7. Visual

7.1 Introduction

In accordance with Clause 3.4.7 and Appendix F Requirements for Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) of the EIA Study Brief, a VIA has been conducted based on mapping with a Geographic Information System (GIS) and field surveys to help identify the existing conditions so as to be able to assess the potential visual impacts during construction and operation and glare associated with the light sources of the Project. The VIA presented here covers the elements of the Project that are located above sea level.

7.2 Legislative Requirements and Evaluation Criteria

This VIA has been prepared according to Clause 2.1 (vi), Clause 3.2.1 (vi), Clause 3.4.7 and Appendix F of the EIA Study Brief.

Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) legislation (Cap.499, S.16) and the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process (EIAO-TM), particularly Annexes 10 (Criteria for Evaluating Visual and Landscape Impact, and Impact on Sites of Cultural Heritage) and 18 (Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment) have been referred to in carrying out this assessment.

In addition, the following standards and guidelines have been referred to for assessing the visual impacts associated with the Project:

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

n Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) issued by the Planning Department (November 2015), in particular Chapter 11 Urban Design Guidelines;

n Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong.

7.3 Review of Existing Planning and Development Control Framework

The Project site is located at the waters of Wong Chuk Kok Hoi in the Northeast New Territories (Figure 7.1). It is located within the Geopark (Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region) and is adjacent to Yan Chau Tong Marine Park (Figure 7.2).

7.4 Methodology

7.4.1 Baseline

The Assessment Area for visual impact assessment shall be defined by the Visual Envelope of the Project. A Visual Envelope is an area within which views of the Project will be possible. Identification of the visual envelope has been achieved by site visit and desk-top study of topographic maps and photographs, and GIS analysis, to determine potential visibility of the Project from various locations. GIS analysis uses known data regarding the proposed built structures to model the area that can potentially see the developments. It should be noted that GIS analysis uses topographic data as a baseline, disregarding existing built forms and vegetation which reduce the actual visual envelope. Figure 7.1 illustrates the GIS Visual Envelope for this Project.

The visual envelope of the Project site is determined based on its potential dimensions of 750 m x 450 m across the horizontal plane, with FCZ facilities no higher than 3 m in height above water (except during maintenance). Considering that the visual impact of this Project would be mainly associated with the horizontal field of view of fish farms, it is proposed to use the horizontal field of view of individual fish farms within the whole FCZ area when assessing the visual extent of impact for this Project.

Figure 7.1 also gives an indication of how far viewers are from the Project site. As a viewer moves further away from the Project site, the visual impact decreases until it is no longer visible. However, before the point of invisibility is reached, the FCZ would have reduced in scale such that it no longer has a significant visual effect on the view.

Boxes 1 and 2 below show that for an individual fish farm, the horizontal field of view will be visually dominant for distance <170 m and insignificant further than 2.3 km away, whereas the vertical field of view will be visually evident for distance <70m and insignificant for distance >340 m. Therefore, the maximum distance which the fish farm is considered insignificant will be at >2.3 km.

7.4.2 Identification of Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) and Vantage Points (VPs)

Having determined the Assessment Area for the VIA, VSRs have been broadly identified within the visual envelope. VSRs may include the people who would reside, work, play within, or travel through the Assessment Area and be potentially under the impact of the proposed Project.

Subsequently Vantage Points, or Viewpoints (VPs), were selected. VPs are positions selected to represent some potential VSRs from where the proposed Project can be viewed, and are selected to help illustrate the visual change that would be brought about by the proposed Project. The VPs have been selected to ensure that in combination they give a good overall representation of how the Project will appear to different types of VSRs, both near and far and at sea level as well as lower and higher ground elevations.

7.4.3 VSR Sensitivity

Assessment of the sensitivity of VSRs is influenced by a number of factors including the following:

n Type of VSR. VSRs are categorized according to whether the viewer is at home, at work or school, at play or leisure, or travelling (ranked by the major VSR types, as described below):

- Occupational VSRs – These VSRs are people working or in education in the area, who view the proposed Project from their workplace or education centre. Visual amenity is in general not considered a top priority within the average workplace and these VSRs are considered to be relatively less sensitive than residential VSRs as their view will have a less important, although still material, effect on their perception of quality of life. The degree to which this applies to workers depends on whether their location is industrial, retail or commercial. The VSRs in industrial areas, such as factories, are generally considered to be the least sensitive, due to the relatively low quality of their existing view in an industrial area.

- Recreational VSRs – These VSRs are people engaging in recreational activities such as hikers on established trails and footpaths, recreational fishers near the coast and outlying islands. Sensitivity of these VSRs depends on duration of stay, nature of the activity and how enclosed the location is.

- Travelling VSRs – These VSRs are people travelling on marine vessels. They have varying sensitivity depending on the speed, nature and frequency of travel, but are generally considered to be transitory to the area with less regard for the surrounding views and with low sensitivity.

n Number of individuals (ranked as very many, many, few or very few);

n Quality of existing view (ranked as good, fair or poor);

n Availability of alternative views (ranked as yes or no);

n Degree of visibility (ranked as full, partial or glimpse);

n Duration of view (ranked as long, medium or short); and

n Frequency of view (ranked as frequent, occasional or rare).

The sensitivity of each VSR is based on the values of all the above factors in totality and classified as follows:

n High: The VSR is highly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.

n Medium: The VSR is moderately sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.

n Low: The VSR is only slightly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.

7.4.4 Identification and Assessment of Impacts

The magnitude of change caused by a visual impact is quantified according to a number of factors including the following:

n Distance between the closest source of impact and the VSR (given in meters);

n Scale of the development. This is assessed using a number of factors, including: absolute dimensions of new built structures visible to the VSR; relative dimensions of the new built structures compared to other structures visible to the VSRs in their existing view (ranked as small, medium or large);

n Potential blockage of view (ranked as full, partial or nil);

n Duration of the impacts (ranked as temporary or permanent);

n Compatibility of the Project and associated works with the existing and planned landscape in the vicinity (ranked as good, fair or poor); and

n Reversibility of change (ranked as reversible or irreversible).

The magnitude of change caused by visual impacts on each VSR is based on the values of all the above factors in totality and classified as follows:

n Large: VSRs would suffer a major change in their viewing experience.

n Intermediate: VSRs would suffer a moderate change in their viewing experience.

n Small: VSRs would suffer a small change in their viewing experience.

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

7.4.5 Ranking Significance of Impact

By understanding the magnitude of change caused by the various impacts and the sensitivity of the various sensitive receivers, it is possible to categorize impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 7.1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely insignificant, slight, moderate, and substantial, depending on the combination of a magnitude of change and sensitivity of sensitive receiver.

Table 7.1 Relationship between receptor sensitivity and magnitude of change in defining impact significance

		Magnitude of Change
		Negligible	Small	Intermediate	Large
Receptor Sensitivity (VSR)	Low	Insignificant	Slight	Slight / Moderate*	Moderate
	Medium	Insignificant	Slight / Moderate*	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial*
	High	Insignificant	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial*	Substantial

* In those instances where the lower level of impact is predicted, this will be justified in the description of the impact

The four thresholds for the degree of significance are explained below. Noting impacts can be either adverse or beneficial, it should be noted that any impacts described in the text of the Report are assumed to be adverse unless specifically identified otherwise.

n Substantial: Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposed Project will cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality.

n Moderate: Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposed Project will cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality.

n Slight: Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposed Project will cause barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality.

n Insignificant: No discernible change in the existing landscape quality

7.4.6 Mitigation Measures

Having identified and ranked the significance of potential impacts, measures, if required, will be proposed to mitigate the impacts. Firstly, means by which impacts can be avoided will be considered, then possible means that might reduce the impact magnitude, and also measures that potentially enhance existing visual quality. To ensure their effectiveness throughout the construction and operation phases of the Project and associated works, the relevant responsible parties for the implementation and management / maintenance of the proposed mitigation measures will be identified as appropriate.

As outlined in Section 7.1, the photomontages will illustrate options of design schemes as well as mitigation measures by showing baseline conditions, Day 1 with no mitigation measures, Day 1 with mitigation measures and Year 10 with mitigation measures.

7.4.7 Acceptability of Visual Impacts

An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of visual impacts in accordance with the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM will be provided, considering the guidelines in paragraph 3.11 of Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance GN No. 8/2010.

7.5 Visual Baseline Conditions

As detailed in Figure 7.1, Figure 7.3 and Figure 7.4, the indicative location of the Project site is about 2 km northeast of Plover Cove Country Park and 1.8 km southeast of Yan Chau Tong Marine Park. The Project is located in a relatively open sea area with high degree of visibility to a large area from a visual perspective.

The Project site will be visible to east facing coastline of Wong Chuk Kok Hoi, north facing coastline on Wong Wan Chau and elevated areas of Plover Cove Country Park. Visitors and hikers at Plover Cove Country Park, Yan Chau Tong Marine Park, and Wong Chuk Kok Hoi, and marine seafarers such as ferry passengers and fishermen, will have view to the Project site (Figure 7.1).

Overall, the VSRs have been identified within the predicted Visual Envelope, including three types as identified in the methodology: recreational, occupational and travelling. The VSRs include receivers at ground level, sea level and on elevated ground. The quality of most existing views for these VSRs affected by the FCZ, are generally good, respectively, with a high degree of visibility to natural views containing limited or no anthropogenic structures. The details of VSRs are summarised in Table 7.2 which includes their sensitivity.

Table 7.2 VSRs within the Predicted Visual Envelope

VSR ID / Representative VP	Representative VP	VSR Type	Distance with the FCZ (m)	Quality of Existing View	Alternative Views	Receiver Population	Duration of View	Frequency of View	Degree of Visibility	Sensitivity
VSR 1 – Hikers / recreational viewers from elevated areas of Plover Cove Country Park / Tolo Channel (Northern Coast SSSI)	VP1	Recreational	3,140	Good	Yes	Few	Short	Occasional	Full	Medium
VSR 2 – Visitors at Yan Chau Tong Marine Park and Hung Shek Mun	VP2	Recreational	1,810	Good	Yes	Few	Short	Occasional	Full	Medium
VSR 3a – Fishermen working / travelling to Wong Wan FCZ	VP3	Occupational	944	Good	Yes	Few	Long	Frequent	Full	Medium
VSR 3b – Users of Outward Bound Hong Kong	VP3	Recreational	944	Good	Yes	Few	Short	Occasional	Full	Medium
VSR 4 – Visitors / Seafarers at Wong Chuk Kok Hoi and travelling to Northeastern waters in Hong Kong	VP4	Traveling	955	Good	Yes	Few	Short	Occasional	Full	Medium

7.6 Selected VPs to Represent VSRs

As shown in Figure 7.1, computer modelling suggests sections of coastal areas near Plover Cove Country Park, Double Island fall within the visible area for the Project site. Broad VSR areas and specific locations of VPs are illustrated in Figure 7.1 and 7.3. It should be noted that Double Island to the north of the Project site is not accessible by public transport and there is no dedicated hiking trail on Double Island. Therefore, there is no additional viewpoint identified to the north of the Project site. In addition, the immediate southern part of the Project site is Plover Cove Country Park, which is represented by VSR1 (i.e. hikers / recreational visitors from elevated areas of Plover Cove Country Park / Tolo Channel). Therefore, there is no additional viewpoint identified to the south of the Project site.

Generally VPs have been selected to represent the most affected VSRs and a total of 4 nos. of VPs have been selected from which to develop photomontages. Figure 7.1 and 7.3 show the suggested VP locations and their corresponding details are provided below. Figure 7.4 shows the aerial photos of the suggested VP locations. Figure 7.5a&b – 7.8a&b show the existing conditions of VP1 – VP4.

VPs selected to represent VSRs of the proposed Wong Chuk Kok Hoi FCZ

Views from Marine Park, Country Park and Scenic Lookouts

VP1 – Viewpoint along Plover Cove Country Park Trail. VP1 is selected to represent hikers from elevated areas of Plover Cove Country Park. The selected VP is located at one of the popular hiking trails in Wong Chuk Kok Hoi that provides a panoramic view of the bay including the location of the proposed Wong Chuk Kok Hoi FCZ. It is located approximately 3,140 m southwest of the Project site. Table 7.2 shows the value and quality of view of the sea from this VP is considered to be good. This VSR has alternative views to the sea. The number of VSRs is few due to the limited number of hikers visiting the country park. The duration and frequency of view is short and occasional as this VSR only spends a limited amount of time along the trail during holidays. This VSR has a full degree of visibility with a high altitude. Therefore, VSR 1 is considered to have medium sensitivity.

VP2 - Yan Chau Tong Marine Park and Hung Shek Mun. VP2 is located within the Yan Chau Tong Marine Park and in the vicinity of Hung Shek Mun. This VP is selected to represent visitors that will travel within the marine park and near the Hung Shek Mun coastline dominated by red sedimentary rocks. It is located approximately 1,810 m west of the Project site. Table 7.2 shows the value and quality of view of the sea from this VP is considered to be good. This VSR has alternative views to the sea. The number of VSRs is few due to the limited number of tourists visiting Yan Chau Tong Marine Park and Hung Shek Mun. The duration and frequency of view is short and occasional as this VSR only spends a limited amount of time along the trail during holidays. This VSR has a full degree of visibility. Therefore, VSR 2 is considered to have medium sensitivity.

Views from Other FCZ and Marine Waters

VP3 – Wong Wan FCZ and areas in vicinity. VP3 is selected to represent fishermen travelling to or working at the Wong Wan FCZ (VSR 3a) and users of Outward Bound Hong Kong (VSR 3b). Water sports, such as kayaking are common at waters around Outward Bound Hong Kong and the nearby coastal area. It is located approximately 944 m west of the Project site. Table 7.2 shows the value and quality of view of the sea from this VP is considered to be good. Both VSRs have alternative views to the sea. The number of both VSRs is few due to the limited number of fishermen travelling to or working at the Wong Wan, and users of Outward Bound Hong Kong. Both VSR have a full degree of visibility. For fishermen travelling to or working at the Wong Wan FCZ (VSR 3a), although they have long and frequent view of the Project, they are occupational VSR, who would mainly focus much on work, hence having medium sensitivity. For users of Outward Bound Hong Kong (VSR 3b), although they have short and occasional view of the Project, they are recreational VSR, who aim to enjoy the view, hence having medium sensitivity.

VP4 – Wong Chuk Kok Hoi Waters. VP4 is selected to represent viewers on the sea (e.g. recreational vessels, fishermen) travelling between Wong Chuk Kok Hoi and Hung Shek Mun, and when visiting the Yan Chau Tong Marine Park. It is located approximately 955 m northeast of the Project site. Table 7.2 shows the value and quality of view of the sea from this VP is considered to be good. This VSR has alternative views to the sea. The number of VSRs is few due to the limited number of visitors and seafarers at Wong Chuk Kok Hoi and travelling to Northeastern. The duration and frequency of view is short and occasional. This VSR has a full degree of visibility. Therefore, VSR 4 is considered to have medium sensitivity.

7.7 Identification of Impacts

Section 2 provides an overview of the Project. The key components which may cause visual impacts are listed below. Construction visual impacts are expected to be minimal and may be caused by:

n Setup of fish rafts / cages, which includes: on-site assembly and anchoring of the fish rafts/ cages, small number of marine vessels will be used as supporting vessels; and

n Provision of auxiliary facilities, such as storage and shelters for fish farmers.

Operational visual impacts are expected to be minimal and arise from:

n The presence and operation of the FCZ, including night time lighting for the sake of safety purpose.

The construction of the Project site, including towing the fish rafts / cages to the Site, assembly and anchoring of the fish rafts / cages and provision of auxiliary facilities would normally take a few weeks for each fish raft.

During operation phase, as mentioned in Section 2.6.2, four types of advanced aquaculture technologies, i.e. floating gravity cage; submersible gravity cage; integrated multi-trophic aquaculture; and semi-submersible steel truss cage, are considered suitable for this Project. Since the materials adopted in the fish rafts / cages are durable compared to traditional cages, the operation of the fish rafts / cages in the Project site based on advanced aquaculture technologies would be more than 10 years without major repair.

7.8 Visual Impact Assessment Prior to Mitigation

As illustrated in Figures 7.1, 7.3 and 7.4, the predicted Visual Envelope for the Project is relatively large and the VSR groups have been identified. Four representative VPs have been selected to represent these VSRs.

Photomontages have been prepared from the VPs to illustrate the existing conditions, as well as conceptual visual impacts, for all of: impacts at Day 1 of operation without implementation of mitigation / enhancement measures; impacts at Day 1 of operation with implementation of mitigation / enhancement measures and residual impacts at Year 10 of operation with implementation of mitigation / enhancement measures. The photomontages supplement the visual changes described in the text. Photomontages showing the presence of the FCZ help illustrate that the magnitude of visual change for all VSRs are negligible to intermediate. Those VSRs that are closer to the FCZ are expected to experience relatively higher magnitude of change. It should be noted that detailed information on the type of advanced aquaculture technologies as well as the number, size and separation distance of the fish rafts / cages is not available at the current stage. Such information will only be available during the later detailed design stage, subject to the mariculturists’ proposals on the type of advanced technologies to suit their business need for agreement with AFCD. The photomontages are thus prepared for illustration purpose only.

7.8.1 VSR 1 – Hikers / Recreational Viewers from Elevated Areas of Plover Cove Country Park / Tolo Channel (Northern Coast SSSI) (VP1)

The construction of the Project will take a few weeks for each fish raft. Despite the considerable distance to the Project (3,140 m), since the viewpoint is at a high altitude, the construction activities will be noticeable, and the magnitude of change is considered small. The resulting significance during construction is considered slight.

The photomontage in Figure 7.5a&b shows the Project site from this viewpoint. Since the FCZ facilities will not be higher than 3 m in height above water (except during maintenance), only the upper part of the fish rafts / cages would be exposed above the water, they would only block part of the view, and the scale of development is small. As the fish rafts / cages will be noticeable on the open water, they have fair compatibility with the surrounding seascape. The duration of impact is temporary during construction phase and permanent during operation phase; and the impact is reversible for both phases. Despite the considerable distance to the Project (3,140 m), since the viewpoint is at a high altitude, the magnitude of change is considered small. The resulting significance during operation is considered slight.

7.8.2 VSR 2 – Visitors at Yan Chau Tong Marine Park and Hung Shek Mun (VP2)

The construction of the Project will take a few weeks for each fish raft. Due to the considerable distance (1,810 m) to the Project, the construction activities will not be noticeable, and the magnitude of change is considered negligible. The resulting significance during construction is considered insignificant.

The photomontage in Figure 7.6a&b shows the Project site from this viewpoint. Since the FCZ facilities will not be higher than 3 m in height above water (except during maintenance), only the upper part of the fish rafts / cages would be exposed above the water, and the scale of development is small. As the fish rafts / cages will be noticeable on the open water, they have fair compatibility with the surrounding seascape. The duration of impact is temporary during construction phase and permanent during operation phase; and the impact is reversible for both phases. Given there is a considerable distance to the Project (1,810 m), the viewpoint is horizontal to WCKH, and the FCZ facilities’ above water heights are limited to 3 m (except during maintenance), the magnitude of change is considered negligible. The resulting significance during operation is considered insignificant.

7.8.3 VSR 3a and VSR 3b – Fishermen Working / Travelling to Wong Wan FCZ and Users of Outward Bound Hong Kong (VP3)

The construction of the Project will take a few weeks for each fish raft. Despite the short distance (944 m) to the Project, since the viewpoint is horizontal to WCKH and the construction activities will not be noticeable, and the magnitude of change is considered negligible. For fishermen working / travelling to Wong Wan FCZ (VSR 3a), although they have long and frequent view of the Project, they are occupational VSR, who would mainly focus much on work, hence having medium sensitivity. For users of Outward Bound Hong Kong (VSR 3b), although they have short and occasional view of the Project, they are recreational VSR, who aim to enjoy the view, hence having medium sensitivity. Therefore, the resulting significance during construction is considered insignificant for both VSRs.

The photomontage in Figure 7.7a&b shows the Project site from this viewpoint. Since the FCZ facilities above water will not be higher than 3 m in height (except during maintenance), only the upper part of the fish rafts / cages would be exposed above the water, and the scale of development is small. As the fish rafts / cages will be noticeable on the open water, they have fair compatibility with the surrounding seascape. The duration of impact is temporary during construction phase and permanent during operation phase; and the impact is reversible for both phases. Despite the short distance to the Project (944 m), since the viewpoint is horizontal to WCKH, and the FCZ facilities’ above water heights are limited to 3 m (except during maintenance), the magnitude of change is considered negligible. As suggested in the previous section, fishermen working / travelling to Wong Wan FCZ and users of Outward Bound Hong Kong are considered to have medium sensitivity. Therefore, the resulting significance during operation is considered insignificant for both VSRs.

7.8.4 VSR 4 – Visitors / Seafarers at Wong Chuk Kok Hoi and travelling to Northeastern waters in Hong Kong (VP4)

The construction of the Project will take a few weeks for each fish raft. However, due to the short distance (955 m) to the Project, the construction activities will be noticeable, and the magnitude of change is considered small. The resulting significance during construction is considered slight.

The photomontage in Figure 7.8a&b shows the Project site from this viewpoint. Since the FCZ facilities will not be higher than 3 m in height above water (except during maintenance), only the upper part of the fish rafts / cages would be exposed above the water, they would only block part of the view, and the scale of development is small. As the fish rafts / cages will be noticeable on the open water, they have fair compatibility with the surrounding seascape. The duration of impact is temporary during construction phase and permanent during operation phase; and the impact is reversible for both phases. Due to the short distance to the Project (955 m), the magnitude of change is considered slight. The resulting significance during operation is considered small.

Table 7.3 details magnitude of change expected for each VSR. Based on the magnitude of change and the baseline sensitivities given to each VSR, a summary of the visual impacts prior to mitigation is provided in Table 7.4 and impacts are considered to be adverse and acceptable unless stated otherwise.

Table 7.3 Magnitude of Change

VSR ID / Representative VP	Representative VP	Distance with the FCZ (m)	Blockage of View (Full / Partial / Nil)	Scale of Development (Large / Medium / Small)	Compatibility with Surrounding Seascape (Good / Fair / Poor)	Duration of Impact (Temporary / Permanent)	Reversibility of Impact (Reversible / Irreversible)	Magnitude of Change (Large / Intermediate / Small / Negligible)
VSR ID / Representative VP	Representative VP	Distance with the FCZ (m)	Blockage of View (Full / Partial / Nil)	Scale of Development (Large / Medium / Small)		Duration of Impact (Temporary / Permanent)	Reversibility of Impact (Reversible / Irreversible)	Construction	Operation
VSR 1 – Hikers / recreational viewers from elevated areas of Plover Cove Country Park / Tolo Channel (Northern Coast SSSI)	VP1	3,140	Partial	Small	Fair	Construction phase: Temporary; Operation phase: Permanent	Reversible for both construction and operation phases	Small	Small
VSR 2 – Visitors at Yan Chau Tong Marine Park and Hung Shek Mun	VP2	1,810	Partial	Small	Fair	Construction phase: Temporary; Operation phase: Permanent	Reversible for both construction and operation phases	Negligible	Negligible
VSR 3a – Fishermen working / travelling to Wong Wan Chau FCZ	VP3	944	Partial	Small	Fair	Construction phase: Temporary; Operation phase: Permanent	Reversible for both construction and operation phases	Negligible	Negligible
VSR 3b – Users of Outward Bound Hong Kong	VP3	944	Partial	Small	Fair	Construction phase: Temporary; Operation phase: Permanent	Reversible for both construction and operation phases	Negligible	Negligible
VSR 4 – Visitors / Seafarers at Wong Chuk Kok Hoi and travelling to Northeastern waters in Hong Kong	VP4	955	Partial	Small	Fair	Construction phase: Temporary; Operation phase: Permanent	Reversible for both construction and operation phases	Small	Small

Table 7.4 Visual Impacts Prior to Mitigation

VSR ID / Representative VP	Representative VP	VSR Sensitivity	Magnitude of Change (Large / Intermediate / Small / Negligible)		Impact Significance threshold BEFORE Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)
VSR ID / Representative VP	Representative VP	VSR Sensitivity	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
VSR 1 – Hikers / recreational viewers from elevated areas of Plover Cove Country Park / Tolo Channel (Northern Coast SSSI)	VP1	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
VSR 2 – Visitors at Yan Chau Tong Marine Park and Hung Shek Mun	VP2	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR 3a – Fishermen working / travelling to Wong Wan FCZ	VP3	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR 3b – Users of Outward Bound Hong Kong	VP3	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR 4 – Visitors / Seafarers at Wong Chuk Kok Hoi and travelling to Northeastern waters in Hong Kong	VP4	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight

Table 7.5 Un-mitigated and Mitigated Impacts at the VSRs

VSR ID / Representative VP	Un-Mitigated Visual Impact		Recommended Mitigation Measure	Mitigated Impact (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)
VSR ID / Representative VP	Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation Day 1	Operation Year 10
VSR 1 – Hikers / recreational viewers from elevated areas of Plover Cove Country Park / Tolo Channel (Northern Coast SSSI)	Slight	Slight	VM1-4	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR 2 – Visitors at Yan Chau Tong Marine Park and Hung Shek Mun	Insignificant	Insignificant	VM1-4	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR 3a – Fishermen working / travelling to Wong Wan FCZ	Insignificant	Insignificant	VM1-4	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR 3b – Users of Outward Bound Hong Kong	Insignificant	Insignificant	VM1-4	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR 4 – Visitors / Seafarers at Wong Chuk Kok Hoi and travelling to Northeastern waters in Hong Kong	Slight	Slight	VM1-4	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant