12.1
Legislation,
Standards and Guidelines
12.1.1.1
Legislation, standards, guidelines and criteria relevant to
the consideration of Cultural Heritage Impacts under this study include the
following;
·
Antiquities and Monuments
Ordinance;
·
Environmental Impact Assessment
Ordinance (EIAO), including the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment
Process (TM-EIAO) and Guidelines on Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment
prepared by Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO); and
·
Hong Kong Planning Standards
and Guidelines (HKPSG); and Development Bureau technical Circular (Works) No.
6/2009: Heritage Impact Assessment Mechanism for Capital Works Projects.
12.1.2
Antiquities and Monuments
Ordinance
12.1.2.1
The Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance (the Ordinance)
provides the statutory framework to provide for the preservation of objects of
historical, archaeological and paleontological interest. The Ordinance contains
the statutory procedures for the Declaration of Monuments. The proposed
monument can be any place, building, site or structure, which is considered to
be of public interest by reason of its historical, archaeological or
paleontological significance.
12.1.2.2
Under Section 6 and subject to sub-section (4) of the
Ordinance, the following acts are prohibited in relation to certain monuments,
except under permit:
·
To excavate, carry on building
works, plant or fell trees or deposit earth or refuse on or in a proposed
monument or monument; and
·
To demolish, remove, obstruct,
deface or interfere with a proposed monument or monument.
12.1.2.3
The discovery of an Antiquity, as defined in the Ordinance
must be reported to the Antiquities Authority (the Authority), or a designated
person. The Ordinance also provides that, the ownership of every relic
discovered in Hong Kong after the commencement of this Ordinance shall vest in
the Government from the moment of discovery. The Authority on behalf of the
Government may disclaim ownership of the relic.
12.1.2.4
No archaeological excavation may be carried out by any
person, other than the Authority and the designated person, without a licence
issued by the Authority. A licence will only be issued if the Authority is
satisfied that the applicant has sufficient scientific training or experience
to enable him to carry out the excavation and search satisfactorily, is able to
conduct, or arrange for, a proper scientific study of any antiquities discovered
as a result of the excavation and search and has sufficient staff and financial
support.
12.1.2.5
It should also be noted that the discovery of an antiquity
under any circumstances must be reported to the Authority, i.e. the Secretary
for Development or designated person. The Authority may require that the
antiquity or suspected antiquity is identified to the Authority and that any
person who has discovered an antiquity or suspected antiquity should take all
reasonable measures to protect it.
12.1.3
Environmental Impact Assessment
Ordinance
12.1.3.1
The EIAO was implemented on 1 April 1998. Its purpose is to
avoid, minimise and control the adverse impact on the environment of designated
projects, through the application of the EIA process and the Environmental
Permit (EP) system.
Technical
Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process
12.1.3.2
The general criteria and guidelines for evaluating and
assessing impacts to Sites of Cultural Heritage are listed in Annexes 10 and 19
of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process TM-EIAO.
It is stated in Annex 10 that all adverse impacts to Sites of Cultural Heritage
should be kept to an absolute minimum and that the general presumption of
impact assessment should be in favour of the protection and conservation of all
Sites of Cultural Heritage. Annex 19 provides the details of scope and
methodology for undertaking Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment, including
baseline study, impact assessment and mitigation measures.
Guidelines
for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment
12.1.3.3
This document, as issued by the AMO, outlines the specific
technical requirement for conducting terrestrial archaeological and built
heritage impact assessments and is based upon the requirements of the TM-EIAO.
It includes the parameters and scope for the Baseline Study, specifically
desk-based research and field evaluation. Besides, it also includes included
guidelines encompassing reporting requirements and archive preparation and
submission in the form of Guidelines for Archaeological Reports and Guidelines
for the Handling of Archaeological Finds and Archives.
12.1.3.4
The prerequisite conditions for conducting impact
assessment and mitigation measures are presented in detail, including the
prediction and evaluation of impacts based upon five levels of significance
(Beneficial, Acceptable, Acceptable with Mitigation Measures, Unacceptable and
Undetermined). The guidelines also state that preservation in totality must be
taken as the first priority and if this is not feasible due to site constraints
or other factors, full justification must be provided.
12.1.3.5
Mitigation measures will be proposed in cases with
identified impacts and shall have the aim of minimising the degree of adverse
impact and also where applicable providing enhancement to a heritage site
through means such as enhancement of the existing environment or improvement to
accessibility of heritage sites. The responsibility for the implementation of
any proposed mitigation measures must be clearly stated with details of when
and where the measures will be implemented and by whom.
12.1.4
Hong Kong Planning Standards
and Guidelines
12.1.4.1
Chapter 10 of the HKPSG details the planning principles for
the conservation of natural landscape and habitats, historical buildings and
archaeological sites. The document states that the retention of significant
heritage features should be adopted through the creation of conservation zones
within which uses should be restricted to ensure the sustainability of the
heritage features. The guidelines state that the concept of conservation of
heritage features, should not be restricted to individual structures, but
should endeavour to embrace the setting of the feature or features in both
urban and rural settings.
12.1.4.2
The guidelines also address the issue of the preparation of
plans for the conservation of historical buildings, archaeological sites and
other antiquities. It is noted that the existing Declared Monuments and
proposed Monuments be listed in the explanatory notes of Statutory Town Plans
and that it be stated that prior consultation with AMO is necessary for any
redevelopment or rezoning proposals affecting the Monuments and their
surrounding environments.
12.1.4.3
It is also noted that planning intention for non-statutory
town plans at the sub-regional level should be include the protection of
monuments, historical buildings, archaeological sites and other antiquities
through the identification of such features on sub-regional layout plans. The
appendices list the legislation and administrative controls for conservation,
other conservation related measures in Hong Kong, and Government departments
involved in conservation.
12.2
Description of the Environment
12.2.1.1
The proposed site for
development of columbarium, crematorium and related facilities is located at
the hillsides at Sandy Ridge to the northwest of Man Kam To Road and is
partially occupied by Sandy Ridge Cemetery. MTR Lo Wu Station is located to the
west of site boundary.
The adjacent area of Lin Ma Hang Road is characterized
by rural land uses with scattered village houses, agricultural land and natural
terrain.
12.3
Construction Phase – Built Heritage
12.3.1
Assessment Methodology
Baseline Study
12.3.1.1 A desk-based study has been undertaken to determine the presence of
built heritage resources in the project assessment area. Research will include gathering information
from the following sources:
·
List of Declared Monuments and
Graded Buildings as issued by AMO;
·
Published and unpublished
papers and studies;
·
Publications on relevant
historical, anthropological and other cultural studies;
·
Unpublished archival, papers,
records; collections and libraries of tertiary institutions;
·
Historical documents which can
be found in Public Records Office, Lands Registry, District Lands Office,
District Office, Museum of History;
·
Cartographic and pictorial
documentation; and
·
Previous Built Heritage Impact
Assessment’s (BHIA) in the project assessment area.
Built Heritage Survey
12.3.1.2 The purpose of the built heritage survey is to identify all built
heritage resources within or near the project boundary. The BHIA survey must adhere to the above
cited guidelines and provide adequate information to fulfil the relevant
requirements as set out in Annexes 10 and 19 of the Technical Memorandum on the
EIA process (TM-EIAO).
12.3.1.3
The scope of the survey for
this project will include all areas within the site boundary and an additional
area covering 50m from the site boundary. The 50m study area outside of the
site boundaries has been included to identify any built heritage resources that
may be located in proximity to the proposed access roads leading from Man Kam
To Road into the proposed C&C facilities at Sandy Ridge (Figure
12.3.1) and widening of Lin Ma Hang Road (Figure 12.3.2). The 50m
study area is considered sufficient for the determination of indirect impacts
such as damage from ground borne vibration, ground settlement and contact with
machinery and equipment.
12.3.1.4 The scope of the items to be included in the built heritage survey has
in particular followed the Guidelines for
Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment as issued by AMO to compile a
comprehensive inventory of heritage sites within the proposed assessment area
(as shown in Figures 12.3.1 and 12.3.2).
The surveyed resources shall include:
(i)
all declared monuments;
(ii)
all proposed monuments;
(iii)
all buildings/ structures/
sites graded or proposed to be graded by the Antiquities Advisory Board (AAB);
(iv)
Government historic sites
identified by AMO;
(v)
buildings/ structures/ sites of
high architectural / historical significance and interest which are not
included in items (i) to (iv) above; and
(vi)
cultural landscapes include
places associated with historic event, activity, or person or exhibiting other
cultural or aesthetic values, such as sacred religious sites, battlefields, a
setting for buildings or structures of architectural or archaeological
importance, historic field patterns, clan graves, old tracks, fung shui woodlands
and ponds, and etc.
12.3.1.5 The information gathered from the built heritage survey has been
used to identify impacts and prepared mitigation recommendations (where
necessary) for all of the resources identified in the survey.
12.3.1.6 The coding method for the recording of built heritage resources will
be as follows:
·
Graded Historic Building (GB);
·
Nil Grade Built Heritage Item
(HB); and
·
Historic Clan Grave (G).
Impact Assessment and Mitigation Measures
12.3.1.7 Identification of both direct and indirect impacts that may affect
the built heritage resources within the project assessment area will be
undertaken. Preservation in-situ will
always be the first priority for sites of Cultural Heritage. If preservation in totality is not practicable,
mitigation will be proposed to minimise the degree of adverse impact to the
greatest possible extent. Besides, any
disturbance to sites of Cultural Heritage that may cause physical damage should
be avoided wherever practicable through alteration of design, construction
method or protective measures as appropriate.
12.3.1.8 The following classification of impact will be used:
·
Beneficial Impact: The impact is beneficial if the
project will enhance the preservation of the heritage site(s);
·
Acceptable Impact: If the assessment indicates
that there will be no significant effects on the heritage site(s);
·
Acceptable Impact with Mitigation: If there will be some adverse
effects, but if these can be eliminated, reduced or offset to a large extent by
specific measures, such as conduct a follow-up Conservation Proposal or
Conservation Management Plan for the affected heritage site(s) before
commencement of work in order to avoid any inappropriate or unnecessary
interventions to the building;
·
Unacceptable Impact: If the adverse effects are
considered to be too excessive and are unable to mitigate practically; and
·
Undetermined Impact: If the 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.
12.3.2
Historical Background
Off-site Pick-up / Drop-off Points / Barging Point
12.3.2.1 As discussed in Section 1.3,
it is proposed to have off-site pick-up / drop-off points for shuttle buses at
MTR Kwu Tung Station, MTR Fanling Station, existing Sheung Shui Landmark North
Public Transport Interchange (PTI) and layby at Pak Wo Road near Flora Plaza. Given
the conditions of these existing highway infrastructures, no excavation works
would be required and only road furnishing would be conducted. All these
off-site pick-up / drop-off areas except MTR Kwu Tung Station are actually
within existing highway corridors and these areas would not be affected and
hence impacts are not anticipated. For MTR Kwu Tung Station (including the PTI
and shuttle bus services area), it will be constructed under the
Planning and Development Study on North East New Territories (NENT) Contract
and will be available by 2026.
12.3.2.2 In addition, a barging point at Siu Lam currently used by the Express
Rail Link project (see Figure 1.3) would be required. All
these areas are located within existing land use for barging point and hence
impacts are not anticipated.
The Closed Border Area
12.3.2.3 As part of the negotiations for the Convention of Peking in 1898,
the New Territories became to be administrated under British government in
1899. The original boundary line agreed as part of the Convention was the
shortest line from sea to sea which ran through the middle of a valley with the
main town of Sham Chun (Shenzhen) remaining on the Chinese controlled side and
the smaller towns and villages to the south of the river falling under British
jurisdiction (Lockhart 1899). The boundary was objected to by both sides, as
the villages on the British side would be cut off from family and trading ties
with the Chinese controlled main market town of Sham Chun. As neither side
could agree on the boundary, the Shenzhen River was eventually chosen as the
boundary (Lockhart 1899).
12.3.2.4 Between 1898 and 1949, there was no border patrol and movement
between Hong Kong and China was possible. Subsequently, the Frontier Closed
Area was established in 1951 to combat against illegal immigrants entering Hong
Kong from Mainland China.
12.3.2.5 The Lo Wu border crossing point as part of the Kowloon Canton
Railway began operation in 1911. This included a railway bridge across the
Shenzhen River. This bridge was destroyed during WWII by the British to hinder
the Japanese forces invasion into Hong Kong Territory. The bridge was rebuilt
in 1945 and the bridge was relocated downstream in 2003 (HK Government Press
Release).
Sandy Ridge Cemetery
12.3.2.6
There
are two public cemeteries situated in Sandy Ridge (Sha Ling), Lo Wu, namely
Sandy Ridge Cemetery and Sandy Ridge Urn Cemetery. They were both constructed
in 1949 and opened to the public in 1950 (Tang 2011:66-67). The first burials
recorded in these two cemeteries were dated 1.12.1950 (Ching 1986:208). The
Sandy Ridge Cemetery comprised of 4 coffin sections: Sha Ling (general), Roman Catholic
Church, Little Sister of the Poor and Tung Wah; while the Sandy Ridge Urn
Cemetery consisted of nine: Sha Ling (general), Tung Wah, Chaozhou, Enping,
Zhongshan, Heshan, Xinhui, Zengcheng and Fujin. All of the above were managed
by private sectors except for the Sha Ling ones.
12.3.2.7
Due
to the shortage of land resulting from post-war immigration, the Hong Kong
Government aimed to ‘concentrate as many burials as possible in the public
cemetery at Wo Hop Shek and the urn cemetery at Sandy Ridge’ as a general
burial policy (Ching 1986:41). In order to limit funerary land use, the
requirement of exhumation of all coffin burials after six years in public
cemeteries was part of government policy on cemeteries pre-1970. In addition,
the practice of exhumation was further encouraged in the renewed burial
policies introduced in 1970 and 1976 (Ching 1986:29-31). As stated in the Food
& Environmental Hygiene Department web site, this practice remains a key
element in the current burial policy:
·
‘Burials in aforesaid [Wo Hop
Shek Cemetery, Cheung Chau Cemetery, Tai O Cemetery and Lai Chi Yuen Cemetery]
public cemeteries are not permanent, but exhumable. Every year, the Food and
Environmental Hygiene Department will issue an exhumation order in the
Government Gazette, requiring the removal from graves of all human remains
which have been interred in the aforesaid public cemeteries for more than six
years. If the remains are not exhumed after expiry of the exhumation order, the
Government will disinter the remains, cremate them, and re-inter the ashes in
the Communal Grave at Sandy Ridge Cemetery.’ (FEHD, HKSAR 2013).
12.3.2.8
The
above statement also reflects the important role of Sandy Ridge Cemetery as a
final home for unclaimed human remains. In fact, unclaimed graves from various
demolished cemeteries, such as Shek O Cemetery, Kai Lung Wan East Cemetery, New
Stanley Cemetery, New Kowloon Cemetery No.7 and Sham Wan Cemetery were
relocated to Sandy Ridge Cemetery since its opening in 1950 (Tang 2011:58-68).
12.3.2.9
As recorded in the memorial plaques, some of the
previously mentioned private sections were established to accommodate relocated
graves from demolished cemeteries as a result of urban development and burial
policy. For example, some of the graves in the Sandy Ridge Fujin burial section
were originally buried in Kai Lung Wan Cemetery in Kellett Bay in 1919. To
match up with the demolition plan of the Kai Lung Wan Cemetery, grave
relocations began in 1947. They were temporarily relocated to Ngau Chi Wan and
Wo Hop Shek and finally permanently relocated to Sandy Ridge in 1957. Other
demolished cemeteries relocated to Sandy Ridge included Kowloon Tong Cemetery,
Shek Kip Mei Christian Cemetery, New Kowloon Cemetery No.2 (Little Sister of
the Poor), Chaozhou & Fujin Cemeteries in New Kowloon Cemetery No.7 and New
Kowloon Cemetery No.8 (partially) (Tang 2011:58-68).
Lo Wu Village
12.3.2.10 There are no historical villages within
the assessment area. The nearest village is Lo Wu which is located at more than
300m from the project boundary. There are actually two Lo Wu villages located
on both sides of the Shenzhen River: one is situated in the HKSAR in part of
the Ta Kwu Ling region, and the other one is in the Luohu Region in Shenzhen.
Although ‘Lo Wu’, originally called ‘Law Wu’ (螺湖), was marked on the 1897 map in the
Guangdong Directory (Empson 1992:117) (Appendix 12.1), it is not included in the list of recognised
villages under the New Territories Small House Policy (Lands Department 2009),
which indicates that the current Lo Wu village in Hong Kong did not exist in
1898. Previous research revealed that the current Lo Wu village located next to
the MTR Lo Wu Station is the home to a branch of the Yuen clan originating in
Lo Wu Village in Shenzhen (ERM 2007:7.59).
San Uk Ling
12.3.2.11 San Uk Ling on Lin Ma Hang Road is
approximately 300 years old and was settled by the Punti Cheung family from
Wong Pui Leng according to local informants. The village used to have a wall
but it was demolished some years ago. The village is situated at the base of a
hill and most of the historical buildings have been replaces by modern
buildings. A few heritage
resources remain including the Cheung Ancestral Hall and the entrance gate (ERM
2007: SUL01-05).
Muk Wu Nga Yiu
12.3.2.12 The village of Muk Wu Nga Yiu was settled
by members of the Hakka Kwong Clan from Guangdong Province after 1899 (as it
does not appear in the list of villages from the survey of that year). The
village is the site of a brick kiln that is believed to have ceased production
in the mid-20th Century.
12.3.3
Desk-Based
Study
12.3.3.1 As discussed in Section
12.3.1, a desk-based study
has also included a review of previous studies in the project assessment area,
which covered all land within the site boundary and a boundary of 50m around
all work areas. The review of previous studies has been discussed below.
Agreement No. CE
32/2010 (CE) Site Formation and Associated Infrastructural Works for Proposed
Development of Columbarium, Crematorium and Related Facilities at Sandy Ridge
Cemetery - Feasibility Study: Preliminary Environmental Review Report: Cultural
Heritage
12.3.3.2
The
Cultural Heritage section included a baseline study and a preliminary impact
assessment. The findings for built heritage included the identification of
fifteen pre-1950 historic clan graves, one shrine and the Grade 2 Nam Hang
MacIntosh Fort.
12.3.3.3
Six graves
were located at distances of 70m or greater from any proposed works and it was
determined that these graves would not be adversely impacted by the
construction or operation of the proposed project and no mitigation measures
would be necessary.
12.3.3.4
Five
graves were identified as being within the proposed works areas and would
require relocation if the design and layout remain unchanged. Mitigation in the
form of cartographic and photographic survey was recommended.
12.3.3.5
Four
graves and the shrine were identified as being located close to proposed works
areas. Direct impacts were not expected, but indirect impacts from vibration
during the construction works were anticipated. A condition survey to be
conducted prior to the commencement of construction works was recommended to
determine safe limits on vibration levels and to identify the need for any
additional protective measures.
12.3.3.6
The
Grade 2 Nam Hang MacIntosh Fort was identified as being located 22m from a
proposed road and slope works. Again, direct impacts were not identified but
indirect impacts arising from vibration during the construction works were
anticipated. A condition survey to be conducted prior to the commencement of
construction works was recommended to determine safe limits on vibration levels
and to identify the need for any additional protective measures.
Agreement No. CE
34/2011(EP) Development of Organic Waste Treatment Facilities Phase 2 –
Feasibility Study: Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report
12.3.3.7
A
built heritage field survey was conducted for the project and the built
heritage resources relevant to the current study included a Tin Hau Temple and
two historic clan graves.
Planning
Department: Agreement No. PLNG 13/2007, Survey on features with cultural
heritage value in the Sha Tau Kok, Ta Kwu Ling and Ma Tso Lung Areas
12.3.3.8
The
village of Lo Wu was included as part of the field scan for this project and no
features with cultural heritage value were identified.
12.3.3.9
The
villages of Muk Wu Nga Yiu and San Uk Ling were included in the survey for this
project. An ancestral hall of the Cheung clan, a residential building (No. 9 San
Uk Ling Village House of the first row) and a village entrance gate in San Uk
Ling were identified in the survey and are also within the assessment area. No
features were identified in Muk Wu Nga Yiu in the current project assessment area.
12.3.4
Proposed and Declared Monuments
12.3.4.1
According
to the information from AMO’s website, there are no proposed or Declared
Monuments in the project assessment area.
12.3.5
Proposed and Graded Historic Buildings
12.3.5.1
There
are no Proposed Graded Historic Buildings or New Items in the project assessment
area.
12.3.5.2
There
is one Graded Historic Building, the Grade 2 Nam Hang MacIntosh Fort (南坑). It is of a chain of seven such structures
which also includes Pak Kung Au (伯公坳), Kong Shan (礦山),
Pak Fu Shan (白虎山), Ngau Yiu (瓦窰),
Ma Cho Lung (馬草壟) and Pak Hok Chau (白鶴洲). The forts were constructed on prominent hilltops overlooking the
Shenzen River (深圳河) between 1949 and 1953 to provide
strategic advantage for border defence and to address the issue of Chinese
refugees and unrest at the border. They were named after Police Commissioner
Duncan William MacIntosh (in office, 1946-1953). They were dubbed “MacIntosh
Cathedrals” because of their distinctive appearance against the skyline.
12.3.6
Nil Grade Built Heritage Items
12.3.6.1
Seven
built heritage resources have been identified in the desk-based study. They
consist of an Earth God Shrine, two Buddhist Shrines and Tin Hau Temple near
Man Kam To Road and three structures in San Uk Ling Village (an entrance gate,
ancestral hall and residential building).
12.3.6.2
The
project assessment area for the proposed Lin Ma Hang Road widening has the
potential to contain isolated nil built heritage resources, such as historic clan
graves and shrines.
12.3.7
Historic Clan Graves
12.3.7.1
A
total of 17 potential historic clan graves have been identified in the
desk-based study as being located in the project assessment area based upon
information from previous studies. Fifteen of these graves were identified as
part of the feasibility stage of the current project and two were identified
during the desk-based study for the current project. The graves will be
reassessed as part of this BHIA to identify which shall be included as Historic
Clan graves for assessment.
12.3.8
Results
of the Built Heritage Field Survey
12.3.8.1
The
following section presents the results of the built heritage field survey. A
key plan of identified resources is shown in Figure 12.3.3 and Figure 12.3.10 for Sandy Ridge and Lin Ma Hang Road respectively.
Graded Historic
Buildings
12.3.8.2
The
survey confirmed that the Grade 2 Nam Hang MacIntosh Fort (GB-01) is the only
Graded Historic Building in the project assessment area. The fort is enclosed
by a security fence and internal access was not available. A description of the
fort and photographic record can be found in Appendix 12.2. The plan of the fort can be found in Figure 12.3.4.
Nil Grade Built Heritage
Items
12.3.8.3
Seven items have been identified in the built
heritage field survey; a Earth God Shrine (HB-01), two Buddhist Shrines (HB-06 and HB-07) and Tin Hau Temple (HB-02) on Man Kam To
Road and San Uk Ling Village Entrance Gate (HB-03), Tsz Tong (HB-04) and No. 9 San
Uk Ling Village House (HB-05). Descriptions and photographic record can be
found in Appendix
12.2 and location plans
in Figure 12.3.5 for the shrines, Figure 12.3.6 for the temple and Figure 12.3.11 for the three structures in San Uk Ling.
Historic Clan Graves
12.3.8.4 The built heritage survey included all of the graves identified at
the preliminary environmental review stage of the project (Agreement No. CE
32/2010 (CE) Site Formation and Associated Infrastructural Works for Proposed
Development of Columbarium, Crematorium and Related Facilities at Sandy Ridge
Cemetery – Feasibility Study: Preliminary Environmental Review Report: Cultural
Heritage) although urns of recent
construction (Feasibility Study reference: G-05, G-13, G-14 and G-15) are not identified as historical
clan graves, therefore, these are not included in this EIA. Graves noted in the field that had no inscription or recent graves
with no information on generations have not been included. As well any graves
outside of the 50m assessment area have also been excluded. The built heritage
survey has identified a total of 11 historic clan graves (G-01 through G-11)
all of which are located in the project boundary. The locations of the graves
can be found in Figure 12.3.7 (G-01 and G-02), Figure
12.3.8 (G-03, G-04, G-05, G-06, G-07, G-08 and G-09), Figure
12.3.4 (G-10), Figure 12.3.9 (G-11) and the grave
catalogue in Appendix 12.3.
12.3.9
Identification of Built
Heritage Impacts
12.3.9.1 The site formation works for the proposed C&C facilities will
include levelling of sections of the site for construction of the platforms for
the proposed crematorium, funeral parlour, visitor service centre, columbarium
and drop-off and pick-up area. Construction of retaining walls and cut and fill
of slopes will also be undertaken. Additional works will include construction
of at-grade access roads and viaducts and construction of watermains alignment along south side of Man Kam
To Road. Hence, impact due to construction and
operational phases will be addressed.
12.3.9.2 The works at Lin Ma Hang Road will consist of road widening to 7.3m
with a 2m footpath on one side. Hence, impact due to construction and
operational phases will be addressed.
12.3.9.3 The off-site works at the proposed pick-up and drop-off points except
MTR Kwu Tung Station will all be conducted on existing transportation
facilities and will consist only of placement of minor road furnishings. Hence,
impacts from these proposed pick-up and drop off points are not anticipated.
For MTR Kwu Tung Station (including the PTI and shuttle bus services area), it
will be constructed under the Planning and Development Study on
North East New Territories (NENT) Contract and will be available by 2026.
12.3.9.4 In addition, the surplus inert construction and demolition (C&D)
materials will be transported by vehicles to the designated barging point in
Siu Lam (see Figure 1.3). The surplus inert C&D
materials will be transported by barges for reuse in other concurrent projects.
There will be minor construction works for the tipping halls and new ramps at
the barging point area. The barging point is currently in use for the Express
Rail Link project and it is located on reclamation and cut slopes on the coast.
All these areas are located within existing land use for barging point and
hence impacts are not anticipated.
12.3.10
Prediction and Evaluation of
Built Heritage Impacts
12.3.10.1 The site formation and construction works at the proposed C&C facilities
have the potential to create direct and indirect impacts to historic clan
graves (G-01 to G-11), the MacIntosh Fort at Nam Hang (GB-01) and the Earth God
Shrine (HB-01),
Buddhist Shrines (HB-06 and HB-07) and Tin Hau Temple
(HB-02) near Man Kam To Road.
12.3.10.2 The proposed widening works at Lin Ma Hang Road has the potential to
create indirect impacts to the three Nil Grade Built Heritage Items in San Uk
Ling, San Uk Ling Village Entrance Gate (HB-03), the Cheung Ancestral Hall
(HB-04) and No. 9 San Uk Ling Village House (HB-05).
12.3.10.3 All the heritage resources within 50m of the project boundary are considered
and those resources in close proximity (i.e. 5m or less from the proposed work
areas) may be damaged through contact with machinery and equipment during the
construction works and additional protective measures will be required as
mitigation.
12.3.10.4 The site formation works for the C&C facilities will cover a
large area and will include the existing access roads to the existing graves.
As such, safe public access to the historic clan graves may be affected at
various stages during the construction phase and it will be necessary for
safety precautions to be implemented to insure that members of the public can
reach the grave locations safely.
12.3.10.5 Direct impacts will occur when a built heritage resources is located
within a proposed development, such as a road alignment or platform structure.
These resources will require relocation. However, no adverse impacts to built
heritage resources are expected from the current layout and proposed minor
works at the barging point in Siu Lam.
12.3.10.6 The impact assessment for the Graded Historic Building, Nil Grade Built
Heritage Items and Historic Clan Graves are presented in Table 12.1 to Table 12.3.
Table 12.1 Impact assessment for the Graded
Historic Building
|
Resource
|
Figure
Ref
|
Description
of Proposed Works
|
Minimum
Distance from Works
|
Impact Assessment
|
|
MacIntosh
Fort at Nam Hang (GB-01)
(Grade 2)
|
12.3.4
|
Construction
of access road / retaining wall / slope work
|
25m
|
The limit
for ground borne vibration should be set at 7.5mm/s. If this is adhered to,
no significant adverse impacts are expected to occur.
Acceptable
Impact
|
Table 12.2 Impact
assessment for Nil Grade Built Heritage Items
|
Resource
|
Figure
Ref
|
Description
of Proposed Works
|
Minimum
Distance from Works
|
Impact Assessment
|
|
Earth God Shrine
(HB-01)
|
12.3.5
|
Construction
of access road
|
Within
alignment of access road
|
The shrine
will be directly impacted by the works and will require relocation.
Acceptable
Impact with Mitigation
(See Section 12.3.11)
|
|
Tin Hau
Temple
(HB-02)
|
12.3.6
|
Construction
of access road / retaining wall
|
15
|
The limit
for ground borne vibration should be set at 25mm/s. If this is adhered to, no
significant adverse impacts are expected to occur.
Acceptable
Impact
|
|
San Uk Ling
Village Entrance Gate
(HB-03)
|
12.3.11
|
Road
widening along Lin Ma Hang Road
|
< 5m
|
The gate
may be damaged by ground borne vibration and contact with machinery and
equipment during the construction works.
Acceptable
Impact with Mitigation
(See Section 12.3.11)
|
|
Cheung Ancestral
Hall
(HB-04)
|
12.3.11
|
Road
widening along Lin Ma Hang Road
|
30m
|
The limit
for ground borne vibration should be set at 25mm/s. If this is adhered to, no
significant adverse impacts are expected to occur.
Acceptable
Impact
|
|
No. 9 San Uk Ling Village House (HB-05)
|
12.3.11
|
Road
widening along Lin Ma Hang Road
|
25m
|
The limit
for ground borne vibration should be set at 25mm/s. If this is adhered to, no
significant adverse impacts are expected to occur.
Acceptable
Impact
|
|
Buddhist
Shrine
(HB-06)
|
12.3.5
|
Construction
of watermains
|
< 5m
|
The works
will occur in close proximity of the shrine.
The shrine could be damaged by contact with machinery and equipment
during the construction works or vibration damage. Safe public access may
also be affected during the construction works.
Acceptable
Impact with Mitigation
(See Section 12.3.11)
|
|
Buddhist
Shrine
(HB-07)
|
12.3.5
|
Construction
of watermains/Construction of access road
|
<10m
|
The watermains
construction and access road works will occur in proximity of the shrine. Vibration,
contact with machinery and equipment storage during the construction works
should be avoided. Safe public access may also be affected during the
construction works.
Acceptable
Impact with Mitigation
(See Section 12.3.11)
|
Table 12.3
Impact assessment for Historic Clan Graves
|
Resource
|
Figure
Ref
|
Description
of Proposed Works
|
Minimum
Distance from Works
|
Impact Assessment
|
|
Yuen Clan
Urns and Plaque
(G-01)
|
12.3.7
|
Construction
of platform for columbarium
|
< 5m
|
The grave
consists of urns and a plaque set directly into the ground. There is no
formal grave structure. As the works will be very close to the urns and plaque there could be
damaged by ground borne vibration and contact with machinery and equipment
during the construction works. Safe public access may also be affected during
the construction works.
Acceptable
Impact with Mitigation
(See Section 12.3.11)
|
|
Cheung Clan
Grave
(G-02)
|
12.3.7
|
Construction
of access road / retaining wall / viaduct
|
< 5m
|
The grave
structure may be damaged by ground borne vibration and contact with machinery
and equipment during the construction works. Safe public access may also be
affected during the construction works.
Acceptable
Impact with Mitigation
(See Section 12.3.11)
|
|
Yuen Clan
Urns and Plaque
(G-03)
|
12.3.8
|
No
proposed works
|
> 150m
|
There are
no works in proximity of the resource and access will not be affected.
No
Expected Impacts
|
|
Yuen Clan
Grave
(G-04)
|
12.3.8
|
No
proposed works
|
> 150m
|
There are
no works in proximity of the resource and access will not be affected.
No
Expected Impacts
|
|
Yuen Clan
Grave
(G-05)
|
12.3.8
|
No
proposed works
|
> 150m
|
There are
no works in proximity of the resource and access will not be affected.
No
Expected Impacts
|
|
Yuen Clan
Grave
(G-06)
|
12.3.8
|
No
proposed works
|
> 150m
|
There are
no works in proximity of the resource and access will not be affected.
No
Expected Impacts
|
|
Yuen Clan
Grave
(G-07)
|
12.3.8
|
No
proposed works
|
> 150m
|
There are
no works in proximity of the resource and access will not be affected.
No
Expected Impacts
|
|
Lee Clan
Grave
(G-08)
|
12.3.8
|
No
proposed works
|
> 150m
|
There are
no works in proximity of the resource and access will not be affected.
No
Expected Impacts
|
|
Yuen Clan Grave Plaque
(G-09)
|
12.3.8
|
No
proposed works
|
> 150m
|
There are
no works in proximity of the resource and access will not be affected.
No
Expected Impacts
|
|
Yuen Clan
Grave
(G-10)
|
12.3.4
|
Construction
of access road / retaining wall / slope work
|
> 100m
|
Public
access may be affected during the construction works.
Acceptable
Impact with Mitigation
(See Section 12.3.11)
|
|
Cheung Clan
Grave (G-11)
|
12.3.9
|
Construction
of access road / Construction of platform for crematorium, funeral parlour
and visitor service centre / retaining wall / slope work / viaduct
|
> 50m
|
Public
access may be affected during the construction works.
Acceptable
Impact with Mitigation
(See Section 12.3.11)
|
12.3.11
Mitigation Measures
Construction Phase
12.3.11.1
Mitigation measures are
recommended based upon the findings of the impact assessment and are presented
in Tables 12.4 to 12.6 below. The descriptions below will provide the
detailed requirements for each of the mitigation actions.
Condition Survey (CS)
12.3.11.2
A condition survey will be
carried out by qualified building surveyor or engineer in advance of works for
Graded Historic Buildings and Nil Grade Built Heritage Items that may be
affected by ground-borne vibration. The
Condition Survey Report should contain descriptions of the structure,
identification of fragile elements, an appraisal of the condition and working
methods for any proposed monitoring and precautionary measures that are
recommended.
12.3.11.3
The condition survey report
for the Graded Historic Building must be submitted to AMO for comment before
construction activities commence. The
location of proposed monitoring points in the building should avoid damaging
the historic fabric and approved by the owner. The contractor should implement
the approved monitoring and precautionary measures.
Vibration Monitoring
(VM)
12.3.11.4
Vibration monitoring should
be undertaken during the construction works to ensure that safe levels of
vibration are not exceeded. A maximum level of 7.5mm/s for Grade 2 Historic
Building and 25mm/s for Nil Grade Built Heritage Items should be adopted. The
condition survey report should highlight if the limit should be lowered after
the detailed study of the condition of the buildings and structures. A
monitoring schedule, the location of monitoring equipment, the frequency of
monitoring, reporting requirements and action plan should be included in the
condition survey report. The location of any monitoring equipment in the
building must be approved by the owner before installation.
Provision of Buffer
Zones (BZ)
12.3.11.5
A buffer zone should be
provided to separate the building or structure from the construction works. The
buffer zone should be clearly marked out by temporary fencing. The buffer zone
should be made at least 1m from the proposed works or if this is not possible
as large as the site restrictions allow.
Provision of Protective
Covering (PC)
12.3.11.6
Protective covering in the
form of plastic sheeting on a movable fence should be provided for external
walls and surfaces (that contain historical elements) in close proximity to
works areas, i.e. areas where a buffer zone alone cannot provide protection
from equipment and works activities.
Provision of Safe Public Access (SPA)
12.3.11.7
Any proposed works in close
proximity to buildings or structures used by the public for religious, ritual
or funerary purposes, such as historic clan graves, have the potential to
create an unsafe environment for members of the public.
12.3.11.8
The contractor should
ensure that safe public access if possible, through provision of clearly marked
paths separated from the construction works areas is provided for any such
affected cultural heritage resources. It is recommended that safe public access
to the grave sites be provided during the construction works.
Preservation by Record (PR)
12.3.11.9 A cartographic and photographic survey should be conducted for any
built heritage resource that will require relocation prior to the construction
works. The survey report should be submitted to AMO for record purposes.
12.3.11.10 The recommended mitigation measures are presented in Tables 12.4 to 12.6.
Table 12.4 Mitigation recommendations for the Graded Historic Building
|
Resource
|
Figure
Ref
|
Impact
Assessment
|
Mitigation
Recommendations
|
|
MacIntosh
Fort at Nam Hang
(GB-01)
(Grade 2)
|
12.3.4
|
The limit
for ground borne vibration should be set at 7.5mm/s. If this is adhered to,
no significant adverse impacts are expected to occur.
|
Condition
survey / Vibration monitoring
|
Table 12.5 Mitigation recommendations for Nil Grade Built Heritage Items
|
Resource
|
Figure
Ref
|
Impact
Assessment
|
Mitigation
Recommendations
|
|
Earth God Shrine
(HB-01)
|
12.3.5
|
The
shrine is within the road alignment and must be relocated.
|
Preservation
by Record/Relocation
|
|
Tin Hau
Temple
(HB-02)
|
12.3.6
|
The limit
for ground borne vibration should be set at 25mm/s. If this is adhered to, no
significant adverse impacts are expected to occur.
|
Condition
survey / Vibration monitoring
|
|
San Uk Ling Village Village Entrance Gate
(HB-03)
|
12.3.11
|
The
gate may be damaged by ground borne vibration and contact with machinery and
equipment during the construction works.
|
Condition
Survey/ Vibration Monitoring/ Provision of Buffer Zones / Provision of
Protective Covering
|
|
Cheung Ancestral
Hall
(HB-04)
|
12.3.11
|
The limit
for ground borne vibration should be set at 25mm/s. If this is adhered to, no
significant adverse impacts are expected to occur.
|
Condition
survey / Vibration monitoring
|
|
No. 9 San Uk Ling Village House (HB-05)
|
12.3.11
|
The limit
for ground borne vibration should be set at 25mm/s. If this is adhered to, no
significant adverse impacts are expected to occur.
|
Condition
survey / Vibration monitoring
|
|
Buddhist Shrine
(HB-06)
|
12.3.5
|
Damage
from vibration and/or contact with machinery and equipment may occur during
the construction works and public access may be restricted.
|
Condition
Survey/Vibration Monitoring/Provision of Buffer Zones/ Provision of
Protective Covering/ Provision of Safe Public Access
|
|
Buddhist Shrine
(HB-07)
|
12.3.5
|
Damage
from vibration and/or contact with machinery and equipment may occur during the
construction works and public access may be restricted.
|
Condition
Survey/Vibration Monitoring/Provision of Buffer Zones/ Provision of
Protective Covering/ Provision of Safe Public Access
|
Table 12.6 Mitigation recommendations for Historic Clan
Graves
|
Resource
|
Figure
Ref
|
Impact
Assessment
|
Mitigation
Recommendations
|
|
Yuen Clan
Urns and Plaque
(G-01)
|
12.3.7
|
Damage
from ground borne vibration and contact with machinery and equipment may
occur during the construction works and public access may be restricted.
|
Condition
Survey/ Vibration Monitoring/ Provision of Buffer Zones and Provision of
Protective Covering / Provision of Safe Public Access
|
|
Cheung Clan
Grave
(G-02)
|
12.3.7
|
|
Yuen Clan
Urns and Plaque
(G-03)
|
12.3.8
|
Sufficient
distance from proposed works and access will not be affected.
|
No mitigation required.
|
|
Yuen Clan
Grave (G-04)
|
12.3.8
|
|
Yuen Clan
Grave (G-05)
|
12.3.8
|
|
Yuen Clan
Grave (G-06)
|
12.3.8
|
|
Yuen Clan
Grave (G-07)
|
12.3.8
|
|
Lee Clan
Grave
(G-08)
|
12.3.8
|
|
Yuen Clan
Grave (G-09)
|
12.3.8
|
|
Yuen Clan
Grave (G-10)
|
12.3.4
|
Public
access may be affected during the construction works.
|
Provision
of Safe Public Access
|
|
Cheung Clan
Grave
(G-11)
|
12.3.9
|
Public
access may be affected during the construction works.
|
Provision
of Safe Public Access
|
12.3.12
Residual Built Heritage Impacts
12.3.12.1 The mitigation measures as stated above will reduce impacts to an
acceptable level and no residual impacts are expected to occur.
12.4
Construction
Phase - Archaeology
12.4.1
Assessment Methodology
12.4.1.1
As stated in the Guidelines for Cultural Heritage
Impact Assessment, the baseline study is used to compile a comprehensive
inventory of all sites of archaeological interest within and in the environs of
the project assessment area. The results are then presented in a report that
provides both clear evidence that the required processes have been
satisfactorily completed as well as a detailed inventory of all identified
sites of archaeological interest.
12.4.1.2
The following tasks are undertaken in order to
gather the necessary information for the compilation of the baseline study:
Task 1: Desk-based research
12.4.1.3
Firstly, desk-based research is carried out in
order to identify any known or potential sites of archaeological interest
within the project assessment area and to evaluate the cultural significance of
these sites once identified. The following is a non-exhaustive list of
resources that are consulted as part of the research programme:
·
AMO published and unpublished papers and studies;
·
Publications on relevant historical, anthropological and other
cultural studies;
·
Unpublished archival papers and records;
·
Collections and libraries of tertiary institutions;
·
Historical documents held in the Public Records Office, Lands Registry,
District Lands Office, District Office and Museum of History;
·
Cartographic and pictorial documentation; and
·
Geotechnical information.
Task 2: Site visit
12.4.1.4
To supplement the
information gathered in the desk-based study, a site visit is undertaken to
assess the current status of the assessment area and also to make note of
existing impacts.
Task 3: Archaeological Field Investigation (if required)
12.4.1.5
If the results of the
desk-based study and site visit indicate that there is insufficient data for
purposes of identification of sites of archaeological interest, determination
of cultural significance and assessment of impacts, an archaeological field
investigation programme will be designed and submitted to the AMO for approval.
Once approved, a qualified archaeologist must apply for a licence to undertake
the archaeological excavation, which must be approved by the Antiquities
Authority before issuance. The archaeological field investigation will consist
of the following steps:
Field
Scan
12.4.1.6
Field walking is conducted
to identify archaeological deposits on the surface. The scanning of the surface
for archaeological material is conducted, under ideal circumstances, in a
systematic manner and covers the entire assessment area. Particular attention
is given to exposed areas such as riverbed cuts, erosion areas, terraces, etc.
Material and concentrations of finds are recorded, mapped at 1:1000 scale and
collected during the field scanning and form part of the archive. Topography, surface conditions and existing
impacts are noted during the field walking.
Auger Survey
12.4.1.7
Auger survey of the identified areas which are
considered to be impacted by proposed works will be carried out in order to
establish soil sequence, the presence/absence of cultural soils or deposits and
their horizontal extent. The auger tool consists of a bucket, pole and handle
and is vertically drilled by hand into the surface. When the bucket is filled
with soil the auger is extracted and the soil emptied from the bucket. Soils
are described and depth changes are measured inside the hole. The depth of any
material found is also measured. The auger hole is abandoned when water table,
the end of the auger or rock is reached or the auger bucket fails to hold the
soil. The location of each auger hole test is marked on a 1:1000 scale map. The results of the auger tests provide one of
the criteria used to position the test pit excavations.
Test
Pit Excavation
12.4.1.8
Test pit excavations
are carried out to verify the archaeological potential within a certain area.
The choice for the location of the test pit excavation will depend on various
factors such as desk-based information, landforms, field scan and auger test
results as well as access issues.
12.4.1.9
Hand digging of test
pits measuring between 1 by 1 and 2 by 2 square meters will be carried out in
order to determine the presence/absence of archaeological deposits and their
stratigraphy. The size may vary due to close proximity to large trees, narrow
terraces or other external factors. The
test pit is hand excavated, contexts, finds and features are recorded, soils
described and relevant depths measured. Artefacts are recorded and collected.
Photographs of sections and other relevant information are taken and section
and ground plans, if required, are drawn.
12.4.1.10
Hand excavation will
continue until rock or decomposing rock are reached and/or no potential for
archaeological soils or deposits exist.
Additionally the test pit will be abandoned when the water table is
reached or when the depth of excavation poses safety problems (i.e. deeper than
1.2m vertical section).
12.4.1.11
The hand excavated test
pit is backfilled after full recording. Field records containing information
regarding the physical location of the test pit, weather conditions, size and
bench mark, description of the soils and their measured depths, artefact and
feature finds are kept for each pit.
Photographs are taken and drawings and plans produced, finds are bagged,
labelled and stored for transport. The location of the test pit is mapped on a
1:1000 scale map.
Task
4: Impact Assessment
12.4.1.12
The prediction and
evaluation of both direct and indirect impacts will be undertaken to identify
any potential adverse effects to all identified sites of archaeological
interest within the project assessment area. A detailed description of the
works and all available plans (with their relationship to the identified
resources clearly shown) shall be included, to illustrate the nature and degree
of potential impacts. The impact assessment will adhere to the detailed
requirements of Annexes 10 and 19 of the EIAO-TM.
Task
5: Mitigation Measures
12.4.1.13
As stated in the
Guidelines for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment “Preservation in totality
must be taken as the first priority”. If such preservation is not feasible, as
in the case where the need for a particular development can be shown to have
benefits that outweigh the significance of the site of archaeological interest,
a programme of mitigation measures will be designed and submitted to the AMO
for approval. The mitigation measures should be clearly listed and the party
responsible for implementation and timing of the measures will also be
included. Examples of mitigation measures include; rescue excavation and
archaeological watching brief (AWB).
12.4.2
Topographical and Geological
Background
12.4.2.1
The project boundary as shown in Figure 1.1 is mainly located onto
undivided meta-sandstone with meta-conglomerate and phyllite hills and steep slopes of Sandy Ridge (Plate 1 as in Appendix 12.4); in addition there are
two bands of debris flow deposits along the northwest deposited during the
Holocene and along the south during the Pleistocene (Appendix 12.5). Along the north under
the current MTR Lo Wu Station lie clay/silt deposits (Qam). Along the south
east of the assessment area there is a thin band of Holocene alluvial deposit. The proposed associated watermains located along Man Kam To
Road is situated mainly on Pleistocene debris flow and terraced alluvial
deposits with the southern part occupies the edge of phyllite, metasiltstone
with meatasandstone and graphite schist (Appendix 12.5).
12.4.2.2 It has to be pointed out that the only area of archaeological
interest, namely Yuen Leng Chai is located on a Holocene debris flow deposit to
the north of Sandy Ridge, in very close proximity to estuarine and intertidal
mud deposits. Pleistocene deposits on
the other hand are known to have been occupied in ancient times in the
territory. (Appendix
12.5).The road widening of the western end of
Lin Ma Hang Road is largely located on Pleistocene debris flow deposits with a
smaller Pleistocene terraced alluvium area and undivided, phyllite,
metasiltstone with metasandstone and graphite schist at the works area’s
northern end (Appendix 12.6). The road widening
will begin on elevations from 10.2mPD in the south in front of San Uk Ling
Village gradually ascending to around 13mPD in front of the Ex Sam Wo Public
School and 14.5mPD to the south of Muk Wu Yiu Nga Village after which it
descends to 7.5mPD at the northern end.
12.4.2.3 It has to be pointed out
that the only area of archaeological interest, namely Yuen Leng Chai is located
on a Holocene debris flow deposit to the north of Sandy Ridge, in very close
proximity to estuarine and intertidal mud deposits. Pleistocene deposits on the other hand are
known to have been occupied in ancient times in the territory.
(Appendix 12.5).The road widening of the
western end of Lin Ma Hang Road is largely located on Pleistocene debris flow
deposits with a smaller Pleistocene terraced alluvium area and undivided,
phyllite, metasiltstone with metasandstone and graphite schist at the works
area’s northern end (Appendix 12.6). The road widening will begin on
elevations from 10.2mPD in
the south in front of San Uk Ling Village gradually ascending to around 13mPD
in front of the Ex Sam Wo Public School and 14.5mPD to the south of Muk Wu Yiu
Nga Village after which it descends to 7.5mPD at the northern end.
12.4.2.4 As discussed in Section 1.3,
it is proposed to have off-site pick-up / drop-off points for shuttle buses at
MTR Kwu Tung Station, MTR Fanling Station, existing Sheung Shui Landmark North
Public Transport Interchange (PTI) and layby at Pak Wo Road near Flora Plaza.
Given the conditions of these existing highway infrastructures, no excavation
works would be required and only road furnishing would be conducted. All these
off-site pick-up / drop-off areas except MTR Kwu Tung Station are actually
within existing highway corridors and these areas would not be affected and
hence impacts are not anticipated. For MTR Kwu Tung Station (including the PTI
and shuttle bus services area), it will be constructed under the
Planning and Development Study on North East New Territories (NENT) Contract
and will be available by 2026.
12.4.2.5 In addition, a barging point at Siu Lam currently used by the
Express Rail Link project are added. All these areas are located within existing
land use for office and barging point and hence impacts are not anticipated.
12.4.3
Archaeological Background
12.4.3.1 According to the latest
information (www.amo.gov.hk), there are no known Sites of Archaeological
Interest within the assessment area. An unlisted area of archaeological
interest, namely Yuen Leng Chai lies at about 25m and to the north of the project
boundary. The site was first discovered in 2001 during the archaeological
survey for the Shenzhen River Regulation Project: Artefacts dated to the Bronze
Age, Song / Yuan and Ming / Qing dynasties were recovered (HKIA 2001).
Subsequent rescue excavations yielded two Song / Yuan dynasty burial and Bronze
Age pottery fragments (HKIA 2003). The original site no longer exists but the
archaeological record was retrieved through survey and excavation and is
preserved on record.
12.4.3.2 Near Lin Ma Hang Road
lies the Muk Wu Nga Yiu Kilns Site of Archaeological Interest (AM00-1607),
where the four kilns were first recorded in 2000 during the Shenzhen River
Regulation project. Three of the kilns
are located in Nga Yiu Tsuen and one is located in Muk Wu Nga Yiu Tsuen. These kilns were used for brick and tile
production with a history of approximately 100 years (HKIA 2001). The kilns
were recorded above ground in 2001 and are located more than 150m away from the
proposed works.
12.4.4
Previous Terrestrial
Archaeological Investigations
12.4.4.1
Four investigations were conducted within or
in close proximity of the assessment area. A summary of these archaeological
investigations are presented below:
Second
Territory-wide Archaeological Survey
12.4.4.2
A
surface scan and 8 auger hole tests were conducted as part of the Second
Territory-wide Archaeological Survey along Lin Ma Hang Road in 1997-1998 and no
archaeological materials were identified (Second Territory-wide Survey
1997-1998).
HKIA
2001. The 2000 Archaeological Survey & Assessment for Shenzhen River
Regulation Project Stage III
12.4.4.3
An
archaeological field investigation as part of the EIA for Shenzhen River
Regulation Project was undertaken in 2000 for the above project. The entire area
was located within the closed area, along the Shenzhen River. A Song / Yuen
period site was identified at Yuen Leng Chai. Bronze Age, Song / Yuan and Ming /
Qing finds were identified from surface scan, auger hole tests and
test pit excavation carried out at Yuen Leng Chai.
12.4.4.4
Several
Warring States-Han dynasty geometric pottery surface finds were also collected
at the site. In addition, four early 20th century kilns at Muk Wu Nga Yiu area
were recorded (HKIA 2001).
12.4.4.5
The
field survey included a fieldscan and auger hole tests along Lin Ma Hang Road.
Ming and Qing dynasty materials were discovered to the south of Muk Wu Wai
Tsuen, in a field near the entrance of the village and at entrance gate of Muk
Wu Wai (HKIA 2001).
HKIA
2003. Rescue Excavation at Yuen Leng Chai
12.4.4.6
The rescue excavations followed the recommendations of the previous
investigation. Since the site would be directly impacted by the
proposed work, a rescue excavation was conducted in 2002-2003 prior to the
construction work. Two well preserved burials dated to Song / Yuan period were recorded,
along with some associated finds such as celadon bowls and cloth-pattern tiles
and nine iron nails associated with the decayed coffins (HKIA 2003).
ERM
February 2013. Agreement No. CE 32/2010 (CE) Site Formation and Associated
Infrastructural Works for Proposed Development of Columbarium, Crematorium and
Related Facilities at Sandy Ridge Cemetery – Feasibility Study. Revised Final
Preliminary Environmental Report
12.4.4.7
A desk-based review identified two undisturbed foot hill
areas of low archaeological potential. One is located in the northwest near Lo
Wu Village and another in the southeast of the assessment area. Only a small
section of the area in the southeast near Sha Ling, a historical village
however, fell within the assessment area. The area is deemed to have low
archaeological potential.
12.4.5
Existing Conditions
12.4.5.1
The initial field visit was undertaken in August 2013. The assessment area consists mainly of steep hill
slopes which have been terraced to allow for
graves. Few foothill areas are within the assessment area; these are located on
the northwest of the assessment area and to the south and east. The northwest
area is largely occupied by MTR Lo Wu Station, railway and road leading to Lo
Wu village (Appendix 12.7). The construction of these would have severely impacts original soil
deposits which means there is no archaeological potential.
12.4.5.2
The earliest topographical map
showing Sandy Ridge dates from 1914 (Appendix 12.8). Few details are included on the map; the hills are surrounded by
agricultural fields and there are no villages marked. A railway is already
marked running along the west of the Ridge.
12.4.5.3
The oldest aerial photograph
dates from 1924 (Appendix 12.9). Very little details can be distinguished but the area surrounding
the hills is in agricultural use, while on the lower slopes of the hills some
‘bare’ patches could be interpreted as graves. A path runs along the south,
west and east of the Ridge. The area along the railway looks like it is under
construction and Lo Wu Village looks like it is appearing, although it does not
appear on the topographical map until 1957 (Appendix 12.11).
12.4.5.4
On the 1939 and 1945
topographical maps, which are very similar, Sandy Ridge is already marked as an
urn cemetery despite the fact that it did not officially become a cemetery
until 1950 (Tang
2011:66-67) (Appendix 12.10); it is likely that it was added
later. The 1957 topographical map shows grave
sites along the south and south east of the ridge (Appendix 12.11).
The terracing was also noticed during the field visit on a flat platform
bridging the northern and southern slopes towards the east of Sandy Ridge (Appendix 12.11
and Appendix 12.12).
12.4.5.5
The existing impacts consist
mainly of terracing for cemetery use on the hills and lower slopes. In addition
the railway, station and access road to Lo Wu are major impacts along the west
and northwest of the assessment area. The associated watermains proposed along
the south of Man Kam To Road will closely follow the road/footpath. Soil
deposits would have been adversely disturbed during the road construction and
subsequent road improvement and maintenance.
12.4.5.6
The field visit showed that the
area along the southeast of the assessment area is partially in use for open
storage with concrete platform coverings, gardens and tree nursery and some
small pockets carry residential houses (Plates 2 to 5 as in Appendix 12.4).
In addition, major pipes cover the area along Man Kam To Road (Plate 6 as in Appendix 12.4).
12.4.5.7 An additional field visit was undertaken to the Lin Ma Hang associated
works area in February 2014. The road alignment is narrow two lane roads
bordered by hill and lower slopes along the south and east of Lin Ma Hang Road
and significantly lower lying areas on the other side. Large portions of the
area along the alignment contain temporary or light industrial structures and
surface covering while the rest is abandoned agricultural fields.
12.4.5.8 The proposed widening of the road includes 2m wide footpaths and will
impact on the area alongside the current road.
12.4.5.9
A study of old maps and aerial
photographs shows that between 1914 and 1969 only two villages were located
along the Lin Ma Hang Road works alignment, namely San Uk Ling and Li Muk Fu
(currently Muk Wu Nga Yiu). It shows agricultural use of the area where the current
road runs with structures appearing along the road around 1980’s (Appendix
12.13).
12.4.6
Identification of
Archaeological Impacts
12.4.6.1
The assessment
area consists mainly of hills with steep slopes which
have been partially terraced for the use as a cemetery and associated
facilities. The steep hills have no archaeological potential (Appendix 12.15).
12.4.6.2
The area to the
northwest (Appendix
12.15) is occupied by MTR Lo Wu
Station, rail alignment and associated structures and facilities. In addition, there is a road leading to Lo Wu
Village. The construction, maintenance and utilities associated with the
railway facilities would have adversely impacted the archaeological potential
of this area. In addition, the
proposed works consist of the construction of a viaduct and while the area
slightly overlaps with the area as of low archaeological potential; the impacts
are limited to estuarine and intertidal deposits along the channelled river and
boundary fence.
12.4.6.3
The associated
watermains to be constructed along Man Kam To Road (Appendix 12.15) closely follows the current road alignment and will occur
on already adversely disturbed deposits.
12.4.6.4
The area to the
southeast within the assessment area (Appendix 12.15) is relatively small and includes the access road to
cemetery and to the MacIntosh Fort and another small area further to the
northeast. This south eastern area was deemed to have some archaeological
potential.
12.4.6.5
In order to verify the
archaeological potential of the southeast area, a field investigation was
undertaken under the archaeological licence no.367, including a field scan where possible, auger hole testing programme of minimum
16 auger hole tests and 4 test pit excavations.
The methodology followed AMO Guidelines
for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessments (January 2012), for archaeological
survey (see Section 1.4 task 3 of these guidelines).
12.4.6.6
The results of the
field investigation indicated that the area immediately along the road consists
mainly of a sterile natural debris flow deposits (Auger test 1 to 8, 16 and
Plates 1 and 2 as in Appendix
12.14) while further south fill
deposits, possibly associated to the construction of four water supply pipes
running along Man Kam To Road (Plate 6 as in Appendix
12.4) were recorded. The area to the
east is an alluvial wet area deposited along a stream (Plates 7 and 8 as in Appendix 12.4). Within the area of the proposed crossing at the south of the
proposed connection road to Man Kam To Road however, a cultural layer without material findings was
recorded. The cultural layer consists of sterile brown very silt clay. (Plates 1 and 2 as in Appendix 12.14)
12.4.6.7
The survey results from
Test pit 4 suggest an archaeological deposit is present around 0.4 metres below
the surface in the tested survey area within the proposed crossing at the south
of the proposed connection road to Man Kam To Road. The date or interpretation
of the cultural deposit however, is impossible as no material findings were
present. Testing (AH 14 and 15) conducted in close proximity of test pit 4
indicate that the deposit may be small.
12.4.6.8
The western end of Lin Ma Hang Road is largely located on Pleistocene debris
flow deposits with a small pocket of Pleistocene terraced alluvium and solid
geology (Appendix 12.6). The existing impacts are from the actual
construction of the road and maintenance works. Previous archaeological investigations
indicate archaeological potential to the south of Muk Wu Wai Tsuen, while no
findings further towards the road.
12.4.6.9
Table 12.7 below presents a summary of the findings,
assessment of potential and recommendations for further investigation, if
appropriate.
Table 12.7 Summary of findings, assessment of potential and recommendation for
field investigation
|
Area[1]
|
Description
|
Identification of Impact
|
Action Required
|
|
Sandy Ridge
hills
|
The hill
slopes are relatively steep and parts of the hill have been terraced for
cemetery and associated facility use.
This is
where the proposed crematorium and columbarium related construction impacts
are concentrated.
|
No
archaeological potential due to steep slopes and thin soil coverage.
|
No further
action.
|
|
Northwest
area
|
This area
consists of debris flow and clay/silt deposits.
The
existing impacts including road and rail construction have affected
archaeological potential.
Some
impacts will occur from proposed viaduct however, these are located on
estuarine and intertidal deposits immediately adjacent to the channelled
river and boundary fence.
|
No
archaeological potential due to existing development impacts.
|
No further
action.
|
|
Associated watermains alignment
along Man Kam To Road
|
The
proposed works are located on mainly Pleistocene terraced alluvium and debris
flow. The existing impacts arising
from the construction and ongoing maintenance of the road would have
adversely impacted on archaeological potential
|
No
archaeological potential due to existing road construction impacts.
|
No further
action.
|
|
Southeast
within assessment area
|
The area is located on Pleistocene
debris flow at foot of hills. This area was previously identified as low
archaeological potential in the “Agreement No. CE 32/2010 (CE) Site Formation
and Associated Infrastructural Works for Proposed Development of Columbarium,
Crematorium and Related Facilities at Sandy Ridge Cemetery – Feasibility
Study. Revised Final Preliminary Environmental Report”.
The
proposed works include access road, viaduct and roundabout.
|
Some
potential due to minimal disturbance and location of base of foothills
identified and tested during field survey. (Figure 12.3.12)
|
Archaeological
Watching Brief recommended for the crossing at the south of the proposed
connection road to Man Kam To Road area due to cultural soil deposit, but no material findings in Test
pit 4 (Figure 12.3.12).
|
|
Lin Ma Hang Road
|
The area is located partially located on
Pleistocene debris flow and terraced alluvium deposits.
|
Some disturbance during road construction.
Previous investigations revealed Ming/Qing archaeological material south of
Muk Wu Wai Tsuen but not in areas closer to the road.
|
A requirement will be included in
the contract document to request the contractor to inform the AMO if any
antiquities or supposed antiquities are unearthed during the construction.
|
Note:
[1] Location refers to Appendix
12.15.
12.4.7
Prediction and Evaluation of
Archaeological Impacts
12.4.7.1 The baseline review identified an area to the southeast of Sandy
Ridge as having some archaeological potential. An archaeological field survey
was conducted in May 2014 to verify this potential and the survey included
fieldscan where possible, sixteen auger hole tests and four test pit
excavations (Figure 12.3.12). The results of the survey indicate that the
extent of disturbance of the lower hill slopes within the southeast corner of
Sandy Ridge is greater than was expected. The tested area can roughly be
divided into three parts: western part and southern part of the tested area and
northern part of the crossing at the south of the proposed connection road to Man Kam To
Road.
12.4.7.2
The auger test results and
one test pit excavation indicated a natural soil stratigraphy consisting of top
/ sub soils overlaying hillwash at the western part and for most parts along
the existing road (Figure 12.3.12). Few modern pottery fragments were recovered
from the upper strata but the main deposit was sterile.
12.4.7.3
The auger tests conducted
along the south of the licence area were inconclusive due to rocks/fill. Two test pit excavations
confirmed the results of the auger tests that the area is filled with rocks and
showed that artificial fill covers the south of the licence area (Plates 3 to 8 as in Appendix 12.14; Figure 12.3.12). It suggests that with the
construction of the water supply infrastructure from Dongjiang River in 1960’s, the
area was heavily modified (WSD 2013) (Plates 5
and 6 as in Appendix 12.4).
12.4.7.4
A test pit excavation
eastern area of the crossing at the south of the proposed connection road to
Man Kam To Road showed a cultural layer (Plates 7 and 8 as in Appendix
12.4). Although the layer did not include material findings, it
suggests an older occupation of the area as the layer was noticed at depths
around 0.4 metre below the surface. Testing in close proximity of the test pit
excavations (AH 14 and 15) indicate that the cultural deposit may be
small. Archaeological Watching Brief is
a fast and cost effective way of gathering more archaeological information
whilst allowing the construction works to continue (Figure 12.3.13).
12.4.8
Mitigation Measures
12.4.8.1 Further action, in the form of an Archaeological Watching Brief (AWB) Programme is recommended at the proposed crossing at the south of the proposed connection road to
Man Kam To Road at the south
eastern foot slopes of Sandy Ridge, where a cultural deposit without
material findings was noticed.
12.4.8.2 Along Lin Ma Hang Road, it is recommended that the engineer
inform the AMO if any antiquities or supposed antiquities are unearthed during the construction phase.
12.4.9
Residual Archaeological Impacts
12.4.9.1 There are no residual impacts expected on archaeological deposits.
12.5
Operational Phase – Built Heritage
12.5.1.1
The operational phase of the
project will consist of operation of crematorium and columbarium facilities and
also the use of the widened section of Lin Ma Hang Road. 11 Historic Clan Graves
and 7 Nil Grade Built Heritage Items have been identified and listed as below.
11
Historic Clan Graves:
·
(G-01) Yuen Clan Urns and Plaque
·
(G-02) Cheung Clan Grave
·
(G-03) Yuen Clan Urns and Plaque
·
(G-04) Yuen Clan Grave
·
(G-05) Yuen Clan Grave
·
(G-06) Yuen Clan Grave
·
(G-07) Yuen Clan Grave
·
(G-08) Lee Clan Grave
·
(G-09) Yuen Clan Grave
·
(G-10) Yuen Clan Grave
·
(G-11) Cheung Clan Grave
7
Nil Grade Built Heritage Items:
·
(HB-01) Earth God Shrine
·
(HB-02) Tin Hau Temple
·
(HB-03) San Uk Ling Village Entrance
Gate
·
(HB-04) Cheung Ancestral Hall
·
(HB-05) No. 9 San Uk Ling Village
House
·
(HB-06) Buddhist Shrine
·
(HB-07) Buddhist Shrine
12.5.2
Assessment Methodology
12.5.2.1 The methodology for the identification of built heritage resources
has been described in Section 12.3.1
as part of the construction phase methodology. The methodology for assessment of
impacts to built heritage resources during the operational phase consists of
changes to the existing environment through addition of new buildings and
structures, changes in use brought about by the new development and changes to
the existing environmental character. The classification of impacts will be the
same as for the construction phase.
12.5.3
Identification of Impacts
12.5.3.1 During the operational phase historic buildings and structures may
be visually impacted by newly constructed additions to the existing environment.
In the case of the proposed C&C facilities, the only resources within the
site consist of historic clan graves. As the additions to the environment will
consist of funerary and burial facilities, they will be compatible with the
current environment as a burial area.
12.5.3.2 The widening of Lin Ma Hang Road will not change the current use of
the road or adversely affect the village along Lin Ma Hang Road.
12.5.4
Prediction and Evaluation of
Environmental Impacts
12.5.4.1 No adverse impacts are expected to arise from the operation of the
proposed C&C facilities at Sandy Ridge or the road widening at Lin Ma Hang
Road.
12.5.5
Mitigation Measures
12.5.5.1 No mitigation measures for built heritage resources will be required
during the operational phase of the project.
12.5.6
Residual Environmental Impacts
12.5.6.1 No residual impacts have been identified with respect to built
heritage resources.
12.6
Operational
Phase - Archaeology
12.6.1.1
There are no additional
impacts expected during the operational phase.
12.7
Conclusion
12.7.1
Built Heritage
12.7.1.1
One Graded Historic
Building, 11 Historic Clan Graves and 7 Nil Grade Built Heritage Items have
been identified in this BHIA report. Mitigation measures during the
construction phase have been recommended as follows;
·
The Grade 2 MacIntosh Fort at Nam Hang (GB-01) will require a condition
survey and vibration monitoring during the construction works;
·
The Earth God Shrine (HB-01) will be preserved by record and relocated;
·
The Tin Hau Temple (HB-02), Cheung Ancestral Hall (HB-04) and House at
No. 9 San Uk Ling Village House (HB-05) will require condition survey and
vibration monitoring;
·
San Uk Ling Village Entrance Gate (HB-03) will require condition survey,
vibration monitoring, provision of buffer zone and protective covering;
·
Buddhist Shrines (HB-06 and HB-07) will
require condition survey, vibration monitoring, provision of buffer zone,
protective covering and safe public access should be provided;
·
Historic clan graves G-01, G-02, G-10 and G-11 should be provided with proper public access. In addition,
condition survey, vibration monitoring, provision of buffer zone and protective
covering should be provided for G-01 and G-02; and
·
Historic clan graves G03, G-04, G-05, G-06, G-07, G-08, and G-09 are at
sufficient distance of the proposed works and access will not be affected.
Mitigation measures are not required.
12.7.1.2
No adverse impacts have
been identified during the operational phase and no residual impacts have been
identified.
12.7.2
Archaeology
12.7.2.1 An area of archaeological potential was identified in the desk-based review, namely the Pleistocene debris flow lower slopes of
southeast Sandy Ridge.
12.7.2.2 An archaeological field survey conducted at the
former area indicated that the area was disturbed to a greater extent than
previously understood, possibly during the construction of the water
pipes. While auger tests and a test pit
excavation to the west of the crossing at the south of the proposed connection road to Man Kam To
Road indicate that this area has a natural sterile
stratigraphy, a test pit within the area of the crossing at the south of the proposed
connection road to Man Kam To Road revealed a sterile
cultural deposit.
12.7.2.3 An Archaeological Watching Brief (AWB) is
recommended within the crossing at the south of
the proposed connection road to Man Kam To Road to add to the understanding of this cultural
soil without material findings. The AWB area is marked on Figure 12.3.13.
12.7.2.4 Along Lin Ma Hang Road, it
is recommended that the engineer inform the AMO if any antiquities or supposed
antiquities are unearthed during the construction
phase.
12.8
References
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Revised Final Preliminary Environmental Review Report
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·
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·
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·
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·
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·
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·
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·
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