Report

9 Landscape and Visual Impact

9.1 Legislation, Standards and Guidelines and Other References

9.1.1 General

9.1.1.1 The legislation, standards, guidelines and criteria relevant to the Study for assessment of landscape and visual impacts include:

Legislation and Planning Standards

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

· Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131);

· Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208);

· Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap. 476);

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

· Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96); and

· Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines, in particular Chapters 4, 10, 11 and 12.

Technical Circulars/ Guidelines

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Guidance Note No. 8/2010;

· Development Bureau (DEVB) Works Technical Circulars (TCW) No. 3/2012 - Site Coverage of Greenery for Government Building Projects;

· DEVB TCW No. 6/2015 - Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features;

· DEVB TCW No. 4/2020 - Tree Preservation;

· DEVB (GLTM) No. 2/2012 - Allocation of Space for Quality Greening on Roads;

· DEVB TCW No. 5/2020 - Registration and Preservation of Old and Valuable Trees;

· Environment, Transport and Works Bureau (ETWB) TCW No. 05/2005 - Protection of streams/rivers from adverse impacts arising from construction works;

· ETWB TCW No. 36/2004 - Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures; and

· ETWB TCW No. 19/2005 - Environmental Management on Construction Sites.

Other Reference Information and Planning Studies

· The Register of Old and Valuable Trees - Hong Kong, maintained by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department;

· Technical Report of “Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong” by Planning Department; and

· Landscape Character Map of Hong Kong (2005 Edition).

9.2 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

9.2.1.1 A review of the existing planning studies and documents was undertaken as a part of the baseline study to gain an insight into the planned role of the Project site, its surrounding areas, and its landscape context and to help determine if the Project fits into the wider existing and future landscape context. The Project site is located along the north-eastern coast of Tung Ping Chau facing Ping Chau Hoi. It falls within Tung Ping Chau Marine Park and is adjacent to Plover Cove (Extension) Country Park, which are under the custody of Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap. 476) and Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208) respectively. It also falls within Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark and adjacent to Ping Chau Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as shown in Figure 9.1a.

9.2.1.2 Besides, compatibility of the Project to the landscape can be related to land uses and development control framework in the Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). Though the Project site is currently not covered by any OZP, part of the 500m assessment area of landscape impact assessment for the Project is covered by the Draft Ping Chau OZP No. S/NE-PC/1. The areas in proximity to the existing pier are currently zoned as “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Pier” (“OU(Pier)”), “Coastal Protection Area” (“CPA”), “Green Belt” (“GB”) and “Village Type Development” (“V”). Corresponding planning and development control framework is illustrated in Figure 9.1b.

9.2.1.3 Being designated as a part of Ping Chau SSSI and located within Tung Ping Chau Marine Park, Plover Cove (Extension) Country Park and Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, the general planning intention of the Draft Ping Chau OZP No. S/NE-PC/1 is to protect its landscape and scenic value with geological resources at the coastal areas worthy of conservation. The scale of pier improvement works should be compatible with the surrounding landscape and rural setting.

9.2.1.4 In the absence of vehicular access to Tung Ping Chau Public Pier, implementation of the Project is essential for the provision of necessary cum safe access to residents, tourists and other personnel commuting back and forth Tung Ping Chau and other city districts, nevertheless avoids substantial infrastructural works in the area of conservation importance, and maintains the area remote, tranquil, harmonious and pleasant with rural and island landscape character area of rich landscape resources. The Project does not intent to intensify the population or visitors loading to Tung Ping Chau, but provides a safe, barrier-free access for the pier uses and beautifies the existing pier in poor condition. It is therefore considered that the Project demonstrates the compatibility of existing planning and development control framework.

9.3 Assessment Area

9.3.1 Landscape Impact Assessment

9.3.1.1 Pursuant to Clause 3.4.10.2 of EIA Study Brief (ESB-306/2017), the assessment area for the landscape impact assessment shall include landscape character areas and landscape resources within 500m from the boundary of the Project and the works of the Project as identified in the EIA. Figure 9.2 shows the assessment area for landscape impact assessment.

9.3.2 Visual Impact Assessment

9.3.2.1 Pursuant to Clause 3.4.10.2 of EIA Study Brief (ESB-306/2017), the assessment area for the visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope (VE) of the Project. VE is an area within which the proposed Project and associated works are visible and is generally the view shed formed by natural/man-made features, such as ridgelines, built form or areas of woodland/large trees. Figure 9.6 shows the assessment area for visual impact assessment.

9.4 Baseline Conditions

9.4.1 Landscape Baseline Conditions

9.4.1.1 The assessment area is located at the east coast of Tung Ping Chau facing towards Ping Chau Hoi. Tung Ping Chau, which is the easternmost outlying island of Hong Kong. The island is in a crescent shape and spans approximately 600 m long in east-west direction and 2000 m wide in north-south direction. It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), partly within the Plover Cove (Extension) Country Park and surrounded by Tung Ping Chau Marine Park, and forms part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark as illustrated in Figure 9.1a. The eastern coast side of Tung Ping Chau mainly comprise of woodland, sandy and rocky shore with scattered villages, temples, recreational area and a public pier. At the northern hilltop, government, institution or community (G/IC) facilities, which include a Marine Department Vessel Traffic Services System East Ping Chau Radar Station, East Ping Chau Police Post and a campsite can be found, while the western side is a narrow strip of land made up of outcrops of sedimentary rock.

9.4.1.2 Tung Ping Chau was designated as a SSSI in 1979 for its spectacular rock formations and geological features. It has the youngest rocks in Hong Kong which are only 65 million years old. The island displays various abrasion landforms mainly on the western side and southern side of the island.

9.4.1.3 Approximately 75 percent of the total island area, i.e. 97 ha of the land, has been designated as a part of Plover Cove (Extension) Country Park since 1979. Most part of the island has low elevation, at which the two highest peaks on the island are Hok Ngam Teng (+48 mPD) and Au Kung Shan (+37mPD). Tung Ping Chau provides a suitable foraging and roosting habitat that attracts a large variety of bird species including woodland birds, waterbirds, wetland dependent birds, open country birds and raptor species. According to The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society (HKBWS), 163 species of birds were recorded in Tung Ping Chau, of which 53 species are of conservation concern.

9.4.1.4 The island is surrounded by Tung Ping Chau Marine Park which is designated in 2001. The marine park is approximately 270 ha in the Mirs Bay on the north-eastern water of Hong Kong. It contains a wide range of species diversity of coral communities, algae and marine invertebrates. A total of approximately 21,356 coral colonies with high density and coverage were identified. 65 out of 84 species of stony coral recorded in Hong Kong (including Platygyra actuta, Platygyra carnosus and Leptastrea purpurea) could be found in Tung Ping Chau Marine Park. Apart from stony corals, over 65 species of marine algae, over 130 reef-associated fishes and more than 200 species of marine invertebrates were also identified in the marine park.

9.4.1.5 Tung Ping Chau is within the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark (the Geopark) designated in 2011. It falls within the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region of the Geopark. The island is made up of sedimentary rock including siltstone, dolomitic siltstone, mudstone and chert. Minerals like quartz, feldspar, zeolite, aegirine, pyrite and calcite can be found in the rock. The fossils of plant, spore power and insect were believed to be formed between Late Cretaceous and Early Tertiary, indicating the uniqueness and importance of the geological formation of the island.

9.4.1.6 Five recognised villages can be found on Tung Ping Chau, namely Ping Chau Chau Mei, Ping Chau Tai Tong, Ping Chau Sha Tau, Ping Chau Nai Tau and Ping Chau Chau Tau. Most village houses which are in Chau Mei and Chau Tau are in dilapidated condition while the village houses in Sha Tau and Tai Tong are mainly in fair to good condition. Tin Hau Temple (520m away from the pier) and Tam Tai Sin Temple (450m away from the pier) located in the southern part of the island are rated as Grade 3 historic buildings.

9.4.1.7 The existing Tung Ping Chau Public Pier is a straight concrete pier with approximately 98m long and 5.5m wide. It was first constructed in 1960s with simple design. After the pier improvement work that carried out by CEDD in 2009, the existing pier comprised of a rubble causeway, a steel-concrete catwalk and a solid block work pier head. On top of that, facilities including two landings, two 1m high handrails, a pitched cover roof, 5 bollards and a navigation light were also built. However, due to the increasing number of visitors to Tung Ping Chau, the pier with the narrow staircases is inadequate to fulfil the current operational needs and therefore the improvement works is necessary in order to achieve standards of a public pier.

9.4.1.8 According to the latest EIA Study Brief (ESB-306/2017), the assessment area for the landscape impact assessment shall include landscape character areas and landscape resources within 500 metres from the boundary of the Project. Since the overall assessment area is a combination of terrestrial and marine areas, the Landscape Resources (LRs) / Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) can be classified into different categories as follows, and detailed description of each LR and LCA are provided in Table 9.1 and Table 9.2 respectively. The locations of LRs and LCAs are presented in Figure 9.2 and Figure 9.4. Photos for each LR are presented in Figure 9.3a to Figure 9.3b, while photos for each LCA are presented in Figure 9.5.

Table 9.1 Landscape Resources within Assessment Area

Landscape Resource	Description
LR1- Open Sea of Mirs Bay around Tung Ping Chau (59.0 ha)	This LR refers to the open sea water within the Mirs Bay, which belongs to Tung Ping Chau Marine Park. Water is visibly clean in this LR and marine traffic is limited. There is also a high density and coverage of coral under the water in this LR.
LR2- Seashore along the Coastline of Tung Ping Chau (4.62 ha)	This LR refers to the shore along the coast line of Tung Ping Chau, which is located within Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, with unique sedimentary rocks there. It has the youngest rocks in Hong Kong which are only 65 million years old. Thus, the landscape quality and rarity of this LR are both considered as high.
LR3- Woodland in Plover Cove (Extension) Country Park (34.8 ha)	This LR refers to the woodland in the Plover Cove (Extension) Country Park. The woodland is dominated by common native species with some exotic tree species. This terrestrial habitat has attracted many bird species of conservation concerns.
LR4- Tung Ping Chau Public Pier (0.06 ha)	This LR refers to the existing Tung Ping Chau Public Pier, which serves as a key transportation portal for residents and visitors travelling Tung Ping Chau back and forth. Pier improvement works were carried out in 2009 to reconstruct the catwalk, rubble causeway and roof.
LR5- Village Type Development (2.02 ha)	This LR refers to the developed village areas occupied by village houses and a temple at Tung Ping Chau. Some of the village houses are in dilapidated conditions and others are mainly in fair to good condition.

Table 9.2 Landscape Character Areas within Assessment Area

Landscape Character Area	Description
LCA1- Offshore Water Landscape of Mirs Bay (61.6 ha)	This LCA refers to the water area close to the shore in Mirs Bay. It is considered as a part of Tung Ping Chau Marine Park with a biologically diverse marine ecosystem that is rich in coral.
LCA2- Island Landscape of Tung Ping Chau (38.9 ha)	This LCA refers to the island landscape of Tung Ping Chau located within Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark owning to its unique sedimentary rock formations along the shore on the island.

Landscape Character Area

Description

LCA1- Offshore Water Landscape of Mirs Bay

(61.6 ha)

This LCA refers to the water area close to the shore in Mirs Bay. It is considered as a part of Tung Ping Chau Marine Park with a biologically diverse marine ecosystem that is rich in coral.

LCA2- Island Landscape of Tung Ping Chau

(38.9 ha)

This LCA refers to the island landscape of Tung Ping Chau located within Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark owning to its unique sedimentary rock formations along the shore on the island.

9.4.2 Visual Baseline Conditions

9.4.2.1 The visual assessment area is defined by the VE which is the area that any part of the Project can be seen from, and is generally the viewshed formed by natural/man-made features such as ridgelines, built form or area of woodlands/large trees. The VE may contain area, which are fully visible, partly visible and non-visible from the Project.

9.4.2.2 The VE of the Project covers the eastern coastal areas of Tung Ping Chau, including Tai Tong Wan and A Ma Wan. It also covers the inshore water of Mirs Bay to the east of Tung Ping Chau, i.e. Ping Chau Hoi. Figure 9.6 illustrates the extent of VE.

9.4.2.3 The potential Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) including the Users at the Pavilion at Wong Ye Kok, residents of the villages and the marine travellers have been identified. Table 9.3 presents the locations and type of representative VSRs identified within the VE. The location of each VSR is presented in Figure 9.6, and views from each VSR are presented in Figure 9.7a to Figure 9.7d.

Table 9.3 Locations and Types of VSRs

ID	Location	VSR	Type of VSRs (Residential/ Recreational/ Occupational/ Transportation)	Approximate Distance from the Project, m
VSR1	Pavilion at Wong Ye Kok	Users at the Pavilion	Recreational	70
VSR2	Tai Tong Village	Residents at Tai Tong Village	Residential	230
VSR3	Sha Tau Village	Residents at Sha Tau Village	Residential	300
VSR4	Ping Chau Hoi	Marine Travellers at Ping Chau Hoi	Recreational, Occupational, Transportation	Within the Project

9.5 Assessment Methodology

9.5.1.1 The assessment of landscape and visual impact during construction and operation of the Project have been undertaken in accordance with Annexes 10 and 18 of the TM-EIAO and the EIAO GN No. 8/2010 “Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment under the EIAO”. The methodology for the LVIA is described in the following sections.

9.5.2 Landscape Impact Assessment Methodology

Assessment Methodology of Sensitivities of LCAs and LRs

9.5.2.1 Qualitative descriptions of LRs and LCAs have been provided and their extent quantified either by area or length. The sensitivities of the LCAs and LRs are evaluated and rated taking into account the following criteria:

· quality of landscape characters/resources;

· importance and rarity of special landscape elements;

· ability of the landscape to accommodate change;

· significance of the change in local and regional context; and

· maturity of the landscape.

9.5.2.2 The sensitivity ratings are classified in Table 9.4.

Table 9.4 Definition of Sensitivity Ratings for LRs and LCAs

Sensitivity Rating	Definition
High	LR or LCA of high quality and value, which is sensitive to even relatively small changes.
Medium	LR or LCA of moderate quality and value, which is reasonably tolerant to change.
Low	LR or LCA with low quality and value, which is largely tolerant to change.

Assessment Methodology of Magnitude of Change to LRs and LCAs

9.5.2.3 The next stage of the assessment process is the identification of the assessment of the magnitude of change (rated as negligible, small, intermediate or large) arising from the implementation of the project and the principal sources of impact based on the following factors:

· Scale of the works and the associated supporting facilities;

· Compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape context;

· Duration of impacts (temporary or occasion or permanent) under construction and operational phases; and

· Reversibility of change.

9.5.2.4 The magnitude of change is separately considered for the construction phase and operational phase; and the ratings are classified in Table 9.5.

Table 9.5 Definition of Magnitude of Change to LRs and LCAs

Magnitude of Change	Definition
Large	LR or LCA will suffer a major change.
Intermediate	LR or LCA will suffer a moderate change.
Small	LR or LCA will suffer a barely perceptible change.
Negligible	LR or LCA will suffer no discernible change.

9.5.2.5 There are various construction methods and sequence of works and operation procedures, which would generate landscape impacts. They will create various levels of landscape impacts due to removal of LRs and change of landscape character. The degree of significance of landscape impact is derived from the magnitude of change which the project will cause to the LRs/LCAs and the sensitivity of the LRs/LCAs. This makes a comparison between the landscapes, which would have existed in the absence of the Project with that predicted as a result of the implementation of the Project. The significance threshold for impact to LRs and LCAs is rated substantial, moderate, slight or insubstantial. The impacts may be beneficial or adverse. The degree of impact is defined in Table 9.6.

Table 9.6 Definition of Landscape Impact

Landscape Impact	Definition
Substantial	Adverse/ beneficial impact where the proposals will cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality.
Moderate	Adverse/ beneficial impact where the proposal will cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality.
Slight	Adverse/ beneficial impact where the proposal will cause barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality.
Insubstantial	No discernible change in the existing landscape quality.

9.5.2.6 The impact in relation to sensitivity and magnitude of change of LRs and LCAs is derived from the matrix as shown in Table 9.7.

Table 9.7 Landscape Impact Assessment Matrix

Magnitude of Change Caused by Project	Sensitivity of LRs / LCAs
Magnitude of Change Caused by Project	Low	Medium	High
Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Small	Slight	Slight/ Moderate	Moderate
Intermediate	Slight/ Moderate	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial
Large	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial	Substantial

9.5.3 Visual Impact Assessment Methodology

Assessment Methodology of Sensitivity of VSRs

9.5.3.1 The assessment of sensitivity has also been based on the quality and extent of the existing view. Therefore, a view from a residential property, which would normally be considered the most sensitive view, may be less so if for example it is degraded by existing development or partially screened by intervening visual obstacles such as existing vegetation and topography. Factors affecting the sensitivity of receivers for evaluation of visual impacts include:

· Value and quality of existing views;

· Availability and amenity of alternative views;

· Type and estimated number of receiver population;

· Duration or frequency of view; and

· Degree of visibility.

9.5.3.2 Views available to the identified VSRs are rated according to their sensitivity broadly categorised in Table 9.8

Table 9.8 Sensitivity Ratings of VSRs

Sensitivity Rating of VSR	Definition
High	The VSR is highly sensitive to any changes in the viewing experience – e.g. Residential properties where the principle view is of the development site, formalized public viewpoints or designed landscape vistas.
Medium	The VSR is moderately sensitive to any changes in the viewing experience - Outdoor workers, office workers, recreational users, residential properties where the secondary view is of the development.
Low	The VSR is slightly sensitive to any changes in the viewing experience - People travelling though the landscape (by private/ public motorised transport or pedestrian).

Assessment Methodology of Magnitude of Change to VSRs

9.5.3.3 The factors affecting the magnitude of change for assessing the visual impacts include the following:

· Scale of the works;

· Compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape and visual context;

· The extent of visibility of the proposed works and level of potential blockage of existing views;

· Viewing distance;

· Duration of impacts under construction and operational phases; and

· Reversibility of change.

9.5.3.4 The duration of the impact during construction and operation is determined based on the definition as shown in Table 9.9.

Table 9.9 Duration of Visual Impact during Construction and Operation

Duration of Visual Impact	Definition
Construction
Temporary	Construction works (including site investigation work) that will only be visible for a short duration of the overall construction period
Permanent	Construction works that will be visible throughout the whole construction period.
Operation
Temporary	Elements of the Project that will be open to the view for a short period of time but is likely disappear at an early stage in the operational phase with minimal intervention or mitigation, for example, further growth of existing tree screening.
Permanent	Views of the Project that will remain permanently open to the view.

9.5.3.5 The magnitude of change to the views will be classified in accordance with the definition as shown in Table 9.10.

Table 9.10 Definition of Magnitude of Change to Views

Magnitude of Change	Definition
Large	e.g. large project works extent/ extensively blocked the views of VSRs / Project nature is not compatible to existing visual context / works area located in the foreground of the visual context / permanent impacts / irreversible of change
Intermediate	e.g. intermediate project works extent / partially blocked the views of VSRs / project nature is fairly compatible to existing visual context / works area located in the middle ground of the visual context and not immediately adjacent to VSRs or their views are already partially screened by existing topography, built structures or vegetation / permanent impacts / irreversible of change
Small	e.g. small project works extent / no blockage of views / project nature is compatible to existing visual context / works area located in distance to VSRs / permanent impacts and duration of construction impacts is short / irreversible change or temporary change of view
Negligible	e.g. no discernible change in visual context

9.5.3.6 The significance threshold for visual impact is rated in a similar fashion to the landscape impact, i.e. significant, moderate, slight and insubstantial and listed in Table 9.11.

Table 9.11 Degree of Significance

Significant Threshold	Definition
Substantial	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 a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality.
Slight	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality.
Insubstantial	No discernible change in the existing visual quality.

9.5.3.7 The impact in relation to sensitivity and magnitude of change of VSRs is derived from the matrix as shown in Table 9.12.

Table 9.12 Visual Impact Assessment Matrix

Magnitude of Change caused by Project	Sensitivity of VSRs
Magnitude of Change caused by Project	Low	Medium	High
Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Small	Slight	Slight/ Moderate	Moderate
Intermediate	Slight/ Moderate	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial
Large	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial	Substantial

9.5.4 Residual Impacts

9.5.4.1 Residual impacts which remain after commissioning of the development (operation Day 1 & Year 10) with mitigation measures implemented are evaluated based upon any unavoidable residual adverse landscape impacts to LRs and LCAs, as well as any avoidance residual adverse visual impacts to VSRs.

9.5.4.2 The level of impact is derived from the magnitude of change which the Project will cause to LRs, LCAs and VSRs taking into account its ability to tolerate change and effectiveness of mitigation measures.

9.5.5 Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts

9.5.5.1 An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts will be carried out in accordance with the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the TM-EIAO, namely:

Table 9.13 Description of Overall Result of LVIA

Overall Result of LVIA	Description
Beneficial	If the project will complement the landscape and visual character of its setting, will follow the relevant planning objectives and will improve overall and visual quality.
Acceptable	If the assessment indicates that there will be no significant effects on the landscape, no significant visual effects caused by the appearance of the project, or no interference with key views.
Acceptable with mitigation measures	If there will be some adverse effects, but these can be eliminated, reduced or offset to a large extent by specific measures.
Unacceptable	If the adverse effects are considered too excessive and are unable to mitigate practically.
Undetermined	If significant adverse effects are likely, but the extent to which they may occur or may be mitigated cannot be determined from the study. Further detailed study will be required for the specific effects in question.

9.5.6 Broad Bush Tree Survey

9.5.6.1 Pursuant to Appendix H of EIA Study Brief of the Project (ESB-306/2017), for the requirements for LVIA, a broad brush tree survey shall be carried out and the impacts on the existing trees shall be addressed. According to DEVB TCW No. 4/2020 on Tree Preservation, a plant is considered as a tree if its trunk diameter measures 95mm or more at a height of 1.3m above ground level.

9.5.6.2 For LVIA purposes, the broad bush tree survey has been undertaken to estimate the numbers of existing trees, dominant species, maturity, rarity and any plant species of conservation interest (including Old and Valuable Trees (OVTs)) and/or rare/protected species) and areas for tree preservation.

9.5.6.3 The Project focuses on the pier structure itself, including the widening existing solid pier. Pursuant to Clause 26.03 (2) of the General Specification for Civil Engineering Works (2006 Edition), the extent of tree survey shall cover all existing trees present within the Project site or within 2m of the site boundary and any other trees likely to be affected by the works.

9.6 Landscape Resources, Landscape Character Areas and Visually Sensitive Receivers

9.6.1 Landscape Character Areas and Landscape Resources

Identification and Sensitivity Evaluation of Landscape Resources

9.6.1.1 The LRs within the assessment area have been identified. Their extents and representative photos are shown in Figure 9.2 and Figure 9.3 to Figure 9.3k respectively. Table 9.14 shows the identified LRs and the corresponding sensitivity evaluation.

Table 9.14 Description of LRs within the Assessment Area and their Sensitivities

ID	LR	Area (ha)	Quality (High, Medium, Low)	Rarity (High, Medium, Low)	Importance (Local, Regional, National or Global)	Ability to Accommodate Change (Low, Medium, High)	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)
LR1	Open Sea of Mirs Bay around Tung Ping Chau	59.0	High	High	Regional	Low	High
Description: This LR refers to the open sea water within the Mirs Bay, which belongs to Tung Ping Chau Marine Park. Water is visibly clean in this LR and marine traffic is limited. There is also a high density and coverage of coral under the water in this LR. The landscape quality and rarity are both high. This LR has low ability to accommodate change. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘High’.
LR2	Seashore along the Coastline of Tung Ping Chau	4.62	High	High	Global	Low	High
Description: This LR refers to the shore along the coast line of Tung Ping Chau, which is located within Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, with unique sedimentary rocks believed to be youngest rocks in Hong Kong with the age of 65 million years old. Thus, the landscape quality and rarity of this LR are both considered as high. As a natural feature famous for its spectacular rock formations, it has low ability to accommodate change and the sensitivity is considered as ‘High’.
LR3	Woodland in Plover Cove (Extension) Country Park	34.8	High	Medium	Local	Low	High
Description: This LR refers to the woodland in the Plover Cove (Extension) Country Park. The woodland is dominated by common native species with some exotic tree species. This terrestrial habitat has attracted many bird species of conservation concerns. The landscape quality and rarity of this LR are considered to be high and medium respectively. As a woodland would need decades to grow, it has low ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as ‘High’.
LR4	Tung Ping Chau Public Pier	0.06	Medium	Low	Local	High	Low
Description: This LR refers to the existing Tung Ping Chau Public Pier, which serves as a key transportation portal for residents and visitors travelling Tung Ping Chau back and forth. The existing condition of the pier is fair in terms of visual appearance and structure. As a man-made feature, the rarity is low and it has high ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as ‘Low’.
LR5	Village Type Development	2.02	Medium	Low	Local	Medium	Medium
Description: This LR refers to the developed village areas, occupied by village houses and a temple at Tung Ping Chau. Some of the village houses are in dilapidated condition, so that the landscape quality and rarity are considered as medium and low respectiv1ely. It has medium ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as ‘Medium’.

Identification and Sensitivity Evaluation of Landscape Character Areas

9.6.1.2 The LCAs within the assessment area have been identified with reference to Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong. Their extents and representative photos are shown in Figure 9.4 and Figure 9.5 respectively. Table 9.15 shows the identified LCAs and the corresponding sensitivity evaluation.

Table 9.15 Description of LCAs within the Assessment Area and their Sensitivities

ID	LCA	Area (ha)	Quality (High, Medium, Low)	Rarity (High, Medium, Low)	Importance (Local, Regional, National or Global)	Ability to Accommodate Change (Low, Medium, High)	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)
LCA1	Offshore Water Landscape of Mirs Bay	61.6	High	High	Regional	Low	High
Description: This LCA refers to the water area close to the shore in Mirs Bay. It is considered as a part of Tung Ping Chau Marine Park with a biologically diverse marine ecosystem that is rich in coral. The landscape quality and rarity are both considered as high. The good water quality in the marine park results in its low ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered to be ‘High’.
LCA2	Island Landscape of Tung Ping Chau	38.9	High	High	Global	Low	High
Description: This LCA refers to the island of Tung Ping Chau located within Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark owning to its unique sedimentary rock formations along the shore on the island. The landscape quality and rarity are both considered as high. This LCA has low ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered to be ‘High’.

9.6.2 Visually Sensitive Receivers

Identification and Sensitivity Evaluation of Visually Sensitive Receivers

9.6.2.1 The VSRs within the VE have been identified. Their locations and representative photos are shown in Figure 9.6 and Figure 9.7a to Figure 9.7d respectively.

9.6.2.2 Table 9.16 shows the identified VSRs and the corresponding sensitivity evaluation.

Table 9.16 Description of VSRs within the VE and their Sensitivities

ID	VSR	Minimum Viewing Distance (m)	Type of VSR (Residential, Recreational, Occupational, Transportation)	Quality of Existing View (Good, Fair, Poor)	Alternative Views (Yes, No)	Degree of Visibility (Full, Partial, Glimpse, No view)	Duration of View (Long, Medium, Short)	Frequency of View (Frequent, Occasional, Rare)	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)
VSR1	Users at the Pavilion at Wong Ye Kok	70	Recreational	Good	No	Full	Short	Occasional	Low
Description: This VSR mainly represents users staying at the pavilion. The existing view towards the east is characterised by natural seascape and the existing pier, and the quality of view is considered good. Due to transient stay of hikers and Users at the Pavilion, the overall sensitivity of this VSR is ‘Low’.
VSR2	Residents at Tai Tong Village	230	Residential	Good	Yes	Full	Long	Frequent	Medium
Description: This VSR includes residents of a group of 1-2 storey houses of Tai Tong Village located at the coastal area of Tai Tong Wan. The existing view towards the east is characterised by natural seascape and the existing pier with a minimum viewing distance of 230m from the pier. This VSR possesses a direct view towards the existing pier and the overall sensitivity of this VSR is ‘Medium’.
VSR3	Residents at Sha Tau Village	300	Residential	Good	Yes	Full	Long	Frequent	Medium
Description: This VSR includes residents of a group of 1-2 storey houses of Sha Tau Village located at the coastal area of A Ma Wan. The existing view towards the north is characterised by natural seascape and the existing pier with a minimum viewing distance of 300m from the pier. This VSR possesses a direct view towards the existing pier and the overall sensitivity of this VSR is ‘Medium’.
VSR4	Marine Travellers at Ping Chau Hoi	Within the Project	Recreational, Occupational, Transportation	Good	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Occasional	Low
Description: This VSR includes the travellers on boats and scheduled ferries to the existing Tung Ping Chau Public Pier. The view towards the existing pier from this VSR was taken on the scheduled ferry to Tung Ping Chau. The existing view of this VSR towards the existing pier is an unobstructed view with the pier forming the background and the open sea dominating the foreground. As the marine travellers would experience a short duration of view and not focus too much on the visual appearance of the pier, the overall sensitivity of this VSR is ‘Low’.

Identification of Photomontage Viewpoints

9.6.2.3 Computer generated photomontages have been prepared to illustrate potential visual impact of the Project. The selection of representative viewpoints for photomontages are on the following bases:

· the viewpoints which cover the aboveground structure viewed from major public viewpoint represents key VSRs or VSR groups who would be potentially affected by the Project; and

· the viewpoints which shall be able to represent the worst-case scenarios and demonstrate the compatibility of the aboveground structures to the adjacent visual context and illustrate the visual effect during Day 1 without mitigation measures, Day 1 with mitigation measures and Year 10 with mitigation measures.

9.6.2.4 Four representative viewpoints selected for the preparation of photomontages for the visual impact assessment are described in Table 9.17, and the photomontages are shown in Figure 9.7 to Figure 9.10.

Table 9.17 Description of Viewpoints

Viewpoint	Location	Represented VSRs	Description
A	Pavilion at Wong Ye Kok	VSR1	This viewpoint is located at the pavilion at Wong Ye Kok in proximity to the existing pier. It is at a distance of approximately 70m from the Project. The view is taken at about 9mPD to demonstrate the VSRs staying at the pavilion. This viewpoint possesses direct, panoramic view towards the Project site and Ping Chau Hoi.
B	Tai Tong Village	VSR2	This viewpoint is located at the houses at Tai Tong Village. It is at a distance of approximately 230 m from the Project. The view is taken at low level of about 4mPD to demonstrate the VSRs from their windows. This viewpoint possesses direct, panoramic view towards the Project site and Tai Tong Wan.
C	Sha Tau Village	VSR3	This viewpoint is located at the houses at Sha Tau Village. It is at a distance of approximately 300 m from the Project. The view is taken at low level of about 6mPD to demonstrate the VSRs from their windows. This viewpoint possesses direct, panoramic view towards the Project site and A Ma Wan.
D	Ping Chau Hoi	VSR4	This viewpoint is located on the scheduled ferry shuttling back and forth the Tung Ping Chau Public Pier. It demonstrates the view from the ferry to the pier. The elevation of this view point is right above the sea surface. As the ferry approaches/departs from the pier, this viewpoint possesses direct view towards the Project site.

9.7 Identification of Potential Impacts

Potential Impacts during Construction Phase

9.7.1.1 During the construction phase, potential landscape and visual impacts would arise from the following:

· Carrying out site investigation works for detailed design;

· Provision of plants, equipment and materials on working barge(s) for implementation of the Project;

· Provision of temporary berthing and mooring facilities using working barge and/or steel structure supported by piles to maintain access to Tung Ping Chau until a new berth of the pier is available for use;

· Removal of temporary berthing and mooring facilities, modification of the existing pier and installation of piles for the new pier;

· Construction of new pier structures (e.g. installation of precast elements on the pier structure etc.); and

· Construction of associated facilities on the new pier.

· Potential water quality impact.

Potential Impacts during Operational Phase

9.7.1.2 During the operational phase, potential landscape and visual impacts would arise from the following:

· Presence of the proposed pier structure.

9.8 Landscape and Visual Impact before Mitigation

9.8.1 Landscape Impact Assessment before Mitigation

Magnitudes of Change on Landscape Resources (LRs)

9.8.1.1 Table 9.18 summarises the magnitudes of change for all LRs.

Magnitudes of Change on Landscape Character Areas (LCAs)

9.8.1.2 Table 9.19 summarises the magnitudes of change for all LCAs.

ID	LR	Scale of Works (Negligible / Small / Medium / Large)	Reversibility (Reversible / Irreversible)	Compatibility with Surrounding Landscape (Low / Medium / High)	Duration of Impacts (Construction) (Short / Medium / Long)	Duration of Impacts (Operation) (Short / Medium / Long)	Magnitude of Change (Construction) (Negligible / Small / Intermediate / Large)	Magnitude of Change (Operation) (Negligible / Small / Intermediate / Large)
LR1	Open Sea of Mirs Bay around Tung Ping Chau	Small	Irreversible	Low	Medium	Long	Small	Small
Description: This LR is a natural feature so that it has a low compatibility with the man-made improved pier. During the construction phase, there is potential water quality impacts due to construction activities, for example, site run-off or accidental spillage of chemicals as identified in Section 5 of the water quality chapter. Nevertheless, adverse water quality impact is not anticipated with full implementation of water quality control measures. During operational phase, 0.09 ha of this LR would be occupied. Considering the area of impact is relatively small in comparison of the open sea of 59.0 ha, the magnitudes of change are considered ‘Small’ during both construction and operational phases.
LR2	Seashore along the Coastline of Tung Ping Chau	Negligible	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
Description: This LR is located at approximately 20m away from the Project and therefore would not be affected during both construction and operational phases. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Negligible’.
LR3	Woodland in Plover Cove (Extension) Country Park	Negligible	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
Description: This LR is located at approximately 70m away from the Project and therefore would not be affected during both construction and operational phases. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Negligible’.
LR4	Tung Ping Chau Public Pier	Medium	Irreversible	High	Medium	Long	Intermediate	Intermediate
Description: The structures of the existing pier are man-made features that will be highly compatible to the future pier structures. During construction phase, the working area would occupy 0.022 ha of this LR with the existing area of 0.06 ha. Construction machines and plants may be placed on it and a temporary pier would be constructed on this LR. During operational phase, part of this LR would be replaced by the new pier structure. The magnitudes of change are considered as ‘Intermediate’ for both construction and operational phases.
LR5	Village Type Development	Negligible	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
Description: This LR is located at approximately 200m away from the Project and therefore would not be affected during both construction and operational phases. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Negligible’.

ID	LCA	Scale of Works (Negligible / Small / Medium / Large)	Reversibility (Reversible / Irreversible)	Compatibility with Surrounding Landscape (Low / Medium / High)	Duration of Impacts (Construction) (Short / Medium / Long)	Duration of Impacts (Operation) (Short / Medium / Long)	Magnitude of Change (Construction) (Negligible / Small / Intermediate / Large)	Magnitude of Change (Operation) (Negligible / Small / Intermediate / Large)
LCA1	Offshore Water Landscape of Mirs Bay	Small	Irreversible	Low	Medium	Long	Small	Small
Description: During construction phase, there is a potential water quality impact due to the construction activities. A small portion of this LCA would be modified by the new pier structure. Deterioration of water quality may affect the landscape value of this LCA. During operation phase, the improved pier would occupy approximately 0.09ha of this LCA. Considering the area of impact is relatively small, the magnitudes of change are considered as ‘Small’ in both construction phase and operational phase.
LCA2	Island Landscape of Tung Ping Chau	Negligible	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
Description: As only a small portion of the pier head of the existing pier would be encroached upon the Project site, the Project would not change the existing pier and island landscape. The Project therefore would not affect this LCA during both construction and operational phases. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Negligible’.

ID	LR	Sensitivity (Low / Medium / High)	Magnitude of Change (Negligible / Small / Intermediate / Large)	Significant Threshold (Unmitigated) (Insubstantial / Slight / Moderate / Substantial)
LR1	Open Sea of Mirs Bay around Tung Ping Chau	High	Small	Small	Moderately Adverse	Moderately Adverse
Description: The sensitivity of this LR is ‘High’. The magnitude of change for construction phase is ‘Small’ due to the limited impact of water quality. During operation phase, as the newly constructed pier would occupy 0.09 ha of this LR, the magnitude of change is considered ‘Small’. The significant threshold is therefore considered as ‘Moderately Adverse’ for both construction and operational phases.
LR2	Seashore along the coastline of Tung Ping Chau	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LR is located at approximately 20m away from the Project and therefore would not be affected during both construction and operational phases. The significant threshold is therefore considered as ‘Insubstantial’ for both construction and operational phases.
LR3	Woodland in Plover Cove (Extension) Country Park	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LR is located at approximately 70m away from the Project and therefore would not be affected during both construction and operational phases. The significant threshold is therefore considered as ‘Insubstantial’ for both construction and operational phases.
LR4	Tung Ping Chau Public Pier	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Beneficial
Description: The sensitivity of this LR is ‘Low’. This LR would undergo construction works during the construction phase and would be replaced by an improved pier during the operational phase. The magnitude of change for construction and operational phases are therefore ‘Intermediate’ for both phases. The significant thresholds are considered as ‘Slightly Adverse’ and ‘Slightly Beneficial’ for construction and operational phases respectively.
LR5	Village Type Development	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LR is located at approximately 200m away from the Project and therefore would not be affected during both construction and operational phases. The significant threshold is therefore considered as ‘Insubstantial’ for both construction and operational phases.

ID	LCA	Sensitivity (Low / Medium / High)	Magnitude of Change (Negligible / Small / Intermediate / Large	Significant Threshold (Unmitigated) (Insubstantial / Slight / Moderate / Substantial)
LCA1	Offshore Water Landscape of Mirs Bay	High	Small	Small	Moderately Adverse	Moderately Adverse
Description: The sensitivity of this LCA is ‘High’. The water quality impact during both construction and operational phases is limited. The newly constructed pier would occupy 0.09 ha of this LCA. The magnitude of change for both construction and operational phases are therefore ‘Small’. The significant threshold is therefore considered as ‘Moderately Adverse’ for both phases.
LCA2	Island Landscape of Tung Ping Chau	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: As only a small portion of the pier head of the existing pier would be encroached upon the Project site, the Project would not change the existing pier and island landscape. The Project would not affect this LCA during both construction and operational phases. The significant threshold is therefore considered as ‘Insubstantial’ for both phases.

ID	VSR	Scale of Works (Negligible / Small / Medium / Large)	Reversibility (Reversible / Irreversible)	Blockage (None / Partial / Full)	Compatibility with Surrounding Landscape (Low / Medium / High)	Duration of Impacts (Construction) (Short / Medium / Long)	Duration of Impacts (Operation) (Short / Medium / Long)	Magnitude of Change (Construction) (Negligible / Small / Intermediate / Large)	Magnitude of Change (Operation) (Negligible / Small / Intermediate / Large)
VSR1	Users at the Pavilion at Wong Ye Kok	Medium	Irreversible	None	Medium	Medium	Long	Intermediate	Intermediate
Description: During construction phase, this VSR would have a direct unobstructed view of the construction activities. The Project involves the construction and demolition of temporary pier and extension of the pier which stretches out towards the open sea from the existing pier. Given the separation distance of 70m between the Project and this VSR, scale of works as seen from the VSR is considered ‘Medium’. As additional lights in the pier will be kept to minimal for safety purpose, potential visual, glare and lighting impacts due to the physical installation of lighting equipment are anticipated to be low. The duration of construction will be about 2-3 years and the duration of impact is considered ‘Medium’ during the construction phase. The view at this VSR at operational phase would be a pier with the total length of 123 m from the existing of 97 m. The presence of permanent structures will result in ‘Long’ duration of impacts during the operational phase. The reversibility is considered ‘Irreversible’ due to the construction of permanent structures of the Project. As a small portion of the seascape would be blocked, the compatibility with surrounding landscape is considered ‘Medium’. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Intermediate’ for both construction and operational phases.
VSR2	Residents at Tai Tong Village	Small	Irreversible	None	Medium	Medium	Long	Small	Small
Description: Construction activities during construction phase and the improved pier during the operational phase would be directly visible by this VSR with a minimum viewing distance of 230m. As there is a certain distance between the VSR and the Project site, the scale of works is considered “Small”. Given the large separation between the Project and the VSR, potential visual, glare and lighting impacts due to physical installation of lighting equipment are anticipated to be minimal. The duration of construction will be about 2-3 years and the duration of impact is considered ‘Medium’ during the construction phase. The presence of permanent structures will result in ‘Long’ duration of impacts during the operational phase. The reversibility is considered ‘Irreversible’ due to the construction of permanent structures of the Project. As a limited portion of the seascape would be blocked, the compatibility with surrounding landscape is considered ‘Medium’. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Small’ for both construction and operational phases.
VSR3	Residents at Sha Tau Village	Small	Irreversible	None	Medium	Medium	Long	Small	Small
Description: Construction activities during construction phase and the improved pier during the operational phase would be directly visible by this VSR with a minimum viewing distance of 300m. Given the separation distance between the Project and this VSR, the scale of works as seen from the VSR is considered ‘Small’. Given the large separation between the Project and the VSR, potential visual, glare and lighting impacts due to physical installation of lighting equipment are anticipated to be minimal. The duration of construction will be about 2-3 years and the duration of impact is considered ‘Medium’ during the construction phase. During the operational phase, the presence of permanent structures will result in ‘Long’ duration of impacts. The reversibility is considered ‘Irreversible’ due to the construction of the permanent structures of the Project. As the Project will only obstruct a limited portion of the seascape, the compatibility with surrounding landscape is considered ‘Medium’. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Small’ for both construction and operational phases.
VSR4	Marine Travellers at Ping Chau Hoi	Large	Irreversible	None	Medium	Medium	Long	Large	Large
Description: During construction and operational phases, the marine travellers will approach and depart from the pier. The view of this VSR towards the pier would be very substantial. With a close-up view of the Project from the marine vessels, the scale of works as seen from the VSR is considered ‘Large’. As additional lights in the pier will be kept to minimal for safety purpose, potential visual, glare and lighting impacts due to the physical installation of lighting equipment are anticipated to be low. The duration of construction will be about 2-3 years and the duration of impact is considered ‘Medium’ during the construction phase. During the operational phase, the presence of permanent structures will result in ‘Long’ duration of impacts. The reversibility is considered ‘Irreversible’ due to the construction of the permanent structures of the Project. As the Project will obstruct a small portion of the seascape, the compatibility with surrounding landscape is considered ‘Medium’. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Large’ for both construction and operational phases.

Potential Impacts on Visually Sensitive Receivers before Mitigation

9.8.2.2 The potential visual impacts without mitigation measures for individual VSRs are derived from the sensitivities and magnitude of changes in accordance with Table 9.12 and summarised in Table 9.23.

Table 9.23 Potential Impacts on Visually Sensitive Receivers without Mitigation

ID	VSR	Sensitivity (Low / Medium / High)	Magnitude of Change (Negligible / Small / Intermediate / Large)		Significant Threshold (Unmitigated) (Insubstantial / Slight / Moderate / Substantial)
ID	VSR	Sensitivity (Low / Medium / High)	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
VSR1	Users at the Pavilion at Wong Ye Kok	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Beneficial
Description: The sensitivity of this VSR is ‘Low’. The magnitude of change for both construction and operational phases are ‘Intermediate’. During construction phase, there would be visual disturbance from the construction area due to the presence of construction machinery, while during operational phase, visual content would be enhanced due to the enhanced aesthetics of the improved pier. The significant thresholds are therefore considered as ‘Slightly Adverse’ and ‘Slightly Beneficial’ for construction and operational phases respectively.
VSR2	Residents at Tai Tong Village	Medium	Small	Small	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Beneficial
Description: The sensitivity of this VSR is ‘Medium’. The magnitude of change for both construction and operational phases are ‘Small’. During construction phase, there would be visual disturbance from the construction area due to the presence of construction machinery, while during operational phase, visual content would be enhanced due to the enhanced aesthetics of the improved pier. The significant thresholds are therefore considered as ‘Slightly Adverse’ and ‘Slightly Beneficial’ for construction and operational phases respectively.
VSR3	Residents at Sha Tau Village	Medium	Small	Small	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Beneficial
Description: The sensitivity of this VSR is ‘Medium’. The magnitude of change for both construction and operational phases are ‘Small’. During construction phase, there would be visual disturbance from the construction area due to the presence of construction machinery, while during operational phase visual content would be enhanced due to the enhanced aesthetics of the improved pier. The significant thresholds are therefore considered as ‘Slightly Adverse’ and ‘Slightly Beneficial’ for construction and operational phases respectively.
VSR4	Marine Travellers at Ping Chau Hoi	Low	Large	Large	Moderately Adverse	Moderately Beneficial
Description: The sensitivity of this VSR is ‘Low’. The magnitude of change for both construction and operational phases are ‘Large’. During construction phase, there would be visual disturbance from the construction area, while during operational phase due to the presence of construction machinery, visual content would be enhanced due to the enhanced aesthetics of the improved pier. The significant thresholds are therefore considered as ‘Moderately Adverse’ and ‘Moderately Beneficial’ for construction and operational phases respectively.

9.9 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

9.9.1 Construction Phase

9.9.1.1 The following recommendations are proposed for the preliminary design in response to the above implications. At the planning stage, measures to avoid, reduce and/or compensate for the potential impacts should be considered with priority given to avoidance of impacts. Landscape and visual mitigation measures in the construction phase are summarised in Table 9.24. Recommended landscape and visual mitigation plan is provided in Figure 9.8.

Table 9.24 Recommended Mitigation Measures in Construction Phase

ID	Mitigation Measure	Responsible Agent for Implementation of Mitigation Measures
CM1	Minimisation of Construction Area The footprint of the improved pier structure should be minimised as far as practicable to minimise the potential landscape and visual disturbance.	Project Proponent - CEDD (Via the Engineer)
CM2	Site Hoarding To reduce negative visual impact, where practicable, construction site hoarding should be erected around any active works area to screen pedestrian level views into the construction area from visually sensitive receivers.	Project Proponent - CEDD (Via the Engineer/ Contractor)
CM3	Construction Programme Employ practicable construction techniques to streamline construction programme, minimise the duration of plant operations. Consider prefabrication of building elements offsite to minimise on site works and construction period.	Project Proponent – CEDD (Via the Engineer/ Contractor)
CM4	Water Quality Control Precautionary measures should be adopted to avoid untreated surface runoff from directly discharging into the sea, particularly during rainy condition, and any pollutants / wastes / debris from entering the sea.	Project Proponent - CEDD (Via the Engineer/ Contractor)
CM5	Appearance of Construction Plants / Machinery A suitable colour scheme of construction machines and plants should be adopted where possible.	Project Proponent - CEDD (Via the Engineer/ Contractor)
CM6	Lighting Control Construction day and night-time lighting should be controlled to minimise glare impact to adjacent VSRs during the construction stage.	Project Proponent - CEDD (Via the Engineer/ Contractor)

9.9.2 Operational Phase

9.9.2.1 During the operational phase of development, measures can be taken to reduce certain impacts to a practicable minimum. Landscape and visual mitigation measures during operation are summarised in Table 9.25. Recommended landscape and visual mitigation plan is provided in Figure 9.8.

Table 9.25 Recommended Mitigation Measures in Operation Phase

Mitigation Measure

Responsible Agent for Implementation of Mitigation Measures

(Design and Construction Stage)

(Operation and Maintenance)

OM1

Sensitive Design and Disposition of the Pier Structures

The proposed hard structures of the pier should be sensitively designed to become compatible with the existing landscape context. The footprint of the pier should also be minimised while optimising the berthing depth and length of the pier to reduce the landscape impact. The materials used for decoration such as external paint, metal cladding, tile, stone cladding should be compatible to the neighbouring natural environment. The orientation of the proposed hard structures of the pier should aim at minimising visual intrusion to visually sensitive receivers as far as practicable. Additional lights in the new pier will be kept to as minimal for safety purpose. Night-time lighting of the pier shall also be controlled to minimise glare impact to adjacent VSRs during the operation phase. If solar panels are to be installed as renewable energy source, non-reflective solar panels should be installed to avoid glare from direct or reflected sunlight.

Project Proponent – CEDD
(Via Architect/ Designer)

Operator – CEDD

(Via Contractor)

9.10 Residual Landscape and Visual Impacts after Mitigation

9.10.1 Photomontages

9.10.1.1 As discussed in Section 9.6.2, representative viewpoints have been selected for the assessment of potential visual impact from the Project. Computer-generated photomontages have been prepared to illustrate the visual appearance of the Project at Day 1 with no mitigation measures, Day 1 with mitigation measures and Year 10 with mitigation measures. Discussion of residual visual impact from the photomontages at each representative viewpoint is provided in the following sections.

Viewpoint A at VSR1 (Pavilion at Wong Ye Kok)

9.10.1.2 Figure 9.9ai and Figure 9.9aii show the overall view of the Project where the pier is directly visible towards northeast from the viewpoint. The Project site has been optimised to reduce the extents of associated visual impacts. The improved pier structure has been sensitively designed in a manner compatible with the existing pier structures. When comparing the visual appearance of the existing pier and the improved pier in the photomontages, the Project is anticipated to provide slightly beneficial visual impact to this viewpoint. In addition, the visual appears of the pier can be further enhanced by the colour and textural treatment of built structures and furniture and therefore the visual impact could be enhanced to be moderately beneficial.

Viewpoint B at VSR2 (Tai Tong Village)

9.10.1.3 Figure 9.9bi and Figure 9.9bii show the overall view of the Project where the pier is directly visible towards east from this viewpoint. The Project site has been optimised to reduce the extents of associated visual impacts. The improved pier structure has been sensitively designed in a manner compatible with the existing pier structures. When comparing the visual appearance of the existing pier and the improved pier in the photomontages, the Project is anticipated to provide slightly beneficial visual impact to this viewpoint. In addition, the visual appears of the pier can be further enhanced by the colour and textural treatment of built structures and furniture and therefore the visual impact could be enhanced to be moderately beneficial.

Viewpoint C at VSR3 (Sha Tau Village)

9.10.1.4 Figure 9.9ci and Figure 9.9cii show the view of the Project where the pier is partially visible towards northwest from this viewpoint. The Project site has been optimised to reduce the extents of associated visual impacts. The improved pier structure has been sensitively designed in a manner compatible with the existing pier structures. When comparing the visual appearance of the existing pier and the improved pier in the photomontages, the Project is anticipated to provide slightly beneficial visual impact to this viewpoint. In addition, the visual appears of the pier can be further enhanced by the colour and textural treatment of built structures and furniture and therefore the visual impact could be enhanced to be moderately beneficial.

Viewpoint D at VSR4 (Ping Chau Hoi)

9.10.1.5 Figure 9.9di and Figure 9.9dii show the overall view of the Project where the pier is partially visible towards west from this viewpoint. The Project site has been optimised to reduce the extents of associated visual impacts. The improved pier structure has been sensitively designed in a manner compatible with the existing pier structures, its marine setting and the natural landscape of Tung Ping Chau. When comparing the visual appearance of the existing pier, the Project is anticipated to provide moderately beneficial visual impact to this viewpoint.

9.10.2 Residual Impact on Landscape Resources

9.10.2.1 The residual landscape impacts on LRs with mitigation measures are assessed and summarised in Table 9.26.

Table 9.26 Summary of Impact Assessment on Landscape Resources

ID	LR	Significant Threshold (Unmitigated) (Insubstantial / Slight / Moderate / Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Significant Threshold (Mitigated) (Insubstantial / Slight / Moderate / Substantial)
ID	LR	Construction	Operation	Recommended Mitigation Measures	Construction	Operation Day 1	Operation Year 10
LR1	Open Sea of Mirs Bay around Tung Ping Chau	Moderately Adverse	Moderately Adverse	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Adverse
Description: The construction area for the Project has been optimised to reduce the extent of associated landscape impacts. The total number of pile installations would also be minimised after the pier improvement works. In addition to careful scheduling of works, off-site prefabrication would be adopted to shorten the construction period as well as reduce the duration for which the landscape resources would be affected. The implementation of proper water quality control for construction phase would reduce the potential of unwanted debris/waste and untreated surface runoff being discharged into the sea. The residual impact during construction phase would therefore reduce to ‘Slightly Adverse’. With sensitive design and disposition of the pier structure to minimise visual intrusion to the VSRs, the improved pier structure would have higher compatibility with the surrounding landscape. The residual impact at Day 1 and Year 10 operations would therefore become ‘Slightly Adverse’.
LR2	Seashore along the coastline of Tung Ping Chau	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LR would not be affected by the Project, and mitigation measures are not required.
LR3	Woodland in Plover Cove (Extension) Country Park	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LR would not be affected by the Project, and mitigation measures are not required.
LR4	Tung Ping Chau Public Pier	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Beneficial	CM1, CM3, OM1	Insubstantial	Moderately Beneficial	Moderately Beneficial
Description: The construction area for the Project has been optimised to reduce the extent of associated landscape impacts. The total number of pile installations would also be minimised after the pier improvement works. In addition to careful scheduling of works, off-site prefabrication would be adopted to shorten the construction period as well as reduce the duration for which the landscape resources would be affected. The residual impact during construction phase would therefore reduce to ‘Insubstantial’. The sensitive design of the pier will enhance the visual aesthetics of the improved pier in comparison with the existing pier. The materials used for decoration such as external paint, metal cladding, tile, stone cladding should be compatible to the neighbouring natural environment. The residual impact at Day 1 and Year 10 operations would therefore become ‘Moderately Beneficial’.
LR5	Village Type Development	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LR would not be affected by the Project, and mitigation measures are not required.

9.10.3 Residual Impact on Landscape Character Areas

9.10.3.1 The residual landscape impacts on LCAs with mitigation measures are assessed and summarised in Table 9.27.

Table 9.27 Summary of Impact Assessment on Landscape Character Areas

ID	LCA	Significant Threshold (Unmitigated) (Insubstantial / Slight / Moderate / Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Significant Threshold (Mitigated) (Insubstantial / Slight / Moderate / Substantial)
ID	LCA	Construction	Operation	Recommended Mitigation Measures	Construction	Operation Day 1	Operation Year 10
LCA1	Offshore Water Landscape of Mirs Bay	Moderately Adverse	Moderately Adverse	CM1, CM3, CM4	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Adverse
Description: The construction area for the Project has been optimised to reduce the extent of associated landscape impacts. The total number of pile installations would also be minimised after the pier improvement works. In addition to careful scheduling of works, off-site prefabrication would be adopted to shorten the construction period as well as reduce the duration for which the landscape resources would be affected. The implementation of proper water quality control would reduce the potential of unwanted debris/waste and untreated surface runoff being discharged into the sea. The residual impact during construction phase would therefore reduce to ‘Slightly Adverse’. With sensitive design and disposition of the pier structure to minimise visual intrusion to the VSRs, the improved pier structure would have higher compatibility with the surrounding landscape. The residual impact at Day 1 and Year 10 operations would therefore become ‘Slightly Adverse’.
LCA2	Island Landscape of Tung Ping Chau	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LCA would not be affected by the Project, and mitigation measures are not required.

9.10.4 Residual Impact on Visually Sensitive Receivers

9.10.4.1 The residual visual impacts on VSRs with mitigation measures are assessed and summarised in Table 9.28.

Table 9.28 Summary of Impact Assessment on Visually Sensitive Receivers

ID	VSR	Significant Threshold (Unmitigated) (Insubstantial / Slight / Moderate / Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Significant Threshold (Mitigated) (Insubstantial / Slight / Moderate / Substantial)
ID	VSR	Construction	Operation	Recommended Mitigation Measures	Construction	Operation Day 1	Operation Year 10
VSR1	Users at the Pavilion at Wong Ye Kok	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Beneficial	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, OM1	Insubstantial	Moderately Beneficial	Moderately Beneficial
Description: The construction area for the Project has been optimised to reduce the extent of associated visual impacts. The installation of site hoarding along the boundary of the works area where practicable would block the view onto the construction activities. The design of the hoarding should be compatible with its surroundings where practicable, and should be constructed of non-reflective and suitable colours. The implementation of proper water quality control would reduce the potential of unwanted debris/waste and untreated surface runoff being discharged into the sea. Furthermore, through careful scheduling of works, the construction period could be optimised to reduce the duration for which the visually sensitive receivers would be affected. The residual impact during construction phase would therefore reduce to ‘Insubstantial’. The improved pier structure has also been sensitively designed in a manner compatible to the existing structure. The residual impact at Day 1 and Year 10 operations would therefore become ‘Moderately Beneficial’.
VSR2	Residents at Tai Tong Village	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Beneficial	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM5, OM1	Insubstantial	Moderately Beneficial	Moderately Beneficial
Description: The construction area for the Project has been optimised to reduce the extent of associated visual impacts. The installation of site hoarding along the boundary of the works area where practicable would block the view onto the construction activities. The design of the hoarding should be compatible with its surroundings where practicable, and should be constructed of non-reflective and suitable colours. Furthermore, through careful scheduling of works, the construction period could be optimised to reduce the duration for which the visually sensitive receivers would be affected. The residual impact during construction phase would therefore reduce to ‘Insubstantial’. The improved pier structure has also been sensitively designed in a manner compatible to the existing structure. The residual impact at Day 1 and Year 10 operations would therefore become ‘Moderately Beneficial’.
VSR3	Residents at Sha Tau Village	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Beneficial	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM5, OM1	Insubstantial	Moderately Beneficial	Moderately Beneficial
Description: The construction area for the Project has been optimised to reduce the extent of associated visual impacts. The installation of site hoarding along the boundary of the works area where practicable would block the view onto the construction activities. The design of the hoarding should be compatible with its surroundings where practicable, and should be constructed of non-reflective and suitable colours. Furthermore, through careful scheduling of works, the construction period could be optimised to reduce the duration for which the visually sensitive receivers would be affected. The residual impact during construction phase would therefore reduce to ‘Insubstantial’. The improved pier structure has also been sensitively designed in a manner compatible to the existing structure. The residual impact at Day 1 and Year 10 operations would therefore become ‘Moderately Beneficial’.
VSR4	Marine Travellers at Ping Chau Hoi	Moderately Adverse	Moderately Beneficial	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, OM1	Slightly Adverse	Moderately Beneficial	Moderately Beneficial
Description: The construction area for the Project has been optimised to reduce the extent of associated visual impacts. The installation of site hoarding along the boundary of the works area where practicable would block the view onto the construction activities. The design of the hoarding should be compatible with its surroundings where practicable, and should be constructed of non-reflective and suitable colours. The implementation of proper water quality control would reduce the potential of unwanted debris/waste and untreated runoff being discharged into the sea. Furthermore, through careful scheduling of works, the construction period could be optimised to reduce the duration for which the visually sensitive receivers would be affected. Precautionary measures should also be adopted to avoid untreated surface runoff from directly discharging into the sea, particularly during rainy condition, and any pollutants / wastes / debris from entering the sea that would cause adverse visual impact when they become visible on the sea surface. The residual impact during construction phase would therefore reduce to ‘Insubstantial’. The improved pier structure has also been sensitively designed in a manner compatible to the existing structure. The residual impact at Day 1 and Year 10 operations would therefore become ‘Moderately Beneficial’.

9.11 Broad Bush Tree Survey

9.11.1.1 Site inspections were conducted in July 2018 to identify any tree(s), which may be affected by the proposed pier improvement works. No tree is identified within 2m from the Project boundary or will be potentially affected by the proposed pier improvement works. Therefore, further tree survey is considered not necessary.

9.12 Environmental Monitoring and Audit

9.12.1.1 The design, implementation and maintenance of landscape and visual mitigation measures should be checked to ensure that they are fully realised, thus environmental monitoring and audit (EM&A) for these mitigation measures should be undertaken. Design measures shall be incorporated at the detailed design stage. Implementation of the mitigation measures such as tree protection and preservation shall be monitored through site audit programme during construction phase. (Details refer to EM&A Manual or Chapter 12 of this report).

9.13 Conclusion

9.13.1 Landscape Planning Framework

9.13.1.1 By reviewing the planning framework, the Project demonstrates a compatibility to the existing planning intentions within and in the vicinity of the Project. In the absence of vehicular access to Tung Ping Chau, implementation of the Project is essential for the provision of necessary cum safe access to residents, tourists and other personnel commuting back and forth Tung Ping Chau and other city districts, nevertheless avoids substantial infrastructural works in the area of conservation importance, and maintains the area remote, tranquil, harmonious and pleasant with rural landscape character area of rich landscape resources.

9.13.2 Landscape Impact

Construction Phase

9.13.2.1 During the construction of the Project, moderately adverse impacts are anticipated for the open sea of Mirs Bay around Tung Ping Chau (LR1) and Offshore Water Landscape of Mirs Bay (LCA1) without the provision of mitigation measures. By adopting mitigation measures such as the minimisation of construction area, minimisation of construction period and water quality control measures, the landscape impacts on LR1 and LCA1 are anticipated to be slightly adverse and considered acceptable with mitigation measures.

9.13.2.2 For the existing Tung Ping Chau Public Pier (LR4), minimisation of construction area and construction period could alleviate the landscape impact from slightly adverse to insubstantial.

9.13.2.3 For other landscape resources and landscape character areas, landscape impacts are assessed to be insubstantial without mitigation measures. Hence, mitigation measures are not necessary for these LRs and LCAs.

Operational Phase

9.13.2.4 During the operation of the Project, moderately adverse impacts are anticipated for the open sea of Mirs Bay around Tung Ping Chau (LR1) and Offshore Water Landscape of Mirs Bay (LCA1) without the provision of mitigation measures. By adopting mitigation measures such as minimising the footprint and number of piles required for the pier, landscape impact is mitigated to be slightly adverse on Day 1 and Year 10 of the operational phase and considered acceptable with mitigation measures.

9.13.2.5 For the existing Tung Ping Chau Public Pier (LR4), minimisation of footprint and number of piles required for the pier could improve the landscape quality of LR4 from slightly beneficial to moderately beneficial on Day 1 and Year 10 of the operational phase.

9.13.2.6 For other landscape resources and landscape character areas, landscape impacts are assessed to be insubstantial without mitigation measures. Hence, mitigation measures are not necessary for these LRs and LCAs.

9.13.3 Visual Impact

9.13.3.1 During the construction of the Project, visual impacts on VSRs are anticipated to be in the range of slightly adverse to moderately adverse without the provision of mitigation measures. Mitigation measures such as minimisation of construction area, provision of site hoarding, minimisation of construction period by use of prefabricated building elements and provision of suitable colour scheme of construction machines and plants, have been considered. With the provision of mitigation measures, the visual impacts on VSRs are mitigated to slightly adverse to insubstantial and considered acceptable with mitigation measures.

9.13.3.2 During the operation of the Project, visual impacts on VSRs are anticipated to be in the range of slightly beneficial to moderately beneficial, when comparing the visual appearance of the existing pier and the improved pier in the photomontages. The visual appears of the pier will be further enhanced by the colour and textural treatment of built structures and furniture and therefore the visual impact could be enhanced to be moderately beneficial on Day 1 and Year 10 of the operational phase.

9. Do not delete this. This is for Table Number.