10. Landscape and Visual Impact
10.2 Landscape and Visual Legislation, Standards and
Guidelines
10.3 Scope and Content of Study
10.4 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Methodology
10.6 Landscape Impact Assessment
10.9 Environmental Monitoring and Audit
10.
LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT
10.1.1 This chapter of the report presents an assessment of the potential landscape and visual impacts associated with the Port Shelter Sewerage Stage 3 Works, Po Toi O in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) and the requirements of the EIA Study Brief (No. ESB-258/2013). Both construction and operation impacts are assessed. The Project boundary is illustrated in Figure 10.1.
10.1.2
The
assessment includes:
· A listing of the relevant environmental legislation and guidelines;
· A definition of the scope and contents of the study, including a description of the assessment methodology;
· A review of the relevant planning and development control framework;
· A baseline study providing a comprehensive and accurate description of the baseline landscape and visual resources, landscape character areas, zone of visual influence and key groups of existing and planned visually sensitive receivers (VSRs);
· Identification of the source of landscape and visual impacts;
· Recommendation of appropriate mitigation measures and associated implementation programmes;
· Assessment of the potential landscape and visual impacts, by taking into account the sensitivity of receivers, prediction of the magnitude of change experienced by the receivers and resulting potential impact significance, before and after the mitigation measures; and
· Clear evaluations and explanation with supportive arguments of all relevant factors considered in arriving at the significance thresholds of the landscape and visual impacts.
10.1.3 Colour photographs showing baseline conditions, and photomontages and illustrative materials supporting conclusions are provided and the locations of all viewpoints are clearly mapped. Photomontages at representative locations provide comparison between existing views; proposals on Day 1 after completion without mitigation; on Day 1 after mitigation, and in Year 10 after mitigation.
10.2
Landscape and Visual Legislation, Standards and Guidelines
10.2.1 The following environmental legislation, standards and guidelines are applicable to the evaluation of landscape and visual impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Project:
(a)
Environmental
Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap 499) and the Technical Memorandum on EIA
Process (TM-EIAO), particularly Annexes 3, 10, 11, 18, 20 and 21;
· An Ordinance to provide for assessing the impact on the environment of certain projects and proposals, for protecting the environment and for incidental matters.
· The Technical Memorandum sets out the principles, procedures, guidelines, requirements and criteria for the technical content of an environmental impact assessment study brief or Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment Report.
(b)
Hong
Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines;
· The Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) is a Government manual of criteria for determining the scale, location and site requirements of various land uses and facilities.
(c)
Landscape
Value Mapping of Hong Kong;
· Essential landscape baseline information to provide a systematic reference framework to facilitate landscape assessment and broad environmental assessment of major projects at territorial level.
(d)
EIAO
Guidance Note No. 8/2010;
· The Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, (Cap 499) Guidance Note advises on the requirements in vetting Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment of designated projects under the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process for the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance.
(e)
Town
Planning Ordinance (Cap 131);
· To promote the health, safety, convenience and general welfare of the community by making provision for the systematic preparation and approval of plans for the lay-out of areas of Hong Kong as well as for the types of building suitable for erection therein and for the preparation and approval of plans for areas within which permission is required for development.
(f)
Foreshore
and Sea-bed (reclamations) Ordinance (Cap 127);
· To provide for the publication of proposals in respect of reclamations over and upon any foreshore and sea-bed; to make provision in respect of objections to the proposals, the payment of compensation and connected matters; and to repeal the Public Reclamations and Works Ordinance (Cap 113, 1984 Ed.) and the Foreshores and Sea Bed Ordinance (Cap 127, 1984 Ed.).
(g)
Forests
and Countryside Ordinance (Cap 96) and its subsidiary legislation the Forestry
Regulations;
· To consolidate and amend the law relating to forests and plants, and to provide for the protection of the countryside.
(h)
Country
Parks Ordinance (Cap 208);
· To provide for the designation, control and management of country parks and special areas.
(i)
Marine
Parks Ordinance (Cap 476) and associated subsidiary legislation;
· To provide for the designation, control and management of Marine Parks and Marine Reserves.
(j)
Protection
of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586);
· To regulate the import, introduction from the sea, export, re-export, and possession or control of certain endangered species of animals and plants and parts and derivatives of those species; and to provide for incidental and connected matters.
(k)
SILTech
Publication (1991) – Tree Planting and Maintenance in Hong Kong (Standing
Interdepartmental Landscape Technical Group) [11-23];
(l)
GEO
publication (1/2009) – Prescriptive Measures for Man-made Slopes and Retaining
Walls;
(m)
GEO
1/2011 – Technical Guidelines on Landscape Treatment for Slopes;
· This publication presents guidance on good practice for landscape treatments for man-made slopes and engineering works on natural terrain in Hong Kong.
· It is policy to ensure that no tree is felled unnecessarily nor, where control exists, without the prior consent of Government and that whenever possible, and appropriate, approval of the felling of any tree is made subject to a compensatory landscaping/replanting scheme.
(n)
DEVB
TC (W) No.3/2012 Site Coverage of Greenery for Government Building Projects;
· This circular sets out the standards and requirements on site coverage of greenery for new government building projects and the methodology of measurement and calculation for the purpose of the required site coverage of greenery.
(o)
DEVB
TC(W) No. 6/2015 – Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features;
· This circular sets out the departmental responsibilities for maintenance of vegetation and hard landscape features.
(p)
ETWB
TCW No. 29/2004 – Registration of Old and Valuable Trees, and Guidelines for
their Preservation;
· This circular sets out the procedures for registration of old and valuable trees on unleased Government land within built-up areas and tourist attraction spots in village areas.
(q)
ETWB
TCW No. 5/2005 – Protection of Natural Streams/Rivers from Adverse Impacts
Arising from Construction Works;
· This circular provides an administrative framework to better protect all natural streams/rivers from the impacts of construction works. The procedures promulgated under this Circular aim to clarify and strengthen existing measures for protection of natural streams/rivers from government projects and private developments.
(r)
DEVB
TC(W) No. 7/2015 - Tree Preservation;
·
This
circular sets out the policy on tree preservation, and the procedures for
control of tree felling, transplanting and pruning in Government projects;
(s)
WBTC
No. 25/93 – Control of Visual Impact of
Slopes;
· This circular outlines the design principles recommended to be used in designing manmade slopes for Public Works projects in order to reduce their adverse visual impact.
(t)
WBTC
No. 17/2000 – Improvement to the Appearance of slopes in connection with WBTC
25/93;
· This circular outlines the principles and procedures recommended for all departments involved in new slope formation and in upgrading and maintenance of existing slopes for reducing the aesthetic and environmental impact of slope works.
(u)
WBTC
No. 7/2002 – Tree Planting in Public Works;
· This circular affirms the advocated policy on tree planting which adopts a flexible and balanced approach in the planning and design of tree planting for public works projects.
(v)
Guidelines on Yard
Waste Reduction and Treatment issued by DEVB (GLTM);
· These guidelines provide general reference on implementing measures on yard waste reduction and treatment in various stages from planting design to maintenance and suggest ways of how yard waste can be reduced, reused and recycled (3Rs).
(w)
Guidelines for Tree
Risk Assessment and Management Arrangement issued by DEVB
(GLTM);
·
These
guidelines provide technical and performance guidance on tree risk assessment,
management, monitoring and maintenance.
10.2.2
Review of Relevant Planning
and Development Control Framework
· A review will be undertaken of the relevant planning and development control framework for the landscape Study Area (500 m beyond the limit of the works). The relevant OZP for the project works is the Approved Clearwater Bay Peninsula South Outline Zoning Plan No. S/SK – CWBS/2, an extract of which is shown in Figure 10.2 and a description of which is provided in Section 10.5.3.
10.3
Scope and Content of Study
10.3.1
Project
Site Boundary
The Project Site boundary comprises a sewage treatment plant on Po Toi O Chuen Road, associated sewage mains and a submarine outfall into Clear Water Bay, which is shown in Figure 10.1.
(a)
Construction of a local sewage
treatment plant. The plant will be sited adjacent to an existing minibus stop on Po Toi O
Chuen Road and will consist of a one storey building approximately 5m above
existing ground level and a hidden basement approximately 10m below ground. The
existing site is sloping and the existing slope will be cut. A retaining wall
will be constructed using the bored pile method. The slope in front and the
basement will be excavated. The sewage treatment plant will then be constructed
using reinforced concrete. A paved run-in/access will be formed on the west
side of the plant adjacent to Po Toi O Tsuen Road. E&M equipment will then
be installed prior to testing and commissioning. Plant used during the
construction will include temporary steel platform for bored pile machine,
bored pile machine, crane, dump trucks, excavators, breakers, concrete trucks
and construction materials.
(b)
Construction of gravity sewers and rising mains to provide for the un-sewered areas of Po Toi
O. The majority of the proposed pipelines will be constructed along
existing footpaths and a short section will be constructed along the shoreline.
Rising mains and gravity sewers will be
constructed by open trench excavation and a portion of gravity
sewers along Po Toi O Chuen Road will be constructed by trenchless method. Works will be
conducted with hand tools, mini excavators, dump trucks and portable pumps, and
materials imported to Project Site will include the gravity sewers and rising
mains pipes and associated fill, concrete and rebar.
(c)
Construction of submarine outfall: The
pipeline is intended to ensure that treated effluent is discharged away from
the Po Toi O Fish Culture Zone (FCZ). It will be constructed by horizontal
directional drilling to minimise dredging requirements. This will require the
excavation of a 5m deep temporary entry pit supported by sheetpiles in the
rocky foreshore just to the north of Po Toi O. During drilling, the pit will be
surrounded by various plant including a power unit, a drill rig, a crane, a mud
pump and drill pipes and casings. Once
the drilling has reached the proposed outfall location in the bay, a receiver
pit will be constructed within a sheetpile cofferdam (10m x 50m) which shall be
pumped dry and any marine deposits within dredged. The height of the cofferdam is anticipated to
be 2.7 mPD which will give an exposed visible portion above sea level of
approximately 1.5m. The pipeline will be
attached to the drill bit which will be withdrawn back to the land pit and
connected to the rising mains linked to the sewage treatment plant. Following
pipe connection, the receiving pit will be backfilled to the original seabed
level and the entry pit will be backfilled to the original foreshore levels and
the original condition reinstated. All sheet piles will be removed. All plant will be imported and exported by
sea thereby avoiding any need for temporary access roads. A barge (18m x 40m) will be stationed in the
bay for 7 months during the construction of the outfall. The barge will have a
crane and is anticipated to have an overall height (including machinery) of 5m
above sea level. A non-permanent smaller
barge (12m x 25m) will visit the dredging site periodically and transport the
dredged material off site. The
arrangement of the dredging works site is illustrated indicatively on Figure
10.19a.
(d)
The
exact layouts, designs and construction methods for individual components are
subject to review during the detailed design stage of the Project.
(e)
There
will be temporary landscape and visual impacts during construction of the
submarine outfall. Some elements of the
disturbance to the foreshore such as the felling of existing trees will be
noticeable initially during the operation stage but will be mitigated in the
long term by compensatory planting. The impacts produced from these works
including the temporary and permanent landscape and visual impacts resulting
from the construction and operation of the gravity sewers, rising mains and
sewage treatment plant are addressed by this LVIA.
10.3.3
Limits of Study Area
The limit of the landscape impact study is 500 m beyond the boundary of the works (as stated in the EIA Study Brief), which is shown in Figure 10.1). The limit of the visual impact study is the Visual Envelope or the Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI) of the works during the construction and operation phases (as stated in the EIA study brief, which is illustrated in Figures 10.9 and 10.10).
10.4
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Methodology
Landscape and visual impacts shall be assessed separately for the construction and operation phases. The assessment of landscape impacts shall involve the following procedures.
10.4.2
Landscape
Impact Methodology
(a)
Identification of the baseline Landscape
Resources (LRs) and Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) found within the Study
Area. This is achieved by site visits and desk-top
studies of topographical maps, information databases and photographs. Landscape Resources within the Study
Area described in Section 10.3.3 are identified on plan and
described in the text. Blank areas do
not constitute Landscape Resources and typically include hard built elements
such as buildings, roads and paved areas.
For the mapping of Landscape Character Areas, reference is first made to
the ‘Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong’ study and then updated with
reference to current site conditions.
The Figures summarise and formulise the boundaries between distinct
Landscape Resources and Character Areas and do not reflect every variable on
the ground.
(b)
Assessment of the degree of
sensitivity to change of the LRs and LCAs. This is
influenced by a number of factors including whether the resource/character is
common or rare, whether it is considered to be of local, regional, national or
global importance, whether there are any statutory or regulatory limitations /
requirements relating to the resource, the quality of the resource / character,
the maturity of the resource, and the ability of the resource/character to accommodate
change. The sensitivity of each landscape feature and character area is
classified as follows:
|
High: |
Important landscape or landscape resource of particularly distinctive character or high importance, sensitive to relatively small changes |
|
Medium: |
Landscape or landscape resource of moderately valued landscape characteristics reasonably tolerant to change |
|
Low: |
Landscape or landscape resource, the nature of which is largely tolerant to change |
(c)
Identification of potential sources
of landscape change.
These are the various elements of the construction works and operational
procedures that would generate landscape change.
(d)
Identification of the magnitude of
landscape change.
The magnitude of the change depends on a number of factors including the physical
extent of the change, the landscape and visual context of the change – i.e. a
set circumstance/facts surrounding the change, the compatibility of the Project
with the surrounding landscape; and the time-scale of the change - i.e. whether
it is temporary (short, medium or long term), permanent but potentially
reversible, or permanent and irreversible.
Landscape changes have been quantified wherever possible. The magnitude
of landscape change is classified as follows:
|
Large: |
The landscape or landscape resource would suffer a major change |
|
Intermediate: |
The landscape or landscape resource would suffer a moderate change |
|
Small: |
The landscape or landscape resource would suffer slight or barely perceptible changes |
|
Negligible: |
The landscape or landscape resource would suffer no discernible change |
|
None: |
The landscape or landscape resource would suffer absolutely no impact |
(e)
Identification of potential
landscape mitigation measures. These may take the form of adopting alternative designs or revisions to
the basic engineering and architectural design to prevent and/or minimise
adverse impacts; remedial measures such as colour and textural treatment of
building features; and compensatory measures such as the implementation of
landscape design measures (e.g. tree planting, creation of new open space etc.)
to compensate for unavoidable adverse impacts and to attempt to generate
potentially beneficial long term impacts. A programme for the mitigation
measures is provided. The agencies responsible
for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation
measures are identified and their approvals-in-principle are being sought.
(f)
Prediction of the significance of
landscape impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation
measures. By
synthesising the magnitude of the various changes and the sensitivity of the
various landscape resources it is possible to categorise impacts in a logical,
well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 10-1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of
significance into four thresholds, namely insubstantial, slight, moderate, and
substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large
magnitude of change and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of the LRs /
LCAs. The significance thresholds are
defined as follows:
|
Substantial: |
Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality |
|
Moderate: |
Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality |
|
Slight: |
Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality |
|
Insubstantial: |
No discernible change in the existing landscape quality |
|
None |
Absolutely no change in the existing landscape quality |
Table 10-1: Relationship between Receptor Sensitivity
and Magnitude of Change in Defining Impact Significance
|
Note: The colours in the above table categorise the total
spectrum of impacts rising from the lowest value at the bottom left corner to
the highest value at the top right corner. It may be seen that for some
combination of classification levels of Magnitude of Change and Receptor
Sensitivity, there are 2 possible impact significance thresholds. When the
Magnitude of Change and Receptor Sensitivity are assessed to be towards the
higher ends of each classification level the resultant impact significance
would be deemed to be the higher of the two impact significance thresholds. |
(g)
Prediction of Acceptability of
Impacts. An overall assessment of the
acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five levels
of significance set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM is stated in the conclusion in Section 10.10.3(a). According to Annex 10, the
evaluation of landscape and visual impacts may be classified into five levels
of significance based on type and extent of the effects concluded in the EIA
study:
· The impact is beneficial if the project will complement the landscape and visual character of its setting, will follow the relevant planning objectives and will improve overall and visual quality;
· The impact is acceptable if the assessment indicates that there will be no significant effects on the landscape, no significant visual effects caused by the appearance of the project, or no interference with key views;
· The impact is acceptable with mitigation measures if there will be some adverse effects, but these can be eliminated, reduced or offset to a large extent by specific measures;
· The impact is unacceptable if the adverse effects are considered too excessive and are unable to mitigate practically;
· The impact is undetermined if significant adverse effects are likely, but the extent to which they may occur or may be mitigated cannot be determined from the study. Further detailed study will be required for the specific effects in question.
10.4.3
Broad
Brush Tree Survey Methodology
(a)
A
broad brush tree/vegetation survey in accordance with the EIA Study Brief was
undertaken to provide baseline information on the existing trees within the
Project Study Area
boundary and identify dominant tree species, maturity, rarity and any plant
species of conservation importance.
(b)
Detailed
tree surveys have also been undertaken in the vicinity of the Sewage Treatment
Plant and the Submarine Outfall temporary works area in order to assess the
anticipated impacts of the works.
10.4.4
Visual
Impact Methodology
(a)
Landscape
and visual impacts are assessed separately for the construction and operation
phases. The assessment of visual impacts has
involved the following procedures.
(b)
Identification of the Visual
Envelope and Zones of Visual Influence (ZVI) during the construction and
operation phases.
The visual envelope is the area from which any part of the proposed Project can
be seen and may contain areas, which are fully visible, partly visible and
non-visible from the Project. The ZVI is the portion of the visual envelope
that is within 10 km from the proposed Project. Identification of the visual
envelope and ZVI is achieved by site visits and desk-top studies of topographic
maps and photographs to determine the visibility of the Project from various
locations. Given the effects of distance and the panoramic qualities of many
views, VSRs beyond 10 km from the Project will scarcely notice it (and will
find it very difficult to distinguish) in their wider views. At these
distances, the proposed Project will not form a feature of any significance in
the VSRs frame of view and consequently will not influence the visual
experience of the VSR. Hence 10 km is considered the limit of the Zone of
Visual Influence.
(c)
Identification
of the existing Visual Resources
within the ZVI including key visual elements such as land and sea, visual
corridors and enclosure provided by landform.
(d)
Identification of the Visually
Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) within the ZVI at construction and operation phases.
These are the people who would reside within, work within, play within,
or travel through, the ZVI. VSRs at both existing and committed developments
will be considered in this assessment.
(e)
Assessment
of the degree of sensitivity to change of the VSRs. Factors considered include:
· The type of VSRs, classified according to whether the person is at home, at work, at play, or travelling. Those who view the impact from their homes are considered to be highly sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook from their home will have a substantial effect on their perception of the quality and acceptability of their home environment and their general quality of life. Those who view the impact from their workplace are considered to be only moderately sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook will have a less important, although still material, effect on their perception of their quality of life. The degree to which this applies depends on whether the workplace is industrial, retail or commercial. Those who view the impact while taking part in an outdoor leisure activity may display varying sensitivity depending on the type of leisure activity. Those who view the impact while travelling on a public thoroughfare will also display varying sensitivity depending on the speed of travel.
· Other factors which are considered (as required by EIAO GN 8/2010) include the value and quality of existing views and views from planned developments, the availability and amenity of alternative views, the duration or frequency of view, and the degree of visibility.
(f)
The
sensitivity of VSRs is classified as follows:
|
High: |
The VSR is highly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience |
|
Medium: |
The VSR is moderately sensitive to any change in their viewing experience |
|
Low: |
The VSR is only slightly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience |
(g)
Identification of the relative
numbers of VSRs. This is expressed in terms of whether there
are very few, few, many or very many VSRs in any one category of VSR.
(h)
Identification of potential sources
of visual impacts.
These are the various elements of the construction works and operational
procedures that would generate visual impacts.
(i)
Assessment of the potential
magnitude of visual change. Factors considered include:
|
Duration and Frequency of the impact: |
Temporary / Permanent: This refers to the long term presence of the visual change – whether it is experienced by the VSR for the whole duration of the construction phase or operation phase, or only part thereof. Intermittent / Continuous: This refers to short term frequency of the visual change - is it always visible (continuous) or only at certain times (intermittent). For example, travelling VSRs may only see the source intermittently as they travel along their journey, whereas residential VSRs may have continuous views from their living room. |
|
Reversibility of the impact: |
Reversible / Irreversible |
|
Compatibility of the project with the Visual Backdrop: |
High / Medium / Low |
|
Distance of the source of impact from the viewer: |
Shortest distance measured in metres (m) between the VSR and the source. |
|
Degree of visibility of Source(s) of Visual Impact: |
Full: virtually full uninterrupted view of the source of impact Partial: partial view of the source of impact which is slightly hidden by intervening elements such as buildings, vegetation etc. Obscured: partial view of the source of impact which is largely hidden by intervening elements such as buildings, vegetation etc. |
|
Scale of the development |
Small / Medium / Large |
|
Potential Blockage of Existing Views |
Full / Partial / Slight / Negligible: The degree to which the source of the impact blocks existing open views currently experienced by the VSR. |
(j)
The
magnitude of visual change is classified as follows:
|
Large: |
The VSRs would suffer a major change in their viewing experience; |
|
Intermediate: |
The VSRs would suffer a moderate change in their viewing experience; |
|
Small: |
The VSRs would suffer a small change in their viewing experience; |
|
Negligible: |
The VSRs would suffer no discernible change in their viewing experience; |
|
None |
The VSRs would suffer absolutely no change in their viewing experience. |
(k)
Identification of potential visual
mitigation measures.
These may take the form of adopting alternative designs or revisions to the
basic engineering and architectural design to prevent and/or minimise adverse impacts;
remedial measures such as colour and finishing treatment of building features;
and compensatory measures such as the implementation of landscape design
measures (e.g. tree planting, creation of new open space etc.) to compensate
for unavoidable adverse impacts and to attempt to generate potentially
beneficial long term impacts. A programme for the mitigation measures shall be
provided. The agencies responsible for
the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation
measures shall be identified and their approval-in-principle shall be sought.
(l)
Prediction of the significance of
visual impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesising the magnitude of the
various visual changes and the sensitivity of the VSR, and the number of
individuals in the VSR that are affected, it is possible to categorise the
degree of significance of the impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and
consistent fashion.
Table 10-1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of
significance into four thresholds, namely, insubstantial, slight, moderate and
substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible / small / intermediate
/ large magnitude of change and a low / medium / high degree of sensitivity of
VSRs. Consideration is also given to the
relative numbers of individuals in the VSRs in predicting the final impact
significance - exceptionally low or high numbers of individuals in a VSR may
change the result that might otherwise be concluded from. The significance of
the visual impacts is categorised as follows:
|
Substantial: |
Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality perceived by the general population; |
|
Moderate: |
Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality perceived by the general population; |
|
Slight: |
Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality perceived by the general population; |
|
Insubstantial: |
No discernible change in the existing visual quality perceived by the general population; |
|
None |
Absolutely no change in the existing visual quality perceived by the general population. |
(m)
Prediction of Acceptability of
Residual Impacts. An overall assessment of the acceptability or
otherwise of the residual impacts 10 to 15 years after implementation of visual
mitigation measures, according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the
EIAO TM is provided.
10.4.5
Assumptions
and Limitations
(a)
In
accordance with EIAO Guidance Note 8/2010 (paragraph 3.7(a)) approved projects
should form part of the baseline conditions.
Therefore, the landscape and visual outcomes (including proposed
landscape and visual mitigation measures) of approved projects currently under
construction, should be included as part of the baseline conditions. However,
no major approved projects in the vicinity have been identified to be carried
out prior to or concurrently with the works within the Project Site.
(b)
In
addition, the following assumptions are made in the assessment:
· Funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the landscape and visual mitigation proposals must be satisfactorily resolved according to the principles in DEVB TC(W) No. 6/2015. All mitigation proposals in the EIA report shall be practical and achievable within the known parameters of funding, implementation, management and maintenance. The suggested agents for the funding and implementation (and subsequent management and maintenance, if applicable) are indicated in the EIA report. Agreement to the implementation, management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation measures have been sought and obtained from the appropriate authorities.
(a)
Representative
views from various locations have been selected to illustrate the effectiveness
of the proposed impact mitigation proposals and residual impacts of the Project in both the short and long term.
Photomontages illustrating the proposed works and the recommended mitigation
measures are listed in Section 10.7.4. The locations of the selected viewpoints are
indicated on Figures
10.9 and 10.10
with the viewpoints and photomontages illustrated on Figures 10.14 to 10.18. The photomontages
illustrate the proposed development under the following scenarios:
· Existing Baseline Conditions in November 2014;
· Day 1 of completed works without mitigation measures;
· Day 1 of the completed works with mitigation measures; and
· The completed works with mitigation after 10 years.
10.5.1
Landscape
and Visual Study Area
The landscape impact Study Area is 500m from the works boundary and is defined on Figure 10.1. For the purposes of this assessment, this has been offset from the location of the Sewage Treatment Plant, and the furthest extent of the submarine outfall. This encompasses the enclosed bay of Po Toi O which lies on the southern end of the Clear Water Bay Peninsula. It includes the coastal village areas of Tai Wong Kung on the west side of the bay and Po Toi O on the east side of the bay. The western side of the landscape impact Study Area includes the lower slopes of Tin Ha Shan. The eastern side of the Study Area includes the Clear Water Bay Golf Course which lies on an elevated headland. Tai Au Mun Road runs through the western edge of the Study Area and Po Toi O Chuen Road runs through the central part of the Study Area. The visual study area is defined by the visual envelope or Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI) and is illustrated on Figures 10.9 and 10.10. The visual envelope is generally the view shed formed by natural/man-made features such as ridgelines or building blocks and is the area from which any part of the proposed Project can be seen and it is thus larger than the landscape study area and includes Clear Water Bay and its surrounding hills to the north. The absolute outer limit of the visual envelope for study purposes is 10km beyond which the effects of visual impacts are negligible due to the distance. For this project, the limits of the ZVI fall well within the maximum limit ZVI limit due to the natural effects of topography. Two ZVI’s have been identified, one for the construction stage of the project during which the temporary construction works associated with the construction of the submarine outfall in Clear Water Bay will be visible and one for the operation stage when the temporary visual impacts to Clear Water Bay will no longer be visible.
10.5.2
Committed
and Approved Projects under Construction
(a)
In
accordance with EIAO Guidance Note 8/2010 (paragraph 3.7(a)) approved projects
to be completed before commencement of this Project, should form part of the
baseline conditions. There are two
planned major projects within the Study Area, namely:
(i)
Construction
of a roundabout near the existing minibus stop in Po Toi O; and
(ii)
Maintenance
dredging of Poi Toi O Fish Culture Zone.
There is no definite programme for
the above project works and in the absence of information it is therefore assumed
that they will not be carried out concurrently with the Project.
(b)
A
review of the current land-uses within the Study Area is outlined below in Section 10.5.3. The
existing LRs and LCAs within the Study Area have been identified and are
described in Sections 10.5.4 and 10.5.5. The sensitivities of the LRs and LCAs have
been summarised in Table 10-2 and Table 10-3.
10.5.3
Review
of Current Land-Uses within the Study Area
(a)
A
review has been undertaken of the current land-use and marine designations
within the landscape Study Area. The relevant OZP for the project works is the
Approved Clear Water Bay Peninsula South Outline Zoning Plan No.S/SK – CWBS/2 (approved 30 May 2006), an extract
of which is shown on Figure 10.2.
(b)
The
objective of the plan is to specify the broad land use zonings and major
transport network so that any development will be under statutory planning control.
(c)
The
following describes the land use zonings on land falling within the boundaries
of the study area which are always permitted and which may be permitted by the
Town Planning Board, with or without conditions on application.
·
Coastal
Protection Area (“CPA”): This zoning is intended to conserve, protect and
retain the natural coastlines and the sensitive coastal natural environment,
including attractive geological features, physical landform or area of high
landscape, scenic or ecological value, with a minimum of built development. It
may also cover areas which serve as natural protection areas sheltering nearby
developments against the effects of coastal erosion. There is a general
presumption against development in this zone. In general, only developments
that are needed to support the conservation of the existing natural landscape
or scenic quality of the area or are infrastructure projects with overriding
public interest may be permitted.
· Village Type Development (“V”): the planning intention of this zone is to reflect existing recognized and other villages, and to provide land considered suitable for village expansion and reprovisioning of village houses affected by Government projects. Land within this zone is primarily intended for development of Small Houses by indigenous villagers. It is also intended to concentrate village type development within this zone for a more orderly development pattern, efficient use of land and provision of infrastructures and services. Selected commercial and community uses serving the needs of the villagers and in support of the village development are always permitted on the ground floor of a New Territories Exempted House. Other commercial, community and recreational uses may be permitted on application to the Town Planning Board.
· Open Space (“O”): this zone is intended primarily for the provision of outdoor open-air public space for active and/or passive recreational uses serving the needs of local residents as well as the general public.
· Green Belt (“GB”): the planning intention of this zone is primarily for defining the limits of urban and sub-urban development areas by natural features and to contain urban sprawl as well as to provide passive recreational outlets. There is a general presumption against development within this zone.
· Conservation Area (“CA”): this zoning is intended to protect and retain the existing natural landscape, ecological or topographical features of the area for conservation, educational and research purposes and to separate sensitive natural environment such as Country Park from the adverse effects of development. There is a general presumption against development in this zone. In general, only developments that are needed to support the conservation of the existing natural landscape or scenic quality of the area or are essential infrastructure projects with overriding public interest may be permitted.
· Other Specified Uses (“OU”): this zone is intended primarily for the sport and recreation club and marina development.
Designated Country Park
Clear Water Bay Country
Park lies to the west of the OZP boundary which is demarcated by Tai Au Mun Road. The small
portion lying with the study boundary consists of natural upland wooded slopes.
The proposed Project does not physically
impact the Country Park.
Fish Culture Zone
A gazetted Fish Culture
Zone (FCZ) is located in the waters around Po Toi O in which any development
should not affect the water quality. The
extent of the FCZ is indicated on Figure 10.1.
Conclusion
The proposed sewage
treatment plant would be constructed on land currently zoned “CA”. A planning
application is required to be submitted to Town Planning Board for approval
separately.
There is no conflict with existing land zoned
“O”, “OU”, “GB” and “CPA” as the predicted extent of area of works does not
encroach into these land zonings.
10.5.4
Landscape
Resources
(LRs)
(a)
The
baseline LRs that fall within the landscape impact Study Area during the construction
phase and operation phase, together with their sensitivity to change, are
described below. The locations of the LRs are mapped on Figures 10.3a, 10.3b and
10.4. Photo-views illustrating the LRs within the Study Area are
illustrated on Figure
10.6.1 and 10.6.2. For ease of reference and co-ordination
between text, tables and drawings, each LR is given an identity number.
LR1 –Coastal Waters
(b)
This
landscape resource consists of the sea area within the enclosed tidal bay of Po
Toi O and beyond the mouth of the bay within Clear Water Bay. It also includes the
intertidal zones of Rocky Shore, Sandy Shore and Mudflat identified by the
Marine Ecological Impact Assessment (MEIA).
The MEIA assessed these habitats as having Low ecological value. The approximate area is 73.6 ha. Whilst recognising the contribution of this
landscape resource to the unique character of the area, it is abundant in the
locality and given its size and its relatively high tolerance to change, the
sensitivity is assessed as Medium.
LR2 – Streams
(c)
There
are a number of seasonal natural and semi-natural streams on the steep slopes
surrounding Po Toi O that drain into the bay. Their total length is
approximately 530 m. No species of conservation importance were identified in
the ecological survey and the ecological value of the watercourse habitat is
rated as ‘Very Low’ by the Terrestrial Ecological Impact Assessment
(TEIA). Streams are relatively common in
this locality but within Hong Kong as a whole the occurrence and quality is
under great pressure from development.
Overall as a landscape resource, whilst the natural streams have a low
ecological value, given that natural streams are a disappearing resource in
Hong Kong and that they have a medium tolerance to change, their sensitivity as
a landscape resource is assessed as Medium.
LR3 – Natural Rocky Coastline
(d)
Natural
rocky coastline above high tide level extends within Po Toi O and around the
headlands to the north except for the village developments at Tai Wong Kung and
Po Toi O for a length of approximately 2,300 m. It includes some scattered,
natural, self-seeded trees including Celtis
sinensis, Ficus microcarpa, Macaranga var. tomentosa, Pandanus tectorius, Sterculia lanceolata and the common
seashore shrub Scaevola taccada
(refer to the Tree Survey of the area of the Submarine Outfall in Appendix
10.2). No species of
conservation importance were identified.
The TEIA rates the ecological value of this habitat as ‘Very Low’. However all natural coastline within the
study area is designated as “Coastal Protection Area”. Whilst recognising the scenic value of this
natural landscape resource and the contribution it makes to the Po Toi O
Landscape setting, due to its relative abundance in the locality and its medium
tolerance to change, the sensitivity is assessed as Medium.
LR4 - Natural Coastal Upland Vegetation
(e)
The
coastal slopes (approximate area 40.3ha) are covered with dense mature natural
woodland and shrubland vegetation. This
ranges in height from low shrubs of 1 to 2 meters height to trees up to 8
meters height in places and is dominated by native species with some exotic
species (further details of species can be found in the TEIA). Dominant tree species identified on the
slopes below Tai Au Mun Road and Po Toi O Chuen Road include Cerbera manghas, Macaranga tanarius var.
tomentosa, Hibiscus tiliaceus and Aegiceras
corniculatum along the water’s edge.
Dominant tree species adjacent to the developed area include Sterculia lanceolata, Psychotria asiatica, Microcos nervosa
and Ficus hispida. The shrubland areas are concentrated along
the shores and higher altitudes. Above
Po Toi Chuen Road the dominant shrub species identified include Acacia confusa, Gnetum luofuense, Litsea
rotundifolia var. oblingifolia,
Miscanthus floridulus and Schefflera
heptaphylla. Around Tai Wang Tung the dominant shrub species include Mallotus paniculatus and Rhodomyrtus tomentosa. Additional species noted in LR4 include Ficus variegata, Sapium sebiferum, Sterculia
nobilis, Rhus sacandanea, Phyllanthis emblica and Mallotus apelta. Four tree and shrub species identified within
this LR4 are recognised as having conservation importance, namely Aquilaria sinensis, Gnetum luofuense,
Pavetta hongkongensis and Diospyros
vaccinioides. However, apart from Gnetum luofuense, these are relatively
scarce and do not form dominant species.
Five species of birds of conservation importance have been identified
within this landscape resource. The TEIA
rates the overall ecological value of these habitats as Low to Moderate. This type of vegetated upland covers the
majority of the Clear Water Bay Peninsula but is under increasing pressure from
development on the eastern side.
Overall, in terms of a landscape resource, given its high scenic value
and contribution to the distinctive landscape setting and its contribution as a
wildlife habitat and medium tolerance to change, the sensitivity is assessed as
High.
LR5 – Domestic Amenity Tree and Shrub Planting
(f)
Mature
amenity tree and shrub planting occurs around the village residential and open
space developments. It comprises common amenity species including ornamental
palms including Cocos nucifera, Dypsis
lutescens, Phoenix roebelenii, Roystonea regia, ornamental trees such as Plumeria rubra, Juniperus chinensis,
Araucaria heterophylla, shrubs including Bougainvillea spp., Malvaviscus arboreus var. penduliflorus, Playcladus orientalis, Schefflera arboricola and
climbers including Ficus pummila. The
only plant species identified of conservation interest identified is Araucaria heterophylla. The approximate area is 0.2 ha. Given that
the vegetation generally comprises common exotic amenity species found
throughout Hong Kong that can be easily replaced, the sensitivity is assessed as
Low.
LR6 – Amenity Grass Areas
(g)
There
are two amenity grass areas forming part of open spaces within the village area
of Po Toi O and an extensive area of amenity grass forming the Clear Water Bay
Golf Course. The approximate area is 34.6 ha. The TEIA rates this habitat as
having ‘Very Low’ ecological value and no species of conservation importance
were identified. Given that the grass
areas are relatively common, have no conservation status and are easy to
reinstate, their sensitivity is assessed as Low.
LR7 – Artificial Ponds
(h)
There
are two artificial ponds within the Clear Water Bay Golf Course. The approximate area is 1.1 ha. The ecological value of these ponds has not
been evaluated by the TEIA. As they are
not natural features and have been created artificially as part of the golf
course and appear to be designed for amenity purposes only (and possibly
irrigation storage) and are easy to reinstate, their sensitivity to change is
assessed as Low.
(i)
The
sensitivities for the LRs identified above are summarised in Table 10-2 below.
Table 10-2: Landscape
Resources
|
Ref. ID. |
Description
|
Sensitivity
to Change (Low, Medium, High) |
|
LR1 |
Coastal waters Baseline: approx.
73.6 ha |
Medium |
|
LR2 |
Streams Baseline: approx.
530 m |
Medium |
|
LR3 |
Natural Rocky
Coastline Baseline: approx.
2,300 m |
Medium |
|
LR4 |
Natural Coastal
Upland Vegetation Baseline: approx.
40.3 ha |
High |
|
LR5 |
Domestic Amenity
Tree & Shrub Planting Baseline: approx.
0.2 ha |
Low |
|
LR6 |
Amenity Grass
Areas Baseline: approx.
34.6 ha |
Low |
|
LR7 |
Artificial Pond Baseline: approx.
1.1 ha |
Low |
10.5.5
Landscape
Character Areas
(LCAs)
(a)
Several
LCAs have been identified within the Study Area with reference to the
‘Landscape Value Map of Hong Kong’ study and refined with reference to existing
conditions. These areas, and their sensitivity to change, are described below.
The locations of the LCAs are indicated on Figure
10.5a and 10.5b.
Photographic views illustrating the LCAs within the Study Area are illustrated
on Figure 10.7. For ease of reference and
co-ordination between text, tables and drawings each LCA is given an identity
number. The below listed LCA’s represent the baseline condition after
completion of the approved committed projects.
LCA1 – Coastal Upland and Hillside Landscape
(b)
This
area is characterised by steep slopes of mature woodland and shrubland and
natural rocky cliffs and foreshores. Its approximate area is 61.4 ha. Whilst
the character is relatively common in Hong Kong outside the built-up urban
areas, the scenic quality of this particular area is recognised in the OZP
Explanatory Statement as being worthy of conservation and meriting special protection. This area provides a stark contrast to the
developed eastern side of the Clear Water Bay peninsular. Given these qualities and overall low
tolerance of change, the sensitivity is assessed as High.
LCA2- Bay Landscape
(c)
This
LCA comprises part of the open water of Clear Water Bay which enjoys a
relatively sheltered location within the surrounding uplands. Its approximate
area is 70.3 ha. Whilst this type of landscape character is relatively common
on the western side of Hong Kong, this bay is highly frequented by marine craft
for leisure purposes and is prized for its high scenic value and its
sensitivity is therefore assessed as High.
LCA3 – Intertidal Bay Landscape
(d)
This
LCA comprises the unique setting of the waterbody within Po Toi O. Such degree of enclosure of natural sea areas
is rare in Hong Kong. Its approximate
area is 15.0 ha. The bay is relatively shallow and the character changes with
the rise and fall of the tide. The bay supports fish culture activities and the
combination of enclosed water, local marine craft, fish culture enclosures and
changing waterline creates a scene of high visual value and interest. Its ability to accommodate change is
relatively low. Given these attributes,
the sensitivity of the LCA to change is assessed as High.
LCA4 - Coastal Village Landscape
(e)
This
LCA comprises the coastal village developments of Tai Wong Kung on the western
side of the bay and Po Toi O on the eastern side of the bay. Its approximate
area is 5.8 ha. The villages consist of a mixture of residential and commercial
developments including sea food restaurants. The scale of the buildings is
generally small and restricted to 3 storeys or less. Whilst the overall scene
has a degree of attractiveness, the visual and historic quality of the
individual structures is generally low (except for certain historic buildings
such as temples). This type of coastal
village development is also relatively common throughout Hong Kong’s coastline. As the overall value of this LCA is due primarily
to its setting and the scale and assemblage of structures, it has a reasonable
tolerance of change. The sensitivity is therefore assessed as Medium.
LCA5 - Golf Course Landscape
(f)
This
LCA comprises the Clear Water Bay Golf Club which occupies the high ground to
the east of Po Toi O above the tree clad coastal margin. Its approximate area
is 33.9 ha. The character is one of open, rolling, contoured, amenity grassland
with ornamental tree groups. The LCA benefits from its proximity and views over
the adjacent natural landscape areas and is otherwise typical of heavily
managed golf course landscapes. Golf course landscapes are reasonably common in
Hong Kong and as this Landscape Character Area is unremarkable, has no
conservation status and is tolerant to change and easily replicated, the
sensitivity is assessed as Low.
The sensitivities for the LCAs identified above are summarised in Table 10-3 below.
Table 10-3: Landscape
Character Areas
|
Ref. ID. |
Description |
Sensitivity to Change (Low, Medium, High) |
|
LCA1 |
Coastal Upland and
Hillside Landscape Baseline: 61.4 ha |
High |
|
LCA2 |
Bay Landscape Baseline: 70.3 ha |
High |
|
LCA3 |
Intertidal Bay
Landscape Baseline: 15.0 ha |
High |
|
LCA4 |
Coastal Village
Landscape Baseline: 5.8 ha |
Medium |
|
LCA5 |
Golf Course Landscape Baseline: 33.9 ha |
Low |
(a)
A
broad tree/vegetation survey was undertaken within the Project Site boundary
described in Section 10.3.1. The findings with dominant species and
species of conservation importance are provided in the descriptions for each
relevant Landscape Resource above. Approximate areas of the landscape resources
have been provided.
(b)
Detailed
individual tree surveys were undertaken for the area of the proposed sewage
treatment plant and the shoreline area of the submarine outfall where temporary
construction works will take place (the Tree Survey Plans, Tree Assessment
Schedules and Tree Photographs are provided in Appendix 10.1 and Appendix 10.2 for the two areas respectively). 13 trees were surveyed at the sewage
treatment plant comprising the following species: Acacia confusa, Ficus microcarpa, Ficus variegata (2 no.), Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa (2 no), Mallotus apelta, Sapium sebiferum, Schefflera heptaphylla, Rhus succedanea,
Phyllanthus emblica (2 no.) and Sterculia
nobilis. At the sewage outfall
shoreline, 23 live trees were surveyed including the following species: Celtis sinensis (3 no.), Ficus microcarpa, Macaranga tanarius
var. tomentosa (7 no.), Sterculia lanceolata (2 no.) and Pandanus tectorius (10 no.). Two dead trees were also recorded.
(c)
No
rare or endangered tree species and no “Old and Valuable Trees” (OVTs) as
defined under ETWB TC(W) 29/2004 or listed in the LCSD OVT Register, and no
potential OVTs or “Important Trees” (ITs) as defined by DEVB TC(W) 7/2015 were
identified within the detailed tree survey areas.
10.5.7
Summary
of Tree Impacts
(a)
Sewage Treatment Plant: Tree impacts will be minimised and
limited to the footprint of the STP building.
Tree impacts from the inlet sewer pipe will be avoided as it will be
installed 10m below ground level using a trenchless method. A total 13 no.
trees were surveyed of which 4 no. trees are anticipated to be affected in
order to construct the sewage treatment plant. These trees are T1, T2, T3 and
T13 which are unsuitable for transplanting and will be felled. Details of the
trees are provided in the Tree Assessment Schedule in Appendix 10.1. Tree preservation and compensatory tree
planting will be carried out in accordance with DEVB TC(W) No. 7/2015 Tree
Preservation.. This requires a compensatory planting ratio of a minimum 1:1 by
number. 12 no. heavy standard trees are proposed to be planted in the vicinity
of the sewage treatment plant (refer Compensatory Trees Plan in Figure 10.20).
(b) Submarine Outfall: 25 no. trees were surveyed of which 2 no. were dead. The trees are self-seeded native species and are of poor to fair health, low to medium amenity value and have a low suitability for transplanting due to their rooting condition on the rocky seashore. Details of the trees are provided in the Tree Assessment Schedule in Appendix 10.2. 1 no. living tree will be retained. 22 no. of the 23 no. living trees will be impacted by the temporary works area on the shoreline during the construction of the outfall and it is proposed to fell them and the 2 no. dead trees (total 24 no. trees felled). Tree preservation and compensatory tree planting will be carried out in accordance with DEVB TC(W) No. 7/2015. This requires a compensatory planting ratio of a minimum 1:1 by number. A minimum of 24 no. heavy standard trees will be planted on the shoreline to compensate for the felled trees (refer Figure 10.19b).
10.5.8
Baseline
Visual Elements
(a)
Key
visual elements are illustrated on Figure 10.8.1 and photographs of the visual corridors are provided on Figure 10.8.2.
The visual enclosure of the study
area is defined by the ridgeline of the hills surrounding Clear Water Bay. Key visual corridors include the open vistas
from the bay towards the open sea to the east and the views up and down the
enclosed, elongated bay of Po Toi O. The key viewpoints within the study area
are also illustrated and correspond to areas of high ground, settlement and
recreational sites.
(b)
The
key visual elements are described below:
(i)
The
visual context is dominated by the natural topography that consists of steep
vegetated slopes rising from the sea to peaks and ridgelines that form an arc
from the north east to the south east that defines the visual envelope of the
Project site (refer Figure 10.8.2, VC3 for typical character of the landform).
The landform includes ridges, valleys, headlands and the coastline
encloses large seawater bays.
(ii)
Two
seawater bays provide a dramatic contrast to the landward topography. Clear Water Bay is the largest of the two and
lies to the north and Po Toi O is smaller and more enclosed and lies to the
south (refer Figure 10.8.2, VC1 to VC4).
(iii)
The
coastline is predominantly rocky and steep forming a wild and rugged shore
(refer Figure 10.8.2, VC2). Clear Water Bay First and
Second Beaches are sandy stretches that are popular with visitors due to their
scenic quality. The southern portion of
Po Toi O is shallow and the intertidal zone forms distinctive mudflats at low
tide.
(iv)
Small
village type settlements have grown up on the fringes of the coast in Po Toi O
(refer Figure 10.8.2, VC4) and in valley locations such as Tai Au Mun. These are of small scale and provide an
interesting visual contrast to the natural elements.
(v)
Roads
serving the area are visually prominent when viewed from elevated viewpoints as
they form a break in the vegetated hillslopes (refer Figure 10.8.2, VC2). However their alignment
generally follows the natural contours which aid their integration with the
general visual context.
(vi)
The
eastern portion of the headland enclosing Po Toi O is occupied by the Clear
Water Bay Golf Course. The rolling
modified landform with open expanse of amenity sports turf forms a visual
contrast to the natural vegetation cladding the hills in the rest of the study
area (refer Figure 10.7, LCA5).
(c)
Key
Viewpoints are illustrated on Figure 10.8.1. These represent locations
offering expansive views of the locality and include the following:
(i)
View
from Tai Leng Tung: hikers on the trails on this mountain have expansive
panoramic views to the south over the Project site (refer Figure 10.8.4, REC-4).
(ii)
View
from Clear Water Bay Country Park Visitor Centre: visitors and workers have
expansive panoramic views to the south over the Project site (refer Figure 10.17, Photomontage Viewpoint 4).
(iii)
Tai
Au Mun: residents in Tai Au Mun have expansive panoramic views to the south
over the Project site (refer Figure 10.8.3, RES-5).
(iv)
High
Junk Peak: at 344m, this hill represents the high point of the High Junk Peak
Country Trail and affords hikers expansive panoramic views to the south east
over the Project site (refer Figure 10.8.5, REC-7).
(v)
Clear
Water Bay First and Second Beaches: these beaches provide open, panoramic views
east across Clear Water Bay (refer Figure 10.8.5, REC-8 and REC-9, and Figure 10.18, Photomontage Viewpoint 5).
(vi)
Tin
Ha Shan: at 273m, this hill is the first vantage point of the High Junk Peak Country
Trail and affords hikers expansive views east across the Project site (refer Figure 10.8.4, REC-1).
(vii)
Tai
Wong Kung: residents experience panoramic views east and south across Po Toi O
(refer Figure 10.8.3, RES-2).
(viii)
Tai
Au Mun Road: motorists experience panoramic views east across Po Toi O (refer Figure 10.15, Photomontage Viewpoint 2).
(ix)
Clear
Water Bay Golf Course: players on the course have elevated panoramic views
north and west across Po Toi O (refer Figure 10.8.4, REC-2).
(x)
Fairway
Vista: residents have panoramic views west across upper Po Toi O (refer Figure 10.8.3, RES-4).
(d)
Overall
the study area is one of high visual quality with the vegetated topography,
rocky coastline and sea providing the dominant visual elements. The coastal village settlements integrate
well visually due to their small scale and organic layout. The primary roads serving the area tend to
follow the contours and whilst they are visible elements, do not detract
greatly from the overall visual quality of the area. Whilst the Clear Water Bay Golf Course adopts
a different landform and vegetation type, it visually complements the natural
landscape with its rolling green forms and tones. There are no significant
visual detractors within the study area.
10.5.9
Zone
of Visual Influence (ZVI)
(a)
The
ZVI’s for the Construction and Operation Phases of the Project have been mapped
based on the exposure of the proposed development to the surrounding
environment and are illustrated on Figures
10.9 and 10.10.
The ZVI for the Construction Phase is larger than for the Operation Phase
because the submarine outfall construction works will only be visible during
the Construction Phase and not during the Operation Phase. In accordance with
EIAO GN 8/2010 the ZVI may contain areas which are fully visible, partly
visible, and non-visible from the Project.
Areas of visual shadow may occur within the ZVI due to intervening
topography, dense vegetation and man-made structures.
(b)
The
ZVI during the Construction Phase is contained by the surrounding uplands of Po
Toi O from which the construction work of the Sewage Treatment Plant could
potentially be seen. Temporary construction works for the submarine outfall will
be potentially seen from vantage points on the north side of Clear Water Bay
resulting in an extended ZVI to the north.
(c)
The
ZVI during the Operation Phase is reduced in area to the uplands around Po Toi
O as the only permanent visual impacts will be created by the sewage treatment
plant. The temporary construction impacts previously visible in Clearwater Bay
during the Construction Phase would no longer be visible as the treated sewage
outfall will be underwater.
10.5.10 Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)
(a)
Within
the ZVI, a number of key VSRs have been identified. These VSRs are mapped on Figures
10.9 and 10.10
and are listed in Table 10-4.
(b)
For
ease of reference, each VSR is given an identity number, which is used in the
text tables and drawings.
(c)
The sensitivity of each VSR is given
in Table 10-4 below.
10.5.11 The residential VSRs RES-1 to RES-5 are few in number due to the small scale village type development of the settlements. Their sensitivity to visual change is assessed as ‘High’ due to their existing, static permanent views.
10.5.12 The recreational VSRs REC-1, REC-3, REC-4, REC-5, REC-7, REC-8 and REC-9 all have ‘High’ sensitivity to change a hikers, visitors to country parks, scenic beaches and bays do so specifically to enjoy a high quality of visual experience. REC-2 Players on Clear Water Bay Golf Course and REC-6 Visitors to Seafood Restaurants in Po Toi O are assessed as having a ‘Medium’ sensitivity to visual change as the view is secondary to their primary activities of golf and dining respectively.
10.5.13 The Travelling VSRs T-1a to T-3 have been assessed as having a ‘Medium’ sensitivity to change as although their visual experience is short-lived and their reason for travel may be varied, their visual experience of this scenic area is important to the quality of their driving experience.
10.5.14 The occupational VSRs O-1 to O-3 are assessed as having a ‘Low’ sensitivity to visual change as their primary focus in not on their external environment.
Table 10-4: Key
Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)
|
VSR ID. |
Key VSR |
Value and Quality of Existing View (Poor, Fair , Good) |
Availability of Alternative Views (Yes, No) |
Number of Individuals (Very Few, Many, |
Sensitivity to Change (Low, Medium, High) |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
Construction |
Operation |
Construction |
Operation |
|
|
Residential VSRs |
||||||||
|
RES-1 |
Residents in Po Toi O
Village |
Good |
Yes |
Few |
Few |
High |
High |
|
|
RES-2 |
Residents at Tai Wong
Kung |
Good |
Yes |
Few |
Few |
High |
High |
|
|
RES-3 |
Residents of Cala d’Or |
Good |
Yes |
Few |
Few |
High |
High |
|
|
RES-4 |
Residents in Fairway
Vista |
Good |
Yes |
Few |
Few |
High |
High |
|
|
RES-5 |
Residents at Tai Au Mun |
Good |
Yes |
Few |
Few |
High |
High |
|
|
Recreational VSRs |
||||||||
|
REC-1 |
Hikers on Tin Ha Shan |
Good |
Yes |
Few |
Few |
High |
High |
|
|
REC-2 |
Players on the Clear
Water Bay Golf Course |
Good |
Yes |
Few |
Few |
Medium |
Medium |
|
|
REC-3 |
Visitors to Clear Water
Bay Country Park Visitor Centre |
Good |
Yes |
Many |
Many |
High |
High |
|
|
REC-4 |
Hikers on Tai Leng Tung |
Good |
Yes |
Few |
Few |
High |
High |
|
|
REC-5 |
Recreational Craft in
Clear Water Bay |
Good |
Yes |
Many |
Many |
High |
High |
|
|
REC6 |
Visitors to Seafood
Restaurants in Po Toi O |
Good |
Yes |
Many |
Many |
Medium |
Medium |
|
|
REC-7 |
Hikers on High Junk Peak
Country Trail |
Good |
Yes |
Few |
Few |
High |
High |
|
|
REC-8 |
Users of Clear Water Bay
First Beach |
Good |
Yes |
Many |
Many |
High |
High |
|
|
REC-9 |
Users of Clear Water Bay
Second Beach |
Good |
Yes |
Many |
Many |
High |
High |
|
|
Travelling VSRs |
||||||||
|
T-1a |
Drivers/Passengers along
Tai Au Mun Road |
Good |
Yes |
Many |
Many |
Medium |
Medium |
|
|
T-1b |
Drivers/Passengers along
Tai Au Mun Road |
Good |
Yes |
Many |
Many |
Medium |
Medium |
|
|
T-2 |
Drivers/Passengers along
Poi To O Chuen Road |
Good |
Yes |
Many |
Many |
Medium |
Medium |
|
|
T-3 |
Drivers/Passengers along
Clear Water Bay Road to Tai Hang Tun |
Good |
Yes |
Many |
Many |
Medium |
Medium |
|
|
Occupational VSRs |
||||||||
|
O-1 |
Fishermen in Po Toi O |
Good |
Yes |
Few |
Few |
Low |
Low |
|
|
O-2 |
Workers / Staff at Clear
Water Bay Country Park Visitor Centre |
Good |
Yes |
Few |
Few |
Low |
Low |
|
|
O-3 |
Workers in Seafood
Restaurants in Po Toi O |
Good |
Yes |
Few |
Few |
Low |
Low |
|
|
Note: ‘Duration and Frequency of Views’ and
‘Degree of Visibility’ have been
taken into account in assessing the magnitude of change in view experience by
the VSRs and cannot be double counted in determining the sensitivity of the
VSR. |
||||||||
10.6
Landscape Impact Assessment
10.6.1
Potential Sources of Impacts
(a)
The
nature and scope of the works has been described in Section 10.3 and indicated on Figure 10.1.
(b)
The
Proposed Project would create varying levels of landscape and visual impacts on
the surrounding areas during the Construction Phase. Potential impacts would result from the
following sources:
· Site clearance works at the sewage treatment plant involving the removal of existing trees & vegetation;
· Slope and site excavation works at sewage treatment plant;
· Excavation of trenches along gravity sewers and rising mains alignment;
· Haulage off-site of excavated materials;
· Stockpiling of materials for construction of gravity sewers and rising mains trenches and sewage treatment plant;
· Dust and construction debris;
· Construction of on-site offices and working areas;
· Temporary road works and traffic management;
· Construction night lighting;
· Presence of temporary construction plant, platforms, structures and construction machinery;
· Drilling rig and associated plant for drilling of submarine pipeline on the foreshore north of Po Toi O;
· Temporary cofferdam (10m x 50m, approximately 1.5m above sea surface) and receiving pit in location of submarine sewage outfall;
· Barge (~18m x 40m x 5m height (including machinery such as crane) for dredging at location of submarine sewage outfall; and
· Temporary 3m high movable noise barriers around the sewage treatment plant, along gravity sewers and rising mains alignment; semi-noise enclosure around the drilling plant for the submarine pipeline on the foreshore of Po Toi O (enclosure shall enclose the stationary plant on 3 sides with the side facing the sea left open for heat exhaust; the top shall also be covered).
(c)
The
Proposed Project would create varying levels of landscape and visual impacts on
the surrounding areas during the Operation Phase. Potential impacts would result from the
following sources:
· Cleared area of foreshore previously used for temporary drilling plant.
· Presence of new sewage treatment building and associated access/parking areas;
· Presence of gravity sewers and rising mains trench covers along existing village roads; and
· Additional operational night lighting.
10.6.2
Landscape
Change before Mitigation in Construction Phase
The magnitude of change, before implementation
of mitigation measures, on the landscape resources and landscape character
areas that would occur in the Construction Phase is summarised below and
tabulated in Table 10-5. All
impacts are adverse unless otherwise stated.
Landscape Resources
(a)
LR1- Coastal Waters: the dredging works for the
submarine outfall will impact a limited area of the coastal waters within a
cofferdam and due to the presence of a barge. Given that the impacts only
occupy a very small portion of this LR (0.12ha comprising 500 sq.m dredging pit
and 720 sq.m barge) and will be temporary, the magnitude of change on coastal
waters due to the dredging for the sewage outfall is assessed as Small.
(b)
LR2 - Streams: there will be no impacts on
existing streams. There is a stream
located to the north of the proposed STP. No water flowed in this stream in
both wet and dry seasons during the site visits. It will be unaffected by the
installation of Sewage Treatment Pipework as the pipes will be installed by the
trenchless method beneath the stream bed. No alternation of the course or
damage to the stream bed will be resulted by the proposed works. The magnitude
of change is therefore assessed as None.
(c)
LR3 – Natural Rocky Coastline: the drilling works for the
submarine outfall will occupy a short length of the natural rocky coastline
(estimated 40m long, total area 750 sq.m) for a limited amount of time. In addition, 24 no. existing trees will be
felled (2 no. dead and 22 no. living trees) to create space for temporary
construction plant. No species of
conservation importance will be impacted.
Given the overall size of this Landscape Resource, the magnitude of
change is assessed as Small.
(d)
LR4 – Natural Coastal Upland
Vegetation: due to
the construction of the sewage treatment plant, 4 no. existing trees will be felled
and approximately 0.089ha of slope vegetation will be impacted. Of the 4 no. plant species of conservation
importance identified within this Landscape Resource, only one individual of Gnetum luofuense on the slope above the
Sewage Treatment Plant will potentially be impacted. Given the minimal impact to existing
vegetation and the size of the area affected compared to the overall area of
LR4 (43.1 ha), the magnitude of change is assessed as Small.
(e)
LR5 – Domestic Amenity Tree and
Shrub Planting:
there will be no impacts on the domestic planting area (including species
identified of conservation importance) and the magnitude of change is therefore
assessed as None.
(f)
LR6 – Amenity Grass Areas: there will be no impacts on
existing amenity grass area and the magnitude of change is therefore assessed
as None.
(g)
LR7 – Artificial Ponds: there will be no impacts on
artificial ponds and the magnitude of change is therefore assessed as None.
Landscape Character Areas
(h)
LCA1 - Coastal Upland and Hillside
Landscape: impacts
on this LCA include the loss of 4 no. existing trees and 0.089 ha of the
associated vegetated slope area and the construction of the sewage treatment
plant. However, as the area of impact is very minor (approximately 0.089ha) in relation to the total
area of the LCA (61.4 ha), the magnitude of change is assessed as Small.
(i)
LCA2 – Bay Landscape: during the Construction Stage, this
LCA will experience some minor dredging operations and the presence of a barge
at the sewage outfall location. However, as the area affected is only 0.12ha
and very minor (approximately 500 sq.m or 0.05ha for dredging pit and 0.072 ha
barge) in relation to the total area of the LCA (70.3 ha), the magnitude of
change is assessed as Small.
(j)
LCA3 - Intertidal Bay Landscape: there will be no impacts to this
LCA during the Construction and Operation Stages and the magnitude of change is
therefore assessed as None.
(k)
LCA4 - Coastal Village Landscape: during the Construction Stage there
will be minor impacts to this LCA caused by the drilling rig and plant for the submarine
pipeline construction and the excavation and construction of the gravity sewers
and rising mains trenches. However, as the area affected is very minor
(approximately 0.32ha) in relation to the area of the LCA (5.8ha), the
magnitude of change is assessed as Small.
(l)
LCA5 – Golf Course Landscape:
there will be no impacts to this LCA during the Construction and
Operation Stages and the magnitude of change is therefore assessed as None.
10.6.3
Landscape Change Before Mitigation in
Operation Phase
(a)
The
magnitude of change, before implementation of mitigation measures, on the
landscape resources and landscape character areas that would occur in the
operation phase is described below and tabulated in Table 10-5. All
impacts are adverse unless otherwise stated.
Landscape Resources
(b)
LR1 – Coastal Waters: the temporary impacts of the
dredging works will not be experienced during the Operational Phase and the magnitude
of change is therefore assessed as None.
(c)
LR3 – Natural Rocky Coastline: the temporary impacts of the
drilling plant will not be experienced during the Operational Phase. However, the remaining loss of 22 existing
living trees from the shoreline will result in a magnitude of change of Small.
(d)
LR4 – Natural Coastal Upland
Vegetation: the
degree of impact will be slightly smaller than during the Construction Phase
due to the absence of plant, machinery and vehicles. However, the presence of
the Sewage Treatment Plant will result in the permanent loss of approximately
0.089ha of Natural Coastal Upland Vegetation (including 4 no. existing trees).
As this is a very small portion in relation to the total area of this LR (43.1
ha) within the Study Area described in Section
10.3.3, the magnitude of change is assessed as Small.
(e)
The
magnitude of change before mitigation, on the remaining landscape resources (LR2, LR5, LR6 and LR7) in the operation
phase are the same as described for the construction phase, i.e. None.
Landscape Character Areas
(f)
LCA1 – Coastal Upland and Hillside
Landscape: the
sewage treatment plant will result in the permanent loss of 0.089 ha. of this
LCA including 4 no. existing trees. As this is a very small portion in relation
to the total area (61.4 ha) of this LR within the Study Area, the magnitude of
change is assessed as Small.
(g)
LCA2 – Bay Landscape: the temporary impacts of the
dredging works will not be experienced during the Operational Phase and the
magnitude of change is therefore assessed as None.
(h)
LCA4 - Coastal Village Landscape: there will be minor impacts
(approximately 0.06ha) to this LCA caused by the trench covers of the
pipelines. However, these are within existing paved areas and the impact is
therefore negligible. There will also be the continued absence of the 22 no.
trees felled to create space for the temporary works area on the foreshore and
some disturbance to 0.075 ha of the rocky shoreline. However, the overall magnitude of change for
this LR is assessed as Small.
(i)
The
magnitude of change before mitigation, on the remaining landscape resources (LCA3 and LCA5) in the operation phase
are the same as described for the construction phase, i.e. None.
Table 10-5: Magnitude of Landscape Change during the
Construction and Operation Phases before Mitigation
|
ID No. |
Landscape Resources/ Landscape Character
Areas |
Source of Impact |
Description of Impacts |
Magnitude of Change before Mitigation |
|
LR1 |
Coastal Waters |
Construction -
Barge, and
construction of cofferdam for dredging pit, dredging works at location of
submarine outfall. |
Construction -
Temporary loss
of approximately 0.12 ha of coastal waters (500 sq.m dredging pit & 720
sq.m. barge) -
Baseline area:
73.6 ha. -
Increased marine
traffic/presence of dredging barge |
Small |
|
Operation -
None |
Operation -
None |
None |
||
|
LR2 |
Streams |
Construction -
None |
Construction -
None |
None |
|
Operation -
None |
Operation -
None |
None |
||
|
LR3 |
Natural Rocky Coastline |
Construction -
Temporary construction
plant, platforms, structures, construction machinery. -
Drilling rig for
drilling of submarine pipe. |
Construction -
Presence of
temporary drilling rig and plant, approximate length of 40m (approximate area
750 sq.m); loss of 22 no. existing living trees -
Baseline length:
2,300m, 23 no. existing living trees. |
Small |
|
Operation -
None |
Operation -
Disturbed
surface of rocky shoreline caused by temporary plant; absence of 22 no.
existing living trees. |
Small |
||
|
LR4 |
Natural Coastal Upland
Vegetation |
Construction -
Site clearance
works at the sewage treatment plant involving the removal of existing trees
& vegetation; -
Slope and site
excavation works at sewage treatment plant; -
Excavation of
trenches along gravity sewers and rising mains alignment; -
Dust and
construction debris; -
Construction of
on-site offices and working areas; -
Construction of
temporary plant, platforms, structures, construction machinery and
construction vehicle traffic. |
Construction -
Loss of 4 no.
existing trees -
Impacts to
approximate area of 0.089 ha. -
Baseline area:
40.3 ha., 13 no. existing trees |
Small |
|
Operation -
New sewage
treatment building; |
Operation -
Presence of new
sewage treatment plant and associated access/parking areas -
Absence of 4 no.
existing trees -
Approximate
area: 0.089 ha. -
Baseline area:
40.3 ha., 13 no. existing trees |
Small |
||
|
LR5 |
Domestic Amenity Tree &
Shrub Planting |
Construction - None |
Construction - None |
None |
|
Operation - None |
Operation - None |
None |
||
|
LR6 |
Amenity Grass Areas |
Construction None |
Construction None |
None |
|
Operation None |
Operation - None |
None |
||
|
LR7 |
Artificial Ponds |
Construction None |
Construction None |
None |
|
Operation None |
Operation - None |
None |
||
|
LCA1 |
Coastal Upland and Hillside
Landscape |
Construction -
Site clearance
works at the sewage treatment plant involving the removal of existing trees
& vegetation; -
Slope and site
excavation works at sewage treatment plant; -
Excavation of
trenches along gravity sewers and rising mains alignment; -
Dust and
construction debris; -
Construction of
on-site offices and working areas; -
Temporary
construction plant, platforms, structures, construction machinery and
construction vehicle traffic. |
Construction -
Loss of 4 no.
existing trees -
Impacts to
approximate area of 0.089 ha. -
Baseline area:
61.4 ha., 13 no. existing trees |
Small |
|
Operation -
New sewage
treatment building; |
Operation -
Presence of new
sewage treatment plant and associated access/parking areas -
Absence of 4 no.
existing trees -
Approximate
area: 0.089 ha. -
Baseline area:
61.4 ha., 13 no. existing trees |
Small |
||
|
LCA2 |
Bay Landscape |
Construction -
Barge,
construction of cofferdam for dredging pit, dredging works at location of
submarine sewage outfall. |
Construction -
Temporary loss
of approximately 0.12 ha of coastal waters -
Baseline area:
73.6 ha. -
Increased marine
traffic/presence of dredging barges |
Small |
|
Operation -
None |
Operation -
None |
None |
||
|
LCA3 |
Intertidal Bay Landscape |
Construction -
None |
Construction -
None |
None |
|
Operation -
None |
Operation -
None |
None |
||
|
LCA4 |
Coastal Village Landscape |
Construction -
Excavation of
trenches along gravity sewers and rising mains alignment; -
Haulage off-site
of excavated materials; -
Stockpiling of
materials for construction of pipe trenches and sewage treatment plant; -
Dust and
construction debris; -
Presence of
temporary construction plant, platforms, structures, construction machinery
and construction vehicle traffic at drilling site for submarine outfall; |
Construction -
Temporary
occupation of approximately 0.32 ha by construction operations -
Loss of 22 no.
existing living trees -
Baseline area:
5.8 ha, 23 no. existing living trees |
Small |
|
Operation -
Gravity sewers
and rising mains trench covers |
Operation -
Presence of
gravity sewers and rising mains trench covers – 0.06 ha -
Presence of
disturbed foreshore – 0.075ha -
Absence of 22
no. existing trees -
Baseline area:
5.8 ha., 23 no. existing living trees |
Small |
||
|
LCA5 |
Golf Course Landscape |
Construction -
None |
Construction -
None |
None |
|
Operation -
None |
Operation -
None |
None |
* Assumptions have been
made due to lack of detailed design information at this stage
10.6.4
Landscape
& Visual Mitigation Measures
Review of Planning Principles and Architectural Design
(a)
Given
the site context of the Project within a sensitive environment (designated Conservation
Area and Coastal Protection Area), the architectural design of the permanent
visible structures must be designed to minimise physical and visual impacts and
enhance the quality of the Project. The architectural design of the sewage
treatment plant adopts the following principles which shall be adopted during
the detailed design, and will be built as part of the construction works so
that they are in place at the date of commissioning of the Sewage Treatment
Plant.
(b)
Minimisation
of the building footprint during the planning and design stage to reduce the
area of impact on sensitive landscape resources and landscape character areas.
(c)
Minimisation
of the height, bulk and scale of the building. Given that the building lies
within close proximity to “V” Village Type Development where there is a general
restriction of height to 3 storeys, the sewage treatment plants should seek to
reduce its building height to reflect the scale of the existing village
development and minimise visual intrusion. Figure
10.14 shows a photomontage of the sewage treatment plant at Day 1 and
Year 10 with mitigation measures. The
height of the building is limited to one storey only with much of the facility
accommodated underground out of sight.
This greatly reduces the apparent bulk and scale of the building. The facade of the sewage treatment plant will
be covered by climbing plants to integrate the building with the green
backdrop. The visual impact is further reduced by the perimeter fence which
screens much of the low building from view.
The visual impact of the fence itself is mitigated by climber planting
which helps integrate the sewage treatment plant compound into the green
backdrop of the hills behind.
(d)
In
addition, a number of landscape and visual mitigation measures are identified
below to further mitigate adverse impacts and promote beneficial impacts. The
proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures for potential impacts
generated during the construction and operation phases together with the
associated funding, implementation, management and maintenance agencies are
described below in Table 10-6 and Table 10-7 and illustrated on Figures
10.19a, 10.19b
and 10.20.
Table 10-6: Proposed
Construction Phase Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures
|
ID No. |
Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measure |
Landscape measure |
Visual measure |
Funding Agency |
Implementation Agency |
|
CM1 |
The construction area and contractor’s temporary works areas should be
minimised to avoid impacts on adjacent landscape. All slope excavation shall take place from
within the work boundary to minimise impacts on adjacent slopes. |
✓ |
✓ |
DSD |
Contractor |
|
CM2 |
Reduction of construction
period to practical minimum. |
|
✓ |
DSD |
Contractor |
|
CM3 |
Construction traffic (land and
sea) including construction plant, construction vessels and barges should be
kept to a practical minimum. |
|
✓ |
DSD |
Contractor |
|
CM4 |
Erection of decorative mesh
screens or construction hoardings and/or temporary noise barriers around
works areas in visually unobtrusive colours. |
|
✓ |
DSD |
Contractor |
|
CM5 |
Avoidance of excessive height and bulk of site buildings and
structures. |
|
✓ |
DSD |
Design Engineer |
|
CM6 |
Control of night-time lighting
by hooding all lights and through minimisation of night working periods. |
|
✓ |
DSD |
Contractor |
|
CM7 |
All existing trees shall be carefully protected during construction. A
Detailed Tree Protection Specification shall be provided in the Contract
Specification. Under this specification, the Contractor shall be required to
submit, for approval, a detailed working method statement for the protection
of trees prior to undertaking any works adjacent to all retained trees,
including trees in contractor’s works areas. Tree risk assessment
shall be undertaken to all existing trees within the project site as per “Guidelines
for Tree Risk Assessment and Management Arrangement”. |
✓ |
|
DSD |
Contractor |
|
CM8 |
Protective
materials to be provided to natural rocky coastline to prevent damage to
existing landform from plant and machinery during temporary drilling
operations. Reinstatement following
removal of plant & equipment to original or improved condition shall be
undertaken. |
✓ |
|
DSD |
Contractor |
Table 10-7: Proposed
Operation Phase Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures
|
ID No. |
Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measure |
Landscape
Measure |
Visual
Measure |
Funding
Agency |
Implementation
Agency |
Management
Agency |
Maintenance
Agency |
|
OM1 |
Sensitive design of sewage treatment plant in terms of scale, height and
bulk (visual weight) to integrate the building into the existing topography. |
|
✓ |
DSD |
Design Architect/ |
DSD |
Building Operator |
|
Engineer |
|||||||
|
OM2 |
Use of appropriate building materials and colours for sewage treatment
plant to complement surroundings* |
|
✓ |
DSD |
Design Architect/ |
DSD |
Building Operator |
|
Engineer |
|||||||
|
OM3 |
Lighting units to be directional and minimise unnecessary light spill
and glare. |
|
✓ |
DSD |
Design Architect/ |
DSD |
Building Operator |
|
Engineer |
|||||||
|
OM4 |
Greening measures to reinstate the landscape which are appropriate to
the context, including tree and shrub planting and vertical greening, shall
be implemented. |
✓ |
✓ |
DSD |
Contractor |
DSD |
Building Operator |
|
OM5 |
Compensatory tree planting for all felled trees shall be provided to
the satisfaction of relevant Government departments. Required numbers and locations of
compensatory trees shall be determined and agreed separately with Government
during the Tree Felling Application process under the relevant technical
circulars. Tree risk assessment shall be undertaken to all existing trees
within the project site as per “Guidelines for Tree Risk Assessment and
Management Arrangement”. |
✓ |
✓ |
DSD |
Contractor |
DSD |
DSD/Building Operator |
|
Planting at Sewage Treatment Plant |
|
|
DSD |
Contractor |
DSD |
DSD |
|
|
Planting at temporary drilling site for Submarine Outfall |
|
|
|
|
|
|
* Appropriate building materials
and colours include use of non-reflective finishes such as textured render for the building and
recessive colours that blend with the natural tones of the landscape backdrop
(refer to Figure
10.14 for preliminary design intent).
Programme of Implementation of Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures
(e)
The
construction phase measures listed above shall be adopted from the commencement
of construction and shall be in place throughout the entire construction
period. The operation phase measures
listed above shall be adopted during the detailed design, and be built as part
of the construction works so that they are in place at the date of
commissioning of the Proposed Project.
However, it should be noted that the full effect of the soft landscape
mitigation measures would not be appreciated for several years.
10.6.5
Prediction of Significance of Landscape
Impacts
(a)
The
potential significance of the landscape impacts during the construction and
operation phases, before and after mitigation, are provided below in Table 10-8 and the residual impact significance after 10
years is mapped on Figure
10.11. This assessment follows the methodology outlined in Section 10.4 above and assumes that the appropriate
mitigation measures identified in Table
10-6 and Table 10-7 above will
be implemented, and that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation
measures will be realised after 10 years.
Photomontages of the proposed development before and after mitigation
are provided in Figures 10.14 to 10.18 inclusive.
Construction Phase before Mitigation
(a)
During
the construction phase, before the implementation of the proposed mitigation
measures, there will be some adverse landscape impacts as summarised below and
identified in Table 10-8.
Landscape
Resources
(a)
LR1, (Coastal Waters) would experience impacts of Moderate significance before mitigation
due to the dredging works associated with the construction of the submarine
outfall.
(b)
LR2, (Streams) would experience an impact significance
of None due to the absence of any
impacts.
(c)
LR3, (Natural Rocky Coastline) would experience impacts of Moderate significance before mitigation
due to the temporary drilling rig and plant associated with the construction of
the submarine outfall.
(d)
LR4, (Natural Coastal Upland
Vegetation) would
experience impacts of Slight significance
due to the construction works on the site of the sewage treatment plant.
(e)
LR5, (Domestic Amenity Tree and
Shrub Planting)
would experience an impact significance of None
due to the absence of any impacts.
(f)
LR6, (Amenity Grass Areas) would experience an impact
significance of None due to the
absence of any impacts.
(g)
LR7, (Artificial Ponds) would experience an impact
significance of None due to the
absence of any impacts.
Landscape
Character Areas
(a)
LCA1 (Coastal Upland and Hillside
Landscape) would
experience Moderate impact
significance due to the loss of 0.089 ha of the character area caused by construction of the sewage treatment
plant.
(b)
LCA2 (Bay Landscape) would experience Moderate impact significance due to the dredging works
(approximately 0.12 ha) associated with the construction of the submarine
outfall.
(c)
LCA3 (Intertidal Bay Landscape) would experience an impact
significance of None.
(d)
LCA4 (Coastal Village Landscape) would experience Slight impact significance due to the construction of the sewer
and rising mains along existing paved roads and footpaths within the village
and temporary drilling works (0.032 ha).
(e)
LCA5 (Golf Course Landscape) would experience an impact significance
of None.
Construction Phase After Mitigation
(a)
During
the construction phase after mitigation, the landscape impacts would only be
slightly less than before mitigation as the mitigation measures are not
sufficient to reduce the impact significance threshold.
Landscape Resources
(a)
LR1 (Coastal Waters) and LR3 (Natural Rocky Coastline) would continue to experience
temporary landscape impacts of Moderate
significance and LR4 (Natural Coastal
Upland Vegetation) would continue to experience impacts of Slight significance. The remaining
Landscape Resources (LR2, LR5, LR6
and LR7) would experience no
impacts.
Landscape Character Areas
(a)
LCA1 (Coastal Upland and Hillside
Landscape) and LCA2 (Bay Landscape) would continue to
experience temporary landscape impacts of Moderate
significance and LCA4 (Coastal
Village Landscape) would continue to experience impacts of Slight significance. The remaining
Landscape Character Areas (LCA3 and LCA5) would experience no impacts.
Operation Phase before Mitigation
(a)
In
the operation phase, before the implementation of the proposed mitigation
measures, there would be some adverse landscape impacts as summarised below and
identified in Table 10-8.
Landscape
Resources
(a)
LR1 (Coastal Waters) would experience an impact
significance of None due to the
absence of any impact caused by the submarine cable.
(b)
LR2 (Streams) would experience an impact
significance of None.
(c)
LR3 (Natural Rocky Coastline) would experience an impact
significance of Slight due to the
disturbance caused by the on shore works area.
(d)
LR4 (Natural Coastal Upland
Vegetation) would
experience an impact significance of Slight
as without mitigation, the loss of vegetation would not be compensated.
(e)
LR5 (Domestic Amenity Tree and Shrub
Planting) would
experience an impact significance of None
due to the absence of any impacts.
(f)
LR6 (Amenity Grass Areas) would experience an impact
significance of None due to the
absence of any impacts.
(g)
LR7 (Artificial Ponds) would experience an impact
significance of None due to the
absence of any impacts.
Landscape
Character Areas
(a)
LCA1 (Coastal Upland and Hillside
Landscape) would
experience an impact significance of Moderate
due to the impacts of the sewage treatment plant.
(b)
LCA2 (Bay Landscape) would experience an impact
significance of None during the
operation stage before mitigation due to the absence of impacts caused by the
submarine outfall.
(c)
LCA3 (Intertidal Bay Landscape) would experience and impact
significance of None during the
operation stage before mitigation due to the absence of impacts.
(d)
LCA4 (Coastal Village Landscape) would experience and impact
significance of Slight during the
operation stage before mitigation due to the disturbance caused to existing
roads and footpaths.
(e)
LCA5 (Golf Course Landscape) would experience and impact
significance of None during the
operation stage before mitigation due to the absence of impacts.
Operation Phase after Mitigation
(a)
In
the operation phase, after the implementation of the proposed mitigation
measures, there will be some adverse residual landscape impacts as summarised
below and identified in Table 10-8.
(b)
Implementation
of the recommended mitigation measures will reduce the magnitude of the
residual landscape impacts during the operation phase, and in some cases this
will be sufficient to reduce the overall significance thresholds described
above for the before mitigation scenario.
Landscape Resources
(a)
For
LR4 (Natural Coastal Upland Vegetation) the impact significance would
remain as Slight at Day 1 and reduce
to Insubstantial at Year 10 due to
the effects of maturing compensatory tree planting and greening of the sewage
treatment plant.
(b)
For
LR3 (Natural Rocky Coastline) the
impact significance following the reinstatement of the foreshore will be Insubstantial at Day 1 due to the
infilling of any excavations and replacement of the rocky surface and
compensatory planting with very little noticeable change from the existing
condition. By Year 10 once compensatory
planting has fully matured and natural
recolonization has occurred, the impact significance will be None.
(c)
For
all the remaining LRs, (LR1, LR2, LR6
and LR7) the impact significance will be None during the operation stage.
Landscape Character Areas
(a)
For
LCA1 (Coastal Upland and Hillside
Landscape) the impact significance would be reduced from Moderate to Slight at Day 1 following mitigation
due to compensatory tree planting and building greening. This would be further
reduced to Insubstantial at year 10
due to the maturing of the vegetation.
(b)
LCA4 (Coastal Village Landscape) will experience an impact
significance of Insubstantial significance
at Day 1 and Year 10 as the pipeline trench covers will be integrated with the
existing roads and footpaths.
(c)
For
all the remaining LCAs, (LCA2, LCA3 and
LCA5) the impact significance will be None
during the operation stage at Day 1 and Year 10.
Table 10-8:
Significance of Landscape Impacts in Construction and Operation Phases
(Adverse Impacts unless otherwise stated)
|
Id.
No. |
Landscape
Resource / Landscape
Character |
Sensitivity
to Change during Construction and Operation Phases (Low,
Medium, High) |
Magnitude
of Change before Mitigation (None, Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large) |
Impact
Significance Threshold BEFORE Mitigation
(None, Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial) |
Recommended
Mitigation Measures |
Residual
Impact Significance Threshold AFTER Mitigation (None, Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial) |
||||||||||
|
Construction |
Operation |
|||||||||||||||
|
Construction |
Operation |
Construction |
Operation |
DAY
1 |
YEAR
10 |
|||||||||||
|
Landscape
Resources |
||||||||||||||||
|
LR1 |
Coastal Waters |
Medium |
Small |
None |
Moderate |
None |
CM1 |
Moderate |
None |
None |
||||||
|
LR2 |
Streams |
Medium |
None |
None |
None |
None |
N/A |
None |
None |
None |
||||||
|
LR3 |
Natural Rocky Coastline |
Medium |
Small |
Small |
Moderate |
Slight |
CM1,7 & 8 OM5 |
Moderate |
Insubstantial |
None |
||||||
|
LR4 |
Natural Coastal Upland Vegetation |
High |
Small |
Small |
Slight |
Slight |
CM1 & 7 OM4 & 5 |
Slight |
Slight |
Insubstantial |
||||||
|
LR5 |
Domestic Amenity Tree & Shrub
Planting |
Low |
None |
None |
None |
None |
N/A |
None |
None |
None |
||||||
|
LR6 |
Amenity Grass Areas |
Low |
None |
None |
None |
None |
N/A |
None |
None |
None |
||||||
|
LR7 |
Artificial Ponds |
Low |
None |
None |
None |
None |
N/A |
None |
None |
None |
||||||
|
Landscape
Character Areas |
||||||||||||||||
|
LCA1 |
Coastal
Upland & Hillside Landscape |
High |
Small |
Small |
Moderate |
Moderate |
CM1 & 7 OM4 & 5 |
Moderate |
Slight |
Insubstantial |
||||||
|
LCA2 |
Bay
Landscape |
High |
Small |
None |
Moderate |
None |
CM1 |
Moderate |
None |
None |
||||||
|
LCA3 |
Intertidal
Bay Landscape |
High |
None |
None |
None |
None |
N/A |
None |
None |
None |
||||||
|
LCA4 |
Coastal
Village Landscape |
Medium |
Small |
Small |
Slight |
Slight |
CM1,7 & 8 |
Slight |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
||||||
|
LCA5 |
Golf
Course Landscape |
Low |
None |
None |
None |
None |
N/A |
None |
None |
None |
||||||
10.7.1
Potential
Sources of Visual Impacts
The sources of visual impacts of the Project during construction and operation phases have been described in Section 10.6.1.
10.7.2
Visual Change Before Mitigation in the
Construction and Operation Phase
The magnitude of visual change resulting from the construction and operation phases of the Proposed Project is presented in Table 10-9 and is summarised for the VSRs below.
(a)
Residents of Po Toi O Village (RES-1) will have partial views of the temporary
construction works associated with the submarine outfall and sewage treatment
plant. Due to their relative distance
and the availability of alternative views, the magnitude of visual change is
assessed as ‘Small’. The magnitude of
visual change prior to mitigation during the operation phase will be ‘Small’ as
the submarine outfall will be concealed and the plant and equipment on the
shoreline will have been removed but the shoreline will remain disturbed. The
sewage treatment plant will only be visible by some of the residents in Po Toi
O in upper floors of village houses due to existing vegetation screens.
(b)
Residents of Tai Wong Kung (RES-2) and Cala d’Or (RES-3) will have partial views of the temporary
construction works associated with the submarine outfall and the sewage
treatment plant. Due to their relative
distance and the availability of alternative views, the magnitude of visual
change is assessed as ‘Small’. During
the operation phase, views of the submarine outfall will disappear but views of
the disturbed foreshore and completed sewage treatment plant will remain. The magnitude of visual change is assessed as
‘Small’ prior to mitigation.
(c)
Residents of Fairway Vista (RES-4) will have elevated views of the
temporary construction works associated with the submarine outfall only (the
sewage treatment plant will not be visible).
The magnitude of visual change prior to mitigation is assessed as
‘Intermediate’ during the construction phase due to the proximity of view
(worst case 50m) and the screening effect of existing vegetation. The magnitude of visual change during the
operation phase will be ‘Small’ as the submarine outfall will be concealed and
the plant and equipment on the shoreline will have been removed but the
shoreline will remain disturbed with a decrease in tree cover due to clearance
during the construction works.
(d)
Residents of Tai Au Mun (RES-5) will have views of the temporary
construction works associated with the submarine outfall only (the sewage
treatment plant will not be visible).
The magnitude of visual change prior to mitigation is assessed as
‘Negligible’ during the construction phase due to the distance of view and the
screening effect of existing vegetation.
The magnitude of visual change during the operation phase prior to
mitigation is assessed as ‘Negligible’ as the submarine outfall will be
concealed and the shoreline construction plant will have been removed. The foreshore will remain disturbed prior to
mitigation, but the degree of visibility to residents at RES-5 is likely to be
very limited due to the distance of view.
(e)
Hikers on Tin Ha Shan (REC-1) will have elevated views of the
temporary construction works associated with the submarine outfall and the
sewage treatment plant. Due to their
relative distance and the availability of alternative views, the magnitude of
visual change is assessed as ‘Small’.
During the operation phase, views of the submarine outfall will
disappear but views of the disturbed foreshore and the completed sewage
treatment plant will remain. The
magnitude of visual change is assessed as ‘Small’ prior to mitigation.
(f)
Recreational Craft in Clear Water
Bay (REC-5) will
have views of the temporary construction works associated with the submarine
outfall only (the sewage treatment plant will not be visible). The magnitude of visual change prior to
mitigation is assessed as ‘Intermediate’ during the construction phase as there
are abundant alternative views and marine craft (ie. the barges) are to be expected
in the context. The magnitude of visual change during the operation phase prior
to mitigation is assessed as ‘Negligible’ as the temporary cofferdam and barges
will have gone and the submarine outfall will be concealed and the shoreline
construction plant will have been removed.
However, the foreshore will remain disturbed prior to mitigation with a
reduction in tree cover due to clearance during construction and may be visible
from recreational craft.
(g)
Visitors to Seafood restaurants in
Po Toi O (REC-6)
will potentially have distant views of the temporary construction works
associated with the submarine outfall but not of the sewage treatment
plant. As the views are short-lived and
the focus of the visitors is within the restaurants, the magnitude of visual
change is assessed as ‘Small’. The
magnitude of visual change prior to mitigation during the operation phase will
be ‘Negligible’ as the submarine outfall will be concealed but the shoreline
will remain disturbed.
(h)
Players on Clear Water Bay Golf
Course (REC-2) will
have partial views of the temporary construction works associated with the
submarine outfall and the sewage treatment plant. Due to their relative distance, partial
screening by existing vegetation, the availability of alternative views and
their visual focus on views within the course, the magnitude of visual change
is assessed as ‘Small’. During the
operation phase, views of the submarine outfall construction works will have
gone but views of the disturbed foreshore and the completed sewage treatment
plant will remain. The magnitude of
visual change is assessed as ‘Small’ prior to mitigation.
(i)
All
the other Recreational VSRs, Visitors to
Clear Water Bay Country Park Visitor Center (REC-3), Hikers on Tai Leng Tung
(REC-4), Hikers at High Junk Peak (REC-7), Users of Clear Water Bay First Beach
(REC-8) will have views of the
temporary construction works associated with the submarine outfall only (the
sewage treatment plant will not be visible).
The magnitude of visual change prior to mitigation is assessed as
‘Negligible’ during the construction phase primarily due to the distance of
view and because the main visual impact, namely the marine craft are to be
expected in the marine context. The magnitude of visual change prior to
mitigation during the operation phase is ‘Negligible’ as the submarine outfall
will be concealed and although the shoreline will remain disturbed, the degree
of visibility from such distances will be very limited.
(j)
Users of Clear Water Bay Second
Beach (REC-9) will
have views of the temporary construction works associated with the submarine
outfall only (the sewage treatment plant will not be visible). The magnitude of visual change prior to
mitigation is assessed as ‘Negligible’ during the construction phase primarily
due to the distance of view and because the main visual impact, namely the
marine craft are to be expected in the marine context. The magnitude of visual
change prior to mitigation during the operation phase is ‘None’ as the
submarine outfall will be concealed and the disturbed shoreline is screened
from view by a headland.
(k)
Drivers and Passengers along Po Toi
O Chuen Road (T-2)
will have views of the temporary construction works associated with the
submarine outfall and the sewage treatment plant during the construction
stage. The views will be short-lived and
the focus of the drivers/passengers is on the road. However, the proximity of the road to the
sewage treatment plant results in an assessment of the magnitude of visual
change as ‘Large’. During the operation
phase, views of the submarine outfall will disappear but views of the completed
sewage treatment plant will remain. The
magnitude of visual change is assessed as ‘Large’ prior to mitigation.
(l)
Drivers and Passengers along Tai Au
Mun Road (T-1a)
will have elevated views of the temporary construction works associated with
the submarine outfall and the sewage treatment plant. As the views are short-lived and the focus of
the drivers/passengers is on the road, the magnitude of visual change is assessed
as ‘Small’. During the operation phase,
views of the submarine outfall will disappear but views of the disturbed
foreshore and the completed sewage treatment plant will remain. The magnitude of visual change is assessed as
‘Small’ prior to mitigation.
(m)
Drivers and Passengers along Tai Au
Mun Road (T-1b)
will have distant views of the temporary construction works associated with the
submarine outfall but not of the sewage treatment plant. As the views are short-lived and the focus of
the drivers/passengers is on the road, the magnitude of visual change is
assessed as ‘Negligible’. The magnitude
of visual change during the operation phase is ‘None’ as the submarine outfall
will be concealed and although the disturbed shoreline construction worksite
will not be visible due to an intervening headland.
(n)
Drivers and Passengers along Clear
Water Bay Road to Tai Hang Tau (T-3) will have distant views of the temporary
construction works associated with the submarine outfall but not of the sewage
treatment plant. As the views are
short-lived and the focus of the drivers/passengers is on the road, the
magnitude of visual change is assessed as ‘Negligible’. The magnitude of visual change during the
operation phase is ‘Negligible’ as the submarine outfall will be concealed and
although the shoreline construction worksite will remain disturbed, the degree
of visibility will be limited from such distances.
(o)
Fishermen in Po Toi O (O-1) will have views of the temporary
construction works associated with the submarine outfall and the sewage
treatment plant. As the focus of the
fishermen is on their work rather than the scenery and there are abundant
alternative views, the magnitude of visual change is assessed as ‘Small’. During the operation phase, views of the
submarine outfall will disappear but views of the disturbed shoreline and the
completed sewage treatment plant will remain.
The magnitude of visual change is assessed as ‘Small’ prior to
mitigation.
(p)
Workers in Seafood Restaurants in Po
Toi O (O-3) will
potentially have distant views of the temporary construction works associated
with the submarine outfall but not of the sewage treatment plant. As the views are short-lived and the focus of
the workers is within the restaurant, the magnitude of visual change is assessed
as ‘Small’. The magnitude of visual
change during the operation phase is ‘Negligible’ as the submarine outfall will
be concealed and the disturbed shoreline construction worksite will be barely
visible.
(q)
Workers and Staff at Clear Water Bay
Country Park Visitor Centre (O-2) will have distant
views of the temporary construction works associated with the submarine outfall
but not of the sewage treatment plant.
As the views are distant, the magnitude of visual change is assessed as
‘Negligible’. The magnitude of visual
change prior to mitigation during the operation phase is ‘Negligible’ as the
submarine outfall will be concealed and the disturbance to the shoreline
construction worksite will not be visible from such a distance.
10.7.3
Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation
Measures
The proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures for impacts from the construction and operation phases are described previously in Table 10-6 and Table 10-7, together with the associated funding, implementation, management and maintenance agencies and the proposed implementation programme.
10.7.4
Photomontage Viewpoints
(a)
The
photomontage viewpoints were selected as representative examples of the visual
impacts of the Project. Viewpoints have been selected to provide close, medium
and long range views of the Project. The locations of the viewpoints are
indicated on Figures
10.9 and 10.10.
Figures 10.14 to 10.16 show ‘Existing Baseline
Conditions’ in November 2014 and photomontages of the completed sewage
treatment plant at ‘Day 1 Without Mitigation Measures’, ‘Day 1 With
Mitigation Measures’ and ‘Year 10 With Mitigation Measures (the construction
stage of the sewage treatment plant is not illustrated). As some viewpoints will have no views of the
sewage treatment plant and only
temporary views of the submarine outfall during construction, Figures
10.17 and 10.18
show ‘Existing Baseline Conditions’ in November 2014 and the submarine
outfall ‘During Construction Without Mitigation Measures’, ‘During Construction
with Mitigation Measures’ and ‘Day 1 and Year 10 with Mitigation Measures’.
· P1 - Viewpoint from Po Toi O Chuen Road looking south: this viewpoint was selected as representative of views from residents at Po Toi O (RES-1) and drivers and passengers, (VSR T-2) as it provides direct views of the sewage treatment plant. The viewpoint is located on Po Toi O Chuen Road north of the sewage treatment plant at an elevation of approximately 10 mPD.
· P2 - Viewpoint from Tai Au Mun Road looking east: this viewpoint was selected as representative of views from drivers and passengers, (VSR T-1a) as it provides elevated direct views across Po Toi O of the sewage treatment plant. The viewpoint is located on Tai Au Mun Road west of the sewage treatment plant at an elevation of approximately 60 mPD.
· P3 - Viewpoint from Tin Ha Shan looking east: this viewpoint was selected as representative of views from hikers at Tin Ha Shan (REC-1) as it provides elevated direct views across Po Toi O of the sewage treatment plant. The viewpoint is located on the upper eastern slopes of Tin Ha Shan on the public hiking trail at an elevation of approximately 220 mPD.
· P4 – Viewpoint from Clear Water Bay Country Park Visitor Centre: this viewpoint was selected as representative of views from visitors to Clear Water Bay Country Park Visitor Centre (REC-3) and it provides elevated direct views south across Clear Water Bay towards Po Toi O. The dredging activities for the submarine outfall will be temporarily visible from this viewpoint during construction. The viewpoint is located on the southern slopes of Tai Hang Tun within the Country Park facilities at an elevation of approximately 105 mPD.
·
P5 – Viewpoint
from Clear Water Bay Second Beach Looking South East: this viewpoint was
selected as representative of views from users of the swimming beaches on the
western side of Clear Water Bay (REC-9) and provides low level views south east
across the bay towards the location of the Submarine Outfall. The viewpoint is located towards the northern
end of the Second Beach close to sea level.
Table 10-9:
Magnitude of Visual Change during the Construction and Operation Phases
before Mitigation
|
VSR
ID |
Key
VSR |
Compatibility
of the Project with the Visual Backdrop (High/Medium/Low) |
Duration
and Frequency of Impacts (Temporary/Permanent & Intermittent/Continuous) |
Scale of Development (Large/Medium/Small) & Reversibility of Change
(Yes/No) |
Degree
of Visibility of Source(s) of Visual Impact
(Full, Partial, Obscured) & Distance Between VSR & Nearest
Source(s) of Impact |
Potential
Blockage of Existing View (Full/Partial/Slight/Negligible) |
Magnitude
of Visual Change BEFORE Mitigation |
||||
|
Construction |
Operation |
Construction |
Operation |
Construction |
Operation |
Construction |
Operation |
||||
|
Residential
VSRs |
|||||||||||
|
RES-1 |
Residents of Po Toi O Village |
Medium |
Permanent, Continuous |
Permanent, Continuous |
Small, No |
Partial,
250m |
Partial,
250m |
Partial |
Negligible |
Small |
Small |
|
RES-2 |
Residents of Tai Wong Kung |
Medium |
Permanent, Continuous |
Permanent,
Continuous |
Small, No |
Partial,
500m |
Partial,
500m |
Negligible |
Negligible |
Small |
Small |
|
RES-3 |
Residents of Cala d’Or |
Medium |
Permanent, Continuous |
Permanent,
Continuous |
Small, No |
Partial,
600m |
Partial,
600m |
Negligible |
Negligible |
Small |
Small |
|
RES-4 |
Residents of Fairway Vista |
Medium |
Permanent, Continuous |
Permanent,
Continuous |
Small, No |
Partial,
50m |
N/A |
Slight |
None |
Intermediate |
Small |
|
RES-5 |
Residents at Tai Au Mun |
Medium |
Temporary, Intermittent |
N/A |
Small, Yes |
Full,
2000m |
N/A |
Negligible |
None |
Negligible |
Negligible |
|
Recreational
VSRs |
|||||||||||
|
REC-1 |
Hikers on Tin Ha Shan |
Medium |
Permanent, Continuous |
Permanent, Continuous |
Small, No |
Partial,
700m |
Partial,
700m |
Negligible |
Negligible |
Small |
Small |
|
REC-2 |
Players on Clear Water Bay Golf Course |
Medium |
Permanent, Continuous |
Permanent,
Continuous |
Small, No |
Partial,
500m |
Partial,
500m |
Slight |
Slight |
Small |
Small |
|
REC-3 |
Visitors to Clear Water Bay Country Park Visitor
Centre |
Medium |
Temporary, Intermittent |
N/A |
Small, Yes |
Full
, 1300m |
N/A |
Negligible |
None |
Negligible |
Negligible |
|
REC-4 |
Hikers on Tai Leng Tung |
Medium |
Temporary, Intermittent |
N/A |
Small, Yes |
Full
, 2000m |
N/A |
Negligible |
None |
Negligible |
Negligible |
|
REC-5 |
Recreational Craft in Clearwater Bay |
Medium |
Temporary, Intermittent |
N/A |
Small, Yes |
Full
, 25m |
N/A |
Partial |
None |
Intermediate |
Negligible |
|
REC-6 |
Visitors to Seafood Restaurants in Po Toi O |
Medium |
Temporary, Intermittent |
N/A |
Small, Yes |
Partial,
500m |
N/A |
Partial |
None |
Small |
Negligible |
|
REC-7 |
Hikers at High Junk Peak |
Medium |
Temporary, Intermittent |
N/A |
Small, Yes |
Full,
2500m |
N/A |
Negligible |
None |
Negligible |
Negligible |
|
REC-8 |
Users of Clear Water Bay First Beach |
Medium |
Temporary, Intermittent |
N/A |
Small, Yes |
Full,
1600m |
N/A |
Negligible |
None |
Negligible |
Negligible |
|
REC-9 |
Users of Clear Water Bay Second Beach |
Medium |
Temporary, Intermittent |
N/A |
Small, Yes |
Full,
1500m |
N/A |
Negligible |
None |
Negligible |
None |
|
Travelling
VSRs |
|||||||||||
|
T-1a |
Drivers & Passengers along Tai Au Mun Road |
Medium |
Permanent, Continuous |
Permanent, Intermittent |
Small, No |
Full,
500m |
Full,
500m |
Negligible |
Negligible |
Small |
Small |
|
T-1b |
Drivers & Passengers along Tai Au Mun Road |
Medium |
Temporary, Intermittent |
N/A |
Small, Yes |
Full,
1000m |
N/A |
Negligible |
None |
Negligible |
None |
|
T-2 |
Drivers & Passengers along Po Toi O Chuen Road |
Medium |
Permanent, Intermittent |
Permanent, Intermittent |
Small, No |
Full,
~5m |
Full,
5m |
Partial |
Partial |
Large |
Large |
|
T-3 |
Drivers & Passengers along Clear Water Bay Road
to Tai Hang Tau |
Medium |
Temporary, Intermittent |
N/A |
Small, Yes |
Full,
1700m |
N/A |
Negligible |
None |
Negligible |
Negligible |
|
Occupational
VSRs |
|||||||||||
|
O-1 |
Fishermen in Po Toi O |
Medium |
Permanent, Intermittent |
Permanent, Intermittent |
Small, No |
Partial,
25m |
Partial,
25m |
Negligible |
Negligible |
Small |
Small |
|
O-2 |
Workers/Staff at
Clear Water Bay Country Park Visitor Centre |
Medium |
Temporary, Intermittent |
N/A |
Small, Yes |
Full,
1300m |
N/A |
Negligible |
None |
Negligible |
Negligible |
|
O-3 |
Workers in Seafood Restaurants in Po Toi O |
Medium |
Temporary, Intermittent |
Temporary |
Small, Yes |
Partial,
600 |
Partial,
600 |
Partial |
Partial |
Small |
Negligible |
|
Note: |
|||||||||||
|
(1) The closest viewing distance has been used to
rate the worst case scenario (2) ‘Permanent’
duration measurement refers to entire construction/operation phase |
|||||||||||
10.7.5
Prediction of Significance of Visual Impacts
An assessment of the significance of the potential visual impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, is briefly described, and listed in detail in Table 10-10 (All impacts are adverse unless otherwise stated). This follows the methodology outlined in Section 10.4 above and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 10-6 and Table 10-7 would be implemented, and that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be realised after 10 years.
10.7.6
Impacts during the Construction and Operation
Phase before and after Mitigation
(a)
Due
to the small scale and low building height of the sewage treatment plant and
the submerged nature of the sewage outfall, the visual impact significance for
most VSRs during the Construction and Operation Phase, both before and after
mitigation is relatively low. Many of the VSRs are a long distance away and
enjoy good quality views of the sea, mountains and offshore islands and
alternative views are available. The impact upon each VSR is described in
greater detail below. The magnitude of
impacts experienced by VSRs is generally greater in the construction phase than
in the operation phase for most VSRs due to the presence of the construction
activities and temporary disturbance to the landscape. The visual impacts for
the submarine outfall and associated foreshore are mostly only experienced
during the construction phase and are largely absent during the operational
phase following mitigation (except for the residual impact of loss of existing
trees which is mitigated through time with the establishment of compensatory
planting).
(b)
Photomontages
illustrating the existing views, construction and operation phase impacts
before and after the implementation of mitigation measures are provided in Figures 10.14 to 10.18 and their locations are illustrated
on Figures
10.9 and 10.10.
Mitigation measures are described in more detail in Table 10-6 and Table 10-7.
Residential VSRs
(c)
Residents
in Po Toi O (RES-1), Tai Wong Kung
(RES-2) and Cala d’Or (RES-3)
will have permanent and continuous views towards the source of visual impact
(ie the sewage treatment plant and of the submarine outfall drilling and
dredging site) at varying distances. In the construction phase prior to
mitigation, the magnitude of visual change is ‘Small’, and this combined with
their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact of Moderate significance. This
is predicted to remain as Moderate
following mitigation as the mitigation measures will not be able to reduce the
visual impact significance threshold. In
the operation phase before mitigation, the impact significance is predicted to remain
as Moderate. Mitigation measures are anticipated to reduce
the visual impact significance to Slight
at Day 1 and Insubstantial at
Year 10, primarily due to the absence from view of the submarine outfall, the
reinstatement of the foreshore and the maturing greening and screening measures
for the sewage treatment plant.
(d)
Residents at Fairway Vista (RES-4) will potentially have temporary
views of the submarine outfall drilling rig and plant on the foreshore and the outfall
dredging site. The magnitude of change is assessed as ‘Intermediate’ and this
combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact significance of Moderate prior to mitigation. Following
mitigation, the visual impacts will remain as Moderate as the mitigation measures will not be able to reduce the
visual impact significance threshold. During the operation stage, this VSR will
experience Slight visual impacts
before mitigation as the temporary construction plant will have gone, the
permanent submarine outfall will be concealed but the foreshore will remain
disturbed. Following mitigation, this VSR will experience Insubstantial visual impacts during the operation phase as the
foreshore will be have been reinstated.
(e)
Residents at Tai Au Mun (RES-5) will potentially have temporary
views of the dredging activity and submarine outfall drilling rig and plant on
the foreshore during the construction stage. The magnitude of change is
assessed as ‘Negligible’ (due primarily to the distance of view) and this
combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact significance of Insubstantial. Following mitigation,
the visual impacts will remain as Insubstantial
as the mitigation measures will not be able to reduce the visual impact
significance threshold. This VSR will experience Insubstantial visual impacts during the operation phase as the
temporary construction plant will have gone, the permanent submarine outfall is
concealed and the disturbed foreshore will be have been reinstated.
Recreational VSRs
(a)
Hikers on Tin Ha Shan (REC-1) will potentially have temporary
views of the sewage treatment plant, outfall drilling rig plant and dredging
operation during construction. The magnitude of change is assessed as ‘Small’
and this combined with their ‘High’ sensitivity results in an impact
significance of Moderate before
mitigation. Following mitigation, the
visual impacts will remain as Moderate
as the mitigation measures will not be able to reduce the visual impact
significance threshold. During the operation stage, the VSRs will have views of
the sewage treatment plant and will experience Moderate residual visual impact before mitigation. Following
mitigation in the operation phase, the impact significance will reduce to Slight at Day 1 due to the absence of impacts at the submarine outfall and the
mitigation measures installed at the sewage treatment plant. The impact
significance will reduce to Insubstantial
by Year 10 as the greening measures at the sewage treatment plant reach maturity.
(b)
Recreational Craft in Clear Water
Bay (REC-5) will
potentially have temporary views of the submarine outfall drilling rig plant
and outfall dredging operation during the construction stage. The magnitude of
change is assessed as ‘Intermediate’ and this combined with their ‘High’
sensitivity results in an impact significance of Moderate. Following mitigation, the visual impacts will remain as Moderate as the mitigation measures
will not be able to reduce the visual impact significance threshold. This VSR will experience Insubstantial visual impacts during the operation phase before
mitigation as the temporary construction plant will have gone and the permanent
submarine outfall is concealed.
Following mitigation, the visual impacts will remain as Insubstantial as the disturbed
foreshore will be have been reinstated.
(c)
Visitors to Seafood Restaurants in
Po Toi O (REC-6) will
have views of the submarine outfall drilling rig, plant and dredging operation
on the foreshore during construction but no views of the sewage treatment
plant. The magnitude of change during construction is assessed as ‘Small’ and
this combined with their ‘Medium’ sensitivity results in an impact significance
of Slight. Following mitigation, the visual impacts will
remain as Slight as the mitigation
measures will not be able to reduce the visual impact significance threshold.
During the operation stage this VSR will experience Insubstantial visual impacts during the operation phase prior to
mitigation as the temporary construction plant will have gone, the permanent
submarine outfall will be concealed but the foreshore will remain
disturbed. Following mitigation, and the
foreshore will be have been reinstated and the visual impacts will remain as Insubstantial and will gradually
decline as the compensatory tree planting matures.
(d)
Players on Clear Water Bay Golf
Course (REC-2) will
potentially have temporary views of the sewage treatment plant, outfall
drilling rig plant and outfall dredging operation during the construction
stage. The magnitude of change is assessed as ‘Small’ and this combined with
their ‘Medium’ sensitivity results in an impact significance of Slight prior to mitigation. Following mitigation, the visual impacts will
remain as Slight as the mitigation
measures will not be able to reduce the visual impact significance threshold.
In the operation phase, the predicted impact significance is predicted to be Slight prior to mitigation. Following mitigation, this will be reduced to
Insubstantial at Day 1 and will
remain as Insubstantial by Year 10.
(e)
All
the remaining VSRs (REC-3, REC-4, REC-7
to REC-8 inclusive) will experience
impacts of Insubstantial significance
during the construction phase prior to mitigation. This will remain as Insubstantial following mitigation as the mitigation measures will
not be able to reduce the visual impact significance threshold. During the operational phase, all these VSRs
will experience Insubstantial visual
impacts after mitigation at Day 1 and
Year 10 as the temporary construction plant will have gone, the permanent
submarine outfall is concealed and the foreshore will be have been reinstated.
(f)
REC-9 will experience impacts of Insubstantial significance during the
construction phase prior to mitigation.
This will remain as Insubstantial
following mitigation as the mitigation measures will not be able to reduce
the visual impact significance threshold.
During the operational phase, this VSR will experience no visual impacts as the only
previously visible elements, namely the barges and the cofferdam will have
gone. The disturbed foreshore is not
visible from this VSR as it is screened by a headland.
Travelling VSRs
(a)
Drivers and Passengers along Po Toi
O Chuen Road (T2):
will have distant temporary views of the submarine outfall dredging operation
during construction and close-up views of the sewage treatment plant
construction site. In the construction phase prior to mitigation, the resultant
magnitude of visual change with regard to the sewage treatment plant is
‘Large’, and this combined with their ‘Medium’ sensitivity results in an impact
considered to be of Substantial
significance. This will remain as Substantial
following mitigation as the mitigation measures will not be able to reduce the
visual impact significance threshold. In the operation phase before mitigation,
the impact significance will remain as Substantial
due to the visual impacts of the sewage treatment plant (the submarine
outfall will be concealed and the associated construction plant will have
gone). Following mitigation the
impact significance will be reduced to Moderate
at Day 1 due to the screening, planting and chromatic treatment and Slight at Year 10 due to the maturing
effects of the vegetation.
(b)
Drivers and Passengers along Tai Au
Mun Road (T-1a) will
experience a ‘Small’ magnitude of change due to the construction of the sewage
treatment plant and the temporary construction works of the submarine outfall
and combined with their ‘Medium’ sensitivity the resultant impact significance
is Slight during the construction phase
prior to mitigation. This will remain as
Slight following mitigation as the
mitigation measures will not be able to reduce the visual impact significance
threshold. In the operation phase before
mitigation, the impact significance will remain as Slight. Following mitigation
the impact significance will be Slight
at Day 1 due to the screening, planting and chromatic treatment and Insubstantial at Year 10 due to the
maturing effects of the vegetation.
(c)
Drivers and Passengers further along
Tai Au Mun Road (T-1b) will experience a ‘Negligible’ magnitude of visual change (primarily
due to distance) and combined with the ‘Medium’ sensitivity the resultant
impact significance is Insubstantial during
the construction phase both before and after mitigation. During the operation
phase they will have no views of the permanent works and the visual impact
significance at Day 1 and Year 10 will therefore be None.
(d)
Drivers and Passengers further along
Clear Water Bay Road (T3) will experience a ‘Negligible’ magnitude of visual change (primarily
due to distance) and combined with the ‘Medium’ sensitivity the resultant
impact significance is Insubstantial during
the construction phase both before and after mitigation. During the operation
phase they will experience a negligible magnitude of change due to the
disturbed foreshore (primarily due to the great distance of view) and the
visual impact significance at Day 1 and Year 10 will therefore be Insubstantial.
Occupational VSRs
(a)
Fishermen in Po Toi O (O-1) will experience a ‘Small’ magnitude
of visual change and combined with the ‘Low’ sensitivity, the resultant impact
significance will be Slight during
construction both before and after mitigation. During the operation phase
before mitigation, the visual impact significance would be Slight and this would remain as Slight at Day 1 following mitigation but would reduce to Insubstantial by Year 10 as the
greening measures at the sewage treatment plant mature.
(b)
Workers and Staff at Clear Water Bay
Country Park Visitor Centre (O-2) will experience a ‘Negligible’ magnitude of change, primarily due to
the distance from the source of impacts. Combined with their ‘Low’ sensitivity,
the resultant impact significance will be Insubstantial
during the construction phase both before and after mitigation. During the
operation phase before mitigation the submarine outfall will be submerged and
these VSRs will experience a negligible magnitude of change due to the
disturbed foreshore (due primarily to the distance of view). The residual
visual impact significance at Day 1 and Year 10 will remain as Insubstantial.
(c)
Workers in Sea Food Restaurants in
Po Toi O (O-3) will
experience a ‘Small’ magnitude of change, primarily due to the distance from
the source of impacts. Combined with their ‘Low’ sensitivity, the resultant
impact significance will be Slight
during the construction phase both before and after mitigation. During the
operation phase they will have no views of the permanent sewage treatment plant
works and the submarine outfall will be submerged and the magnitude of change
from the foreshore disturbance will be Negligible. The visual impact significance at Day 1 and
Year 10 will therefore be Insubstantial.
10.7.7
Residual Impacts during the Construction
Phase after Mitigation
Although implementation of the recommended mitigation measures should slightly reduce the magnitude of the residual visual impacts during the construction phase, this will not be sufficient to reduce the overall significance thresholds described above for the before mitigation scenario.
10.7.8
Residual Impacts during the Operation Phase
after Mitigation
(a)
Many
VSRs will only have temporary views of the construction of the submarine
outfall. During the operation phase when the outfall is concealed they will
experience insubstantial permanent visual impacts.
(b)
VSRs
with views of the sewage treatment plant and pipeline trenches will experience
temporary views during construction and permanent views during the operation
phase. Mitigation measures including sensitive building design and chromatic
treatment will help reduce the visual impact and the maturing of compensatory
tree planting and building greening measures will reduce the overall visual
impact from Day 1 to Year 10.
(c)
Drivers and Passengers along Po Toi
O Chuen Road (T-2) will
experience visual impacts of Moderate significance
at Day 1 after mitigation. These are predicted to reduce to Slight by Year 10 due to the maturing
planting works.
(d)
RES-1, RES-2, RES-3 REC-1, T-1a and
O-1 will experience
visual impacts of Slight
significance at Day 1 after the implementation of mitigation measures. These
are predicted to reduce to Insubstantial
by Year 10 due to the maturing planting works.
(e)
All
other VSRs will experience Insubstantial
or no visual impacts at Day 1 and Year 10 of the operation phase.
Table 10-10:
Significance of Visual Impacts in the Construction and Operation Phases
|
VSR Type & ID. |
Key Visually Sensitive
Receiver (VSR) |
Magnitude of Visual Change before Mitigation (None, Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large) |
Receptor Sensitivity &
Number (Low, Medium, High)
(Very Few, Few, Many, Very Many) |
Impact Significance
Threshold BEFORE Mitigation (None, Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial) |
Recommended Mitigation
Measures |
Residual Impact
Significance Threshold AFTER Mitigation (None, Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial) |
|||||
|
Construction |
Operation |
||||||||||
|
Construction |
Operation |
Construction |
Operation |
Construction |
Operation |
DAY 1 |
YEAR 10 |
||||
|
Residential
VSRs |
|||||||||||
|
RES-1 |
Residents in Po Toi O
Village |
Small |
Small |
High, Few |
High, Few |
Moderate |
Moderate |
CM1- 6 OM1- 6 |
Moderate |
Slight |
Insubstantial |
|
RES-2 |
Residents at Tai Wong
Kung |
Small |
Small |
High, Few |
High, Few |
Moderate |
Moderate |
CM1- 6 OM1- 6 |
Moderate |
Slight |
Insubstantial |
|
RES-3 |
Residents of Cala d’Or |
Small |
Small |
High, Few |
High, Few |
Moderate |
Moderate |
CM1- 6 OM1- 6 |
Moderate |
Slight |
Insubstantial |
|
RES-4 |
Residents of Fairway
Vista |
Intermediate |
Small |
High, Few |
High, Few |
Moderate |
Slight |
CM1- 6 OM1- 6 |
Moderate |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
|
RES-5 |
Residents at Tai Au Mun |
Negligible |
Negligible |
High, Few |
High, Few |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
CM1- 6 OM1- 6 |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
|
Recreational VSRs |
|||||||||||
|
REC-1 |
Hikers on Tin Ha Shan |
Small |
Small |
High, Few |
High, Few |
Moderate |
Moderate |
CM1- 6 OM1- 6 |
Moderate |
Slight |
Insubstantial |
|
REC-2 |
Players in Clear Water
Bay Golf Course |
Small |
Small |
Medium, Few |
Medium, Few |
Slight |
Slight |
CM1- 6 OM1- 6 |
Slight |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
|
REC-3 |
Visitors to Clear Water
Bay Country Park Visitor Centre |
Negligible |
Negligible |
High, Many |
High, Many |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
CM1- 6 OM1- 6 |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
|
REC-4 |
Hikers on Tai Leng Tung |
Negligible |
Negligible |
High, Few |
High, Few |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
CM1- 6 |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
|
REC-5 |
Recreational Craft in
Clear Water Bay |
Intermediate |
Negligible |
High, Many |
High, Many |
Moderate |
Insubstantial |
CM1- 6 |
Moderate |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
|
REC-6 |
Visitors to Seafood
Restaurants in Po Toi O |
Small |
Negligible |
Medium, Many |
Medium, Many |
Slight |
Insubstantial |
CM1- 6 OM1- 6 |
Slight |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
|
REC-7 |
Hikers at Junk Peak |
Negligible |
Negligible |
High, Few |
High, Few |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
CM1- 6 |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
|
REC-8 |
Users of Clear Water Bay
First Beach |
Negligible |
Negligible |
Medium, Many |
Medium, Many |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
CM1- 6 |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
|
REC9 |
Users of Clear Water Bay
Second Beach |
Negligible |
None |
High, Many |
High, Many |
Insubstantial |
None |
CM1- 6 |
Insubstantial |
None |
None |
|
Travelling
VSRs |
|||||||||||
|
T-1a |
Drivers/Passengers along
Tai Au Mun Road |
Small |
Small |
Medium, Many |
Medium, Many |
Slight |
Slight |
CM1- 6 OM1-6 |
Slight |
Slight |
Insubstantial |
|
T-1b |
Drivers/Passengers along
Tai Au Mun Road |
Negligible |
None |
Medium, Many |
Medium, Many |
Insubstantial |
None |
CM1- 6 |
Insubstantial |
None |
None |
|
T-2 |
Drivers Passengers along
Po Toi O Chuen Road |
Large |
Large |
Medium, Many |
Medium, Many |
Substantial |
Substantial |
CM1-6 OM1-6 |
Substantial |
Moderate |
Slight |
|
T-3 |
Drivers/Passengers along
Clear Water Bay Road to Tai Hang Tun |
Negligible |
Negligible |
Medium, Many |
Medium, Many |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
CM1-6 OM1-6 |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
|
Occupational
VSRs |
|||||||||||
|
O-1 |
Fishermen in Po Toi O |
Small |
Small |
Low, Few |
Low, Few |
Slight |
Slight |
CM1-6 OM1-6 |
Slight |
Slight |
Insubstantial |
|
O-2 |
Workers/Staff at Clear
Water Bay Country Park Visitor Centre |
Negligible |
Negligible |
Low, Few |
Low, Few |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
CM1-6 OM1-6 |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
|
O-3 |
Workers in Seafood
Restaurants in Po Toi O |
Small |
Negligible |
Low, Few |
Low, Few |
Slight |
Insubstantial |
CM1-6 OM1-6 |
Slight |
Insubstantial |
Insubstantial |
10.8.1 There are two planned projects within the Study Area described in Section 10.3.3, namely:
(a)
Construction
of a roundabout near the existing minibus stop in Po Toi O; and
(b)
Maintenance
dredging of Poi Toi O Fish Culture Zone.
10.8.2
There is no definite programme for the above
project works and in the absence of information it is therefore assumed that
they will not be carried out concurrently with the Project. Consequently there are no cumulative
landscape and visual impacts that need to be taken into account in this
assessment.
10.9
Environmental Monitoring and Audit
Monitoring of Design, Construction and Establishment Works
(a)
The contractor shall employ a professionally qualified Registered
Landscape Architect (RLA) on the Environmental Team to supervise and monitor the implementation of construction phase landscape
and visual mitigation measures. The design, implementation and maintenance of landscape and visual
mitigation measures (refer to Table 10-6
and Table 10-7) shall be checked to
ensure that they are fully realised and that any potential conflicts between
the proposed landscape measures and any other project works and operational
requirements are resolved at the earliest possible date and without compromise
to the intention of the mitigation measures.
Design of Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures
(b)
The
detailed design of the landscape and visual mitigation measures shall be
undertaken so as to ensure compliance with the measures described in Section 10.6.4.
Site Supervision of Landscape Works
(c)
The
implementation of the landscape works and tree risk assessment during the
construction phase and establishment works shall be inspected in accordance
with the site audit program.
Monitoring
of Landscape Mitigation
Measures