For Inspection Purposes Only. Consent of Copyright Owner Required for Any Other Use

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:29 Bellanaboy Bridge Terminal l Shell E&P Ireland Limited Environmental Impact Statement

11.7 Characteristics of the Proposed There are other minor sources of emissions on the Development site, such as the Open Drains Sump and the Treated Water Sump, but emissions from these sources are 11.7.1 During Construction predicted to be negligible.

As identified in Section 11.4, the main source of Emissions arising from combustion processes are emissions during construction relate to construction summarised in Table 11.4. vehicles and machinery. Particulate emissions may also be generated from the handling of raw A detailed process description is provided in Section materials. 2. A brief description of the purpose of each unit or activity and the resulting emissions is given below. Vehicles and machinery will release exhaust fumes Releases to air will be regulated by the into the air. Emissions will include releases of oxides Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and defined of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, in the site’s Integrated Pollution Prevention and benzene and PMlo. Vehicles will also potentially Control Licence. An IPPC Licence application is generate dust, including PMlo, in the event of currently under development and will be submitted passing over dry, unpaved surfaces. during 2004. The licence issued by the EPA will be designed to ensure ambient air quality standards are Vehicles movements and onsite construction not breached and effects on human health and machinery will include: vegetation are minimised or eliminated entirely. Heating Medium Heater l approximately 400 round trips per day using heavy good vehicles (HGV) to remove peat to the planned peat deposition site at Srahmore; The heating medium heater supplies heat to the gas . up to 41 HGV movements per day to the inlet heater, the condensate heater and the methanol construction site; reboiler. The main fuel for the heater will be condensate. However, if there is insufficient . an estimated 262 peak morning trips for condensate then the gas will be used particularly construction workers; and later in the field life when condensate production l onsite vehicles and machinery which, like HGV decreases. vehicles, will use diesel as a fuel. Low NOx burners are to be employed in the heating The most significant activity with the potential to medium heater in order to minimise emissions of affect health and ecosystems is predicted to be the NOx. Burners of this nature conform with the movement of peat from the terminal to the peat application of Best Available Techniques (BAT) deposition site at Srahmore, as this will involve For the inspection purposesprinciple. only. As a result, NOx emissions will be an largest number of vehicle trips that are alsoConsent in of close copyright owner required for any other use. average 203 mg/Nm3 when fired on condensate fuel proximity to sensitive locations. and 124 mg/Nm when fired on gas.

Certain raw materials will be dusty in nature. These The use of produced condensate in the heater as the raw materials will be kept covered to prevent dust main fuel for the heater makes use of an otherwise generation. unwanted product.

11.7.2 During Operation Sales Gas Compressor Turbine

Process Units /Activities Two gas turbines (one operating, one standby) drive the sales gas compressors that are used to The following equipment / activities at the terminal compress the gas to export pressures. Each turbine will result in emissions to atmosphere: will have its own exhaust stack.

l heating medium heater; The turbines will be designed to comply with the . sales gas compressor turbines; EU’s large combustion plant Directive. They will . electricity generation gas engines; incorporate low NOx burners, significantly reducing . emergency power generation engines; emissions of NOx. NOx emission concentrations will

l firewater pump engines; be an average 51 mg/Nm3 of exhaust gas. The relevant limit in the large combustion plant Directive l HP (High Pressure) and LP (Low Pressure) emergency flares; is 75 mg/Nm3. . maintenance flare; Key emissions and operating parameters will be l fugitive emissions (leakages); and continuously monitored. Should any abnormalities 0 l tank and product loading.

EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:29 Beffanabuy Bridge Terminal Shell E&P Ireland Limited Environmental Impact Statement 0 be found the turbine affected will be shut down and Thetwo flareswitl be situatedin closeproximity to repaired and the spare turbine will operate. each other and wl be 40 m high. Typical vendor information indicates that the flare stacks have a Elecfricify Generafion Gas Engines hydrocarbon des#wtion efficjenq of 98%.

Currently there is no external (grid) power supply to The terminal will also house a ground flare for the terminal site and the generator packages have maintenance flaring. The ground flare is normally been designed to supp& the power requirement for isolated and is put into service prior to maintenance the entire site. Initially, three generators wiil be activities. installed, two of which will be in use during normal operating condiions, running at equal toad and FBring was chosen over venting as the method for discharging through individual exhausts. emergency pressure release and mainfenance as it is considered to be significantly less harmful to the Later in the life of the field (after year 9), the power environment. requirement may increase and, if proven to be necessary, it is planned to add a fourth generator. The extent of emissions arising from flaring activities For the purposes of this report, when considering will depend on the requirement for emergency and emissions from the electricity generators, it has been maintenance flaring. In accordance with Shell’s assumed that the maximum emissions will be Environmental Policy, the flare systems will not be equivalent to the emissions from two of the original used under normal operating conditions. During specification generators, running concurrently. commissioning, the flare systems will be tested. Table 11.4 presents the predicted annual release of Gas is a cleaner fuel than diesel in almost all combustion gases arising from pilot gas use for the respects and thus, by using gas as the fuel for power ground flare. The figures in Table 11.4 are based on generation on the site, the majority of emissions are operation of the ground flare for seven to fourteen minimised. Low NOx burners are to be used, in days per year. Annual emissions data for order to minimise NOx emissions. The specification emergency flaring is not included as this event will of the engines will be in accordance with the be very infrequent. Emissions arising from suggested stack emission limits in the UNECE Long emergency flaring have, however, been assessed by Range Transboundary Air Pollution Protocol. atmospheric dispersion modelling.

NOx emission levels from these engines will be 500 Fugitive Emissions mg/Nm3. Fugitive emission sources are limited to minor Emergency Electricity Generator and Firewater leakages from connections, isolation and control Pumps For inspection purposesvalves, only. relief valves, rotating equipment and Consent of copyright owner requiredanalysers. for any other Thisuse. type of emission is small but A diesel fired emergency generator will be installed unavoidable in this type of installation. By to provide electricity in the event of a failure to the minimising the number of potential sources, fugitive electricity supply from the gas engines. The emissions can be reduced significantly. Low- provision of back-up supplies will ensure that critical leakage plant items including relief valves, flanges systems can continue to operate and ensure site and pumps will be installed to minimise releases safety. The generator will be run for 1 hour per week further. United Kingdom Offshore Operators to confirm availability. Association (UKOOA) guidelines have been used to estimate the amount of gas released through such Four firewater pumps will be driven by diesel fired leakages. Table 11.5 below gives a breakdown of compression ignition engines. Each pump will be run the expected fugitive emissions. The composition of for 1 hour per week to confirm availability. fugitive emissions has been assumed to be that of process gas. HP / LP Emergency Flares and Maintenance Ground Flare Tank and Product Loading

The terminal will be equipped with a high pressure Emissions from storage tanks and product loading (HP) and a low pressure (LP) flare system, to be have been estimated based on the predicted amount used in the case of over-pressure in the relevant of condensate and methanol to be processed during parts of the plant. The benefits of the system are the life of the Corrib gas field. Where volatile and protection of personnel, plant and equipment and potentially flammable materials are stored, the tanks minimisation of atmospheric emissions. have been designed to minimise releases to air through a combination of internal floating roofs and use of nitrogen blanketing where appropriate.

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EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:29 Bellanaboy Bridge Terminal Shell E&P Ireland Limited Environmental Impact Statement

Table 11.4 Typical Annual Emissions from Combustion Sources

es gas compressor

I Maintenance around flare I 504 I TBC I Nealiaible I Nealiaible I

Table 11.5 Fugitive Emissions - Process

~~c~~~~~~~~~~,~~?-~.~ ‘?)“:jiP $ NumbQ? .,% ,.(., . .y’ i~r$Teriii?a~~ ,,.’ .: Emiasi,@h’Factor Total Annual Release , ‘(kg/cbiiipon&nt/year) (kgljrr) Connections 4,800 2.4 11,520 Valves 2.384 33.9 80.818 Rotating Shafts 43 101 4,343 Analysers 12 20,102 Other 50 42.7 2,135 TOTAL 118,918

Note: UKOOA emission factors used.

Table 11.6 Emissions from Tanks and Product Loading

y$--$y.::. :.>,,;,:+:, ‘::‘:“;‘” &,;.“., ,* ,;:!:7 T /\(.../“./ .‘/ ..“,.. Methane.,emifioii~(k@$S$) ,VOC emission (kg/year) Fixed roof condensate tanks 0.35 194.95 For inspection purposes only. Floating roof condensate tanks Consent0.63 of copyright owner required for any other use.3.13 Floating roof methanol tanks 3.43 17.14 Tanker loading emissions 63.46 - minimum (year 10) 3525.8 - minimum (year 10) 127.2 - maximum (years l-3) 7071.45 - maximum (years l-3) TOTAL 67.87 - minimum 3744 - minimum ( 131.6 - maximum ( 7334 - maximum

Note: the floating roof methanol tanks are assumed to have zero emissions of other hydrocarbon components

UKOOA guidelines have been used to estimate tank Fugitive releases with the potential to generate emissions and the results are presented in Table odour are described in Section 11.9. 11.6. 11.8 Summarv of Mitioation Measures Road tanker loading emissions have been estimated based on the predicted maximum amount of Potential air quality impacts during construction condensate to be exported during gas field life. A include releases to air from construction and comparison of the variability of emissions has been haulage vehicles and the generation of dust. given based on minimum and maximum condensate Traffic emissions will be minimised through fuel usage in the heating medium heater. UKOOA appropriate vehicle maintenance and route guidelines were used to derive these data. selection to and from the terminal. Dust will be mitigated by the application of best practice dust Emissions of fugitive releases will not occur at suppression and containment techniques concentrations that will impact on human health. including the prevention of dust accumulation and

EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:30 Beilanaboy Bridge Terminal Shell E&P Ireland Limited EnvironMenta\ Impact Statement ensuring dusty materials are either moist or I I ,I0 Potential lmoacts of the Prowsed sheeted. Terminal Development

The teffninal will be constructed to hternafional The poteniial atmospheric impact of the terminal design standards and will minim& combustion development is a marginal reduction of air quality as products and fugitive releases. Such design a result of emissions arising from tefminai considerations will minimise releases to air. construction and operational activities. The impact on air qualj~ has been compared to ambient air Combustion processes hatre been designed to be quality standards to assess the potential impact on energy efficient and minimise the quanlity of fuel human heal% and ecosystems. used, thereby minimising releases of emissions. Gas is the main fuel used onsite and is the lowest 11.11 Do Nothing Scenario emission fuel available. Any out of specification gas will also be used as fuel for heating applications In the absence of the development, there would be rather than be discharged to atmosphere. Low-NOx no anticipated change in air quality. Monitoring burners will be installed on the gas turbines and surveys carried out in 2001 to 2003 have identified heating medium heater to reduce NOx releases the current air quality is very good. Baseline further. The use of clean-burn gas engines will also monitoring is described in more detail in Section minimise emissions from the power generators. 11.5.

A leak of natural gas from the process presents a fire 11 .12 Predicted ImDacts of the Proposed risk. Inherent site safety features will minimise the Development potential for uncontained (fugitive) releases of natural gas to air. Such features include continuous 11.12.1 During Construction welded pipelines to ensure a sealed system from the arrival of offshore gas to the distribution of sales gas. Elevated levels of dust including PMIo, can Tanks storing volatile liquid materials will have potentially impact on health. Dust generation during internal floating roof designs with a nitrogen blanket construction is however unlikely to be a significant where appropriate to minimise emissions from these impact given the wet nature of the terminal site. sources. Should very dry conditions occur, standard techniques of dust suppression will be used. This Monitoring during the construction and operation of will involve spraying road and ground surfaces with the terminal will assess the effectiveness of the water. Dusty materials will be sheeted during mitigation measures introduced. transport to site and storage. Vehicle wheel washers and road sweepers will also be used to reduce mud 11.9 Odour Prevention For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner requiredand fordust any otherbuild use. up on haulage roads and minimise any transference onto public highways. Measures to Sales gas prior to export will be odorised as required prevent dust generation will also prevent the by BGE to aid leak detection at its points of use. generation of PM,,,. Particulate matter is fine enough Odorant will be stored in a double skinned stainless to enter the respiratoy tract and potentially affect steel vessel. The odorant injection facilities will be health at elevated exposure levels. Additional dust mounted in a sealed enclosure with a nitrogen purge monitoring will be provided during construction to prevent leakage. The purge vent will be fitted with activities to demonstrate implemented control an activated carbon filter. The filter will remove any measures are effective. fugitive releases of odorant and will be replaced as part of planned maintenance to ensure over- The greatest quantity of traffic-derived emissions will saturation does not occur. During maintenance, any be generated during peat removal, with up to 400 releases to air will be neutralised by the use of a round trips of heavy goods vehicles between the water spray mist. Over-filling of the odorant tank terminal site and the peat deposition site anticipated during odorant deliveries will be prevented through per day. To assess the impact on emissions from careful inventory control. Tank filling will be carried these movements in combination with existing traffic out via a closed system with a vapour return to the flows, other site traffic and the prevailing background delivery tank to prevent any release to the air quality, a screening assessment methodology atmosphere. developed by the UK Highways Agency has been used. The procedure identified in the Design Manual The design of the plant and the mitigation measures for Roads and Bridges (DMRB, Volume 11, Section employed will prevent odour problems from 3, Part 1 - Highways Agency, 2003) has been used occurring at offsite sensitive locations. to compare predicted air quality at sensitive locations along the R314 and proposed haul route with ambient air quality standards. Other phases of the

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EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:30 Bellanaboy Bridge Terminal .e Shell E&P Ireland Limited Environmental lmoact Statement

terminal construction will generate lower traffic During operation, carbon monoxide will be produced emissions compared to the initial removal of peat. from combustion processes. Emission concentrations will typically be an order of magnitude The DMRB procedure calculates concentrations for higher than the ambient air quality standard. pollutants up to 200m from the roadside using Dispersion modelling described in the following emission factors for the vehicle mix and traffic Sections predicts that emissions will be dispersed to speeds on the roadway. Where sensitive locations concentrations three to four orders of magnitude are within 200 metres of different roads, the lower than its original emission concentration at contributions from each road are aggregated nearby sensitive locations. Concentrations will hence together even though this is normally prevented by be well within ambient air quality standards following the direction of prevailing winds. The assessment dispersion. incorporated this and other conservative estimates of traffic flows and vehicle speeds to ensure a robust There are very few emission sources of PMIo and assessment of likely air quality impacts during sulphur dioxide as the principal fuel will be gas and construction activities. any emissions from the use of condensate will be very low due to its clean-burning nature and Concentrations of benzene, carbon monoxide and negligible sulphur content. The principal source of oxides of nitrogen were predicted for (i) housing benzene relate to vehicles as opposed to process located at Bellanaboy Bridge (ii) near to the junction related sources. Lower vehicle movements will occur of the R314 and local road LP1204 and (iii) along the during the operational phase of the terminal R314 to the east of the proposed terminal where compared with the construction phase. Predicted some houses are located approximately 20 metres concentrations of benzene during operational of the from the road. The highest concentrations at any terminal will hence be even lower than those sensitive location were calculated to be less than described in Section 11 .12.1 (i.e. less than 30% of 30% of any air quality standard identified in the Air the air quality standard) Quality Standards Regulations, 2002. Carbon dioxide and methane (substances with Controlling the flow of vehicles can help minimise Global Warming Potential) are considered a hazard emissions from traffic. To assist in the prevention of to the global environment rather than the local air congestion, a traffic management plan will be in quality and are discussed in Section 14. Substances place to manage the vehicular traffic to the terminal with Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential can site and HGV movements during peat removal. have effects on a local, regional and global scale. Traffic management and route selection is described These effects are discussed below. further in Section 15. Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP) For inspection purposes only. No significant air quality impacts includingConsent negative of copyright owner required for any other use. impacts on human health are predicted to arise from Although ozone in the stratosphere has a beneficial construction activity. role, ozone in the lower layers of the atmosphere is considered to act as a ‘greenhouse’ gas. At 11 .I 2.2 During Operation sufficient concentrations low-level ozone can also cause respiratory problems and affect vegetation. Local Air Quality Low-level ozone formation arises primarily as a result of a series of complicated chemical reactions, In the context of this study, the principal substance initiated by sunlight. The main source of ozone that has the potential to impact on local air quality formation occurs through the reaction of oxides of and subsequent effects on health and ecosystems is nitrogen and VOCs. nitrogen dioxide. NOx emissions are generated as a result of combustion activities at the terminal. Emissions of compounds that can contribute to photochemical ozone creation may arise from The potential environmental impact of NOx fugitive releases of natural gas and methanol. emissions from the terminal is discussed in the Methane, the principal component of natural gas, atmospheric dispersion modelling study (Section has a very low POCP value. Releases of natural 11.13). gas will be minimised by the mitigation measures identified in Section 11.8. Methanol, whilst having a Other pollutants such as carbon monoxide, PMlo, higher value of POCP will also only be emitted to sulphur dioxide, benzene and other VOCs and atmosphere in relatively minor concentrations due to mercury can have an effect on local air quality and the mitigation measures employed. Such measures potentially human health but releases are not include the recovery of methanol in the methanol still anticipated to be significant from the terminal site. and use of internal floating roofs and nitrogen

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EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:30 Bellanaboy Bridge Terminal Shell E&P Ireland Limited Environmental Impact Statement a blankets to prevent evaporation of methanol from meteorological station, were incorporated into the storage tanks. model (1997-2001, Belmullet Meteorological statior?). The t-m&f subsequenfiy predicted air t t .I 3 Model&a Aaaruach and Uethodolosy qua&y concentrations beyond the site boundary for every hour of tke five years of met data collated. Atmospheric dispersion modelIing has been used to predict the potential air quality impacts of the f 1.13.3 NOx Chemistry proposed terminal and hence any potential influence un human health, #Iura and fauna. The approach NOx emissions arising #rum combustion processes and the inpuf data used are described in this section. consist largely of nitrogen monoxide (NO). On release to the atmosphere, NO is oxidised to NOa Ii .13.t Approach which is of greater concern in terms of air quality. The chemistry of NO;! formation is complex and Detailed dispersion modelling has been undertaken depends on a number of factors including the using BREEZE AERMOD (v4.0.7), a third-generation presence of oxidants such as ozone. model approved by the EPA and other regulatory bodies worldwide. The modelling predicts how The modelling exercise was undertaken assuming emissions released from the terminal will disperse in that 100% oxidation of NO to NOn took place. Actual the atmosphere under the prevailing weather maximum ground level NO2 concentrations arising conditions and the likely concentrations of pollutants from the terminal are likely to be significantly less to which members of the public and sensitive than the values predicted by the modelling, as much locations will be exposed to. Both long term (annual) of the NOx emitted will be in the form of NO when it and short term (hourly or eight-hourly) NOz and CO reaches the ground. The modelling is therefore concentrations have been calculated for comparison conservative in nature in order to ensure a robust with the Irish statutory air quality limits discussed in assessment of potential air quality impacts Section 11.4.1. Other pollutants potentially emitted associated with the proposed development. have not been modelled as they will not be emitted if significant quantities relative to air quality standards. 11.14 Modellintl Results: Predicted Ground Level Concentrations The following scenarios have been modelled: The tables below present the maximum ground level (i) Typical Operation concentrations (glc) for each modelling scenario. Long term (annual) and short term (hourly for NOp, Typical operation includes emissions from the eight-hourly for CO) ground level concentrations heating medium fired heater, sales gas compressor have been calculated for comparison with existing turbine and two electricity generating engines. For inspection purposesand only. proposed EU standards / limits: Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

The scenario does not include emissions from the l Annual average glc: average concentration ground flare, firewater pumps or the emergency experienced throughout a calendar year; and generator as these are only expected to operate l 1 hourly average (99.8th percentile) glc: 1 hour infrequently (typically around one hour per week). average concentration that is not exceeded for 99.8% of the year (i.e. may be exceeded for 18 (ii) Emergency Flaring hours of the year).

The emergency flaring scenario was included in The stated concentrations identify process dispersion modelling undertaken as part of the first contributions only. The interaction with background Bellanaboy Bridge Terminal EIA. It showed that air air quality is identified in Section 11 .13.2. quality impacts from emergency flaring were not significant. Emergency flaring will be a very The predicted maximum annual average Nor, infrequent event. concentration (4.9 pg/m3) arising from process contributions is significantly lower than the annual 11 .I 3.2 Model Input Data average limits for the protection of both human health and vegetation. The maximum short-term All critical factors that can influence dispersion were hourly average (99.8th percentile) predicted ground included in the modelling. This included the level NOn concentrations (71 pg/m3) is also well development of a three-dimensional representation below the applicable ambient air quality limit. of the site and surrounding terrain to predict how buildings and terrain would influence airflows across Five years of Concentrations of carbon monoxide are clearly the site and plume dispersion. insignificant and are not discussed further. meteorological data, collected from a representative

EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:30 Bellanaboy Bridge Terminal Shell E&P Ireland Limited Environmental lmoact Statement

Table 11.7: Predicted Maximum Ground Level Concentrations

Modelling of the flares undertaken as part of the first houses and ecological features will be well within Bellanaboy Bridge Terminal EIA showed that the relevant air quality standards. NOx modelling impact of emissions from emergency flaring will not assumes all NOx is in the form of NOp. cause a significant impact on local air quality. Emergency flaring will be a very infrequent event The maximum predicted annual average glc of NO:! and any impact will be short in duration. arising from typical process contributions is 4.9 &m” occurring at a point adjacent to the terminal’s 11 .14.1 Receptors southern security fence.

Twenty houses (human receptors) have been The maximum predicted 1 hour average (as a 99.8th identified within a 2km radius of the proposed percentile) glc of NOa is 71 p.g/m3, occurring as a terminal site. The mapped location of houses is result of typical operation, at the same point on the presented in Figure 11.2. southern security fence. This compares against the EU and Irish standard of 2OOtg/m3. The highest l- Sensitive ecological sites in the vicinity of the hour concentration (as a 100 percentile) during the terminal include: same period was 77 j.@m3. This is the one-hour concentration which is not exceeded and compares l Sruwaddacon Bay SPA (part of the Glenamoy against the WHO standard of 200pg/m3. Bog Complex);

l Carrowmore Lake Complex (inc. Aghoos river During typical operation, the maximum ground level and the river from Muingingaun); For inspection purposesNOn only. concentrations (as process contributions) in the Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. l Pollatomish Bog; and vicinity of human and / or sensitive ecological

l Slieve Fyagh Complex. receptors are low, being never more than 2.5% and generally less than 1% of the annual average limits The maximum long term and short term ground level for the protection of human health and vegetation concentrations of NOx at these receptors, arising and not more than 7% (generally less than 5%) of from typical operating conditions for the terminal, has the short term limit (as a 99.8th percentile). been determined and the results are presented in Table 11.8. The above predicted glc values relate to process contributions only. Given the very good air quality in The geographical variation in concentration of the area surrounding the gas terminal, predicted NO* beyond the site boundary is illustrated concentrations in combination with background air in the form of concentration contours at the end of quality will still be well within air quality standards. this Chapter. If a location is within two contours, the predicted concentration at that location will be Existing background air quality was discussed in between the values stated for each contour line. The Section 11.5. The highest predicted annual average contours demonstrate that predicted concentrations NO;?concentration resulting from the operation of the fall rapidly with distance from the site boundary and terminal in combination with measured background are well within applicable ambient air quality levels is 7pg/m3. Such a concentration is less than standards at all times. 20% of the ambient air quality standard for NOn designed for the protection of human health. The 11 .I 4.2 Discussion of Modelling Results highest predicted concentration in combination with existing air quality at any domestic dwelling is 7% of Tables 11.7 and 11.8 illustrate NOx concentrations the standard. at all locations beyond the site boundary including

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EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:30 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:30 Bellanaboy Bridge Terminal ‘,@ Shell E&P Ireland Limited Environmental lmoact Statement

Table 11.8: Maximum NO2 Ground Level Concentrations at Key Receptors

Annlial,A\ierage 1 hour average ( ,- ,. ,. .: (99.8th percentile)(2) I .: :L _.., :: Max GLd (&m3) A-,...,. A,.mLnA ,.a I -2 muse 1 t33OUY JJZlJYO U.Z 1.1 House 2 85740 332158 0.3 7.4 House 3 86206 332355 0.5 ii H~IISF! 4 867’7 QQr1Q71 r-l= ,r-lP .------. LI, “Ll.cil,-t I I I v.0 l-h ,=a E 1 QR’ I #““UC ” ( ““L-. 297 332454--- .- I i:;_.- I 11.3 House 6 1 86324 332491 I 0.7 I 12.2 I

I A676R----- R.?7AFi7-I_ .-. 0.6 I iI, . . A. 1 86072 33 1945 I 0.2-.- I 7.3 House 9 86054 33 1890 0.2 7.1 House 10 86025 .?.?I..-.-v.RF;1 I 07-.- I RR House 11 85991 331736 0.2 House 12 86003 331813 0.2 House 13 8726’ c?ct,n,n n’) House 14 8503b JJL IYY U.Z House 15 85350 334488 0.2 House 16 85535 334368 0.2 House 17 85867 334423 0.2 House 18 85875 334514 0.2 House 19 1 85498 334487 I 0.2 I 7.5 Hc-mse 20 I 85845-.- 334412-- .- 0.7-.- -.-FI.3 Sruwaddacon Bay(3) - 1.5km N of Terminal 0.2 5to10 Carrowmore Lake - 2km SW of Terminal co.1 c5 ComDlex(31 Pollatomish Bog(3) I- 2.5km W of Terminal ! co.1 c5 I Slieve Fyagh Complex(3) I- 2.5km SE of the Terminal 1 co.1 5to10

The EU and Irish ambient air quality limit for oxides industrial sources such as those present at the gas of nitrogen (NOx) is designed to ensure the terminal typically occur under different weather protection of ecosystems. NOx includes both Fornitric inspection purposesconditions only. to background sources such as traffic. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO& Whilst no The peak concentrations (e.g. over a one hour background monitoring data is available for NOx, the period) arising from process and background majority of background NOx in rural areas is typically sources may therefore not coincide either spatially or in the form of NOz. The dispersion modelling has temporally. Given the very low background effectively modelled NOx (assuming all NOx concentrations of NO2 measured over extended emissions are in the form of NOa, not just the actual periods, short period concentrations arising from NO* component). existing sources are also likely to be low. It is generally regarded that provided process The modelling results for NO2 are hence likely to be contributions are controlled, as demonstrated in this a very good indicator of combined levels of NOx Chapter, compliance with annual average standards arising from both process contributions and will also ensure compliance with short period background air quality (from other sources), The standards (i.e. the one hour NO2 standard) including highest predicted annual average concentration in the WHO guideline value. Even if the highest this case is less than 25% of the ambient air quality predicted short period concentrations from the standard designed to protect ecosystems. Predicted process coincided with the highest short period concentrations at sensitive ecosystem receptors are concentration from existing sources, compliance with much lower still than this highest predicted value. all applicable standards for the protection of health is The concentrations are also within the WHO predicted. guideline value for the protection of sphagnum dominated vegetation. 11.15 Air Qualitv Monitorinq

The modelling assessment incorporated a number Dust monitoring will be implemented during the of worst-case assessments that are likely to over construction phase of the development to confirm predict ground level concentrations. Additionally, the that dust control strategies are effective and will not predicted maximum concentration originating from

EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:30 Bellanaboy Bridge Terminal Shell E&P Ireland Limited Environmental Impact Statement a cause dust deposition problems or an adverse impact on health. 11 .18 Conclusions and Summary

No monitoring of air quality associated with releases The study concludes that atmospheric emissions from vehicle exhaustsis proposed. The screening resulting from the development will not have a assessment described in Section 11.12 predicted significant impact on the local environment or human that air quality would be well within air quality limits health, either during its construction or operation. at sensitive locations in close proximity to the R314 and haul route during the construction phase. Traffic The greatest potential impact to health and the flows during the operational phase of the gas environment during construction was identified to be teninal wilt be significantly lower than during the from construction vehicle emissions. An assessment construction phase. has identified exposure levels at nearby sensitive receptors including domestic dwellings will be well Stack emissions will be monitored at source in within ambient air quality standards. A dust accordance with the requirements of the IPPC management strategy combined with ambient Licence. monitoring will be implemented to control releases of dust and PMIo. 11 .I 6 Reinstatement and Residual Impacts The pollutant most likely to impact on local air quality No combustion will occur after gas reception has as a result of terminal operation is Non. Predictive stopped and there will be no vehicle activity dispersion modelling has been carried out to associated with the terminal once decommissioning determine the maximum ground level concentrations and abandonment is complete, therefore there will of NO* for typical operation and for emergency be no residual air quality impacts as a result of the flaring. terminal development abandonment. The modelled scenarios were highly conservative 11.17 Microclimate Considerations and the results indicate that:

The site and surrounding area within 1 km is l typical operation does not result in ground level relatively flat and open and good dispersion concentrations of NOn that would exceed or conditions are expected. The prevailing wind approach any of the air quality limits; direction is from the south west. However, localised . emergency flaring does not result in ground level land-sea effects, land to lake effects and the concentrations of NO2 that would exceed or influence of hills on wind direction can be expected. approach any of the air quality limits for NOz; Such effects are likely to lead to higher localised and winds than would otherwise be the case, againFor inspection purposes. only. Consent of copyright owner requiredeven for any inother the use. hypothetical event that worst case aiding dispersion. emergency flaring and typical operations were taking place concurrently, the limits would not be The Bellanaboy hill ridge lies approximately 3km to exceeded. the west of the terminal road. The peaks of Glenturk Beg, Slieve Fyagh and Carrafull lie to the south and Based on the modelling results, operations at the hill ridges are extensively present to the south east. terminal site will not result in a significant impact on The hills however do not form a continuous local air quality. This conclusion is based on a boundary where land rises steeply on all sides of the comparison of the ground level NO? concentrations terminal site. The site is therefore not located within predicted by highly conservative dispersion a basin, where poor dispersion effects can be modelling with relevant air quality standards and extenuated. The hill ridge may cause localised guidelines. Such standards and guidelines have influence in wind direction and wind speeds but such been set by environmental and health professionals effects are not expected to decrease the level of across Europe following extensive worldwide dispersion. research. They are designed to protect the most sensitive of receptors, including for example elderly Poor dispersion can occur under certain weather humans with existing respiratory ailments and characteristics known as inversions which form in sensitive areas valued for their flora and fauna. very light or calm wind and stable atmospheric conditions. The wind rose illustrated in Figure 1 Existing air quality is very good and will remain so identifies that such wind conditions are very with the terminal in operation, No residual air quality infrequent. impacts are anticipated as a result of the terminal development.

EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:30 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Twelve

Noise

EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:30 Bellanaboy Bridge Terminal a Shell E&P Ireland Limited Environmental Impact Statement

12 Noise relatively small population will be impacted. These characteristics also result in low background noise levels against which increased levels of noise will be 12.1 Introduction more noticeable.

This section considers the potential impact of noise 12.2.3 Environmental Noise Surveys and vibration generated during the various stages of the proposed terminal development. The An integral part of an environmental noise impact assessment has been undertaken by Alan Saunders assessment of a proposed development is an Associates on behalf of Shell. understanding of the noise environment that exists in the area potentially affected by the development. It Implications of construction, commissioning and is, therefore, accepted practice to undertake operation of the terminal facilities are considered in background noise measurements at surrounding the context of appropriate standards and guidelines, locations that may be sensitive to noise. These are along with requirements for monitoring and usually the dwellings that are in the immediate controlling levels of resultant noise and vibration. vicinity of the site.

General procedures for construction are well known. Background noise measurements were carried out in Typical techniques have been assumed in order to July 2000, November 2001 and October 2003. predict the impacts in this section, enabling These noise surveys established baseline conditions previously measured and published standard noise in the vicinity of the proposed terminal site in and vibration source data to be considered. accordance with IS0 1996 Acoustics - Description and measurement of environmental noise. The precise details of methods to be used in the construction and commissioning will be the Various weather conditions were encountered during responsibility of the construction contractor (yet to be the noise surveys, ranging from strong wind and selected). The contractor will be required to produce heavy rain to relatively calm, benign conditions. detailed environmental and safety management Noise levels measured during periods of procedures. These will be discussed with Mayo precipitation are generally excluded from baseline County Council and agreements will be made on noise data, as are excess levels generated by traffic noise limits for points in the vicinity before movements on wet roads after periods of rain. construction begins, together with any requirements to monitor compliance with such limits. 12.3 Receivinq Environment

Detailed noise data has been supplied regarding the 12.3.1 Noise Survey Results For inspection purposes only. actual equipment proposed for the terminalConsent from of copyright the owner required for any other use. vendors. This information has formed the basis of Prevailing conditions in the vicinity of the site are the terminal assessment. dominated by westerly weather fronts coming in from the Atlantic Ocean, with high average and maximum The Environmental Protection Agency will regulate wind speeds. Entirely calm conditions occur the noise emissions from the terminal under the infrequently; a review of weather data from June Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) 2002 to March 2003 indicates calm conditions occur Licensing regime. An IPPC Licence will be applied less than 2% of the time. for in due course. When calm conditions do occur, and in the absence 12.2 Studv Methodoloqy of other local noise sources, such as local traffic and agricultural vehicles, very low background noise 12.2.1 Guidelines for Noise Impact Assessment conditionscanbeexperienced.

Guidelines published for consultation jointly by the Detailed survey measurements were carried out Institute of Acoustics and Institute of Environmental employing both manned and automated monitoring Management and Assessment in 2002 have been equipment to establish fluctuations in prevailing used for reference, the overriding requirement noise levels over time, and provide qualitative however, being compliance with the EIA Directive assessments of dominant ambient noise sources. (85/337/EEC). These noise survey measurements are summarised in this section. 12.2.2 Environmental Noise Climate For the purposes of this assessment a 24-hour The area surrounding the proposed terminal site is period has been divided into daytime (07:00-19:00), rural and sparsely populated. Consequently, only a evening (19:00-23:00) and night time (23:00-07:OO).

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Daytime . site traffic; l piling; During the daytime period individual traffic l earth moving; and movements along the nearby roads, which generate l steel erection. considerable noise levets at times, dominate the noise environment around the site. Traffic along the 12.4.2 Normal Operation of Terminal R314 is generally audible at considerable distance, with a lesser contribution from traffic on the local There are a large number of plant items associated road to Sangor. with the normal operation of the terminal, the majority of which are continuously active throughout Daytime minimum background noise levels have the working period. been measured below 30dl3 LAgOrbut average Lnes levels are generally above 50dB, depending on The engineering design of the terminal processes proximity to road noise sources. and systems enables the use of accurate vendor noise data for the plant proposed. Evening 12.4.3 Emergency Operation -Terminal Flare The minimum background noise levels during the evening tend to be similar to those during the quiet The use of the flare will be addressed in isolation, as periods of the day, although the average level this constitutes high level emergency operation decreases along with a reduction in traffic activity. where safety concerns are paramount. A ground LAS0 levels below 30dB are normal, with LAes flare will be used during maintenance. averages dropping to around 45dB. 12.4.4 Maintenance Ground Flares Night-time A small isolated ground flare has been installed to During the night the area can be described as an avoid non-emergency use of the high level flares. isotropic environment (no continuous dominant noise This flare will be used for the combustion of the non- sources). Background noise levels are consistent recoverable gas prior to a maintenance activity. This with those occurring during lulls in activity during the is configured to minimise noise impact, as pat-l of the day and evening, but with more frequent normal operational noise control strategy for the opportunities to approach minimum values. terminal.

Although relatively infrequent, calm conditions at 12.4.5 Other Emergency Plant night can result in the lowest background L,w values of around 20dB. Average Lneqlevels at night tend For inspectionto purposes only. Consent of copyright owner requiredThere for willany otherbe use.a number of additional emergency drop to between 35 and 40dB. plant items on the terminal site including emergency electricity generators, fire water pumps and pressure 12.4 Characteristics of the Proposed safety valves. These will be markedly quieter than Development the flare. To provide for a robust assessment, these items have been included in the normal daily The proposed terminal development refers to the operation of the terminal. construction and operation of all plant and facilities within the boundary of the site. 12.5 Potential Impact of the Proposed Development The terminal has been assessed in terms of the construction phase, normal operational conditions 12.5.1 Construction Phase and emergency conditions. The impacts of all construction work will be within the 12.4.1 Construction Phase scope of the accepted standards and guidelines. These will maintain a regime of noise and vibration The construction of the terminal will take place over control and monitoring to ensure that impact on the a period of two years. The ambient noise will sensitive receivers is kept to a reasonable level on fluctuate depending on the machinery used, time of an ongoing basis. construction and distance of receptors to the terminal site. In addition increased traffic will also Exceptional operations, such as restricted night-time result in an increase in ambient noise level. The key or weekend working, will require consultation and potential sources of noise and/or vibration are as liaison with the local residents and local authorii to follows: limit their impact.

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The assessment presented here has been prepared HGV traffic on local roads will need to be controlled using the most recent, typical noise data available by careful planning of material movements to and for construction operations likely to be employed and from site as pan of the construction programme. the timings of such operations. Significant numbers of such vehicle movements will The terminal contractors’ responsibilities will include be required at specific times in the construction reference to this document prior to commencement programme. Although these activities will increase of site operations. In consideration of these factors, road traffic noise levels, they do not represent an the contractors will also be responsible for any introduction of a new noise impact as the local roads mitigation requirements to ensure that any agreed already support a wide variety of agricultural and target noise levels can be achieved in practice construction-related heavy vehicle movements. throughout the scheme. Communication with affected residents is essential in Standard Construction minimising the adverse affect of this potentially noisy process in the early stages of the construction Normal construction activities have been cross- program. referenced with standard noise source data to give an estimate of site noise levels. These values have Rock Excavation been calculated using the procedures described in British Standard (BS) 5228:1997 ‘Noise Control on The construction of the terminal will require large Construction and Open Sites’. movements of material within the site and from it. A large proportion of this material (peat and weathered These calculations indicate that typical daytime rock) will be excavated by back hoe. This is unlikely construction noise levels will not exceed to result in high levels of noise and vibration. It is approximately 65dB LAeq,lhourat any of the ClOseSt possible that very small areas may require the use of dwellings. However, in the early stages of the ripping/rock breakers, which will produce more construction project with piling and soil stabilisation significant levels of both noise and vibration. The operations underway, these levels may be extent, nature and depth of these activities will be exceeded. determined by a detailed borehole survey prior to construction. Due to the nature of the processes involved, noise levels will not be constant, fluctuating with operating Piling periods for each item of plant and the combination of machinery being used at any one time. Noise levels The piling operation will take place during the first will also vary depending on time and distance from part of the construction process, when retaining For inspection purposes only. the terminal site. Neighbouring residentsConsent will of copyrightnot, owner requiredwalls forand any otherfoundations use. are being built as part of the therefore, be continually exposed to these noise civil construction phase (see Section 3.3.4). levels for extended periods. It is possible to control the levels of noise and During the period of earthworks where peat is vibration generated through piling, by adjusting the transported from the terminal site to the peat force applied on each impact cycle. Reduced impact deposition site at Srahmore, there will be additional force, however, reduces the process efficiency such road noise traffic (see below). that the operation takes considerably longer. It is usually found that the benefits of slightly reduced Road Traffic Noise noise levels are out-weighed by the resultant increase in exposure duration. Only in extreme Traffic associated with construction of the terminal cases, usually due to very close proximity to will be routed via main roads as far as is possible. residential properties, is this justified. Due to the rural nature of the area, however, some minor roads will have to be used for access. These Ground conditions in which piling is required are routes proposed in Section 16 are subject to the expected to be relatively compliant, with significant Traffic Management Plan to be agreed with Mayo resistance only encountered at the end of the piling County Council. cycle as competent load-bearing sub-strata are encountered. Generated levels of both noise and The increase in traffic movements on minor roads is vibration are expected to be relatively low for such likely to cause a noticeable increase in daytime activities. noise levels. This effect will be localised and temporary, and will be restricted to the construction Good communications and public relations in the phase of the scheme. early stages of the construction program are the most important factors in minimising the adverse

EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:30 8effanaboy Bridge Terminal Shelf E&P frefand Limited Environmental Impact Statement affect of this potentially noisy process. Any resultant over 150 separate noise sources, including external impact will be short-lived. plant, process buildings and noise re-radiated from pipework. Other Site Operations TypiCar noise data have been used comprising a combination of vendor data for the actual equipment fn addition to the operations above, the excavation of proposed and comparable data from similar peat will necessitate the need for pumps on site. installations. Generators will also be required for securii lighting at night. This model was independently verified using alternative proprietary software, to within an overall The combined noise levels for one diesel pump and accuracy of ldB(A). one generator have been predicted using BS 5228, and can be expected to drop below 55dB(A) at The degree to which this data will reflect actual noise distances in excess of about 300m. levels emitted from the terminal site has been reviewed. It is considered that the predicted noise During the construction period, there will also be air levels are sufficiently accurate to ensure compliance compressors on site for pneumatic tools. at the most sensitive receptor positions for specific meteorological conditions. Appropriate noise control measures will be implemented to minimise noise emissions, especially This engineering model was then developed further, at night. using topographical and meteorological data, to provide a more detailed study of noise propagation The limited period of construction and compliance over greater distances. This enables the overall with the requirements for mitigation of noise and impact on the area at large to be better assessed. vibration will ensure that impact on the local environment is kept to an acceptable level. The results of the noise propagation model show contour maps of predicted noise levels for daytime 12.5.2 Normal Operation of the Terminal and night time scenarios at 1.7m above local ground height. These are shown in Figures 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 Under normal operational conditions, noise levels and 12.4. emitted from the terminal site will be relatively constant with the majority of plant items running A daytime model is also presented which allows for continuously. Some items that run intermittently typical prevailing wind conditions of 16.7 knots from contribute less to the overall noise levels, but are 190 degrees. more likely to attract attention during start up and shut down. All such plant items are assumed toFor runinspection purposes12.5.3 only. Emergency Operation -Terminal Flares continuously to offset this effect. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. In an emergency situation, such as a gas leak or a The normal operation of the terminal plant will be fire, safety considerations would require the removal controlled such that it has an acceptable impact on of gas inventory from certain sections of plant or the local environment and sensitive receivers. from the inlet of the export pipeline by the combustion of vented gas from the emergency flare. This will require compliance with the nighttime criterion of 35dB LAeq,lSminsat the nearest sensitive Emergency flaring could occur at any time of day or receptor. night, whereas maintenance operations are normally carried out during the day. Rather than releasing the Daytime operation has been designed to comply with gas directly to atmosphere, ft is burned in the form of the daytime criterion of 45dB L,,, hWr.This includes a controlled flare. Flare facilities will be provided at maintenance and routine test operations, which are the terminal for low and high-pressure emergency normally expected to be operated on a daytime only gas systems. These flares are referred to as the LP basis. and HP flares.

The engineering design of the terminal plant and Noise levels generated by the emergency flares are processes has been developed and amended to likely to be higher than any item of general plant ensure that compliance with these requirements can within the facility, and are not readily attenuated by be achieved. any form of industrial noise control.

A plant noise emissions model was developed during this process by the engineering team to prioritise noise control activities, which comprised

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EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:30 Bellanaboy Bridge Terminal Shell E&P Ireland Limited Environmental Impact Statement l will be considered applicable to any rock blasting R313 and R314, which wiff carry significant volumes which may be required in certain areas. of peat transportation vehicies during the early stages of construction. These comprise: The BS 5228 Standard states that complaints due to industrial noise increase as the difference between . road condition survey prior to commencement; generated noise level and the background increases. l repair works to aff sections of road where the It considers that a similar effect could occur for surface generates excess noise and / or impact, construction activities but suggests the tolerance in the immediate proximity of roadside may differ when it is known that the timing of the residences; activity is of a short duration. l additional signage specific to siie traffic, including speed restrictions in key areas; and In consideration of the fikefy noise and vibration . road condition survey on completion and repair levels to be generated during the various phases of works as necessary. the scheme, the following mitigation measures will be adopted to minimise the impacts on neighbouring 12.6.2 Noise Control Targets residents: Control of noise from the normal activities associated . detailed impacts for these activities will be with construction of the terminal will be achieved by assessed by the contractors to ensure restricting working hours and by the best practicable compliance with the stated standards and means mitigation measures described above. guidelines, and local authority requirements;

. consideration to be given to use of vehicle A working target Of 65dB LAeq,lhour iS suggested as a reversing lights during hours of darkness instead daytime limit for resident’s properties for most of the of the usual reversing bleepers; construction phase, against which noise monitoring . the majority of construction work will take place throughout the construction programme can be during the ‘daytime’ period of 0700 to 1900 compared. By way of comparison, this is a similar hours; noise level to that generated by a small modern . fundamental to the contractors’ duties will be the petrol lawnmower at a distance of about 14 metres. requirement to provide mitigation of noise and However in the initial months, the levels may be vibration where required and to the best higher. standard practicable; . the contractors will be required to minimise the Noise monitoring positions would then be agreed need for heavy lorry traffic. This will be essential with Mayo County Council, prior to commencement in minimising noise and vibration impacts on of significant works on site, to determine compliance local residents and those living along the routes with the noise emissions targets. Positions should For inspection purposes only. proposed for the delivery to site of constructionConsent of copyright owner requiredbe determined for any other use.which can be readily access by site materials (see Section 16); personnel, but accurately reflect the degree of off- . best practicable measures to reduce noise site noise impact. levels to a minimum will be employed at all times; If specific activities are required which can be . normal working hours will be discussed and expected to exceed this level, this would be agreed agreed with Mayo County Council before in advance with Mayo County Council, with sufficient construction begins; notice given to nearby residents and other interested parties. . any construction activities that may have to continue on a 24-hour basis will only proceed following consultation with Mayo County A complementary target for night-time noise Council; emissions from the construction site would be 45dB . LAeq,lhour. To achieve this level, overnight plant such where appropriate, residents living near the as pumps and fighting generators will need to be terminal site will be kept informed of the suitably attenuated. By way of comparison, this is a contractors’ proposed working schedule and will similar noise level to that generated by a small be advised of the times and duration of any modern petrol fawnmower at a distance of about 140 abnormally noisy activity likely to cause concern; metres. and . the contractors will be made aware of the 12.6.3 Vibration Control Targets necessity to avoid unnecessary noise from the site, particularly at night. The only site operation likely to give rise to any noticeable vibration levels is piling. Recommendations have also been made with specific reference to the focal L1204 road between

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The Guidance given in ‘Guidance Note for Noise in developments. For example they are 10dB lower Relation to Scheduled Activities’, 1995 on vibration than the EPA guidance document for noise levels relates to blasting operations, and states a ‘Guidance Note for Noise in Relation to Scheduled limit of 8mrn/s peak particle velocity at any residence Activities’. for frequent operations. Piling vibration levels must be kept well within this limit. A significant degree of industrial noise control will be required to achieve these levels, and will be the sole Experience of piling vibration impact suggests that at function of a considerable amount of terminal levels in excess of a lower threshold of 1 mm/s, some equipment. Commissioning tests will be required on adverse comments can be expected from occupants completion of the facility to demonstrate that of exposed dwellings. For operations expected to be compliance with the criteria levels has been at or in excess of this threshold, therefore, prior achieved, with additional mitigation implemented if notice should be given to Mayo County Council and required. the residents concerned. Ongoing compliance with the noise criteria levels will 12.6.4 Operation Impact Mitigation require a detailed test and maintenance program to ensure that noise levels are appropriately controlled Minimising noise has been an integral part of the and noise control equipment continues to function design of the terminal. For example: effectively. Noise limits and associated performance monitoring will be carried out in accordance with

l gas turbines and inlet and outlet pipework will be conditions to be set as part of the IPPC Licence for acoustically insulated, along with other major the terminal. plant items and housed within buildings with specified sound insulation petformance; Any new plant or processes subsequently installed at the site will be subjected to a thorough noise audit

l the plot layout has been configured considering to ensure that compliance with the environmental the location of dominant noise sources and the criteria is not compromised. noise emission footprint; and The noise impact of flaring will be mitigated by the . stringent noise limits have been specified for all relatively large propagation dislances involved and significant items of plant. by the use of the low-noise ground flare, for planned maintenance activities. The Environmental Protection Agency will regulate noise under the Integrated Pollution Prevention 12.7 Predicted Impact of the ProDosed Development Control (IPPC) Licence. This will apply to ongoing For inspection purposes only. noise emissions from terminal operation. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 12.7.1 Construction The terminal will house numerous items of noise generating equipment, most of which will operate Construction of the terminal will last approximately l continuously. two years. During this period, the construction processes and ancillaty noise sources will generate Mitigation of noise related to the day-to-day increased noise levels. operation of the terminal site will be achieved as an integral factor in its design and installation. After The site is remote, and it is expected that baseline noise surveys and discussions with Mayo compliance with normal construction noise controls County Council, the specified noise criteria (as can be achieved without undue impact on the assessed at the nearest noise sensitive property construction program. under free field conditions) were set as follows: Noise controls have been specified, which the construction contractors will be required to observe. l Daytime (07:OO - 23:00) 45dB LAeq,lhour These controls are not set at an onerously low level, l Night-time (23:00 - 07:OO) 35dB LAeq,lsmins since it is appreciated that a certain degree of By way of comparison, these are similar noise levels increased noise is inevitable during the construction to those generated by a small modern petrol phase and can be tolerated due to its finite duration. lawnmower at a distance of about 140 and 450 metres respectively. Any particularly noisy operations or activities will be planned in advance, in order to ensure that These noise criteria represent the best standard of appropriate community liaison can be put in place. noise control available, and are considerablv more The maintenance of good communications and 0 stringent than those often applied to- such

EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:30 Betlanaboy Bridge Terminal Shell E&P Ireland Limited Environmental Impact Statement 0 public relafions are essential in minimising the Table 12.2 Operational Noise Impact impact on the local community.

The most significant noise impacts will arise from pibg, ealfh moving and site traffic. / idicator. 21

Vibration levels generated by piling works are Terminal, Haul Route I%rminal unlikely to reach the stated limit as measured on the None None None site boundary. Levels at the nearest dwellings will LAE?X be significantly lower, and unlikely to exceed the None I threshold recommended for triggering additional beq 1 LAW Slight None None liaison with Mayo County Council. Vibration increase measurements will be carried out at the None I commencement of the piling programme to confirm LA90 Increase None Slight this. Increase

The impact is shown in Table 12.1 and can be N None None None summarised as moderate in the immediate vicinity of Moderate Negligible Summary No impact the site and access roads, and temporary. Impact impact

1rable 12.1 Construction Noise Impact The prevalence of relatively high wind speeds in the area also reduces the extent of noise impact from Predicted Change at Receptor the terminal, by elevating background noise levels, which would otherwise be very low. Indicator clkm Traffic >lkm . . . from Along from The impact is shown in Table 12.2 and can be Terminal Haul Route Terminal summarised as moderate, affecting a relatively small None / None / number of individuals. LAmax Slight Slight None Increase Increase 12.8 Monitorinq

A programme of noise and vibration monitoring will be implemented in accordance with the conditions stated as part of the planning permission of the IPPC Licence and may include the following: N I Increase I Increase I None For inspectionI purposes only. Moderate Moderate ConsentNegligible of copyright owner required for any other use. Summary . operation - initial commissioning measurements Impact Impact Impact of noise emissions and annual monitoring of noise impacts at sensitive receivers or at 12.7.2 Terminal Operation positions stated by IPPC Licence; and . additional plant - the introduction of additional Detailed modelling of noise emissions from the plant or variations to the proposed installation terminal has been undertaken. This has established may require an acoustic audit as determined by that compliance with the specified noise limits is conditions of the IPPC Licence. achievable with the type of installation proposed. 12.9 Reinstatement and Residual impacts The residential receptor positions to the south and south west of the terminal site, near Bellanaboy Ongoing noise impacts are only likely to be Bridge, are likely to be the most affected by noise experienced in the immediate vicinity of the terminal levels, since these are the closest to the terminal. site during construction and, to a much lesser extent, Noise emissions modelling activity has concentrated operational phases of the project. on these areas to ensure compliance with the planning noise criteria. Construction noise has been considered and assessed. It has been determined that some Normal wind conditions will serve to reduce noise residents may be adversely affected, albeit exposure at all of the key receptor points, as the temporarily, within close proximity of the terminal prevailing wind blows to the north east - the direction and mitigation measures have been established to in which residential properties are most distant. minimise this impact.

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Operational noise limits have been specified to Decommissioning activities will be carried out under control this impact, which will be controlled through the same controls and mitigation activities as IPPC Licensing. Calculations based on the currently construction of the terminal, although the impact can proposed equipment at the terminal site confirm that be expected to be significantly lower. compliance with the limits anticipated can be achieved. No residual noise impact is predicted following decommissioning and reinstatement.

.:,, ,, .’?,’:/.~.~.:, .j_e ” 1.;:,:;;,_. :y;;.i:‘:..,‘”‘,‘$.,,,:,lj’;,..,1

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

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Thirteen

Landscape and Visual Impact

EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:31 ,. Bellanaboy Bridge Terminal 0 Shell E&P Ireland Limited Environmental Impact Statement

13 Landscape and Visual Impact 13.3 Sicinificance Criteria

13.1 Introduction Various significance criteria are commonly used in assessing landscape and visual impacts. Many of This section assesses the likely impacts of the these are particular to practices and based on years proposed development on the landscape character of professional experience in the area of landscape and visual amenity of both the immediate and wider and visual impact assessment’. Yet others are environs of the site. proposed by particular bodies in relevant fields’ or as standardisations of significance criteria across a This landscape and visual impact assessment has wide range of environmental issues3. The criteria as been undertaken by RSK ENSR Environment Ltd in set out in the EPA Guidelines on Information to be conjunction with Brady Shipman Martin between contained in Environmental Impact Statements are August and October 2003, and builds upon an general in their description present difficulties in the existing detailed knowledge of the proposed terminal direct relevant application and description of site and its wider environs. landscape and visual impacts.

This assessment is based upon extensive and Table 13.1 sets out the significance criteria ratings detailed existing baseline data dating from 2000 to used for this assessment, which has been based on early 2003, and includes information gathered in criteria included in the guidance from The Landscape previous extensive consultations with Shell, Institute, listed in conjunction with the relative EPA representatives of Mayo County Council, Coillte Te6 criteria guidance. and others. The ratings may have negative, neutral or positive In order to assess the likely impacts, detailed site applications where: surveys to assess the landscape character and visual environment were undertaken. l Positive impact - A change that improves the quality of the environment. 13.2 Studv Methodology l Neutral impact - A change that does not affect the quality of the environment.

The landscape and visual impact assessment l Negative impact - A change that reduces the assesses the following: quality of the environment.

Landscape impacts, including: Terms relating to the duration of impacts are as described in the EPA Guidelines as:

l direct impacts upon specific landscape elements For inspection purposes only. within and adjacent to the site; Consent of copyright owner requiredl Temporary for any other use.Impact - lasting one year or less;

. effects on the overall pattern of the landscape l Short-term Impact - lasting one to seven years;

elements which give rise to the landscape l Medium-term Impact - lasting seven to fifteen character of the site and it’s surroundings; and years;

. impacts upon any special interests in and l Long-term Impact - lasting fifteen to sixty years; around the site. or

l Permanent Impact - lasting over sixty years. Visual Impacts, including:

l direct impacts of the development upon views in the landscape; and . overall impact on visual amenity.

Visual impacts may be defined under ‘visual intrusion’ and ‘visual obstruction’, where:

l ‘visual intrusion’ is impact on a view without blocking, and ’ 2002, The Landscape Institute & Institute of Environmental Managements & Assessment: Guidelines for Landscape and l ‘visual obstruction’ is impact on a view involving Visual Impact Assessment (2”d Ed.) blocking thereof. 2 2002, Department of Environment (UK) Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Vol. 11, Section 3, Part 5.

3 2002, EPA Guidelines on information to be contained in a Environmental Impact Statements, Glossary of Impacts.

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Table 13 .I Significance Criteria l EPA: Guidelines On Information To Be Contained In Environmental Impact Statements ProjectCriteria EPA Rating 2002; l The Landscape Institute / Institute of None / Negligible - No or Imperceptible - An impact Environmental Management & Assessment: only a very small part of capable of measurement Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact the development, or work but without noticeable Assessment, Second Edition 2002;

or activity associated with consequences l Mayo County Development Plan, 2003-2009; it, is discernible. and Slight - The proposals Slight - An impact which l Appendix X Landscape Appraisal of County constitute only a minor causes noticeable Mayo County Development Plan 2003-2009. component of the wider changes in the character view, which might be of the environment Various amenity and landscape publications and missed by the casual without affecting its information relating to the local environment have observer or receptor. sensitivities also been reviewed. Awareness of the proposals would not have 13.5 Characteristics of the Proposed a marked effect on the Development overall quality of the scene. The full site comprises approximately 160 hectares of which approximately 25 hectares will be used in Moderate - The proposals Moderate - An impact that the provision of the terminal and associated form a visible and alters the character of the development as detailed in the following paragraphs. recognisable new environment in a manner element within the overall that is consistent with the Approximately 13 hectares will be graded to provide scene and may be readily existing and emerging a level base set at 33.4m AOD Malin for the noticed by the observer trends proposed terminal. One hectare will be used for or receptor. parking and temporary construction facility. Substantial - The Significant - An impact proposals form a which, by its character, The remaining approximately 135 hectares will significant and magnitude, duration or primarily be used in the retention and long term immediately apparent intensity alters a sensitive protection of existing conifer screening and open part of the scene that aspects if the grassland areas, the provision of additional affects and changes its environment screening, together with areas set aside for ecological mitigation proposals. As such, the overall character. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner requiredproposed for any otherterminal use. area itself will occupy less than Severe - The proposals Profound - An impact 10% of the site where over 80% comprises areas of become the dominant which obliterates existing plantation / screening, proposed planting / feature of the scene to sensitive characteristics screening and buffer. which other elements become subordinate and The development will comprise the following they significantly affect principal elements, which are to be considered as and change its character. part of the landscape and visual impact assessment:

l single finished platform level of 33.4m AOD 13.4 References Malin; . combined high pressure & low pressure flare The assessment included a review of relevant stack - height approx. 40 m above existing statutory documents, including the Mayo County ground level at the flare stack location (36.5m Development Plan 2003-2009 and the associated AOD Malin); Landscape Appraisal. l ground flare stack - approx 12m above finished platform level; The assessment has been undertaken with due . methanol still - height approx. 33 m above regard to the advisory guidelines set out in the finished platform level; following documents: l heating medium heater - height approx. 20 m above finished platform level; l EPA: Advice Notes On Current Practice (in the l sales gas compressor/turbine stacks- height preparation of Environmental Impact approx. 22 m above finished platform level; Statements) 1995;

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l power generator exhausts - approx 16m above residential properties tend to be varyingly clustered finished platform level; on and around small areas of improved grassland . sales gas compressor after coolers -top of and along the more distant coastal edge where the equipment approx 20m above finished platform land is of a more improved nature. In the vicinity of level, top of inlet pipes approx 22m above the site properties are located immediately south & finished platform level; south west of the site (less than 1 km distant) near Bellanaboy Bridge. They are also found at greater l telecommunications mast - height approx. 22 m above finished platform level; and distance (over lkm) north of the site both approaching, and at, Aghoos and east of the site l bulk product methanol storage tanks, raw methanol storage tanks & condensate storage (over 1.5km) again both approaching, and at, tanks - approx 1 Om above finished platform Glenamoy. level. Within plantation areas the roads are strongly Other features of the development include: enclosed, otherwise the roads are generally open, not being defined by walls or hedges, so enabling long range views, occasionally restricted by landform . establishment of a temporary construction and or by vegetation. lay down areas to the north-east of the terminal footprint; Within the expansive landscape, even in close e l sequential operations to undertake the on-site proximity, the site is not significant, viewed as it is, windrowing and exportation of excavated peat as part of a much larger complex of coniferous (as described in Section 3.56); plantation. When travelling the roads or traversing . car parking to accommodate 40 car spaces; the landscape the eye is drawn over the low-lying . areas of hard-standing for tankers for loading moorland/grassland to the dark encircling ranges of and off loading and internal circulation roads hills and mountains, including the Muingerroon- l main access road from the R 314; Bellanaboy Hill (170m AOD) to the north west, Slieve . warehouse and maintenance buildings ridgelines Fyagh (331m AOD) to the south east and the at approx 45.3m AOD; Knocknascollop-Derreens range of hills (238-244m . control building, ridgeline at approx 43m AOD; AOD) to the south-west. . administration building ridgeline at approx 40m AOD; To the south west Carrowmore Lake offers diversity, and in appropriate light, reflection to the dark upland . security fencing around the terminal footprint and low level stockproof fencing close to the landscape. As such, the site is neither prominent or boundary of the site; and of particular focus of attention in travelling through this landscape either by road or otherwise. . low-intensity lighting and high level emergency For inspection purposes only. lighting. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The principal amenity activities in the area are walking on surrounding roads and hills, and fishing The proposed development has an anticipated life- the local streams and Lake Carrowmore. The span of about 20 years at which stage it is proposed to substantially remove all of the development back fifteen-piece North Mayo Sculpture Trail, ‘Tir %ile’, to base level, cover the site with soil and finish by which extends from Ballina to Blacksod via Belmullet, has one piece, ‘Stratified Sheep’ located grassing and general landscaping. along the Bangor Local Road just off the R314 Belmullet-Ballycastle Regional Road, near 13.6 Receiving Environment - Character of Bellanaboy Bridge (see Section 5, Plate 5.1). the Surroundina Wider Landscape 13.7 Character of the Proposed Gas The site is located toward the northern reaches of a Terminal Development Area large inland area of predominantly flat to gently undulating low-lying and partly modified blanket bog. This landscape is notably enclosed to the south and The site is situated in the townland of Bellagelly west by prominent uplands and the open and South, north of and contiguous with, the R314 exposed nature of the lowland landscape is Belmullet-Ballycastle regional road at a point almost interrupted by prominent and extensive coniferous immediately east of Bellanaboy Bridge, near Bangor plantations and occasional lines of trees. The site Erris in northwest County Mayo. Glenamoy, some 3km to the east and Pollatomish, some 4km to the itself is located on gentle south face slopes within the north western extent of this large coniferous area. north are the nearest villages. The site lies approximately 8km inland from the proposed pipeline landfall site at Dooncarton. In general the area is sparsely populated, with individual dwellings and farmsteads well spaced and scattered throughout the area. Small numbers of

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The site is on part of the former Peatland commercial coniferous plantation’ in its varying Experimental Station at Glenamoy, which was stages of planting, growth and harvesting. established by the Department of Agriculture in 1959. The Station ceased to function in the early 13.8 Impact on LandscaDe Planninq 1980s. The topography of the site within the planning application boundary rises from The statutory or non-statutory landscape planning approximately 15 m AOD in the extreme south west aspects relating to the area can be considered in of the site by Bellanaboy Bridge to a high point of terms of national, county and local status. almost 46m AOD in the north eastern corner of the actual terminal footprint. 13.8.1 National Landscape Designations or Listings The site itself comprises approximately 160 hectares partly of wet soft rush dominated grassland varyingly The ‘Inventory of Outstanding Landscapes in surrounded and divided by wide belts and Ireland’, prepared by An Foras Forbartha in 1977 plantations of primarily Lodgepole Pine (Pinus has no listing pertaining to any part of the site or the contorta) and Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis). The immediate surrounds. Such listings in the wider conifer plantings, which are laid out in generally vicinity of the site tend to be focused on the coastal regular east-west and north-south blocks, are of areas (Nr 105 Benwee Head (13km distant) & Nr 106 greatly varying age with average heights ranging Erris Head (18km distant) to the northeast and from 3m to over 16m in height. The highest stands northwest and upland areas (Nr 17 Nephin Beg within the site are located to the south along the Range (minimum 20km distant) to the south. R314 Belmullet-Ballycastle Regional Road, to the west along the Bellanaboy Bridge-Pollatomish Local As such, the proposed development will have no Road and to the north. negative impact on any national landscape amenity or scenic designations or listings. The plantations are prominent features within the local and wider landscape and act as important high County Landscape Designations or Listings level screens interrupting the otherwise smooth terrain of moorland/grassland. All the existing The County Mayo Development Plan 2003-2009 is plantations show good growth patterns and younger the statutory planning control document pertaining to plantations exhibit strong annual growth. the study area. Appendix X of the Development Plan includes a Landscape Appraisal of County Mayo. Figure 13.1 illustrates an aerial photograph of the landscape surrounding the site, taken in August 13.8.2 County Mayo Development Plan 2003- 2003, with the proposed terminal superimposed. A 2009 sequential letter has individually identified all For theinspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. existing plantations within the planning application At Section 3.1.5 ‘Environment, Heritage & boundary. Conservation’ the Plan includes the following principal landscape / visual related references: From detailed information obtained from the 1992 Coillte Teo Inventory Reports both the species Policies EH-LCl and EH-LC2 specifically relate to composition and year of planting has been Landscape Character. Policy EH-LCl confirms that determined. it is an objective of the Council through the Draft Landscape Character Appraisal “to recognise and A feature of many of the roads around the site is the facilitate appropriate development in a manner that prominent and dense groves of Rhododendron, has regard to the character and sensitivity of the (Rhododendron ponticum) which frame the roadside landscape, to ensure that development will not have corridors. These plantings are most notable along a disproportionate effect on the existing or future the R314 Belmullet-Ballycastle Regional Road where character of a landscape, in terms of location, it runs along the site and especially along both sides design, visual prominence, that development will of the Bellagelly-Pollatomish Local Road to the east have regard to the effects of the developments on of the site. New Zealand Flax, (Phormium tenax) is views from the public realm towards sensitive or also frequently seen in sheltered plantations on the vulnerable features and areas”. site. Policy EH-LC2 confirms that it is an objective of the While the above description outlines a complex Council “that all development in the County shall be arrangement of matrix of conifer plantations and considered in the context of the policies set out for open wet grassland, within the local landscape, the the four Principal Policy Areas defined in the site in effect appears as a relatively ‘standard Landscape Character Appraisal of County Mayo,

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provided such policies do not conflict with the County Most of the low level plant is completely screened by Development Plan”. the existing trees along the Pollatomish Road, however it will be possible to view the upper sections Policy EH-VP1 states that it is the policy of the of the tallest features of the terminal, which will be Council “to ensure that development does not seen protruding above the trees and above the adversely interfere with views and prospects and the skyline. Some of the pipe racks, the power amenities of places and features of natural beauty or generation building, and the maintenance flare will interest when viewed from the public realm. Views also be visible above or contiguous with the existing and prospects worthy of preservation and protection tree line to the west of the site. The impact is are indicated on Map 12”. considered to be moderate/substantial in nature along this short section of road, see Photomontage Map 12 entitled ‘Scenic Views’ indicates there are no Viewpoint 10. Views and Prospects pertaining to the site itself or its immediate surrounds. The plan does indicate that As the road approaches Bellanaboy Bridge and the scenic views are available to either side of the site, lower elevation and existing plantations Barnatra - Dooncarton - Pollatomish - Aghoos Local effectively screen out the proposed development. Road. The plan indicates that the ‘Highly Scenic See Photomontage Viewpoint 9. With the exception Views’ are out to sea and that the ‘Scenic Views’ are of the immediate entrance area there is no view of severely restricted by topography. This road is some the terminal or its associated features from the R314 distance northwest and north of the site and primary immediately adjoining the site boundary. See views are away from the site towards the coast. The Photomontage Viewpoint 5. site is almost always screened or otherwise insignificant and largely imperceptible within its From the vast majority of the R314 in the vicinity of context. Any impact is considered to be negligible the site, the terminal will be either entirely or given that the proposal will be effectively screened effectively screened by existing coniferous plantation and visually insignificant in any wide and expansive with negligible impact. While aspects of the terminal landscape view from this area. See Photomontage will be visible from a short section of the road, it is Viewpoint Nrs. 12 & 13. considered significant that even here the proposal is substantially screened and the site is not primary or Plan 12 indicates that both ‘Highly Scenic Views’ and significant in views from the road. The overall impact ‘Scenic Views’ are available along the western of the proposed development on the experience of shoreline of Carrowmore Lake to the south west of travelling the R314 in the vicinity of the site is the site. The Plan also indicates that the Belmullet to considered to be of a slight negative nature and Ballycastle Road (R314) is listed as one of the principally of short to medium term during as Scenic Routes in the County. proposed coniferous planting on lands to the west of For inspection purposesthe only. terminal footprint will establish as effective Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. From west of Carrowmore Lake, views of the site are screening. very limited and where possible are from distance (5km +) where there are significantly wider and The issue of ‘Scenic Routes’ and Areas Designated expansive views to the surrounding landscape. The as ‘Highly Scenic Vistas’ are also included in the site is relatively indistinguishable in its wider Landscape Appraisal. coniferous setting. As such, any impact is considered to be slight given that the proposal will be Landscape Appraisal of County Mayo 2003-2009 insignificant in this wide and expansive landscape view. See Photomontage Viewpoint Nr. 14. In Section 2.4, of the Landscape Appraisal the proposed terminal site is located within landscape It is considered that the proposed development will character unit, Area C - North West Coastal Bog. be most readily viewed when travelling east along Figure 13.2 is an extract from the Appraisal and the R314 Belmullet to Ballycastle Regional Road. illustrates the location of the site within Area C. The impact is limited to approximately a 2.5km stretch of the R314 Road approaching Bellanaboy The key characteristics of this large landscape unit Bridge. As the site comes in to view travelling east are described as:- along the R314 at some 2.5km distance, the view from the road is both expansive and panoramic “.. .low lying bog strip, located between the western south over Carrowmore Lake, southeast towards the coastline and the Beg Range to the east. lt has a Slieve Fyagh Uplands, which lies straight ahead, and homogeneous, exposed, moorland appearance to a lesser degree, north to the Muingerroon Upland. throughout. The topography is smoothly contoured The site is largely unremarkable and not a point of with bog/moor type grasses being the predominant visual attention other than as part of a large area of vegetation.” conifer plantation.

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Bellanaboy Bridge Terminal e Shell E&P Ireland Limited Environmental Impact Statement

presents a visual discontinuity within the landscape, natural processes. Development in these areas has which is in stark contract to the otherwise smooth the potential to create impacts on the appearance terrain of open moorland or grassland typical of the and character of an extensive part of the landscape”. landscape unit. Given the nature and variety of coniferous dominated plantations which pertain, it is As described earlier, the proposed site was formerly considered that the site has a high visual absorption the location of a Peatland Experimental Station. The capacity. i.e. a high ability to visually absorb objectives of the Station were to find suitable development without adverse impact on the methods of reclaiming and fertilizing blanket bog for surrounding landscape typical of the landscape agriculture and forestry. The land management character unit. included drainage, improvements, liming and fertilizing the vegetation and introduction of In addition to descriptions of landscape character, shelterbelts planting, horticultural and industrial Section 3 of the Appraisal designates areas as crops. Consequently, in scientific terms, the ‘Vulnerable, Sensitive, Normal and Robust’. The grasslands within the proposed site cannot be policy with regard to areas designated as designated as ‘natural’. Furthermore open areas of Vulnerable, states that “development in the environs the site are all visually contained within a surround of of these areas must not be shown to impinge in any dense coniferous plantation, limiting the visual significant way upon its character, integrity or sensitivities of such areas from external vantage uniformity when viewed from the surroundings. points. The proposal entails the retention of large Particular attention should be given to the grassland areas though the central grassland area preservation of the character and distinctiveness as will be excavated for the terminal footprint giving a viewed from scenic routes”. locally moderate negative impact.

With specific regard to the proposed site, the ‘Coniferous Plantations’ is included as a sub-division following designations are of relevance. of Section 3.3(a) ‘Areas Designated as Normal’. As described, the proposed site is located within a In Section 3.1 (a), ‘Areas Designated as Vulnerable’, larger area of extensive coniferous plantations and a sub-division under this designation includes ‘The the policy with regard to areas designated as normal Shorelines of Lakes, Rivers and Estuaries’. states “ large areas of Mayo are designated as Carrowmore Lough, Bellananaminnan River and the normal landscape. These areas have a potential to Glenamoy River are all listed under this designation. absorb a wide range of new developments, subject The proposed site does not directly abut upon the to normal planning and development control banks or shorelines of any of these lakes or rivers. procedures”. Distant views from the western shoreline of Carrowmore Lake have been considered previously. The site of the proposed development benefits from For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner requiredits location,for any other use.being essentially contained within Within the sub-division ‘Skylines and Ridges’, the extensive coniferous trees, consequently, the site principal skylines and ridges relevant to the has a significant level of inherent screening potential proposed site include Slieve Fyagh, Knocknalower, increasing its visual absorption capacity. The Carrafull, Knocknascollop, Carrowteige and proposed development is considered to have a slight Pollatomish. At varying distance these ridges almost negative impact within this designation. encircle the site. In views from elevated locations to the west, north west, south west and south east, the In Section 3.6 of the Appraisal the document lists site is visible to varying extents set low and ‘Areas Designated as Scenic Routes’. Figure 13.3 contained within its surrounds of extensive conifer indicates both the designated scenic routes and plantations. Views from such elevated vantage locations of scenic vistas. All of these areas are points are long ranging with dramatic and focusing similarly designated in the County Development Plan landscapes in the background. As such, any impact and have been discussed in detail previously. from such areas is slight at most. Principal Policy Areas In Section 3.2(a) ‘Main Areas Designated as Sensitive’, a sub-division under this designation In Section 4 of the Landscape Appraisal divides the includes ‘Natural Grassland’ and two small areas county into four Principal Policy Areas, based on the west of Glenamoy (north of the R314) are listed. grouping of the differing character units displaying The western most area is contained within the site. similar visual landscape elements. The proposed The policy with regard to sites that are listed as site is included with Principal Policy Area 1 - sensitive states that “these are areas with a Montaine Coastal Zone and its location within the distinctive, homogeneous character, dominated by Zone is illustrated on Figure 13.4.

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None of the walks cross or border the proposed site 13.10.2 Site Visibility and any available views that may be discernible from the walks will be expansive, from long distance, with In visual terms, even in close proximity, the site is the site enclosed by extensive plantations. insignificant. The site appears as a relatively Photomontage 166 is taken from a location close to ‘standard commercial coniferous plantation’ in its Annie Brady Bridge on part of the Belderg-Glenamoy varying stages of planting, growth and harvesting. linear walk. In visual terms, the proposed The site does not display any notable characteristics development will have a negligible impact from and is both unremarkable and indistinguishable from designated walks within both the local and wider its wider surroundings, viewed as it is, as part of a landscape. much larger complex of coniferous plantation. As such the site is not a focus of attention in travelling A short section of the Glencullen walk uses part of through the landscape, either by road or otherwise. the Bangor to Bellanaboy local road which will be subject to temporary impacts by increased traffic The proposed site of the terminal is surrounded on movements during the peat removal operations, see all sides by coniferous plantations and/or lines of Section 16). trees, with the plantations along the north western and south eastern boundaries being particularly 13.10 lmoact on Visual Amenity effective screens.

The potential visibility of the terminal site is 13.10.3 Assessment of Visual Impact of the dependent upon a range of factors, including Proposed Development location of viewpoint, angle of the sun, time of year and weather conditions. Of equal importance is The greatest potential for visual impact as a result of whether the development is seen completely, or in the proposed development is the introduction of an part, above or below the skyline, where land industrial type facility into an essentially rural provides a backdrop and where there is a complex landscape. The proposed terminal facilities include foreground or an expansive landscape surrounding a small number of tall features in excess of 30 m the view. high, some of which will be visible as they protrude above the surrounding coniferous plantations. The 13.10.1 Visual Assessment Surveys majority of the facilities will be screened by the surrounding trees. In conjunction with the landscape survey, a visual survey has been undertaken in order to assess the A Visual Impact Schedule has been prepared which potential visual impact of the proposed development. summarises the results of both the landscape and visual studies and assesses the overall degree of For inspection purposessignificance only. of visual impact for each viewpoint. The If the landscape is to absorb the developmentConsent of copyright owner required for any other use. successfully, it must be integrated in a way that Schedule is presented with the photomontages in protects, and where possible enhances the visual Appendix A, and a brief description of the degree of appearance of the landscape. significance of the visual impacts is included below.

Following the site appraisal, a number of key 13.10.4 Visual Impact From Properties viewpoints from sensitive receptors which may be affected by the development have been identified. The screening is such that there will be no or Table 13.2 lists the key viewpoints identified, negligible visual impact on the nearest properties, provides a precise grid reference and indicates the which are located to the south and south west of the distance of the viewpoint from the centre of the site. site (Photomontage Viewpoints 7,7a, & 9). Figure 13.6 indicates the location of the viewpoints. Properties to the south west at greater distance will Computer generated photomontage images have have a moderate/substantial negative impact, see been prepared from all the identified viewpoints and (Photomontage Viewpoint 11). The site is not of are included in Appendix A. A statement of prime focus in views from this property, which are photomontage methodology is provided in Appendix generally of an expansive nature encompassing the A. surrounding uplands to the south and west and the existing coniferous planting along the south of the It should be noted that the photomontage study was site means that all of the eastern part of the undertaken during October 2003. However, due to development will be screened. However, views of the dominance of the coniferous vegetation in the the tops of the flare stack, methanol still, some of the surrounding landscape, any seasonal variation in the methanol tanks and pipe racks in the north west of assessment of visual impact would be negligible. the site and the tops of the water treatment building will be visible, some of which will break the skyline. l

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Table 13.2 Viewpoint Locations _.. Not-thing ~Dist&e From TargeT. (m) View looking North East from residential property, Bellanaboy 85076 332147 1,700 Bridge (Mr S Murphy). View looking SE adjacent to residential property.Lenamore 85823 334407 1,510 (Mr B Sheeran) ?A ) View looking SSE from Bellagelly to Pollatomish Local Road 85604 335057 2,000 3 View looking SE from residential property. Lenamore (Mr J 85444 334455 1,750 Flannety)

4 View looking W from access road adjacent to residential 89766 333424 2,980 property Glenamoy 5 View looking W from R314 road 87934 333354 1,510 5.4 1 View looking W from R314 road just west of Glenamoy 88665 333589 2,300 6 View looking SW from residential driveway on Rossport Road, 89353 334129 3,080 Glenamoy. 7 View looking NNE from residential property Bellanaboy Bridge 86333 332490 570 (Mr P Healy) 7A View looking NE from residential property Bellanaboy Bridge 86211 332408 650 (Mr P Healy) 8 1 View looking NNE from Bangor - Bellanaboy Local Road. 85716 331690 1,540 9 View looking NE from R314 adjacent to residential property 85657 332119 1,260 Bellanaboy Bridge (Mrs J Healy)

10 View looking NE from R314 road near For inspectionMeenanmark purposes Bridgeonly. 84945 331757 2,090 Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 11 View looking NNE from residential property Bellanaboy Bridge 86067 331958 1,230 (Mr M Healy) 12 View looking SE from Bellanaboy Bridge to Pollatomish Local 85405 333754 1,300 Road.

13 View looking SE from road adjacent to residential properties, 84118 335519 3,360 Aghoos 14 View looking NE from ‘Scenic View’ parking area, Carrowmore 83046 328320 5,830 Lake 15 Not used 16 View looking SSW from road above Glenamoy and 87005 336318 3,430 Muingnabo Rivers. 16A View looking SSW from road at confluence of Glenamoy and 87005 336318 3,900 Muingnabo Rivers l6B View looking SW from Local Road just south of Annie Brady 87886 336346 3,700 Bridge 17 View looking NNW from highest dwelling, Muingingaun 87672 330528 2,960 18 ) View looking N from Bangor to Bellanaboy Bridge Local Road 85979 331001 1,940

19 I View looking SE from track at Carnhill. 81306 335964 5,820

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There will be a generally negligible neutral impact on such, areas anti-clockwise from south through east properties to the north and east of the site where the to na3-i will have no or onfy a negligible impact tops of the higher stackslflares will only appear (Photomontage Viewpoints in anti-clockwise order: contiguous with or slightly above the existing tree- 7,7a, 5,4,6,16,16a, f6b, 2,2a & 12). line, a tree-line which will continue to grow and provide increasing screening (Photomontage There wiIl be a slight neutral impact on roads and Viewpoint 2,2a, 16, 16 a & 16b from the north and 4, surrounds to the north west and east of the site, 5 & 6 from the east). where only the upper sections of the failer features will appear either contiguous with the tree lines or at There will be a slight neutral impact on properties to greater distance above the treelike, (Photomontage the north west of the site where the tops of the viewpoints 5A, 3 & 13). higher stacks~~~ares/methano~ still and some pipe racks and methanol tanks will appear contiguous The proposed development will be most readily with the existing tree lines. None of these elements viewed when travelling north along the Bangor to will break the skyline and the tree lines will continue Bellanaboy Bridge Road. The impact is limited to to grow and provide increasing screening approximately a 2.5km stretch of the Bangor Road (Photomontage Viewpoint 3 & 13). approaching the junction with the R314. From this road, expansive views are directed north and north Only one property lies directly west of the site west towards the rounded upland area of the located at a similar elevation to the terminal Bellanaboy / Muingerroon Hills. The site lies to the (Photomontage Viewpoint 1). Available views from east of true north and is not directly in a forward line this property will include the most open views of the of vision. From this location, it will be possible to see development, which will be seen within a large the flare stack, the methanol still and the air coolers conifer plantation where expansive panoramic views above the tree and skyline. The methanol tanks and are both south of and beyond the site to distant hills the pipe racks to the north west of the site will also and mountains. Following construction, taller be visible, but these will be set into the surrounding features including the flare stack, methanol still and forestry and will not break the skyline. The existing the sales gas compressor stacks will be seen and proposed view from this part of the road, which protruding above the trees and above the skyline. is considered to have a moderate/substantial The methanol storage tanks, heating medium heater negative impact, is shown in Photomontage stack, pipe rack to the north west of the site, and Viewpoint 18. parts of the slug catcher will be visible above the coniferous trees. Much of the intervening lands Nearer the site, as shown in Photomontage between the site and property have been planted Viewpoint 8 the view is also a moderate/substantial with conifers, which will in time, together with negative impact. For road users, views of the site proposed on-site planting, provide almost Forentire inspection purposeswill only. be at right angles to the direction of travel and Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. screening. when travelling the Bangor Road, views are generally directed north and north west towards the The impact is assessed to be of a rounded upland area of the Bellanaboy / moderate/substantial negative nature in the Muingerroon Hills. The existing coniferous planting immediate and short term but developing coniferous along the south of the site, the low level of this screening proposed for immediately west of the viewpoint relative to the site, and the fact that the terminal footprint will provide effective medium and site is cut into the existing topography, means that longer term screening. most of the eastern pan of the development will be screened, with the exception of the tops of the flare In overall terms, the terminal will be screened from stack, the methanol still and the air coolers. In most properties from the outset, though significant addition, the tops of the water treatment building, the short term visual impact is expected to arise at a methanol tanks, and the pipe racks to the north west small number of properties. All of these properties of the site will be visible, some of which will break will be effectively screened in the medium and longer the skyline. term and as such the overall visual impact from properties is considered to be slight adverse in As the site comes in to view travelling east along the nature. R314 at some 2km distance, the view from the road is both expansive and panoramic south over 13.10.5 Visual impact from Roads and Surrounds Carrowmore Lake, south east towards the Slieve Fyagh Uplands, which lies straight ahead, and to a Even with existing planting, the screening is such lesser degree, north to the Muingerroon Upland. that effectively there will be no view of the proposed The site is largely unremarkable and not a point of development from roads and other areas to the visual attention other than as par-l of a large area of immediate south, east, north east and north. As conifer plantation. It will be possible to view the

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terminal as a small element in the wider landscape sections of the R314 and Bangor to Bellanaboy and not directly located in the primary views. Bridge Roads. Even in these instances, it is However, the flare stack, methanol still, sales gas considered that given the proposed planting west of compressor stacks, air coolers, heating medium the terminal, the development will eventually be heater stack and the water treatment building will be substantially screened from local roads in the seen protruding above the trees and above the medium and longer term. As such the overall visual skyline. Some pipe racks, the power generation impact from roads is considered to be slight adverse building, and the maintenance flare will also be in nature. visible above or contiguous with the existing tree line to the west of the site. Most of the low level plant is 13.10.6 Night Time Visual Impact completely screened by the existing trees along the Pollatomish Road. The impact along this short At night, the local landscape in the vicinity of the section of road is considered to be terminal is almost completely dark, with only very moderate/substantial negative in nature, see limited sources of light visible, primarily from the Photomontage Viewpoint 10. scattered residential properties and from the elevated vantage of Erris Water Works overlooking As the road approaches Bellanaboy Bridge and the Carrowmore Lake. The local roads are unlit, with car site, lower elevation and existing plantations headlights providing passing light source. effectively screen out the proposed development. See Photomontage Viewpoint 9. During the operation of the terminal, the site will require to be lit at night, essentially for safety and In views from the south east from higher elevations site security purposes. The following types of than the site, the terminal will be visible contained lighting will be required: within extensive plantations. The tops of the flare stack, the methanol still, the air coolers, the sales l emergency/escape lighting; gas compressor stacks, the water treatment building, l security and perimeter fence lighting; the heating medium heater, the methanol tanks, the l general building lighting; pipe racks along the north of the site, and the . road lighting within the terminal only; warehouse and maintenance building are visible l illumination of walkways, platforms and pipe above the tree line to the south of the site. Of these, racks; and only the flare stack, the methanol still, the air coolers and the sales gas compressor stacks break the l illumination of car park and security gate. northern tree line beyond. None of the features break the skyline. The impact is considered to be The main access road from the R314 to the terminal moderate negative in nature. See Photomontage boundary will not be lit. Viewpoint 17. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner requiredAll lighting for any otherhas use. been designed to keep the potential

In long distance views (5km +> from the western for light emissions to a minimum. The terminal is edge of Lake Carrowmore. Expansive, open views operated from the control room and at night looking north east across the lake in the direction of operators will rarely need to visit the plant process the terminal. From here, the terminal will be areas. In consequence the walkways, platforms, insignificant in the wider landscape. The north and pipe racks will normally not be illuminated by western half of the terminal will be visible against a outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting within the terminal backdrop of forestry and mountains and the flare itself will be controlled by photoelectric cells so stack will be the only element that will break the enabling lights to be activated only in the vicinity of skyline. The impact is considered to be slight where it is directly required. Road-lighting within the negative. See Photomontage Viewpoint 14. terminal will be a maximum of 5m high and will utilize high pressure sodium vapour lamps to include In views from elevated locations to the west and precise optical control to eliminate the potential for north west, the development is visible but set low excessive upward or spill light. within the conifer plantation. Views from such elevated vantage points are long ranging and The security fence lighting shall be arranged such towards the more dramatic and focusing landscapes that the fence and the area outside of the fence itself in the background. As such, any impact from such will be illuminated to approximately 1OLux (whilst areas is slight negative at most (see Photomontage leaving the patrol / perimeter road in comparative Viewpoint 19). darkness). Fence lighting will utilise tungsten- halogen lamps within luminaries of a narrow beam In overall terms, the terminal will be effectively type and will only operate in limited instances of screened from local roads, though significant short emergency or when triggered by intrusion. term visual impact is expected to arise from short

EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:31 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:31 ,, Bellanaboy Bridge Terminal a Shell E&P Ireland Limited Environmental Impact Statement

. methanol, condensate, diesel and other illustrates the existing plantations within the planning miscellaneous storage tanks - olive green; application boundary, and is included in Appendix B. . equipment building walls - olive green . architectural building walls - light grey; and 13.13.3 Proposed Planting . equipment and architectural roofs - dark grey. The site surveys and subsequent visual impact In particular, for nearer receptors, the choice of assessment has identified that the south western colour finish will assist in softening the visual impact boundaries of the terminal are the most open to and help to blend the new structures into the existing views from the surrounding landscape. backdrop of surrounding trees, and distant hills. In Consequently, in order to supplement and reinforce longer distance views the colour choice is not as the existing remnant coniferous tree belt to the west critical, the actual layout of the terminal facilities on of the terminal site, an additional belt of the site and final juxtaposition of the taller structures predominately coniferous trees up to 100 metres in association with the existing features is more wide is proposed in the open wet grassland to the important. west of the terminal boundary.

In addition to colour treatment, other mitigation This new plantation will be implemented by the importation of new forestty tree stock supplied from measures such as locating the terminal within an area of mixed age coniferous plantation; retention of Coillte Teo nurseries. It will comprise of existing screening; setting a reduced level for the predominately coniferous species consistent with those species currently growing on the site including terminal platform, etc have already been incorporated into the design of the terminal. Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contotta), Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) and Scats Pine (Pinus sylvestris). Imported coniferous stock would range between 25 13.13 Landscape & Ecoloqical Mitiaation 30cms, 40-60cms and 60-80cms in height. Strategy In conjunction with the proposed plantation, and In conjunction with the mitigation measures throughout the rest of the site, frequent groupings of proposed for the terminal facilities themselves, other low deciduous tree and shrub species will be planted specific strategies have been developed to mitigate on the margins of the plantations. On the drier the significance of impact on the landscape ground Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia) and Birch character, visual amenity and nature conservation (Betula pubescens) will be used and in the wetter interest of the site. more waterlogged ground, Alder (Alnus glutinosa), and Willow species (Salix aurita, S cinerea subsp 13.13.1 Retention and Protection of Existing oleifolia and S. caprea) will predominate. Trees For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The height of imported deciduous stock would range The principal strategy is the long term retention and between 40-60cms, 60-80cms and 100-l 25cms and protection during construction, of the maximum will comprise native species. possible area of existing coniferous plantations, not only around the immediate boundaries of the It is proposed that the imported plant stock will be terminal, but on all land within the planning supplemented, where possible, by the translocation application boundary. Significantly all the existing of some of the existing willow scrub directly impacted plantations show good growth patterns and younger by the construction works, together with the taking of plantations exhibit strong annual growth. hard wood cuttings from existing deciduous trees such in as the Salix species. 13.13.2 Coillte Teo Felling Programme 13.13.4 Ecological Mitigation Proposals During the detailed discussions held with Coillte Teo information was provided on the anticipated felling The ecological mitigation proposals have been programme of the plantations around the terminal incorporated as an integral part of the landscaping site. The felling programme has influenced the strategy for the development. These will aim to securing of land to be held under the long term enhance the diversity of the known flora and fauna of control and future land management responsibility of the area. Shell. These proposals should be read in conjunction with The securing of land within the planning application information included in Section 6 Terrestrial Flora boundary will ensure that a continuous effective and Fauna. screen around the whole of the terminal site can be maintained throughout the lifespan of the development. The plan included as Figure 13.7

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The principal ecological mitigation will include: The ground will be sown with a ‘basic’ grass seed mix of locally sourced seed which will be l Supplementing the tow deciduous scrub habitat supplemented by seed collected from site. Juncus (comprising essentially of W How species} lost to and Calluna vegetation from elsewhere on the site construction works. The scrub will be planted will be translocated into the grass area. Tree and along the margins of the existing plantations and shrub species tolerant of waterlogged ground will be will include other native tree species such as planted to form an open mosaic of deciduous trees Alder, Birch and Mountain Ash. This proposal and low deciduous scrub. Species will include Alder will assist in extending planting belts that act as (Alnus qlutinosa), Willow spp. (Salix aurita, S. foraging and breeding areas into the areas of cinerea subsp. oleifolia and S. caprea). The wet grassland. reinstatement proposals will provide additional habitats to complement habitats created during the . It is envisaged that this mitigation measure will initial planting scheme. have the benefit of increasing the semi-natural woodland habitat and will assist in offsetting the The reinstatement proposals are indicated in Figure dominance of the transient, intensively managed 13.10, included in Appendix B. coniferous plantations by increasing the habitat diversity on the site. 13.13.5 Mitigation Programme Phase 1 Programme l Provision of wetland compensation habitat, including small areas of open water and areas of redbud. Reed species such as Phragmites Phase 1 mitigation works will be undertaken during australis (Common Reed). Phalaris the construction phase of the terminal. Works within this phase will comprise the planting of the new arundinacae (Canary Reed Grass) and Typha coniferous plantation to the west of the terminal site. latifolia (Reedmace), in conjunction with Extensive planting of deciduous trees and low marginal plants including Soft Rush (Juncus deciduous scrub along the margins of the new effusus) will be translocated from other parts of plantation together with the additional marginal the site and planted into the wetland areas. planting in association with the existing plantation to the north of the terminal will be implemented. l The increased provision of wetland habitat will be principally located in association with the In association with the construction of the settlement proposed settlement ponds in the southwest ponds during the early stages of the construction corner of the site. The open water habitat will be works, the wetland compensation habitat will be developed primarily as breeding sites for frogs developed. and to increase the diversity of habitats on For theinspection purposes only. site. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Tree and shrub planting will be undertaken along the boundary with the R314, in conjunction with the The strategy for both the landscape and ecological creation of small areas of open water and redbud mitigation are illustrated on Figure 13.8 and Figure compensation habitat in the southwestern section of 13.9, and included in Appendix B. the site.

Site Reinstatement Proposals Phase 2 Programme

Following the decommissioning of the terminal, it is Mitigation works within this phase will be proposed to remove offsite all terminal facilities, implemented following completion of construction however the perimeter drains and settlement ponds activities. will remain. The concrete platform will be broken up and the material removed offsite. Any remaining Further planting of deciduous trees and low foundation stone will be ripped to relieve deciduous scrub along the margins of the existing compaction. The ground level will be roughly graded plantations to the east and south of the terminal will to fall towards the perimeter drains. It is proposed to be implemented. New planting will be undertaken in import mineral soils across the area formerly association with the proposed main entrance occupied by the platform, to an average depth of features, including the proposed stone walling and 300mm. The imported soil will again be roughly ESB facility. graded so as to form small hollows and gentle undulations with levels generally falling towards perimeter site drains. It is envisaged that water will collect in the hollows to supplement the wetland habitats elsewhere on the site.

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13.14 Predicted ImDact of the Prooosed coniferous plantations, which will provide immediate, Terminal significant and effective screening. The inherent screening provided, combined with careful attention 13.14.1 During Construction to the design, layout and colour treatments applied to component parts of the facility, will ensure that the Landscape and visual impacts will result both from vast majority of the development will not be readily the temporary construction and the permanent discernible in the landscape. This choice of site structures associated with the operational phases of ensures that overall, the impact of the proposed the terminal development. Impacts may result from development is considered to be slight negative in the following aspects: nature. This assessment of the significance of impact is Temporary further confirmed with reference to the Sensitivity . site establishment requiring the removal of Matrix included in the Landscape Appraisal existing landscape features, including remnant document. As outlined in Section 13.8.2 of this lines of coniferous trees and shrubbery; and assessment, the Matrix states that within Policy Area . construction activities, including presence of 1, Industrial/Commercial development type would large plant and cranes. constitute a Medium-Low potential to create an adverse impact on the existing landscape character. Permanent 13.15 Durinq Operation l permanent features introduced as part of the terminal, including buildings and stacks; . Although the landscape and visual impact can be operational features, such as visible emissions, considerably reduced from nearby receptors, lighting; and through the implementation of the proposed l height above ordnance datum (AOD) of tall mitigation measures, the visual impacts produced as features. a consequence of the protrusion of the taller elements into the skyline from certain viewpoints The potential impacts on the landscape resource are cannot be fully mitigated. This is of more relevance identified by addressing the following issues: when viewed across the open landscape from middle and longer distance viewpoints. However, in . aesthetic value of the landscape setting and its these views, the development is a relatively small sensitivity to change; element within the landscape and is not of prime . nature and value of any landscape resources focus in the views, which are generally of an likely to be lost due to development; and expansive nature. . For inspection purposes only. visual relationship between its site andConsent its of copyright owner required for any other use. setting. The choice of site ensures that during the life time of the terminal, overall the impact of the proposed 13.14.2 Impact of Proposed Development on development is considered to be slight negative in Landscape Character nature.

The development proposes the construction of a 13.16 Monitoring major facility in a generally remote but accessible landscape. The impact on landscape character as a Following the completion of the planting operations result of the terminal development is primarily a proposed as part of the mitigation of the result of a change in land use in a relatively small development, it is best practice to undertake a period section of the overall site from peat bogland and of post planting monitoring (‘aftercare’). This will last commercial forestry, to that of an industrial facility, in for a five-year period. an area which has few major industrial areas of any scale, and no significantly sized structures or built up After the five-year period, once planting has become areas. established, monitoring will be governed by a Shell Landscape Management Plan, which will monitor However, while not entirely so, the proposed site is planting throughout the life of the project. inherently and strongly screened by evergreen conifer plantations, particularly along the sensitive 13.16-l Aftercare Inspections southern boundary with the R314, a tourist route with residential properties at proximity. Typical monitoring operations during the five-year aftercare period will include: The site of the proposed terminal has been carefully chosen to take maximum advantage of extensive

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. regular inspections at least once every four l checking of tree stakes, ties; months; . refirming pfant material; and l plant replacement - near to the end of the . removal of waste materials. growing season (September), the identification and repfacement of trees and shrubs which have 13.17 Reinstatement and Residual Impacts died within the previous growing season to be undertaken; and SheIt is keen to adopt a sensitive and sustainable . ensuring the site is neat and tidy and design approach, and integrate the scheme into the maintaining all planting and grassed areas in a landscape whilst retaining and respecting both the healthy condition. landscape character and the visual environment.

13.16.2 Maintenance Operations The long term proposal will see the substantial removal of the terminal, including all above-ground The aim of the monitoring period is to provide for the features. Thereafter it is proposed to reinstate a proper establishment and growth of all plant material peat/grassland environment sensitively planned on by the operations fisted below: the basis of actual monitored site conditions to reflect and enhance local ecology and bio-diversity. . replacement planting as necessary; In such, a manner it is considered that the proposed . weed control; development will have no adverse residual impacts, . irrigation; see Figure 13.10 in Appendix B. l pruning of trees and shrubs; l prevention of insect attack and disease;

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Fourteen

Climate

EPA Export 25-07-2013:17:33:32 , I-- Bellanaboy Bridge Terminal ‘0 Shell E&P Ireland Limited Environmental Impact Statement

14 Climatic impact 14.1.2 Influence of the Gas Terminal on Releases with Global Warming Potential

14.1 Introduction The proposed development should be viewed in the context of: This section describes the emissions associated with the gas terminal that have the potential to affect or + the benefits of providing a secure and contribute to: indigenous supply of natural gas;

l the combustion of natural gas produces lower l global warming (releases of ‘greenhouse’ global warming emissions in comparison with gases); and alternative fossil fuels; and . ozone depletion. . the requirement to minimise releases during the construction and operation of the terminal itself. Releases with the potential to impact on local air quality are described in Chapter 11. This includes Most primary energy in Ireland is provided by fossil discussion of microclimate considerations. fuels, the majority of which derive from imported coal and oil. Domestically, peat is also used and natural 14.1 .l Global Warming gas use has increased with the provision of supplies l from gas fields off the Cork coastline and via an The main compounds that contribute to global interconnector from the UK. warming are carbon dioxide (CO*) and methane (CHJ. Other compounds have the potential to Natural gas releases lower emissions of carbon contribute to global warming but are generally dioxide than alternative fossil fuels per unit of useful released in much smaller quantities. energy contained within the fuel. As can be seen in Table 14.1, natural gas releases 23% less carbon Global warming and the management of emissions dioxide than crude oil and 47% less than peat per with the potential to contribute to global warming are unit of energy. Natural gas use is additionally more an increasingly important issue for Ireland. An efficient at its point of use, thereby requiring less fuel international agreement was drawn up (the Kyoto to be consumed and hence producing lower Protocol) in response to rising emissions of the emissions. This applies to the use of gas for most principal contributing compounds which has applications including space heating and electricity subsequently been ratified by the European Union. generation.

Under the burden sharing agreement within the Table 14.1: Emissions of Carbon Dioxide European Union to implement the Protocol, Ireland For inspection purposes(CO,) only. from Different Fuels agreed to a limit of 13% above 1990 emissionConsent oflevels copyright owner required for any other use. to be achieved between 2008 and 2012. By 2001, the level of global warming releases however had risen by 31% above the 1990 levels following a period of rapid economic growth. Numerous initiatives are in place to reduce emission levels under the Government’s National Climate Change 56.1 Strategy and EU initiatives including the draft 1 Natural gas I I Directive on Emission Trading. 1 Natural gas liquids 1 63 I Global warming has numerous potential implications I Crude oil I 73.3 I for Ireland‘s environment including: I Peat I 105.9 I

l greater risk of seasonal flooding with an Source: IPCC, 1996. increased rainfall in winter and decrease in summer; The use of natural gas to displace other fossil fuels . changes to habitats and ecosystems including will assist in minimising and potentially reducing the drying of peatlands; and global warming emissions at a national level in . effects on sea and river levels and influence on combination with other initiatives. water resources. Releases to atmosphere with global warming potential will arise as a result of both the construction and operation of the terminal. This includes: l

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. releases of carbon dioxide from the combustion warming potential. The residual generation of these of natural gas and other fuels to provide energy compounds has then been quantified. Many natural for the site; and and human activities generate releases that can l potential fugitive emissions of natural gas during contribute to global warming. Due to the diverse its operation. nature of sources, the effect that releases from the gas terminal have on global warming cannot be The terminal process plant has been designed to specifically quantified within this EIS. Quantities minimise such releases and these measures are however have been related in comparison to total described in Section 14.6. emissions of global warming gases in Ireland (as CO2 equivalent) and relative to the benefits of greater gas 141.3 Other Releases with the Potential to use by the end-user. Affect Climate 14.3 Characteristics of Prooosed Other considerations with the potential to influence Development climate include the generation of ozone at lower levels of the atmosphere (tropospheric or low-level 14.3.1 Construction ozone formation) and the depletion of ozone at higher levels in the atmosphere (stratospheric ozone The combustion of fuels in contractor, construction depletion). and haulage vehicles along with small-scale electricity generators will emit carbon dioxide. The use of ozone depleting substances during the Additional emissions may be generated during the operation of the terminal is not anticipated. commissioning of the gas terminal including Refrigerants used may have global warming relatively minor releases of natural gas during the potential, however such systems are sealed and loss purging of equipment. of material would not normally occur. Leaks are not considered to be significant in the context of site Releases of carbon dioxide will also be generated in operations. Impacts on ozone depletion associated the production and transportation of raw materials with the proposed development are not considered used in the construction of the terminal. In particular to be significant and further discussion within this this includes the use of cement and steel. Whilst not section has been limited to releases with global included in the quantification of releases within this warming potential and specifically to carbon dioxide assessment, releases associated with raw materials (CO*) and natural gas, the principal component of will be minimised through careful purchasing controls which is methane (CHJ. and construction scheduling.

14.1.4 Global Warming Potentials of Specific Peat will be removed from the site prior to Releases For inspection purposesconstruction. only. Peat during its formation captures Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. carbon in the form of biomass accumulation. As the Many compounds released to air have the potential peat bed grows methane can be emitted where low to contribute to global warming. The measure of levels of oxygen are present within the peat deposit Global Warming Potential (GWP) was developed in (anaerobic conditions). Microbes within the peat may order to express emissions on a common basis. also emit smaller concentrations of nitrous oxide GWP is a measure of the global warming potential (N,O). Methane is a more potent global warming gas a over a loo-year period relative to the GWP of carbon than carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide is more potent dioxide. In this scale, carbon dioxide is assigned a still. GWP value of 1. Natural gas (assuming all gas is methane) has a GWP factor of 21. Whether peatland is a net sink or net emitter of global warming concentrations depends primarily on A release of 1 kg of natural gas therefore has the the balance between carbon dioxide fixation and the equivalent GWP of 21kg of carbon dioxide. There release of methane. This balance can vary are hence significant benefits in minimising releases depending on many factors including the level of the of natural gas and, where such releases do occur, water table. Bord Na Mona considers the peatland at converting the release into carbon dioxide through the terminal site to be approximately carbon neutral combustion. Such considerations have been given the prevailing conditions at the site. incorporated into the design of the gas terminal. The peat removed from the site will be repositioned 14.2 Study Methodolocly at a local peat extraction site owned by Bord Na Mona to conserve peatland and prevent the release This section of the EIS aims to identify and assess of locked carbon into the atmosphere. Whilst the the sources and describe the measures in place to removal of the peat will lead to a release of trapped minimise releases of compounds with global methane emissions as the peat is moved, this

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methane would have been released to air over time 14.6 Mitisation Measures regardless if the peat remained in situ. Any release with global warming potential during peat removal 14.6.1 Initial Design Considerations will hence be insignificant. The gas terminal has been designed to minimise 14.3.2 Operation combustion products and fugitive releases. These measures will minimise releases to air with global During operation, terminal emissions will comprise: warming potential. . releases of carbon dioxide from combustion processes to provide energy to the terminal; and Combustion processes have been designed to be

l fugitive emissions of natural gas. energy efficient and minimise the quantity of fuel used, thereby minimising releases of carbon dioxide. The principal combustion processes include the gas Hydrocarbon condensate that would otherwise compressors to pressurise sales gas into the require offsite disposal is also used as a fuel for the national distribution network and power generators heating medium fired heater. to provide electricity to the site. A heater unit will also be present to refine and recycle methanol used as A leak of natural gas from the process presents a an anti-freeze within the onshore and offshore flammable risk. Inherent site safety features will l facilities. minimise the potential for uncontained releases of natural gas to air. Such features include continuous Fugitive emissions may occur from non-permanent welded pipelines to ensure a sealed system from the connections such as valves and flanges, Potential arrival of offshore gas to the distribution of sales gas. fugitive release sources and appropriate mitigation The terminal will be constructed to international measures have been described further in Section design standards. 14.6 Pressure relief valves designed to prevent over- Significant hydrocarbon emissions are not pressure in the system will be additional sources of anticipated as a result of routine operation. In the fugitive releases. Low leakage relief valves have event of emergencies or abnormal operating been considered in the design of the terminal. conditions natural gas and hydrocarbon releases will Should a significant leak or venting of natural gas be efficiently burnt at height. The design occur from the valves, the gas will be collected and incorporates numerous safety features to prevent the flared, thereby converting natural gas into carbon loss of natural gas. They include relief valves, flare dioxide, which has a much lower GWP. systems and emergency shutdown (ESD) valves to prevent the generation of potentially flammable leaks Onsite heating requirements will be met by the For inspection purposes only. and hence loss to air in the unlikely Consentevent ofof copyright an owner requiredcombustion for any other ofuse. off-spec gas or hydrocarbon overpressure in the system or equipment failure. condensate.

14.4 Potential Impact of the Proposed 14.6.2 During Operation 0 Development Combustion efficiency checks will be carried out on The terminal development will result in emissions combustion plant to ensure all plant operates at associated with climate change. This includes optimum efficiency. releases of carbon dioxide and natural gas and to a much lesser extent, other hydrocarbon compounds. Fugitive emissions of natural gas will be minimised through regular maintenance and the implementation 14.5 Do Nothinq Scenario of the Environmental Management Plan that will be prepared as part of the site’s Integrated Pollution In the absence of the development, there will be no Control (IPC) licence issued by the Environmental anticipated change in releases to air at the terminal Protection Agency (EPA). A maintenance flare will Location. However, the potential benefits of the also combust gas where depressurisation of the Corrib development for control of greenhouse gases plant is required for maintenance activities. In the in Ireland generally will also not be realised. highly unlikely event of a significant leak of natural gas into the air in the vicinity of plant, gas detection systems will identify any leak, which will then be remedied by onsite technicians.

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Table 14.2: Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Terminal

Source Emissions GWP (tonnfdyr) (tonne of CO, equivalent per yr)

CH, co2 1 Energy Use/Power Generation Heating Medium Heater I to,560 I 0.03 10,560 Sales Gas Compressor Turbines 26,795 3.9 26,878 Electricity Generator Engines 6,341 6.2 6,471 Fugitive Releases General Process Gas Leaks plus 1 105 2,206 Tank and Product Loading T&al 43,697 115 46,115

Note: Emissions are calculated using predicted fuel usage, as detailed in the draft IPC licence application, and UKOOA emission factors (UKOOA, 1999). Emissions from the firewater pumps, emergency generator engine and the flare systems have not been accounted for, as these are intermittent, minor sources only. The GWP emissions from these sources during normal operation will be approximately 100 tonnes CO2 equivalent.

The application of Best Available Techniques (BAT) potential reduction of 2.4 million tonnes of CO;! to both the design and operation of the gas terminal equivalent ignoring minor leaks of gas from the will be further identified in the IPC licence transmission system. This figure is nearly fifty times application. In this regard BAT relates not only to the greater than the projected releases from the terminal design of the gas terminal but also the way it is and does not take into account the higher efficiency managed during the full life cycle of the site. of use associated with gas at the end-user. In reality the displacement (or emission reduction) will be less 14.7 Predicted Impact of the Prooosed than 2.4 million tonnes of Cop-equivalent as the gas Develooment supplied will supplement applications where natural gas is already used or is required to meet rising 14.7.1 During Construction For inspection purposesenergy only. demand to a certain extent. The calculation Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. however demonstrates that when considered on a The only predicted impacts will be associated with: national level, the benefits of a secure, indigenous source of natural gas outweigh the effect of . movements of construction vehicles and on site emissions with global warming potential generated generators; and from the site itself. . energy used to produce and transport raw materials. 14.8 Monitorina and Reportinq

14.7.2 During Operation No direct monitoring of carbon dioxide is proposed as emissions can be accurately predicted from the The projected quantity of emissions with global consumption of fuel or combusted material. warming potential from each potential source is Monitoring of natural gas may be required as part of identified in Table 14.2. Total GWP emissions from any IPC licence condition to minimise fugitive the site are projected to be of the order of 0.05 emissions but this is unlikely to be necessary on a million tonnes per year (as C02-equivalent). continuous basis. Fire and gas detection systems will also be present. In the year 2000, total emissions of COa equivalent released in Ireland were an estimated 66.3 million Annual emission calculations of releases with global tonnes. The quantity generated from the gas warming potential will be prepared as part of the terminal represents less than 0.06% of this figure. site’s Annual Environmental Report the preparation of which is likely to be a requirement of the IPC If the natural gas distributed into the national network licence. The calculations will also be required to by the gas terminal displaced an equivalent amount identify baseline and operating emissions in of crude oil in energy terms, this would lead to a subsequent years as part of any trading agreement.

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The EPA has identified standard methods of 14.9 Reinstatement and Residual Impacts calculation to ensure ‘completeness, consistency, transparency and accuracy’. Such calculations are The worst-case combination of fugitive and likely to be independently audited. The EU combustion emissions of carbon dioxide and natural Emissions Trading Scheme will establish allowance gas result in an estimated maximum annual GWP of trading to promote reductions of greenhouse gases. approximately 0.05 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. lt is not possible to quantify the actual impact of specific greenhouse gas sources or sinks on the climate or environment as a whole.

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