12 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

12.1 Introduction

12.1.1 The assessment of potential landscape and visual impacts due to construction and operation of the Project is presented in this chapter.

12.1.2 Landscape and visual impacts were assessed in accordance with the criteria and guidelines as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM) and the Environmental Impact Assessment ordinance (EIAO) Guidance Note No/ 8/2010 on “Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance”.

12.2 Scope and Content of the Study

Assessment Area

12.2.1 The assessment area for landscape impact assessment includes all areas within a 500m from the Project boundary in accordance with EIA Study Brief (No. ESB-346/2021). The assessment area for the visual impact assessment is defined by the visual envelope of the Project. The landscape and visual impact study boundary are shown in Figure Nos. C1603/NOL/ACM/M59/301 and 302. The alternative alignments/design options for the Project considered are discussed in Section 2 of this Report.

Review of Planning Framework

12.2.2 Relevant outline development plan(s), outline zoning plan(s), layout plan(s) or planning briefs and studies which may identify areas of high landscape value and visually sensitive areas should be 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) should be highlighted and appropriate follow-up action should be recommended.

Landscape Impact Assessment

12.2.3 The existing and planned landscape resources and character within the assessment area were described, appraised, analyzed and evaluated. A system is derived for judging landscape and visual impact significance as required under the Technical Memorandum. The sensitivity of the landscape framework and its ability to accommodate change are particularly focused on. The degree of compatibility of the Project with the existing and planned landscape setting was identified. The landscape impact assessment evaluated the potential landscape impact so as to illustrate the significance of such impacts arising from the proposed Project. Clear mapping of the baseline landscape resources, landscape character areas and the landscape impact were provided.

Visual Impact Assessment

12.2.4 The visual impact of the Project was assessed. For aboveground structures of the Project, clear illustrations including mapping of visual impact are provided. The assessment adopts a systematic methodology and includes the following:

I. Identification and plotting of visual envelope of the Project;

II. Appraisal of existing visual resources and character as well as the future outlook of the visual system of the assessment area;

III. Identification and justification of the key groups of existing and planned sensitive receivers within the visual envelope with regard to views from ground level, sea level and elevated vantage points, and clearly indicated the sensitive receivers on a plan of appropriate scale;

IV. Description of the visual compatibility of the Project with the surrounding and the planned setting, and its obstruction and interference with the key views of the study areas, and change in visual amenity;

V. Identification and description of the severity of visual impacts in terms of distance, nature and number of sensitive receivers. The glare impact of the Project was considered in the assessment. Assessment on effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures of visual impacts during the construction and operational phases stages was carried out by comparing the impacts with and without mitigation measures; and

VI. Evaluation and explanation with supportive arguments of factors considered in arriving the significant thresholds of visual impacts. The visual impacts included the presentation of an evaluation matrix derived for judging impact significance.

Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

12.2.5 The merit of preservation in total or in parts of existing landscape and the establishment of a new landscape character are evaluated. Alternative construction methods and / or Project-related works or structure(s) that would avoid or reduce the identified landscape and visual impacts are considered and evaluated for comparison before adopting other mitigation or compensatory measures to alleviate the impacts. The mitigation measures proposed are not only concerned with damage reduction but also included consideration of potential enhancement of the existing landscape and visual quality. Mitigation measures to minimise the adverse effects identified, including provision of a landscape design are recommended.

12.2.6 The mitigation measures such as the preservation and tree transplanting as far as practical, control of night-time lighting glare, erection of decorative screen hoarding that compatible with the surrounding setting, reinstatement of the affected hard and soft landscape area in like-for-like basis, aesthetic design of aboveground structure, provision of finishes to structure, colour scheme and texture of material used, tree compensation, provision of screen planting, roadside amenity planting, roof greening and reprovision of open spaces. Parties are identified for the on-going management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation works to ensure their effectiveness throughout the operation of the Project. A practical programme and funding proposal for the implementation of the recommended measures are provided.

Significance of Landscape and Visual Impact

12.2.7 Annotated illustration such as coloured perspective drawings, plans and section/elevation diagrams, oblique aerial photographs, photographs taken at vantage points and computer-generated photomontage are adopted where appropriate to illustrate the significance of the landscape and visual impacts of the aboveground ancillary structures of the Project.

12.3 Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

12.3.1 The following legislation, standards and guidelines are applicable to landscape and visual impact assessment associated with the construction and operation of the Project:

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

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

· Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131);

· 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 (HKPSG) Chapters 4, 10 and 11;

· Charter on External Lighting;

· Guideline on Industry Best Practices for External Lighting Installations;

· AFCD Nature Conservation Practice Note No. 2 - Measurement of Diameter at Breast Height (DBH);

· AFCD Nature Conservation Practice Note No. 3 - The Use of Plant Names;

· DEVB TC(W) No. 5/2020- Registration and Preservation of Old and Valuable Trees;

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

· DEVB TC(W) No. 6/2015 - Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features;

· DEVB TC(W) No. 9/2020 Blue-Green Drainage Infrastructure;

· LAO PN 6/2023 – Processing of Tree preservation and Removal Proposals for Building Development in Private Projects – Compliance with Tree Preservation Clause under Lease;

· Guidelines on Tree Transplanting (September 2014) issued by Greening, Landscape and Tree Management (GLTM) Section of DevB;

· Guidelines on Tree Preservation during Development (April 2015) issued by GLTM Section of DevB;

· Guidelines for Tree Risk Assessment and Management Arrangement issued by DEVB; and

· Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong.

12.3.2 The Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) gazetted under the Town Planning Ordinance provides the statutory framework for land use development. Reference has been made to the following OZPs: -

· Approved Kam Tin South OZP No. S/YL-KTS/15;

· Approved Nam Sang Wai OZP No. S/YL-NSW/8:

· Draft Kam Tin North OZP No. S/YL-KTN/10 (Amendment to approved Plan No. S/YL-KTN/9);

· Approved Mai Po and Fairview Park OZP No. S/YL-MP/6;

· Approved Ngau Tam Mei OZP No. S/YL-NTM/12;

· Approved San Tin OZP No. S/YL-ST/8;

· Approved Kwu Tung North OZP No. S/KTN/4 (19.9.2023); and

· Approved Kwu Tung South OZP No. S/NE-KTS/19 (Amendments to approved Plan No. S/YL-KTS/18); and

· Draft Tai Tong OZP No. S/YL-TT/19.

12.4 Assessment Methodology

Landscape Impact Assessment Methodology

12.4.1 The landscape impact was assessed according to the following procedures:

· Identification and description of the baseline landscape resources (LR) and landscape characters area (LCA) found within the Assessment area. This is achieved by site visits and desktop study of topographical maps, information databases and photographs.

· Assessment of the degree of sensitivity of the landscape resources (LR) and landscape character area (LCA). This is influenced by a number of factors including whether the resource/character is common or rare, whether it is considered to be of local, regional, national or global importance, whether there are any statutory or regulatory limitations/requirements relating to the resource, the quality of the resource/character, the maturity of the resource and the ability of the resource/character to accommodate change.

The sensitivity of each LR and LCA is classified as follows:

High:	Important landscape resources and landscape character of particularly distinctive in character or high importance, sensitive to relatively small change.
Medium:	Landscape resources and landscape character of moderately valued landscape characteristics reasonably tolerant to change.
Low:	Landscape resources and landscape character, the nature of which is largely tolerant to change.

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

Assessment of the potential magnitude of landscape changes. Factors considered include:

- the compatibility with the surrounding landscape;

- the duration of the impact under construction and operational phases;

- scale of development; and

- reversibility of change.

The magnitude of landscape changes is classified as follows:

Large:	The landscape resources and landscape character would incur a major change.
Intermediate:	The landscape resources and landscape character would incur a moderate change.
Small:	The landscape resources and landscape character would incur slight or barely perceptible change.
Negligible:	The landscape resources and landscape character would incur no discernible change.

· Identification of potential landscape mitigation measures. These may take the form of adopting basic engineering design to prevent and/or minimise adverse landscape impact before adopting other mitigation or compensatory measures to alleviate the impacts. Potential mitigation measures should also include the preservation of vegetation and natural landscape resources, transplanting trees with good condition and high amenity value, enhancement of existing landscape quality by providing of planting with screening, shading and ornamental value, re-vegetation of disturbed lands, compensatory planting, aesthetic design of aboveground structures including provision of finishes, colour scheme, texture of materials used and any measures to mitigate the impact on the existing and planned land use and visually sensitive receivers. A programme for the mitigation measures is provided. The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified.

· Prediction of the significance of impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. Potential mitigation measures suggested would alleviate the landscape impact and enhance the landscape quality by reinstating the disturbed lands and improve the compatibility with the surrounding. By synthesizing the magnitude of the change and the sensitivity of the various LRs and LCAs, it is possible to categorise impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 12.1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely insubstantial, slight, moderate, and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of change and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of landscape resource and character.

Table 12.1 Relationship between Sensitivity and Magnitude of Change in Defining Impact Significance

Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial
	Small	Insubstantial / Slight	Slight / Moderate	Moderate
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
		Low	Medium	High
		Sensitivity of Landscape Resource and Landscape Character Area

Note: All impacts are Adverse unless otherwise noted with Beneficial.

The significance of landscape impact is categorised 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.
Insubstantial:	No discernible change in the existing landscape quality.

· Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts. An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM.

Visual Impact Assessment Methodology

12.4.2 The visual impact was assessed according to the following procedures:

· Identification of the Visual Envelope during the construction and operational phases of the project. This is achieved by site visit and desktop study of topographic maps, photographs and preparation of cross-sections to determine visibility of the Project from various locations.

· Appraisal of existing visual resources and character. The existing visual resources and character as well as the future outlook of the visual system of the assessment area would be appraised. Visual resources such as key views, viewing corridors/viewing directions, harbour and ridgelines, and visual characters would also be identified on plans

· Identification of the VSRs within the Visual Envelope at construction and operational phases. These are the people who would reside within, work within, play within, or travel through, the Visual Envelope.

Assessment of the degree of sensitivity of the VSRs. Factors considered include:

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

- the relative numbers of VSRs will be expressed in terms of whether there are “many”, “medium” and “few” VSRs in any one category of VSR

- other factors which are considered (as required by EIAO GN 8/2010) include the number of VSRs, the value and quality of existing views, the availability and amenity of alternative views, the duration or frequency of view, and the degree of visibility.

The sensitivity of VSRs is classified as follows:

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

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

Assessment of the potential magnitude of visual changes. Factors considered include:

- the compatibility with the surrounding landscape;

- the duration of the impact;

- the potential blockage of view;

- the reversibility of the impact;

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

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

The magnitude of visual changes is 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.
Negligible:	The VSRs would suffer no discernible change in their viewing experience.

· Identification of potential visual mitigation measures. These may take the form of adopting basic engineering design to prevent and/or minimise adverse visual impact before adopting other mitigation or compensatory measures to alleviate the impacts. Potential mitigation measures should also include the preservation of vegetation and natural landscape resources, provision of screen planting, re-vegetation of disturbed lands, compensatory planting, aesthetic design of aboveground structures including provision of finishes, colour scheme, texture of materials used and any measures to mitigate the impact on the existing and planned land use and visually sensitive receivers. A programme for the mitigation measures is provided. The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified.

· Prediction of the significance of visual impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesizing the magnitude of the various visual impact and the sensitivity of the VSR, it is possible to categorise the degree of significance of the impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 12.2 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely, insubstantial, slight, moderate and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of change and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of VSRs.

Table 12.2 Relationship between Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) Sensitivity and Magnitude of Change in Defining Impact Significance

Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial
	Small	Insubstantial / Slight	Slight / Moderate	Moderate
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
		Low	Medium	High
		Sensitivity of Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

Note: All impacts are Adverse unless otherwise noted with Beneficial.

The significance of visual impact is categorised 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.
Insubstantial:	No discernible change in the existing visual quality.

· Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts. An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM.

12.5 Review of Planning Control Framework

12.5.1 A review of the existing and planned development framework for the proposed works and for the surroundings was conducted. It aims to gain an insight to the outlook of area affected, identify potential resources and sensitive receivers, and evaluated the compatibility between the Project, the existing and planned land use setting.

12.5.2 The assessment area is covered by 9 OZPs, including the Approved Kam Tin South OZP No. S/YL-KTS/15, Approved Nam Sang Wai OZP No. S/YL-NSW/8, Draft Kam Tin North OZP No. S/YL-KTN/10, Approved Mai Po and Fairview Park OZP No. S/YL-MP/6, Approved Ngau Tam Mei OZP No. S/YL-NTM/12, Approved San Tin OZP No. S/YL-ST/8, Approved Kwu Tung North Outline Zoning Plan No. S/KTN/4 (19.9.2023), Approved Kwu Tung South Outline Zoning Plan No. S/NE-KTS/19 and Draft Tai Tong OZP No. S/YL-TT/19. The review of OZPs has not only included a review of the plans, but also the ‘Notes’ and “Explanatory Statements” which accompany these plans. The Project overlaid with the corresponding OZPs are shown in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/303 to 317. The land uses zones to be potentially affected by the Project and the future outlook of these areas are discussed in Table 12.3. For land use zones without conflict with the proposed works, it was assumed that there will be no potential changes to the zone.

12.5.3 The KSR(NOL) Station would include an underground station with aboveground concourse and entrances, Back of House (BOH) and ventilation structures. The proposed aboveground structures of KSR(NOL) Station are located within the Other Specific Usage (OU) of the Approved Kam Tin South OZP No. S/YL-KTS/15 which currently serves as transportation related development area. The KSR(NOL) Station is considered as an extension of existing KSR(TML) Station and would have no conflict with current use of facilities.

12.5.4 AUT Station, including an underground station and concourse at the ground level, would be situated along the edges between the rail corridor defined as Other Specified Uses (OU) and the Industrial (Group D), of which area would be developed for the Sha Po Housing Development under latest planning, of the Draft Kam Tin North OZP No. S/YL-KTN/10. The proposed works would conflict with the existing use of facilities.

12.5.5 The NTM Station and Ngau Tam Mei Depot (NTD), including the concourse and entrances at ground level, depot and other railway facilities (e.g. maintenance track and train wash), will be located within the Comprehensive Development Area (CDA) and Residential (Group D) of the Approved Ngau Tam Mei OZP No. S/YL-NTM/12. The future development of NTM was under an on-going study, namely Land Use Review Study for Ngau Tam Mei Area, and the appropriate land use (e.g. railway facilities) was considered in the current study. Therefore it is anticipated that the proposed railway facilities would not conflict with the planned adjacent land uses.

12.5.6 SAT Station is located in-between the Green Belt (GB) and Comprehensive Development Area (CDA) of the Approved Ngau Tam Mei OZP No. S/YL-NTM/12. According to the Recommended Outline Development Plan of San Tin/ Lok Ma Chau Development Node (STLMC DN) (also known as San Tin Technopole), the SAT Station will be at a specified location within the planned STLMC DN and is proposed to be directly below the planned road to minimise the interface with the adjacent planned developments.

12.5.7 The KTU(NOL) Station, together with the KTU(EAL) Station under Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, will be located at the core Town Centre of Kwu Tung New Development Area (KTN NDA) and within the Other Specified Usage (OU) annotated “Railway Associated Facilities” Zone” of the Approved Kwu Tung North OZP No. S/KTN/4 (19.9.2023). The proposed layout is part of the master planning strategy of the Kwu Tung North New Development Area (KTN NDA). Hence, the proposed structure of KTU(NOL) Station would not have conflict with the planned land use.

12.5.8 Apart from the construction of the Stations along the NOL alignment, several ancillary buildings (ABs) for ventilation / emergency access / egress along the alignment are proposed. The proposed number of ABs were minimised as far as practicable for satisfaction of operational requirements. The ABs are mainly within the Comprehensive Development Area (CDA), Other Specified Usage (OU), Open Storage (OS) and Government, Institution or Community (G/IC) of the approved / drafted OZPs.

12.5.9 In addition, a temporary explosive magazine site at Tai Shu Ha would occupy a small portion CA Zone of Draft Tai Tong OZP No. S/YL-TT/19. Considering that the proposed works would have similar nature with current usage, it would not have conflict with the current land use.

Table 12.3 Summary of the Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

OZP Plan Title and No.⁽¹⁾	Land Use Zoning	Approx. Area⁽²⁾ within 500m Assessment Area (ha)	Area Affected⁽³⁾ (ha) (Approx. % of Zoning Affected)	Potential Change to the OZP and the Anticipated Future Outlook of the Area due to the Project
Approved Kam Tin South OZP No. S/YL-KTS/15 (11/12/2018)	Other Specified Uses (OU)	42	7.4 (17%)	Existing vegetation abutting the existing KSR(TML) Station will be permanently removed to provide works sites for the construction of KSR(NOL) Station and associated aboveground structures. Since the existing area is part of the railway development, while the proposed works required for supporting the future operation and maintenance of the railway would match with the existing usages. Hence, there will be no potential change to this zone. The location of affected area is mapped in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/305 to 306.
Approved Kam Tin South OZP No. S/YL-KTS/15 (11/12/2018)	Agriculture (AGR)	52.3	0.5 (<1%)	Works area for the construction of KSR(NOL) Station and associated aboveground structure. Upon the completion of works, it is assumed that the affected temporarily affected area would be reinstated. Hence, there will be no potential change to this zone. The location of affected area is mapped in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/305 to 306.
Approved Nam Sang Wai OZP No. S/YL-NSW/8 (27/10/2006)	Major Road and Junction	19.6	0.3 (1.5%)	Small portion of area within this zone would be taken up as works site for temporary CLP substation. Some of the existing vegetation would be temporarily removed for the proposed works. Upon the completion of works, the affected vegetation would be reinstated. There will be no potential change to this zone. The location of affected area is mapped in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/307 to 309.
	Open Space	8.6	0.2 (2.8%)	Small portion of area within this zone would be taken up as works site for temporary CLP substation. Some of the existing vegetation would be temporarily removed for the proposed works. Upon the completion of works, the affected vegetation would be reinstated. There will be no potential change to this zone. The location of affected area is mapped in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/307 to 309.
	Open Storage	5.4	0.05 (1%)	Small portion of area within this zone would be taken up as works site for temporary CLP substation. Some of the existing vegetation would be temporarily removed for the proposed works. Upon the completion of works, the affected vegetation would be reinstated. There will be no potential change to this zone. The location of affected area is mapped in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/307 to 309.
Draft Kam Tin North OZP No. S/YL-KTN/10 (06/01/2023)	Comprehensive Development Area (CDA)	57	1.7 (3.8%)	Small portion of the space within CDA would be taken up for the construction of Shui Mei Road Ancillary Building (SMA), Pok Wai Ancillary Building (PWA) and Long Ha Tsuen Ancillary Building (LHA). Upon completion of works, the disturbed landscape would be reprovisioned. There will be no potential change to this zone. The location of affected area is mapped in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/307 to 309
	Government, Institution, or Community (G/IC)	6.7	0.58 (8.6%)	A portion of the area at the edge of this zone will be temporarily used as works site and works area for the construction of Shui Mei Road Ancillary Building (SMA). Small portion of vegetated area and abandoned fishpond would be removed. Considering that the proposed structure would be small in scale and localised, there would be no impact on the current land use. The location of affected area is mapped in Figure No. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/307.
	Industrial (Group D) (I(D))	10.59	1 (9.5%)	Some of the existing warehouse or open storage area within this zone would be permanently demolished to provide space for the construction of AUT Station. Considering that only about 8% of the zone would be affected, there would be no potential change to this zone. The location of affected area is mapped in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/308 to 309.
	Other Specified Uses (OU) – Railway Reserve	18.1	3 (16.8%)	A portion of area within this zone would be occupied by the proposed works site and area of AUT Station, SMA, PWA and LHA. Considering that most of the works would be temporary in nature and shall reinstated after the completion of works subject to the future development. Hence, there would be no potential change to this zone. The location of affected area is mapped in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/307 to 309.
Approved Ngau Tam Mei OZP No. S/YL-NTM/12 (05/12/2006)	Comprehensive Development Area (CDA)	53	15 (28%)	Relatively massive land take for the works site and works area of NTD and SAT Stations. Existing elements would be permanently demolished. Apart from the railway related development, the adjacent area was being reviewed under Land Use Review Study for Ngau Tam Mei Area (by others) and San Tin Lok Ma Chau Development Node – Investigation (by others). Since the adjacent planned developments are under separate projects, any recommendation to the change in OZP should be made in separate report(s). The location of affected area is mapped in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/310 to 314.
	Green Belt (GB)	184	14.4 (7.8%)	A portion of the space within this zone would be take up as the temporary works area and work site for the construction of SAT Station ad San Tin Ancillary Building (SNA). Existing vegetation and structures elements would be permanently removed. Considering that proposed works is within the San Tin Lok Ma Chau Development Node, there would be a potential change in this zone. Since the adjacent planned developments are under separate project, any recommendation to the change in OZP should be made in separate report(s). The location of affected area is mapped in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/310 to 314.
	Industrial (Group D) (I(D))	8	0.2 (3%)	The construction of NTD would occupy a small portion of area of this zone. Considering that only a few existing built warehouses would be demolished, there would be no potential change to this zone. The location of affected area is mapped in Figure No. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/310.
	Open Storage (OS)	91	5.6 (6%)	A portion of space within this zone would be taken up as construction site for San Tin Ancillary Building (SNA), Ka Lung Road Ancillary Building (KLA) and Kwu Tung Road Ancillary Building (KTA). Considered the proposed works are relatively small in scale and localise. Hence, there would be no potential change to this zone. The location of affected area is mapped in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/312 to 315.
	Residential Group D (R(D))	27	6 (22%)	To construct the NTM Station and NTD, part of the area within this zone would be temporary used as works site. Some of the existing elements such as farmland and village houses would be permanently demolished. Considering that proposed works is within the Project of Land Use Review Study for Ngau Tam Mei Area, there would be a potential change in this zone. Since the adjacent planned developments are under separate project, any recommendation to the change in OZP should be made in separate report(s). The location of affected area is mapped in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/310 to 311.
	Village Type Development (V)	38	0.4 (1%)	The existing Shek Wu Wai Road within this zone would be taken up as works sites to support the construction of SAT Station. Since the affected area is small and localized, there would be no potential change to this zone. The location of affected area is mapped in Figure No. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/310.
Approved Kwu Tung North OZP No. S/KTN/4 (19/9/2023)	Green Belt (GB)	28.4	1.6 (5.6%)	Due to the construction of Pak Shek Au Ancillary Building (PAA), a portion of area within GB, G/IC and OU would be temporarily used as work sites. Existing structures elements and vegetation would be removed. Considering that the scale of the proposed works is small and localized, the impact on these zones would be temporary and become negligible in operational phase. The location of affected area is mapped in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/315 to 316.
	Government, institution or Community (G/IC)	25.9	1.3 (5.2%)
	Other Specified Uses (OU) annotated “Railway Associated Facilities” Zone	15	0.9 (5.9%)
	Open Space (O)	23	5.4 (23.5%)	The proposed works for KTU(NOL) Station would occupy an extensive portion of this zone. However, most of the proposed works are underground except the entrances of the station. Upon the completion works, the open space would be proposed as part of the Kwu Tung North New Development Area (KTN NDA). Hence, there would be no potential changes on the land use. The location of affected area is mapped in Figure No. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/316.
Draft Tai Tong OZP No. S/YL-TT/19 (06/01/2023)	Conservation Area (CA)	57.8	0.4 (<1%)	The proposed works for temporary explosive magazine site at Tai Shu Ha would occupy a small portion of this landuse. Considered that proposed works would have similar nature of current usage of that particular land parcel while the affected vegetation would be reprovided upon completion of works. Hence, there would be no potential changes on the land use. The location of affected area is mapped in Figure No. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/317.

Notes:

(1) Only the land uses zones to be potentially affected by the Project and the future outlook of these areas are discussed in this table.

(2) Area of the corresponding zoning within the 500m assessment boundary.

(3) Area within the corresponding land use, including the existing elements such as vegetation or structures will potentially be affected by the proposed works due to removal or relocation.

12.6 Baseline Study

12.6.1 The baseline conditions of existing landscape resources and landscape character areas are described below. Aerial photos overlaid with the proposed works area and works site are shown in Appendix 12.2.

Physical Landscape Resources

Landform

12.6.2 The assessment area for on-site works areas generally comprises various types of landforms, from hillside upland of Kai Kung Leng, to valley landscape at Tam Mei and Shek Wu Wai and flat land along the both side of the Kam Tin River and the San Tin Highway.

Water Body

12.6.3 The channelised Kam Tin River, Ngau Tam Mei Main Drainage Channel (NTMDC) and San Tin Main Drainage Channel are the main water bodies identified within the assessment area.

Open Spaces

12.6.4 The assessment area is a semi developed rural area comprised with squatter huts, low-rise residential developments, and number of villages. Public open spaces identified within the assessment boundary are usually small in scale and scattered within the developed rural area or abutting the villages. Those are the sitting-out area and ballcourts such as Shui Tau Road Sitting-out Area, Fung Kat Heung Basketball Court, Ha Chuk Yuen Sitting-out Area, San Tin Soccer Pitch and Kwu Tung playground for recreational purpose to the neighbourhood. Apart from the sitting-out area, district open spaces include the San Tin Park and Man Tin Cheung Park are identified within the assessment boundary. In general, all public open spaces within the assessment boundary are considered to be of medium value and sensitivity due to their importance and maturity of the landscape resources to the neighbourhood.

Existing Trees

12.6.5 Based on desktop study, five nos. of Registered Old and Valuable Trees (OVTs) are identified within 500m assessment area, they are LCSD YL/6 (Ficus microcarpa) near Shui Mei Tsuen, LCSD YL/7 (Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. Cumingiana) near Ha Chuk Yuen Tsuen and LCSD N/49 to LCSD N/51 (Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. Cumingiana) along roadside area of Kwu Tung. No Registered OVTs will be affected as they are all outside the proposed works sites/areas. Tree information of each OVT is provided in Appendix 12.3.

12.6.6 Broad brush tree survey was conducted to identify the existing trees located within the proposed works sites/ areas which would be potentially affected by this Project. Due to the limitation in site access, the broad brush tree survey was carried out where space is accessible by public. Regarding to trees within the work site / area of KTU(NOL) Station, all the existing trees will be assessed under the KTN NDA Project. It is assumed that all the existing trees will be affected before the commencement of construction works of KTU(NOL) Station. Hence, these trees would not be assessed under this Project. There are approximately 6,168 nos. of trees were identified, including total 824 nos. of undesirable tree species Leucaena leucocephala. Common tree species included Ficus microcarpa, Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa, Leucaena leucocephala, Dimocarpus longan, Ficus benjamina, Celtis sinensis, Artocarpus heterophyllus, and Eucalyptus exserta etc. While most of the trees surveyed belong to common tree species of variable qualities, some trees of relatively large/outstanding quality were found occasionally, they include species of Ficus microcarpa, Delonix regia, Eucalyptus exserta, Albizia lebbeck, Ficus virens and Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. Cumingiana. Many of the trees were found within the village areas and open storage area. Rare or protected plant species such as Aquilaria sinensis and Michelia maudiae were found within or close to the project boundary. In general, these trees are in fair quality and medium sensitivity. Trees of particular interest (TPIs) are identified in reference to the definition in the Guidelines for Tree Risk Assessment and Management Arrangement (TRAM) issued by DEVB. 20 nos. of TPIs in rare or protected plant species are identified within the survey area, one of them is Michelia maudiae while the others (19 nos.) are Aquilaria sinensis. Among them, one Aquilaria sinensis is found within the proposed works sites/ areas. Besides, 9 nos. of TPIs with DBH over 1m are found within the proposed works sites/ areas, including Delonix regia, Eucalyptus exserta, Ficus virens, Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. Cumingiana and 5 nos. of Ficus microcarpa. The location and information of broad brush tree survey and the identified TPIs are presented in Appendix 12.1.

Landscape Resources

12.6.7 Baseline landscape resources (LR) which will be potentially affected by the Project are described and appraised, together with their sensitivity are analysed and evaluated in Table 12.4. The locations of LR are mapped in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/318 to 332. Photographs of the LR are provided in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/450 to 453.

Table 12.4 Landscape Resources and Their Sensitivity

ID No.	Landscape Resources	Description	Sensitivity	Approximate Area (ha)
Kam Sheung Road/Pat Heung Area
LR1.2	Mixed Woodland	This LR refers to the vegetation located the small hill between Kam Ho Road and Tsing Long Highway at the northwest of the KSR(TML). A small cluster of vegetation was removed as burial ground. the exotic plantation tree Acacia confusa, with native trees e.g. Celtis sinensis, Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa and Sterculia lanceolate were identified. The landscape quality of this LR is high and medium to low tolerant to change. The sensitivity to change is considered as high.	High	1.8
LR1.3	Grassland	This LR is mostly distributed on the hill slope and upland area abutting both side of the Tsing Long Highway while several small patches of grassland are found at the low-lying area on the eastern side of Kam Po Road. The grassland at the hillside serves as burial ground which composed with pioneer herb and shrubs while the low-lying succeeded from the fallow fields and dried up ponds which feature with ruderal grasses and herbs. The landscape quality is considered as low to medium and has medium capacity to tolerate change. Its sensitivity is considered to be low.	Low	12.2
LR1.4	Shrubland	This LR refers to the shrubland identified at the lower slope of the hillside abutting the Tsing Long Highway and those fragmented patch of shrubland in low-lying area which succeeded from abandoned agricultural land or field. Vegetation mainly comprised of medium to tall fast-growing shrubs and small and young trees. The landscape quality is considered as medium and has medium capacity to tolerate change. Its sensitivity is considered to be medium.	Medium	5.6
LR1.5	Marsh / Reed⁽¹⁾	This LR refers to the small piece of marsh in Kam Tin Bypass which is succeeded from abandoned agricultural land. Some aquatic herb which is common species in Hong Kong are found at the fringe of this LR. The landscape quality is considered as low and has medium ability to accommodate change. Its sensitivity is considered to be low.	Low	0.5
LR1.6	Orchard / Nursery Site	This LR refers to the vegetation concentrated at the north of the Tsing Long Highway, adjoining the plantation and agricultural land. The vegetation was man-made in nature and managed for commercial purpose or ornamental purpose. The landscape quality is fair in condition and relatively tolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity is considered as low.	Low	11.5
LR1.7	Plantation	Plantation at the hillside area long the north of the Tsing Long Highway and Kam Ho Road are the key feature of this LR. It was dominated by exotic plantation trees and some native trees, which acted as an extension of the adjacent woodland or mixed woodland. These vegetated areas are man-made in nature as greenery and fair in landscape quality. The tolerant to change is medium and the sensitivity is considered as medium.	Medium	22.4
LR1.8	Agricultural land	This LR refers to the contiguous agricultural lands that located at the west of the KSR(TML) Station abutting the Tsing Long Highway. Both active and inactive agricultural lands were identified during the site visit. Common crops and fruit trees such as Carica papaya and Musa x paradisiaca were cultivated for those field remaining active while the inactive fields were abandoned with weedy species. Limited vegetation coverage and ruderal vegetation were found around at the edge of the fields. Considered that this LR is man-made and has low to medium value in terms of crop production. The ability to accommodate change is medium to high. Its sensitivity is considered to be low.	Low	1.1
LR1.9	Vegetation along Drainage Channel	The LR refers to the vegetation identified along the channelized drainage channel, from the Upper Ho Pui Channel to Kam Tin Drainage Channel abutting the Kam Po Road. Most sections were covered with grasscrete and overgrown with ruderal herbs and shrubs, including self-seeding plant. At both side of the channel were planted with man-made vegetation as screening purposed. Common tree species, including tree species of Leucaena leucocephala, Macaranga tanarius and Ficus microcarpa were found. The quality of landscape is low to medium and the ability to accommodate change is high. Hence, its sensitivity is considered to be low.	Low	16.8
LR1.10	Developed area / Villages	This LR refers to the greenery among the developed rural area or villages which mainly located at both the northeast and southeast of the KSR(TML) Station. The man-made vegetation is usually in a form of cluster of vegetation between villages or along a small section of road for amenity or screening purpose. Both pioneer fast-growing trees such as Bridelia tomentosa, Ficus hispida and Phyllanthus reticulatus or ornamental plants like Allamanda cathartica, Delonix regia and Ixora coccinea were found. Self-seeding plant were also commonly found at the periphery of the building structures. Since the greenery are relatively small and fragmented in pieces with low landscape quality and rarity. The ability to accommodate change is high and hence the sensitivity is considered as low.	Low	73.7
LR1.11	Vegetation within Construction site	This LR refers to the vegetation found at the peripheral of the construction site which is usually a mix of man-made vegetation and self-seeding plant and weed. This LR commonly found along the Tung Wui Road abutting the KSR(TML) Station and is located in the area under construction. The landscape quality is considered as low and the ability to accommodate change is high. Its sensitivity is considered to be low.	Low	12.7
LR1.12	Vegetation at Private Residential Area	This LR refers to the vegetation found within the private residential development such as The Noble View and The Super King. Vegetation planted mainly for ornamental purpose to the residents. Considered that greenery is relatively small in scale and fragmented and is man-made, the landscape quality is medium to high but low in rarity and relatively high tolerant to change. Its sensitivity is considered to be low.	Low	8.8
LR1.13	Vegetation within open storage area	This LR refers to the small patches of open storage area located at northwest of KTR(NOL) Station, abutting the Tsing Long Highway and Kam Tin Road. Vegetation found usually at the fringe of the land parcels which composited a mix of common roadside tree planting species, self-seeding species and weedy plants. The landscape quality is low and have high ability to accommodate change, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	3.9
LR 1.14a	Roadside vegetation along Kam Ho Road	This LR consists of row of roadside trees along the Kam Ho Road. Vegetation was a mix of common roadside plantation and self-seeding plant (i.e. Leucaena leucocephala) and grassy species. The trees were planted purposely along the Kam Ho Road abutting the Pat Heung Depot (PHD) to create screening effect. Approx. 103 nos of trees were identified among the works areas of this LR, species including Cinnamomum burmannii, Ficus benjamina, Ilex rotunda and Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa etc. Considered that the vegetation in this LR is low to medium landscape quality and have high ability to accommodate change, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	12.4
LR 1.14b	Roadside vegetation Tsing Long Highway, Kam Tin Bypass and Tung Wui Road	This LR is characterized by a strip of vegetation central median and vegetation on both side of the road. Vegetation planted for visual enhancement and screening purpose. Vegetation was the mix of man-made plantation, slope greenery and self-seeding plant, including tree species of Ficus microcarpa, Acacia confusa and Casuarina equisetifolia, etc. The landscape quality is ranging from low to medium while the low in rarity. The ability to accommodate change is considered as high. Thus, the sensitivity is considered as low.	Low	1.9
LR1.15	Amenity Planting at KSR Station	Rows of palm trees outside the open space of KSR(TML) Station are the key landscape feature of this LR. Vegetation planted to provide shading purpose to the pedestrian The planted trees, mostly Archontophoenix alexandrae and Roystonea regia which are relatively mature in size with dense canopy. They are common species in Hong Kong which considered as low in rarity and with medium landscape quality. Hence, the ability to accommodate changes is high and hence the sensitivity is considered as medium.	Medium	6.4
LR1.18a	Vegetation within West Rail Compensatory Wetland (WRCW)	This LR refers to the compensated wetland located at the north of the KSR(TML) Station abutting the Kam Po Road. It is a constructed and managed wetland comprised with seasonal marshes ponds and densely vegetated area at the land parcel fringes. Tree species such as Ilex rotunda var. microcarpa and Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa were found which are common species of Hong Kong. Subject to its high maturity in vegetation and diverse in landscape habitat, it is considered that landscape quality is high and relatively intolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as high.	High	5.2
LR1.18b	Vegetation within G/IC landuse	This LR refers to the vegetation identified at the periphery of Kam Tin Low Flow Pumping Station and Inflatable Dams abutting the Kam Tai Road. The grassy species and self-seeding plants were the dominated species of this LR while some small cluster of shrub and tree plantings were found. The landscape quality is fair and relatively low in diversity of plant species. The ability to accommodate change is high and hence the sensitivity to change is low.	Low	0.5
LR1.18c	Vegetation at periphery of villages	This LR refers to the vegetation at the periphery of villages where are close to the Kam Po Road. These vegetation at the southeast of PHD is mix of young to mature plants and self-seeding vegetation which forms a thick buffer between the villages and the railway facilities. The landscape quality is considered as low to medium and the ability to change is medium. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	6.7
LR1.18d	Vegetation within the railway corridor of PHD	The vegetation within the PHD mainly clustered as north of the Depot close to Tung Wui Road. They were mainly self-seeding plant and weedy species and small amont of common Hong Kong tree species. Common species including Cinnamomum camphora, Ficus benjamina and Leucaena leucocephala were found. The landscape quality is relatively low and highly tolerant to changes. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	12.9
LR1.18e	Vegetation abutting the railway corridor of PHD	This LR refers to the thick buffer planting along the fringe of the PHD. This vegetation was planted as tree compensation due to expansion works of PHD. However, it was observed that this area is dominated by self-seeding species (i.e. Leucaena leucocephala) and other commonly fast growing species such as Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa and Bauhinia spp, etc. during the site visit. Considered that this LR is man-made without frequent maintenance, the landscape quality and rarity are considered as low and tolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	2.6
Sha Po/ Au Tau Area
LR 2.1	Woodland	This LR refers to the foothill of the vegetation at the southwestern side of the Kai Kung Leng adjoining the plantation and grassland. The hillside woodland feature with young to relatively mature trees, including native tree species such as Celtis sinensis and Schefflera heptaphylla and exotic species such as Eucalyptus spp. Among the tree surveyed area, 10 nos. of TPI of rare and protected species, Aquilaria sinensis, in various size were identified at the foothill area of the Kai Kung Leng abutting the developed villages. These woodlands largely located within the ‘CA’ zone which remained undisturbed from surrounding development. Subject to its high maturity in vegetation and high landscape quality. The sensitivity to change is considered as high.	High	7.4
LR 2.2	Mixed woodland	This LR refers to the vegetation scattered in small strips or area along the foothill of the southern side of Kai Kung Leng. It is characterised by the mixed of range of the tree to shrub species in various size. Exotic trees e.g. Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia confusa, Ficus benjamina and native trees e.g. Ficus microcarpa and Celtis sinensis while shrub such as Asystasia micranth and Malvaviscus penduliflorus were identified. The landscape quality of this LR is high and medium to low tolerant to change. The sensitivity to change is considered as high.	High	3.4
LR 2.3	Grassland	The grasslands are in hillside of the Kai Kung Leng that with in the ‘CA’ zone. Due to the periodic hill fires, it is dominated with pioneer herb and shrub such as Dicranopteris pedata, Baeckea frutescens and Rhodomyrtus tomentosa. This LR is of medium landscape value and amenity and is high tolerant to change. Its sensitivity is low.	Low	23.7
LR 2.3a	Seasonal wet grassland	This LR refers to the small and fragmented grassland identified at the low-lying area, close to the Sha Po Tsuen or northeast of Kam Tin Mung Yeung Public School. These grasslands were largely succeeded from fallow field and dried-up ponds. Fast growing shrubs such as Alangium chinense and Ficus hispida, weedy and self-seeding plant were presented. Some wetland-associated plant such as Brachiaria mutica and Colocasia esculenta were identified. This LR is of low landscape value and amenity and is relatively tolerant to change. Its sensitivity is low.	Low	1.3
LR 2.4	Shrubland	This LR refers to shrub at the hillside of Kai Kung Leng. The hillside shrubland was vegetated with native small trees and short shrubs e.g., Baeckea frutescens, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Rhus chinensis and Rhaphiolepis indica. The landscape quality is considered as fair and relatively tolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as medium.	Medium	0.7
LR 2.5	Marsh / Reed⁽¹⁾	Various patch size of this LR are scattered in this area with various landscape quality. The largest marsh/ reed within this area is located at the south of the proposed AUT station while remaining small patches were scattered along the banks of the abandoned meanders of Kam Tin Main Drainage Channel (KTMDC). The former is actively managed and featured with ornamental plants and mangrove plants where the vegetation was highly cultivated by human activities. The latter was developed naturally due to the settlement of soils in poorly drained areas and dominated with aquatic herbs and ruderal herbs. This LR is of low to medium landscape value and amenity and is medium tolerant to change. Its sensitivity is medium.	Medium	13.1
LR 2.6	Not Used
LR 2.7	Plantation	This LR refers to the small patch of plantation at the southwestern side of the Kai Kung Leng adjoining the mixed woodland and grassland. These vegetated areas are man-made in nature as greenery to be an extension of the abutting woodland and is fair in landscape quality. The tolerant of change is relatively medium. The sensitivity is considered as medium.	Medium	3.9
LR 2.8	Agricultural land	This LR refers to the small patch of agricultural land at the east of the Sha Po village. Dry crops such as Brassica spp. And Pisum sativum and fruit trees such as Musa x paradisiaca and Litchi chinensis were identified. The farmland is cultivated by nearby villagers and relatively tolerant to change while the landscape quality is low to medium. Its sensitivity is low.	Low	3.8
LR 2.9	Vegetation along Drainage Channel	The LR refers to the channelized watercourse of KTMDC. The inflatable dams abutting the Kam Tin Low Flow Pumping Station divided the channel into two main sections which are the channel abutting the Chi Ho Road exposed with dried up concreate bedding and the another is abutting Ko Po Road. The vegetation composition was in similar structure that featured with grassy and ruderal species along both sides of the embarkment. The landscape quality is considered as fair to poor and highly tolerant to change due to the constant human disturbance. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	32.8
LR 2.10	Developed area / Villages	This LR refers the vegetation found between the villages such as Mo Fan Heung Tsuen, Sha Po Tsuen and those abutting the Shui Tau Road. The identified greenery was relatively fragmented and only small cluster of vegetation formed between the village houses. Existing vegetation mainly comprised exotic species (e.g. Bauhinia spp., Bougainvillea spectabilis and Calliandra haematocephala) and ruderal species such as Leucaena leucocephala and Mikania micrantha. 4 nos. of the TPIs in large size (3 Ficus microcarpa and 1 Delonix regia) was found within the proposed works sites/areas. Also, 1 no. of TPI of rare and protected species, Aquilaria sinensis, was identified. 1 no. of registered OVT LCSD YL/6 also recorded in Shui Mei Village in species Ficus microcarpa. Though TPIs and OVT were recorded, the landscape quality of this LR in general is considered as fair to poor and highly tolerant to change due to the constant human disturbance. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	59.5
LR 2.11	Not Used
LR 2.12	Vegetation at Private Residential Area	This LR refers to the vegetation found within the private residential development such as The Noble View and The Super King. Vegetation planted is mainly for ornamental purpose to the residents. Considered that greenery is relatively small in scale and fragmented and is man-made, the landscape quality is medium to high but low in rarity and relatively tolerant to change. Its sensitivity is considered to be low.	Low	34.7
LR 2.13	Vegetation within open storage area	This LR refers to the vegetation at the fringe of the open storage area, which is located at the southwest of Park Yoho and abutting the proposed AUT Station. The land parcel was taken up as open storage, warehouse, or car parking area. Due to the constant human disturbance, the identified vegetation was limited and scattered as small patches of greenery among the developed lots. Species such as Ficus hispida, Neyraudia reynaudiana, and self-seeding plant were commonly found. The landscape quality is considered as low, and its sensitivity is considered to be low.	Low	45.3
LR 2.14a	Roadside vegetation along Chi Ho Road and Shui Tau Road	Vegetation along the Chi Ho Road and Shui Tau Road was a mix of ornamental plant species such as Bombax ceiba, Ficus microcarpa and Livistona chinensis and self-seeding plan and ruderal herbs. The landscape quality of this man-made vegetation is fair and relatively tolerant to change. The sensitivity is considered to be low.	Low	0.3
LR 2.14b	Roadside Vegetation along Tsing Long Highway, San Tin Highway and Kam Tin Road	This LR refers to the vegetation along both sides of the highway which were planted to provide screening to the nearby developed villages or building structures. There is significant roadside planting, with planted trees dominated by Eucalyptus spp.. Another common roadside plantation of Hong Kong, such as Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia confusa, Ficus benjamina and Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa, etc. These man-made resources have fair to low landscape value and tolerant to changes. Its sensitivity is considered to be low.	Low	35.0
LR 2.14c	Roadside vegetation abutting San Tam Road and Castle Peak Road-Tam Mei	This LR refers to the vegetation identified between Tsing Long Highway and San Tam Road and serves as screen planting along the transportation corridor. It is dominated with self-seeding plant (i.e. Leucaena leucocephala), weedy, ruderal herbs and trees such as Acacia confusa, Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa and Eucalyptus spp. etc. The landscape quality is low and tolerant to change. The sensitivity is considered to be low.	Low	4.6
LR 2.14d	Roadside vegetation along Shui Mei Road	This LR refers to the linear planting strip along Shui Mei Road, between the Park Yoho and AFCD Au Tau Fisheries Office. The planting abutting the Park Yoho were dominated by shrub and climber such as Parthenocissus tricuspidata and Schefflera octophylla. The vegetation at the opposite was the mix of common tree species such as Acacia confusa, Melia azedarach and Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa, self-seeding (i.e. Leucaena leucocephala), weedy and ruderal herbs (i.e. Wedelia trilobata and Lantana camara). The landscape quality is low with limited amenity value. The ability to accommodate change is high and hence the sensitivity is considered as low.	Low	0.4
LR 2.15	Vegetation at Shui Tau Road Sitting-out Area	This LR refers to the vegetation found at the edge of Shui Tau Road Sitting-Out Area. No vegetation or amenity planting were found inside the sitting out area. Instead, a cluster of vegetation with as mix of self-seeding plant (i.e. Leucaena leucocephala), weedy, ruderal herbs and trees such as Acacia confusa, Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa were found. The landscape quality is low and tolerant to change. The sensitivity is considered to be low.	Low	0.1
LR2.16	Pond⁽¹⁾	Extensive ponds were found abutting KTMDC at south of Cheung Chun San Tsuen while some patches were found abutting the north of Kam Pok Road. Those were active and inactive fishponds with certain level of human management. Between the pond bunds, vegetation such as Leucaena leucocephala, Dimocarpus longan and Melia azedarach, and ruderal herbs such as Bidens alba, Panicum maximum and Alocasia macrorrhizos were found. The landscape quality is medium and relatively tolerant to change even though there were constant human disturbance. The sensitivity is considered to be low.	Low	20.1
LR2.17	Abandoned area / wasteland	This LR is mainly located at east of the SMA abutting the ponds and some small patches were located abutting the south of Pok Wai Road. These land parcels were disturbed by human activities, fenced off and left as a barren site. The untouched vegetation found at the periphery of the lots is usually in poor condition and dominated by self-seeding plant. The landscape quality is relatively low and high tolerant to change. The sensitivity is considered as low.	Low	18.1
LR2.18a	Vegetation within West Rail Compensatory Wetland (WRCW)	This LR refers to the compensated wetland located at the north of the KSR(TML) Station abutting the Kam Po Road. It is a constructed and managed wetland comprised with seasonal marshes ponds and densely vegetated area at the land parcel fringes. Tree species such as Ilex rotunda var. acrocarpa and Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa were found which are common species of Hong Kong. Subject to its high maturity in vegetation and diverse in landscape habitat, it is considered that landscape quality is high and relatively intolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as high.	High	6.9
LR2.18b	Vegetation of AFCD Au Tau Fisheries Office	This LR is located at the west to the SMA, featured with some active and inactive fishponds and thick vegetation at the periphery of the AFCD Au Tau Fisheries Office. Common self-sown herbaceous vegetation e.g. Panicum maximum, Bidens Bidens alba, Wedelia trilobata and Cuscuta campestris were found on the pond bunds while tree species were dominated by Casuarina equisetifolia, Acacia confusa and Melia azedarach and Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa. Among the vegetated area, 1 no. of TPI with DBH over 1m was found, which is Ficus microcarpa, at the northeast corner of this LR. The landscape quality is in low to medium and the ability to accommodate change is medium. The sensitivity to change is considered as medium.	Medium	2.5
Ngau Tam Mei / Pok Wai Area
LR3.1	Woodland	This LR refers to the woodland patches at southeast of Chuk Yau Road and along the hillside of Kai Kung Leng. The woodland consisted of wide range species including native trees such as Celtis sinensis and Schefflera heptaphylla and common afforestation tree species such as Pinus elliottii, Aporosa dioica and Melicope pteleifolia, etc. Subject to its high maturity in vegetation and high landscape quality. The sensitivity to change is considered as high.	High	32.1
LR3.2	Mixed Woodland	This LR refers to the mixed woodland at the north of Ching Yau Road, knolls in Ngau Tam Mei and the foothill of Kai Kung Leng south of Wang Pin Shan Road. The woodland patch at the north of Ching Yau Road comprised of predominately fruit trees such as Dimocarpus longan and Clausena lansium and mixed of young to mature native and exotic trees and shrub. While the woodland located at the foothill of Kai Kung Leng close to Wang Ping Shan South Road was in similar floral composition but with relatively sparse understory due to the human disturbance (i.e., farming, burial ground, etc). Plant species mixed with native small trees and shrubs e.g. Aporosa dioica and Microcos nervosa, and climbers e.g. Ipomoea cairica, Lygodium japonicum and Paederia scandens. Even though there were certain levels of human disturbance, the landscape quality is considered as high due to diversity in vegetation. The sensitivity to change is considered as high.	High	17.5
LR3.3	Grassland	This LR refers to both hillside grassland at Kai Kung Leng and low-lying grassland concentrated at both sides of NTMDC and was scattered in the east and west of Long Ha Tsuen. Hillside grasslands are susceptible to periodic hill fires, which arrest ecological succession, thus the floral composition of these grasslands was composed of pioneer light-demanding herbs and shrubs e.g., Dicranopteris pedata, Baeckea frutescens and Rhodomyrtus tomentosa. While low-lying grasslands largely succeeeded from fallow field and dried up ponds, where ruderal herbs and weedy were commonly found. The landscape quality is considered as fair and relatively tolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	27.2
LR3.4	Shrubland	This LR refers to both shrub at the hillside of Kai Kung Leng and the lowland area near Yau Tam Mei Tsuen. The hillside shrubland was vegetated with native small trees and short shrubs e.g., Baeckea frutescens, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Rhus chinensis and Rhaphiolepis indica. The shrubland at lowland area appeared to be succeeded from abandoned agricultural land and largely comprised with small trees such as Melia azedarach and Litchi chinensis and self-seeding species (i.e. Leucaena leucocephala). The landscape quality is considered as fair and relatively tolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as medium.	Medium	11.3
LR3.5	Marsh / Reed⁽¹⁾	This LR is mainly located at the low-lying area of NTM area that close to NTMDC abutting the grassland or ponds. Marsh/ reed appeared to have derived from settlement of soils from abandoned ponds. The vegetation diversity is low which dominated by aquatic herbs e.g. Colocasia esculenta and Cyclosorus interruptus, and some ruderal herbs in the edges such as Pennisetum purpureum and Bidens alba. The landscape quality is relatively low and highly tolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	2.5
LR3.6	Orchard/ Nursery Site	This LR mainly concentrated around the proposed NTM Station and foothill of Kai Kung Leng close to the Long Ha Tsuen. The vegetation composited a mix of fruit trees (i.e. Artocarpus heterophyllus and Clausena lansium), native tree species (i.e. Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa) and exotic ornamental plants (i.e.Codiaeum variegatum and Dracaena sanderiana). The vegetation was man-made in nature and managed for commercial purpose or ornamental purpose. The landscape quality is fair in condition and relatively tolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	10.1
LR3.7	Plantation	Plantation at the hillside north of the Tam Mei barracks and west of the Kai Kung Leng are the landscape feature of this LR. It was dominated by exotic plantation trees e.g. Lophostemon confertus and Eucalyptus spp or native small trees and shrubs e.g. Melicope pteleifolia and Psychotria asiatica. Even though these planting acted as an extension of the adjacent woodland or mixed woodland, however, these vegetated areas were man-made in nature as greenery and fair in landscape quality. The sensitivity to change is considered as medium.	Medium	7.9
LR3.8	Agricultural Land	This LR refers to the patches of agricultural land identified on both sides of the NTMDC and in Long Ha Tsuen. They were generally small in scale, and some were temporarily or permanently abandoned, overgrew with ruderal herbs. Some were actively managed by nearby villagers and cultivated with dry farmed crops and fruit trees such as Carica papaya and Musa x paradisiaca. The landscape resources were limited and fair in condition and relatively tolerant to change. The sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	2.5
LR3.9	Vegetation along Drainage Channel	This LR refers to the vegetation along the channelized watercourses of NTMDC which collect water for the entire NTM district. The channel was trapezoidal with concrete and grasscrete bedding feature with ruderal plants e.g. Leucaena leucocephala and Panicum maximum grew on both side of the dry embankment. In some section, the channel covered with dense mats of grasses and herbs of species such as Bidens alba, Dimocarpus longan and Melia azedarach. Regular vegetation clearance would be conducted avoid excessive soil and debris settled on the concrete channel. The landscape quality is considered as fair to poor and highly tolerant to change due to the constant human disturbance. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	3.8
LR3.10	Developed area / Villages	This LR refers that vegetation found between the villages within this assessment area. Small strip of vegetation or small cluster of greenery were scattered among the villages, in a composition of some ornamental plant, roadside tree planting, self-seeding species and ruderal herbs. Existing tree species including Acacia confusa, Ficus microcarpa, Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa and Psidium guajava, etc. were found. 1 no. of registered OVT LCSD YL/7 (Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. Cumingiana) is recorded along roadside area of Ha Chuk Yuen Tsuen. Though the presence of OVT, the landscape quality is considered as fair to poor and highly tolerant to change due to the constant human disturbance. Hence, the sensitivity is considered as low.	Low	75.9
LR 3.11	Not Used
LR3.12	Vegetation at Private Residential Area	This LR refers to the vegetation identified at the edge of the private residential develop such as The Vineyard and Kadoorie Villas. The vegetation planted are mainly amenity species such as Melaleuca bracteata, Plumeria rubra and Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum, purely for ornamental purpose and highly maintained by property developer. The landscape quality is considered as medium and relatively high tolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	20.0
LR3.13	Vegetation within open storage area	This LR refers the fragmented greenery identified at the edges of the warehouse, temporary car parking lots, vehicle repair yards or open storage area, which were mainly located at the east of the proposed NTD and both sides of the San Tin Highway. The plant species dominated by common roadside species such as Casuarina equisetifolia, Delonix regia, Ficus microcarpa and self-seeding plant. The landscape quality was relatively low due to the constant human disturbance and relatively tolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	36.7
LR3.14	Roadside vegetation along San Tin Highway	Vegetation along both sides of this section of San Tin Highway were dominated with common fast growing tree species such as Eucalyptus spp., Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. Cumingiana and leucaena leucocephala. The vegetation is mainly in man-made nature as roadside greenery to create screening between the developed area and transportation corridor. The landscape quality is fair in condition and tolerant to changes. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	15.1
LR 3.15	Not Used
LR3.16	Pond⁽¹⁾	Number of active and inactive ponds were identified within this LR, which are mainly the small ponds at both sides of the NTMDC and western side of San Tin Highway north of Pok Wai and ponds in NTM between villages. In general, vegetation composition of the bunds of these active and inactive ponds were similar, which were colonized with grasses Panicum maximum and Pennisetum purpureum and climbers e.g. Pueraria phaseoloides or overgrown with ruderal herbs such as Brachiaria mutica and Ipomoea cairica. Some fruit trees and tree species such as Musa x paradisiaca and Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa were commonly found. The landscape quality is fair in condition but serves as key greenery resources to nearby villages. Hence the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	8.1
LR 3.17	Not Used
LR3.18a	Vegetation within Tam Mei Barracks	Mixed of mature to young trees and ruderal herbs and shrubs were found at the edges of this LR. The vegetation formed as a thick buffer planting to provide screening between the Barracks and the surrounding. The landscape quality is fair in condition and relatively tolerant to change. The sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	22.0
San Tin / Shek Wu Wai Area
LR4.1	Woodland	This LR refers to the small patches of woodland scattered on different knolls and hillsides, including those at the south of Shek Wu Wai San Tsuen and Shek Wu Wai village area, east of Mai Po Lung and south of Luk Mei Tsuen. Vegetation mainly includes mature native tree species in relative tall in height and dense with continuous canopies. Species are dominated by native tree species such Celtis sinensis and Cinnamomum camphora and shrubs and small trees such as Ficus hispida, Psychotria asiatica. Subject to its high maturity in vegetation and high landscape quality. The sensitivity to change is considered as high.	High	2.5
LR4.2	Mixed Woodland	This LR refers to the semi-natural mixed woodland patches scattered at the foothill of Tam Mei Hill and roadside areas at the west of Shek Wu Wai along Ka Lung Road. These mixed woodlands comprised of both mature native and exotic tree species such as Acacia spp. And Eucalyptus spp. and Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa, etc. Small scale human intervention like burial grounds were found. It was relatively lower vegetation density and diversity than undisturbed natural woodlands. 8 nos. of TPI in rara and protected species Aquilaria sinensis is found in this LR. In view of its diverse flora composition and high landscape value and low tolerance to changes, the sensitivity to change is considered as high.	High	47.3
LR4.3	Grassland	This LR refers to the grassland at hillside area of Tam Mei Hill. The hillside grasslands mainly comprised of the locally common shrub and herb such as Dicranopteris pedata, Miscanthus sinensis and Rhodomyrtus tomentosa. The landscape quality is fair in condition and high tolerant to changes. Hence, the sensitivity is considered as low.	Low	19.7
LR 4.3a	Grassland at Developed Area	This LR refers to the small patches of grassland at low-lying area of the assessment area. The low-lying grasslands largely succeeded from abandoned agricultural lands, where ruderal herbs and weedy were commonly found. The landscape quality is low and relatively tolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	1.9
LR4.4	Shrubland	This LR refers to the vegetation found at the foothill area which predominated with shrub and herb of Baeckea frutescens, Melastoma malabathricum and Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, etc and small cluster of tree groups. Among the proposed works site of this LR, approx. 6 nos. of trees were found. The landscape quality is low and relatively tolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	27.2
LR4.5	Marsh / Reed⁽¹⁾	Vegetation such as marsh species such as Cyclosorus interruptus, Hedychium coronarium and Kyllinga polyphylla, and some upland plants such as Panicum maximum were the key landscape elements of this LR. The LR were found in small patches scattered near Shek Wu Wai, south of Kuk Mei Tsuen and Mai Po Lung. Regular human activities within this LR were observed. Most of the vegetation structure was simple and with fair landscape quality, but a few marsh/reeds with higher coverage and diversity of wetland plants are in the northern portion of this LR. The ability to accommodate change is high. Hence, the sensitivity is considered as low to medium.	Medium	3.38
LR4.6	Orchard / Nursery Site	This LR refers to the vegetation found near Shek Wu Wai which is located at the northwest of the proposed SAT Station. Plant species mainly comprised such as Artocarpus heterophyllus, Dimocarpus longan and Clausena lansium. Regular human disturbance was found. The landscape quality is low and relatively tolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	19.2
LR4.7	Plantation	This LR refers to those adjacent to grassland and mixed woodland. Vegetation diversity within the plantation habitat is relatively low, mainly comprising exotic tree species e.g. Acacia confusa. These landscape resources were relatively small in scale with medium landscape quality and fragmented across the assessment area. The sensitivity to change is considered as medium.	Medium	28.1
LR4.8	Agricultural Land	These agricultural lands are located at both east and southeast of Shek Wu Wai village area. They are relatively extensive in size. Some ruderal herbs such as Panicum repens and exotic ornamental plants such as Gladiolus x gandavensis and Helianthus annuus were identified as well. Some of the patches were cleared, dredged, inundated and left fallow as ponds while some were cultivated with crops like Capsicum annuum and Lactuca spp. Among the proposed works area of this LR, approx. 130 nos. of trees were found which mainly fruit trees including Artocarpus heterophyllus , Carica papaya, Eriobotrya japonica, Litchi chinensis and Dimocarpus longan, etc. This LR has low to medium value in terms of crop production and is relatively high tolerant to change. It is considered to have low sensitivity.	Low	8.8
LR4.9	Vegetation along Drainage Channel	This LR refers to a short section of trapezoidal channel identified abutting the San Tin Tsuen Road. This channel was formed for the purpose of flood protection in the San Tin. During the site visit, cluster of tree groups were found on both sides of the river’s embankment Species including Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia confusa, Cleistocalyx operculatus and Sapium sebiferum. However, some portion of the vegetation, mainly grass and shrub species were removed due to the construction works. The landscape quality was low to medium and relatively tolerant to change. It is considered to have low sensitivity.	Low	3.7
LR4.10	Developed area / Villages	This LR refers to the vegetation found between the villages w such as Shek Wu Wai, Shek Wu Wai San Tsuen, Fan Tin Tsuen and Tsing Lung Tsuen, etc. The identified greenery was relatively fragmented and only small cluster of vegetation formed as the periphery of the villages. Vegetation mainly comprised of common native species (e.g. Broussonetia papyrifera, Ficus hispida) and exotic species (e.g. Lophostemon confertus, Lantana camara). In total, approx. 10 nos. of trees were found within the proposed works site of this LR. The landscape quality is considered as fair to poor and highly tolerant to change due to the constant human disturbance. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	21.6
LR 4.11	Not Used
LR 4.12	Vegetation at Private Residential Area	This LR refers to the vegetation identified at the Grand Dragon. Small amount of vegetation found at the edge of the private residential area are mainly for ornamental purpose. Common tree species such as Ficus hispida and Ficus microcarpa were found. The landscape quality is considered as fair with high tolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	2.9
LR4.13	Vegetation within open storage area	This LR refers to the fragmented greenery identified at the edges of the open storage area such as warehouse, temporary car parking lots, vehicle repair yards, which concentrated at the centre of this area southeast of the San Tin Highway. The plant species were dominated by common roadside species such as Casuarina equisetifolia, Delonix regia, Ficus microcarpa and self-seeding plant. Among the tree survey area, 1 TPI in large size was found which is pioneer tree species Eucalyptus exserta. The landscape quality was relatively low due to the heavy human disturbance and relatively tolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	151.0
LR 4.14	Roadside vegetation along San Tin Highway	This section of San Tin Highway featured with dense and relatively mature vegetation along both sides of transportation corridor and a grassy planting strip abutting the newly developed cycling track. It was dominated with common fast growing tree species such as Eucalyptus spp and Ficus microcarpa and some self-seeding species. The vegetation is mainly in man-made nature as roadside greenery to create screening between the developed area and transportation corridor. Even though the landscape quality is fair in condition, the greenery along the highway servers as major green sources to the surrounding. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	18.6
LR4.15	Amenity planting at San Tin Park and Man Tin Cheung Park	Located at the west of the San Tin Highway abutting the Tsing Lung Tsuen and Fan Tin Tsuen, featured with various amenity plantings and dense foliage tree species were the key landscape elements of this LR. This LR was an essential landscape resources to surrounding villages that which medium landscape and amenity value. Hence, the sensitivity to changes is medium.	Medium	1.9
LR4.16	Pond⁽¹⁾	This LR refers to the small-scale ponds at the southeast of Shek Wu Wai and the relatively larger scaled ponds at the north of San Tin Highway and in San Tin Constructed Wetland. The ponds at Shek Wu Wai supported limited vegetation which were mainly grassy species along the pond bund. For the extensive ponds at the north of San Tin Highway and in San Tin Constructed Wetland, they comprised of various plant species including emergent vegetation e.g. Phragmites australis and aquatic plant e.g. Nelumbo nucifera. While the bund consisted of native trees and shrubs e.g. Hibiscus tiliaceus and Phyllanthus emblica, exotic trees e.g. Eucalyptus spp. The landscape quality is low to medium from south to north, and relatively tolerant to change as there were constant human disturbances. The overall sensitivity is considered to be low.	Low	8.7
LR4.17	Abandoned area / wasteland	This wasteland dominated with weedy, self-seeding species, ruderal herbs was located at the west of the proposed SAT Station. This fence-off area was observed with small scale construction activities and associated construction machines. Existing trees, including Celtis sinensis, Leucaena leucocephala, Melia azedarach and Microcos nervosa, were found within the proposed works area of this LR. The landscape quality was relatively low due to the heavy human disturbance and relatively tolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	19.8
LR4.18a	Vegetation surrounding the site office	This LR refers to the vegetation found at the periphery of DSD Site office abutting the Castle Peak Road-San Tin Section. It was dominated with self-seeding specie and small cluster of tree and shrub planting the landscape value is low as they are generally in poor to fair condition. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	1.0
LR4.18b	Vegetation within San Tin Barracks	Mixed of mature to young trees and ruderal herbs and shrubs were found at the edges of this LR. The vegetation formed as a thick buffer planting to provide screening between the Barracks and the surrounding. The landscape quality is fair in condition and relatively tolerant to change. The sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	7.3
Kwu Tung / Chau Tau Area
LR 5.1	Not Used
LR5.2	Mixed woodland	This LR refers to the mixed woodland identified at the south of Fanling Highway and knolls in Pak Shek Au. In general, the canopy was semi-open and dominated with native species such as Celtis sinensis, Ficus microcarpa, Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa, and exotic species such as Lophostemon confertus and Acacia auriculiformis. Even though some of mixed woodland knolls were fragmented by the surrounding villages, the landscape quality was relatively high and low tolerant to change. It is considered to have high sensitivity.	High	17.7
LR5.3	Grassland	Grassland at the hillside of north of Pak Shek Au and Chau Tau Tsuen was found. Common species such as Brachiaria mutica and Cyclosorus interruptus while species of conservation importance, Brainea insignis, was identified. The landscape value is considered as medium and relatively high tolerant to change. It is considered to have low sensitivity.	Low	58.5
LR5.3a	Grassland at Developed Area	This LR refers to the grassland located at the east of Kwu Tung and around Chau Tau Tsuen. Due to the human disturbance, the floral diversity was relatively low and some herb species such as Neyraudia reynaudiana and Panicum maximum were commonly found. The landscape quality and value are considered as low and high tolerant to change. It is considered to have low sensitivity.	Low	1.8
LR5.4	Shrubland	Shrubland mainly located near hillside area of Fung Kong Shan, Pak Shek Au and Chau Tau Tsuen. Common shrub and small tree species such as Ficus hispida, Ilex asprella, Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa, and Rhaphiolepis indica were found. This LR was subject to occasional human disturbance as burial grounds were found within the shrubland. The landscape quality was medium and relatively tolerant to change. It is considered to have medium sensitivity.	Medium	22.2
LR 5.5	Not Used
LR5.6	Orchard / Nursery Site	This LR refers to the orchard identified among various village area. Including Chau Tau Tsuen, Pak Shek Au and around KTU(NOL) Station. Common fruit tree species were recorded, such as Carica papaya, Dimocarpus longan and Mangifera indica while common native species such as Ficus spp. and Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa were found. 1 rare and protected species of Michelia maudiae Dunn and 1 large tree of Ficus virens were found which considered as TPIs. The Michelia maudiae specimen is highly likely that artificially introduced to that location instead of naturally grown. This LR can be re-established easily by human activities and is therefore considered to be relatively tolerant to change. Its sensitivity is low.	Low	19.4
LR 5.7	Not Used
LR5.8	Agricultural Land	This LR refers to the continuous patches of agricultural land at Chau Tau Tsuen to the north of Chau Tau South Road. The agricultural land was regularly managed by nearby villages for crop production. Crop species such as Lactuca sativa, Brassica rapa var. parachinensis, Ipomoea aquatica and Carica papaya were found. At the edge of field, small cluster of small trees and shrub were found. This LR has medium value in terms of crop production and is relatively tolerant to change. It is considered to have low sensitivity.	Low	3.2
LR5.9	Vegetation along Drainage Channel	This LR is mainly a grasscrete banked, trapezoidal channel, formed for the purpose of flood protection in the Kwu Tung. There were grasses and shrubs along the river’s embankment, as well as trees planted along both sides in many sections of the river. Self-seeding plant and grass species were the dominated species along both side of the river band. Few clusters of tree groups and shrub were found at some section of the drainage channel. Species including Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia confusa, Cleistocalyx operculatus and Sapium sebiferum. The landscape quality was low to medium and relatively tolerant to change. It is considered to have low sensitivity.	Low	3.6
LR5.10	Developed area / Villages	This LR refers to the vegetation found between the villages such as Dills Corner Garden, Fung Kong Tsuen and those abutting the Sheung Yue River. The identified greenery was relatively fragmented and only a small cluster of vegetation formed as the periphery of the villages. Vegetation mainly comprised of exotic species (e.g. Bauhinia spp., Bougainvillea spectabilis and Calliandra haematocephala) and Ruderal species such as Leucaena leucocephala and Mikania micrantha. In total, approx. 614 nos. of trees were found within the proposed works site of this LR. The landscape quality is considered as fair to poor and highly tolerant to change due to the constant human disturbance. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	26.7
LR5.11	Vegetation within Construction Site	This LR concentrated at the west of the KTU(NOL) Station. The existing vegetation were already removed due to the construction works and left with small cluster of greenery or self-seeding plant and weed at the edge of the construction site. Existing species including Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia confusa, Acacia mangium and Syzygium jambos, etc. were found. The landscape quality is considered as low and the ability to accommodate change is high. Its sensitivity is considered to be low.	Low	98.0
LR5.12	Amenity Planting at Private Residential Area	This LR refers to the vegetation identified at the edge of the private residential develop such as Valais and Europa Garden. The vegetation planted mainly amenity species, purely for ornamental purpose and highly maintained by property developer. The landscape quality is considered as medium and relatively high tolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity is considered as low.	Low	7.3
LR5.13	Vegetation within open storage area	This LR is mainly located at the south and northwest of the KTU(NOL) Station, which were used as warehouse, temporary car park or car repair factory, etc. Due to the lack of routine management, grasses and climbers have occupied many places and trees found in this area include Ficus variegata, Mallotus paniculatus and Leucaena leucocephala, etc. 2 nos. of TPIs in large size (Ficus microcarpa and Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. Cumingiana) were found close to the open storage area of Kwu Tung Road within the proposed works sites/areas. Both of them are common species in Hong Kong. The landscape quality was poor due to constant human disturbance even though TPIs were identified and the ability to accommodate change is high. The sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	34.7
LR5.14	Roadside buffer planting vegetation (along Fanling Highway)	This LR includes the Fanling Highway (Kwu Tung section), Castle Peak Road running parallel and nearby associated roads, which are the major transportation routes connecting Kwu Tung to its adjacent areas. Vegetation along both sides of highway and central divider serves as roadside planting to provide screening and amenity purpose. Trees commonly used for roadside planting include Melaleuca quinquenervia, Bombax ceiba, Ficus microcarpa, Casuarina equisetifolia, Acacia confusa and Bauhinia blakeana, as well as some amenity shrub planting. 3 nos. of registered OVTs LCSD N/49, LCSD N/50 and LCSD N/51 in species Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. Cumingiana were recorded in the roadside planting area in this LR. This man-made LR is of low to medium landscape quality and relatively high tolerant to changes along roadside. Its sensitivity is therefore considered to be low.	Low	19.5
LR5.15	Amenity planting at Garden / Park	This LR refers to the amenity planting found at Kwu Tung Playground and Kwu Tung Grass Pitch. Amenity plant species such as Callistemon viminalis, Delonix regia and Melia azedarach and other flowering shrubs were planted for ornamental purpose. This man-made LR is of medium in landscape quality and amenity value and relatively tolerant to changes. Its sensitivity is therefore considered to be medium.	Medium	0.9
LR5.16	Pond⁽¹⁾	This LR refers to the ponds identified near Chau Tau Tsuen Stormwater Pumping Station which was maintained by DSD and those scattered within the LR which were found abandoned. Common vegetation, such as herb Bidens alba and Cynodon dactylon and climber Ipomoea triloba were found around the ponds that manged by DSD. The quality and significance of this LR is relatively low, but it is relatively intolerant to change. Its sensitivity is therefore considered to be low.	Low	1.1
LR 5.17	Not Used
LR5.18a	Vegetation within transportation facilities	This LR refers to the vegetation found at the periphery of Lok Ma Chau Public Transport Interchange. It was dominated by self-seeding species and grassy species as well as some tree species such as Casuarina equisetifolia. The landscape value is low as they are generally in poor to fair condition. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	2.6
LR5.18b	Vegetation within KCRC / Kwu Tung KTU(EAL) Vested Land	The vegetation is located at the centre of Kwu Tung Area, south of the KTU(EAL) Station. The vegetation was planted as compensation planting due to the proposed works of KTU(EAL) Station. Existing tree species including Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia confusa, Acacia mangium, Cinnamomum camphora, Leucaena leucocephala and Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. Cumingiana, etc. The landscape value is low to medium as they are generally in fair condition. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as medium.	Medium	2.4
LR5.18c	Drainage Channel at Shek Tsai Leng	This LR refers to the modified watercourse at Shek Tsai Leng which run through the open storage at the north of KTU(EAL) Station to the watercourse between factories at Shek Tsai Leng and finally drained to Sheung Yue River. The channel was concreted with vegetation on both sides as screen planting. The vegetation comprised of various self-seeding species, grassy species, and ruderal species. The landscape value is low as they are generally in poor to fair condition. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	0.5
Tai Shu Ha Area
LR6.1	Woodland	This LR is extensive in scale among the Tai Shu Ha area, which largely contributed by the afforestation programme. The plant species were commonly of fast-growing trees such as Lophostemon confertus, Pinus elliottii and Acacia mangium and some native trees or shrubs such as Liquidambar formosana and Mallotus paniculatus. The overall floral diversity was low to moderate and relatively tolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as medium.	Medium	80.5
LR 6.2	Not Used
LR6.3	Grassland	This LR is mainly located the north-western part of the Tai Shu Ha area, where number of burial grounds were found. It was dominated by very common grass species such as Microstegium ciliatum, Panicum maximum and Miscanthus sinensis with occasional shrubs such as Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa and Celtis sinensis. Due to certain level of human disturbance (i.e. funeral related activities), the landscape quality is fair in condition and tolerant to change. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	10.7
LR 6.4	Not Used
LR6.5	Marsh / Reed⁽¹⁾	A patch of marsh/reed was identified at the north-western part of the Tai Shui Ha, abutting the pond. Vegetation mostly comprised with herb species such as Miscanthus floridulus, Cyclosorus interruptus and Phragmites australis with occasional shurbs of Mallotus paniculatus. The landscape elements were relatively low in diversity and quality. The ability to accommodate change is low to medium. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	0.1
LR6.6	Orchard/ Nursery Site	This LR refers to those identified adjacent to the low-rise village houses cultivated with fruit trees. Common species including Dimocarpus longan and Litchi chinensis were found and dominated in this LR while other trees or shrubs such as Zanthoxylum avicennae, Citrus mitis and Litsea cubeba were also recorded. The vegetation found was relatively diverse then those found in developed area in fair landscape quality. The ability to accommodate change is high. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	0.7
LR 6.7	Not Used
LR6.8	Agricultural area/ wasteland	Located at the northwest of the Tai Shu Ha which consisted of abandoned agricultural area or construction site. Vegetation found within this LR comprised a mixed of fast-growing tree species, self-seeding plant, grassy species and ruderal species. The landscape quality generally in poor to fair condition. The ability to accommodate change high even though there were constant human disturbance. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	1.9
LR 6.9 – LR 6.12	Not Used
LR6.13	Vegetation within industrial landuse/ open storage area abutting Tai Shu Ha Road West	This LR is located abutting the Tai Shu Ha Road West which were fenced off and observed with some storage containers. Vegetation usually found at the edge of lot that dominated by self-seeding plant, grassy species and ruderal species while strip of tree planting along the road as screening purpose. Even though the plant species were relatively diverse but generally in poor condition, hence the landscape quality is low. The ability to accommodate changes is considered as high and hence the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	2.2
LR6.16	Pond ⁽¹⁾	The pond identified was found abandoned. Vegetation was mostly found at the edges which were very common herb species such as Myriophyllum aquaticum, Phragmites vallatorius and Miscanthus floridulus. The landscape elements were relatively low in diversity and quality. The ability to accommodate change is medium to high. Hence, the sensitivity to change is considered as low.	Low	0.1

Note: (1) Please refer to the ecological sensitivity of wetland habitat as detailed in Section 10.9 of this EIA Report.

Landscape Character Areas

12.6.8 Landscape character areas (LCAs) were identified within the assessment area in accordance with the “A Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong”. LCAs which will be potentially affected by the Project are described and appraised, together with their sensitivity analysed and evaluated in Table 12.5. The locations of LCAs are mapped in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/335 to 349. Photographs of the LCAs are presented in Figure No. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/350.

Table 12.5 Landscape Character Areas and Their Sensitivity

ID No.	Landscape Character Area	Descriptions	Sensitivity
LCA1	Hillside and Upland Landscape	This LCA is an upland and hillside landscape areas, including Kai Kung Leng, Ki Lun Shan and Tai Shu Ha. It is mainly covered in scrub or woodland. It contains a rugged character with rocky outcrops and boulder. This LCA is generally large in scale and considered as high landscape quality. Railway infrastructure is remote from this LCA. Hence, this type of LCA has a high sensitivity.	High
LCA2	Rural Inland Plain Landscape	This LCA is a flat and expansive lowland landscape. It is often studded with low hills and wooded knolls and contains fields and scattered groups of vegetation and agricultural lands with cluster of squatter huts adjacent. This LCA is generally medium to high landscape quality with medium sensitivity.	Medium
LCA3	Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape	This LCA is mainly found on the periphery of the major urban areas. They are a residual landscape type comprising roads, highways structures, slope works, vegetated hillsides, scattered residential development, open space, storage, construction work, cemeteries, barracks, etc. The scattered residentials include isolated villages and denser villages scattered in the assessment area, and are often comprised with squatter huts, 3-storey low rise village houses, etc. This LCA characterized by low-density structure and mixture of undeveloped area. This LCA is generally low to medium quality landscape in urban area with low sensitivity.	Low
LCA4	Transportation Corridor Landscape	This LCA is characterised by the major highways and railways corridors, and depot, featured with flyovers, footbridges, railway line and associated uses. Between the roads and railways are landscaped embankments, generally with vegetation of trees and shrubs as buffer planting. This type of LCA is common to Hong Kong and is generally less sensitive to railway development.	Low
LCA5	Comprehensive Residential Development Landscape	This LCA is characterised by low to medium residential with comprehensive planning, high sense of self-containment and highly structured landscape character. This LCA often contains prestigious residential development set amidst landscape areas and centralised community facilities. This type of LCA is generally medium landscape quality with medium sensitivity.	Medium

Visual Envelope

12.6.9 For the northern boundary of the visual envelope, it is formed from the ridgeline of Tit Hang close to the Kwu Tung North. The ridgeline along the Ngau Tam Shan, Kai Kung Leng defined the visual envelope at the east and extended to Ho Pui Tsuen at the south. For the western boundary of visual envelop, it is bounded by the ridgeline along the Tai Lam Chung Country Trail and further framed by the New Territories Circular Road. The visual envelope of the Project during the construction and operational phases is illustrated in Figure No. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/301.

12.6.10 Subject to the existing site context, the visual envelope of the temporary explosive magazine site at Tai Shu Ha (Yuen Long) is mainly confined along the vehicular road. The northern and southern boundary of the visual envelope is bounded by the dense vegetation while western boundary is bounded by the Tai Shu Ha Road West. For the eastern boundary, it is defined by the lot boundary of the Hong Kong Model Engineering Club (HKMEC) International Aviation Centre. This visual envelop of the Project during the construction phase is illustrated in Figure No. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/302.

Visually Sensitive Receivers

12.6.11 Within the visual envelope, a number of key Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) were identified during construction and operational phases. They are listed, together with their baseline assessment and sensitivity, in Table 12.6 and mapped in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/351 and 352. Photographs of the VSRs are provided in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/354 to 356.

12.6.12 The sensitivity of VSRs was assessed in accordance with EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010. Key factors including type of VSRs, number of individuals of the VSRs, quality of existing view, availability of alternative views, degree of visibility, duration of view and frequency of view of the VSRs were evaluated.

12.6.13 Types of VSRs are generally categorised in accordance with the landuse of the areas where the VSRs are located. There are mainly 5 types of VSRs, namely Recreational (RE), Residential (R), Government/Institution/Community (GIC), Industrial(I) and Transport related/Travelling(T) VSRs.

12.6.14 R2 to R9, R10, R11, R13, R17, R19 and R24 are residential VSRs with many to medium number of individuals. The quality of existing view is generally fair. They all have alternative views and partial to full degree of visibility. They have medium to long duration of view and occasional to frequent view. Their sensitivity is considered as medium to high.

12.6.15 RE1 to RE3 and RE5 to RE6 are recreational VSRs with medium number of individuals. The quality of existing view is good subject to the open view to the surrounding natural topography and landscape scenery. Although they all have alternative views, the proposed works are fully visible to these VSRs in long to medium viewing duration and frequent to occasional viewing frequency, thus their sensitivity is considered as high.

12.6.16 RE7 is recreational VSR with few number of individuals. The quality of the existing view is fair. Subject to the site condition of view direction, where the view is surrounded by densely vegetated woodland or with open view, this VSR has only partial degree of visibility. The duration and frequency of view of this VSR is short and rare respectively. Hence, the sensitivity is considered as low.

12.6.17 T1 to T5 are traveller VSRs with few to many number of individuals. The quality of the existing view is fair, and all have alternative views. Since these VSRs are travelling in high speed, they will only have a glimpse on the proposed works in a short duration of view and rare frequency of view. Hence, the sensitivity is considered as low.

12.6.18 I2 and I4 are industrial VSRs with medium number of individuals. The quality of existing view is fair. They have alternative view but with full degree of visibility. In view of their working nature, their duration of view is short with occasional frequency. Hence, their sensitivities are considered as low.

12.6.19 GIC1 is institutional VSR with few number of individuals. The quality of existing view is good and it has alternative view. Due to vegetation along the periphery of the fisheries office, views to the Project is considered to be partial. Although this VSR is in working nature with short duration of view and occasional frequency, it includes occasional visitors to the venue and with good quality of the existing open view. Hence, the sensitivity is considered as medium.

12.6.20 Considered that a number of committed and planned projects are located in the vicinity of the Project, including the Sha Po Housing Development abutting the proposed AUT Station, San Tin Technopole and KTN NDA, the existing VSRs, number of planned VSRs are identified and were assessed under this EIA submission.

12.6.21 R21 and R23 are planned residential VSR completed during the construction phase of this Project, while R26 to R27 are the planned residential VSRs not yet exist during construction phase of this Project. They are with many number of individuals. The quality of existing view is generally fair. They all have alternative views and full degree of visibility. They have long duration of view and frequent view. Their sensitivity is considered as high.

12.6.22 RE8 is the planned recreational VSR with medium number of individuals. The quality of existing view is generally good. They all have alternative views and full degree of visibility. They have medium duration of view and occasional frequency of view. Their sensitivity is considered as high.

12.6.23 I9 is a planned industrial VSR with few number of individuals. The quality of existing view is fair. The degree of visibility to the Project is partial due to the built environment of KTN NDA with alternative view. In view of the working nature, the duration of view is short with occasional frequency. Hence, the sensitivity is considered as low.

12.6.24 GIC2 and GIC3 are planned institutional VSRs with few number of individuals. The quality of existing view is fair and they have alternative views. Due to planned development within San Tin Technopole and KTN NDA, it is anticipated that the view to the Project would be partially blocked. In view of the working nature, the duration of view is short with occasional frequency. Hence, the sensitivity is considered as low.

Table 12.6 Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) and Their Sensitivity

VSR ID.	Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	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 (Low, Medium, High)
R2	Residents at Shek Wu Tong and Tin Sam San Tsuen	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Partial	Long	Occasional	Medium
R3	Residents at Kat Hing Wai Walled Villages	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Partial	Long	Occasional	Medium
R4	Residents at private residential buildings, such as Super King Court, Genuine Court, etc.	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Partial	Long	Occasional	Medium
R5	Residents at Park Yoho	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Full	Long	Frequent	High
R6	Residents at Sha Po Tsuen	Residential	Medium	Fair	Yes	Partial	Long	Occasional	Medium
R7	Residents at Mo Fan Heung	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Full	Long	Frequent	High
R8	Residents at San Wai Tsuen and Sheung Chuk Yuen	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Partial	Long	Occasional	Medium
R9	Residents at Long Ha Tsuen	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Full	Long	Occasional	High
R10	Residents at Yau Tam Mei Tsuen	Residential	Medium	Fair	Yes	Full	Long	Occasional	Medium
R11	Residents at private residential buildings, such as the Vineyard	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Partial	Long	Frequent	High
R13	Residents at Shek Wu Wai	Residential	Medium	Fair	Yes	Full	Long	Frequent	High
R17	Residents at private residential buildings, such as Europa Garden, Valais I and Valais II	Residential	Medium	Fair	Yes	Partial	Medium	Frequent	Medium
R19	Residents at Ho Sheung Heung area	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Partial	Medium	Frequent	High
R21	Potential residential users of Sha Po Public Housing Development	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Full	Long	Frequent	High
R23	Potential residential users in Kam Tin South Housing Development	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Full	Long	Frequent	High
R24	Residents at Grand Mayfair	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Full	Long	Frequent	High
R26⁽¹⁾	Potential residential users in planned development of San Tin Technopole	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Full	Long	Frequent	High
R27⁽¹⁾	Potential residential users in planned development of KTN NDA	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Full	Long	Frequent	High
RE1	Hikers along the hiking trail of Kai Kung Leng	Recreational	Medium	Good	Yes	Full	Long	Frequent	High
RE2	Hikers along the Tai Lam Chung Country Trail	Recreational	Medium	Good	Yes	Full	Medium	Occasional	High
RE3	Hikers along the hiking trail of Ki Lun Shan	Recreational	Medium	Good	Yes	Full	Medium	Occasional	High
RE5	Hikers along the Ngau Tam Shan	Recreational	Medium	Good	Yes	Full	Medium	Occasional	High
RE6	Hikers along the Cheung Ngau Shan	Recreational	Medium	Good	Yes	Full	Medium	Occasional	High
RE7	Recreational users at HKMEC International Model Aviation Centre	Recreational	Few	Fair	Yes	Partial	Short	Rare	Low
RE8⁽¹⁾	Potential recreational users in planned development of KTN NDA	Recreational	Medium	Good	Yes	Full	Medium	Occasional	High
T1	Travellers along Tuen Ma Line, to and from Pat Heung Area and Yuen Long Station	Traveller	Many	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Rare	Low
T2	Travellers along the Tsing Long Highway	Traveller	Many	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Rare	Low
T3	Travellers along the San Tin Highway	Traveller	Many	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Rare	Low
T4	Travellers along the Fanling Highway	Traveller	Many	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Rare	Low
T5	Travellers along Tai Shu Ha Road West	Traveller	Few	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Rare	Low
I2	Workers at MTR Building (Kam Tin)	Industrial	Medium	Fair	Yes	Full	Short	Occasional	Low
I4	Workers from logistics / construction material warehouse (close to the NTM Station)	Industrial	Medium	Fair	Yes	Full	Short	Occasional	Low
I9⁽¹⁾	Potential workers at planned industrial landuse of San Tin Technopole abutting Fanling Highway	Industrial	Few	Fair	Yes	Partial	Short	Occasional	Low
GIC1	Workers at AFCD, Au Tau Fisheries Office	Institutional	Few	Good	Yes	Partial	Short	Occasional	Medium
GIC2⁽¹⁾	Potential workers at planned G/IC landuse of San Tin Technopole	Institutional	Few	Fair	Yes	Partial	Short	Occasional	Low
GIC3⁽¹⁾	Potential workers at planned G/IC landuse of KTN NDA	Institutional	Few	Fair	Yes	Partial	Short	Occasional	Low

Remark: R = Residential; RE = Recreational; T=Transport Related/ Traveller; I=Industrial; GIC=Government/Institution/Community

Note:

(1) The planned VSRs do not exist during the construction phase of the NOL.

12.7 Landscape Impact Assessment

Sources of Landscape Impact

12.7.1 The sources of landscape impact arising from the Project would create various levels of landscape impact during construction and operational phases of the Project. Potential impacts would result from the temporary and permanent works during the construction phase and permanent aboveground structure elements during operational phase.

12.7.2 The NOL will be predominantly in tunnels, which will be primarily constructed by Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), with short sections of Drill & Blast (D&B) and mined tunnels between PWA and LHA, and between PWA and NTD connecting tracks. The sources of temporary landscape impact were expected from the following key aboveground construction works:

· Construction of 5 stations by cut-and-cover;

· Construction of NTD;

· Construction of seven ancillary buildings for EAP/EEPs/VBs;

· Construction of overrun tunnel section at KSR and crossover box and bifurcation at SAT by cut-and-cover;

· Demolition of EAP aboveground structure under Existing EAL at Kwu Tung;

· Site clearance and construction of temporary explosive magazine at Tai Shu Ha (Yuen Long) and reinstatement; and

· Construction works areas for site offices, stockpiling of construction and demolition materials, storage of construction equipment and plant, etc; and

· Loss of existing trees and other vegetation due to the construction works.

12.7.3 The sources of landscape impact in the operational phase would include:

· Operation of five stations, seven ancillary buildings and NTD; and

· Permanent removal of existing trees and other vegetation.

Magnitude of Landscape Change

12.7.4 The magnitude of unmitigated landscape changes associated with the construction and operational phases of the Project were assessed and are described in Table 12.7.

Table 12.7 Magnitude of Landscape Changes during Construction and Operation

ID No.	Landscape Resources/ Landscape Character Areas	Description of Works	Description of Impacts	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
ID No.	Landscape Resources/ Landscape Character Areas	Description of Works	Description of Impacts	Construction	Operation
*Landscape Resources*
Kam Sheung Road/Pat Heung Area
LR1.2	Mixed Woodland	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR1.3	Grassland
LR1.4	Shrubland
LR1.5	Marsh / Reed
LR1.6	Orchard / Nursery Site
LR1.7	Plantation
LR1.8	Agricultural land
LR1.9	Vegetation along Drainage Channel	· Works site for underground tunnel construction, site formation works and roadworks for KSR(NOL) Station.	Existing vegetation along both size of the channel, which mainly ruderal species wildly grown on the grasscrete surface of the Channel, would be permanently removed. In total, vegetation in approx. 3% (i.e. 0.58ha) of this LR area would be affected and removed.	Small	Small
LR1.10	Developed area / Villages	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR1.11	Vegetation within Construction site
LR1.12	Vegetation at Private Residential Area
LR1.13	Vegetation within open storage area
LR 1.14a	Roadside vegetation along Kam Ho Road	· Works site for underground tunnel construction, site formation works and roadworks for KSR(NOL) Station.	Existing roadside planting along the road would be permanently removed. In total, vegetation in approx. 4% (i.e. 0.56ha) of this LR area would be affected and removed.	Small	Small
LR 1.14b	Roadside vegetation Tsing Long Highway, Kam Tin Bypass and Tung Wui Road	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR1.15	Amenity Planting at KSR(TML) Station	· Works site for underground tunnel construction, site formation works, utilities diversion and roadworks for KSR(NOL) Station. · Permanent construction of KSR(NOL) Station adjacent to existing KSR(TML) Station.	Existing planting, which mainly are the densely planted palm trees, abutting the existing KSR(TML) Station would be permanently removed. In total, vegetation in approx. 44% (i.e. 2.84ha) of this LR area would be affected and removed. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 303 trees excluding undesirable tree species, in which approx. 45 nos. of affected trees are proposed to be transplanted.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR1.18a	Vegetation within West Rail Compensatory Wetland (WRCW)	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR1.18b	Vegetation within G/IC landuse
LR1.18c	Vegetation at periphery of villages
LR1.18d	Vegetation within the railway corridor of PHD	· Works site for underground tunnel construction, site formation works, utilities diversion and roadworks for KSR(NOL) Station. · Permanent construction of KSR(NOL) Station adjacent to existing KSR(TML) Station.	During the construction phase, existing vegetation such as self-seeding weed and wild grass at the PHD would be removed for the proposed works. In total, vegetation in approx. 17% (i.e. 2.15ha) of this LR area would be affected and removed.	Small	Small
LR1.18e	Vegetation abutting the railway corridor of PHD	· Works site for underground tunnel construction, site formation works and roadworks for KSR(NOL) Station.	Existing buffer planting, which mainly common tree species of Acacia confusa, Leucaena leucocephala and other ruderal species abutting the existing PHD would be permanently removed. In total, vegetation in approx. 92% (i.e. 2.41ha) of this LR area would be affected and removed. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 285 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of change is large in consideration of the large area (i.e. 92%) affected in this LR with medium range of affected trees.	Large	Large
Sha Po/ Au Tau Area
LR 2.1	Woodland	Nil	The 10 nos. of TPI of rare and protected species in this LR will not be affected.	Negligible	Negligible
LR 2.2	Mixed woodland	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR 2.3	Grassland	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR 2.3a	Seasonal wet grassland	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR 2.4	Shrubland	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR 2.5	Marsh / Reed	· Permanent construction of SMA. · Temporary works site for SMA during the construction phase, including tunnel construction, utilities laying and road works.	Approx. 2% (i.e. 0.26ha) of this LR area would be affected and existing vegetation would be removed.	Small	Small
LR 2.7	Plantation	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR 2.8	Agricultural land	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR 2.9	Vegetation along Drainage Channel	· Permanent construction of SMA. · Temporary works site for SMA during the construction phase, including tunnel construction, utilities laying and road works.	Approx. less than 1% (i.e. 0.04ha) of this LR area would be affected with existing vegetation to be removed.	Small	Small
LR 2.10	Developed area / Villages	· Permanent construction of PWA, AUT Station and associated structure. · Temporary work site for the construction of Stations and ABs. · Works site for ecological mitigation measures, including the provision of bat house.	Existing planting, which mainly cluster of vegetation (i.e. those identified at the proposed PWA and at Mo Fan Heung) would be permanently removed. The OVT, 1 TPI of rare and protected species and 2 TPIs in large size of this LR would not be affected. However, approx. 3% (i.e. 1.94ha) of this LR area would be affected permanently and vegetation to be removed, including 2 nos. of TPI in large size (i.e. NOL-T8295, NOL-T8064) to be removed. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 446 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of change is intermediate in consideration of the amount of affected trees including TPIs, though only small affected area (i.e. 3%) of LR.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR 2.12	Vegetation at Private Residential Area	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR 2.13	Vegetation within open storage area	· Permanent construction of PWA, AUT Station and associated structure. · Temporary work site for the construction of Stations and ABs.	Existing planting, which mainly fragmented vegetation or individual trees and shrubs (i.e. those identified between the lots) would be permanently removed. In total, vegetation in approx. 4% (i.e. 1.83ha) of this LR area would be affected and removed.	Small	Small
LR 2.14a	Roadside vegetation along Chi Ho Road and Shui Tau Road	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR 2.14b	Roadside Vegetation along Tsing Long Highway, San Tin Highway and Kam Tin Road	· Temporary work site for substation. · No permanent above ground works are proposed during operational phase.	Existing vegetation, mainly self-seeding plants and ruderal species within approx. less than 1% (i.e. 0.06ha) of this LR area would be affected and removed.	Small	Small
LR 2.14c	Roadside vegetation abutting San Tam Road and Castle Peak Road – Tam Mei	· Temporary work site for substation. · No permanent above ground works are proposed during operational phase.	Existing vegetation, mainly self-seeding plants and ruderal species within approx. 12% (i.e. 0.54ha) of this LR area would be affected and removed.	Small	Small
LR 2.14d	Roadside vegetation along Shui Mei Road	· Temporary work site for SMA. · No permanent above ground works are proposed during operational phase.	Existing vegetation, mainly self-seeding plants and trees and ruderal species within approx. 14% (i.e. 0.06ha) of this LR area would be affected and removed.	Small	Small
LR 2.15	Vegetation at Shui Tau Road Sitting-out Area	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR2.16	Pond	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR2.17	Abandoned area / wasteland	· Permanent construction of SMA. · Temporary works site for SMA during the construction phase, including tunnel construction, utilities laying and road works.	Existing vegetation within approx. 3% (i.e. 0.52ha) of this LR area would be affected and removed.	Small	Small
LR2.18a	Vegetation within West Rail Compensatory Wetland (WRCW)	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR2.18b	Vegetation of AFCD Au Tau Fisheries Office	· Temporary works site for SMA during the construction phase. · No permanent above ground works are proposed during the operational phase.	Temporary removal of existing vegetation such as the undesirable species and self-seeding vegetation during the construction phase. One TPI in large size of this LR would not be affected. Existing vegetation within approx. 1% (i.e. 0.03ha) of this LR area would be affected and removed.	Small	Small
Ngau Tam Mei / Pok Wai Area
LR3.1	Woodland	Nil	Nil.	Negligible	Negligible
LR3.2	Mixed woodland	· Temporary works site for NTD during the construction phase.	Approx. less than 1% (i.e. 0.05ha) of this LR area would be affected and vegetation to be removed.	Small	Small
LR3.3	Grassland	· Temporary works site for NTM Station during the construction phase. · No permanent above ground works are proposed during the operational phase.	Approx. less than 1% (i.e. 0.22ha) of this LR area would be affected and vegetation to be removed.	Small	Small
LR3.4	Shrubland	· Temporary works site for NTM Station during the construction phase. · No permanent above ground works are proposed during the operational phase.	Approx. 2% (i.e. 0.20ha) of this LR area would be affected and vegetation to be removed.	Small	Small
LR3.5	Marsh / Reed	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR3.6	Orchard/ Nursery Site	· Temporary works site for LHA during the construction phase. Works including roadworks and utilities laying. · Temporary works site for NTM Station during the construction phase. · No permanent above ground works are proposed during the operational phase.	Approx. 4% (i.e. 0.37ha) of this LR area would be affected and vegetation to be removed.	Small	Small
LR3.7	Plantation	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR3.8	Agricultural Land	· Permanent construction of NTM Station. · Temporary works site for NTM Station during the construction phase.	Approx. 33% (i.e. 0.83ha) of this LR area would be affected permanently with vegetation removal. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 73 trees excluding undesirable tree species.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR3.9	Vegetation along Drainage Channel	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR3.10	Developed area / Villages	· Permanent construction of LHA, NTM Station and NTD. · Temporary works site for LHA during the construction phase. Works including roadworks and utilities laying. · Works area for NTM Station and NTD, including site formation works, roadworks, trackwork, stabling track and associated workshop.	One OVT in this LR would not be affected. However, approx. 4% (i.e. 3.04ha) of this LR area would be affected permanently and vegetation to be removed. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 158 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of change is small in consideration of the amount of affected trees with only small affected area (i.e. 4%) of LR.	Small	Small
LR3.12	Vegetation at Private Residential Area	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR3.13	Vegetation within open storage area	· Temporary works site for LHA during the construction phase. Works including roadworks and utilities laying. · Works area for NTM Station and NTD, including site formation works, roadworks, trackwork, stabling track and associated workshop.	Approx. 37% (i.e. 13.60ha) of this LR area would be affected permanently with vegetation removal due to the construction works. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 794 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of change is large in consideration of both 37% of LR area affected and large nos. of affected trees.	Large	Large
LR3.14	Roadside vegetation along San Tin Highway	· Temporary works site for LHA as construction access path during the construction phase. · No permanent above ground works are proposed during the operational phase.	Temporary removal of existing vegetation such as the undesirable species and self-seeding vegetation during the construction phase. Approx. less than 1% (i.e. 0.08ha) of this LR area would be affected.	Small	Small
LR3.16	Pond	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR3.18a	Vegetation within Tam Mei Barracks	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
San Tin / Shek Wu Wai Area
LR4.1	Woodland	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR4.2	Mixed Woodland	· Temporary works site for SAT Station as during the construction phase. · No permanent above ground works are proposed during the operational phase.	All the 8 TPIs of rare and protected species identified in this LR would not be affected. Approx. 1% (i.e. 0.72ha) of this LR area would be affected permanently with vegetation removal.	Small	Small
LR4.3	Grassland	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR 4.3a	Grassland at Developed Area	· Temporary works site for SNA during the construction phase, works including site formation, utilities laying, TBN works and tunnel construction.	Approx. 1% (i.e. 0.03ha) of this LR would be affected permanently with removal of existing vegetation.	Small	Small
LR4.4	Shrubland	· Temporary works site for SAT Station during the construction phase. · No permanent works are proposed during operational phase.	Approx. less than 1% (i.e. 0.21ha) of this LR area would be taken up with temporary removal of existing vegetation during the construction phase.	Small	Small
LR4.5	Marsh / Reed	· Temporary works site for SAT Station and KLA during the construction phase. · No permanent works are proposed during operational phase.	Approx. 30% (i.e. 1.02ha) of this LR would be taken up with temporary removal of existing vegetation during the construction phase. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 7 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of change is intermediate in consideration of both 30% of LR area affected with only a few nos. of affected trees.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR4.6	Orchard / Nursery Site	· Temporary works site for SAT Station during the construction phase.	Approx. 3% (i.e. 0.63ha) of this LR area would be taken up with temporary removal of existing vegetation during the construction phase.	Small	Small
LR4.7	Plantation	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR4.8	Agricultural Land	· Permanent construction of SNA. · Temporary works site for SNA during the construction phase, works including site formation, utilities laying, TBN works and tunnel construction.	Removal of existing trees and vegetation permanently due to construction works. Approx. 37% (i.e. 3.28ha) of this LR would be affected permanently with removal of existing vegetation. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 71 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of change is intermediate in consideration of both 37% of LR area affected and medium range of affected trees.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR4.9	Vegetation along Drainage channel	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR4.10	Developed area / Villages	· Temporary works site for SAT Station during the construction phase. · No permanent works are proposed during operational phase.	Approx. 4% (i.e. 0.96ha) of this LR area would be affected permanently with vegetation removal.	Small	Small
LR4.12	Vegetation at Private Residential Area	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR4.13	Vegetation within open storage area	· Permanent construction of SAT Station and KLA. · Temporary works site for SAT Station and KLA during the construction phase, works including site formation, utilities laying and tunnel construction.	Approx. 9% (i.e. 14.49ha) of this LR area would be taken up for temporary removal of existing vegetation during the construction phase, and part of the area (approx. 0.90 ha) occupied by the station structures permanently. The TPI within this LR would not be affected by works. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 865 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of change is large in consideration of large nos. of affected trees though no TPI will be affected and only small affected area (i.e. 9%) of LR.	Large	Large
LR 4.14	Roadside vegetation along San Tin Highway	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR4.15	Amenity planting at San Tin Park and Man Tin Cheung Park	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR4.16	Pond	· Temporary works site for SAT Station during the construction phase.	Approx. 5% (i.e. 0.47ha) of this LR area would be taken up with temporary removal of existing vegetation during the construction phase.	Small	Small
LR4.17	Abandoned area / wasteland	· Temporary works sites and area for the construction of SAT Station. · No permanent works are proposed during operational phase.	Approx. 2% (i.e. 0.32ha) of this LR area would be taken up for temporary removal of existing vegetation during the construction phase.	Small	Small
LR4.18a	Vegetation surrounding the site office	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR4.18b	Vegetation within San Tin Barracks	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
Kwu Tung / Chau Tau Area
LR5.2	Mixed woodland	· Temporary work site for the construction of PAA.	Approx. less than 1% (i.e. 0.03ha) of this LR area would be taken up with temporary removal of existing vegetation during the construction phase.	Small	Small
LR5.3	Grassland	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR5.3a	Grassland at Developed Area	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR5.4	Shrubland	· Temporary work site for the construction of PAA.	Approx. less than 1% (i.e. 0.10ha) of this LR area would be taken up with removal of existing vegetation.	Small	Small
LR5.6	Orchard / Nursery Site	· Permanent construction of PAA and KTU(NOL) Station. · Temporary work site for the construction of AB and Station.	Approx. 7% (i.e. 1.40ha) of this LR area would be taken up with temporary removal of existing vegetation during the construction phase, and part of the area(approx. 0.2 ha area) will be occupied by the station and AB structures permanently. Among the 2 TPIs found in this LR, 1 TPI of rare and protected species would be retained, however, 1 TPI in large size (i.e. NOL-T6450) would be affected and removed.	Small	Small
LR5.8	Agricultural Land	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR5.9	Vegetation along Drainage Channel	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR5.10	Developed area / Villages	· Permanent construction of PAA. · Temporary work site for the construction of AB and Station.	Approx. 11% (i.e. 3.06ha) of this LR area would be taken up with temporary removal of existing vegetation during the construction phase, and part of the area (approx. 0.09 ha area) will be occupied by the station and AB structures permanently. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 453 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of change is intermediate in consideration of the amount of affected trees, though only small affected area (i.e. 11%) of LR.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR5.11	Vegetation within Construction Site	· Permanent construction of KTU(NOL) Station. · Temporary work site for the construction of Station.	Approx. less than 1% (i.e. 0.92ha) of this LR area would be taken up with temporary removal of existing vegetation during the construction phase, and part of the area (approx. 0.27 ha area) will be occupied by the station structures permanently. As those site clearance and tree removal works will be carried out by other projects (i.e. CEDD KTN NDA and KTU (EAL)), no trees will be removed under this Project. Hence, the magnitude of change is considered as small.	Small	Small
LR5.12	Amenity Planting at Private Residential Area	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR5.13	Vegetation within open storage area	· Permanent construction of KTA. · Temporary work site for the construction of AB.	Approx. 6% (i.e. 2.02ha) of this LR area would be taken up with temporary removal of existing vegetation during the construction phase, and part of the area (approx. 0.20 ha area) will be occupied by the AB structures permanently. The 2 TPIs in large size of this LR would not be affected and to be retained. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 189 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of change is small in consideration of the amount of affected trees without affecting the TPIs and only small area affected (i.e. 6%) of this LR.	Small	Small
LR5.14	Roadside vegetation (along Fanling Highway)	Nil	Nil. The 3 OVTs would not be affected by the works.	Negligible	Negligible
LR5.15	Amenity planting at Garden / Park	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR5.16	Pond	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR5.18a	Vegetation within transportation facilities	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR5.18b	Vegetation within KCRC / Kwu Tung KTU(EAL) Vested Land	· Permanent construction of KTU(NOL) Station. · Temporary work site for the construction of Station.	Approx. 45% (i.e. 1.08ha) of this LR area would be taken up with temporary removal of existing vegetation during the construction phase, and part of the area (approx. 0.3 ha area) will be occupied by the station structures permanently. As those site clearance and tree removal works will be carried out by other projects (i.e. CEDD KTN NDA and KTU (EAL)), no trees will be removed under this Project. Hence, the magnitude of change is considered as small.	Small	Small
LR5.18c	Drainage Channel at Shek Tsai Leng	· Permanent construction of KTU(NOL) Station. · Temporary work site for the construction Station.	Approx. 19% (i.e. 0.10ha) of this LR area would be taken up with temporary removal of existing vegetation during the construction phase, and part of the area will be occupied by the station structures permanently. As those site clearance and tree removal works will be carried out by other projects (i.e. CEDD KTN NDA and KTU (EAL)), no trees will be removed under this Project. Hence, the magnitude of change is considered as small.	Small	Small
Tai Shu Ha Area
LR6.1	Woodland	· Works area for proposed temporary explosive magazine site.	Approx. less than 1% (i.e. 0.41ha) of this LR area would be affected with small portion existing vegetation to be removed.	Small	Small
LR6.3	Grassland	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR6.5	Marsh / Reed	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR6.6	Orchard/ Nursery Site	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR6.8	Agricultural area/ wasteland	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR6.13	Vegetation within industrial landuse/ open storage area abutting Tai Shu Ha Road West	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LR6.16	Pond	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
*Landscape Character Areas*
LCA1	Hillside and Upland Landscape	· Temporary works site for construction of SAT Station. · Temporary works area for the explosive magazine site.	During the construction phase, approx. less than 1% (i.e. 1.1ha) of this LCA would be permanently affected to provide works site for SAT Station. The construction works are temporary and localised, therefore the impact on this LCA due to the Project would be small.	Small	Small
LCA2	Rural Inland Plain Landscape	· Temporary work site for the construction of ancillary building and stations. · Permanent construction of Abs, including the SMA, LHA and SNA.	Approx. 5% (i.e. 10.0ha) of this LCA would be affected during the construction phase. Although the nature of the Project is different from this LCA, the scale of works is considered as localised. Hence, the impact on this LCA due to the Project would be small.	Small	Small
LCA3	Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape	· Temporary work sites for the construction of ancillary buildings and stations. · Permanent construction of Stations, NTD and ABs.	Approx. 6% (i.e. 56.1ha) of this LCA will be permanently affected by the construction works due to the construction of ABs, Stations and NTD. Considered that the impact is relatively extensive while the nature of the works is different from the existing elements, hence the impact on this LCA due to the Project would be intermediate.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LCA4	Transportation Corridor Landscape	· Temporary work sites for the construction of ancillary buildings and stations. · Permanent construction of KSR(NOL) Station and track works.	Existing vegetation and part of infrastructure will be permanently affected due to the construction of KSR(NOL) Station, involving approx. 2% (i.e. 4.1ha) of this LCA. Since the proposed works are in similar nature of the existing railway related development, there is no change on the overall transportation landscape character, the magnitude of impact to this LCA is considered as small.	Small	Small
LCA5	Comprehensive Residential Development Landscape	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible

Remark: SMA - Shui Mei Road Ancillary Building; PWA – Pok Wa Ancillary Building; LHA - Long Ha Tsuen Ancillary Building; SNA - San Tin Ancillary Building; KLA – Kai Lung Road Ancillary Building; KTA – Kwu Tung Road Ancillary Building; PAA – Pak Shek Au Ancillary Building; NTD - Ngua Tam Mei Depot.

Significance of Unmitigated Landscape Impact

12.7.5 The significance of landscape impact, before implementation of mitigation measures, in the construction and operational phases are assessed and presented in Table 12.12.

12.7.6 The significance of unmitigated impacts on the affected LRs and LCAs would vary from substantial to insubstantial. They are described as below.

Kam Sheung Road/Pat Heung Area

12.7.7 Among the landscape resources identified within this area, only the landscape resources of LR1.9, LR1.14a, LR1.15, LR1.18d and LR1.18e would be affected by the proposed works. For the remaining LRs, considered that no works would be proposed within these LRs, no existing vegetation would be affected. Therefore, the magnitude of impact on these LRs due to the Project is considered as negligible and the resultant unmitigated impact during both construction and operational phases is insubstantial.

12.7.8 The vegetation within LR1.9 were mainly grassy plant and ruderal species wildy grown on the grasscrete surface of both side of the drainage channel, the sensitivity of this LR is considered as low. During the construction phase, the small portion of vegetation will be temporarily removed for underground tunnel construction works. Approximate 3% of this LR area would be affected. Upon the completion of works, the disturbed area will be reinstated. The magnitude of impact on this LR due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is slight.

12.7.9 LR 1.14a is the roadside planting along Kam Ho Road. The sensitivity of this LR is identified as low. During the construction phase, the small portion of vegetation will be permanently removed for underground tunnel construction works. Approximate 4% of this LR area would be affected. Upon the completion of works, the disturbed area will be reinstated. The magnitude of impact on this LR due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is slight.

12.7.10 LR 1.15 is the amenity planting in front of the KSR Station which mainly palm trees with dense foliage in fair condition for screening and ornamental purpose. Hence, the sensitivity of this LR is identified as medium. During the construction phase, portion of this LR will be taken up as construction site for KSR(NOL) Station. Approximate 44% of this LR area would be affected, and most of the existing vegetation in the affected area will permanently be removed. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 303 trees excluding undesirable tree species, in which approx. 45 nos. of affected trees are proposed to be transplanted. Upon the completion of works, the disturbed area abutting the Station would be reinstated. The magnitude of impact on this LR due to the Project is considered as intermediate and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is moderate.

12.7.11 The vegetation within LR1.18d were mainly grassy plant and self-seeding planted and hence the sensitivity of this LR is considered as low. During the construction phase, the small portion of vegetation within the PHD will be temporarily removed for underground tunnel construction works, and portion of it will be taken up as construction site for KSR(NOL) Station. Approximate 17% of this LR area would be affected. Upon the completion of works, the disturbed area will be reinstated. The magnitude of impact on this LR due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is slight.

12.7.12 The existing plantation within LR1.18e is the mitigation measure under Environmental Permit Condition 2.5 of EP – 502/2015/A. Even though the vegetation was dense with continuous canopies, it was observed that self-seeding species (i.e. Leucaena leucocephala) and other commonly fast-growing species were dominated within this LR. Hence the sensitivity of this LR is considered as low. During the construction phase, the large portion of existing vegetation will be permanently removed for underground tunnel construction and site formation works. Approximate 92% of this LR area would be affected. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 285 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of change is large in consideration of the large area (i.e. 92%) affected in this LR with medium range of affected trees. Upon the completion of works, some of the area will be occupied by the proposed structures while some will be reinstated with the vegetation. The magnitude of impact on this LR due to the Project is considered as large and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is moderate.

Sha Po/ Au Tau Area

12.7.13 Among the landscape resources identified within this area, only the landscape resources of LR2.5, LR2.9, LR2.10, LR2.13, LR2.14b, LR2.14c, LR2.14d, LR2.17 and LR2.18b would be affected by the proposed works of construction of AUT Station, ABs of SMA and PWA. For the remaining LRs, considered that no works would be proposed within these LRs, no existing vegetation would be affected. Therefore, the magnitude of impact on these LRs due to the Project is considered as negligible and the resultant unmitigated impact during both construction and operational phases is insubstantial.

12.7.14 LR2.5 is the marsh / reed with mainly periphery vegetation abutting AFCD Au Tau Fisheries Offices which considered with medium sensitivity. During the construction phase, the small portion of vegetation within this LR will be taken up as temporary and permanent work site of SMA. Only approximate 2% of this LR area would be affected. After the completion of works, part of affected area will be permanently occupied by the AB structure. The magnitude of impact on this LR due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is moderate.

12.7.15 Small section of the drainage channel of LR2.9, abutting AFCD Au Tau Fisheries Offices would be taken up as temporary work site of SMA with small portion as permanent work site. The sensitivity of this LR is low due to its relatively low landscape quality while only small portion of the vegetation would be removed permanently. Only approximate less than 1% of this LR area would be affected by this Project as part of the works site of MA would be occupied by a road works area by others. The magnitude of impact on this LR due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is slight.

12.7.16 LR 2.10 is relatively extensive among this area, which only some developed area abutting Fung Kat Heung Road and Pok Wai Public School would be taken update as work sites for construction AUT Station, ABs of PWA during the construction area and works site for ecological mitigation measures, including the provision of bat house. After the completion works, some of the LRs would be permanently removed and replaced by the station structures. Since the vegetation found were fragmented with fair to poor quality, the sensitivity is considered as low. Approximate 3% of this LR area would be affected, without affecting the OVT (i.e. LCSD YL/6), and one TPI of rare and protected species (i.e. NOL-T8193) and 2 TPIs in large size (i.e. NOL-T881 and T8319). However, 2 nos. of TPI in large size (i.e. NOL-T8295 in species Ficus microcarpa and NOL-T8064 in species Delonix regia) near Pok Wai Public School would be affected and removed. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 446 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of change is intermediate in consideration of the amount of affected trees including TPIs, though only small affected area (i.e. 3%) of LR. The resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is moderate.

12.7.17 LR2.13 is the fragmented greenery identified within the open storage area at Fung Kat Heung, abutting San Tam Road, which considered with low sensitivity. During the construction, as portion of the open storage area would be taken up as construction site of the AUT station. Within the affected area, all the existing landscape elements would be removed permanently. Approximate 4% of this LR area would be affected. After the completion of works, the affected area will be occupied by AUT station and associated service building structures. Since the scale of works is relatively small in general among the entire LR, the magnitude of impact on this LR due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is slight.

12.7.18 A small portion of roadside vegetation along San Tin Highway (i.e. LR2.14b) and along the San Tam Road (i.e. LR2.14c) would be taken up as works site for temporary CLP substation. It is assumed that some of the existing vegetation would permanently to open space for the construction works. Approximate less than 1% of LR2.14b and 12% of LR2.14c area would be affected. Since the scale of works is relatively small in general among the entire LRs while the sensitivity of these LRs are low due to the poor landscape quality, the magnitude of impact on these LRs due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is slight.

12.7.19 Some of the roadside vegetation along Shui Mei Road (i.e. LR2.14d) would be temporarily affected by the proposed works site of SMA during the construction phase. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as low due to the fair to poor landscape quality. Approximate 14% of this LR area would be affected. After the completion of works, the affected vegetation would be reinstated. The magnitude of impact on this LR due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is slight.

12.7.20 Due to the proposed works site for SMA, a portion of wasteland at the south of Park Yoho T8 would be taken up. The existing vegetation of LR 2.17 would be permanently removed, and the affected area would be occupied by the AB structures after the completion of works. Approximate 3% of this LR area would be affected. Since the scale of works is relatively small in general among the entire LR while the sensitivity of this LR is low due to the poor landscape quality, the magnitude of impact on this LR due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is slight.

12.7.21 A portion of vegetation at the north of LR 2.18b AFCD Au Tau Fisheries Offices would be temporarily affected by the proposed works site of SMA during the construction phase. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium with one TPI in large size found. Only approximate 1% of this LR area would be affected by this Project as part of the works site of MA would be occupied by a road works area by others, with the TPI in large size (i.e. NOL-T420) to be retained. After the completion of works, the affected vegetation would be reinstated. the magnitude of impact on this LR due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is moderate.

Ngau Tam Mei / Pok Wai Area

12.7.22 Among the landscape resources identified within this area, only the landscape resources of LR3.2, LR3.3, LR3.4, LR3.6, LR3.8, LR3.10, LR3.13 and LR3.14 would be affected by the proposed works of construction of NTM Station, NTM Depot and the ABs of LHA. For the remaining LRs, considered that no works would be proposed within these LRs, no existing vegetation would be affected. Therefore, the magnitude of impact on these LRs due to the Project is considered as negligible and the resultant unmitigated impact during both construction and operational phases is insubstantial.

12.7.23 For the LR 3.2, the sensitivity of this LR is considered as high of this mixed woodland. During the construction phase, some of the vegetated area of this LR would be taken up for the temporary works site of NTD which the vegetation would be removed. Considering that only approximate less than 1% of this LR area would be affected, the scale of works is relatively small at the periphery of the extensive mixed woodland, the magnitude of impact due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is moderate.

12.7.24 For the LR 3.3 and LR 3.4, the sensitivity of these LRs is considered as low and medium due to the fair landscape quality respectively. During the construction phase, some of the vegetated area of these LRs would be taken up for the temporary works site of NTM Station and Depot which the vegetation would be removed. Approximate less than 1% of LR3.3 and 2% of LR3.4 areas would be affected respectively. Since the scale of works is relatively small in general among the entire LR, the magnitude of impact on these LRs due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is slight.

12.7.25 For LR3.6, the sensitivity of this LR is considered as low as the vegetation was man-made in nature and managed for commercial purpose or ornamental purpose with relatively tolerant for change. During the construction phase, some areas of LR3.6 would be taken up as works sites for LHA and NTM Station. Existing vegetation within the works area would be permanently removed and occupied by the proposed structures. Approximate 4% of this LR area would be affected. The magnitude of impact on this LR due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is slight.

12.7.26 For LR3.8, the sensitivity of this LR is considered as low since the patches of agricultural land identified were generally small in scale and some were temporarily or permanently abandoned, overgrew with ruderal herb, while a few actively managed lands are relatively tolerant to change. During the construction phase, part of the area would be affected by the temporary works while small portion of LR3.8 would be taken up as permanent works site for NTM Station and occupied by the proposed structure. Approximate 33% of this LR area would be affected in total. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 73 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of impact on this LR due to the Project is considered as intermediate and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is slight.

12.7.27 For LR3.10 and LR3.13, the sensitivity of these LRs is considered as low. During the construction phase, the affected area would be taken up as works site for LHA, NTM Station and Depot with part of area occupied by proposed structures. One OVT (i.e. LCSD YL/7) in LR3.10 would be retained. For LR3.10, the approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 158 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of change is small in consideration of the amount of affected trees with only small affected area (i.e. 4%) of this LR. Hence, the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is slight for LR3.10. For LR3.13, the approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 794 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of change is large in consideration of both 37% of LR area affected and large nos. of affected trees. The resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is substantial for LR3.13.

12.7.28 For the roadside vegetation along San Tin Highway (i.e. LR3.14), most of the vegetation would be temporarily removed to provide construction access to the works site of LHA during the construction phase. Only approximate less than 1% of this LR area would be affected. After the completion of works, the affected vegetation would be reinstated as roadside vegetation. Since the scale of works is relatively small while the sensitivity of this LR is low, the magnitude of impact on the LRs due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is slight.

San Tin / Shek Wu Wai Area

12.7.29 Among the landscape resources identified within this area, only the landscape resources of LR4.2, LR4.3a, LR4.4, LR4.5, LR4.6, LR4.8, LR4.10, LR4.13, LR4.16 and LR4.17 would be affected by the proposed works of construction of SAT Station and the ABs of SNA and KLA. For the remaining LRs, considered that no works would be proposed within these LRs, no existing vegetation would be affected. Therefore, the magnitude of impact on these LRs due to the Project is considered as negligible and the resultant unmitigated impact during both construction and operational phases is insubstantial.

12.7.30 Due to the proposed works of SAT Station and AB structure of KLA and SNA, some of the area within LR4.3a, LR4.4, LR4.6, LR4.10, LR4.16 and LR4.17 would be taken up as works site. The existing vegetation would be temporarily removed during the construction phase. The sensitivity of these LRs is low. After the completion of works, the distributed landscape would be reinstated. Since the scale of works is relatively small among these LRs, the magnitude of impact on these LRs due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is slight.

12.7.31 LR4.2 is the mixed woodland area with high sensitivity and several TPIs of rare and protected species recorded. During the construction phase, the small portion of area within this LR will be taken up as temporary work site of SAT Station. Only approximate 1% of this LR area would be affected. All the 8 nos. of TPIs of rare and protected species (i.e. NOL-T7700, NOL-T7699, NOL-T7466, NOL-T7463, NOL-T7467, NOL-T7533, NOL-T7566 and NOL-T7567) would not be affected. The magnitude of impact on this LR due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is moderate.

12.7.32 LR4.5 is the marsh / reed with most of the vegetation structure is simple and with fair landscape quality. In view that a few marsh / reeds with higher coverage and diversity of wetland plants located in northern portion of this LR, the sensitivity is considered as medium. During the construction phase, the small portion of vegetation within this LR will be taken up as temporary works site of SAT Station and KLA. Approximate 33% of this LR area would be affected. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 7 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of change is intermediate in consideration of both 30% of LR area affected with only a few nos. of affected trees. The resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is moderate.

12.7.33 A portion of agricultural land (i.e. LR4.8) would be taken up as works site for SNA during the construction phase. This LR has low to medium landscape value. It’s sensitivity of changes is considered as low as it is relatively high tolerant to change. The existing vegetation would be removed and part of the area occupied by the building structure. After the completion of works, the distributed landscape would potentially be taken up for STLMC DN. Approximate 37% of this LR area would be affected and the scale of works is intermediate. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 71 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of change is intermediate in consideration of both 37% of LR area affected and medium range of affected trees. The resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is moderate.

12.7.34 During construction stage of the SAT Station and AB structure of KLA, portion of LR4.13 would be taken up as the works site. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as low due to the fragmented and fair to poor quality of vegetation. Existing structures and vegetation would be permanently removed and replaced by the station structures and associated service buildings. Approximate 9% of this LR area would be affected. The TPI in large size (i.e. NOL-T7584) would not be affected. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 865 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of change is large in consideration of large nos. of affected trees though no TPI will be affected and only small affected area (i.e. 9%) of LR. The resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is substantial.

Kwu Tung / Chau Tau Area

12.7.35 Among the landscape resources identified within this area, only the landscape resources of LR5.2, LR5.4, LR5.6, LR5.10, LR5.11, LR5.13, LR5.18b and LR5.18c would be affected by the proposed works of construction of KTU(NOL) Station and the ABs of KTA and PAA. For the remaining LRs, considered that no works would be proposed within these LRs, no existing vegetation would be affected. Therefore, the magnitude of impact on these LRs due to Project is considered as negligible and the resultant unmitigated impact during both construction and operational phases is insubstantial.

12.7.36 Due to the provision of Pak Shek Au Ancillary Building (PAA), some of the area of the LR5.2 and LR5.4 would be taken up as works site during the construction phase. Approximate less than 1% of LR5.2 area and less than 1% of LR5.4 area would be temporarily affected. Since the scale of works is relatively small of them while the sensitivity of LR5.2 is high and LR5.4 is medium, the magnitude of impact on these LRs due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is moderate for LR5.2 and slight for LR5.4.

12.7.37 Due to the provision of PAA and KTU(NOL) Station, some of the area of the LR5.6 and LR5.10 would be taken up as works site during the construction phase. After the completion of works, small portion of the affected area of LR5.10 would be permanently occupied by the PAA structure, while portion of affected area of LR5.6 would be occupied by both PAA and KTU(NOL) Station. Approximate 7% of LR5.6 area and 11% of LR5.10 area would be affected. Among the 2 TPIs found in LR5.6, one TPI of rare and protected species (i.e. NOL-T8779) would be retained, while one TPI in large size (i.e. NOL-T6450 in species Ficus virens) would be affected and removed. Since the scale of works is relatively small of LR5.6 while the sensitivity of is low, the magnitude of impact due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is slight. For LR5.10, the approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 453 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of change is intermediate in consideration of the amount of affected trees, though only small affected area (i.e. 11%) of this LR. Hence, the unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is moderate.

12.7.38 For the construction of KTA, existing fragmented vegetation within the open storage area of LR5.13 would be permanently removed during the construction phase. Among the affected area (approximate 6% of this LR area), a small portion of area would be replaced by the structure building. The 2 TPIs in large size (i.e. NOL-T6889 and NOL-T6885) in this LR would be retained. The approx. no. of affected trees in this LR is 189 trees excluding undesirable tree species. The magnitude of change is small in consideration of the amount of affected trees without affecting the TPIs and only small area affected (i.e. 6%) of this LR. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as low due to the fragmented and fair to poor quality of vegetation. The magnitude of impact on this LR is small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is slight.

12.7.39 The landscape resources within the LR5.11, LR5.18b and LR5.18c would be affected by the works site of KTU(NOL) Station. During construction phase, those site clearance and tree removal works in LR5.11, LR5.18b and LR5.18c will be carried out by other projects (i.e. CEDD KTN NDA and KTU (EAL)), no trees will be removed under this Project. Hence, the magnitude of impact on these LRs is considered as small. For LR5.18b, although a relatively large portion of space within LR5.18b would be permanently occupied by the proposed structures (approximate 45% of LR5.18b area), no trees will be removed under this Project. Hence, the magnitude of change on LR5.18b is considered as small. The sensitivity of these LRs are low (i.e. LR5.11 and LR5.18c) and medium (i.e. LR5.18b), hence, resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is slight (LR5.11, LR5.18b and LR5.18c).

Tai Shu Ha Area

12.7.40 The landscape resources identified within this area, only LR 6.1 would be potentially affected by the proposed works. Given that no works would be proposed within the LRs of LR6.3, LR6.5, LR6.6, LR6.8, LR6.13 and LR 6.16, no existing vegetation would be affected. Therefore, the magnitude of impact on these LRs due to the Project is considered as negligible and the resultant unmitigated impact during both construction and operation phases is insubstantial.

12.7.41 For LR6.1, it is referring to the vegetation within the temporary magazine site at Tai Shu Ha (Yuen Long), which had been formerly operated as magazine site for the tunnel construction works by MTR under Hong Kong Section of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (approved EIA Report with Register No.: AEIAR-143/2009 refers) and for CEDD’s Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point project (approved EIA Report with Register No.: AEIAR-193/2015 refers). The existing plantation is the mitigation measures under Environmental Permit Condition 2.5 of EP-502/2015/A) for Operation of the Existing Tai Lam Explosive Magazine at Tai Shu Ha, Yuen Long for Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point Project. The temporary magazine site at Tai Shu Ha (Yuen Long) had been reinstated upon completion of operation of the magazine as per the recommended mitigation measures.

12.7.42 Even though the sensitivity of the LR is considered as medium with relatively mature greenery provision but concentrated in fast growing pioneer tree species, only a small portion of existing vegetation (appropriate less than 1% of this LR area) will be temporarily removed. The magnitude of impact on this LR due to the Project is considered as small and the resultant unmitigated impact during construction and operational phases is slight.

12.7.43 Similar to LR of woodland, LCA 1 is hillside and upland landscape feature with undulations and hillocks, and also area of woodland at the lower slopes area, which is considered as high sensitivity. This LCA will be the temporary works sites for SAT Station and explosive magazine site at Tai Shu Ha. Considered that the change of this LCA due to the Project is relatively small in scale. The magnitude of impact to this LCA is considered as small. The unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA during construction and operational phases is considered as moderate.

12.7.44 The LCA 2 is the rural inland plain landscape that feature with agricultural lands and cluster of squatter huts. Cluster of vegetation can be found adjacent to those elements. The sensitivity is considered as medium. Among this LCA, portion of area will be mainly taken up as temporary works site for the stations and ancillary buildings. Only small portion of existing farmland, vegetation, squatter huts will be permanently removed for the provision of ancillary buildings. Since the changes are localised, hence, the magnitude of impact to this LCA is considered as small. The unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA during construction and operation phases is considered as slight.

12.7.45 The LCA 3 is the miscellaneous rural fringe landscape that feature with number of villages and developed rural area such as open storage, temporary construction site or warehouse and factories for industrial usage. Cluster of vegetation scattered within the developed area or vegetation in a mix of trees and self-seeding plant can be found along the nullah. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered as low. Number of proposed construction works for stations and ancillary buildings will be conducted within this LCA, where most of the existing elements within the works site will be permanently removed. Hence, the magnitude of impact to this LCA is considered as intermediate. The unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA during construction and operational phases is considered as moderate.

12.7.46 Major highways such as San Tin Highway and Tsing Long Highway and railway depot are the key elements of the LCA 4, in which role of trees were planted as buffer planting for screening purpose or self-seeding weed and grass were grown along the train track. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered as low. Due to the proposed construction works of KSR(NOL) Station and track works, existing vegetation and infrastructure will be permanently removed. Since the proposed works are in similar nature of the existing railway related development, the magnitude of impact to this LCA is considered as small. The unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA during construction and operational phases is considered as slight.

12.7.47 LCA 5 is the comprehensive residential development character that are low-rise residential buildings with high sense of self-containment. Generous soft landscape provision can be found. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered as medium. Considering that no works will be proposed within this LCA, hence the magnitude of impact from the Project to this LCA is negligible and the unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA during construction and operational phases is considered as insubstantial.

12.8 Visual Impact Assessment

Sources of Visual Impact

12.8.1 The sources of visual impact during construction and operational phases of the Project would create varying levels of visual impact. Potential impacts would be resulted from the temporary works during the construction phase and the permanent aboveground structure elements during operational phase.

12.8.2 The sources of visual impact in the construction phase would include:

· Construction of 5 stations by cut-and-cover;

· Construction of NTD;

· Construction of seven ancillary buildings for EAP/EEPs/VBs;

· Construction of overrun tunnel section at KSR and crossover box and bifurcation at SAT by cut-and-cover;

· Demolition of EAP aboveground structure under Existing EAL at Kwu Tung;

· Site clearance and construction of temporary explosive magazine at Tai Shu Ha (Yuen Long) and reinstatement; and

· Construction works areas for site offices, stockpiling of construction and demolition materials, storage of construction equipment and plant, etc; and

· Loss of existing trees and other vegetation due to the construction works.

12.8.3 The sources of visual impact in the operational phase would include:

· Aboveground structures including five stations and associated facilities, depot, and seven ancillary buildings; and

· Permanent removal of existing trees and other vegetation.

Magnitude of Visual Impact on existing VSRs

12.8.4 The magnitude of impacts during construction and operational phases was assessed based on the viewing distance, compatibility of the Project with the surrounding landscape, duration of impacts, scale of development, reversibility of change and potential blockage of view as shown in Table 12.8.

Kam Sheung Road (NOL) Station

12.8.5 During the construction phase, a portion of vegetation at the east of the train track between KSR(TML) and PHD would be temporarily removed for the tunnel construction works while some of existing elements (i.e. amenity planting in front of KSR(TML) Station) would be permanently removed. After the completion of works, the temporarily affected landscape elements would be reinstated while the proposed KSR(NOL) Station would be located at the west of the KSR(TML). Given that the proposed KSR(NOL) Station share similar building mass and height to the existing KSR(TML) Station, it is considered that the proposed station would be the extension of the existing station structure. The visual compatibility of the works to the surrounding landscape is high. The duration of impact and scale of development is long and medium respectively. The changes are considered as not reversible.

12.8.6 As the VSRs R2 and R3 located at relatively far away from the proposed work sites, the views to the proposed KSR(NOL) Station would be completely shielded by the existing vegetation. For viewer of VSR T2, the view to the proposed KSR(NOL) Station would be blocked by the existing KSR(TML) Station due to the similar building mass and height. It is therefore anticipated that no discernible change in views would be experienced for these VSRs during both construction and operational phases. Hence, the magnitude of change will be negligible in both phases.

12.8.7 For the VSRs viewing high level (i.e. VSRs RE2 and RE6) and the VSRs located adjacent to the proposed works area (i.e. VSRs R4, R23, R24, T1 and I2), both the works conducted during the construction and operational phases would be visible to the viewers. Subject to the far viewing distances and similar in nature to the surrounding built structures, it is considered that the existing panoramic view enjoyed by VSRs RE2 and RE6 could be still maintained while the viewer of VSRs R4, R23, R24, T1 and I2 would consider the proposed works as an extension of existing railway facilities with high visual compatibility. Hence, it is anticipated that the magnitude of change will be small during both construction and operational phases.

Shui Mei Road Ancillary Building (SMA)

12.8.8 The proposed works for SMA would include excavation works and construction of aboveground structures during the construction phase, with the SMA to be permanently located at the works site, the visual impact would be similar during both construction and operational phases. The compatibility of the works with the surrounding landscape would be low to medium. The duration of impacts is long, and the scale of development is small and localised. The changes are considered as not reversible.

12.8.9 Since the SMA is located at the open field adjacent to the wasteland/ farmlands and residential development (i.e. Park Yoho), the existing view from the adjacent VSR to the open field would be partially blocked. Due to the building footprint of the SMA is relatively small in scale, the magnitude of change to adjacent VSRs R5 is considered as small during both the construction and operational phases.

12.8.10 For the low-level views in most direction would be generally blocked by the existing patches of vegetation, and therefore low-level views of the proposed new developments will be screened. However, subject to the proposed height of the SMA, it would be partially visible to the viewer of VSR GIC 1. Hence, magnitude of change to VSR GIC 1 would be small during both the construction and operational phases.

Au Tau Station (AUT)

12.8.11 During the construction of AUT Station, a portion of open storage and warehouse abutting the San Tam Road would be converted to the temporary works site for excavation works and superstructure works for AUT Station, and also temporary provision of site office and storage of materials. The proposed works are generally medium compatibility to the surrounding landscape. The duration of impacts is long, and the scale of development is large. During the operation phase, sources of impact on the VSRs would arise from the aboveground structure of AUT Station only. The compatibility to the surrounding landscape is medium. The duration of impacts is long and scale of development is medium and localised. The changes are considered as not reversible in both construction and operational phases.

12.8.12 Since the proposed works would be mainly at ground level while the station structure with a height of 22m, the changes would be partially visible to the adjacent VSRs (i.e. T3, R6 and R7) viewing from low-level between the gaps of vegetation and built structures at Mo Fan Heung and Sha Po Tsuen at far viewing distance. It is therefore anticipated that the magnitude of change to these VSRs would be small during both construction and operational phases.

12.8.13 Considered that the proposed Sha Po Public Housing Development is tentatively completed earlier than NOL, it is anticipated that existing view viewing at the construction site of AUT Station would be changed to the proposed station structure with associated facilities while the surrounding visual context such as vegetation at Kai Kung Shan at the east and farmland at the west will be remain unchanged. Hence, it is considered that the magnitude of change due to the Project would be small during both construction and operational phases of VSR R21.

Pok Wai Ancillary Building (PWA)

12.8.14 During both the construction and operational phases, only a small portion of space would be taken up for the construction works for PWA. The proposed works are generally medium compatibility to the surrounding landscape. The duration of impacts is long, and the scale of development is small and localised. Since the proposed works is at the back of the warehouse and foothill of the slope, it would not be visible to adjacent VSR T3. There would be no visual blockage to the VSR, and hence the magnitude of changes to the VSR T3 due to the proposed PWA would be considered as negligible.

Long Ha Tsuen Ancillary Building (LHA)

12.8.15 During both the construction and operational phases, only a small portion of space would be taken up for the construction works for LHA. The proposed works are generally medium compatibility to the surrounding landscape. The duration of impacts is long, and the scale of development is small and localised. The building itself is small in scale and will have no visual blockage to the surrounding. Hence, the magnitude of changes to the VSR R9 would be considered as negligible.

Ngau Tam Mei (NTM) Station and Ngau Tam Mei Depot (NTD)

12.8.16 During the construction phase, the existing warehouse abutting Chuk Yau Road and Ching Yau Road would be taken up for the construction site of NTM Station and NTD. The proposed temporary works site for provision of site offices, anticipated excavation works, construction of stations and associated facilities are generally medium compatibility to the surrounding landscape. The duration of impact is long, and the scale of development is large and extensive. The changes are considered as not reversible. During the operational phase, there would be aboveground structures of NTM Station, NTD and the associated facilities on site, while the adjacent area would be subject to the proposed land uses under Land Use Review Study for Ngau Tam Mei Area which is being studied by others.

12.8.17 The existing view to the open storage area or warehouses of VSR RE1 would be replaced by of NTM Station and NTD. Given that the building mass of proposed structures are of similar height but relatively large in scale, the visual context to the VSR would be altered. However, considered that the open panoramic view of VSR RE1 that looking toward the Ngau Tam Mei area and wetlands at Mai Po would not be blocked by the proposed structure and the long viewing distance from RE1, the magnitude of changes would be considered as small during both construction and operational phases.

12.8.18 Low level views of VSRs R8 and R11 in most directions are generally blocked by small hill abutting the Wang Ping Shan East Road and dense vegetation along Ngau Tam Mei Road respectively, and therefore the low-level views of the proposed new developments will be screened. Only the building façade and roof structure of NTM Station would be partially visible to VSR R8 that close to Chuk Yau Road and VSR R11 that viewing from far distance respectively. Due to the geographical location of NTD where located behind the NTM Station and the small hill abutting the Wang Ping Shan East Road, the proposed structure of NTD would not be visible to VSRs R8 and R11. Hence, the magnitude of changes to these VSRs would be considered as small during both the construction and operational phases.

12.8.19 Given to the existing site context of VSR R10 that surrounded by low rise residential villages and planting buffer, views to the NTM Station and NTD will be screened by the existing vegetation. Hence, no magnitude of changes during the construction and operational phase to VSR R10.

12.8.20 However, the existing view to the open storage and agricultural land of the VSR I4 would be partially blocked by the proposed works of NTM Stations and NTD. Thus, the magnitude of changes to this VSR would be considered as intermediate.

San Tin (SAT) Station and San Tin Ancillary Building (SNA)

12.8.21 During the construction of SAT Station and the SNA, an extensive area would be required for the works site and works area of the station. The existing elements such as agriculture land, warehouse, open storage space within the development boundary of STLMC DN would be removed to provide space for excavation works, site formation works, construction of SAT Station and SNA, office space for offices and material storages. The compatibility to the surrounding landscape is medium. The duration of impact is long, and scale of development is large and extensive.

12.8.22 During operational phase, only the entrances of the SAT Station and the associated ventilation buildings as well as SNA would be the major aboveground structures and visible to the surrounding. The scale of these elements would be considered as small. The duration of impacts and compatibility is still considered as long and medium respectively. The changes are considered as not reversible.

12.8.23 The proposed works of SAT Station and SNA would be visible to VSR RE5 due to the high viewing level. Existing view to the warehouses, agricultural land and associated greenery would be replaced by the construction works site and the permanent station structures. However, given to the far viewing distance and the low building profile of the station entrances, there would be no potential blockage of the existing view to VSR RE5 and the visual quality would be similar to the existing condition. Hence, magnitude of changes to the VSR RE5 would be considered as small during the construction and operational phase.

12.8.24 For the viewer of VSR R13, since most of the viewing direction in low level toward the proposed works area are generally blocked by existing vegetation along Shek Wu Wai Road, only a small portion of proposed works at the east of the VSR R13 would be visible between the gaps of the planted roadside vegetation. Existing view toward the ridgeline of Kai Kung Lung would be remain unchanged after the completion of the proposed Station. Hence, the magnitude of change will be small in both construction and operational phases.

12.8.25 After the completion of works, the SAT Station and SNA would be part of the visual elements to the residents of the planned development in San Tin Technopole. The proposed stations and ancillary building would be compatible to the surroundings. Hence, the magnitude of change to the existing view is considered as negligible during operational phase to the planned VSR of R26.

Ka Lung Road Ancillary Building (KLA) and Kwu Tung Road Ancillary Building (KTA)

12.8.26 The existing warehouse or open storage area within the development boundary of STLMC DN and KTN NDA would be taken up as works sites for excavation works and building works. The proposed works of KLA and KTA are of generally medium compatibility to the surrounding landscape. The duration of impacts is long, and the scale of development is small. The changes are considered as not reversible. During operational phase, the ABs would not be the only aboveground structures that visible to the surrounding. Considered that the proposed ABs are part of the built elements of the STLMC DN and KTN NDA, it is assumed that the proposed works shall be integrated with the built surrounding and shall no potential visual impact to the planned VSRs of GIC2 related to KLA and I9 related to KTA. For VSR T4 related to KTA, which is relatively far away from the proposed works, it is considered that the proposed works would not be visible to T4 during the construction and operational phases. Hence, the magnitude of changes to T4 is negligible during both phases.

12.8.27 Given that proposed works are relatively small in scale and would have no visual blockage to the VSR RE3 from a higher viewing level, the existing panoramic view the wetlands of Mai Po and Lok Ma Chau to the developed area of Kwu Tung would remain the same. The magnitude of change to VSR RE3 is small during both construction and operational phases as only the existing view to the open storage area or warehouse would be replaced by the railway related facilities.

Pak Shek Au Ancillary Building (PAA)

12.8.28 The existing warehouse would be taken up as construction sites for excavation works and building works of PAA. The proposed works are medium compatibility to the surrounding landscape. The duration of impacts is long, and the scale of development is small. The changes are considered as not reversible. During operational phase, the AB would not be the only aboveground structures that visible to the surrounding. Considered that the proposed AB is part of the built elements of the KTN NDA, it is assumed that the proposed works shall be integrated with the built surrounding and potential visual impact to the planned VSRs of GIC3 shall be negligible.

Kwu Tung (NOL) Station (KTU(NOL))

12.8.29 During the construction of KTU(NOL) Station, some of the existing construction site, open storage area, vegetated area and warehouse within the development boundary of KTN NDA – Remaining Phase would be removed to provide space for works site and area of KTU(NOL) Station. Works including excavation works, site formation, construction of station to connect with the planned KTU(EAL) Station are generally medium compatibility to the surrounding landscape. During operation phase, the entrances and associated facilities of the station would not be the only aboveground structures that visible to the surrounding. The scale of development is considered as medium as the entrances are clustered at the core Town Centre of KTN NDA. The duration of impacts would be long and scale of development would be medium to the surrounding VSRs, while the changes are considered as not reversible during both the construction and operation phases.

12.8.30 Given that the VSRs R17, R19 and T4 are relatively far away from the proposed works, the existing view to the surrounding would be blocked by the existing visual elements such as roadside vegetation (i.e. along Fanling Highway (VSR T4)) and buffer planting at the north of the private residential buildings (i.e. VSR R17 and R19). Hence, the proposed works would not be visible to these VSRs during the construction and operational phase. Hence, the magnitude of changes to these VSRs is negligible during both phases.

12.8.31 Considered that the proposed station is part of the built elements of the KTN NDA, it is assumed that the proposed works shall be integrated with the built surrounding and the potential visual impact to the planned VSRs of R27 and RE8 during the operational phase shall be negligible.

Magazine Site at Tai Shu Ha (Yuen Long)

12.8.32 The magazine site located at Tai Shu Ha, Yuen Long is proposed for temporary overnight explosive storage. Removal of existing vegetation would be anticipated during the construction phase. The compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape would be medium. The duration of impacts is long and scale of development is small. The change is reversible as the works area will be reinstated in like-for-like basis before handover to government departments. Since the proposed works area would not be visible to surrounding VSRs (i.e. RE7, T5) due to the visual blockage by the existing woodland vegetation and no works would be anticipated in operational phase, there would be no magnitude of the changes to the identified VSRs.

Representative Viewpoints

12.8.33 Photomontages at representative locations showing the comparison between existing conditions, Day 1 after completion of the Project without mitigation measures, on Day 1 after completion of the Project with mitigation measures, and in Year 10 of Operation of the Project with mitigation measures were prepared in accordance with EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010.

12.8.34 The criteria for the selection of representative viewpoints for photomontages include:

· the viewpoints which cover the aboveground structure(s) viewed from major public viewpoint represents key VSRs or VSR groups who would be potentially affected by the proposed permanent structures; and

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

12.8.35 Based on the locations of the proposed aboveground structures, the viewpoints from key VSRs are mapped in Figure No. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/351, with their descriptions provided as follow:

· KSR – VP1 – View from Kam Po Road, adjacent to the Kam Tin River, viewing at the proposed KSR(NOL) Station. VP is proposed to represent residents at northern side of the Kam Tin River, including the VSRs R3 and R4.

· KSR – VP2 – View from Tung Wui Road, viewing at the eastern side of the proposed KSR Station. VP is proposed to represent the residents nearby Chi Ho Road, including the planned VSR R23.

· SMA – VP1 – View from the Park Yoho, viewing the proposed Shui Mei Road Ancillary Building. VP is proposed to represent VSRs of R5 and GIC1

· AUT – VP1 – View from the hiking trail of Kai Kung Leng, viewing at the proposed AUT Station. VP is proposed to represent the planned VSR of R21.

· PWA – VP1 – View from pedestrian footbridge crossing the San Tin Highway, viewing at the proposed Pok Wai Ancillary Building. VP is proposed to represent VSR of T3.

· LHA– VP1 – View from the Long Ha Village, viewing at the proposed Long Ha Ancillary Building. VP is proposed to represent VSR R9.

· SNA – VP1 – View from the squatter huts at Shek Wu Wai, viewing at the proposed Sha Tin Ancillary Building. VP is proposed to represent northeast side of VSR R13

· SAT – VP1 – View from the squatter huts at Shek Wu Wai, viewing at the proposed SAT Station. VP is proposed to represent southwest side of VSR R13.

· NTM – VP1 – View from the hiking trail of Kai Kung Leng, viewing at the proposed NTM Station and NTD. VP is proposed to represent VSRs of RE1.

· KLA – VP1 – View from Ka Lung Road, viewing at the proposed Ka Lung Road Ancillary Building. VP is proposed to represent the nearby VSR GIC2.

· KTA – VP1 – View from the Kwu Tung Road, abutting the existing logistics company, viewing at the proposed Kwu Tung Road Ancillary Building. VP is proposed to represent the nearby industrial VSR I9.

· PAA – VP1 – View from vehicular road abutting the temporary open storage, viewing at the proposed Pak Shek Au Ancillary Building. VP is proposed to represent the nearby VSR GIC3.

· KTU – VP1 – View from the Ma Tso Lung Road, viewing at the proposed KTU(NOL) Station. VP is proposed to represent the nearby planned VSRs of R27 and RE8.

Table 12.8 Magnitude of Visual Impact during Construction and Operational Phases

VSR ID.	Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Source of Visual Impact	Approx. 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.	Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Source of Visual Impact	Approx. Viewing Distance (m)	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
R2	Residents at Shek Wu Tong and Tin Sam San Tsuen	KSR(NOL) Station and associated works	550	High	High	Long	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
R3	Residents at Kat Hing Wai Walled Villages	KSR(NOL) Station and associated works	450	High	High	Long	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
R4	Residents at private residential buildings, such as Super King Court, Genuine Court, etc.	KSR(NOL) Station and associated works	200	High	High	Long	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
R5	Residents at Park Yoho	Shui Mei Road Ancillary Building and associated works	100-250	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Small	Small	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
R6	Residents at Sha Po Tsuen	AUT Station and associated works	400	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Large	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
R7	Residents at Mo Fan Heung	AUT station and associated site formation works	270	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Large	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
R8	Residents at San Wai Tsuen and Sheung Chuk Yuen	NTM Station and associated works and NTD	250	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
R9	Residents at Long Ha Tsuen	Long Ha Tsuen Ancillary Building and associated works	500	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Small	Small	No	No	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
R10	Residents at Yau Tam Mei Tsuen	NTM Station and associated works and NTD	200-300	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
R11	Residents at private residential buildings, such as the Vineyard	NTM Station and associated works and NTD	500	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
R13	Residents at Shek Wu Wai	SAT Station and associated works, SNA	140	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Large	Small	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
R17	Residents at private residential buildings, such as Europa Garden, Valais I and Valais II	KTU(NOL) Station and associated works	550	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
R19	Residents at Ho Sheung Heung area	KTU(NOL) Station and associated works	650	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
R21	Potential residential users of Sha Po Public Housing Development	AUT Station and associated works	100	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Large	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
R23	Potential residential users in Kam Tin South Housing Development	KSR(NOL) Station and associated works	70	High	High	Long	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
R24	Residents at Grand Mayfair	KSR(NOL) Station and associated works	80-100	High	High	Long	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
R26⁽¹⁾	Potential Residential users in planned development of San Tin Technopole	SAT Station and associated works, SNA	250-500	-	High	-	Long	-	Small	-	No	-	Nil	-	Negligible
R27⁽¹⁾	Potential Residential users in planned development of KTN NDA	KTU(NOL) Station	50-150	-	High	-	Long	-	Medium	-	No	-	Nil	-	Negligible
RE1	Hikers along the hiking trail of Kai Kung Leng	NTM Station and associated works and NTD	2400	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
RE2	Hikers along the Tai Lam Chung Country Trail	Works in KSR(NOL) Station and associated works	1200	High	High	Long	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
RE3	Hikers along the hiking trail of Ki Lun Shan	Ka Lung Road Ancillary Building and Kwu Tung Road Ancillary Building	700-900	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Small	Small	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
RE5	Hikers along the Ngau Tam Shan	SAT Station and associated works, SNA	1500	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Large	Small	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
RE6	Hikers along the Cheung Ngau Shan	KSR(NOL) Station and associated works	1300	High	High	Long	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
RE7	Recreational users at HKMEC International Model Aviation Centre	Tai Shu Ha Magazine Site and associated works	250	High	High	Long	Long	Small	Small	Yes	Yes	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
RE8⁽¹⁾	Potential recreational users in planned development of KTN NDA	KTU(NOL) Station	50-100	-	High	-	Long	-	Medium	-	No	-	Nil	-	Negligible
T1	Travellers along Tuen Ma Line, to and from Pat Heung Area and Yuen Long Station	KSR(NOL) Station and associated works	0-50	High	High	Long	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
T2	Travellers along the Tsing Long Highway	KSR(NOL) Station and associated works	200	High	High	Long	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
T3	Travellers along the San Tin Highway	AUT station and associated site formation works	50-100	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Large	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
T3	Travellers along the San Tin Highway	Pok Wai Ancillary Building	300-400	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Small	Small	No	No	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
T4	Travellers along the Fanling Highway	KTU(NOL) Station	400-800	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
T4	Travellers along the Fanling Highway	Kwu Tung Road Ancillary Building	500	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Small	Small	No	No	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
T5	Travellers along Tai Shu Ha Road West	Tai Shu Ha Magazine Site and associated works	380	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Small	Small	Yes	Yes	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
I2	Workers at MTR Building (Kam Tin)	KSR(NOL) Station and associated works	150	High	High	Long	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
I4	Workers from logistics / construction material warehouse (close to the proposed NTM station)	NTM Station and associated works and NTD	75-100	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
I9⁽¹⁾	Potential Workers at planned Industrial Landuse of San Tin Technopole abutting Fanling Highway	Kwu Tung Road Ancillary Building	100	-	Medium	-	Long	-	Small	-	No	-	Nil	-	Negligible
GIC1	Workers at AFCD, Au Tau Fisheries Office	Shui Mei Road Ancillary Building	80	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Small	Small	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
GIC2⁽¹⁾	Potential Workers at planned G/IC Landuse of San Tin Technopole	Ka Lung Road Ancillary Building	80	-	Medium	-	Long	-	Small	-	No	-	Nil	-	Negligible
GIC3⁽¹⁾	Potential Workers at planned G/IC Landuse in planned development of KTN NDA	Pak Shek Au Ancillary Building	100	-	Medium	-	Long	-	Small	-	No	-	Nil	-	Negligible

Remark: R = Residential; RE = Recreational; T=Transport Related/ Traveller; I=Industrial; GIC=Government/Institution/Community

Note:

(1) There is no rating (-) on the sensitivity, magnitude of impact, impact significance before mitigation measures and significance of residual impact in Day 1 and Year 10 of operation for some planned VSRs during the construction phase because the planned VSRs do not exist during the construction phase.

12.9 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

Landscape and Aesthetic External Design Measures in the Proposed Scheme

12.9.1 The design of aboveground structures should attempt to pose a positive gesture to integrate with the surrounding urban environments in an elegant manner. All the aboveground elements should have a consistency in architectural articulation and material palette so that they are easily recognizable as part of the MTR system.

12.9.2 The proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures, together with an indication of Funding, Implementation and Maintenance Agencies, during the construction and operational phases are listed in Table 12.9 and Table 12.10 below and illustrated in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/360 to 395.

Table 12.9 Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction Phase

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures⁽¹⁾	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency
CM1	Tree Preservation and Transplantation Tree without impact from the proposed works should be retained and any existing trees unavoidably affected by the works should be transplanted as far as possible in accordance with LAO Practice Note 6/2023.	MTR Corporation (via contractor)	MTR Corporation
CM2	Control of Night-time Lighting Glare Control of night-time lighting glare to prevent light overspill to the nearby VSRs and into the sky. Relevant best practices as suggested in the "Charter on External Lighting" and “Guidelines on Industry Best Practices for External Lighting Installations” promulgated by ENB should be adopted.	MTR Corporation (via contractor)	MTR Corporation
CM3	Erection of Decorative Screen Hoarding Erection of decorative screen hoarding or hoarding compatible with the surrounding setting.	MTR Corporation (via contractor)	MTR Corporation
CM4	Management of Construction Activities and Facilities Construction facilities and activities on work sites and areas should be carefully managed and controlled on the height and disposition /arrangement to minimise any potential adverse landscape and visual impacts.	MTR Corporation (via contractor)	MTR Corporation

Note:

(1) The following mitigation measures should apply to all works sites and works areas of the Project:

a. Upon completion of construction works, the temporarily disturbed hard and soft landscape areas during construction should be reinstated to the satisfaction of the relevant Government Departments.

b. Should disturbance on watercourses and wetlands is unavoidable, please refer to the ecological mitigation measures as detailed in Section 10.9 of this EIA Report.

Table 12.10 Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Operational Phase

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency	Maintenance/ Management Agency
OM1	Aesthetically pleasing design of Aboveground Structures Aesthetically pleasing design as regard to the form, material and finishes should be incorporated to Stations, Entrance, Ancillary Buildings and other associated engineering facilities so as to blend in the structures to the adjacent landscape and visual context.	MTR Corporation	MTR Corporation	MTR Corporation
OM2	Buffer Screen Planting Buffer screen planting, including shrub to provide screening to ventilation building, engineering structures and associated facilities.	MTR Corporation	MTR Corporation	MTR Corporation
OM3	Roof Greening Roof greening at the roof area of the proposed structures as far as practical to enhance the landscape quality of the structures and mitigate any potential visual impact on adjacent VSRs at high level.	MTR Corporation	MTR Corporation	MTR Corporation
OM4	Compensatory Tree Planting Compensatory tree planting in accordance with LAO Practice Note 6/2023 for compensation of felled trees.	MTR Corporation	MTR Corporation	MTR Corporation
OM5	Landscape Treatments on Slope or Retaining Structure Landscape treatments on slope or retaining structure should be made reference to GEO Publication No. 1/2011 – Technical Guidelines on Landscape Treatment for Slopes	MTR Corporation	MTR Corporation	MTR (subject to the affected areas and related maintenance parties)

12.9.3 The construction phase mitigation measures listed above should be adopted from the commencement of construction and should be in place throughout the construction period, while the operational phase mitigation measures listed above should be adopted during the detailed design stage and should be built as part of the construction works so that they are in place at the date of commissioning of the Project. However, it should be noted that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would not be appreciated for several years.

12.9.4 Based on the current design and layout of the stations, no space would be available for tree compensation at the station area due to site constraint including the provision of underground utility and emergency vehicular access (EVA) or maintenance access path. There would also be limited planting area within the AB area in order to minimise land taking for construction and permanent works. Considering the required proper planting space (i.e. 5m spacing for trees with minimum 1.2m planter width) and soil depth (i.e. minimum 1.2m and 0.6m for tree and shrub planting respectively, and also 0.3m for ground cover planting), suitable area for tree planting within AB area is further limited

12.9.5 Nevertheless, off-site tree compensation has been explored with the consideration of available areas for tree planting and operation constraints. During the course of EIA study, potential sites for off-site tree compensation was being studied and liaised with relevant stakeholders (e.g. relevant government departments including HyD, LCSD, AFCD, CEDD and LandsD). However, off-site tree compensation is not feasible due to maintenance concerns and no available space from relevant stakeholders. Under such circumstance as the only viable option at this stage, an approximate of 100 nos. of trees would be planted as compensatory trees to compensate the tree loss due to the Project within the lot boundaries.

12.9.6 Viewpoint locations of the photomontages are shown in Figure No. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/351. The photomontages intend to demonstrate only the scale and massing of the Project and the effect of the proposed mitigation measures. The architectural design finishes or any other related detailed design components are subject to refinement and changes during the detailed design stage. Photomontages of the Project without and with mitigation measures illustrating the appearance on day 1 and after 10 years of the Project are shown in Figure Nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/423 to 435.

12.10 Residual Impacts

Residual Landscape Impact

12.10.1 After implementation of mitigation measures, residual landscape impact of significance during construction and operational phases are described below.

Landscape Resources

Kam Sheung Road/Pat Heung Area

12.10.2 For LR1.2, LR1.3, LR1.4, LR1.5, LR1.6, LR1.7, LR1.8, LR1.10, LR1.11, LR1.12, LR1.13, LR1.14b, LR1.18a, LR1.18b and LR1.18c, there would be no residual impact on these LRs during construction and operation as no construction works would be conducted in these LRs.

12.10.3 During the construction of KSR(NOL) Stations, the existing vegetation within LR1.15 and LR1.18e would be affected. During the operational phase, the original amenity planting area would be taken up by adjacent planned residential development while roof greening and would be provided on the building structures strategically to mitigate the landscape and visual impacts. Although tree transplanting is proposed as mitigation measure for LR1.15, only limited greening and compensatory planting spaces identified during the EIA Study. It is considered that the residual impact on these LRs is moderate during the construction phase, but reduced to slight in Day 1 and Year 10 of operation with the implementation of mitigation measures such as aesthetically pleasing design, roof greening and landscape treatment on retaining structure in operation phase.

12.10.4 The existing vegetation within LR1.9, LR1.14a and LR1.18d would be affected due to the construction of KSR(NOL) Station and associated works including site formation, roadworks, utilities laying and underground tunnel construction. During the operational phase, the temporarily affected landscape would be reinstated with green roof would be proposed at the service building of KSR(NOL) Station. It is considered that the residual impact on these LRs is slight during the construction phase, but slight in Day 1 and insubstantial in Year 10 of operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

Sha Po/ Au Tau Area

12.10.5 For LR2.1, LR2.2, LR2.3, LR2.3a, LR2.4, LR2.7, LR2.8, LR2.12, LR2.14a, LR2.15, LR2.16 and LR2.18a, there would be no residual impact on these LRs during construction and operation as no construction works would be conducted in these LRs.

12.10.6 During the construction of SMA, existing vegetation within the works site of LR2.9, LR2.14d and LR2.17 would be removed due to the tunnel construction and works site of SMA. During the operational phase, the affected grassy patch and small cluster of vegetation would be permanently removed and occupied by the building structures and mitigation measures such as buffer screen planting, roof greening and tree compensation would be provided. It is considered that residual impact on this LR is slight during the construction phase and Day 1 of operation, and further reduced to insubstantial in Year 10 of operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

12.10.7 For the LR2.5 and LR2.18b, the marsh/reeds and vegetated areas located in the northern portion of AFCD Au Tau Fisheries Office would be affected by the works site of SMA. Some of the existing vegetation would be removed, while the one TPI in large size of LR2.18b would be retained. With the implementation of mitigation measures such as preservation of exiting trees, reinstatement of disturbed landscape area, ecological mitigation measure on watercourses and wetlands, provision of buffer planting, roof greening and tree compensation, the residual impact on these LRs is moderate during the construction phase and reduced to slight in Day 1 of operation, and further reduced to insubstantial in Year 10 of operation.

12.10.8 During the construction phase, a small portion of roadside vegetation abutting the San Tam Road (i.e. LR2.14b and LR2.14c) would be temporarily affected due to the temporary works site for CLP substation. The affected landscape would be reinstated to the satisfaction of government department. Considered that no permanent structure would be proposed within these LRs, residual impact on these LRs is slight during the construction phase and Day 1 of operation, and further reduced to insubstantial in Year 10 of operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

12.10.9 The construction of PWA mainly carried out within LR2.10 with LR2.1 adjoining the works area, the affected area of LR2.10 will be taken up as temporary works site of PWA and works site for ecological mitigation measures, including the provision of bat house. With the implementation of mitigation measures such as preservation of existing trees including the TPIs of rare and protected species within LR2.1 and LR2.10, it is considered that no residual impact on LR2.1during construction and operation as no construction works would be conducted in LR2.1..

12.10.10 Due to the construction of PWA and AUT Station within the LR 2.13 and LR2.10, the existing landscape resources affected by the proposed works site would be affected and permanently occupied by the proposed structures. During operational phase, shrub planting at the periphery of the AUT station would be proposed with roof greening on the building structure, while buffer screen planting, compensatory tree planting and landscape treatments on slope and retaining structure would be proposed at PWA. It is considered that the residual impact on LR2.13 is slight during the construction phase, slight in Day 1 and insubstantial in Year 10 of operation with the implementation of mitigation measures. For LR2.10, the magnitude of change is intermediate in consideration of the amount of affected trees (approx. 446 nos.). The residual impact is moderate during construction phase, but reduced and maintained as slight during Day 1 and Year 10 of operational phase in view of the limited available space for compensatory planting identified during the EIA Study.

Ngau Tam Mei / Pok Wai Area

12.10.11 For LR3.1, LR3.5, LR3.7, LR3.9, LR3.12, LR3.16 and LR3.18a, there would be no residual impact on these LRs during construction and operation as no construction works would be conducted in these LRs.

12.10.12 Given to the construction of the NTM Station, a small portion of the LR3.3 and LR3.4 would be temporarily affected by the proposed works. Existing vegetation including grass patches (i.e. mainly ruderal herbs and weedy), cluster of the shrub and young trees between the land parcels would be removed. After the completion of works, it is anticipated that the disturbed land would be taken up by other for future development. The affected grassland would be re-established over the time and colonized by the self-seeding species. It is considered that the residual impact on these LRs is slight during the construction phase, slight in Day 1 and insubstantial in Year 10 of operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

12.10.13 Due to the provision of LHA, the fringe area of the LR3.6 at the foothill of Kai Kung Leng would be taken up as temporarily works site. The existing vegetation such as fruit trees and small cluster of shrub and young trees would be temporarily removed. Upon the completion of the AB, the temporarily disturbed landscape would be reinstated. The affected area is relatively small in scale which the residual impact on this LR is slight during the construction phase, slight in Day 1 and insubstantial in Year 10 of operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

12.10.14 During the construction phase, a small portion of LR3.8 would be taken up as works site for the NTM Station, which some of the existing vegetation (i.e. mainly dry crop and fruit trees) would be permanently removed. Upon the completion of works, temporarily disturbed landscape would be reinstated. The affected area is relatively small in scale which the residual impact on this LR is slight during the construction phase, slight in Day 1 and insubstantial in Year 10 of operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

12.10.15 The fringe area of the LR3.10 would be taken up as works site or NTM Station, NTM Depot and LHA which the existing vegetation including self-seeding plant and cluster of trees and shrubs would be removed permanently. During the operational phase, shrub planting and roof greening would be applied on the NTM Station and associated service buildings for amenity purpose while vegetation at the back side of the LHA adjoining the hillside vegetation at the foothill of Kai Kung Leng would be planted. Since the scale of development is relatively small which the residual impact on this LR is slight during the construction phase, slight in Day 1 and insubstantial in Year 10 of operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

12.10.16 A small portion of LR3.2 and a portion of the existing landscape elements within the works site of LR3.13 would be affected mainly due to the construction of NTM Depot. Existing vegetation including grass patches (i.e. mainly ruderal herbs and weedy), cluster of the shrub and trees would be permanently removed. To accommodate the lost of vegetation, shrub planting and roof greening would be applied on the NTM Station and associated service buildings. However, due to the extensive building footprint of the NTM Depot and associated structures, no space would be allowed for at-grade greenery. The magnitude of change is large for LR3.13 in consideration of large as large amount of trees (approx. 794 nos.) would be affected. Since the impact area is relatively extensive in scale among LR3.13, the residual impact on LR3.13 is considered as substantial during the construction phase, and maintained as moderate in both Day 1 and Year 10 of operation with the implementation of mitigation measure such as aesthetically pleasing design of above ground structures of NTM Depot and roof greening in NTM Station but only limited available space for compensatory planting identified during the EIA Study. For LR3.2, only less than 1% (i.e. 0.05ha) of this LR area would be affected, it is considered the moderate residual impact during construction phase will be reduced to slight in Day 1 and further reduced to insubstantial in Year 10 of operation with the implementation of mitigation measures such as aesthetically pleasing design of above ground structures of NTM Depot.

12.10.17 To provide temporarily construction access for LHA, some of the existing roadside vegetation abutting San Tin Highway (i.e. LR3.14) would be temporarily removed. The temporarily disturbed environment would be reinstated up to satisfaction of relevant government departments. Since the impact area is relatively small in scale and would be reinstated upon completion of works, the residual impact on this LR is slight during the construction phase, slight in Day 1 and insubstantial in Year 10 of operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

San Tin / Shek Wu Wai Area

12.10.18 For LR4.1, LR4.3, LR4.7, LR4.9, LR4.12, LR4.14, LR4.15LR4.18a and LR4.18b, there would be no residual impact on these LRs during construction and operation as no construction works would be conducted in these LRs.

12.10.19 Due to the construction of SAT Station, existing landscape elements within the works site of LR4.2, LR4.3a, LR 4.4, LR4.6, LR4.10 and LR4.17 would be temporarily affected. The sensitivity of LR4.2 is high and other LRs is low. Given that no permanent structures would be located within these LRs while the temporarily disturbed environment would be reinstated up to satisfaction of relevant government department upon the completion of works. Although the impact area from proposed works is small in scale, only limited space for compensatory planting spaces identified during the EIA Study. There is moderate residual impact for LR4.2 with high sensitivity, and the residual impact in Day 1 and Year 10 will unavoidably maintain as slight with the implementation of mitigation measures. For other LRs, residual impacts are slight during the construction phase, slight in Day 1 and insubstantial in Year 10 of operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

12.10.20 During the construction phase, existing vegetation within works site of LR4.5 and LR4.16 would be temporarily removed due to the proposed works of SAT Station and KLA. Upon the completion of works, the temporarily disturbed environment would be reinstated. Given that no permanent structure would be proposed within these LRs, the residual impact on LR4.5 is moderate and LR4.16 is slight during the construction phase, reduced to slight in Day 1 and insubstantial in Year 10 of operation for both LRs with the implementation of mitigation measures together with ecological mitigation measures.

12.10.21 Due to the construction of SNA and associated works such as site formation and tunnel construction, the existing landscape resources within the works area of LR4.8 would be partially affected. A small portion of land parcel would be permanently occupied by the proposed SNA. The temporarily affected landscape would be reinstated upon completion of works and to be taken up for the future development of STLMC DN while new planting, buffer planting and roof greenery would be proposed at SNA. The magnitude of change is intermediate and hence the residual impact on this LR is moderate during the construction phase, slight in Day 1 and insubstantial in Year 10 of operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

12.10.22 During the construction phase, existing vegetation within works site of LR4.13 would be partially removed and permanently occupied by the proposed structures of SAT Station and KLA. The magnitude of change is large in consideration of large as large amount of trees (approx. 865 nos.) would be affected. The aesthetic pleasing design will be applied in SAT Station and buffer screen planting, tree planting and landscape treatments on slope and retaining structure would be applied in the KLA. Subject to the permanent structures proposed would be relatively small in scale and the surrounding temporarily disturbed area would be taken up for the future development of STLMC DN upon the completion of works, the residual impact on this LR is substantial during the construction phase, but reduced and maintained as moderate in Day 1 and Year 10 of operation in view of the limited available space for compensatory planting identified during the EIA Study. .

Kwu Tung / Chau Tau Area

12.10.23 For LR5.3, LR5.3a, LR5.8, LR5.9, LR5.12, LR5.14, LR5.15, LR5.16 and LR5.18a, there would be no residual impact on these LRs during construction and operation as no construction works would be conducted in these LRs.

12.10.24 Affected by both the construction of PAA and KTU(NOL) Station, existing vegetation would be affected either temporarily or permanently in LR5.6 and LR5.10. After the completion works, roof greening on the station and buffer planting, compensatory tree planting and landscape treatment on slope and retaining structure on AB structures would be proposed while some trees would be compensated within the vegetation area of PAA. It is considered that residual impact on LR5.6 is slight during the construction phase and reduced to slight and insubstantial in both Day 1 and Year 10 of operation with the implementation of mitigation measures. For LR5.10, the magnitude of change is intermediate in consideration of the amount of affected trees (approx. 453 nos.). The residual impact is moderate during construction phase, but reduced and maintained as slight during Day 1 and Year 10 of operational phase in view of the limited available space for compensatory planting identified during the EIA Study.

12.10.25 Due to the construction phase, vegetation identified within LR5.11, LR5.18b and LR5.18c would be permanently removed by other projects (i.e. KTN NDA and KTU (EAL). After the completion of works, roof greening on the station and aesthetically pleasing design of the station would be proposed. Considered that the land parcel would be taken up for the KTN NDA and developed as recreational space by referring to the latest OZP,no trees would be planted within the affected LRs for KTU(NOL) Station. It is considered that residual impact on these LRs is slight during the construction phase and Day 1, and reduced to insubstantial in Year 10 of operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

12.10.26 Affected by the construction of PAA for LR5.2 and LR5.4 while by KTA for LR5.13, existing vegetation would be affected either temporarily or permanently in these LRs. After the completion works, aesthetically pleasing design, buffer planting, compensatory planting within ABs permanent boundaries and landscape treatment on slope or retaining structures would be proposed while some trees would be compensated within the vegetation area of PAA and KTA. It is considered that residual impact on LR5.2 with high sensitivity is moderate while LR5.4 and LR5.13are slight during the construction phase, and reduced to slight and insubstantial in Day 1 and Year 10 of operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

Tai Shu Ha Area

12.10.27 For LR6.3, LR6.5, LR6.6, LR6.13 and LR6.16, there would be no residual impact on these LRs during construction and operation as no construction works would be conducted in these LRs.

12.10.28 The proposed temporary explosive magazine site located within the LR 6.1 of Tai Shu Ha Area would be temporarily affected. After the completion of works, the temporarily affected vegetation would be reinstated in like-for-like basis. It is considered that residual impact on this LR is slight during the construction phase and reduced to slight and insubstantial in both Day 1 and Year 10 of operation with the implementation of mitigation measures.

12.10.29 Exact number of trees to be retained, transplanted, and removed would be provided in the Tree Preservation and Removal Proposal (TPRP) under LAO Practice Note 6/2023.

Landscape Character Areas

12.10.30 During the construction phase, there would be slight residual landscape impact on LCA2 and LCA4 due to the construction of ABs. Upon the completion of the proposed works, the disturbed landscaping area would be reprovisioned. During the operational phase, the impact caused by the proposed works become slight in Day 1 and insubstantial in Year 10 with implementation of landscape mitigation measures.

12.10.31 Due to the construction works of SAT Station, a small portion of densely vegetated woodland would be affected. It is considered that the residual landscape impact on LCA1 is moderate. Considered that sufficient time shall be provided for the growth of the trees to semi mature to mature size, hence the residual impact on this LCA is still moderate in Day 1 but reduced to slight in Year 10 of operation.

12.10.32 There would be moderate residual landscape impact on LCA3 due to the removal of existing vegetation found within the villages or peripheral of the developed site during the construction phase. An extensive area of warehouse, open storage area or industrial offices would be demolished and replaced by the station structures or associated facilities during construction. During the operational phase, the disturbed landscape would be reprovisioned upon the completion of works. The impact caused will become slight in Day 1 and insubstantial in Year 10 with implementation of landscape mitigation measures.

12.10.33 During the construction phase, there would be no residual landscape impact on LCA5 as there is no works to be conducted in the LCA. During the operational phase, the residual landscape impact would be insubstantial in both Day 1 and Year 10 of operation.

Summary on Recommendation in Broad Brush Tree Survey

12.10.34 Five registered OVTs are identified within 500m assessment area and would not be affected. Based on the broad brush tree survey, approximately 6,168 existing trees (in which total 824 trees are undesirable tree species Leucaena leucocephala) identified within the works sites / works areas, including 9 nos. of TPIs with DBH over 1m and 1 no. of TPI in rare or protected plant species within the works sites / works areas, while 9 nos. of TPIs in rare or protected plant species are found in close proximity to the works sites / works areas.

12.10.35 Among the 6,168 existing tree surveyed, it is estimated that approximately 4,411 nos. of trees (excluding 712 nos. of undesirable tree species Leucaena leucocephala) would be potentially affected by the proposed works and would be removed or transplanted, while approximately 1,045 nos. of trees would be retained. There are neither OVTs nor rare and protected species affected by the proposed works, and the affected trees mainly are common tree species. All the 20 nos. of TPIs of rare and protected species i.e. Aquilaria sinensis and Michelia maudiae identified in the survey would be retained. However, 3 out of 9 TPIs with DBH over 1m would be unavoidably affected and removed, they are Delonix regia (NOL-T8064), Ficus microcarpa (NOL-T8295) and Ficus virens (NOL-T6450). Among the 4,411 nos. affected trees, about 1,522 nos. of trees within MTR’s permanent boundary proposed would be removed and about 45 nos. of trees would be transplanted. The preliminary findings and recommendations for the affected trees are summarized in Table 12.11 below, and the exact number of trees to be retained, transplanted and removed will be determined under the Tree Preservation and Removal Proposals (TPRPs) in accordance with LAO Practice Note No. 6/2023.

Table 12.11 Preliminary Broad Brush Tree Survey Recommendations

Total Approx. No. of Affected Trees under NOL Works
4,411 (excluding 712 nos. of undesirable tree species)
Within Temporary Work Sites / Work Areas outside Permanent Boundary (to be handed over to government departments upon completion)		Within Permanent Boundary only (i.e. Stations, ABs and Depot) (to be maintained by MTR)
2,844 nos. of trees will be affected (excluding 607 nos. of undesirable tree species)		1,567 nos. of trees will be affected (exclude 105 nos. of undesirable tree species)
Proposed removal	Proposed transplantation	Proposed removal	Proposed transplantation
2,844 nos.	0 no.	1,522 nos. (including 3 TPIs with DBH over 1m)	45 nos. (KSR area)

12.10.36 The 45 nos. of transplanted trees will be transplanted to temporary holding nursery maintained by MTR’s contractor during the construction period. The permanent receptor location will be identified during the preparation of detailed TPRPs under LAO PN No. 6/2023 to be submitted to relevant government departments in later stage of the Project. MTR will be the management and maintenance party of these transplanted trees or will take up tree maintenance until handover to government departments.

12.10.37 Approximate 1,522 nos. of trees within MTR’s permanent boundary will be removed by the NOL Project. Opportunities for tree compensation within the Project boundary have been fully explored and incorporated in the proposed mitigation measures as much as practicable during the course of EIA study. Given that the site area of the Project is confined and limited and with the consideration on the future provision of building footprints (i.e. stations, ABs and depot), underground utilities and maintenance concern, tree compensation ratio of 1:1 in terms of number is not feasible and cannot be carried out practically. In consideration of compensation opportunities within MTR permanent boundary, there is a principle of minimal land intake with respect to permanent land to be used for railway project to preserve previous land resources. Hence, there are generally limited opportunities to provide tree compensation with the permanent land for railway project (i.e. stations, ABs and NTD). To maximize the greening opportunities, planting areas within the ABs are fully explored on those remaining open areas not occupied for EVA provision, parking space and underground utilities. There is approximately 100 nos. of compensatory tree in standard/heavy standard size can be provided within permanent boundary of ABs based on preliminary recommendation, which already is the optimised provision within site after consideration of the site constraints.

12.10.38 Potential sites for off-site tree compensation were being studied and liaised with relevant stakeholders (e.g. relevant government departments including DEVB, ArchSD, HA/HD, HyD, LCSD, AFCD, CEDD and LandsD etc.). However, the chance of off-site tree compensation is full of limitation and constraints about maintenance concerns, no available space and the uncertainty in planting space allocation due to premature development programme of relevant stakeholders during the course of EIA study. Under such circumstance, in addition to the on-site tree compensation of approximately 100 nos. of tree in standard/heavy standard size within the permanent boundary, potential off-site tree compensation location is also explored to provide approx. 450 nos. of tree within TSH temporary magazine site upon decommissioning. Detailed TPRPs should be submitted to relevant government departments in accordance with LAO Practice Note No. 6/2023. Indicative tree compensation proposal within permanent boundary is supplemented in the Landscape Plans in Figure nos. C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/363 to 390. Indicative location for the potential off-site tree compensation in TSH temporary magazine site is also supplemented in Appendix 12.4. Further tree compensation (including on-site or off-site) would be explored and liaise with relevant stakeholders with the consideration of available areas for tree planting and operation constraints during the preparation of detailed TPRPs under LAO PN No. 6/2023 to be submitted to relevant government departments in later stage of the Project. For the management and maintenance responsibility, identification will be taken place in due course for coordination with relevant government departments to take up the land without railway facilities and the subsequent management and maintenance responsibility including trees. MTR will take up the tree maintenance until handover to the identified government departments for future maintenance.

12.10.39 For the remaining affected trees within temporary work sites / work areas but outside MTR’s permanent boundary, tree compensation is subject to a number of constraints in the NOL Project. Generally, the areas of temporary works sites/areas of the NOL Project that are outside permanent railway facilities boundary may be reinstated in-situ upon completion of the Project. However, those areas are mostly subject to future uses by subsequent development and infrastructure projects (e.g. KTN NDA, San Tin Technopole and Ngau Tam Mei Landuse Review, etc.) such that reinstatement would not be practical from the perspective of overall development of the districts and the temporary occupation by NOL. Apart from KTN NDA of which construction already commenced in 2019, NOL would commence construction earlier than a number of these future development and infrastructure projects, the net effect would be having the NOL Project make an impact on the existing landscape resources for these projects who will be the parties to eventually develop the areas with these existing landscape resources.

12.10.40 These projects would, in fact, independently establish their plans of provision of future landscape resources in the districts via their EIA studies as necessary. These projects should take into account the lack of opportunity for the NOL Project to reinstate the landscape resources in those areas when these projects formulate their plans of provision of future landscape resources in the districts, with a view in reducing residual impacts in the districts overall and fulfillment of relevant compensation requirements.

Table 12.12 Significance of Landscape Impact during Construction and Operational Phases

ID No.	Landscape Resource / Landscape Character Areas	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Change (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance before Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures⁽¹⁾	Significance of Residual Impact after Mitigation (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 (LRs)*
Kam Sheung Road/Pat Heung Area
LR1.2	Mixed Woodland	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR1.3	Grassland	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR1.4	Shrubland	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR1.5	Marsh / Reed	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR1.6	Orchard / Nursery Site	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR1.7	Plantation	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR1.8	Agricultural land	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR1.9	Vegetation along Drainage Channel	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4 [Note (1) c]	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR1.10	Developed area / Villages	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR1.11	Vegetation within Construction site	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR1.12	Vegetation at Private Residential Area	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR1.13	Vegetation within open storage area	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR 1.14a	Roadside vegetation along Kam Ho Road	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM3, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR 1.14b	Roadside vegetation Tsing Long Highway, Kam Tin Bypass and Tung Wui Road	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR1.15	Amenity Planting at KSR Station	Medium	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM3, OM5	Moderate	Slight	Slight
LR1.18a	Vegetation within West Rail Compensatory Wetland (WRCW)	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR1.18b	Vegetation within G/IC landuse	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR1.18c	Vegetation at periphery of villages	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR1.18d	Vegetation within the railway corridor of PHD	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM3, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR1.18e	Vegetation abutting the railway corridor of PHD	Low	Low	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM3, OM5	Moderate	Slight	Slight
Sha Po/ Au Tau Area
LR 2.1	Woodland	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR 2.2	Mixed woodland	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR 2.3	Grassland	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR 2.3a	Seasonal wet grassland	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR 2.4	Shrubland	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR 2.5	Marsh / Reed	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1 [Note (1) c]	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LR 2.7	Plantation	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR 2.8	Agricultural land	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR 2.9	Vegetation along Drainage Channel	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5[Note (1) c]	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR 2.10	Developed area / Villages	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5	Moderate	Slight	Slight
LR 2.12	Vegetation at Private Residential Area	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR 2.13	Vegetation within open storage area	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, OM1, OM2, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR 2.14a	Roadside vegetation along Chi Ho Road and Shui Tau Road	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR 2.14b	Roadside Vegetation along Tsing Long Highway, San Tin Highway and Kam Tin Road	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM2	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR 2.14c	Roadside vegetation abutting San Tam Road and Castle Peak Road – Tam Mei	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR 2.14d	Roadside vegetation along Shui Mei Road	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM2	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR 2.15	Vegetation at Shui Tau Road Sitting-out Area	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR2.16	Pond	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR2.17	Abandoned area / wasteland	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR2.18a	Vegetation within West Rail Compensatory Wetland (WRCW)	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR2.18b	Vegetation of AFCD Au Tau Fisheries Office	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, OM2	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
Ngau Tam Mei / Pok Wai Area
LR3.1	Woodland	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.2	Mixed woodland	High	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LR3.3	Grassland	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM2	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR3.4	Shrubland	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM2	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR3.5	Marsh / Reed	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.6	Orchard/ Nursery Site	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR3.7	Plantation	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.8	Agricultural Land	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR3.9	Vegetation along Drainage Channel	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.10	Developed area / Villages	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR3.12	Vegetation at Private Residential Area	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.13	Vegetation within open storage area	Low	Low	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM3	Substantial	Moderate	Moderate
LR3.14	Roadside vegetation along San Tin Highway	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM2	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR3.16	Pond	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.18a	Vegetation within Tam Mei Barracks	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
San Tin / Shek Wu Wai Area
LR4.1	Woodland	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR4.2	Mixed Woodland	High	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM5	Moderate	Slight	Slight
LR4.3	Grassland	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR 4.3a	Grassland at Developed Area	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR4.4	Shrubland	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR4.5	Marsh / Reed	Medium	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1 [Note (1) c]	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LR4.6	Orchard / Nursery Site	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR4.7	Plantation	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR4.8	Agricultural Land	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM2, OM3, OM4	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LR4.9	Vegetation along Drainage channel	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR4.10	Developed area / Villages	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR4.12	Vegetation at Private Residential Area	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR4.13	Vegetation within open storage area	Low	Low	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5	Substantial	Moderate	Moderate
LR 4.14	Roadside vegetation along San Tin Highway	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR4.15	Amenity planting at San Tin Park and Man Tin Cheung Park	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR4.16	Pond	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4 [Note (1) c]	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR4.17	Abandoned area / wasteland	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR4.18a	Vegetation surrounding the site office	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR4.18b	Vegetation within San Tin Barracks	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Kwu Tung / Chau Tau Area
LR5.2	Mixed woodland	High	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LR5.3	Grassland	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR5.3a	Grassland at Developed Area	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR5.4	Shrubland	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR5.6	Orchard / Nursery Site	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR5.8	Agricultural Land	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR5.9	Vegetation along Drainage Channel	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR5.10	Developed area / Villages	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5	Moderate	Slight	Slight
LR5.11	Vegetation within Construction Site	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR5.12	Amenity Planting at Private Residential Area	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR5.13	Vegetation within open storage area	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR5.14	Roadside vegetation (along Fanling Highway)	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR5.15	Amenity planting at Garden / Park	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR5.16	Pond	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR5.18a	Vegetation within transportation facilities	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR5.18b	Vegetation within KCRC / Kwu Tung KTU(EAL) Vested Land	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR5.18c	Drainage Channel at Shek Tsai Leng	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1[Note (1) c]	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
Tai Shu Ha Area
LR6.1	Woodland	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1 [Note (1) a]	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR6.3	Grassland	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR6.5	Marsh / Reed	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR6.6	Orchard/ Nursery Site	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR6.8	Agricultural area/ wasteland	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR6.13	Vegetation within industrial landuse/ open storage area abutting Tai Shu Ha Road West	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR6.16	Pond	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
*Landscape Character Area (LCAs)*
LCA1	Hillside and Upland Landscape	High	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM4, OM2, OM4, OM5	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LCA2	Rural Inland Plain Landscape	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LCA3	Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LCA4	Transportation Corridor Landscape	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LCA5	Comprehensive Residential Development Landscape	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

Note:

(1) The following mitigation measures should apply to all works sites and works areas of the Project:

a. Upon completion of construction works, the temporarily disturbed hard and soft landscape areas during construction should be reinstated to the satisfaction of the relevant Government Departments.

b. Should disturbance on watercourses and wetlands is unavoidable, please refer to the ecological mitigation measures as detailed in Section 10.9 of this EIA Report.

C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/301 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/302	Landscape and Visual Impact Study Boundary
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/303 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/317	Existing Planning & Development Framework (OZP) within the Study Boundary
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/318 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/332	Landscape Resources
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/333 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/334	Not Used
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/335 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/349	Landscape Character Areas
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/350	Photographs of Landscape Character Areas
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/351 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/352	Key Visual Sensitive Receivers and Photomontage Viewpoint Locations
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/353	Not Used
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/354 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/356	Photographs of Visually Sensitive Receivers
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/357	Not Used
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/360 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/362	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/363 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/364	Kam Sheung Road Station Landscape Plan and Sections
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/365	Not Used
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/366 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/367	Shui Mei Road Ancillary Building (SMA) Landscape Plan and Elevation
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/368 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/369	Au Tau Station Landscape Plan and Sections
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/370	Au Tau Station (Artistic Impression of AUT)
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/371 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/372	Pok Wai Ancillary Building (PWA) Landscape Plan and Elevation
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/373 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/374	Long Ha Tsuen Ancillary Building (LHA) Landscape Plan and Elevation
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/375 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/376	Ngau Tam Mei Station Landscape Plan and Sections
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/377	Ngau Tam Mei Station (Artistic Impression of NTM)
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/378 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/380	San Tin Station Landscape Plan and Sections
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/381	San Tin Station (Artistic Impression of SAT)
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/382 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/383	San Tin Ancillary Building (SNA) Landscape Plan and Elevation
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/384 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/385	Ka Lung Road Ancillary Building (KLA) Landscape Plan and Elevation
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/386 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/387	Kwu Tung Road Ancillary Building (KTA) Landscape Plan and Elevation
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/388 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/390	Pak Shek Au Ancillary Building (PAA) Landscape Plan and Elevations
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/391 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/392	Kwu Tung (NOL) Station Landscape Plan and Section
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/393	Not Used
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/394 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/395	Ngau Tam Mei Depot (NTD) Landscape Plan and Elevation
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/423	Photomontage – KSR – VP1
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/424	Photomontage – KSR – VP2
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/425	Photomontage – SMA – VP1
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/426	Photomontage – AUT – VP1
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/427	Photomontage – PWA – VP1
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/428	Photomontage – NTM – VP1
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/429	Photomontage – LHA – VP1
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/430	Photomontage – SAT – VP1
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/431	Photomontage – SNA – VP1
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/432	Photomontage – KLA – VP1
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/433	Photomontage – KTA – VP1
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/434	Photomontage – PAA – VP1
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/435	Photomontage – KTU – VP1
C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/450 to C1603/C/NOL/ACM/M59/453	Photographs of Landscape Resources (Sheet 1 of 4)

ID No.	Visually Sensitive Receivers	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 after Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation
		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Day 1	Year 10
R2	Residents at Shek Wu Tong and Tin Sam San Tsuen	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R3	Residents at Kat Hing Wai Walled Villages	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R4	Residents at private residential buildings, such as Super King Court, Genuine Court, etc.	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM3, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
R5	Residents at Park Yoho	High	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
R6	Residents at Sha Po Tsuen	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
R7	Residents at Mo Fan Heung	High	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
R8	Residents at San Wai Tsuen and Sheung Chuk Yuen	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
R9	Residents at Long Ha Tsuen	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R10	Residents at Yau Tam Mei Tsuen	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R11	Residents at private residential buildings, such as the Vineyard	High	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
R13	Residents at Shek Wu Wai	High	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
R17	Residents at private residential buildings, such as Europa Garden, Valais I and Valais II	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R19	Residents at Ho Sheung Heung area	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R21	Potential residential users of Sha Po Public Housing Development	High	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM3	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
R23	Potential residential users in Kam Tin South Housing Development	High	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM3, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
R24	Residents at Grand Mayfair	High	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM3, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
R26⁽¹⁾	Potential Residential users in planned development of San Tin Technopole	-	High	-	Negligible	-	Insubstantial	-	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R27⁽¹⁾	Potential Residential users in planned development of KTN NDA	-	High	-	Negligible	-	Insubstantial	-	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
RE1	Hikers along the hiking trail of Kai Kung Leng	High	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM3	Slight	Slight	Slight
RE2	Hikers along the Tai Lam Chung Country Trail	High	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM3, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
RE3	Hikers along the hiking trail of Ki Lun Shan	High	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
RE5	Hikers along the Ngau Tam Shan	High	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
RE6	Hikers along the Cheung Ngau Shan	High	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM3, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
RE7	Recreational users at HKMEC International Model Aviation Centre	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
RE8⁽¹⁾	Potential recreational users in planned development of KTN NDA	-	High	-	Negligible	-	Insubstantial	-	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T1	Travellers along Tuen Ma Line, to and from Pat Heung Area and Yuen Long Station	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM3, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
T2	Travellers along the Tsing Long Highway	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T3	Travellers along the San Tin Highway Source of impact: - AUT station and associated site formation works	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
T3	- Pok Wai Ancillary Building	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T4	Travellers along the Fanling Highway	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T5	Travellers along Tai Shu Ha Road West	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
I2	Workers at MTR Building (Kam Tin)	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM3, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
I4	Workers from logistics / construction material warehouse (close to the proposed NTM station)	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM3	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
I9⁽¹⁾	Potential Workers at planned Industrial Landuse of San Tin Technopole abutting Fanling Highway	-	Low	-	Negligible	-	Insubstantial	-	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
GIC1	Workers at AFCD, Au Tau Fisheries Office	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM2, CM3, CM4, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
GIC2⁽¹⁾	Potential Workers at planned G/IC Landuse of San Tin Technopole	-	Low	-	Negligible	-	Insubstantial	-	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
GIC3⁽¹⁾	Potential Workers at planned G/IC Landuse in planned development of KTN NDA	-	Low	-	Negligible	-	Insubstantial	-	-	Insubstantial	Insubstantial