11 CULTURAL HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT
11.1 Objectives of the Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment
11.1.1
The
following are the main objectives of the Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment
(CHIA):
¨ to identify and highlight cultural heritage resources, including archaeological sites, built heritage structures, pre-world war II/ clan graves;
¨ provide baseline information for these sites or remains;
¨ identify the adverse impacts resulting from the proposed Project to these sites or remains of archaeological, historical and cultural interest; and
¨ recommend measures to mitigate these direct or indirect impacts caused by the Project construction.
11.2.1
The
methodology employed to achieve this is outlined below:
(i) Compilation of a comprehensive inventory of archaeological sites, historic buildings and structures and landscape features within the broad study area. This comprises two key steps as follows:
¨ Desktop research -
This included the collection of data regarding the geology and geomorphology of the area including geological maps, bore hole data, early maps of the area and aerial photographs. In formation concerning the history of the study area was also collected from a number of sources including library research, collection of historical photographs and documents.
¨ Preliminary field assessment -
This stage involved the review of further documentation by record and photograph of heritage resources within the study area including those previously identified and features newly identified in the field. The aim was to verify the continuing existence of historic buildings and structures and archaeological sites and to identify modifications to cultural landscapes as a result of land use. Additional elements identified in the field are added to the inventory. This stage provides an opportunity to relate proposed development plans to cultural resources and to identify potential direct and indirect impacts.
(ii) Design and implementation of a focussed field evaluation comprising:
¨ collection of additional data on historical buildings and structures burial associated sites as well as cultural landscape features and historical land use patterns on a focussed level within the impacted alignment footprint; and
¨ archaeological field evaluation comprising ground surface examination (field walking) and a systematic programme of auger testing and test pit excavations in areas of archaeological potential within the footprint of the alignment.
11.2.2
The results
from the above activities facilitate an assessment of the potential impacts on
all cultural heritage resources within the study area and allow mitigation
measures to be developed as appropriate.
11.3.1
Existing
Development/Impacts in the Study Corridor
11.3.1.1 Existing developments and impacts in the
study corridor include the following:
¨ the existing Tung Chung Road constructed in the mid 1960’s;
¨ road cuts;
¨ slope maintenance;
¨ agricultural areas and ponds;
¨ buildings;
¨ graves;
¨ channels; and
¨ footpaths.
11.3.2
Geological and Topographical
Background
11.3.2.1 The study corridor runs north to south on
Lantau Island from a coastal area over the mountains to another coastal
area. At the northern end the study
corridor (Tung Chung) is narrow and spans 400 meters, whilst it widens and fans
out to a width of 3000 meters at the southern end (Cheung Sha).
11.3.2.2 At the start of the study corridor, the
existing Tung Chung Road is situated on the southern foot slopes of Wo Liu Tun
with the Tung Chung alluvial plain to the south. The road then proceeds on the lower slopes of Shek Sze Shan and
Tai Tung Shan. The road then crosses
over to the south-eastern lower slopes of Fung Wong Shan at the rear of the
Cheung Sha valley. It advances south and links with South Lantau road at the
southern end of Cheung Sha.
11.3.2.3 The main geology of the study corridor consists
of volcanic rock. At Cheung Sha the geology is diverse, the main geology is Yim
Tin Tsai Formation crystal tuffs, containing both large porphyric lava lapilli
and smaller, dark aphanitic lapilli exposed on the coast near the village.
Bluish-grey, porphyric, lapilli bearing ash crystal tuff and some small, dark
grey, aphanitic lapilli can be found along the catch water above South Lantau
Road. The study corridor contains a small outcrop of grey to light grey
eutaxite with minor coarse ash bearing vitric tuff. Two small outcrops of
porphyric grandiorite are located on the coast south and east of Cheung
Sha. While on the beach complex
exposure of grandiorite, Yim Tin Tsai tuff and younger rhyolite dykes can be seen.
Finally pheldsparic rhyolite dykes running east-northeast are exposed between
Tong Fuk, Cheung Sha and Pui O. The
study area at Cheung Sha includes the entire valley area. The valley consists
of an alluvial plain fringed by a beach deposit, which runs for approximately 3
km. The beach is up to 50m wide.
11.3.3
Archaeological
Background of the Study Corridor
11.3.3.1 The known and recorded archaeological
sites located in the vicinity of the study corridor are discussed below and
shown in Figure 11.1.
(i) Tung Chung Area:
Ma Wan Chung
11.3.3.2 Test pit excavations were carried out in
1992 by the Hong Kong Archaeological Society.
Finds belonging to the Neolithic Period, Tang and Song Dynasties were
recovered. This site is located on a large sand bar on the sea edge of the Tung
Chung alluvial plain.
Sha Tsui Tau
11.3.3.3 Large quantities of kiln debris have been
recovered from this site. Test
excavations revealed fragments of kiln but no remaining structure; a single
pottery sherd belonging to the Bronze Age was also found. (Peacock and Nixon
1986). The Hong Kong Archaeological
Society researched the area in 1993 and discovered material belonging to the
Tang, Song and Qing dynasties and the prehistoric late Neolithic period. In
1995 a Guangdong team commissioned by the AMO located Tang pottery and kiln
debris including wall fragments and kiln furniture at Sha Tsui Tau. Additionally they discovered Song material
and a coin cache which may belong to a 19th or e. 20th c.
“boat people cemetery” (known from ethnographic sources and a 1905 map). The site is located on a raised sand bar at
the water fringes of the Tung Chung alluvial plain.
(ii) Cheung Sha Area
Cheung Sha Beach (AMO Ref.# 1317)
11.3.3.4 A large variety of prehistoric finds,
such as coarse corded, coarse geometric, and hard geometric pottery sherds and
polished stone tools were recovered on Cheung Sha beach. Historical remains
excavated at Cheung Sha include kiln furniture and structures belonging to the
Tang Dynasty. The deposits have a
maximum depth of 1.5 meters. The site is situated on a raised sand bar and is
at present occupied by kam tap and graves.
11.3.3.5 Apart from the known archaeological sites
listed above, there are also a number of extant historical villages in the
vicinity of the study corridor, see Figure 11.1. A number of these villages are
known to date back to the 18th century and possibly earlier (Mott
Connell 1998). The areas surrounding these villages, thus, contain historical
archaeological potential.
11.4.1.1
Construction
works associated with the project will include the following elements:
¨ roadworks involving earthworks, retaining wall construction and pavement and apron construction;
¨ haul road which for the most part follows the alignment;
¨ bridgeworks involving foundation construction and deck construction; and
¨ permanent pipeline/cycle track adjacent to the road in Tung Chung Valley.
11.4.1.2
Impacts
associated with the proposed or associated works may include the following:
¨ subsurface impacts on areas of archaeological potential;
¨ visual impacts on heritage resources;
¨ vibration caused by construction impacts on structural heritage resources; and
¨ direct impacts on heritage resources: buildings, structures or and/or graves.
11.4.1.3
While
impacts on the potential archaeological features in the study area are
associated solely with the construction phase of the project, impacts to the
historical buildings may also be affected by operation of the project.
11.4.1.4
The
preliminary evaluation stage noted several locations where prehistoric
archaeological material had been recorded within the broad study corridor.
These findings at Tung Chung and Cheung Sha enhanced the probability that
archaeological deposits exist within these areas, which will be directly or
indirectly impacted by the proposed alignment, although no known prehistoric
sites fall within the study focal areas.
11.4.1.5
Excavation
of the substructures for the proposed alignment and associated utilities could
affect or destroy any archaeological remains within its footprint. The potential for impacts and the lack of
historical and archaeological data from within the study area dictated that
site investigations be implemented.
11.4.2
Scope
and Methodology of the Field Surveys
11.4.2.1
The site
investigation programme comprised the following two main areas:
¨ archaeological site investigations of designated focal areas along the route alignment, where access permitted, to identify any potential archaeological deposits which may be affected or destroyed during construction; and
¨ historical buildings and structures survey to augment existing records.
Archaeological
Field Evaluation
11.4.2.2 In order to evaluate the archaeological potential of the study area, a sampling strategy was developed and implemented. Areas which were accessible to testing methods, that is, not covered by concrete or structures were identified. Focal areas were then selected on the basis of landform, topography and/or previous finds as having potential for archaeological deposits and as requiring field evaluation.
11.4.2.3 The following focal areas, which will be directly impacted by the proposed works, were identified as requiring field evaluation:
¨ Area 1: located to the west of Lung Tseng Tau; a low area of former agricultural land at the edge of the Tung Chung plain; and
¨ Area 2: located to the east of Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen; a small coastal valley, truncated by South Lantau Road.
11.4.2.4
In each of
the areas of archaeological interest, the following field methodology was
applied, in accordance with AMO requirements:
(i) Systematic Field Scan
The areas of archaeological interest were walked in a linear manner wherever possible, to examine the surface for evidence of archaeological remains or deposits. Linear walking was impeded by heavy vegetation, structures, waterways etc., over most of the study area and therefore a system of non-linear scanning was employed. Special attention was given to any cuts, terraces or other areas of exposed soil.
(ii) Auger Testing Survey
Auger holes were carried out in the areas of archaeological interest to establish the horizontal spread of cultural material deposits, with the number and spacing of the tests influenced by the size and location of the Government Land and the degree of disturbance and built-up. Auger holes were carried out by hand using augers with a bucket diameter of 10 cms and a maximum extended auger length of 3.47 m.
(iii) Test Pit Excavation
Test pits were excavated in each area of archaeological interest. Test pits measuring 2 by 2 metres were undertaken and were positioned in locations found by the auger survey to have some form of soil deposit which might potentially contain archaeological material.
Historical Buildings and Structures Survey
11.4.2.5 The resources were surveyed and assessed
on an individual basis. The survey consisted of a field evaluation
incorporating the collection of photographic, oral and written information, on the
architecture and history of all structures to be impacted by the proposed
development. This information was recorded on specially designed forms, (either
a full ten page form, or in cases where the structure could be adequately
described in less space, a one page summary form). These forms were designed to
provide a complete documentation of all identifiable pre-1950 structures, as
well as any more recent structures of cultural/ historical significance.
Architectural features and structural modifications, as well as historical
attributes, such as previous uses and past associations with local families or
prominent personages are documented on the forms. The design of the forms is
based on AMO and ICOMOS (International Charter for the Conservation and Restoration
of Monuments and Sites) standards for the recording of historical resources
with modifications to suit architectural styles and situations encountered in
Hong Kong. The recording forms also include general information about the
structure, such as location, building type, usage and ownership.
11.4.2.6 As well as a synopsis of each structure,
the locations of the historical/ cultural resources are highlighted on 1:1000
scale maps. The data gathered from the
field survey for the recorded cultural heritage resources, along with the
information from previous desk based research has been used to prepare
assessments of the historical resources.
Burial
Associated Sites
11.4.2.7 Information on burial associated sites
(permanent graves, kam tap and coffin slots) was collected in the field through
on site surveys and interviews with local informants. Aerial photographs and
topographical maps were used to identify the presence of graves.
11.4.2.8 The resources were surveyed and assessed on an individual basis. However, modern graves, which show the construction date to be recent, were not included in the assessment. The survey consisted of a field evaluation incorporating the collection of photographic, oral and written information, on the condition and history of structures to be impacted by the proposed development. This information was recorded on specially designed forms. These forms were designed to provide a complete documentation of all identifiable pre-war/clan graves. Renovation and relocation, as well as historical attributes, such as associations with local families or prominent personages are documented on the forms. The recording forms also include a photograph of the grave, the family it belongs to, a brief description and dimensions.
11.5 Archaeological Field Survey Results and Assessment
11.5.1.1 Through a process of desk-based research
and the field survey, sites of cultural heritage have been identified and
information on their cultural significance obtained, including detailed
geographical, historical, archaeological, anthropological, ethnographic and
other cultural data, supplemented with illustrations and photographic records.
Tung
Chung: Area 1
11.5.2.1 This area was located to the
west/southwest of Lung Tseng Tau and was intersected by the Tung Chung Road. It
was for the most part a low-lying area of former agricultural land at the edge
of the Tung Chung plain, although it also included the lowermost slopes behind
the village of Lung Tseng Tau. The vegetation was moderate to light, with
acceptable ground surface visibility. Special attention was paid to areas of
exposed soil and any natural cuttings. No archaeological finds were recorded.
Cheung
Sha: Area 2
11.5.2.2 This area was located to the east of
Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen. It consisted of a small coastal valley, truncated by
South Lantau Road. Vegetation in this area was heavy to impenetrable. Surface
scans were made in any areas with ground surface visibility. No archaeological
finds were recorded.
11.5.3.1 Systematic auger testing was carried out
in each area, with the spacing of tests dependant on the amount of available
land and the degree of disturbance. A total of 60 holes were executed, 30 in
Tung Chung (Area 1) and 30 in Cheung Sha (Area 2), as shown in Figures 11.2a
and 11.2b. The auger testing programme can be summarised as follows, with
details of the auger tests provided in Appendix K:
Tung Chung: Area 1 (Figure 11.2a)
11.5.3.2
Testing
was carried out in areas to the east and west of Tung Chung Road. The area to
the west was low-lying and marshy, with surface water visible in many places.
The water table was reached between 10 and 30 cm in almost all of the auger
tests carried out here. The land tested to the east of Tung Chung Road was not
as low lying as that to the west and included lower hill slopes behind the
village of Lung Tseng Tau and the water table, generally, appeared at much
lower depths.
11.5.3.3 The results of the auger tests in this area are summarised below:
¨ Eleven tests were conducted in the area to the west of Tung Chung Road. The stratigraphic sequence was predominated by alluvial deposited layers of clay, with intermittent occurrences of sand and gravel. A few of the auger locations contained a thin layer of silt at the surface. The following finds were recovered:
- AH 4: 1 piece of undiagnostic ceramic tile (Plate 1, Appendix K)
¨ Nine auger holes were placed to the south of the path leading to Lung Tseng Tau from Tung Chung Road. The area ranged from marshy to dry. The basic soils were alluvial layers of sand and clay with some occurrences of surface silt. The following finds were recovered:
- AH 14: 1 undiagnostic village ware sherd (Plate 1, Appendix K)
¨ Six auger tests were placed to the north of the village path mentioned above. According to local informants this area was formerly associated with rice cultivation. The auger tests revealed alluvial deposits of silt overlaying clay, except in the case of one test where water table was reached near the surface, deposits of sand were encountered below this. The following finds were recovered:
- AH 22: 1 Wun Yiu style base fragment (Plate 1, Appendix K)
- AH 24: 2 tile fragments; 1 village ware sherd (Plate 1, Appendix K)
- AH 25: 1 tile fragment (Plate 2, Appendix K)
- AH 26: 1 Wun Yiu style rim (Plate 2, Appendix K)
¨ Four tests were carried out on a lower hill slope to the southeast of Lung Tseng Tau. This area was tested because of works associated with a drainage culvert. This area consisted of alluvial silt and clay deposits with in-situ decomposing parent material appearing in the tests that were able to penetrate rocks and tree roots found in the top 80cm of soil. The following finds were recovered:
- AH 29: Two sherds of undiagnostic village ware (Plate 2, Appendix K)
Cheung Sha: Area 2 (Figure 11.2b)
11.5.3.4 The valley where testing was carried out
in Cheung Sha was steep sided and heavily overgrown. The rear section of the
valley contained disused terraces. There were cuttings on the slopes of the
valley where it was intersected by the South Lantau road. The floor of the
valley to the west of the South Lantau Road was waterlogged and contained a
drainage structure with culverts and drains, which also extended to the other
side of the South Lantau Road.
11.5.3.5 The auger testing programme in this area
consisted of the following:
¨ Twenty-two auger holes were conducted to the west of South Lantau Road. The tests showed agricultural silt and gravel layers deposited on hill washed clay containing decomposing parent material. No archaeological remains were recovered. The terraces appeared to have been abandoned for some time and there was no recollection amongst the local villagers as to what crops had been grown there. No archaeological material was recovered.
¨ Eight auger holes were placed in the continuation of the valley to the east of the South Lantau Road. These auger tests did not reveal the presence of any agricultural activity. The soil consisted of gravely silt over layers of hill wash with decomposing parent material. No archaeological material was recovered.
11.5.4.1 The excavation of six test pits measuring 2m x 2m was carried out according to AMO standards. The locations of the test pits were selected based on preliminary findings from surface investigation, auger testing and assessment of potential. The locations of the test pits in Tung Chung can be found in Figure 11.2a and the locations of test pits in Cheung Sha in Figure 11.2b. The detailed results of the test pit excavations are presented in Appendix K, together with photographs of general views of the test pit areas (Plate 3) and section photographs (Plates 4 and 5). The stratigraphical section drawings are shown in Figures 11.3 – 11.8.
11.5.4.2
In
describing the dating of
archaeological finds the following terminology has been used:
¨ Modern: finds including plastic or other material datable to the post Qing period (post 1911);
¨ Historic: finds which can be dated to the Qing period or earlier, or groups of finds which collectively indicate a pre-1911 date;
¨ Undiagnostic: finds which are of a type which has been in use for a long time and could therefore be either of the above categories; and
¨ Unknown: finds which cannot be dated without laboratory study.
Cheung Sha (Area 2)
Test Pit 1
11.5.4.3 This test pit was located in Area 2,
towards the back of the valley on a former agricultural terrace below a kam tap
site, see Figure 11.2b. The site was chosen to test the local assertion that it
had been used formerly for agricultural purposes and to ascertain if possible,
the date of such usage. The test pit measured 2 by 2 meters and was recorded to
a depth of 1.30meter below surface. The
TBM (1.425m) was taken from corner A of test pit 1.
11.5.4.4 The stratigraphy of test pit 1 is
discussed below and shown in Figure 11.3 and Plate 4 in Appendix K). The
topsoil, Context 1, consisted of a yellowish brown, gravelly silt. No archaeological
remains were recovered from this context.
Context 2 was light olive brown, slightly sandy and gravelly silt. This
context had a thickness of between 6 and 17cm and contained no archaeological
remains. The next context, Context 3, was a brown, very slightly clayey,
slightly sandy and slightly silty gravel. This context represented an
agricultural subsoil and had a thickness of approximately 15cm. Tile fragments
and one village ware sherd were recovered from this context (plate 6, Appendix
K). Context 4 was a thin layer encountered at a depth of 19cm below the surface
and represented an agricultural subsoil. It was recorded in the southwestern
corner and covered approximately 25% of the test pit. It was an olive brown,
very slightly clayey, slightly sandy and slightly gravelly silt. Village ware
sherds and tile fragments were recovered (plate 6, appendix K). The following two contexts were sterile.
Context 5 was recorded at a depth of approximately 40cm below surface and was a
strong brown, very gravelly and silty clay. It represented an oxidised/leached
hillwash with no archaeological remains. Context 6 was an olive yellow, silty
and gravelly clay. The hand excavation of the test pit was stopped at a depth
of approximately 1 meter where the water table was encountered. An auger hole
test was conducted to further verify the stratigraphy. The test was abandoned at a depth of
approximately 1.30 meters below surface due to rock.
11.5.4.5 A summary of the finds for Test Pit 1 are
provided in Table 11.1 below.
|
Context |
Interpretation |
Finds |
Dating |
|
01 |
Topsoil |
None |
N/A |
|
02 |
Hill wash |
None |
N/A |
|
03 Plate 6 |
Agricultural subsoil |
4 pieces of tile and 1
village ware sherd. |
Undiagnostic |
|
04 Plate 6 |
Agricultural subsoil |
3 pieces of tile and 3 village ware sherds |
Undiagnostic |
|
05 |
Oxidised/leached hillwash |
None |
N/A |
|
06 |
Hill wash |
None |
N/A |
Note: all plates can be found in Appendix K.
11.5.4.6 The test pit was located on a former
terrace near the north end of the valley’s lowest levels. The top and subsoils
of contexts 01 and 02 represented recently deposited silty hill wash, they
contained no archaeological material. Finds were recovered from the two
agricultural subsoils (contexts 03 and 04), these did not include any modern
items, but were also undiagnostic and thus, not datable to any specific period.
These contexts were located over a thick deposit of naturally deposited
hillwashed clays. Large stones and cobbles were encountered in this test pit
below the cultural levels. This is likely due to their removal during the
construction of the terraces for agriculture. The results of the excavation
confirm the results of the field scan, i.e. that the lower parts of the valley
were used for agricultural purposes in the past. The lack of modern material
also implies that the usage of the area was probably historical.
Test Pit 2
11.5.4.7 Test pit 2 was also located in Area 2 at
the rear of the valley on a former agricultural terrace but at a slightly
higher elevation than test pit 1, see Figure 11.2b. The site was chosen to
investigate the use and date of the terracing. The test pit measured 2 by 2
meters and was recorded to a depth of 2.24m below surface. TBM (1.725m) was
taken from corner A of test pit 1.
11.5.4.8 The stratigraphy of test pit 2 is
discussed below and shown in Figure 11.4 and Plate 3 in Appendix K). Context 1
was a light yellowish brown, slightly sandy and gravelly silt. This topsoil
contained 2 pieces of tile (plate 7). Context 2 was also a silt layer, this
time yellowish brown in colour and very slightly clayey and slightly sandy and
gravelly in texture. This context had a thickness of approximately 2cm and
contained 3 tile fragments, 2 village ware sherds and 2 porcelain sherds (plate
7). Context 3 continued to be silt, slightly gravelly, sandy and very slightly
clayey. This sterile context was encountered at a depth of approximately 43cm
below surface. It was dark yellowish brown in colour. The next context
consisted of clayey and sandy, strong brown gravel. This context, i.e. Context
4, contained a single village ware sherd (plate 7) and had a thickness of
approximately 10cm. Context 5 was a sterile very silty and slightly gravelly
yellowish brown clay and was recorded at a depth of approximately 70 cm below
the surface. The test pit was hand excavated to a depth of approximately
1m. An auger hole test was conducted to
further verify the stratigraphy. The same context was recorded to a depth of
2.24m below surface.
11.5.4.9 A summary of the finds for Test Pit 2 are
provided in Table 11.2 below.
|
Context |
Interpretation |
Finds |
Dating |
|
01 Plate 7 |
Topsoil (Hill Wash) |
2 pieces of tile |
Undiagnostic |
|
02 Plate 7 |
Hillwash |
3 tile fragments, 3 village
ware sherds and 3 porcelain sherds |
Undiagnostic |
|
03 |
Agricultural Subsoil |
None |
N/A |
|
04 Plate 7 |
Agricultural Subsoil |
1 village ware sherd |
Undiagnostic |
|
05 |
Hillwash |
None |
N/A |
Note:
all plates can be found in Appendix K.
11.5.4.10 This test pit was situated on the terrace
above test pit 1. This terrace was more
steeply sloped. The stratigraphy in this test pit was similar to that of test
pit 1. A silty top and subsoil were deposited over silty and gravelly
agricultural subsoils. Contexts 01, 02
and 03 all contained undiagnostic sherds and tile, again as in test pit 1, no
modern material was found. As was seen in test pit 1, large stones and cobbles
were not encountered in this test pit until context 5. This is likely due to
their removal during the construction of the terraces and agricultural
activity. The absence of modern finds, again indicated that the usage of the
valley for agricultural purposes was most likely historical. The presence and
nature of the finds near the surface, in contexts 01 and 02, indicated that
their deposition was most likely the result of seasonal water runoff down the
slope, rather than recent deposition.
Test Pit 3
11.5.4.11 Test pit 3 was located in Area 2 on a
hill slope north of path leading to the kam tap at the back of the valley, see
Figure 11.2b. This test pit was situated at the highest elevation of the three
of the test pits in the valley. The site was chosen to test the boundaries of
agricultural usage of the valley. The test pit measured 2 by 2 meters and was
excavated to a depth of approximately 1.60m. The TBM (5.31m) was taken from
corner A of test pit 1.
11.5.4.12 The stratigraphy of test pit 3 is
discussed below and shown in Figure 11.5 and Plate 3 in Appendix K). The
topsoil of Context 1 consisted of a strong brown, sandy and gravelly silt.
Context 2 was also a strong brown silt in this instance slightly gravelly and
was recorded at depths between 15 and 71cm below surface. The final context,
Context 3 once again was a strong brown silt, more gravelly than context 2 and
also very slightly clayey. Context 3 appeared at the bottom of the test pit and
contained large rocks. All contexts
were sterile. An auger hole test was attempted to further verify the
stratigraphy but was abandoned due to rocks.
11.5.4.13 A summary of the finds for Test Pit 3 are
provided in Table 11.3 below.
Table 11.3 Summary of Finds for
Test Pit 3
|
Context |
Interpretation |
Finds |
Dating |
|
01 |
Hill Wash |
None |
N/A |
|
02 |
Hill Wash |
None |
N/A |
|
03 |
Hill Wash |
None |
N/A |
11.5.4.14 No archaeological remains were recovered
from this test pit. The three contexts identified all represented natural hill
wash deposits. The test pit was situated higher up the hill slope than the
other two test pits and there was no evidence of terracing. The test pit
confirmed that this was not an area of agricultural activity in the past. It
should also be noted that large rocks were encountered throughout all levels of
this test pit, again indicating natural deposition.
Tung Chung (Area
1)
Test
Pit 4
11.5.4.15 This test pit was located in Area 1, see
Figure 11.2a, north of the path leading to the village of Lung Tseng Tau from
Tung Chung Road. It was situated in a low-lying area, where auger testing had
identified the presence of historical ceramics. The test pit was excavated in
order to investigate the archaeological potential of the historical village’s
environs. The test pit measured 2 by 2 meters. TBM (0.64m) was taken from a
lamp post located to the southwest of the test pit on the western side of the
road.
11.5.4.16 The stratigraphy of test pit 4 is
discussed below and shown in Figures 11.6a and 11.6b and Plate 5 in Appendix
K). Context 1 consisted of a brown, very slightly sandy silt. The context
contained a lot of roots and worms. The context also contained a quantity of
modern building debris on and slightly below the surface. These finds were
noted but not retrieved. The collected finds consisted of tile, glass, porcelain
and village ware sherds (plate 8, Appendix K). Context 2 was a very slightly
clayey, light brownish grey silt. It was recorded at a depth of approximately
+8cm and had a thickness of more than 40cm. The finds from this layer included
tile, glass, porcelain and village ware sherds (plate 8 and 9, Appendix K).
Context 3 was very silty, slightly sandy and very slightly gravely brown
alluvial clay. This layer contained no finds. Context 4 represented a pit on
the west side of the test pit (Figure 11.6a) and was recorded at a depth
between 21 and 24 below the surface.
The pit had a depth of approximately 30cm (Figure 11.6b). It consisted
of olive yellow, clayey, slightly sandy and slightly gravely silt. It contained
a number of finds in the form of village ware and Wun Yiu style sherds, a metal
fragment, tile and brick fragments (plate 9 and 10, Appendix K). Context 5 was a pale yellow, silty, slightly
sandy clay. It contained no artefacts.
11.5.4.17 A summary of the finds for Test Pit 4 are
provided in Table 11.4 below.
Table 11.4 Summary of Finds for
Test Pit 4
|
Context |
Interpretation |
Finds |
Dating |
|
01 Plate 8 |
Topsoil (Alluvium) |
7 pieces of tile, 2 pieces of glass, 6 Wun Yiu style sherds and 10 village ware sherds and modern
rubbish. |
Modern /undiagnostic |
|
02 Plates 8 and 9 |
Alluvium |
21 pieces of tile, 21 village ware sherds, 3 pieces of glass, 1
porcelain sherd and 13 Wun Yiu style sherds. |
Undiagnostic /historical |
|
03 |
Alluvium |
None |
N/A |
|
04 Plates 9 and 10 |
Pit |
11 village ware sherds, 7 Wun Yiu style sherds, 2 pieces of metal
(possibly two pieces of a latch), 2 very worn brick fragments, 59 pieces of
tile, 2 fragments of oyster shell. |
Undiagnostic / historical |
|
05 |
Alluvium |
None |
N/A |
Note: all plates can be found in Appendix K.
11.5.4.18 This test pit was situated in a low-lying alluvial area very near to the boundaries of Lung Tseng Tau village. A silty top and subsoil containing a large amount of modern rubbish ran from the surface to a depth of approximately 40cms. Context 3 and below it, context 5 were made up of alluvial clays and contained no archaeological remains. Context 4 was identified as a pit, dug from near the existing ground surface into the alluvial clay. The pit contained Wun Yiu style porcelain sherds, as did the subsoil above it, (context 02). These contexts did not contain modern rubbish and most likely represent historical deposits dating most likely from the 19th or early 20th Centuries. This assessment is based on the style of ceramics and lack of modern rubbish, as well as the proximity of the test pit to Lung Tseng Tau.
Test Pit 5
11.5.4.19 Test pit 5 was also located in Area 1,
see Figure 11.2a, in a low-lying area to the south of the path leading to Lung
Tseng Tau from Tung Chung Road. Water table was encountered at a depth of
approximately 25cm and the excavation abandoned. The location of this test pit
was again chosen in order to investigate the archaeological potential of the
historical village’s environs. The test pit measured 2 by 2 meters. TBM (0.755m) was taken at the same location as
for test pit 4.
11.5.4.20 The stratigraphy of test pit 5 is
discussed below and shown in Figure 11.7 and Plate 5 in Appendix K). Context 1 was a very slightly sandy, brown
silt. Context 2 was a greyish brown, clayey and slightly sandy silt. These
layers of topsoil lay over Context 3, which was a light grey, very clayey and
sandy silt. Finds from this context consisted of tiles fragments, village ware
and Wun Yiu style sherds (plate 11). The hand excavation of the pit was halted
at a depth of 25cm below surface due to water table and the presence of snakes
in the soils. An auger hole test was conducted to further verify the
stratigraphy, context 3 continued until auger test was abandoned due to auger
failing to hold soils at a depth of 47cm below surface.
11.5.4.21 A summary of the finds for Test Pit 5 are
provided in Table 11.5 below.
Table 11.5 Summary of Finds for
Test Pit 5
|
Context |
Interpretation |
Finds |
Dating |
|
01 |
Topsoil (Alluvium) |
None |
N/A |
|
02 |
Topsoil (Alluvium) |
None |
N/A |
|
03 Plate 11 |
Alluvium |
4 undiagnostic tile fragments, 4 village ware sherds and 2 Wun Yiu
style sherds. |
Undiagnostic / historical |
Note: all plates can be found in Appendix K.
11.5.4.22 This test pit was also located near the
western edge of Lung Tseng Tau village. Water table was encountered at the
depth of 25cm. The topsoils did not contain any material, modern or otherwise.
Context 3, contained historical material similar to that of test pit 4, again
with no modern rubbish. The results of this test pit are the same as those for
test pit 4, in that the finds are most likely late Qing isolated finds
associated with the village of Lung Tseng Tau.
Test Pit 6
11.5.4.23 The test pit was located in Area 1, to
the north of the path leading from Tung Chung Road to Lung Tseng Tau. It was
situated in a low-lying area, where auger testing had identified the presence
of historical ceramics. Again, this test pit was excavated in order to
investigate the archaeological potential of the historical village’s environs.
The test pit measured 2 by 2 meters. The TBM (1.04m) was taken at the same location as
test pit 4.
11.5.4.24 The stratigraphy of test pit 6 is
discussed below and shown in Figure 11.8 and Plate 5 in Appendix K). Context 1 consisted of a very dark greyish
brown and very slightly clayey silt. It contained the following finds; tile,
village ware and porcelain sherds, glass and a fragmentary oyster shell (plate
12, Appendix K). Context 2 was recorded at a depth between 7 and 18cms below
the surface and consisted of a dark greyish brown clayey silt with a layer of
thickly matted roots. The finds from this context were as follows; tiles,
village ware, porcelain and Wun Yiu style ceramic sherds and a piece of highly
corroded metal (plate 12 and 13, Appendix K).
In Context 3 the thickly matted roots continued, while the soil was
light brownish grey very silty and slightly sandy clay. Finds in this layer included tile fragments,
Wun Yiu style and village ware sherds (plate 13). These two subsoils (contexts
2 and 3) had a combined thickness of approximately 25cm. The following two
contexts, 4 and 5 were devoid of archaeological remains. They appeared along
side each other whereby context 5 represents alluvium and context 4 fluvial
sediments. Context 4 was located on the southern half of the test pit and
consisted of an olive yellow, very silty and sandy clay. Context 5 was located on the northern half
of the test pit and was an yellow silty and slightly sandy clay.
11.5.4.25 A summary of the finds for Test Pit 6 are
provided in Table 11.6 below.
Table 11.6 Summary of Finds for
Test Pit 6
|
Context |
Interpretation |
Finds |
Dating |
|
01 Plate 12 |
Topsoil (Alluvium) |
9 pieces of tile, 4 pieces of village ware, 5 ceramic sherds, 1 piece
of glass and 1 fragmentary oyster shell (4 pieces). |
Undiagnostic/ historical |
|
02 Plates 12 and 13 |
Alluvium |
32 pieces of tile, 11 village ware sherds, 9 porcelain sherds,
8 Wun Yiu style ceramic sherds and 1 piece of metal |
Undiagnostic/ historical |
|
03 Plate 13 |
Alluvium |
5 tile fragments, 2 Wun Yiu style sherds and 2 village ware sherds |
Undiagnostic/ historical |
|
04 |
Fluvial sediments |
None |
N/A |
|
05 |
Alluvium |
None |
N/A |
11.5.4.26 The top and subsoils in this test pit
consisted of silt overlying silty clay. These contexts contained historical
sherds and lacked modern material. Again these findings reinforce those from
the other test pits in this area, i.e. historical deposits associated with the
local village. Underneath these upper three contexts, two sterile contexts were
recorded. They represent connection
between the alluvial plain (context 5) and fluvial sediments (context 4).
11.5.5
Archaeological
Impact Assessment
11.5.5.1 A summary of the periods represented by
material found in the two test areas is provided in Table 11.7 below.
Table
11.7 Summary of Archaeological Field Evaluation
Results
|
Area |
Dates of Finds |
||
|
Modern |
Historical |
Prehistoric |
|
|
Area 1: west/southwest of Lung Tseng Tau |
Ö |
Ö |
- |
|
Area 2: east of
Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen |
- |
Ö |
- |
11.5.5.2 The findings of the assessment of the
study corridor, based on the data gathered from the field evaluation and the
desk-based research, are as follows:
¨
no evidence of prehistoric cultural deposits were recovered from any of
the test pits during the survey;
¨
the auger survey and test pit 3 in Cheung Sha revealed no finds
(including modern);
¨
Test pits 1 and 2 in Cheung Sha (Area 2) contained a small number of
undiagnostic village ware sherds and tile fragments. No modern material was
recovered from either of the test pits. The test pits both revealed the
presence of layers associated with former agricultural usage (with which the
finds were associated). The usage was probably historical, based on the nature
of the finds;
¨
The test pits in Tung Chung (Area 1) revealed the presence of
historical material, dating to the Qing dynasty. The material was almost
certainly associated with the village of Lung Tseng Tau, a village founded in
the 18th century. This is based on the fact that they were excavated
at the edge of the village and the deposits represented a typical Hong Kong
village assemblage, i.e. they were dominated by Wun Yiu style and village ware
sherds and tile and brick fragments.
11.5.6
Mitigation
Recommendations
Cheung Sha (Area
2)
11.5.6.1 The test pits in Cheung Sha revealed the
presence of former agricultural terraces.
The presence and nature of the finds from the test pits along with the
fact that the local villagers did not remember when the area was last
cultivated, indicate that the usage of this area was historical. As this area
lies at a minimum distance of 50 metres from the study corridor, the indirect
impacts will be negligible. Therefore no mitigation measures are required.
Tung Chung (Area 1)
11.5.6.2 The three test pits conducted to the east
of Tung Chung Road all contained historical material from the Qing dynasty. The
material was most likely associated with the historical village of Lung Tseng
Tau. The deposits represent incidental dumping of daily rubbish at the
periphery of the village. The auger testing of the area to the west of Tung
Chung Road revealed only one undiagnostic tile fragment. This area lies between
80 and more than 200 metres from the village. Thus there is a pattern of the
amount of material growing smaller as distance from the village increases.
Based on the amount of material found in the test pits and auger holes, it can
be concluded that only a small amount of village debris similar to that recovered
would be present in the study corridor. This material does not represent a
significant archaeological deposit and thus no further mitigation measures are
required.
11.6 Historical Buildings and Structures Survey and Assessment
11.6.1.1 The Tung Chung area contains a number of
historical villages. The area also has a number of religious institutions, such
as monasteries and nunneries. Cheung Sha also contains several historical
villages.
11.6.1.2 A total of 23 structures were recorded in
the field survey. The recorded features included domestic structures, ancestral
halls, shrines, an abandoned nunnery and a village well. The villages were
easily accessible and this allowed for relatively straightforward
identification of the historical and cultural resources located within
them. The field survey also included
identification of burial associated sites as well as cultural landscape
features and historical land use patterns, as detailed below.
11.6.2
Cultural
Heritage Structures Assessment
Historical
Background and Synopses of the Recorded Structures
11.6.2.1 The completed historical building and
structures recording forms are presented in Appendix K and a synopsis of each
building provided below. The location
of each of the structures is shown in Figures 11.9 to 11.11.
Fong Yuen Nunnery (Figure 11.9)
11.6.2.2 The Fong Yuen Nunnery has been abandoned
for at least 20 years according to local informants. The nunnery was founded
after the Second World War and was associated with the Loh Hon Monastery, which
is located behind the village of Shek Mun Kap. These institutions did not have
any traditional associations with the local villages, with the devotees coming
in from other parts of Hong Kong (Mott Connell Ltd 1998). The nunnery was located on the site of a
former village, also called Fong Yuen.
The 1924 aerial photograph (GEOY003), Figure 11.12, shows the site with
a horse shoe shaped fung shui village.
The 1963 aerial photograph (GEO Y06277), Figure 11.13, shows the nunnery
building with a much depleted but still existing wood.
TCR-01-01 Large concrete structure with gate and associated out buildings. The main building is closed up, but intact. The outbuildings and gate are in poor condition. The grounds are untended and overgrown.
Wong Ka Wai (Figure 11.10)
11.6.2.3 The village of Wong Ka Wai was settled
over 200 years ago by members of the Wong clan, who are Hakka. The original
villagers came from Po On in Guangdong. The villagers traditionally engaged in
localised fishing and small scale farming, mainly of rice. Any of the produce
not consumed by the villagers was shipped to West Point market for sale.
11.6.2.4 The majority of the existing village
buildings postdate 1950. In fact, a number of very recently constructed three
storey residential units could be seen throughout the village. The recorded
features consisted of two courtyard style houses, neither of which contained
any decorative features and both of which had concrete facades. One of the
structures is still being used as a residence and the other as a storage shed.
A well, a shrine and a modern ancestral hall were also recorded in the village.
11.6.2.5 Many examples of cut stone slabs
retrieved from demolished structures could be seen in this village. The
locations of the traditionally constructed paths and drainage channels could be
seen, but all had been modernised through the addition of concrete.
11.6.2.6 The area directly behind the village was
terraced and the villagers said that it was traditionally an area of
agricultural activity. During the survey, the area could be seen to contain a
large amount of building and other general debris in the form of broken tiles,
bricks, pieces of concrete, plastic and metal objects. There was no evidence of
traditional agricultural activity in the area, the terraces being the only
remnants of this former usage. The land behind the terraces consisted of
unmodified slopes that contained mature woodland. This was identified as a fung
shui wood by local informants.
TCR-01-02 Courtyard style house (mid-terrace), tile and concrete. No decorative features. Modern façade, but portions of structure pre-1950 in date.
TCR-01-03 Small shrine constructed of re-used cut granite slabs and cut stone.
TCR-01-04 Well with associated shrine. Circular concrete enclosure with 1957 renovation date.
TCR-01-05 Courtyard style house. Façade has been covered in concrete. Tile roof. No decorative features. Portions of structure pre-1950 in date.
TCR-01-06 Wing Wo Tong. Completely modern ancestral hall (occupying the ground floor of a three storey structure).
Lung Tseng Tau (Figure 11.10)
11.6.2.7 The name of this village means 'dragon
well head' in English. It was named after the well used by the villagers, even
though the well itself is actually located within the village of Wong Ka Wai.
According to local informants the villages have traditionally shared this well.
The village was settled approximately 200 years ago by members of the Chan
clan, who were of Punti origin. The villagers were never involved with fishing,
instead they traditionally engaged in small scale subsistence farming.
11.6.2.8 The majority of structures within this
village were, as those in Wong Ka Wai, of recent construction. The majority of
recorded structures were abandoned or being used for storage. Four animal pens
and sheds were recorded; they were all abandoned and in varying states of
decay. These structures were in general simply constructed of uncut stone or
mud brick and many appeared to have been repaired in the past through addition
of concrete patches or reused bricks or stones. Five abandoned houses, and one ruin were recorded. They were
constructed of a variety of building materials, including green brick, uncut
stone, pounded earth and mud brick. All of the structures were of simple
construction and did not contain decorative features. As with the sheds, the houses showed evidence of rough repairing
with reused materials and concrete.
11.6.2.9 Traditional stone drainage channels still
exist in the village, although they are not well maintained.
TCR-01-07 Very dilapidated ruin, mainly consisting of granite and rammed earth. Pre-1950 in date.
TCR-01-08 Shed constructed of red brick and concrete. Tile roof. Portions of structure predate 1950.
TCR-01-09 Shed constructed of cut stone, red brick and tile roof. Portions of structure predate 1950.
TCR-01-10 Courtyard style house. Rammed earth and cut stone. Concrete render, no decorative features. Portions of original building fabric predate 1950.
TCR-01-11 Ruins of a pre 1950 structure. Green brick façade and rough stone rear wall are all that remain.
TCR-01-12 A row of two terrace houses. Tile roofs with pounded earth, mud brick and concrete walls. Structure on right hand side is ruinous. No decorative features. Portions of the structures predate 1950.
TCR-01-13 A row of three terrace houses at the rear of the village. Cut stone and concrete walls with tile roof. No decorative features. Portions of the structures predate 1950.
TCR-01-14 Abandoned single storey structure, mud brick with concrete render, tile roof. No decorative features, heavily overgrown. Portions of structure predate 1950.
TCR-01-15 Ruins of an animal pen, very heavily overgrown.
TCR-01-16 Shrine associated with village, concrete.
TCR-01-17 Chan’s ancestral hall, constructed in 1999.
Ruins near Cheung Sha (Figure 11.11)
11.6.2.10 These comprise a wooded area that was
formerly occupied by a house and associated outbuildings. The structures are
all in a very ruinous state. The land in the area is wooded and there are in
use and abandoned orchards nearby. The land around the structures was terraced
and there are remains of stone supporting walls still visible.
11.6.2.11 The area is heavily overgrown, but there
was still evidence of former uses, such as substantial stone walls, terracing
and other related structures.
TCR-01-18 Ruins of farm buildings and associated structures. The area is overgrown, but retains evidence of former agricultural usage, such as stone terraces and overgrown orchards.
Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen (Figure 11.11)
11.6.2.12 The village was settled by members of the
Tsang, Lau and Cheung clans at least 100 years ago. The founders were Hakkas
who relocated from Chung Shan, Guangdong. The villagers traditionally grew
rice, which was sold on Cheung Chau.
11.6.2.13 The existing structures in the village
were constructed mainly in the 1960’s and 1970’s. A few very recent structures
were also noted. The only traditional style structure was an abandoned shed in
a partially dilapidated state. There was also a shrine in the village as well
as the remains of a stone wall.
TCR-01-19 village shrine cut into hill slope with roughly cut stone sides and metal covering.
TCR-01-20 Tse Tong (Lau family). Completely modern structure.
TCR-01-21 Mud brick shed with concrete render, tile roof. No decorative features. Portions of structure predate 1950.
TCR-01-22 Ancestral hall of the Tsang family, circa 1960 structure.
TCR-01-23 Remains of a stone wall, large uncut stones, overgrown and collapsing.
Assessment
of Potential Impacts to Historical Structures
11.6.2.14 No cultural or historical structures will
be directly impacted by the proposed road improvement.
11.6.2.15 The impacts to be assessed for the 23
recorded structures are of a visual nature. The assessment of the potential
impacts resulting from the proposed works is summarised in Table 11.8 below.
The village structures have been assessed as group units and the monastery and
ruins at Cheung Sha have been assessed separately.
Table 11.8 Assessment of Impacts on Cultural Heritage Resources
|
Built
Heritage Feature |
Description |
Assessment |
Approximate
Minimum Distance and orientation to the alignment |
Intervening
Land |
|
Lung
Tseng Tau (Village) |
Traditional
village containing 11 recorded resources (3 abandoned houses, 4 ruins, 2
sheds, an ancestral hall (modern) and a shrine). The historical buildings
were all in poor condition, had been roughly modified and contained no
decorative features. |
The
recorded resources do not possess any outstanding architectural features or
historical associations |
Within
10 metres Varied
orientation |
Woodland |
|
Wong
Ka Wai (Village) |
Traditional
village containing 5 recorded resources (2 houses, a well, an ancestral hall
(modern) and a shrine). The historical buildings were all in poor condition,
had been roughly modified and contained no decorative features. |
The
recorded resources do not possess any outstanding architectural features or
historical associations. |
Within
30 metres Oriented
away from |
Residential
and Woodland |
|
Cheung
Sha Sheung Tsuen (Village) |
Traditional
Village containing 5 recorded resources (a shrine, a stone wall, 2 ancestral
halls and a shed) |
The
recorded resources do not possess any outstanding architectural features or
historical associations. |
Within
100 metres Oriented
away from |
Woodland |
|
Fong
Yuen Nunnery |
Large
rectangular structure with associated outbuildings (abandoned) |
The
compound possesses cultural and historical merit |
Within
50 metres of the road alignment Within
10 metres of a proposed pipeline/ cycle path Oriented
away from |
Woodland |
|
Ruins
at Cheung Sha |
Very
dilapidated remains of a house and associated outbuildings. Stone terracing
also present. |
The
structural remains are in a ruinous state. The value of the site is, that it
represents an area of historical land use. |
Approximately
100 metres Oriented
away from |
Woodland |
11.6.3
Historical
Land Use Patterns and Cultural Landscape Features
11.6.3.1 The following cultural landscape features
were noted:
¨ a fung shui wood to the rear of the village of Wong Ka Wai, see Figure 11.10.
11.6.3.2 The following historical land use
patterns were noted:
¨ former agricultural landscape consisting of stone terraces and land associated with ruinous farm structures in Cheung Sha (TCR-01-18), Figure 11.14.
11.6.3.3
Both of the
features lie over 100 metres from the proposed works and are buffered through
existing woodlands and village structures.
As such, no impacts are predicted.
11.6.4
Burial
Associated Sites
11.6.4.1 A total of two graves were recorded
during the survey. The survey form
recording their details is provided in Appendix K and their locations
highlighted on a 1:1000 scale map in Figure 11.15a and 11.15b. Details of the graves are given below.
TCR-01-G-01 Cheung family. Concrete platform and enclosure with inscribed granite plaque. Renovation dating to 1973. No reference to original construction date.
TCR-01-G-02 Law family. Concrete platform and enclosure with inscribed plaque. Renovated in 1927.
11.6.4.1 A summary of the impacts on the two
identified graves is provided in Table 11.9 below.
Table
11.9 Assessment of the Recorded Graves
|
Grave Ref # |
Orientation/ Distance |
Intervening Land |
Assessment |
|
TCR-01-G-01 |
Parallel to/
15 metres |
Trees and
Shrubs Kam tap |
The
inscription indicates that the grave was renovated in 1973. All of the built
features are modern. The original construction date may have been pre-war. |
|
TCR-01-G-02 |
Parallel to/
20 metres |
Trees and
Shrubs |
The
inscription indicates that the grave was renovated in 1927. The built
features appear to date to this period. |
11.6.4.2 The graves are at a sufficient distance
from the proposed works and are not oriented towards the proposed works. Based upon this and the intervening land
containing shielding vegetation, significant impacts are not predicted.
11.6.5
Mitigation
Recommendations
11.6.5.1 Details on the proposed mitigation
measures for historical structures, historical land use patterns and cultural
landscape features and burial associated sites are provided below.
Historical
Structures
11.6.5.2 As can be seen in the previous section
there will be no direct impacts on any built heritage features. There will,
however, be indirect impacts and they will be presented in the table below.
Lung Tseng Tau (Village)
11.6.5.3 A shrine (TCR-01-16) lies approximately
10 metres from the alignment. The shrine should be left in situ. During the
construction phase, if the shrine falls within the works area of the project a
protective barrier such as a metal fence should be erected around it. The
shrine currently faces the existing road and will not require any mitigation
for visual impacts arising from the proposed improvements.
11.6.5.4 No other recorded features will require
mitigation. This is based on the following factors;
¨ apart from a ruinous animal pen, located 20 metres away, the other structures are located at a minimum distance of 60 metres from the alignment, within the confines of the village; and
¨ apart from the modern Tse Tong and two sheds they are abandoned/ ruinous structures.
11.6.5.5 The distance from the development will
provide a sufficient buffer zone during the construction phase. As the development consists of the
improvement to an existing road, there will be no new adverse visual impacts
associated with the proposed project during the operational phase.
Wong Ka Wai (Village)
11.6.5.6 No mitigation measures are necessary
based on the following factors;
¨ all of the resources lie within the village boundaries and at a minimum distance of 30 metres from the proposed development; and
¨ all of the resources are shielded from the road by modern structures.
11.6.5.7 The distance and presence of modern
structures will provide a sufficient buffer zone. This is applicable during
both the construction and operational phases.
Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen (Village)
11.6.5.8 No mitigation measures are necessary
during the construction or operational phases of the project based on the
following factor:
¨ the structures are located approximately 100 metres away from the study corridor and will not be visually impacted by the proposed project, as the intervening land is wooded.
Fong Yuen Nunnery
11.6.5.9 The nunnery compound lies at a minimum
distance of 50 metres from the road alignment. Recommended mitigation measures
are as follows;
¨ the 50 metre wooded buffer zone between the road and the nunnery should be retained to maintain the existing screening of the compound from the road during the construction and operational phases of the project.
11.6.5.10 The proposed pipeline/cycle path will come within 10 metres to the rear of the main building. Even though this is within close proximity to the structure, the impact during the operational phase will be negligible for two reasons;
¨ firstly, a cycle path will cause only minor visual impacts to the existing environment, which can be compensated for by appropriate foliage screening; and
¨ secondly, the structure is not in use and usage of the cycle path will not be disruptive.
11.6.5.11
Mitigation
measures are as follows:
¨ planting of foliage along the cycle path in the vicinity of the monastery in order to maintain the existing environment; and
¨ during construction of the cycle path, the main building should be fenced off and kept separate from the works area. Construction of the pipeline/cycle path will not require any specific monitoring of the buildings.
Ruins at Cheung Sha
11.6.5.12
No
mitigation measures are necessary during the construction or operational phases
of the project based on the following factors;
¨ the ruins and land use features are located over 100 metres away from the proposed works and the site lies within existing woodland which will not be affected by the proposed project.
Historical
Land Use Patterns and Cultural Landscape Features
11.6.5.13
No
mitigation measures will be required for the fung shui wood or for the former
agricultural landscape at Cheung Sha, as both of the features lie over 100
metres from the proposed works and are buffered through existing woodlands and
village structures.
Burial
Associated Sites
11.6.5.14
No
mitigation measures will be required based on the following factors;
¨ the graves are at a sufficient distance from the proposed works;
¨ the graves are not oriented towards the proposed works; and
¨ the intervening land contains shielding vegetation.
11.7.1
Archaeological Evaluation
11.7.1.1
While the
auger survey did not reveal any archaeological finds, test pits undertaken in
Tung Chung and Cheung Sha contained the presence of material dating to the Qing
dynasty and a small number of undiadnostic village ware sherds and tile
fragments respectively. No prehistoric
finds were noted.
The area of
archaeological potential in Cheung Sha, however, is some distance from the
project and, therefore significant direct nor indirect impacts are
predicted.
11.7.1.2
In respect
of the area at Tung Chung, it was concluded that the amount of material present
would grow smaller with distance from the village, with the Qing dynasty
fragments found representing incidental dumping at the periphery of the
village. Based on the distance of the
project alignment from the village, it can be concluded that a similar amount
of material to that recovered would be present in the study corridor. The material does not represent a
significant archaeological deposit and thus, no significant archaeological
impacts are predicted.
11.7.1.3
No
mitigation is recommended in either location.
Historical
Structures
11.7.2.1
None of the
recorded resources will be directly impacted by the proposed road improvement
plans. The majority of features will require no mitigation during the
construction or operational phases of the project as they lie at a sufficient
distance from the proposed works and are buffered sufficiently by village
structures or existing woodland.
11.7.2.2
The
following resources will require mitigation:
¨ a village shrine in Lung Tseng Tau, located 10 metres from the proposed works. Mitigation should be in the form of a protective barrier to be erected around the shrine if it falls within a works area during the construction phase;
¨ the abandoned nunnery at Fong Yuen lies at a minimum distance of 50 metres from the road alignment. The recommended mitigation is that a 50 metre wooded buffer zone between the road and the nunnery be retained to maintain the existing screening of the compound from the road during the construction and operational phases of the project; and
¨ the abandoned nunnery at Fong Yuen lies approximately 10 metres from a proposed pipeline/cycle path, mitigation measures are as follows;
- during construction, the main building should be fenced off and kept separate from the works area. Construction of the pipeline/cycle path will not require any specific monitoring of the buildings.
- during the operational phase, planting of foliage along the cycle path in the vicinity of the monastery should be implemented in order to maintain the existing environment.
Historical Land Use Patterns and Cultural
Landscape Features
11.7.2.3
Two
features were identified during the survey, a fung shui wood to the rear of
Wong Ka Wai and a former agricultural area at Cheung Sha. Neither of the features will require any
mitigation measures.
Burial
Associated Sites
11.7.2.4
Two graves
were identified, one definitely historical, as it contained a 1927 renovation
date and one 1973 renovated grave, the original of which may have been
historical. No mitigation measures are required for these graves.
11.8.1 In respect of archaeology, no significant adverse impacts are predicted and as such no adverse residual impacts will occur.
11.8.2 Overall, insignificant impacts on the historical buildings and structures are predicted. However, mitigation measures are recommended in certain cases but these will be sufficient to reduce impacts to acceptable levels and, thus, no residual impacts are predicted.
11.9 Environmental Monitoring and Audit
11.9.1 No significant archaeological impacts have been predicted and thus no EM&A is required for this. However, in light of the recommended mitigation measures to protect a village shrine in Lung Tseng Tau and the abandoned nunnery at Fong Yuen, EM&A during the construction period is recommended. This will ensure that the mitigation measures are implemented. Further details on the EM&A requirements are provided in Section 13.0 of this report and in the EM&A Manual.
AMO file Ref.# 1317 (Cheung Sha Beach).
GEO Aerial Photograph Library (Y0003: 1924), (Y06277: 1963).
Mott Connell Ltd, 1998 - Remaining
Development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho Comprehensive Feasibility Study
Working paper No. WP12- Historical Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Impact
Assessment
Peacock and Nixon 1986 Report of the Hong Kong
Archaeological Survey (Unpublished)