DOCSLIB.ORG

R1989 Vol 1 Chapter 8

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
R1989 Vol 1 Chapter 8 Environmental Statement for Port of Southampton: Main Channel Widening (Marchwood) Works Volume 1: Main Report 8. Physical Processes Executive Summary: Chapter 8. Physical Processes A package of technical evaluations, based on standard practice, has been used to determine the magnitude and extent of physical changes that are likely to result from the proposed dredging works. The assessment is based upon conservative assumptions to offer a realistic worst-case scenario. 1) Dispersion of Sediment during Dredging During dredging, heightened suspended sediment concentrations and a slight increase in sedimentation will occur due to local mechanical disturbance of sediments. The magnitude of the change, with respect to background conditions, is considered to be negligible to small. It is considered that these changes will not affect the physical functioning of the estuary. The impact on the estuary is therefore considered to be insignificant. Impacts on other receptors are considered elsewhere. 2) Bed Accumulation and Dispersion of Sediment during Disposal Modelling studies show that the deposit of the capital dredge sediments from the proposed dredging will be widely dispersed from the Nab Tower Deposit Ground, with all effects of the disposal returning to background conditions within one or two weeks after cessation of the disposal operations. The magnitude of the change is small, particularly given ongoing maintenance and capital dredge deposits at the site. Overall, the impact on physical functioning of the estuary is therefore considered to be insignificant. Impacts on other receptors are considered elsewhere. 3) Changes to Hydrodynamics Attributable to Dredging Only small changes in tidal range are anticipated, which are confined to the widening area. Importantly, the assessment of water levels shows there is no predicted change along the lower edges of the designated Dibden Bay and Bury Marsh (areas of nature conservation). The overall effects are considered negligible compared to the normal cyclic variation of the tide and disturbance caused by episodic events such as storm waves and surges. The impact on the hydrodynamic regime of the estuary will therefore be insignificant. Impacts on other receptors are considered elsewhere. 4) Changes to Sediment Regime Attributable to Dredging The proposed dredging works are predicted to result in a slight redistribution of sedimentation, with a slight increase in the dredged area, the Upper Swinging Ground and Berth 201/202, and the Marchwood Basin, with very small reductions in the outer dredged area of Marchwood Military Port and the Marchwood Channel. No detectable changes are predicted down- estuary of Dock Head. Additional deposition attributable to the proposed dredge in the areas currently requiring maintenance dredging is considered to be negligible. It is considered that the very small changes in sedimentation attributable to the proposed dredge will not affect the physical functioning of the estuary. The impact is therefore considered to be insignificant. Impacts on other receptors are considered elsewhere. R/4073/3 8.1 R.1989 Environmental Statement for Port of Southampton: Main Channel Widening (Marchwood) Works Volume 1: Main Report 5) Changes to Maintenance Dredging Commitment The overall maintenance dredging requirement for Southampton Water is not likely to increase. A greater dredging volume is likely to be required from the Western Docks area, with a reduced volume further up estuary (around the container terminal approaches). The change to the maintenance dredging commitment is considered to be insignificant. Conclusion The physical changes that are predicted to occur during capital and maintenance dredging operations associated with the proposed works are shown to be negligible and near impossible to measure directly in the field. The impact to the physical functioning of the estuary and coastal waters in the vicinity of the disposal site is therefore considered to be insignificant. Introduction 8.1 Standard modelling approaches were applied to: (1) Represent the baseline condition; (2) Provide the means to quantify the extent, magnitude and direction of any change brought about by the channel widening works; (3) Determine the physical effects of the dredging to complete the channel widening works; and (4) Inform the interpretation of any impact of these changes. 8.2 This modelling approach has been developed in line with current best practice recommended in ‘The Estuary Guide’ (www.estuary-guide.net). This body of work is recognised under a Defra and Environment Agency Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Research and Development Programme (FD2119), bringing together all the existing and new outputs from the Estuaries Research Programme (ERP). The models are evidence-based, having been underpinned by the latest-available datasets. Further details of these methods are provided in Appendix J. Baseline Information 8.3 The purpose of the baseline review is to describe the present day morphology (form) and understand the processes operating in the physical environment which may be affected by the proposed dredging works. In considering the baseline, the physical features are defined by a number of morphological features across the study area. The function is partly described by the physical processes, which drive the movement of water and influence the transport of sediments, which in turn interact with the morphological elements. The natural variability of these processes is reviewed in relation to changes that are likely to occur irrespective of any future development. R/4073/3 8.2 R.1989 Environmental Statement for Port of Southampton: Main Channel Widening (Marchwood) Works Volume 1: Main Report Overview of the Study Area 8.4 The proposed widening will involve dredging the edge of the existing navigation channel in Southampton Water opposite the Western Docks over a length of approximately 900 m. The proposed development area is entirely sub-tidal with a maximum depth of removal of approximately 11 m. The channel base is proposed to be widened by around 30 m at the existing maintained dredge level of 12.6 m below Chart Datum (CD). Figure 3.1 illustrates the area of the widening and Figure 1.2 identifies the local features of relevance. 8.5 Available borehole and vibrocore data show that the range of material types that will be required to be dredged include (in the order surface to dredging base): . Soft silty mud (recent alluvial deposits); . Silt and clay; . Gravel; and . Varying strength firm to very stiff grey/brown sandy/silty clay. 8.6 Siltation in the region mainly comprises fine marine sediments that are transported into the estuary during flood tides and subsequently deposited for a period of approximately 3 hours from the initial high slack water. Peak tidal flow speeds of around 1 m/s occur during the ebb tide. 8.7 Suspended sediment loads typically reduce through Southampton Water with measured maximum concentrations at Calshot of around 80mg/l reducing to typical concentrations of around 10mg/l in the upper reaches of the estuary. 8.8 The disposal area at the Nab Tower Deposit Ground is located in a locally deep area 12 km off the Isle of Wight coast, in a south-easterly direction from Whitecliff Bay. The area of the site is around 11.3 km2 and water depths are generally greater than 30 m below CD, with maximum depths of 43 m. The area is exposed to strong tidal flows of around 1 m/s which sweep across a seabed composed of sandy gravels in an east-north-east direction on the flood tide and a west-south-west direction on the ebb. Stronger flows occur during the ebb tide, with flows exceeding 1 m/s. With the exception of storm conditions waves are thought unlikely to exert significant influence over sediment mobilisation and transport due to the deep water and to natural sediment consolidation over time which acts to raise the incipient entrainment threshold of the sediments. 8.9 Tides are the primary influence on water movements in the study area, and control both bed shear stress responsible for re-suspension of bed sediments and the subsequent advection of sediments in suspension. Past Development and Reclamation 8.10 The present day morphology of Southampton Water has evolved during the 10,000 years since the Pleistocene glaciation when sea level rose by approximately 120 m and drowned the former Solent River basin. A more comprehensive explanation of the geological history of this area is provided by Hodson and West (1972). R/4073/3 8.3 R.1989 Environmental Statement for Port of Southampton: Main Channel Widening (Marchwood) Works Volume 1: Main Report 8.11 Southampton Water is a relatively narrow, spit-enclosed meso-tidal estuary, subject to very limited wave action and draining a catchment of around 1,630 km2 (ABPmer, 2007), and defined as a coastal plain estuary according to the JNCC classification. 8.12 Land reclamation in Southampton Water has occurred since 1836 (Eastern Docks, Southampton) and extending up to the 1990s (Berth 207). In general reclamation of land has tended to constrict tidal flow and locally increase current velocities and sediment transport potential (Gifford and Partners, 1989). A summary of reclamation history within Southampton Water is provided in Table 8.1. Table 8.1 Reclamation history in Southampton Water Date Development Development of Eastern Docks out over the mudflats at the confluence of the Rivers Test 1890-1910 and Itchen. 1920s Reclamation of some 8ha for Marchwood Power Station and the Military Port. 1927-34 Reclamation of the Western Docks between Royal Pier and Millbrook Point. Dredged Material used to reclaim approximately 80ha of land around the Exxon Mobil Oil 1920s-60s Refinery, the majority of which took place in the early 1960s. Maintenance dredge spoil used to for the reclamation of Dibden Bay in four stages: Phase 1 - 1930-55; 36ha 1930s-70 Phase 2 - 1956-60; 40ha Phase 3 - 1960-62; 36ha Phase 4 - 1962-70; 64ha Fawley Power Station reclamation using material from dredging off Calshot approaches to 1950-51 reclaim some 46ha.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Landowner Deposits Register
    Register of Landowner Deposits under Highways Act 1980 and Commons Act 2006 The first part of this register contains entries for all CA16 combined deposits received since 1st October 2013, and these all have scanned copies of the deposits attached. The second part of the register lists entries for deposits made before 1st October 2013, all made under section 31(6) of the Highways Act 1980. There are a large number of these, and the only details given here currently are the name of the land, the parish and the date of the deposit. We will be adding fuller details and scanned documents to these entries over time. List of deposits made - last update 12 January 2017 CA16 Combined Deposits Deposit Reference: 44 - Land at Froyle (The Mrs Bootle-Wilbrahams Will Trust) Link to Documents: http://documents.hants.gov.uk/countryside/Deposit44-Bootle-WilbrahamsTrustLand-Froyle-Scan.pdf Details of Depositor Details of Land Crispin Mahony of Savills on behalf of The Parish: Froyle Mrs Bootle-WilbrahamWill Trust, c/o Savills (UK) Froyle Jewry Chambers,44 Jewry Street, Winchester Alton Hampshire Hampshire SO23 8RW GU34 4DD Date of Statement: 14/11/2016 Grid Reference: 733.416 Deposit Reference: 98 - Tower Hill, Dummer Link to Documents: http://documents.hants.gov.uk/rightsofway/Deposit98-LandatTowerHill-Dummer-Scan.pdf Details of Depositor Details of Land Jamie Adams & Madeline Hutton Parish: Dummer 65 Elm Bank Gardens, Up Street Barnes, Dummer London Basingstoke SW13 0NX RG25 2AL Date of Statement: 27/08/2014 Grid Reference: 583. 458 Deposit Reference:
    [Show full text]
  • Habitats Regulations Assessment for the Portsmouth Site Allocations Document
    Habitats Regulations Assessment for the Portsmouth Site Allocations Document Screening Statement Client: Portsmouth City Council UE-0060 Portsmouth CC Site Allocations Report No.: HRA Screening_6_20130219 Version: 6 Status: Draft Final Date: February 2013 Author: SPS/NEJP Checked: SPS Approved: NEJP HRA for the Portsmouth Site Allocations Development Plan Document: Screening Statement February 2013 UE-0060 Portsmouth CC Site Allocations HRA Screening_6_20130219 Contents Executive Summary i E1 Introduction i E2 Scope of the Assessment i E3 Findings ii E4 Conclusions and Consultation Arrangements iii 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Purpose and Structure of this Document 1 1.3 Habitats Regulations Assessment 2 1.4 Portsmouth Local Development Framework 3 2 Methodology 7 2.1 Guidance and Best Practice 7 2.2 Methodology 7 2.3 Consideration of Effects 8 3 European Sites 11 3.1 Scope of the Assessment 11 3.2 Site Descriptions 11 3.3 Qualifying Features 11 3.4 SAC and SPA Conservation Objectives 16 3.5 Conservation Objectives for Ramsar Sites 17 3.6 Key Environmental Conditions Supporting Site Integrity 17 4 Likely Significant Effects 19 4.1 Introduction 19 4.2 Results 19 4.3 In Combination Test 21 5 Commentary 23 5.1 Introduction 23 HRA for the Portsmouth Site Allocations Development Plan Document: Screening Statement February 2013 UE-0060 Portsmouth CC Site Allocations HRA Screening_6_20130219 5.2 Strategically Operating Impacts 23 5.3 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and Waders 24 5.4 Sites Proposed for Allocation 25 6 Screening Statement and
    [Show full text]
  • The Status of Habitats Directive Annex I Saltmarsh Habitats, Transition Zones and Spartina Species in England
    Natural England Commissioned Report NECR185 The status of Habitats Directive Annex I saltmarsh habitats, transition zones and Spartina species in England First published 18 August 2015 www.gov.uk/natural -england Foreword Natural England commission a range of reports from external contractors to provide evidence and advice to assist us in delivering our duties. The views in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Natural England. Background This report was commissioned to provide an The findings were compared with previous inventory and description of Annex I saltmarsh information where available to more habitats and transitional vegetation in England. authoritatively assess changes in the habitats, The work involved reviewing existing data on both nationally and at site level. The findings will distribution followed by surveys of selected be used by Natural England and others to: locations of the rarest and most vulnerable saltmarsh habitats in England, including habitats update future reporting on the conservation that are a transition between saltmarsh and status of the habitats; terrestrial/freshwater conditions. These are contribute to wider studies of saltmarsh largely the communities defined by the presence transition communities; of shrubby seablite, perennial samphire and the improve our understanding of the underpinning native small cord-grass, together with processes of these habitats; transitional zones of Morecambe Bay. The project also carried out a repeat survey of increase the potential to recreate these locations in Southampton Water to update elements of saltmarshes as part of intertidal knowledge about the range of cord-grass restoration schemes species present at that estuary complex, This report should be cited as: important as the location where hybridisation between introduced and native cord-grass GARBUTT A., BURDEN A, MASKELL L., species first occurred.
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation Designations Crab Tree Bog
    CONSERVATION IN THE NEW FOREST NATIONAL PARK 1 Conservation designations Crab Tree Bog Introduction Site The New Forest National Park is one of the most important sites for nature conservation in lowland England. Land within it is owned by the Crown and protection in a large number of private landowners, local authorities and private trusts. the UK This complex ownership and the many aspects of the environment that require conserving, make legal protection desirable. One of the ways that this is done is through the designation The National Parks of protected areas. This factsheet examines the many designations, international, national and Access to the and local, which aim to protect the wildlife and landscape of the New Forest National Park. Countryside Act of 1949 has been central National Park status to the protection of The New Forest became a National Park the British countryside in March 2005 and this put it in the for almost 50 years. It premier league of wildlife conservation and allows national parks protection. As with all national parks there to be designated and are two core purposes that underpin all includes measures to that takes place within the Park. The first protect other parts of is to look after (or conserve) the natural Bog Pimpernel, Hatchet Pond the countryside. beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park. The second purpose encourages the New Forest Acts The Act established understanding and enjoyment of its special The New Forest has several Acts of powers to designate Local qualities. On top of this the Environment Parliament which relate specifically to and National Nature Act, 1995 introduced a duty to foster its protection from development and Reserves.
    [Show full text]
  • INDEX to HAMPSHIRE FLORA NEWS,1991 – 2016 Compiled by Barry Goater, with Contributions by Martin Rand
    INDEX TO HAMPSHIRE FLORA NEWS,1991 – 2016 Compiled by Barry Goater, with contributions by Martin Rand Issue: 1 Autumn 1991 2 Spring 1992 3 Autumn 1992 4 Spring 1993 5 Autumn 1993 6 Spring 1994 7 Winter 1994 8 Spring 1995 9 Autumn 1995 10 Spring 1996 11 Autumn 1996 12 Spring 1997 13 Autumn 1997 14 Spring 1998 15 Autumn 1998 16 Spring 1999 17 Autumn 1999 18 Spring 2000 19 Autumn 2000 20 Spring 2001 21 Autumn 2001 22 Spring 2002 23 Autumn 2002 24 Spring 2003 25 Autumn 2003 26 Spring 2004 27 Autumn 2004 28 Spring 2005 29 Autumn 2005 30 Spring 2006 31 Autumn 2006 32 Spring 2007 33 Autumn 2007 34 Spring 2008 35 Autumn 2008 36 Spring 2009 37 Autumn 2009 38 Spring 2010 39 Autumn 2010 40 Spring 2011 41 Autumn 2011 42 Spring 2012 43 Autumn 2012 44 Spring 2013 45 Autumn 2013 1 46 Spring 2014 47 Autumn 2014 48 Spring 2015 49 Autumn 2015 50 Spring 2016 2 A Abbotts Ann [Abbotts Ann], SU3245.......................................................21:10,22:1,12,24:12,26:12,13, ................................27:7,9,28:15,16,18,31:18,19,32:19,21,22,38:19,44:25,26,44:27,45:14,46:33 Balksbury Hill, SU349444..........................................................................................................32:21 Cattle Lane, SU333438...........................................................................................31:18,44:27,45:16 Duck Street, SU3243.....................................................................................21:10,28:15,29:18,31:19 Hook Lane track, SU307433.......................................................................................................46:33
    [Show full text]
  • Screening Statement for the Isle of Wight LTP3 and Cross-Refers to Chapter Three of the Report
    Habitats Regulations Assessments for The Isle of Wight LTP3: Volume 2 Site Descriptions, Qualifying Features and Conservation Objectives Client: Isle of Wight Council Report No.: UE-0076_IoWC_HRA_Vol2_4_081110HDnp Status: Final Date: November 2010 Author: HJD Checked: NEJP Approved: NJD CONTENTS CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 1 CHAPTER II: ECOLOGICAL DESCRIPTIONS 3 CHAPTER III: QUALIFYING FEATURES 15 CHAPTER IV: CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES 27 CHAPTER V: KEY ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS SUPPORTING SITE INTEGRITY 69 UE Associates Ltd 2010 © This page is intentionally blank. UE Associates Ltd 2010 © HRA of the Isle of Wight Local Transport Plan 3 November 2010 UE-0076_IoWC_HRA_Vol2_4_081110HDnp Chapter I: Introduction 1.1 Purpose of this Document This document has been prepared by UE Associates on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council. It supports the HRA process by presenting information about all Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Ramsar sites within 20km of the Isle of Wight. The sites are collectively referred to as European sites, and the following information is presented for each: An ecological description of the designated area; The qualifying features of the site (the reasons for which the site was designated); The site’s conservation objectives, where available; and Key environmental conditions that support the site’s integrity. The document accompanies the HRA Screening Statement for the Isle of Wight LTP3 and cross-refers to Chapter Three of the report. UE Associates Ltd 2010 © 1 HRA of the Isle of Wight
    [Show full text]
  • Solent Maritime SAC Citation
    EC Directive 92/43 on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora Citation for Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Name: Solent Maritime Unitary Authority/County: City of Portsmouth, City of Southampton, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, West Sussex SAC status: Designated on 1 April 2005 Grid reference: SU756003 SAC EU code: UK0030059 Area (ha): 11325.09 Component SSSI: Bouldnor and Hamstead Cliffs SSSI, Chichester Harbour SSSI, Eling and Bury Marshes SSSI, Hurst Castle and Lymington River Estuary SSSI, Hythe to Calshot Marshes SSSI, King’s Quay Shore SSSI, Langstone Harbour SSSI, Lee-on-the-Solent to Itchen Estuary SSSI, Lincegrove and Hackett’s Marshes SSSI, Lower Test Marshes SSSI, Medina Estuary SSSI, Newtown Harbour SSSI, North Solent SSSI, Thorness Bay SSSI, Upper Hamble Estuary and Woods SSSI, Yar Estuary SSSI Site description: The Solent encompasses a major estuarine system on the south coast of England with four coastal plain estuaries (Yar, Medina, King’s Quay Shore, Hamble) and four bar-built estuaries (Newtown Harbour, Beaulieu, Langstone Harbour, Chichester Harbour). The Solent and its inlets are unique in Britain and Europe for their hydrographic regime with its double tides, as well as for the complexity of the marine and estuarine habitats present within the area. Sediment habitats within the estuaries include extensive estuarine flats, intertidal areas that support eelgrass Zostera spp., sand and shingle spits, and natural shoreline transitions. The mudflats range from low and variable salinity in the upper reaches of the estuaries to very sheltered almost fully marine muds in Chichester and Langstone Harbours. As well as occurring within the estuaries, mudflats and sandflats are found throughout the Solent and form the predominant intertidal substrates.
    [Show full text]
  • Fawley Waterside Access and Nature Conservation Plan
    Fawley Waterside Access and Nature Conservation Plan Jonathan Cox V3 23rd May 2018 Fawley Waterside Access and Nature Conservation Plan Fawley Waterside Access and Nature Conservation Plan Contents 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 3 1.1 Bird use of the Solent coast ............................................................................................................... 3 1.2 Disturbance to the New Forest ......................................................................................................... 4 1.3 Recreation mitigation land and nature conservation management ................................................. 4 1.4 Recreation mitigation plan ................................................................................................................ 5 2 Suitable Accessible Natural Greenspace (SANG) provision ....................................................................... 5 2.1.1 Exxon Laydown SANG ................................................................................................................ 7 2.1.2 Fawley SANG .............................................................................................................................. 9 2.1.3 Tom Tiddlers SANG .................................................................................................................. 13 2.2 Wildlife habitats within SANG ........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Site Improvement Plan Solent
    Improvement Programme for England's Natura 2000 Sites (IPENS) Planning for the Future Site Improvement Plan Solent Site Improvement Plans (SIPs) have been developed for each Natura 2000 site in England as part of the Improvement Programme for England's Natura 2000 sites (IPENS). Natura 2000 sites is the combined term for sites designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protected Areas (SPA). This work has been financially supported by LIFE, a financial instrument of the European Community. The plan provides a high level overview of the issues (both current and predicted) affecting the condition of the Natura 2000 features on the site(s) and outlines the priority measures required to improve the condition of the features. It does not cover issues where remedial actions are already in place or ongoing management activities which are required for maintenance. The SIP consists of three parts: a Summary table, which sets out the priority Issues and Measures; a detailed Actions table, which sets out who needs to do what, when and how much it is estimated to cost; and a set of tables containing contextual information and links. Once this current programme ends, it is anticipated that Natural England and others, working with landowners and managers, will all play a role in delivering the priority measures to improve the condition of the features on these sites. The SIPs are based on Natural England's current evidence and knowledge. The SIPs are not legal documents, they are live documents that will be updated to reflect changes in our evidence/knowledge and as actions get underway.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Assessment Scoping Statement Southampton Biomass
    Switching On The Green Light Environmental Assessment Scoping Statement Southampton Biomass Power Ltd Proposed 100MW Biomass Fuelled Electricity Generating Plant, Southampton Port September 2010 Version 4.0 Prepared By: Helius Energy Plc 242 Marylebone Road London NW1 6JL Tel: 020 7723 6272 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Consultation 3.0 The Proposed Development Site 4.0 The Development Proposals 5.0 Planning Policy Context 6.0 Baseline Conditions 7.0 Identifying Environmental Issues 8.0 Scoping the Environmental Statement 9.0 Non Significant Issues 10.0 Proposed Structure of the Environmental Statement SCHEDULE OF APPENDICES Appendix A EIA Scope of Significant Issues Appendix B Maps of International and National Nature Conservation Designations within 5 km Appendix C Southampton City Council Highways Consultation PLAN SPTN-9001-2.0 Site Boundary SPTN-9002-2.0 Aerial View of Primary Development Area SPTN-9003-1.0 Site Location Plan SPTN-1002-1.0 Site Elevation SPTN-1003-1.0 Site Elevation SPTN-1004-2.0 Associated Development SPTN-1005-2.0 Primary Development Layout FIGURES Figure 4.16 Process Flow Southampton Scoping Statement v4.0 Page 2 September 2010 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Helius Energy plc (“Helius Energy”) is seeking to obtain development consent under Section 31 of the Planning Act 2008 in respect of a biomass fuelled electricity generating plant capable of generating approximately 100 Megawatts (Declared Net Capacity) of electricity and associated biomass processing and fuel store, boiler house, turbine building, cooling assembly, ancillary buildings, structures, plant and equipment together with other engineering and building works located within the Port of Southampton (Grid Reference SU 396 124).
    [Show full text]
  • 1 SEMS Annual Progress Report 2009
    SOLENT EUROPEAN MARINE SITES ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT MAY 2009 Executive Summary The Solent European Sites (SEMS) project was set up in November 2000 with the aim of developing a strategy for managing the marine and coastal resources of the Solent. The SEMS management Scheme is concerned with promoting the sustainable use of living, working coast. This is to ensure that the valuable natural resources of the area are there for the enjoyment and prosperity of both present and future generations. European marine sites have been selected with many activities already taking place and it is recognised that these are normally compatible with the conservation interest at their current levels. It is not the aim to exclude human activities from European marine site, but rather to ensure that they are undertaken in ways that do not threaten the nature conservation interest. Over the past five years the European Marine Sites have been monitored and the results collated into an annual monitoring report. This is the fifth annual monitoring report and will be the final one before the scheme is reviewed. The report as highlighted that there have been a number of issues affecting the condition of the features of the sites. Recently many of the coastal SSSIs have been considered to be in an unfavourable condition due to coastal squeeze, leading to loss of habitats as well as the increase in nutrients developing huge algae blooms. Previously there have also been concerns that the number of SPA bird species including ringed plovers, brent geese, red shank and dunlin were in an unfavourable condition for each of SPA/Ramsar sites.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Statement for Port of Southampton: Berth 201/202 Works
    ABP Southampton Environmental Statement for Port of Southampton: Berth 201/202 Works Appendix E Review of Nature Conservation Designations Appendix E Review of Nature Conservation Designations Environmental Statement for Port of Southampton: Berth 201/202 Works Appendices Appendix E. Review of Nature Conservation Designations The following sections review the sites of international, national and local designated nature conservation interest in the study area and the non-statutory Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) that are relevant to the impact assessment. Ramsar Sites Under the 1972 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, it is a requirement of signatory states to protect wetland sites of international importance, including those that are important waterfowl habitats. The boundaries of the Ramsar sites in the study area are included in Figure 6.1 of the main Environmental Statement (ES) document. Solent and Southampton Water Ramsar Site The Solent and Southampton Water Ramsar Site, covering 5346ha, was designated in October 1998. The site comprises estuaries and adjacent coastal habitats, including intertidal flats, saline lagoons, shingle beaches, saltmarsh, reedbeds, damp woodland, and grazing marsh. The different habitats support internationally important numbers of wintering waterfowl, important breeding gull and tern populations and an important assemblage of rare invertebrates and plants. The Solent and Southampton Water was designated a Ramsar site by meeting the qualifying criteria outlined below: Criterion 1: The site is one of the few major sheltered channels between a substantial island and mainland in European waters, exhibiting an unusual strong double tidal flow with long periods of slack water at high and low tide. It comprises many wetland habitats characteristic of the biogeographic region: saline lagoons, saltmarshes, estuaries, intertidal flats, shallow coastal waters, grazing marshes, reedbeds, coastal woodland and rocky boulder reefs; Criterion 2: The site supports an important assemblage of rare plants and invertebrates.
    [Show full text]