11 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMpact Assessment

11.1 Introduction

This section deals with the key landscape and visual impact issues of the Designated and Potentially Designated Elements of the proposed Yuen Long and Kam Tin Sewerage and Sewer Disposal Stage 1 Sewers, Rising Mains and Ancillary Pumping Stations (hereafter described as the Project). The purpose of this section is to:

· identify the relevant legislation and guidelines to be used in the landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA);

· define the LVIA methodology;

· conduct a LVIA;

· evaluate the significance of landscape and visual impacts.

11.2 Relevant Legislation and Guidelines

The methodology of the LVIA will be based on Annexes 10 and 18 in the Hong Kong SAR Government's Technical Memorandum on the Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM) under the EIA Ordinance (Cap.499, S16), entitled "Criteria for Evaluating Visual and Landscape Impact" and "Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment", respectively and EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2002 Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance.

11.3 Assessment Methodology

The main components of the LVIA were as follows:

· baseline study of landscape and visual resources including a review of planning and development control framework;

· landscape impact assessment during construction and operation;

· visual impact assessment during construction and operation;

· recommendations for landscape mitigation design measures.

· assessment of residual impact and conclusion on the acceptability of the Project.

The baseline study identified and examined the existing landscape and visual resources within the study area.

Landscape resources considered included topography, woodland types, other vegetation, built forms, settlement patterns, land use, scenic spots and details of local streetscapes. The baseline study describes the landscape resources by identifying broadly homogenous landscape units (LCUs) of a similar character. The landscape character was rated low, medium or high depending not only on the quality of elements present but also on its sensitivity to change and its importance at a local, district, regional or international level.

Visual resources considered were typical viewpoints, location and direction of views towards the Project. A viewshed (refer to Figures 11.3a-b) was established which approximately defined the extent of visual influence of the Project and, therefore, of the potential visual impacts. Definition of the extent of the viewshed was based on a desktop study and site investigation. Sensitive visual receivers who would be present at typical viewpoints and likely to be affected by the Project were identified within the viewshed. Sensitive visual receivers (SVRs) are individuals or groups of who are sensitive to changes in the visual environment. The Environmental Guidelines for Planning in Hong Kong defines sensitive users as “land uses which, by virtue of the nature of the activities thereon….are susceptible to the influence of residual or physical changes generated by polluting uses”.

The next stage was a review of the planning and development control framework. Landscape related zonings on the Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) were mapped and analysed to provide an insight to the future outlook of the area affected and the way the Project would fit into its wider context.

The following stage was to assess impacts on the landscape and visual resources during construction and operation. The impact assessments allow predictions to be made about the likely levels and significance of landscape and visual impacts. The assessment of landscape impacts will result from:

· Identification of the sources of impact and their magnitude that would be generated during construction and operation of the project;

· Identification of the principal landscape impacts primarily in consideration of the degree of change to the baseline conditions. The impacts are considered systematically in terms of landscape elements, the project and its context.

The overall landscape impact is a product of the following:

· The landscape character and its quality;

· The sensitivity of the landscape in accommodating change;

· Source, nature and magnitude of impacts;

· The degree of change caused by the impacts to the existing landscape;

· Significance of the change in consideration of the local and regional areas and other developments;

· Cumulative effects with other proposals;

· Identification of vegetation of significant value which should be conserved.

The sensitivity / quality of the landscape will be assessed as follows:

· High: eg important components or landscape of particularly distinctive character susceptible to small changes;

· Medium: e.g. a landscape of moderately valued characteristics reasonably tolerant to change;

· Low: e.g. a relatively unimportant landscape which is able to accommodate extensive change.

The magnitude of change in the landscape is as follows:

· Large – notable change in the landscape characteristics over an extensive area ranging to very intensive change over a more limited area;

· Intermediate – moderate changes to a local area;

· Small –changes to components;

· Negligible – no perceptible changes.

The system for the assessment of landscape impact is summarised in Tables 11.3a and 11.3b. The significance threshold of landscape impact is derived from the combined analysis of the magnitude of change and the landscape’s quality and sensitivity to change. The matrix in Table 11.3a indicates how the significance threshold is derived. Table 11.3b explains the terms used in Table 11.3a.

Table 11.3a Significance Threshold of Landscape Impact

	Large	Moderate Impact	Moderate / Significant Impact	Significant Impact
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate Impact	Moderate Impact	Moderate / Significant Impact
Magnitude of Change	Small	Slight Impact	Slight / Moderate Impact	Moderate Impact
	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
		Low	Medium	High
		Sensitivity / Quality

Table 11.3b Adverse / Beneficial Impacts of Landscape Impact

Level of Impact	Description
Significant:	adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant degradation or improvement in existing landscape baseline conditions.
Moderate:	adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause noticeable degradation or improvement in existing landscape baseline conditions
Slight:	adverse / neutral /beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely noticeable degradation or improvement in existing landscape conditions or where the changes brought about by the project would not be apparent in visual terms
Negligible	The proposal does not affect the existing landscape baseline conditions

This analysis of the degree of landscape impact will apply in the majority of situations; however, in certain cases a deviation may occur e.g. the impact may be so major that a significant impact may occur to a low quality element.

The assessment of potential visual impacts will result from:

· The sensitivity of the viewer groups at SVR locations to change and visual intrusion;

· the magnitude of change to the visual baseline condition.

The sensitivity of viewer groups at SVR locations will be classified as follows:

· High -

i. The nature of the viewer groups expect a high degree of control over their immediate environment, (eg people residing in their homes); and

ii. The viewer groups are in proximity to the Project; and

iii. The foreground and middleground cannot visually absorb the Project.

· Moderate -

i. The nature of the viewer groups expect a high degree of control over their immediate environment, (eg people residing in their homes); but

ii. The viewer groups are not in proximity to the Project; and

iii. The foreground and middleground can partially absorb views of the Project.

· Low -

i. The nature of the viewer groups do not expect a high degree of control over their immediate environment, (eg people at their place of employment or temporarily in attendance at the SVR location); or

ii. People in transit (eg drivers and passengers in vehicles).

The magnitude of change is classified as follows:

· Large -

i. Prominent and permanent visual changes in the foreground, middleground or background where the project dominates the view;

ii. Permanent visual changes where the project contrasts conspicuously against the middleground and/or background;

iii. Temporary visual changes where the project dominates the foreground view.

· Intermediate -

i. Permanent visual changes in the foreground or middleground where the project is prominent but does not dominate the view;

ii. Permanent visual changes where the project is discernible against background, but is not conspicuous.

iii. Temporary visual changes where the project dominates the middleground view.

· Small -

i. Permanent visual changes in the foreground, middleground or background where the project is present but not noticeable;

ii. Temporary visual changes where the project dominates the background view.

· Negligible -

i. No visual changes are apparent.

The significance threshold of visual impact is rated for the construction phase, and for Day 1 and Year 10 of the operation phase and is illustrated in Tables 11.3c and 11.3d.

Table 11.3c Significance Threshold of Visual Impact

Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate Impact	Moderate / Significant Impact	Significant Impact
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate Impact	Moderate Impact	Moderate / Significant Impact
	Small	Slight Impact	Slight / Moderate Impact	Moderate Impact
	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
		Low	Medium	High
		Sensitivity to Change and Visual Intrusion

Table 11.3d Adverse/Beneficial Impacts of Visual Impact

Level of Impact	Description
Significant:	adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant degradation or improvement in existing landscape baseline conditions.
Moderate:	adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause noticeable degradation or improvement in existing landscape baseline conditions
Slight:	adverse /beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely noticeable degradation or improvement in existing landscape conditions or where the changes brought about by the project would not be apparent in visual terms
Negligible:	The proposal does not affect the existing landscape baseline conditions

The next stage of the study is to recommend mitigation measures. The identification of the landscape and visual impacts will highlight those sources of conflict requiring design solutions or modifications to reduce impacts, and if possible absorb the development and associated activities into the surrounding landscape. These mitigation efforts should consider factors including :

· Woodland, tree and shrub planting to new or disturbed slopes, amenity strips, highway reservations and adjacent to any proposed structures;

· Contouring of new slopes to blend with existing topography in a natural manner;

· Earth mounding and screening;

· Highlighting unacceptable impacts and considering alternative proposals;

· Hard landscape elements including design and appearance of proposed structures;

· Significant landscape elements.

The above will result in the formulation of landscape and visual mitigation proposals (LMM’s: refer to Section 11.6) which will, as far as possible, help to alleviate the previously identified landscape and visual impacts.

The final stage of the LVIA study is to assess the significance of the residual impacts of the study assuming landscape mitigation measures are incorporated into the design. The landscape and visual impacts were then classified into five levels of significance based on criteria in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM, as summarised below:

· 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 the overall and visual quality of the study area;

· 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.

11.4 Baseline Conditions

11.4.1 Project Description

The proposed works are described in detail in Section 2. The main elements of the proposed works affecting the landscape and SVRs will be pumping stations (SPS) (refer Figure 11.4a) and the construction of sewers and rising mains.

The project elements likely to affect the landscape and visual baseline conditions during the construction phase will be the activity associated with the construction of the SPSs and underground sewers and rising mains. The construction of the SPSs includes borepiling, sheetpiling, excavation, concrete casting, backfilling, compaction etc. The sewers and rising mains will be constructed underground through both the open trench (typically in 50m sections) and pipe jacking methods (when crossing the Main Drainage Channel). The construction plant inventory is presented in Annex A2. The diameters of the proposed sewers and rising mains range from about 225 mm to 1,650 mm. The construction works will be carried out in three packages, as presented in Table 2.1c.

The project elements likely to affect the landscape and visual baseline conditions during the operation phase will be the SPSs only. There are 3 types of preliminary layouts for the SPSs: Type A for Pang Ka Tsuen PS, Shui Tsan Tin Ps and Leung Uk Tsuen PS (see Figure 11.6a for the layout plan) which will be a single storey building (approximately 4 - 5 m above existing ground level); Type B for Ng Ka Tsuen PS, Sha Po PS and Kam Tin PS (see Figure 11.6d for the layout plan) which will be a single storey building (approximately 7-8 m above existing ground level) and Type C for Nam San Wai PS (see Figure 11.6c for the layout plan) which will be a single storey building (approximately 7-8 m above existing ground level). The buildings will be of simple concrete construction and finished in either ceramic tiles or textured concrete. Neutral grey colours will be used in the chromatic design of the SPSs. There will be an access road and carparking spaces on the site. The SPS sites will be fenced for security. Screen planting will implemented within the SPS site to reduce its visibility.

During construction, existing vegetation and trees will be either protected or transplanted if protection is not possible. Where construction activity occurs near existing trees, no excavation will be undertaken underneath the canopy dripline. Where tree roots are encountered outside the canopy dripline, horticultural remedial works will be undertaken to repair any damage. Tree felling will be necessary in some locations, however this aspect is examined in Section 11.5.

Owing to the nature of the project, most adverse impacts would be expected during the construction phase resulting from construction works and tree felling. During the operation phase, potential adverse visual impacts would only be expected resulting from the presence of pumping station. No night-time lighting is proposed and therefore glare will not occur.

11.4.2 Categorization of Landscape Character Units

In accordance with the study methodology, the Study Area (refer to Figure 11.4b) was categorised into broadly homogenous LCUs (refer to Figures 11.3a-c).

The Study Area is low-lying flat land forming of a series of broad alluvial valley floors draining into Deep Bay. The main land uses are villages, industry and some agricultural activities. The general level of density of development is highest next to the main roads and major intersections in the east of the Study Area, giving way to agricultural land and fish ponds in the west. The study area is loosely bounded by Fairview Park and the woodland and foothills of the Lam Tsuen Country park to the north, and by Shap Pat Heung and Yuen Long and Ha Tsuen to the south.

A number of distinct landscape character units (LCUs) were identified within the Study Area (refer to Figures 11.3a, 11.3b and 11.4c). They are:

· Fish ponds and agricultural land LCU;

· Industrial development and main roads LCU;

· Woodland and foothills LCU;

· Village development LCU;

· Agricultural land LCU.

The Fish Ponds and Agricultural Land LCU is to the west of the Study Area (see Figures 11.3a-b) and is characterized by flat land formed into fish ponds and separated by a major drainage channel feeding into the Shan Pui River. It is devoid of trees and planting other than grass and low shrubs and contains few structures. It is extremely homogenous in appearance and is not considered sensitive to the type of changes that would result from the construction and operation of the project. This LCU has already been heavily modified by man-made activity and therefore would have a low sensitivity to the type of changes that would result from the construction and operation of the Project.

There are pockets of industrial/container storage development to the west and east of the fish ponds and associated agricultural land LCU, as well as in the vicinity of the Shek Kong Airfield which are intersected or connected to main roads (see Figures 11.3a-b and 11.4c). Visually-cluttered large, unattractive industrial buildings surrounded by streets and bisected by main roads devoid of roadside planting characterise this LCU. Owing to the presence of these existing elements, this LCU would have a low sensitivity to the type of changes that would result from the construction and operation of the Project.

The Woodland and Foothills LCUs are present to the east of Sha Po (see Figure 11.3a), east of Leung Uk Tsuen (see Figure 11.3b) and south of Shui Tsan Tin (see Figure 11.3b). These LCUs are characterized by extensive areas of woodland and/or foothills covered with mature trees (see Figure 11.4c). For this reason, this LCU would have a high sensitivity to the type of changes that would result from the construction and operation of the Project.

The Village Development LCUs are fragmented throughout the study area and are characterized by a dense network of narrow streets, two-and three-storey village houses interspersed by small pockets of open space, woodland and abandoned agricultural land. Within this LCU exists a group of historic houses at Ng Ka Tsuen (cf Section 10.4.5) which contribute to the character of this village. Random woodland and street trees are found within this LCU which provide a valuable landscape resource to the urban fabric along roads and footpaths (see Figures 11.3a and 11.3b). Owing to the type of changes that would result from the construction and operation of the project, this LCU is considered to have a high sensitivity attributed mainly to its function as a place where people live.

Large tracts of abandoned land that once supported agricultural activities are present in the Study Area. These tracts tend to amalgamate into a distinctive landscape designated as the Agricultural Land LCU. This LCU is characterised by overgrown fields and extremely homogenous vegetation types lacking in ecological diversity and visual interest. Owing to the type of changes that would result from the construction and operation of the Project, this LCU is considered to have a low sensitivity to change.

Table 11.4a Summary of LCUs

LCU Name	Sensitivity to Change
Fish ponds and agricultural land (274 Ha) (Fishponds: 264 Ha, agricultural land: 10 Ha)	Low
Industrial development and major roads (290 Ha) (Industrial: 275 Ha, roads: 15 Ha)	Low
Woodland and foothills (73 Ha) (Secondary woodland: 13 Ha, foothills 60 Ha)	High
Village development (240 Ha)	High
Agricultural land (208.6 Ha)	Low

A tree survey and assessment was conducted along the alignment of the proposed rising sewers and mains and at the proposed sites of the SPSs. In total, 610 trees within the site boundary were identified. The majority of the trees consist of one of tree species: Celtis sinensis, Casuarina equisetifolia, Melaleuca leucadendron. Celtis spp is native to Hong Kong while Casuarina and Melaleuca spp are fast-growing non-natives. There are also Eucalyptus tereticornis, Acacia confusa, Bombax malabaricum, Macaranga tanarius, Roystonea regia and Archontophoenix alexandrae present in substantial numbers.

11.4.3 Sensitive Visual Receivers

In accordance with the study methodology, the Sensitive Visual Receivers (SVRs) within the Study Area were identified, and grouped into types (refer to Table 11.4b and Figures 11.3a-b and 11.4c).

In summary, the SVRs can be classified into two main groupings. SVRs with a high sensitivity to the type of changes that would result from the construction and operation of the project are adjacent residents living in their homes who would have permanent, unobstructed views from a short distance away. SVRs with a low sensitivity to the type of changes that would result from the construction and operation of the project are drivers and passengers in transit through the Study Area and workers who are employed in industrial and agricultural businesses in the Study Area. People engaged in employment or business are considered to be less sensitive to visual impact than people residing in their homes as the latter viewing group expect a higher degree of control over their environment.

It was determined during the visual analysis of the Study Area that it was extremely unlikely that viewer groups from SVR locations further than approximately 200m away would be affected by the Project elements for the following reasons (refer Figure 11.4a):

· the rising mains and sewers would not be seen during operation as they would be underground;

· the alignment of the rising mains and sewers and the siting of SPSs would be in flat level areas and therefore the blocking of views of construction activity and SPSs by intermediate elements such as structures, fences, existing vegetation and building is significant.

The approved comprehensive residential development to the west of Nam Sang Wai across Kam Tin river may be a future SVR of the proposed works S6 and Nam Sang Wai Pumping Station. This approved CRD area is over 200 metres from the Nam Sang Wai SPS site and is separated by a nullah (industrial drainage channel). Existing views from the CRD area to the PS site are unobstructed, though more detailed information regarding the CRD building heights, footprint positions or orientation is unknown at this stage therefore a more detailed visual impact assessment is not possible. However, given the considerable distance to the SPS site, combined with the foreground views of the nullah and the proposed mitigation measures for the SPS (e.g. screen planting, advanced transplantation works, and security fencing that is visually permeable) it is expected that the visual impact will range from negligible to slight.

Table 11.4b summarises the key information about each SVR in accordance with requirements of the methodology.

Table 11.4b Sensitive Visual Receivers

SVR	Name	Nature of Viewer Group	Distance to Proposed Works	Frequency and duration of view towards proposed development and source of impact	Sensitivity to change and visual intrusion
SVR-1A	Sha Po Tsuen Residential development	Residents	50-100m	Obstructed and frequent views towards proposed Sha Po SPS in the foreground	High
SVR-1B	Kam Tin Shi Residential Development	Residents	50-100m	Unobstructed views towards the Kam Tin SPS site by 2^nd and 3^rd storey of houses. The proposed SPS would be seen in the foreground.	High
SVR-1C	Ng Ka Tsuen Historic Compound	Residents	5-30m	Unobstructed views from from the roof and south of building in the general direction of the SPS site and sewer route.	High
SVR-1D	Residential Development Opposite Road from proposed Shui Tsan Tin SPS	Residents	50-100m	Obstructed views to the site by some residents in their homes to the SPS site and sewer route.	High
SVR-1E	Residential Development opposite to proposed Pang Ka Tsuen SPS	Residents	50-100m	Obstructed and continuous views from the upper stories to across drainage channel to PKT SPS and sewer route.	High
SVR-1F	Hip Tin Kung	Residents & Visitors	60m	Completely obstructed views to PKT SPS and sewer route	High
SVR-2A	Residential Development adjacent to proposed Leung Uk Tsuen SPS	Residents	20-50m	Obstructed views to Leung Uk Tsuen SPS site.	High
SVR-3A	Residential Development at Kam Tin	Residents	30-50m	Obstructed views to SPS site.	High
SVR-3C	Residential developments along Kam Sheung	Residents	10-30m	Unobstructed views towards Sewer S1 location	High
SVR-3D	Residential developments west from proposed Pang Ka Tsuen SPS	Residents	50-100m	Unobstructed views to Pang Ka Tsuen SPS	High
SVR-4A	Kam Tin Rd	Road users	5-30m	Temporary views by pedestrians and vehicular passengers to KT and LUTSPS’s which would be seen in the foreground.	Low
SVR-4B	Kam Sheung Rd	Kam Sheung road users	5-30m	Temporary views by pedestrians and vehicles to S1 sewer construction along roads and NKT and STT SPS’s which would be seen in the foreground.	Low
SVR-5A	Hill Lookout above Pang Ka Tsuen SPS	Recreational users	50-100m	Unobstructed and continuous views over the SPS site.	Medium
SVR-6A	Yuen Long Sewerage Treatment Works overlooking proposed Sewer S6	Employees	20-50m	Unobstructed and continuous views	Low
SVR-6B	Industrial development at Sha Po Tsuen which proposed Sewer S5 runs through	Employees	10-50m	Obstructed and infrequent views	Low
SVR-6C	Industrial development opposite proposed Sha Po SPS	Employees	30-50m	Unobstructed and infrequent views to of SPS in foreground.	Low
SVR-6D	Industrial development at Kam Tin opposite proposed Kam Tin SPS	Employees	30-50m	Obstructed and infrequent views to of SPS in foreground.	Low
SVR-6E	Leung Uk Tsuen Industrial Development	Employees	50-100m	Obstructed and infrequent views down to SPS site. The proposed development would be seen in the foreground.	Low
SVR-7A	Fish Ponds north of Yuen Long Sewerage Treatment Works opposite to proposed Sewer S6	Agricultural Workers	50-200m	Unobstructed and continuous views	Low
SVR-7B	Fish Ponds east across drainage channel from Yuen Long Sewerage Treatment Works adjacent to proposed Sewer S6	Agricultural Workers	10-50m	Unobstructed and continuous views	Low
SVR-7C	Fish Ponds north of proposed Nam Sang Wai SPS and across drainage channel from proposed Sewer S6	Agricultural Workers	50-200m	Unobstructed and continuous views to SPS and S6 across drainage channel within a flat fishpond landscape.	Low
SVR-7D	Fish Ponds across drainage channel from proposed Nam Sang Wai SPS and adjacent to proposed Sewer S6 crossing drainage channel twice	Agricultural Workers	50-300m	Unobstructed and continuous views to SPS and S6 across drainage channel within a flat fishpond landscape.	Low
SVR-7E	Fish Ponds across drainage channel from Kam Tin Tsuen opposite drainage channel from proposed Sewer S4	Agricultural Workers	50-200m	Unobstructed and continuous views	Low
SVR-7F	Fish Ponds west from proposed Pang Ka Tsuen SPS with views across drainage channel to proposed Sewer S2	Agricultural Workers	100-200m	Unobstructed and continuous views	Low
SVR-7G	Fish Ponds opposite drainage channel from proposed Pang Ka Tsuen SPS with views across drainage channel to proposed SPS and proposed Sewer S2	Agricultural Workers	100-200m	Unobstructed and continuous views	Low
SVR-7H	Fish Ponds opposite road from proposed Leung Uk Tsuen SPS	Agricultural Workers	20-100m	Obstructed and infrequent views to SPS	Low
SVR-7I	Fish Ponds adjacent to proposed Shui Tsan Tin SPS	Agricultural Workers	20-100m	Obstructed and infrequent views to SPS	Low
SVR-7J	Fish Ponds adjacent to proposed Shui Tsan Tin SPS and proposed Sewers S1 along road	Agricultural Workers	10-100m	Obstructed and frequent views to SPS and S1 along road	Low

11.4.4 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

The starting point for the review of the planning and development control framework was an evaluation of the statutory Outline Zoning Plans for Tai Tong (S/YL-TT/8), Kam Tin North (S/YL-KTN/4), Kam Tin South (S/YL-KTS/6), Pak Heung (S/YL-PH/6), Shek Kong (S/YL-SK/4) and Nam Sang Wai (S/YL-NSW/4). These plans are the statutory basis for the control of the use of land, and provide an insight into the future pattern of development. The recommended outline development plans for Kam Tin and Au Tau New Development Area (NDA) were also evaluated, although these are not statutory documents. Part of S1, S2 and S4 Sewers and Kam Tin SPS, Sha Po SPS, Pang Ka Tsuen SPS and Ng Ka Tsuen SPS are located within this NDA. In summary, the land use zones relevant to the LVIA are Green Belts, Conservation Areas and Open Spaces (refer to Figures 11.4d and 11.4e).

The western section of the proposed works S6 run from the existing Yuen Long Sewage Treatment Works to Sha Po Pumping Station in Nam Sang Wai (refer to Figure 11.4d) This area is next to various Conservation Area zones. The primary planning intention of Conservation Area zoning is to retain the existing natural characteristics of the area. Nam Sang Wai Pumping Station falls within an area zoned “G/IC” which is surrounded by a Conservation Area (“CA”) on Nam Sang Wai OZP No. S/YL-NSW/4. Neither the S6 sewer route or Nam Sang Wai and Sha Po Pumping Stations will encroach into Conservation Areas.

The proposed works S5 run through an Open Space zoning adjacent to Sha Po Pumping Station (refer to Figure 11.4d). As an underground installation this section of the sewerage mains is not seen as being in conflict with the primary planning intention of Open Space zoning which is to provide land for active and recreational land use.

The eastern section of the proposed works run through an Open Space zoning adjacent to the Sha Po and Kam Tin Pumping Stations (refer to Figure 11.4d). As an underground installation these sections of the sewerage mains are not seen as being in conflict with the primary planning intention of Open Space zoning which is to provide land for active and recreational land use.

Pang Ka Tsuen and Kam Tin Pumping Stations are located in proximity to Green Belt zones (refer to Figure 11.4e). The primary planning intention of the Green Belt zoning is to provide for the conservation of prominent and high value landscape features and limiting the expansion of urban areas into rural areas. Encroachment towards this interface of these Green Belt areas is not seen as a weakening of its planning function, provided suitable screen tree planting is incorporated.

Pang Ka Tsuen SPS is located next to land designated in the recommended outline development plans for Kam Tin and Au Tau NDA as a Wildlife Park (refer to Figure 11.4e). However the two activities are seen as compatible if a buffer zone of screen planting is incorporated between the two land uses within the SPS site (refer to Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures-LMM5).

In general, the proposed works would be compatible with the landscape zonings within the Study Area, assuming that some level of localized mitigation measures are incorporated in the scheme.

11.5 Impact Studies and Recommended Mitigation Measures

11.5.1 Landscape Impact Study

The landscape impacts of the Project would arise from the construction phase only. There are no aspects of the aboveground SPS and underground rising mains and sewer functions which will give rise to landscape impacts during the operation phase.

The following paragraphs summarise the magnitude of change to landscape elements attributable to the Project assuming no landscape mitigation measures are incorporated (refer to Figure 11.5a):

· Fish Ponds and Agricultural Land LCU. Sewers S2, S4, S5 and S6 would be aligned under and along existing drainage channel embankments (refer to Figure 11.5a), e.g. embankments around Nam Sang Wai and Pang Ka Tsuen, and will involve excavation, storage of materials and plant movement. No vegetation and trees along drainage channel embankments would be affected and the extent of the construction activity is not extensive, but there would be a barely noticeable degradation in the existing conditions because of the excavation and trenching works. The magnitude of change during construction is therefore considered to be adverse small.

· Industrial Development and Main Roads LCU. Sections of Sewers S5, S6 and Sha Po SPS will be sited through this LCU (refer to Figures 11.5a and b). The alignments of underground sewers are confined to roads and will involve excavation, storage of materials and plant movement. The site of the Sha Po SPS (see Figures 11.3a and 11.4c) will be on land in a derelict state. The magnitude of change is expected to be negligible as there are no landscape characteristics or elements in the LCU affected by the Project elements during the construction phase.

· Woodland and Foothills LCU. No project elements are proposed within this LCU and therefore there will be nil change during both the construction and operation phases.

· Village Development LCU. Sections of Sewer S1 and Ng Ka Tsuen and Shui Tsan Tin SPSs will be sited in this LCU. The alignments of the underground sewer is confined to roads and will involve excavation, storage of materials and plant movement. The proposed site for the Ng Ka Tseun SPS (refer to Figure 11.5b and Figure 11.4c) may affect a small number of individual trees owing to construction activities and is in proximity to a group of historic houses nearby. These buildings have a high architectural and cultural importance. The proposed SPS is located approximately 25m distance and but faces a different orientation (refer to Figure 11.6e for explanatory photograph and Figure 11.6e2 for photomontage). The construction activity is likely to affect village streetscapes particularly existing trees, however it is not considered particularly extensive. Therefore the magnitude of change is considered to be small.

· Agricultural Land LCU. Sections of S1 and S2 will be sited through this LCU (see Figure 11.5b). The construction activity is likely to affect the existing vegetation within the LCU, however it is not considered particularly extensive. Therefore the magnitude of change is considered to be small.

Table 11.5a summarises the significance thresholds of the landscape impacts during construction and operation on LCUs, as stipulated by Table 11.3a.

In total, 30 trees may be affected by the Project. The trees affected are as follows (see Figures 11.5a and 11.5b for tree locations, and 11.5ci and 11.5cii for tree photos):

· Tree 063/07;

· Tree 031/14;

· Tree PS01-22/22; and

· Tree PS01- 6/23.

The details of each tree are as follows.

Table 11.5b Summary of Tree Loss

Tree No.	Tree Species	Habitat Type	Amenity Value	Rate of Survival if it was Transplanted
063/07	Eucalyptus tereticornis	Urbanised / Disturbed (road side plantation)	Medium	Low
031/14	Euphoria longan	Fish Pond (abandoned)	Medium	Medium
PS01-22/22	Euphoria longan	Cultivated Land	Medium	Low
PS01/23	Melia azedarach	Cultivated Land	High	Medium
PS02-06/23	Ficus microcarpa	Cultivated Land	Medium	High

As the rate of survival of each tree are considered to be low, it is likely that these 30 trees will need to be felled. Owing to the common species of the trees, the medium to low amenity value and the small number of trees affected, the landscape impact within the Study Area owing to tree loss would be slight adverse.

LCU Name	Quality/ Sensitivity to Change	Magnitude of Change during Construction Phase and Source of Landscape Impact	*Significance threshold of landscape impact during Construction (refer to Table 11.3a)*	Magnitude of Change during Operation Phase	*Significance threshold of landscape impact during Operation (refer to Table 11.3a)*
Fish ponds and agricultural land LCU	Low	Small Sewers S2, S4, S5 and S6, Construction plant activity, Trenching and excavation, Construction of Nam Sang Wai and Kam Tin SPSs, Re-instatement of existing vegetated surfaces.	Slight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
Industrial development and main roads LCU	Low	Negligible Sewers S5 and S6, Construction plant activity, Trenching and excavation, Construction of Sha Po SPS	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
Woodland and foothills LCU	High	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
Village development LCU	High	Small Sewer S1, Construction plant activity, Trenching and excavation, Construction of Ng Ka Tsuen and Shui Tsan Tin SPSs, Re-instatement of existing vegetated surfaces.	Moderate Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
Agricultural land LCU	Low	Small Sewers S1 and S2 Construction plant activity, Trenching and excavation, Construction of SPSs, Re-instatement of existing vegetated surfaces.	Slight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible

Table 11.5c Assessment of Visual Impact (without Landscape Mitigation Measures) of Designated Elements (DEs).

SVR	Name	Nature of Viewer Group and Distance to Project	Frequency and duration of view towards proposed development and source of impact	Sensitivity to change and visual intrusion	Magnitude of visual change during construction	*Significance threshold of visual impact during construction (refer to Table 11.3)*	Magnitude of visual change during operation	*Significance threshold of visual impact during operation (refer to Table 11.3)*
SVR-1A	Sha Po Tsuen Residential development	Residents 50-100m	Unobstructed and frequent views towards proposed Sha Po SPS in the foreground	High	Large	Slight/Moderate Adverse	Intermediate	Slight/Moderate Adverse
SVR-1B	Kam Tin Shi Residential Development	Residents 50-100m	Unobstructed views towards the Kam Tin SPS site by 2^nd and 3^rd storey of houses. The proposed SPS would be seen in the foreground.	High	Large	Slight/Moderate Adverse	Intermediate	Slight/Moderate Adverse
SVR-1C	Ng Ka Tsuen Historic Compound	Residents 5-30m	Unobstructed views from the roof and side of buildings in the general direction of the Ng Ka Tsuen SPS site.	High	Large	Significant	Large	Significant
SVR-1D	Residential Development Opposite Road from proposed Shui Tsan Tin	Residents 50-100m	Obstructed views to the site by some residents in their homes to the Shui Tsan Tin SPS site.	High	Small	Slight/Moderate Adverse	Small	Slight/Moderate Adverse
SVR-1E	Residential Development opposite to proposed Pang Ka Tsuen SPS	Residents 50-100m	Obstructed and continuous views from the upper stories to across drainage channel to proposed Pang Ka Tsuen SPS	High	Small	Slight/Moderate Adverse	Small	Slight/Moderate Adverse
SVR-1F	Hip Tin Kung	Residents & visitors 60m	Obstructed views to PKT SPS and sewer route	High	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-2A	Residential Development adjacent to proposed Leung Uk Tsuen SPS	Residents 20-50m	Obstructed views to Leung Uk Tsuen SPS site.	High	Small	Slight/Moderate Adverse	Small	Slight/Moderate Adverse
SVR-3A	Residential Development at Kam Tin	Residents 30-50m	Obstructed views towards S4.	High	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-3C	Residential developments along Kam Sheung Road	Residents 10-30m	Unobstructed views towards Sewer S1	High	Small	Slight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-3D	Residential developments west from proposed Pang Ka Tsuen SPS	Residents 50-100m	Unobstructed views to Pang Ka Tsuen SPS	High	Intermediate	Slight/ Moderate Adverse	Intermediate	Slight/ Moderate Adverse
SVR-4A	Kam Tin Rd	Road users 5-30m	Temporary views by pedestrians and vehicular passengers KT and LUTSPS’s which would be seen in the foreground.	Small	Small	Slight Adverse	Small	Slight Adverse
SVR-4B	Kam Sheung Rd	Kam Sheung road users 5-30m	Temporary views by pedestrians and vehicles to S1 sewer construction along roads and NKT and STT SPS’s which would be seen in the foreground.	Small	Small	Slight Adverse	Small	Slight Adverse
SVR-5A	Hill Lookout above Pang Ka Tsuen SPS	Recreational users 50-100m	Unobstructed and continuous views over site.	Medium	Small	Slight Adverse	Small	Negligible
SVR-6A	Yuen Long Sewerage Treatment Works overlooking proposed sewer S6	Employees 20-50m	Unobstructed and continuous views	Small	Small	Slight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-6B	Industrial development at Sha Po Tsuen which proposed sewer S5 runs through	Employees 10-50m	Obstructed and infrequent views	Small	Small	Slight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-6C	Industrial development opposite proposed Sha Po SPS	Employees 30-50m	Unobstructed and infrequent views to Sha Po SPS in foreground.	Small	Small	Slight Adverse	Small	Negligible
SVR-6D	Industrial development at Kam Tin opposite proposed Kam Tin SPS	Employees 30-50m	Obstructed and infrequent views to Kam Tin SPS in foreground.	Small	Small	Slight Adverse	Small	Negligible
SVR-6E	Leung Uk Tsuen Industrial Development	Employees50-100m	Obstructed and infrequent views down to Leung Uk Tsuen SPS site seen in the foreground.	Small	Small	Slight Adverse	Small	Negligible
SVR-7A	Fish Ponds north of Yuen Long Sewerage Treatment Works opposite to proposed sewer S6	Agricultural Workers 50-200m	Unobstructed and continuous views	Small	Small	Slight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-7B	Fish Ponds east across drainage channel from Yuen Long Sewerage Treatment Works adjacent to proposed sewer S6	Agricultural Workers 10-50m	Unobstructed and continuous views	Small	Small	Slight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-7C	Fish Ponds north of proposed Nam Sang Wai SPS and across drainage channel from proposed sewer S6	Agricultural Workers 50-200m	Unobstructed and continuous views to SPS and S6 across drainage channel within a flat fishpond landscape.	Small	Small	Slight Adverse	Small	Negligible
SVR-7D	Fish Ponds across drainage channel from proposed Nam Sang Wai SPS and adjacent to proposed sewer S6 crossing drainage channel twice	Agricultural Workers 50-300m	Unobstructed and continuous views to SPS and S6 across drainage channel within a flat fishpond landscape.	Small	Small	Slight Adverse	Small	Negligible
SVR-7E	Fish Ponds across drainage channel from Kam Tin Tsuen opposite drainage channel from proposed sewer S4	Agricultural Workers 50-200m	Unobstructed and continuous views	Small	Small	Slight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-7F	Fish Ponds west form proposed Pang Ka Tsuen SPS with views across drainage channel to proposed sewer S2	Agricultural Workers 100-200m	Unobstructed and continuous views	Small	Small	Slight Adverse	Small	Negligible
SVR-7G	Fish Ponds opposite drainage channel from proposed Pang Ka Tsuen SPS with views across drainage channel to proposed SPS and proposed sewer S2	Agricultural Workers 100-200m	Unobstructed and continuous views	Small	Small	Slight Adverse	Small	Negligible
SVR-7H	Fish Ponds opposite from road proposed Leung Uk Tsuen SPS	Agricultural Workers 20-100m	Obstructed and infrequent views to SPS	Small	Small	Slight Adverse	Small	Negligible
SVR-7I	Fish Ponds adjacent to proposed Shui Tsan Tin SPS	Agricultural Workers 20-100m	Obstructed and infrequent views to SPS	Small	Small	Slight Adverse	Small	Negligible
SVR-7J	Fish Ponds adjacent to proposed Shui Tsan Tin SPS and proposed sewer S1 along road	Agricultural Workers 10-100m	Obstructed and frequent views to SPS and S1 along road	Small	Small	Slight Adverse	Small	Negligible

11.6 Recommended Mitigation Measures

The assessment studies in the previous section predict that the majority of landscape and visual impacts during construction will be low and no impacts during operation. However, there are a number of exceptions, namely a “moderate adverse” landscape impact to the Village Development LCU during construction and “slight/moderate adverse” visual impacts to viewer groups at SVRs 1A, 1B, 3D and 5A during construction and operation. The source of the landscape impact is construction activity in a village area affecting existing vegetation and streetscapes. The source of the visual impact is SPSs in proximity to residents during the construction and operation phase for viewer groups at SVRs 1A, 1B, 3D and a hill lookout for viewer groups at SVR 5A.

In order to mitigate these impacts, a number of on-site landscape mitigation measures are recommended for incorporation into the Project. The mitigation measures are summarised in the following paragraphs in addition to the likely funding, implementation, management and maintenance agencies. No off-site mitigation measures have been proposed. Refer to Figures 11.6a to 11.6g for illustrations of landscape mitigation measures.

11.6.1 LMM 1: Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measure 1 – Temporary Works

All existing top-soil should be conserved and re-used. Temporary hoarding barriers should be of a recessive visual appearance in both colour and form..

On- Site Mitigation Measure:

Funding: DSD

Implementation: Main contractor

Management during construction: Main contractor

Maintenance during construction: Main contractor

11.6.2 LMM 2: Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measure 2 – Advanced Planting Works

Where possible, new compensatory planting works; should be carried out as early as possible in the construction period instead of at the end. This will allow the maximum time for maintenance, resulting in a higher success rate for the survival and early establishment of new screen trees and compensatory planting. Exact location of advanced planting works and the respective maintenance/management responsibilities will be ascertained at detailed design stage.

On Site Mitigation Measure:

Funding: DSD

Implementation: Main contractor

Management during operation: DSD

Maintenance during operation: DSD

11.6.3 LMM 3: Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measure 3 – Siting of Pumping Stations

Where possible, the stations should be carefully located to avoid affecting existing urban landscape elements such as mature trees (also refer to LMM6). The layout of each of the proposed individual sites should allow for optimal screen planting and setback from public roads and pedestrian footpaths. Tables 11.7a and 11.7b indicate the changes (LMM’s) to the proposed Pumping Stations on each site, to substantially reduce landscape and visual impacts (also refer to Figures 11.6a to 11.6g).

On-Site Mitigation Measure:

Funding: DSD

Implementation: Main Contractor

Management during operation: DSD

Maintenance during operation: DSD

11.6.4 LMM 4: Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measure 4 - External Appearance of Pumping Stations and Sewers.

The design of the pumping stations and associated structures eg walls/fences should incorporate materials, details and textures so as to be as visually recessive as possible and in a style that fits with the surrounding village buildings. Colour should be of low chromatic intensity to reduce the potential contrast between the structures and their background. External finishing of the pumping stations will be designed in conjunction with the landscape scheme. Considering these two elements in tandem will integrate and improve the visual mitigation of the overall proposed works. Where possible the use of visually permeable security fencing is recommended. This type of fencing will help to reduce the level of visual impact of the SPS’s by maximizing the ground width available for planting. Where possible, sewers should be installed under roads (refer to LMM-6).

On-Site Mitigation Measure:

Funding: DSD

Implementation: Main contractor

Management during operation: DSD

Maintenance during operation: DSD

11.6.5 LMM 5: Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measure 5 – Reinstatement of Planting on Disturbed Land and Compensatory Planting on Sewerage Pumping Station Sites.

All SPS’s should be located such that the layout allows maximum mitigation planting to act as a buffer zone or screen between the SPS and local residents, road users etc. Exact locations of planting works and the respective maintenance/management responsibilities will be ascertained at the detailed design stage. This screen planting can be used to mitigate the visual impacts of the proposed SPS at Pang Ka Tsuen which is within approximately 100m of a nearby hill look-out and recreational users, and is adjacent to land designated for a Wildlife Park. Screen planting will mitigate the visual effects of the buildings, security fences, wall and associated structures from nearby visual receivers. Mitigation planting will be used to maximize the available space for planting. Plant species will generally comprise of low maintenance woodland species with effective height, form and density characteristics to provide upper and lower level screening of the pumping stations from visually sensitive receivers. Although mitigation planting is dependant on the size and layout of each PS site, a minimum screen planting of 3m width and (including a layer of topsoil) is allowed for where practical. Use of trees with a dense canopy of up to 5m in height will be combined with a lower layer of shrubs with dense screening foliage up to 2m in height. Low maintenance species are preferred. Ng Ka Tsuen PS will require effective screening from adjacent historic buildings and such planting may be further employed to mitigate the visual effects of Sewer S3 crossing the creek beside this SPS (refer to Figures 11.6e and 11.6e2).

On-Site Mitigation Measure:

Funding: DSD

Implementation, management and maintenance: Main Contractor

Management during operation: DSD

Maintenance during operation: DSD

11.6.6 LMM 6: Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measure 6 - All Land Disturbed by the Construction/Laying of the Proposed Works Should be Restored to Standard Equivalent to the Existing Surrounding Land.

In some areas, particularly village LCUs, there are small pockets of woodland or trees in verges or alongside existing footpaths which may be affected by the proposed works. The general alignment should be kept under roads rather than under footpaths or verges with the aim to protect street trees as much as possible as they are a valuable landscape resource and often too large to be successfully transplanted. Locating sewers centrally under the road rather than adjacent to kerbs will further reduce disturbance to tree roots and other services often located in this area of the roadedge/kerbside. Where laying of sewers under footpaths or verges is unavoidable; the works should include laying of tree root guards to allow for future maintenance of the sewers without repeated and unnecessary damage to nearby trees and their root system, therefore limiting the disturbance of street trees which provide a high amenity value to the environment. If retaining existing street trees is not possible transplanting trees with new compensatory planting should be implemented in the local area. Where it is unavoidable to fell mature trees that are considered high in environmental amenity, a replacement semi-mature tree should be planted. Where ground conditions prevent the planting of mature trees, other locations as close as possible to the location of the felled tree within the works area should be used. Existing trees cleared by construction activity should be replaced so that there is a net gain in tree numbers after the project is completed.

On-Site Mitigation measure;

Funding: DSD

Implementation, management and maintenance: Main contractor

Management during operation: DSD

Maintenance during operation: DSD

Exact locations of restored land (and respective maintenance/management authority) to be ascertained at detailed design stage.

11.7 Analysis of Significance of Landscape and Visual Impacts

11.7.1 Analysis of Impacts

The significance of the landscape and visual impacts assuming mitigation measures are included in the Project, was examined in accordance with Section 11.3.4. The findings of the LVIA are as follows.

11.7.2 Residual Landscape Impacts

Effectiveness of LMMs

A summary of residual landscape impacts is shown in Table 11.7a. In general, the incorporation of mitigation measures into the Project will be effective in reducing “moderate adverse” construction impacts in the Village Development LCU to “slight adverse”, and “slight adverse” construction impacts to “negligible” in the Fish Ponds and Agricultural Land LCU. The reasons for these reductions by the mitigation measures recommended in Section 11.6 are as follows:

· LMM1, Temporary Works, will result in conserving existing topsoil and protecting exposed soil with sandbags, preventing soil erosion and indirect damage to vegetation,. This will be particularly effective in the Fish Ponds and Agricultural LCU where steep embankments are prevalent. Temporary hoarding will reduce the visual impact of these structures, especially when adjacent to residential or higher populated areas.

· LMM2, Advanced Planting Works, will ensure that despite the loss of trees in the Village Development LCU there is a “slight adverse” landscape impact. It may be possible to plant another tree in the local area; however, this is not assumed for this LVIA, i.e. the worst case scenario is assumed.

· LMM3, Siting of Pumping Stations, will ensure that existing trees near to proposed SPSs will be retained or transplanted in or near to the SPS site. The SPSs at Ng Ka Tsuen and Leung Uk Tsuen will be sited near mature trees (see Figure 11.5b. Figures 11.6e and 11.6g illustrate indicative layouts for these SPSs. This LMM is particularly important for SPSs in the Village Development LCU, i.e. SPSs at Ng Ka Tsuen and Shui Tsan Tin.

· LMM4, External Appearance of Pumping Stations, will ensure that the two-storey high buildings will have a simple and uncluttered external appearance finished with either visually recessive chromatic scheme of black and gray paint or tiles. This LMM is especially relevant for viewer groups designated as “residents” near SPSs and will be particularly effective in reducing visual impact during operation.

· LMM5, Reinstatement of Planting on Disturbed Land and Compensatory Planting on SPS sites, allows for the provision of screen tree and shrub planting within the SPS site which will become increasingly effective in reducing visual impact during operation as the planting matures. This LMM will help to mitigate the landscape impact of loss of trees, and will be especially relevant for viewer groups designated as “residents” near SPSs (see Figures 11.6a to g).

· LMM6, Restoration of Disturbed Land, will ensure that the 30 felled trees will be replaced by 30 semi-mature sized trees of the same species which will also receive 12 months of maintenance works to ensure survival.

Table 11.7a summarises the residual landscape impacts.

LCU Name	*Significance threshold of landscape impact during construction assuming no mitigation measures (refer to Table 11.5a)*	*Significance threshold of landscape impact during operation assuming no mitigation measures (refer to Table 11.5a)*	Proposed Mitigation Measures (refer to Figures 11.6a to 11.6g)	Significance threshold of landscape impact during construction assuming mitigation measures are incorporated into Project	Significance threshold of landscape impact during operation assuming mitigation measures are incorporated into Project
Fish Ponds and Agricultural Land	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4, LMM5, LMM6	Negligible	Negligible
Industrial Development and Main Roads	Negligible	Negligible	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
Woodlands and Foothills	Negligible	Negligible	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
Village Development	Moderate Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4, LMM5, LMM6	Slight Adverse	Negligible
Agricultural Land	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4, LMM5, LMM6	Negligible	Negligible

Table 11.7b Summary of Residual Visual Impacts (assuming Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures are included in Project)

SVR Number	· SVR Type · Distance to Project · Source of Impact	*Significance threshold of visual impact during construction assuming no mitigation measures (refer to Table 11.5c)*	*Significance threshold of visual impact during operation assuming no mitigation measures (refer to Table 11.5c)*	*Proposed Mitigation Measures (refer to Figures 11.6a to h)*	Significance threshold of visual impact during construction assuming mitigation measures are incorporated into Project	Significance threshold of visual impact during operation assuming mitigation measures are incorporated into Project: DAY 1 YEAR 10
SVR-1A	· Residents · 50-100m · Sha Po SPS	Slight/Moderate Adverse	Slight/Moderate Adverse	LMM1, LMM2,LMM3, LMM4	Slight Adverse	Slight Adverse	Negligible
SVR-1B	· Residents · 50-100m · Kam Tin SPS	Slight/Moderate Adverse	Slight/Moderate Adverse	LMM1, LMM2,LMM3, LMM4	Slight Adverse	Slight Adverse	Negligible
SVR-1C	· Residents in historic compound · 20-30m · Ng Ka Tsuen SPS	Significant	Significant	LMM1, LMM2,LMM3, LMM4, LMM5, LMM6	Moderate	Moderate	Negligible
SVR-1D	· Residents · 50-100m · Shui Sha Tin SPS	Slight/Moderate Adverse	Slight/Moderate Adverse	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-1E	· Residents · 50-100m · Pang Ka Tsuen SPS	Slight/Moderate Adverse	Slight/Moderate Adverse	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-1F	· Temple users · 50-70m · Pang Ka Tsuen SPS	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-2A	· Residents · 20-50m · Leung Uk Tsuen SPS	Slight/Moderate Adverse	Slight/Moderate Adverse	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-3A	· Residents · 30-50m · S4	Negligible	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM5, LMM6	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-3C	· Residents · 10-30m · S1	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM5, LMM6	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-3D	· Residents · 50-100m · Pang Ka Tseun SPS	Slight/Moderate Adverse	Slight/Moderate Adverse	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Slight Adverse	Slight Adverse	Negligible
SVR-4A	· Kam Sheung Road users · 5-30m · Kam Tin and Leung Uk Tsuen SPSs	Slight Adverse	Slight Adverse	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-4B	· Kam Sheung Road users · 5-30m · Ng Ka Tsuen and Shui Tsan Tin SPSs, S1	Slight Adverse	Slight Adverse	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-5A	· Recreational users · 50-100m · Pang Ka Tsuen SPS	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-6A	· Employees · 20-50m · S6	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM5, LMM6	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-6B	· Employees · 10-50m · S5	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM5, LMM6	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-6C	· Employees · 30-50m · Sha Po SPS	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-6D	· Employees · 30-50m · Kam Tin SPS	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-6E	· Employees · 50-100m · Leung Uk Tsuen SPS	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-7A	· Agricultural Workers · 50-200m · S6	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM5, LMM6	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-7B	· Agricultural Workers · 10-50m · S6	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM5, LMM6	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-7C	· Agricultural Workers · 50-200m · Nam Sang Wai SPS, S6	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM5, LMM6	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-7D	· Agricultural Workers · 50-300m · Nam Sang Wai SPS, S6	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM5, LMM6	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-7E	· Agricultural Workers · 50-200m S4	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM5, LMM6	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-7F	· Agricultural Workers · 100-200m · Pang Ka Tsuen SPS, S2	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-7G	· Agricultural Workers · 100-200m · Pang Ka Tsuen SPS, S2	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-7H	· Agricultural Workers · 20-100m · Leung Uk Tsuen SPS	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-7I	· Agricultural Workers · 20-100m · Shui San Tin SPS, S1	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR-7J	· Agricultural Workers · 10-100m · Shui San Tin SPS, S1	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1,LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible