200m	Full, ~100 – 5,200m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Negligible
T-12	Ferry Passengers at Public Pier in Tung Chung	Low	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Obscured, ~200m	Obscured, ~200m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
T-13	Ferry Passengers at Public Pier in Tuen Mun	Medium	Permanent, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	Full, ~5,000m	Full, ~5,000m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
Occupational VSRs
O-1	Workers / Staff of Asia World Expo	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Partial, 0m*	Partial, 0m*	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
O-2	Workers of Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Partial, 0m*	Partial, 0m*	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
O-3	Workers / Staff of Chek Lap Kok Facilities	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Partial, 0m*	Partial, 0m*	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
O-4	Workers / Staff of Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering LTD.	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Partial, 0m*	Partial, 0m*	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
O-5	Workers / Staff of Hong Kong Passenger Terminal	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Partial, 0m*	Partial, 0m*	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
O-6	Workers of Regal Hotel	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Partial, 0m*	Partial, 0m*	Negligible	Negligible	Intermediate	Small
O-7	Workers / Staff of Pillar Point	High	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Partial, ~3,500m	Partial , ~3,500m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Negligible
O-8	Workers of EcoPark	High	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Partial, ~3,500m	Partial, ~3,500m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Negligible
O-9	Workers on commercial aircraft on and around Chek Lap Kok	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Full, 0 -10,000m*	Full, 0 -10,000m*	Slight	Slight	Intermediate	Small
O-10	Workers of planned Lantau Logistic Park (LLP) at the possible LLP extension	Low	N/A	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	N/A	Obscured, ~3,200m	N/A	Negligible	N/A	Negligible
O-11	Workers of Cathay Pacific City	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Partial, 0m*	Partial, 0m*	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Negligible
O-12	Workers of Castle Peak Power Station	High	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Partial, ~4,000m	Partial, ~4,000m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Negligible
O-13	Workers of Siu Ho Wan	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Obscured, ~5,400m	Obscured, ~5,400m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
O-14	Workers at HKBCF	Medium	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Obscured, ~300m	Obscured, ~300m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Negligible
O-15	Workers of proposed NCD hotels and commercial facilities	Low	N/A	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	N/A	Obscured, 0m*	N/A	Slight	N/A	Small
O-16	Workers of Siu Ho Wan MTR Depot	Low	Permanent, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, No	Obscured, ~4,000m	Obscured, ~4,000m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
O-17	Future workers of potential commercial development in Tung Chung East	Low	N/A	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	N/A	Obscured, ~2,500m	N/A	Negligible	N/A	Small
O-18	Future workers of potential commercial development in Tung Chung West	Low	N/A	Permanent, Continuous	Large, No	N/A	Obscured, ~1,500m	N/A	Negligible	N/A	Small
Note: (1) 0* denotes VSR within project site boundary (refer to Section 15.3.1)
(2) The closet viewing distance has been used to rate the worst case scenario (3) ‘Permanent’ duration measurement refers to entire construction/operation phase

15.7.5 Prediction of Significance of Visual Impacts

15.7.5.1 An assessment of the significance of the potential visual impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, is briefly described, and listed in detail in Table 15.10 (All impacts are adverse unless otherwise stated). This follows the methodology outlined in Section 15.4 above and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 15.6 and Table 15.7 would be implemented, and that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be realised after 10 years.

15.7.6 Impacts during the Construction and Operation Phase before Mitigation

15.7.6.1 Due to the low rise nature of the 3RS the magnitude of visual change to the majority of the VSRs is perceived to be ‘Small’ or ‘Negligible’ before mitigation measures. Many of the VSRs are a long distance away and enjoy good quality views of the sea, mountains and offshore islands and alternative views are available. The impact upon each VSR is described in greater detail below. The magnitude of impacts experienced by VSRs is generally greater in the construction phase than in the operation phase for most VSRs due to the presence of the construction activities and temporary disturbance to the landscape.

15.7.6.2 Photomontages illustrating the existing views (including approved committed projects) and operation phase impacts before and after (Day 1 and Year 10) the implementation of mitigation measure are provided in Drawings MCL/P132/EIA/15-017.1 to MCL/P132/EIA/15-026.2 and locations are illustrated on Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-010. Mitigation measures are described in more detail in Table 15.6 and Table 15.7.

Residential VSRs

15.7.6.3 RES3: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous full views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 900 m. In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Intermediate’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Moderate significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Intermediate’ to ‘Small’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. A photomontage illustrating the impacts during the operation phase before mitigation for RES3 is provided in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-020.1.

15.7.6.4 RES4, RES5, & RES6: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous full views towards the source of visual impact at distances ranging from 6,200 m to 8,700 m. In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Intermediate’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Moderate significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Intermediate’ to ‘Small’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. A photomontage illustrating the impacts during the operation phase before mitigation for RES4 is provided in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-018.1.

15.7.6.5 RES7 & RES9: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous full views towards the source of visual impact at distances ranging from 1,500 m to 2,500 m. In the construction phase, the VSRs will not yet exist and therefore there will be no subsequent impacts. In the operation phase, due to visual obstruction by intervening topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to be ‘Small’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. A photomontage illustrating the impacts during the operation phase before mitigation for RES7 is provided in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-025.1.

15.7.6.6 RES20: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous partial views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 900 m. In the construction phase, due to visual obstruction by intervening topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Small’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to remain as ‘Small’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Slight significance.

15.7.6.7 RES1, RES2, RES10, RES11, & RES-19: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous obscured views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 1,900 m. In the construction phase, due to visual obstruction by intervening topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Small’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Small’ to ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance. A photomontage illustrating the impacts during the operation phase before mitigation for RES1 is provided in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-024.1.

15.7.6.8 RES12, RES13, RES14, RES15, RES16, RES17, RES18, RES21: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous views towards the source of visual impact at distances between 400 m to 5,500 m. Residents would largely experience obscure degrees of visibility due to visual obstruction by topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures. In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Negligible’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to remain as ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.9 RES8: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous partial views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 6,500 m. Land formation within the north Lantau waters will be more compatible against the existing visual backdrop of Tung Chung and Chek Lap Kok from this position and therefore the compatibility of the project when compared to this visual backdrop is high. In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Negligible’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to remain as ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

Recreational VSRs

15.7.6.10 REC13: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous full views towards the source of visual impact at distances from immediately beside the source of impact (0 m) to the extent of the north Lantau coastal waters (10,000 m). Land formation within the north Lantau waters will generally be seen against the existing visual backdrop of Tung Chung and Chek Lap Kok and therefore the compatibility of the project when compared to this visual backdrop is medium. In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Large’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Substantial significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce to ‘Intermediate’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Moderate significance.

15.7.6.11 REC21: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous full views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 1,300 m. Land formation within the north Lantau waters will be more compatible against the existing visual backdrop of Tung Chung and Chek Lap Kok from this position and therefore the compatibility of the project when compared to this visual backdrop is high. In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Large’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity and ‘Very Few’ numbers results in an impact considered to be of Substantial significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Large’ to ‘Intermediate’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Moderate significance.

15.7.6.12 REC12: These VSRs will have permanent and intermittent full views towards the source of visual impact at distances from immediately beside the source of impact (0 m). In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Intermediate’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Moderate significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Intermediate’ to ‘Small’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Slight significance.

15.7.6.13 REC6, REC7, REC8, REC9 & REC10: These VSRs will have permanent and intermittent full views towards the source of visual impacts at distances from immediately beside the source of impact (0 m) to the extent of the Lantau South Country Park (10,000 m). In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Intermediate’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Moderate significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Intermediate’ to ‘Small’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. Photomontages illustrating the impacts during the operation phase before mitigation for REC6, REC7, REC8 & REC10 is provided in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-021.1

15.7.6.14 REC1: These VSRs will have permanent and intermittent partial views towards the source of visual impact at distances immediately beside the source of impact (0 m). In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Intermediate’, and this combined with their ‘Medium’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Moderate significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Intermediate’ to ‘Small’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Slight significance.

15.7.6.15 REC3: These VSRs will have permanent and intermittent partial views towards the source of visual impact at distances immediately beside the source of impact (0 m). In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Intermediate’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Moderate significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Intermediate’ to ‘Small’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Slight significance.

15.7.6.16 REC2 & REC4: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous partial views towards the source of visual impact at distances immediately beside the source of impact (0 m). In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Intermediate’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Moderate significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Intermediate’ to ‘Small’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. A photomontage illustrating the impacts during the operation phase before mitigation for REC2 is provided in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-019.1

15.7.6.17 REC5: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous full views towards the source of visual impact at distances immediately beside the source of impact (0 m to 3,600 m). In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Intermediate’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Moderate significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Intermediate’ to ‘Small’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. A photomontage illustrating the impacts during the operation phase before mitigation for REC5 is provided in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-021.1

15.7.6.18 REC11: These VSRs will have permanent and intermittent partial views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 600 m. In the construction phase, the VSRs will not yet exist and therefore there will be no subsequent impacts. In the operation phase, due to visual obstruction by intervening topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to be ‘Small’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Slight significance.

15.7.6.19 REC16 & REC19: These VSRs will have permanent and intermittent full views towards the source of visual impact at distances ranging from 6,500 m to 8,000 m. In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Small’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to remain as ‘Small’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. A photomontage illustrating the impacts during the operation phase before mitigation for REC16 is provided in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-017.2.

15.7.6.20 REC25: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous partial views towards the source of visual impact at distances immediately beside the source of impact (0 m). In the construction phase, the VSRs will not yet exist and therefore there will be no subsequent impacts. In the operation phase, due to visual obstruction by intervening existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to be ‘Negligible’ and this with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.21 REC23: These VSRs will have permanent and intermittent partial views towards the source of visual impact at distances between 200 m to 5,200 m. In the construction phase, due to visual obstruction by intervening topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Small’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity and ‘Few’ numbers results in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Small’ to ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance. A photomontage illustrating the impacts during the operation phase before mitigation for REC23 is provided in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-026.1.

15.7.6.22 REC17 & REC18: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous obscured views towards the source of visual impact. In the construction phase, due to visual obstruction by intervening topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Negligible’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to be ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.23 REC20: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous partial views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 7,500 m. In the construction phase, the VSRs will not yet exist and therefore there will be no subsequent impacts. In the operation phase, due to visual obstruction by intervening topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to be ‘Negligible’ and this with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.24 REC14, REC15 & REC22: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous full views towards the source of visual impact at distances ranging from 5,500 m to 8,000 m. In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Negligible’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to remain as ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance. A photomontage illustrating the impacts during the operation phase before mitigation for REC22 is provided in Drawing MCL/P132/EIA/15-023.1.

15.7.6.25 REC24: These VSRs will have permanent and intermittent obscure views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 4,200 m. VSRs would experience obscure degrees of visibility due to visual obstruction by topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures. In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Negligible’, and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to remain as ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.26 REC27: These VSRs will have permanent and intermittent partial views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 5,500 m. VSRs would experience slight degrees of visibility due to visual obstruction by topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures. In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Negligible’, and this combined with their ‘Low’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to remain as ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.27 REC26: These VSRs will have permanent and intermittent partial views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 400 m. In the construction phase, the VSRs will not yet exist and therefore there will be no subsequent impacts. In the operation phase, due to visual obstruction by intervening topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to be ‘Negligible’ and this with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

Travelling VSRs

15.7.6.28 T2: These VSRs will have permanent and intermittent full views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 10 m. In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Intermediate’, and this combined with their ‘Medium’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Moderate significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Intermediate’ to ‘Small’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Slight significance.

15.7.6.29 T3, T5 & T6: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous / intermittent views towards the source of visual impact at distances from immediately beside the source of impact (0 m) to the extent of the north Lantau coastal waters (10,000 m). In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Intermediate’, and this combined with their ‘Medium’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Moderate significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Intermediate’ to ‘Small’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Slight significance.

15.7.6.30 T9: These VSRs will have permanent and intermittent obscured views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 700 m. In the construction phase, due to visual obstruction by intervening topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Small’, and this combined with their ‘Medium’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Small’ to ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.31 T11: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous full views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 100 m. In the construction phase, due to visual obstruction by intervening topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Small’, and this combined with their ‘Medium’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Small’ to ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.32 T1 & T4: These VSRs will have permanent and intermittent full views towards the source of visual impact at distances from immediately beside the source of impact (0 m) to the extent of the ZVI (10,000 m). In the construction phase, due to visual obstruction by intervening topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Small’, and this combined with their ‘Medium’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce to ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.33 T7, T8 & T10: These VSRs will have permanent and intermittent views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 1,300 m. VSRs would experience obscure degrees of visibility due to visual obstruction by topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures. In the construction phase, due to visual obstruction by intervening topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Negligible’, and this combined with their ‘Medium’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to remain as ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.34 T12: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 200 m. VSRs would experience obscure degrees of visibility due to visual obstruction by topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures. In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Negligible’, and this combined with their ‘Medium’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to remain as ‘Negligible’ resulting in a reduced impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.35 T13: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous full views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 5,000 m. Land formation within the north Lantau waters will be seen against the existing visual backdrop of Tung Chung and Chek Lap Kok and therefore the compatibility of the project when compared to this visual backdrop is medium. In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Negligible’, and this combined with their ‘Medium’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to remain as ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

Occupational VSRs

15.7.6.36 O1, O2, O3, O4, O5 & O6: These VSRs will have permanent and intermittent partial views towards the source of visual impact at distances at distances from immediately beside the source of impact (0 m). In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Intermediate’, and this combined with their ‘Low’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Intermediate’ to ‘Small’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.37 O9: This VSR will have permanent and intermittent full views towards the source of visual impact at distances from immediately beside the source of impact (0 m). In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Intermediate’, and this combined with their ‘Low’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Intermediate’ to ‘Small’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.38 O15: This VSR will have permanent and continuous obscured views towards the source of visual impact at distances from immediately beside the source of impact (0 m). In the construction phase, the VSRs will not yet exist and therefore there will be no subsequent impacts. In the operation phase, due to visual obstruction by intervening existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Small’, and this combined with their ‘Low’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.39 O11: This VSR will have permanent and intermittent partial views towards the source of visual impact at distances from immediately beside the source of impact (0 m). In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Small’, and this combined with their ‘Low’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Small’ to ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.40 O14: This VSR will have permanent and intermittent obscured views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 300 m. In the construction phase, due to visual obstruction by intervening topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Small’, and this combined with their ‘Low’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Small’ to ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.41 O10: This VSR will have permanent and intermittent obscured views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 3,200 m. In the construction phase, the VSRs will not yet exist and therefore there will be no subsequent impacts. During operation, due to visual obstruction by intervening topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Negligible’, and this combined with their ‘Low’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.42 O13: This VSR will have permanent and intermittent obscured views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 5,400 m. In the construction phase, due to visual obstruction by intervening topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Negligible’, and this combined with their ‘Low’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to remain as ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.43 O12: This VSR will have permanent and intermittent partial views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 4,000 m. In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Small’, and this combined with their ‘Low’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Small’ to ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.44 O7 & O8: These VSRs will have permanent and intermittent partial views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 3,500 m. In the construction phase, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Small’, and this combined with their ‘Low’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Slight significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to reduce from ‘Small’ to ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.45 O16: These VSRs will have permanent and intermittent obscured views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 3,800 m. In the construction phase, due to visual obstruction by intervening topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the resultant magnitude of visual change is ‘Negligible’, and this combined with their ‘Low’ sensitivity results in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance. In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to remain as ‘Negligible’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Insubstantial significance.

15.7.6.46 O17 & O18: These VSRs will have permanent and continuous obscured views towards the source of visual impact at distances of at least 1,500 m. In the construction phase, the VSRs will not yet exist and therefore there will be no subsequent impacts. In the operation phase, due to visual obstruction by intervening topographical and vegetation features and/or existing buildings / structures and other such factors as stated in Table 15.9, the predicted magnitude of visual change is ‘Small’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Slight significance.

15.7.7 Residual Impacts during the Construction Phase after Mitigation

15.7.7.1 Although implementation of the recommended mitigation measures should slightly reduce the magnitude of the residual visual impacts during the construction phase, this will not be sufficient to reduce the overall significance thresholds described above for the before mitigation scenario.

15.7.8 Residual Impacts during the Operation Phase after Mitigation

15.7.8.1 Although implementation of the recommended mitigation measures should slightly reduce the residual impacts in the operation phase between Day 1 and Year 10, this will not be sufficient to reduce the overall significance thresholds.

15.7.8.2 The most predominant visual impact of the 3RS is from new land formation accommodating the third runway. Expansion of T2 and new associated infrastructure is unlikely to significantly alter the existing views towards the site due to its isolated locations and high compatibility to surrounding airport activities and structures. The proposed architectural theme for the expanded T2 building is based on a feather concept with a design to provide not only an elegant reference point, but also provides a way of unitizing the roof into east / west orientated strips that breaks down both the sale of the roof plain and provides a strong directional orientation. The intended effect will create a series of light ‘feathers’ gently resting on a series of supports. VSRs located within Tung Chung and Lantau Island would generally experience residual visual impacts of Slight or Insubstantial significance during the operation phase after mitigation. VSRs located north of the project will view the site at large distances against an existing visual backdrop featuring Tung Chung and existing airport facilities, therefore it is anticipated that these VSRs would also generally experience residual visual impacts of Slight or Insubstantial significance after the implementation of mitigation measures during the operation phase.

15.7.8.3 The greatest visual impact in the operation phase will be experienced by REC13, Passengers / Drivers of recreational marine craft in north Lantau waters and Urmston Road and REC21, Recreational users of Sha Chau. REC13 will have permanent and intermittent full views towards the source of visual impact at distances from immediately beside the source of impact (0m) to the extent of the Lantau Country Parks (10,000 m). In the operation phase, the predicted magnitude of visual change is predicted to be ‘Intermediate’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Moderate significance. REC21 will have permanent and continuous full views towards the source of impact at distances of at least 1,300 m. In the operation phase, the predicated magnitude of visual change is anticipated to be ‘Intermediate’ resulting in an impact considered to be of Moderate significance.

Table 15.10: Significance of Visual Impacts in the Construction and Operation Phases

VSR Type & ID	Key Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)		Magnitude of Visual Change before Mitigation (None, Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Receptor Sensitivity & Number (Low, Medium, High) (Very Few, Few, Many, Very Many)		Impact Significance Threshold BEFORE Mitigation (None, Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance Threshold AFTER Mitigation (None, Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
										Construction	Operation
			Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	DAY 1	YEAR 10
Residential VSRs
RES-1	Residents of Villages of Tai O	Small		Negligible	High, Many	High, Many	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
RES-2	Residents of Villages of Sha Lo Wan	Small		Negligible	High, Few	High, Few	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
RES-3	Residents of Tung Chung including, Tung Chung Crescent, Seaview Crescent, Caribbean Coast, Area 53 to Area 56	Intermediate		Small	High, Very Many	High, Very Many	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
RES-4	Residents along south coast of Tuen Mun	Intermediate		Small	High, Very Many	High, Very Many	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
RES-5	Residents of Hong Kong Gold Coast	Intermediate		Small	High, Many	High, Many	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
RES-6	Residents of Siu Lam	Intermediate		Small	High, Many	High, Many	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
RES-7	Proposed residents of Tung Chung East	N/A		Small	N/A	High, Very Many	N/A	Slight	OM1-11	N/A	Slight	Slight
RES-8	Residents of Lung Kwu Tan	Negligible		Negligible	High, Many	High, Many	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
RES-9	Residents of planned Tung Chung West future development including Area 39	N/A		Small	N/A	High, Very Many	N/A	Slight	OM1-11	N/A	Slight	Slight
RES-10	Residents of Sham Shek Tsuen	Small		Negligible	High, Few	High, Few	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
RES-11	Residents of Sai Tso Wan Village	Small		Negligible	High, Very Few	High, Very Few	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
RES-12	Residents of San Tau, Kau Liu and Tin Sam Villages	Negligible		Negligible	High, Few	High, Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
RES-13	Residents of Shek Lau Po and Mok Ka Village	Negligible		Negligible	High, Few	High, Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
RES-14	Residents of Tung Hing Village	Negligible		Negligible	High, Very Few	High, Very Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
RES-15	Residents of Sheung Ling Pei Village	Negligible		Negligible	High, Many	High, Many	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
RES-16	Residents of Ma Wan New Village	Negligible		Negligible	High, Many	High, Many	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
RES-17	Residents of Pak Mong Village	Negligible		Negligible	High, Few	High, Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
RES-18	Residents of Ngau Kwu Long Village	Negligible		Negligible	High, Few	High, Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
RES-19	Residents of San Shek Wan Village	Small		Negligible	High, Few	High, Few	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
RES-20	Residents of Yat Tung Estate	Small		Small	High, Very Many	High, Very Many	Slight	Slight	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Slight	Slight	Slight
RES-21	Residents in Tai Ho San Tsuen	Negligible		Negligible	High, Few	High, Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Recreational VSRs
REC-1	Visitors to AsiaWorld-Expo	Intermediate		Small	Medium, Many	Medium, Many	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
REC-2	Visitors to Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel	Intermediate		Small	High, Many	High, Many	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
REC-3	Visitors to Hong Kong Airport Passenger Terminal	Intermediate		Small	High, Many	High, Many	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
REC-4	Visitors to Regal Hotel	Intermediate		Small	High, Many	High, Many	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
REC-5	Passengers of Cable Cars of Ngong Ping 360	Intermediate		Small	High, Many	High, Many	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
REC-6	Hikers of Nei Lak Shan	Intermediate		Small	High, Few	High, Few	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
REC-7	Hikers of Fung Wong Shan (Lantau Peak)	Intermediate		Small	High, Few	High, Few	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
REC-8	Hikers of Tai Tung Shan (Sunset Peak)	Intermediate		Small	High, Few	High, Few	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
REC-9	Hikers of Lantau North Country Park	Intermediate		Small	High, Few	High, Few	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
REC-10	Hikers of Lantau South Country Park	Intermediate		Small	High, Few	High, Few	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
REC-11	Recreational users of future Tung Chung East Development	N/A		Small	N/A	High, Many	N/A	Slight	OM1-11	N/A	Slight	Slight
REC-12	Hikers of Scenic Hill	Intermediate		Small	High, Few	High, Few	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
REC-13	Passengers/Drivers of recreational marine craft in north Lantau waters and Urmston Road	Large		Inter-mediate	High, Few	High, Few	Substantial	Moderate	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Substantial	Moderate	Moderate
REC-14	Passengers/Drivers of recreational marine craft in Castle Peak Bay	Negligible		Negligible	High, Many	High, Many	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
REC-15	Recreational users of Butterfly Beach	Negligible		Negligible	High, Many	High, Many	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
REC-16	Hikers of Castle Peak	Small		Small	High, Few	High, Few	Slight	Slight	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Slight	Slight	Slight
REC-17	Recreational users of Tung Chung Outdoor Recreation Camp	Negligible		Negligible	High, Many	High, Many	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
REC-18	Recreational users of Man Tung Road Park	Negligible		Negligible	High, Many	High, Many	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
REC-19	Hikers of Tai Lam Country Park	Small		Small	High, Few	High, Few	Slight	Slight	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Slight	Slight	Slight
REC-20	Recreational users of Planned Entertainment Node	N/A		Negligible	N/A	High, Many	N/A	Insubstantial	CM10 OM1-11	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
REC-21	Recreational users of Sha Chau islands	Large		Intermediate	High, Very Few	High, Very Few	Substantial	Moderate	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Substantial	Moderate	Moderate
REC-22	Recreational users of Golden Beach	Negligible		Negligible	High, Many	High, Many	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
REC-23	Hikers from Tung Chung to Tai O	Small		Negligible	High, Few	High, Few	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
REC-24	Visitors to Tai Ho	Negligible		Negligible	High, Few	High, Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
REC-25	Visitors to proposed NCD hotels and commercial facilities	N/A		Negligible	N/A	High, Many	N/A	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
REC-26	Recreational users of future Tung Chung West Development	N/A		Negligible	N/A	High, Many	N/A	Insubstantial	OM1-11	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
REC-27	Users of Proposed Columbarium Developments for Tsuen Wan	Negligible		Negligible	Low, Very Few	Low, Very Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Travelling VSRs
T-1	Passengers / Drivers of Vehicles and MTR along North Lantau Highway	Small		Negligible	Medium, Very Many	Medium, Very Many	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T-2	Passengers / Drivers of Vehicles and MTR along Cheong Wing Road	Intermediate		Small	Medium, Very Many	Medium, Very Many	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
T-3	Passengers of commercial aircraft	Intermediate		Small	Medium, Very Many	Medium, Very Many	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
T-4	Passengers / Drivers of the proposed Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TMCLKL)	Small		Negligible	Medium, Very Many	Medium, Very Many	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T-5	Passengers / Drivers of the proposed Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR)	Intermediate		Small	Medium, Very Many	Medium, Very Many	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
T-6	Passengers of Ferry’s in north Lantau waters and Urmston Road	Intermediate		Small	Medium, Many	Medium, Many	Moderate	Slight	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Moderate	Slight	Slight
T-7	Passengers / Drivers of Vehicles along castle peak road and Tuen Mun Road	Negligible		Negligible	Medium, Very Many	Medium, Very Many	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T-8	Passengers / Drivers of Vehicles along Lung Mun Road	Negligible		Negligible	Medium, Many	Medium, Many	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T-9	Passengers / Drivers of Vehicles at planned HKBCF	Small		Negligible	Medium, Very Many	Medium, Very Many	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T-10	Passengers / Drivers of vehicles along Tung Chung road	Negligible		Negligible	Medium, Many	Medium, Many	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T-11	Ferry Passengers from Tung Chung to Tai O	Small		Negligible	Medium, Few	Medium, Few	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T-12	Ferry Passengers at Public Pier in Tung Chung	Negligible		Negligible	Medium, Many	Medium, Many	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T-13	Ferry Passengers at Public Pier in Tuen Mun	Negligible		Negligible	Medium, Many	Medium, Many	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Occupational VSRs
O-1	Workers / Staff of Asia World Expo	Intermediate		Small	Low, Many	Low, Many	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-2	Workers / Staff of Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel	Intermediate		Small	Low, Many	Low, Many	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-3	Workers / Staff of Chek Lap Kok Facilities	Intermediate		Small	Low, Many	Low, Many	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-4	Workers / Staff of Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering LTD.	Intermediate		Small	Low, Few	Low, Few	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-5	Workers / Staff of Hong Kong Passenger Terminal	Intermediate		Small	Low, Very Many	Low, Very Many	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-6	Workers of Regal Hotel	Intermediate		Small	Low, Many	Low, Many	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-7	Workers / Staff of Pillar Point	Small		Negligible	Low, Few	Low, Few	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-8	Workers of EcoPark	Small		Negligible	Low, Few	Low, Few	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-9	Workers on commercial aircraft on and around Chek Lap Kok	Intermediate		Small	Low, Many	Low, Many	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-10	Workers of planned Lantau Logistic Park (LLP) at the possible LLP extension	N/A		Negligible	N/A	Low, Many	N/A	Insubstantial	CM10 OM1-11	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-11	Workers of Cathay Pacific City	Small		Negligible	Low, Many	Low, Many	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-12	Workers of Castle Peak Power Station	Small		Negligible	Low, Few	Low, Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-13	Workers of Siu Ho Wan	Negligible		Negligible	Low, Few	Low, Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10 OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-14	Workers at HKBCF	Small		Negligible	Low, Many	Low, Many	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-15	Workers of proposed NCD hotels and commercial facilities	N/A		Small	N/A	Low, Many	N/A	Insubstantial	OM1-11	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-16	Workers of Siu Ho Wan MTR Depot	Negligible		Negligible	Low, Few	Low, Few	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1-7, CM10, OM1-11	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-17	Future workers of potential commercial development in Tung Chung East	N/A		Small	N/A	Low, Very Many	N/A	Slight	OM1-11	N/A	Slight	Slight
O-18	Future workers of potential commercial development in Tung Chung West	N/A		Small	N/A	Low, Very Many	N/A	Slight	OM1-11	N/A	Slight	Slight