10 Impact on Cultural heritage

10.1 Introduction

10.1.1 The Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment (CHIA) consists of two sections, an including Archaeological Impact Assessment and a Built Heritage Impact Assessment. The aims of the CHIA are as follows:

· to identify and highlight all archaeological deposits, cultural heritage resources, built heritage structures and cultural/ historical landscapes in the Study Area;

· to assess direct and indirect impacts which may result from the proposed construction activities of this Project on these resources; and

· to recommend mitigation of impacts where required.

10.1.2 The CHIA will follow the Criteria for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment given by the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) and will fulfill the requirements as set out in Annex 10 and 19 of the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process (EIA Ordinance, Cap. 499, S.16).

10.2 Environmental Legislation, Policies, Plans, Standards and Criteria

10.2.1 The following two Ordinances are the main tools for the protection of Cultural Heritage in Hong Kong:

Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance

10.2.2 Hong Kong's heritage, since 1976, is protected under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance (Cap.53). The ordinance provides the framework for the Antiquity Authority to declare any place, building, site or structure to be of public interest by reason of its historical, archaeological or palaeontological site or structure. The Antiquities Authority will consult the Antiquities Advisory Board and seek approval of the Chief Executive to declare a monument. The Declared Monument will be protected under the Ordinance from acts such as demolition or destruction.

Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance

10.2.3 The Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) (Cap. 499) provides additional legislative protection to sites of cultural heritage, which are threatened by development and the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is its authority. The Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM) contains the guidelines and criteria for the assessment of sites of cultural heritage interest.

10.3 Description of the Environment

Ho Chung Channel River

10.3.1 The impacts onat Ho Chung River would occur mainly on the road and the river, which is already largely channelled. A turning bay is proposed in an area, which has been modified by cutting and is currently covered in concrete and tarmac. To the south of the river some abandoned agricultural areas would be impacted. Previous investigation had indicated that the alluvial plain at Ho Chung contained large boulders and cobbles (Strange and Shaw 1986) and had little archaeological potential (Archaeological Assessments 1999).

Pak Kong River

10.3.2 The impacts onat the Pak Kong River would be concentrated on the Pak Kong riverbanks. The works consist of the improvement of two bottlenecks and stabilisation of existing river slope. Cutting has already modified the slopes, which are situated closest to the hillock and to the southwest of the river. There are also existing impacts from plant nurseries and temporary housing but these are located at recent alluvial deposits.

Sha Ha River

10.3.3 The impacts would occur entirely on the alluvial plain at Sha Ha, where streams and rivers run within the study boundary. These streams have resulted in re-working of the deposits of the riverbanks. In the western portion of the study area, the river has been concrete channelised. The middle sections and parts along the smaller stream largely consist of agricultural fields. The eastern end of the middle section is also occupied by high vegetation and temporary structures. The impacts of the section to the south of the road would be mainly concentrated on the riverbanks.

10.4 Assessment Methodology

Archaeology

10.4.1 The methodology of Archaeological Impact Assessment consisted of the following three parts:

a. FirstlyA desk-based research was conducted in order to identify potential and known archaeological sites.

b. Secondly aAn archaeological survey was carried out in the areas identified. The Study Area was determined to contain the potential for archaeological remains and it was established that a field survey had to be conducted in all areas where potential was established and existing information was not conclusive for the purposess of the assessment. The field survey for this Project was sub-contracted by tender. A tender document was prepared, including a detailed methodology, listed in Appendix 10.1. A three-step methodology was specified in the tender document and implemented in each area requiring field evaluation, according to the requirements of the Criteria for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment given by the AMO:

1. Field Scan

of the natural landscape in a systematic manner, with attention to areas of exposed soil and recent cuts.

2. Systematic Auger Survey

of the identified areas which will be impacted by proposed works in order to establish soil sequence, the presence/absence of cultural soils or deposits and their horizontal extent.;

3. Test Pit Excavation

in areas of potential identified by surface scan and auger testing; hand digging of pits measuring 2 x 2m in order to determine the presence/absence of archaeological deposits and their stratigraphy.

c. FinallyAn an assessment of the archaeological deposits identified in the study corridor by the field survey was undertaken and identified impacts resulting from the works. Mitigation measures were recommended, if needed.

Built Heritage

10.4.2 The first stage of investigation was to undertake a desk-based study to determine the presence of historical occupation of the Study Area and thus to assess the potential for built heritage resources to be present. This study included information gathered from the following sources; the Antiquities and Monuments Office published and unpublished papers and studies; publications on relevant historical, anthropological and other cultural studies; unpublished archival, papers, records; collections and libraries of tertiary institutions; historical documents which can be found in Public Records Office, Lands Registry, District Lands Office, District Office, Museum of History; cartographic and pictorial documentation.

10.4.3 The Study Area was determined to contain the potential for containing heritage resources and it was established that a field survey had to be conducted in all areas where built heritage potential was established and existing information was not conclusive for the purposes of the assessment. The built heritage field survey for this Project was sub-contracted by tender. A tender document was prepared, including a detailed methodology, listed in Appendix 10.3.

10.4.4 The potential impacts to the recorded resources were then identified and assessed, and appropriate mitigation measures were presentedrecommended.

10.5 Results of Field Survey

Archaeology

10.5.1 The Archaeological Field Survey Report is presented in Appendix 10.2. The following results were obtained:

· Ho Chung River study area: The study area impacts largely on the riverbanks of the Ho Chung River and the river runs through a valley deposit of large boulders within alluvial deposits. The works would impact no area of archaeological potential.

· Pak Kong River study area: The works will impact on recent river bank deposits and will not impact on areas of archaeological potential.

· Sha Ha River study area: The study area was found to have archaeological potential.

(1) It partially impacts on the known archaeological site of Sha Ha; and

(2) Partial falls within an area which is located in the immediate vicinity of the archaeological site but which has not previously been tested for its archaeological potential.

10.5.2 The Sha Ha River was the study area identified with archaeological potential. The study area was divided into the following three sections:

a. The eastern section, which comprises east of Tai Mong Tsai Road, a lowland area which lies at elevation between 4 to 7mPD;

b. The middle section, which was found to be occupied by temporary structures, fenced gardens and waterlogged fields; and

c. The western section, which is located to the west of the road and lies at an elevation between 11 and 15mPD.

a. Survey Results of the Eastern Section at Sha Ha

10.5.3 A total of 30 auger hole tests (A01-A30) and ten test pit excavations (T1-T10) were conducted within this section. Table 10.1 below summarises the results obtained from the survey.

Table 10.1 Survey Results of Eastern Section at Sha Ha

Task	Material found	Location
Field scan	One coarse ware geometric sherd was collected during the field scan	The sherd was collected aside a construction site situated to the east of the eastern section
Auger hole tests	A8: tile fragment between 10 and <20cm below the surface	Auger test was located to the southeast corner of the study area
10 test pits	Pottery belonging to from the Song to the Qing Dynasty was found intermixed with undiagnostic and modern material.	Mixed pottery deposits were excavated from all test pits.

b. Survey Results of the Middle Section at Sha Ha

10.5.4 A total of 2 auger hole tests (A91-A92) were conducted within this section. Table 10.2 summarises the results obtained from the survey.

Table 10.2 Survey Results of Middle Section at Sha Ha

Task	Material found	Location
Field scan	No archaeological remains were discovered during the field scan of this area	Middle section at Sha Ha
Auger hole tests	No artefacts were retrieved from the auger hole tests	East of the river

c. Survey Results of the Western Section at Sha Ha

10.5.5 A total of 60 auger hole tests (A31-A90) and ten test pit excavations (T11-T20) were conducted within this section. Table 10.3 below summarises the results obtained from the survey.

Table 10.3 Survey Results of Western Section at Sha Ha

Task	Material found	Location
Field scan	No archaeological remains were discovered during the field scan of this area; pottery dated to the late historical period were recovered from the surfaces of the test pit locations	The area west of the western section was a large wetland and excluded from the evaluation
Auger hole tests	A31: pottery in the topsoil; A34: red tile in the topsoil	On the southern bank close to Sha Kok Mei
	A51: pottery between 15 and 35cm below surface A55: tile between 10 and 25cm below surface A57 tile between 10 and 40cm below surface A67 tile between 10 and 35cm below surface	On the northern bank close to Wang Kong Tsuen
10 test pits	T11-T15 Intermingled ceramics dated to historical period were found in all but T13.	Southern bank close to Sha Kok Mei
	T16-T20 ceramics mainly undiagnostic or dated to historical period were found in all test pit excavations. Additional in T16 a prehistoric adze (together with b/w ceramic) was recovered at a depth between approximately 50 and 85cm below the surface.	Northern bank close to Wang Kong Tsuen

Summary of Artefact Findings

Artefacts Belonging to the Prehistoric Period

10.5.6 Coarse ware net pattern sherds (surface find): Isolated find, which according to the survey findings may be related to previous excavated deposit behind the sandbar.

10.5.7 Black volcanic rock adze: recovered from context 05 in Test pit 16. The adze might be rectangular shaped in its original state but was found in a broken state. It has a double bevel blade and a curved or curved skewed cutting edge. It was excavated together with a blue and white sherds and material belonging to Late Historical Period were recovered from subsequent layers. These finds led to the interpretation of disturbed layer context for Context 05.

Artefacts Belonging to the Historical Period

10.5.8 Ceramics, which dated between the Song Dynasty (A.D.960-1279) and Qing Dynasty (A.D.1644-1911), were found from reworked deposits.

Modern Artefacts

10.5.9 Few artefacts should be labelled as finds from the modern period, the majority of the sherds was undiagnostic and small with some water worn.

Conclusion

10.5.10 No in-situ archaeological deposits were found during the archaeological field survey within the Study Area, all materials were found from redeposited contexts.

Built Heritage

10.5.11 The Built Heritage Field Survey Report is presented in Appendix 10.4. The Appendix includes the historical and environmental background for the Study Area. The recorded resources consist of the following:

i) Buildings and Structure

Ho Chung River

10.5.12 Eleven domestic structures, one ancestral hall, a bridge, two shrines and a temple were recorded in the study area of the Ho Chung River, (for highlighted locations, see Maps 6A, 6B and 6C, Appendix 10.5). Ho Chung is a multi-surname village that the villagers believe was first settled in the 16^th Century, during the Ming Dynasty. The first clan believed to have settled at the village were the Lai. Later additions were the Cheung, Wan, Lau, Tse and Chan clans. The villagers traditional grew rice and fished for subsistence and collected firewood that was sent to market in Kowloon City to be sold. The findings of the field survey at Ho Chung have been summarised as follows:

· Building A: A shed with mud and uncut stone walls and a modern roof. The building is in almost ruinous condition and of very low heritage value. (Plate 20, Appendix 10.6).

· Building B: Two-storey house with recessed central section. Tile roof, brick walls with render. The building is in deteriorating condition and of moderate heritage value. (Plates, 21, 22 and 23, Appendix 10.6)

· Building C: Two-storey house, right hand façade wall is brick, left unit façade and side walls covered in render. Cut granite lintel and frame at entrance. Tile roof. The building is in good condition and of significant heritage value (Plates 24 and 25, Appendix 10.6)

· Building D: Two-storey house, brick walls covered by render. Piers on either end of façade. Tile roof. Building is in good condition and is of moderate heritage value (Plate 26, Appendix 10.6).

· Buildings E and F: One end unit and one mid unit courtyard style terrace. Brick walls, cut granite entranceway elements and corner stones. Decorative canopies over entrances. Tile roof. The units are in deteriorating condition and of significant heritage value (Plates 27 and 28, Appendix 10.6).

· Buildings G and H: Two single storey, single room terrace units. Shared pitched tile roof. Brick and uncut stone walls, some render covered. The building is in ruinous condition and of very low heritage value (Plates 29 and 30, Appendix 10.6).

· Buildings I, J and K: Three terraced sheds, uncut stone and mud walls, shared pitched tile roof. The building is in ruinous condition and of very low heritage value (Plate 31, Appendix 10.6).

· Building L: The ancestral hall of the Chan family. Brick and render covered walls with 3 cut granite courses on lower facade, entrance section of façade is recessed. Decorative frieze panels on the façade and gable. Tile roof with decorative ridge (Plates 11, 12 and 13, Appendix 10.6).

· Building M: Reconstructed historical bridge on the Ho Chung River located just slightly to the south west of Ho Chung Village. Modern walkway and railing, some evidence of stone revetments. The bridge was once part of a major historical New Territories trackway that ran from Kowloon to Sai Kung (Plate 14, Appendix 10.6).

· Higher earth god shrine: Modern concrete shrine, on the northern side of Ho Chung Road. Cut stone incense holder on the altar. Red inverted cone shaped burner to the right of the shrine (Plates 35, 36 and 37, Appendix 10.6).

· The Che Kung Temple, fung shui wall and second earth god shrine: This is a Grade II structure originally built during the mid to late 16^th century, according to the local villagers. The Temple was rebuilt over the years and the current structure dates to the Qing Dynasty. The Temple is set at the base of a steep hill slope and there is an uncut stone retaining wall directly behind the structure. There is an earth god shrine located on the hill slope approximately 15 m to the south of the Temple. The shrine is of modern concrete construction and set directly onto a hillside boulder. The Temple has strong historical and social ties to the village of Ho Chung (Plates 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19 and 34, Appendix 10.6).

Pak Kong River

10.5.13 The only other recorded structure from the survey was a temple/ nunnery from the Pak Kong River study area (for highlighted location, see Map 5, Appendix 10.5).

· The Fet Kong Temple/ Nunnery: The Nunnery (also referred to as the Fat Kwong Nunnery) was founded by a Buddhist monk during the 1930’s. He built a small hut and later a villa on the site. The present structures and compound date to 1975, when the villa was demolished. The compound does not have any connections with the surrounding villages (Plates 15, 16 and 17, Appendix 10.6).

Sai Kung River

10.5.14 No built heritage resources were identified in the Sai Kung River area.

ii) Graves

10.5.15 No historical clan graves were identified in the field survey for the three rivers.

iii) Cultural and Historical Landscape Features

10.5.16 The rivers are all located in what are essentially traditional rural environmental settings. The three rivers all contain unchannelled sections with natural or maintained vegetated banks. The survey report also refers to the presence of trees with fung shui significance, along the banks of the rivers.

10.6 Identification of Environmental Impacts

Ho Chung River

10.6.1 Potential impacts could be caused by the construction works associated with partial channelling, existing footbridges, a road along the northern edge with pavement, a metal railing and a pumping station on southern bank near Ho Chung Village.

Pak Kong River

10.6.2 Potential impacts could be caused by the construction works associated with re-construction of two bottlenecks and stabilisation of existing river slope.

Sai Kung River

10.6.3 Potential impacts could be caused by the construction works associated with partial channelling of the river and the provisioning of footpaths and footbridges.

10.7 Prediction and Evaluation of Impacts

Archaeology

Prediction of Impacts: Construction Phase

10.7.1 The desk-based review, which identified the archaeological potential within the study area is outlined in Appendix 10.1. The review concluded that the proposed construction works and associated impacts, both at Ho Chung and Pak Kong areas, would not occur in areas of archaeological potential.

10.7.2 The impacts at Sha Ha, such as construction works associated with the channelling of the river and Sha Ha diversion, box culverts, existing slope, ramp and retaining wall and maintenance access may have an adverse impact as the proposed channelling encroaches on the Sha Ha Archaeological Site.

10.7.3 A field survey approved by AMO was conducted. The survey identified the need for mitigation measures such as rescue excavation in advance of works, monitoring of construction works or preservation in-situ , if required.

Prediction of Impacts: Operational Phase

10.7.4 No impacts would occur on archaeological deposits during the operational phase.

Evaluation of Impacts: Construction Phase

10.7.5 (a) The eastern section (Sai Kung River) (CH.300.00 to 422.00), which comprises east of Tai Mong Tsai Road, a lowland area which lies at elevation between 4 to 7 mPD: This area lies north of the boundary of the Sha Ha Archaeological Site and was previously not investigated. The results of the archaeological survey indicate that the deposits in the areas of impact have been re-worked, possibly by fluvial action. It is therefore unlikely that any in-situ archaeological deposit remains in this area.

10.7.6 (b) The middle section (Sha Ha Stream) (CH.150.00-300.00), which houses temporary structures, fenced gardens and waterlogged fields: This area was also previously not investigated. Two auger hole tests were conducted of which A 92 encountered water table at depth of approximately one meter. Due to the temporary structures and fenced gardens, only limited testing was conducted in the area. The only village in the Sha Ha region mentioned in the Old Gazetteer (1635) is Sha Kok Mei. While the middle section may have been part of agricultural fields belonging to the village, no significant historical archaeological deposits are expected in this waterlogged area.

10.7.7 (c) The western section (Sha Ha Stream) (CH. 00.00 to 150.00), which is located to the west of the road and lies at an elevation between 11 and 15 mPD: The channelling impacts are located within Sha Ha Archaeological Site where significant archaeological deposit dated back to Late Neolithic period were unearthed during 2001-02 rescue excavation. The results of the survey have adequately assessed the potential of this area. The mix of historic and modern material within the agricultural and fluvial deposits indicated unstable and reworked deposits and strongly suggested in-situ archaeological deposits can no longer be found.

Evaluation of Impacts: Operational Phase

10.7.8 No impacts are anticipated during the operational phase of the Project.

Built Heritage

10.7.9 The Project associated impacts that may adversely affect the identified cultural heritage resources can be classified as follows:

Prediction of Impacts: Construction Phase

10.7.10 Any heritage resource located within in close proximity to the works area may be adversely impacted through vibration and/or receive direct damage from construction works. The access to temples, shrines and ancestral halls must also be maintained throughout the construction phase. The details of the works for each area are as follows:

Ho Chung River: Construction works associated with the channelling of the river, including proposed slopes, concrete pipes, re-providing of bridges, pedestrian crossings, fung shui weirs, inlet channels and retaining walls.

Pak Kong River: Construction works associated with the improvement works, including reconstruction of box culverts and stabilisation of existing river slope by retaining walls.

Sai Kung River: Construction works associated with the channelling of the river and Sha Ha diversion, box culverts, existing slope, ramp, retaining wall and maintenance access.

Prediction of Impacts: Operational Phase

10.7.11 The impacts associated with this phase of the Project are firstly, of an aesthetic nature. In the sense that the character of the surrounding environment of the historical villages and the river valleys in their vicinity may be altered through the construction of Project associated features, such as the channelling of rivers.

Ho Chung River: Alteration in the condition of currently existing river channel, including slopes along the south side of the river, concrete pipes, re-providing of bridges, pedestrian crossings, fung shui weirs, inlet channels, retaining walls and access ramp.

Pak Kong River: Alteration in the condition of currently existing river channel, including reconstruction of two bottlenecks and stabilisation of existing river slope by retaining wall.

Sai Kung River: Alteration in the condition of currently existing river channel and diversion of river, addition of box culverts, ramp and retaining wall, slopes and access roads for maintenance.

Evaluation of Impacts: Construction Phase

i) Built Heritage Features

10.7.12 The following section presents the specific impacts to the identified resources. The information is provided in tabular form and includes the distance of the resource from the proposed works area as well as a description of the intervening landscape. The information is presented separately for each of the rivers.

Ho Chung River

10.7.13 The built features and their locations with reference to the alignment are shown in maps in Appendix 10.5, Map 6B (Ho Chung Village, structures A through M) and Map 6C (Ho Chung Area, the higher earth god shrine, the Che Kung Temple, second earth god shrine and fung shui wall).

Table 10.4 Potential Impacts to the Identified Resources, Ho Chung River

Resource	Min. Distance (Works Boundary)	Intervening Landscape	Potential Impacts
Structures in Ho Chung Village (Buildings A through L)	10 metres	Concrete covered open area in front of village, fung shui wall and Ho Chung Road	No adverse impacts will result from the Project as the distance of the recorded resources from the works provides an adequate buffer zone.
Building M: Bridge	Within works area	None	The existing bridge platform and railings are completely modern and reprovisioning will not cause any adverse impacts on cultural heritage grounds. The revetment consists mainly of concrete and contains some stones from the former bridge structure. The majority of the revetment is modern concrete. It would be directly impacted by the works.
Higher earth god shrine	Within works area	None	The shrine may be damaged during the construction works. Access to the shrine may be restricted during construction works.
The Che Kung Temple, fung shui wall and second earth god shrine	10 m	Ho Chung Road	Access to the Temple and shrine may be restricted during construction works.

Pak Kong River

10.7.14 The built features and their locations with reference to the alignment are shown in Map 5, Appendix 10.45.

Table 10.5 Potential Impacts to the Identified Resources, Pak Kong River

Resource	Min. Distance (Works Boundary)	Intervening Landscape	Potential Impacts
Fet Kong Temple/ nunnery	110 m	Tree covered hill slope	No adverse impacts will result from the Project as the distance of the recorded resources from the works provides an adequate buffer zone

Sai Kung River

10.7.15 No buildings or structures were identified in the study area for the Sai Kung River.

ii) Graves

10.7.16 No historical clan graves were identified in the field survey.

iii) Cultural and Historical Landscape Features

10.7.17 The following section presents the specific impacts to identified features. The information is provided in tabular form and includes the distance of the resource from the proposed works area as well as a description of the intervening landscape. The information is presented separately for each of the rivers.

Ho Chung River

Table 10.6 Potential Impacts to the Identified Features, Ho Chung River

Resource	Min. Distance to Alignment (works area)	Intervening Landscape	Potential Impacts
Trees located along the river banks	Within works area	N/A	The trees are in close proximity to the works area and may be directly impacted.

Pak Kong River

Table 10.7 Potential Impacts to the Identified Features, Pak Kong River

Resource	Min. Distance to Alignment (works area)	Intervening Landscape	Potential Impacts
Mature trees located along the river banks	Within works area	N/A	If any such trees are in close proximity to the works area, they may be directly impacted.

Sai Kung River

Table 10.8 Potential Impacts to the Identified Features, Sai Kung River

Resource	Min Distance to Alignment (works area)	Intervening Landscape	Potential Impacts
Trees located along the river banks	Within works area	N/A	The trees are in close proximity to the works area and may be directly impacted.

Evaluation of Impacts: Operational Phase

i) Built Heritage Features

10.7.18 The assessment of impacts for this phase takes into account distance as in the assessment for the construction phase. It also, however, takes into account the surrounding landscape and orientation of the resources and whether or not the proposed works will cause any adverse aesthetic impacts and/ or changes to the existing environment. The information is presented separately for each of the rivers.

Ho Chung River

Table 10.9 Potential Impacts to the Identified Resources, Ho Chung River

Resource	Min. Distance (Ttype of works)	Direction Faced and Orientation to Alignment	Surrounding Landscape	Potential Impacts
Structures in Ho Chung Village (Buildings A through L)	Kerbing along northern bank of the river (15 m)	Village structures face south, towards the river.	Concrete covered open area in front of village, fung shui wall and Ho Chung Road	There would be no adverse impacts to the village structures. The village consists of over 90% modern structures. The channelling works will not affect the cultural setting of the village.
Building M: Bridge	Footbridge to be reprovided.	Bridge crosses river.	None	The existing bridge platform and railings are completely modern and reprovisioning would not cause any adverse impacts on cultural heritage grounds.
Higher earth god Shrine	Installation of concrete pipes (5m) kerbing along northern bank of river.	The shrine faces south, towards the river and parallel to the proposed pipe.	Ho Chung Road	There would be no adverse impacts to the shrine.
The Che Kung Temple, fung shui wall and second earth god shrine	Proposed slope on south bank of river 940 m), concrete pipes on north side of river (10 m).	The Temple and shrine face southwest, towards the river.	Ho Chung Road	The environmental setting of the Temple and shrine may be adversely affected by the channelling.

Pak Kong River

Table 10.10 Potential Impacts to the Identified Resources, Pak Kong River

Resource	Min. Distance (tType of works)	Direction Faced and Orientation to Alignment	Surrounding Landscape	Potential Impacts
The Fet Kong Temple/ nunnery	Improvement of two bottle necks and stabilisation of existing river slope (110 m)	The nunnery compound faces east and towards the river	Highway, plant nurseries	There would be no adverse impacts to the Temple/ nunnery as the structure is of modern construction and the channelling works would not affect the cultural setting of the compound.

Sai Kung River

10.7.19 No buildings or structures were identified in the study area for the Sai Kung River.

ii) Graves

10.7.20 No historical clan graves were identified in the field survey.

iii) Cultural and Historical Landscape Features

Ho Chung River

Table 10.11 Potential Impacts to the Identified Features, Ho Chung River

Resource	Minimum Distance	Direction Faced and Orientation to Alignment	Intervening Landscape	Potential Impacts
Traditional Environmental Setting	Next to river	N/A	N/A	The newly channelled river may cause minor adverse aesthetic impacts to the overall cultural setting of the valley.

Pak Kong River

Table 10.12 Potential Impacts to the Identified Features, Pak Kong River

Resource	Minimum Distance	Direction Faced and Orientation to Alignment	Intervening Landscape	Potential Impacts
Traditional Environmental Setting	Next to river	N/A	N/A	The improvements to the two bottlenecks and construction of the retaining wall will not cause any adverse impacts.

Sai Kung River

Table 10.13 Potential Impacts to the Identified Features Sai Kung River

Resource	Minimum Distance	Direction Faced and Orientation to Alignment	Intervening Landscape	Potential Impacts
Traditional Environmental Setting	Next to river	N/A	N/A	The newly channelled river and upgraded footpaths may cause minor adverse aesthetic impacts to the overall cultural setting of the valley.

10.8 Mitigation Measures

Archaeology

Construction Phase

10.8.1 Pak Kong and Ho Chung: No mitigation measure is requiredrecommended. However, the Contractor should report to the DSD and the AMO immediately for any discovery of the Antiquities or supposed antiquities during the course of the construction works.

10.8.2 The eastern section at Sha Ha: No mitigation measure is recommendedequired. However, the Contractor should report to the DSD and the AMO immediately for any discovery of the Antiquities or supposed antiquities during the course of the construction works.

10.8.3 The middle section at Sha Ha: No mitigation measure is recommendequired. However, the Contractor should report to the DSD and the AMO immediately for any discovery of the Antiquities or supposed antiquities during the course of the construction works.

10.8.4 The western section at Sha Ha: No mitigation measure is recommendedquired. However, the Contractor should report to the DSD and the AMO immediately for any discovery of the Antiquities or supposed antiquities during the course of the construction works.

Operational Phase

10.8.5 Pak Kong and Ho Chung: No mitigation measure is recommendedrequired.

10.8.6 The eastern section at Sha Ha: No mitigation measure is recommended.No mitigation measure is required.

10.8.7 The middle section at Sha Ha: No mitigation measure is recommended.No mitigation measure is required.

10.8.8 The western section at Sha Ha: No mitigation measure is recommended.No mitigation measure is required.

Built Heritage

Construction Phase

i) Built Heritage Features

Ho Chung River

Table 10.14 Mitigation Recommendations for Resources in the Ho Chung River Area

Resource	Impact Assessment	Mitigation Recommendation
Structures in Ho Chung Village (Buildings A through L)	No adverse impacts would result from the construction works.	No mitigation measure is recommended.No mitigation measure is required.
Building M: Bridge	The bridge platform and railing are completely modern and would not be adversely impacted by reprovisioning. The revetment consists mainly of concrete and contains some stones from the former bridge structure. It would be directly impacted by the works. The majority of the revetment is modern concrete.	The bridge platform and railing would not require mitigation measures. The revetment does not represent a historically significant architectural feature and would not require mitigation measures.
Higher earth god shrine	The shrine may be damaged during construction works. Access to the shrine may be restricted during construction works.	The works are in extremely close proximity to the shrine. · Protective measures should be provided for the shrine if works are taken place in close proximity. The protective measures should consist of the following: (1) High visibility fencing; at a distance of one meter around the shrine. (2) Heavy duty plastic sheeting to be placed over the exterior surfaces of the shrine for duration of ongoing works. The contractor should ensure that a pedestrian access path to the shrine be maintained throughout the construction period. As the shrine is located within the works area, the path should be marked with a temporary fence and the access route clearly marked by signage.
The Che Kung Temple, fung shui wall and second earth god shrine	Access to the Temple and shrine may be restricted during the construction works.	The pedestrian entrance to the Temple from Hiram’s Highway is not within the works area and mitigation measures would not be required. Vehicle access is from Ho Chung Road and parking is currently available in an open lot directly to the northwest of the Temple. If the works area infringes on the parking area, alternative parking facilities should be made available. The contractor should provide clear signage for directions to the Temple from Hiram’s Highway.

Pak Kong River

Table 10.15 Mitigation Recommendations for the Resources in the Pak Kong River Area

Resource	Impact Assessment	Mitigation Recommendation
The Fet Kong Temple/ nunnery	No adverse impacts will result from the Project as the distance of the recorded resources from the works provides an adequate buffer zone.	No mitigation measure is recommended.No mitigation measure is required.

Sai Kung River

10.8.9 No buildings or structures were identified in the study area for the Sai Kung River.

ii) Graves

10.8.10 No historical clan graves were identified in the field survey.

iii) Cultural and Historical Landscape Features

Ho Chung River

Table 10.16 Mitigation Recommendations for the Resources in the Ho Chung River Area

Resource	Impact Assessment	Mitigation Recommendation
Trees located along the river banks	The fung shui wood is in close proximity to the works area and may be directly impacted by the works.	The felling of mature trees should be avoided. If it is unavoidable, any trees that are removed from the area should be replaced by trees of the same species.

Pak Kong River

Table 10.17 Mitigation Recommendations for the Resources in the Pak Kong River Area

Resource	Impact Assessment	Mitigation Recommendation
Mature trees located along the river banks	It is possible that mature trees may be located in the works area and may be directly impacted by associated activities.	The felling of mature trees should be avoided. If it is unavoidable, any such trees that are removed from the area should be replaced by trees of the same species.

Sai Kung River

Table 10.18 Mitigation Recommendations for the Resources in the Sai Kung River Area

Resource	Impact Assessment	Mitigation Recommendation
Trees located along the river banks	The fung shui wood is in close proximity to the works area and may be directly impacted by the works.	The felling of mature trees should be avoided. If it is unavoidable, any trees that are removed from the area should be replaced by trees of the same species.

Operational Phase

i) Built Heritage Features

Ho Chung River

Table 10.19 Mitigation Recommendations for the Resources in the Ho Chung River Area

Resource	Impact Assessment	Mitigation Recommendation
Structures in Ho Chung Village (Buildings A through L)	There would be no adverse impacts to the village structures.	No mitigation measure is recommended.No mitigation measure is required.
Building M: Bridge	The existing bridge platform and railings are completely modern and reprovisioning would not cause any adverse impacts on cultural heritage grounds.	No mitigation measure is recommended.No mitigation measure is required.
Higher earth god shrine	There would be no adverse impacts to the shrine.	No mitigation measure is recommended.No mitigation measure is required.
The Che Kung Temple, fung shui wall and second earth god shrine	The southwest bank of the river in the vicinity of the Temple is vegetated. The environmental setting of the Temple may be adversely affected by the channelling.	The vegetation along the south bank of the section of the river visible from the Temple should either be retained or if removed during the construction phase replaced by similar species of plants.

Pak Kong River

Table 10.20 Mitigation Recommendations for the Resources in the Pak Kong River Area

Resource	Impact Assessment	Mitigation Recommendation
The Fet Kong Temple/ nunnery	There would be no adverse impacts to the Temple/ nunnery.	No mitigation measure is recommended.No mitigation measure is required.

Sai Kung River

10.8.11 No buildings or structures were identified in the study area for the Sai Kung River.

ii) Graves

10.8.12 No historical clan graves were identified in the field survey.

iii) Cultural and Historical Landscape Features

Ho Chung River

Table 10.21 Mitigation Recommendations for the Resources in the Ho Chung River Area

Resource	Impact Assessment	Mitigation Recommendation
Traditional Environmental Setting	The newly channelled river and upgraded footpaths would cause minor adverse aesthetic impacts to the overall cultural character of the valley.	The channel design should include proposals for designs that would minimise any change in character to the environmental setting, such as the incorporation of building materials for the construction activities, that are compatible to the existing environment, such as cobbles and gravel and the incorporation of features that would encourage vegetation growth along the banks, such as grass concrete and natural verges.

Pak Kong River

Table 10.22 Mitigation Recommendations for the Resources in the Pak Kong River Area

Resource	Impact Assessment	Mitigation Recommendation
Traditional Environmental Setting	The improvement to the two bottlenecks and construction of a retaining wall will not cause any adverse impacts.	No mitigation measure is recommended.No mitigation measure is required.

Sai Kung River

Table 10.23 Mitigation Recommendations for the Resources in the Sai Kung River Area

Resource	Impact Assessment	Mitigation Recommendation
Traditional Environmental Setting	The newly channelled river and upgraded footpaths would cause minor adverse aesthetic impacts to the overall cultural character of the valley.	The channel design should include proposals for designs that would minimise any change in character to the environmental setting, such as the incorporation of building materials for the construction activities, that are compatible to the existing environment, such as cobbles and gravel and the incorporation of features that would encourage vegetation growth along the banks, such as grass concrete and natural verges.

10.9 Residual Environmental Impact

Archaeology

10.9.1 No residual environmental impacts would be expected.

Built Heritage

10.9.2 The drainage improvement works will include channelling, provision of access, roads and other artificial additions to the existing environment and the traditional rural cultural setting could be impacted by the Project. The impacts can be mitigated to an acceptable level through the incorporation of the following elements into the design:;

· Maintenance of vegetation, especially mature trees, to as close to the currently existing level as possible; and

· The incorporation of natural riverine material, such as cobbles or gravel, or compatible replacements, in the channel design in order to maintain the current environment as much as possible.

10.10 Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirements

Archaeology

10.10.1 No mitigation would be requiredrecommended. However, the Contractor should report to DSD and the AMO immediately for any discovery of the Antiquities or supposed antiquities during the course of the construction works.

Built Heritage

Construction Phase

10.10.2 The Built Heritage Impact Assessment has identified that the following resources will require mitigation measures during the construction phase.

Ÿ Higher earth god shrine: The shrine should be provided with protective covering if works are taken place within 1 metre. A pedestrian access path to the shrine should be maintained throughout the construction period. As the shrine is located within the works area, for purposes of public safety, the path should be marked with a temporary fence and the access route clearly marked by signage.

Ÿ The Che Kung Temple, Ho Chung: Vehicle parking is currently available in an open lot directly to the northwest of the Temple. If the works area infringes on the parking area, alternative parking facilities should be made available. Clear signage for directions to the Temple should be provided from Hiram’s Highway.

Ÿ Mature Trees along the banks of all three rivers: The felling of mature trees should be avoided. If it is unavoidable, any trees that are removed from the area should be replaced by trees of the same species.

Operational Phase

10.10.3 The Built Heritage Impact Assessment has identified that the following resources will require mitigation measures during the operational phase.

Ÿ The Che Kung Temple and second earth god shrine: The vegetation along the south bank of the section of the river visible from the Temple should either be retained or if removed during the construction phase replaced by similar species of plants.

Ÿ Traditional Environmental Setting (Ho Chung and Sai Kung River valleys): The channel design should include proposals for designs that will minimise any change in character to the environmental setting, such as the incorporation of building materials for the construction activities, that are compatible to the existing environment, such as cobbles and gravel and the incorporation of features that will encourage vegetation growth along the banks, such as grass concrete and natural verges.

10.11 Conclusions

Archaeology

10.11.1 The desk-based review identified no archaeological potential in the Ho Chung and Pak Kong works areas. No mitigation measures would be required recommended for these two areas.

10.11.2 The desk-based review identified the works areas at Sha Ha as having potential for archaeological deposits. The Field Survey results, however, indicated that the deposits in the works areas had been reworked and in-situ archaeological material had been redeposited. The result shows that no in-situ archaeological deposits remain is within the Sha Ha works area and no mitigation is recommended.

Built Heritage

10.11.3 The proposed drainage works would have minor effects on the majority of built heritage features recorded in the survey. The following mitigation measures are recommended mitigation for the construction and operation phases require the following measures to be adopted;:

· The higher earth god shrine should be provided with protective covering if works come within 1 metre of the structure. Safe public access should be maintained throughout the construction period;

· For the Che Kung Temple and second earth god shrine, a vehicle parking area should be maintained or alternative parking facilities should be made available. Clear signage for directions to the Temple should be provided from Hiram’s Highway;

· Felling of mature trees along all three rivers should be avoided. If it is unavoidable, any trees that are removed from the area should be replaced by trees of the same species.; and

· The channel design should also include proposals for designs that would minimise any change in character to the environmental setting, such as the incorporation of building materials for the construction activities, that are compatible to the existing environment, such as cobbles and gravel and the incorporation of features that will encourage vegetation growth along the banks, such as grass concrete and natural verges.

10 Impact on Cultural heritage 10-1

10.1 Introduction 10-1

10.2 Environmental Legislation, Policies, Plans, Standards and Criteria 10-1

10.3 Description of the Environment 10-2

10.4 Assessment Methodology 10-2

10.5 Results of Field Survey 10-4

10.6 Identification of Environmental Impacts 10-8

10.7 Prediction and Evaluation of Impacts 10-9

10.8 Mitigation Measures 10-15

10.9 Residual Environmental Impact 10-21

10.10 Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirements 10-21

10.11 Conclusions 10-22

10 Impact on Cultural heritage 10-1

10.1 Introduction 10-1

10.2 Environmental Legislation, Policies, Plans, Standards and Criteria 10-1

10.3 Description of the Environment 10-2

10.4 Assessment Methodology 10-2

10.5 Results of Field Survey 10-4

10.6 Identification of Environmental Impacts 10-8

10.7 Prediction and Evaluation of Impacts 10-9

10.8 Mitigation Measures 10-15

10.9 Residual Environmental Impact 10-21

10.10 Environmental Monitoring and Audit Requirements 10-21

10.11 Conclusions 10-22

Table 10.1 Survey Results of Eastern Section at Sha Ha 10-4

Table 10.2 Survey Results of Middle Section at Sha Ha 10-5

Table 10.3 Survey Results of Western Section at Sha Ha 10-5

Table 10.4 Potential Impacts to the Identified Resources, Ho Chung River 10-11

Table 10.5 Potential Impacts to the Identified Resources, Pak Kong River 10-12

Table 10.6 Potential Impacts to the Identified Features, Ho Chung River 10-12

Table 10.7 Potential Impacts to the Identified Features, Pak Kong River 10-12

Table 10.8 Potential Impacts to the Identified Features, Sai Kung River 10-13

Table 10.9 Potential Impacts to the Identified Resources, Ho Chung River 10-13

Table 10.10 Potential Impacts to the Identified Resources, Pak Kong River 10-14

Table 10.11 Potential Impacts to the Identified Features, Ho Chung River 10-14

Table 10.12 Potential Impacts to the Identified Features, Pak Kong River 10-15

Table 10.13 Potential Impacts to the Identified Features Sai Kung River 10-15

Table 10.14 Mitigation Recommendations for Resources in the Ho Chung River Area 10-16

Table 10.15 Mitigation Recommendations for the Resources in the Pak Kong River Area 10-17

Table 10.16 Mitigation Recommendations for the Resources in the Ho Chung River Area 10-18

Table 10.17 Mitigation Recommendations for the Resources in the Pak Kong River Area 10-18

Table 10.18 Mitigation Recommendations for the Resources in the Sai Kung River Area 10-18

Table 10.19 Mitigation Recommendations for the Resources in the Ho Chung River Area 10-19

Table 10.20 Mitigation Recommendations for the Resources in the Pak Kong River Area 10-19

Table 10.21 Mitigation Recommendations for the Resources in the Ho Chung River Area 10-20

Table 10.22 Mitigation Recommendations for the Resources in the Pak Kong River Area 10-20

Table 10.23 Mitigation Recommendations for the Resources in the Sai Kung River Area 10-21