New structures for upgraded PPSTW (Figure 2.3 refers)	Approximate dimensions of above-ground structures
New structures for upgraded PPSTW (Figure 2.3 refers)	Width (m)	Length (m)	Height (m)
New Transformer Room	6	12	5
Extension of Air Compressor House	5.5	5.5	4.8
New Aerated Grit Channel	5.5	13	1.5
New Workshop, New Admin. Building & Lab and Control Room	14	46	9
New Rapid Mixing Tanks, New Flocculation Tanks and New Sedimentation Tanks	85	95.5	2.5
New Odour Control Plant I	24	27	7
New Low Lift and Pumping Station	23.5	25	7
New Chemical Building	18	45.5	8
Sludge Holding Tank No. 1, 2, 3	29	38.2	17.5
New Odour Control Plant II	16.5	27	7
New Sludge Dewatering Building	30	31	13.5
New Sludge / Septic Waste Reception Area	15.2	29.7	6
New Return Liquor Pumping Station	6.2	6.7	0.5
New Sludge Pumping Station	7	7	0.5
UV Spares Storage Area	6	16	5
UV Spares Storage Area	12	13	5
UV Switchgear and Control Building	6	18	5
Transformer Bay	6	18	5
UV disinfection Facility	35.3	39.4	0.5
Payment Flowmeter Chamber	13.4	22.3	2

8.2 Project Overview

8.2.1.1 The scope of the work, construction methodologies and works sites and works areas for expanding the sewage treatment capacity and upgrading of the existing Pillar Point STW are described in detail, and illustrated with figures in Section 2.

8.3 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

8.3.1.1 A review of the existing and planned development framework of the proposed works and surrounding area are undertaken as input to the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA). The aim is to identify any issues within the neighbouring planned land uses, and therefore to identify potential VSRs, and to ensure a high compatibility between the proposed project and the surroundings.

8.3.1.2 Reference is made to the draft Tuen Mun Outline Zoning Plan No. S/TM/23, and Site Layout Plan of the Pillar Point Treatment Works from Drainage Services Department (refer to Section 2).

8.3.1.3 The study area of the Pillar Point STW site falls within an area zoned as “Other Specified Uses” (OU) annotated “Sewage Treatment Plant” on the draft Tuen Mun Outline Zoning Plan No. S/TM/23. The upgrading works of the Pillar Point STW are considered to be highly compatible with the surrounding.

8.4 Environmental Legislation and Standards

8.4.1.1 The methodology for undertaking the LVIA takes reference from Annexes 3, 10 and 18 of EIAO–TM, and in accordance with EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2002.

8.4.1.2 Other landscape documents relevant for the preparation of the LVIA include:

· Government General Regulation 740 – restrictions on the preservation and felling of trees in Hong Kong

· The Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap96) – prohibits felling, cutting, burning or destroying of trees and growing plants in forests and plantations on government land. Its subsidiary regulations prohibit the picking, felling or possession of listed rare and protected plant species

· The Forestry Regulations – made under Section 3 of the Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96), defined the list of protected species in Hong Kong

· ETWBTC No. 2/2004 – sets out the government departmental responsibilities for maintenance of vegetation and hard landscape features

· WBTC No. 3/2006 – Tree Preservation, which defines and outlines the management and maintenance responsibilities for natural vegetation and landscape works, and the authorities for tree preservation and felling

· WBTC No. 25/93 – Control of Visual Impact of slopes, outlines the design principles recommended to be used in designing man-made slopes for Public Works projects in order to reduce their adverse visual impact

· WBTC 17/2000 – Improvement to appearance of slopes, outlines the principles and procedures recommended for all departments involved in new slope works and maintenance of existing slopes for improving aesthetic and environmental impact of slope works

· WBTC No. 7/2002 Tree planting in Public Works, affirms the advocated policy on tree planting which adopts a flexible and balanced approach in the planning and design of public works

· WBTC No. 29/2004 Registration of Old and Valuable Trees, and Guidelines for their Preservation

· GEO publication No. 1/2000 ‘Technical Guidelines on landscape treatment and Bio-engineering for Man-Made Slopes and Retaining Walls’

· Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines Chapter 4, “Open Space”

· Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines Chapter 10 “Conservation”

· Technical Reports of Landscape Value Mapping in Hong Kong by Planning Department – establishes the essential landscape baseline information which provides a systematic reference framework to facilitate landscape assessment.

· Environment Impact Assessment for Development of an EcoPark in Tuen Mun Area 38 – Final EIA Report.

8.5 Assessment Methodology

8.5.1.1 The Project is a designated project (DP) under the EIAO and the methodology adopted for the Project conforms to the requirements of the EIAO. The methodology consists of the following tasks:

· Baseline study of landscape and visual resources

· Landscape impact assessment

· Visual impact assessment

· Recommendation on landscape and visual mitigation measures

· Identification of residual impacts

Baseline Study of Landscape and Visual Resources

8.5.1.2 The study area for the landscape impact assessment shall include all areas within 500 meters from the Project. The study area for the visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope of the Project. The defined visual envelope is shown on Figure 8.4.1.

8.5.1.3 The baseline study identified and examined the existing landscape and visual resources within the study area. An aerial photograph is used to show the overall study area and labelled to indicate the Landscape Character Areas (LCAs), while photographs would be given to demonstrate the Landscape Resources (LRs).

Landscape Resources (LRs)

8.5.1.4 Landscape Resources (LRs) considered the following elements:

· Natural and secondary woodland

· Amenity planting

· Scrubland and grassland

· Natural topography

· Significant planning designation, e.g. Country Park, Green Belt

· Heritage or cultural features

Landscape Character Area (LCA)

8.5.1.5 Field and desk surveys of topographical maps, information databases and photographs would identify the landscape character (LCA) of the study area. The character of the landscape is derived from its physical components related to its visual amenity, cultural association and heritage value. Elements to be considered include:

· Land use

· Public use of land

· Extent of vegetation

· Age of landscape

· Cultural, heritage and religious elements

· Scale and type of buildings

· Pattern of settlement

· Location and topography

· Extent of natural vs manmade

8.5.1.6 The baseline study describes the LRs by identifying broadly homogenous Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) of a similar character. The sensitivity of LR / LCAs are rated low, medium or high. This is influenced by a number of factors including whether the resources / character is common or rare, whether it is considered to be of local, regional, national or global importance, whether there are any statutory limitations / requirements relating to the resource/ character, the quality of the resource / character, the maturity of the resource, and the ability of the resource / character to accommodate change.

Sensitivity	Definition
High	Important components of landscape of particularly distinctive character susceptible to relatively small changes
Medium	A landscape of moderately valued characteristics reasonably tolerant of change
Low	A relatively unimportant landscape, the nature of which is largely tolerant to change

Visual Resources

Zone of Visual Influence/ Visual Envelope(ZVI)

8.5.1.7 Visual resources are considered as typical viewpoints, with location and direction of views towards the proposed works. A Zone of Visual Influence/ Visual Envelope is established which approximately defines the extent of visual influence of the proposed works, and therefore, of the potential visual impacts. This is achieved by site visit and desk-top study of topographic maps and photographs, and preparation of cross-sections to determine visibility of the project from various locations.

Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

8.5.1.8 Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) who would be present at typical viewpoints and key views, and likely to be affected by the proposed works, are identified within the visual envelope. VSRs are defined as individuals or groups of whom are sensitive to changes in the visual environment. Residents, users of open space/recreational facilities, road users (private and public transport users), schools, tourists and people working within the visual envelope shall be considered as VSRs.

8.5.1.9 Each type of VSR is assigned with a number. Description of the view from each VSR towards the proposed works in terms of location of VSRs, type of VSRs, and direction of view towards the proposed works, are given and assigned in accordance with the relative tolerance to change of the VSRs.

8.5.1.10 The sensitivity of VSRs are determined by considering:

· Value and quality of existing views, e.g. urban high-rise, natural hills, sea view

· Presence and amenity of alternative views

· Type and estimated number of receiver population

· Duration or frequency of view

· Degree of visibility of the proposed project, e.g. no view, glimpse, partial view, vista, open view, and panorama view)

8.5.1.11 Both present and future VSRs, i.e. from planned developments, would be considered. The survey information shall be tabulated in a table and summarised in the text. Drawings to show the location of VSRs and photographs showing typical views would be included.

Assessment Methodology - Landscape Impacts

8.5.1.12 The assessment of the potential landscape impacts would result from:

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

· Identification of principal impacts, primarily in consideration of the degree of change to the baseline conditions.

8.5.1.13 The magnitude of change for landscape impact assessment would be determined by the following factors:

· Compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape

· Duration of impacts under construction and operation phases

· Scale of the impact

· Reversibility of change

8.5.1.14 The impacts are considered systematically as a product of the sensitivity of the LCAs and the magnitude of change of the impacts to the landscape. The magnitude of the change in the landscape is rated large, intermediate, small and negligible as follows:

Magnitude of Change	Definition
Large	Notable permanent change in the landscape characteristics over an extensive area ranging to very intensive changes over a more limited area
Intermediate	Moderate changes in a localised area
Small	Virtually imperceptible change or temporary change
Negligible	Virtually no changes in the area

8.5.1.15 The following factors are considered to the judgement of the overall landscape impacts:

· The landscape character and its quality

· The sensitivity of the landscape in accommodating change

· Source, nature and magnitude of potential impacts

· Construction and operation phases impacts

· Degree of change caused by each of the impacts to the existing LCAs

· Significance of this change in the local and regional context and in relation to other developments

· Cumulative effects on the landscape of this and neighbouring projects

8.5.1.16 The overall impact likely to occur to LCAs, is derived from the magnitude of change which the project would cause to the existing landscape and ability to tolerate the change. A matrix shall be used to demonstrate the overall impact:

		Sensitivity / Quality of the landscape
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Change	Large	Slight / moderate	Moderate / Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial
	Small	Insubstantial / Slight	Slight / Moderate	Moderate / slight
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

8.5.1.17 Furthermore the impacts need to be identified as Adverse, Beneficial or Neutral, which indicate the impact on the existing landscape context as follows:

Identification of the Landscape Impact	Definition
Adverse	An impact which will be detrimental to the existing landscape context
Beneficial	An impact which will improve the existing landscape context
Neutral	An impact which will alter the existing landscape context but not to improve or destroy it

8.5.1.18 The product of the LIA is termed the Significance Threshold, and shall be considered as follows:

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

Assessment Methodology - Visual Impacts

8.5.1.19 The baseline survey forms the basis of the visual impact assessment, and shall result from:

· Identification of the source of visual impacts, their magnitude of change and sensitivity of the receivers, that would be generated during construction and operation of the project, and;

· Identification of principal visual impacts, primarily in consideration of the degree of change to the baseline conditions

8.5.1.20 The magnitude of change for visual impact assessment would be determined by the following factors:

· Compatibility of the proposed project with the surrounding landscape

· Duration of impacts during construction and operation stages

· Scale of impact and distance of the source of impact from the viewer

· Reversibility of impact

· Potential blockage of the view

8.5.1.21 The overall impact likely to occur to VSRs, is derived from the magnitude of change which the project would cause to the existing visual context and its ability to tolerate the change. A matrix shall be used to demonstrate the overall impact:

		Sensitivity / Quality of the Visual Receivers
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight / moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial
	Small	Slight	Slight / Moderate	Moderate
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

8.5.1.22 Furthermore the impacts need to be identified as Adverse, Benefit or Neutral, which indicate the impact on the existing visual context as follows:

Identification of the Visual Impact	Definition
Adverse	An impact which will be detrimental to the existing views
Beneficial	An impact which will improve the existing views
Neutral	An impact which will alter the existing views but not to improve or destroy it

8.5.1.23 The product of the VIA is termed the Significance Threshold, and shall be considered as follows:

Impacts
Substantial	Adverse/beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing views
Moderate	Adverse/beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing views
Slight	Adverse/beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in the existing views
insubstantial	No discernible change in the existing views

Identification of Potential Landscape and Visual Impact Mitigation Measures

8.5.1.24 After assessing and identifying the landscape and visual impacts of the proposed works which likely to occur and how significant these impacts would be, recommendations would then be formulated to reduce or alleviate these impacts both during the construction and operation stages. The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures have been identified and their approval-in-principle will be sought.

Identification of Residual Impacts

8.5.1.25 This is a further assessment to establish residual impacts that persist after the implementation of mitigation measures.

8.5.1.26 The principles for undertaking the residual impact assessment are similar to the landscape and visual impact assessments. Significance threshold for the residual impacts would be established to consider the impacts against the successfulness of the recommended mitigation measures to alleviate such impacts.

8.6 Baseline Study

Landscape Resources (LR)

8.6.1.1 Several landscape resources have been identified within the study area. These are described below and mapped in Figure 8.2.1 and with photographic record in Figure 8.2.2 & 8.2.3. The approximate locations of the tree groups within the study boundary are indicated in Figure 8.9.2. Name of the LRs is listed and a description of each LR is summarized as follows:

LR1 - Water Body

LR2 - Stream Course

LR3 - Disturbed Hillside Plantation

LR4 - Scrubland/ Woodland Natural Terrain

LR5 - Roadside Planting

LR6 - Vegetation within existing DSD Sewage Treatment Works

LR7 - Vegetation within Industrial Area

LR8 - Golf Course

8.6.1.2 LRs findings from the baseline study are summarized in Table 8.1:

Table 8.1 Illustration of the Sensitivity of LRs in Study area

Id. No.	Vegetation Feature	Dominant Tree Species	Function	Sensitivity
LR 1	Water Body	N.A.	As habitat purpose	Low
LR 2	Stream course (natural / artificial channel)	N.A.	As habitat purpose	Medium
LR 3	Disturbed hillside plantation area	Casuarina equisetifolia	As habitat purpose	Medium
LR 4	Scrubland/ Woodland natural terrain	- Acacia confusa, Ficus microcarpa, Sapium discolor, Sapium sebiferum, Mallotus paniculatus, Litsea glutinosa, Celtis sinensis, Sterculia lanceolata, Casuarina equisetifolia, Musa paradisiaca, Macaranga tanarius, and other native tree species, etc.	Public usage	High
LR 5	Roadside planting	Delonix regia, Cassia siamea	Public usage	medium
LR 6	Vegetation within existing DSD sewage treatment Works	343 no of exsting trees are recorded in general height from 4m to 13m, trunk diameter from 95mm to 300mm and a spread from 2 to 13; they are mainly Casuarina equisetifolia, Hibiscus trifolia, Ficus elastica, Leucaena leucocephala	Public usage	medium
LR 7	Vegetation within industrial area	Casuarina equisetifolia, Hibiscus trifolia, Cassia siamea	Public usage	Medium
LR 8	Golf course	N.A.	Recreational purpose	Low

8.6.1.3 Apart from LR6, most the trees at other LRs are common species found with approximately height from 4m to 13m, trunk diameter from 95 mm to 250 mm and spread from 3 to 10. Amenity value of most of the existing trees is fair in average.

Landscape Character Area (LCA)

8.6.1.4 A baseline review has been undertaken of the landscape resources, landscape character areas (LCA), zone of visual influence, and visual sensitive receivers. The study area consists of five distinct LCA. The LCA are mapped in Figure 8.3.1 and photographic record are illustrated in Figure 8.3.2. A description of each LCA is provided as follows:

· LCA 1 – Transport Corridor Landscape Character Area, which represents vehicular roads such as Lung Mun Road Highway.

· LCA 2 – Upland & Hillside Landscape Character Area, which represents all hillside plantation area, including roadside amenity areas along Lung Mun Road Highway. It also contains woodlands, scrubland and fresh water body, which represent the major character of the area.

· LCA 3 – Inshore Water Landscape Character Area, which represents seawater body and waterfront character such as breakwaters and seashore at the south of the River Trade Terminal.

· LCA 4 – Institutional Landscape Character Area, which represents all government institutions and public utilities such as existing Pillar Point STW, EMSD Tuen Mun Vehicular Servicing Station, Harbor Hydraulics Laboratory, Physical Model Lab Sub-station, Pillar Point Fire Station and WSD Tuen Mun West Fresh Water Service Reservoir.

· LCA 5 – Industrial Urban Landscape Character Area, which represents all industrial zone in the reclaimed area of Ho Fuk Street and Ho Yeung Street such as River Trade Terminal & cargo handling area.

Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

8.6.1.5 Table 8.2 and Table 8.3 indicate the Sensitivity to Change and Magnitude of the Impacts in VSRs accordingly found within the ZVI’s for the construction phase and operational phase. For ease of reference, each VSR is given an identity number, and mapped in Figure 8.4.1 and with photographic record in Figures 8.4.2 & 8.4.3. Table 8.2 summarises the characteristics of key views as seen in the photomontages. All impacts are adverse unless otherwise stated.

Table 8.2 Identity of key Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) and Their Sensitivity to Change

Id. No.	Key Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)	Type of VSRs	Number of Individuals (Many/ Medium/ Few/ Very Few)	Quality of Existing View (Good/ Fair/ Poor)	Availability of Alternative Views (Yes/ No)	Amenity of Alternative Views (Good/Fair/Poor)	Degree of Visibility (Full/ Partial/ Glimpse)	Frequency of View (Very Frequent/ Frequent/ Occasional/ Rare)	Sensitivity to Change (Low, Medium, High)
OU1	River Trade Terminal & Cargo Handling Area	Occupational	Many	Fair	Yes	Fair	Full	Occasional	Low
OU2	River Trade Golf Course	Recreational	Many	Fair	Yes	Fair	Glimpse	Rare	Medium
OU3	Planned Development in Tuen Mun Area 38 – Eco Park and Waste Sorting Facilities	Occupational	Medium	Fair	Yes	Fair	Glimpse	Rare	Low
GIC1	EMSD Tuen Mun Vehicle Servicing Station, Harbour Hydraulics Laboratory and Physical Model Lab Sub-station	Occupational	Medium	Fair	Yes	Fair	Partial	Rare	Low

GB1	Castle Peak	Recreational	Few	Good	Yes	Fair	Partial	Rare	Low
T1	Lung Mun Road	Transportation	Medium	Fair	Yes	Fair	partial	Frequent	Low

R = Residential; C = Commercial, GIC = Government/Institution/Community, O = Open space, OU = Others use; T = Transport related

Table 8.3 Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) and Their Magnitude of Impacts

Id No.	Key Visual Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Blockage of View (Full/ Partial/ Glimpse	Viewing Distance (M)	Scale of Development (Large/ Medium/ Small)	Compatibility (Good/ Fair/ Poor)	Reversibility of Change (Yes/ No)	Magnitude of Impacts (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible
Id No.	Key Visual Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Blockage of View (Full/ Partial/ Glimpse	Viewing Distance (M)	Scale of Development (Large/ Medium/ Small)	Compatibility (Good/ Fair/ Poor)	Reversibility of Change (Yes/ No)	Construction	Operation
OU1	River Trade Terminal & Cargo Handling Area	Partial	10	Large	Good	No	Intermediate	Intermediate
OU2	River Trade Golf Course	Glimpse	150	Medium	Good	No	Small	Small
OU3	Planned Development in Tuen Mun Area 38 – Eco Park and Waste Sorting Facilities	Glimpse	650	Small	Good	No	Negligible	Negligible
GIC1	EMSD Tuen Mun Vehicle Servicing Station, Harbour Hydraulics Laboratory and Physical Model Lab Sub-station	Glimpse	25	Large	Good	No	Intermediate	Intermediate

GB1	Castle Peak	Glimpse	25	Large	Good	No	Intermediate	Intermediate
T1	Lung Mun Road	Glimpse	10	Large	Good	No	Small	Small

R = Residential; C = Commercial, GIC = Government/Institution/Community, O = Open space, OU = Others use; T = Transport related

8.7 Landscape Impact Assessment (LIA)

Sources of Landscape and Visual Impacts

8.7.1.1 The nature and extent of the sewage plant upgrading works, works areas and the construction methodologies are described in detail in Section 2. For easy of reference, the extent of works at ground level, including all contractors’ temporary works area, are shown on all the plans illustrating landscape and visual impacts in this section.

8.7.1.2 The sources of landscape and visual impacts in the construction phase will include:-

§ construction works involving the removal of existing vegetation;

§ construction of site access;

§ excavation works for the sedimentation tank and sludge holding tank;

§ stockpiling of excavated materials;

§ haulage off-site of excavated materials

§ stockpiling of construction materials;

§ importation and storage of construction equipment and plant;

§ contractor’s temporary works areas, including site accommodation and parking area;

§ construction of above ground features such as new administration building, laboratory, and control room; and

§ night lighting;

8.7.1.3 During the operation stage, potential landscape and visual impacts would be related to the following visible above ground structures:

§ new administration building, laboratory and control room (approximately 8m height);

§ chemical storage building and chemical dosing area (approximately 8m height);

§ low lift and returns pumping station / odour control units (approximately 7m height);

§ rapid mixing tanks, flocculation tanks and sedimentation tanks (approximately 2.5m height);

§ UV disinfection facilities (approximately 0.5-5m height);

§ sludge holding tanks (approximately 17.5m height);

§ sludge dewatering building (approximately 13.5m height);

§ septic waste reception area (approximately 6m height)

Landscape Impact Assessment

Nature and Magnitude of Landscape Change Before Mitigation in Construction Phase

8.7.1.4 The magnitude of the impacts, before implementation of mitigation measures, on the landscape resources and LCA that would occur in the construction phase are described below and tabulated in Table 8.4. Only those resources and character areas that would be impacted are listed. All impacts are adverse unless otherwise stated.

LR6-Vegetation within existing sewage treatment plant

There would be a large change to the existing Pillar Point STW due to the excavation works of the sedimentation tanks and associated structures, and site access. There are a total approx. 343 trees within the Pillar Point STW. The approximate location of the existing trees and the broadbrush tree survey results (including the general species name) are shown in Figure 8.9.2. There would be impacts on approximately 90 numbers of trees, of which all have a high to low amenity value. The locations as well as the assessment schedule for the 90 numbers of the affected trees are shown in Figure 8.9.3. Those affected trees have a height from 4m to 13m, trunk diameter from 95mm to 300mm and a spread from 2 to 13. Apart from the 18 numbers of “Leucaena leucocephala”, which are proposed to be felled in accordance with ETWB TCW No. 3/2006, all the affected trees are capable of transplanting, although the largest trees would suffer some loss of form and amenity value during transplanting process.

8.7.1.5 In addition to the above impacts on landscape resources, there would be moderate magnitude of change on LCA4 due to excavation works within the existing STW, temporary works areas, stockpiling of excavated materials, and associated impacts on trees as described above.

8.7.1.6 There would be negligible magnitude of impact on all the remaining landscape character areas.

Predication of Significance of Landscape Impacts

8.7.1.7 The potential significance of the landscape impacts during the construction and operational phases, before and after mitigation, are provided in Table 8.4. The landscape impacts for the construction and operational phases after mitigation are mapped in Figures 8.5.1 to 8.5.4. This assessment follows the stated methodology and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in previous section would be implemented, and that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be realised after ten years. Photomontages of the proposed development are illustrated in Figure 8.7.1 and Figure 8.7.2.

Operational Phase Landscape Impacts

8.7.1.8 Residual landscape impacts on landscape resources in the operation phase are mapped in Figure 8.5.2. Residual landscape impacts on LCA in the operational phase are mapped in Figure 8.5.4.

8.7.1.9 All residual adverse landscape impacts in the operational phase of Day 1 will be of insubstantial significance, with the exception of the impacts on existing vegetation within the existing Pillar Point STW (LR7), where an adverse impact of slight significance is anticipated due to the permanent alienation of existing planting area and approx. 90 no. trees due to the upgrading of Pillar Point STW. After all landscape mitigation measures are implemented and have matured over 10 years, there would be no residual adverse landscape impacts of any significance in Year 10.

8.8 Visual Impact Assessment (VIA)

8.8.1.1 The potential sources of landscape and visual impacts are described above in Sections 8.7.1.1-8.7.1.3.

Visual Impacts at Construction Stage before Mitigation

8.8.1.2 Workers on River Trade Terminal & Cargo Handling Area (OU1), EMSD lab sub-station (GIC1) and leisure walkers (GB1) will receive moderate impact towards to the proposed upgrading works as they are both really closed to Project.

8.8.1.3 Golf player (OU2) and Lung Mun Road (T1) will have intermittent views to the construction works. As roadside vegetation screening off most of the Project boundary; therefore visual impact is slight.

8.8.1.4 Workers and visitors in Eco Park (OU3) will have fairly distant views to the proposed works which will be frequently screened by the containers from the River Trade Terminal and topographic changes in vary locations. Therefore visual impact is insubstantial before mitigation.

Residual Visual Impacts at Construction Stage after Mitigation

8.8.1.5 Residual visual impacts in the construction phase are mapped in Figures 8.5.1 & 8.5.3. Adverse impacts of significance during the construction phase which would be experienced by the VSRs are listed below. This would be primarily because of the cut & cover excavation, stockpiling of excavated materials; temporary works sites and works area, temporary traffic diversions, the associated removal of trees, either by felling or transplanting, and the obstruction of views arising from boarding.

8.8.1.6 Workers on River Trade Terminal & Cargo Handling Area (OU1) will still have moderate residual impact as most of mitigation measures implementation can not all comprehensively instated of disturbance of views towards to the proposed upgrading works as they are both are directly or relatively close to Project.

8.8.1.7 The residual adverse visual impacts in construction stage on OU2, GIC1, GB1 and T1 are slight after the implementation of visual mitigation measure. As most VSRs will have intermittent views to the Project.

8.8.1.8 OU3 will have insubstantial adverse visual impact.

Visual Impacts at Operation Stage before Mitigation

8.8.1.9 The potential significance of the visual impacts during the operate phase, before and after mitigation, are briefly described below, provided in detail in Table 8.5, and illustrated in Figure 8.5.6. This assessment follows the methodology outlined in Section 8.5 and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 8.7 below would be implemented.

8.8.1.10 Workers on River Trade Terminal & Cargo Handling Area (OU1), EMSD lab sub-station (GIC1) and leisure walkers (GB1) will receive moderate impact towards to the proposed upgrading works as they are both really closed to Project.

8.8.1.11 Golf player (OU2) and Lung Mun Road (T1) will have intermittent views to the construction works. As roadside vegetation screening off most of the Project boundary; therefore visual impact is slight.

8.8.1.12 Workers and visitors in Eco Park (OU3) will have fairly distant views to the proposed works which will be frequently screened by the containers from the River Trade Terminal and topographic changes in vary locations. Therefore visual impact is insubstantial before mitigation.

8.8.1.13 The adverse impacts on OU3 is insubstantial.

Residual Visual Impacts at Operation Stage after Mitigation

8.8.1.14 A residual visual impact in the operational phase is mapped in Figure 8.5.6 and was demonstrated in photomontage view Figures 8.7.1 and 8.7.2.

8.8.1.15 Day 1 after the implementation of mitigation measures during operation there would still be some slight negative visual impact on the VSRs on OU1 which are close to the Project. 10 years after the implementation of mitigation measures during operation, the residual impacts on all VSRs are insubstantial. Overall, it is considered that the residual landscape and visual impacts of the proposed development are considered as acceptable with mitigation measures during construction and operation phase.

Part 1 – Physical Landscape Resources (Topography, Vegetation, Soil, Open Space, Special Features, etc)

Id. No.	Landscape Resources (LR)	Sensitivity to Change (Low, Medium, High)	Magnitude of Change before Mitigation (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact significance Threshold Before Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures*	Residual Impact Significance Threshold After Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
			Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation
			Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	DAY 1	YEAR 10
LR1	Water Body	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR2	Stream Course (natural artificial channel)	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3	Disturbed Hillside Plantation	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR4	Scrubland / Woodland Natural Terrain	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR5	Roadside Planting	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR6	Vegetation within Existing DSD Sewage Treatment Works	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM5, CM6 OM1, OM2, OM3	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LR7	Vegetation within Industrial Area	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR8	Golf Course	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

* Recommendation on landscape and visual mitigation measures are described in Section 8.9.

Part 2 – Landscape Character Areas

Id. No.	Landscape Character Area (LCA)	Sensitivity to Change (Low, Medium, High)	Magnitude of Change before Mitigation (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact significance Threshold Before Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures*	Residual Impact Significance Threshold After Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
			Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation
			Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	DAY 1	YEAR 10
LCA1	Transport Corridor Landscape Character Area	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA2	Upland & Hillside Landscape Character Area	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA3	Inshore Water Landscape Character Area	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA4	Institutional Landscape Character Area	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1, CM2, CM5, CM6 OM1, OM2, OM3	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LCA5	Industrial Urban Landscape Character Area	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

* Recommendation on landscape and visual mitigation measures are described in Section 8.9.

VSR Type & ID	Key Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Magnitude of Change in View before Mitigation (negligible, small, intermediate, large)	Receptor Sensitivity (Low, medium, High)	Impact significance threshold before mitigation (insubstantial, slight, moderate, substantial)	Recommended Mitigation Measures*	Residual Impact Significance Threshold after Mitigation (insubstantial, slight, moderate, substantial)
OU1	River Trade Terminal & Cargo Handling Area	Intermediate	Intermediate	Low	Low	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM5, CM7, OM2, Om3	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
OU2	River Trade Golf Course	Small	Small	Medium	Medium	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM5, CM7, OM2, Om3	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
OU3	Planned Development in Tuen Mun Area 38 – Eco Park and Waste Sorting Facilities	Negligible	Negligible	Low	Low	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1, CM3, CM5, CM7, OM2, Om3	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
GIC1	EMSD Tuen Mun Vehicle Servicing Station, Harbour Hydraulics Laboratory and Physical Model Lab Sub-station	Intermediate	Intermediate	Low	Low	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM5, CM7, OM2, Om3	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
GB1	Castle Peak	Intermediate	Intermediate	Low	Low	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM5, CM7, OM2, Om3	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T1	Lung Mun Road	Small	Small	Low	Low	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM5, CM7, OM2, Om3	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

8.9 Recommendation on Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

8.9.1.1 The proposed landscape and Visual mitigation measures in the construction and operational phases are listed in Table 8.6 and Table 8.7 below, together with an indication of Funding, Implementation, and Management and Maintenance agencies.

Table 8.6 Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures in Construction Phase

ID No.	Nature / Type	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measure	Implementation Agent	Management/ Maintenance
CM1	Design / construction Planning	Temporary Tree Nurseries Temporary tree nurseries may be set up for the transplanted tree and proposed trees at an early stage to allow small trees to grow during the construction periods. By the time when planting area becomes available, trees mature and increase in trunk & spread size. They will require minimal pruning and suffer much less damage during transplanting when comparing the travel distance from an on-site nursery to an off-site nursery. Besides, these trees may also be positioned as visual mitigation during the construction period. Potential site and locations should sought agreement with relevant department in advance and avoid doubling transplantation procedure.	Contractor	Contractor
CM2	Design / construction Planning	No-intrusion Zone To maximize protection to existing trees and ground vegetation, construction contracts may designate “No-intrusion Zone” to various areas within the site boundary with rigid and durable fencing for each individual no-intrusion zone. The contractor should close monitor and restrict the site working staff not to enter the “no-intrusion zone”, even for non-direct construction activities and storage of equipment.	Contractor	Contractor
CM3	Design / construction Planning	Hoarding Hoarding or boundary fencing for construction shall be considered. It should be sensitively designed, subtle, camouflaged and more ‘permeable’ so that they fit into the existing environment when looking from outside.	Contractor	Contractor
CM5	Site Practice	Dust and Erosion Control for Exposed Soil Excavation works and demolition of existing building blocks and which will be highly visible form surrounding areas should be well planned and with precautions to suppress dust. Exposed soil shall be covered or ‘camouflaged’ and watered often. Areas that are expected to be left with bare soil for a long period of time after excavation shall be properly covered with suitable protective fabric. Silt and erosion shall be controlled by ground barriers around the slope cutting area.	Contractor	Contractor
CM6	Site Supervision	Existing Tree Record Inventory All retained trees should be record photographically at the commencement of the Contract, and carefully protected during the construction period. Detailed tree protection specification shall be allowed and included in the Contract Specification, which specifying the tree protection requirement, submission and approval system, and the tree monitoring system.	Contractor	Contractor
CM7	Site Practice	Construction Light All security floodlights for construction sites shall be equipped with adjustable shield, frosted diffusers and reflective covers, and be carefully controlled to minimize light pollution and night-time glare to nearby residences and GIC users. The Contractor shall consider other security measures which shall minimize the visual impacts.	Contractor	Contractor
CM8	Design / construction Planning	Tree Transplanting Apart from the 18 numbers of “Leucaena leucocephala”, which are proposed to be felled in accordance with ETWB TCW No. 3/2006, all the affected trees shall be transplanted. Where practicable, trees shall be directly transplanted to permanent on-site locations. The location of the transplanted tree is shown in Figure 8.9.1.	Contractor	Contractor
CM9	Design / construction Planning	Tree Compensation Ratio The total number of compensatory trees planted in the project area shall not be less than 1:1 ratios by new trees. Required numbers and locations of compensatory trees shall be determined and agreed with Government during the tree felling application process under ETWCTC 3/2006. Compensatory trees shall be at least heavy standard size to create “immediate” greening effect. 81 numbers of “Cassia surattensis” will be provided as the additional compensatory planting for loss of greenery in the area due to removal of the affected trees. The location of the additional compensatory planting is shown in Figure 8.9.1.	Contractor	Contractor
CM10	Design / construction Planning	Re-use of Existing Soil and Advance formation of Planting Area Existing topsoil shall be re-used where possible for new planting areas within the project. Advance formation of planting area and early implementation of the plating works can minimize adverse impact on trees. The construction program shall consider using the soil removed from one phase for backfilling another. Suitable storage ground, gathering ground and mixing ground may be set up on-site as necessary.	Contractor	Contractor

Table 8.7 Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures in Operation Phase

ID No.	Nature / Type	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measure	Implementation Agent	Management/ Maintenance
OM1	Site Supervisions	Establishment Period 12 month establishment period for the soft landscape works will be allowed in the main contract. Most construction contracts in Hong Kong require the Contractor to carry out routine horticultural operations, including watering, pruning, weeding, pest control, replacement of dead plants etc. to ensure healthy establishment of new planting during a 12 month establishment period. This period also serves as a kind of warranty / guarantee on the quality of the plants supplied and installed by the Contractor. Monthly monitoring during the first year of establishment period is recommended.	PPSTW Operator	PPSTW Operator
OM2	Design / construction Planning	Re-instatement of excavated Area All excavated area and disturbed area for utilities diversion, temporary road diversion, and pipeline woks will be reinstated to former conditions, subject to applicable Government Standards.	PPSTW Operator	PPSTW Operator
OM3	Design / construction Planning	Appearance and Greening for the proposed structures Compatible design, construction materials and surface finishes of the proposed structure should match with the nearby existing external appearance of PPSTW buildings for achieving visual uniformity. Finishing materials shall have due consideration to form, basic color, color/tone variation, micro- and macro-texture, and reflectivity/light absorbance to avoid glare. Planting, such as turf, low groundcovers and climbers, may also be planted on top of these elements to provide greening and aesthetic effect.	PPSTW Operator	PPSTW Operator

8.10 Conclusions

Summary of Predicated Residual Landscape and Visual Impacts in the Construction Phase

8.10.1.1 Residual landscape impacts in the construction phase are listed in Table 8.4 and mapped in Figures 8.5.1 and 8.5.3. Residual visual impacts in construction phase are listed in Table 8.5 and mapped in Figure 8.5.5.

8.10.1.2 There are a total approx. 343 trees within the Pillar Point STW, the approximate location of the existing trees and the broadbrush tree survey results (including the general species name) are shown in Figure 8.9.2. Of these, 253 trees are proposed to be retained, 90 trees will be affected. The species of all the affected trees are listed in Figure 8.9.3 and none of them are classified as the Old and Valuable (OVT) trees. Apart from the 18 numbers of “Leucaena leucocephala”, all the affected trees are proposed to be transplanted. The 18 numbers of “Leucaena leucocephala” are proposed to be felled in accordance with ETWB TCW No. 3/2006. There will be mitigation through the transplanting of some existing trees and the planting of new stock. Moreover, 81 numbers of “Cassia surattensis” will be provided as the additional compensatory planting for loss of greenery in the area due to removal of the affected trees. Locations of the transplanted trees (total 72 numbers) and additional compensatory planting (total 81 numbers) are shown in Figure 8.9.1.

8.10.1.3 There is expected to be moderate impacts on the existing institutional areas (LCA4) during construction to the landscape character of the Government utilities area.

8.10.1.4 Workers on River Trade Terminal & Cargo Handling Area (OU1) would have moderate adverse visual impact during construction phase. Impact would be lessen as slight in operational stage when landscape and visual mitigation measures are fully implemented. The visual impact would be insubstantial significance as most of the tree planting would provide proper screening effect in maturity of 10 years.

Summary of Predicated Residual Landscape and Visual Impacts in the Operational Phase

8.10.1.5 Day 1 after the implementation of mitigation measures during operation there would still be some slight negative visual impact on the VSRs close to the Project on OU1. 10 years after the implementation of mitigation measures during operation, the residual impacts on all VSRs are insubstantial.

8.10.1.6 After the proposed mitigation measures have been implemented and the proposed tree planting has matured over 10 years, all residual adverse landscape and visual impacts in operational phase will be of insubstantial significance.