7 landscape and visual IMpact assessment

7.1 Introduction

7.1.1.1 The Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the EIA Study Brief issued by Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and the Technical Memorandum on the Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM). Further guidance is given by EIAO Guidance Note 8/2010 and Annexes 10 and 18 of EIAO-TM. This assessment considers any potential conflicts with landscape planning policy, any likely impacts to landscape resources and character whilst identifying visual impacts in the areas surrounding the project during both the construction and operation stages.

7.1.1.1 The Study Area for the planning review and landscape impact assessment is 500m from the works boundary (within the project boundary is define as the Project Area) which includes the works sites and stockpile areas. Works sites are areas where construction activities will be undertaken and stockpile areas are used for construction stage project offices, material storage and stockpiling activities. The assessment area for the visual impact assessment is defined by the visual envelope of the Project. A recent aerial photograph of Ngong Ping is shown in Figure 7.1, illustrating the Project Area, the 500m Study Area and the visual envelope for the Project.

7.1.1.2 The scope of the LVIA assessment includes:

· a definition of the scope and contents of the study, including a description of the assessment methodology;

· a review of the relevant planning and development control framework;

· a review of comments received during earlier public consultations and how these comments have been addressed in the design;

· a baseline study providing a comprehensive and accurate description and identification of the sensitivity of the baseline landscape resources, landscape character areas, and visual sensitive receivers (VSRs);

· identification of potential sources of landscape and visual impact during construction and operation of the Project;

· identification of the potential landscape and visual impacts and prediction of their nature, magnitude of change and potential significance, before and after the mitigation measures;

· recommendation of appropriate mitigation measures and associated implementation programmes; and

· an assessment of the acceptability or otherwise of the predicted residual impacts, according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM.

7.1.1.3 The landscape and visual impact assessment follows the criteria and guidelines as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the EIAO TM. Colour photographs showing baseline conditions as well as illustrative materials supporting conclusions are provided.

7.2 Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

7.2.1.1 The following legislation, standards and guidelines are applicable to the evaluation of landscape and visual impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Project:

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) (Cap. 499) Section 16 and Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM), particularly Annexes 3, 10, 11, 18, 20 and 21;

· EIAO Guidance Note 8/2010;

· EIA Study Brief No. ESB-227/2011;

· Ngong Ping Outline Zoning Plan. S/I-NP/6;

· Planning Department - Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong

· Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines, particularly Chapter 4 : Recreation, Open Space and Greening, Chapter 10 Conservation and Chapter 11: Urban Design Guidelines;

· Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96);

· Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131);

· Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208);

· Plant Varieties Protection Ordinance (Cap 490).

· Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586);

· Agriculture, Fisheries and Conversation Department Nature Conservation Practice Note No. 01, 02 (Rev. Jun 2006) and 03;

· Agriculture, Fisheries and Conversation Department Publication “Checklist of Hong Kong Plants 2012”;

· Agriculture, Fisheries and Conversation Department Publication “Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong 2003”;

· All relevant guidelines on “Tree Maintenance and Management” and “Greening works” issued by the Greening, Landscape and Tree Management (GLTM) Section of the Development Bureau

· ETWB TCW No. 3/2006 – Tree Preservation;

· ETWB TCW No. 5/2005 – Protection of natural streams/rivers from adverse impacts arising from construction works;

· ETWB TCW No. 29/2004 – Registration of Old and Valuable Trees, and Guidelines for their Preservation;

· ETWB TCW No. 2/2004 – Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features;

· ETWB TCW No. 13/2003A – Guidelines and Procedures for Environmental Impact Assessment of Government Projects and Proposals Planning for Provision of Noise Barriers;

· HyDTC No. 2/2010 – Control in the Use of Shotcrete (Sprayed Concrete) in Slope Works;

· WBTC No. 7/2002 – Tree Planting in Public Works;

· WBTC No. 17/2000 – Improvement to the Appearance of slopes in connection with WBTC 25/93;

· WBTC No. 25/93 – Control of Visual Impact of Slopes;

· Land Administration Office Instruction (LAOI) Section D-12 – Tree Preservation;

· GEO Publication No. 1/2011 “ Technical Guidelines on Landscape Treatment for Slopes”,; and

· GEO Publication (1999) – Use of Vegetation as Surface Protection on Slopes

7.3 Assessment Methodology

7.3.1 Background

7.3.1.1 Landscape and visual impacts have been assessed separately for the construction and operation phases. Landscape and visual impacts are assessed against four criteria, namely:

· All direct and indirect impacts on existing/planned/approved land use and on future outlook;

· Impacts on LANDSCAPE RESOURCES (the physical and cultural components of the landscape);

· Impacts on LANDSCAPE CHARACTER (the aggregate impression created by a combination of resources); and

· Impacts on VISUALLY SENSITIVE RECEIVERS (VSRs) (those people who will see the Project).

7.3.1.2 The landscape and visual impact analysis contains the following:

· Baseline identification of existing/planned/approved land use condition;

· Identification of the impacts on existing/planned/approved land use condition;

· Baseline identification of sensitive receivers (resources, character areas and those in the zone of visual influence) and their sensitivity;

· Identification of the source of landscape and visual impact including the extent and types of impact;

· Assessment of landscape and visual impacts and their magnitude of change during both construction and operation phases;

· Identification of landscape and visual mitigation measures;

· Identification of potential cumulative impacts;

· Assessment of the significance of landscape and visual impacts before mitigation; and

· Assessment of the significance of residual landscape and visual impacts during construction and at Day 1 and Year 10 of operation.

7.3.2 Landscape Impacts

7.3.2.1 The assessment of landscape impacts has involved the following procedures:

· Identification of the baseline landscape resources and landscape character areas found within the study area. This is achieved by site visit and desktop study of topographical maps, information databases and photographs.

· Assessment of the degree of sensitivity of the landscape resources/ landscape character areas. This is influenced by a number of factors including:

- quality and maturity of landscape resources/characters;

- rarity of landscape resources/characters;

- whether the landscape resources/ characters are considered to be of local, regional, national or global importance;

- whether there are any statutory or regulatory limitations/requirements relating to the landscape resources/characters; and

- ability of the landscape resources/characters to accommodate change.

7.3.2.2 The sensitivity of each landscape resource and character area is classified as follows:

High:	Important landscape or landscape resource of particularly distinctive character or high importance, sensitive to relatively small changes.
Medium:	Landscape or landscape resource of moderately valued landscape characteristics reasonably tolerant to change.
Low:	Landscape or landscape resource of low valued landscape characteristics highly tolerant to change.

· Identification of potential sources of landscape impacts. These are the various elements of the construction works and operation procedures that would generate landscape impacts.

· Identification of the magnitude of landscape impacts. The magnitude of the impact (or magnitude of change) depends on a number of factors including:

- the physical extent of the impact,

- compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape,

- duration of impacts, i.e. whether it is temporary (short, medium or long term), under construction and operation phases, and

- reversibility of change.

- The magnitude of landscape impacts is classified as follows:

Large:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer major change.
Intermediate:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer moderate change.
Small:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer slight change.
Negligible:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer no discernible change.
Nil:	The landscape or landscape resource would not suffer any change.

· Identification of potential landscape mitigation measures. Mitigation measures may take the form of:

- adopting alternative design/alignment or revisions to the basic engineering or architectural design to prevent and/or minimize adverse impacts,

- minimization of works areas, temporary construction,

- remedial measures such as colour and textural treatment of physical, engineering and building features,

- compensatory measures such as the implementation of landscape design measures (e.g. tree planting, creation of new open space etc) to compensate for unavoidable adverse impacts and to attempt to generate potentially beneficial long term impacts.

7.3.2.3 A programme for the mitigation measures is provided and discussed in Section 7.11. The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, and maintenance of the mitigation measures are proposed in Table 7.17 and Table 7.18.

· Predicted significance of landscape impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesising the magnitude of the various impacts and the sensitivity of the various landscape resources / character areas it is possible to categorise impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 7.1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely insignificant, slight, moderate, and significant, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of impact and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of landscape resource/character. The significance of landscape impacts is categorised as follows:

Significant:	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 noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality.
Slight:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality.
Insignificant:	No discernible change in the existing landscape quality.

Table 7.1 Relationship between Receptor Sensitivity and Impact Magnitude in Defining Impact Significance

Magnitude of Impact (Change)	Large	Moderate	Moderate / Significant	Significant
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Significant
	Small	Slight	Slight / Moderate	Moderate
	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
		Low	Medium	High
		Receptor Sensitivity (Landscape Resource / Landscape Character Area / VSR)

7.3.3 Visual Impacts

7.3.3.1 The assessment of visual impacts has involved the following:

· Identification of Zones of Visual Influence (ZVIs) during the construction and operation phase of the project. This is achieved by site visit and desktop study of topographic maps and photographs, and preparation of cross-section to determine the visibility of the project from various locations.

· Identification of Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) within the Zone of Visual Influence (ZVIs) at construction and operation phases. These are the people who would reside within, work within, play within, or travel through, the ZVIs.

· Assessment of the degree of sensitivity to change of the VSRs. Factors considered include:

- the type of VSRs, which is classified according to whether the person is at home, at work, at school, at play, or travelling. Those who view the impact from their homes are considered to be highly sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook from their home will have a substantial effect on their perception of the quality and acceptability of their home environment and their general quality of life. Those who view the impact from their workplace and at school are considered to be only moderately sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook will have a less important, although still material, effect on their perception of their quality of life. The degree to which this applies depends on whether the workplace is industrial, retail or commercial. Those who view the impact whilst taking part in an outdoor leisure activity may display varying sensitivity depending on the type of leisure activity. Those who view the impact whilst travelling on a public thoroughfare will also display varying sensitivity depending on the speed of travel.

- other factors which are considered (as required by EIAO GN 8/2002) include the number of individuals, the value and quality of existing views, the availability and amenity of alternative views, number of VSRs, the minimum viewing distance of VSR, the duration or frequency of view, and the degree of visibility.

- The sensitivity of VSRs is classified as follows:

High:	The VSRs are highly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.
Medium:	The VSRs are moderately sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.
Low:	The VSRs are only slightly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.

· Identification of relative numbers of VSRs. This is expressed in term of whether there are few, medium or many VSRs in any one category of VSR.

· Identification of potential sources of visual impacts. These are the various elements of the construction works and operation procedures that would generate visual impacts.

· Assessment of the potential magnitude of visual impacts. Factors considered include

- the compatibility with the surrounding landscape,

- the duration of the impact under the construction and operation phases,

- the reversibility of the impact,

- the scale of the impact and distance of the source of impact from the viewer, and

- the degree of visibility of the impact, and the degree of which the impact dominates the field of vision of the viewer.

- The magnitude of visual impacts is classified as follows:

Large:	The VSRs would suffer major change in their viewing experience.
Intermediate:	The VSRs would suffer moderate change in their viewing experience.
Small:	The VSRs would suffer small change in their viewing experience.
Negligible:	The VSRs would suffer no discernible change in their viewing experience.

· Identification of potential visual mitigation measures. These may take the form of adopting alternative designs or revisions to the basic engineering and architectural design to prevent and/or minimise adverse impacts, remedial measures such as colour and textural treatment of building features, and tree planting to screen the roads and associated bridge structures. The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified and their approval-in-principle has been sought.

· Prediction of the significance of visual impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesising the magnitude of the various visual impacts and the sensitivity of the VSRs, and the numbers of VSRs that are affected, it is possible to categorise the degree of significance of the impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 7.1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely, insignificant, slight, moderate and significant, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of impact and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of VSRs. The significance of visual impacts is categorised as follows:

Significant:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality.
Moderate:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality.
Slight:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality.
Insignificant:	No discernible change in the existing visual quality.

7.3.4 Acceptability of Impacts

7.3.4.1 An overall assessment is made of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO TM.

7.3.4.2 It is assumed that funding, implementation and maintenance agency of the mitigation measures can be satisfactorily resolved according to the principles in ETWB 3/2006. All mitigation measures in this report are practical and achievable within the known parameters of funding, implementation and maintenance agency. The suggested agencies for the funding and implementation (and subsequent maintenance, if applicable) are indicated in Table 7.17 and 7.18. Approval-in-principle to the implementation and maintenance of the proposed mitigation measures is being sought from the appropriate authorities.

7.4 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

7.4.1 Planning Review

7.4.1.1 The existing and planned development framework surrounding the Project Area has been reviewed to identify any potential conflicts with intended planned land uses, as well as to ensure a high compatibility between the proposed works and the surroundings. Both statutory and non-statutory plans and studies relevant to the project have been considered and mapped in order to identify the project limitations in landscape planning terms.

7.4.1.2 The majority of the Study Area is covered by the Ngong Ping Outline Zoning Plan S/I-NP/6. No currently active Departmental Plans have been developed for the Study Area.

7.4.1.3 The remainder of the study area is within Lantau North Country Park and a very small section in Lantau South Country Park. Some activities within Works Section 6 of the Project are located within the Lantau North Country Park, including WA3, RP3, JP2 and SA4. It should be noted that the area around the Ngong Ping Columbarium, including the proposed works at WA4, RP4 and the major part of Outfall B, are in an exclusion area not forming part of the Lantau North Country Park. Part of the works for Outfall B in the stream will fall within the Lantau North Country Park.No works are programmed close to or within Lantau South Country Park. Country Parks and Special Areas are designated under the Country Parks Ordinance (Cap 208) and managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on the advice of the Country and Marine Parks Board (CMPB). All uses and developments require consent from the Country and Marine Parks Authority

7.4.2 Existing Planning Framework

7.4.2.1 The extent of the planning control framework within the overall study area is shown in Figure 7.2 and summarised in Table 7.2 below.

Table 7.2 Schedule of Administrative Planning Zones

Ref	Landscape Resources	Extent (m²)
R(C)	Residential (Group C)	1,893
V	Village Type Development	46,991
G/IC	Government / Institution / Community	64,398
O	Open Space	18,640
REC	Recreation	12,810
OU	Other Specified Uses	36,934
GB	Green Belt	80,375
CA	Conservation Area	464,723
SSSI	Site of Special Scientific Interest	126,308
LNCP	Lantau North Country Park	907,580
LSCP	Lantau South Country Park	13,668

7.4.2.2 The Work Sites within the project are typically zoned on the Outline Zoning Plan as ‘GB’ (Green Belt) to the west and ‘V’ (Village Type Development) to the east. The westerly section of the project (Works Section 6) is outside of the scope of the OZP and lies within the Lantau North Country Park.

7.4.2.3 The works boundary straddles various areas zoned “Green Belt” (“GB”), “Government, Institution or Community” (“G/IC”), “Village Type Development” (“V”), and areas shown as “Road” on the Approved Ngong Ping Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) No. S/I-NP/6. According to the covering Notes 9 of the OZP, uses or development such as local public works, drainage works and such other public works co-ordinated or implemented by Government are always permitted.

7.4.2.4 An area of Works Section 1 intended for Stockpile Area 1 (SA1) (see Figure 2.9b) is zoned as “Conservation Area” (“CA”). According to the covering Notes 10 of the OZP, “uses or development such as local public works, drainage works and such other public works co-ordinated or implemented by Government are always permitted”. However, according to the Remarks of the OZP, “any filling of land or excavation of land or diversion of stream necessary to effect a change of use to the uses or developments always permitted under the covering Notes shall not be undertaken or continued on or after the date of first publication (16.7.1999) in the Gazette of the notice of the draft development permission area plan, without the permission of the Town Planning Board (TPB) under section 16 of the Town Planning Ordinance”.

7.4.2.5 The proposed Project works are specifically located within the various zonings as per the OZP as listed in Table 7.3 below.

Table 7.3 Statutory Designations for Works Sites, and Works Areas

No.	Works Item	Location	Zoning
1a	1500mm Interception Pipe (2.5m wide trench)	Works Section 1 A0+00 – A1+20	V - Village Type Development
1b	Stockpiling Area 1 (SA1)	Works Section 1 A0+00	CA - Conservation Area
1c	Intake A	Works Section 1 A0+00	V - Village Type Development
2a	1500mm Interception Pipe underground pipe jacking	Works Section 2 A1+20 – A3+00	V - Village Type Development
2b	Receiving Pit 1 (RP1) 4x5m	Works Section 2 A1+20	V - Village Type Development
2c	Works Area 1 (WA1)	Works Section 2 A1+20	V - Village Type Development
2d	Jacking Pit 1 (JP1) 4x8m	Works Section 2 A1+65	V - Village Type Development
2e	Site Office (SO)	Works Section 2 A1+90	V - Village Type Development
2f	Receiving Pit 2 (RP2) 4x5m	Works Section 2 A3+00	GB - Green Belt
2g	Works Area 2 (WA2)	Works Section 2 A3+00	GB - Green Belt
3a	1500mm Interception Pipe 2.5m wide trench	Works Section 3 A3+00 – A4+48	GB - Green Belt
4a	Box Culvert: 2.5m x 2.5m (5.5m wide trench)	Works Section 4 B0+00 – B0+45	GB - Green Belt / G/IC - Government / Institution / Community
4b	Intake B	Works Section 4 B0+00	GB - Green Belt
4c	Stockpiling Area 2 (SA2)	Works Section 4 B0+20	GB - Green Belt
5a	Box Culvert: 3.0m x 2.5m (6.0m wide trench)	Works Section 5 B0+45 – B2+24	GB - Green Belt / G/IC - Government / Institution / Community
5b	Stockpiling Area 3 (SA3)	Works Section 5 B2+10	GB - Green Belt
5c	Outfall A	Works Section 5 B2+22	GB - Green Belt
6a	1800mm Flood Relief Drain underground pipe jacking	Works Section 6 C0+00 – C1+96	Lantau North Country Park / GB - Green Belt
6b	Intake C	Works Section 6 C0+00	Lantau North Country Park
6c	Receiving Pit 3 (RP3) 4x5m	Works Section 6 C0+00	Lantau North Country Park
6d	Works Area 1 (WA3)	Works Section 6 C0+00	Lantau North Country Park
6e	Jacking Pit 1 (JP1) 4x8m	Works Section 6 C1+05	Lantau North Country Park
6f	Stockpiling Area 4 (SA4)	Works Section 6 C1+05	Lantau North Country Park
6g	Receiving Pit 4 (RP4) 4x5m	Works Section 6 C1+96	Lantau North Country Park
6h	Works Area 4 (WA4)	Works Section 6 C1+96	Lantau North Country Park
6i	Outfall B	Works Section 6 C1+96	Lantau North Country Park

7.4.2.6 The drainage reserve will become a non build zone but this will not cause any significant impact on the local community. Figures 2.6a – 2.6d outline the extent of the proposed drainage reserve.

7.4.3 Potential Conflicts with Planning Framework

7.4.3.1 It is considered that the proposed Project would be generally in accordance with the planning goals and objectives for the study area. Two areas are in potential conflict however:

Ÿ Works Section 1; and

Ÿ Works Section 6.

7.5 Landscape Baseline Conditions

7.5.1 Landscape Resources

7.5.1.1 Physical landscape resources are the natural components of the landscape and include geology, topography, soils, vegetation and hydrological features. Human and cultural landscape resources cover a wide swath of human interaction with the land including settlement patterns, religion, medicine, economics, education and local customs. Each landscape resource possesses a varying sensitivity to development. Landscape resources within the study area are described broadly below. As expected for such a rural location, there are large areas of such resources and specific groups are shown on Figure 7.3, with the sensitivity of each summarised in Table 7.5 below. In accordance with the Study Brief, resources have been assessed within a 500m distance limit from the works’ Project Area.

Physical Landscape Resources

Geology

7.5.1.2 The geology of the peaks around Ngong Ping is volcanic in origin, dominated by Mesozoic rocks that exhibit thin planar layering known as flow banding. These rhyolitic rocks contain both well-formed and shattered crystals. They probably originated as extremely hot ash flows, which later reconstituted to form lava-like flows. On the plateau of Ngong Ping, tuff breccia is exposed comprising 15% angular fragments, with sizes mostly in the range of 30-60 mm, up to a maximum of about 300 mm. The prominent ridges of Tsz Tau Shan, west of Ngong Ping, are primarily composed of tuffaceous sedimentary rocks. About 400m southwest of the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, the ridge is composed of light grey siltstone and tuffaceous siltstone. The layer dips southwest at 11 to 40º, and is less than 50 m thick.

Soils

7.5.1.3 The upper hillsides in the area are starved of soil cover on the volcanic steep slopes and the resultant lack of organic matter to retain water hinders the development of large sized vegetation. Lower slopes have superficial deposits of slope debris including sand, gravel, cobbles and boulders in a silt matrix. However, the plateau at Ngong Ping has a fertile cover of alluvium through the valley made up of silt, sand and gravel.

Topographic Features

7.5.1.4 The study area lies within an upland plateau of about 100 hectares at approximately 460m above sea level. It is surrounded by sharp rising peaks with Nei Lak Shan, the sixth highest peak in Hong Kong at 751m, dominant in the north east. The second highest, Lantau Peak is at its southeast. Visually the plateau is self contained within a sheltered ‘bowl’ and views are restricted to the immediate ridge line on all sides. There are no views to sea or the slopes beyond the ridges. The Tian Tan Buddha Statue sits prominently on small rise at about 480 mPD to the south of the village development and can be viewed from many areas of the plateau. A number of low lying rock ridges, knolls and hillocks are found to the west of the plateau and form distinctive landscape features.

Vegetation

7.5.1.5 The study area is well vegetated throughout. A number of distinct vegetation types can be identified:

· Secondary Woodland: The climax species of mature Machilus dominates the canopy. Isolated mature remnants can also be found down within the village margins. The hillsides were still relatively free of such vegetation in the 1960s;

· Plantation Woodland: Maturing stands of Acacia confusa are regularly found throughout the village plateau and on the lower hill slopes, planted during the 1970s and 80s;

· Village Margin Scrub: Invasive and pioneer species have invaded land previously farmed and reclaimed abandoned settlements. Typical species include various Bamboos, Ficus hispida, Macaranga tanarius and Mallotus paniculatus. The virulent spread of Lantana camara, a non–indigenous shrub is a concern for the ecology of the area;

· Village Gardens and Orchard: Small village plots are frequently used for small scale agriculture, including orchard trees and some planting of ornamentals next to village houses; and

· Open Hillside: Shallow soils are unable to sustain a tree canopy. Shrubs reaching several meters tall, with Gordonia axillaris prevalent, are, however, scattered regularly amongst the grasses and sedges.

7.5.1.6 Within the study area a number of isolated mature stands of Machilus spp. and Ficus microcarpa are present and may present conflicts to the project work. However, no Old and Valuable Trees (OVT) or rare trees were identified.

Hydrological Features

7.5.1.7 Seasonal run-off from the steep surrounding slopes collects in deep natural gulleys and streams which are liable to flash flooding, causing erosion and potential landslip issues. These water courses contain natural rock features and are important for local ecological populations. Some streams are found within the study area on the plateau, usually covered by scrub woodland. Their sensitivity to change is high.

7.5.1.8 Man made water courses have been developed through the plateau area to contain flash flooding. Constructed from stepped, rock gabions, these have developed localised vegetation and ecosystems within their margins.

Human and Cultural Landscape Resources

Traditional Village Houses

7.5.1.9 A large percentage of the study area contains the traditional settlement of Ngong Ping Village. Located on the foot slopes of Nei Lak Shan facing south, the village is thought to have developed with the establishment of the Po Lin Monastery and demonstrates the typical rural development style found throughout the New Territories of clustered, rows of small houses or “ding uk” of 436 square feet in size, single storey with a cockloft under a pitched wooden roof. Properties constructed since the latter half of the last century are of single and double height, have been restricted to 700 square feet footprint and are 25 feet tall. Many of the older village properties have been abandoned, particularly those lower lying buildings on the plateau.

Po Lin Monastery

7.5.1.10 The Po Lin Monastery, established in 1906, is known as "The Sacred Place of the Buddha in the South" and is the first of the four most popular monasteries in Hong Kong. The Monastery was initially named "The Big Hut" when it was first built. Having gone through a century of development, Po Lin Monastery is now well developed with a number of structures including the Mahavira Hall and the Heavenly King Hall. Monks and priests began settling in this part of Hong Kong in the last century. The Po Lin Monastery is a renowned attraction and a holy Buddhist ground in Hong Kong. The gardens and pavilions are well-established to blend in with the natural environment in Ngong Ping. Meanwhile, a new "Jewelled Hall of 10,000 Buddhas" is being built, which will feature 10,000 Buddha statues as well as a Buddhist Scripture Library and a Dharma Hall. However, there are no construction works proposed that would be concurrent with the Project drainage improvement works.

Tian Tan Buddha

7.5.1.11 A flight of 268 steps from Tei Tan square lead to the world's largest outdoor bronze statue and the largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha statue. Walking up the steps, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Lantau and the South China Sea from the podium. The Tian Tan Buddha sits atop the 482m Muk Yue Shan Facing North and is 34 metres high. Planning started in 1976 and construction was completed in 1993. It was selected as one of the "Ten Engineering Wonders in Hong Kong" and was awarded the "Merit of Unique Artistic Features" by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers in 2000

Ngong Ping Piazza

7.5.1.12 Ngong Ping Piazza opened in 2010 as a brand new tourist facility with strong Buddhist character. The piazza links the various tourist attractions in Ngong Ping, including the Po Lin Monastery, the Tian Tan Buddha, Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, Ngong Ping Village and Wisdom Path. It offers visitors a resting place and facilitates them to explore Ngong Ping. The Piazza has four components including the new Pai Lau, Bodhi Path, Di Tan and a Chinese landscaped garden. The new Pai Lau and the Chinese landscaped garden are built in the Northern architectural style of the Qing Dynasty to match the style used by Po Lin Monastery, characterised by tranquillity and solemnity. The 120-metre Bodhi Path is flanked by statues of the "12 divine generals" and 40 lotus-shaped stone lanterns on both sides. At Di Tan, four lotus ponds have been built to provide a spacious venue for religious ceremonies held by Po Lin Monastery.

Lantau North Country Park

7.5.1.13 The Lantau North Country Park was designated in 1978 and occupies a total area of 22 square kilometres, encompassing Sunset Peak, Yi Tung Shan, Lin Fa Shan, northern slopes of Lantau Peak, Nei Lak Shan and the region north of Ngong Ping. Most visitors are hikers, with the routes from Tung Chung and Ngong Ping being popular. These hikers often connect with the Nei Lak Shan Country Trail and Ngong Ping 360 Maintenance Path. Some sections of the country trail cut through secondary woodland where the diversity of flora is very rich and contains large trees of good form and lush foliage.

7.5.2 Schedule of Landscape Resources

7.5.2.1 The factors affecting the sensitivity for evaluation of landscape impact are detailed in Section 7.3.2 above. The landscape resources (LDRs) identified within the project area have been grouped into 9 differing groups as shown in Table 7.4 below.

Table 7.4 Schedule of Landscape Resources

Ref	Landscape Resources	Landscape Type
LDR-1	Natural Stream Course	Physical / Natural
LDR-2	Constructed Water Course	Physical / Human
LDR-3	Natural Topographic Features	Physical / Natural
LDR-4	Woodland	Physical / Natural
LDR-5	Open Hillside Vegetation	Physical / Natural
LDR-6	Village Margin Vegetation	Physical / Natural
LDR-7	Village Housing inc. Gardens	Physical / Cultural
LDR-8	Religious Institutions / Features	Cultural
LDR-9	Maintained Amenity Features	Physical / Human

7.5.2.2 The identified landscape resources in each group are discussed in more detail below and their sensitivity assessed in accordance with the criteria in Section 7.3.2 above. In accordance with the Study Brief, resources have been assessed within a 500m distance limit from the Project Area. The extents of the groups are shown in Figure 7.3 and photos of the key landscape resources are shown in Figure 7.6.

LDR-1 – Natural Stream Courses

LDR-1.1 – Seasonal Hillside Ravines

7.5.2.3 This category includes all natural watercourses on the slopes of the study area. These are generally steep, boulder strewn waterways, cut directly down the slopes of the mountainside. They have been noted to be dry during the winter season and, even during wet season, the higher courses may only provide fast outlets for flash flooding after rains, feeding the streams of the lower valley. Slope vegetation tends to collect within the ‘V’ shaped valley cut by these courses, since water is collected there and a less severe microclimate can establish. The ravines are sensitive to environmental change and with locations in the protected Lantau North Country Park areas their sensitivity is considered High.

LDR-1.2 – Water Courses through Ngong Ping Valley

7.5.2.4 These streams are also seasonal but act as collectors from the mountainside channels and as such follow the contours more closely. They have often been dammed, rerouted, culverted and blocked, displaying signs of human interference. During storm surges, these streams can run fast with deep flows and can cause flooding to the local populace. The water courses are very sensitive to environmental change but have already been significantly altered within the village development area. The remaining natural stream sections are restricted to two locations within works Sections 1 and 5. Due to the high influence of human habitation, the sensitivity of this LDR is considered Medium.

LDR-2 – Constructed Water Courses

LDR-2.1 – Open Drainage Channels

7.5.2.5 The problems with village flooding have been addressed previously with short-term drainage improvement measures implemented in 2009 and further measures in 2011. These consist of an open cut drainage channel formed from gabion sections to the north and west of the Ngong Ping tourist village. The construction method allows the development of vegetation and ecosystems within the channel in the same ways as a natural stream course. The channels are, however, newly formed and no complex systems have yet developed. As such their sensitivity is considered Low.

LDR-2.2 – Underground Drainage Channels

7.5.2.6 Sections of the surface water drainage system have been diverted underground through the new Piazza and around the Po Lin Monastery. Furthermore, a hillside stream section runs through an underground pipeline from the Lin Chi Temple discharging within Works Section 5 of the Project. The sensitivity of these water courses is considered Low.

LDR-3 – Natural Topographic Features

LDR-3.1 – Rocky Outcrops Surrounding Ngong Ping Columbarium

7.5.2.7 The landscape areas surrounding the Ngong Ping Columbarium are protected within the Lantau North Country Park. These rocks are exposed and weathered outcrops of the existing underlying geology, predominantly formed of volcanic rhyolite lava and tuff. They have strong and unique appearance and provide potential niches and crevices for ecological habitat and development. The sensitivity of these resources is considered to be High.

LDR-3.2 – Hillocks Surrounding the Tian Tan Buddha

7.5.2.8 The Tian Tan Buddha is located atop the largest of one of the many small, rounded hills on the south side of Ngong Ping on the ridge above the Lantau South Country Park. Formed from volcanic rocks the hills have recently developed full tree canopies of plantation and native trees. The area straddles zoned Conservation Area (CA) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with the planning intention being to protect the features and habitats of the Romer’s Tree Frog. There are, also, a number of tourists and recreation based walks and activities within the trails formed between the hills. The sensitivity of the resource is considered as High.

LDR-3.3 – Hillslopes of Nei Lak Shan

7.5.2.9 This resource falls within the Lantau North Country Park. The steep slopes rise about 300m from the rear of the village area to the peak at about 750mPD. Formed as a hard weathering volcanic outcrop ravines of slope debris consist of sand, gravel, cobbles and boulders in a silt matrix. The tree line ends at about 530mPD, with ravine vegetation to about 650mPD. The hillslopes are visually prominent natural resources and accessible by hiking trails. Their sensitivity is considered High.

LDR-4 –Woodland

LDR-4.1 – Naturalised Hillside Woodland

7.5.2.10 Photos from 1961 show that the hillsides surrounding Ngong Ping Village were free of trees, with just the settlement itself and low lying, surrounding water courses and without having any tree cover. Traditionally the hillsides were typically free of woodland with such vegetation having developed significantly during the last 30 years. Tree planting has been introduced with plantation species (Acacia confusa) becoming mixed with the native hillside secondary woodland that has generated on the hillslopes. A dominant canopy of Machilus chekiangesis and Machilus pauhoi ‘Kanehira’ has developed, supported by a typical understory including Mallotus paniculatus and Viburnum odoratissimum. The development of this woodland on the mountain slopes with the thin soils and a lack of water is marginal. Their sensitivity is considered High.

LDR-5 – Open Hillside Vegetation

LDR-5.1 – Hillside Grass and Shrub

7.5.2.11 The natural cover for the hillsides is a mix of grasses and sedges on the thin soil cover of the mountain slopes. Ferns and dispersed shrub vegetation including Gordonia axilliaris are able to develop in moist niches or on thicker localised soil deposits. Steeper slopes generally have thinner soils and are less able to support vegetation, with the diversity reducing until bare rock is exposed. Some species are able to colonise and re-colonise efficiently and the ability to accommodate small scale change is relatively high. As the grass and shrub habitat is the typical cover for much of the upland landscape of the area the sensitivity is considered Medium.

LDR-6 – Village Margin Vegetation

LDR-6.1 – Unmaintained Village Scrub

7.5.2.12 The village areas have experienced a significant change of land use and population over the last 20 years. Areas no longer maintained as garden or farmed have reverted to scrub, with invasive species quickly colonising. Typical plants include mature varieties of garden fruit trees and remnants of woodland trees, tall grasses, Ipomea, Lantana and Alocasia with pioneer tree species Ficus hispida and Macaranga tanarius, also, being prevalent. This is first stage regeneration and these areas are generally able to sustain change and regenerate in the longer term. Due to the mature tree resources present and the overall greening qualities of this LDR, the Sensitivity is considered Medium.

LDR-7 – Village Housing with Gardens

LDR-7.1 – Traditional Housing with Gardens and Orchards

7.5.2.13 The village areas demonstrate typical Hong Kong New Territories’ characteristics, with dwellings in both the traditional style and more recent “small” housing. Some of the older properties surrounded with garden retain charm and present a fast disappearing historical and cultural identity. While the villages have always been able and willing to accommodate some change, the visual quality of the fabric can quickly be reduced and mature village development is becoming increasingly scarce. The sensitivity of the resource is considered Medium.

LDR-8 – Religious Institutions / Features

LDR-8.1 – Po Lin Monastery

7.5.2.14 The Monastery is a unique and internationally renowned cultural resource and raison d’etre for the village itself. As a fully working and adapting resource it is able to accommodate change, however, its maturity, rarity and quality make it a High sensitivity resource.

LDR-8.2 – Lin Chi Temple

7.5.2.15 Part of the Po Lin Monastery, the Lin Chi Temple sits on high ground (44mPD) to the north of the village area, facing south west. Due to its uniqueness, cultural value and high visual qualities, its sensitivity is considered High.

LDR-8.3 – Ngong Ping Columbarium

7.5.2.16 The columbarium is a relatively new feature of modern design and materials. The building is not generally visible other than from an elevated position due to the surrounding tree cover. It can accommodate change relatively easily and its cultural importance is not as that for other religious features in the district. Sensitivity is, therefore, considered Low.

LDR-8.4 – Hillside Grave Sites

7.5.2.17 Hillside graves are found all across Hong Kong and burial traditions are an important aspect in any culture. It is uncertain as to when this practice was established but the tradition continues today. The indigenous people cling to hillside burials as part of the spiritual protection and benefits for their families with those in a good fung-shui position perceived to bring affluence and offspring to descendants. Sensitivity is considered High.

LDR-9 – Maintained Amenity Features

LDR-9.1 – Ngong Ping Themed Village

7.5.2.18 Set on a 1.5 hectare site adjacent to Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal, the cultural themed village has been architecturally designed and landscaped to reflect the cultural and spiritual integrity of the Ngong Ping area. It has several major attractions including “Walking with Buddha” and the “Monkey's Tale Theatre”, as well as a diverse array of retail, dining and entertainment experiences. Sensitivity is considered Low

LDR-9.2 – Ngong Ping Piazza

7.5.2.19 The Piazza links the various tourist attractions in Ngong Ping, including the Po Lin Monastery, the Tian Tan Buddha, Ngong Ping 360 cable car, Ngong Ping Village and Wisdom Path. It enables visitors to explore Ngong Ping, which is a popular tourist spot characterised by its religious setting and beautiful natural scenery, in a coherent manner. Sensitivity is, however, considered to be Low.

LDR-9.3 – Tian Tan Buddha

7.5.2.20 Despite its recent construction the Buddha has become a major tourist attraction of some cultural international importance. As a feature it is a unique addition of quality in a conservation setting and despite its modernity the sensitivity is considered to be High

LDR-9.4 – Hiking Paths of Nei Lak Shan

7.5.2.21 The hiking trails have an important role in allowing access for the population into the natural countryside. They are constructed of natural materials with the intention of being low in visual impact and minimising the physical impact of walkers on the environment. The trails are commonplace and can easily be adapted to changing use. Sensitivity in this environment is considered Medium.

LDR-9.5 – Tourists Facilities Around Tian Tan Buddha

7.5.2.22 Within the wooded area surrounding the Buddha exists a series of paths and features with education and amenity at the core. The Ngong Ping Fun Walk is only 1.5 km in length yet offers six attractions, namely Misty Lantau, Ancient Gateway, Tree Walk Exploration, Sunrise on Lantau, Scenery of Lakes and the Tea Walk. The G. Davis Hostel provides a base for hikers and ramblers in the area. Sensitivity in this environment is considered Medium.

Summary Schedule of Landscape Resources

7.5.2.23 The Landscape Resources identified within the study area as described above and their sensitivity to change are summarised in Table 7.5 below.

Ref	Landscape Resource	Quality and Maturity (High / Medium / Low)	Rarity (High /Medium / Low)	Local / District / Regional Importance	Statutory Limitations / Requirements*	Ability to Accommodate Change (High / Medium / Low)	Sensitivity (High / Medium / Low)
*LDR-1 –* *Natural Stream Courses*
LDR-1.1	Seasonal Hillside Ravines	High	Medium	District	Country Park	Low	High
LDR-1.2	Water Courses through Ngong Ping Valley	Low	Medium	District	-	Medium	Medium
*LDR-2 –* *Constructed Water Courses*
LDR-2.1	Open Drainage Channels	Low	Low	Local	-	High	Low
LDR-2.2	Underground Drainage Channels	Low	Low	Local	-	High	Low
*LDR-3 –* *Natural Topographic Features*
LDR-3.1	Rocky Outcrops Surrounding Ngong Ping Columbarium	High	Medium	District	Country Park	Low	High
LDR-3.2	Hillocks surrounding Tian Tan Statue	Medium	High	Regional	SSSI / CA	Low	High
LDR-3.3	Hillslopes of Nei Lak Shan	High	Medium	District	Country Park	Low	High
*LDR-4 –Woodland***
LDR-4.1	Naturalised Hillside Woodland	High	Medium	Local	Country Park / CA	Low	High
*LDR-5 –* *Upland* *Vegetation*
LDR-5.1	Hillside Grass and Shrub	Medium	Low	District	Country Park	High	Medium
*LDR-6 –* *Village Margin Vegetation*
LDR-6.1	Unmaintained Village Scrub	Medium	Low	Local	-	Medium	Medium
*LDR-7 –* *Village Housing with Gardens*
LDR-7.1	Traditional Housing with Gardens and Orchards	Medium	Medium	District	-	Medium	Medium
*LDR-8 –* *Religious Institutions / Features*
LDR-8.1	Po Lin Monastery	High	High	Regional	-	Low	High
LDR-8.2	Lin Chi Temple	High	High	Regional	-	Low	High
LDR-8.3	Ngong Ping Columbarium	Low	Low	District	-	High	Low
LDR-8.4	Hillside Grave Sites	High	Medium	Local	Varies	Low	High
*LDR-9 –* *Maintained Amenity Features*
LDR-9.1	Ngong Ping Themed Village	Low	Low	Regional	-	High	Low
LDR-9.2	Ngong Ping Piazza	Medium	Low	Regional	-	High	Low
LDR-9.3	Tian Tan Buddha	High	High	Regional	CA	Medium	High
LDR-9.4	Hiking Paths of Nei Lak Shan	Low	Medium	District	Country Park	Medium	Medium
LDR-9.5	Tourists Facilities around Tian Tan Buddha	Medium	Medium	Regional	SSSI / CA	Medium	Medium

Ref	Landscape Character Area	Landscape Character Type	Extent (m²)
LCA1	Inhabited Land Around Ngong Ping Village	Upland Plateau Landscape	477,000
LCA2	Foothills Surrounding Tian Tan Buddha	Upland Plateau Landscape	288,000
LCA3	Nei Lak Shan	Peak Landscape	457,000
LCA4	Natural Hills Surrounding Ngong Ping	Peak Landscape	431,000
LCA5	Upper Reaches of Sham Wat Valley	Settled Valley Landscape	162,000

Ref	Landscape Character Area	Landscape Character Type	Quality and Maturity (High / Medium / Low)	Rarity (High / Medium / Low)	Local / District / Regional Importance	Statutory Limitations / Requirements*	Ability to Accommodate Change (High / Medium / Low)	Sensitivity (High / Medium / Low)
LCA1	Inhabited Land Around Ngong Ping Village	Upland Plateau Landscape	Medium	Medium	Regional	-	Medium	Medium
LCA2	Foothills Surrounding Tian Tan Buddha	Upland Plateau Landscape	High	Medium	Regional	SSSI / CA	Low	High
LCA3	Nei Lak Shan	Peak Landscape	High	Medium	Regional	Country Park	Low	High
LCA4	Natural Hills Surrounding Ngong Ping	Peak Landscape	High	Medium	Regional	Country Park	Low	High
LCA5	Upper Reaches of Sham Wat Valley	Settled Valley Landscape	High	Medium	Regional	Country Park	Low	High

7.6 Visual Baseline Conditions

7.6.1 Visually Sensitive Receivers

7.6.1.1 A number of Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) will be affected by the scope of the Project. VSRs are those people who will potentially view the construction of the project and/or its operation. The Zone of Visual Influence (Visual Envelope) is the area from which any part of the proposed Project would be able to be seen. VSRs will be identified within the Visual Envelope at a distance not more than 3 km from the Project. Beyond this, the effects of distance and the extensive visual context tend to render impacts insignificant.

7.6.1.2 The assessment of visual impacts is considered as a combination of the magnitude of change brought about by the project in relation to receiver sensitivity. Receivers are identified through the definition of the development’s visual envelope (i.e. the area within which views of the development are possible). For the purposes of this study, receivers have been grouped into the following categories below:

Residential:	Those people who would view the scheme from their home
Occupational:	Those people who would view the scheme from their work/study place
Leisure and Cultural:	Those people who would view the scheme whilst engaging in leisure, culture or recreation activities including shopping, walking, hiking, worship or sports
Transportation:	Those people who would view the scheme from vehicles

7.6.1.3 The factors affecting the sensitivity of visual receivers are detailed in Section 7.3.3 above and include:

· Value and quality of existing views;

· Availability and amenity of alternative views;

· Type and estimated number of receiver population;

· Duration and frequency of view; and

· Degree of visibility.

7.6.1.4 Generally the sensitivity of visual receivers for the identified groups can be established as detailed below.

Residential

7.6.1.5 Those who view the scheme from their homes are considered to be highly sensitive to any visual intrusion. This is because the attractiveness, or otherwise, of the view will have a notable effect on a residents’ general quality of life and acceptability of their home environment.

Occupational

7.6.1.6 Those people who view the scheme from their workplace are generally considered relatively less sensitive to visual intrusion. This is because they are normally employed in activities where visual outlook plays a less important role in the perception of the quality of the working environment. They are on the whole classified as a low sensitivity group unless their environmental outlook forms a significant element of their work.

Leisure and Cultural

7.6.1.7 For those who view the scheme whilst engaging in outdoor leisure pursuits, visual sensitivity varies depending on the type of cultural activity. Those taking a stroll in a park, for example, would be classified as a high sensitivity group compared to football players who would have a low sensitivity rating.

Transportation

7.6.1.8 For those people who view the scheme from public thoroughfares, the degree of visual intrusion experienced depends on the speed of travel and whether views are continuous or only occasional. Generally, the slower the speed of travel and the more continuous the viewing experience, then the greater the degree of sensitivity.

7.6.2 Schedule of Visually Sensitive Receivers

7.6.2.1 Potentially affected Residential, Occupational, Leisure & Cultural and Transportation VSRs are summarised in Table 7.8 below and their locations shown in Figure 7.5.

Table 7.8 Potential Key Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

Ref	Location	Type of View (rural/developed, open/restricted, static/transient)
R-01	Residents of Ngong Ping Village surrounding Works Sections 4 & 5	Rural / Restricted / Static
R-02	Residents of Ngong Ping Village on Nei Lak Shan Hillside with South Views	Rural / Open / Static
R-03	Residents of Ngong Ping Village with North Views	Rural / Restricted / Static
R-04	Residents of Po Lin Monastery with North Views	Rural / Restricted / Static
O-01	Staff at Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal	Rural / Restricted / Static
O-02	Monastery Visitors to Ngong Ping Columbarium	Rural / Restricted / Static
O-03	Temporary Workers at Construction Site	Rural / Open / Static
L-01	Users of Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car with Elevated Views	Rural / Open / Transient
L-02	Tourists moving through Ngong Ping Piazza Viewing North	Rural / Restricted / Transient
L-03	Tourists at Tian Tan Buddha Viewing South	Rural / Open / Transient
L-04	Hikers on Footpaths in Lantau North Country Park and on Nei Lak Trail	Rural / Open / Transient
T-01	Users of Ngong Ping Columbarium Access Road	Rural / Restricted / Transient
T-02	Road Users on Po Ngong Drive	Rural / Restricted / Transient
T-03	Road Users on Lin Ping Drive and Village West Access Road	Rural / Restricted / Transient
T-04	Road Users on Village East Access Road	Rural / Restricted / Transient

7.6.2.2 The identified VSRs in each group are discussed in more detail below and their sensitivity assessed in accordance with the criteria in Section 7.3.3 above. The locations are shown on Figure 7.5 and photos are shown on Figure 7.8.

Residential

R-01: Residents of Ngong Ping Village Surrounding Works Sections 4 and 5

7.6.2.3 This VSR includes the scattered village houses of the natural flood plain at a level of approximately 435mPD in Ngong Ping Village. They include house numbers 17, 49A, 49B, 58, 59, 62, 64, 65, 66 and 68. Many of these dwellings have surrounding gardens, residual woodland and temporary structures, making views to surrounding areas sometimes restricted but they generally have alternate views available. Since the number of residents in this receiver group is low and generally good quality alternative views are available, the receiver sensitivity is considered Medium.

R-02: Residents of Ngong Ping Village on Nei Lak Shan Hillside with South Views

7.6.2.4 This VSR includes the hillside village houses facing south over Ngong Ping Village. They have good views of the surrounding countryside, especially those of the upper hillsides where they can view past other dwellings. Those at the foot of the slope have restricted views depending on local vegetation and other development. Since the number of residents in this receiver group within the Visual Envelope is rather restricted and generally good quality alternative views being available, the receiver sensitivity is considered Medium.

R-03: Residents of Ngong Ping Village with North Views

7.6.2.5 As for VSR1, these receivers include scattered village houses surrounded by Works Section 2. They are generally fairly well concealed within mature gardens and woodland and a number appear uninhabited. The number of dwellings who would be able to view the works in part is restricted to 2 or 3 and with alternative views being available, consequently receiver sensitivity is considered Medium.

R-04: Residents of Po Lin Monastery with North Views

7.6.2.6 The Po Lin Monastery is formed by a collection of clustered buildings of different heights and sizes. The outlook is generally on all sides but many buildings obscure each others views. Restricted views to the works are possible from selected buildings and windows within the Monastery. A selection of alternative views is available and the quality of these views is good. Resident numbers with open views are relatively restricted and the receiver sensitivity is considered as Medium.

Occupational

O-01: Staff at Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal

7.6.2.7 Some workers in this area will be able to circulate the building and have selected aspects on various sides into the surrounding countryside. Such restricted views are generally of good quality with the horizon visible and a selection of alternative views available. With few window opportunities available, relatively low staff numbers and infrequent durations of view, the receiver sensitivity is considered as Low.

O-02: Monastery Visitors to Ngong Ping Columbarium

7.6.2.8 These receivers are concealed within the enclosed walls of the Columbarium and will only be aware of outside views from the front entrance door and from the slit windows in the walls. Open views to the sky are of importance here. However, due to the low number of receivers, occasional nature of visits and highly restricted views, the receiver sensitivity is considered Low.

O-03: Temporary Workers at Material Storage Yard

7.6.2.9 The existing construction materials storage yard is predominantly secured behind above-head height security fencing and activity levels are low in intensity, with few staff on hand in this area. The site compound has unrestricted surrounding views, open on all sides to the mountains and sky above the fence line. However, with so few workers are on site, the variety of available views and occasional nature of viewing reception, the sensitivity of this receiver is deemed to be Low.

Leisure and Cultural

L-01: Users of Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car with Elevated Views

7.6.2.10 Daily average passenger numbers by August 2009 had reached 4,000 on weekdays, up to 8,000 at weekends and on special occasions such as Lunar New Year holiday, the system has carried as many as 13,000 passengers daily. The system is now operating at its maximum capacity of 108 cabins. As such, there are potentially a very large number of receivers who take a specific interest in viewing the surroundings and its quality, taking many photographs of the countryside. Despite views for the receivers being transitory the high quality of panoramic views existing and the huge numbers of receivers mean that sensitivity is considered High.

L-02: Tourists moving through Ngong Ping Piazza Viewing North

7.6.2.11 Assuming that the numbers of users of the cable car is similar to the number of tourists moving through Ngong Ping Plaza, there are potentially a large number of daily users in this area. They are afforded full surrounding views of the mountains on all sides with the Monastery and Tian Tan Buddha is highly visible. The high quality of the existing view, coupled with the expectations of receivers in this setting and the sheer population numbers mean that sensitivity is considered High.

L-03: Tourists at Tian Tan Buddha Viewing South

7.6.2.12 Many of the receivers from VSR L-01 and VSR L-02 will, also, become receivers in this category. As a major tourist location, this specific viewpoint offers excellent north views, which are regularly photographed in huge numbers and such photographs frequently distributed digitally around the world. The high quality of the existing view, coupled with the tendency to share the view photographically in huge numbers mean that sensitivity is considered High.

L-04: Hikers on Footpaths in Lantau North Country Park and on Nei Lak Trail

7.6.2.13 These receivers have wide, changing and excellent views of surrounding high quality landscape with a high appreciation for its quality. Population numbers are limited, however, and the wide availability of alternate views and the fact that hikers are transient and occasional visitors mean that their sensitivity is Medium.

Transportation

T-01: Users of Ngong Ping Columbarium Access Road

7.6.2.14 This road is very infrequently travelled and restricted to Columbarium users. Views are changeable but good quality on all sides, sometimes open and sometimes enclosed by trees. With low user numbers and short view duration, receiver sensitivity is considered to be Low.

T-02: Road Users on Po Ngong Drive

7.6.2.15 Po Ngong Drive experiences extremely limited traffic, where receiver’s views are constantly changing. Receiver sensitivity is considered Low.

T-03: Road Users on Lin Ping Drive and Village West Access Road

7.6.2.16 This VSR includes a variety of traffic, much of which is construction related as well as for those few local residents with vehicles. With frequently changing views of short duration and low user numbers, the sensitivity is considered as Low.

T-04: Road Users on Village East Access Road

7.6.2.17 Users of VSR T-03 are also restricted as frequenters of this road. Sensitivity for users on this section is, also, considered Low.

Summary Schedule of Visually Sensitive Receivers

7.6.2.18 The VSRs identified within the study area as described above and their sensitivity to change are summarised in Table 7.9 below.

VSR	Location	Estimated number of Receivers (Few / Typical / Many)	Value and Quality of Existing View (Good / Fair / Poor)	Availability and Amenity of Alternative views	Duration and Frequency of Existing view (Stationary / Transitory / Glimpse Frequent / Regular / Occasional)	Degree of Visibility (Wide / Restricted / Narrow Distant / Near / Adjacent)	Sensitivity (high / medium / low)
Residential
R-01	Residents of Ngong Ping Village surrounding Works Sections 4&5	Few	Good	Yes / Good alternatives	Stationary / Frequent	Restricted / Adjacent	Medium
R-02	Residents of Ngong Ping Village on Nei Lak Shan hillside with South Views	Few	Good	Yes / Good alternatives	Stationary / Frequent	Wide / Distant	Medium
R-03	Residents of Ngong Ping Village with North Views	Few	Good	Yes / Good alternatives	Stationary / Frequent	Restricted / Adjacent	Medium
R-04	Residents of Po Lin Monastery with North Views	Few	Good	Yes / Good alternatives	Stationary / Frequent	Restricted / Distant	Medium
Occupational
O-01	Staff at Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal	Few	Good	Yes / Good alternatives	Stationary / Regular	Restricted / Near	Low
O-02	Monastery visitors to Ngong Ping Columbarium	Few	Good	Yes / Good alternatives	Stationary / Occasional	Narrow / Adjacent	Low
O-03	Temporary Workers at existing Material Storage Yard	Few	Good	Yes / Good alternatives	Stationary / Regular	Wide / Distant	Low

Leisure & Cultural
L-01	Users of Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car with Elevated Views	Many	Good	Yes / Good alternatives	Transitory / Occasional	Wide / Distant	High
L-02	Tourists moving through Ngong Ping Piazza Viewing North	Many	Good	Yes / Good alternatives	Transitory / Occasional	Wide / Distant	High
L-03	Tourists at Tian Tan Buddha Viewing South	Many	Good	Yes / Good alternatives	Stationary / Occasional	Wide / Distant	High
L-04	Hikers on Footpaths in Lantau North Country Park and on Nei Lak Trail	Few	Good	Yes / Good alternatives	Transitory / Occasional	Wide / Distant	Medium
Transportation
T-01	Users of Ngong Ping Columbarium Access Road	Few	Good	Yes / Good alternatives	Transitory / Regular	Wide / Near	Low
T-02	Road Users on Po Ngong Drive	Few	Good	Yes / Good alternatives	Transitory / Regular	Restricted / Near	Low
T-03	Road Users on Lin Ping Drive and Village West Access Road	Few	Good	Yes / Good alternatives	Transitory / Regular	Wide / Distant	Low
T-04	Road Users on Village East Access Road	Few	Good	Yes / Good alternatives	Transitory / Regular	Restricted / Near	Low

Table 7.10 Schedule of Landscape Resources Impacted during Construction and Operation

Ref.	Works Section / Area	Type of Resource	Area of Resources Affected (m²)		Surveyed No. of Trees Within Project Area	Estimated No. of Trees Retained	Estimated No. of Trees Transplanted	Estimated No. of Trees Felled	Reprovision
Ref.	Works Section / Area	Type of Resource	Construction	Operation	Surveyed No. of Trees Within Project Area	Estimated No. of Trees Retained	Estimated No. of Trees Transplanted	Estimated No. of Trees Felled	Reprovision
1a	1500mm Interception Pipe	1.1b / 1.2d / 4.1	160	80	85	71	0	14	Water course margins shall be reinstated where disturbed. / Compensatory tree planting within the project area
1b	Stockpiling Area 1 (SA1)	4.1	100	50	3	3	0	0	None
1c	Intake A	4.1	70	25	0	0	0	0	None
2a	1500mm Interception Pipe	6.1 / 7.1	0	0	116	101	0	15	On Site 1:1 Compensatory Tree Planting
2b	Receiving Pit 1 (RP1)	6.1	20	0	2	1	0	1	On Site 1:1 Compensatory Tree Planting
2c	Works Area 1 (WA1)	6.1	100	0	0	0	0	0	None
2d	Jacking Pit 1 (JP1)	-	0	0	0	0	0	0	None
2e	Site Office (SO)	-	0	0	5	5	0	0	None
2f	Receiving Pit 2 (RP2)	6.1	20	0	0	0	0	0	Land reinstated
2g	Works Area 2 (WA2)	6.1	80	80	0	0	0	0	Land reinstated
3a	1500mm Interception Pipe	1.2c/6.1	600	600	73	58	0	15	Water courses will be reinstated where disturbed/ Localised Compensatory Tree Planting
4a	Box Culvert: 2.5m x 2.5m	6.1	230	230	16	4	0	12	On site 1:1 Compensatory Tree Planting / Land Reinstated over Culvert
4b	Intake B	6.1	40	20	1	0	0	1	On site 1:1 Compensatory Tree Planting
4c	Stockpiling Area 2 (SA2)	6.1	875	0	47	26	0	21	Compensatory Tree Planting
5a	Box Culvert: 3.0m x 2.5m	4.1	100	100	57	19	0	38	On site 1:1 Compensatory Tree Planting/ Land Reinstated over Culvert
5a	Box Culvert: 3.0m x 2.5m	7.1	800	0	57	19	0	38
5b	Stockpiling Area 3 (SA3)	7.1	2300	800	64	53	0	11	Compensatory Tree Planting/ Land Reinstated over Culvert
5c	Outfall A	7.1	40	20	0	0	0	0	None
6a	1800mm Flood Relief Drain	-	0	0	130	114	0	16	On site 1:1 Compensatory Tree Planting
6b	Intake C	2.1	40	20	0	0	0	0	None
6c	Receiving Pit 3 (RP3)	2.1	20	0	0	0	0	0	None
6d	Works Area 3 (WA3)	2.1	100	0	0	0	0	0	None
6e	Jacking Pit 2 (JP2)	5.1	20	0	2	0	0	2	On site 1:1 Compensatory Tree Planting
6f	Stockpiling Area 4 (SA4)	5.1	300	0	6	2	0	4	Land Reinstated/ Localised Compensatory Tree Planting
6g	Receiving Pit 4 (RP4)	5.1	20	0	0	0	0	0	None
6h	Works Area 4 (WA4)	5.1	100	0	4	0	0	4	On site 1:1 Compensatory Tree Planting
6i	Outfall B	5.1	40	20	1	0	0	1	On site 1:1 Compensatory Tree Planting
TOTAL			6175	2045	612	457	0	155	About 89 heavy standard trees / 3711m²of hydroseeding

7.8.2 Magnitude of Impacts to Landscape Resources

7.8.2.1 The factors affecting the magnitude of change for assessing landscape impacts are detailed in Section 7.3.2 and include:

· Compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape;

· Duration of impacts under construction and operation phases;

· Scale of development; and

· Reversibility of change.

7.8.2.2 As noted in Section 7.3.2, the magnitude of change in the landscape will be classified as follows:

Large:	Notable change in the landscape characteristics over an extensive area ranging to very intensive change over a more limited area
Intermediate:	Moderate changes in a local area
Small:	Virtually imperceptible change in any components of the landscape
Negligible:	Indiscernible change to landscape characteristics

7.8.2.3 The magnitude of predicted impacts on landscape resources are discussed below.

LDR-1 – Natural Stream Courses

LDR-1.1 – Seasonal Hillside Ravines

7.8.2.4 Impacts are possible at four locations:-

· LDR-1.1a - Intake A / SA1 - where streams from the east converge on the Conservation Area and are diverted into the existing water tank;

· LDR 1.1b - Works Section 1 (Chainage A1+00), proposed stormpipe will run underneath the existing open channel and temporary drainage system will be provided during construction of the proposed stormpipe for about 4 months. The existing condition will be reinstated upon completion of the proposed works;

· LDR 1.1c - Works Section 5 (Chainage B1+80), where a downhill stream enters the Project Area but does not conflict with the project works; and

· LDR 1.1d - Works Section 6, where Outfall B, will permanently discharge into the existing watercourse and the receiving pit RP4 and associated works area (WA4) are adjacently located. Minor long term impacts to the edge condition of the stream are anticipated.

7.8.2.5 In all the above situations, the impacts are localised and predominantly temporary. The works will not affect the flow or capacity of the water courses upstream and the compatibility of the impact is good through operation phase. The magnitude of change to this resource is considered to be Small during Construction Stage and Negligible during Operation Stage.

LDR-1.2 – Water Courses through Ngong Ping Valley

7.8.2.6 LDR 1.2a - Four natural water courses run through the valley area. The main course runs along the north side of the Ngong Ping Themed Village and is the original stream bed through the village. While it is on occasion running dry during winter, it is the last remaining section of this stream that has not been culverted and it winds through the nearby village housing area before meeting the recently constructed open channel. With the proposed works, this section of stream will be by-passed during times of high flows, but during normal flows the system shall be maintained in order to ensure that the continued aquatic system and ecology are maintained.

7.8.2.7 LDR 1.2b - The second section of natural water course is a short gulley joining the main channel close to the bridge behind the Ngong Ping Themed Village. This water course is little more than a shaped grass depression through a garden area and it is dry during much of the year. Although within the proposed Stockpile Area 3 and immediately adjacent to proposed cut and cover trench excavation, it may not be hugely affected during the works in Section 5. However, with the reinstatement of land following completion of the works, the water course needs to be reprovisioned.

7.8.2.8 LDR 1.2c - The third course runs alongside the east side of the roadway in Section 3 within the village woodland margin vegetation. The course cuts a channel, shallow at the north and deeper where it terminates at the vegetation area near Section 4 to the south at about 2m below road level. This seasonal drainage ditch will be affected by the works in section 3, particularly its west bank. Reprovision of a similar profiled drainage ditch will be required as part of the project works.

7.8.2.9 LDR 1.2d - The fourth course runs along the project boundary on the south side of Works Section 1. Trench excavation for the proposed works will mainly be carried out on the existing access road in the near vicinity with adequate protective measures to avoid the impact to the stream. Where required, the existing stream will be reinstated similar to its original condition upon works completion.

LDR-2 – Constructed Water Courses

LDR-2.1 – Open Drainage Channels

7.8.2.10 Works will be confined to three areas that meet the existing open channel, namely the construction of Intake B on the section near to Ngong Ping Piazza, construction of Outfall A behind the Ngong Ping Themed Village and construction of Intake C and the receiving pit at the start of Works Section 6. The Magnitude of Change to resources is considered to be Small during Construction Stage and Negligible during Operation Stage where compatibility is considered good and regeneration of the habitat within the resources is anticipated.

LDR-2.2 – Underground Drainage Channels

7.8.2.11 The underground section leading from Lin Chi Temple to the main channel will be impacted by Works Section 5 of the works at Chainage B1+10–B1+55 and require to be part excavated during construction. Reinstatement as a naturalised surface stream above the box culvert may be undertaken as part of the mitigation measures in this area following construction. The Magnitude of Change to resources is considered to be Negligible during Construction Stage and Negligible during Operation Stage.

LDR-3 – Natural Topographic Features

LDR-3.1 – Rocky Outcrops Surrounding Ngong Ping Columbarium

7.8.2.12 Excavation for Receiving Pit 4 (RP4) will impact this resource locally. Works here are confined to the area required for construction of Outfall B which has been restricted to approximately 90m². However it should be noted that the construction method of pipe jacking has been adopted through this area of Country Park, specifically in order to minimise potential impacts. The Magnitude of Change to resources is considered to be Small during both Construction Operation Stages.

LDR-3.2 – Hillocks surrounding Tian Tan Statue

7.8.2.13 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the works since no Project activities take place within or close to the resource boundary.

LDR-3.3 – Hillslopes of Nei Lak Shan

7.8.2.14 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the since no Project activities take place within or close to the resource boundary.

LDR-4 –Woodland

LDR-4.1 – Naturalised Hillside Woodland

7.8.2.15 Woodland blocks are anticipated to be affected in four main areas as follows:

· LDR 4.1a - Intake A / SA1, where the woodland margin of the Conservation Area is potentially impacted at the periphery, although no trees are anticipated to be removed, 4 No. large trees will need to be crown pruned and protected;

· LDR 4.1b - Works Section 1 (Chainage A0+50 to A1+10), where at least 2 No. large trees with trunk diameter over 0.45m and 10 other trees are in direct conflict with the works and will need to be removed. Refinements to the alignment during detail design shall focus on retaining some of these trees;

· LDR 4.1c - Works Section 3 (Chainage A3+20 to A3+50), where woodland is in the Site Area but not directly impacted by the works; and

· LDR 4.1d - Works Section 5 (Chainage B0+60 to B0+90), where a 300m² area of woodland is within the site area and 2 No. trees are in direct conflict with the works and 1 large tree will be required to be removed.

7.8.2.16 The Magnitude of Change to this resource is considered to be Small during Construction Stage and Small during Operation Stage.

LDR-5 – Open Hillside Vegetation

LDR-5.1 – Hillside Grass and Shrub

7.8.2.17 This resource is located within Works Section 6 within the Lantau North Country Park. A pipe jacking construction method has been adopted to minimise impacts to resources in the Country Park along the majority of the pipeline length and potential impacts are, therefore, limited to the Jacking and Receiving Pits JP2 and RP4, with their associated small Works and Stockpile Areas WA4 and SA3, in addition to the construction of Outfall B. Ground clearance at WA4 shall result in a net loss of 90m² of vegetation with 5 small trees to be felled, whilst at SA4 clearance of 300m² is required and 1 tree is required to be felled at JP2. The Magnitude of Change to this resource is considered to be Small during Construction Stage. As the excavation works are temporary and the land is to be reinstated, the impacts may be considered temporary and reversible. The lost resources may be anticipated to regenerate and the significance is considered Negligible during Operation Stage.

LDR-6 – Village Margin Vegetation

LDR-6.1 – Unmaintained Village Scrub

7.8.2.18 Impacts are anticipated from construction activities within Works Sections 2, 3 and 4. Works Section 2 will be constructed using the pipe jacking method, minimising the impacts overall and restricting the area of any impact to Receiving Pit RP1, RP2 and Works Area WA1 and WA2. A net loss of vegetation of 110m² is anticipated in Works Section 2 however without loss of any trees. In Works Section 3, open cut and cover trenching affects an area of 150m with a 2.5m wide trench which results in habitat loss of at least 825m² of vegetation and removal of 3 No. trees. Works Section 4 requires clearance of a further 835m², principally for Stockpile Area SA2. Whilst 16 No. trees are in direct conflict with the trenching for the permanent works and require to be felled, approximately 14 further trees are required to be crown pruned to enable temporary works space required for access and stockpiling of materials. Given the vegetation and tree losses, the Magnitude of Change to this resource is considered to be Intermediate during Construction Stage. As no permanent works are involved above ground it is anticipated that natural regeneration of shrub and trees would quickly take place upon reinstatement of the ground at completion of the works. Impacts may still be considered Small during Operation Stage however due to the permanent loss of the existing resources.

LDR-7 – Village Housing with Gardens

LDR-7.1 – Traditional Housing with Gardens and Orchards

7.8.2.19 The site works area in Works Sections 1 and 2 slightly intrude on an area of hillside residences and gardens, although little physical impact is anticipated during the construction works since the majority of areas are set back from the project boundary there may be slight incursions. However, permanent works in Works Section 5 will interface directly with the village area, where 840m² of trenching will take place, resulting in the loss of at least 35 trees. The temporary stockpile area (SA3) in this section is predicted to affect 2400m² of tree covered orchard and garden, causing both temporary and permanent adverse impacts to more than 50 No. trees in the area. 8 No. trees are identified for retention and pruning whilst other trees will be protected within the works area.The Magnitude of Change to resources is considered to be Intermediate during Construction Stage. As no permanent works are involved above ground it is anticipated that natural regeneration of shrub and trees would quickly take place upon reinstatement of the ground and that villagers may reutilise the land in a similar manner as before the works. Impacts may still be considered Small during Operation Stage due to the permanent loss of the existing resources.

LDR-8 – Religious Institutions / Features

LDR-8.1 – Po Lin Monastery

7.8.2.20 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the works since no Project activities take place within the resource boundary.

LDR-8.2 – Lin Chi Temple

7.8.2.21 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the works since no Project activities take place within or close to the resource boundary.

LDR-8.3 – Ngong Ping Columbarium

7.8.2.22 Potential impacts are restricted to access issues at the Columbarium entrance as the small path is, also, the only means for access to WA4. Construction plant and materials will need to utilise this access point and waste material must also be brought out through here in order to avoid wider impacts to the surrounding natural resources. The Magnitude of Change to this resource is considered to be Negligible during Construction Stage. There are no Operation Stage impacts foreseen.

LDR-8.4 – Hillside Grave Sites

7.8.2.23 These resources are not anticipated to be impacted by the works. The closest grave sites are located in Works Section 6 but all are outside of the Project boundary.

LDR-9 – Maintained Amenity Features

LDR-9.1 – Ngong Ping Themed Village

7.8.2.24 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the works since no Project activities take place within or close to the resource boundary.

LDR-9.2 – Ngong Ping Piazza

7.8.2.25 Works Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the works rely on construction access from Ngong Ping Piazza via Ling Ping Drive. The works area, also, includes a small part of the green area at the north of the piazza, although no impacts are anticipated. The Magnitude of Change to this resource is considered to be Negligible during Construction Stage. There are no Operation Stage impacts foreseen.

LDR-9.3 – Tian Tan Buddha

7.8.2.26 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the works since no Project activities take place within or close to the resource boundary.

LDR-9.4 – Hiking Paths of Nei Lak Shan

7.8.2.27 Access to the hiking trails through the Conservation Area at the east of Works Section 1 of the works may be slightly disrupted during the Construction Phase. Similarly, trails start from the access road in Section 6 within the Project boundary but no direct impact is anticipated. The Magnitude of Change to this resource is considered to be Negligible during Construction Stage. There are no Operation Stage impacts foreseen.

LDR-9.5 – Tourists Facilities around Tian Tan Buddha

7.8.2.28 This resource is not anticipated to be impacted by the works since no Project activities take place within or close to the resource boundary.

7.8.3 Magnitude of Impact to Landscape Character

7.8.3.1 The factors affecting the magnitude of change for assessing landscape character and the classification of impacts are detailed in Section 7.3.2 and Section 7.8.2 above. The magnitude of predicted impacts on landscape character are discussed below.

LCA1 – Inhabited Land Around Ngong Ping Village

7.8.3.2 All the proposed construction works are contained within this LCA. They are relatively small in scale and not visible above the tree line apart from locally at elevated points and are, therefore, well contained within the existing landscape character setting. Ngong Ping Village has been in a state of change for the last 30 years, with recent developments, such as the construction of the Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery Expansion, Ngong Ping Themed Village and Ngong Ping 360 Cable car, all having been significant construction projects and the scale of the proposed works are minor by comparison. The majority of permanent works are underground and will not be visible following the Construction Phase. The Magnitude of Change to this resource is considered to be Small during the Construction Stage and with almost no discernible change to the existing character anticipated following removal of construction works plant and accommodation, the change is considered Negligible during Operation Stage.

LCA2 – Foothills Surrounding Tian Tan Buddha

7.8.3.3 This area is not anticipated to be impacted by the works since no Project activities take place within or close to the resource boundary.

LCA3 – Nei Lak Shan

7.8.3.4 This area is not anticipated to be impacted by the works since no Project activities take place within or close to the resource boundary.

LCA3 – Natural Hills Surrounding Ngong Ping

7.8.3.5 This area is not anticipated to be impacted by the works since no Project activities take place within or close to the resource boundary.

LCA4 – Upper Reaches of Sham Wat Valley

7.8.3.6 This area is not anticipated to be impacted by the works since no Project activities take place within or close to the resource boundary.

7.8.4 Schedule of Impacts to Landscape Resources and Landscape Character

7.8.4.1 The magnitude of the impacts, before implementation of mitigation measures, on the Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas that would occur in the construction and operation phases are summarised in Table 7.11 and 7.12 below. Only those resources and character areas which are affected by the project are listed. All impacts are adverse unless otherwise stated.

Table 7.11 Summary of Magnitude of Impacts to Landscape Resources before Mitigation

LDR	Description	Source of Impact	Extent of Impact (Full / Part / Slight)			Duration of Impact (Short / Med / Long)		Compatibility of Impact (Good / Fair / Poor)		Reversibility of Change (Yes / No)	Magnitude of Change
LDR	Description	Source of Impact	Con	Op		Con	Op	Con	Op		Con	Op
Notes* SA – Stockpile Area / RP – Receiving Pit / WA – Works Area / JP - Jacking Pit / Works Section Chainage - 1+80 = 180m
LDR-1.1	Seasonal Hillside Ravines	Intake A, SA1, RP1, WA1, Outfall B, RP4, WA4. Works Section 5 B1+80	Slight	Slight	Med		Long	Poor	Good	No	Small	Negligible
LDR-1.2	Water Courses through Ngong Ping Valley	Works Section 1- A0+40–A1+00 Works Section 5- B1+60–B2+24 Outfall B	Slight	Slight	Med		Long	Poor	Fair	Yes	Small	Small
LDR-2.1	Open Drainage Channels	Intake B, Outfall A, SA3, Intake C	Part	Part	Med		Long	Fair	Good	No	Small	Negligible
LDR-2.2	Underground Drainage Channels	Works Section 1- A0+90–A1+00 Works Section 5- B1+10–B1+55	Slight	Slight	Med		Long	Good	Good	No	Negligible	Negligible
LDR-3.1	Rocky Outcrops Surrounding Ngong Ping Columbarium	Works Section 6- C1+50–C2+12 Outfall B, RP4, WA4.	Slight	Slight	Med		Long	Poor	Fair	No	Small	Small
LDR-3.2	Hillocks surrounding Tian Tan Statue	None	-	-	-		-	-	-	-	Nil	Nil
LDR-3.3	Hillslopes of Nei Lak Shan	None	-	-	-		-	-	-	-	Nil	Nil
LDR-4.1	Naturalised Hillside Woodland	Intake A, SA1, RP1, WA1, Works Section 1- A0+90–A1+10 Works Section 3- A3+20–A3+50, Works Section 5- B0+60–B0+90	Slight	Slight	Med		Long	Poor	Fair	Yes	Small	Small
LDR-5.1	Hillside Grass and Shrub	Outfall B, RP4, WA4. JP2, SA4.	Slight	Slight	Med		Long	Poor	Good	Yes	Small	Negligible
LDR-6.1	Unmaintained Village Scrub	WA2, RP2, SO, SA2, Works Section 3- A3+00 - A4+40 Works Section 4- B0+00 - B0+50	Part	Part	Med		Long	Poor	Good	Yes	Inter’	Small
LDR-7.1	Traditional Housing with Gardens and Orchards	Works Section 1- A0+00 – A1+20 Works Section 2- A1+20 – A3+00 Works Section 5- B0+45 – B2+22	Part	Part	Med		Long	Poor	Good	Yes	Inter’	Small
LDR-8.1	Po Lin Monastery	None	-	-	-		-	-	-	-	Nil	Nil
LDR-8.2	Lin Chi Temple	None	-	-	-		-	-	-	-	Nil	Nil
LDR-8.3	Ngong Ping Columbarium	Outfall B, RP4, WA4	Slight	Nil	Med		Nil	Poor	Nil	Yes	Negligible	Nil
LDR-8.4	Hillside Grave Sites	None	-	-	-		-	-	-	-	Nil	Nil
LDR-9.1	Ngong Ping Themed Village	None	-	-	-		-	-	-	-	Nil	Nil
LDR-9.2	Ngong Ping Piazza	Works Section 4- B0+00 - B0+20	Slight	-	Med		-	Poor	-	Yes	Negligible	Nil
LDR-9.3	Tian Tan Buddha	None	-	-	-		-	-	-	-	Nil	Nil
LDR-9.4	Hiking Paths of Nei Lak Shan	Works Section 1- A0+00–A0+10	Slight	Slight	Med		Long	Poor	Fair	Yes	Negligible	Nil
LDR-9.5	Tourists Facilities around Tian Tan Buddha	None	-	-	-		-	-	-	-	Nil	Nil

Table 7.12 Summary of Magnitude of Impacts to Landscape Character Areas before Mitigation

LCA	Description	Source of Impact	Extent of Impact (Full / Part / Slight)		Duration of Impact (Short / Med / Long)		Compatibility of Change (Good / Fair / Poor)		Reversibility of Change	Magnitude of Change
LCA	Description	Source of Impact	Con	Op	Con	Op	Con	Op		Con	Op
LCA1	Inhabited Land Around Ngong Ping Village	All Construction Works	Slight	Slight	Med	Long	Fair	Good	Yes	Small	Negligible
LCA2	Foothills Surrounding Tian Tan Buddha	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
LCA3	Nei Lak Shan	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
LCA4	Natural Hills Surrounding Ngong Ping	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
LCA5	Upper Reaches of Sham Wat Valley	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

7.9 Visual Impact Assessment

7.9.1 Magnitude of Impact to Visual Receivers

7.9.1.1 As detailed in Section 7.3.3, the magnitude of visual impact could result from the following:

· The context and proximity of the VSR’s location to the project;

· Other views available from the VSR’s location;

· The number of people normally present at a VSR location;

· The characteristic of the VSR (for example, resident, working, studying, etc);

· The frequency and length of the view of the proposed scheme from the VSR’s location;

· The quality of the existing view from the VSR’s location and its ability to absorb change; and

· The magnitude of change brought about by the project in relation to the overall view from the location of each VSR.

7.9.1.2 Factors affecting the magnitude of change include:

· Compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape;

· Duration of impacts under construction and operation phases;

· Scale of development;

· Reversibility of change;

· Viewing distance; and

· Potential blockage of view.

7.9.1.3 The magnitude of change to the receivers will be classified as follows:

Large:	e.g. the majority of viewers affected / major change in view
Intermediate:	e.g. many viewers affected / moderate change in view
Small:	e.g. few viewers affected / minor change in view
Negligible:	e.g. very few viewers affected / no discernible change in view

7.9.1.4 The magnitude of predicted impacts on residential, occupational, leisure and cultural and transportation visually sensitive receivers is discussed below.

Residential

R-01: Residents of Ngong Ping Village Surrounding Works Sections 4 and 5

7.9.1.5 Those residents in immediately proximity to the works are restricted to house numbers 49A, 58, 59, 64 and 65. They will have clear views of excavation and culvert construction for the duration of the project works including construction of Outfall A, Intake B, as well as the Stockpiling Areas 2 and 3. Most receivers have oblique views through the village settlement but the clearance of vegetation will open up clearer views. Residents viewing Works Section 4 may, also, have views of the required haul road. It is considered that since the works are relatively small in scale, they can generally be absorbed into the surrounding landscape and will fail to completely block the views of any receivers. The Magnitude of Change to these receivers is considered to be Intermediate during Construction Stage and Small during Operation Stage.

R-02: Residents of Ngong Ping Village on Nei Lak Shan Hillside with South Views

7.9.1.6 The high position of these receivers means that views to the works are generally concealed behind lower ground and only those immediately on the access road have unobstructed views including house number 40 over Reception Pit 2 / Works Area 2 and house numbers 34 and 35 over Jacking Pit 1 and the Site Office. Other works affecting these residents include the construction of Intake A and the Stockpile Area 1 behind the existing water tank, although these are generally well concealed within trees. The site office may be the most conspicuous element of the construction site, however the quality of view in this area is already poorer than the surroundings. Further loss of visual amenity may occur from felling of trees in the area. The Magnitude of Change to these receivers is considered to be Intermediate during Construction Stage but Negligible during Operation Stage where no above ground works are undertaken.

R-03: Residents of Ngong Ping Village with North Views

7.9.1.7 House number 39 to the south of Reception Pit 2 / Works Area 2 is currently obscured by plantation woodland but will have clear north views to the works after clearance of this vegetation for trenching on Section 3. The Jacking and Reception Pits (JA1, RP1 RP2), Works Areas 1 and 2 and the Site Office will be conspicuous during construction with a number of houses directly adjacent and looking onto the works. However, little or nothing of the project will be visible during the Operation Stage in this area, due to the ultimate underground nature of the proposed drainage improvement pipelines and box culvert. The Magnitude of Change to these receivers is considered to be Intermediate during Construction Stage and Negligible during Operation Stage.

R-04: Residents of Po Lin Monastery with North Views

7.9.1.8 Restricted views to the Site Office, Jacking Pit 1, Reception Pit 1 and Works Area 1 are possible from selected buildings and windows within the Monastery, potentially at close range. However, the works are small scale in the general view and easily absorbed into the current surroundings. The Magnitude of change to these receivers is considered to be Small during Construction Stage and Negligible during Operation Stage.

Occupational

O-01: Staff at Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal

7.9.1.9 Views from these receivers are restricted to Works Section 6, with the Works Area 3, Jacking Pit 3 and Intake C being in direct view. Partial views to Stockpile Area 4 are possible. The viewing distance is approximately 80 meters and due to the small scale in comparison to the surroundings the Magnitude of change to these receivers is considered to be Small during Construction Stage and Negligible during Operation Stage.

O-02: Monastery Visitors to Ngong Ping Columbarium

7.9.1.10 These receivers are concealed within the enclosed walls of the Columbarium and will only be aware of any works from the front entrance door upon arrival and departure. The sources of impact are from Outfall B and the Works Area 4 at Reception Pit 4. They will be screened by temporary noise barriers which will be directly visible as will be any potential construction traffic to and from the works site. The Magnitude of change to these receivers is considered to be Small during Construction Stage and Negligible during Operation Stage.

O-03: Temporary Workers at Construction Site

7.9.1.11 With adjacent views to Works Sections 3 and 5, these receivers are potentially able to view a large proportion of the works including cut and cover trenching and construction of the pipeline and box culvert. Further impacts from loss of amenity from removed vegetation are, also, anticipated. During the operational phase, the pipeline and box culvert shall be buried and change in the view will be hardly discernable. The Magnitude of Change to these receivers is considered to be Small during Construction Stage and Negligible during Operation Stage.

Leisure and Cultural

L-01: Users of Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car with Elevated Views

7.9.1.12 Receivers are in elevated position and shall be able to view directly onto Works Section 6 from as close as a 20m distance. Works Areas 3 and 4, Jacking Pit 2, Reception Pits 3 and 4, Outfall B and Intake C should all be visible. During the operational stage, the works will be largely underground, with only some permanent structures remaining, including Intake C and Outfall A, which will not unduly intrude into the overall views. Outfall B, however, will not be visible during the operational phase as it will be concealed from elevated views by the surrounding topography and vegetation. Since the Works Areas 3 and 4 are very small in scale and not obscuring or dominating other views the Magnitude of Change to these receivers is considered to be Small during Construction Stage and Negligible during Operation Stage.

L-02: Tourists moving through Ngong Ping Piazza Viewing North

7.9.1.13 Works Section 4 of the works can be visible to receivers, especially those visiting the restaurant on the boundary of the site. The box culvert works and construction of Intake B will be most conspicuous, whilst the Stockpiling Area 4 and temporary haul road will add to the scale of the works. A number of trees will be lost in this area for the trenching works and this will further affect loss of amenity view. However, the works are located away from the main tourist thoroughfare and do not form part of the main focus view towards the Monastery or the Tian Tan Buddha. The Magnitude of Change to these receivers is considered to be Small during Construction Stage and Negligible during Operation Stage.

L-03: Tourists at Tian Tan Buddha Viewing South

7.9.1.14 The nearest works site in Works Section 4 is 190m from the viewing platform of the Buddha. Other areas of the project may have occasional glimpse views but it is unlikely to differentiate them within the general variety of the village, where they are obscured. At such a distance the works are easily absorbed into the general view but Works Section 4 will remain at the forefront and be apparent, although not conspicuous. The Magnitude of Change to these receivers is considered to be Small during Construction Stage and Negligible during Operation Stage.

L-04: Hikers on Footpaths in Lantau North Country Park and on Nei Lak Trail

7.9.1.15 Hikers on distant trails may be able to view parts of all the works areas on occasion, however it shall be difficult to clearly make them out within the context of the village development. At the east end of the project works, the trails meet the works and only here can Works Section 1, Stockpile Area 1 and Intake A be clearly observed. The Magnitude of Change to these receivers, therefore, is considered to be Small during Construction Stage and Negligible during Operation Stage.

Transportation

T-01: Users of Ngong Ping Columbarium Access Road

7.9.1.16 Works Section 6 runs under and adjacent to the road and all associated works will be visible during construction. The nature of the works being predominantly underground through the use of pipe jacking means that impacts shall be limited to the Jacking Pits, Reception Pits and the associated Works Areas, whilst Intake C alone will remain visible during Operation Stage. The Magnitude of change to these receivers is considered to be Intermediate during Construction Stage and Negligible during Operation Stage.

T-02: Road Users on Po Ngong Drive

7.9.1.17 Receivers shall be able to see part of the construction of Works Section 5 including the box culvert, Outfall A and Stockpile Area 3, whilst at Works Section 6, Intake C, Receiving Pit 3 and the Works Area 3 would all be visible, all at close distance. Within the overall development scale the works are fairly compatible and the Magnitude of change to these receivers is considered to be Small during Construction Stage and Negligible during Operation Stage.

T-03: Road Users on Lin Ping Drive and Village West Access Road

7.9.1.18 For the duration of the travel distance the works in Works Sections 3 and 4 will be readily apparent, being immediately next to the road on the east side. During construction, potential for restricted road width and temporary access along Works Section 3 during trenching work will further highlight the works. The Magnitude of Change to these receivers, therefore, is considered to be Large during Construction Stage and Negligible during Operation Stage.

T-04: Road Users on Village East Access Road

7.9.1.19 Along Works Sections 1 and 2, receivers shall continually pass directly through the Project area, being particularly proximate through the trenching works in Works Section 1. The works will dominate the continuing view at all points during construction and the Magnitude of change to receivers is considered to be Large during Construction Stage and Negligible during Operation Stage.

7.9.2 Schedule of Impacts to Visually Sensitive Receivers

7.9.2.1 The magnitude of the impacts, before implementation of mitigation measures, on the identified Visually Sensitive Receivers that would occur in the construction and operation phases are tabulated in Table 7.13 below. All impacts are adverse unless otherwise stated.

Table 7.13 Magnitude of Impacts on Visually Sensitive Receivers before Mitigation

VSR	Location	Source of Impact	Distance To Source	Compatibility with Surroundings (Good / Fair / Poor)		Scale of Development (Small / Med / Large)		Duration of Impacts (Short / Med / Long)		Reversibility of change (Yes / No)		Potential blockage of view (Full / Part / Nil)		Magnitude of Change (Large / Intermediate / Small / Negligible)
VSR	Location	Source of Impact	Distance To Source	Con	Op	Con	Op	Con	Op	Con	Op	Con	Op	Con	Op
R-01	Residents of Ngong Ping Village surrounding Works Sections 4&5	Outfall A, Intake B, SA2, SA3, Temporary haul road, S4/5 box culvert construction	Adjacent	Fair	Good	Med	Small	Med	Long	No	Yes	Part	Nil	Inter’	Small
R-02	Residents of Ngong Ping Village on Nei Lak Shan hillside with South Views	Intake A, SA1, JP1, RP1, RP2, WA1, WA2, SO, S1/3 box culvert construction	Adjacent	Fair	Good	Med	Small	Med	Long	No	Yes	Part	Nil	Inter’	Neg’
R-03	Residents of Ngong Ping Village with North Views	SA1, JP1, RP1, RP2, WA1, WA2, SO	Adjacent	Fair	Good	Med	Small	Med	Long	No	Yes	Part	Nil	Inter’	Neg’
R-04	Residents of Po Lin Monastery with North Views	SA1, JP1, RP1, SO	Adjacent	Fair	Good	Small	Small	Med	Long	No	Yes	Nil	Nil	Small	Neg’
O-01	Staff at Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal	Intake C. RP3, WA3, SA4.	80m	Fair	Good	Small	Small	Med	Long	No	Yes	Nil	Nil	Small	Neg’

O-02	Monastery visitors to Ngong Ping Columbarium	Outfall B, RP4, WA4.	Adjacent	Poor	Good	Small	Small	Med	Long	No	Yes	Part	Nil	Small	Neg’
O-03	Temporary Workers at Material Storage Yard	S3 box culvert construction	Adjacent	Good	Good	Small	Small	Med	Long	No	Yes	Nil	Nil	Small	Neg’
L-01	Users of Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car with Elevated Views	Intake C. JP2, RP3, WA3, SA4, Outfall B, RP4, WA4.	20m	Fair	Good	Small	Small	Med	Long	No	Yes	Nil	Nil	Small	Neg’
L-02	Tourists moving through Ngong Ping Piazza Viewing North	Intake B, SA2, S4, box culvert construction	Adjacent	Fair	Good	Small	Small	Med	Long	No	Yes	Nil	Nil	Small	Neg’
L-03	Tourists at Tian Tan Buddha Viewing South	Intake B, SA2, S4, box culvert construction	190m	Fair	Good	Small	Small	Med	Long	No	Yes	Nil	Nil	Small	Neg’
L-04	Hikers on Footpaths in Lantau North Country Park + Nei Lak Trail	Undetermined. Potential partial view of all areas.	Varies. Eastern works are adjacent	Good	Good	Small	Small	Med	Long	No	Yes	Nil	Nil	Small	Neg’
T-01	Users of Ngong Ping Columbarium Access Road	Intake C. JP2, RP3, WA3, SA4,	Adjacent	Poor	Good	Med	Small	Med	Long	No	Yes	Part	Nil	Inter’	Neg’
T-02	Road Users on Po Ngong Drive	Outfall A, SA3, S5 box culvert construction Intake C, RP3, WA3,	15m	Fair	Good	Small	Small	Med	Long	No	Yes	Nil	Nil	Small	Neg’
T-03	Road Users on Lin Ping Drive and Village West Access Road	Intake B, SA2, S3/4 box culvert construction	Adjacent	Fair	Good	Large	Small	Med	Long	No	Yes	Nil	Nil	Large	Neg’
T-04	Road Users on Village East Access Road	Intake A, SA1, JP1, RP1, RP2, WA1, WA2, SO, S1 box culvert construction	Adjacent	Fair	Good	Large	Small	Med	Long	No	Yes	Nil	Nil	Large	Neg’

Notes: Con = Construction Phase; Op = Operation Phase; Inter’ = Intermediate; Neg’ = Negligible

Table 7.14 Significance Threshold of Landscape Resources

Ref (LDR)	Description	Sensitivity	Magnitude of Change		Significance Threshold WITHOUT Mitigation
Ref (LDR)	Description	Sensitivity	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
LDR-1.1	Seasonal Hillside Ravines	High	Small	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant
LDR-1.2	Water Courses through Ngong Ping Valley	Medium	Small	Small	Moderate	Slight
LDR-2.1	Open Drainage Channels	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant
LDR-2.2	Underground Drainage Channels	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant
LDR-3.1	Rocky Outcrops Surrounding Ngong Ping Columbarium	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate
LDR-3.2	Hillocks surrounding Tian Tan Statue	High	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
LDR-3.3	Hillslopes of Nei Lak Shan	High	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
LDR-4.1	Naturalised Hillside Woodland	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate
LDR-5.1	Hillside Grass and Shrub	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant
LDR-6.1	Unmaintained Village Scrub	Medium	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Slight
LDR-7.1	Traditional Housing with Gardens and Orchards	Medium	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Slight
LDR-8.1	Po Lin Monastery	High	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
LDR-8.2	Lin Chi Temple	High	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
LDR-8.3	Ngong Ping Columbarium	Low	Negligible	Nil	Insignificant	Nil
LDR-8.4	Hillside Grave Sites	High	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
LDR-9.1	Ngong Ping Themed Village	Low	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
LDR-9.2	Ngong Ping Piazza	Low	Negligible	Nil	Insignificant	Nil
LDR-9.3	Tian Tan Buddha	High	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
LDR-9.4	Hiking Paths of Nei Lak Shan	Medium	Negligible	Nil	Insignificant	Nil
LDR-9.5	Tourists Facilities around Tian Tan Buddha	Medium	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil

Table 7.15 Significance Threshold of Landscape Character Units

Ref (LCA)	Description	Sensitivity	Magnitude of Change		Significance Threshold WITHOUT Mitigation
Ref (LCA)	Description	Sensitivity	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
LCA-01	Inhabited Land Around Ngong Ping Village	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant
LCA-02	Foothills Surrounding Tian Tan Buddha	High	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
LCA-03	Nei Lak Shan	High	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
LCA-04	Natural Hills Surrounding Ngong Ping	High	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
LCA-05	Upper Reaches of Sham Wat Valley	High	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil

Table 7.16 Significance Threshold of Visually Sensitive Receivers

Ref (VSR)	Description	Sensitivity	Magnitude of Change		Significance Threshold WITHOUT Mitigation
Ref (VSR)	Description	Sensitivity	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
R-01	Residents of Ngong Ping Village surrounding sections 4&5 of the works	Medium	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Slight
R-02	Residents of Ngong Ping Village on Nei Lak Shan hillside with South Views	Medium	Intermediate	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant
R-03	Residents of Ngong Ping Village with North Views	Medium	Intermediate	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant
R-04	Residents of Po Lin Monastery with North Views	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant
O-01	Staff at Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant
O-02	Monastery visitors to Ngong Ping Columbarium	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant
O-03	Temporary Workers at Material Storage Yard	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant
L-01	Users of Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car with Elevated Views	High	Small	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant
L-02	Tourists moving through Ngong Ping Piazza Viewing North	High	Small	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant
L-03	Tourists at Tian Tan Buddha Viewing South	High	Small	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant
L-04	Hikers on Footpaths in Lantau North Country Park and on Nei Lak Trail	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant
T-01	Users of Ngong Ping Columbarium Access Road	Low	Intermediate	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant
T-02	Road Users on Po Ngong Drive	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant
T-03	Road Users on Lin Ping Drive and Village West Access Road	Low	Large	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant
T-04	Road Users on Village East Access Road	Low	Large	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant

7.11 Mitigation Measures

7.11.1 General Mitigation

7.11.1.1 Potential reduction to environmental impacts, including landscape and visual impacts, have been considered during the development of the project design. The measures, as detailed in Section 2.5, have attempted to both avoid impacts on highly sensitive landscape resources, particularly in the Lantau North Country Park and to locate, design and reduce the physical extent of the works as far as possible, so as to minimise the degree of general physical and visual impact.

7.11.1.2 A major consideration in minimising impacts has been the selection of a pipe jacking construction method, which significantly reduces the area and volume of ground excavation required for below ground drainage systems. Such a system has been adopted for both Works Section 2, which is immediately adjacent to the majority of local residents, and for Works Section 6 in the Lantau North Country Park. Reducing the amount of cut and cover trenching required in this way, enables the retention of landscape resources, minimises disruption and inconvenience during the works and significantly reduces the Construction Stage visual impacts to receivers.

7.11.1.3 There are a number of other mitigation measures which will be employed to lessen the impact of the various elements of the project specifically upon landscape and visual receivers, both during the construction and operational phases. These recommended landscape and visual mitigation measures are scheduled in Table 7.17 and 7.18.

Table 7.17 Recommended Construction Phase Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

ID No.*	Type	Landscape / Visual Mitigation Measure	Funding / Implementation	Management / Maintenance
CM1	Site Practice – Landscape	No-intrusion Zone To maximize protection of existing resources including watercourses, existing trees, ground vegetation and the associated understory habitats a “No-intrusion Zone” will be designated to various areas within and along the site boundary with rigid and durable fencing for each individual no-intrusion zone. (see *Figure 7.9a – 7.9c*) Regular checks will be carried out to ensure that the work site boundaries are not exceeded, hoarding is properly maintained and that no damage is being caused to these protected areas.	DSD	Contractor
CM2	Site Practice – Visual	Erection of Screen Hoardings A temporary screen hoarding shall be erected around the north side of the Site Office (SO) area to screen activities from local receivers. It shall be designed and to be compatible with the existing rural context, with visually unobtrusive design and colours where appropriate.	DSD	Contractor
CM3	Site Practice – Visual	Control of night-time lighting No night time work shall be programmed avoiding light pollution to visual receivers.	DSD	Contractor

Notes: * CM = Construction Mitigation; OM = Operation Mitigation

Table 7.18 Recommended Operational Phase Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

ID No.*	Type	Landscape / Visual Mitigation Measure	Funding / Implement-ation	Management / Maintenance
OM1	Design / Planning – Landscape / Visual	Compensatory Tree Planting Suitable land pockets within the project area will be used for the implementation of compensatory mitigation to offset the net loss of key landscape resources and improve visual amenity. A compensatory tree planting proposal including locations of tree compensation will be submitted separately to seek relevant government department’s approval, in accordance with ETWB TCW No. 3/2006.	DSD	DSD/ DLO/ AFCD
OM2	Design / Planning – Landscape / Visual	Horizontal Greening Following installation of underground culverts, pit excavation or utilization of land for works or stockpiling, the ground shall be backfilled, leveled and soiled as necessary for reinstatement prior to hydroseeding.	DSD	DSD / DLO / AFCD
OM3	Design / Planning – Landscape / Visual	Reinstatement of Natural Water Courses Where water courses have been affected by the works new, naturalised stream paths shall be provided as far as applicable, using excavated local rocks and stones, in order to create a pleasing visual impression and potential enhanced ecological habitat. (see *Figure 7.9b*)	DSD	DSD

Notes: * CM = Construction Mitigation; OM = Operation Mitigation

7.11.1.4 Given that the recommended measures are tried and tested techniques, the level of uncertainty for their effective implementation would be small. Notwithstanding, the EM&A programme will be implemented to ensure all mitigation measures are effective.

7.11.2 Tree Planting and Greening

7.11.2.1 Within the Project boundary, the tree survey identified 612 existing trees of which 155 trees will be affected by the proposed works. It is proposed that 457 trees to be retained, whilst 155 trees are required to be felled. No transplantation of trees is proposed under this project. The tree survey report is presented in Appendix F1. Recommendations for tree felling, transplantation and retention are based on the following criteria:

· the rarity value of the species of trees involved;

· the health, condition, quality and maturity of the tree;

· the site conditions in terms of suitability for transplantation

· the suitability of the species for successful transplantation; and

· the environmental impact and amenity value of the tree.

7.11.2.2 There are no Registered Old and Valuable Trees in the project area. The majority of trees are in conflict with activities in the temporary works areas. Application and approval for removal for all trees shall be obtained in accordance with ETWB TCW No. 3/2006. The actual numbers of trees to be retained, felled and transplanted shall be subject to this process.

7.11.2.3 Compensatory planting is required to be made under ETWB TCW No. 3/2006. It should be noted that of the 155 trees proposed to be felled under the works, 65 are already dead On-site compensatory planting of about 89 new heavy standard trees will be undertaken. It is considered that tree planting within the site project areas alone provides sufficient opportunity to meet the compensatory requirements in both qualitative and quantitative terms, which has also been optimized in consideration of the land constraints and the likelihood of rapid invasion of vegetation from surrounding areas taking hold.

7.11.2.4 The following locations will be used for on-site tree planting and greening. Preliminary design plans for the areas can be seen on Figures 7.9a to 7.9e with proposed tree planting highlighted. The minimum areas of other greening will be subject to variation due to factors such as plant growth etc. and are tabulated below in Table 7.19. The precise number of trees to be retained, transplanted, felled and compensated shall be determined and agreed separately with government during the Tree Felling Application process under ETWB TC 3/2006.

Table 7.19 Compensatory Tree Planting and Greening

Location	Area of Hydroseeding (m²)*	Compensatory Tree Planting
Stockpile Area 2 (SA2)	687	12
Stockpile Area 3 (SA3)	1713	12
Stockpile Area 4 (SA4) (Lantau North Country Park Section)	298	3
Works Area 2 (WA2)	146	1
Works Area 4 (WA4)	98	0
Works Section 2 Trench	0	2
Works Section 3 Trench	496	19
Works Section 5 Trench	273	0
Works Section 6 Trench	0	0
Ngong Ping Sewage Treatment Plant	0	40
TOTAL*	3711	89 trees

7.11.3 Photomontages

7.11.3.1 Since the nature of the Project means that there are no permanent above ground structures, photomontages have not been adopted for this Report. Only 5 small elements will be visible following completion, being the drainage pipe Intakes A, B and C and Outfalls A and B. These are all low lying structures located below surrounding ground level and generally inconspicuous. The use of photomontages as a tool to demonstrate the value of employed mitigation measures at is therefore not appropriate for this project.

7.12 Residual Impacts

7.12.1 Background

7.12.1.1 The following sections examine the ‘significance’ of impacts on Landscape Resources, Landscape Character and VSRs following both construction and operation stage mitigation measures. The Significance Threshold of those impacts that would occur in the construction and operation phases is summarised in Table 7.20 and 7.21 below and illustrated on Figures 7.10 to 7.13. Residual impacts associated with these works have been assessed but no quantification of residual impacts is required.

7.12.2 Residual Impacts on Landscape Resources

Construction Phase

7.12.2.1 Construction Phase mitigation measures are best employed in the avoidance of valuable landscape resources. Despite the use of pipe jacking technique for Works Sections 2 and 6, there remain potentially losses of trees in Works Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, which result predominantly from clearance for temporary works access, particularly those areas required for stockpiling. Construction phase impact to trees has been addressed by minimising the requirements of Works and Stockpile Areas for the Project and carefully designating the extents of works areas to avoid trees as best as possible. Further work during detail design should focus further on this and in identifying minor alignment adjustments to the permanent works which may also assist in this regard.

7.12.2.2 No Significant Adverse Impacts are anticipated during Construction.

7.12.2.3 Moderate Adverse Residual Impacts are the most significant impacts anticipated and are predicted in the following resources, all related to permanent loss of mature trees:-

· LDR-4.1 – Naturalised Hillside Woodland;

· LDR-6.1 – Unmaintained Village Scrub; and

· LDR-7.1 – Traditional Housing with Gardens and Orchards.

Operation Phase

7.12.2.4 The utilisation of landscape mitigation measures during operation is to some extent able to offset the impacts generated during construction stage. Compensatory planting of native species in a form more suitable to habitat creation may produce benefits in the long term.

7.12.2.5 No Significant Adverse Impacts are anticipated during Operation.

7.12.2.6 Slight / Moderate Adverse Residual Impacts at Day 1 and Slight Adverse Residual Impacts at Year 10 are the most significant anticipated and are predicted in the following resources:

· LDR-4.1 – Naturalised Hillside Woodland.

7.12.3 Residual Impacts on Landscape Character

Construction Phase

7.12.3.1 Only one Landscape Character Area is impacted by the project and construction works are of a small enough scale that they can be easily absorbed in the landscape character, either with or without mitigation measures. .

7.12.3.2 No Significant Adverse Impacts are anticipated during Construction.

7.12.3.3 Slight Adverse Residual Impacts are the most significant anticipated and are predicted in the following area:

· LCA-01 – Inhabited Land around Ngong Ping Village.

Operation Phase

7.12.3.4 The utilisation of landscape mitigation measures during operation is able to offset the impacts generated during construction stage particularly by reinstating land to good order.

7.12.3.5 No Significant Adverse Impacts are anticipated during Operation.

7.12.3.6 Negligible Adverse Residual Impacts are the most significant anticipated at Day 1 and Year 10 and are predicted in the following area:

· LCA-01 – Inhabited Land around Ngong Ping Village.

7.12.4 Residual Impacts on Visually Sensitive Receivers

Construction Phase

7.12.4.1 The works are located close to village areas and local residents are not surprisingly most affected by the project. Where the works can be screened by sensitive use of hoardings this will assist in mitigation, but in many cases elevated views over the works mean these measures are not totally beneficial.

7.12.4.2 No Significant Adverse Impacts are anticipated during Construction.

7.12.4.3 Moderate Adverse Residual Impacts are the most significant anticipated and are predicted in the following area:-

· R-01 – Residents of Ngong Ping Village surrounding Works Sections 4&5 of the work;

· R-02 - Residents of Ngong Ping Village on Nei Lak Shan hillside with South Views;

· R-03 - Residents of Ngong Ping Village with North Views;

· T-03 - Road Users on Lin Ping Drive and Village West Access Road; and

· T-04 - Road Users on Village East Access Road.

Operation Phase

7.12.4.4 The utilisation of landscape planting works during operation is able to offset the impacts generated during construction stage particularly by reinstating land to good order.

7.12.4.5 No Significant Adverse Impacts are anticipated during Operation.

7.12.4.6 Slight Adverse Residual Impacts at Day 1 and Negligible Adverse Residual Impacts at Year 10 are the most significant anticipated and are predicted in the following area:-

· R-01 - Residents of Ngong Ping Village surrounding Works Sections 4&5.

Table 7.20 Significance of Residual Landscape Impacts

Ref (LCA)	Description	Sensitivity	Magnitude of Change		Significance Threshold WITHOUT Mitigation		Mitigation Measures	Significance Threshold WITH Mitigation
Ref (LCA)	Description	Sensitivity	Con	Op	Con	Op	Mitigation Measures	Con	Day 1	Year 10
*Landscape Resources*
LDR-1.1	Seasonal Hillside Ravines	High	Small	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant	CM1 OM3	Moderate	Insignificant	Insignificant
LDR-1.2	Water Courses through Ngong Ping Valley	Medium	Small	Small	Moderate	Slight	CM1 OM3	Moderate	Insignificant	Slight (Beneficial)
LDR-2.1	Open Drainage Channels	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	OM3	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LDR-2.2	Underground Drainage Channels	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	-	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LDR-3.1	Rocky Outcrops Surrounding Ngong Ping Columbarium	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1 OM2	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LDR-3.2	Hillocks surrounding Tian Tan Statue	High	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	-	Nil	Nil	Nil
LDR-3.3	Hillslopes of Nei Lak Shan	High	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	-	Nil	Nil	Nil
LDR-4.1	Naturalised Hillside Woodland	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1 OM1,OM2	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LDR-5.1	Hillside Grass and Shrub	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	CM1 OM2	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LDR-6.1	Unmaintained Village Scrub	Medium	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Slight	CM1 OM1,OM2	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LDR-7.1	Traditional Housing with Gardens and Orchards	Medium	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Slight	CM1 OM1,OM2	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LDR-8.1	Po Lin Monastery	High	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	-	Nil	Nil	Nil
LDR-8.2	Lin Chi Temple	High	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	-	Nil	Nil	Nil
LDR-8.3	Ngong Ping Columbarium	Low	Negligible	Nil	Insignificant	Nil	-	Insignificant	Nil	Nil
LDR-8.4	Hillside Grave Sites	High	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	-	Nil	Nil	Nil
LDR-9.1	Ngong Ping Themed Village	Low	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	-	Nil	Nil	Nil
LDR-9.2	Ngong Ping Piazza	Low	Negligible	Nil	Insignificant	Nil	-	Insignificant	Nil	Nil
LDR-9.3	Tian Tan Buddha	High	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	-	Nil	Nil	Nil
LDR-9.4	Hiking Paths of Nei Lak Shan	Medium	Negligible	Nil	Insignificant	Nil	-	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LDR-9.5	Tourists Facilities around Tian Tan Buddha	Medium	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	-	Nil	Nil	Nil
*Landscape Character Areas*
LCA-01	Inhabited Land Around Ngong Ping Village	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	CM1,2,3 OM1,2,3	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant

Notes: Con = Construction Phase; Op = Operation Phase

Table 7.21 Significance of Residual Visual Impacts

Ref (VSR)	Description	Sensitivity to Change	Magnitude of Change		Significance Threshold WITHOUT Mitigation		Mitigation Measures	Significance Threshold WITH Mitigation
Ref (VSR)	Description	Sensitivity to Change	Con	Op	Con	Op	Mitigation Measures	Construction	Day 1	Year 10
*Residential VSRs*
R-01	Residents of Ngong Ping Village surrounding Works Sections 4&5	Medium	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Slight	CM 2, 3 OM 1,2	Moderate	Slight	Insignificant
R-02	Residents of Ngong Ping Village on Nei Lak Shan hillside with South Views	Medium	Intermediate	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant	CM 2,3 OM 1,2	Moderate	Insignificant	Insignificant
R-03	Residents of Ngong Ping Village with North Views	Medium	Intermediate	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant	CM 2,3 OM 1,2	Moderate	Insignificant	Insignificant
R-04	Residents of Po Lin Monastery with North Views	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	CM 1,2	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
*Occupational VSRs*
O-01	Staff at Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	CM 2,3 OM 2	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
O-02	Monastery visitors to Ngong Ping Columbarium	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	CM 2,3	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
O-03	Temporary Workers at Material Storage Yard	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	CM 2,3 OM 1,2,3	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
*Leisure & Cultural VSRs*
L-01	Users of Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car with Elevated Views	High	Small	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant	CM 2,3 OM 2,	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
L-02	Tourists moving through Ngong Ping Piazza Viewing North	High	Small	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant	CM 2,3 OM 1,2	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
L-03	Tourists at Tian Tan Buddha Viewing South	High	Small	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant	CM 2,3 OM 1,2	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
L-04	Hikers on Footpaths in Lantau North Country Park and on Nei Lak Trail	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	CM 3,4 OM 1,2	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
*Transportation VSRs*
T-01	Users of Ngong Ping Columbarium Access Road	Low	Intermediate	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	CM 2,3 OM 2	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
T-02	Road Users on Po Ngong Drive	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	CM 2,3 OM 1,2	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
T-03	Road Users on Lin Ping Drive and Village West Access Road	Low	Large	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant	CM 2,3 OM 1,2,3	Moderate	Insignificant	Insignificant
T-04	Road Users on Village East Access Road	Low	Large	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant	CM 2,3 OM 2,3	Moderate	Insignificant	Insignificant

Significant:	adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in the existing landscape/visual quality
Moderate:	adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in the existing landscape/visual quality
Slight:	adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in the existing landscape/visual quality
Insignificant:	no discernible change in the existing landscape/visual quality