Ammanford Flood Risk Management Scheme
Environmental Constraints and Opportunities Record
Doc. Ref.: 272967-ARP-XX-XX-RP-EN-0003
Page 1 of 92 www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Version history: Because this is a live document that will be updated throughout the development of the project it is important to maintain document control and record the different versions.
Document version Date published Project stage Draft Part B Impact 1.0 08 December 2020 Assessment for NRW Review Incorporate NRW Review 1.1 04 January 2021 Comments Pre-Application Consultation 1.2 08 January 2021 Issue
Date
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Contents i. Crynodeb Gweithredol ...... 4 ii. Executive Summary ...... 8 1. Introduction ...... 12 Background ...... 12 Environmental Constraints and Opportunities Record (ECOR) ...... 16 NRW Responsibilities under the Environment Act and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act ...... 17 Project Objectives ...... 18 2. Project Description...... 19 Project Need ...... 19 Proposed Solution ...... 21 Optioneering and Outline Design ...... 23 Detailed Design Development ...... 23 Temporary Works ...... 25 3. Environmental Baseline ...... 25 4. Scope of Environmental Assessment ...... 35 Introduction ...... 35 Scoping the Assessment ...... 36 Scoping Summary ...... 42 5. ECOR Assessment Methodology ...... 45 Methodology ...... 45 Spatial and temporal scales for assessment ...... 47 Cumulative Effects ...... 47 6. Assessment, Evaluation and Mitigation ...... 47 7. Delivery of Enhancements ...... 77 8. Appendices ...... 79 Appendix A: Environmental Constraints and Opportunities Plan (ECOP) ...... 79 Appendix B Consultation Record ...... 80
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i. Crynodeb Gweithredol
Mae Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru (CNC) wedi asesu opsiynau i leihau’r perygl o lifogydd i dref a chymuned Rhydaman, Sir Gâr, o’r Afonydd Llwchwr, Lash a Marlas yn dilyn yr effeithiau a ddisgwylir o ganlyniad i newid yn yr hinsawdd. Mae’n bosib y bydd ardaloedd sylweddol o Rhydaman yn ddioddef o lifogydd ac yn y gorffennol agos mae rhannau o’r dref wedi dioddef llifogydd, gyda’r llifogydd diwethaf yn 2009. Does dim amddiffynfeydd rhag llifogydd yn y dref ar hyd yr afonydd yma.
Mae llifogydd wedi bod mewn ardal(oedd) o Rhydaman ar 4 achlysur ers 1978: Rhagfyr 26 1979 – llifogydd yn Heol yr Orsaf o ganlyniad i’r Afon Llwchwr dorri ei glannau. Llifogydd ar rheilffordd Calon Cymru yn orsaf Tir y Dail. Rhan o Heol Dyffrun o dan ddwr ac wedi ei gau am gyfnod. Llawer o dai hefyd o dan ddwr. 22 Hydref 1998 – digwyddodd llifogydd ar gampws Coleg Sir Gâr ar Tir y Dail, llifogydd hefyd yn effeitio ar chwech o dai. 18 Mai 2002 – yr Afon Marlas yn achosi llifogydd mewn tri ty yn Heol Aberlash 17 Gorffennaf 2009 – yr Afon Llwchwr yn torri ei glannau ac yn achosi llifogydd ar Heol Haydn a Tir y Dail. Yr A483 wedi cau ar Pont y Clerc a Pen y Banc.
Mae modelu llifogydd wedi dangos fod ar hyn o bryd, mae 211 eiddo preswyl yn y dref mewn perygl o lifogydd os fydd llifogydd eithafol. Oherwydd effeithiau newid hinsawdd mae disgwyl i’r nifer o eiddo a gaiff ei effeithio i gynyddu i 406, yn ogystal ac effiethio ar fusnesau lleol, sefydliadau addysg a chysulltiadau teithio hanfodol drwy’r dre.
Bydd y cynllun yn amddiffyn 195 eiddo preswyl a 33 eiddo eraill mewn llifogydd sydd a thebygolrwydd 1% o ddigwydd mewn blwyddyn, mae hyn yn cynyddu i 349 eiddo preswyl a 35 eiddo eraill gyda effeithiau newid hinsawdd.
Mae’r gwelliannau yn cynnwys cyfres o waliau atal llifogydd ac argloddiau ar hyd yr Afon Llwchwr, yn ymestyn o Goleg Sir Gâr yn y de i Parc Henry Lane yn y gogledd, yn ogystal a symud gwaddod o rhan fach o sianel yr afon dan ac yn agos at bont ffordd yr A483. Mae’r cynigion am y cynllun yn ymddangos yn ffigwr 1.2, gellir eu crynodu fel a ganlyn (o’r de i’r gogledd): Wal Llifogydd Coleg Sir Gâr - wedi'i leoli ar lan orllewinol yr Afon Llwchwr i'r de o Bont Dyffryn, ger Campws Coleg Sir Gâr Rhydaman. Adeiladu wal lifogydd 80m o hyd, sydd 1.2m mewn uchder gyda chladin gwaith brics a chopïau concrit. Byddai'r gwaith yn cynnwys ailblannu 11 o goed, 2 ardal plannu bylbiau a gwelliannau i'r parth cyhoeddus. Gwelliannau Cored Tir-y-Dail a Phasio i Bysgod - wedi'u lleoli o fewn cwrs dŵr yr Afon Llwchwr i'r de o Bont Dyffryn. Gosod 5 o riciau cyn-morglawdd, atgyfnerthiadau i gored Tir-y-Dail bresennol a gosod amddiffyniad 'rip-rap'. Mae'r morgloddiau'n cynnwys cerrig bloc wedi'u siapio mewn cromliniau sy'n cynnwys rhiciau concrit. Bydd y cyn- forgloddiau'n cael eu gosod gyda rhiciau llif ffrydio dwfn i ganiatáu i'r pysgod basio. Wal Llifogydd Melin Cwmllwchwr a Gostwng Tir - Unedau masnachol i'r de o Bont Dyffryn ar lan ddwyreiniol yr afon. Adeiladu wal lifogydd 90m o hyd, 0.6m-1.4m o www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 4 of 92
uchder ger unedau masnachol, gorchudd 'rip-rap', gostwng y ddaear, palmant cellog gyda mewnlenwi glaswellt, llwybr wedi'i adfer a phlannu lliniaru sy'n cynnwys 59 o goed a choetir gwlyb yn plannu cymysgedd. Yn ogystal â'r wal, bydd ardal o ostwng y ddaear (tua 80m x 20m) i'r dwyrain o'r lle pasio pysgod cyn-morglawdd i wella trawsgludiad yn ystod llifogydd. Bydd yr ardal yn cynnwys llethr 1:3 yn ôl i lefel bresennol y ddaear. Bydd amddiffyniad erydiad sy'n cynnwys 'rip-rap' ac unedau cellog concrit yn cael ei osod ar lan yr afon ar hyd y wal newydd. Wal Llifogydd Heol Haydn - wedi'i leoli ar dir ar lan orllewinol yr Afon Llwchwr ger eiddo Ystâd Gwyn Fryn. Adeiladu wal llifogydd goncrit wedi'i hatgyfnerthu 200m o hyd, 1.0m o uchder gyda chladin brics ar yr ochr sych a chopïau concrit a llwybr wedi'i adfer. Byddai'r cynigion yn cynnwys plannu lliniaru 39 o goed a 9 ardal o blannu blodau yn y gwanwyn a gwelliannau i'r parth cyhoeddus. Wal Llifogydd Heol Shands - wedi'i leoli ar dir rhwng unedau diwydiannol ysgafn yn Heol Shands ar lan ddwyreiniol yr Afon Llwchwr. Adeiladu 4 wal llifogydd (87m, 12.1m, 16m a 30m o hyd, 1.5m o uchder) i'w clymu i mewn i unedau diwydiannol presennol i greu wal lifogydd parhaus. Bydd diddosi yn cael ei roi ar waliau ochr afon allanol yr unedau diwydiannol lle maent yn rhan o'r llinell amddiffyn. Plannu lliniaru, yn cynnwys 27 o goed, cymysgedd coetir gwlyb a dau fwrdd dehongli. Bwnd Llifogydd Tir-Y-Dail - bwnd llifogydd 137m o hyd, 20m o led a 2.0m mewn uchder a bydd ar lethr ysgafn (1F: 3.5Ll i 1F: 5Ll) i alluogi'r bwnd i gyd-fynd â'r cymeriad lleol. Wedi'i leoli o fewn tir amaethyddol rhwng Heol Shands a Rheilffordd Calon Cymru. Bwnd llifogydd arfaethedig gyda lled crib nodweddiadol 2m a thirlunio cysylltiedig. Byddai pob terfynfa bwnd yn cael ei osod gyda mewnlif cellog. Bydd codiad tir (c.100mm) yn cael ei ddarparu ar hyd yr ochr ogleddol wrth glymu mewn i Heol Shands er mwyn torri llwybr llifogydd posib i ffwrdd. Wal Llifogydd Pont y Rheilffordd - wedi'i lleoli yn union i'r dwyrain o'r bont reilffordd ar lan ddeheuol Afon Llwchwr yn Fferm Bonllwyn. Adeiladu wal llifogydd concrit wedi'i hatgyfnerthu sydd 45m o hyd a 1.2m o uchder. Wal Llifogydd Fferm Bonllwyn - wedi'i leoli yn Fferm Bonllwyn ar lan ddeheuol Afon Llwchwr. Adeiladu wal llifogydd concrit 80m o hyd, 0.8m o uchder yn clymu i mewn i barapet y bont reilffordd. Plannu Tirwedd Fferm Bonllwyn - wedi'i leoli ar lan ddeheuol Afon Llwchwr rhwng waliau llifogydd arfaethedig Fferm Bonllwyn a Phont Rheilffordd. Plannu lliniaru 13 o goed a choetir gwlyb yn cymysgu i liniaru colli llystyfiant torlannol ar Afon Llwchwr. Diffusydd Llif a Ramp Mynediad A483 (Pont Llandybie) - wedi'i leoli ar lan ddeheuol yr Afon Llwchwr, yn union gyfagos (i'r dwyrain) o bont ffordd yr A483, gyda thrac mynediad 67m o hyd yn cysylltu â Heol Llwyd. Gosod diffusydd llif pren er mwyn osgoi cronni ymhellach ac amddiffyn sgwr yn y cwrs dŵr, tynnu gwaddod ar raddfa fach o dan y bont a ramp mynediad i gerbydau wedi'i adeiladu o goncrit wedi'i atgyfnerthu a phalmant cellog gyda mewnlenwi glaswellt. Byddai'r llethrau ochr i'r ramp cerbydol wedi'u leinio â cherrig bloc. Byddai'r gwaith yn cynnwys mynediad â gatiau, bolardiau cerbydau a llwybr i gerddwyr wedi'i adfer. Wal Llifogydd Bonllwyn - wal lifogydd 105m o hyd, 1.0m o uchder, wedi'i lleoli ar lan ddeheuol yr Afon Llwchwr y tu ôl i eiddo sy'n wynebu Ffordd-Yr-Afon. Adeiladu wal orlif concrit wedi'i hatgyfnerthu gyda chladin brics ochr sych a chopïau concrit. Byddai'r www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 5 of 92
datblygiad arfaethedig yn cynnwys bwrdd dehongli, ailosod 12 o goed ar lan yr afon a 2 ardal plannu bylbiau mawr gyda'r llwybr troed cyfagos cyfagos wedi'i adfer ar hyd ei aliniad presennol. Plannu Tirwedd Werdd Bonllwyn - i'r de o'r Afon Llwchwr ger Heol Llandybie i'r gorllewin. Plannu lliniaru coed a gwella tiroedd cyhoeddus gan gynnwys 57 o goed, 4 o feinciau pren, bwrdd dehongli a phlannu dolydd blodau gwyllt. Bwnd Llifogydd Parc Lôn Henry - bwnd 127m o hyd rhwng 0.3m a 0.7m mewn uchder, wedi'i leoli ar lan ogleddol yr Afon Llwchwr wedi'i lapio o amgylch yr eiddo presennol ac arfaethedig ym Mharc Lôn Henry. Bwnd llifogydd glaswellt arfaethedig i'w glymu i mewn i lan yr afon bresennol i'r gogledd o'r Afon Llwchwr. Byddai'r gwaith yn cynnwys ardaloedd o godi tir, bwnd gyda lled crib nodweddiadol 2m, llethrau 1F:3Ll a phalmant cellog gyda mewnlenwi glaswellt yn y derfynfa.
Mae manylion pellach ar gael yn y lluniau cynllunio am bob cydran, yn cynnwys y cynlluniau i blannu i liniaru effaith weledol y Gwaith; cyfeiriwch at y lluniadau cynllunio sydd o fewn y Pecyn Ymgynghori Cyn Ymgeisio os gwelwch yn dda.
Mae’r ddogfen yma yn cynnwys y llinnell sylfaen amgylcheddol, beth sy’n cael ei gynnwys yn yr asesiad amgylcheddol a manylion y broses o wneud yr asesiad amgylcheddol.
Table i: Crynodeb o’r effeithiau posib a’r mesurau lliniaru
Pwnc Effeithiau amgylcheddol a ddisgwylir Mesurau Lliniaru Mesurau atal llwch, Iechyd – amddiffyn 349 eiddo preswyl gweithgareddau rhag llifogydd gwybodaeth cyhoeddus ac Iechyd pobl Swn o safleoedd adeiladu amseru’r gwaith mewn Cyfyngiadau dros dro ar fynediad Cynllun Gweithredu Llwch yn ystod adeiladu Amgylcheddol (CGA) Cais an drwydded Rhywogaethau Angen trwydded dyfrgwn Bioamrywiaeth Gwarchodedig Ewropeaidd, Posibilirwydd o lygredd arferion adeiladu gorau yn y CGA Arwynebedd yr argloddiau Defnydd tir Colled o 0.3Ha o dir ffermio gradd 3b wedi ei leihau cyn belled ag sy’n bosib Cynnig i wneud Pridd Posibilrwydd o lygru’r pridd ymchwiliadau pellach ar y tir Posbilirwydd o erydiad gan y Cynllunio’r dyfeisiadau dyfeisiadau gwyro llif gwyro llif mewn modd Dwr Posibilrwydd o lygredd sensitive, arferion adeiladu Gwelliant mewn gallu pysgod i symud ar gorau yn y CGA hyd yr afon Dim effiethiau, posibilrwydd o lwch yn Mesurau i atal llwch yn y Awyr ystod adeiladu CGA www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 6 of 92
Pwnc Effeithiau amgylcheddol a ddisgwylir Mesurau Lliniaru Modelu llifogydd wedi cynnwys Cyfrifydd Carbon i leihau effeithiau newid hinsawdd faint o nwyon ty gwydr gaiff Hinsawdd Allyrru nwyon ty gwydr o ganlyniad I eu hallyrru. Caffael ddeunyddion adeiladu, a.y.y.b cynnaladwy. Lleihau faint o ddeunydd Adnoddau sydd angen trwy gynllunio Deunyddiau fydd eu hangen i adeiladu. deunyddyiol ac ailddefnyddio lle mae’n ymarferol i wneud hynny Gwylio gan archeolegydd Posibilrwydd o ddarganfod archeoleg dros waith palu mewn Treftadaeth annisgwyl ardaloedd sydd heb eu datblygu. Dylunio tirlunio yn cynnwys Newid y tirlun dros dro ac yn barhaol. Tirlun a 3 coeden newydd am bob Colled na ellir ei osgoi o 49 coeden a 37 gweledol un a gollir, sef 219 coeden angen prygoedio. newydd.
Mae’r holl fesurau lliniaru wedi eu cynnwys mewn Cynllun Gweithredu Amgylcheddol (CGA) a fydd yn cael ei gynnal gan CNC a’r contractor. Bydd mesurau gwella hefyd yn cael eu gosod yn cynnwys gwelliannau i fioamrywiaeth (e.e. ffau dyfrgi, blychau adar ac ystlumod), byrddau gwybodaeth yn rhoi gwybodaeth ar y prosiect,, bioamwrywiaeth a threftadaeth yn canolbwyntio ar heneb castell mwnt a beili tir y dail, gwelliannau i ardaloedd amwynder, ac ar y cyd â Chyngor Sir Gâr, mae yna fwriad o gyflawni ardal o welliannau bioamrywiaeth ac amwynder yn Llandybie ar hyd dalgylch Afon Marlas. Bydd manylion yn cael eu datblygu trwy ymgynghoriad cymunedol ond maent yn debygol o gynnwys plannu coed, gwelliannau amwynder a mynediad cyhoeddus yn ogystal â byrddau dehongli.
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ii. Executive Summary
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have assessed options to reduce the risk of flooding to the town and community of Ammanford, Carmarthenshire from the River Loughor, River Lash, and River Marlas, taking into account predicted climate change. Large areas of Ammanford are susceptible to flooding and in recent history, areas of the town have flooded on four separate occasions, most recently in 2009. There are no flood defences in the town along these rivers. There have been four significant flood events in Ammanford since 1978: 26 December 1979 - Station Road flooded due to the River Loughor overtopping its banks. The Heart of Wales railway flooded at Tir-y-Dail Station. Part of Dyffryn Road was flooded and closed for a period. Many residential properties were flooded. 22 October 1998 - Flooding occurred at the Coleg Sir Gâr campus at Tir-y-Dail. Six residential properties were also flooded. 18 May 2002 - The River Marlas flooded three properties on Aberlash Road. 17 July 2009 - The River Loughor overtopped its banks, and flooded properties on Heol Haydn and Tir-y-Dail. The A483 was closed at Pont-y-Clerc and Pen-y-Banc. Flood modelling indicates that 211 residential properties in the town are currently at risk of flooding during an extreme flood event. In line with climate change modelling, the number of properties impacted by flooding is anticipated to increase to 406, as well as impacting local businesses, educational institutions and key transport links through the town. The scheme will provide protection to 195 residential properties and 33 non-residential properties in the 1% Annual Exceedance Probability flood event, increasing to 349 residential properties and 35 non-residential properties with the effects of climate change. The proposed flood risk management improvements comprise a series of flood walls and bunds along the banks of the River Loughor, from Coleg Sir Gâr at the southernmost extent to Parc Henry Lane at the northernmost extent, together with small-scale sediment removal from a section of the channel under and immediately adjacent to the A483 road bridge. The scheme proposals are shown in Figure 1.2 and summarised as follows (south to north): Proposed Flood Risk Management Improvements: Coleg Sir Gâr Flood Wall – located on the western riverbank of the River Loughor south of Dyffryn Bridge, adjacent to Coleg Sir Gâr Ammanford Campus. Construction of an 80m, 1.2m high flood wall with brickwork cladding and concrete copings. The works would include replanting of 11no. trees, 2no. bulb planting areas, and public realm improvements. Tir-y-Dail Weir and Fish Passage Improvements – located within the River Loughor watercourse south of Dyffryn Bridge. Installation of 5no. pre-barrage notches, reinforcements to the existing Tir-y-Dail Weir and installation of rip-rap protection. The barrages comprise of block stones shaped in convex curves incorporating concrete notches. The pre-barrages will be installed with deep streaming flow notches to allow fish passage. Cwmllwchwr Mill Flood Wall & Ground Lowering – Commercial units situated to the immediate south of Dyffryn Bridge upon the eastern riverbank. Construction of a 90m www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 8 of 92
long, 0.6m-1.4m high flood wall adjacent to commercial units, rip-rap covering, ground lowering, cellular paving with grass infill, reinstated path and mitigation planting comprising 59no. trees and wet woodland mix planting. The wall is accompanied by an area of ground lowering (c. 80m x 20m) to the east of the pre-barrage fish pass to improve conveyance during flood events. The lowered area will include a 1:3 slope back up to existing ground level. Erosion protection consisting of rip-rap and concrete cellular units will be installed to the riverbank along the new wall. Heol Haydn Flood Wall – located on land on the western riverbank of the River Loughor adjacent to Gwyn Fryn Estate properties. Construction of a 200m long, 1.0m high reinforced concrete flood wall with brick cladding on the dry side and concrete copings and reinstated pathway. The proposals would include mitigation planting of 39no. trees and 9no. areas of spring flower planting and public realm improvements. Shands Road Flood Wall – located on land situated between light industrial units at Shands Road on the eastern bank of the River Loughor. Construction of 4no. flood walls (87m, 12.1m, 16m and 30m in length, 1.5m high) to tie into existing industrial units to create a continuous flood wall. Waterproofing will be applied to the external river side walls of the industrial units where they form part of the defence line. Mitigation planting, comprising 27no. trees, wet woodland mix and two interpretation boards. Tir-Y-Dail Flood Bund – a 137m long, 20m wide and 2.0m high flood bund and will be gently sloped (1V:3.5H to 1V:5H) to enable the bund to fit with the local character. Located within agricultural land situated between Shands Road and Heart of Wales Railway Line. Proposed flood bund with a typical 2m crest width and associated landscaping. Each bund terminus would be installed with cellular with grass infill. Minor ground raising (c.100mm) will be provided along the northerly tie-in to Shands Road to cut off a potential flood path. Railway Bridge Flood Wall – located immediately east of railway bridge on the southern bank of the River Loughor within Bonllwyn Farm. Construction of a 45m long, 1.2m high reinforced concrete flood wall. Bonllwyn Farm Flood Wall – located in Bonllwyn Farm on the southern bank of the River Loughor. Construction of an 80m, 0.8m high mass concrete flood wall tying into the railway bridge parapet. Bonllwyn Farm Landscape Planting – located on the southern bank of the River Loughor between the proposed Bonllwyn Farm and Railway Bridge flood walls. Mitigation planting of 13no. trees and wet woodland mix to mitigate riparian vegetation loss upon the River Loughor. A483 Flow Deflector and Access Ramp (Llandybie Bridge) – located on the southern riverbank of the River Loughor, immediately adjacent (east) of the A483 road bridge, with a 67m long access track connecting to the dead end of Heol Llwyd. Installation of a timber flow deflector to avoid further build-up of gravel and scour protection within the watercourse, small-scale sediment removal from under the bridge and a vehicle access ramp constructed of reinforced concrete and cellular paving with grass infill. The side slopes to the vehicular ramp would be lined with blockstones. Works would include a gated access, vehicle bollards and reinstated pedestrian path.
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Bonllwyn Flood Wall – 105m long, 1.0m high flood wall, located on the southern bank of the River Loughor to the rear of properties fronting Ffordd-Yr-Afon. Construction of reinforced concrete flood wall with dry side brick cladding and concrete copings. The proposed development would include an interpretation board, 12no. replacement trees upon the riverbank and 2no. large bulb planting areas with the adjacent existing footpath reinstated along its existing alignment. Bonllwyn Green Landscape Planting – located south of the River Loughor, adjacent to Llandybie Road to the west. Tree mitigation planting and public realm enhancements including 57no. trees, 4no. timber benches, an interpretation board and wildflower meadow planting. Parc Henry Lane Flood Bund – 127m bund between 0.3m and 0.7m in height, located at the northern bank of the River Loughor wrapped around the existing and proposed properties at Parc Henry Lane. Proposed grass flood bund to tie into existing riverbank north of the River Loughor. The works would include areas of minor ground raising, a bund with a typical 2m crest width, 1V:3H slopes and cellular paving with grass infill at the terminus. Further details are embedded within the planning drawings for each component; including proposed mitigation planting and amenity improvements; please refer to the planning drawings within the Pre-Application Consultation Pack. This ECOR documents the environmental baseline, the agreed scope of environmental assessment and details the environmental assessment process.
Table ii: Summary of Potential Effects and Mitigation Requirements
Topic Predicted Environmental Effects Mitigation Health – flood protection to 349 Population Dust suppression measures, public residential properties. and awareness actions and timing of Construction noise. Human works in Environmental Action Plan Temporary access restrictions. Health (EAP). Dust potential during construction. European Protected Species Otter licence needed for potential Licence application. Biodiversity disturbance of layup. Best practice construction Potential pollution incident. measures embedded in EAP. Footprint of bunds reduced as far 0.3Ha loss of Grade 3b agricultural Land Use as practicable to provide requisite land. flood protection. Further ground investigation Soil Potential ground contamination. proposed, best practice methods in EAP. Potential scour from flow deflector. Potential pollution incident. Sensitive flow deflector design. Water Improvement in fish passage Best practice construction following installation of pre- measures embedded in EAP. barrages. No effects, potential for dust during Dust suppression measures in Air construction. Environmental Action Plan (EAP). www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 10 of 92
Topic Predicted Environmental Effects Mitigation Climate change built into flood Carbon calculator to reduce model to inform design. Climate embodied carbon. Sustainable Carbon embedded in construction procurement. materials, etc. Material requirements reduced Material Material requirements for through design, reuse where Assets construction. appropriate. Archaeological Watching Brief for Potential effect on unknown Heritage invasive works in undeveloped archaeology in undeveloped areas. areas. Temporary and permanent Robust landscaping and amenity Landscape landscape and visual effects. design including replacement and Visual Unavoidable loss of 49 trees and planting at 3:1 ratio delivering 219 37 requiring coppicing. new trees.
All mitigation measures are captured within a single Environmental Action Plan (EAP) maintained by NRW and the appointed contractor. Enhancement measures will also be delivered as part of the scheme including biodiversity enhancement (otter holt, bird and bat boxes, hibernacula, etc.), interpretation boards providing information on the project, biodiversity and heritage focussing on the little known Tir-y-Dail Motte and Bailey Castle Scheduled Monument, amenity area enhancements and collaboratively with Carmarthenshire County Council, there is intent to deliver an area of biodiversity and amenity improvements in Llandybie along the Afon Marlas catchment. Details will be developed through community consultation but are likely to include tree planting, amenity and public access improvements and interpretation boards.
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Part A
1. Introduction
Background
The town of Ammanford is situated within the county of Carmarthenshire, 20km north of Swansea, South Wales. The town is primarily situated between the River Loughor (Afon Llwchwr) and River Amman (Afon Aman), shortly upstream of their confluence. Part of the town continues on the opposite bank of the River Loughor, where three tributaries, the River Marlas (Afon Marlas), River Lash (Afon Lash) and Nant y Ci also join. Large areas of Ammanford are susceptible to flooding caused by heavy rainfall occurring in the contributing catchments, rapid response of the rivers to rainfall events, and the limited capacity of the river channel to convey the peak flows. In recent history, areas of the town have flooded on four separate occasions, most recently in 2009. There are no flood defences in the town along these rivers.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have developed a proposal to reduce the risk of flooding to the town and community of Ammanford, taking into account predicted climate change. The scheme is being promoted by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and funded by Welsh Government. NRW commissioned Ove Arup and Partners (Arup) to design and deliver the detailed design for the scheme.
The scheme comprises a number of elements focused along the River Loughor, stretching from the old Caravan Park at Dolgader on Parc Henry Lane to Coleg Sir Gâr on Dyffryn Road, shortly upstream of the Nant y Ci confluence. Detailed drawings of the proposed defences are included within the Pre-Application Consultation Pack; an overview is presented in Figure 1.2.
The scheme aims to provide improved protection from flooding up to a 1.0% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) event, including accounting for climate change (CC), for the defence’s lifetime of 100 years (2120). For the scheme proposals to be consented, it must be demonstrated that detriment (increase in flood risk to properties in events up to the 0.1% AEP event) as defined in agreement with NRW must be mitigated.
Additionally, the scheme aims to improve fish passage at the Tir-y-Dail Weir near Coleg Sir Gâr; this element of the project has been developed in conjunction with NRW’s Salmon for Tomorrow project. The existing weir is a gauging weir for an NRW monitoring station and contains a Welsh Water asset. The weir is diagonal to the flow direction with the most downstream extent of the crest on the left-hand (eastern) bank. It appears to have been constructed from blockstone and mass concrete and is in poor condition; it is undercut and scoured in multiple places, with voids present, and requires remedial works to extend its design life.
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Figure 1.1: Ammanford Catchment and Watercourses
www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 13 of 92 N · · HEOL HAYDN FLOOD WALL COLEG SIR GAR FLOOD WALL · TIR Y DAIL FLOOD BUND 272967-ARP-TD-XX-DR-PL-0106 272967-ARP-HH-XX-DR-PL-0108 272967-ARP-CG-XX-DR-PL-0109 BONLLWYN FARM LANDSCAPE PLANTING · RAILWAY BRIDGE FLOOD WALL 272967-ARP-RB-XX-DR-PL-0105 · Post Post Post Post Post
272967-ARP-BF-XX-DR-PL-0202 39.39
37.55 36.92
36.63 39.50
36.80 38.40
38.25
38.26 38.06
36.78
38.23 36.73
36.69
36.69
38.17
37.97 38.06
BH
36.47
37.99
37.77
36.53
38.11
MK
37.66
37.78 36.53
38.10
37.70
37.71
37.83 38.19 37.95 36.48 37.84 37.83
38.34 38.44
38.28 38.21 Post
38.32 38.30 MK
36.42
38.31
36.21
38.19
40.16 40.07
38.27
36.03
38.33
38.20
36.11 38.11
Post 38.09
Post 38.06 BH BH BH
EP
37.94 34.38
VP
32.15
38.29
37.89
37.96 37.97 33.78 37.91
BH 32.17
31.73
34.59
32.10 37.89
31.74
33.53
32.13 31.85 37.86 EP EP
31.89 32.17
EP
32.05 31.84 32.05
34.58 34.73
31.93
32.08 32.08
BH 34.60
32.01 BH 34.64
BH
32.23 34.52
34.52
34.41 32.27 32.63
32.89 34.40 32.34
32.49
32.47 34.31
32.33 32.41 34.37 BH
32.67
34.22
33.95
34.18
34.24
33.25
34.18
34.22 34.18 33.93
34.29
33.97
32.77 34.16 34.07
33.78 34.19
34.21 34.02
33.93
33.93 33.93
32.98
34.12 34.25
33.85 34.23
34.22
34.20
32.84 33.98 34.18
33.96 33.98 34.17
34.16
34.11
34.13
33.15
Post 33.88
33.88 33.94
34.28 34.56 34.25 34.22 34.30
34.26 34.48
34.08 34.23 34.09
34.15
34.35 34.30
33.50 33.42
34.10
34.15 34.20 Post TP TP
MK 33.93 · SHANDS RD FLOOD WALL · · ·
39.11 39.08 39.15 39.51 39.46 BH BH
BH 39.43
BH 39.53 BH CWMLLWCHWR MILL 272967-ARP-SR-XX-DR-PL-0107 272967-ARP-CG-XX-DR-PL-0110
272967-ARP-CG-XX-DR-PL-0112 39.55 272967-ARP-CG-XX-DR-PL-0111
41.04
41.09
39.78 41.06
40.69
41.07
41.08 41.06
40.69
41.05
40.29 40.43 40.55 40.58 BONLLWYN FARM FLOOD WALL · BH 272967-ARP-BF-XX-DR-PL-0104 BH
MAKESHIFT 42.33
MRAIL 1.1 42.77 TP RN RN
44.64 TP
44.54
44.39
44.44
44.41
44.53
44.50
44.48
44.50
44.43 44.74
44.75
44.46
44.55 44.61
44.93
44.56
44.56 45.09 BD BD BD
45.06
45.05 BH
45.21
44.85
45.38 BH
45.60
45.41
45.41
45.58
45.68
45.63 45.99
BH 45.85
45.84 45.84
45.88 45.89
45.95 45.92
45.99
46.13
BH 46.18
46.26 46.18
48.25 46.33
47.77
47.84 47.40
46.41
46.47
46.54
46.75 BH 46.87 47.01
47.0046.96 BH
47.07
47.00 46.95 46.84
46.59
46.71
46.86 46.70
46.72 46.81
46.62 BH
46.92
46.83
47.24 47.22
46.97 46.94 47.12
46.83 47.49
47.09 47.21
47.12 47.49 47.67
46.77
47.60 47.24 47.87
47.23 47.22
47.88 47.23
47.84 47.24
47.88
48.18 47.25
48.23
47.32
47.90 48.26
48.18 47.92
48.15
48.51 48.60 47.92
48.63
48.88
49.34
49.71
50.16
50.18
50.11
50.25 ·
· 50.71 ·
50.77
50.75 BONLLWYN FLOOD WALL
50.84
A483 FLOW DEFLECTOR
50.99 51.42 LANDSCAPING PLAN AND ACCESS RAMP BONLLWYN GREEN
51.90 272967-ARP-BG-XX-DR-PL-0203 272967-ARP-FD-XX-DR-PL-0103
52.19 272967-ARP-BO-XX-DR-PL-0102
52.52 PARC HENRY LANE FLOOD BUND · 272967-ARP-PH-XX-DR-PL-0101 THIS DESIGN AND DRAWING IS CONFIDENTIAL ALL RIGHTS THEREIN INCLUDING COPYRIGHT RIGHT ARE THE PROPERTY OF NATURAL RESOURCES WALES AND SHOULD NOT BE DISCLOSED TO A THIRD PARTY OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT PRIOR CONSENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 2020 272967-00 Internal Project Number. Drawing Number. Project Name . AND KEY PLAN Drawing Title . 272967-ARP-XX-XX-DR-PL-0001 Suitability. FOR PLANNING AMMANFORD FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT SCHEME Figure 1.2 - SITE LOCATION Rev. 1FOR PLANNING P1 SURVEY AREAS UPDATED P2 PLANNING ISSUE P3 NOTES: KEY: Description 0 NATURAL RESOURCES WALES LAND OWNERSHIP (FOR APPLICATION AREAS REFER TO DRAWINGS (NO OWNERSHIP ON THIS SCHEME) 272967-ARP-XX-XX-DR-PL-0002 TO 006). APPLICATION SITE BOUNDARY 10 20 30 Scale 1:2500 40 50 1:2500 @ A1 Scale . C 100 Metres SJL SS SS SS Drawn LR 03.12.20 RC JL JL Chkd. C14.10.20 RC 08.01.21 RC pd Issue Date Appd. Rev. P3 Suitability Code. S2 A1
THIS MAP IS BASED UPON THE ORDINANCE SURVEY MATERIAL WITH THE PERMISSION OF ORDINANCE SURVEY ON BEHALF OF THE CONTROLLER J:\272000\272967-00\4 Internal Project Data\4-30 Drawings\4-31 Issue drawings\272967-ARP-XX-XX-DR-PL-0001.dwg OF HER MAJESTY'S STATIONARY OFFICE. C CROWN COPYRIGHT AND DATABASE RIGHTS 2020. LICENSE NUMBER 100019741 42 THL 32.90
x 32.90 32.89 30.92 43
32.64
x 30.74 31.27 31.37 31.15
x 44 50 30.89
x
30.89 31.06 45 31.34 EXISTING COMMERCIAL UNIT x THL 32.90
30.91 31.30 31.05 46 32.90 x
32.99 31.17
31.35 x 30.95 47
32.31
30.68 x
29.69 31.22 48
x
x 49
32.23 30.98 55 31.19 31.42 32.90
x 32.41 50
x 32.41
31.35 32.99
29.65 51
x 29.44 31.24 MH CL 31.52 52 32.25 x 30.95
30.59 32.91 x
32.63 29.89 53 30.63
DCWW SEWER (RECORDED AS EXISTING CONCRETE WEIR WITH
CLAY)PASSING UNDERNEATH Ø300mm VITRIFIED 31.57 x 29.90
54 60 29.83 31.37 x 32.97
UNDERCUT AREAS OF WEIR. TO FOLLOW NOMINAL 3M WIDE OF RIP-RAP AND/OR BLOCK STONE PLACED TO REINFORCE AND SECURE APPROXIMATE LINE/CURVE OF WEIR PROFILE. 30.02 55 30.18 32.33 x 32.68
30.99
56
57
32.27 58
59 29.65 60
x x 32.73 x 61 x x 30.23 30.24 x 65 x 32.95
32.47 30.32
x EP 30.43 30.40 31.08 62
x GRAVEL
63 30.72
x 30.24 32.69 30.07 30.38
32.49 30.05 x 64
32.69
70 x 30.13 65 30.30 x 29.92 32.74 TOP OF WALL
-1:3.00 AT 34.32mAOD 30.39 32.74 66
x
30.40 67 32.72 FE,CLF 1.4m x 30.58 32.70 32.70 32.23 30.10 32.70 PROPOSED WORKS AT COLEG SIR FAR SEE DRAWING 272967-ARP-CG-XX-DR-PL-0109 FOR 30.03
x
32.39 68 32.66 32.47 30.41 33.20
32.98
x
33.28
69 32.47 33.37
x 30.83
75 70
x EARTH BANK
32.60
30.67 x 71 33.36 33.49 30.87
x 33.40 CELLULAR UNITS WITH GRASS INFILL 30.02 72 32.66
x 30.37 32.62 73 FE,BWF 1.4m 32.46
x
32.61 32.60 74 32.53 x D
GATE
x
75 80 80 30.61
30.14 x PRE- BARRAGE 76 GY NOTCH
x 30.79
32.11 REMOVED TO ALLOW FOR PROPOSED EXISTING SPOIL MOUND TO BE LOCALLY 30.34 WALL AND GROUND LOWERING
32.34 x 77
32.34
x 32.36 78
x D 79 32.47 EXISTING WEIR, WITH 500mm WIDE NOTCH CENTRES TO ENABLE FISH PASSAGE OVER 5NO. FISH PASS PRE-BARRAGES AT 6m 32.48 30.11 30.64 32.47
30.27 30.31 80
MH CL 3 No. B 'pub'
32.15 1:3.00 81
30.58 82 BEHIND WALL AND AROUND TOP OF MINIMUM 1m WIDE MAINTENANCE STRIP AREA OF GROUND LOWERING
32.17 32.34 83 7 No'sc'
30.08 84
32.18
30.07 85 MH CL GY 86 32.08 30.68
32.17 30.25
87 SCALE 1:125 88 PLAN BLOCKSTONE TO TIE IN WITH GROUND LOWERING
30.54 32.60
89 90
30.54 32.51 32.45
32.26 F 32.27 5 No. B 'pub'
32.27
30.08 32.28 32.19 30.06
1:3.00 EXISTING GROUND LEVEL AT 32.501mAOD TOP OF WALL TO SLOPE DOWN AND TIE INTO
30.20 5 No. A 'gl' 5 No.'sc'
30.61
29.94 30.04
30.04 5 No. A 'pub' PRE- BARRAGE NOTCH
FE,CLF 1.4m 30.71
32.52 32.49 3 No. A 'gl'
32.21 32.41 30.10 32.14 30.12 30.10 7 No. A 'gl'
32.23 32.21 1:3.00
32.23
30.84E
OVERHEAD POWER LINE MH CL 32.14 E
32.45 (RIVER LOUGHOR) AFON LLWCHWR 30.54
32.33
32.16 32.30
32.01 1:3 SLOPE BACK UP TO EXISTING GROUND LEVEL 3 No. B 'pub'
32.17 32.13 30.81 32.17 32.09 32.08 IMPROVE CONVEYANCE AROUND FISH PASSAGE DURING FLOOD EVENTS MH CL AREA OF GROUND LOWERING TO 32.11
MH CL 32.10 1:3.00
OPEN CORRIDOR TO ENABLE ACCESS TO LOWERED AREA 1:3.00 3 No. B 'pub' 5 No. A 'gl' 5 No. 'sc' N 3 No. A 'gl'
31.93
32.10 THIS DESIGN AND DRAWING IS CONFIDENTIAL ALL RIGHTS THEREIN INCLUDING COPYRIGHT RIGHT ARE THE PROPERTY OF NATURAL RESOURCES WALES AND SHOULD NOT BE DISCLOSED TO A THIRD PARTY OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT PRIOR CONSENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 2020 272976 Internal Project Number. Drawing Number. Project Name . 272967-ARP-CG-XX-DR-PL-0111 Suitability. AMMANFORD FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT SCHEME Drawing Title . FOR PLANNING Figure 1.3 - Tir-y-Dail Weir Fish Passage Improvements Rev. 1FOR PLANNING P1 P2 0 .THIS DRAWING IS TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ALL 1. .PLANTING WITHIN TREE ROOT PROTECTION AREAS AND 5. DO NOT SCALE FROM DRAWING. 3. .ROOT PROTECTION AREAS FOR ALL TREES CAN BE 6. .ALL DIMENSIONS IN MILLMETERS AND LEVELS 2. .EXPOSED CONCRETE WALL SURFACES TO HAVE A FAIR 4. NOTES: PLANNING ISSUE PLAN LEGEND: LANDSCAPE LEGEND: SECTIONS LEGEND: Description FOUND IN THE ARBORICULTURAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ROOTS. METERS ABOVE ORDNANCE DATUM UNLESS NOTED DISCREPANCIES. DOCUMENTS. NOTIFY THE PROJECT MANAGER OF ANY 4 3 2 1 (DOC REF 272967-ARP-XX-XX-RP-EN-0001) ONLY IN ORDER TO AVOID DAMAGE EXISTING TREE CONSTRUCTION EXCLUSION ZONES TO BE HAND DIG OTHERWISE. OTHER DRAWINGS, SPECIFICATIONS AND CONTRACT WORKED FINISH. ACCOMPANYING THE APPLICATION. EMORSGATE 'EG23' - SHADE TOLERANT PROPOSED AMENITY GRASS SEEDED WITH LAWN GRASS OR SIMILAR APPROVED. PLANNING APPLICATION BOUNDARY (LOW RETENTION VALUE) (MODERATE RETENTION VALUE) CATEGORY C TREES CATEGORY B TREES (HIGH RETENTION VALUE) CATEGORY A TREES PROPOSED LEVELS EXISTING GROUND LEVELS PROPOSED TREE PLANTING PROPOSED WET WOODLAND MIX TREES TO BE COPPICED TREES TO BE REMOVED KEY PLAN SCALE 1:10,000
31.57
31.57
31.61
31.68 30.91 MH CL
30.82
30.74
30.85 Post 30.84 31.04 Post 31.08 Post 31.34
Post 31.95 31.83
31.93 31.83
31.24 31.18 Post
31.25 Scale 1:125
31.21 31.30 31.50 GY 31.42 31.77 GY
31.88
36.84
GY 39.27 31.53 39.14
GY
31.43 31.64 MH CL
37.68
38.26
37.01
37.87
38.23
38.64 38.68
38.83 38.57
36.69
36.48
38.05
38.85 38.17
31.59 38.06 BH GY
31.47
38.68
37.99
31.80 38.85 GY 38.11
MK 38.77 5
31.54 38.72 36.34 37.78 38.70
31.59 38.15
38.68 38.11
AS SHOWN 31.65 38.10
Scale 31.65
36.38
38.13 38.49
36.43 37.83 38.19
38.33 37.95
36.40 38.62
38.38 38.49
38.34
36.34 38.44
38.11
38.28 Post 36.30
38.30 MK
38.44
38.45 36.30
Stump
36.99
36.65
36.29
36.19 36.39
36.47 36.48 36.22 36.44 36.42
Stump
36.30
38.30
36.45 38.37 Stump
36.39 36.65
36.36 36.22
38.24
36.02
36.44
36.32
38.22
36.27
38.19
38.31
36.27
36.30 36.07
Stump 38.07
35.36
36.29 32.01 36.13
Ht 12.0 Dia 0.4 Beech 38.07
Post 35.73
36.26
34.65
34.57
36.40 36.27 36.00 MH CL
32.10
Post 35.94 MH CL 38.04 35.03 32.34 GY
32.44 IC CL 35.05 34.84 31.96 BH BH
BH 32.58 GY 36.29
32.40 31.94 Stump
EP
31.99 32.24 32.23 IC CL
32.23 IC CL
32.23 IC CL GY 34.59 32.21 VP 33.52 GY 32.20
34.79 31.95 32.29 MH CL . OUTFALLS 32.33 IC CL 34.16 MH CL 32.33 IC CL 32.13 GY
ST 36.24 32.30 IC CL Dia 0.15 34.81 IL 32.25 IC CL Dia 0.15 34.87 IL
33.78
BH 34.05 GY
32.13 GY 32.17 32.17 32.34 MH CL 32.32 IC CL 32.16 32.15 GY 32.15 MH CL
32.14 MH CL 32.17 MH CL 36.26 32.11 GY 33.53 GY
32.14 32.18 34.10 GY
32.19 34.11 IC CL 33.44 GY
32.25 MH CL 36.59
33.62 MH CL
32.17 33.53 34.08 GY 32.23
32.16 GY 34.14 IC CL 32.23 EP 34.03 GY
EP 32.27 32.08 GY 33.51 IC CL WO 36.61 32.11 MH CL EP 32.10 MH CL 33.39 GY 33.50 MH CL 35.88 BH BT BH 33.52 MH CL 36.65 BH
Stump 33.57 GY 35.88 33.37 GY 33.34 GY Stump BT Stump BT 33.38 IC CL 33.33 MH CL 33.41 IC CL
33.16 IC CL 35.74 Stump BH 33.02 MH CL Stump
33.17 IC CL 34.51 34.56 GY GY SV Stump 34.08 MH CL 34.08 MH CL
Post 35.76 34.36 C 34.30 33.51 MH CL 34.29
33.59 MH CL 34.57 34.58 GY GY
33.45 MH CL 33.40
SV
33.32 34.04 GY
34.05
33.96 34.07 33.22 33.38 MH CL
GY
33.98 34.24
GY
34.05 33.29 34.04
Stump
34.05
34.06 GY
ST
34.02 GY 33.32 34.08 MH CL Post 33.25 MH CL
33.68 TP 33.19 MH CL TP 33.87 IC CL
34.03 MH CL 33.86 BT BT BT MK
33.36 33.87 GY 33.45 JH JH Drawn BH BH BH BH BH JL JL Chkd. R 03.12.20 RC R 08.01.21 RC pd Issue Date Appd. Rev. P2 Suitability Code. S2 10 Metres A1
THIS MAP IS BASED UPON THE ORDINANCE SURVEY MATERIAL WITH THE PERMISSION OF ORDINANCE SURVEY ON BEHALF OF THE CONTROLLER J:\272000\272967-00\4 Internal Project Data\4-30 Drawings\4-31 Issue drawings\272967-ARP-CG-XX-DR-PL-0111.dwg OF HER MAJESTY'S STATIONARY OFFICE. C CROWN COPYRIGHT AND DATABASE RIGHTS 2020. LICENSE NUMBER 100019741
Environmental Constraints and Opportunities Record (ECOR)
In accordance with NRW’s environmental assessment procedures this Environmental Constraints and Opportunities Record (ECOR) has been prepared to document the environmental assessment being integrated into development of works in Ammanford. It will be used to provide internal and external stakeholders, regulators, approvers and permitters with a summary of the environmental assessment undertaken.
Environmental assessment is an iterative process that starts at the inception of a project and continues through options appraisal, detailed design, construction and operation. Good environmental assessment is an integrated process that influences and challenges project options and design, rather than being a standalone paper exercise. However, there is a need for transparency and justification in the decisions and actions taken, which need to be documented.
This ECOR documents the environmental baseline, the agreed scope of environmental assessment and details the environmental assessment process.
The ECOR is structured as follows:
PART A - undertaken at optioneering and outline design: Section 1: Introduction – background to the proposed scheme, environmental assessment, NRW Duties and Project Objectives. Section 2: Project Description – describes the need for the project, each component of the project, design development and likely temporary works requirements. Section 3: Environmental Baseline - a description of the baseline scenario for each environmental topic and an overview of the studies and surveys undertaken. Section 4: Environmental Assessment Scoping - scope of environmental assessment to be undertaken, further surveys / assessment required and preliminary mitigation. PART B - detailed design and assessment stage: Section 5 - ECOR Assessment Methodology: outline of the NRW assessment process. Section 6 – Assessment, Evaluation and Mitigation of Detailed Design providing a summary of further assessment / survey, requisite mitigation measures and residual effects. Section 7 – Delivery of Multiple Benefits: proposed enhancements to be delivered under the project. Section 8 - Appendices: Environmental Constraints and Opportunities Plan (ECOP), Otter Method Statement and Consultation Record. The Environmental Action Plan (EAP) is available in the Pre-Application Consultation Pack as Document 272967-ARP- XX-XX-RP-EN-0004.
Page 16 of 92 www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
NRW Responsibilities under the Environment Act and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act
Natural Resources Wales (NRW), in undertaking our work, is required to pursue the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources (SMNR) and to demonstrate the application of the principles of SMNR and Sustainable Development (SD). We think that the environmental assessment process is well aligned with these principles as demonstrated in Table 1.1. The environmental assessment process provides a systematic and transparent way of managing the environmental risks, avoiding, reducing or mitigating environmental impacts and identifying opportunities for delivery of multiple benefits.
Table 1.1: The role of environmental assessment in demonstrating the principles of SMNR
SMNR (SD Principle) Role of Environmental Assessment Monitoring and audit of projects and their environmental Manage adaptively effects feedback into future projects. Continual improvement The options appraisal or consideration of alternatives determines the study area. Economic, technical and Appropriate spatial environmental aspects feed into this to ensure that the scale options/alternatives and their effects are considered at the appropriate scale. Collaboration and Internal and external stakeholder engagement starts early and engagement continues throughout project development. (Collaboration) Public participation Public engagement through drop in sessions at key stages in in decision making the project or engagement with community or user groups. (Involvement) Consenting route publicises project proposal. Considers broad environmental baseline and trends with and Relevant evidence without project implementation. Take account of Identify ecosystem services provided by the natural resources benefits and intrinsic in the study area through internal and external stakeholder value of natural engagement. The environmental assessment should seek to resources and maximise wider benefits provided by ecosystems and natural ecosystems resources in the study area. Short, medium and Consider environmental effects throughout the life of the long-term project. Planning, construction, operation & decommissioning. consequences Taking into account the evolution of the baseline e.g. climate (Long term) change. Prevent significant Identify ecosystem services provided by the natural resources damage to in the study area through internal and external stakeholder ecosystems engagement. The environmental assessment should aim to (Prevention) avoid, reduce or mitigate any negative effects. The environmental assessment must consider the effects of a project on the resilience of ecosystems. Then, through options Building resilience of appraisal and input to design, aim to avoid, reduce or mitigate ecosystems negative effects and maximise positive effects (multiple benefits).
www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 17 of 92
By applying these principles throughout the development of our projects we can maximise our contributions to our Well Being Objectives, towards our duty to enhance biodiversity (Section 6 of Environment Act) and the water environment (Water Framework Directive).
Our Well-being Objectives are: 1. Champion the Welsh environment and the sustainable management of Wales’ natural resources 2. Ensure land and water in Wales is managed sustainably and in an integrated way 3. Improve the resilience and quality of our ecosystems 4. Reduce the risk to people and communities from environmental hazards such as flooding and pollution 5. Help people live healthier and more fulfilled lives 6. Promote successful and responsible business, using natural resources without damaging them 7. Develop NRW into an excellent organisation, delivering first-class customer service
Project Objectives
The investment objective for the proposed scheme was developed and agreed at Outline Design. The project objectives are to: 1. Reduce the risk of flooding to the town and community of Ammanford from the River Loughor, River Lash, and River Marlas, considering predicted climate change. 2. Provide enhancements that benefit the natural environment and the well-being of the community, helping to achieve Welsh Government Well-Being Goals, NRW Well- Being Objectives and Carmarthenshire Well-Being Objectives.
The critical success factors for the proposed scheme objectives are as follows: 1. Reduce present day and future flood risk to people and property in Ammanford, to improve the quality of life to the local community. 2. Provide an economically viable option to manage flood risk, with a benefit cost ratio of greater than one. 3. Develop a technically feasible option to manage flood risk, with consideration of site- specific constraints. 4. Minimise impacts on habitat and biodiversity and seek to provide enhancements where possible.
www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 18 of 92
2. Project Description
Project Need
Ammanford is situated around several watercourses with relatively flashy catchments, which together present a significant flood risk (see Figure 1.1). Several significant historical flood events have occurred in Ammanford between 1979 and 2009. Properties in Tir-y-Dail, Station Road, Aberlash Road, the Heart of Wales Railway Line and the Coleg Sir Gâr campus flooded; including: 26th December 1979 - Station Road flooded by River Loughor overtopping at the River Lash and River Marlas confluence. The railway flooded at Tir-y-Dail Station. Dyffryn Road between Saron and Tir-y-Dail flooded. Residential properties flooded but the number is unclear. Peak discharge at Tir-y-Dail weir (107 m3/s) is estimated as a 3.33% AEP event. 22nd October 1998 - flooding at the Coleg Sir Gâr campus at Tir-y-Dail and six properties at Tir-y-Dail. Peak discharge at Tir-y-Dail weir (104 m3/s) is estimated as a 3.33% AEP event. 18th May 2002 - flooding to three properties at Aberlash Road from the River Marlas and a combination of surface water and highway drainage issues. Peak discharge on the River Lash is not available but the River Loughor at Tir-y-Dail weir (76 m3/s) suggests a 20% AEP event on the River Loughor. 17th July 2009 - properties flooded at Heol Haydn, Tir-y-Dail and the A483 road was closed at Pont-y-Clerc and Pen-y-Banc due to flooding from the River Loughor. The peak discharge at Tir-y-Dail weir (65 m3/s) is estimated as a 20-50% AEP event. The modelled flood risk for Ammanford is included in Figure 2.1 and indicates that the majority of the site is within Flood Zone B and Flood Zone C21. The Outline Business Case (OBC) identified that: “Ammanford is listed as one of the top communities at risk of flooding from Main Rivers within the Western Wales Flood Risk Management Plan. It is also highlighted as one of the top five communities with the greatest modelled increase in future flood risk as a result of climate change. NRW’s position regarding Ammanford is that ‘there is still more to be done to manage and reduce the risk of flooding’ and a ‘‘High’ priority measure has been given to assessment and feasibility work to reduce flood risk in Ammanford’.” Flood modelling2 indicates that 211 residential properties in the town are currently at risk of flooding during an extreme flood event (1% chance of occurrence each year). In line with climate change modelling, the number of properties impacted by flooding is anticipated to increase to 406, as well as impacting local businesses, educational institutions and key transport links through the town.
1 Zone A – Defined as an area considered to be at little or no risk of fluvial or tidal/coastal flooding. Zone B – Areas known to have been flooded in the past evidenced by sedimentary deposits. Zone C1 – Area of floodplain developed and served by significant infrastructure, including flood defences, and liable to flood events with probability of occurrence of 0.1% or greater (i.e. 1 in 1000 annual chance flood event or greater). Zone C2 – Area of floodplain without significant flood defence infrastructure, and liable to flood events with probability of occurrence of 0.1% or greater (i.e. 1 in 1000 annual chance flood event or greater). 2 Refer to Ammanford Flood Consequences Assessment within the application pack. www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 19 of 92
There are currently no formal flood defences on the River Loughor or its tributaries. The OBC identified that “if nothing is done to reduce flood risk within the study area, 198 homes and 25 business will remain at risk of flooding from the 1% AEP event at the present day and this will increase to 314 homes and 26 businesses by 2119.” Between 2019 and 2119, if nothing is done to reduce flood risk within the study area the OBC estimated that flood damages will cause losses to the UK economy in today’s prices (present value) of £7.9 million and highlighted the considerable disruption and uncertainty for the local community.
Figure 2.1: Welsh Government TAN315: Development Advice Map for Ammanford. The scheme has been designed to provide flood protection for a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability flood event with an allowance for the effects of climate change to 2119. The scheme will provide protection to 195 residential properties and 33 non-residential properties in the 1% Annual Exceedance Probability flood event, increasing to 349 residential properties and 35 non-residential properties with the effects of climate change. For details regarding flood risk and benefits provided by the scheme, refer to the Flood Consequences Assessment (FCA) [Document 272967-ARP-XX-XX-RP-FM-0001 in the Pre-Application Consultation Pack] supporting the planning application.
3 TAN (Technical Advice Note) 15: https://gov.wales/technical‐advice‐note‐tan‐15‐development‐and‐flood‐risk www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 20 of 92
Proposed Solution
The proposed flood risk management improvements comprise a series of flood walls and bunds along the banks of the River Loughor, from Coleg Sir Gâr at the southernmost extent to Parc Henry Lane at the northernmost extent, together with small-scale sediment removal from a section of the channel under and immediately adjacent to the A483 road bridge. The scheme proposals are detailed in the planning drawings within the Pre- Application Consultation pack, with an overview shown in Figure 1.2 and summarised as follows (south to north): Proposed Flood Risk Management Improvements: Coleg Sir Gâr Flood Wall – located on the western riverbank of the River Loughor south of Dyffryn Bridge, adjacent to Coleg Sir Gâr Ammanford Campus. Construction of an 80m, 1.2m high flood wall with brickwork cladding and concrete copings. The works would include replanting of 11no. trees, 2no. bulb planting areas, and public realm improvements. Tir-y-Dail Weir and Fish Passage Improvements – located within the River Loughor watercourse south of Dyffryn Bridge. Installation of 5no. pre-barrage notches, reinforcements to the existing Tir-y-Dail Weir and installation of rip-rap protection. The barrages comprise of block stones shaped in convex curves incorporating concrete notches. The pre-barrages will be installed with deep streaming flow notches to allow fish passage. Cwmllwchwr Mill Flood Wall & Ground Lowering – Commercial units situated to the immediate south of Dyffryn Bridge upon the eastern riverbank. Construction of a 90m long, 0.6m-1.4m high flood wall adjacent to commercial units, rip-rap covering, ground lowering, cellular paving with grass infill, reinstated path and mitigation planting comprising 59no. trees and wet woodland mix planting. The wall is accompanied by an area of ground lowering (c. 80m x 20m) to the east of the pre-barrage fish pass to improve conveyance during flood events. The lowered area will include a 1:3 slope back up to existing ground level. Erosion protection consisting of rip-rap and concrete cellular units will be installed to the riverbank along the new wall. Heol Haydn Flood Wall – located on land on the western riverbank of the River Loughor adjacent to Gwyn Fryn Estate properties. Construction of a 200m long, 1.0m high reinforced concrete flood wall with brick cladding on the dry side and concrete copings and reinstated pathway. The proposals would include mitigation planting of 39no. trees and 9no. areas of spring flower planting and public realm improvements. Shands Road Flood Wall – located on land situated between light industrial units at Shands Road on the eastern bank of the River Loughor. Construction of 4no. flood walls (87m, 12.1m, 16m and 30m in length, 1.5m high) to tie into existing industrial units to create a continuous flood wall. Waterproofing will be applied to the external river side walls of the industrial units where they form part of the defence line. Mitigation planting, comprising 27no. trees, wet woodland mix and two interpretation boards. Tir-Y-Dail Flood Bund – a 137m long, 20m wide and 2.0m high flood bund and will be gently sloped (1V:3.5H to 1V:5H) to enable the bund to fit with the local character. Located within agricultural land situated between Shands Road and Heart of Wales Railway Line. Proposed flood bund with a typical 2m crest width and associated www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 21 of 92
landscaping. Each bund terminus would be installed with cellular with grass infill. Minor ground raising (c.100mm) will be provided along the northerly tie-in to Shands Road to cut off a potential flood path. Railway Bridge Flood Wall – located immediately east of railway bridge on the southern bank of the River Loughor within Bonllwyn Farm. Construction of a 45m long, 1.2m high reinforced concrete flood wall. Bonllwyn Farm Flood Wall – located in Bonllwyn Farm on the southern bank of the River Loughor. Construction of an 80m, 0.8m high mass concrete flood wall tying into the railway bridge parapet. Bonllwyn Farm Landscape Planting – located on the southern bank of the River Loughor between the proposed Bonllwyn Farm and Railway Bridge flood walls. Mitigation planting of 13no. trees and wet woodland mix to mitigate riparian vegetation loss upon the River Loughor. A483 Flow Deflector and Access Ramp (Llandybie Bridge) – located on the southern riverbank of the River Loughor, immediately adjacent (east) of the A483 road bridge, with a 67m long access track connecting to the dead end of Heol Llwyd. Installation of a timber flow deflector to avoid further build-up of gravel and scour protection within the watercourse, small-scale sediment removal from under the bridge and a vehicle access ramp constructed of reinforced concrete and cellular paving with grass infill. The side slopes to the vehicular ramp would be lined with blockstones. Works would include a gated access, vehicle bollards and reinstated pedestrian path. Bonllwyn Flood Wall – 105m long, 1.0m high flood wall, located on the southern bank of the River Loughor to the rear of properties fronting Ffordd-Yr-Afon. Construction of reinforced concrete flood wall with dry side brick cladding and concrete copings. The proposed development would include an interpretation board, 12no. replacement trees upon the riverbank and 2no. large bulb planting areas with the adjacent existing footpath reinstated along its existing alignment. Bonllwyn Green Landscape Planting – located south of the River Loughor, adjacent to Llandybie Road to the west. Tree mitigation planting and public realm enhancements including 57no. trees, 4no. timber benches, an interpretation board and wildflower meadow planting. Parc Henry Lane Flood Bund – 127m bund between 0.3m and 0.7m in height, located at the northern bank of the River Loughor wrapped around the existing and proposed properties at Parc Henry Lane. Proposed grass flood bund to tie into existing riverbank north of the River Loughor. The works would include areas of minor ground raising, a bund with a typical 2m crest width, 1V:3H slopes and cellular paving with grass infill at the terminus. Further details are embedded within the planning drawings for each component; including proposed mitigation planting and amenity improvements; please refer to the Planning Drawings in the Pre-Application Consultation Pack.
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Optioneering and Outline Design
An options appraisal for the scheme took place between October 2018 and February 2019. A long-list of options was appraised, building upon the flood modelling and initial options appraisal study. A workshop was held in October 2018 to identify a short-list of options for further appraisal. The Do-Nothing Option baseline scenario represents the present-day conditions and assumes that no intervention measures will take place, with no capital or future investment costs. This option was discounted as it does not reduce flood risk to Ammanford and so does not meet the project objective / critical success factors. A Property Flood Resilience (PFR) option was considered that comprises targeted PFR measures at 13 properties along Aberlash Road adjacent to the River Marlas, which are at potential risk of flooding during the 1 in 30-year event. Potential PFR measures include fitting impermeable barriers on doors and installing non-return valves on drains. This measure was identified to deliver benefits and will be delivered as part of this project but outwith this planning application. The Natural Flood Management (NFM) option represented an ‘optimistic’ NFM deployment scenario that included a range of typical NFM measures in all three catchments (River Loughor, River Marlas, and River Lash) to achieve a 15% reduction in peak flows across all flood events. However, this option was discarded since it did not provide sufficient reduction in flood risk. Two containment options were considered comprising a range of bunds and flood walls with small-scale dredging under and adjacent to the A483 Llandybie Bridge, which ultimately comprised the Outline Business Case (OBC) design. An overview of the outline design and optioneering process is available in the Ammanford FAS OBC4. A public drop-in event was held at the Amman Civic Hall on Friday 8th March 2019 to discuss the outline design investigations and the preferred option.
Detailed Design Development
The Ammanford Flood Risk Managment Scheme OBC was approved by Welsh Government in November 2019. The preferred solution outlined in the OBC has been developed during the Detailed Design phase and updated following the outcomes of further surveys and assessments. The key changes from the OBC design include: [1] Coleg Sir Gâr Wall, Shands Road, Wall, Railway Bridge Wall, Bonllwyn Farm Wall, Bonllwyn Wall: transition from earthen bunds or ‘Legato’ wall to mass concrete / reinforced concrete walls due to local constraints (e.g. residential access), to adhere to structural requirements and reduce impacts on trees, [2] realignment of the Coleg Sir Gâr flood defence to further reduce impacts on trees, [3] realignment of the Parc Henry Lane bund to accommodate the new housing development, [4] addition of the Cwmllwchwr Mill flood wall, flood storage and Tir-y-Dail Weir fish passage improvements. Heol Haydn Flood Wall - Early in the detailed design stage, a Tree Impact Study was undertaken aiming to reduce the need to remove trees. The study focussed on the Heol Haydn Flood Wall and with particular reference to the Austrian pines (Pinus nigra) that
4 NRW 2019. Ammanford Outline Business Case. www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 23 of 92
were planted historically as part of Dyffryn House Estate, which no longer exists. A number of design options and alignments were considered, but no alternative was identified that could provide the requisite reduction in flood risk, maintain structural integrity of the defence during a flood event and avoid undue encroachment onto adjacent residences. A key consideration was to avoid impacts on the stability and integrity of the Root Protection Areas (RPAs) of the 25m high trees, which if affected could incur health and safety risks during storm events. Anecdotal responses from local residents suggested the risk of toppling of the Austrian pines during storms was a key concern. Following consultation with Carmarthenshire County Council, it was acknowledged that there was no alternative design that would avoid tree removals and provide flood protection to the residents of the Gwyn Fryn Estate. NRW committed to providing replacement tree planting and amenity enhancements, which are described in detail in Part B, Section 6: Biodiversity and Landscape and Visual Appraisal. Coleg Sir Gâr Flood Wall - The Coleg Sir Gâr flood wall was realigned to prevent the removal of an impressive oak tree (Quercus robur). The flood wall was realigned, and construction requirements amended, with the wall foundations to be constructed in the car park to avoid the RPA of the Category A tree. Tir-y-Dail Bund - The Tir-y-Dail Bund design integrated comments from the Council Landscape Officer to design Tir-y-Dail bund to be non-uniform and soft to blend in and better fit within the existing landscape character. Tir-y-Dail Weir Fish Passage Improvements - The NRW Salmon 4 Tomorrow project was integrated into the flood risk management scheme during detailed design due to interrelationships between the two projects, whereby works reduce flood risk to Cwmllwchwr Mill units and car park. A series of five blockstone pre-barrages, spaced 6m apart longitudinally, will provide fish easement by stepping the upstream water levels down in increments of 0.2m (or less depending on flows) towards the downstream water levels. The pre-barrages will be installed with deep streaming flow notches to allow fish passage; notches are designed to be 0.5m deep and 0.5m wide with an adherent nappe profile. These notches are designed to be full at Q95 (0.333 m3s-1) and promote streaming flows through 60% submergence by the downstream water level. No water is to be extracted. In addition, nominal 3m wide rip-rap and / or blockstone will be placed along the downstream end of the existing weir to reinforce and secure undercut areas. Water will be temporarily impounded behind each barrage in pools but will flow out through the notches. There will be no change to the impounded area; all flows will be contained within the river channel. The modifications are designed to improve fish passage over the existing obstruction for the following species: Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), sea trout (Salmo trutta trutta), brown trout (Salmo trutta fario), European eel (Anguilla anguilla), river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis), brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), bullhead (Cottus gobio), minnows (Phoxinus phoxinus) and stone loach (Barbatula barbatula). Cwmllwchwr Mill Wall & Ground Lowering – additional modelling highlighted the opportunity to reduce flood risk to Cwmllwchwr Mill. To reduce flood risk to the industrial units and improve flood storage and conveyance during flood events, an upgraded flood wall to the west of the Mill and an area of land lowering to the south is proposed. A 1.5m high, 75m length of concrete wall is proposed between the existing commercial units to the south of Station Road and the eastern bank of the River Loughor. The wall is accompanied by an area of ground lowering (c. 80m x 20m) to the east of the pre-barrage fish pass to improve conveyance during flood events. The lowered area will include a 1:3 slope back www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 24 of 92
up to existing ground level. Erosion protection consisting of rip rap and concrete cellular units will be installed to the riverbank along the new wall. Riparian tree planting is proposed along the periphery of the lowered area, wetland habitat creation in the southern extent of the land lowering and slopes seeded with shade tolerant lawn grass or similar.
Temporary Works
All temporary works descriptions are assumptions based on early contractor engagement. Cwmllwchwr Mill - Muck away from ground lowering c. 600m3 (74 loads) moved to Tir-y- Dail Bund, assume blockstones are 1m3 each (2.5t) – 60no. 150t (8 loads). Shands Road Wall – The main construction compound would likely be located to the south and east of the industrial units at the southern end of Shands Road, adjacent to the Shands Road Wall. Temporary accesses would be required to construct the flood wall sections between buildings. Plant: 8t excavator, 6t dumper, roller. Coleg Sir Gâr - Access to the work area will be through the carpark and works will be programmed to avoid term time where possible. Plant: 8t excavator, 6t dumper, roller, small telehandler. Batters will be steepened to protect existing tree roots for retained trees. Tir-y-Dail Weir - locations for temporary access, material storage and a portable welfare unit will be agreed with the landowner prior to construction. Heol Haydn Wall - a small temporary storage area for material storage and a portable welfare unit would likely be required within the Gwyn Fryn Estate. Temporary access would be required via the Gwyn Fryn Estate. Plant: 8-14t excavator, 6t dumper, roller, small telehandler; track mats would be used to protect amenity areas and utilities. Bonllwyn Farm Wall – locations for temporary access, material storage and a portable welfare unit will be agreed with the landowner prior to construction. Plant: 8-14t excavator, 6t dumper, roller. Bonllwyn Farm (Railway Wall) – Access will be agreed with the landowner prior to construction. Plant: 8-14t excavator, 6t dumper, roller. Bonllwyn Wall - Temporary storage and a towable welfare unit would be located at the end of Heol Llwyd adjacent to the Bonllwyn Wall. Plant: 8t excavator, 3-6t dumper, roller, small telehandler; track mats would be used to protect amenity areas and utilities. Tir-y-Dail Bund – An access and turning area will be formed within the permanent works area, including an area for a portable welfare unit. Plant: D6, 20t excavator, 9t dumper, roller. Parc Henry Lane Bund – locations for temporary access, material storage and a portable welfare unit will be agreed with the landowner prior to construction.
3. Environmental Baseline
This section provides a description of the baseline environmental conditions for environmental receptors relevant to the project. An Environmental Constraints and Environmental Opportunities Plan (ECOP) has been prepared to portray key data within the study area; refer to Appendix A.
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Table 3.1 – Baseline: Challenges and Opportunities
Topic – Receptor / Summary of Baseline Challenges / Objectives / Priorities Resource Population and Human Ammanford is a small town with a population of approximately 5,400 people Relevant NRW Well-being Objectives are: Health (2011 census). The town is within the most deprived 30% in Wales (Welsh Reduce the risk to people and communities from environmental hazards such Index of Multiple Deprivation), whilst the rural areas around Ammanford are as flooding and pollution. typically more affluent. The biggest deprivation challenges the local community encounters are access to services, physical environment (which Help people live healthier and more fulfilled lives. includes flood risk), and access to employment. The town is a Target The proposed project will make a direct contribution to the first of these objectives, Regeneration Area, whilst the southern part of Ammanford is classified as a which is an inherent aim of the project. It can also contribute to the achievement of Communities First Cluster Area. the second objective, delivering or contributing to the delivery of wider community Critical infrastructure in Ammanford include the A483, which connects the benefits. town to the M4 motorway to the south and the Heart of Wales railway line, The Carmarthenshire Well-Being Plan 2018-2023 identifies four objectives to which passes through the town in a north-south alignment; Ammanford improve the economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being of the area: Railway Station is located within the study area a short distance to the east of the River Loughor. Health habits – People have a good quality of life and make healthy choices about their lives and the environment. Several Public Rights of Way (PRoW) are located within the study area (see ECOP). National Cycle Route (NCR) 437 runs through the study area, Early intervention – To make sure that people have the right help at the right following the River Amman from Glanaman to Pantyffynon Railway Station. time, as and when they need it. Informal access to areas of woodland and grassed areas around the town Strong connections – Strongly connected people, places and organisations that are possible from numerous locations, including Coleg Sir Gâr college are able to adapt to change. campus. Green Infrastructure assets in the town include Ammanford Park in the town centre and Betws Park in the south east. Several Tree Preservation Prosperous people and places – To maximise opportunities for people and Order (TPO) trees are present in the study area. places in both urban and rural parts of our county. There are groups of TPO trees in central Pontamman, along Myddfynfych in In addition, the following actions of relevance to the current study are included in Tir-y-Dail, at the junction of Aberlash Road and Waunfarlais Road, and close the Plan: to Bettws Rugby Club. Directing people with health issues to non-clinical community support groups to The confluences of the River Loughor, River Lash, and River Marlas are offer support, rather than prescribing medication (medium term action). immediately northwest of the town. The River Amman confluence with the Citizens are more actively engaged in their health and well-being and have River Loughor is located immediately to the south of the town. Recreational more environmentally sustainable attitudes and behaviours (long term). groups using the rivers include Ammanford & District Angling Association, Loughor Boating Club, and the Amman Valley Paddlers. The identification of new and existing natural spaces that can be used to enhance the connection with nature, improving human health (medium term). Making better use of assets and networks and the public services supporting them (long term). In addition, the Carmarthenshire Public Service Board (PSB) in its Environmental information for well-being assessments identifies that river access is often restricted and there may be opportunities in the county for riverside paths, for recreational purposes. The proposed project has the potential to support each of these actions and should explore opportunities to promote community benefits such as increasing awareness and education on flood risk and environmental protection, increasing access to high-quality open space, including riverside access, supporting community groups, and working with partners to create new community facilities. The Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan (LDP) sets out a number of strategic objectives in order to achieve the Carmarthenshire LDP ‘Vision’. Strategic Page 26 of 92 www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Topic – Receptor / Summary of Baseline Challenges / Objectives / Priorities Resource Objective 13 seeks: To assist with the development and management of safe and vibrant places and spaces across the county. The proposed project must comply with the policy requirements of the LDP and should seek to support delivery of Strategic Objective 13 and other policy objectives where feasible in order to demonstrate sustainable development. Climate change is anticipated to increase the frequency, variability, and severity of flooding. Maintaining the current standard of flood protection is likely to result in greater flood risk and increased flooding, which could adversely affect local socio- economics, community health (physical and mental) and biodiversity / heritage; conversely, improved flood risk protection has the potential to contribute to the well-being of the local community, increasing community resilience and reducing associated stress and anxiety.
Relevant NRW Well-being Objectives are: A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report (PEA) and species-specific survey Champion the Welsh environment and the sustainable management of Wales’ reports are available in the Pre-Application Consultation pack; the details of natural resources. the reports are summarised within this ECOR. Ensure land and water in Wales is managed sustainably and in an integrated There are no statutory or non-statutory designated nature conservation sites way. within 2km of the study area. An Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey of the study area has identified the Improve the resilience and quality of our ecosystems. following key features: The proposed project has the potential to contribute to each of these objectives and should seek to effectively protect existing important environmental and A mix of wet, riparian, broadleaved woodland (dominated by ash, beech ecological features – protect the dense riparian woodland and river channel and sycamore) within the river corridor, which link to larger areas of habitats and maintain habitat connectivity – and improve habitat quality and broadleaved woodland outside the town, many of which are classified as resilience where feasible so as to deliver a positive environmental impact. Ancient Woodland. The Carmarthenshire PSB Environmental information for well-being assessments Improved, semi-improved, and amenity grassland areas immediately states that woodlands and forests form an important part of the Carmarthenshire adjacent to the watercourses, with some small areas of marshy grassland landscape, providing habitat for wildlife and preventing river sedimentation and in the more rural north. erosion. It also states that the ability of Carmarthenshire’s woodland to provide Biodiversity and Nature Areas of urban development including footpaths, hardstanding, and both these benefits is not being realised due to their small size and fragmented nature. Conservation commercial and residential buildings. The proposed scheme provides an opportunity to increase woodland cover in and The study area has potential to support populations of bats, otter, dormice, around Ammanford and deliver increased woodland habitat connectivity. badger, reptiles and amphibians, although no direct evidence of these The Carmarthenshire Well-Being Plan 2018-2023 identifies the following actions of species was recorded during the Extended Phase I Habitat Survey. relevance to the current study: Biodiversity records and survey data include a wide range of protected and Directing people with health issues to non-clinical community support groups to notable species, including Atlantic salmon, European eel, otter, bat species offer support, rather than prescribing medication (medium term). (Myotis, common pipistrelle, noctule, Daubenton’s and brown long-eared The identification of new and existing natural spaces that can be used to bats), dormouse and numerous notable bird species (kingfisher, house enhance the connection with nature, improving human health (medium term). sparrow, red kite, dunnock, and reed bunting amongst others). The records also identify other INNS including cherry laurel and rhododendron, as well as The proposed project can contribute to both of these actions by providing effective many exotic species. protection for existing important habitats and delivering habitat improvements where feasible, and by enabling or supporting initiatives that increase public Fish species data for the study area shows the presence of a variety of fish access to natural spaces. species including: Atlantic salmon, sea trout, brown trout, European eel, river lamprey, brook lamprey, bullhead, minnows and stone loach. There are The Carmarthenshire LDP Strategic Objective 4 aims to ensure that the natural, several known physical barriers to fish migration on the River Loughor in the built and historic environment is safeguarded and enhanced, and that habitats and study area; the principal barrier being the Tir-y-Dail Weir (covering a live species are protected. In addition, Carmarthenshire has a range of priority habitat and species and has published a series of associated Biodiversity Action Plans www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 27 of 92
Topic – Receptor / Summary of Baseline Challenges / Objectives / Priorities Resource DCWW pipe) located immediately downstream of Dyffryn Bridge, Station (BAPs) that include measures to support the protection and enhancement of Road, as well as several smaller blockstone weirs upstream. biodiversity. Relevant BAPs include: The river corridors support a narrow but dense band of mature and semi- Fish. mature trees through the town, providing habitat connectivity with other Mammals. woodland areas beyond Ammanford. These riparian trees have the potential to support roosting bats and the river corridor is likely to be used by bats for Birds. foraging and commuting. Species-specific surveys were undertaken during Dormouse. detailed design including: Invertebrates. Badger Survey (Arup 2020). Plants. Bat Roost Potential Survey (Arup 2020). The proposed project must ensure effective protection of important habitats and Bat Roost Inspection Survey Report (Just Mammals 2020). associated species and should seek to deliver wider ecological benefits where Dormouse Survey (Arup 2020). feasible. Otter Survey (Arup 2020). INNS including Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam are prevalent within and adjacent to the river corridors throughout the study area. The project provides Invasive Species Survey (Arup 2020). an opportunity to reduce the impact these species are having on native wildlife, Full reports are available with the planning application documents. which would also provide benefits to local landscape character. Badgers - In April 2020, Arup ecologists accessed all areas of suitable habitat on site and surveyed for badgers. No badger setts or other field signs of badger were identified during the survey. Dormice - Due to the presence of suitable dormouse habitat, dormouse tubes were deployed across the site in April 2020, with surveys conducted until September 2020. No signs of dormouse presence were recorded. Two additional months of survey effort were undertaken in October and November 2020 at the request of CCC and NRW Species Team. No signs of dormouse presence were recorded during the additional surveys. Otter - An otter survey was undertaken by Arup ecologists in June 2020. Eighteen field signs of otter were identified during the survey, comprising: old, recent and fresh spraints, potential feeding remains, a potential holt and a potential resting place. A culvert was also identified that was large enough to be used by commuting otters. The feeding remains consisted of two snail shells that had been opened, however, this was subsequently attributed to a song thrush (Turdus philomelos). The potential holt comprised two tunnels into the riverbank just above the water but was located c.100m from the proposed development. An old spraint was present on a rock in the river outside of one of the holes. The potential resting place was located c.95m from the nearest works, comprising a gap between a boulder and tree roots that had a fresh spraint on it. The site is considered to be actively used by commuting and foraging otters and whilst potential resting and breeding places were identified, such sensitive areas are located sufficiently far from the proposed works to avoid any impact. Incidental observations identified spraints at a known layup adjacent to the proposed Shands Road flood wall. A camera trap subsequently recorded footage of a mother and kit scent marking on numerous occasions in October and November 2020. Footage also recorded the presence of mink. Bats - The bat roost potential survey identified a number of moderate and high potential bat roosts. Two such roosts were located within 30m of the www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 28 of 92
Topic – Receptor / Summary of Baseline Challenges / Objectives / Priorities Resource proposed works and at potential risk of disturbance. One moderate potential Austrian pine at Heol Haydn provided negative results following emergence surveys. Three emergence surveys at the high potential roost in the Bonllwyn Estate also produced negative results. INNS - Invasive Non-Native Species including Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria [Fallopia] japonica) and Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) were recorded throughout the study area along the banks of the River Loughor. Other INNS including cotoneaster, Montbretia, Rhododendron and variegated yellow archangel were also recorded; refer to Document 272967-ARP-XX-XX-RP-EN-0007 in the Pre-Application Consultation pack. Arboriculture – An arboricultural constraints survey was undertaken to inform the baseline. The river corridor maintains good tree cover with regularly centred large mature native broadleaf specimens with dense groups of early-mature native trees along the riverbanks; including, ash, sycamore, wych elm, alder, willow, hazel and hawthorn. An arboricultural constraints survey identified a number of Category A and Category B trees in close proximity to the River Loughor. This includes a row of large late mature Austrian pine trees (Pinus nigra) that were planted historically as part of Dyffryn House Estate, which no longer exists, immediately adjacent to the river next to Heol Haydn in the Gwyn Fryn estate area and an impressive Category A oak tree adjacent to the river in Coleg Sir Gâr. Other mature non- native coniferous trees are found scattered throughout the river corridor; including, Lawson cypress, western red cedar, Douglas fir and hemlock. All ecological surveys were undertaken in accordance with relevant best practice guidance; refer to individual reports within the planning application for details.
Relevant NRW Well-being Objectives are: There are a variety of land uses in the study area, including residential, Champion the Welsh environment and the sustainable management of Wales’ industrial, recreation/amenity, and education. Land use surrounding natural resources. Ammanford comprises mainly agricultural (livestock grazing and pasture) and small-scale urban, with several large stands of native broadleaved woodland Ensure land and water in Wales is managed sustainably and in an integrated adjoining the town. way. The areas directly affected by the short-listed options comprise mainly Improve the resilience and quality of our ecosystems. amenity and improved grassland, riparian woodland and private gardens. Promote successful and responsible business, using natural resources without Industrial land uses include light commercial, small-scale manufacturing, and damaging them. commercial storage on the east bank of the River Loughor near Station Land The proposed project provides opportunities to contribute to these objectives Road, together with a commercial metal recycling site on Shands Road. through the protection and improvement of sensitive habitats and through Historic mapping identifies that the town area comprised predominantly improvements to existing land management activities, such as improved agricultural land until the early part of the 20th Century, after which agricultural practices and management / maintenance of urban areas. urbanisation expanded steadily, including a tin works located on the site of The Carmarthenshire Well-Being Plan 2018-2023 identifies the following actions of the current metal recycling facility on Shands Road. relevance to the current study: A relatively large historic landfill site is located a short distance to the west of The identification of new and existing natural spaces that can be used to the town. enhance the connection with nature, improving human health (medium term). The majority of land within the study area is urban or non-agricultural, and therefore does not have an Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). However, Making better use of assets and networks and the public services supporting them (long term). www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 29 of 92
Topic – Receptor / Summary of Baseline Challenges / Objectives / Priorities Resource the Tir-y-Dail and Parc Henry Lane bunds are located within fields recorded The proposed project provides opportunities to contribute to both of these as Grade 3b (moderate quality). objectives, by delivering or supporting initiatives to deliver new or improved green spaces and facilitating sustainable public access to these spaces; in addition, working in partnership with PSB partners and third parties, the project could provide opportunities to improve management of local land / assets and networks to further benefit biodiversity and local community well-being. Flood risk currently affects numerous residential and commercial properties in the town. Improved flood risk management therefore has the potential to benefit a large number of residents and businesses. Proposed flood defence options within the town also have the potential to directly affect properties; this includes permanent alterations to land use and landscape character on private properties.
A desk based geo-environmental assessment of the study area concluded that there is limited potential for encountering contamination. However, it did Much of the site comprises alluvium, river terrace deposits and glacial till. identify the presence of a former gasworks on Shands Road, approximately Groundwater is predominantly present between 2m and 3m below ground level 30m from the alignment of the proposed flood defences. NRW has confirmed generally in continuity with the River Loughor. Made Ground of variable thickness that this site was previously contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons, was encountered in all regions of the intrusive investigation apart from in the locale of the proposed Tir-Y-Dail Bund; however, the composition (plastic and brick Soil cyanide and coal tar, but was successfully remediated by the landowner in 2013. fragments) suggests that Made Ground encountered is unlikely to be significantly contaminated. Furthermore, within the factual report it is stated that no visual or The soils within and around Ammanford mostly consist of freely draining, olfactory evidence of contamination was noted during the GI. loamy, floodplain soils with a low carbon content. On the outskirts of the town centre, soils are slowly permeable, seasonally wet acid loamy and clayey with a medium carbon content.
A Geomorphological Walkover survey, following a bespoke methodology Flood defence works have the potential to conflict with WFD objectives. based upon Fluvial Audit5, identified that the study area is typically composed Conversely, there are opportunities to deliver improvements that contribute to of superficial deposits consisting of alluvium – clay, silt, sand, and gravel. maintaining or enhancing the WFD status of the waterbodies concerned. The Ammanford is surrounded by both secondary and tertiary shallow coal driving ecological quality element for several of the waterbodies is fish. This could resources. Due to this, the river channels are generally stable in their present be improved by improving fish passage through the study area, particularly in state. Bank erosion is limited to isolated locations and is the result of relation to the concrete weir downstream of the Dyffryn Bridge, enabling better localised geomorphological processes (often in response to historic access to upstream habitats. Wider consideration of fish passage improvement management), rather than a reflection of system functioning. could also be undertaken to include Cathan Brook and Pantyffynnon Weir (at the confluence of the Rivers Loughor and Amman near Pantyffynnon), which have The four watercourses studied as part of this walkover were similar and been identified by the NRW Fisheries Team as particular barriers to fish passage in consisted mainly of plane-riffle channel types. The channels exhibit evidence Fluvial Geomorphology the area. of degradation and modification in places, which is directly affecting flow and Water characteristics. In addition, flood defence options have the potential to contribute to enhanced The watercourses are managed on a local scale. Small boulder weirs and aquatic / riparian habitats, which support the biological quality elements, and to the remnants of former structures are present in several locations, particularly on hydromorphic status of the waterbodies through improvements to channel the River Loughor, which are having a localised effect on river flow. morphology and bed / flow diversity, and through works to further reconnect the river channel to its floodplain. Where feasible, defence alignments should be Bed incision has impacted connectivity between the channels and their setback as much as possible to maintain natural floodplain functioning. floodplains. This is likely a response to historic channel modification, namely
channel straightening and flow barriers. The Lash – headwaters to Loughor is classified as a HMWB. No Mitigation The following Water Framework Directive (WFD) waterbodies are located Measures Assessment (MMA) has been prepared for the waterbody to date; within the study area: however, the project has the potential to contribute to several of the national /
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Topic – Receptor / Summary of Baseline Challenges / Objectives / Priorities Resource Loughor – headwaters to confluence with Marlas: Overall Status is standard mitigation measures for HMWB. In particular, there are opportunities to Moderate; Ecological Status is Good; Chemical Status is Fail; Driving improve riparian habitats and waterbody connectivity with its natural floodplain. Ecological Quality Element (DrivEcoQE): Macrophytes and Phytobenthos Combined; the watercourse contains high levels of the following chemicals: Copper, 1,2- dichloroethane, dichloromethane, trichloromethane, carbon tetrachloride, and DDT. Marlas – headwaters to confluence with Loughor: Overall Status is Good. The Lash – headwaters to Loughor: Overall Status is Moderate; Ecological Status is Moderate; Chemical Status is Good; DrivEcoQE: Mitigation Measures Assessment. This watercourse is designated as a Heavily Modified Waterbody (HMWB). Fferws Brook: Overall Status is Moderate; Ecological Status is Moderate; Chemical Status is Good; DrivEcoQE: Fish. Amman – conf with Garnant to conf with Loughor: Overall Status is Moderate; Ecological Status is Moderate; Chemical Status is Good. DrivEcoQE: Fish. Loughor – confluence with Aman to tidal limit: Overall Status is Poor; Ecological Status is Poor; Chemical Status is Good; DrivEcoQE: Fish. The study area also lies within the Carmarthen Carboniferous Coal Measures groundwater waterbody. This waterbody has an Overall status of Poor, with a Quantitative status of Good and a Chemical Status of Poor. Groundwater quality is being reduced by discharge from mines in the area. An investigation separate to this project is pending. There are several consented discharges into the local watercourses within the study area. There is considered to be limited scope for air quality effects from the proposals, such that there is limited challenge. Air quality will be considered during design, largely relating to construction traffic and dust suppression. There are no Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in Ammanford. The proposed works are not anticipated to generate any significant construction Air Ammanford has airborne levels of all pollutants listed under the National Air Quality Objectives (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, Ozone, SO2, PAHs, Benzene, 1,3- effects relating to air quality and no operational concerns would be attributed to the butadiene, CO and Pb) consistently below the National Objectives. proposed improvement works. Any air quality effects generated from the works would be limited temporally and spatially. Further consideration to the mitigation required will be applied at detailed design and standard best practice mitigation applied if relevant; dust suppression, etc. The UK Climate Projections (UKCP) provide a prediction of future climate change for a range of scenarios. UKCP09 is the fifth generation of scenarios. This project provides an opportunity to reduce flood risk in Ammanford and The sixth generation, UKCP18, has recently been released. therefore contribute to increased community resilience to the effects of climate change. According to the UKCP09 projections, Wales will experience more intense Climate rainfall, more flooding in susceptible areas, as well as summers that are The Carmarthenshire Well-Being Plan 2018-2023 identifies the following actions of hotter and drier. Projections of changes by the 2050’s against a baseline of relevance to the current study: averages from the 1961 to 1990 period (for medium emission scenario from Citizens are more actively engaged in their health and well-being and have those developed by the IPCC) for the Carmarthenshire area comprise the more environmentally sustainable attitudes and behaviours (long term). following: www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 31 of 92
Topic – Receptor / Summary of Baseline Challenges / Objectives / Priorities Resource Summer average rainfall change of +14%. To achieve this objective, the Plan proposes to develop a programme of work with actions to respond to climate change, environmental change and to enhance Winter average rainfall change of -16%. connection with nature. The proposed project therefore provides an opportunity to A key project objective is to reduce the risk of flooding to the town and deliver an important contribution to the Plan and its associated actions by providing community of Ammanford from the River Loughor, River Lash, and River increased community resilience to the impacts of climate change and also Marlas, considering predicted climate change. Building in resilience for climate increasing awareness and knowledge of climate change impacts and individual change effects will ensure management of flood risk in affected areas in the behaviours that contribute to these impacts. short and long term. The scheme aims to provide reduction in flood risk up to The Carmarthenshire LDP Strategic Objective 5 aims “To make a significant a 1.0% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) event, including accounting for contribution towards tackling the cause and adapting to the effect of climate climate change (CC), for the defence’s lifetime of 100 years (2120). Design change by promoting the efficient use and safeguarding of resources.” The development accounts for climate change in line with current best practice and proposed project therefore needs to effectively consider its own contribution to available data. climate change in terms of the emissions it creates during both construction and Construction of flood defence infrastructure would incur carbon emissions. operation of the scheme. These emissions would be associated with embodied carbon within the Opportunities should be sought to minimise associated carbon emissions materials used and emissions from their transportation, as well as emissions throughout design development including use of low carbon design techniques and from construction plant and construction processes. appropriate construction methodologies where practicable. There are opportunities for a net increase in the number of trees within the study area, which would help regulate climate through storing carbon and contribute to reducing flood and low river flow risk. Natural Flood Management (NFM) interventions in particular may involve the planting of woodland have the opportunity to mitigate climate change by creating a carbon sink. This scheme can be considered as an adaptation to climate change for the town of Ammanford, but construction of flood defences could themselves contribute to climate change, through the release of emissions via construction, material transport and embodied carbon.
The A483 runs through Ammanford (Llandybie Road) and serves as the main road access into and out of the town, joining the A48/M4 in the south and the A40 in the north. Other main roads include the A474 which connects Ammanford to Pontardawe in the south-east. A majority of the buildings in Ammanford are for residential use particularly in the centre and to the north-west and south-west of Ammanford. Along the west bank of the River Amman, the buildings are mostly commercial, as are the buildings in between the railway line and the River Loughor in the west. A short-term measure set out in the Carmarthenshire Well-being Plan 2018-2023 states that the PSB will work with communities to innovate and look for ways to Material Assets Coleg Sir Gâr has a large campus on the west bank of the River Loughor. improve Carmarthenshire’s transport infrastructure. Therefore, new flood defence The Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan (LDP) 2006-20216, adopted in assets should be designed and constructed in a manner that does not adversely 2014, sets out the vision, objectives, strategy and policies for managing affect existing material assets, particularly road and bridge infrastructure. growth and development in the county, whilst protecting and enhancing the environment. The adopted Proposals Map includes several land allocations in or close to the study area; most notably residential allocation GA3/h2 off Parc Henry Lane [recently developed] and also an Existing Employment Area (EMP1) off Shands Road. The LDP also identifies the presence of significant sand and gravel workings in the study area, as well as several areas designated as Recreation/Open Space (REC1).
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Topic – Receptor / Summary of Baseline Challenges / Objectives / Priorities Resource The Carmarthenshire LDP Deposit Plan 2018-20337 completed consultation in March 2020. The Deposit Plan will form a material consideration in the grant of any planning permission. There is a range of health services in Ammanford, including dentist surgeries, pharmacies, opticians, two doctor’s surgeries and a hospital. Ammanford is served by four primary schools, one secondary school and a college. Other public services consist of a library, council office, registry office and police station. Ammanford has one train station, with a single-track railway line that runs through the town from north to south. Services run from Swansea in the south to Shrewsbury/Crewe in the north, and there are 4-5 services a day each way. There is only one platform at this station. A bus station also serves Ammanford with connections to Swansea. There are many water and gas pipes that run through Ammanford. Worthy of note are a sewer main that runs through Tir-y-Dail Weir south of Station Road, and a gas main that runs through the field adjacent to the metal recycling site. An NRW operated flow gauging station is located on the eastern bank of the River Loughor immediately downstream of Dyffryn Bridge at the Tir-y-Dail Weir. Ammanford is classed as a coal mining reporting area. Parts of Ammanford are classed as Development High Risk Areas, which have a degree of risk of instability due to previous coal mining. Areas to the west and south-east of Ammanford appear in the Abandoned Mines Catalogue. There are three mine entry points within close proximity of Ammanford; all exist north of the town, one on the railway line and two to the west of the River Loughor.
A Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment (DBA) for the area surrounding the scheme has been prepared by Dyfed Archaeological Trust. This has provided baseline information regarding heritage assets in the area. The Tir-y-Dail Motte & Bailey Castle Scheduled Monument is believed to date to the 12th Century and is the only Scheduled Monument within 1km. It is The Carmarthenshire Well-Being Plan 2018-2023 includes a long-term action to located approximately 100m from the closest works (land lowering east of make better use of assets and networks and the public services supporting them. In addition, the Carmarthenshire LDP Strategic Objective 4 aims “To ensure that Cultural Heritage (including Tir-y-Dail Weir) and separated by the Heart of Wales railway line and the natural, built and historic environment is safeguarded and enhanced, and that architectural and screened from view by dense vegetation and topography. habitats and species are protected.” Strategic Objective 7 aims “To assist in archaeological aspects) There are three Grade II Listed Buildings within 500m of the proposed flood protecting and enhancing the Welsh Language and the County’s unique cultural
defences, a modern bandstand, a set of War Memorial Gates and ‘Myddin identity, assets and social fabric.” The proposed project has the potential to support Fych’, a 16th to 18th century gentry house. There are a further nine Grade II these objectives through increasing knowledge and awareness of the local history Listed Buildings within 1km. of Ammanford, particularly the little-known Motte and Bailey Scheduled Monument. The Historic Environment Record shows 33 historic assets within a 500m buffer zone around the flood risk defences, eight of which are also recorded on the National Monuments Record. Other than those already mentioned, these include a Bronze Age burnt mound, round barrow.
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Topic – Receptor / Summary of Baseline Challenges / Objectives / Priorities Resource The DBA identified that the Gwyn Fryn estate is located on the grounds of the former Dyffryn House. Large mature Austrian pine trees adjacent to the River Loughor in this area once formed part of the associated pleasure gardens and have a local heritage value. It has been suggested that the A483, that runs through Ammanford, follows the path of an old Roman Road. It is possible that undiscovered Roman artefacts lie along the road. During a site walkover by the Dyfed Archaeological Trust, a possible former ford was noted crossing the Afon Loughor to the west of the proposed defences.
The study area is not within any area designated for its landscape value i.e. National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Special Landscape Area, etc. Strategic Objective 1 of the Carmarthenshire LDP states “To protect and enhance The site falls within the following relevant Landmap areas. The majority of the the diverse character, distinctiveness, safety and vibrancy of the County’s study area is located within the Ammanford Visual & Sensory Landmap area. communities by ensuring sympathetic, sustainable, and high-quality standards of It is described as a fairly small town with a historic centre that reflects the design.” mining and industrial nature of the town. It has a strong sense of place with a distinct character. The study area also falls within the Carmarthen Coalfield The construction of new flood defences could create challenges for the local area’s Landscape Habitat Landmap Area. This is a largely improved agricultural visual character. Conversely, the project provides opportunities to enhance local landscape with a high proportion of semi-improved neutral and marshy landscape character, for example through mitigation tree planting and using bunds Landscape and Visual grasslands supporting notable species – most notably the Marsh Fritillary where possible rather than walls. Butterfly. Fields are generally small with infrequently managed boundaries. New flood defences may be located within, or in very close proximity to, private A key landscape feature of the study area is the dense riparian tree and residential properties. The project will aim to avoid locating hard defence structures shrub vegetation along the river corridor throughout the town. This includes in the immediate vicinity of residential properties. Sympathetic design of the the row of large mature pine trees located on the western bank of the River defences will be required so that any adverse impacts on local landscape character Loughor adjacent to Heol Haydn in the Gwyn Fryn estate. These are an and amenity are minimised, and where feasible, enhancements could be provided. important historic landscape feature of this area and once formed part of the Dyffryn House pleasure gardens. Anecdotal responses from local residents indicate that the trees cause health and safety concerns during storms due to their height and proximity to housing and the local footpath.
Should one or more schemes coincide, there is the potential for cumulative effects The EIA Screening Opinion did not identify any recently built or known on the environment and local community. Conversely, there are opportunities to Cumulative effects permitted development in the area that, together with the proposed coordinate activities across multiple developments, to improve efficiency during development, would have any cumulative effects on the environment. construction and to share materials and reduce waste.
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4. Scope of Environmental Assessment
Introduction
In accordance with the Town and Country Planning Act (1990), planning consent would be required for the Ammanford Flood Risk Management Scheme. The scale of works exceeds one hectare, triggering a Major planning application and the Pre-Application Process including 28-day public and stakeholder consultation on the draft planning submission. This process allows for consultation comments to be taken into account prior to formal submission to the Local Planning Authority, in this case Carmarthenshire County Council.
Carmarthenshire County Council (CCC) provided an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Opinion [9 May 2019] to confirm the project is not EIA Development and does not require the preparation of an Environmental Statement in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (EIA) (Wales) Regulations 2017. Whilst the proposed scheme is not envisaged to require a statutory EIA, NRW have prepared this non-statutory environmental assessment in accordance with NRW good practice procedures. This ECOR documents the non-statutory environmental assessment undertaken.
NRW will undertake the proposed works in their capacity as a Flood Risk Management Authority. However, the scope of works requires application for a Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP) from NRW in accordance with the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. The FRAP provides an assessment process ensuring consideration of NRW flood risk management assets, the local environment, fisheries and wildlife.
Further to consideration of the environmental baseline, which informed selection of a preferred option for managing flood risk within Ammanford, this section of the ECOR identifies the scope of the non-statutory environmental assessment to be undertaken during detailed design of the Ammanford Flood Risk Management Scheme.
Characteristics of the proposed scheme, environmental sensitivity of the location, and characteristics of potential impacts, have all been considered during development of the scope. The environmental assessments will provide a systematic and transparent way of managing environmental risks through recognising measures to avoid, reduce or mitigate environmental impacts, whilst also identifying opportunities for the delivery of multiple benefits. In doing so, it is a means of embedding SMNR Principles into the proposed scheme.
One of the purposes of the completed scoping exercise was to seek agreement with the planning authority, statutory agencies and stakeholders on the approach relating to the non-statutory environmental assessment to be taken. Standard methods for survey and assessment will be used where available and modified where appropriate to the scale, location and nature of the proposed scheme. The scoping process aimed to identify what the likely effects of a proposed scheme are and to determine those that are likely to be significant and therefore included within the scope of the non-statutory environmental assessment.
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Scoping the Assessment
The aim of scoping is to ‘scope in’ only those issues considered to have potential to give rise to residual impacts, either during construction or operation. Where no impact pathways exist, topics have been ‘scoped out’ of the assessment. Where we have identified suitable mitigation to avoid, reduce or remediate negative impacts these measures have been included in the Environmental Action Plan (EAP) and/or the scheme design and have been scoped out of further assessment.
Notwithstanding this, a precautionary approach was adopted throughout scoping that recognised that some residual risks may remain after mitigation is applied, design details may be refined during the detailed design process and environmental conditions are dynamic. Therefore, preliminary mitigation measures were identified to address key risks and were subject to review during detailed design. As such, certain issues remained scoped in for further assessment in line with this precautionary approach.
Following consideration of the baseline environment, predicted potential effects and preliminary mitigation, anticipated further assessment is identified in Table 4.1. Whilst potential construction and operational phase impacts and opportunities have been considered, decommissioning phase impacts have not because the flood risk management measures proposed would be required in perpetuity.
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Table 4.1: Environmental Topics Scoped In / Out of the Environmental Assessment
Topic – Receptor Predicted Potential Effects Preliminary Mitigation Scoped In /-Out and Phase / Resource Population and Construction - Works will take place along the riverbank of the Construction - An Environmental Action Plan Construction: Scoped In Human Health River Loughor, in some cases <10m from residential and (EAP) has been prepared, which will include a Operation: Scoped Out commercial properties. Residents of the streets Heol Haydn, range of controls to minimise the risk of adverse Heol Llwyd, Fford-yr-Afon, Llwyn-y-Bryn, Parc Henry Lane and impacts on the local community during construction. Further assessment of impacts on the local Bonllwyn Farm, businesses at the Mill Units on Station Road Potential construction phase control measures will community will be undertaken throughout the and industrial units on Shands Road and Coleg Sir Gâr are likely include: detailed design stage, particularly as more to experience noise disturbance and reduced access during construction phase information will be made Appropriate use of low noise generating plant or construction and possibly a localised reduction in air quality. available, to ensure all potential impacts are construction techniques. effectively considered and appropriate mitigation Construction works may take place simultaneously in several Timing constraints on high noise emitting measures are adopted. This includes further areas of the town. This could cause temporary disturbance to activities. assessment of the proposed construction the wider community through disruption to traffic movements, methodology and likely flood defence maintenance Providing advanced notification to residents of reduced footpath and amenity area access (such as the Tir-y- requirements. Dail field between Shands Road and the railway line) and noisy activities. increased noise and dust. Employing dust suppression measures. Individuals and groups that use the River Loughor in Ammanford Where restricted access to local footpaths is for recreational purposes, such as the Ammanford and District required to facilitate construction, liaison with local Angling Association, may encounter temporary disturbance or residents and Carmarthenshire Council will be reduced access during construction. undertaken in-advance to identify suitable There is potential for a positive effect on the local economy alternative access routes and to maintain access to during construction through employment of local contractors and individual properties. A Construction Traffic an increase in trade for local shops and businesses. Management Plan will be prepared to manage Operation - The proposed scheme will have a positive effect on access requirements during the construction phase. the local community, residential, commercial and industrial New tree and shrub planting to mitigate the removal assets, as well as vital transport infrastructure, through the of riparian vegetation will be required. Where provision of resilient and enhanced flood protection. feasible, this should be undertaken within the areas The OBC estimated benefits to 198 homes and 25 businesses experiencing vegetation loss. increasing to 314 homes and 26 businesses by 2119 at a Where works are proposed within public areas and potential cost of £7.9 million, avoiding considerable disruption private properties, appropriate landscape design will and uncertainty for the local community. be required to ensure the character and amenity Construction of the defences upstream and downstream of value of these areas are not adversely affected. Dyffryn Bridge and east and west of the A483 Llandybie Road are likely to require removal of areas of riparian vegetation, including mature trees. This is most likely to affect the areas adjacent to Heol Haydn and Ffordd-yr-Afon. This could negatively impact upon the amenity value and landscape character of these areas.
Biodiversity and Construction - Construction of the preferred option will result in Construction - Removal of riparian trees and Construction: Scoped In Nature the loss of a number of riparian trees, including mature Category vegetation would need to be mitigated through Operation: Scoped In Conservation A and B trees. This includes riparian vegetation along both replacement tree and vegetation planting at an banks of the River Loughor upstream of Dyffryn Bridge and on appropriate ratio. Where feasible, this will be Further assessment of construction phase effects the western bank of the river downstream of the bridge, as well undertaken within the areas affected by vegetation will be made to ensure appropriate control as loss of vegetation on the River Loughor adjacent to Ffordd-yr- loss; this is particularly important to maintain measures are included within the EAP to effectively Afon and Bonllwyn Farm Nurseries. In particular, the row of riparian habitat connectivity and to support manage construction risks to biodiversity. Page 37 of 92 www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Topic – Receptor Predicted Potential Effects Preliminary Mitigation Scoped In /-Out and Phase / Resource large mature Austrian pines adjacent to Heol Haydn will need to associated important and protected species. be removed to facilitate construction of the flood defence wall. However, planting of trees in the wider area should also be undertaken to ensure no net loss of trees. Removal of this vegetation may reduce riparian habitat connectivity and remove foraging and breeding habitat for a The EAP will contain a range of control measures to number of important and protected species including birds, bats minimise the risk of damage and disturbance to and otter. important habitats during construction. This will include a range of pollution control measures to There is the potential for damage and disturbance to aquatic reduce the risk of environmental pollution during habitats during construction due to construction plant accessing construction and controls to minimise light and the river channel (particularly to remove the gravel shoal noise disturbance. beneath the A483 road bridge) and due to the mobilisation of silt and construction materials into the river. This could have an Pre-construction ecological surveys will be required adverse impact on aquatic species, including migratory and non- in-advance of any vegetation clearance works to migratory fish species. check for the presence of protected or notable species in the affected areas. There is the potential to impact upon otter and bat foraging and commuting during construction, due to increased lighting of the All vegetation clearance works will take place river corridor or increased noise levels. There is potential for outside of the bird nesting season or will need to be some riparian trees in the scheme area to support roosting bats. supervised by a suitably qualified and experienced ecologist. There is a risk that construction works could cause the spread of the INNS Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed. Protected species surveys (dormice, badgers, otter, bat roosts) and invasive species mapping are There is the potential for the scheme to deliver a range of habitat required during the detailed design phase. creation and improvement measures that would have a positive effect on local biodiversity. Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) (Document 272967-ARP-XX-XX-RP-EN-0001 in the Pre- Reduced flood risk could result in a reduced potential for Application Consultation Pack) will be required at environmental pollution during a flood event. detailed design to determine and reduce impacts on Operation – Further species-specific surveys and arboricultural trees. assessment will be required to confirm potential operational Biodiversity enhancement will need to be delivered effects. to comply with NRWs Environment (Wales) Act 2016 duties.
Land Use Construction / Operation - Construction of the scheme will Construction / Operation - All earth bunds will be Construction: Scoped Out cause localised changes in land use within the works area. This scaled as far as reasonably practicable to reduce Operation: Scoped Out will include a permanent small-scale loss of Grade 3b the development area and appropriately seeded to agricultural land within the footprint of the Tir-y-Dail bund. minimise the impact they could have upon existing land use. Similarly, the Parc Henry Lane bund has been realigned to accommodate the new housing development. The majority of Through detailed design and consultation, the Tir-y- the footprint is located within the Urban classification. Dail earth bund will be constructed with a shallower profile to promote existing land use and allow the The Tir-y-Dail and Parc Henry Lane bunds would result in the structure to blend into the landscape. loss of 0.3Ha of Grade 3b land as recorded on the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC2)8. No mitigation is available; the flood defence structures are deemed necessary to provide the requisite flood resilience.
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Topic – Receptor Predicted Potential Effects Preliminary Mitigation Scoped In /-Out and Phase / Resource Soil Construction - Ammanford has a long industrial history, with Construction - The EAP will include control Construction: Scoped In much small-scale industry still being practiced close to the River measures to manage human health and Operation: Scoped Out Loughor. There remains the possibility that previously unknown environmental risks should contaminated land be contaminated land could be encountered during the construction encountered during construction. This may include Further assessment of construction phase risks to phase. Mobilisation of contaminated land could cause health implementation of an appropriate Site Waste soil assets in the scheme area will be undertaken and safety risks as well as further contamination of soil and Management Plan. during the detailed design stage to ensure any risks are effectively managed and mitigated. water. An earthworks specification will be produced for the Potential soil compaction during construction, through vehicle construction of the scheme to control the use of No significant risks to land use or soil are predicted trafficking, storage and handling of soils. soils excavated on site or imported soils to ensure during the operation of the proposed scheme and they do not impact on the environment (including therefore the operational phase has been scoped Operation – No operational effects on the soil resource have surface water and aquifers) or site end users. out from further assessment. been identified. Minimise damage to topsoil and subsoil from incorrect storage, handling and trafficking of soils; details in the Environmental Action Plan; please refer to Document 272967-ARP-XX-XX-RP-EN- 0004 in the Pre-Application Consultation Pack.
Fluvial Construction - During construction, vegetation will be removed, Construction - The EAP will include provisions to Construction: Scoped In Geomorphology and earth exposed; this has the potential to input fine sediment limit exposure and transfer of fine sediment and Water Operation: Scoped In into the river system which, if excessive, could lead to siltation between the banks and the channel during and a temporary localised reduction in water quality. The construction. This will include measures to ensure A precautionary approach has been adopted and removal of riparian vegetation upstream of Dyffryn Bridge, that exposed earth is not stored adjacent to the river therefore construction and operational phase risks Station Road, could cause localised destabilisation of the during heavy rainfall events, as overland flows to fluvial geomorphology and water quality will be riverbanks, which could lead to increased bank erosion. would entrain fine sediment and input it into the river further assessed during the detailed design stage. system. Whilst the effects of fine sediment input are This will include assessment of the risk of Operation - Modification of the banks for the proposed flood destabilisation or increased erosion of the riverbank walls could reduce the stability of the bank for a period of time likely to be temporary and flushed through the system relatively quickly, given the high energy upstream and downstream of Dyffryn Bridge and after construction, which increases the risk of bank erosion the potential impacts on geomorphology related to especially during high flows when erosive energies are greater. flows associated with the River Loughor, measures to control the input of fine sediment will be included the removal of gravel and installation of a flow Where the flood walls and bunds are proposed adjacent to the in the EAP to limit interference with the sediment deflector at the A483 Bonllwyn Bridge. river, the channel and its floodplain will be disconnected locally. transport system. This has the potential to increase erosive energies in-channel, by preventing the dissipation of flood energy across the Where vegetation is removed or riparian vegetation floodplain. This has the potential to cause elevated erosion rates particularly sparse, replanting will be undertaken as during high flow events, which could either initiate erosion of the soon as possible following the works to minimise banks (either locally or immediately downstream) or the bed the risk of bank destabilisation. substrate. Conversely, the installation of new flood defences is The EAP will include a range of control measures to likely to reduce the risk of water pollution from flooding. reduce the risk of an impact on water quality during Any works to Tir-y-Dail weir have the potential to affect the construction. These would include: associated river gauging function, which could impact on the The preparation of a Pollution Incident Response ability to maintain this gauging function or the reliability of the Plan for the scheme; gauge. Emergency spill kits are to be present on site Small-scale removal of sediment under the A483 Llandybie and staff will be trained in their use; Road bridge has the potential to change the local gradient of the Any hazardous chemicals present on site will be river and may lead to hydromorphological change in that reach. stored safely; and By removing a gravel bar feature, there is a risk that sediment in transport that would usually be carried downstream during higher flows, would preferentially be deposited at the location www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 39 of 92
Topic – Receptor Predicted Potential Effects Preliminary Mitigation Scoped In /-Out and Phase / Resource where gravel is removed, thereby potentially starving The careful containment and disposal of hydromorphological features downstream. The sediment excavated contaminated material should any be transport equilibrium would be temporarily imbalanced following excavated during the construction process. gravel removal. Operation - Whilst gravel removal is not recommended from a hydromorphological perspective, it will only be removed to a suitable depth to reduce the impact on the channel gradient and will be limited to the area beneath the A483 Llandybie Road bridge. The installation of a flow deflector seeks to address this potential effect and prevent the re-accumulation of sediment at this difficult to access location.
Air Construction - Construction of the flood defences may cause Construction - The EAP will include appropriate Construction: Scoped Out temporary, small-scale deterioration in air quality. Dust creation control measures to manage potential dust Operation: Scoped Out is likely, which would temporarily increase levels of airborne emissions. particulate matter. Best practice construction mitigation will be incorporated into the EAP; no further assessment is Operation – No operational effects have been identified. considered necessary. As such, construction phase effects are scoped out based on incorporation of effective mitigation.
Climate Construction - Construction of the flood defences will require Construction - Further assessment of carbon Construction: Scoped In use of natural resources (for construction material production) emission associated with the design and Operation: Scoped Out and energy, which will result in the release of carbon emissions. construction of the proposed scheme will be Construction activities from plant will also result in the release of undertaken during the detailed design stage. Further assessment of carbon emissions carbon emissions. Removal of trees to accommodate the flood Opportunities to reduce carbon emissions through associated with the detailed design and risk management measures will have localised effects. choice of construction materials and construction construction phase will be undertaken. techniques, and through reduced maintenance Operation - The proposed scheme will reduce the risk of Given the nature of the proposed scheme, no requirements, will be sought. The use of flooding and associated environmental, social and economic significant carbon emissions are anticipated during construction materials with a high embodied carbon impacts. The scheme therefore contributes to climate change operation of the scheme and therefore the value (e.g. concrete) will be minimised as much as adaptation and provides increased environmental and operational phase has been scoped out from possible. Opportunities to source construction community resilience. No operational effects have been further assessment. materials (e.g. earth and soil) from local sources will identified. also be sought to minimise emissions resulting from transportation of material. Effective replacement tree planting mitigation will be required to offset any trees lost to the flood defence improvements at an appropriate ratio.
Material Assets Construction - Traffic associated with construction of the flood Construction - The existing road network is likely Construction: Scoped In defences (deliveries, plant movements) could contribute to road to be sufficient to enable plant and materials access Operation: Scoped Out congestion in Ammanford and affect use of certain roads and to the scheme area; however, improvements may bridges for periods during the construction phase. be required to facilitate access from the road Controls on construction traffic through the network to the works areas. This could affect Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) However, any impacts on highway use is likely to be relatively amenity areas, areas of open space, and public [Document 272967-ARP-XX-XX-RP-EN-0002 in limited as the majority of construction works are located away rights of way. These effects will be managed the Pre-Application Consultation Pack] will ensure from such assets. Notwithstanding this, temporary disturbance through the implementation of a Construction Traffic that an efficient delivery strategy is implemented to during plant movements and materials deliveries may affect Management Plan, temporary footpath diversions avoid local impacts on highway users. Similarly, no www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 40 of 92
Topic – Receptor Predicted Potential Effects Preliminary Mitigation Scoped In /-Out and Phase / Resource traffic use of the highway network, which in turn could lead to and/or closures and appropriate signage/wider impacts are anticipated on Public Rights of Way temporary increased congestion on other roads. communication with the public. (PRoW) users. As such, material assets are scoped out from further assessment. Installation of the proposed flood defences could have a In addition, appropriate control measures will be set temporary effect on other utilities infrastructure. out in the EAP to further minimise disturbance to the road network. This will include appropriate time restrictions on materials deliveries to avoid peak commuting times and opening and closing times for the Coleg Sir Gâr and phasing of materials deliveries to prevent a backlog of trucks waiting to be unloaded. Detailed design will seek to reuse or reduce the import of materials for construction.
Cultural Heritage Construction - The Archaeological DBA does not highlight any Construction - An Archaeological Clerk of Works Construction: Scoped In (including risk to known archaeological features. Unknown archaeology (ACW) should be present on site for works located Operation: Scoped In architectural and may be present in more undisturbed areas such as at Tir-y-Dail within proximity of the Tir-y-Dail bund and A483 archaeological bund and within proximity of the A483 Llandybie Road bridge. Llandybie Road bridge. aspects) Given the presence of a range of local heritage features and Should archaeological features be encountered on finds within the vicinity of the proposed works, there is some site, works will stop until the finds have been potential for direct impacts on currently unknown archaeological assessed by an appropriately experienced remains. Removal of the row of mature pines adjacent to Heol archaeologist and any further mitigation Haydn would have a local effect on the historic landscape requirements have been agreed and implemented. character of the area. Operation – sensitive design to avoid or reduce any Operation – Further consideration of potential setting effects will potential setting effects on heritage features. be undertaken following the completion of detailed design.
Landscape Construction / Operation - Construction of the proposed Construction / Operation - Replacement tree and Construction – Scoped In scheme will cause localised changes in landscape character. In amenity planting will be undertaken to minimise the Operation – Scoped In particular, the proposed defences upstream of Dyffryn Bridge effects on landscape character on residential and east of the A483 Llandybie Road will result in the loss of receptors close. The design of the flood defence riparian vegetation including mature trees. Therefore, the walls will take account of local characteristics and presence of new defences and loss of existing vegetation in very the defences will be clad with suitable materials to close proximity (<10m) to houses could have a permanent reduce the visual impact of the new structures. impact on the character and visual amenity of these areas, An updated Landscape and Visual Appraisal will be which will have a visual impact on these residential receptors. undertaken to further assess the detailed design The construction of the large bund in the field between Shands and any associated mitigation requirements. Road and the railway line will have an impact on local landscape Appropriate landscape plans will be developed to character and views to and from the river in this area. This would ensure effective mitigation tree and vegetation impact on users of the informal footpath network. planting and appropriate material choices are included in the detailed design.
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Scoping Summary
Scoped In - The following environmental topics require further assessment or survey and have been scoped in for detailed assessment: Population and Human Health - Construction. Biodiversity and Nature Conservation - Construction and Operation. Land Use - Construction and Operation. Soil - Construction. Fluvial Geomorphology and Water - Construction and Operation. Climate - Construction. Material Assets - Construction. Historic Environment - Construction and Operation. Landscape and Visual - Construction and Operation. Scoped Out - No further assessment is considered necessary for the following topics, or mitigation identified in Table 4.1 have been integrated into the EAP enabling this topic to be scoped out: Population and Human Health - Operation. Soil - Operation. Air - Construction and Operation. Climate - Operation. Material Assets - Operation. Further Assessment - A summary of further assessment and survey required to inform the design and construction method during detailed design is included in Table 4.2 below. Table 4.2: Scope of Further Assessment Environmental Scope Topic Development of an EAP to describe mitigation and control measures All Topics required to protect the environment.
An EAP will be prepared during the detailed design stage and will set out measures to be adopted by the appointed contractor to minimise impacts upon the community of Ammanford related to noise and air Population quality. Construction working hours and methodology will integrated and Human into the EAP. Health Appropriate landscape design will be undertaken to minimise the impacts on landscape character and visual amenity, most notably due to loss of riparian trees and other vegetation, and associated effects on amenity, privacy and security of the local community.
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Environmental Scope Topic Further survey and assessment work is recommended as follows: Riparian / woodland habitat is affected, dormouse surveys are required to establish the likely presence or absence of Dormouse. A bat roost potential survey of mature trees likely to be affected by the proposed scheme. An otter survey to establish the likely presence or absence of otter holts or resting places in the vicinity of works. A badger survey to establish the likely presence or absence of badger setts in the vicinity of works. A pre-construction check for badgers should take place before Biodiversity works commence on site. and Nature The extent of INNS should be mapped, and invasive species Conservation management integrated into the EAP. Any vegetation clearance required to support investigation works within the breeding bird season will be undertaken in the presence of a suitably experienced Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW). An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) to determine and reduce the number of trees impacted by the proposals. Development of appropriate mitigation tree and vegetation planting to maintain riparian habitat connectivity and to support associated important and protected species. Development of appropriate replacement tree and amenity planting and further opportunities to deliver biodiversity enhancements.
Aim to reduce the area affected by new defences in high quality Land agricultural land.
Further ground investigation to avoid or reduce potential interaction Soil with ground contamination.
Review and update of the WFD Compliance Assessment to reflect the detailed design of the preferred option and detailed construction information. Water The detailed design of the gravel removal and flow deflector will consider the potential for geomorphological change, through a Sediment Transfer Study, in particular scour risk, and propose suitable mitigations.
Air Integrate air quality (dust) mitigation measures into project EAP.
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Environmental Scope Topic Use a carbon calculator to quantify emissions arising from the scheme. This will be used to inform and influence design and construction considerations to minimise carbon emissions. Climate The NRW Sustainable Procurement Policy will be applied to further minimise the carbon emissions associated with the proposed scheme. In addition, local contractors and materials will be used where possible.
A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) will be prepared to minimise construction traffic impacts on the local highway network and Material users. Further consideration is required to assess impacts on local Assets footpath users and areas of public open space. Consideration of reuse of arisings to reduce requirements for imported material.
Further consideration of potential heritage impacts throughout detailed Cultural design. Incorporation of heritage information boards; re. Tir-y-Dail Heritage Motte and Bailey Castle Scheduled Monument.
An updated Landscape and Visual Appraisal will be undertaken for the detailed design. This will include development of appropriate landscape plans to include mitigation and enhancement tree and Landscape amenity planting and the detailed design of the walls and bunds so that they complement existing landscape characteristics as much as possible.
Cumulative A watching brief will be maintained for new developments that may Effects lead to cumulative effects.
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Part B
5. ECOR Assessment Methodology
Methodology
This section describes the assessment of environmental effects of topics that were deemed to be potentially affected during the Scoping Stage. The most common methodology used to evaluate significance is to compare the magnitude of the predicted effect with the sensitivity of the receiving environment. In this approach ‘magnitude’ and ‘sensitivity’ are used as descriptors of a wide range of different factors. ‘Magnitude’ includes the spatial extent of the effect; the time period over which the effect will occur; and whether the effect is permanent or reversible.
Receptor Sensitivity / Value / Importance High Medium Low Negligible
Very Hig Substantialh
Substantial
Effect Moderate Medium of
etc
Slight Low Nature
Not Significant Magnitude / Probability / Reversibility,
Negligible
Impact significance is determined by considering magnitude in relation to the sensitivity of the receptor impacted, and over what timescales. This is demonstrated in Table 5.1 and 5.2.
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Table 5.1: Matrix for Determining Impact Significance
Magnitude of Effect Receptor Sensitivity Very High High Medium Low Very Low
Very High Major Major Moderate Minor Negligible
High Major Moderate Minor Minor Negligible
Medium Moderate Minor Minor Negligible Negligible
Low Minor Minor Negligible Negligible Negligible
Very Low Minor Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible
Table 5.2: Examples for defining significance categories
Significance Example category Results in a breach in legislation of statutory objectives Affects the integrity of sites or species designated as being of national or international importance Causes an identifiable impact on human health either directly or Major through effects on the determinants of health Is of an extent to result in a dominant change to the character of an area or environmental feature Where economic valuation occurs, is of sufficient magnitude to result in a change to the preferred option
Identifiable impact, but does not affect the integrity of sites or species designated as being of national or international importance Affects the integrity of sites or species designated at a regional, county or local level Results in a significant change to human behaviour within the affected Moderate community Results in a material change to the character of an area or environmental feature Affects the integrity of an environmental site of local community value (such as for nature conservation, recreation)
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Significance Example category Impacts on, but does not affect the integrity, of a site or species designated at a regional, county or local level. Affects the integrity of a site with no designation or recognised nature conservation value Minor Results in small change in human behaviour within the affected community Has a noticeable (but not material) effect on the character of an area Impacts on but does not affect the integrity of an environmental site of local community value (such as for nature conservation, recreation,).
Table 5.3: Timescales to inform assessment of significance
Terminology Timescales Short term During the construction and up to 1 year following completion Medium Term Up to 5 years following completion of the project Long Term Between 5- and 15-years following completion of the project Permanent Greater than 15 years following completion of the project
Spatial and temporal scales for assessment
The EIA Regulations and the SMNR and Sustainable Development principles all require us to consider an appropriate spatial and temporal scale for the project, taking into account the potential pathways for effects.
Study areas for each receptor scoped into this environmental assessment have been defined in their respective technical reports and assessments.
Cumulative Effects
In considering significance of impacts on receptors we must also identify likely effects on those ecosystem services identified as a priority at scoping stage. We must also consider the role of stakeholders in our significance assessment as this allows us to take into account the services that people and communities value rather than just their intrinsic value. This leads us in to the cumulative and indirect effects of the project.
6. Assessment, Evaluation and Mitigation
This section includes assessment for those topics where a potential effect was identified during scoping. Further studies that have been undertaken are summarised and significance assigned to any residual effect, after mitigation has been identified.
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Table 6.1: Summary of the Assessment of Effects - Detailed Design
Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) Health – Construction: Best practice air Health – Health - Construction: Potential for dust quality and dust prevention measures Construction: short- emission through construction and need to integrated into EAP. term negligible adopt best construction practice techniques. adverse. Health – Operation: No mitigation Health - Operation: Improvement of the required; deliver to modelled design Health – Operation: flood defences will extend benefits to a wider levels. Scheme delivery will ensure permanent, major population, safeguarding residents and enhanced flood protection for residents beneficial. businesses over a wider area and managing and businesses. health implications of flood events. The Noise & Vibration - scheme will provide protection to 195 Noise & Vibration – General construction Construction: short- residential properties in the 1% Annual noise and vibration will be controlled term minor adverse. Exceedance Probability flood event, through the project EAP (Document Population and Noise & Vibration - increasing to 349 residential properties with 272967-ARP-XX-XX-RP-EN-0004 in the Human Health Operation: N/A. the effects of climate change, and is Pre-Application Consultation Pack), (Construction and considered to lead to a permanent major including specified working hours. Access – Operation) positive impact on human health. Consultation with local residents and Construction: short- businesses will be undertaken in advance term minor adverse. Noise & Vibration - Construction: Due to of and throughout construction. Coleg Sir the proximity of works to residential Access – Operation: Gâr works would be programmed to avoid permanent minor properties, businesses and Coleg Sir Gâr, term time where possible. temporary noise impacts may occur. beneficial. Access - General: A Construction Traffic Noise & Vibration - Operation: N/A. Amenity – Management Plan (CTMP) has been Construction: short- Access – General: No Public Rights of Way prepared (Document 272967-ARP-XX- term minor adverse. (PRoW), National Trails or National XX-RP-EN-0002 in the Pre-Application Cycleways are affected by the proposals. Consultation Pack) integrating measures Amenity – to be adopted by the appointed contractor Operation: Access - Coleg Sir Gâr: temporary to minimise potential effects upon the permanent, moderate construction access will be required within community of Ammanford. The CTMP will beneficial. Page 48 of 92 www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) the college car park to enable construction of include measures for pedestrian safety in the flood wall. residential areas. Access - Heol Haydn (Gwyn Fryn Estate): Access - Bonllwyn Estate: Temporary may experience temporary access disruption closure of the footpath (not PRoW) during construction of the flood wall. between the flow deflectors and Bonllwyn Wall may be necessary; consultation with Access - Shands Road: the main CCC will be undertaken if required. construction compound will likely be located behind and adjacent to the industrial units. Access - Heol Haydn: Temporary Prior communication will be held with the closure of the footpath (not PRoW) along adjacent businesses. the riverbank will be necessary; consultation with CCC will be undertaken Access - Bonllwyn Estate: a permanent in advance. access track will be created via Heol Llwyd to enable construction and ongoing Amenity: Amenity improvements will be maintenance of the flood wall and flow delivered as per the Planning Drawings, deflectors; alternative access via the A483 which specify amenity improvements for Llandybie Road was constrained by existing each relevant location. utilities. Access - Tir-y-Dail Bund: temporary construction access will be required via Shands Road at NGR: SN 62273 13111. Informal footpaths have been taken into account in the Tir-y-Dail bund design; proposals have been developed to avoid blockage of informal routes and maintain adequate space for trails to circumnavigate the bund. Amenity – some amenity grassland will experience temporary disturbance during construction.
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) Further surveys and assessment have taken General - All works will be undertaken in place since those recorded in Table 2.1 and accordance with the Environmental Action 4.1, these are: Plan (EAP) that will be maintained by the Badger Survey (Arup 2020). contractor. The EAP includes site-specific methods to ensure that all activities in Bat Roost Potential Survey (Arup 2020). proximity to watercourses are controlled Bat Roost Inspection Survey (Just and are in accordance with relevant Mammals 2020). legislation and undertaken in compliance with the relevant Guidance for Pollution Dormouse Survey (Arup 2020). Construction - short- Prevention (e.g. GPP59,) and industry term negligible Biodiversity and Otter Survey (Arup 2020). best practice (CIRIA10; CIRIA C74111). adverse. Nature Toolbox Talks will be provided by a Invasive Species Survey (Arup 2020). Conservation suitably experienced ecologist to all site Operation - (Construction and Badgers - In April 2020, Arup ecologists personnel to inform them of ecological permanent moderate Operation) accessed all areas of suitable habitat on site features at the Site. beneficial. and surveyed for badgers. No badger setts
or other field signs of badger were identified Fish – No in-river works will be permitted
during the survey. during the fish embargo period between th th Dormice - Due to the presence of suitable 15 October and 15 April to avoid the dormouse habitat, dormouse tubes were migration and spawning season. deployed across the site in April 2020, with The Contractor will be required to develop surveys conducted until September 2020. No method statements, a Pollution Incident signs of dormouse presence were recorded. Response Plan and Silt and Water Quality Two further months of survey effort were Management Plan for NRW approval in undertaken in October and November 2020 advance of any in-river works. at the request of CCC and NRW Species
9 Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) (2018). Guidance for Pollution Prevention – Works or maintenance in or near water: GPP5 v1.2 Feb 2018. http://www.netregs.org.uk/media/1418/gpp-5-works-and-maintenance- in-or-near-water.pdf 10 CIRIA (2018) CIRIA http://www.ciria.org 11 CIRIA C74111 ‘Environmental Good Practice On Site’; Fourth Edition (2015). Page 50 of 92
Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) Team. No signs of dormouse presence were Disturbance: Lighting - If any task recorded during the additional months. lighting is required outside daylight hours Otter – An otter survey was undertaken by (typically 30 minutes after sunrise and up Arup ecologists in June 2020. Eighteen field to 30 mins before sunset), directional signs of otter were identified during the lighting (towards the ground) with minimal survey, comprising: old, recent and fresh upward spill will be implemented, to avoid spraints, a potential holt and a potential light spill into adjacent habitats to avoid resting place. A culvert was also identified disturbance to commuting and foraging that was large enough to be used by protected species. commuting otters. The potential holt comprised two tunnels into the riverbank just Disturbance: Noise & Vibration – above the water but was located >100m General construction noise and vibration west of the Tir-y-Dail Bund. An old spraint will be controlled through the project EAP. was present on a rock in the river outside of No piling is required for the flood defence one of the holes. The potential resting place improvements. was located >90m from the nearest works, comprising a gap between a boulder and Excavations - Good practice working tree roots that had a fresh spraint on it. The methods will be adhered to that prevent site is considered to be actively used by any adverse impacts to commuting commuting and foraging otters and whilst mammals (otter, badger). Materials or potential resting and breeding places were plant will not be left overnight in an area identified, such sensitive areas are located that may prohibit access for commuting sufficiently far from the proposed works to mammals and excavations will not be left avoid any impact. Incidental observations uncovered overnight. If any excavations identified spraints at a known layup adjacent are required to be left open overnight, a to the proposed Shands Road flood wall. A ramp will be provided to allow animals to camera trap subsequently recorded footage escape. of a mother and kit scent-marking on numerous occasions in October and Vegetation Clearance: Breeding Birds - November 2020. Footage also recorded the vegetation clearance within the breeding presence of mink. bird season (March-August inclusive) should be avoided to prevent damage or
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) Bats - The bat roost potential survey destruction of occupied nests or harm to identified a number of moderate and high breeding birds. If this cannot be achieved, potential bat roosts. Two such roosts were works within the core bird nesting season located within 30m of the proposed works will require an inspection for breeding and at potential risk of disturbance. One birds and their occupied nests by a moderate potential Austrian pine at Heol suitably experienced ecologist no more Haydn provided negative results following than 24 hours prior to any works two emergence surveys, whilst the three commencing. If nesting birds are found emergence surveys at the high potential during the pre-construction checks, a roost in the Bonllwyn Estate also produced buffer around the nest will be negative results. implemented of at least 5m as agreed with the ecologist and further work within Breeding Birds – vegetation clearance the immediate and surrounding area will within the breeding bird season (March to be delayed until young have fledged and August inclusive) could damage nests or left the nest, and the nest is no longer in disturb breeding birds. use.
Section 7 Species – Section 7 species, Vegetation Clearance: Section 7 small mammals, reptiles and amphibians Species, Small Mammals, Reptiles and could be harmed during vegetation Amphibians - clearance of vegetation clearance. suitable for smaller species (long grass, hedges and scrub) will be avoided or kept Fish – numerous fish species inhabit the to a minimum. If required during this time, River Loughor; including migratory species: clearance will be subject to a Toolbox Atlantic salmon, sea trout, river lamprey Talk and Precautionary Methods of (anadromous) and European eel Working written and overseen by a (catadromous). Construction of the fish suitably experienced ecologist. This is passage improvements could affect likely to include two-staged directional migration and spawning through obstruction strimming towards retained habitat. or temporary reduction in water quality. However, following construction, a significant Invasive and Non-Native Species barrier to migration would become (INNS) - No works will be undertaken
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) accessible opening up access to a much within 7m of Japanese knotweed. Where larger catchment for foraging and spawning. this is unavoidable, or in the vicinity of other INNS, INNS management as per Invasive and Non-Native Species (INNS) – the EAP will be required. Extensive INNS were identified along the banks of the River Loughor, primarily Expert Advice - If any protected species comprising Japanese knotweed and or signs of protected species such as an Himalayan balsam. Other INNS including unrecorded badger sett, or INNS (other cotoneaster, Montbretia, Rhododendron and than rhododendron) are encountered variegated yellow archangel were also during the works, all work in the vicinity is recorded; refer to Document 272967-ARP- to stop immediately and a suitably XX-XX-RP-EN-0007 in the Pre-Application qualified ecologist contacted as soon as Consultation pack. Japanese knotweed possible for advice. within the works area was treated in September 2020. Otter – Due to the presence of a layup in close proximity to the Shands Road Wall, All ecological surveys were undertaken in development will only be undertaken accordance with relevant best practice following grant of a European Protected guidance; refer to individual ecology reports Species Licence to permit disturbance to for details. a potential resting place. A Method Statement will be prepared to support a European Protected Species Licence application. Pre-clearance / construction checks will be undertaken, in accordance with best practice survey guidanceError! Bookmark not defined. for any additional otter resting / breeding places, within 50m of the works. If any additional otter breeding / resting areas are found during pre-construction checks, further survey work and mitigation measures may also be required,
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) potentially in addition to another European Protected Species licence
Badger - A pre-construction (including enabling works) inspection of suitable habitat for badger, within 50m of the works, will be carried out to ascertain whether any setts have expanded in range. Should new setts be identified within 30m of the proposed works at risk of damage or disturbance, further monitoring will be undertaken in accordance with best practice survey guidelines and a badger licence obtained from Welsh Government (WG).
Dormice – following extensive survey, no dormice were found to be present; as such, no mitigation is proposed for dormice.
Bats – Bat Roost Inspection Surveys provided negative results; as such no mitigation is proposed for bats beyond standard good construction practice. A Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) The following mitigation measures will Construction – [Document 272967-ARP-XX-XX-RP-LA- Landscape and help to provide a development that is short-term moderate 0001 in the Pre-Application Consultation Visual sympathetic and sensitive to the adverse. pack] has been prepared by Ove Arup and (Construction and immediate site setting and retain key Operation - Partners Ltd. (Arup) for Natural Resources Operation) features and views of the site. These permanent moderate Wales to provide an appraisal of effects that include the following: beneficial. would arise as a result of the construction
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) and operation of the proposed flood Avoid tree loss where possible within alleviation scheme at Ammanford, the river corridor and provide Carmarthenshire, Wales. replacement native tree planting
where unavoidable to retain the The scope of work for the LVA includes a wooded river corridor. Replacement baseline study of the existing landscape and planting will be undertaken with visual resource. LANDMAP aspect areas appropriate native species of local have been reviewed to identify potential provenance and designed to maintain landscape and visual receptors. The and enhance connectivity between appraisal is based on the engineer’s design habitats, whilst maintaining an proposals, which has been influenced appropriate amenity setting. through this appraisal process and the proposed mitigation. The proposed Tir-y-Dail bund will be seeded with a grassland / meadow There are a number of landscape and visual mix. The bund will be grassed along receptors that would be likely to experience the slopes and crest providing the notable effects. These include: continuity of grassland over the bund Moderate negative landscape effects at to help conserve the field pattern Bonllwyn during construction; which is part of a wider historic field Major and moderate negative visual pattern characterised by the effects at Bonllwyn during construction Marlas/Llwchwr valley and slopes and operation, respectively; aspect area; Meadow grassland Moderate negative landscape effects at should be managed as a traditional Tir Y Dail during construction and meadow with a main summer cut after operation; flowering in July or August in Major and moderate visual effects at Tir Y combination with autumn and spring Dail during construction and operation mowing to circa 50mm. respectively; The curved alignment of the bund Moderate and negative landscape effects through the field will help to conserve at Heol Haydn and Shands Road during the irregular field pattern. construction and operation; and
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) Major and negative visual effects at Heol The Tir-y-Dail bund aims to emulate a Haydn and Shands Road during natural form rather than an engineered construction and operation. man-made structure. The slopes aim to achieve a 1V:3.5H to 1V:5H In the long term, once mitigation planting has gradient to create a more rounded established and matured, notable short term bund. This will help to conserve the and temporary effects will have reduced. existing public access network through There will be no notable landscape residual and around the field. effects. There will be visual residual effects at Tir-y-Dail, Heol Haydn and Shands Road. The flood wall structures at Bonllwyn, These include: Heol Haydn, Coleg Sir Gâr and Shands Road will be capped with a For users of the PRoW and the public concrete coping stone that matches access routes at Tir Y Dail the residual Dyffryn Bridge and clad with a brick effects are likely to be small and the material that matches existing material altered landform and permanent stock found on site. This will help to proof fence will be a minor constituent of integrate the structures into the the view. The function of the public residential setting. Informal pillars accessible network will be retained. along the wall will provide visual Overall the residual visual effects will interest helping to break up sections of remain moderate and negative for users expansive wall. of the PRoW; and Replacement avenue tree planting to Once mitigation planting at Heol Haydn mitigate the loss of the 24 Austrian has reached maturity this will address the pine trees (Pinus nigra) at Heol Haydn negative effects and result in an overall should be planted to retain the neutral effect. landscape pattern and feature along this section of the river. 24 trees will Arboriculture - General: The Arboricultural be planted as an avenue to create a Impact Assessment (AIA) identified 86 trees landscape feature, using a species that require removal or coppicing to that is higher in biodiversity value, implement the flood protection visual interest and in keeping with the improvements. Sensitive design has enabled
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) retention of a considerable number of residential scale and setting; details in existing trees (50+) throughout the scheme Arboriculture section below. area, including two Category A oak trees. Additional shrub and herbaceous
planting at Heol Haydn should be However, unavoidably, 49 trees would considered as an enhancement require removal and 37 trees would requiring opportunity to improve the visual coppicing to enable retention. Trees to be streetscape and enhance biodiversity removed to accommodate the works within this area. Planting will also help includes: 8no. category ‘A’ trees, 18no. to design out anti-social behaviour, category ‘B’ trees and 23no. category ‘C’ including climbing and sitting on the trees. In addition, six Category ‘U’ trees, not flood wall and reducing litter becoming affected by the proposals, were identified for trapped along the river side of the wall. removal due to their poor condition and limited life expectancy. Those trees located The palisade steel fencing at Heol on the riverbank which are impacted by the Haydn will be removed along this proposals, but which are located outside the section of the river to improve the footprint of the proposed works and outside visual aesthetic along the footpath. the extent of excavations are recommended Defensive shrub planting between the to be coppiced and retained. flood wall structure and river corridor is proposed to stop people accessing the There are a number of trees which are river corridor and to provide visual marginally impacted by the proposed works screening to the industrial units along by between 7% - 15% of the total root Shands Road. protection area required to retain the tree. Additional tree planting opportunities at Where opportunities exist to offset the root Bonllwyn Farm and Bonllwyn Green protection areas along the axis of the will provide compensation for the riverbank to provide the total rooting volume mitigation of loss of trees as part of the required, these trees are to be retained (5, flood risk management scheme. 57, 90, 106, 115, 116 & 172). Additional shrub and wildflower planting, along with seating and Arboriculture - Coleg Sir Gâr: Detailed interpretation at Bonllwyn Green design was able to avoid impacts on the should be considered as an
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) impressive Category Aii oak (T3, Quercus enhancement opportunity to improve robur) and category ‘B’ alder (T4), by the functionality and enhance realigning the flood wall and integrating the biodiversity within this green space. foundations into the car park to avoid the Arboriculture - Retained Trees: majority of the root protection zone of the Retained trees will need to be protected oak. However, to provide a robust flood by the provision of suitable barriers as defence and maintain effective access to the outlined in the Tree Protection Plans and college, two Lawson’s cypress (Category Bii AIA (Document 272967-ARP-XX-XX-RP- and one Category Ci) will be removed to EN-0001 in the Pre-Application provide connectivity between the flood wall Consultation Pack). This will ensure there and Dyffryn Bridge. Tree Group G2 (alder) are no excavations or ground disturbance will require coppicing. within the root protection areas of trees to be retained. Root Protection Areas Arboriculture - Tir-y-Dail Weir: The low (RPAs) are to be interpreted as flood defence wall to the rear of the industrial Construction Exclusion Zones (CEZ). units will require the removal of four trees Access within the CEZ should be (Category C; 3 sycamore, 1 alder) and a prevented through the erection of barriers, further seven trees (one Category B alder, constructed in accordance with four Category C - 3 goat willow, 1 ash, 1 BS5837:2012. Flood walls have been alder, 1 hazel) to accommodate the fish designed to accommodate foundations passage improvements and flood storage away from RPAs to reduce impact and area. Tree group G2 will also require further enable retention of more trees. coppicing. Construction will also implement steeper batters to reduce encroachment into Arboriculture - Heol Haydn: A Tree Impact RPAs during construction. Where access Reduction Study investigated alternative within an RPA is unavoidable, appropriate alignments and various design options to ground protection should be installed. avoid tree removal associated with the flood Outline details of the design of suitable protection improvements. A defence barriers and ground protection are given alignment directly adjacent to residential in the AIA [Appendices A and B of properties was considered, but this was Document 272967-ARP-XX-XX-RP-EN- found to impact on residents’ privacy and 0001 in the Pre-Application Consultation
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) access, would require numerous flood gates Pack]. These protection measures should to be installed prior to each flood event and be put in place prior to any site clearance would still impact a number of RPAs leading or construction work commencing on the to stability and H&S risks. site and they should remain in situ until all A ‘floating’ defence installed at ground level works have been completed. Some along the proposed alignment was also activities within the CEZs may be considered. However, such a design would: acceptable but should not commence until [1] require a foundation into the RPA of at appropriate arboricultural advice has been least 500mm, compromising the integrity and sought. stability of retained trees and introducing material H&S risks; [2] be liable to seepage Updated Tree Protection Plans and an under the structure or failure due to Arboricultural Method Statement will be hydrostatic pressure during a flood event. No prepared following the appointment of a feasible alternative to the design proposed Contractor and will be informed by was identified following the study and construction method statements. consultation with CCC. The Contractor will be required to implement arboricultural requirements in Due to the constrained nature of the site, full in full during construction. Heol Haydn results in the unavoidable removal of 8 Category A trees, 11 Category Flow Deflectors and Maintenance Access B trees, 4 Category C trees and one – Installation of the cellular concrete Category U Austrian Pine. This comprises 18 paving between the Flow Deflectors and Austrian pines, 1 Lawson cypress, 1 ash, 2 the Bonllwyn Wall, must be undertaken as western red cedar, 1 alder. Tree Groups G4 a no-dig construction to avoid impacts to and G9 (alder, ash and hawthorn) will the Category B alder (T117); alternatively require coppicing. 14 Austrian pines will be crown reduction works will be required retained to the north of the proposals. under the supervision of an experienced arboriculturalist. The removal of the Austrian pines (T10-32) in Heol Haydn is unavoidable due to their Arboriculture - Replacement Planting: extensive Root Protection Areas (RPAs) and Mitigation planting will be delivered at a close proximity to the adjacent housing. 2.5:1 ratio to offset the unavoidable tree
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) Should the RPAs be damaged or truncated removal and coppicing required to deliver the trees may become unstable and / or the flood protection improvements. A total susceptible to disease. New tree planting of 219 trees will be planted to offset the with species better suited to the site would 86 impacted trees (49 removals and 37 help mitigate the loss. coppiced). This will be supplemented by wet woodland planting using ‘transplants’ Arboriculture - Shands Road Wall: or similar to provide more tree planting, Sensitive design has enabled retention of all initially as an understory to the specimen trees in this section, with coppicing of one trees and ‘feathers’. Long-term this will tree group (G7 – alder, ash) to enable raise the offsetting ratio well above 3:1. retention. Six trees and three tree groups Replacement planting has been have been retained through sensitive design. developed in consultation with CCC. Mitigation planting will provide native and Arboriculture - Tir-y-Dail Bund: construction amenity tree planting as appropriate to access and permanent footprint of the bund the context of each location. Native was located to utilise an existing gap, species will be of local provenance retaining all trees except one Category C avoiding species at risk of prevalent birch and requiring coppicing of two trees disease; e.g. ash die-back, Phytophthera, (T91, T92 wych elm) to enable retention. etc. Refer to the Planning Drawings and Five Category U trees (birch, goat willow, LVA [272967-ARP-XX-XX-RP-LA-0001] in ash, alder, willow) are recommended to be the Pre-Application Consultation pack for removed due to their poor condition and details; a summary for each area is limited life expectancy, not due to the provided below. proposed works. Trees 65-71 will have ground levels raised slightly over the rooting Coleg Sir Gâr – 11 trees are to be area the impact of which is considered to be planted at this location. Six specimen oak minor allowing the trees to be retained. trees (Quercus robur) are to be planted in These trees are to be protected from the the amenity area in front of the wall to main earthwork operations with temporary complement the retained oak. To avoid barriers. impacts on retained trees, planting options behind the wall are limited. Five trees are proposed to the rear of the wall
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) Arboriculture - Bonllwyn Farm (Railway comprising three crab apple (Malus ‘John Wall): sensitive design alignment enabled Downie’) near the bridge, one downy the retention of the Category Cii ash and birch and one rowan. This area will be alder. However, one Category Bii alder supplemented by native riparian scrub cannot be avoided at the eastern end of the comprising ‘feathers’ of alder, birch, wall and would require removal. hazel, goat willow, hawthorn, blackthorn and guelder rose to reinforce the riparian Arboriculture - Bonllwyn Farm Flood Wall: corridor without impacting the root Only one Category Bi alder would require protection zones of existing trees. Spring removal to enable construction of the flood bulb planting (comprising crocus, daffodil wall; no micrositing options are available. and snowdrops) and informal seating will One Category Bi (oak) and one Category Cii be provided in amenity areas that will be sycamore will be retained but will require reseeded with shade-tolerant grass mix coppicing. Four Category B and C trees are (e.g. Emorsgate EM23) during retained following micrositing of the wall. reinstatement. A 1m strip of shade- tolerant grass mix will remain behind the Arboriculture - Flow Deflectors and wall to allow for inspection and Maintenance Access: The majority of maintenance. riparian and amenity trees can be retained; however, two Category B trees (sycamore Cwmllwchwr Mill – replacement planting and ash) and three Category C trees will be provided along the eastern and (sycamore, birch, ash) require removal to southern banks of the flood storage area. install the maintenance access and ramp to 59 feathered trees comprising 23 alder, access the flow deflectors. Six Category B 19 downy birch and 17 willow are to be trees and 10 Category C trees are retained planted at low density 3m spacings in the following micrositing. Crown reduction works southern extent of the storage area and may be required for one Category B alder denser (1.5m centres) along the northern (T117), or no-dig installation of the cellular bund. concrete paving. Heol Haydn – 39 replacement trees will Arboriculture - Bonllwyn Estate Flood Wall: be provided, alongside informal seating Due to spatial constraints, one Category B areas and a privet hedgerow to delineate
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) ash tree and three Category C trees (hazel, the public and residential areas. Any sycamore, wych elm) cannot be retained. disturbed areas will be reseeded with Two Category B and two Category C trees shade-tolerant grassland mix (e.g. will be retained but will require coppicing. Emorsgate EM23) to reinstate amenity Following micrositing of the wall, the areas. Avenue planting of 24 small-leaved remaining Category B and C trees will be lime (Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’) retained. No Category A trees will be lost, specimens will be planted alongside the with the Category Aii oak protected and flood wall to give instant visual impact. retained. Amenity areas will be supplemented by three Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua Arboriculture - Parc Henry Lane Bund: Part 'Worplesdon') in the south, three groups of Category Cii Tree Group 17 (sycamore) of three ‘snowy mespil’ (Amelanchier will require removal to enable construction of lamarckii) and two birch and one alder at the bund at Parc Henry Lane. the northern end of the wall. A 1m strip of EM23 shade-tolerant grass mix will remain behind the wall to allow for inspection and maintenance, backed by mixed native species hedgerow comprising hawthorn, holly, blackthorn and guelder rose. To the rear of this hedge, ‘feathers’ of alder, birch, hazel, goat willow, hawthorn, blackthorn and guelder rose will be planted to reinforce the riparian corridor.
Shands Road Wall – 27 trees will be planted behind the industrial units and alongside Station Road. Two oaks (Q. robur) alongside Station Road, 10 alder, 10 downy birch and 5 willow, with three groups supplemented with a wet woodland mix of alder, downy birch and
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) willow. Further replacement planting was limited by the presence of existing utilities.
Railway Wall and Bonllwyn Farm Flood Wall – a woodland block of 13 trees is proposed to connect the two flood walls and provide connectivity along the riverbank. Three groups comprising 5 alder, 5 willow and three birch with an understorey of alder, birch and willow ‘feathers’ to create a robust riparian corridor, all avoiding RPAs.
Bonllwyn Estate Flood Wall – 12 trees will be planted comprising a mixture of riparian and amenity tree planting. Two alder and one downy birch located along the riverbank alongside ‘feathers’ of alder, birch, hazel, goat willow, hawthorn, blackthorn and guelder rose and shrub planting. A 1m strip of shade-tolerant grass mix (e.g. Emorsgate EM23) will remain behind the wall to allow for inspection and maintenance. To the north of the wall, two groups of three crab apple (Malus ‘John Downie’) specimens are proposed supplemented by spring bulb planting within EM23 grassland. The amenity grassland off Heol Llwyd will be remediated, planted with EM23 grass and a group of three Sweet Gum (Liquidambar
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) styraciflua 'Worplesdon') planted, supplemented by spring bulbs.
Bonllwyn Green – [Llandybie Road / Old Road, Ammanford, NGR: SN 62586 13197] – 58 trees are proposed as a mixture of avenue planting, native fruiting trees and urban forest. The current park is a flat grassed area with several stands of trees and a network of paths dividing the green into three areas. Each area is designed to be distinct: [1] the northern area will be planted as an urban forest to provide a space for nature with a new path and seating helping people reconnect with nature, [2] the west along Old Road will retain it’s open nature maintaining opportunity for informal exercise and games, and [3] a wildflower meadow and smaller fruiting trees will provide a rich habitat for invertebrates and pollinators, [4] through the centre of the park, new avenue tree planting will help draw people through the park and into each of the three spaces. New seating along the central path will provide opportunities to rest, whilst interpretation and specimen tree planting at the northern end of the park provide another gateway drawing people into the Green.
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) Due to spatial constraints and landowner preferences, it is not possible to provide replacement planting within the Tir-y-Dail Bund, Parc Henry Lane Bund or at the Flow Deflector and Maintenance Access where the new maintenance access will comprise cellular concrete paving with grass infill and the footpath reinstated following installation.
Maintenance - Newly created habitats, as detailed in the Planning Drawings, required for both mitigation planting and enhancement, will be subject to long-term management measures. The Tir-y-Dail and Parc Henry Lane bunds should be managed as a traditional meadow with a main summer cut after flowering in July or August in combination with autumn and spring mowing to circa 50mm or as required to facilitate inspection and maintenance.
Monitoring – The Landscape and Visual Assessment details the monitoring and maintenance required to ensure the landscaping establishes successfully. Specifically monitoring will include: Monitoring for signs of scrub colonisation and encroachment into grassland areas. Where there is encroachment, scrub should be cleared sensitively.
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) Monitor the establishment of new tree planting and replace any that fail or are damaged within the first five years. The Contractor is to ensure that no Invasive Non-Native Species colonise the area including Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam. If these species or any other which are listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) are recorded they will be removed immediately in line with guidance from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra, 2003)12. A Water Framework Directive (WFD) All works will be undertaken in assessment [Document 272967-ARP-XX- accordance with the Environmental Action XX-RP-EN-0005 in the Pre-Application Plan (EAP) that will be maintained by the Construction - short- Fluvial Consultation pack] has been undertaken and contractor. The EAP includes site-specific term negligible Geomorphology updated to reflect detailed design. The WFD methods to ensure that all activities in adverse. and Water concludes that the scheme will not have an proximity to watercourses are controlled (Construction and impact on WFD waterbodies or prevent and are in accordance with relevant Operation – Operation) achievement of Good Ecological Status. legislation and undertaken in compliance permanent moderate
with the relevant Guidance for Pollution beneficial. Flow Deflector and Access Ramp - The Prevention (e.g. GPP513,) and industry WFD and flow deflector design were best practice (CIRIA14; CIRIA C74115).
12 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent‐the‐spread‐of‐harmful‐invasive‐and‐non‐native‐plants (accessed on 21.01.2019) 13 Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) (2018). Guidance for Pollution Prevention – Works or maintenance in or near water: GPP5 v1.2 Feb 2018. http://www.netregs.org.uk/media/1418/gpp-5-works-and-maintenance- in-or-near-water.pdf 14 CIRIA (2018) CIRIA http://www.ciria.org 15 CIRIA C74115 ‘Environmental Good Practice On Site’; Fourth Edition (2015). Page 66 of 92
Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) supported by a Sediment Transport Study to understand the sediment dynamics around Fish – No in-river works will be permitted the A483 Bonllwyn Bridge. Gravel deposits during the fish embargo period between have built up under the bridge that increase 15th October and 15th April to avoid the flood risk locally, which will be removed by migration and spawning season. dredging. Flow deflectors will then be The Contractor will be required to develop installed to improve the hydrodynamics method statements, a Pollution Incident under the bridge and prevent further Response Plan and Silt and Water Quality sediment build up, avoiding the need for Management Plan for NRW approval in annual dredging. The study evidenced that advance of any in-river works. sediment is being replenished from upstream and the removal of the bar is unlikely to result in larger scale morphological changes or habitat degradation.
The design considers the potential for scour, with suitable measures included to protect the riverbed and bank from erosion to mitigate this risk. Anticipated changes to flow velocity are localised to the area surrounding the A483 Bonllwyn Bridge.
Tir-y-Dail Weir Fish Passage Improvements - This installation of the fish pass will result in a positive impact upon multiple WFD water bodies. The three WFD water bodies upstream of the structure are all at Good or High status for fish so this activity will not help achieve an improved status classification. Despite this, the installation of a fish pass will add resilience to the ecosystem by providing access to a
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) greater area and diversity of habitat, thus helping to prevent future deterioration. The design of the pre-barrages seeks to minimise the potential for sediment to accumulate in the pools so that fish passage is maintained, which also benefits downstream sediment passage; refer to WFD Compliance Assessment for details. The project was informed by an Historic Construction - An Archaeological Environment Desk-Based Assessment Watching Brief will be undertaken (DBA) prepared by Dyfed Archaeological following an approved Written Scheme of Trust. Investigation (WSI) for any topsoil strip Scheduled Monuments - The Tir-y-Dail associated with construction of the Tir-y- Construction - Motte and Bailey Castle (CM067) Scheduled Dail and Parc Henry Lane bunds, Unknown Monument is located c. 100m southeast of installation of the access track from Heol Archaeology: the proposed fish passage improvements Llwyd to the flow deflectors at the A483 negligible / minor and land lowering. Due to the spatial Llandybie Road bridge and ground adverse (permanent). separation no direct effects are predicted. lowering at Cwmllwchwr Mill due to the Historic The indirect effect of the flood defence and potential for Roman and / or Bronze Age Operational – Environment fish passage improvements upon the setting finds. Scheduled (Construction and of Tir-y-Dail Motte and Bailey Castle is Monument: Tir-y-Dail Operation) considered low to negligible. The setting of This is considered necessary to mitigate Motte and Bailey
the monument has already been potential impacts on previously Castle Scheduled compromised by its location within an area of unrecorded archaeological remains, if Monument (Setting): urbanisation and vegetation that heavily present. This would ensure that any Negligible adverse restricts views from and into the monument, archaeological remains are appropriately (permanent). and its western edge has previously been recorded. Although recording directly impacted upon by the construction of (preservation by record) cannot fully a railway line that separates the monument mitigate the impact of removing from the proposed flood wall. The proposed archaeological remains, it does reduce improvements would make only very minimal the magnitude. While the significance of change to the character of the feature’s any remains present is unknown, they are
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) setting, due to the intervening vegetation and not likely to be above medium sensitivity, proposed planting along the ground lowering meaning that the impact level, following that would act as additional screening. The mitigation would be no higher than minor motte is a heritage asset of very high adverse. sensitivity. The magnitude of effect would be very low, resulting in a permanent negligible adverse impact. No other Scheduled Monuments are located with 1km.
Listed Buildings - There are no Grade I or II* Listed Buildings within 1km but there are 12 Grade II Listed Buildings within 1km of the proposed development. Due to intervening topography and the surrounding built environment there is no intervisibility between the listed buildings and the proposed flood protection improvements. Therefore, the proposals do not negatively impact upon the setting of these buildings.
Non-Statutory Heritage Features - The closest non-designated asset is what are believed to be the remains of Aberlash Mill (PRN 18,378; NGR: SN62121335). The feature is not designated, and its original setting has already been compromised by post-medieval and modern development. The historic asset is located 250m northeast of Tir-y-Dail Bund with no intervisibility; no effect is concluded.
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) Unrecorded assets include the possible ford crossing on the Afon Loughor [SN 62248 13258], which could be considered of significant local archaeological importance; however, no works are proposed in the vicinity. This historic asset is not designated, and the negative impact is considered to be low.
Unknown Archaeology – The potential for Palaeolithic Mesolithic, Neolithic and Iron Age archaeological remains within the development area is considered low, but if such remains were found their archaeological importance would be high. Most of the proposed defences will pass through already built up areas where there is no foreseen impact on the historic environment.
The A483 may follow the route of a former Roman road. The potential for roadside activity of Roman date should not be discounted, but the potential is considered low. In the urban areas of Ammanford any Roman remains are likely to have already been truncated by development. In the rural flood plains of the proposed flood defences the potential for Roman remains is considered low. If such remains were found their archaeological importance would be high.
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation)
The potential for Bronze Age remains within the development area is considered moderate, given the close proximity of known burnt mounds and round barrows. Further sites identified from this period during the development would be considered of high archaeological importance.
The potential of finding significant (and non- agricultural) remains in the development area from the Early Medieval, post-medieval or modern periods is considered to be low. Any buried remains encountered during the development from these periods would be of low to medium importance depending on the rarity of the site type.
Based on the findings of the Historic Environment DBA it is considered that the proposed flood defence improvements would have a low / negligible adverse impact on the historic environment.
The following response was received from Dyfed Archaeological Trust with regard to the subsequent fish passage improvements [31st March 2020]: ‘We do not consider the proposed works will have an adverse visual impact on the historic landscape and the potential for direct impact on archaeological deposits is assessed to be low. We
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) recommend that archaeological mitigation is not required [for this element of works]’. Much of the site comprises alluvium, river An earthworks specification will be terrace deposits and glacial till. Groundwater produced for the construction of the is predominantly present between 2m and scheme which will include chemical limits 3m below ground level generally in continuity to ensure soils do not pose a risk to the with the River Loughor. Made Ground of environment or site end users. This will be variable thickness was encountered in all verified through regular sampling and regions of the intrusive investigation apart laboratory testing of soil samples. This will from in the locale of the proposed Tir-Y-Dail apply to both imported soils and any Bund; however, the composition (plastic and excavated soils to be reused on site. brick fragments) suggests that Made Ground
encountered is unlikely to be significantly Any soils which do not meet the limits of contaminated. Furthermore, within the the earthworks specification will be taken factual report it is stated that no visual or off site to a licensed waste disposal or soil olfactory evidence of contamination was recycling facility. Soil noted during the Ground Investigation (GI). Short-term negligible
(Construction) adverse. Any material encountered during There was no evidence of contamination construction displaying visual or olfactory within the site associated with the nearby evidence of contamination will be safely gas works. stockpiled to ensure there is no leaching
of contamination to other areas prior to At Cwmllwchwr Mill potential contaminated appropriate disposal. ground has been identified at the location of
the proposed flood wall. Further investigation Should the material at Cwmllwchwr Mill be and assessment of this is ongoing to quantify deemed to pose a risk to the environment the levels of contamination including or site end users, any contaminated soils asbestos. excavated for the construction of the wall
will be disposed of offsite and will not be Potential exists for soil compaction during reused within the works. construction, through vehicle trafficking,
storage and handling of soils.
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) Minimise damage to topsoil and subsoil from incorrect storage, handling and trafficking of soils; details in EAP; Document 272967-ARP-XX-XX-RP-EN- 0004 in the Pre-Application Consultation Pack. Best practice dust and air quality management measures to be integrated into the EAP: Working areas will be kept neat and tidy. Road going vehicles will be restricted to running on hard surfaces where feasible. Wheel cleaning facilities will be available (hose pipe, brush) and if required a jet wash will be employed. Vehicles travelling off site will be Air Potential for dust emission through observed to manage any vehicle Short-term negligible (Construction) construction and need to adopt best tracking of mud onto highways; adverse.
construction practice techniques. management measures to be enacted as required. Machinery and vehicles to be well maintained, regularly serviced and comply with MOT emissions standards. Deliveries to site will be controlled via the Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) (Document 272967-ARP- XX-XX-RP-EN-0002 in the Pre- Application Consultation Pack) to avoid queuing; and engines will be switched off when not in use.
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) Climate Resilience - The proposed scheme will reduce the risk of flooding and associated environmental, social and economic impacts. The scheme therefore contributes to climate change adaptation and provides increased environmental and community resilience.
Climate change is an integral factor to determining the final flood defence design, ensuring that the proposed defences are resilient in the long-term, taking climate change into account. The scheme has been designed to provide flood protection for a 1% The NRW Sustainable Procurement Climate Resilience - Annual Exceedance Probability flood event Policy will be applied to further minimise Permanent, moderate with an allowance for the effects of climate carbon emissions associated with the beneficial. Climate change to 2119. proposed scheme. In addition, local (Construction) contractors and materials will be used Embodied Carbon – Embodied Carbon - Construction of the where possible to minimise transportation short-term minor flood defences will require the use of natural emissions. adverse. resources and energy that comprise embodied carbon. Construction activities from plant will also result in the release of carbon emissions.
A carbon calculator has been used to quantify and reduce carbon emission associated with the design and construction of the proposed scheme during the detailed design stage. Opportunities to reduce carbon emissions through choice of construction materials, construction techniques, and through reduced maintenance requirements, Page 74 of 92
Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation) have been considered throughout design. The use of construction materials with a high embodied carbon value (e.g. concrete) has been minimised where practicable.
There will be excess soils generated as part of the scheme, primarily from the construction of flood wall foundations and land lowering at Cwmllwchwr Mill. Currently opportunities for reuse of such material on Where appropriate and following further site will be limited. As such, arisings will ground investigation, excavated materials most likely need to be disposed of offsite to a suitable for reuse to be reused, landfill or recycling facility. The soil used for implementing the CL:AIRE protocol for the construction of the bunds will need to be material reuse, in preference to importing from an imported source to meet the bund construction; e.g. Cwmllwchwr required engineering parameters; such as ground lowering equates to c. 600m3 permeability, strength and compaction, all of material for reuse in dry side slope which will be defined in an earthworks Material Assets construction of the Tir-y-Dail Bund. Short-term minor specification. Excess soils will be subject to (Construction) adverse. further ground investigation to confirm what Material management will be secured via quantum are suitable for reuse. the EAP (Document 272967-ARP-XX-XX-
RP-EN-0004 in the Pre-Application Accordingly, and in line with the EIA Consultation Pack) and will be controlled Screening Opinion, the proposed flood by a Materials Management Plan to be defence improvements are not considered to produced by the appointed contractor. result in any significant waste production that
would have unacceptable impacts upon the
wider surroundings or adversely affect natural resources in the area. There are no complex or hazardous environmental effects associated with the development.
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Topic / Receptor / Effect Level / Scale Summary of Assessment Mitigation and Monitoring Required Resource (After Mitigation)
Planning Applications - At the time of writing (January 2021) a further search of current and recently determined planning applications was undertaken using Carmarthenshire County Council’s online planning services to capture any applications which could result in cumulative effects; refer to Planning, Design and Access Statement, Section 2.3 for details. No additional applications have been identified nor were Cumulative Effects No mitigation required. None further developments identified. A change of use application [E/40436] is pending at the Cwmllwchwr Mill units for self- storage containers. This is not anticipated to incur any cumulative effect.
As per the EIA Screening Opinion, it is not considered that any recently built or known permitted development in the area, together with the proposed development would have any cumulative effects on the environment.
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7. Delivery of Enhancements
NRW is required to deliver multiple benefits, as required by the: Environment (Wales) Act 2016 – Section 4 SMNR Principles and Section 6 Biodiversity Duty. Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and NRWs Well-Being Objectives. Water Framework Directive – statutory duty to secure compliance and protect and enhance the water environment. There are also a number of other drivers such as Core Management Plans for Protected Sites (and Prioritised Improvement Plans), local Well-Being Plans and possibly other specific locally led plans.
An initial list of potential environmental, community and heritage enhancements were collated and issued for consultation to key stakeholders for review and input. The enhancement options have now been developed further and are outlined below.
Enhancement Proposals
The following includes a summary of the core proposals:
Llandybie Woodland Planting – As an NRW and Carmarthenshire County Council collaborative project, there is intent to deliver an area of biodiversity and amenity improvements in Llandybie along the Afon Marlas catchment. Details will be developed through community consultation but are likely to include tree planting, amenity and public access improvements and interpretation boards.
Biodiversity Enhancements – Installation of riparian bird and bat boxes on new / retained trees within the wider site. Dipper and grey wagtail boxes located under bridges or on vertical walls, kingfisher tunnel if appropriate location available, tawny owl nest box, standard bird boxes (sparrow, blue tit, etc. singles or multiples). All to be positioned (height, setting and orientation) correctly to improve likelihood of use. Inclusion of logs / brash piles as refuges for invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals reusing material removed during vegetation clearance. Provision of an artificial otter holt and hedgehog boxes in appropriate locations; i.e. avoiding disturbance and likelihood of flooding. Provision of otter ledges is also proposed under bridges to enhance access for commuting otter. Habitat provision to be installed under the guidance of a qualified ecologist.
Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) – Treatment of INNS along River Loughor. Appointed contractor will undertake INNS removal, targeting key species identified by INNS mapping for the project.
Fly-Tipped Waste Removal – Remove recorded fly-tipping within and directly adjacent to the application site boundary along River Loughor during construction phase. NRW to
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discuss longer-term support to waste management / removal with CCC and local community groups.
Interpretation Boards - Provision of wildlife and heritage information boards at Station Road, in Bonllwyn amenity area alongside flow deflector maintenance access and Bonllwyn Green. Educational facility providing information on the project, local wildlife and heritage importance, focusing on the little known Tir-y-Dail Motte and Bailey Castle Scheduled Monument. One project / biodiversity and one heritage board to be installed on the replanted green space on Station Road / Shands Road and one project / biodiversity focused interpretation board to be installed at Bonllwyn Estate along the footpath and proposed access track to the flow deflectors and another at Bonllwyn Green.
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8. Appendices
Appendix A: Environmental Constraints and Opportunities Plan (ECOP)
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A3 LEGEND
Flood Defence Improvments
Fish Passage Improvements - Pre- Barrages Parc Henry Lane Flood Bund Inland Water
Path / Public Right of Way
Landscape Planting
Scheduled Monument
Ancient Woodland
Railway Bridge Flood Wall Bonllwyn Flood Wall TAN15 Flood Zone B
TAN15 Flood Zone C2 Bonllwyn Farm Flood Wall A438 Bridge Flow Deflector and Access Ramp !( Listed Buildings \\global\europe\Cardiff\Jobs\272000\272967-00\4Internal Project Data\4-80 GIS\4-84Map Documents\ENV_Environment\Ammanford_Env_Constraints_Map_Dec2020.mxd
Bonllwyn Green Landscape Planting
Tir-y-Dail Flood Bund
P1 2020-12-08 IM FOR INFORMATION GM RC 2020-12-10
Heol Haydn Flood Wall Rev. Date. Drawn. Description. Chkd. Appd. Date. Shands Road Flood Wall
Coleg Sir Gar Project Flood Wall Name. Cwmllwchwr Mill Flood Wall and Ground Lowering AMMANFORD FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT
Tir-y-Dail Weir and Fish Drawing Title. APPENDIX A - ENVIRONMENTAL Passage Improvements CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES PLAN (ECOP) Suitability. Suitability Code. FOR INFORMATION S1
Tir-y-Dail Motte and Bailey Castle Originator Designer Date. IM GM 2020-12-08 Scheduled Monument Internal Project Number Scale Rev. 272967 1:5,000 P1 0 25 50 100 150 200 Drawing Number. Metres 001 Contains OS data © Crown Copyright and database right 2020 THIS MAP IS BASEDUPON THE ORDNANCE SURVEYMATERIAL WITH THE PERMISSION OF ORDNANCE SURVEYON BEHALFOF THE CONTROLLEROF HER MAJESTY'S STATIONARY OFFICE.© CROWN COPYRIGHT2015 LICENCE NUMBER
Appendix B Consultation Record
Consultee Summary of Response Action Taken NRW Flood Risk Any planning application associated with Comments noted. the scheme should be treated in line with A Flood NRW internal guidance as well as Consequence demonstrating compliance with TAN15: Assessment (FCA) for Development and Flood Risk. the scheme will be Scheme would also likely require a Flood developed and Risk Activity Permit. submitted in support of the consent applications at the detailed design stage to demonstrate compliance with flood risk policy. NRW The ECOR mentions potential Comments noted. Geoscience contamination from a former gasworks. This Further was successfully remediated in 2013. A acknowledgement Preliminary Risk Assessment should be that the former undertaken to understand possible gasworks site has contamination. been successfully NRW should apply (CL:AIRE) code of remediated by the practice to the disposal of contaminated soil, landowner is should this need arise. included in Table 3.1. NRW Natural Increasing access to the riverside must be Further assessment Resources balanced against potential detriment to of the potential Management riparian corridor. impacts of the gravel Carmarthenshire Alternative options to periodic removal of bar removal were gravel bar under Llandybie Bridge should undertaken during be explored. the detailed design A CEMP should be authored to manage stage and this has pollution prevention during construction. been added to the Acquisition of land within the town (apart mitigation from the fields east of Shands Road, which recommendations. have already been considered) should be Reference to considered. Environmental Action There may be opportunities to improve Plan (EAP) refers to channel morphology. the NRW Management of INNS should be expanded Construction to a wider control programme. Environmental An Otter pass should be considered under Management Plan Llandybie Road Bridge as well as the (CEMP) template. Station Road Bridge. Improvements to Incorporation of Sand Martin holes into channel morphology, the flood wall should be considered. wider INNS control Contribution to the local Marsh Fritillary programme, Butterfly conservation project could be additional Otter pass, considered as a potential enhancement. incorporation of Sand Martin holes and Page 80 of 92 www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Consultee Summary of Response Action Taken contribution to Marsh Fritillary Butterfly conservation project were considered in potential environmental enhancements. NRW Species Adequate provision should be made to Preserving Team ensure that Otter can continue to move access to both across watercourses. banks and Otter pass(es) should be installed such a watercourse for level that they would not periodically flood. Otter has been added to the EAP. Consideration of Otter passage opportunities included in enhancements. NRW Fisheries Proposed scheme offers significant Fish passage opportunities for fish passage improvement at Tir- improvement at the following locations: y-Dail weir has Tir-y-Dail weir – restricts fish migration been included as a and access to 60,000m2 of fish potential part of the spawning habitat. Warrants project. consideration and potential investment. Cathan Brook – weir at lower end which prevents fish passage. This scheme has been developed with the landowner and there is potential for external funding (£10-20k). Pantyffynnon weir – has been modified to enhance fish passage in the past but could still be improved. Eels are restricted here to specific provision for eels could be incorporated. NRW WFD Due care should be taken to protect fish Comments noted; populations within the Loughor – headwaters mitigation and best to confluence with Marlas waterbody, to practice added to prevent a deterioration in ecological status. EAP. Comments given by Fisheries must therefore be given adequate weight. NRW The Tir-y-Dail weir is not an NRW asset, but Comments noted. Hydrometry and a DCWW sewer crossing; however, any The hydrometry Telemetry hydraulic changes will impact upon our flow station at Tir-y-Dail measurement capability. weir is a known There are currently 5 abstraction licences issue with the which are linked to this site. The flows of proposed interest for these start at Q85 and go lower. improvements to fish For extreme low flows during drought passage at this situations, any changes to the hydraulics location and has would impact on the level to flow been incorporated relationship governing these with its own into consideration by www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 81 of 92
Consultee Summary of Response Action Taken environmental implications. the project team I anticipate that any fish pass measure throughout . would be either a downstream rocky ramp It has been or a ‘bolt on’ larinier, low cost baffle or pool recognised that works and traverse etc. pass? to improve fish The site is presently not very sensitive at low passage may impact flows so if the hydraulics must be modified it on the gauging station would be beneficial if this also included and that adequate improved sensitivity e.g. notching the new gauging facilities present structure. may also need to be Regarding rocky ramps and structure provided. One drowning – There is no evidence in historic potential mitigation gaugings of drowning within gauged range measure constitutes or in photos from 2004 at 1.58m so it is providing an upgrade currently assumed non-modularity does not to the hydrometry as have a significant effect on rating at LEMD an environmental (it’s a QMED station). We definitely do not enhancement that want any additions that would reduce level acts as facilitation of drowning, as this is likely to effect QMED project for a later fish measurement. A downstream rocky ramp or passage upgrade. weir would be compromised, and we would Further internal NRW need to consider a new measurement consultation will be location and or approach with consequent required during knock-ons for scheme cost benefits. detailed design to NFRA states that bank-full is currently develop a suitable 2.2m, which is higher than the highest flow fish passage recorded. However, the description says, proposal. “RB overtopped on rare occasions.” Which ties in with the need for a FAS! If the scheme contains flows in the reach from the upstream bridge to a point below the gauging station this would improve high flow performance. Operationally a low-cost battle solution at our gauging station at Resolven on the River Neath has suffered damage in its first winter of operation so any pass will need to be robust. As the asset is presently not an NRW asset would the fish pass asset become a component of the wider scheme asset for repair and maintenance purposes. I would not wish it to become an H&T asset with operational cost we have not budgeted for. What are the implications for attaching fish passage measures to a third-party structure with significant environmental risks if it fails during construction or post modification? We presently undertake flow measurement via a cableway spanning the river at the gauging station. If an access ramp were to www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 82 of 92
Consultee Summary of Response Action Taken be provided just downstream of the weir we could further enhance the environment by removing this cable crossing and gauging at the site by remote controlled boat. The ramp could double as a safe maintenance access for any fish pass installed. An alternative location would be just upstream of the road bridge, particularly if this utilise a construction access. Movable flood gates may be required if not an up or over ramp to flood wall height. In summary, changes to the hydraulics at the site by fish passage measures will have significant impacts, however there are some opportunities in increasing sensitivity, high flow channel capacity and gauging ramp installation. Anything fully removing the hydraulic jump over the structure would completely compromise the station and H&T would look to the project to fund alternative flow measurement in the reach. CCC There is likely to be an impact to only one Comments noted. Countryside public right of way, namely footpath 68/1 Public footpath 68/1 Access which runs from Nantlais, across the railway is likely to be to Aberlash Mill. The proposed construction affected during of a grassy bund with a 3m wide crest from construction and Shands Road eastwards across to the railway further consultation abuts the line of footpath 68/1. The with CCC will be construction phase is likely to impact on this required during route with potential for a long-term impact detailed design to depending on the height of the bund where it mitigate any adverse abuts the path and the existence of any impact on the supporting structures or protective fencing. footpath network. Consideration needs to be given to the The detailed design existence of the path and the need to protect process will include it during and after construction. full consideration of No other significant impacts to the the footpath network are anticipated based on the requirements and at information provided. this stage no In terms of enhancements, it would be significant impact on considered a positive step towards equality of the footpath is access if the Cycle Route extension proposal anticipated. could be considered for multi-user status as opposed to only cycling and walking. Off road access opportunities for equestrians in the County is poor and fragmented so introducing a purpose built multi user section of path in this location would increase safe equestrian access opportunities in an area popular for horse riding, complementing the recent enhanced access across the old Bettws Mine site nearby. www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 83 of 92
Consultee Summary of Response Action Taken CCC Flood No adverse comments from a Flood Defence Comment noted. Defence and perspective. Coastal Protection Enhancement Consultation CCC Biodiversity Habitat Creation Considered in Biodiversity • Dipper boxes on appropriate structures development of Officer would be good. mitigation and • I don't think the CNP would support the enhancement options. use of wildflower seed mixes - would prefer the use of green hay to try and create a species-rich grassland. Long- term management would need to be in place to make this sustainable. • Support of Otter holts, but they would need monitored and be secure in the long-term. Invasive Species Removal • Support - CNRP has a draft plan for INNS. Fly-tipped Waste Removal • Consult with WWRT/ Keep Wales Tidy and Mike Roberts (CCC - Pride in your Patch) Broadleaved Woodland Habitat Creation • Recommend consulting with Gus Helier CCC Coed Cymru Officer/Rosie Carmichael CCC Rural Conservation Manager regarding woodland planting. Long-term management needs to be built into project. Floodplain Connectivity / Wet Woodland • Linked to wet woodland creation, this could be interesting. Consult with CCC Flood Defence team. Wildlife Information Boards • Use of QR codes to link to on-line info. Keep message simple. National Cycle Route 437 Extension / Upgrade • Planning implications/ecological surveys required. Consult with Simon Charles in CCC. Marsh Fritillary Butterfly Habitat • Consult with Amanda Evans CMM project officer. Not sure it is within project area. Wildlife Tunnels / Road Crossing • Willing to be part of the conversation with CCC Highways. Could be a good www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 84 of 92
Consultee Summary of Response Action Taken exemplar project to demonstrate how these can be retro fitted at suitable sites. Riparian / Aquatic Habitat Creation • Ponds and scrapes would need planning permission. If area is grazed then impact of livestock needs to be considered. Natural Flood Management (NFM) Measures • Consult with West Wales River Trust (WWRT) and Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru (INCC). Amenity Grassland Management • This estate is managed under housing - contact Clare Tinkler. Implications re future management and sustainability. There will be budget implications. Needs to be done with support of residents. Grass is cut too often at the moment. Probably it would be better delivered by reduction in cutting and collecting arisings.
CCC Planning Biodiversity Habitat Creation Considered in Ecologist • As part of the planning process a development of Comments. guarantee would need to be put in place mitigation and that these measures can be enhancement options. implemented and maintained in the long term and unless the measures are delivered on land under the control of the applicant these measures would need to be secured through an appropriate legal agreement with the landowner. Support if suitable delivery mechanism in place. • Otter Holt (Artificial) / Ledges - As part of the planning process a guarantee would need to be put in place that these measures can be implemented and maintained in the long term and unless the measures are delivered on land under the control of the applicant these measures would need to be secured through an appropriate legal agreement with the landowner unless they are appropriate to be delivered through NRWs management remit. Details of ledge structures would need to be identified on application plans and included in the planning application boundary. Support if suitable delivery www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 85 of 92
Consultee Summary of Response Action Taken mechanism in place. Invasive Species Removal • As part of the planning process a guarantee would need to be put in place that these measures can be implemented and maintained in the long term and unless the measures are delivered on land under the control of the applicant these measures would need to be secured through an appropriate legal agreement with the landowner unless they are appropriate to be delivered through NRWs management remit. Detailed Method Statement for treatment be agreed either as part of planning application or via planning condition. Support if suitable delivery mechanism in place. Amenity Seating • Consider any disturbance impacts on ecological features. Broadleaved Woodland Habitat Creation • As part of the planning process a guarantee would need to be put in place that these measures can be implemented and maintained in the long term and unless the measures are delivered on land under the control of the applicant these measures would need to be secured through an appropriate legal agreement with the landowner. Support if suitable delivery mechanism in place. Floodplain Connectivity / Wet Woodland • As part of the planning process a guarantee would need to be put in place that these measures can be implemented and maintained in the long term and unless the measures are delivered on land under the control of the applicant these measures would need to be secured through an appropriate legal agreement with the landowner. Details of channel structures would need to be identified on application plans and included in the planning application boundary as they will likely qualify as an engineering operation, they may also need to form part of wider planning assessments including flood assessments etc. Ecological assessment of the land www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 86 of 92
Consultee Summary of Response Action Taken where the channels were to be formed would also need to be presented. Support if suitable delivery mechanism in place. Recommend consulting with Gus Helier CCC Coed Cymru Officer/Rosie Carmichael CCC Rural Conservation Manager re woodland planting. Heritage Information Boards • Consult with Dyfed Archaeological Trust. Wildlife Information Boards • Supportive of installation but would not qualify as an ecological enhancement in isolation. Seek advice from relevant planning officer on planning consent requirements. Maintenance considerations. Marsh Fritillary Butterfly Habitat • The proposal falls outside the CMM SPG area and therefore it is considered that the development is not directly related to the MF project and that proposed enhancements would likely be better directed elsewhere in the local area. Wildlife Tunnels / Road Crossing • As part of the planning process a guarantee would need to be put in place that these measures can be implemented and maintained in the long term and unless the measures are delivered on land under the control of the applicant these measures would need to be secured through an appropriate legal agreement with the landowner unless they are appropriate to be delivered through NRWs management remit. Details of structure would need to be identified on application plans and included in the planning application boundary. Support if suitable delivery mechanism in place and agreement in place with CCC Highways. Riparian / Aquatic Habitat Creation • As part of the planning process a guarantee would need to be put in place that these measures can be implemented and maintained in the long term and unless the measures are delivered on land under the control of www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 87 of 92
Consultee Summary of Response Action Taken the applicant these measures would need to be secured through an appropriate legal agreement with the landowner. Details of pond and scrape structures would need to be identified on application plans and included in the planning application boundary as they qualify as an engineering operation, they may also need to form part of wider planning assessments including flood assessments etc. Ecological assessment of the land where the ponds and scrapes were to be formed would also need to be presented. Support if suitable delivery mechanism in place. Natural Flood Management (NFM) Measures • Consider that this would fall within NRWs remit to be looked at as part of the overall flood management scheme anyhow and therefore may not be considered as enhancement per se but we consider it would be beneficial to look at these options and demonstrate how they could potentially offset the need for any of the current proposed 'hard' flood defence structures and we would be supportive of any natural solutions that could form part of the overall flood catchment strategy. Amenity Grassland Management • Need to check if any management is agreed through any other mechanism such as any previous planning consents and what should be being delivered anyhow in terms of management before it could be accounted for as enhancement for this scheme. Allotments Creation • Ecological assessment of the land would need to be presented to ensure no conflicts with this proposal. Contribute to CCCs green infrastructure ambitions and their Transformational Strategy 2015-2030. Recommend discussion with Local Development Plan Team in Forward Planning. CCC Housing Fly-tipped Waste Removal Considered in • Supports the removal of observed fly- development of tipping along River Lougher. www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 88 of 92
Consultee Summary of Response Action Taken • Supports potential longer-term support mitigation and to waste management / removal. enhancement options. Amenity Seating • Positive - would benefit residents getting out & encourage communities to engage. Heritage Information Boards • Positive - communities can connect with the history. National Cycle Route 437 Extension / Upgrade • Positive - encouraging wellbeing. Installation of Public Art • Depends what type of art - Could possibly encourage graffiti on the site. Pocket Park in Gwyn Fryn Estate • Positive - local wildlife. negative - considering the area made in Heol Haydn, Concerns around whether tenants would maintain the allotments etc. Allotments Creation • Positive - encourage home grown, wellbeing etc. • Negative – Concerns around who would be responsible for managing the allotments. Installation of Outdoor Gym Equipment • Negative - insurance / liability. Long term maintenance. Contribute to CCCs green infrastructure ambitions and their Transformational Strategy 2015-2030. Positive West Wales Biodiversity Habitat Creation Considered in Rivers Trust • WWRT would prefer weir removals over development of (WWRT) weir modifications wherever possible. mitigation and All fish passage works should be in enhancement options. 'back to nature' style, such as pre- barrages etc to reduce the need for maintenance in the future and should be monitored for a number of seasons following their installation to ensure efficiency and be adapted where necessary. Buffer strips should be maintained along watercourses to ensure a wildlife corridor and a buffer strip to filter pollutants. • Tree Planting at Gwyn Fryn Estate - WWRT support the removal of non- native trees in favour of those of local provenance. Riparian tree planting www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 89 of 92
Consultee Summary of Response Action Taken important for shade, fish cover, bank stability and nutrient inputs. • Otter Holt/Ledges - Agree with the need for long term maintenance. Design success should be proven to ensure value for money. Invasive Species Removal • Whole catchment will need to be addressed to be effective. For example, Himalayan balsam seeds are spread downstream with the flow, so plants higher in the catchment need to be removed also. WWRT would be happy to pull together a programme on this using staff and volunteers should funds be available. Fly-tipped Waste Removal • WWRT have teams of volunteers under their 'Adopt a Tributary' project that they could utilise to assist with this. Financial support would be needed to WWRT to ensure long term delivery. Broadleaved Woodland Habitat Creation • Ensure trees are of local provenance. Planting should use cardboard tree guards as per recent best practice. WWRT would be happy to deliver any tree planting projects using staff and volunteer support, if funds were available. Floodplain Connectivity / Wet Woodland • Difficult to ensure that measures will be continued into the future (i.e. land use will not be changed by the landowner, or land sold on). In this case, private ownership would be beneficial. WWRT support the idea of floodplain connectivity. Wildlife Information Boards • Agree with CCC Planning Ecologist comments. Should also include aquatic species - WWRT can help advise on this. Marsh Fritillary Butterfly Habitat • Outside of WWRT's expertise. Wildlife Tunnels / Road Crossing • Please also consider where these would benefit the European otter, which is a common victim of road collisions Fisheries Enhancement. • Tir-y-Dail Weir Modification - Falls within NRWs remit but funding limited so www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 90 of 92
Consultee Summary of Response Action Taken would be welcome. Discussions should be had about the structures lifespan, i.e. is there any intention to stop using it in x number of years), as if so, it may be a better option to wait for removal. • Gauge Relocation - Would need more detail to enable an accurate comment. However, if this option were to make the existing gauging weir redundant, then removal should be heavily considered over the installation of a fish pass. Riparian / Aquatic Habitat Creation • Long term monitoring/adaptation needed. Consider river restoration where possible (i.e. restoring relic channels and wetlands and re- meandering) rather than just pond and scrape creation. Natural Flood Management (NFM) Measures • WWRT would be happy to undertake NFM surveys and deliver works such as leaky dams, woodland planting, riverbank regrading, scrape creation, peatland restoration etc. They have experience with this and good working relationships with landowners. Some measures may require financial compensation to landowners for loss of land, depending on the scale of the scheme.
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