Roughan & O’Donovan N14 / N15 to A5 Link Consulting Engineers Environmental Impact Statement – Volume 1 Chapter 7 The Natural Environment Ref: 10.152 July 2011 Roughan & O’Donovan N14/N15 to A5 Link Consulting Engineers Environmental Impact Statement – Volume 1 Chapter 7 The Natural Environment 7.1 Introduction The issues that are addressed in this chapter of the Environmental Impact Statement are as follows: 7.2 Ecology The terrestrial and aquatic ecology impact assessment was completed by EirEco Environmental Consultants. The bat surveys and assessment was completed by Faith Bailey Ecological Consultant on behalf of EirEco. 7.3 Noise & Vibration The assessment of the Noise and Vibration Impacts during the construction and operation of the N14/N15 to A5 Link was completed by AWN Consulting. 7.4 Air Quality and Climate The assessment of the Air Quality and Climate Impacts during the construction and operation of the N14/N15 to A5 Link was completed by AWN Consulting. 7.5 Hydrology and Hydrogeology The assessment of the impacts on Hydrology and Hydrogeology was undertaken by Hydro Environmental Limited with input from Mouchel and Roughan & O’Donovan. 7.6 Soils & Geology The assessment of the impacts on Soils and Geology was undertaken by Roughan & O’Donovan. Ref: 10.152 July 2011 Page 7/1 Roughan & O’Donovan N14/N15 to A5 Link Consulting Engineers Environmental Impact Statement – Volume 1 7.2 Ecology 7.2.1 Introduction EirEco Environmental Consultants were commissioned by Roughan O’Donovan to undertake a terrestrial and aquatic ecological assessment for the EIS of the N14/N15 to A5 Link (Lifford Bridge) scheme. This section details their findings and provides an assessment of the likely impacts of the proposed scheme on the terrestrial and aquatic environment (i.e. flora, fauna and habitats) and the River Finn Special Area of Conservation (Site code 002301) and River Foyle and Tributaries SAC (Site code UK0030320). 7.2.2 Methodology Desk Review A review of the OSI mapping and aerial photographs was undertaken to determine the proximity of the proposed route relative to aquatic habitats in the general vicinity that may be subject to impacts through severance of connecting corridors, pollution run-off during construction, etc. A review was also undertaken of existing sources of information and records pertaining to the aquatic environment in the vicinity of the study area, including the Route Selection Report for the proposed scheme and the Environmental Assessment Report for the N14 Letterkenny to Lifford / Strabane scheme, the N15 Lifford to Stranorlar scheme and the A5 Western Transport Corridor. A review of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) website database was undertaken to determine the boundaries of designated areas for conservation in the vicinity of the proposed route. Site synopses for designated sites were subsequently reviewed to identify qualifying interests relating to the aquatic environment and records of protected aquatic species. BirdWatch Ireland was consulted with regard to records of wintering waterfowl from the area. Consultations Consultation letters were submitted to the Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Loughs Agency (Northern Ireland) requesting information on fish stocks and aquatic protected species within the River Finn in the vicinity of the proposed route. Comments were also sought in relation to watercourse crossing design and mitigation requirements. Consultation was also undertaken with both the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency with regard to the designated areas, their conservation objectives and records of rare or protected species. Detailed responses were received by NIEA and the Loughs Agency in early November 2010. A response was received from the Development Applications Unit of NPWS on 8th November 2010 and from a data request on 18th November 2010. A draft set of Conservation Objectives for the River Finn SAC was also received from the NPWS on 24th November 2010. A meeting was held with NPWS regional staff and NIEA-Natural Heritage on 28th January 2011. Surveys Field surveys were undertaken in October 2010 to map habitats and determine the presence or suitability for mammals, birds and other protected species of fauna. Surveys were undertaken in accordance with the NRA Ecological Surveying Techniques for Protected Flora and Fauna (2009). Access to the land to the south of Ref: 10.152 July 2011 Page 7/2 Roughan & O’Donovan N14/N15 to A5 Link Consulting Engineers Environmental Impact Statement – Volume 1 the River Finn (County Tyrone) was not available and the observations within this report are based on visual assessment from across the river and the public road along the south of the river using binoculars and from ecological data received from the Mouchel ecology studies undertaken for the A5 Western Transport Corridor Environmental Impact Assessment. The surveys aimed to determine evidence of otter activity (including spraints, holts, couches, lie-ups, twists and slides) and kingfisher nest sites with the main emphasis being placed on-line or within c100m of the proposed crossing point. Consideration was also given to the potential for the movement of otter between other sites. The aquatic survey recorded a variety of physical parameters including depth, width, substrate, flow-regime and bankside profile. The survey also covered bankside and instream vegetation, presence or suitability for protected aquatic species fisheries habitats and a visual assessment of water quality. The assessment of the fisheries value of each watercourse was made on the basis of suitability for spawning, nursery and holding potential for salmon and other fish species. The stretch downstream of the proposed crossing point was surveyed in particular to assess spawning areas for salmonids and lamprey. The bat detector surveys were conducted by both Faith Wilson and Dr Caroline Shiel (both independent ecological consultants and experienced bat workers). Initially, a review of known bat roosts and bat activity within 10km of the study area was conducted using the Bat Conservation Ireland database. Other bat specialists including members of Bat Conservation Ireland and the Northern Ireland Bat Group were contacted regarding any surveys or detector work that they had carried out in the area. The four season survey began with the autumn survey in September 2010 and concluded in June 2011 with the summer survey. Areas likely to be of interest for bats within close proximity to the proposed bridge crossing and in the wider landscape were assessed and identified. These included areas based on the habitats recorded within the baseline survey of the EIS, while other areas of habitat in the wider landscape of the route were selected using recent colour aerial photographs. These areas were visited during the survey and bat activity was recorded using two types of bat detectors (Heterodyne Bat Detector: Pettersson D100; Frequency Division Bat Detector: Bat Box Duet). Areas of suitable habitat were walked on foot listening for bats with the detectors. Sections of local roads in the vicinity of the proposed bridge crossing were also driven slowly at night with the bat box mounted on the sun roof of the vehicle pointing upwards to record any bat passes. Bats were identified by their ultrasonic calls coupled with behavioural and flight observations. The presence of bats in a roost is indicated principally by their signs, such as staining, feeding signs, or droppings - though direct observations are also made. There is an old corrugated iron agricultural shed located within the study area. This building was searched for evidence of bat usage during the spring and summer surveys. Bridges within the general vicinity of the study area were visually examined for cracks/crevices in the stonework which could house roosting bats. Bridges with potential for roosting bats were checked during the winter hibernation survey to see if any bats were present. Ref: 10.152 July 2011 Page 7/3 Roughan & O’Donovan N14/N15 to A5 Link Consulting Engineers Environmental Impact Statement – Volume 1 A survey of trees with potential for roosting bats within the study area was completed during the winter, spring and summer surveys. Reporting The evaluation of the ecological environment and the criteria used to assess the significance of impacts are derived from the Guidelines for Assessment of Ecological Impacts on National Road Schemes (NRA, Rev. 2, 2009) and reviewed against UK DMRB Volume 11 Section 3 – Part 4. Reporting is in compliance with Guidelines for Assessment of Ecological Impacts on National Road Schemes (2009) and Environmental Impact Assessment of National Road Schemes – A Practical Guide (NRA, Rev1, 2008). Mitigation proposals are based on the relevant National Roads Authority construction guidance documents pertaining to the natural environment including: Guidelines for Assessment of Ecological Impacts on National Road Schemes (2009); Ecological Surveying Techniques for Protected Flora and Fauna (2009); Guidelines for the Crossing of Watercourses During the Construction of National Road Schemes (2006); Best Practice Guidelines for the Conservation of Bats in the Planning of National Road Schemes (2006); Guidelines for the treatment of bats during construction on National Road Schemes (2006) ; A Guide to Landscape Treatments on National Road Schemes in Ireland (2006); Guidelines for the Treatment of Badgers during the Construction of National Road Schemes (2005); Guidelines