1.0                 INTRODUCTION

 

This is a Landscape and Visual Audit conducted to fulfill the requirements of the EIA during the Operational Phase of the project, and is based on the procedures and requirements as set out in the Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual prepared under Agreement No. CE98/98 Preliminary Design and Ground Investigation for Widening of Yuen Long Highway between Lam Tei and Shap Pat Heung Interchange.

 

Under the Environmental Impact Assessment for the above, the proposed mitigation measures included both the compensatory planting works and treatment to structures.  As stated in paragraphs 5.3.2 & 5.3.3 of the EM&A Manual, all landscape mitigation measures undertaken by the Contractor during the first 12 months of the Operational Phase shall be audited on a bi-monthly basis to ensure compliance with the intended aims of the mitigation measures.

 

2.0                 SCOPE OF AUDIT

 

The broad scope of the audit on mitigation measures is as detailed below:

 

2.1                 Compensatory Planting

 

Operation Phase:

·         Monitoring of the maintenance operations to ensure all plants are well developed and grow during the Establishment Period.

 

3.0                 INSPECTIONS

 

3.1                 Summary of Inspection – 18th December 2008

 

3.1.1            Planting Works and Maintenance Operations

 

General Notes:

·         As advised by the Engineer, all landscape works on slopes along the Yuen Long Highway under the category of High Speed Road (“HSR”) under the jurisdiction of Highways Department were handed-over to HyD/LU since the last inspection.

 

General Observations:

·         It was observed that the Contractor had further updated the as-built drawings to reflect the actual site conditions of all trees planted on site.  However, discrepancies on some tree species as shown on drawings were still found and the Contractor was recommended to clarify.

 

·         A detailed summary of the inspection of the remaining planting works under establishment was noted on the drawings (sheets 2, 5, 6, 7, 11, & 12) enclosed under Appendix A.

 

Woodland Mix Planting:

·         All woodland planting works on HSR slopes were handed-over.

 

Amenity Shrub Planting:

·         All amenity shrub planting works on HSR slopes were handed-over.

 

Berm Planters:

·         All planting works on berm planters were handed-over.

 

Transplanted Trees:

·         All transplanted trees on HSR slopes were handed-over.

 

Amenity Tree Planting:

·         It was generally observed that replacement of many dead and undersized roadside amenity trees was outstanding.  The Contractor was reminded to replace all dead and undersized trees as soon as possible.

 

·         It was observed that re-staking of many roadside amenity trees that were loose / leaning was outstanding.

 

Existing Retained Trees:

·         The Contractor clarification of the reason for missing existing retained trees 1098 and 1099 was outstanding. 

 

3.1.2            Recommendations

 

·         The Contractor was reminded to perform all landscape maintenance operations as stipulated in the General Specification and Particular Specification to ensure the healthy establishment of all the remainder of roadside amenity trees prior to handed-over.

 

·         The Contractor was reminded to replace all remaining dead and undersized trees and any other trees found to be in poor conditions prior to the next site inspection.

 

·         The Contractor was reminded to re-stake all tree stakes and rectify all defects as soon as possible.

 

·         The Contractor was reminded to clarify the reasons for the missing retained trees 1098 & 1099.

 

4.0                 AUDIT SCHEULE

 

4.1                 Bi-monthly Audit Schedule during Establishment Period

 

The next bi-monthly audit is scheduled to be conducted on 5th February 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix A