TABLE OF CONTENTs

8 Landscape and visual Impacts 8-1

8.1 Introduction. 8-1

8.2 Environmental Legislation, Standards and Criteria. 8-1

8.3 Landscape Assessment Methodology. 8-2

8.4 Visual Impact Assessment Methodology. 8-4

8.5 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework. 8-7

8.6 Baseline Study. 8-8

8.7 Landscape Impact Assessment 8-13

8.8 Visual Impact Assessment 8-14

8.9 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures. 8-19

8.10 Residual Impact 8-23

8.11 Cumulative Impacts. 8-30

8.12 Environmental Monitoring and Audit 8-31

8.13 Conclusion. 8-31

TABLES

Table 8.1 Relationship between Landscape Sensitivity to Change and Magnitude of Change in Defining Impact Significance

Table 8.2 Relationship between VSRs Sensitivity to Change and Magnitude of Change in Defining Impact Significance

Table 8.3 Summary of the Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

Table 8.4 Sensitivity to Change of the Landscape Resources

Table 8.5 Sensitivity of Landscape Character Areas

Table 8.6 Baseline Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) and their Sensitivity to Change

Table 8.7 Magnitude of Change on Landscape Resources (LRs) and Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) under Unmitigated Condition

Table 8.8 Locations and Development Details of Permanent Man-made Structures

Table 8.9 Magnitude of Visual Changes during Construction and Operation Phases under Unmitigated Condition

Table 8.10 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction and Operation Phases

Table 8.11 Significance of Landscape Impacts during Construction and Operation Phases

Table 8.12 Significance of Visual Impacts during the Construction and Operation Phases Before and After Mitigated Condition

Table 8.13 Potential Cumulative Landscape and Visual Impact

FIGURES

Figure 8.1 Review of Planning Framework

Figure 8.2 Landscape Resources

Figure 8.3 Landscape Character Areas

Figure 8.4 Photos of Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas

Figure 8.5 Locations of Visually Sensitive Receivers

Figure 8.6 Visually Sensitive Receivers Photos (Sheet 1 of 2)

Figure 8.7 Visually Sensitive Receivers Photos (Sheet 2 of 2)

Figure 8.8 Viewpoint 1 Photomontages

Figure 8.9 Viewpoint 2 Photomontages

Figure 8.10 Viewpoint 3 Photomontages

Figure 8.11 Viewpoint 4 Photomontages

Figure 8.12 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Plan (Sheet 1 of 2)

Figure 8.13 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Plan (Sheet 2 of 2)

APPENDIX

Appendix 8.1 Broad Brush Tree Survey Plan and Schedule

Appendix 8.2 Indicative Location of Planned Trees to be Planted Under HKBCF

Landscape and visual Impacts

8.1 Introduction

8.1.1 This section presents the findings of the assessment of potential landscape and visual impacts associated with the Project. The assessment has been conducted in accordance with the criteria and guidelines as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM) as well as the requirements given in Clause 3.4.8 and Appendix F of the EIA Study Brief (No. ESB-302/2017).

8.2 Environmental Legislation, Standards and Criteria

8.2.1 The following legislation, standards and guidelines are applicable to landscape and visual impact assessment associated with the construction and operation of the Project:

· EIAO (Cap.499 S.16) and the EIAO-TM, particularly Annexes 10 and 18;

· EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010;

· Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131);

· Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586);

· Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) Chapters 4, 10 and 11;

· AFCD Nature Conservation Practice Note No. 2 – Measurement of Diameter at Breast Height (DBH);

· AFCD Nature Conservation Practice Note No. 3 – The Use of Plant Names;

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

· ETWB TCW No. 8/2005 – Aesthetic Design of Ancillary Buildings in Engineering Projects;

· DevB TCW No. 2/2012 – Allocation of Space for Quality Greening on Roads;

· DevB TCW No. 3/2012 – Site Coverage of Greenery for Government Building Projects;

· DevB TCW No. 6/2015 – Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features;

· DevB TCW No. 7/2015 – Tree Preservation;

· Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) Publication No. 1/2011 – Technical Guidelines on Landscape Treatment and Bio-Engineering for Man-Made Slopes and Retaining Walls;

· Guidelines on Tree Transplanting (September 2014) issued by Greening, Landscape and Tree Management (GLTM) Section of DevB;

· Guidelines on Tree Preservation during Development (April 2015) issued by GLTM Section of DevB; and

· Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong.

8.2.2 The OZP gazetted under the Town Planning Ordinance provides the statutory framework for land use development. Reference has been made to the Approved Chek Lap Kok Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-CLK/14.

8.3 Landscape Assessment Methodology

8.3.1 The landscape impacts have been assessed according to the following procedures:

Identification of the Baseline Landscape Resources (LRs) and Landscape Character Areas (LRAs) Found within the Study Area

8.3.2 The LRs and LCAs within the 500m study area as defined by the EIA Study Brief will be included in the assessment. This is achieved by desktop research study of topographical maps, information databases, approved EIAs of the committed projects, photographs and subsequent site visit for verification.

Assessment of the Degree of Sensitivity to Change of the LRs and LCAs 

8.3.3 This is influenced by a number of factors including: (i) whether the resource/character is common or rare; (ii) whether it is considered to be of local, regional, national or global importance; (iii) whether there are any statutory or regulatory limitations/requirements relating to the resource; (iv) the quality of the resource/character; (v) the maturity of the resource; and (vi) the ability of the resource/character to accommodate change.

8.3.4 The sensitivity to change is classified as follows:

High:	Important LR or LCA of particularly distinctive characteristics or high importance, which is sensitive to relatively small change.
Medium:	LR or LCA of moderately valued landscape characteristics, which is reasonably tolerant to change.
Low:	LR or LCA with low landscape characteristics and value, which is largely tolerant to change.

Identification of Sources of Landscape Impacts

8.3.5 There are the various elements of the construction works and operation procedures would generate landscape impact.

Assessment of Magnitude of Change

8.3.6 The assessment would be affected by a number of factors including, (i) the physical extent of impact; (ii) the landscape context of impact; and (iii) the time-scale of impact, such as whether it is temporary (short, medium or long term), permanent with reversible potentials, or irreversibly permanent.

8.3.7 The magnitude of change is classified as follows:

Large:	LR or LCA will suffer a major change.
Intermediate:	LR or LCA would suffer a moderate change.
Small:	LR or LCA would suffer slight or barely perceptible change.
Negligible:	LR or LCA will suffer no discernible change.

Identification of Potential Landscape Mitigation Measures 

8.3.8 Alternative design and/or construction method that would avoid or reduce the identified landscape impact will be examined before adopting other mitigation. Potential mitigation measures will be identified for both construction and operation phases to mitigate unavoidable adverse impacts. These include preservation of vegetation and natural landscape resources, transplanting trees in good condition and value, provision of screen planting, re-vegetation of disturbed lands, compensatory planting, woodland restoration etc.  A programme for the mitigation measures is provided.  The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified.

Prediction of Significance of Landscape Impacts before and after the Implementation of the Mitigation Measures

8.3.9 The landscape impacts have been assessed by synthesizing sensitivity to change and magnitude of change of various LRs and LCAs according to Table 8.1. The degree of significance is divided 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 to change of the LRs/LCAs.

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.

Table 8.1 Relationship between Landscape Sensitivity to Change and Magnitude of Change in Defining Impact Significance

Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial
	Small	Insubstantial / Slight	Slight / Moderate	Moderate
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
		Low	Medium	High
		LRs and LCAs Sensitivity to Change

Note: All impacts are adverse unless otherwise noted with beneficial.

Prediction of Acceptability of Landscape Impacts

8.3.10 An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM:

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

· The impact is acceptable if the assessment indicates that there will be no significant effects on the landscape causes by the project;

· 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 area 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.

8.4 Visual Impact Assessment Methodology

8.4.1 The visual impacts have been assessed according to the following procedures:

Identification of the Visual Envelope

8.4.2 Visual Envelope may contain areas, which are fully visible, partly visible and non-visible from the proposed development. Identification of the Visual Envelope is achieved by desktop study of topographic maps, street maps, cross sectional drawings, photographs and site visit to determine visibility of the Project from various locations. The assessment area should be up to the visual envelope which is generally the viewshed formed by natural/man-made features, such as building blocks.

Identification of the Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

8.4.3 VSRs are considered as person whose views from residences, workplaces, and public areas within the Visual Envelope will be affected by the project during construction and/or operation phases

Assessment of the Degree of Sensitivity to Change of the VSRs

8.4.4 Type of VSRs:

· It is classified according to whether the person is at home, at work, at play or travelling.

· Viewers from residences – they are considered to be highly sensitive. The attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook from their home will have a substantial effect on their perceived quality and acceptability of their home environment, as well as their general quality of life.

· Viewers from workplaces – less sensitive than the above due to visual amenity being less important within the work environment; the degree to which this applies depends on whether the workplace is industrial, retail or commercial. 

· Viewers from recreational areas – including all areas apart from the above, e.g. public parks, recreation grounds, waterfront etc. Sensitivity of this group depends on the type of outdoor leisure activity, e.g. relaxing in an open space, jogging, children play etc.

· Viewers from public thoroughfare – they include those who are queuing for public transportation, travelling on a highway, walking along pedestrian path etc.  They would display varies sensitivity depending on the speed of travel.

8.4.5 Factors of consideration include:

· The sensitivity of each VSRs group is also influenced by its location and direction of view relative to the proposed development. The assessment will relate to the typical viewpoints within each of the visually sensitive receiver group, as identified above, and their existing and potential views subsequent to the proposed development.

· Factors as required by EIAO GN 8/2010 including the value and quality of existing views, availability and amenity of alternative views, the duration or frequency of view and degree of visibility shall be considered in the assessment.

8.4.6 The sensitivity to change 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.

Identification of Relative Numbers of VSRs

8.4.7 This is expressed in terms of whether there are “many“, “medium” and “few” VSRs in any one category of VSR.

Identification of Sources of Visual Impacts

8.4.8 These are the various elements of the construction works and operation that would generate visual changes.

Assessment of Magnitude of Change

8.4.9 Factors of consideration include:

· compatibility with the surrounding landscape;

· duration of the impact;

· reversibility of the impact;

· scale of the impact;

· distance of the source of impact from the viewer;

· degree of visibility of source(s) of the impact, and

· potential blockage of existing views.

8.4.10 The magnitude of 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.

Identification of Potential Visual Mitigation Measures

8.4.11 Alternative design and/or construction method that would avoid or reduce the identified visual impact will be examined before adopting other mitigation. Potential mitigation measures will be identified for both construction and operation phases to mitigate unavoidable adverse impacts. These include the preservation of vegetation and natural landscape resources, provision of screen planting, re-vegetation of disturbed lands, compensatory planting, woodland restoration, aesthetic design of aboveground structures (e.g. proposed Bonded Vehicular Bridge, transformer’s room etc.). The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are also identified.

Prediction of Significance of Visual Impacts before and after the Implementation of the Mitigation Measures 

8.4.12 The visual impacts during construction and operation phases were assessed by synthesizing sensitivity to change and magnitude of change of VSRs according to Table 8.2. 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 to change of the VSRs.

Substantial:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality.
Moderate:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality.
Slight:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality.
Insubstantial:	No discernible change in the existing visual quality.

Table 8.2 Relationship between VSRs Sensitivity to Change and Magnitude of Change in Defining Impact Significance

Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial
	Small	Insubstantial / Slight	Slight / Moderate	Moderate
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
		Low	Medium	High
		VSRs Sensitivity to Change

Note: All impacts are adverse unless otherwise noted with beneficial.

Prediction of Acceptability of Residual Visual Impacts

8.4.13 An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM.

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

· The impact is acceptable if the assessment indicates that there will be no significant visual effects causes 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 area 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.

8.5 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

8.5.1 Relevant plan(s) and/or studies which may identify areas of high landscape value, country parks, coastal protection area, GB and CA designations are reviewed. Any guidelines on landscape and urban design strategies and frameworks that may affect the appreciation of the Project are also reviewed. The aim is to gain an insight of the future outlook of the affected area so as to assess whether the Project can fit into the surrounding setting. Any conflict with statutory town plan(s) is highlighted and appropriate follow up action is recommended.

8.5.2 The Study Area of the Project is covered under the approved Chek Lap Kok Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-CLK/14. The landuse zones overlaid on the Project layout is shown in Figure 8.1. While the landuse zones to be potentially affected by the Project and the future outlook of the area is discussed and summarised in Table 8.3.

Table 8.3 Summary of the Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

OZP Plan Title and No.	Land use Zoning	Approx. Area of the Land Use Zones to be affected	Current Design and Conservation Intention in the OZP
Approved Chek Lap Kok Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-CLK/14	Other Specified Uses (OU)	8,320 m^2	Intended primarily for ’Boundary Crossing Facilities’ only.

8.5.3 It is concluded that the proposed development would have no conflict with the current relevant planning and development control framework for existing land, as it is consistent with the current designated land uses on existing land.

8.6 Baseline Study

Landscape Resources (LRs)

8.6.1 The baseline LRs that would be affected during the construction phase and operation phase, together with their sensitivity to change are described in Table 8.4. The extent and location of the LRs are shown in Figure 8.2. Photographs represent the views of the LRs within the study area are presented in Figure 8.4.

Table 8.4 Sensitivity to Change of the Landscape Resources

LRs	Description	Sensitivity
LR1	Coastal Waters of North Lantau Island This LR consists the vast seawater body around the HKBCF. It possesses strong sense of openness frequented by commercial and pleasure craft marine traffic. This valuable resource also contributes to the unique waterfront setting of Tung Chung. Considering its physical characteristics and its regional importance, it has low ability to accommodate change. In general, the landscape quality and value of this LR is considered high.	High
LR2	Roadside Landscape Areas within the HKIA It mainly comprises of themed roadside amenity planting along Airport roads and internal roads around the buildings. The planting areas are generally defined by low hedges, large grassed area, groundcovers, small shrubs, ornamental palms and small semi-mature trees. Identified common landscape tree species include Ficus benjamina, Grevillea robusta, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Juniperus chinensis, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Cocos nucifera and Ravenala madagascariensis. They are mostly in fair quality with limited individual value. It is a common landscape resource in Hong Kong with medium ability to accommodate change. In overall, the landscape quality and value of this LR is considered medium.	Medium
LR3	Planned Amenity / Compensatory Planting Area on HKBCF Based on the planned development of HKBCF, there would be proposed hydroseeding and peripheral planting. Predominant proposed species include Iris tectorum, Spathiphyllum commutatum, Aglaia odorata Ficus microcarpa ‘golden leaves’, Ligustrum ovalifolium, Malvaviscus arboreus etc. Since this recent instalment of proposed planting would be easily replaceable, the ability of this landscape resources to accommodate change shall be high. The general landscape quality and value of this LR is considered medium to low.	Low

Landscape Character Area (LCA)

8.6.2 The baseline LCAs that would be affected during the construction phase and operation phase, together with their sensitivity to change are described in are described in Table 8.5. The extent and location of the LCAs are shown in Figure 8.3. Photographs represent the LCAs within the study area are presented in Figure 8.4. The below listed LCAs represent the baseline condition after completion of the approved committed projects.

Table 8.5 Sensitivity of Landscape Character Area

LCAs	Description	Sensitivity
LCA1	Inshore Water Landscape This water body is mainly bounded by the Airport Island and HKBCF. Due to its vastness, it has medium ability to accommodate change without compromising its essential nature i.e. sense of openness and wilderness. The general landscape quality and value is considered medium.	High
LCA2	Reclaimed HKIA and HKBCF This LCA is characterised by flat and extensive coverage of runways, traffic corridors, large footprint of low-rise buildings and associated infrastructure from the Airport and HKBCF. Amenity planting mostly located at roadside or around periphery of buildings. The ability to accommodate change is medium to high. In overall, the landscape quality and value of the character area is medium.	Low

Broad Brush Tree Survey

8.6.3 A broad brush tree survey was undertaken within the landscape study boundary. The survey identified the dominant tree species, maturity, rarity and any plant species of conservation interest etc. which would be potentially affected to provide baseline information on the LRs and LCAs. The broad brush tree survey findings including tree survey plans and tree schedule are illustrated in Appendix 8.1.

8.6.4 It is estimated that approximately 435 no. of trees were identified within the surveyed area. Dominant tree species to include Ficus benjamina, Grevillea robusta, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Juniperus chinensis, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Cocos nucifera and Ravenala madagascariensis. These trees are generally between 2 m to 14 m in height with trunk diameter ranging from 95 to 400 mm. Crown spread is between 2 m to 10 m wide. No rare or endangered speciesx4t and no ‘Old and Valuable Trees’ (OVTs) were identified. They are generally with medium amenity value and these species are commonly found in Hong Kong.

Visual Envelope

8.6.5 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. Areas of visual shadow may occur within the Visual Envelope due to intervening topography. Given the medium to low rise of the proposed development, the visual envelope has been mapped based on the exposure of the proposed development on the surrounding development and is shown in Figure 8.5.

8.6.6 The identified visual envelope captures Tung Chung Town, Tung Chung New Town Extension, North Commercial Development (NCD) area of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and the Urmston Road. To the south, it is bounded by the predominant ridgelines of Lantau Island. While the northeast and northwest boundaries of the visual envelope are confined by the built-up area in HKIA and HKBCF. To the north, it extends towards the open sea of Urmston Road.

Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

8.6.7 Within the Visual Envelope, a number of key VSRs would be affected during the construction phase and operation phase were identified. The location of the VSRs are shown in Figure 8.5, while their existing views are provided in Figure 8.6-8.7. The key VSRs are listed and the baseline assessment and sensitivity are presented in Table 8.6.

8.6.8 The sensitivity of VSRs is assessed in accordance with EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010. Key factors including type of VSRs, number of individuals within the VSRs, quality of existing view, availability of alternative views, degree of visibility, duration of view and frequency of view of the VSRs are evaluated.

8.6.9 Four key VSRs types are identified within the identified Visual Envelope of the Project. They include residential VSRs along northern coastline of Lantau Island, recreational and occupational VSRs from the HKIA and HKBCF, as well as travelling VSRs along public thoroughfare.

Table 8.6 Baseline Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) and their Sensitivity to Change

O = Occupational VSRs; RE = Recreational VSRs; R = Residential VSRs; T= Travelling VSRs

VSR ID.	Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	No. of Individual (Many/ Medium/ Few)		Approx. Closet Viewing Distance to Project Site (m)	Value and Quality of Existing View (Good/Fair/ Poor)	Availability of Alternative Views of similar or better quality (Yes/No)	Degree of Visibility to project site (Full/ Partial/ Obscured)	Frequency of View (Frequent/ Occasional/Rare)	Duration of View (Long/ Medium/Short)	Sensitivity (High/Medium /Low)
		Construction	Operation							Construction	Operation
R1	Tung Chung Town	Many	Many	2570	Good	Yes	Full	Frequent	Long	Medium	Medium
R2	Tung Chung New Town Extension	N/A[1]	Many	2160	Good	Yes	Full	Frequent	Long	N/A^1	Medium
RE1	Visitors at AsiaWorld-Expo	Many	Many	560	Fair	No	Full	Occasional	Short	Low	Low
RE2	Visitors at Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel	Many	Many	230	Fair	No	Full	Occasional	Medium	High	High
RE3	Visitors to North Commercial District	N/A^1	Medium	180	Fair	No	Full	Occasional	Medium	N/A^1	High
RE4	Recreational users at Tung Chung New Town Extension	N/A^1	Many	2570	Good	Yes	Obscured	Occasional	Medium	N/A^1	Medium
RE5	Recreational users at Scenic Hill	Few	Few	2800	Good	Yes	Full	Occasional	Medium	Medium	Medium
O1	Workers at AsiaWorld-Expo	Medium	Medium	560	Fair	No	Full	Frequent	Short	Low	Low
O2	Workers at Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel	Medium	Medium	230	Fair	No	Full	Frequent	Medium	Medium	Medium
O3	Workers at North Commercial District	Medium	Medium	183	Fair	No	Full	Frequent	Medium	Medium	Medium
O4	Workers at Civil Aviation Department Headquarters Office Building	Medium	Medium	1520	Fair	Yes	Obscured	Frequent	Medium	Low	Low
O5	Workers at Tung Chung New Town Extension	Many	Many	2160	Good	Yes	Full	Frequent	Medium	Medium	Medium
O6	Workers at HKBCF	Medium	Medium	<100	Fair	Yes	Full	Frequent	Medium	Medium	Medium
T1	Visitors at HKBCF	Many	Many	Varies	Fair	Yes	Full	Occasional	Short	Low	Low
T2	Sea Travelers	Many	Many	Varies	Fair to Good	Yes	Varies	Occasional	Short	Medium	Medium
T3	North Lantau Highway	Many	Many	Varies	Good	No	Obscured	Occasional	Short	Low	Low

8.7 Landscape Impact Assessment

Sources of Landscape Impacts

8.7.1 The sources of landscape impacts in the construction phase include:

· Construction of the Bonded Vehicular Bridge foundation using marine bored piles

· Construction of viaducts, associated staging facilities and underground utilities

8.7.2 Electrical vehicles will be used during ITT operation phase, no sources of landscape impact is anticipated..

Magnitude of Landscape Change

8.7.3 The magnitude of unmitigated landscape change associated with the construction and operation phases of the Project are assessed and described in Table 8.7.

Table 8.7 Magnitude of Change on Landscape Resources (LRs) and Landscape Character Area (LCAs) under Unmitigated Condition

ID	Landscape Resources/ Character Areas	Potential Sources of Impacts	Description of Impacts	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
				Construction	Operation
Landscape Resources
LR1	Coastal Waters of North Lantau Island	· Construction of the Bonded Vehicular Bridge foundation using marine bored piles	There would be permanent, irreversible small scale of change. Since no open sea dredging of seabed would be involved, the affected area would be relatively localized with approx. 19,178 m^2to be disturbed. The foundations and piers on top would also located away and will not disturb the sea wall during the construction.	Small	Small
LR2	Roadside landscape area within the HKIA	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR3	Planned Amenity / Compensatory Planting Area on HKBCF	· Construction of viaducts, associated staging facilities and underground utilities	Approx. 24,855 m^2 out of 557,000 m^2 (i.e. equivalent to about 4.46%) of this LR would be affected, including permanent loss of approx. 13,163 m^2 planting area. Approx. 145 no. of planned trees would be affected. Such scale of affected area is considered relatively small.	Small	Small
Landscape Character Area
LCA1	Inshore Water Landscape	· Construction of the Bonded Vehicular Bridge with foundation using marine bored piles	Approx. 19,178 m^2 of the LCA would be affected. There would be perceivable disruption to the overall unity of the inshore water landscape from the erection of the proposed vehicular bridge and associated construction equipment setup during construction phase.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LCA2	Reclaimed HKIA and HKBCF	· Construction of the Bonded Vehicular Bridge, including the foundation using marine bored piles	Approx. 34,007 m^2 out of 13,745,052 m^2 (i.e. equivalent to about 0.25%) of this LCA would be affected. The change would be of small scale, permanent and irreversible.	Small	Small

Identification of Potential Landscape Mitigation Measures

8.7.4 Please refer to Section 8.9 for detail assessment.

Prediction of Significance of Landscape Impacts before and after Mitigation

8.7.5 The significance of landscape impacts, before and after implementation of mitigated measures, in construction and operation phases are assessed and are presented in Table 8.11.

8.8 Visual Impact Assessment

Sources of Visual Impacts

8.8.1 The sources of visual impacts of the project during construction phase would include:

· Construction of the Bonded Vehicular Bridge foundation using marine bored piles

· Construction of viaducts, associated staging facilities and underground utilities

· Construction of proposed man-made structures, including fence, toilets transformer rooms etc.

· Temporary works area within the HKBCF and the inshore seawater area with associated construction equipment and setup

· Removal of the planned amenity / compensatory planting on the HKBCF

8.8.2 The sources of visual impacts of the project during operation phase would include:

· Erection of the Bonded Vehicular Bridge

· Removal of the planned amenity planting/ planned tree planting on the HKBCF

· Proposed man-made structures, including fence, toilets, transformer room etc.

8.8.3 The locations and development details of permanent man-made structures that would cause potential visual impact are summarised in Table 8.8.

Table 8.8 Locations and Development Details of Permanent Man-made Structures

Location	Approximate Height and Level (mPD) of the structure ^(1)	Approximate Coverage (m)^(1)
Bonded Vehicular Bridge (marine section)	23.6 mPD at top level, 20.2 m above ESL at 3.4 mPD	360 m(L) x 11m(W) (50 m at ITT end)
Bonded Vehicular Bridge (on land section)	22.7 mPD at top level, 16.2 m above ground	164 m(L) x 11 m(W)
Transformer Room and LV Switch Room x 3	17.0 mPD at top level, 10.5 m above ground	· 13 m (L) x 6.6 m (W) · 20 m (L) x 6.6 m (W)
AA Kiosk for Security Control x 2	9.5 mPD, 3 m above ground	5 m(L) x 4 m(W)
C&ED Kiosk x 3	9.5 mPD, 3 m above ground	5 m(L) x 4 m(W)
Toilets x 4	9.5 mPD, 3 m above ground	· 4 m (L) x 2 m (W) · 6 m (L) x 5 m (W)

Note: (1) Subject to detailed design

Magnitude of Visual Change

8.8.4 The magnitude of change during construction and operation phases are assessed based on the viewing distance, compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape, duration of changes, scale of development, reversibility of change and potential blockage of view as shown in Table 8.9.

8.8.5 During construction, VSRs at close proximity (RE1 to RE2, O1 to O3, O6 and T1) would experience a medium scale of temporary and reversible change of view. Due to their direct exposure to the proposed works area, there would inevitably potential blockage of view at their close viewing distance from the temporary construction equipment setup and construction of proposed structures across the inshore water to the HKBCF. These visual distractions shall result in perceivable decrease in their quality of view. Considering the construction works shall last for a few years, the compatibility of the proposed works shall be medium to low.

8.8.6 While during the operation, VSRs with short viewing distance (RE1 to RE3, O1 to O3, O6 and T1) to the proposed works would anticipate permanent and irreversible change of view. The proposed Bonded Vehicular Bridge would segregate their sea view. Partial to slight potential blockage of view is expected. The general compatibility of the proposed works to these VSRs are considered medium to low.

8.8.7 It is predicted that there would be intermediate to small magnitude of visual impact on VSRs who are immediately close to the Project and adjacent elevated VSRs who have an overview to the proposed works during both phases.

8.8.8 For the remaining distant VSRs (R1, R2, RE4, RE5, O4, O5, T2 and T3), the extent of the proposed works occupies a relatively small portion of view. They would barely notice the change of view from the erection of the proposed Bonded Vehicular Bridge and associated temporary construction setup. Their focus on view would be on the almost unobstructed panoramic sea view with retained strong sense of openness. In general, the proposed works possess high compatibility to these VSRs. Their magnitude of change shall be small to negligible during both construction and operation phases. Except for R2, RE3 and RE4, which are from concurrent projects, no individual would be affected during construction phase.

Table 8.9 Magnitude of Visual Changes during Construction and Operation Phases under Unmitigated Condition

Cons = construction phase; Op = operation phase

VSR ID	VSR	Approx. Closest Viewing Distance to Project Site (m)	Compatibility of the Project with the visual backdrop (High/ Medium/ Low)		Duration of Impacts (Long/ Medium/ Short)		Scale of Development (Large / Medium/ Small)	Reversibility of Change (Yes / No)		Degree of visibility to the project site (Full / Partial / Obscured)		Potential Blockage of View (Full / Partial / Slight / Negligible)		Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
			Cons	Op	Cons	Op		Cons	Op	Cons	Op	Cons	Op	Cons	Op
R1	Tung Chung Town	2570	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Yes	No	Full	Full	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
R2	Tung Chung New Town Extension	2160	N/A2	High	N/A2	Long	Medium	N/A2	No	N/A^2	Full	N/A2	Negligible	N/A[2]	Small
RE1	Visitors at AsiaWorld-Expo	560	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Yes	No	Full	Full	Partial	Slight	Intermediate	Small
RE2	Visitors at Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel	230	Low	Low	Medium	Long	Medium	Yes	No	Full	Full	Partial	Slight	Intermediate	Small
RE3	Visitors to North Commercial Facilities	180	N/A2	Low	N/A2	Long	Medium	N/A^2	No	N/A^2	Full	N/A2	Partial	N/A^2	Intermediate
RE4	Recreational users at Tung Chung New Town Extension	2570	N/A2	High	N/A2	Long	Medium	N/A^2	No	N/A^2	Obscured	N/A2	Negligible	N/A^2	Negligible
RE5	Recreational users at Scenic Hill	2800	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Yes	No	Full	Full	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
O1	Workers at Asia-World-Expo	560	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Yes	No	Full	Full	Partial	Slight	Intermediate	Small
O2	Workers at Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel	230	Low	Low	Medium	Long	Medium	Yes	No	Full	Full	Partial	Slight	Intermediate	Small
O3	Workers at North Commercial District	180	Low	Low	Medium	Long	Medium	Yes	No	Full	Full	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
O4	Workers at Civil Aviation Department Headquarters Office Building	1520	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Yes	No	Obscured	Obscured	Slight	Negligible	Small	Negligible
O5	Workers at Tung Chung New Town Extension	2160	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Yes	No	Full	Full	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
O6	Workers at HKBCF	<100	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Yes	No	Full	Full	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
T1	Visitors at HKBCF	<100	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Yes	No	Full	Full	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
T2	Sea Travelers	Varies	Low	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Yes	No	Varies	Varies	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Small
T3	North Lantau Highway	2640	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Yes	No	Obscured	Obscured	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Negligible

Identification of Potential Visual Mitigation Measures

8.8.9 Please refer to Section 8.9 for detail assessment.

Prediction of Significance of Visual Impacts before and after Mitigation

8.8.10 The significance of visual impacts, before the implementation of mitigation measures, in the construction phase and operation phase, are assessed in accordance with the methodology set out in Table 8.2 of the Report and presented in Table 8.12.

8.8.11 Please refer to Section 8.9 for detail assessment.

Recommended Photomontage Viewpoints

8.8.12 Computer generated photomontages are prepared to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact of the Project. The criteria for the selection of representative viewpoints for photomontages include: -

· The viewpoints which cover the aboveground / above sea structure viewed from major public viewpoint represents key VSRs or VSR groups who would be potentially affected by the proposed Project; and

· The viewpoints which shall be able to represent the worst-case scenarios and demonstrate the compatibility of the aboveground / above sea structures to the adjacent visual context and illustrate the visual effect during Day 1 without mitigation measures, Day 1 with mitigation measures and Year 10 with mitigation measures.

8.8.13 Based on the location of the proposed works, selected viewpoints from key representative VSRs are mapped in Figure 8.5. Computer-generated photomontages to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact of the Project, as well as the effectiveness of proposed mitigation measures are shown in Figures 8.12 to 8.13. They are described as follow.

8.8.14 Viewpoint 1 – Viewpoint from HKBCF. This viewpoint represents typical view of T1 from the HKBCF. These VSRs possess direct and panoramic view to the development site within their medium to short viewing distance.

8.8.15 Viewpoint 2 – Viewpoint from Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel. This selected viewpoint represents view of O2 and RE2, who are from the Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel. It shows their full exposure to the project site at close viewing distance.

8.8.16 Viewpoint 3 – Viewpoint from the seafront of Tung Chung Town. This viewpoint is selected as representative view for T2 and RE4. It is a panoramic sea view with view to the proposed project site at long viewing distance.

8.8.17 Viewpoint 4 – Viewpoint from the Coastal Skyline. This viewpoint represents the typical view of residential and occupational VSRs (R1, R2, RE5 and O5). It is overlooking the entire HKBCF with full visibility to the proposed project site at long viewing distance.

8.8.18 Viewpoints from the remaining VSRs are not included for photomontages because their views to the project site are generally partially to completely obscured by the surrounding development or are publicly inaccessible at existing condition.

8.9 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

8.9.1 The proposed works has been designed to minimise any potential landscape and visual impact as much as possible. Unavoidably, there would be some potential landscape and visual impact. Landscape and visual mitigation measures are therefore proposed to alleviate the potential adverse landscape and visual impact.

8.9.2 The proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures in the construction and operation area listed in Table 8.10 below, together with indication of funding, implementation, maintenance and management agencies and they are illustrated in Figures 8.12 to 8.13.

Table 8.10 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction and Operation Phases

ID	Landscape Mitigation Measures	Type of Mitigation Measures		Parties to provide funding	Implementation Agency	Parties to be responsible for maintenance and management
		Landscape	Visual
Construction Phase
CM1	Preservation of New Tree Planting [1] All the planned new trees to be retained and not to be affected by the Project shall be carefully protected during construction in accordance with DevB TCW No. 7/2015 – Tree Preservation during Development issued by GLTM Section of DevB. Any existing vegetation in landscaped area and natural terrain not to be affected by the Project shall be carefully preserved.	✔	✔	AAHK	Project Proponent-	AAHK
CM2	Transplanting of Affected Trees [1] [3] Planned trees to be planted under HKBCF unavoidably affected by the works shall be transplanted within the project boundary or off-site within the Airport Island (i.e. within area of approx. 6.2km) as far as possible in accordance with DevB TCW No. 7/2015 – Tree Preservation and the latest Guidelines on Tree Transplanting issued by GLTM Section of DevB.	✔		AAHK	Project Proponent	AAHK
CM3	Compensatory Tree Planting [3] Any planned trees to be planted under HKBCF to be felled under the Project shall be compensated within the project boundary or off-site within the Airport Island (i.e. within area of approx. 6.2km), in accordance with DevB TCW No. 7/2015 – Tree Preservation. The compensatory planting shall be of a ratio not less than 1:1 in terms of number, i.e. the number of compensatory trees shall not be lower than that of the number of trees to be felled. Justification shall be provided if tree compensation requirement could not be met. For trees to be compensated on slopes, the guidelines for tree planting stipulated in GEO Publication No. 1/2011 will be followed.	✔	✔	AAHK	Project Proponent	AAHK
CM4	Control of night-time lighting glare Any lighting provision of the construction works at night shall be carefully control to prevent light overspill to the nearby VSRs and into the sky.		✔	AAHK	Project Proponent	AAHK
CM5	Erection of Decorative Screen Hoarding Decorative Hoarding, which is compatible with the surrounding settings, shall be erected during construction to minimise the potential landscape and visual impacts due to the construction works and activities.		✔	AAHK	Project Proponent	AAHK
CM6	Management of Construction Activities and Facilities The facilities and activities at works sites and areas, which include site office, temporary storage areas, temporary works etc., shall be carefully managed and controlled on the height, deposition and arrangement to minimise any potential adverse landscape and visual impacts.	✔	✔	AAHK	Project Proponent	AAHK
CM7	Reinstatement of Temporarily Disturbed Landscape Areas All hard and soft landscape areas disturbed temporarily during construction shall be reinstated on like-to-like basis, to the satisfaction of the relevant Government Departments.	✔	✔	AAHK	Project Proponent	AAHK
Operation Phase
OM1	Aesthetically Pleasing Design of Aboveground / Above Sea Structures The proposed structures in regard of layouts, forms, materials and finishes shall be sensitively designed so as to blend in the structures to the adjacent landscape and visual context		✔	AAHK	Project Proponent	Long term maintenance and management parties
OM2	Provision of Amenity Planting Amenity planting, including groundcover and trees shall be provided to soften the proposed above-ground structures on HKBCF as far as appropriate.	✔	✔	AAHK	Project Proponent	Long term maintenance and management parties [2]

NOTES:

[1] The Project Proponent shall review the latest situation and arrangement of the proposed treatment of the planned trees which is practical and acceptable to the authorities.

[2] AAHK would liaise with relevant government departments to agree on the subsequent maintenance agent and would be responsible for maintenance and management of trees, vegetation before any agreement is made.

[3] Transplanting of affected trees, proposed compensatory planting and proposed amenity planting shall follow the latest Hong Kong International Airport Approved Plant Species List.

[4] AAHK would liaise with relevant authorities to agree tree receptor sites location for the proposed treatment.

Programme of Implementation of Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

8.9.3 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 Bonded Vehicular Bridge. However, it should be noted that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would not be appreciated for several years. Photomontages of the proposed Project without and with mitigation measures illustrating the appearance after 10 years of the completion of the proposed works are shown in Figures 8.8 to 8.11.

8.10 Residual Impact

Significance of Residual Landscape Impacts

8.10.1 The potential significance of the landscape impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, is provided in Table 8.11. The assessment follows the proposed methodology and assumes that proposed mitigation measures identified in Table 8.10 above would be fully implemented. The full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be realized after ten years.

8.10.2 During construction phase, approx.1800 m² of Coastal Waters of North Lantau Island (LR1) would be directly affected by the proposed Bonded Vehicular Bridge foundation using marine bored piles. Since no open sea dredging of seabed would be involved, the total affected area within LR1 during both construction and operation is relatively localized with coverage of approx. 19,178 m² and spanning about 360 m long. Under unmitigated condition, the magnitude of change for this landscape resource would be small for both phases. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measure, which is management of construction activities and facilities, the residual significance of landscape impact for this highly sensitive LR1 shall remain slight in both construction and operation phases. This is due to the proposed mitigation measures would not be sufficient to further alleviate the permanent landscape impact from the foundation of the proposed Bonded Vehicular Bridge.

8.10.3 Under the Project, there will be no existing trees be affected. According to information received from HKBCF, there are approximately 145 nos. of trees will be planted within the project boundary and these trees are very likely will be all affected by the proposed works. The area where HKBCF planned for tree planting will be occupied by the proposed road works, coach staging area, electric vehicle charging facilities, Government inspection areas, AA security control kiosks, plant rooms and other ancillary buildings to support ITT operation. Remaining area within the project boundary will either be used as temporary works area, utilities connection, services installation, erection of fencing or construction of other ancillary facilities. Due to limited land take for this project, these trees are very likely will be all affected by the proposed works. Detailed tree survey will be carried out in the detailed design stage of the Project. Trees affected will be firstly considered for transplanting in accordance with the Tree Transplanting Guidelines issued by GLTM Section of DevB. Trees unavoidably to be felled will be compensated within the project boundary or within the Airport Island in accordance with DevB TCW no. 7/2015. In addition, ground covers are proposed to maximise greening within the project boundary. Planting location and planting species will be carefully considered to avoid conflict with as-built underground utilities and the restriction for planting for works nearby Airport Island. The planned amenity / compensatory planting area on HKBCF (LR3) would be in place before commencement of the proposed works. It is expected approx. 24,855 m², including area of the planned trees to be planted under HKBCF within the project boundary as shown in Appendix 8.2. The affected area shall occupy about 4.46% of the total area (approx. 557,000 m²) of this LR. It is understood that the proposed mitigation measures would not be sufficient to alleviate the permanent loss in 12,254 m² of planting area. However, the affected extent is rather localized and small in comparison to the scale of this LR. Under unmitigated condition, the magnitude of change of it shall be small and the resultant significance of impact would be slight for both phases. After implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, including provision of amenity planting, management of construction activities and facilities, reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas, transplanted and/or compensation for the planned trees to be planted under HKBCF, etc., the residual landscape impact would remain slight for both phases.

8.10.4 Since there would be no impact to the roadside landscape area within the HKIA due to the proposed works, no landscape mitigation measures would be required. Insubstantial landscape impact is expected during both construction and operation phases.

8.10.5 LCA1 would anticipate medium magnitude of change for both construction and operation phases. This is due to the proposed permanent Bonded Vehicular Bridge and its associated construction set up would disrupt the overall sense of openness and coherence of this highly sensitive character area. By implementing the proposed mitigation measures include management of construction activities and facilities, the residual landscape impact for LCA1 would be reduced to slight during construction phase. The proposed mitigation measures would be insufficient in further alleviating the decreased sense of openness due to the proposed structures on sea, the residual landscape impact in the operation phase will be remain slight.

8.10.6 The Reclaimed HKIA and HKBCF (LCA2), approx. 34,007 m², would be affected due to the proposed works, including removal of planned planting and construction of proposed road and associated facilities. The affected area is comparatively limited, which is about 0.25% of the total area of LCA2, the magnitude of change would therefore consider as small. As LCA2 possess low sensitivity to change, the resultant significance of change shall be slight for both construction and operation phases under unmitigated condition. The proposed mitigation measures include preservation of new tree planting, management of construction activities and facilities, reinstatement of temporarily disturbed areas, provision of amenity planting etc. Since the proposed measures would not significantly alleviate the potential impact in permanent loss of planting area, the resultant residual landscape impact would remain slight for both phases.

Table 8.11 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction and Operation Phases

ID. No.	Landscape Resources / Landscape Character Areas	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)	Magnitude of Change (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance Threshold BEFORE Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance Threshold AFTER Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
								Construction	Operation
			Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation			DAY 1	YEAR 10
LR1	Coastal Waters of North Lantau Island	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM6	Slight	Slight	Slight
LR2	Roadside landscaped area within the HKIA	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Nil	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3	Planned Amenity / Compensatory Planting Area on HKBCF	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1 to CM3, CM6 to CM7, OM2	Slight	Slight	Slight
LCA1	Inshore Water Landscape	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Slight	CM6	Slight	Slight	Slight
LCA2	Reclaimed HKIA and HKBCF	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1 to CM3, CM6 to CM7, OM1 to OM2	Slight	Slight	Slight

Significance of Residual Visual Impacts

8.10.7 The potential significance of the residual visual impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, is provided in Table 8.12. The assessment followed the proposed methodology and assumed that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 8.10 above would be fully implemented. The full effect of the visual mitigation measures should be realized after ten years.

8.10.8 Photomontages illustrating the potential visual impact during operation with and without mitigation measures from representative VSRs due to the Project are shown in Figures 8.8 to 8.11. The potential visual impacts are assessed and summarised as below.

8.10.9 Viewpoint 1 represents view of visitors within the HKBCF (T1). It is an at-grade view located along the seawall of HKBCF, standing approximately 300 m away from the proposed Bonded Vehicular Bridge. The proposed works would be fully exposed to VSRs on the HKBCF. Unavoidably there would be perceivable loss in greenery coverage and partial potential blockage of view from the proposed structures, e.g. Bonded Vehicular Bridge, toilet etc.. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, including provision of aesthetically pleasing design to aboveground / above sea structures etc., it is considered that the proposed works shall be visually compatible with the adjacent landscape and visual setting of the area.

8.10.10 Viewpoint 2 is taken from the Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel. It illustrates the potential visual impact for O2 and RE2. The proposed Bonded Vehicular Bridge would be visible to the VSRs at a short viewing distance with loss in visual permeability of their view. There would be barely noticeable loss in the greenery coverage along the seawall of HKBCF. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, including reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas, provision of buffer planting, provision of aesthetically pleasing design to aboveground / above sea structures etc., it is considered that the proposed works shall be visually compatible with the adjacent landscape and visual setting of the area.

8.10.11 Viewpoint 3 from the seafront of Tung Chung Town, which is an at-grade view of over 2000m away from the proposed Bonded Vehicular Bridge. It represents the potential visual impact on travelling VSRs on sea (T2) and recreational users from Tung Chung New Town Extension (RE4). The proposed works would be barely noticeable to both VSRs at such long viewing distance. Due to the transient nature of T2, the perceivable change in quality of their travelling experience would be limited as well. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, including management of construction activities and facilities, aesthetically pleasing design to aboveground / above sea structures etc., the proposed works shall be visually compatible with the adjacent landscape and visual setting of the area.

8.10.12 Viewpoint 4 represents typical view of recreational VSRs from Scenic Hill (RE5), residential and occupational VSRs from Tung Chung Town (R1) and Tung Chung New Town Extension (R2 and O5). The proposed works would be barely visible at such long viewing distance and there would be limited perceivable change in sense of openness for their panoramic sea view. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, including aesthetic pleasing design to aboveground / above sea structures, the proposed works would be visually compatible to the surrounding landscape and visual context.

8.10.13 As a whole, during construction phase, the residual impact for all VSRs would remain the same under mitigated condition. Residual impact for those VSRs in close proximity (RE1, RE2, RE3, O1, O2, O3, O6 and T1) would be moderate, while the remaining distant VSRs shall be slight. This is due the proposed mitigation measures would not be sufficient to alleviate the potential blockage of view due to the construction works.

8.10.14 With implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, the residual impact during operation for VSRs from Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel (RE2, O2), North Commercial District (RE3, O3), HKBCF (O6, T1) and sea travellers (T2) would be reduced to slight in long term. For the rest of the VSRs, their residual impact shall be slight to insubstantial at Year 10 of the operation phase.

Table 8.12 Significance of Visual Impacts during the Construction and Operation Phases Before and After Mitigated Condition

VSR ID.	Key Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Receptor Sensitivity	Magnitude of Change (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance Threshold Before Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
								Construction	Operation
			Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation			DAY 1	YEAR 10
R1	Tung Chung Town	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM6, OM1	Slight	Slight	Slight
R2	Tung Chung New Town Extension	Medium	N/A3	Small	N/A^3	Slight	OM1	N/A[3]	Slight	Slight
RE1	Visitors at AsiaWorld-Expo	Low	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Slight	CM1, CM3 to CM7, OM1 to OM2	Moderate	Slight	Slight
RE2	Visitors at Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel	High	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3 to CM7, OM1 to OM2	Moderate	Slight	Slight
RE3	Visitors to North Commercial District	High	N/A3	Intermediate	N/A^3	Moderate	CM1, CM3 to CM7, OM1 to OM2	N/A^3	Slight	Slight
RE4	Recreational users at Tung Chung New Town Extension	Medium	N/A3	Negligible	N/A^3	Insubstantial	OM1	N/A^3	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
RE5	Recreational users at Scenic Hill	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM6, OM1	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O1	Workers at Asia-World-Expo	Low	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Slight	CM1, CM3 to CM7, OM1 to OM2	Moderate	Slight	Slight
O2	Workers at Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel	Medium	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3 to CM7, OM1 to OM2	Moderate	Slight	Slight
O3	Workers at North Commercial District	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3 to CM7, OM1 to OM2	Moderate	Slight	Slight
O4	Workers at Civil Aviation Department Headquarters Office Building	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM6, OM1	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O5	Workers at Tung Chung New Town Extension	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM6, OM1	Slight	Slight	Slight
O6	Workers at HKBCF	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3 to CM7, OM1 to OM2	Moderate	Slight	Slight
T1	Visitors at HKBCF	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3 to CM7, OM1 to OM2	Moderate	Slight	Slight
T2	Sea Travelers	Medium	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3 to CM7, OM1 to OM2	Moderate	Slight	Slight
T3	North Lantau Highway	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	OM1	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

8.11 Cumulative Impacts

8.11.1 The potential cumulative landscape and visual impact from all other committed or planned projects within the landscape study area and the identified visual envelope are presented in Table 8.13. The locations of these projects are illustrated in Figure 8.5. It is noted that the cumulative impacts of already committed projects that will be completed before commencement of the Project (i.e. by 2020) form part of the landscape and visual baseline are not included in the cumulative assessment.

Table 8.13 Potential Cumulative Landscape and Visual Impact

Project	Tentative Construction Programme	Potential Cumulative Landscape and Visual Impact
Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System (3RS)	Aug 2016 – 2024	Located approx. 600m away from the Project site. There would be cumulative landscape impact on loss of Coastal Waters of North Lantau Island (LR1) due to reclamation work for the proposed 3RS. In terms of cumulative visual impact, the scale of reclamation work for 3RS would generally dominate the perceived change in quality of view for VSRs in proximity. The overall change in visual character due to the Project would not be significant in comparison to the 3RS.
Tung Chung New Town Extension and its associated infrastructures	Mid 2017 – End 2030	The extent of visual change would be limited as it is located approx. 2,160m away. The cumulative visual impact is expected to be slight.
Planning, Engineering and Architectural Study for Topside Development at HKBCF Island of the HZMB – Feasibility Study	Study is under feasibility study stage and yet to be concluded. The construction programme is yet to be confirmed.	Owing to uncertainty of the implementation programme, it is assumed that construction and operation of the proposed topside development would not overlap with the proposed works under this Project.
North Commercial District (NCD), Chek Lap Kok Lot No. 3	Feasibility study is currently being undertaken	NCD currently occupies the vacant site of the decommissioned SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course, where there is no identified landscape resources. Therefore, no additional impact on landscape resources or landscape character would be expected. In terms of cumulative visual impact, NCD would have a maximum building height of approx. 53 mPD. The perceived change in surrounding view would be limited.
Intermodal Transfer Terminal (ITT)	Oct 2018 – Aug 2021	ITT is located right adjacent to the project site, where there is no identified landscape resources. Hence, no additional impact on landscape resources or landscape character would be expected. For the cumulative visual impact, as the maximum height of ITT would be about 18mPD, which has similar height as the proposed bonded vehicular bridge. Given its development footprint is relatively localized and small, the overall perceived change in surrounding view would be limited. In general, the additional visual impact during both construction and operation phase would anticipate to be limited.

8.12 Environmental Monitoring and Audit

8.12.1 The detailed landscape and engineering design of the Project shall be undertaken so as to ensure compliance with the landscape and visual mitigation measures described in Section 8.9.

8.12.2 A baseline review shall be undertaken at the commencement of the construction contracts to update the status of landscape resources, character areas and VSRs.

8.12.3 Implementation of the recommended mitigation measures would be regularly audited during construction phase. Details of EM&A requirement are discussed in the separate EM&A Manual.

8.13 Conclusion

8.13.1 It is considered that the residual landscape and visual impact would be acceptable with mitigation measures implemented during construction and operation phases

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[1] These VSRs are from concurrent projects, which no individuals would expect to be affected during construction.

[2] These VSRs are from concurrent projects, which no individual would expect to be affected during construction.

[3] These VSRs are from concurrent projects, which no individuals would expect to be affected during construction.