3.1 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment in the EIA Report has identified the key issues and the possible impacts due to the proposed work. It has also recommended mitigation measures for minimizing the impacts and for improving overall landscape and visual quality. The main Contractor to be employed by Project Proponent will be responsible for the implementation of mitigation measures. Both Project Proponent and the main Contractor shall employ their own qualified landscape consultants for the construction and during operation.
3.2 A Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) as a member of the ET shall be responsible for conducting the baseline review and monitoring the implementation of landscape and visual mitigation measures during construction phase in accordance with the EIA Report. Visual sensitive receivers (VSRs) identified in the EIA Study are shown in Figure 3.1.
Construction Phase
Baseline Review
3.3 A baseline review shall be undertaken at the commencement of the construction contracts. The purpose of the review is:
· to check the status of the landscape resources within, and immediately adjacent to, the construction sites and works areas
· to determine whether any change has occurred to the status of the landscape resources since the EIA
· to determine whether amendments in the design of the landscape and visual mitigation measures are required for those changes
· to recommend any necessary amendments to the design of the landscape and visual mitigation measures
Design of Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures
3.4 The landscape and visual mitigation measures shall be incorporated to ensure the mitigation effect and achieve the intended aims as described in Appendix B of this Manual. Any changes to the mitigation measures that may be recommended as a result of the Baseline Review or ongoing Monitoring of the Design, Construction and Establishment Works shall be taken into account.
Landscape and Visual Monitoring
3.5 The design, implementation and maintenance of landscape and visual mitigation measures shall be checked bi-weekly to ensure that they are fully realised. Any potential conflicts between the proposed landscape measures and any other project works or operation requirements shall also be recorded for the Contractor to resolve in early stage, without compromising the intention of the mitigation measures.
Operation Phase
Landscape and Visual Monitoring
3.6 All landscape and visual mitigation measures shall be monitored monthly during the first year of the Operation Phase to ensure the effectiveness of the measures.
3.7 Monthly site inspections will be undertaken to ensure the compensatory planting and horticultural maintenance operations are properly established during the 12 month establishment period. Photo record will be submitted to EPD after each site inspection.
Construction Phase
3.8 During the construction of the Project, due consideration on existing surrounding vegetation during construction should be given:
· Designation of ‘no-intrusion zones’, and to record any trespass by the Contractor, including the damage to existing vegetation
· Allowance for adjustment of soil nails on site for the avoidance of tree trunks and tree roots
· Dust and erosion control for exposed soil
· Tree planting operations, checking method statement against specification requirements
· All retained trees within the working boundary should be regularly checked during the construction phase. Any trespass by the main contractor, including damage to the tree canopy edge, should be reported to the Engineer.
3.9 Appearance and view considerations:
· control over the appearance of construction workers, hoarding, construction plants/ machines
· careful selection of security floodlights to avoid light pollution
3.10 Inspection / site supervision by qualified resident site staff, such as Registered Landscape Architect (RLA).
Operation Phase
3.11 Monthly site inspections should be undertaken to ensure the compensatory planting and horticultural maintenance operations are properly established during the 12 month establishment period. Inspection auditing should focus on the following horticultural maintenance operations:-
· Inspection for fungal / viral attacks and pest infestations
· Litter collection
· Watering
· Weeding removal
· Replacement of defective planting material
· Grass cutting / groundcover trimming and removal of arisings
· Fertilising application as required in specification
· Aeration / mulching application
3.12 The implementation for the recommended landscape and visual impact mitigation measures is presented in Appendix B.