THIS
West Cumbria Water Supplies Project - Thirlmere Transfer
United Utilities
Raw Water Aqueduct: Additions and Amendments to the Approved Scheme
Environmental Statement
Volume 1
Non-Technical Summary
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August 2017
Envir onmental Impact Assessment United U tilities Raw Water Aqueduct Environmental Statement Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary
West Cumbria Water Supplies Project - Thirlmere Transfer
Project no: B2707325 Document title: Raw Water Aqueduct Environmental Statement Volume 1 : Non-Technical Summary Revision: Revision 0 Date: August 2017 Client name: United Utilities plc
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Raw Water Aqueduct Environmental Statement Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary
Contents
Introduction ...... 1 2.4.5 Watercourses ...... 6 1.1 Background ...... 1 2.5 Commissioning, Operation and Maintenance ...... 6 1.2 Environmental Impact Assessment ...... 1 2.6 Environmental Mitigation...... 7 The West Cumbria Water Supplies Project ...... 4 Environmental Effects ...... 8 2.1 The Approved Scheme ...... 4 3.1 Scope of the EIA ...... 8 2.2 The Proposed Scheme ...... 4 3.2 Landscape and Visual Amenity ...... 8 2.2.1 Bridge End Connection ...... 4 3.3 Arboriculture ...... 8 2.2.2 St. John’s Beck Crossing ...... 4 3.4 Water Environment ...... 9 2.2.3 Smaithwaite ...... 4 3.5 Flood Risk ...... 10 2.2.4 Naddle Valley ...... 5 3.6 Ecology ...... 10 2.2.5 Castlerigg Tunnel ...... 5 3.7 Cultural Heritage ...... 10 2.2.6 Chestnut Hill...... 5 3.8 Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology ...... 11 2.2.7 Temporary Accesses from A591 to the east and west of Chestnut Hill ...... 5 3.9 Materials and Waste ...... 11 2.2.8 Sheepdog Field ...... 5 3.10 Public Access and Recreation ...... 12 2.2.9 Bassenthwaite ...... 5 3.11 Socio-Economics ...... 12 2.2.10 Isel, Blindcrake ...... 5 3.12 Agriculture and Sporting Land Use ...... 13 3.13 Traffic and Transport ...... 13 2.2.11 Other Proposals ...... 5 3.14 Noise and Vibration ...... 13 2.3 Alternatives Considered ...... 5 3.15 Air Quality...... 14 2.4 Construction ...... 6 Cumulative Effects and Interaction of Effects ...... 15 2.4.1 Programme ...... 6 4.1 Overview ...... 15 2.4.2 Preparatory Works ...... 6 4.2 Interaction of Effects ...... 15 2.4.3 Construction Compound at Castlerigg ...... 6 4.3 Cumulative Effects ...... 15 2.4.4 Pipeline Trenches ...... 6 Obtaining Further Information ...... 16
Raw Water Aqueduct Environmental Statement Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary
Statement is formed of four separate volumes of written and illustrative material, of which this Non-Technical Introduction Summary is Volume 1.
1.1 Background This NTS comprises a standalone document summarising in non-technical language: the design, size and location of the Proposed Scheme and its relationship to the Approved Scheme; the information used to identify and assess United Utilities is a statutory undertaker responsible for providing water and sewerage services to around seven the main effects that the Proposed Scheme is predicted to have on the environment; an outline of the main million people in North West England, including Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and parts of alternatives studied by United Utilities (taking into account their environmental effects); and a description of the Cheshire and Derbyshire. Its customers in West Cumbria are mainly supplied from Ennerdale Water and Crummock measures proposed by United Utilities to avoid, reduce and/or remedy any significant adverse effects identified Water, which supply the Whitehaven and Workington areas, with other sources used to supply the Wigton, through the EIA process. Bassenthwaite and Solway areas. EIAs have been undertaken as part of the earlier January 2016, January 2017 and April 2017 planning applications, In January 2016 United Utilities submitted planning applications to the Lake District National Park Authority, Copeland with Environmental Statements produced to accompany each application. Borough Council and Allerdale Borough Council to construct and operate the West Cumbria Water Supplies Project – Thirlmere Transfer.
The project comprises new sections of underground pipeline and associated water supply infrastructure that extend over a distance of approximately 100 km from Thirlmere Reservoir, through the north-western corner of the Lake District National Park and into the adjacent boroughs of Allerdale and Copeland. The need for the project comes in response to the proposed revocation in 2022 of United Utilities’ current water abstraction licence for Ennerdale Water, and the requirement to provide an alternative water source for West Cumbria.
Following submission of the January 2016 applications, amendments were made by United Utilities in July 2016 to change aspects of the design and how it was to be constructed. Additional information was also submitted in September 2016 to help the authorities better understand the potential effects of the Project.
The authorities approved the January 2016 applications (termed the ‘Approved Scheme’) in late 2016, the location and extents of which is shown in Figure 1. United Utilities then submitted further planning applications to Allerdale Borough Council in January and April 2017 to enhance parts of the Approved Scheme design and the planned approach to its construction.
United Utilities is now seeking approval from the Lake District National Park Authority to revise and make additions and amendments to elements of the Approved Scheme. These changes (termed the ‘Proposed Scheme’) relate to revisions to elements of the twin pipeline (the Raw Water Aqueduct, or RWA) carrying untreated water from Thirlmere Reservoir, through the Lake District National Park to a new Water Treatment Works in Allerdale borough. The Proposed Scheme comprises: a revised layout for the connection point between Thirlmere Reservoir and the RWA; realignments of sections of the approved RWA; the inclusion of a proposed tunnel; and extensions and modifications to construction working areas and temporary construction access arrangements. Subject to approval, these would be constructed alongside – or would directly replace – elements of the Approved Scheme, the location and extents of which are shown on Figure 2.
1.2 Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process which is required under European and UK law for projects of a certain scale or those likely to result in significant environmental effects.
United Utilities has subjected the Proposed Scheme to EIA, the purpose being to identify the likely significant environmental effects – both adverse and beneficial – that could arise from its construction, operation and future maintenance.
The EIA has been carried out under the requirements of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 and subsequent amendments, the scope and content of which has been agreed through consultation with the Lake District National Park Authority and other organisations with an interest in the Proposed Scheme and the local environment within which it would take place.
The outcomes of the EIA have been recorded in an Environmental Statement which forms one of several documents prepared by United Utilities to accompany the planning application for the Proposed Scheme. The Environmental
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Figure 1: Location and Extent of the Approved Scheme
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Figure 2: Location of Proposed Scheme Elements
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proposal for the River Ellen was subsequently withdrawn and the construction method approved in 2016 still The West Cumbria Water Supplies Project stands.)
2.1 The Approved Scheme A further application was submitted to Allerdale Borough Council by United Utilities in April 2017 which related to a proposed realignment of the network main between Cockermouth and Broughton Cross, centred on the village of Planning applications were submitted by United Utilities to the three authorities in January 2016 for the West Brigham. Cumbria Water Supplies Project – Thirlmere Transfer. Some aspects of the January and April 2017 planning applications have yet to be granted approval by Allerdale The project comprises the development of a new water supply within West Cumbria to replace the existing current Borough Council. drinking water supply from Ennerdale Water with a new supply from Thirlmere Reservoir, achieved through the construction of new infrastructure linking into the existing water supply network at Quarry Hill, Summergrove 2.2 The Proposed Scheme Reservoir, Stainburn Reservoir and Kelton Fell Reservoir. This NTS has been submitted with a further planning application to the Lake District National Park Authority which The project involves the construction of approximately 100 km of new water pipeline, including a twin 900 mm relates to the following proposed amendments and additions to the Approved Scheme at ten locations along the diameter RWA, single and twin water mains (500 – 800 mm diameter) carrying treated water, and sludge and foul approved alignment of the RWA pipeline. water mains (150 mm). The project also includes the following infrastructure: • The need for these changes and the planning application arose following a review by United Utilities and their Bridge End Connection : new buildings and infrastructure between Thirlmere Reservoir and the RWA at appointed contractors for the Approved Scheme, which identified a need for the design to respond to various the site of the existing Bridge End Water Treatment Works (WTW) construction and operational constraints such as the extreme storm event which occurred in December 2015 in • Water Treatment Works (Allerdale Borough): a new WTW located at Williamsgate, 1 km north east of Cumbria and in response to consultation with landowners. Bridekirk, with a capacity of 80 Ml/ day The Proposed Scheme would be built within predominately open farmed countryside, and would require • Service Reservoir and Pumping Station : a new service reservoir and pumping station at High Leys in approximately 13.5 hectares of land to build and operate its ten elements. The Proposed Scheme would be built Copeland. within the boundary of the Lake District National Park, an area shaped and defined by its dramatic and wild open • Service Reservoir: a new service reservoir at Moota Hill in Allerdale countryside and fells which are protected for their special landscape and heritage qualities. • Pumping Station : A new pumping station at Harrot Hill in Allerdale Since the previous planning applications for the project were made, the Lake District National Park has been • Associated water supply apparatus: valve chambers, washout facilities and line valve kiosks designated as a World Heritage Site which recognises its international status and requires the United Kingdom to protect and conserve the area for future generations. United Utilities has taken this new level of protection into • Permanent access points from the local road network to serve the operational facilities account in the development and assessment of the designs for the Proposed Scheme, which has resulted in the • Temporary accesses from the local road network to be used during the construction phase introduction of new significant infrastructure in only two of the ten locations (Bridge End Connection and Castlerigg Tunnel). • Temporary construction compounds and laydown areas to be used during the construction phase • Decommissioning of United Utilities’ existing water supplies assets and ceasing the current water 2.2.1 Bridge End Connection abstraction regime. The Bridge End Connection is located within United Utilities’ existing Bridge End WTW, near to Thirlmere Reservoir. As a result of stakeholder feedback, United Utilities submitted a series of amendments to the three authorities in The proposal here is to construct a new connection and associated infrastructure between Thirlmere Reservoir and July 2016. These sought revisions to the proposed designs and associated pipeline route alignments, including the RWA, at the site of the Bridge End WTW, to accommodate the new RWA pipeline connection. Works would changes to the planned construction techniques and the total area of land required for construction and operation. involve the installation of new components including new service buildings and new below-ground pipework. These amendments were subsequently included in the planning permissions granted by the three authorities in late Modifications would also be made to some of the existing infrastructure, including an enlarged channel to direct 2016, and form the basis of the Approved Scheme. certain types of water flow from the reservoir into St. John’s Beck. Construction traffic would use the existing access track off the A591, and a new internal road would be created to enable future access to undertake operational United Utilities subsequently proposed the following additions and modifications to the Approved Scheme through maintenance. a series of planning applications made to Allerdale Borough Council in January 2017: Overall the Bridge End Connection layout would be similar to the Approved Scheme, but with some structures being • New infrastructure that had not been included in the January 2016 applications or covered by the July 2016 repositioned to accommodate the new arrangements within a slightly enlarged area. amendments, such as a contractors’ compound off the A66 near Cockermouth • Changes to the design at discrete locations, such as the Water Treatment Works (WTW) at Williamsgate 2.2.2 St. John’s Beck Crossing • Amendment to approximately 1 km of the Summergrove leg of the Network Main near Pardshaw A small amount of additional land is proposed to be temporarily taken on the eastern side of St. John’s Beck to • Amendments to the pipeline working areas and temporary construction accesses on the Quarry Hill leg of assist with the construction of the river crossing that forms part of the Approved Scheme. the Network Main and an alternative construction technique for crossing the River Ellen in Allerdale. (The 2.2.3 Smaithwaite
An additional working area is proposed north of the St. John’s Beck Crossing near Smaithwaite Farm to allow the RWA pipeline to be realigned from the route consented under the Approved Scheme. This is needed to avoid
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challenging ground conditions, and to reduce the environmental impacts associated with the type of construction approximately 625 m in length is now proposed in the Bassenthwaite area. Although the number of watercourse works (open cut trench) that would be undertaken in this area. crossings would be the same within this revised proposal as the Approved Scheme, the realignment would take these crossings further downstream towards Bassenthwaite Lake. 2.2.4 Naddle Valley 2.2.10 Isel, Blindcrake A realignment of approximately 700 m of the RWA pipeline is proposed in the Naddle Valley following ongoing discussions between United Utilities, their appointed contractors and affected landowners in this area. This A need for a small amount of additional land has been identified in proximity to Blumer Beck and Isel Hall. This modification to the alignment would require closer alignment to Naddle Beck, and would require a number of would enable a more efficient construction process to be undertaken at this location due to local topography creating watercourse crossings in the Naddle Valley. challenging conditions for construction.
2.2.5 Castlerigg Tunnel 2.2.11 Other Proposals
Following Storm Desmond in December 2015, a substantial section of the Approved Scheme along the A66 towards In addition to the proposals at these ten locations, United Utilities is also proposing to install air valves and washouts Keswick is now considered unsuitable by United Utilities to construct and operate the RWA pipeline. The proposal along the length of the RWA pipeline and along parts of the proposed pipeline realignments. Air valves are needed is to realign the consented RWA pipeline by placing this in a tunnel structure. Following a review of potential to release air during the initial filling of the pipeline with water, and during its long-term operation. The valves would options, United Utilities concluded that on balance a tunnel solution would offer resilience against future flood events be installed at high points along the pipeline and would be fitted with above-ground access for maintenance affecting the River Greta. purposes. Washouts are needed to drawdown the raw water from isolated sections of pipework for maintenance or emergency reasons. The washouts would be installed at low points along the pipeline. Land would be needed to safely construct and operate the tunnel. The proposed works would involve the formation of a 1.2 km long tunnel structure, to a maximum depth of 70 m beneath the ground, to house the RWA pipeline. 2.3 Alternatives Considered This would be constructed using a tunnel boring machine, with two vertical shafts some 10 m deep at either end of the tunnel created for access and then filled and reinstated after the works. Two small watercourses would need Strategic and local alternatives were considered as part of the early development stages of the project, and were to be temporarily diverted to enable the works to proceed, and a temporary storage pond would be constructed to reported in the January 2016 applications. United Utilities examined factors such as possible difficulties in help manage surface water during construction. Should groundwater be encountered during tunnel boring constructing the project in a sensitive environment, concerns over working within the Lake District National Park, operations it would be discharged to a suitable surface watercourse using the appropriate consents and permits, and the need to balance environmental impacts against the delivery of a cost effective solution. and the temporary storage pond would be used to attenuate flows. The Proposed Scheme represents extensions and changes to the Approved Scheme, the locations of which are Two temporary access tracks would be formed between the A591 and the tunnel shafts to enable machinery and largely defined by the form and extents of the Approved Scheme and the need for extensions to working areas to vehicles to reach a newly-formed construction compound, which would be used by the contractor for equipment be adjacent to the approved working areas. storage, welfare and the treatment of waste. Soil removed prior to construction would be reinstated upon completion of the works, with any surplus waste material from the two shafts and the tunnel removed off site for A number of environmental and construction constraints were identified during the EIA of the Proposed Scheme, safe disposal at a licensed facility. which have led to the consideration of the alternatives detailed in the Proposed Scheme. For nine of the ten locations comprising the Proposed Scheme, no practicable alternatives existed to achieve the construction and 2.2.6 Chestnut Hill operational requirements; therefore, no alternatives were considered in the EIA for those particular locations.
A minor realignment of the consented RWA pipeline of approximately 100 m length is proposed east of the A591 The consideration of alternatives was, however, considered appropriate for the proposed alignment between the at Chestnut Hill. This is required to enable the RWA pipeline to connect with the proposed Castlerigg Tunnel, with Naddle Valley and the Keswick area and this took account of technical, environmental and economic a small amount of land needed to the south of the approved alignment as part of construction. A pipe bridge would considerations. The following options were considered, which resulted in the Castlerigg Tunnel solution being be installed to take the RWA pipeline across High Keld, which is a local watercourse; this would reduce the potential selected as the preferred solution at this location: impact on this minor watercourse by avoiding placing it in a culvert structure, which was the proposed crossing • method in the Approved Scheme. The Castlerigg Tunnel : this option was proposed due to its location away from a flood zone and the ability to avoid an archaeologically and ecologically sensitive valley. Other environmental advantages of this option related to avoiding the Castlerigg Stone Circle and the A66 road corridor, and enabling water to be fed by 2.2.7 Temporary Accesses from A591 to the east and west of Chestnut Hill gravity along the pipeline. This option would beneficially reduce the length of the RWA by 3.3 km, and it was recognised that existing access issues could be resolved by constructing temporary access tracks from Amendments are proposed to the temporary site access tracks which were consented as part of the Approved the A591. Scheme. The proposals relate to a small increase in the areas associated with the two tracks from the A591 to the working area located east and west of Chestnut Hill. • Goosewell Farm Tunnel : this option comprised a 900 m long tunnel from the Naddle Valley to the A66, passing to the north of Goosewell Farm. It would reduce the length of the pipeline within the Approved 2.2.8 Sheepdog Field Scheme by 1.1 km and would be gravity fed. This option would avoid an area known to flood and the Castlerigg Stone Circle, and could be accessed from the A66 and/or the Burns. On balance, it was noted Following a review of the Approved Scheme, United Utilities is now proposing to increase the working area that the pipeline would need to run along the A66 for approximately 150 m which would not fully overcome associated with the River Greta tunnel launch shaft that was consented under the Approved Scheme. The the construction and operational difficulties of having the pipeline at this location and was subsequently additional land is needed to provide extra space for construction operations at this location. discounted. • Storms Farm Tunnel : this option comprised an 825 m tunnel from the A66 to the east of Storms Farm to 2.2.9 Bassenthwaite the A66 near the A591 junction. The option would be gravity fed and would avoid the area to the north of the A66, but had disadvantages in terms of there being no reduction in the length of the pipeline and that Following discussions between United Utilities and affected landowners, a realignment of the RWA pipeline
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this would have to run along the A66 for approximately 550 m. Due to the lack of suitable construction space cabins and offices for construction staff welfare; pumps and screens to move and separate water and solid material; and access issues this option was discounted. and lighting to achieve a safe working environment. • Direct drill across the A66 : this option comprised a 140 m tunnel across the A66 to avoid a ravine to the west of Storms Farm. As this section would have run along the A66 for approximately 150 m and would 2.4.4 Pipeline Trenches have entered a slip road into Keswick, it was discounted as it could not adequately address the issue of bank stability in the vicinity of the A66. For the proposed sections of realigned RWA pipeline, following topsoil stripping a trench would be dug with excavators within a corridor up to 40 m wide. Excavated material would be stored and used to back fill the trench • Open-cut along the A66 : this option comprised changing the approved construction method along the A66 following the laying of the pipeline. The topsoil would be reinstated and reseeded to return the land to its previous corridor to one involving an open cut technique. This option had several disadvantages, such as needing condition. Replacement planting would take place where possible within the easement however would be restricted the full closure of the A66 during the works and challenging access for future maintenance. As the proposed to protect the integrity of the pipeline. construction technique could potentially result in settlement of the A66, this option was discounted as it could not address slope stability issues on the A66. 2.4.5 Watercourses
2.4 Construction Watercourse crossings along the realigned sections of the RWA pipeline would be constructed using open cut techniques. These would be temporarily diverted or placed in culverts to protect them from pollution and minimise 2.4.1 Programme disturbance to aquatic habitats and species during the works.
Parts of the Approved Scheme unaffected by the Proposed Scheme are now being constructed by United Utilities. Figure 3: Example of open cut trench and pipe laying on United Utilities’ South Egremont Scheme Subject to obtaining approval, construction of the Proposed Scheme would start in either late 2017 or early 2018. Construction of all ten elements may not start at the same time, but all works would be completed by 2022 prior to the revocation of the Ennerdale abstraction licence.
The Proposed Scheme would be constructed in a number of phases by United Utilities’ contractors, and would be aligned with the works associated with the Approved Scheme. Working hours would typically be between 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, and 08:00 to 12:00 on Saturdays. There would typically be no working on Sundays or Bank Holidays; however, any need to work outside these hours would be agreed in advance with the Lake District National Park Authority.
Due to the nature of construction associated with constructing the Castlerigg Tunnel, the working hours would generally be 24 hours a day, seven days per week, for the estimated 110-day duration of the tunnel boring operations.
2.4.2 Preparatory Works
At the start of the construction phase, working areas would be fenced off and any required access points agreed with the landowners. Temporary access tracks from the road network to construction areas would also be formed during this period.
Topsoil would be stripped within a 40 m wide corridor along the realigned RWA pipeline sections and within construction works areas and compounds. This would be temporarily stored and reinstated upon completion of the works. Surface water drainage would be installed where necessary, and vegetation would be cleared within working areas where required to ensure safe access is achieved for construction staff and equipment.
2.4.3 Construction Compound at Castlerigg 2.5 Commissioning, Operation and Maintenance
A temporary construction compound would be formed at Castlerigg to accommodate staff, vehicles, materials and Once construction is complete, the elements of the Proposed Scheme would undergo commissioning to test and machinery associated with the Castlerigg Tunnel. An area of stone material would be laid to enable the safe confirm that the infrastructure is operating satisfactorily, prior to the Proposed Scheme becoming operational. movement of plant and machinery around both shafts while they are being constructed, and to temporarily store construction materials. A permanent access agreement, known as an easement, would be agreed with landowners to allow United Utilities future access to the RWA pipeline to undertake operational and maintenance activities. Each field boundary along The compound would incorporate an internal access road for vehicles to move equipment and materials to working the easement would be fitted with a lockable gate to enable access for inspections. areas, and would be contained and secured with fencing. Machinery and materials that would be used and stored at the compound would include: tracked cranes for loading delivered materials and equipment from lorries and Continuous monitoring of the RWA pipeline would be carried out by United Utilities using automatic equipment. wagons; stripped topsoil; generators for power supplies; storage for fuel, tanks and concrete sections; car parking;
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2.6 Environmental Mitigation Figure 4: Extract from the Environmental Masterplan
In order to avoid, reduce or offset the environmental effects of the Proposed Scheme, United Utilities has developed measures (termed mitigation) as part of the design proposals which would be implemented by the contractors during construction.
Mitigation has been identified through the early stages of design development and in response to the environmental impacts identified in the EIA. The majority of measures follow those set out in the Approved Scheme, which have previously been agreed with the local authorities and relevant statutory bodies as appropriate to address environmental impacts.
In summary, some of the proposed mitigation measures include: • The retention and incorporation of existing features into the overall design, where possible • The protection of the roots and canopies of established vegetation from construction activities in or near to working areas • The protection of watercourses from construction activities in proximity to working areas through the use of buffer areas and temporary diversions • The temporary storage and reinstatement of topsoil, and the reseeding of disturbed areas of the landscape following completion of the works • The monitoring of construction works to ensure disturbance to wildlife is avoided, and to record any buried archaeology that could be encountered during construction • The use of natural materials such as local stone to help new infrastructure at the Bridge End Connection blend into the local landscape • The implementation of measures to ensure continued access along footpaths crossed by the Proposed Scheme • The planting of native trees and hedges to replace affected features, habitats and boundaries • The use of standard and site-specific construction environmental management techniques and the careful timing of works to reduce environmental impacts such as noise and dust on the amenity of local residents and visitors to the Lake District National Park • A co-ordinated approach to the construction of the Approved Scheme and Proposed Scheme to minimise local disruption and disturbance to communities, businesses, visitors and the natural environment throughout the programme.
As part of the planning application for the Proposed Scheme, an Environmental Masterplan and a mitigation schedule have been developed which indicate the location and type of measures to be delivered. An outline Construction Code of Practice and Traffic Management Plan have also been developed which set out the construction strategies and techniques that would be adopted by the contractor, and include information on how aspects such as watercourse crossings would be undertaken and the movement of materials and waste would be managed. The plans also present the methods by which the project would be constructed (and operated), in order to comply with relevant regulations and standards concerning environmental protection and pollution prevention.
It is expected that some of the proposed mitigation measures would be developed further by United Utilities in conjunction with their contractors and the authorities to further refine their design and improve their effectiveness.
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Environmental Effects construction, with new tree planting introduced at the Bridge End Connection to visually screen these elements in available views.
3.1 Scope of the EIA Following the establishment of planting, there would be no perceptible change to landscape character and the vast majority of identified visual receptors would not experience any modification to their current outlook. Only one United Utilities has undertaken consultation with statutory bodies, other organisations and the general public at key receptor associated with the Chestnut Hill realignment would experience any long-term visual change. stages during the development of the Proposed Scheme. The purpose of this engagement was to: develop and refine the design of the Proposed Scheme; obtain information relating to the existing environment, and inform the The assessment of the combined effect of the Proposed Scheme and the Approved Scheme concluded that the EIA process. Castlerigg Tunnel would avoid the need for a large section of open cut pipeline trenches across the Lake District National Park. Properties at the edge of Keswick that would have experienced visual impacts as a result of the United Utilities approached the Lake District National Park Authority in mid-2017 to agree the form and nature of Approved Scheme would no longer be affected by the Proposed Scheme. Conversely, other properties not the assessments to be undertaken as part of the EIA of the Proposed Scheme. In providing their formal view previously affected by the Approved Scheme would now be affected by the Proposed Scheme. For other landscape (known as a Scoping Opinion), the Lake District National Park Authority concluded that the construction, operation and visual receptors, the combined effect would not, on balance, be any worse than the Approved Scheme. and maintenance phases of the Proposed Scheme could generate significant environmental effects across a range of environmental topics and requested that United Utilities address specific matters as part of the EIA. Figure 5: How Bridge End might look in the first year of construction
In undertaking and reporting the EIA, United Utilities has considered: • The temporary and permanent environmental effects that could arise during the different development phases of the Proposed Scheme, and the effectiveness of mitigation measures in reducing the significance of these effects. • The effects that would remain or persist after mitigation has been undertaken or become fully established. • The change in the nature and significance of effects (both adverse and beneficial) that the Proposed Scheme would have in comparison with the Approved Scheme, and whether the overall combined effect would be different to that previously reported. • The potential for interactive effects to occur, such as where visual, noise and dust effects could combine to generate a larger effect on a resident during construction. • The potential for the Proposed Scheme effects to combine or overlap with those relating to unconnected development proposals in the area (termed cumulative effects) and result in a larger effect.
3.2 Landscape and Visual Amenity Figure 6: How Bridge End might look fifteen years after construction is completed The landscape and visual assessment has considered the existing quality of the landscape within which the Proposed Scheme would be located and the potential change to its character as a result of construction, operation and maintenance. The assessment has also considered the effects that the Proposed Scheme would have on existing views, and the effects that would occur on the designated landscapes within the Lake District National Park.
A combination of desk studies and site surveys have been undertaken to determine the sensitivity of the existing landscape to changes of the type proposed and the potential visibility of the Proposed Scheme. This has taken into account the location of existing vegetation, buildings and other structures that could block or filter available views to occupiers of properties and from publically accessible locations (termed receptors). A series of photomontages showing how some of the Proposed Scheme elements would appear in the landscape were prepared to accompany the assessment.
The assessment has concluded that there would be significant but temporary disruption to the landscape and changes to visual amenity during the construction phase. This would be more noticeable in locations where vegetation clearance is required, such as at the Bridge End Connection, or where more intensive construction 3.3 Arboriculture activities would be undertaken that could disrupt existing views or alter their composition in the short term. The arboricultural assessment considered the potential for the Proposed Scheme to impact upon trees, groups of Landscape and visual effects would reduce substantially following the reinstatement of land after construction. The trees, woodlands and hedgerows (collectively referred to as arboricultural features). planting of trees, shrubs and grass mixes would be undertaken to reinstate features affected or lost through Site surveys were undertaken to identify all arboricultural features within the planning application boundary, and included trees up to 15 m beyond this boundary. Each was identified and categorised using standard tree survey
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and recording guidance, which confirmed that these features were of varying age, species and quality and that the river bed, creation of pollution pathways to local watercourses, the increased risk of pollution from construction and main tree species were ash, oak and sycamore with hedges predominantly comprising hawthorn species. the mobilisation of fine and/or contaminated sediment.
During the construction phase, the assessment recorded a possible loss of arboricultural features within and The assessment has identified that, without mitigation, the construction phase for permanent installations at the adjacent to the working areas. Trees at risk of removal comprise 21 specimens (one of which is a ‘veteran’ tree at Bridge End Connection and Castlerigg Tunnel would lead to likely significant effects on the water Smaithwaite). Effects of varying significance were also recorded on a total of 34 tree groups, four areas of woodland environment. These impacts would relate to effects on water quality and sediment quality in runoff from site and seven hedgerows. All other trees and features to be retained would be suitably protected from damage prior compounds, destabilisation of riparian areas/channel banks due to vegetation removal, increased risk of soil erosion to the start of construction, and any operations necessary to these, for example pruning, would be undertaken in and delivery of fine sediment towards river channels, construction/presence of the structures. line with best practice. Following incorporation of the mitigation measures proposed to be adopted, and without further mitigation that Losses would be mitigated by new planting and replaced within, or as close to, their original location following would need to be agreed as part of the Environmental Permit process, up to major adverse residual impacts would construction. This would contribute to the restoration of landscape character over a 5 to 15-year period and would remain in the Naddle Valley from the realignment of the RWA alongside Naddle Beck both where the red line represent an increase over the total number of features lost to the Proposed Scheme. On balance, the anticipated boundary incorporates William’s Beck and where the red line boundary is very close to the Naddle Beck itself. For tree loss for the Proposed Scheme would not be significant once reinstatement is completed and the new planting all the other scheme elements assessed, up to minor adverse residual impacts would remain after incorporation of has become fully established. the mitigation measures proposed to be adopted.
No effects on arboricultural features would occur during the operational and maintenance phases of the Proposed The operational phase assessment has identified a potential impact on the water environment of St John’s Beck Scheme. The inclusion of the Castlerigg Tunnel would result in a beneficial reduction in the number of features lost from altering existing flow pathways with new outlet structures into the compensation flow channel from Thirlmere or affected when compared to the corresponding section of pipeline associated with the Approved Scheme. Reservoir, as a consequence of the Bridge End Connection element. Following incorporation of the mitigation measures proposed to be adopted, the long-term erosion risk from operation would be reduced to a minor adverse Figure 7: An example of a mature Oak Tree in the Naddle Valley area residual impact.
In terms of cumulative effects with the Approved Scheme. Although the Proposed Scheme would reduce the net number of Approved Scheme watercourse crossings in the Naddle Beck water body by three, increases in the magnitude of impacts resulting from the Proposed Scheme where the re-aligned pipeline corridor encroaches on William’s Beck and is close to the Naddle Beck would change the impact to the water environment of the Naddle Beck water body, after mitigation, from Minor Adverse (Approved Scheme) to Major Adverse (Proposed Scheme, including in combination with the retained elements of the Approved Scheme). The Proposed Scheme, in combination with the Approved Scheme, would not result in any additional significant effects for other construction elements or during the operational phase.
Figure 8: Naddle Beck watercourse
3.4 Water Environment
The water environment assessment considers the potential effects of the Proposed Scheme on the water environment, which includes all relevant rivers, ditches, gills, becks, ponds, lakes and reservoirs. The assessment considers the construction and operational phases on water environment receptors.
The Environmental Statement has identified that the baseline water environment for construction and operation is predominantly high value, based on a large number of water bodies with at least Good Status in terms of the Water Framework Directive, numerous high importance areas including internationally designated areas for nature conservation (including the River Derwent & Bassenthwaite Lake SAC and SSSI) and the Lake District National Park.
The construction phase assessment has identified that, without mitigation, the construction phase for linear features (including 16 amended or added watercourse crossings) would lead to likely significant impacts on the water environment. These impacts would relate to erosion of the river bank (plus further lateral migration in active rivers), direct pollution to the river by fine sediment (from bank erosion) or construction vehicles and local scouring of the
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3.5 Flood Risk • Short-term significant effects at the regional level on the conservation status of the identified SAC and SSSI sites from working within watercourses and fragmenting habitats at the proposed river crossings Flooding is commonly experienced in many parts of the Lake District and West Cumbria. As the Proposed Scheme • Short-term significant effects at the local level on the conservation status of wet and species-rich grassland would pass through areas of floodplain associated with several rivers, an assessment was undertaken to identify areas associated with potential pollution, habitat fragmentation and the spread of invasive species existing sources of flooding that could impact the Proposed Scheme and whether activities associated with Proposed Scheme could themselves increase flood risk locally. • Medium-term significant effects at the district level, reducing to the local level in the long-term, on the conservation status of deciduous woodland associated with the loss and fragmentation of this habitat and The assessment recorded a high risk of flooding at the Bridge End Connection due to the potential for wind- potential pollution generated waves from Thirlmere Reservoir, however the proposed works include sufficient measures to mitigate • Medium-term significant effects at the local level on the conservation status of bat species associated with the this risk. This risk would be monitored by United Utilities and measures to protect the site would be put in place destruction of roost sites, disturbance and the loss of foraging habitat during storm events. The assessment also identified potential for construction activities to block and/or divert existing surface water flows during periods of heavy rainfall, thereby increasing the risk of flooding. Measures are • Medium-term significant effect at the regional level on the conservation status of Red Squirrel associated with proposed to ensure that excavated materials would be stored in locations in a manner that would not affect existing habitat fragmentation surface water flows, in line with best practice construction site management techniques. • Medium-term significant effect at the local level on breeding birds associated with habitat loss.
During the operation and maintenance phases, the assessment recorded a low risk of flooding from the failure or In relation to aquatic ecology (habitats and species associated with water), the assessment recorded potential for blockage of infrastructure installed as part of the Proposed Scheme. This risk would be managed through regular short-term adverse significant effects across most locations associated with construction of the Proposed Scheme. monitoring and inspection to identify potential faults and rectify any issues. These effects are of relevance up to the regional level and could affect fish and other aquatic species found in rivers, streams and becks. In combining the Proposed Scheme with the Approved Scheme, the assessment concluded that the Proposed Scheme would introduce additional requirements for materials storage and dewatering at the Castlerigg Tunnel, No significant effects on terrestrial or aquatic ecological habitats and species are predicted to occur during the but would remove the need for a large section of open cut trench. On balance, no material change to flood risk operation and maintenance phases of the Proposed Scheme. was concluded. In comparing the effects of the Proposed Scheme with those recorded for the Approved Scheme, the assessment 3.6 Ecology concluded potential for different impacts to occur at different scales, but that in the majority of cases these would be relatively minor and with mitigation, would not markedly increase or decrease in significance. The Lake District National Park contains a wide variety of valuable wildlife habitats which support a range of species, some of which are protected by legislation because of their ecological importance. 3.7 Cultural Heritage
A combination of desk-based studies and site surveys were undertaken to identify and map the types of designated The assessment of cultural heritage has focused on determining the value and extent of the following types of and undesignated habitats that could be affected by the Proposed Scheme, and to establish whether notable feature: species are present. These studies confirmed the presence of the following: • Archaeological remains – comprising materials created or modified by human activity which are often buried and • Several designated habitats of international or national significance, comprising: The River Derwent and require careful investigation to identify their existence Bassenthwaite Lake Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), including the River Derwent and Tributaries Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the Bassenthwaite Lake SSSI • Built heritage and the historic urban landscape - comprising buildings and structures considered to have heritage value • The nationally significant Bassenthwaite Lake National Nature Reserve (NNR) • Historic landscapes – which provide evidence of the past and its influence on the present landscape through • Dale Bottom County Wildlife Site (CWS), of importance at the county level assets like historic gardens and established field patterns • Bats, otters, red squirrel, reptiles, birds, fish and other species associated with rivers and streams, of up to • Intangible cultural heritage – which includes any practices, representations, expressions, knowledge or skills international value that communities or individuals recognise as part of their cultural heritage (e.g. an annual event or distinctive • Woodland, grassland and hedgerows of local to county-wide importance. local customs).
The assessment recorded potential for construction activities to affect these ecological interests through actions The assessment acknowledged that the Proposed Scheme would be located within the English Lake District World including land-take of habitats, damaging or fragmenting habitats, disturbing species and changing existing Heritage Site, the landscapes of which are afforded the highest level of protection. A wide range of designated and environmental conditions. undesignated assets of varying value were recorded in the assessment of the Proposed Scheme, comprising: archaeological sites; buildings of heritage value; historic landscapes; and assets with cultural or heritage In assessing the potential effects, the assessment acknowledged that standard working and management associations. The value of some of these assets also relates to their setting in the landscape. techniques would be applied by the contractor during the construction phase to avoid or minimise impacts on habitats and species. These have been incorporated into the Construction Code of Practice, and include measures The assessment acknowledged that the greatest effects on cultural heritage assets would occur during such as avoiding undertaking certain activities during the bird breeding season, minimising noise and lighting near construction. Measures developed to mitigate impact include minimising the use of visually prominent construction to watercourses, and the reinstatement of affected habitats. equipment such as cranes, and to undertake specialised landscape and topographical surveys prior to construction starting to record identified features and their context. Assuming the implementation of these measures, and other measures specific to ecology, the following adverse ecological effects on terrestrial ecology (habitats and species associated with land) are predicted to occur during Accounting for these mitigation measures, the assessment identified that during construction, a significant but the construction phase: temporary adverse effect would occur on the setting of Castlerigg stone circle and two bowl barrows (a Scheduled
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Monument protected by law) as a result of construction works associated with the construction of the Castlerigg Assuming their implementation, the following construction, operational and maintenance phase effects were Tunnel. recorded: • Potential for a significant effect on the groundwater levels associated with the Smaithwaite, Naddle Valley, Other buried archaeological remains associated with ridge and furrow earthworks (an archaeological pattern of Castlerigg Tunnel and Isel (Blindcrake) elements during construction ridges and troughs created by a system of ploughing used in Europe during the Middle Ages) would be removed during construction as a result of works elsewhere on the Proposed Scheme; however, such losses would not result • Limited effects on other surface water and groundwater resources from changes in flow levels or contamination in a significant effect following mitigation. A total of nine gateposts of heritage significance would be photographed (and on ecologically designated sites also considered sensitive to such effects) during construction and removed prior to construction, and then reinstated in their original locations. • A slight risk of effects to the health of construction workers and people near to construction working areas of encountering or disturbing contaminated ground at the Bridge End Connection The temporary closure of public rights of way during construction and the emergence of construction activity within the setting of five intangible cultural heritage assets would result in significant but temporary adverse effects. • Limited effects relating to the potential subsidence of existing buildings in proximity to the Bridge End Connection, Smaithwaite and Castlerigg Tunnel during construction No significant effects on cultural heritage assets are predicted to occur during the operation and maintenance of • Limited effects associated with the permanent loss of agricultural soils associated with constructing the the Proposed Scheme. Castlerigg Tunnel When considered in combination, the Approved Scheme and Proposed Scheme would result in a reduction of • Limited effects relating to the private water supplies in the vicinity of the Castlerigg Tunnel ground disturbance and the potential to encounter undiscovered archaeology during construction, but would • Limited potential for effects associated with the long term operational changes in surface water levels and flows introduce new temporary effects associated with the Castlerigg Tunnel. On balance, these effects are not as a result of changes in groundwater drainage associated with the Naddle Beck (in the Naddle Valley) and the considered to be dissimilar to those experienced elsewhere on the Approved Scheme. Derwent (upstream of Bassenthwaite Lake). Figure 9: Castlerigg Stone Circle In combination with the Approved Scheme, the Proposed Scheme would introduce additional potential effects associated with the Castlerigg Tunnel; however, this would remove a large section of open cut trench within the sensitive Naddle Valley. On balance, no changes are predicted in relation to identified effects of the Approved Scheme.
3.9 Materials and Waste
An assessment of the materials to be used during, and the waste which would result from, construction of the Proposed Scheme was undertaken and which focused on the Bridge End Connection and Castlerigg Tunnel. This was because the nature and quantity of that associated with the remaining eight elements would not be materially different to the Approved Scheme. The estimated materials and waste quantities for these two locations were used to establish whether local waste management facilities would be able to accept and process excess waste materials.
A number of construction strategies have been developed for the Proposed Scheme, which form part of the Construction Code of Practice. These set out management procedures for the delivery and storage of materials, the handling and processing of waste, and the stripping and storage of topsoil.
Various materials would be brought to site to build the Proposed Scheme, including rock material (aggregates), concrete and pipeline products. Crushed stone would be brought to form the temporary access tracks, compound base and other working areas. Concrete materials are likely to be produced off-site and ductile iron or steel for construction of the pipeline would be imported from Europe. 3.8 Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology Excavated material would comprise the largest type of waste material; however, this would be reused or recycled where possible as part of the Proposed Scheme. The imported crushed stone would be removed prior to Soils, geology and hydrogeology contribute to the environmental character and quality of geographic areas. The reinstatement and reused or recycled where possible. Other types of construction wastes that could be generated assessment identified potential for construction of the Proposed Scheme to influence existing ground conditions, include timber, plastics and metals, the quantities of which are expected to be low by comparison. which could lead to effects on: human health (by disturbing areas of contaminated ground); surface water and groundwater resources (and sites dependent on them); buildings and other infrastructure; mineral resources; and The assessment has confirmed the total landfill capacity for inert and non-hazardous waste in Cumbria would be soil quality. more than adequate to accept any remaining volumes of waste material generated by the Proposed Scheme that are unable to be reused elsewhere as part of the project. Although the final destination of any waste material would Using a combination of desk studies, field surveys, ground investigation data and monitoring tests, the assessment recorded that different elements of the Proposed Scheme could be affected by, or could result in, effects on these resources. It was observed that by employing best practice construction techniques, risk identification and management measures, and incorporating features into the design of the Proposed Scheme, this would provide an effective method of mitigating such effects.
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be determined by the appointed contractor, two local sites have been identified that could receive any surplus waste Although potential exists for similar impacts on footpaths to occur during the operational and maintenance phases materials. of the Proposed Scheme as a result of emergency works, such events would be temporary and would not result in significant effects on users. Materials use and waste generation during operation of the Proposed Scheme would be limited only to routine maintenance works. When combined with the Approved Scheme, the Proposed Scheme would introduce additional effects on a small number of footpaths; however, the combined effect on public access and recreation would not be different to those The incorporation of the Proposed Scheme into the Approved Scheme would remove the need for trench excavation reported for the Approved Scheme. through the Naddle Valley, and would reduce the total volume of surplus material generated by approximately 6,300 m3. 3.11 Socio-Economics
3.10 Public Access and Recreation An initial review of the scale and location of the Proposed Scheme identified that there would be very limited potential for additional effects to occur on local employment, economic activity and visitor accommodation demand There is an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways cross Cumbria and the Lake District National Park. over those identified for the Approved Scheme. These are used extensively by walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. Many of the area’s recreational facilities and activities are centred on the communities of Keswick, Bassenthwaite and Cockermouth and include fell walking and The assessment accordingly focused on: communities whose access to local facilities could be affected by the climbing, boating, sporting activities, visitor centres, campsites and caravan parks. Proposed Scheme, for example by road closures or diversions; and the impact on the Proposed Scheme on amenity (the pleasantness or attractiveness of a place and/or its enjoyment). In identifying amenity, the assessment took A review of the Proposed Scheme identified that construction works within the Naddle Valley, Bassenthwaite and account of the effects reported for related topics in the EIA such as Traffic and Transport and Air Quality. Castlerigg Tunnel locations would cross the routes of several footpaths, which could result in a reduction in accessibility and amenity. The assessment identified that communities associated with the Proposed Scheme comprised: • Keswick - which provides a full range of services that communities in the vicinity of the Proposed Scheme may During construction, the contractor would use measures such as signage and wicket gates to ensure these routes require access to, such as schools, medical and retail facilities remain open during the works. Activities would be managed using the measures contained in the Construction Code of Practice to minimise dust and noise nuisance to reduce effects on amenity. One of the affected footpaths • Cockermouth – which provides a similar range of services to Keswick, although this is further from the Proposed at the Naddle Valley would have to be diverted around the construction working area, which would cause some Scheme than Keswick temporary disruption and delay to users. • Smaller rural communities – which provide fewer services to people living in these communities, who are likely to be reliant on services located elsewhere. Figure 10: Public Right of Way Much of the areas associated with the ten locations comprising the Proposed Scheme are under agricultural management, with some characterised by residential development and woodland. Some recreational, community and tourism-focused facilities were recorded in locations such as Smaithwaite, the Castlerigg Tunnel and the Naddle Valley.
Key transportation routes providing access to these areas and their community facilities include: the A66 from the north east via Penrith Road; the A591 Castlerigg Brow from the south west via Ambleside Road; the A66 from Cockermouth via the B5289 or Crosthwaite Road; and A591 from the north via Crosthwaite Road. Local bus services provide access from rural communities and nearby towns.
The assessment acknowledged that the standard mitigation measures presented in the Construction Code of Practice and the Traffic Management Plan for the Proposed Scheme would be implemented by the contractor to avoid, reduce or control potential effects on road disruption and amenity. Such measures would include the control of dust in construction working areas and the use of traffic management measures to control vehicle speeds near to residential locations.
Based on these mitigation measures, it was concluded that the Proposed Scheme would not require any major road closures or diversions, which would therefore not introduce any effects of community isolation. During construction, works on the A591 and in proximity to the neighbourhood adjacent to Chestnut Hill would result in temporary adverse effects resulting from construction vehicle movements, and noise and visual impacts that would combine to reduce amenity. Consultation with local groups and the Lake District National Park Authority would be carried out prior to the start of construction to inform them of any planned disruption to footpaths, and the affected footpaths would be reinstated Residential properties and community facilities along the A591 Castlerigg Brow/Chestnut Hill/Penrith Road, and after construction to their original condition and alignment. those located close to the works at Castlerigg Tunnel would experience some disruption to their amenity during construction from traffic movements, visual impact, dust and noise; however, these effects would not be significant. The assessment has concluded that there would be no effects on access to recreational facilities as a result of the Proposed Scheme, and that any minor disruption, delays and reductions in amenity to footpath users would not be No additional socio-economic effects are predicted to occur during the operation and future maintenance of the significant. Proposed Scheme.
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Compared with the Approved Scheme, the proposed works at the Castlerigg Tunnel and the A591 Chestnut Hill assessment also recorded potential for traffic to become a barrier to pedestrian movements, such as crossing the locations to be undertaken as part of the Proposed Scheme would result in greater temporary effects on amenity road. due to the interaction of noise, traffic and visual effects. There would, however, be beneficial effects associated with the removal of seven road crossing locations when compared with the Approved Scheme. A mitigation strategy has been developed by United Utilities as part of the Approved Scheme which obligates the contractor to use appropriate traffic management measures. These measures would also be used during the 3.12 Agriculture and Sporting Land Use construction of the Proposed Scheme, and include: encouraging defined routes for construction vehicles; employing temporary speed restrictions within and approaching construction working areas; promoting vehicle sharing to An assessment was carried out to understand how the Proposed Scheme could affect agricultural land, soils and reduce vehicle numbers; and undertaking regular engagement to warn local communities of any works that could sporting interests. cause potential delays and disruption to journeys.
It was identified that land associated with the Proposed Scheme is mainly agricultural and has soils of varying Based on the use of these measures, no significant effects are predicted to occur during construction. As operation quality. Sheep and cattle farming dominates the area, with some arable farming undertaken to grow cereal crops. and maintenance of the Proposed Scheme would not cause any perceptible changes in traffic on the road network, The land supports businesses including holiday cottages, campsites and caravan sites, and also supports sporting no significant effects would occur during these phases. uses such as shooting and fishing. A review of combined effect of the Proposed Scheme and the Approved Scheme indicated that the total change in The assessment has recorded that land would need to be taken temporarily for construction purposes, with most traffic would not be markedly different across most of the road network, and that through the use of the above of the works relating to the removal of soil and the excavation of material from within agricultural holdings to lay the measures the combined effects would not be significant. RWA pipeline. Measures have been developed to address many of the potential effects on these interests that could occur during the construction phase. United Utilities’ contractors would be required to follow standard working 3.14 Noise and Vibration procedures set out in the Construction Code of Practice for the Proposed Scheme. Such measures would include ensuring that agricultural soils are appropriately stored and reused, that any disturbed land drains and field Due to the nature of the works associated with the Proposed Scheme, an assessment was carried out to identify boundaries are reinstated, and that access to land parcels is maintained during the works. the potential for noise and vibration to occur.
Taking these measures into account, the assessment has concluded that there would be no significant effects on To understand the existing noise levels at the locations associated with the Proposed Scheme, monitoring was agricultural land, soils and sporting land uses at nine of the ten locations that comprise the Proposed Scheme. A undertaken as part of the Approved Scheme in 2015 and supplemented by further monitoring in 2017 at locations significant effect has been identified at one agricultural landholding associated with the Castlerigg Tunnel - Low close to the proposed Castlerigg Tunnel. The measurements recorded confirmed the rural nature of the local Nest Farm – which would experience a combination of temporary land-take and the loss or fragmentation of several environment associated with the Proposed Scheme as having low noise levels. fields and boundary walls. Predictions were made in the assessment for the likely noise and vibration levels that could arise from construction No effects on these interests are predicted as a result of the operation and future maintenance of the Proposed activities such as: earthworks associated with pipe-laying; tunnelling, drilling, ground compaction and traffic Scheme. movements.
The combination of the Proposed Scheme and the Approved Scheme would beneficially reduce the total number Although potential was recorded for construction works to cause noise and vibration at nearby properties and other of agricultural landholdings affected, and would also reduce the number of significant effects associated with the sensitive locations, the assessment acknowledged that in most cases the sources of noise would be temporary and Approved Scheme in isolation. mobile (as works would move along the route of the RWA pipeline). In many cases, these effects would be of short duration. 3.13 Traffic and Transport The assessment concluded that there could be significant but temporary effects at the following locations, which Roads potentially used or affected by construction of the Proposed Scheme were identified as the A595 / A689, the United Utilities would seek to control and reduce through the contractor applying the measures and strategies set A66, and the A591. A review of these routes identified that construction could affect journeys made in vehicles and out in the Construction Code of Practice and the Traffic Management Plan: on foot (in terms of delay and overall amenity), and that potential existed for the construction phase to increase • Smaithwaite Farm – elevated noise and vibration levels during pipe-laying and potential ground compaction accidents and safety risk on some routes. activities The busiest construction period for the Proposed Scheme was established for assessment purposes; this would be • High Nest and Low Nest – elevated noise levels during tunnelling activities at the Castlerigg Tunnel, which could during the first few, and final, months of construction of the Castlerigg Tunnel when the majority of traffic associated persist for a period of up to 110 days at these properties with materials deliveries and waste removal would be on the road network. Comparisons were made between the • Ghyll House – elevated vibration levels associated with pipe-laying and ground compaction activities number and type of vehicles that would be on the road network during this busy period both with and without the Proposed Scheme. • Moor Farm – elevated vibration levels associated with ground compaction at the Castlerigg Tunnel access track.
Based on a review of the works proposed at the ten locations, the predicted traffic flows and the access With the adoption of comparable mitigation measures, no significant noise or vibration effects are anticipated to arrangements consented as part of the Approved Scheme, the initial stages of the assessment concluded that occur as a result of any operational or maintenance activities on the Proposed Scheme. changes would only be perceptible in traffic and transport terms for three elements of the Proposed Scheme: Bridge End Connection; Castlerigg Tunnel; and the Temporary Accesses from A591 (Chestnut Hill). In comparison to the Approved Scheme, construction of the Castlerigg Tunnel would remove the need for trenching through the Naddle Valley, which would avoid the potential for construction noise effects at approximately 40 The assessment identified that road users would experience temporary increases in traffic flows of over 30% on residential and other sensitive receptors along the consented RWA pipeline route. The tunnel would also remove the A591 Penrith Road, A591 Chestnut Hill and the A591 Castlerigg Brow towards Naddle, which could lead to the requirement for a number of road crossing points, some of which had the potential to result in significant effects. delays and a reduction in the amenity of journeys made on these routes. Due to the increase in flows the Additionally, noisy activities from ground piling at Storm’s Farm would no longer be undertaken as a result of the Page | 13
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Proposed Scheme. Nevertheless, construction operations at the Castlerigg Tunnel would give rise to increased noise levels at properties such as Low Nest Farm and High Nest. These noise impacts would be mitigated, however, in agreement with the relevant authority to make sure they are within guidelines.
3.15 Air Quality
An Air Quality assessment was carried out to identify whether construction, operation and maintenance of the Proposed Scheme would result in effects on local air quality at residential properties and designated ecological sites (sensitive receptors) associated with vehicle exhaust emissions and dust.
Properties within 350 m of the planning application boundary were identified for assessment, with selected locations along the proposed haulage routes also identified. Local air quality was confirmed to be good and meeting national air quality objectives for nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter (comprising tiny particles which can enter the lungs and affect human health). Two ecologically designated sites, the River Derwent and Bassenthwaite Lake Special Area of Conservation and the River Derwent and Tributaries Site of Special Scientific Interest, were identified as being at potential risk of having dust deposited on them and thereby affecting these habitats.
Standard site management techniques would be employed by the contractor during construction; these would include the use of water sprays and the covering of loose materials on delivery vehicles. Such measures are best practice on construction sites and would adequately control and mitigate the risk of dust effects on sensitive receptors. Although exhaust emissions can affect sensitive receptors along and near to roads used by construction vehicles, the assessment recorded that the overall effect on local air quality would be temporary and therefore not significant.
The assessment of dust from earthworks and construction activities has concluded that with the appropriate mitigation measures in place, no significant effects on humans from dust nuisance or its deposition on designated ecological sites are predicted to occur.
Increases in exhaust emissions from vehicles during the operational and maintenance phases are likely to be negligible due to the small number of vehicle movements predicted.
As no significant air quality effects are predicted to occur as a result of the Proposed Scheme, the combined effect with the Approved Scheme on local air quality would not be different to that reported for the Approved Scheme.
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Cumulative Effects and Interaction of Effects
4.1 Overview
The identified effects of the Proposed Scheme have the potential to interact with each other (to cause a different or greater effect) and/or combine (cumulatively) with the effects of other unrelated development projects. For example: • A local resident could have views from their garden changed, experience increase in noise and be exposed to dust nuisance during construction of the Proposed Scheme, affecting them in a greater way due to the interaction of these effects. • A local resident could experience noise during construction of the Proposed Scheme and noise from a neighbouring development also under construction, leading to a cumulative noise effect.
Effect interactions were considered as part of the EIA, and development projects within the area surrounding the Proposed Scheme were identified through discussion with the Lake District National Park Authority, with information obtained from them and neighbouring authorities as to the form, scale and location of these projects. These ranged from large to small scale projects such as the Moorside Nuclear Power Station (and its associated development); to other United Utilities projects in the Cumbria region, and developments of local sites in Keswick.
4.2 Interaction of Effects
Given the relatively small scale of the Proposed Scheme and its generally low potential to cause significant adverse effects, the scope for effect interactions to occur beyond the local level was considered in the assessment to be limited.
The assessment recorded that the key interaction related to a temporary loss or reduction in the amenity experienced by residential occupants and users of footpaths in some locations (due to a combination of visual intrusion, noise and dust). The effects have been reported in this NTS as part of the individual assessments for the topics of landscape and visual amenity, socio-economics, traffic and transport, and public access and recreation.
The interactions that would occur between the Proposed Scheme and the Approved Scheme have also been considered in this NTS within the individual topic assessments.
4.3 Cumulative Effects
Based on a review of the relationships between the Proposed Scheme, the Approved Scheme and other development projects, the assessment identified that limited potential exists for cumulative effects during the construction phase associated with a number of topics and areas. These comprise: landscape and visual amenity; the water environment; ecology; flood risk; soils, geology and hydrogeology; materials and waste; public access and recreation; agriculture; traffic and transport; noise and vibration; and air quality.
None of the cumulative effects identified for these topics would be significant, as it was recorded that each development project would be required to implement mitigation measures appropriate to the scale and nature of their predicted effects.
No potential for cumulative effects was identified for the topics of: cultural heritage; arboriculture; and socio- economics in the EIA.
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Obtaining Further Information
The planning application for the Proposed Scheme has been submitted by United Utilities to the Lake District National Park Authority for determination.
Paper copies of the planning application can be viewed at the following location during normal office hours: Development Management Lake District National Park Authority Murley Moss Oxenholme Road Kendal LA9 7RL
Electronic copies of the Environmental Statement on compact disc can be purchased at a cost of £10 (including postage and packaging) from: United Utilities plc West Cumbria Team Thirlmere House Lingley Mere Great Sankey Warrington WA5 3LP Email: [email protected]
Paper copies of this NTS are available from United Utilities at the above address.
Expressions of support, representations, or opinions should be sent to the Lake District National Park Authority at the above address.
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