Powersite Ltd Section 36 Update Environmental Update Report

Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited 2212959 Firecrest Court Centre Park Warrington WA1 1RG United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1925 800 700

Fax: +44 (0)1925 572 462 www.hyderconsulting.com

Powersite Ltd Drakelow Section 36 Update Environmental Update Report

Author Simon Rimell

Checker Chris Warren

Approver Andrew Saunders

Report No 002-UA008131-UE31-02-F

Date 30 July 2015

This report has been prepared for Powersite Ltd in accordance with the terms and conditions of appointment for Update Report dated 23 June 2015. Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited (2212959 ) cann ot accept any responsibility for any use of or reliance on the contents of this report by any third party.

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CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION...... 3 1.1 Background and Purpose of this Report ...... 3 1.2 Description of the Scheme...... 3 1.3 Approach to this Update Report ...... 3 1.4 Assumptions ...... 3 1.5 Constraints Plan...... 4 2 AIR QUALITY...... 5 2.1 Introduction ...... 5 2.2 Existing Data ...... 5 2.3 Baseline Update...... 6 2.4 Discussion ...... 6 3 WATER QUALITY ...... 8 3.1 Introduction ...... 8 3.2 Existing Data ...... 8 3.3 Baseline Update...... 9 3.4 Discussion ...... 9 4 FLOOD RISK ...... 11 4.1 Introduction ...... 11 4.2 Existing Data ...... 11 4.3 Baseline Update...... 12 4.4 Discussion ...... 12 5 TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY AND NATURE CONSERVATION ...... 14 5.1 Introduction ...... 14 5.2 Existing Data ...... 14 5.3 Baseline Update...... 14 5.4 Discussion ...... 16 6 GEOLOGY, HYDROLOGY AND DRAINAGE ...... 18 6.1 Introduction ...... 18 6.2 Existing Data ...... 18 6.3 Baseline Update...... 19 6.4 Discussion ...... 19 7 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL EFFECTS ...... 20 7.1 Introduction ...... 20 7.2 Existing Data ...... 20 7.3 Baseline Update...... 21 7.4 Discussion ...... 21

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8 TRANSPORT ...... 23 8.1 Introduction ...... 23 8.2 Existing Data ...... 23 8.3 Baseline Update...... 24 8.4 Discussion ...... 24 9 NOISE ...... 25 9.1 Introduction ...... 25 9.2 Existing Data ...... 25 9.3 Baseline Update...... 26 9.4 Discussion ...... 26 10 SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS ...... 28 10.1 Introduction ...... 28 10.2 Existing Data ...... 28 10.3 Baseline Update...... 28 10.4 Discussion ...... 29 11 CULTURAL HERITAGE ...... 30 11.1 Introduction ...... 30 11.2 Existing Data ...... 30 11.3 Baseline Update...... 31 11.4 Discussion ...... 31 12 CONTAMINATED LAND ...... 33 12.1 Introduction ...... 33 12.2 Existing Data ...... 33 12.3 Baseline Update...... 33 12.4 Discussion ...... 34 13 Additional Developments ...... 35 13.1 Planning Applications ...... 35 13.2 Additional Residential Properties ...... 35

Appendix A - Drawings

• Constraints Plan

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Abbreviations

AOD Above Ordnance Datum

AQMA Air Quality Management Area

AQO Air Quality Objective

AQS Air Quality Standards

BGS British Geological Survey

CCGT Combined Cycle Gas Turbine

CO Carbon Monoxide

CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan

CW Cooling Water

CWS County Wildlife Site

dB Decibel

DECC Department of Energy and Climate Change

DBRC Biological Records Centre

EA Environment Agency

EAL Environmental Assessment Level

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EHO Environmental Health Officer

EQS Environmental Quality Standards

ES Environmental Statement

GCN Great Crested Newt

HGV Heavy Goods Vehicle

IEMA Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment

LBAP Local Biodiversity Action Plan

LCA Local Character Area

LNR Local Nature Reserve

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LV Light Vehicle

MAGIC Multi-Agency Geographical Information for the Countryside

MMG Mercia Mudstone Group

NCA National Character Area

NNR National Nature Reserve

NO 2 Nitrogen Dioxide

NTS National Transmission Service

PPG Planning Policy Guidance

PRoW Public Right of Way

RTD River Terrace Deposits

SAC Special Areas of Conservation

SEB Statutory Environmental Body

SER Ecological Records

SGV Soil Guideline Value

SMR Sites and monuments Record

SO 2 Sulphur Dioxide

SPA Special Protection Area

SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest

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1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background and Purpose of this Report

Powersite Ltd is applying to extend the consent for the proposal to construct a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant on the site of the former Drakelow in South Derbyshire. This proposed power station at Drakelow would be well located to provide electricity to the Midlands Region, to meet an increasing demand at a time of other power station closures.

An original Environmental Statement (ES) (E.ON ES 2005) was submitted in 2005 and the scheme was consented based upon the assessment carried out and resulting mitigation proposals. The consent is due to expire in October 2015 and this ‘Update Report’ is required to provide an update to the original ES baseline, detailing an overview of existing constraints and changes to the baseline and consideration of subsequent impacts. 1.2 Description of the Scheme

The proposed site for the proposed CCGT power station is contained within EON UK’s existing land holding at Drakelow and will be situated on the former ‘C’ station’s stockyard, to the south-west of the holding, hereafter referred to as ‘the Site’.

Drakelow does not currently have a connection to the gas National Transmission System (NTS) network and therefore a new underground pipeline would need to be installed from the most practicable offtake point to the Site.

For a more detailed description of the scheme please refer to Section 2 of the E.ON ES 2005. 1.3 Approach to this Update Report

This Update Report has been prepared following a high-level desk based review, the identification of existing studies secondary data collation from published sources and a site visit by a qualified ecologist.

The topics were identified from the original scoping exercise and examined in depth within the original ES (E.ON ES 2005). These chapters are all covered in this high-level desk based review and each topic chapter includes: an introduction to the topic and its relevance, the identification of existing data sources and an overview of the previously identified conditions/constraints for that topic, the identification of new sources if applicable with updated information to inform the baseline and a discussion of the updated position and a summary of the impacts identified. 1.4 Assumptions

The Update Report is based upon the primary assumption that there will be no change to the technology, construction methodology or operation of the proposed plant as described in the E.ON ES. This report will form part of a package of documentation provided to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to support the extension of the Section 36 consent for the scheme. This report will rely upon the outcomes and detail of the E.ON ES produced in 2005 and will not revisit the assessment outcomes, unless where expressly indicated.

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1.5 Constraints Plan

The Constraints Plan contained within Appendix A of this report details the features found local to the scheme area. The following designated sites were included in the desk based search, although not all features may be present:

° Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) ° Special Protection Areas (SPA) ° Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) ° Ramsar sites ° National Nature Reserves (NNR) ° Local Nature Reserves (LNR) ° Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) ° Listed Buildings ° Registered Battlefields ° Registered Parks and Gardens ° Scheduled Monuments ° World Heritage Sites

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2 AIR QUALITY 2.1 Introduction

The impacts of the proposed CCGT power station at Drakelow on the air quality of the area have been assessed using an atmospheric dispersion model. This predicts Ground level concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO 2) nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) and carbon monoxide (CO).

Air Quality Standards (AQS) which are relevant to this study from the Air Quality Strategy for England, Wales and Scotland, are given for the protection of human health (refer to Table 3.1.1 in the E.ON ES 2005). The strategy also sets out objectives for the protection of vegetation and ecosystems (refer to Table 3.1.2 in the E.ON ES 2005).

These objectives are for an area of impact much larger than that produced by the power station and additionally, implicitly exclude the area around the power station. However predicted concentrations at the maximum impact locations were modelled and compared with the objectives so as to provide further confidence that there will be no significant impact on nearby vegetation and ecosystems. 2.2 Existing Data

Within the E.ON ES 2005, the existing baseline data was gathered from five monitoring sites which were operating in the vicinity of the Site. These are Weston-on-Trent (grid reference 440800, 327800), Stanton (427100, 319300), Bass Gatehouse (424500, 323200), Stile Cop (403900, 316000) and Bentley Hall Farm (408500, 318900).

These sites were all run by E.ON UK and in particular Stanton and Bass Gatehouse were specifically located to capture the contribution of Drakelow ‘C’ coal-fired power station. Therefore the past records could show recorded concentrations which are an over estimate. Please refer to Table 3.1.3 in the E.ON ES 2005 for the concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and Table 3.1.4 for the concentrations of sulphur dioxide for these five sites.

Across the five sites, concentrations of NO 2 are well within the respective air quality strategy objectives. With one exception concentrations of SO 2 are compliant with all relevant air quality strategy objectives.

Within the UK NO 2 diffusion tube network monthly mean NO 2 concentrations are measured across four sites in Burton on Trent. Table 3.1.5 in the E.ON ES 2005 presents the annual mean NO 2 concentrations recorded. Concentrations recorded show values are higher adjacent to busy roads, reflecting the contribution of traffic to ground level NO 2 concentrations.

Long-term annual mean concentrations of nitrogen oxides can be used in comparison against the objective for the protection of vegetation and ecosystems. These annual mean concentrations for the 5 monitoring locations are shown in table 3.1.6 in the E.ON ES 2005. This shows that the highest levels were recorded at Bass Gatehouse in the centre of Burton-Upon-Trent reflecting high traffic levels

East Staffordshire Borough Council and South Derbyshire District Council both concluded that all Air Quality Strategy objectives would be met by the appropriate dates following a review and assessment of air quality.

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2.3 Baseline Update

The Air Quality Progress Report for South Derbyshire District Council (April 2014) was obtained and reviewed. It is stated within this document that there are no Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) declared in South Derbyshire. The only pollutant which is monitored within South Derbyshire to which data can be reviewed is limited to NO 2.

From analysing the new air monitoring data it has been concluded that there are no new exceedances of the average Air Quality Objectives (AQO) for NO 2 observed in 2013. One reoccurring exceedance of the AQO however, was observed on High Street, Repton which has already been identified for detailed assessment.

3 All of the monitoring locations met the NO 2 annual mean AQS objective of 40 µg/m with the exception of one site, ‘The Priory in Repton’, which is not within the search area for of the Site. The remaining monitoring locations were more than 10% below the NO 2 annual mean AQS objective of 40 µg/m 3.

There are no significant changes to any local plans, policies or strategies which are of relevance to continue compliance with the Air Quality Objectives in South Derbyshire. 2.4 Discussion

The impact assessment which was undertaken for the E.ON ES 2005 was based on the Model for atmospheric dispersion. This modelled the emission characteristics for the proposed CCGT power station. Emission characteristics from the model have been tabulated in table 3.1.8 of the E.ON ES 2005. This gives the NO x, SO 2 and CO emissions. Emissions of PM 10 were not considered in the original modelling. This was because their effect on local air quality will be minimal and the Electricity Supply Industry Methodology (JEP, 2005) states that during combustion of gas, particulate emissions are assumed to be zero from CCGT’s

Assumptions are based on the technology and running of the proposed CCGT plant which will be used. The technology can be reviewed in the E.ON ES 2005 and the plant is assumed to operate continuously at full load throughout the year.

Concentrations of the main pollutants released from the station, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide comply comfortably with air quality standards, both alone and taking into account existing background concentrations. On this basis, emissions to air from the proposed CCGT will have no significant adverse effect on human health. Predicted concentrations at the point of maximum impact for the station are compared to the objectives which provide confidence that the proposed station will not have a measureable effect on local vegetation and ecosystems. It was concluded that there would be no significant effects on any Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) due to air concentrations or depositions arising from the proposed CCGT. More detail on the effect of designated and local nature and conservation sites can be found in 3.1.6 of the E.ON ES 2005.

This Baseline Update has identified that there is an exceedance of the AQO at Repton. However, given that the exceedance is over 6km from the Site, it is envisaged that there would be no significant impact from the proposal. The 2005 baseline conditions identified through five monitoring locations around the Site that concentrations of NO 2 were well within the respective air quality strategy objectives. SO 2 concentrations are compliant with all relevant air quality strategy objectives with only one exception. It is envisaged that the limited development that has taken place in the area since the ES, only residential developments to the north, the baseline conditions would not have significantly changed. The construction of the proposed Walton

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Bypass, due by 2019 may affect the conditions at the Site, it would be recommended that baseline monitoring and mitigation proposed should the construction periods overlap.

During the construction of the proposed CCGT, there is potential for dust to be generated from various activities including the construction of buildings, transportation of materials and soil stripping and earthworks. It was concluded that the risk of dust nuisance should be minimised and site management practices will be adopted, such as use of water sprays during hot dry periods to dampen down work areas, washing of wheel vehicles leaving the site and sheeting of HGVs carrying loose materials. Prior to construction, current best practice dust suppression measures should be investigated and included within a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). This would result in no significant adverse effects on local receptors from the development.

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3 WATER QUALITY 3.1 Introduction

The most significant impact from the operation of the proposed CCGT will be from the aquatic water cooling system. This system will allow water to be abstracted from the for use as cooling water in the proposed CCGT. This will create a purge flow of warm water discharged back to the river.

However a recirculating Cooling Water (CW) system will be employed which utilises hybrid cooling towers. This will lead to a greatly reduced volume of water abstracted and returned to river compared with a direct cooling system.

The water quality of the CW outlet will be slightly modified by its CCGT in the following ways:

• Temperature increase above intake water temperature.

• An increase in concentration of determinands at the CW outlet compared with those in the intake water, owing to evaporation.

• Possibility of residual biocide present at the CW outlet if chlorination intake water is performed periodically.

A mathematical model of the CW discharge to the River Trent has been developed using the CORMIX (Cornell Mixing Zone Expert System) software to assess the impact of the heat released to the receiving water via the CW system.

The EA’s H1 guidance (2003) lists Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) and Environmental Assessment Levels (EAL) that apply to inland waters, such as the River Trent at Drakelow. EQs are statutory values, whereas EALs have no statutory basis. Please refer to the E.ON ES 2005 for more detail on the assessment guidelines.

Table 3.2.1 ‘Riverine EQS, EAL and Drinking water system’ within the E.ON ES 2005 displays the EQS values and EAL values set by the EA. 3.2 Existing Data

At 274km, the River Trent is the third longest river in England, from its source in North Staffordshire to its mouth at Trent Falls, where it joins the Humber Estuary. The Trent drains an area of 10,440km 2, containing a population of over 5.5 million people. Pollution resulting from this population and associated industries has a significant effect on the water quality of the river.

The water quality of the Trent has improved greatly over the last 15 years, owing in part to investments in waste water treatments. The Environment Agency (EA) has indicated that the River Trent at Drakelow is designated Cyprinid Fishery under the EC Freshwater Fish Directive (78/659/EEC). The EA also monitors the quality of water in the River Trent close to the Site. A summary of this data, collected between 2000 - 2004, is shown in Table 3.2.2 and Table 3.2.3 of the E.ON ES 2005.

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3.3 Baseline Update

The summary data for the River Trent at Drakelow has given river classifications in Table 3.2.4 in the E.ON ES 2005 These classifications can now be updated using data from the Environment Agency website and therefore Table 3.1 below summarises the river classifications data from 2009 (most recent available data).

Parameter Date Classification Description

Biology 2009 C Fairly good

Chemistry 2009 C Fairly good

Nutrients (nitrates) 2009 6 Excessively high

Nutrients (phosphates) 2009 5 Very High

Table 3.1 - River Classifications data (Environment Agency, 2015)

Although the classifications for biology and nutrients (nitrates) has not worsened the classifications given to chemistry of the River Trent has decreased from B to C between 2002 and 2009. The amount of Nutrients (phosphates) has improved though. This is now classified as ‘5’ in 2009 compared with ‘6’ in 2002.

A search for surface water safeguard zones, ground water safeguard zones and water protection zones was undertaken and none were found within 2km radius of the Site. 3.4 Discussion

Potential effects from construction activities on the Site include run-off of suspended solids and chemical or oil spillages reaching the Site drainage outfall or contamination of the groundwater supply. The potential effects from construction site run off will be managed under an environmental management plan designed to prevent impacts from occurring.

No additional abstractions will be required during construction. Any water required for chemical cleaning will be controlled closely by formal method statements and prior agreement sought from the EA. Protection of aquifers beneath Site will be addressed in the environmental management plan.

Site drainage from the development will be discharged via the existing drainage system for the Site. All site drainage is via the service lagoon. Water entering and leaving the power station will be monitored by the power station staff, to ensure any water discharged is within agreed limits.

The cooling water plume will be in compliance with legislation relating to water quality. The discharged cooling water will comfortably meet the relevant temperature standard for cyprinid waters of 28°C and an excess temperature of no more than +3°C beyond the mixing zone.

Assessment from the E.ON ES 2005 under section 3.2.7 states that an unaffected pathway for migratory fish remains accessible at all times and that overall the mathematical model CORMIX predicts that the cooling water discharge from the proposed power station is not expected to have a significant effect on the main channel of the River Trent, even under worst case conditions.

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It is not envisaged that the baseline conditions have significantly changed since the completion of the E.ON 2005 ES.

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4 FLOOD RISK 4.1 Introduction

The River Trent is approximately 300m to the north west of the Site entrance and also lies within the River Trent floodplain. This floodplain is 3-4km wide at the Drakelow location. The catchment comprises rural agricultural land, with few built up areas (parts of Linton Heath and Roslinton, and the altitude ranges from around 40 to 100m AOD (Above Ordnance Datum). An unnamed tributary joins the River Trent on the south side of the Site.

There is an existing surface water collection and treatment system and it is proposed that this is maintained and developed as appropriate for the new power station scheme. Surface water is collected around the Site and pumped to detention ponds located in the north east corner, which then discharge to the constructed channel to the River Trent. 4.2 Existing Data

A scoping study was undertaken for Flood Risk Assessment by Entec UK Ltd. This can be found in Appendix D1 of the E.ON ES 2005. From this it was then agreed that the scoping assessment used the 100 year flood level information from data provided by the Environment Agency (EA) for the River Trent which is 47.88 AOD. This flood Risk Assessment approach considers the requirements of Planning Policy 25 (PPG25).

The original assessment concluded that:

• The Site ground levels are generally 49-49.5m AOD and the 1000 year flood level of the Trent adjacent to the Site is 37.88m AOD. This therefore means that the Site is not at risk of flooding from the River Trent.

• The ground levels at the make-up cooling water pump house are generally 47.5mAOD therefore the pump house is at risk of flooding from the Trent. This was demonstrated in 2000 when the river level rose to 47.7mAOD and the pump house flooded.

• There is a risk of flooding from the tributary of the River Trent and further modelling work is required to assess the risk in more depth.

An assessment of flood risk was then undertaken by S M Foster Associates. The full report can be found in Appendix D2 of the E.ON ES 2005. This assessment concluded that:

• Flood water in the tributary would back up at the downstream end due to flooding in the River Trent. Elevated water levels in this area would lead to localised flooding at the western edge of the Site.

• The tributary has the capacity to convey flood waters in-channel along the length of channel extending from the Site entrance to the downstream section backing up at the river confluence.

• Neither the culvert beneath the Site entrance nor the culvert beneath Walton Road have adequate capacity to convey flood flows.

• The proposed development will have no adverse impact on flood plain storage or flood flow conveyance related to the tributary.

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4.3 Baseline Update

Information from the Environment Agency website was used to describe the current flood risk using data collected in recent years. Figure 4.1 below shows the flood zones which surround the Site. It is apparent from this that the south western area of the Site falls within flood zone 3 which follows the tributary which feeds into the River Trent. To the west of the Site towards the River Trent this land also falls into flood zone 3. To the north of the Site where the local Branston Water Park Local Nature Reserve is located the area falls within flood zone 2.

Figure 4.1 - Flood Risk Zones (Environment Agency, 2015)

Anecdotal evidence suggests the Site flooded in 2013/2014. Information found in an online search additionally suggests there was flooding from the River Trent in the wider area in December 2013 and February 2014. 4.4 Discussion

The report produced by S M Foster Associates proposes that flood risk to the new development can be reduced to an acceptable level by either increasing the new floor levels to above the 100 year flood levels or by increasing the capacity of the tributary culverts.

At the design stage of the proposed power station, flood risk and the capacity of tributary culverts should be further assessed and if mitigation measures are put in place this should be in consultation with the Environment Agency.

The detailed design must ensure that the new plant is planned in such a way that it is not at risk of the 100 year flood level. The pump house which was found to be at risk will be modified or protected as required.

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It is not envisaged that the baseline conditions have significantly changed since the completion of the E.ON 2005 ES and that there are still areas of the Site prone to fluvial flooding as indicated by the more recent EA flood contours. As previously recommended further studies should be completed to model the flood risk on the Site and ensure mitigation measures put in place to ensure that the development and associated infrastructure is sited in a location that will not be subjected to flooding or would result in an increase in the flood risk to other locations upstream or downstream of the development. Consultation with the EA upon final design should occur to ensure compliance with current regulations, including Flood Defence Consent (if appropriate).

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5 TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY AND NATURE CONSERVATION 5.1 Introduction

An Ecological Appraisal has been completed in June 2015 for the Site (Hyder Report Ref: 001- UA008131-UE31-01). The aims of the appraisal were to:

° Identify any notable habitats or species that would pose a potential constraint to the proposed facility; ° Assess the likely impacts of the proposed facility on ecological receptors; ° Complete a Phase 1 Habitat Survey; ° Outline any recommendations for avoiding, minimising or offsetting any predicted adverse effects on ecological receptors; and ° Outline any potential measures for enhancing ecological resources and providing a ‘net gain’ for biodiversity. The Ecological Appraisal Report should be read in conjunction with this chapter. 5.2 Existing Data

As a site survey and assessment have been undertaken in June 2015 it has been decided to base this chapter of the report, upon this updated information rather than use pre-existing data from the E.ON ES 2005. This approach is different to that in other topic chapters, but will ensure that the most recent site conditions are discussed. 5.3 Baseline Update

A desk study was undertaken prior to a site visit which was subsequently undertaken on the 3 rd June 2015. The desk study was conducted to establish a baseline for ecological information. This was collated from a number of sources which include:

° The Multi-Agency Geographical Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) website – used to search for statutory designations; ° Citations of any statutory designated sites located within the search area were reviewed to provide an indication if there are likely to be any species of nature conservation importance found; ° Existing ecological information relating to non-statutory designated sites and protected or otherwise notable species was requested from the Staffordshire Ecological Records (SER) and the Derbyshire Biological Records Centre (DBRC); ° Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) for Derbyshire was also reviewed with reference to the potential value of species and habitats likely to be present. For more details on the methodology please refer to the full Ecological Appraisal (Hyder Report Ref: 001-UA008131-UE31-01) which will be supplied to DECC alongside this Update Report. The results from the field survey and the desk study presented that there are no statutory designations within 2km of the appraisal area. There were non-statutory designations which included:

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° Branston Water Park Local Nature Reserve (LNR) which falls approximately 1km north west of the Site; ° Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Site Tucklesholme which is located 1.3km south east; ° Two biodiversity alert sites both north of the River Trent; ° Derbyshire Wildlife Trust County Wildlife Reserve (CWS) known as Drakelow Wildfowl Reserve CWS is located 100m north of the Site. A Phase 1 Habitat Survey was undertaken as part of the site visit, the results can be viewed on Figure 1 with survey target notes provided in Appendix A of the Ecological Appraisal (June 2015).

SER data revealed no historical records of any notable plants having been recorded within the Site boundary.

Full details of the plants and habitats found on Site are included within the field survey located in Section 4.2 of the Ecological Appraisal (Hyder Report Ref: 001-UA008131-UE31-01). From these results it is worth noting that the habitats present within the Site are considered to be of limited intrinsic nature conservation value. However, some have the potential to support protected or otherwise noteworthy species.

Species of conservation concern Terrestrial Invertebrates Due to the limited nature conservation value of the habitats present within the Site, it is considered that no significant invertebrate assemblages or notable species are likely to be present, though their presence cannot be ruled out.

Amphibians and Reptiles It is considered that the Site is suitable for reptiles and Great Crested Newts (GCN). Although survey work was undertaken in 2005 there was no presence detected of reptiles within the Site boundary. However due to the time elapsed since these surveys were undertaken further pre- construction reptile surveys will be needed to confirm absence. Seasonal constraints apply to reptile surveys and are in general; mid-March to June and September optimal survey months with July and August being sub optimal. Surveys should deploy artificial covering which can be checked to confirm presence or absence.

Birds Although SER data reveals no historical records of bird species having been recorded within the Site it is considered that many species of birds would find suitable habitats within the Site boundary. It is therefore considered that proposals have the potential to disturb nesting bird species present within the Site.

To avoid this disturbance the removal of any potential nesting vegetation, including ground cover should take place outside of the bird nesting season considered to be between early March and August (inclusive). Where this is not possible a pre-construction nesting bird survey would be undertaken by a suitably trained and experienced ornithologist immediately prior to the removal of vegetation. If nesting birds are found then those areas are to remain undisturbed until any chicks have fledged.

Badgers Although there are some signs of badger presence within the Site it is considered that populations of badger are unlikely to be residing within the Site boundary but are likely using it for foraging opportunities. The proposals within the Site are unlikely to significantly affect badger populations. Likely key areas for badger within the Site boundary are the woodlands and grasslands to the Drakelow Section 36 Update—Environmental Update Report Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited -2212959 Page 15

south of the Site and perhaps some of the grassland and scrubland to the north. Pre-construction surveys should be undertaken on any of these areas which may fall under the development footprint or associated working areas with surveys checking for presence or absence. Surveys for badger can be undertaken at any time during the year. Bats There were no historical records of bat species or bat roosts having been recorded within the Site boundary. Habitats within the Site boundary are likely to provide potential foraging and commuting opportunities for bats within the vicinity of the Site. Potential roosting opportunities were also identified within the Site boundary during the site walkover. If the potential roosting opportunities identified require removal or disturbance in any form then a preliminary roost assessment will be required, likely followed up by more specific survey work. Preliminary pre-construction bat roost surveys can be undertaken at any time of the year (though May to August is optimal). Activity surveys are restricted to between March and September and are weather dependant. It is considered unlikely that key foraging / roost habitat loss would occur as a result of the proposed development and so considered unlikely there will be any negative impacts on commuting bats. Dormouse There were no historical records of dormouse having been recorded within the Site boundary. Although there are a few records of dormice within the Midlands, no signs of dormice, nor any habitat considered potentially suitable for dormice, were found during the walkover survey. It is considered that the proposed development will have no negative impact on dormice. Otter and Water Vole Several records of otter were found within 2km of the Site mostly located around the River Trent. Although there is suitable habitat found within the discharge channel adjacent and the stream along the southern boundary in woodland no evidence of otter was identified. There was no evidence of water vole having been recorded within the area although suitable habitat does exist which has suitable vegetation and water levels. For otter and water vole it is unlikely that there are to be any impacts however further pre- construction survey work may be required. Otter surveys can be undertaken at any time of the year. Water vole surveys are restricted seasonally to between April and September. Other Mammals There were no apparent historical records of other mammal species found within the Site boundary. However, brown hare, deer and hedgehog may be present within the Site boundary making use of woodlands and grasslands. However given the proposed development it is not considered likely that there will be any significant adverse effect on these species. For full details of all proposed mitigation measures for species please refer to Section 5 of the Ecological Appraisal (Hyder Report Ref: 001-UA008131-UE31-01). 5.4 Discussion

A number of potential ecological constraints have been identified as being present within the Site although it is not considered likely that any designated sites would be significantly affected by the proposed development.

Species of Conservation Concern constraints include invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, badgers, bats and hedgehog. Mitigation has been put forward for each of these species and further surveys may also reduce constraints on a presence or absence basis. Whilst there is

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potential for these species to be supported, development of buffer zones, using precautionary methods of working and then incorporating appropriate enhancement measures within the development will minimise any negative impacts created and potentially provide a minor positive impact to the nature and conservation of the Site area.

For a more detailed view of the ecology and nature conservation of the Site area please refer to the Ecological Appraisal (Hyder Report Ref: 001-UA008131-UE31-01).

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6 GEOLOGY, HYDROLOGY AND DRAINAGE 6.1 Introduction

The aquatic impact from the operation of the proposed CCGT as previously mentioned will arise from the cooling water system. A purge flow of warm water will be discharged back to the river after being abstracted further upstream. 6.2 Existing Data

Geology Information was sourced from the British Geological Survey (BGS) showing the present ground conditions. The Site is underlain by superficial deposits comprising Made Ground overlying drift River Terrace Deposits (RTD). The RTD consists mainly of sand and gravel.

These superficial materials are underlain by Mercia Mudstone Group (MMG) strata, estimated to be 100m thick and in turn overlying the Sherwood Sandstone Group.

The ground conditions were investigated in detail in 2000, 2003 and 2004 during site investigation work. The results from the investigative work are summarised in tables 3.5.1 and 3.5.2 in the E.ON ES 2005.

Hydrogeology The RTD is classified by the Environment Agency (EA) as a minor aquifer whilst the underlying MMG is classed as a Non-Aquifer. Site investigations have confirmed the presence of groundwater within the RTD and that the flow, monitored in 2000 and 2003, within this RTD is in a generally northerly direction towards the River Trent. Groundwater levels from borehole surveys as of June 2004 can be found in Table 3.5.3 within the E.ON ES 2005.

There are no licenced groundwater abstractions within 1km of the Site. The nearest Total catchment of groundwater Source Protection Zone(s), associated with abstraction boreholes in Burton-Upon-Trent, is situated approximately 1km to the north of the coal stockyard.

Drainage Within the vicinity of the Site lies two surface water courses. These are;

° The River Trent – situated to the north and west of the Site. EA reports the river water quality downstream of the Site as being Grade B (“Good”). ° A small unnamed brook – situated to the south west of the Site which discharges into the river Trent upstream of the Site. The drainage of the old Drakelow ‘C’ power station (now removed) for all surface water run-off was routed through a service lagoon prior to discharge at the official licenced point in the Trent. The nature reserve to the north of the Site includes a series of flooded, former gravel workings. These lakes do not have any significant water inflows and thought to reflect groundwater levels.

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6.3 Baseline Update

The data sources used to compile the original baseline from the E.ON ES 2005 were checked for updated information. Records on the British Geological Society and The Environment Agency were reviewed and no changes to the baseline as recorded previously were identified. 6.4 Discussion

Given that there are no identified changes to the geology, hydrology and drainage baseline conditions, it is assumed that there are no further impacts identified. Mitigation as detailed in the E.ON ES (2005) should be included within the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).

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7 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL EFFECTS 7.1 Introduction

The proposed power station will provide changes to the surrounding landscape and visual receptors. This has been assessed for significance in 2005 by Entec UK ltd.

The methodology for assessment is based on the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment: Second Edition which are widely regarded by the landscape profession as the ‘industry standard’. A full methodology can be found in Appendix C1 to the E.ON ES 2005.

The physical, human and aesthetic factors which make up the landscape are considered in the designation of landscapes at national, regional and local levels. Visual receptors will sustain some magnitude of effect from the proposed power plant both in construction and operational phases and so are assessed visually for effects on the baseline. Predicted visual effects are illustrated in a series of six photomontages (please refer to Figures 3.6.7 to 3.6.12 in chapter 7 of the E.ON ES 2005). 7.2 Existing Data

A description of the existing (baseline) landscape and visual amenity within the study area forms the basis for establishing the sensitivity and character of the landscape. This is important in the assessment process. Assessing field survey results with existing landscape character information the assessment reviews the existing landscape character and elements occurring on the Site and the existing landscape condition of the defined study area, as well as prevalent and predicted trends in landscape change. For a full overview of the use of the baseline information see Appendix C2 in the E.ON ES 2005.

The assessment is based upon information gathered through a field survey and desktop studies to establish a baseline. This is split into two clear sections, landscape, and visual. The following summarises the key points within both sections.

Landscape The following provides a summary of the findings in the documents described above and that found during the site survey. This is a landscape in which the drainage system is directly and indirectly a key determinant of the landscape patterns and character, including the siting of the former Drakelow power stations. There is a diverse land-use pattern across the study area. Large parts of it retain rural land-uses with the productive clay soils favouring arable cropping and pasture on steeper or wetter ground. The large towns of Burton-Upon-Trent and Swadlincote introduce a variety of urban and urban fringe land-uses and in recent decades have led to the expansion for housing development in some of the surrounding villages.

Locally the power station developments at Drakelow have been visually prominent in the landscape for nearly fifty years. This is due to their scale, mass and height which exceeds all other built features in the landscape. There is natural screening in the form of mature woodland, shelterbelts and scrub around the Site which reduces the contrast on the surrounding rural landscape.

Visual The prevailing topography and land-use patterns set out in the landscape context baseline facilitate the common availability of extensive views, especially from the broad, low ridgelines and rounded hills. Access to these locations is aided by a relatively comprehensive network of Public

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Rights of Way (PRoWs). In these views any vertical elements such as copses and shelterbelts, even individual hedgerow trees, can be visually important either as focal points or in framing or filtering views. As already noted the characteristic sandstone church steeples can form local focal points and landmarks. However the only individual elements that are prominent in widespread views are the existing Drakelow power station and to a lesser extent the cumulative visual effect of the buildings in Burton-Upon-Trent. The cooling towers of the former power station at Willington which are approximately 11km to the northeast of the Site (and therefore just outside the study area) are not visually prominent, and there are minimal cumulative visual effects generated by the Willington cooling towers and the Drakelow ‘C’ power station being visible in the same view. 7.3 Baseline Update

Given that over ten years have passed since the 2005 ES was completed it would be anticipated that the baseline has changed. A recent site visit has confirmed that the vegetation cover is more mature and offers greater screening of the Site from the identified receptors. The original Drakelow power station has been demolished and so the individual elements, such as the , are not visible from the receptors in the current landscape. It should be noted that no further detailed site survey work has been undertaken, the existing data gathered in establishing the baseline in the E.ON ES 2005, is the most relevant data to base impact assessment on. Notwithstanding it can be surmised that the assessment represents a worst case scenario given the vegetation growth over the intervening years. As the design remains the same as the original design the discussions about impacts draws upon these surveys.

New residential properties have been constructed to the north of the Site in the suburb of Branston and to the east as part of the Drakelow Park development. It is possible additional viewpoints of the Site will now be evident that were not included within the original E.ON ES. These additional developments are discussed in greater detail in Section 13 of this report. 7.4 Discussion

The landscape baseline presents existing woodland and scrub around the Site. Additionally as previously mentioned, the original Drakelow power station has been demolished. Therefore, together with the comparatively small number of potential, close distance, visual receptors, this will mean the significance of any effect will be relatively minor.

Landscape and visual mitigation in the construction period will rely upon the management of the construction activity and siting of plant and materials. Measures must be incorporated into an environmental management plan and will include sensitive location of temporary storage of new plant and equipment and programming the work so that only the minimum number of cranes and other large construction plant is ever being utilised. Due to the short length of construction works, measures such as temporary planting to mitigate visual impacts is not considered to be worthwhile.

There is greater scope for effective mitigation works to be applied during the operational period. Wherever possible components should be clad or painted in non-reflective materials of darker and more neutral colours. This will ensure they are better assimilated into views and the surrounding landscape as far as possible. Sensitive planting and screening methods should be investigated during design and construction to ensure that the permanent view of the Site is shielded from any nearby receptor. Nearby housing developments were not included in the original ES due to their recent construction, it is important that the Site is adequately screened from these developments and appropriate landscaping measures are employed to ensure that these receptors are not negatively impacted upon. Prior to construction and during the final design of the Site layout, consultation with SDC should take place to ensure an agreed method of screening, planting and landscaping is reached.

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8 TRANSPORT 8.1 Introduction

There are two periods in which transport will be impacted from the proposed development. Firstly the main impacts will be associated with the movements of commercial heavy goods vehicles (HGV’s) and Light Vehicles (LVs) to and from the Site during the construction phase of the development. The second, is through operational impacts of the proposed power plant.

Methodology used in the assessment of transport impacts from the proposed power plant was based on and adheres to the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) ‘Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic. Further details of the methodology can be found in Section 3.7.2 within the E.ON ES 2005. 8.2 Existing Data

A transport impact assessment of the proposed power station at Drakelow was undertaken by Entec UK ltd.

Once the proposed power station is operational, it is envisaged that the amount of traffic associated with the scheme will be minimal. Fuel will be delivered to the Site via a pipeline and other operational and maintenance materials deliveries are expected to be negligible. The movements would include typically two or three HGVs per week and the traffic associated with a workforce of around 50 people who work on a shift basis. Shifts will be allocated over a 24 hour period to enable the constant running of the power plant. These shift workers will be likely to be travelling in a range of directions.

The construction of the proposed power station is likely to be on a 30-36 month programme. The peak of construction activities in terms of traffic generation will likely occur after the first 12 months of the programme.

Two route scenarios for construction traffic are suggested in the E.ON ES 2005. Scenario one involves construction traffic from the proposed power plant only and scenario two involves construction traffic from the proposed power plant, plus construction traffic from the proposed Walton Bypass.

For a detailed assessment of routes and vehicle movements please refer to Section 3.7.3 of the E.ON ES 2005.

The existing highway network was assessed and it was deemed that the majority of routes considered within the assessment for use by construction traffic to and from the Site, are already subject to frequent HGV movements. A more detailed description of these routes and more local routes can be found in Section 3.7.7.1 in the E.ON ES 2005.

Existing traffic flows were assessed from traffic surveys carried out by the Paul Castle Consultancy during 2000 and 2003 as part of the assessment work carried out for the proposed Walton Bypass. The flow data can be found in Table 3.7.2 in the E.ON ES 2005.

The construction programme is anticipated to be 30-36 months in duration and the traffic will be variable within this period dependant on the schedule of works and site activity. E.ON UK has used previous experience in developing CCGT power stations to determine the likely profile of construction workforce numbers over the construction period, and the likely number of HGV movements. Table 3.7.7 in the E.ON ES 2005 shows the estimates of traffic generation built up

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over the course of a construction programme. The worst month for traffic generation has been deemed to be month 13.

The impact of construction related traffic has been calculated as a percentage relative to the background traffic in the expected worst-case construction year of the proposed development scheme. Please refer to Table 3.7.8 and Table 3.7.9 in the E.ON ES 2005 which show the predicted percentage impact in each of the traffic assessment scenarios (with and without the construction of the Walton Bypass). 8.3 Baseline Update

A new bypass scheme at Walton-on-Trent was suggested in the E.ON ES 2005 but stated that part of the planning application had been refused. However from a desk based search it is now apparent that this scheme has received planning permission and construction started in September 2011. This was expected to be completed by February of 2012 however there have been construction delays. The scheme recently received governmental assistance and is now due for completion 2021.

As the new bypass at Walton-on-Trent is currently under construction and will be ongoing until 2021 before completion then scenario two outlined in the original assessment will be most likely to be the scenario which will occur.

Due to the nature of the transport topic the baseline for this relies on assessments undertaken to describe current traffic patterns along local roads and traffic flow rates as well as pedestrian activity. As there have been no further site surveys undertaken in respect to transport the updates which can be applied to the baseline are minimal and limited to the information outlined already. 8.4 Discussion

During the operational phase of the proposed power plant as described in Section 8.2 above, there will be minimal traffic associated with the scheme. Therefore, it is considered that the effects of operational traffic would be negligible and a detailed consideration of the operational phase of the development has therefore not been required.

The percentage impact exercise to assess the impact of construction related traffic, shows that in all cases, the impact of traffic warrants an assessment of environmental effects according to the threshold test recommended by IEMA.

Table 3.7.10 from the E.ON ES 2005 shows the traffic related environmental effects, many of which have been considered elsewhere within the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). These effects were assessed in detail within Section 3.7.14.3 of the E.ON ES 2005, all of which were assessed on the significance level which in all cases was considered to be acceptable.

No effects were considered to be significant. Furthermore any disturbance caused by construction traffic could be reduced or limited through the implementation of a Traffic Management Plan (TMP). These effects are considered to be temporary as once the construction phase has ended the traffic will reduce. During the operational period the Site will produce less traffic than the previous Drakelow ‘C’ power station.

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9 NOISE 9.1 Introduction

The assessment of noise considers environmental noise produced by the normal operation of the development, the construction phase of the development and the increased traffic impact associated with the development.

Construction Noise Environmental background noise surveys are undertaken at residential dwellings to establish pre construction noise. Noise measurements are undertaken during conditions of low wind speed (less than 3m/s) to ensure no interference from aerodynamic noise.

Operational Noise For the proposed development being operational for 24 hours a day, particular emphasis should be placed on night time measurements, when background noise levels are generally low.

For commonly used definitions and changes in magnitude used to assess the impact of operational noise please refer to Table 3.8.2 in the E.ON ES 2005.

Traffic Noise In the Drakelow area and surrounding neighbourhood the noise climate, since the closure of the ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ stations, consists primarily of contributions with noise from local traffic, farming and other industrial activities.

For commonly used definitions and magnitude used to assess the impact of traffic noise please refer to Table 3.8.3 in the 2005 E.ON ES 2005. 9.2 Existing Data

Noise monitoring surveys were undertaken in 2005 as a result of discussions with the South Derbyshire District Council and East Staffordshire Borough Council which led to five key residential locations selected for background noise measurements. Refer to Figure 3.8.1 in Chapter 7 of the E.ON ES 2005 for the location of these measurement positions.

They were deemed to be the nearest properties in a variety of directions and are representative of the few isolated dwellings that lie to the east and south of the proposed plant and the communities closest to the Site at Branston and at Walton-on-Trent which are both approximately 1.3km from the proposed plant.

For exact locations of the measurement positions used in the Noise Assessment Surveys please refer to table 3.8.4 in the E.ON ES 2005.

Noise surveys were undertaken at four of the five noise monitoring locations chosen at intervals during the day, evening and night time periods between June 2 nd and June 7 th 2005. The procedure to which the surveys followed can be found in section 3.8.6.2 of the E.ON ES 2005. Table 3.8.5, 3.8.6 and 3.8.7 provide the results for the night time, evening and day time background noise measurements respectively. Key features of the noise monitoring at each survey location are shown at the end of section 3.8.7.1 in the E.ON ES 2005.

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Table 9.1 below presents the results for the Arithmetic Mean La90 dB for the five monitoring sites.

Arithmetic Mean La90 dB Location Code Survey Measurements Long Term Monitoring

The Lodge DRK1 35.9 37.4

Warren Farm DRK2 39.1

Branston ‘Links’ Estate DRK3 37.9

Barn Farm DRK4 36.0

‘The Wilderness’ DRK5 34.2

Table 9.1 - Noise level monitoring results for Arithmetic Mean La90 dB (E.ON ES 2005)

Note: ‘The Lodge’ has monitoring data for both attended measurements were conducted as well as long term monitoring. In this case the long term monitoring data has been used as the value for assessment due to the result being computed from a greater number of data samples. 9.3 Baseline Update

As no further site survey work has been undertaken, the existing data gathered in establishing the baseline in the E.ON ES 2005, is the most recent and relevant data to base impact assessment on. As the design remains the same as the original design the discussions about impacts will draw upon these surveys. A desktop search undertaken for this Update Report has found that there are no further significant noise emitting sources within proximity of the Site. Therefore, given the secluded nature of the Site and the little development that has taken place since the 2005 E.ON ES, it is still considered to be a low noise environment. 9.4 Discussion

The impacts of noise on the community generated from construction and the operation of the proposed CCGT plant will depend on both the level of the noise and the number of people it affects.

The magnitude of noise is dependent on the type of noise source. The importance of the impact can be determined using the criteria in table 9.2 below.

Importance Description

Major Permanent or temporary effect on a large residential area

Moderate Permanent or temporary effect on a small residential area

Minor Permanent or temporary effect on a few houses or on industrial or commercial area

Very Minor Negligible permanent or temporary effects on people

Table 9.2 - Criteria for the magnitude of noise impact (E.ON ES 2005)

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It is considered from the existing data and the design of the proposed CCGT at Drakelow that the overall impact produced is considered to be of minor importance in recognition of the small number of people likely to be affected by the development. It should be noted that additional residential receptors have located close to the Site since the 2005 ES, these have not been subject to baseline noise monitoring at this stage. It is envisaged that additional mitigation and construction techniques will be employed to ensure that any impact to these receptors is also minor or negligible.

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10 SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS 10.1 Introduction

The proposed CCGT power station is located in the South Derbyshire area. Through both construction and the operational phase of this power station there is potential for impacts to be noted within the local employment structure. 10.2 Existing Data

Construction of the proposed CCGT power station at Drakelow will re-establish an employment presence at the Site for the next 25 years. This will provide long term opportunities for the population of South Derbyshire in terms of employment prospects.

The total cost of the construction of the proposed CCGT plant is likely to be in excess of £400 million with construction and commission likely to take place over approximately 30-36 months. During the construction phase it is proposed that at peak requirements there will be up to 800 jobs available at the Site, although this will not be the number of construction workers who will be required on a day to day basis throughout the construction phase.

It is also proposed there will be a requirement of around 50 permanent employees to operate the power station, with up to 200 potential varying jobs for regular maintenance work. Business opportunities will also be available for local firms to provide services and materials locally. 10.3 Baseline Update

The population for South Derbyshire is approximately 98,400 according to the 2014 census. The census for 2014 also shows that in the South Derbyshire area, the number of economically active persons stood at about 51,000 with unemployment at 3.8%. This is lower than the East Midland’s average of 5.6% and the average for Great Britain at 6.2% unemployed.

The employment structure as of the 2013 census can be broken down by industry and this is shown in Table 10.1 below

South Derbyshire Great Britain Employee Jobs by Industry (%) (%) (%)

Primary Services (Agriculture and 0.1 0.3 0.3 Mining)

Energy and Water 1.3 1.6 1.1

Manufacturing 23.6 13.4 8.5

Construction 4.4 3.8 4.4

Services 70.6 81.0 85.7

Wholesale and Retail (Including Motor 13.5 16.8 15.9 Trades)

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Transport Storage 5.2 5.2 4.5

Accommodation and Food Services 6.1 6.3 7.0

Information and Communication 2.3 2.7 4.0

Financial and other Business Services 15.8 18.3 21.8

Public Admin, Education and Health 23.9 27.6 28.0

Other Services 3.9 4.1 4.6

Table 10.1 - Employment structure by industry (Nomis, 2015)

Table 10.1 shows that 4.4% of the workforce is within the construction industry which is equal to the percentage for the whole of Great Britain. There is also 23.6% of the workforce based within the manufacturing industries which is higher than the East Midlands proportion at 13.4% and that of Great Britain at 8.5%. 10.4 Discussion

A database register is proposed which will hold details of perspective job applicants detailing their skills and capabilities. These can be matched to the jobs available at any particular time and a large proportion of the workforce can be recruited locally through this initiative.

The data presented suggests there is a high employment rate and that employment into the construction industry is high in South Derbyshire. In the context of the overall amount of employment in the area the number of new permanent jobs created will be small. However, as mentioned during construction phases, there will be a large number of positions for employment available which will positively benefit the local economy.

As a result the proposed CCGT power station will bring a number of socio-economic benefits to the local South Derbyshire area. These will arise due to generation of employment, scale of investment, expenditure within the local economy and the added confidence factor that a major company is making significant investment in the local area for a long duration of time.

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11 CULTURAL HERITAGE 11.1 Introduction

Trent & Peak Archaeological Unit, University of Nottingham, were commissioned in 2005 to undertake a desktop assessment on behalf of E.ON UK. The scope of the assessment was agreed prior to this with the Derbyshire County Council’s Senior Archaeological Officer.

For more information on the types of data the desktop assessment was based on please refer to 3.10.1 of E.ON ES 2005.

The focus of the desktop assessment was the footprint of the Site which includes the proposed CCGT power station and the associated landscaping (Refer to Figure 3.10.1, Chapter 7 of the ES). 11.2 Existing Data

There is evidence around the Site to suggest activity in most periods from later prehistory to the post medieval period.

Prehistoric and Roman The underlying landscape of sand and gravel is said to have been favoured for settlement by prehistoric peoples in this general area, and the proximity of the River Trent here increases this probability. The Sites and Monuments Records (SMR) records artefacts and cropmarks which also support this suggestion.

The SMR search shows extensive cropmarks less than 1km to the south west of the Site which are suggestive of a late prehistoric date. Although on inspection of aerial photographs the conclusion was that some of these cropmarks may be natural in origin, a human source cannot be ruled out within the field investigation.

Referring to Figure 3.10.1, Chapter 7 in the E.ON ES 2005 it is noted that two man made enclosures are clearly visible and likely extend into the Site. Whilst one ditch is considered to be either prehistoric or Roman, the other is said to be very Roman in character. Both ditches extend into the woodland, which is zone of potential preservation at the south west edge of the Site. There is no evidence for damage from the construction of the previous power station.

Anglo-Saxon Evidence which exists point towards the possibility of an Anglo-Saxon settlement in the locality although the location is not known. During the excavation for the old Drakelow ‘C’ power station in 1962 a small globular bowl of Frisian-Anglo-Saxon design dated to about 6 th century A.D was found.

Medieval Drakelow Hall, demolished in 1934, was originally built in the Elizabethan period by the Gresley family. It was largely rebuilt in 1723 and stood to the north east of the Site surrounded by pleasure gardens, with an ancient deer park. Although it is not clear when the deer park was established it is shown on Saxton’s map of the late 16 th century and Burdett’s map of 1767. These maps suggest that the southern boundary of the park lay at the north end of the Site and is now destroyed.

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With reference to the OS 6” map of 1925, this shows the hall, gardens and park before it’s demolition in 1934. From this it can be seen that the park seems to extend across the full extent of the Site.

SMR records show many elements of a medieval landscape were found in a complex to the east of the Site. The village of Drakelow has its own chapel in 1185 as well as a probable medieval moated enclosure with three extant sides located just north east of the Site. A second moated site was found 1km further west beside the river and adjacent fishponds but were destroyed by the construction of the original Drakelow ‘C’ power station. Cropmarks again to the east of the Site and to the south suggest medieval characteristic fields present.

Post Medieval To the east of the Site the geology is coal measures. These deposits were exploited well into the 20 th century with coal from the adjacent Derbyshire coal field used to power the former Drakelow power stations. There were three power stations built at Drakelow between 1948 and the mid 1960’s. Please refer to Figure 3.10.1 in Chapter 7 of the E.ON ES 2005 for the full extent of this complex. 11.3 Baseline Update

Given the nature of the existing data obtained in 2005 and the absence of any development within the Site, it is anticipated that at present the data is still valid for the search area and the underlying historic landscape of the Site has not changed.

However a high level search was undertaken in line with the overall review of the existing information to note any recent changes within the historic landscape and additions to designations.

This search revealed that as well as the existing data already presented above from the E.ON ES 2005 there are two Scheduled Monuments within 2km and 9 listed buildings within 1km of the development area.

The Gate piers, adjoining walls and attached piers are at the entrance to the Site and are Grade II listed buildings. Grove Farmhouse is located 400m south east of the Site and is a Grade II listed building also. These are shown on the Constraints Plan in Appendix A. 11.4 Discussion

From the data gathered it is apparent that the Site and its surroundings has been the site for extensive human activity from the prehistoric period to present day. The majority of the Site is now occupied by the former coal fired power stations, cooling towers, switching station and associated structures. The construction of this will have damaged and/or removed most of the archaeology within the Site.

Within the Site there are only two areas of full potential preservation, the woodland and the sports field. These areas have not been disturbed by earlier construction processes. As the prehistoric and Roman enclosures extend into the woodland in close proximity to the sports field, the existence of archaeological remains being found cannot be ruled out.

Although it is not envisaged that the woodland will be affected by the development, there is some uncertainty about the area immediately to the west and north-west of the sports field. This area could be impacted on by the development and as such it is recommended that in areas of potential preservation where ground disturbance becomes necessary, a suitable scheme of archaeological

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investigation will be devised to the approval of the Local Planning Authority. This will be carried out prior or in conjunction with the construction and final design and siting of the proposed plant. It is not envisaged that there would be any direct impacts to the scheduled monuments or listed buildings identified close to the Site, however, there could potentially be setting issues to these features. The scope of any such investigation should take into account the nature of the works proposed. During final design of the Site, consultation with Historic England and SDC Archaeological Officers should be conducted to ensure that an appropriate mitigation plan is in place prior to construction. Mitigation measures should be proposed and agreed, and could include (but not limited to) physical protection of the asset during construction, planting and/or screening from operational plant and buildings and sensitive design of nearby structures.

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12 CONTAMINATED LAND 12.1 Introduction

The proposed power station is to be situated on the former Drakelow ‘C’ power station’s coal stockyard to the south west of the Site. The proposed Site therefore is quite likely to contain contaminants which are remnant from previous land use and the storage of coal. 12.2 Existing Data

Site investigation work was conducted in 2004 and involved collecting soil samples from trial pits located on the former coal stockyard. These soil samples were then tested for a range of contaminants.

Results of the chemical testing programme, with reference to soil guideline values (SGVs) for industrial development (found in DEFRA Report CLR 10), are summarised in Table 3.11.1 of the E.ON ES 2005.

In 2003 three phases of monitoring collected groundwater samples from the RTD Minor Aquifer from percussion boreholes located across the previous Drakelow ‘C’ power station complex.

Laboratory analysis of samples collected demonstrated a majority of chemical determinants to be present below relevant reference concentrations however some were found to be above reference concentrations. A full summary of RTD Groundwater Chemistry can be found in Table 3.11.2 in the E.ON ES 2005. 12.3 Baseline Update

The existing data for the Site from the E.ON ES 2005 has been compiled from a number of site surveys and investigations. As no further site surveys were undertaken prior to this Update Report there is no further update which can be applied to this existing data.

A desk search was undertaken using information held by the Environment Agency (EA). This found a source of industrial pollution within the Site boundary which was detailed as fuel and power, a reference to the previous site use as Drakelow ‘C’ power station. There was also Industrial Operating Scores (OPRA) located within the Site boundary which was ‘B and A’. Also within the Site boundary a Compliance Rating Scores was given which was ‘very good’.

The search listed a major pollution incident about 750 m south of the Site near to Grove Farm which has reportedly had a significant impact on the environment. No more details are available about this specific pollution data.

The search also found that downstream approximately 2km from the Site there is a point of industrial pollution within the River Trent. Although again no specific details are available as to the date and type of this pollution data.

Figure 12.1 below shows the location of these pollution data points as well as the location of the scores applied to certain areas.

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Figure 12.1 – Pollution incidents within 2km of the Site (Environment Agency, 2015)

12.4 Discussion

The results from the soil sample collections indicate that the current risks to human health from the dry soil within the Site are relatively low, with only one of nine analyses for Barium exceeding a reference value. The results also suggest that continued industrial/commercial site usage would be unlikely to pose significant risks to human health.

From the Groundwater samples from the RTD Minor Aquifer the results indicate that background concentrations of Boron, Sulphate, Magnesium, and Manganese are above relevant reference concentrations. Elevated concentrations of Selenium, Potassium, Chromium, and Petroleum hydrocarbons have been detected in a small minority of samples from beneath the Site. However there has been no measureable impact in down-gradient water.

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13 Additional Developments

This chapter includes an identification of receptors that were not included within the original 2005 ES. It is not expected that a full assessment is undertaken for these further receptors, rather mitigation proposed to reduce any impacts of the proposed development. Detailed mitigation plans should be completed in agreement with South Derbyshire Council prior to any construction commencing. 13.1 Planning Applications

In addition, a high level search for local development proposals is included in Table 13.1. The information presented is based on the best available information at the time of writing this report and uses both South Derbyshire and East Staffordshire local authorities planning portals as well as information regarding developments from online searches.

Planning Application Name, Location and Description of Reference Date Project Permission

9/2014/0948 22/04/14 Land at SK25203411 3411 Rosliston Declined outline Road South, Drakelow permission

75 residential dwellings including access

9/2015/0256 03/06/15 Construction of solar photovoltaic Granted but not park with attendant infrastructure constructed

Land at former Drakelow Power Station to north of the Site.

9/2009/0341 21/10/10 Drakelow Park to East of the Site, Granted March includes: 2012 and under • Affordable housing provision construction • Provision for a primary school • Healthcare facilities • New parks and play areas • New sports pitches and changing rooms

Table 13.1 – Planning applications within 2km search area of the Site.

13.2 Additional Residential Properties

In addition to the applications in Table 13.1, the search for developments also identified an urban extension to Burton-on-Trent has been approved however only a small portion has been built on the north side of the application site around the suburb of Branston.

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As these additional residential receptors, both at Branston and Drakelow Park were not in situ at the time of completing the 2005 ES by E.ON and therefore not included within the assessment, there could be additional impacts as a result of this proposal. However, these are expected to be limited to:

Air Quality

The additional properties were not included within the original assessment, however, the findings expected that there would be minimal impacts as a result of the scheme both throughout construction and operation. Additional mitigation measures should be agreed in advance with the South Derbyshire Environmental Health Officer (EHO) to ensure that current best practice construction and operational techniques are being employed on Site.

Ecology

The Ecological Appraisal report is based upon existing site conditions, therefore any recommendations are based upon the current ecological baseline of the Site. The recommended further work and potential mitigation measures employed may add to the overall value of the surrounding Site and improve the biodiversity of the area. Potential site enhancements included within the detailed design would benefit the flora and fauna that currently inhabit the Site.

Landscape and visual impacts

The additional properties around Warren Lane and Old Road were not included within the original LVIA, therefore there could be additional areas of the Site that are now overlooked. Appropriate screening, planting and landscaping methods should be included within the site design to mitigate for any impact to these properties.

It is expected that construction impacts are likely to be short term and not significant.

Noise

The additional properties were not included within the original assessment, however, the assessment determined that there would be minimal impacts to surrounding properties as a result of the scheme both throughout construction and operation. These monitoring locations are of similar or lesser distance from the Site as these new developments.

In advance of construction commencing, appropriate and contemporary mitigation measures should be included within the proposals. These could include measures such as additional screening, turbine insulation and noise barriers. Any additional measures should be agreed with the South Derbyshire EHO.

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Appendix A - Drawings

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