9 landscape and visual

9.1 Introduction

9.1.1.1 This section identifies and assesses the potential landscape and visual impacts arising from the proposed Yuen Long South Effluent Polishing Plant site works. Based on the impact identified, preliminary landscape and visual mitigation measures are proposed to alleviate any potential adverse impact.

9.1.1.2 The site location and the details of the Project are described in Section 9.2 of this Report. The site of Yuen Long South Effluent Polishing Plant will be hereby referred as the “YLSEPP Site”.

9.2 Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

9.2.1.1 The following legislation, standards and guidelines are referenced in the preparation of landscape and visual impact assessment associated with the construction and operation phases of the Project: -

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

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

· DEVB TCW No. 9/2020 - Blue-Green Drainage Infrastructure

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap.499.S.16) and the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process (EIAO TM), particularly Annexes 10 and 18;

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Guidance Note 8/2010 (Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment);

· ETWB TC(W) No. 5/2005 – Protection of Natural Streams/ Rivers from Adverse Impacts Arising from Construction Works;

· GEO Publication No. 1/2011 - Technical Guidelines on Landscape Treatment for Slopes;

· Town Planning Ordinance (Cap131) and Town Planning (Amendment) Ordinance;

· Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department – AFCD Nature Conservation Practice Note No. 1, 2, and 3;

· Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) and its subsidiary legislations;

· Plant Varieties Protection Ordinance (Cap. 490);

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

· Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines Chapters 4, 10 and 11;

· Guidelines for Tree Risk Assessment and Management Arrangement (9th Edition or latest version);

· Guidelines on Tree Transplanting issued by Development Bureau; and

· Guidelines on Tree Preservation during Construction by Development Bureau; and

· Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong.

9.3 Assessment Methodology

9.3.1.1 The assessment areas for landscape impact include all areas within a 500m distance from the boundary of the sites of the Project, as well as the existing YLSEPP site. The assessment areas for the visual impact assessment are defined by the visual envelope of the Project. Assessment area and the visual envelope are shown in Figure 9.3, 9.5 and 9.7.

9.3.1.2 Identification of the mentioned baseline information was achieved by desk-top study of topographical maps, information databases and aerial photographs, as well as undertaking site visits and broad-brush tree survey at the YLSEPP Site.

9.3.1.3 The methodology of preliminary landscape impact assessment of the construction and operations of the YLSEPP Site shall include:

· Identification of the LRs and LCAs that would be potentially affected by the Project;

· Assessment of the sensitivity of the LRs and LCAs identified;

· Identification of sources of landscape impacts;

· Identification of the magnitude of landscape impacts;

· Recommendation of landscape mitigation measures; and

· Prediction of the significance of residue landscape impacts with mitigation measures.

9.3.1.4 The sensitivity of each LR and LCA 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; and

· Low: Landscape or landscape resource, the nature of which is largely tolerant to change.

9.3.1.5 The magnitude of change on LR and LCA is classified as follows:

· Large: The landscape or landscape resource would have a major change;

· Intermediate: The landscape or landscape resource would have a moderate change;

· Small: The landscape or landscape resource would have slight or barely perceptible changes; and

· Negligible: The landscape or landscape resource would have no discernible change.

9.3.1.6 The significant thresholds of landscape impacts are categorized as follows:

· Substantial: Adverse/beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality;

· Moderate: Adverse/beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality;

· Slight: Adverse/beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality; and

· Insubstantial: No discernible change in the existing landscape quality.

9.3.1.7 The following Table 9.1 shows the rationale in assessing the potential significances of landscape impacts.

Table 9.1 Relationship between Landscape Sensitivity and Impact Magnitude in Defining Impact Significance

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

9.3.1.8 The methodology for the preliminary visual impact assessment during the construction and operation phases shall include:

· Identification of the Visual Envelope and associated VSRs, including key visual resources and visual detractors, that would be potentially affected by the proposed project site;

· Assessment of the degree of sensitivity of the VSRs identified;

· Identification of sources of visual change for proposed project site;

· Assessment of the magnitude of visual change experienced by the identified VSRs for proposed project site; and

· Recommendation of visual mitigation measures for proposed project site.

9.3.1.9 The sensitivity of VSR can be broadly classified as follows:

· High: The VSR is highly sensitive to any changes in the viewing experience – 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; and

· Low: The VSR is slightly sensitive to any changes in the viewing experience – Travelers travelling through the landscape (by private/ public motorized transport).

9.3.1.10 The magnitude of changes on VSR are classified as follows:

· Large: The VSRs would suffer a major change in their viewing experience;

· Intermediate: The VSRs would suffer a moderate change in their viewing experience;

· Small: The VSRs would suffer a small change in their viewing experience; and

· Negligible: The VSRs would suffer no discernible change in their viewing experience.

9.3.1.11 The significant thresholds of visual impacts are categorized as follows:

· 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; and

· Insubstantial: No discernible change in the existing visual quality.

9.3.1.12 The following Table 9.2 shows the rationale in assessing the potential significances of visual impacts.

Table 9.2 Relationship between Visual Receptor Sensitivity and Magnitude of Change in Defining Impact Significance

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

9.4 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

9.4.1.1 Relevant plan(s) and/or studies which may identify areas of high landscape value, country parks, coastal protection area, green belt (GB) and conservation area designations are reviewed. Any guidelines on landscape and urban design strategies and frameworks that may affect the appreciation of the Project are also reviewed. The aim is to gain an insight of the future outlook of the affected area so as to assess whether the Project can fit into the surrounding setting. Any conflict with statutory town plan(s) is highlighted and appropriate follow-up action is recommended.

9.4.1.2 The Study Area of the Project is covered under Approved Tong Yan San Tsuen Outline Zonning Plan (OZP) No. S/YL-TYST/14 (8.6.2018) and Revised Recommended Outline Development Plan (RODP) of Planning and Engineering Study for Housing Sites in Yuen Long South. The land use zones to be potentially affected by the Project and the future outlook of the area is discussed and summarised in Table 9.3.

Table 9.3 Summary of the Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

Proposed Works	OZP/ RODP Plan Title and No.	Land Use Zonings	Approx. Area of the Land Use Zones to be affected by the Project
Yuen Long South Effluent Polishing Plant	Approved Tong Yan San Tsuen OZP No. S/YL-TYST/14 (8.6.2018)	OU	35,120
Yuen Long South Effluent Polishing Plant	Approved Tong Yan San Tsuen OZP No. S/YL-TYST/14 (8.6.2018)	U	11,200
Yuen Long South Effluent Polishing Plant	Revised Recommended Outline Development Plan (RODP)	OU (STW)	35,120
Yuen Long South Effluent Polishing Plant	Revised Recommended Outline Development Plan (RODP)	G	11,200

Note: RODP is referenced from the webpage of “Planning and Engineering Study for Housing Sites in Yuen Long South– Investigation” last updated in September 2020.

9.4.1.3 The Project comprises the construction of sewage treatment plant, sludge treatment facilities, facilities for receiving and co-digesting pre-treated food or organic wastes, effluent discharge pipe and associated ancillary works. The permitted maximum building height under the relevant RODP for the northern and southern portion of the Project is 35 mPD and 55 mPD respectively. Zoning amendment is being processed to the RODP for relaxing the Building Height Restriction (BHR) of the northern portion from 35 mPD to 40 mPD.

9.4.1.4 For the northern portion of the Project, landuse of G will be mainly affected by the proposed sludge treatment building, tertiary treatment building, bioreactors and sedimentation tanks. The southern portion of Project site will be mainly affected by the proposed deodorization units, organic waste reception, digester and gas holder. The affected areas are mainly open storage areas with scattered vegetation and the Project does not fall within the country park boundary.

9.5 Baseline Findings

9.5.1.1 Under this LVIA/ EIA, key Landscape Resources (LRs), Landscape Characters Areas (LCAs) and Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) which would be potentially affected by the Project are identified and discussed.

Landscape Resources (LRs)

9.5.1.2 There are 10 existing landscape resources (LRs) identified within 500m assessment area. No Old & Valuable Tree (OVT) is identified in any LR. The preliminary findings of baseline LRs which will be potentially affected by the Project, together with their sensitivity are described in Table 9.4. The locations of baseline LRs are mapped in Figure 9.4.

Table 9.4 Baseline LRs & their Sensitivity

LRs	Description	Sensitivity
LR-1.1	Hillside Shrubland and Grassland This LR is predominately covered by grassland, shrubland and scattered trees on natural terrain located on the hillside to the west and south of the proposed project site. There are exposed soils and rocks in result of erosion. Based on the broad-brush tree survey within the project boundary, there are approximately 35 nos. of trees, which predominately include Broussonetia papyrifera, Macaranga tanarius, Ficus hispida etc. Gnetum luofuensea is found. It is not listed as rare and precious plants of Hong Kong but considered as species of conservation importance. This resource has medium landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be medium and the ability to accommodate change is medium.	Medium
LR-1.2	Mixed Woodland/ Plantation This LR covers densely vegetated hillside woodland in scattered pieces that fall within the fringe area of Tai Lam Country Park. It comprises canopy trees and understory vegetation with varying diversity of native woodland species including Acronychia pedunculata, Celtis sinensis and Ficus variegata. Tree age ranges between semi-mature and mature. The quality of the existing vegetation is high as it provides a natural green backdrop for the area. The ability to accommodate change is low and the sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.	High
LR-2.1	Watercourse Several natural watercourses are found in the natural hillside area. They are originated from Kung Um Shan and Tai Lam Country Park and enter into agricultural irrigation channels or nullahs. The natural watercourses are generally shallow with >5m wide, having rocky substratum with semi-dense riparian vegetation along the bank. The naturalness of this LR is moderate to high, the ability to accommodate change of this LR is low and the sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.	High
LR-2.2	Modified Warercourse This LR refers to the serval narrow nullahs trapezoidal and boxed concrete run through the assessment area, including the major drainage Nullah along Kung Um Road/ Pak Sha Shan. They supported only limite d weedy vegetation. This LR is common in Hong Kong. The quality of this resource is low, the ability to accommodate change is high and the sensitivity of this LR is considered as low.	Low
LR-3.1	Landscape Areas in Village Type Development This LR covers the vegetation in the low density local villages, including Wong Nai Tun Tsuen. The village houses are relatively compacted with limited rooms for planting. Mature trees and ornamental plantings are found mainly at the periphery of the villages, roadside area and within garden areas. The tree species are common, including Ficus microcarpa and Bauhinia blakeana. No registered OVT is identified. The quality of the existing vegetation is fair. The ability to accommodate change is medium and the sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium.	Medium
LR-3.2	Active Agricultural Land This LR refers to the active agricultural fields invarious scale near Wong Nai Tun Tsuen and Yeung Ka Tsuen. Active wet and dry agricultural lands are found. Common village tree and fruit tree species such as Artocarpus heterohpyllus, Clausena lansium, Dimocarpus longan, Mangifera indica, Michelia x alba and Syzygium jambos are found. No registered OVTs are identified. It is a common landscape resource that appears in this surrounding context and has limited local significance. The quality of this resource is medium and the ability of this resource to accommodate changes is medium. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium.	Medium
LR-3.3	Orchard This LR refers to the orchards of varying sizes near Yeung Ka Tsuen. It comprises common fruit trees species dominated by Clausena lansium, Dimocarpus longan, Litchi chinensis and Mangifera indica. Given its important ecological function and local significance, the resource is considered as high for landscape quality. The ability of this resource to accommodate changes is low and therefore the sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.	High
LR-3.4	Pond Two isolated agricultural ponds locate within the agricultural areas in Wong Nai Tun Tsuen and southeast of the site. They are fenced man-made ponds with soft bank edges and relatively geometric forms. Algae were grown due to the slow water flow. Since the quality of those ponds is low, this resource is considered to have high ability to accommodate change. The overall sensitivity is considered to be low.	Low
LR-4.1	Landscape Areas in Open Storage/Rural Built Area This LR occupies the entire Project site. It is a man-made area composed of formal and informal industrial buildings and open storage area with limited linkage by open/ unsurfaced access roads. Vegetation of common amenity species is scattered located on the periphery of land lots. Based on the broad-brush tree survey within the project boundary, there are approximately 367 nos. of trees, which predominately include Macaranga tanarius, Ficus microcarpa, Ficus hispida, Sterculia lanceolata etc. No species of conversation importance/ trees of particular interest are identified. It is a common landscape resource. The quality of these resources is low with limited individual value. The ability to accommodate change is high. The overall sensitivity is considered to be low.	Low
LR-4.2	Lowland Mixed Trees, Shrubland, Grassland/Marsh This LR is predominately covered by mosaic grassland, shrubland and marsh, scattered locate in the fringe of the village areas. There is low density coverage of tree planting, species include Delonix regia and Bombax ceiba. Given the common tree species and fair landscape quality, this resource is considered to have medium to high ability to accommodate change. The overall sensitivity is considered to be medium.	Medium

Landscape Character Areas (LCAs)

9.5.1.3 There are four 5 existing landscape character areas (LCAs) identified within 500m assessment area. The preliminary findings of baseline LCAs which will be potentially affected by the Project, together with their sensitivity are described in Table 9.5. The location of baseline LCA is mapped in Figure 9.5.

Table 9.5 Baseline LCAs and their Sensitivity

LCAs	Description	Sensitivity
LCA-1	Upland and Hillside Landscape This LCA consists of hillsides, knolls, ridges and spurs in the southern and western slope of the site. Small area of this LCA falls within Tai Lam Country Park. It contains few human features like access road and pylons and retains a rugged, tranquil character and muted natural colours. It is generally covered with hillside woodland, with seasonal rocky streams tumble down these hillsides. This LCA has low ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered as high.	High
LCA-2	Settled Valley Landscape This LCA refers to the valley landscape fall within the Tai Lam Country Park. It is almost surrounding by other uplands of Tai Lam Mountains with a strong sense of enclosure and tranquillity. Several paths from the top of the hill provide the pedestrian access from the mountains to the local villages. The landscape quality is considered as high in view of its high coverage of vegetation and plants. It has low ability to accommodate change and therefore the sensitivity of this LCA is considered as high.	High
LCA-3	Urban Peripheral Village Landscape This LCA is characterized by group of village houses, which include traditional dwellings as well as newer village house dwellings. They are separated by narrow footpaths or lanes. The LCA also includes open spaces, sitting areas, car parks and scattered (fruit) trees and occasionally agricultural fields. This type of LCA is common to Hong Kong. It has medium ability to accommodate changes. The sensitivity is considered as medium.	Medium
Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape
LCA-4.1	Open Storage/ Rural Built Area This LCA dominate the whole site and large piece of its surrounding area. This area have been natural or agrarian landscapes, with woodland and scattered villages, but have increasingly given way to sporadic incoherent development, including village housing, ad-hoc development and open storage. Small pockets of woodland are scattered within the landscape. In character, they are generally fragmented and incoherent. This LCA has high ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered as low.	Low
LCA-4.2	Lowland Agricultural Land This LCA refers to the active agricultural landscape near Wong Nai Tun Tsuen and Yeung Ka Tsuen. Trees and plantings are found mainly at the periphery of the fields. This LCA has medium ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered as medium.	Medium

Broad Brush Tree Survey

9.5.1.4 A broad brush tree survey was carried out within the project site boundary extend in accordance with the Appendix H of the EIA Study Brief to identify dominant tree species, maturity, rarity and any plant species of conservation interest, etc. which would be potentially affected to provide baseline information on the LRs and LCAs. The broad brush tree survey findings including tree survey plans and tree schedule are illustrated in Appendix 9.1 and to be read in conjunction with Habitat Map in Ecological section of this EIA Report.

9.5.1.5 It is estimated that approximately 402 nos. of trees were surveyed within the project site boundary in the broad brush tree survey. Total 402 trees in 9 tree groups (no trees of particular interests and potential tree of particular interest) that within the project boundary and would be potentially affected were surveyed. There is no OVT in accordance with DEVB TC(W) No. 5/2020 identified within the project boundary. The dominant tree species include Macaranga tanarius, Ficus microcarpa, Ficus hispida, Sterculia lanceolata, Schefflera heptaphylla, Ficus benjamina, Celtis sinensis, Microcos nervosa, Sapium discolor, Melia azedarach and Leucaena leucocephala. They are generally of heavy-standard to mature size. All tree species in tree groups surveyed are common in Hong Kong and without specific conservation interest, in which 10 nos. of the surveyed trees are undesirable tree species Leucaena leucocephala.

Visual Envelope & Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

9.5.1.6 The visual envelope of the Site is mainly confined by numerous prominent landscape features, i.e. the hillside backdrop, Tai Lam Country Park, several organic farmlands and gardens and Tai Tong Sweet Gum Woods. Its distribution is defined by the ridgeline of Kung Um Shan at northwest which extends to Wong Nai Tun and Tai Lam at the southeast. Its extent and locations of key VSRs are shown in Figure 9.7.

9.5.1.7 Residential VSR in low-rise residential developments in Tai Tong Wong Nai Tun Tsuen (R-01) poses medium nos. of residents. Typical view is relatively open with lush green hillside vegetation at long viewing distance. They typically enjoy good quality of view that includes panoramic hillside greenery view with Tai Lam Country Park at medium to long viewing distance. Although their duration of view is generally long and frequent, regarding the development is proposed at a medium to long view distance from the VSR, the sensitivity to change for R-01 shall be medium.

9.5.1.8 Recreational VSR (O-01) represents hikers and recreational users in Tai Lam Country Park viewing Southwestern portion of the proposed development. It poses few nos. of individuals. Typical view captures relatively open with full extent of low scale sprawl and the high density built form of the proposed development and Yuen Long New Town that located at the low level plain. The quality of view is good. Their duration and frequency of view is short and occasional respectively. In general, the sensitivity to change for O-01 is considered as medium.

9.5.1.9 Recreational VSR (O-02) has few nos. of individuals. It represents the hikers and recreational users near Tai Lam Country Park Fringe viewing southeast of the proposed site. Typical view is relatively open with partial extent of low scale development taken place at low level, including Yuen Long New Town development and the proposed development of the project, open storage areas at the hill toe. The quality of view is good with sense of openness at mountainous areas. Typical duration of view is short and occasional. The sensitivity for such VSR is regarded as medium.

9.5.1.10 Occupational VSR (I-01) are workers in open storage/ rural built areas. It has medium nos. of individuals. Typical view is low to high density built form at medium distance with hillside greenery at Tai Lam Country Park and Kung Um Shan as backdrop. Their duration of view is generally short. The quality of view for I-01 is fair but with sense of openness and hillside greenery as backdrop. The corresponding visibility are glimpse with occasional frequency of view, their sensitivity to change shall be low.

9.5.1.11 Travelling VSR along Pak Sha Shan Road (T-01) poses medium nos. of individuals. Typical view mainly consists of the proposed development and the built form from Yuen Long New Town Development with small extent of the hillside greenery of Kung Um Shan and roadside planting at the foreground. The quality of view is fair with a short duration and rare frequency of view. As they are transient in nature, the sensitivity of this VSR is considered low.

9.5.1.12 Travelling VSR along Kung Um Road (T-02) poses medium nos. of individuals. They are viewing the north and northeast over the site area. Although the ground level view toward the site area is obstructed by the intervening built form, general quality of view is fair with the presence of residential development including some ornamental planting in the foreground of the view improving the general view. The degree of visibility is glimpse with a short duration and rare frequency of view. Regarding this VSR is transient in nature, their sensitivity to change is regarded as low.

9.5.1.13 In view of the future development in Yuen Long South according to the RODP which is presented in Figure 9.2, potential increase in development intensity is anticipated with different land use and visually sensitive receivers in the future. Hence, several planned VSRs are identified for further assessment by referencing the best available information published ie. RODP to foresee the visual impacts towards the future development.

9.5.1.14 Residential VSR at the planned medium-rise residential development (PR-01) has large nos. of individuals. They typically enjoy good quality of view that includes panoramic mountainous view with abundant greenery from the Tai Lam Country Park at medium to long viewing distance. As this VSR is located at higher level than the proposed development, it would not cause much obstruction towards their view. Their duration of view is generally long and frequent, the sensitivity to change for R1 shall be high.

9.5.1.15 Recreational VSR in the planned district/ local open spaces (PO-01) has medium nos. of individuals. They are provided with a typical view on the planned built form from the planned public open space. The quality of view is good as it is slightly improved by the ornamental planting in the foreground of the view and the VSR is less likely to view the proposed development at the back. The degree of visibility is partial with medium duration and occasional frequency of view. The corresponding sensitivity to change for PO-01 shall be medium.

9.5.1.16 Occupational VSR in the institutional facilities including school (PI-01) has large nos. of individuals. Their typical view is mainly the built form from the planned school development. The quality of view is fair with hillside greenery as backdrop at the two sides. The VSR is less likely to view the proposed effluent polishing plant at the back. The degree of visibility is partial with medium duration and occasional frequency of view. The corresponding sensitivity to change for PI-01 shall be medium.

9.5.1.17 Occupational VSR in the Government facilities (PI-02) has medium nos. of individuals. Typical view of the VSR is low to high density built form at medium distance with hillside greenery at Tai Lam Country Park and Kung Um Shan as backdrop. Their duration of view is generally short. The quality of view for PI-02 is fair but with sense of openness and hillside greenery as backdrop. The corresponding visibility are partial with occasional frequency of view, their sensitivity to change shall be low.

VSR ID.	VSRs	Type of VSRs	Number of Individuals (Many/ Medium/ Few)	Quality of Existing View (Good/Fair/ Poor)	Availability of Alternative Views (Yes/No)	Degree of Visibility (Full/ Partial/ Glimpse)	Duration of View (Long/ Medium/ Short)	Frequency of View (Frequent/ Occasional/ Rare)	Sensitivity
Existing VSR
R-01	Residents in low-rise residential developments in Tai Tong Wong Nai Tun Tsuen	Residential	Medium	Good	Yes	Full	Long	Frequent	Medium
O-01	Hikers and users at the Tai Lam Country Park (viewing southwest portion of the development)	Recreational	Few	Good	Yes	Full	Short	Occasional	Medium
O-02	Hikers and users near the Tai Lam Country Park Fringe (viewing southeast portion of the development)	Recreational	Few	Good	Yes	Partial	Short	Occasional	Medium
I-01	Workers in open storage/ rural built areas	Occupational	Medium	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Occasional	Low
T-01	Travelers along Pak Sha Shan Road	Travelling	Medium	Fair	Yes	Partial	Short	Rare	Low
T-02	Travelers along Kung Um Road	Travelling	Medium	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Rare	Low
Planned VSR under RODP
PR-01	Residents in medium-rise residential developments	Residential	Many	Good	Yes	Full	Long	Frequent	High
PO-01	Recreational users in district/ local open space	Recreational	Medium	Good	Yes	Partial	Medium	Occasional	Medium
PI-01	Students at school in planned new town development	Occupational	Medium	Fair	Yes	Partial	Medium	Occasional	Medium
PI-02	Users in Government facilities in planned new town development	Occupational	Medium	Fair	Yes	Partial	Short	Occasional	Low

9.6 Preliminary Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

9.6.1.1 Sources of Landscape Impacts in Construction Phase

Potential adverse landscape impacts during construction phase would arise from:

• Site clearance and potential tree removal/ transplanting;

• Modification, retrofitting and/ or demolition of existing structures;

• Ground-breaking, excavation and Construction of architectural structures including the effluent polishing plants;

• Temporary site areas, site offices, haul road, storage of construction materials, equipment and plants, hoarding, construction traffic, etc.; and

• Dust and construction debris.

Landscape Resources (LRs)

9.6.1.2 LR-1.1, LR-2.2 and LR-4.1 are predicted to experience landscape impact, due to site clearance and formation works; and construction of the effluent polishing plant. The scale of proposed work is medium, permanent and irreversible in nature, which proposed works include removal of existing vegetation.

9.6.1.3 The magnitude of unmitigated impacts on landscape resources associated with the construction phase and operational phases of the project are assessed and described in Table 9.7.

Table 9.7 Magnitude of Changes on Landscape Resources during Construction and Operation

ID	Landscape Resource	Potential Source and Description of Changes	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
ID	Landscape Resource	Potential Source and Description of Changes	Construction	Operation
LR-1.1	Hillside Shrubland and Grassland	The periphery of LR-1.1 will be affected by the southeast project boundary, approx. 150m2. It is not likely to be any above-ground structures but used for working area. Approximate 35 nos. of existing trees would be inevitably affected by site clearance and formation works; and construction of the effluent polishing plant, which is permanent and irreversible. In consideration of relatively small affected area, therefore, the potential landscape impact is anticipated to be limited.	Small	Small
LR-1.2	Mixed Woodland/Plantation	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR-2.1	Watercourse	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR-2.2	Modified Watercourse	Approximate 185m long at the downstream of modified watercourse are being affected mainly by the construction of the effluent polishing plant facilities and associated slope roadworks and pipeworks. Since the affected section is small in size, highly modified and experienced frequent disturbance from nearby open storage/ workshop areas, the magnitude of change is considered as small.	Small	Small
LR-3.1	Landscape Areas in Village Type Development	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR-3.2	Active Agricultural Land	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR-3.3	Orchard	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR-3.4	Pond	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR-4.1	Landscape Areas in Open Storage/Rural Built Area	LR-4.1 is overlapped with proposed project area, with affected area approx. 46,150m2. Approximate 367 nos. of existing trees would be inevitably affected by site clearance and formation works; and construction of the effluent polishing plant, which is permanent and irreversible. In compared with the whole open storage/rural built area in Yune Long South, the magnitude of change is considered as intermediate in view of medium portion of this LR affected with medium quantity of trees affected and no trees of particular interest affected.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR-4.2	Lowland Mixed Trees, Shrubland, Grassland/Marsh	Nil	Negligible	Negligible

Landscape Character Areas (LCAs)

9.6.1.4 Only LCA-4.1 is expected to experience landscape impact, as the whole proposed extension is located within this LCA. Considering the removal of trees is permanent and irreversible changes raised from proposed development during construction phase, and operation of Effluent Polishing Plant and access road with other landscape maintenance works, it is identified to experience Intermediate magnitude of change for both construction and operation phases.

9.6.1.5 The magnitude of unmitigated impacts on landscape character area associated with the construction phase and operational phases of the project are assessed and described in Table 9.8.

Table 9.8 Magnitude of Changes on Landscape Character Areas during Construction and Operation

LCA	Landscape Character Area	Potential Source and Description of Changes	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
LCA	Landscape Character Area	Potential Source and Description of Changes	Construction	Operation
LCA-1	Upland and Hillside Landscape	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LCA-2	Settled Vallet Landscape	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LCA-3	Urban Peripheral Village Landscape	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LCA-4.1	Open Storage/ Rural Built Area	Approx. 46,350m2 of the whole proposed project area is lying within LCA-4.1 Open Storage/ Rural Built Area. Although the landscape impact during construction and operation is anticipated, the Project will not alter the landscape character of the rural built area. The resultant rural built area landscape character is compatible to the current LCA. The magnitude of change is rated as intermediate in view of the medium scale of the Project and the resultant rural built area landscape character is compatible to the current LCA.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LCA-4.2	Lowland Agricultural Land	Nil	Negligible	Negligible

Vantage Points for Photomontages

9.6.1.6 Key vantage points are selected based on the representative VSRs to further analyse the visual impact of the project. Photomontages are prepared to demonstrate potential visual impact raised. Please refer to Figure 9.10 to Figure 9.14. There are total 5 viewing points list as below:

• Viewing Point 1 – Channel Pathway on Pak Sha Shan Road (Planned Local Open Space): Representing travellers and workers with approx. viewing distance of 500m to the proposed development;

• Viewing Point 2 – Channel Pathway on Pak Sha Shan Road (Planned District Open Space): Representing travelers, occupants with approx. viewing distance of 30m to the proposed effluent polishing plant site locations;

• Viewing Point 3 – Tai Lam Country Park Fringe Facing North: Representing hikers, recreational users with approx. viewing distance of 100m to the southeast of the proposed development;

• Viewing Point 4 – Tai Lam Country Park: Representing hikers, recreational users and travellers with approx. viewing distance of 500m to the southwest portion of the development; and

• Viewing Point 5 – Workshops and Open Storage Area (Planned District Open Space and Residential Development): Representing workers, residents with approx. viewing distance of 250m facing northwest of the proposed development.

9.6.1.7 The photomontage illustrates the proposed Yuen Long South Effluent Polishing Plant under the following scenarios:

• Existing baseline condition; and

• The completed works after construction on Day 1 without Mitigation Measure.

• The completed works after construction on Day 1 with Mitigation Measure.

• The completed works after construction on Day 10 with Mitigation Measure.

Visual Impact Assessment

9.6.1.8 Sources of Visual Impacts in Construction Phase

Potential adverse visual impacts during construction phase would arise from:

• Site clearance and potential tree removal/ transplanting;

• Modification, retrofitting and/ or demolition of existing structures;

• Ground-breaking, excavation and Construction of architectural structures including the effluent polishing plants;

• Temporary site areas, site offices, haul road, storage of construction materials, equipment and plants, hoarding, construction traffic, etc.;

• Potential night-time glare arising from the lighting of construction activities; and

• Dust and construction debris.

9.6.1.9 Sources of Visual Impacts in Operation Phase

• Source of visual impact during operation include the operation of effluent polishing plant and access road; and other landscape maintenance works;

• Increased road traffic and road lighting.

9.6.1.10 The locations and development details of permanent aboveground structures that would cause potential visual impact are summarised in Table 9.9.

Table 9.9 Locations and Development Details of Permanent Aboveground Structures

Location	Approximate Building Height (m) and Level (mPD) of the roof of the structure ^[Note]
Northern Area of the Project Area
Bioreactors	About 11.5m (+35mPD)
Primart Sedimentation Tanks	About 16.5m (+40mPD)
Tertiary Treatment Building	About 16.5m (+40mPD)
Sludge Treatment Building	About 16.5m (+40mPD)
CHP Building	About 16.5m (+40mPD)
Sidestream Building	About 16.5m (+40mPD)
Gas Holder	About 12m (+35.5mPD)
Digester	About 15m (+38.5mPD)
Portal	About 15m (+38.5mPD)
Chemical Dosing Facilities	About 11.5m (+35mPD)
Workshop & Store Room	About 11.5m (+35mPD)
Southern Area of the Project Area
Digester	About 15m (+38.5mPD)
Portal	About 15m (+38.5mPD)
Gas Holder	About 12m (+35.5mPD)
Organic Waste Reception	About 11.5m (+35mPD)
Adminstration Building & Carparks	About 11.5m (+35mPD)

Note: Exact levels, heights and dimensions would be subject to detailed design.

Magintude of Visual Impact

9.6.1.11 The magnitude of visual changes to Key VSR Groups during construction and operation phases is assessed based on the viewing distance, compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape, duration of changes, scale of development, reversibility of change, potential blockage of view as shown in Table 9.10.

9.6.1.12 During construction phase and operation phase, there will be small magnitude of change to VSRs O-01, O-02, R-01, PR-01 & PI-01, mainly because of their medium to long viewing distance, with very little or nearly no/ partial blockage on the view and most of them are mitigated by existing vegetation and greenery from hillside backdrop.

9.6.1.13 The magnitude of change is considered as “intermediate” for VSRs I-01, PO-01 and PI-02 due to its height which located at lower level with their existing view a wide panorama of lush greenery of Tai Lam Country Park and Kung Um Shan as backdrop as backdrop. As proposed structures would become extrusive to their existing view and partial blockage to their view would be resulted.

9.6.1.14 For travelling VSR along Pak Sha Shan Road (T-01) and Kung Um Road (T-02), the magnitude of change during construction and operation will be intermediate in view of the partial blockage of view and the increasing perception of “Scale of Development” along Pak Sha Shan Road and Kung Um Road when travellers travel closer towards the proposed development.

Table 9.10 Magnitude of Visual Impacts during Construction and Operation

VSR ID.	VSR	Sources of Visual Impact	Viewing Distance (m)	Compatibility of the Project with the Surrounding Landscape (High/ Medium/ Low)		Duration of Impacts (Long/ Medium/ Short)		Scale of Development (Large/ Medium/ Small)		Reversibility of Change (Yes/ No)		Potential Blockage of View (Full/ Partial/ Nil)		Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
VSR ID.	VSR	Sources of Visual Impact	Viewing Distance (m)	Const- ruction	Operat- ion	Const-ruction	Operat-ion	Const-ruction	Operat-ion	Const-ruction	Operat-ion	Const-ruction	Operat-ion	Const-ruction	Operat-ion
Existing VSR
R-01	Residents in low-rise residential developments in Tai Tong Wong Nai Tun Tsuen	As listed in Para. 9.6.8 and 9.6.9	300	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Small	Small	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
O-01	Hikers and users at the Tai Lam Country Park (viewing southwest portion of the development)	As listed in Para. 9.6.8 and 9.6.9	350	High	High	Short	Short	Small	Small	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
O-02	Hikers and users near the Tai Lam Country Park Fringe (viewing southeast portion of the development)	As listed in Para. 9.6.8 and 9.6.9	100- 200	Medium	Medium	Short	Short	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
I-01	Workers in open storage/ rural built areas	As listed in Para. 9.6.8 and 9.6.9	100- 150	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
T-01	Travellers along Pak Sha Shan Road	As listed in Para. 9.6.8 and 9.6.9	100-400	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
T-02	Travellers along Kung Um Road	As listed in Para. 9.6.8 and 9.6.9	200	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
Planned VSR under RODP
PR-01	Residents in medium-rise residential developments	As listed in Para. 9.6.8 and 9.6.9	300-400	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Small	Small	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
PO-01	Recreational users in district/ local open space	As listed in Para. 9.6.8 and 9.6.9	150-400	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
PI-01	Students at school in planned new town development	As listed in Para. 9.6.8 and 9.6.9	300-400	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Partial	Small	Small
PI-02	Users in Government facilities in planned new town development	As listed in Para. 9.6.8 and 9.6.9	200	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate

9.7 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

9.7.1.1 Based on the potential landscape and visual impacts identified, a series of landscape and visual mitigation measures in the construction and operation phase are recommended to mitigate any adverse impacts and listed in Table 9.11 and Table 9.12 below. Plan showing the preliminary landscape and visual mitigation measures are illustrated in Figure 9.9.

Table 9.11 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction Phase

ID No.	Preliminary Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency
Applicable to both Landscape and Visual Impacts
CM1	Preservation of Existing Vegetation All the existing vegetation and trees to be retained and not to be affected by the Project shall be carefully protected during construction accordance with DEVB TC(W) No. 4/2020 - Tree Preservation and the latest Guidelines on Tree Preservation during Development issued by GLTMS of DEVB. Any existing vegetation in landscaped areas and natural terrain not to be affected by the Project shall be carefully preserved.	DSD	DSD / Contractor
CM2	Minimize Disturbance on Watercourses The design shall minimize disturbance on watercourses, particularly for natural watercourse. Good site practices as described in ETWB TCW No. 5/2005 “Protection of natural streams/rivers from adverse impacts arising from construction works” shall also be adopted to avoid any pollution entering the watercourses nearby where applicable. Should temporarily or indirect disturbance on watercourse is unavoidable, it shall be reinstated to the satisfaction of relevant Government Departments.	DSD	DSD / Contractor
CM3	Management of Construction Activities and Facilities The facilities and activities at works sites and areas, which include site office, temporary storage areas, temporary works etc., shall be carefully managed and controlled on the height, deposition and arrangement to minimise any potential adverse landscape and visual impacts.	DSD	DSD / Contractor
CM4	Reinstatement of Temporarily Disturbed Landscape Areas All hard and soft landscape areas disturbed temporarily during construction due to temporary excavations, temporary works sites and works areas shall be reinstated to equal or better quality, to the satisfaction of the relevant Government Departments.	DSD	DSD / Contractor
Applicable to Visual Impacts
CM5	Control of Night-time Lighting Glare Any lighting provision of the construction works at night shall be carefully control to prevent light overspill to the nearby VSRs and into the sky. Relevant best practices as suggested in the “Guidelines on Industry Best Practices for External Lighting Installations” promulgated by ENB shall be adopted.	DSD	DSD / Contractor
CM6	Erection of Decorative Screen Hoarding Decorative Hoarding, which is compatible with the surrounding natural settings, shall be erected during construction to minimise the potential landscape and visual impacts due to the construction works and activities.	DSD	DSD / Contractor

Table 9.12 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Operational Phase

ID No.	Preliminary Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency	Maintenance and management agency
Applicable to both Landscape & Visual Impacts
OM1	Compensatory Tree Planting for Loss of Existing Trees Any trees to be removed under the Project shall be compensated in accordance with DEVB TC(W) No. 4/2020 - Tree Preservation. The compensatory plantings shall be realistic, practicable and sustainable with a holistic consideration to balance the quantity and quality of tree planting and follow the “right tree for the right place” principles. The proposed planting species shall be made reference to the Greening Master Plan issued by CEDD and the Street Tree Selection Guide issued by DEVB. Approximately 405 nos. of heavy standard trees are proposed within site under OM1, the exact number and location subject to the detailed design at design and construction stage of this Project.	DSD	DSD / Contractor	DSD
OM2	Roadside and Amenity Planting Roadside amenity trees and understory planting to be planted along EVA and access road within YLSEPP, as green buffers for the new proposed structures. The proposed planting species shall be made reference to the Greening Master Plan issued by CEDD and the Street Tree Selection Guide issued by DEVB.	DSD	DSD	DSD
OM3	Sensitive and Aesthetically Pleasing Design of Aboveground Structures Sensitive and aesthetically pleasing design as regard to the form, material and finishes shall be incorporated to the proposed above-ground structures e.g. effluent polishing plant, etc. Vertical greening shall also be maximised as far as appropriate to provide a source of green visual relief, minimise any potential adverse landscape and visual impacts, and to blend in the structures to the adjacent landscape and visual context.	DSD	DSD / Contractor	DSD
OM4	Enhancement of Landscape Buffer With the retained existing trees surrounding the YLSEPP perimeter, thickening of understory plantings and/ or mounding in YLSEPP will be created as much as possible. For planting to be proposed on slopes, the guidelines for planting stipulated in GEO Publication No. 1/2011 will be followed.	DSD	DSD	DSD
OM5	Provision of Green Roof Green Roof shall be proposed to enhance the landscape quality of the Aboveground Structures including Primary Sedimentation Tanks and mitigate any potential adverse visual impact on adjacent VSRs. The extent of roof greening shall be in accordance with DEVB TC(W) No. 3/2012 – Site Coverage of Greenery for Government Building Projects.	DSD	DSD	DSD
Applicable to Visual Impacts
OM6	Control of Night-time Lighting Glare All the night time lighting shall be avoided except for safety purpose. No light glare shall illuminate directly outside YLSEPP.	DSD	DSD	DSD

9.7.1.2 The following good site practice measures will also be incorporated in the construction phase of the Project: -

· Topsoil, where identified, shall be stripped and stored for re-use in the construction of the soft landscape works.

· Existing trees to be retained on site shall be carefully protected during construction.

9.7.1.3 The mitigation measures for construction phase listed in Table 9.11 shall be implemented as early as possible in order to minimize the landscape impacts in the construction stage. The mitigation measures for operation phase listed in Table 9.12 shall be adopted during the detailed design and be built as part of the construction works at the last stage of the construction period so that they are in place at the date of commissioning of the Project.

9.8 Preliminary Evaluation of Residual Impacts

Landscape Impact

9.8.1.1 The potential significance of the impacts on landscape resources and character areas during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, is provided in Table 9.13. The assessment follows the proposed methodology and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 9.11 and Table 9.12 would be implemented, and the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be realized after ten years.

9.8.1.2 Under the project, it is anticipated that there would be “Slight” impact significance to LR-1.1 and LR2.2, due to their small affected area or low sensitivity. With well-implemented mitigation measures CM1- 4 and OM1-6, they would remain as “Slight” residual impact during construction stage, and would reduce to “Insubstantial” residual impact during day 1 and year 10 of the operation.

9.8.1.3 On the other hand, there would be “Moderate” impact significance to LR-4.1, due to its large affected area and permanent and irreversible change of tree feeling. With well-implemented mitigation measures CM1- 4 and OM1-6, they would remain as “moderate” residual impact during construction stage, and would reduce to “Slight” residual impact during day 1 and further reduce to “Insubstantial” after year 10 of the operation.

9.8.1.4 Among LCAs, only LCA-4.1 Open Storage/ Rural Built Area is affected by the proposed development. It is anticipated that there would be “Moderate” impact significance to LCA-4.1 due to large affected area with permanent and irreversible proposed structures, and removal of existing trees and vegetation. With well-implemented mitigation measures CM1- 4 and OM1-6, they would remain as “Moderate” residual impact during construction stage, “Slight” impact in day 1 of operation and “Insubstantial” during year 10 of operation.

Summary on Recommendation in Broad Brush Tree Survey

9.8.1.5 Among the approximate 402 existing trees, all of the 402 nos. of existing trees will be unavoidably affected by the Project. None of them are OVTs. The major affected tree species include Macaranga tanarius, Ficus microcarpa, Ficus hispida, Sterculia lanceolata, Schefflera heptaphylla, Ficus benjamina, Celtis sinensis, Microcos nervosa, Sapium discolor, Melia azedarach and Leucaena leucocephala. Tree felling in detailed design stage or transplanting is proposed with compensatory planting.

9.8.1.6 Under the proposed scheme for the Project, opportunities for tree compensation within the Project boundary has been fully explored and incorporated in the proposed mitigation measures as much as practicable. Compensatory tree planting in heavy standard size is proposed On-Site and along roadside flat areas. The proposed species are commonly used in roadside environment and be native for areas adjoining hillside area where appropriate, so as to enhance the surrounding landscape and ecological value. Reference could be made to Greening Master Plan issued by CEDD and Street Tree Selection Guide promulgated by DEVB. Tree Preservation and Removal Proposals including compensation planting scheme shall be submitted in accordance with DEVB TC(W) No. 4/2020 - Tree Preservation.

9.8.1.7 Within the project boundary, a minimum of 405 nos. of heavy standard trees will be proposed On-Site. Mix of native tree species will be proposed in reference to Guiding Principles on Use of Native Plant Species in Public Works Projects promulgated by DEVB. The indicative location for compensatory tree planting is shown in Figure 9.9.

9.8.1.8 Provision of compensation greenery (include compensation tree planting, provision of vegetated roof and vertical greening etc.) is maximised as far as appropriate to provide a source of green visual relief for residents and viewers from surrounding area, as well as to improve the vegetation diversity, enhance ecological value and re-creation of vegetation habitat particular for areas adjoining the hillside area.

Visual Impact

9.8.1.9 The potential significance of the visual impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, is provided in Table 9.14. The assessment followed the proposed methodology and assumed that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 9.11 and Table 9.12 above would be implemented, and the full effect of the visual mitigation measures should be realized after ten years.

9.8.1.10 Under this project, it is anticipated that VSRs PR-01 and PO-01 would experience “moderate” impact significance threshold before mitigation, due to their medium viewing distance from the project site with sensitivity ranged from 150m to 400m. The residual impacts on the above VSRs after mitigation would remain as “moderate” during construction; and reduced to “slight” during day1 of operation; and would further diminish to “insubstantial” when the proposed roadside and amenity planting become mature during year 10 of operation.

9.8.1.11 Residential VSR R-01, Occupational VSR I-01, PI-01 and PI-02, would experience “moderate” impact significance threshold before mitigation, due to their low to medium viewing distance ranging from 100 to 300m and the viewing angle at the project site. The residual impacts after mitigation would remain “moderate” during construction; and then the impact would reduce to “slight” and further reduced to “insubstantial” at year 10 of operation for all of the VSRs when the proposed landscape works for compensatory tree planting, roadside planting and green roof become mature during year 10 of operation.

9.8.1.12 Travelling VSRs T-01 and T-02 would experience “moderate” impact significance threshold before mitigation, due to its non-static viewing distance (from short to long-distance depend on where the travellers are being) but in transient nature. After mitigation, both T-01 and T-02 would be remain “moderate” during construction; and then the impact would reduce to “slight” and further reduced to “insubstantial” when the proposed landscape works include roadside and amenity planting and vertical green become mature during year 10 of operation.

9.8.1.13 Both VSRs O-01 and O-02 would experience “slight” impact significance threshold before mitigation due to their long viewing distance and the partial blockage of view from their perspectives. Both O-01 and O-02 would be remain “slight” during construction and their residual impact on day1 and year10 of operation would reduce to “insubstantial” in view of the proposed greenroof helps soften the structures and proposed tree planting become mature.

Table 9.13 Significance of Landscape Impacts during Construction and Operation Phases

ID No.	Landscape Resource / Character Areas	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Change (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance before Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Significance of Residual Impact (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation
		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Day 1	Year 10
Landscape Resources
LR-1.1	Hillside Shrubland and Grassland	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1- 4, OM1-6	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-1.2	Mixed Woodland/Plantation	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-2.1	Watercourse	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-2.2	Modified Watercourse	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1- 4, OM1-6	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-3.1	Landscape Areas in Village Type Development	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-3.2	Active Agricultural Land	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-3.3	Orchard	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-3.4	Pond	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-4.1	Landscape Areas in Open Storage/Rural Built Area	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1- 4, OM1-6	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LR-4.2	Lowland Mixed Trees, Shrubland, Grassland/Marsh	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Landscape Character Areas
LCA-1	Upland and Hillside Landscape	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA-2	Settled Valley Landscape	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA-3	Urban Peripheral Village Landscape	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA-4.1	Open Storage/ Rural Built Area	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1- 4, OM1-6	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LCA-4.2	Lowland Agricultural Land	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

Table 9.14 Significance of Visual Impacts during Construction and Operation Phases

ID. No.	Key VSRs	Representing VP	Receptor Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Change (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance Threshold BEFORE Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance Threshold AFTER Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
			Receptor Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)							Construction	Operation
			Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	DAY 1	YEAR 10
R-01	Residents in low-rise residential developments in Tai Tong Wong Nai Tun Tsuen	VP1 & VP2	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM3 - 6 & OM3, 5, 6	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
O-01	Hikers and users at the Tai Lam Country Park (viewing southwest portion of the development)	VP4	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1 – 5 & OM1 – 6	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-02	Hikers and users near the Tai Lam Country Park (viewing the southeast portion of the development)	VP3	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1 – 5 & OM1 – 6	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
I-01	Workers in open storage/ rural built areas	VP5	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1 – 6 & OM1 – 6	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
T-01	Travelers along Pak Sha Shan Road	VP1 & VP2	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM3, 4, 6 & OM2, 3, 5, 6	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
T-02	Travelers along Kung Um Road	VP1 & VP2	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM3, 4, 6 & OM2, 3, 5, 6	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
PR-01	Residents in medium-rise residential developments	VP5	High	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1 – 6 & OM 1 – 6	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
PO-01	Recreational users in district/ local open space	VP2	Medium	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM 1 – 6 & OM1 - 6	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
PI-01	Students at school in planned new town development	VP1	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM 1 – 6 & OM1 - 6	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
PI-02	Users in Government facilities in planned new town development	VP2	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM 1 – 6 & OM1 - 6	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial

Figure 9.1	Outline Zoning Plan
Figure 9.2	Revised Recommended Outline Development Plan (RODP)
Figure 9.3	Landscape Resources Overlaid with Proposed Layout
Figure 9.4-9.4.1	Landscape Resource Photos
Figure 9.5	Landscape Character Areas with Development Proposal Overlaid
Figure 9.6	Landscape Character Area Photos
Figure 9.7	Visual Envelope and Key VSRs with Development Proposal Overlaid
Figure 9.8	Photos of Key Viewpoints
Figure 9.9	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Plan
Figure 9.10	Photomontage Viewpoint 1
Figure 9.11	Photomontage Viewpoint 2
Figure 9.12	Photomontage Viewpoint 3
Figure 9.13	Photomontage Viewpoint 4
Figure 9.14	Photomontage Viewpoint 5