Energy Plant & Reclamation Scheme
Bersham (Glenside) Ltd ENERGY PLANT & RECLAMATION SCHEME Bersham Colliery, Rhostyllen, L14 3EG Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report
SEPT 2019 CONFIDENTIAL
Bersham (Glenside) Ltd
ENERGY PLANT & RECLAMATION SCHEME Bersham Colliery, Rhostyllen, L14 3EG
TYPE OF DOCUMENT (VERSION) CONFIDENTIAL
PROJECT NO. 70054016
DATE: SEPT 2019
WSP 1 Capital Quarter Tyndall Street Cardiff CF10 4BZ Phone: +44 2920 769 200
WSP.com
CONFIDENTIAL
QUALITY CONTROL
Issue/revision First issue Revision 1 Revision 2 Revision 3
Remarks
Date 25.09.2019
Prepared by Rebekah Thompson
Signature
Checked by Jack Pugsley
Signature
Authorised by Gavin Lewis
Signature
Project number
Report number
File reference
ENERGY PLANT & RECLAMATION SCHEME CONFIDENTIAL | WSP Project No.: 70054016 SEPT 2019 Bersham (Glenside) Ltd
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION 1
2 CONSIDERATION OF EIA REGULATIONS 3
3 SITE LOCATION AND CONTEXT 7
4 CHARACTERISTICS OF DEVELOPMENT 8
5 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE ASSESSMENT 10
6 CHARACTERISTICS OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS 23
7 CONCLUSION 32
TABLES
Table 2-1 – Schedule 2 of the 2017 Regulations 3 Table 2-2 – Regulation 6 (2) of the 2017 Regulations 5
3 * Table 5-1 - Annual Mean NO2 Concentrations (µg/m ) 10 Table 5-2 - Scheduled Monuments within the 500m Study Area and outside of the Red Line Boundary 12 Table 5-3 - Grade II* Listed Buildings within the 500m Study Area and outside of the Red Line Boundary 12 Table 5-4 - Grade II Listed Buildings within the 500m Study Area and outside of the Red Line Boundary 12 Table 5-5 - Non-Designated Heritage Assets within the 500m Study Area and outside of the Red Line Boundary 13 Table 5-6 - Non-designated Heritage Assets within the 500m Study Area and Inside the Redline Boundary 14 Table 5-7 - Geology 17 Table 5-8 - Sensitive Receptors within 0.5km from the scheme proposals 18
ENERGY PLANT & RECLAMATION SCHEME CONFIDENTIAL | WSP Project No.: 70054016 SEPT 2019 Bersham (Glenside) Ltd
Table 5-9 – Bus Services 19 Table 6-1 – Potential Environmental Impact Summary Table 24
FIGURES
Figure 3-1 Location of Proposed Development 7 Figure 5-1 - Public Right of Way though the Site 20 Figure 5-2 - Environmental Constraints Map 21
ENERGY PLANT & RECLAMATION SCHEME CONFIDENTIAL | WSP Project No.: 70054016 SEPT 2019 Bersham (Glenside) Ltd
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 1.1.1. WSP have been appointed by Bersham (Glenside) Ltd to provide an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Opinion for a new circa 30MW energy plant (the Proposed Development) to be located on the existing, disused colliery site in Rhostyllen. 1.1.2. The Site of the Proposed Development is located at the Bersham Bank Colliery Tip, Rhostyllen, Wrexham, immediately south of Rhostyllen. The Site is bounded by Glan yr Afon brook on its northern boundary, Bersham Enterprise Centre to the east of Plas Grono Road, railway line to the south and the A483 to the west. 1.1.3. The Site area is circa 13 hectares (13,000 m2) within the red line boundary. As shown on the plans submitted with this report, the energy plant is located within the south-western corner of the Site. The Proposed Development will provide an innovative method of on- site reclamation and additional benefits in the processing of the existing colliery spoil material on-site (a secondary resource), enabling both on-site sustainable energy generation, reclamation of the Site and the production of brick/blocks using the excess material. The plant would remain in situ for until the on-site resource, the colliery spoil (an alternative and sustainable source of fuel) has been depleted, approximately 27 years, as well as other sustainable fuel sources. 1.1.4. Plans submitted with this enquiry illustrate that the energy plant would have the following indicative dimensions: Maximum width: 232.50m Maximum length: 119.50m Height of flue above ground level*: 21.0m *Ground levels are likely to be altered as part of proposed development. 1.1.5. The energy plant would use the calorific combustible material within the colliery spoil to generate energy which would otherwise be left on or exported from the Site. Furthermore, the energy plant would include additional processes, including the production of concrete blocks from the waste generated during the energy generation process. The output of the energy plant is variable and can be up or down graded but is intended to be 30MW at this stage. Finally, the Site benefits from direct, onsite access to an electricity substation. 1.1.6. In line with Policy EC16 of the Wrexham County Borough Unitary Development Plan, the Proposed Development seeks to reclaim and restore the site for a beneficial use.
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1.2 BASELINED POSITION 1.2.1. The Site benefits from an extant planning permission for the extraction of the former colliery spoil tip, including the processing of the material. Mitigation measures in respect of noise, dust, ecology, highways and other effects have previously been assessed and agreed with the LPA. Accordingly, the key consideration is whether the energy plant would affect the existing environmental mitigation measures proposed and what additional measures may be required. 1.2.2. To note, the extant planning permission does not state or specify the methods of reclaiming and processing the spoil material. As such, the Proposed Development recognises this gap in the processing of the spoil and considers the technological advances made since the original planning permission was granted. The Proposed Development proposes a sustainable option for the reclamation of the material at the Site, including using it to generate electrical energy which will be connected to the National Grid and the production of building materials. 1.2.3. Given the compelling national need for the additional capacity within the electricity generating network, it is considered that any potential adverse local impacts, which could be appropriately mitigated, would be outweighed by the energy benefits of a project for which a presumption in favour is established in the Energy National Policy Statements and PPW10.
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2 CONSIDERATION OF EIA REGULATIONS
2.1 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS 2.1.1. On 16th May 2017, the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Wales) Regulations 2017 (“the 2017 Regulations”) superseded the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Wales) Regulations 2016. The main changes to the 2017 Regulations were focused on: Screening, Environmental Statements; Publicity and consultation; and Decision making. 2.1.2. With regard to this Environmental Screening Report and request for screening a number of changes were made to the 2017 Regulations. These include, but are not limited to, the process of screening “schedule 2” development. The changes included what information the applicant must submit with a screening request (regulation 6) and what the Local Planning Authority (LPA) must take into account when making a screening opinion (Regulation 5). The 21-day period for making an opinion remains. However, where an extension is agreed, the maximum time before an opinion must be given is 90 days. 2.1.3. The 2017 Regulations define “EIA development means development which is either: Schedule 1 development; or Schedule 2 development that is likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its nature, size or location”. 2.1.4. The thresholds for Schedule 1 development generally relate to major projects which, by virtue of their scale, location, appearance or the type of activity, have the potential to impact on the environment. These types of project are specifically defined in the 2017 Regulations and automatically require EIA. 2.1.5. The Proposed Development does not fall into Schedule 1 development. Consequently, the Site must be considered under Schedule 2. 2.1.6. It is considered that the Proposed Development falls within a category of development in Schedule 2, specifically Section 3. Energy Industry, as noted in Table 2-1 below:
Table 2-1 – Schedule 2 of the 2017 Regulations
Column 1 Column 2 Description of Development Applicable thresholds and criteria
The carrying out of development to provide any of the following – 3. Energy Industry
(a) Industrial installations for the production of The area of the development exceeds electricity, steam and hot water (unless included 0.5 hectare. in Schedule 1).
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2.1.7. The Proposed Development exceeds the 0.5ha thresholds noted in Table 2-1 (the EIA boundary is approximately 13ha). The following screening exercise considers the proposal against the selection criteria identified within Schedule 3 of the 2017 Regulations and will outline any likely level of impact as a result of the development so to allow a decision to be made as to whether the proposed comprises EIA development and would require an Environmental Statement. 2.1.8. The selection criteria for screening Schedule 2 development within the 2017 regulations includes: Characteristics of development 1. The characteristics of development must be considered having regard, in particular, to— a) the size and design of the development; b) the cumulation with other existing development and/or approved development; c) the use of natural resources, in particular land, soil, water and biodiversity; d) the production of waste; e) pollution and nuisances; f) the risk of major accidents and/or disasters relevant to the development concerned, including those caused by climate change, in accordance with scientific knowledge; g) the risks to human health (for example due to water contamination or air pollution). Location of development 2. The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by development must be considered, having regard, in particular, to— a) the existing and approved land use; b) the relative abundance, availability, quality and regenerative capacity of natural resources (including soil, land, water and biodiversity) in the area and its underground; c) the absorption capacity of the natural environment, paying particular attention to the following areas— i. wetlands, riparian areas, river mouths; ii. coastal zones and the marine environment; iii. mountain and forest areas; iv. nature reserves and parks; v. European sites and other areas classified or protected under national legislation; vi. areas in which there has already been a failure to meet the environmental quality standards laid down in Union legislation and relevant to the project, or in which it is considered there is such a failure; vii. densely populated areas; landscapes and sites of historical, cultural or archaeological significance.
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Types and characteristics of the potential impact 3. The likely significant effects of the development on the environment must be considered in relation to criteria set out under paragraphs 1 and 2, with regard to the impact of the development on the factors specified in regulation 4(2), taking into account— a) the magnitude and spatial extent of the impact (for example geographical area and size of the population likely to be affected); b) the nature of the impact; c) the transboundary nature of the impact; d) the intensity and complexity of the impact; e) the probability of the impact; f) the expected onset, duration, frequency and reversibility of the impact; g) the cumulation of the impact with the impact of other existing and/or approved development; h) the possibility of effectively reducing the impact. 2.2 REQUIRED INFORMATION 2.2.1. As per Regulation 6 of the 2017 Regulations, this request for a screening opinion is accompanied by the following information, as shown in Table 2-2 below:
Table 2-2 – Regulation 6 (2) of the 2017 Regulations
Regulation 6 Submitted information
(a) A plan sufficient to identify the land; See attached Site Location Plan
(b) A description of the development, including in particular: See Section 1 & 3 of this Report i. A description of the physical characteristics of the development and, where relevant, of demolition works; ii. A description of the location of the development, with particular regard to the environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected;
(c) A description of the aspects of the environment likely to See Section 6 of this Report be significantly affected by the development;
(d) A description of any likely significant effects, to the See Section 4 of this Report extent of the information available on those effects, of the Proposed Development on the environment resulting from- i. The expected residues and emissions and the production of waste, where relevant; and
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Regulation 6 Submitted information
ii. The use of natural resources, in particular soil, land, water and biodiversity;
(e) Such other information or representations as the person See Section 5 of this Report making the request may wish to provide or make including any features of the Proposed Development or any measures envisaged to avoid or prevent what might otherwise have been significant adverse effects on the environment.
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3 SITE LOCATION AND CONTEXT
3.1 LOCATION OF THE SCHEME 3.1.1. The Site is located at the former Bersham Bank Colliery Tip, Rhostyllen, Wrexham LL14 4EG at National Grid Reference SJ 31247 48158. A location plan is enclosed within this submission so to provide context to the Site and its surroundings, with an aerial overview provided in Figure 3-1 below. 3.1.2. The Site is adjacent to the A483 on its western edge, with the A5152 on its northern boundary and a railway line, linking Wrexham and Chirk, on the Site’s south-eastern boundary. Beyond the immediate boundaries of the Site, to the east, south and west of the Site lie agricultural fields with commercial units located to the north.
Figure 3-1 Location of Proposed Development
3.1.3. Furthermore, the town of Rhostyllen is located to the north-east of the Site, with Wrexham beyond this. the Site is also bounded by Glan yr Afon brook on its northern boundary, Bersham Enterprise Centre to the east of Plas Grono Road. Former colliery builders are located to the east and north east of the Site, which include a Scheduled Ancient Monument (also a Grade II* Listed Building) and other Grade II listed buildings. 3.1.4. The colliery was closed in December 1986, albeit salvage operations continued into 1987.
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4 CHARACTERISTICS OF DEVELOPMENT
4.1 INTRODUCTION 4.1.1. The following information sets out the likely significant effects of the Proposed Development on the environment in line with Article 1 of Schedule 3 of the 2017 Regulations. 4.2 SIZE AND DESIGN OF DEVELOPMENT 4.2.1. The size and design of the proposal is at a relatively early stage and are yet to be finalised. In terms of land take, circa 13ha of land is included within the red line for the purposes of screening the development. 4.2.2. At this stage, a conservative approach has been taken to the extent of the red line so to include all works may be required as part of any consented planning application. 4.2.3. Following the submission of, and response to, the EIA screening opinion, further survey work will be undertaken which should enable the red line to be further refined and reduced in scale. 4.3 THE CUMULATION WITH OTHER DEVELOPMENTS 4.3.1. The Proposed Development is not expected to have any adverse cumulative impacts because of this designation or with any extant applications in proximity to the Site. 4.4 THE USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES 4.4.1. It is assumed that the Proposed Development would use a significant quantum of natural resources during construction and potentially during the maintenance of the buildings. However, an ambition of the project is to source materials, wherever possible, from local (notably on-site) and sustainable sources. 4.5 THE PRODUCTION OF WASTE 4.5.1. Construction of the Proposed Development would generate waste typical of a project of this scale and type. There would also be waste generated through the clearance of existing vegetation, any further excavated material, packaging and excess materials brought to site. 4.5.2. It should be noted that the Proposed Development would utilise the existing spoil waste on site through the dual processes (energy generation and the creation of brick/blocks) thereby reducing the quantum of waste which would otherwise be removed from the Site. 4.5.3. During the operational stage, the energy plant will use the calorific combustible material from the colliery spoil tip to generate electricity and provide a site-based reclamation of the material. It is proposed that energy plant can also provide for additional processes from reclaiming material in terms of block construction (which will require additional material). 4.6 POLLUTION AND NUISANCES 4.6.1. The Site is adjacent to predominately industrial units with several residential dwellings which are separated from the Site by a woodland area. It is unlikely that nearby residents will experience significant increased nuisance in the form of elevated noise levels during the operation of the Site, but it is likely that the residents adjacent to the A5152 may experience an increase in noise levels if an increased number of vehicles are using the road travelling from the colliery.
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4.6.2. There may be some temporary nuisance caused during the construction of the Site due to increases in noise and dust, but with mitigation measures in place, the impact is expected to be minimal. 4.7 RISK OF MAJOR ACCIDENTS 4.7.1. During the construction of the Site, given the distance of receptors and the human population from the Site, alongside pollution prevention measures and best practise measures in place, no major accidents are anticipated. 4.8 HUMAN HEALTH 4.8.1. The Proposed Development is situated to the south of an established industrial and residential area. There is a potential for a decrease in air quality and increase in noise levels due to the activities associated with construction. However, with best practice measures and pollution prevention measures in place, this potential impact is expected to be minimal. 4.8.2. There is limited potential for the development to have significant adverse effects on human health during the operational phase.
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5 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE ASSESSMENT
5.1 INTRODUCTION 5.1.1. This section will identify the environmental baseline and constraints within 2km of the scheme proposals (Figure 5.1), including those aspects identified within article 2 of schedule 3 of the 2017 Regulations. 5.2 AIR QUALITY 5.2.1. At the time of writing, Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) has declared no Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) within its administrative boundary. The main sources of air pollution in the surrounding locale of the Application Site are vehicles using the local road network. 5.2.2. The Rossett to Chirk Railway Line borders the Application Site to the south, beyond which lies agricultural land. A review of Defra’s Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) webpages1 indicates that this railway line does not carry a heavy traffic of diesel locomotives and, therefore, is unlikely to have a significant influence on air quality in the vicinity of the Application Site. 5.2.3. There are currently no industrial pollution sources in the immediate vicinity of the Application Site would have a significant influence on local air quality. LOCAL MONITORING DATA 5.2.4. WCBC undertake air quality monitoring at a number of locations across their administrative
area. Two of their Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) diffusion tube monitoring sites are located close to
the Proposed Scheme. Annual mean NO2 concentrations for the past five years are provided in Table 5.1:
3 * Table 5-1 - Annual Mean NO2 Concentrations (µg/m )
Site ID Site Type Distance from Site Distance from 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (m) nearest kerb (m)
WBC-018 Roadside 900 – North East 2 18.5 18.8 17.0 16.9 18.3
WBC-030 Roadside 100 – West 4 36.5 39.9 36.9 35.8 33.1
3 NO2 AQS Objective (µg/m ) 40
*Exceedances of the AQS objective highlighted in bold.
1 https://laqm.defra.gov.uk/documents/Railway_Locomotives_100209.pdf
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5.2.5. Monitoring results demonstrate that NO2 concentrations in the area have remained below the
UK Air Quality Objective (AQO) for annual mean NO2. However, monitoring location WBC-
030, adjacent to the A483 roundabout, reported levels of NO2 just below the objective during 2014 and has been within 10% of the objective in 2013 and 2015.
5.2.6. Defra mapped background concentrations for annual mean NO2 and Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) within the Site and surrounding locale are well below the relevant AQO’s. SENSITIVE RECEPTORS 5.2.7. The area to the west of the A483 is predominantly agricultural land, encompassing Hafod-y- bwch Hall approximately 50m from the Application Site boundary. Commercial and industrial units border the Application Site to the east, with residential properties located immediately to the north situated on Glan-y-Afon. Review of the surrounding Site locale illustrates there are approximately 10 residential dwellings and 5-10 commercial/industrial units within 20m of the Application Site boundary. A further >100 residential dwellings are situated within a 350m radius of the Application Site. 5.2.8. The Johnstown Newt Sites (SAC) and Stryt Las A’r Haford (SSSI) ecological designated sites are situated approximately 500m south of the Proposed Scheme. Features of these designated sites could be sensitive to changes in ambient concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx), nutrient nitrogen (N) deposition and dust, which could be brought about by the proposed energy plant. Other ecological receptors in the wider area include the Sontley March (SSSI) located approximately 2.5km east, Rubaon/Llantysilio Mountains and Minera (SSSI) and Berwyn a Mynyddoedd De Clwyd / Berwyn and South Clwyd Mountains (SAC) situated approximately 4.3km west 5.3 CULTURAL HERITAGE 5.3.1. A study area of approximately 500m extending out from the limits of the Proposed Development was applied for the identification of all types of heritage assets (statutory designated, non-designated and potential archaeological remains). Due to the topography of the land (which lies lower than the A483 which is raised) and the presence of mature tree screening west of the Proposed Development, a 500m study area is considered appropriate. LISTED BUILDINGS AND SCHEDULED MONUMENTS 5.3.2. A total of 33 heritage assets are present within the 500m study area (Tables 5.2 to 5.6 below). Of these 12 are statutory designated: three Scheduled Monuments, two Grade II* Listed Buildings and seven Grade II Listed Buildings of national/high value. NON-DESIGNATED HERITAGE ASSETS 5.3.3. A total of 21 non-designated heritage assets lie within the 500m study area, comprising nine recorded on the HER and 12 on the National Monuments Records for Wales (NMR). There is also the potential for previously unknown below-ground archaeological remains to be present within the study area. Tables 5-2, 5-3, 5-4, 5-5 and 5-6 list the designated and non- designated heritage assets.
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GAZETTEER
Table 5-2 - Scheduled Monuments within the 500m Study Area and outside of the Red Line Boundary
Ref Number Name Period
DE047 Hadfod-y-Bwlch Round Barrow Prehistoric (Bronze Age)
DE048 Croes-Foel Round Barrow Prehistoric (Bronze Age)
DE199 Bersham Colliery: No 2 Winding Gear Industrial
Table 5-3 - Grade II* Listed Buildings within the 500m Study Area and outside of the Red Line Boundary
Ref Number Name Period
1587 Hafod-y-Bwch Hall Medieval
16567 Bersham Colliery No 2 Headframe Modern
Table 5-4 - Grade II Listed Buildings within the 500m Study Area and outside of the Red Line Boundary
Ref Number Name Period
15825 Bersham Colliery Winding Engine House Modern
15826 Former Bersham Colliery Baths, Canteen Modern and Offices
16569 Timber-framed Barn in Yard at Hafod-y- Post-medieval Bwch Hall
16571 Croesfoel Farmhouse Post-medieval
16572 Gate Piers at Hafod-y-Bwch Hall Post-medieval
16573 Timber-framed Building in Yard at Post-medieval Croesfoel Farm
87572 Church of The Holy Trinity Post-medieval
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Table 5-5 - Non-Designated Heritage Assets within the 500m Study Area and outside of the Red Line Boundary
Ref Number Name Period
CPAT15693 Rhostyllen Unknown
CPAT17253 Rhostyllen Church Unknown
CPAT17255 Rhostyllen Church (Holy Trinity), yard Unknown
CPAT36696 Bersham Colliery, Mine office Modern
CPAT101824 Croes Foel Ring Ditch Prehistoric
CPAT102645 Croes Foel Placename, Cross Medieval
CPAT104350 Croes Foel Smithy Unknown
CPAT105077 Croes Foel ring ditch Unknown
CPAT125771 Wrexham R.Ds Council, sewage works Modern
NMR 7603 Williams O'r Wern Salem Independent Post-medieval Chapel,Rhostyllen
NMR 7604 Ainon Welsh Baptist Chapel, Rhostyllen Post-medieval
NMR 37133 Hafod-Y-Bwch, Barn Post-medieval
NMR 91684 Bersham Colliery: Lamp Room Modern
NMR 91685 Bersham Colliery: Workshops Modern
NMR 91688 Bersham Colliery: Glan-Yr-Afon Offices Modern
NMR 91689 Bersham Colliery: Glan-Yr-Afon Pithead Modern Baths
NMR 302188 Hafod-Y-Bwch Hall: Outbuildings, Post-medieval Rhostyllen
NMR 308764 Barrow North East of Rhosllanechrugog Prehistoric (Bronze Age)
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Ref Number Name Period
NMR 411176 Rhostyllen Infants County Primary School, Post-medieval
NMR 411177 Rhostyllen County Secondary School Modern
NMR 423987 Rhostyllen Village Multiperiod
Table 5-6 - Non-designated Heritage Assets within the 500m Study Area and Inside the Redline Boundary
Ref Number Name Period
NMR 85024 Bersham Colliery, Wrexham Post-medieval
NMR 91686 Bersham Colliery: Electricity Sub Station Modern
NMR 91687 Bersham Colliery: Spoil Tip Post-medieval
CONSERVATION AREAS AND OTHER LANDSCAPE DESIGNATIONS 5.3.4. There are no designated landscapes within 2km of the Scheme proposals. 5.4 LANDSCAPE 5.4.1. The proposed energy plant buildings will lie within the south west corner of the Site. It’s proposed stack (c.25m) and silo (c.20m) are the elements with most potential to have landscape and visual impacts. 5.4.2. The Site is contained on all boundaries by the following: West and South: Semi-mature tree belt along boundary with the A483; South and South East: railway line with intermittent vegetation; East: Woodland boundary adjacent to light industry and commercial buildings; and North: Semi-mature woodland along the Glanyrafon brook between the commercial and residential development along Wrexham Road (and currently the slag bank). 5.4.3. The height and depth of the existing woodland to the west, north and east has the potential to provide screening of the proposed energy plant buildings in views from these directions. The existing vegetation will be retained where possible, but it is acknowledged some vegetation removal may be necessary along the south and south west boundaries to allow construction of the building. The slag-bank would in the initial project stages also provide screening before its gradual removal. The most open aspect is to the south east where the existing boundary vegetation along the railway line is more intermittent.
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LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 5.4.4. The Site’s former colliery use and prominent slag-bank make it a distinctive industrial feature within the locality. The landscape to the north and north east is characterised by the urban edge of Rhostyllen and Wrexham. The surrounding landscape to the west, south and east is relatively typical of that described in the National Landscape Character Area NLCA 13 Deeside and Wrexham as an attractive rolling farmed landscape with elements of estate farming and a mix of small to medium field patterns and woodland blocks and copses, bordering the southern and eastern edge of Wrexham. The woodland, hedgerows, and individual trees across this landscape in addition to the woodland around the Site limit the opportunities for open and expansive views. 5.4.5. Local landscape characteristics are described by LANDMAP. The Cultural Landscape aspect acknowledges the Site as having a high regional value for ‘articulating WCBC’s historic dependence on the coal industry’. LANDMAP’s Visual and Sensory Aspect considers a moderate value based on the following evaluation: “The area, particularly the tip is a prominent landmark as seen from the A483 which passes close to its western edge. As such it provides a potent visual link to Wrexham's past, the area is not classically attractive or aesthetically pleasing but is an exciting and ''dangerous'' landscape it also engenders the heritage of the central industrial belt of Wrexham. However, on a Visual and Sensory evaluation this area can only be considered Moderate in its value as the pressure of development surrounding the area and the relatively poor scenic quality of the workings and the adjacent area must reduce the overall evaluation. A prominent and clearly defined landmark for the area reinforcing links with the industrial heritage of the area and providing a strong focus for travellers on the adjacent A483. Very high degree of local distinctiveness and regional identity. The view has been somewhat degraded by commercial development to north.” 5.4.6. Accepting that permission has been granted for the removal and re-use of the slag-bank, the sensitivity of the landscape character of the Site and surroundings to the type of development proposed is not considered particularly high. The proposed energy plant buildings will sit within the existing industrial landscape which has consent to become active again. It will be in proximity to adjacent light industry buildings at Bersham Enterprise Park, and as such will not appear incongruous in this setting. Proposed strengthening of the south west boundary along the railway line and proposed rail sidings, as well as management and enhancement of the vegetation along other boundaries will further contain the proposed building within the Site and limit views from the wider landscape. 5.4.7. 5.4.8. Thus, it is considered that the potential to have any significant effects on the landscape character of the Site or wider landscape is limited. VISUAL AMENITY 5.4.9. The potential for significant impacts on visual receptors in the wider area is also likely to be very limited given the existing industrial context the Proposed Development lies within and the limited visual envelope resulting from the screening provided by vegetation, and also in the early stages of operation from the slag-bank.
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5.4.10. It is understood that the PROW that lies within the Site (ESC/15) will be stopped up as part of the previous consent and so any visual impacts upon users of this route would not be a consideration in this application. 5.4.11. The taller elements of the Proposed Development (silo and stack) may be potentially visible to local residents primarily to the west of the Site, road users on the A483 and local B roads, travellers on the railway, and users of PROW that lie to the south east and south west of the Site. It is not anticipated the views of these taller elements would create significant visual impacts given the industrial and urban edge context, and that most of the structure height would be likely screened by the existing vegetation. LANDSCAPE DESIGNATIONS 5.4.12. There are no nationally designated landscapes on the Site and within its immediate surroundings. The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB lies 2.5km to the west. The proposed energy plant has potential to be visible from the higher panoramic viewpoints within the AONB, but seen within the existing industrial context, surrounded by a busy A road, railway, and industrial and commercial development, and urban edge of Wrexham. Therefore, there would be limited potential for the Proposed Development to have any significant effects on the special qualities of the AONB and its reasons for designation. 5.4.13. The National Trust’s Erddig estate lies just over 1km to the east and there is potential intervisibility with the Site from the front of the house. Historic designations are an indication of the quality of the landscape, and identify sites where potential visual receptors may be highly sensitive, such as visitors to designated sites experiencing them in the context of their setting. On review, only the upper part of the existing slag-bank is notable from Erddig, with the rest of the Site screened by intervening hedgerows and woodland. As the slag-bank is c.40m high, double the height of the proposed silo for example, it can be considered unlikely that the proposed energy plant would be clearly visible from Erddig. As such, and also taking into account that the Site does not lie directly in line with the key views from Erddig’s house and formal gardens, it is considered that there is little potential for significant visual impacts upon its visitors. 5.5 ECOLOGY STATUTORY DESIGNATIONS European Designated Sites 5.5.1. There is one European Designated Site in proximity to the Scheme proposals. This is Johnstown Newt Sites which is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and is situated approximately 500 m south west of the Site. No further European Designated Sites are located within proximity to the Scheme proposal; this includes there being no Special Protection Areas (SPA), Sites of Community Importance (SCI’s) or RAMSAR sites located within 2 km of the Scheme. No SACs are located within 30 km of the Scheme where bats are one of the qualifying site features. SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST (SSSI) 5.5.2. There is one Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Stryt Las A’R Hafod, within 2km of the proposals, located approximately 500 m south west from the Site.
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NON-STATUTORY DESIGNATIONS 5.5.3. There are two Country Parks within 1 km of the scheme, comprising Bonc yr Hafod situated 500m south west and Erddig Park situated 500m north east from the Site. Erddig Estate Local Wildlife Site LWS is located 911m from the Site. There are no other designations within 1 km of the Scheme proposals. PRIORITY HABITATS 5.5.4. Two Ancient Woodland Sites AWS were present within 500 m and 850 m of the Site. No priority habitats were identified on site. PROTECTED SPECIES AND HABITATS A Phase 1 habitat survey has identified that the Site is largely made up of grassland, scrub, woodland, scattered patches of bare ground and hard standing habitats with varying topography. Some of these habitats, namely the grassland and scrub habitats comprise a diverse array of botanical species. that could support a range of protected and/or notable species specifically invertebrates, reptiles and breeding birds. As no phase two surveys have been carried out, it cannot be determined if protected and/or notable species are present or absent, however, a range of biological records has been returned from COFNOD. 5.6 GEOLOGY AND SOILS GEOLOGY 5.6.1. The geology of the area according to the British Geological Survey (BGS) GeoIndex is summarised in the Table 5.7 below.
Table 5-7 - Geology
Geology Location and Description Aquifer Designation
Made Ground Entire site - Likely comprising colliery spoil.
Superficial The majority of the Site excluding the northern Secondary A Deposits - Till boundary: Devensian – diamicton.
Superficial Along the northern boundary of the Site: Secondary A Deposits - Devensian - sand and gravel. Glaciofluvial Deposits
Bedrock - Etruria Entire site: Secondary A Formation Mudstone, with lenticular sandstones and conglomerates. Common pedogenic horizons, but coal seams are rare. Subordinate, lenticular sandstones and conglomerates commonly consist mostly of volcanic and lithic clasts.
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5.6.2. There are no geological SSSI’s or Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS) within 2km of the Scheme proposals. CONTAMINATED LAND 5.6.3. The Site was previously associated with a colliery and the current surrounding land use is mainly industrial. Therefore, there is potential for the soils and groundwater to have been impacted by associated contamination. The extent and nature of any potential contamination will be required to be established in order to assess risks to identified receptors. The first stage in addressing potential risks is to complete a phase 1 desk study which will assess potential pollutant linkages and discuss suitability of the land for the proposed use. AGRICULTURAL LAND 5.6.4. The land associated with the Scheme does not comprise agricultural land. 5.7 PEDESTRIANS, CYCLISTS AND COMMUNITY EFFECTS 5.7.1. The land surrounding the Scheme is sparsely populated towards the south west, south and south east and is predominately surrounded by woodland and agricultural fields with the A483 bordering the Site to the west. The land towards the north east is built up of predominately residential areas and community resources. Land immediately north and east comprises industrial commercial units. Table 5-8 lists the receptors which are within 0.5km of the scheme:
Table 5-8 - Sensitive Receptors within 0.5km from the scheme proposals
Receptor / Resource Distance & Direction
Industrial and Commercial Buildings
Macron Store Wrexham Adjacent to Site (east)
Rascals Retreat Art and Craft Café Adjacent to Site (east)
NV cakes Adjacent to Site (east)
Evans Halshaw Ford Wrexham Adjacent to Site (east)
Wrexham Recycled Adjacent to Site (north east)
Starbucks Coffee 167m north west
Dicksn Vauxhall Wrexham 200m north
Dee Valley Water 530m south west
Residential and Community
Residential dwellings on Tudor Avenue Adjacent to Site (north)
Residential dwellings north of A5152 230m north
School 500m north
PRoW Adjacent to A483 and railway line within the Site
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Receptor / Resource Distance & Direction
Railway line Adjacent to the Site (south)
Farm Stead 150m north west 5.8 WATER ENVIRONMENT 5.8.1. There is one main river within 1km to the Site, comprising Afon Brook located 1km to the south of the Site. 5.8.2. The Glan yr Afon Brook is flows through the woodland area to the north of the Site and continues flowing east, before heading south east and converging with the Black Brook 1km south from the Site. 5.8.3. The Site is partially located within both flood zone B & C2, due to its proximity to the Glan yr Afon Brook, as shown below. Flood Zone C2 are areas of floodplain without significant flood defence infrastructure and Flood Zone B are Areas known to have flooded in the past, as described in TAN15. 5.9 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT BASELINE ASSESSMENT 5.9.1. The Site, which is currently allocated as derelict land, is bound to the north by the A5152, to the west by the A483, to the east by access roads connecting to Bersham Enterprise Centre, and to the south by vacant land. The Site is considered to be well connected to the Major Road Network, with the A483 trunk road providing connections from Swansea to Chester. It is assumed that vehicular access will be taken from the existing local highway network, namely the Church Street / Wrexham Road / A5152 junction which connects to Bersham Enterprise Centre. 5.9.2. The Site is well connected by public transport, with several bus stops being located along the A5152 which connect to Wrexham and further afield. The bus stops are served by Arriva and a summary of their services is provided in Table 5-9 below.
Table 5-9 – Bus Services
Service Number Origin / Destination Service Frequencies
2 Oswestry Hourly
2A Oswestry Hourly
2C Cefn-Bychan Every 30 mins
3 Penycae Every 30 mins
4A Afon Eitha Hourly
5 Llangollen Every 30 mins
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Service Number Origin / Destination Service Frequencies
5C Wrexham Every 30 mins
5.9.3. The nearest rail station is Wrexham Central which provides services to Bidston, Holyhead, Cardiff Central and Birmingham International. The rail station can be accessed by bus from the Site. 5.9.4. The Site is well connected to the local highway network, with pedestrian footways provided on the western side of the carriageway into and out of Bersham Enterprise Centre, which it is assumed would be the main access route used for vehicles and employees accessing the Site. There is a public right of way (PRoW) which runs through the proposed site location (ESC/15) as shown in Figure 5-1 below. This is a footpath which could be impacted on given its route through the Site.
Figure 5-1 - Public Right of Way though the Site
Source: http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/leisure_tourism/prow/definitive_map.htm
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Figure 5-2 - Environmental Constraints Map
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5.10 POSSIBLE MITIGATION 5.10.1. Environmental impacts on the environment should be managed by: Providing effective mitigation where necessary; Ensuring best practise measures and pollution prevention measures are in place during the construction phase; and Carrying out work under method statements and under supervision by a licenced ecologist where necessary and/or appropriate. 5.10.2. At this stage of the project, the exact design life of the project during operation is not known, and it is expected that the infrastructure will remain in situ for its design life (approximately 27 years). It is anticipated that maintenance will be required periodically throughout the life of the scheme, but activities will be temporary and minimal. When the scheme is decommissioned, the prior land use and form would be reinstated, where possible – notwithstanding any planning applications which may follow. 5.11 SCOPING OPINION 5.11.1. The Proposed Development do not lie within any designated or protected areas and the Site is not a “sensitive area” as defined in regulation 2 (1), but the Scheme covers an area over the threshold of 0.5ha. 5.11.2. From the baseline assessment undertaken and noted above, environmental impacts could arise due to: an increase in noise and vibration during construction; a decrease in air quality during construction and operation; increase in traffic associated journey times during construction; adverse visual impacts caused by construction activities and the loss of land and vegetation; impacts on the setting of scheduled monuments, and an increase in HGVs in the area and additional vehicles travelling to the Site adding to an increase in general disruption to the local highway network and nearby receptors. Many of these impacts however will be temporary and will last as long as the construction works. With appropriate mitigation measures in place it is envisaged that these effects will be non-significant. 5.11.3. Consequently, we conclude that the Proposed Development project is therefore be ‘EIA Development’ and that an application for planning permission does need to be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment, albeit this position will be formally reached and confirmed by the Welsh Ministers.
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6 CHARACTERISTICS OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS
6.1 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY TABLE 6.1.1. This section assesses the scheme’s potential impacts during both the construction and operational phases, and provides the basis for determining whether an EIA is required or not. In order to characterise the likely change and impact, it is necessary to take into account all the following parameters, as per article 3 of Schedule 3 of the 2017 Regulations: The magnitude and spatial extent of the impact; The nature of the impact; The transboundary nature of the impact; The intensity and complexity of the impact; The probability of the impact; The expected onset, duration, frequency and reversibility of the impact; The cumulation of the impact with the impact of other existing and/or approved development; and The possibility of effectively reducing the impact. 6.1.2. As per Section 5 of this Report, the following topics have been assessed: Air Quality; Cultural Heritage; Landscape; Ecology; Geology and Soils; Materials; Noise and Vibration; Pedestrian, Cyclists and Community Effects; and Road Drainage and the Water Environment. 6.1.3. See Table 6-1 below for an environmental appraisal assessment and summary of the Proposed Development.
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Table 6-1 – Potential Environmental Impact Summary Table
Environmental Assessment Magnitude and Spatial Nature of The Impact Transboundary Intensity and Probability of The Duration of Impact Frequency of Reversibility of Cumulative Reducing and Conclusion Receptors Extent of Impact Nature of The Complexity of The Impact Impact Impact Impacts Mitigating Impacts Impact Impact
Air Quality Construction Construction The nature of the impacts The impacts of the As the potential It is not likely that Construction Construction Construction No cumulative Construction Construction are associated with the scheme will be impacts are the construction impacts are During construction, the Local impact on sensitive construction works, and temporary and are associated with the and operation of the The impacts will be The local air quality The air quality in anticipated. Best practise During construction, Proposed Scheme has the receptors within proximity are therefore likely to be likely to be construction Plant will increase temporary and is assumed to be the area is relatively measures will be in the Proposed potential to create to the Scheme. localised, temporary and localised. activities, they are in air quality localised and will good as there are good, therefore the place to ensure Scheme has the temporary adverse only last for a short no AQMAs within area may be able to dust and vehicle potential to create Operational will only last for a short temporary and only impacts will be nuisance impacts due to duration. As the nature of No transboundary last for a short detrimental to the duration. 2km. Therefore, the absorb low levels of emissions are kept temporary adverse dust (arising due to impacts are increase in vehicles pollution. Impacts to a minimum and nuisance impacts Potential impact on air the impacts are duration. These environment and Operational construction activities) and quality for sensitive associated with the anticipated. impacts can be local receptors, during the from the proposed traffic management due to dust (arising impacts on human health receptors to the access construction activities, However, detailed minimised by there are no There may be an construction phase Scheme during is only in place for due to construction from particulate matter road, and potential these can be mitigated dispersion ensuring that all AQMAs within 2km impact in air quality is only likely to have construction will be as long as is activities) and and exhaust emissions dispersal impacts (further and with best practise modelling will be best practise and therefore the overtime if the a temporary impact temporary and can required. impacts on human associated with required to on air quality. be mitigated with health from modelling required). measures in place are measures are in air quality in this number of vehicles Operational construction plant and unlikely to have a determine potential place throughout area is assumed to using the access Traffic management appropriate best particulate matter machinery. significant environmental operational impacts. the works to avoid be relatively good. road increases over will remain in place measures in place There is the and exhaust effect. any potential However, detailed time. Detailed only when required. throughout the potential for emissions As stated by the Institute construction period. associated with of Air Quality environmental dispersion dispersion Operational odorous releases Detailed dispersion pollution events. modelling will be modelling will be during the operation construction plant Management (IAQM), modelling will be required Operational and machinery. The ‘with the implementation Wherever possible, required to required to There may be an of the Proposed to determine potential abatement determine potential determine potential impact in air quality The air quality in Scheme. Due to its residual effect of of effective site-specific operational impacts. the construction mitigation measures the technologies will be operational impacts. operational impacts. overtime due to the the area is relatively size (30MW), applied to reduce operation of the good, therefore the emissions to air phase on nearby environmental effect will receptors is likely to not be significant in most emissions to plant. Detailed area may be able to from the proposed air/odour dispersion absorb low levels of energy plant may be negligible cases’. As such, the providing that best residual effect of the associated with the modelling will be pollution, however also result in operation of the required to there may be a perceptible practice site- construction phase on specific mitigation nearby receptors is likely Proposed Scheme. determine potential decrease in air increases in operational impacts. quality in this area if pollutant measures are to be negligible providing implemented. that best practice site- due to the concentrations at specific mitigation emissions from the nearby sensitive Operational measures are plant. Detailed receptors (human implemented. dispersion and ecological). Air quality modelling will be Therefore, further emissions Operational required to assessment (i.e. associated with determine potential detailed dispersion HGV movements HGV trips associated with operational impacts modelling) will be are likely to have a the operation of the required. Wherever negligible impact on Proposed Scheme are possible, abatement offsite sensitive anticipated to be technologies will be receptors located significantly less than the applied to reduce close to the road extant planning emissions to network. permission given that air/odour material will be sourced associated with the Dust and particulate from the colliery spoil tip operation of the emissions arising and therefore remain on Proposed Scheme. from reclamation internal haul roads. On activities, the this basis, air quality operation of the emissions associated with shale energy facility HGV movements are and/or movement of likely to have a negligible materials within the impact on offsite sensitive Application Site are receptors located close to also likely to be the road network. negligible provided that appropriate Dust and particulate mitigation emissions arising from measures, such as reclamation activities, the those agreed for the operation of the shale Extant Permission energy facility and/or (as outlined above), movement of materials are implemented. within the Application Site are also likely to be There is the negligible provided that potential for appropriate mitigation odorous releases measures, such as those during the operation agreed for the Extant of the Proposed Permission (as outlined Scheme. Due to its above), are implemented. size (30MW), emissions to air
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from the proposed There is the potential for energy plant may odorous releases during also result in the operation of the perceptible Proposed Scheme. Due to increases in its size (30MW), pollutant emissions to air from the concentrations at proposed energy plant nearby sensitive may also result in receptors (human perceptible increases in and ecological). pollutant concentrations at Therefore, further nearby sensitive receptors assessment (i.e. (human and ecological). detailed dispersion Therefore, further modelling) will be assessment (i.e. detailed required. Wherever dispersion modelling) will possible, abatement be required. Wherever technologies will be possible, abatement applied to reduce technologies will be emissions to applied to reduce air/odour emissions to air/odour associated with the associated with the operation of the operation of the Proposed Proposed Scheme. Scheme.
Cultural Construction Construction The nature of the impacts The impacts of the As the potential It is not likely that Construction Construction Construction No cumulative Construction Construction Heritage are associated with the Scheme will be impacts are the construction impacts are Construction related Potential local impact on construction works, and temporary and will associated with the and operation of the Impacts during During the Any impacts will be anticipated. Mitigation measures Should there be any activities that could result buried archaeological are therefore likely to be be localised. No construction road will have a construction will be construction period mitigated with best will include best unrecorded assets in likely adverse remains in undisturbed localised, temporary and transboundary activities, they are detrimental impact temporary and will the presence of practise measures practise measures discovered during significant effects will ground. will only last for a short impacts are temporary and only on cultural heritage. only last a short plant and and mitigation in and ensuring the construction these include, but are not limited duration. construction place throughout works stop if in the may be significantly Operational duration. As the nature of anticipated during last for a short to: the impacts are the construction or duration. These compounds and the construction unlikely event that impacts, and Operational activities are phase. buried archaeology appropriate Vehicle movement; No impacts are associated with the operation of the impacts can be anticipated. construction activities, scheme. minimised quite No impacts are expected to have is recovered. mitigation will be The siting of large an impact on the Operational proposed. plant; these can be mitigated simply by ensuring anticipated. Operational and with best practise that all best practise setting of the area. No impacts are the exportation of However, these will Operational material into and out measures in place are measures are in anticipated. No mitigation unlikely to have a place throughout only last a short measures are During the of site; duration. the construction of the significant environmental the works to avoid required. operational phase energy facility; and effect. any potential Operational there is likely to be the siting of temporary impacts to important a significant archaeological structures. No impacts are adverse effect on artefacts events. Significant effects anticipated. the setting of caused during the Scheduled construction phase Monument DE199 related activities listed Bersham Colliery above are likely to Winding Gear. impact upon buried archaeological remains and the setting of designated and non-designated heritage assets. Archaeological remains: It is possible that construction works will permanently remove or disturb archaeological assets. In particular, there are likely to be unknown below-ground archaeological remains associated with Bersham Colliery on site. Setting of heritage assets: Construction related works are likely to temporarily impact upon the setting of designated and non-designated heritage assets. There are likely to be significance adverse effects upon assets associated with Bersham Colliery, due to
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their proximity to the Proposed Development. Operational Operation related activities will include, but are not limited to: the reclamation of the colliery spoil tip; and the siting of the energy facility It is possible that operational works will permanently affect the setting of designated and non-designated heritage assets associated with Bersham Colliery. In particular, there is likely to be a significant adverse effect on the setting of Scheduled Monument DE199 Bersham Colliery Winding Gear.
Landscape Construction Construction The nature of the impacts The impacts of the As the potential It is not likely that Construction Construction Construction No cumulative Construction Construction are associated with the scheme will be impacts are the construction impacts are The scheme is not within Local impact on construction works, and temporary and will associated with the and operation of the The impacts during The construction During the anticipated. Mitigation measures It is not considered any designated landscape landscape during are therefore likely to be be localised. No construction road will have a the construction impacts will be construction of the will include best there would be any areas. There may be construction due to the localised, temporary and transboundary activities, they are long term period will be temporary and will scheme the practise measures permanent some temporary adverse presence of plant and will only last for a short impacts are temporary and only detrimental impact temporary and will only last for a short presence of plant and where possible significant adverse visual impacts during the machinery. duration. As the nature of anticipated during last for a short on the surrounding only last for a short duration. and machinery may minimal vegetation impact upon construction phase due to the impacts are the construction or duration. These landscape. duration. have an impact, but will be removed to residential amenity the presence of plant and this will be reduce the impact and visual impact associated with the operation of the impacts can be Operational machinery. However, Operational construction activities, scheme. minimised quite Operational temporary and on the landscape. by way of visual these will be temporary these can be mitigated simply by ensuring Once screening has impacts negligible. disturbance of the and only last for a short It is not anticipated the No impacts are Operational proposed road. and, with best practise that all best practise established and the Operational duration. The proposed scheme will have a measures in place, they measures are in development blends anticipated. During the Some vegetation development building will significant impact on the are unlikely to have a place throughout into the landscape, No impacts are operation of the will need to be sit within the south setting of the area during significant environmental the works to avoid no impacts are anticipated. scheme screening cleared to western corner of the Site. the operational phase if effect. any potential anticipated long may be required to accommodate the It will be an industrial mitigation measures such environmental term. help the road blend associated element within an existing as screening are pollution events. into the landscape foundations. Where industrial area and as incorporated into the final and reduce its possible, vegetation such will not be an design. visual impact to will be retained. incongruous feature. A sensitive receptors. substantial tree belt along Operational the south and south east It is anticipated that boundary is proposed as there will be no part of the proposed significant visual development. As such, impacts during the the key landscape operation of the characteristic of woodland scheme. will be retained (and enhanced). Potential impacts on the wider landscape including the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB are not anticipated to be significant given the retention of the boundary vegetation, and that the proposed development will be largely screened. Any potential views from these landscapes of the taller elements of the proposed development would be seen within the context of the industrial and urban edge character around the Site and edge of Wrexham. Operational
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In summary, the proposed development is considered consistent with the existing industrial character of the Site, and as the characteristic woodland around the Site will be retained and enhanced, providing a substantial screen, there is limited potential for any significant effects on the landscape character of the Site or wider area. The visual envelope of the proposed development is limited due to the screening by boundary woodland within the Site and across the surrounding landscape. The slag-bank (although consented to be removed) will also provide additional initial screening to the north. There is more potential for visibility of the proposed development, particularly the stack and silo, from visual receptors to the south and west. However, given the industrial and urban edge context, intervening A483, and the treed nature of the wider landscape, it is not anticipated that views of the proposed development would result in significant impacts on visual receptors in this area.
Ecology Construction Construction The nature of the impacts The impacts of the As the potential It is not likely that Construction Construction Construction No cumulative Construction Construction is associated with the scheme will be impacts are the construction impacts are The scheme is taking The proposed works have construction works, and temporary and will associated with the and operation of the The impacts during The construction Providing all anticipated. Specific species The impact from place approximately 500m the potential to impact the are therefore likely to be be localised. No construction proposed energy the construction impacts will be construction works mitigation measures construction works from Johnstown Newt local ecology and habitats localised, temporary and transboundary activities, they are plant development period will be temporary and will are carried out should be informed is likely to be Sites SAC and Stryt Las in situ. will only last for a short impacts are temporary and only will have a temporary and will be undertaken under a Method by further Phase 2 localised, temporary a’r Hafod SSSI. However, only last for a short outside of sensitive Statement (MS) ecology surveys and will only last for Operational duration. As the nature of anticipated during last for a short detrimental impact due to the distance of the the impacts are the construction or duration. These on local ecology. duration. periods (bird which details best and should include a short duration. SAC and that they are nesting, reptile practise and best practise Potential impacts on associated with the operation of the impacts can be Operational separated by a large dual Johnstown Newt Sites construction activities, scheme. minimised by hibernation periods pollution prevention measures. General It is anticipated that carriageway, and lack of SAC from emissions to these can be mitigated ensuring that all No impacts are etc.). measures, and mitigation will clearance of mature breeding habitats for great Dispersion ensuring the works include spill kits and and high-quality air. and, with best practise best practise anticipated. Operational crested newts within the measures in place, they modelling data will measures are in are undertaken pollution prevention vegetation will be Site, it is considered that are unlikely to have a be required to place throughout Changes in water outside of sensitive measures in place. minimal. However, construction related significant environmental determine the the works to avoid quality from periods it is not The works are also it is likely that some activities are unlikely to effect. potential of potential nitrogen deposition anticipated that the likely to be carried land take is have an impact upon transboundary environmental could affect the proposed Scheme out under a Method required to these sites. The scale of operational operational impacts pollution events and breeding success of will have a Statement and accommodate the impact on Johnston Newt significant impact under supervision development An ecological walkover any impacts such GCN and therefore Sites is unknown at as killing, injuring, impact Johnstown on the surrounding of an ecologist. footprint and and Phase 1 habitat present until dispersion habitat and species. therefore survey of the Site was or disturbing Newt Site SAC In addition, where modelling data is protected species. which could last the vegetation, scrub, undertaken in August available. Operational possible, minimal grassland and trees 2019. entire duration of vegetation Dispersion the scheme Changes in water will need to be modelling data will clearance should be removed. It is anticipated that quality through factored into clearance of mature and be required to nitrogen deposition determine the construction and Effects from high-quality vegetation will could have an timing of construction will be be minimal. However, intensity and irreversible impact complexity of air construction to fall mitigated through some land take is required on breeding outside sensitive design and best to accommodate the emission impacts success of great on Johnston Newt ecological periods. practice development footprint and crested newts construction and therefore vegetation, Sites SAC. designated as a Operational
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scrub, grassland and trees qualifying features other suitable will need to be removed. of Johnstown Newt Mitigation to reduce methods where Grasslands and scrub on Sites SAC. the impact on required. site provide suitable Johnstown Newt habitat for invertebrate Sites during It is unlikely that the species, reptiles, and for operation of the Proposed breeding birds. In addition, development will be Development will there is a low suitability for informed by data have significant badgers and dormouse to and results adverse impacts on be present within the Site. produced by air habitats and quality species within the The woodlands and tree assessments. development lines on site could provide footprint, however suitable commuting and to fully conclude foraging grounds for bats this, phase 2 protected species Operational surveys should be Emissions to air from the carried out. proposed energy plant Operational could result in perceptible increases in pollutant The operational concentrations at nearby period of the Johnston Newt Sites SAC Proposed and as a result cause an Development could impact on the Site’s have significant qualifying features. adverse impacts on Johnston Newt Sites SAC as a result of emissions to air. At present the impact is unknown and would need further air quality assessment and dispersion modelling to understand the level of impact. It is not yet known if the proposed scheme will be artificially lit during operation, and therefore the impacts on surrounding ecology is not yet known.
Geology and Construction Construction The nature of the impacts The impacts of the As the potential It is likely that the Construction Construction Construction No cumulative No mitigation Construction Soils are associated with the scheme will be impacts are construction and impacts are measures are (Contaminated No assessments have Whilst some impacts are construction works, and temporary and associated with the operation of the The impacts during No impacts are Once the anticipated. required during the It is not thought that Land) been undertaken to date. anticipated, there are are therefore likely to be unlikely to be construction proposed energy the construction anticipated. construction construction or there will be a Earthworks associated unlikely to be any period will be activities are significant impact localised, temporary and significant. No activities, they are plant will not result Operational operation of the with the construction significant impacts to soils will only last for a short transboundary temporary and only in significant temporary and will completed, the scheme. on the sand and phase will be taking place and geology. duration. As the nature of impacts are last for a short detrimental impacts last for a short No impacts are ground will be gravel resources although the cut/fill the impacts are anticipated during duration. These on local geology duration. anticipated. reinstated before present, and land balance and requirement Operational any landscaping take will be minimal. associated with the the construction or impacts can and soils. Operational for import and export of Negligible impacts are construction activities, operation of the potentially be takes place. materials has not yet been Operational anticipated. these can be mitigated scheme. mitigated by No impacts are Operational established. Issues and with best practise ensuring that all anticipated. No impacts are associated with potential measures in place are best practise No impacts are anticipated. land contamination cannot unlikely to have a measures are in anticipated. be discounted at this significant environmental place throughout stage. effect. the works to avoid Operational any potential environmental Land take will be minimal pollution events. and no further impacts are anticipated. It is assumed best practise will be maintained associated with any
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chemical storage of the energy plant.
Materials Construction Construction The nature of the impacts The impacts of the As the potential It is not likely that Construction Construction Construction No cumulative No mitigation Construction are associated with the scheme will be impacts are the construction impacts are measures are Materials used for the The impacts of deliveries construction works, and temporary and will associated with the and operation of the The impacts during All materials should During the anticipated. required during the Materials used to Scheme will be of materials may have are therefore likely to be be localised. No construction road will have a the construction aim to be construction phase, construction or surface the transported to site. At this some impacts locally due localised, temporary and transboundary activities, they are detrimental impact period will be sustainably and access areas and operation of the proposed Scheme stage, it is not known what to the increased will only last for a short impacts are temporary and only on materials. temporary and will locally sourced, and deliveries of scheme. will need to be materials will be used. movements of lorries on duration. As the nature of anticipated during last for a short last for a short the lifespan and materials to and transported to site. the road; however, given the impacts are the construction or duration. These duration. maintenance of the from site should be At this stage, it is Any waste created during the scale of the road should be managed through a not known what construction is likely to be associated with the operation of the impacts can be Operational development it is not construction activities, scheme. minimised quite designed so it is Construction materials will be removed from site and anticipated to have minimal and low Environmental used. disposed of at a suitable these can be mitigated simply by ensuring No impacts are significant disruption on and with best practise that all best practise anticipated. cost. Management Plan facility. the road network. (CEMP). However, Any waste measures in place are measures are in Operational generated during Operational unlikely to have a place throughout given the scale of Operational the development it the construction significant environmental the works to avoid No impacts are phase is likely to be No impacts are No impacts are effect. any potential anticipated. is not anticipated anticipated. there will be as removed from site anticipated. environmental and disposed of at pollution events. significant disruption to the a suitable facility. road network Operational provided construction is No impacts are managed efficiently. anticipated. Operational No impacts are anticipated.
Noise and Construction Construction The nature of the impacts The impacts of the As the potential It is not likely that Construction Construction Construction No cumulative Construction Construction Vibration are associated with the scheme will be impacts are the construction impacts are There may be some noise The impacts on noise and construction works, and temporary and will associated with the and operation of the The construction The area It is anticipated that anticipated. Best practise Providing all and vibration impacts due vibration are considered to are therefore likely to be be localised. No construction road and the impacts on noise surrounding the any significant mitigation measures significant noise to the activities associated be local and limited to localised, temporary and transboundary activities, they are potential increase in and vibration will be scheme is semi- noise impacts will be in place impacts are suitable with the construction of sensitive receptors will only last for a short impacts are temporary and only noise will not be temporary and will rural, with a built-up during the during the managed through the scheme. The nearest situated further from the duration. As the nature of anticipated during last for a short detrimental to the only last for a short area of Rhostyllen construction of the construction phase best practise receptors are within 300m scheme. the impacts are the construction or duration. These environment. duration. to the north east. Scheme will be to ensure noise measures and a and will therefore be With best practise temporary and will levels are kept to a CEMP no Operational associated with the operation of the impacts can be Operational subject to some noise construction activities, scheme. minimised by The proximity of the measures in place, only last for a short minimum. significant impacts disturbance. During the operation of these can be mitigated, ensuring that all road may increase No impacts are it is not anticipated duration. The are anticipated. noise and vibration noise impacts will impacts can be Operational Operational the scheme, some and with best practise best practise anticipated. Operational residential properties measures in place, are measures are in levels for sensitive be significant. managed through No mitigation receptors. best practise During the operation of within proximity to the unlikely to have a place throughout Operational measures are No impacts are the scheme, some alignment may experience significant environmental the works to avoid measures and required. anticipated. residential properties an increase in noise effect. any potential No impacts are implemented within proximity to the disturbance due to environmental anticipated. through the CEMP. alignment may experience increased number of impacts. Operational an increase in noise vehicles which were not disturbance due to present before. No impacts are increased number of anticipated. vehicles which were not present before.
Pedestrian, Construction Construction The nature of the impacts The impacts of the As the potential During the Construction Construction Construction No cumulative Construction Construction Cyclists and are associated with the scheme will be impacts are construction and impacts are Community There is one PRoW which The impacts on the construction works, and temporary and will associated with the operation of the The construction The construction The construction anticipated. It is anticipated that Temporary traffic Effects will require diversion community and people are are therefore likely to be be localised. No construction scheme, the impacts on the impacts on the impacts on the there will be road management will be during the construction considered to be local and localised, temporary and transboundary activities, they are impacts caused by community will be community will be community will be closures/diversions/ required may be phase. There may be limited to those who use will only last for a short impacts are temporary and only traffic management temporary and will temporary and will temporary and will traffic management required during some traffic management the B4489, Pant Lasau duration. As the nature of anticipated during last for a short and a slight change only last for a short only last for a short only last for a short required during the construction. required on the A5152 Road and Rhydypandy duration. duration. duration. works. The impacts the impacts are the construction or duration. These in junction layout is Operational and the road through the Road frequently. associated with the operation of the impacts can be unlikely to have a on the community Enterprise Centre, which Operational Operational Operational will be minimised by Operational construction activities, scheme. minimised quite detrimental impact There will be no may affect driver these can be mitigated simply by ensuring on local community. No impacts are No impacts are No impacts are ensuring residents change to the frustration by increasing No impacts are and with best practise that all best practise anticipated. anticipated. anticipated. are notified of the operation or layout journey times. anticipated. measures in place are measures are in works prior to of the roads construction Operational unlikely to have a place throughout surrounding significant environmental the works to avoid commencing, and Enterprise Centre. There will be no change to effect. any potential traffic management Therefore, no the operation or layout of will only be in place
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the roads surrounding environmental for as long as impacts are Enterprise Centre. pollution events. required. anticipated. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated. Operation No mitigation is required.
Road Construction The potential impact of The nature of the impacts Construction As the potential During the Construction No flood modelling Where the depth of No cumulative Construction It is recommended Drainage and flooding is considered to are associated with the impacts are construction and has been potential flooding is impacts are that a Flood Risk the Water The scheme is situated be localised affecting the construction works, and There is the associated with the operation of the The potential undertaken to date. above the threshold anticipated. Best practise Assessment (FRA) Environment within proximity to a flood land surrounding the Glan are, therefore, likely to be potential that construction scheme it is unlikely impact of flooding However, with level in the mitigation measures is carried out to zone and one water yr Afon Brook, during both localised, temporary and pollution could enter activities, they are there will be any caused by the migration measures operational phase, will be in place inform the design course comprising the the construction and will only last for a short the watercourse temporary and only detrimental impacts construction in place during both protection at this throughout the and assess the Glan yr Afon Brook. operational phase. duration. As the nature of during construction last for a short to the road activities will be construction and area could be a works to ensure no impacts upon the However, given the the impacts are and therefore have duration. These drainage, and water temporary and last operational phase it suitable mitigation pollution enters the surrounding area. distance from the Site no associated with the a detrimental impacts can be environment. for a short duration. is anticipated that measure which will watercourse. Spill pollution events are impact further kits will also be With suitable construction activities, minimised by Potential pollution the presence of the minimise the risk of anticipated. these can be mitigated downstream. ensuring that all road will not impact flooding on the road available in case of mitigation in place, However, given the events will be a potential pollution pollution prevention Operational and, with best practise best practise temporary during the surround flood and associated measures in place, they distance from the measures are in risk level. access track during event. measures and best Site this is unlikely. the construction practise it is Providing mitigation are unlikely to have a place throughout phase. both the measures and best significant environmental These potential the works to avoid With best practise construction and considered the practise measures are in effect. impacts will be any potential Operational and mitigation operational phase. scheme will have place no impacts are minimised by environmental measures and no significant anticipated. ensuring best pollution events. The potential pollution prevention Pollution prevention impact during both practise and impacts of flooding measures in place measures and spill the construction pollution prevention caused by the throughout the kits will ensure no and operational measures are in proposed Scheme construction phase, pollution enters the phase. place throughout will be in place no impacts are watercourse which the works. throughout the anticipated. could also have an duration of the impact downstream Operational lifespan of the road. if any pollution No impacts are enters the water Potential pollution stream. anticipated. events will be temporary during the construction phase.
Traffic and Construction Construction Construction Construction Construction Construction Construction Construction Construction No cumulative Construction A Transport Transport impacts are Assessment / A Transport Assessment / No impacts are No impacts are No impacts are No impacts are No impacts are No impacts are No impacts are No impacts are anticipated. No impacts are Transport Transport Statement will anticipated. anticipated. anticipated. anticipated. anticipated. anticipated. anticipated. anticipated. anticipated. Statement will need need to be produced Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational to be produced which will measure the which will measure impact of the development No impacts are No impacts are No impacts are No impacts are No impacts are No impacts are No impacts are No impacts are No impacts are the impact of the on the surrounding anticipated. anticipated. anticipated. anticipated. anticipated. anticipated. anticipated. anticipated. anticipated. development on the transport network, and surrounding may propose mitigation transport network, measures where these and may propose are necessary to avoid mitigation measures unacceptable or severe where these are impacts in line with necessary to avoid National Planning Policy unacceptable or Framework (NPPF). severe impacts in At this stage it is line with National considered that the key Planning Policy areas that would need to Framework (NPPF). be assessed include: At this stage it is Access and servicing considered that the arrangements of the key areas that Site; would need to be Traffic flows and assessed include: impact on the local Access and highway network; servicing Parking supply and arrangements demand; of the Site; Public transport Traffic flows accessibility; and and impact on Pedestrian and cycle the local journeys, accessibility highway and facilities. network; It is envisaged that a Parking supply Travel Plan will not be and demand; required, but this will depend on the estimated
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number of employees on Public transport site. Given the sustainable accessibility; location of the Site, it is and anticipated that vehicular Pedestrian and trips associated with the cycle journeys, development proposals accessibility would be reduced. and facilities.
It is envisaged that details It is considered that relating to construction the key areas of traffic and impacts would assessment be dealt with via the identified could be provision of a addressed through Construction Traffic the provision of a Management Plan Transport (CTMP), which would be Assessment / prepared in conjunction Statement. On this with the application. basis, it is not Operation considered that an Environmental The potential increase in Statement (ES) vehicle and HGV trips and Transport Chapter resultant impacts on the would be operation and safety of appropriate or the local highway network. useful. This would further need to be considered in light of any planned / committed developments in the local area.
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7 CONCLUSION
7.1.1. The scheme proposes the development of a circa 30MW energy plant to be located on the existing disused colliery site in Bersham. 7.1.2. The Proposed Development is not located within any statutory designated areas, but has the potential for likely significant adverse environmental impacts during the construction phase of the development, and potentially during the operational phase. 7.1.3. Initially, the environmental impacts from the Proposed Development are largely expected to be associated with the material reclamation of the former colliery spoil tip and the construction and operation of the shale recovery / energy facility. These effects include noise, dust, lighting, transport, ecology and heritage. 7.1.4. Likely significant adverse impacts to environmental receptors from the Proposed Development have been identified as: Ecological receptors in and around the woodland; Impacts on the setting of Scheduled Monuments; Potential of odorous releases during the operation of the scheme (further detailed dispersion modelling and further assessment will be required); Potential increase in noise due to operation of plant and increase in vehicles and HGV trips; and Potential increase in vehicle and HGV trips and resultant impacts on the safety of the local highway network. 7.1.5. It is considered that any likely significant adverse impacts on the environment could be managed with best practise measures and specific design mitigation to reduce the construction and operational impacts. 7.1.6. Notwithstanding this, given the above and the size of the proposals, it is considered that the Proposed Development constitutes EIA development and, accordingly, requires an Environmental Statement to support the planning application, albeit this position will be formally reached and confirmed by the Welsh Ministers. 7.1.7. Should the Proposed Development be considered to be EIA development by the Ministers we will look to submit an EIA screening opinion request to them as soon as reasonably possible thereafter.
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1 Capital Quarter Tyndall Street Cardiff CF10 4BZ wsp.com
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