Report

15.1.1.1 An EIA Report has been prepared for Tung Chung New Town Extension in accordance with the requirements given in the EIA SB (ESB-285/2015) and the TM-EIAO. Environmental assessment of the potential environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Project has been conducted. Environmental issues covered in this EIA include:

· Air quality impact;

· Noise impact;

· Water quality impact;

· Sewage and sewerage treatment implications;

· Waste management implications;

· Land contamination;

· Ecology;

· Fisheries;

· Landscape and visual impact; and

· Cultural Heritage.

15.1.1.2 The key assessment assumptions, limitation of assessment methodologies and all related prior agreements with EPD on assessment of different environmental aspects are given in Appendix 15.1.

15.1.1.3 A summary of environmental impacts identified in this EIA is provided in Appendix 15.2 and the conclusions of technical chapters are described in the following sections.

15.2 Air Quality

15.2.1 Construction Phase

15.2.1.1 Potential construction dust impact would be generated from reclamation, ground excavation, site formation, etc. during construction phase. Quantitative construction dust impact assessment have been conducted. Results have concluded that there will not be any adverse residual air quality impact during construction phase given frequent watering on all works area once per hour during working periods.

15.2.2 Operational Phase

15.2.2.1 Quantitative operational air quality assessment have been conducted taking into account the vehicular emission impacts associated with the Project and nearby existing road network, airport emission associated with the HKIA including its three-runway system, and potential concurrent projects (including, but not limited to, induced traffic due to HKLR, HKBCF, TMCLKL, etc.) in the vicinity. Cumulative impact from far-field source contributions, including territory wide vehicular emission, power plants, marine emission, as well as regional emission from PRD, have also been taken into account. It is concluded that the predicted cumulative air quality impacts on all air sensitive receivers would comply with the AQOs during the operational phase, and hence no adverse impacts are anticipated.

15.2.2.2 In addition, there are numbers of key concurrent projects currently under construction or committed to commence construction in near future, including the 3RS of HKIA, HKLR, HKBCF and the TMCLKL etc.. The traffic forecast has taken into account all the induced traffic from these concurrent projects according to their implementation schedule based on the best available information. In case that the construction schedules of these concurrent projects were slipped, there would be less induced traffic from the concurrent projects at the assessment years compared to the adopted traffic forecast. Thus, the potential impact on the air quality assessment findings presented in above sections due to possible slippage of concurrent projects would be insignificant as the current assessment results are on the conservative side.

15.3 Noise

15.3.1 Construction Phase

15.3.1.1 Construction noise associated with the use of Powered Mechanical Equipment (PME) for different phases of construction has been conducted. With the implementation of practical mitigation measures including good site management practices, use of movable noise barrier and full enclosure, use of “quiet” plant and working method, construction noise impacts at all of the neighboring residential noise sensitive uses would be controlled to acceptable levels. For educational institutions, the construction noise impacts during school normal and examination periods would also comply with the relevant criteria.

15.3.2 Operational Phase

15.3.2.1 Operational road traffic noise impact on planned, existing and committed noise sensitive uses within TCE and TCW have been predicted for the assessment year. Results indicate that the noise impacts can be mitigated by a combination of noise mitigation measures including 1) noise barriers along some road sections or boundary walls within development sites; 2) application of low noise road surfacing material on some road sections; and 3) suitable treatment on end walls, arranging noise tolerant portions of buildings in internal layout design and architectural fins in some buildings to within the respective noise criteria. These mitigation will also ensure that the noise levels caused by project road are within the respective noise criteria. Results also indicate that only approximately less than 2% of the residential units would be exposed to 70dB(A). The remaining residential units (over 98%) would be exposed to noise level less than 70dB(A).

15.3.2.2 However, there is scope for adoption of alternative noise mitigation measures, for example, by means of alternative layout and design of individual developments at detailed design stage. Besides, possibility of use of new road surfacing material with considerable traffic noise reduction capability may be explored when test results on its application in Hong Kong are available. An environmental review may be conducted in due course to study how the use of new road surfacing material could help reduce traffic noise impacts and minimise the scale/extent of the proposed noise mitigation measures.

15.3.2.3 Fixed noise assessment has been conducted. In order to comply with the criteria, the use of silencers, acoustic enclosure, and quiet plant should be adopted Sound power level limits are specified for various fixed noise sources such as the planned Salt Water Pumping Stations/ Sewage Pumping Stations / Pumping Stations (SWPS/SPS/PS), Chung Mun Road Sewage Pumping Station, planned TCE / TCW Railway Stations, PTIs, Electric Substation, Fire Station and Boatyard and Maintenance Area with necessary noise control measures to comply with statutory criteria. The noise control measures that would be required are also specified.

15.3.2.4 According to the approved 3RS EIA findings, the predicted NEF 25 contours of the 3RS would be away from TCE upon the full commissioning of the 3RS. Nevertheless, appropriate development phasing for TCE will also be considered to ensure all the NSRs within TCE and TCW will be outside the NEF 25 noise contours during the time of population intake.

15.3.2.5 Regarding the operational year of the 3RS would need to be shifted beyond the programme stated in the 3RS EIA or the Project is developed in advance of operation of the 3RS of HKIA, the Project Proponent of this Project shall conduct a review on the dates of population intake so as to ensure that all the NSRs within TCE would not be adversely affected by aircraft noise. Moreover, without implementation of the 3RS project of the HKIA, it is noted that part of the proposed TCE reclamation on the seaward side would fall within the NEF 25 contour based on the current operation of HKIA. In that case, the planning of TCE which envisages a mix of residential and commercial development would need to be reviewed.

15.3.2.6 Rail noise assessment has been conducted based on rail noise source measurement and operational information from the railway operator. Results indicate that the noise impacts on NSRs would comply with the statutory requirement with the provision of semi enclosures, facade with no openable windows and architectural acoustic fins. It should be noted that the realignment of TCL and Railway Stations at TCE and TCW and its associated railway system is a separate Designated Project under Item A.2 of Schedule 2 of TM-EIAO. A separate EIA study will be therefore conducted by the railway operator to fulfil all the statutory requirements and procedures under the EIAO. Hence, the proposed mitigation measures in Section 4.8.4 are tentative for cumulative assessment purpose in this EIA.

15.3.2.7 There will be a proposed alignment running underground between Railway Stations at TCE and TCW and its associated railway system. Groundborne noise assessment results indicate that the groundborne noise impacts on planned NSRs would comply with the statutory requirement and hence mitigation measure is not required. As the proposed Railway Stations at TCE and TCW and its associated railway system is a separate Designated Project under Item A.2 of Schedule 2 of TM-EIAO, a separate study would be conducted by the rail operator to fulfil all the statutory requirements and procedures under the EIAO.

15.3.2.8 Helicopter noise impact on planned sensitive uses within TCE and TCW have been predicted. According to the latest information, the flight path of helicopters would maintain sufficient separation distance from noise sensitive receivers in TCE and TCW. Hence, the noise impacts on NSRs at TCE and TCW would comply with the statutory requirement. Noise of GFS emergency service will also be within L_max 85dB(A) The current route has been designated to optimize all safety and operational requirements while still complying all the statutory noise requirement. As advised by GFS, there is a replacement program for the existing helicopter fleet. The current Super Puma AS332 L2 helicopters and EC 155 B1 helicopters are planned to be replaced by a single-model helicopter fleet. The new helicopters which will put into service in near future would be quieter. The newly procured helicopters are expected to be commissioned in 2017 which is much earlier than the expected commencement date of the Project. Noise environment will be further improved. The maximum predicted noise levels would be in the range of Lmax 74 – 76 dB(A) after new helicopters are put in service. No noise exceedance is anticipated .

15.3.2.9 An assessment has been conducted for marine traffic noise based on measurement data. Results indicate that the noise impacts on NSRs would be well below the prevailing noise level and hence adverse noise impact is not anticipated.

15.4 Water Quality

15.4.1 Construction Phase

15.4.1.1 While reclamation work in TCW has been removed to avoid water quality impacts as much as practicable, reclamation works at TCE is still required. Potential key sources of water quality impact during the construction phase include land formation works in TCE and Road P1; land improvement by deep cement mixing, construction of new seawall, stone column installation. It should be noted that potential construction phase water quality impacts associated with the proposed works have already been substantially reduced by the adoption of non-dredged reclamation methods for land formation and reclamation filling works within a leading seawall of about 200m. Other than reclamation works, the construction work in both TCE and TCW would involve construction site runoff and drainage; sewage effluent from construction workforce.

15.4.1.2 A quantitative assessment of potential water quality impacts associated with marine construction works has also been conducted, taking into account the critical periods for Suspended Sediment (SS) release. Other activities that could affect water quality during construction are primarily land-based and were assessed qualitatively.

15.4.1.3 Assessment results show that with the application of about 200m leading edge of partially completed seawall prior to marine filling activities and the implementation of mitigation measures (in the form of silt curtains and silt screens where applicable), there will be no exceedance of the SS criteria at any WSR due to project activities. However, when taking into account of the SS release from concurrent projects, cumulative exceedance is predicted at few WSRs near the Brothers Islands. Nevertheless, the exceedances are primarily due to the conservative assumptions for the concurrent projects rather than due to the contributions from the Tung Chung project. Those conservative assumptions are based on the maximum allowable SS release rates of the relevant concurrent project. However, based on the available information, the actual SS release rates are much lower than the maximum allowable release rates. Therefore, adverse residual water quality impacts due to the project are not anticipated.

15.4.1.4 A sensitivity scenario has also been conducted to address the potential shift in the implementation date of the 3RS. Results indicate that, given the separation between the 3RS and the Tung Chung New Town Extension, even under the worst case scenario, the construction of 3RS would not cause significant cumulative impacts on the water sensitive receivers in Tung Chung Bay, and vice versa, the construction activities in Tung Chung would also not cause significant water quality impacts on the sensitive receivers near the 3RS. By comparsion of the concurrent scenario and the above sensitivity scenario, exceedance at coral communities at the Brothers Islands is due to the conservative SS release assumption in concurrent projects. Non exceedance at Marine Parks of Brothers Islands is due to the hydrodynamics change without the landform of 3RS reclamation.

15.4.1.5 Other construction activities include bridge works at Tung Chung Stream, construction work of sewage pumping stations, fresh water and salt water reservoirs, water management facilities and polder scheme, proposed marina and groundwater and runoff for tunnel works. With the implementation of good site practices and the recommended mitigation measures to minimise potential water quality impacts, these construction activities, as well as general construction site drainage and sewage effluent from the construction workforce, are not anticipated to result in significant water quality impacts.

15.4.1.6 In view of the assessment findings, it is concluded that no adverse residual water quality impacts are anticipated during the construction phase of the project.

15.4.2 Operational Phase

15.4.2.1 The potential key sources of water quality impact during the operational phase include changes in hydrodynamics as a result of the reclaimed land in TCE and Road P1 and the increase of sewage amount and increase of pollution load from surface runoff.

15.4.2.2 For the reclamation in TCE and Road P1, quantitative assessments for ‘with project’ and ‘without project’ scenarios were undertaken for the assessment year of Year 2030 which represents the worst case for pollution loading, taking into account other planned and committed concurrent projects in the study area. The findings show that despite minor exceedances in total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) at some WSRs, these were attributed from the background concentration but not attributed to the Project. On comparing the without project case and the existing monitoring data (Section 5.2.3), the exceedance is still exist. The predicted water quality in annual mean of depth averaged at the representative WSRs is summarized in below table. Therefore, implementation of the project would not result in adverse hydrodynamic and water quality changes in the study area.

15.4.2.3 The assessment has also demonstrated that the proposed reclamation works would not cause significant change in the water quality at the water sensitive receivers including the estuary of Tung Chung Stream and inside Tai O Bay.

15.4.2.4 In order to protect the water quality of Tung Chung Stream, Tai Ho Wan and other neighbouring water body, all the sewage pumping stations serving the TCE and TCW will be designed with appropriate design to avoid the need for emergency discharge. For the surface runoff from TCW, enhancement measures such as provision of stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds, dry weather flow interception at the existing villages have been recommended to protect the water quality in Tung Chung Stream.

15.5 Sewerage and Sewage Treatment Implications

15.5.1.1 The TCNTE project will generate a large amount of sewage flow which will be taken up by proposed sewers, sewage pumping stations (SPSs) within each the TCE and TCW developments. Sewage generated by TCNTE will be discharged to the Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works (SHWSTW) for treatment.

15.5.1.2 Two SPSs are proposed within the TCE, where the intake population will occur in two stages, namely “interim” from Year 2023 to 2026 and “ultimate” from Year 2027 to 2030. Interim stage will be taken up by one proposed SPS within TCE with twin rising mains delivering flow directly to the Tung Chung Sewage Pumping Station (TCSPS). During ultimate stage, all flow from TCE will be diverted away from TCSPS and toward the other SPS within TCE with twin rising mains delivering flow directly to SHWSTW. All rising mains will be concrete encased to avoid risk of pipe bursting.

15.5.1.3 Four SPSs are proposed within the TCW, three of which are new SPSs and one is an upgrade to the existing Chung Mun Road Sewage Pumping Station (CMRSPS). Flow generated by a portion of TCW development will be diverted by sewers toward the Upgraded CMRSPS, which will deliver flow by twin rising mains directly to one new SPS nearby the East Tung Chung Stream. Two other new SPSs are proposed nearby the West Tung Chung Stream which will also deliver flow by twin rising mains to the SPS nearby the East Tung Chung Stream. The SPS at East Tung Chung Stream will then deliver flow by twin rising mains directly to the TCSPS. All rising mains will be concrete encased to avoid risk of pipe bursting.

15.5.1.4 Taking into account the ecological sensitivity of the Tung Chung Stream and Tung Chung Bay, several mitigation measures are proposed at these SPSs in TCE and TCW to cater for pump failure, rising main failure and power failure during emergency situations including a) 100% standby pumping capacity within each SPS, with spare pump up to 50% pumping capacity stockpiled in each SPS for any emergency use; b) twin rising mains; c) dual-feed power supply; d) emergency storage facilities up to 6-hours ADWF capacity; and e) emergency communication mechanism amongst relevant government departments. These measures were considered to be appropriate for TCE and TCW. Considering the respective risks of pump, rising main and/or power failure and the adequacy of these mitigations, emergency discharge from the proposed SPSs in TCE and TCW are not expected, and thus no adverse impact on water quality or ecology due to emergency discharge is anticipated.

15.5.1.5 As DSD will take up the fitting out works at TCSPS and SHWSTW, if necessary, to accommodate sewage flow generated by TCNTE, it is considered all impacts due to sewage flow generated by TCNTE will be properly mitigated.

15.5.1.6 In order to cope with the projected sewage flows in the catchment, EPD has arranged DSD to fit out the TCSPS to its designed maximum handling capacity (3,680 l/s) by 2023; and to fit out the remainder of the treatment units at the SHWSTW for handling its designed maximum capacity (180,000 m3/day) by 2024.

15.6 Waste Management Implications

15.6.1 Construction Phase

15.6.1.1 Potential waste management implications from the generation of waste during the construction phase have been evaluated. Strategic mitigation measures, including the opportunity for on-site sorting, reusing C&D materials, etc., are devised to minimise the surplus materials to be disposed. Recommendations have been made for implementation by the Contractor during the construction period to minimise waste generation and off-site disposal.

15.6.2 Operational Phase

15.6.2.1 The types of waste that would be generated during the operational phase have also been assessed. Recommendations have been made to ensure proper treatment and disposal of these wastes. It is estimated that 300tpd of MSW will be generated during the operational phase where 120tpd of which will be recycled whilst the remaining 180tpd will require disposal.

15.7 Land Contamination

15.7.1.1 This land contamination assessment examined the potential contaminative land use within TCW and the works areas for the associated infrastructures. The assessment involved desktop review, site surveys and the proposed environmental SI.

15.7.1.2 Environmental SI was proposed for a total of 4 potentially contaminated sites in TCW. However, since all the 4 potentially contaminated sites are located in private land lot, SI is unlikely to be carried out at this stage. In addition, as the sites are still in operation, it is considered not worthy to carry out the SI at this stage as the on-going land contaminating activities would make the assessment result obsolete.

15.7.1.3 In view of this, further site visit at these 4 potentially contaminated sites are proposed once future development of these sites are confirmed and that site access is available in order to identify the need for SI for any additional hot spots as a result of the on-going land contaminating activities.

15.7.1.4 In addition, re-appraisal would be required for the other surveyed sites, other remaining areas of TCW and the works areas for the associated infrastructures to address any change in land use that may give rise to potential land contamination issues.

15.7.1.5 Findings of the further site visit at the 4 potentially contaminated sites and the re-appraisal will be presented in a supplementary CAP. Upon approval of the supplementary CAP and completion of the SI works, a CAR would be prepared to present findings of the SI works. If contamination has been identified, a RAP would be prepared to recommend specific remediation measures. Upon completion of the remediation works, if any, a RR would also be prepared to demonstrate that the clean-up works are adequate. The CAR, RAP and RR would be submitted to EPD for approval prior to commencement of any construction /development works.

15.8 Ecology

15.8.1.1 Approaches for avoiding and minimisation of impacts have been considered. No development or channelization of Tung Chung Stream is proposed and buffer zones of 20-30m are provided for protection. A lot of areas inside Tung Chung Valley have been preserved by non-development zoning on the RODP such as CA, CPA, GB, AGR, especially those with higher ecological values such as Fung Shui Woods, Fong Yuen area. As the reclamation in Tung Chung Bay for TCW has been removed, and thus the total marine habitat loss has been much reduced.

15.8.1.2 The potential impact of loss of woodland (potential impact on fringe of Fung Shui wood would be avoided or further minimised during the later stage of the layout plan refinement) is considered moderate. Although the ecological value of orchard was ranked as low, the potential impact loss of this type of habitat was considered low to moderate due to the large area affected. The potential impacts due to loss of the other types of habitats were all considered low or insignificant. In order to minimize the potential impact due to site formation, a number of mitigation measures will be implemented. Compensation woodland planting will be provided and in advance planting will be explored. Plant species of conservation importance will be retained or transplanted as far as possible in public works, and private residential/commercial developments inside TCV-1 before site formation commence. Capture-and-translocation exercise for amphibians including Romer’s Tree Frog and Chinese Bullfrog, and will be implemented at areas with sightings, including public works near the eastern branch of Tung Chung Stream and private residential/commercial developments inside TCV-1 and TCV-5 before site formation commence.

15.8.1.3 About 145 ha of seabed will be lost due to the 129.1 ha of reclamation (measured at the High Water Mark level) from both TCE and Road P1. The impact is considered Minor to Moderate. Eco-shoreline will be provided on the future reclamation seawalls as mitigation for loss of general marine waters habitat, to provide better ecological functions when compared with the traditional artificial seawall. Measures to reduce the construction phase marine traffic, including using larger-sized barges, land transportation, and also reuse of C&D materials, have been recommended as mitigation. Works Vessel Travel Route Plan is also required for the present Project prior to commencement of construction, in which constraints, speed regulations, and good site practices will be taken into account, and will follow all requirements of existing legislation.

15.8.1.4 As enhancement measures, SUDS will also be provided. Depending on detailed design, part of SUDS (mainly the biofiltration zone) could be refined in an appropriate manner, to incorporate ecological design. Revitalization of the existing channelized section of Tung Chung Stream will be provided with that section together with the riparian zone in Fong Yuen area to be zoned for a future River Park, which will be designed and managed by government. The River Park will also cover areas which are currently urbanised/disturbed habitat. With the River Park implemented, suitable planting will be conducted in these areas and thus enhancement of ecological functions is anticipated. Planting will also be provided on the future polders.

15.8.1.5 The potential disturbance on CWD due to the work-related vessel traffic flow during construction phase is considered Minor to Moderate, while the potential disturbance due to the marina traffic during operational phase is considered as Insignificant.

15.8.1.6 For cumulative impacts, a total of 26 concurrent projects are included, and their relevancy to ecology is examined. Most of the concurrent projects would not be relevant to terrestrial ecology due to the distance or nature of the projects.

15.8.1.7 The present Project will only contribute a small proportion of the cumulative marine habitat loss among all concurrent projects in the Western Hong Kong waters. The loss of 145 ha marine habitats from the present Project would be about 8.5 % of the anticipated 1,700 ha cumulative marine habitat loss.

15.8.1.8 The assessment has indicated that the potential temporary impacts on the proposed The Brothers Marine Park from the present Project during construction phase would not be severe and additional measures have been recommended to protect its functions as CWD habitats, while the potential impacts in operational phase would not be significant. As such, the functions and quality of PTBMP would not be affected by the present Project.

15.8.1.9 Adverse residual habitat loss impact is not anticipated from the present Project. The operational phase hydrodynamic modelling works has also taken into account major concurrent projects of Three Runway System Project, and the results indicated no significant water quality impact during the operational phase is anticipated. Permanent loss of about 145 ha of marine habitats of low CWD use and low ecological importance would constitute the residual marine habitat loss impact, with the implementation of mitigation measures, impacts from the present Project on dolphins is not likely, and the residual impact is considered acceptable. The operational phase hydrodynamic modelling works has also taken into account concurrent projects, and the results indicated no significant water quality impact during the operational phase is anticipated. Adverse residual marine impact is not anticipated from the present Project.

15.9 Fisheries

15.9.1.1 The present Project will involve reclamation and cause fisheries impacts. Fisheries baseline was established by literature review, and supplemented with field verification surveys conducted in 2013.

15.9.1.2 The assessment area of the present study covers most of the waters in North Lantau and sites of fisheries importance identified include fishing ground, important spawning ground between Lung Kwu Chau and the Brothers, embayment along the coast of North Lantau, ARs in Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park and the proposed Marine Park at the Brothers, and Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone.

15.9.1.3 The proposed reclamations are located in areas of low fisheries production. And the number of fishing vessels utilized the reclaimed area is not high and dominated by small-sized vessels. The reclaimed area is also away from other sites of fisheries importance. The nearest mariculture site is Ma Wan FCZ, which is about 10 km from the Project Area.

15.9.1.4 The construction and operation of the Project would cause certain fishing ground loss. During the construction phase, a 200 ha of marine works area will be established, and the marine works area is not available for fishing operations for an about 6 year duration from 2017 to 2023. During the operation phase, there will be inevitable permanent losses of fishing grounds due to the reclamation footprint and the marine waters within the future marina. A total of 149.2 ha fishing ground will be permanently lost. The impact is considered Minor during both construction and operation phases given the loss area is a minor proportion compared with the available fishing ground in Hong Kong waters and the loss area is not of high fisheries production rate. Eco-shoreline will be provided on the future reclamation seawalls as mitigation on marine ecology. But it is expected that fisheries species in North Lantau will also be benefited by the enhanced ecological functions.

15.9.1.5 Fishing vessels originally operated in the loss area will need to shift their operation locations. As the number of fishing vessels utilized this area is not high and alternative operation locations/areas are available, the impact is considered Minor during both construction and operation phases.

15.9.1.6 As fishing vessels in this area are dominated by small-sized vessels which are more flexible in their operations, the potential disturbance on fishing operations due to the work-related vessel traffic flow during construction phase is considered Minor, while the potential disturbance due to the marina traffic during operational phase is considered as Insignificant.

15.9.1.7 For cumulative impacts, the present Project would only be a smaller contributor among all concurrent projects on the cumulative fishing ground loss. The loss of 149.2 ha fishing ground from the present Project would be about 8.2 % of the anticipated 1,800 ha cumulative permanent fishing ground loss, while there will be temporary loss of 1,592 ha fishing grounds due to marine works areas of the present Project and 3RS during construction phase.

15.9.1.8 Permanent loss of about 149.2ha of fishing ground of low production rate would constitute the residual impact. Due to low to moderate number of fishing vessels and the limited fisheries production affected, the residual impact is considered acceptable. The operational phase hydrodynamic modelling works has also taken into account concurrent projects, and the results indicated no adverse water quality impact during the operational phase is anticipated. Adverse residual fisheries impact and water quality impact are not anticipated from the present Project. Additionally, with the implementation of good site practices and the recommended mitigation measures to minimise potential water quality impacts, construction activities, as well as general construction site drainage and sewage effluent from the construction workforce and other concurrent projects, are not anticipated to result in significant water quality impacts.

15.10 Landscape and Visual

15.10.1 Impacts on Landscape Resources

15.10.1.1 In summary for LRs, substantially adverse impacts are predicted at LR1j Secondary Woodland near Ma Wan Hill where part of a natural LR will be transformed into an artificial development; LR4 Coastal Waters for an area of 124ha at TCE where a natural LR will be transformed ino an artificial development with tall buildings by reclamation; and Agricultural Land (LR10a, 10b, 10c), a large extent of which will be developed into residential developments. These impacts are predicted to remain substantially adverse at operation prior to mitigation. With mitigation measures such as non-dredge method for reclamation and natural rock material/ planting at artificial seawall for Cpoa; provision of compensatory tree planting for LR1j, and aesthetic design of built environment and woodland restoration for LR10a, 10b and 10c, the landscape impact will be alleviated from substantial to moderate eventually.

15.10.1.2 Prior to mitigation measures, these LRs which are predicted to experience Moderate adverse impacts at construction and operation stages are: LR1e, 1f, 1h, 1i, LR2d, 2e, 2f, 2h, LR5a, 5b, LR8 and LR12. The impacts are predicted to be reduced to moderate or slight adverse after mitigation for all these LRs.

15.10.1.3 After the implementation of landscape and visual mitigation measures, the remaining LRs will all experience slight adverse impacts or insignificant impacts at construction and operation phase, with the exception of LR1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1g; LR2a, 2b, 2c, 2g, 2i, LR3, LR6a, 6b, LR7a, 7b, LR13 and LR14, which will not be affected by the development schemes.

15.10.2 Impacts on Landscape Character Areas

15.10.2.1 In summary for the LCAs, substantially adverse impacts are predicted at construction and operation before mitigation for LCA1 Inshore Water Landscape, LCA4 Coastal Upland and Hillside Landscape and LCA10b Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape. After the mitigation measures implementation of compensatory planting and aesthetic design of built environment for LCA1 and LCA4, the landscape impact can be alleviated from substantial to moderate eventually. After mitigation measures such as woodland restoration and compensation tree planting for LCA10b, the landscape impact on LCA10b will be alleviated from substantial to moderate eventually.

15.10.2.2 The proposals are likely to generate moderately adverse impacts on LCA5 Settled Valley Landscape as result of the character change of this LCA from natural to artificial; and LCA6 Upland Hillside Landscape as a result of the loss of natural vegetation and topography due to construction of the service reservoirs. After mitigation measures such as woodland restoration, landscaping on slope and compensation tree planting, the landscape character will be more compatible with the surroundings and the landscape impact can be alleviated from Moderate to Slight eventually.

· After mitigation, the remaining LCAs are all expected to experience slightly adverse impacts at construction and operation stage, except LCA2, LCA3, LCA9, LCA10c, LCA11, LCA12 and LCA13, which are not affected by the development schemes.

15.10.3 Impacts on Visually Sensitive Receivers

15.10.3.1 It is considered the most sensitive views are those which currently experience a direct and broad connection with the wider undeveloped landscape setting, in particular those residential VSRs overlooking Tung Chung Valley and having a close view of the proposed reclamation developments in Tung Chung East, such as VSR15 Near Yat Tung Shopping Centre, VSR22a Near Yuen Tan Temple, VSR38a Shek Lau Po and VSR39 Near Wong Ka Wai. Otherwise, those recreational VSRs such as VSR5 Scenic Hill East, VSR13 Hilltop of Planned Open Space- facing northwest, VSR20 Ngong Ping 360 Rescue Trail, VSR33 Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car-facing NE to S VSR28 Near Tung Chung North Waterfront and VSR43 HKBCF, would experience substantial impacts due to a substantial loss of visual element and large magnitude of visual change. Other views of the site within the visual envelope including public footpaths, trails, local open spaces, municipal parks, high rise buildings, major infrastructure routes and so on, would experience slight to moderate visual impacts depending on the visible proportion of the PDA development, magnitude of visual change and their visual sensitivity.

15.10.3.2 Mitigation works in development area during the construction stage rely heavily on the optimisation of the footprint of the works area, avoidance of significant topographical changes together with the retention, protection and compensatory planting of trees / vegetation. Following the implementation of mitigation measures, adverse visual impact would be reduced to lower level compared with before mitigation, both at construction stage and operation early stage in general case. These measures have the capacity to reduce the level of residual impact experienced by the VSRs during construction stage. Greening measures such as use of climbing plants and verge planting help to break up the uniformity of new road formation and associated structures (such as footbridges), when used in combination with wider screening measures e.g. sensitive design of infrastructure, facade treatment, colour scheme etc. They help to reduce the visual impacts in the early operational stage. It is considered that the residual impacts would be slight/ moderate to insignificant by year 10 of operation when the mitigation measures have matured and taken effect.

15.10.3.3 In order to alleviate the visual impact on VSRs facing the additional service reservoirs, greening and planting works could be established to blend the additional service reservoirs into surrounding hillside after the construction and slope works. The installation of sewerage network will not result in any residual visual impact on the VSRs as the existing roads will be reinstated after the installation works. As a result, only slight or insignificant visual impact by the construction would be experienced by VSR14 Hilltop of Planned Open Space-facing southwest and VSR24 Lantau North Country Park- facing west.

15.10.3.4 The overall visual character in Tung Chung area would be completely changed by the proposed development after the construction, all the recommended mitigation measures would not be able to alleviate the fundamental change in character. While, in terms of effectiveness of mitigation measures, it is considered that for visual amenity purpose, improving the appearance of new urban infrastructures together with landscape planting or screening measures, and lighting control would help to alleviate the adverse visual impacts from the new urban development and enhance the compatibility with the existing Tung Chung Town development. It is considered that the residual impacts would be slight/ moderate to insignificant by year 10 of operation when the mitigation measures have matured and taken effect. So the potential visual impacts by the DP would be acceptable through mitigation works.

15.10.4 Overall Conclusion

15.10.4.1 Moderate adverse impact or lower from the latest RODPs is anticipated. Given the proposed development are located within such a large scale area, the fundamental change in character would not be able to alleviate completely. It is inevitable that landscape and visual impacts caused by such major development cannot be fully reduced and would remain at some locations even after implementation of all possible mitigation measures. Providing compensatory measures are applied, the impacts can be generally alleviated in local scale.

15.10.4.2 On review of the likely residual impacts and possibility to reduce most of them to slight/moderate to slight level by operation year 10 when the mitigation measures have matured and taken effect, it is therefore anticipated that the overall residual landscape and visual impacts from the proposed scheme of Tung Chung development are considered acceptable with mitigation measures.

15.11 Cultural Heritage

15.11.1 Terrestrial Archaeology

15.11.1.1 An Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) has been conducted for both the TCE and TCW developments. Since TCE is on reclaimed land, there are no potential for terrestrial archaeology. For TCW, the baseline conditions have been established by first reviewing literature information relating to the geological characteristics of Tung Chung Bay, historical aerial photos, Sites of Archaeological Interest etc. There are 4 Sites of Archaeological Interest within the boundary of TCW, including the Fu Tei Wan Kiln (relocated to Tung Chung), Ma Wan Chung, Sha Tsui Tau and Tung Chung Game Board Carving.

15.11.1.2 Based on the literature information collated and the results of previous archaeological surveys, a proposal for Terrestrial Archaeological Survey was prepared and submitted to AMO in November 2013. A total of 22 test pits and 61 auger holes was proposed at or near to the development areas within TCW in the survey, taking into account of various sites constraints such as accessibility, safety etc. The survey proposal was subsequently approved by AMO and the survey was conducted in 13 January to 24 May 2014. The survey results were there analyzed together with the literature information to form the baseline conditions.

15.11.1.3 According to the latest design, Fu Tei Wan Kiln (relocated to Tung Chung) and Tung Chung Game Board Carving Sites of Archaeological Interest would be avoided. For the rest of the development areas with TCW, the archaeological potential has been evaluated based on the baseline conditions established, and hence the impacts and mitigation measures are assessed and recommended accordingly. Areas with high potential include the development areas wholly or partly within Ma Wan Chung, Sha Tsui Tau Sites of Archaeological Interests (see Figure 12.12 of the EIA Report). Rescue excavation has been recommended as the mitigation measures for those development areas. After the land resumption and prior to construction, the archaeologist to be appointed by the respective project proponent or respective developer shall apply for a licence to conduct the rescue excavation under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance (Cap.53). An archaeological action plan detailing the scope and methodology of the archaeological work shall be submitted to the AMO for agreement prior to applying for a licence. The project proponent or respective developer shall implement the archaeological mitigation measures in prior agreement with the AMO before the commencement of any proposed works.

15.11.1.4 Areas with medium potential include those areas in the vicinity of are of development clusters “TCV-d, “TCV-e”, “TCV-3”, “TCV-a”, “TCV-5b”, “TCV-7”, “TCV-g”, “TCV-f”, “TCW-1” and “TCW-2”, watching brief would be recommended as mitigation measure. After the land resumption and prior to construction, an archaeologist to be appointed by the respective project proponent or developer shall apply for a licence to conduct the watching brief under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance (Cap.53). An archaeological action plan detailing the scope and methodology of the archaeological work shall be submitted to the AMO for agreement prior to applying for a licence. The project proponent or respective developer shall implement the archaeological mitigation measures in prior agreement with the AMO before the commencement of any proposed works. The rest of the development areas within TCW are assessed with low archaeological potential and hence would not require any mitigation measures.

15.11.1.5 Pursuant to the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance, the construction contractor should inform the AMO immediately in case of discovery of antiquities or supposed antiquities in the course of soil excavation works in construction stage.

15.11.2 Marine Archaeology

15.11.2.1 A Marine Archaeological Impact Assessment (MAI) has been conducted for both the TCE and TCW developments. Since TCW is on existing land, there are no potential for marine archaeology. For TCE, the baseline conditions have been established by first reviewing historical information relating to Tung Chung. Previous MAIs for other projects in the vicinity of Tung Chung have also been reviewed. The geophysical surveys in those previous MAIs have covered all the seabed area of TCE where boat access was possible. According to those survey results, there are no archaeological remains in the areas surveyed. For those areas where a combination of rocky and shallow shoreline had prevented survey boat access, a proposal for diver survey had been proposed and submitted to AMO. The Marine Diver Survey Proposal had been submitted to AMO in September 2012 and the Licence to Search for and Excavate for Antiquities was granted by AMO on October 2012. The survey was subsequently conducted in November 2012 and no marine archaeological resources were during the diver survey. Adverse impacts on marine archaeology are therefore not anticipated and mitigation measures are not required.

15.11.3 Built Heritage

15.11.3.1 The literature review conducted for the AIA had also collated relevant information on Declared Monuments and Graded Historical Buildings. A field survey was also conducted for built heritage to identify other built heritage resources. Results indicate that there is one Declared Monument within the boundary of TCW (ie the Tung Chung Battery). Besides, there are 2 Graded Historic Buildings including Hau Wong Temple and Entrance Gate at Shek Mun Kap and number of other resources including shrines, village houses, ancestral halls, stone bridges, temples etc within the boundary of TCW.

15.11.3.2 According to the latest RODP, all these identified built heritage resources within TCW are located within land lot with proposed landuses of District Open Space (DO), Village Development Area (V), Institution and Community (IC), Coastal Protection Area (CPA), Conservation Area (CA), Agricultural (AGR) and Green Belt (GB) in which large scale development is not proposed. Adverse impacts on these built heritage is not anticipated and thus no further action or mitigation is required.