No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 1 T
ReportsN and Statements Document 5.4
E
M
U
C
O
D 5.4 Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report
The Yorkshire and Humber (CCS Cross Country Pipeline) Development Consent Order
Under Regulation 5(2)(g) of the Infrastructure Planning (Applications: Prescribed Forms and Procedure) Regulations 2009
Application Reference: EN070001 June 2014 The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 2 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ...... 4 1.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 4 1.2 THE PROJECT ...... 4 1.3 NEED FOR THE PROJECT ...... 6 Policy Context ...... 8 Marine Policy Statement and Marine Plans ...... 10 1.4 REQUIREMENT FOR A HABITAT REGULATIONS ASSESSMENT ...... 10 Legislative Context ...... 10 HRA Within the Planning Act 2008 ...... 12 1.5 IN COMBINATION EFFECTS OF THE ONSHORE AND OFFSHORE SCHEMES ...... 12 1.6 CONSULTATION ON THE HRA ...... 13 2 HRA PROCESS ...... 18 2.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 18 3 SCREENING METHODOLOGY...... 20 3.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 20 3.2 DATA SOURCES AND SURVEYS ...... 21 Desk Study ...... 22 Ecological Surveys ...... 23 4 SCHEME DESCRIPTION ...... 25 4.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 25 4.2 ONSHORE SCHEME DESCRIPTION ...... 25 Drax PIG Trap ...... 26 Camblesforth Multi-junction ...... 26 Tollingham Block Valve ...... 26 Dalton Block Valve ...... 26 Skerne Block Valve ...... 27 Barmston Pumping Station ...... 27 4.3 CONSTRUCTION OF THE ONSHORE SCHEME ...... 27 Pre-Construction ...... 29 Working Width ...... 29 Topsoil Stripping...... 30 Temporary Access Roads ...... 30 Trench Excavation...... 30 Lower and Lay ...... 31 Backfilling ...... 31 Reinstatement ...... 32
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 3 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Integrity Testing and Inspection ...... 32 Programme of Pipeline Construction ...... 32 4.4 SPECIAL CROSSINGS ...... 33 Open Cut Crossings ...... 33 Non Open Cut (Trenchless) Crossings ...... 34 4.5 ABOVE GROUND INSTALLATIONS ...... 34 Construction Process for PIG Trap, Multi-junction and Block Valves ...... 34 Programme ...... 35 Construction of Barmston Pumping Station ...... 36 4.6 LANDFALL ...... 37 Construction of the Landfall ...... 42 4.7 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE ONSHORE SCHEME ...... 46 Pipeline ...... 46 Above Ground Installations ...... 46 5 SCREENING STAGES 1A AND 1B: NATURA 2000 SITES ...... 54 5.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 54 5.2 STAGE 1A ...... 54 5.3 STAGE 1B ...... 54 Screening Stage 1ba ...... 55 Screening Stage 1bb ...... 66 Screening Stage 1bc ...... 86 6 SCREENING STAGE 1C APPLICATION OF AVOIDANCE ...... 109 6.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 109 6.2 APPLICATION OF AVOIDANCE ...... 109 6.3 CONCLUSIONS OF SCREENING STAGE 1C ...... 117 7 SCREENING STAGE 1D AND 1E ...... 118 7.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 118 7.2 SCREENING STAGE 1D ...... 118 7.3 SCREENING STAGE 1E ...... 119 8 SCREENING STAGE 1F ...... 120 8.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 120 8.2 SOURCES OF POTENTIAL CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ...... 120 Fraisthorpe on-shore wind farm ...... 121 Dogger Bank Creyek Beck Offshore Wind Farm ...... 121 9 CONCLUSION ...... 122 10 REFERENCES ...... 127 FIGURE 5.1 NATURA 2000 SITES ...... 129
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 4 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
1 Introduction
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.1.1 This Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) No Significant Effects Report (NSER) has been prepared by AECOM on behalf of National Grid under The Conservation of Habitat and Species Regulations 2010 which transposes the requirements of Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive. This NSER is in support of the Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross Country Pipeline Development Consent Order (DCO).
1.2 THE PROJECT
1.2.1 The Project is a proposed Carbon Dioxide transportation and storage system to support the provision of CCS technology in the Yorkshire and Humber Region. The Project in its entirety, known as The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Transportation and Storage Project (“the Project”), would comprise the construction of a Cross Country Pipeline and sub-sea pipeline for transporting Carbon Dioxide captured from power projects in the region to a permanent geological storage site beneath the North Sea. The Project includes both onshore and offshore elements which are subject to separate consenting regimes (the “Onshore Scheme” and the “Offshore Scheme”).
1.2.2 The onshore elements of the Project are collectively termed the Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross Country Pipeline (shortened to the “Onshore Scheme”) and are proposed to comprise the construction of a Cross Country Pipeline and associated infrastructure including Pipeline Internal Gauge (PIG) Traps, a Multi- junction, three Block Valves, a Pumping Station (collectively termed “Above Ground Installations” or “AGIs”) and any necessary interconnecting local pipelines and associated works. These are illustrated on the ‘High Level Schematic’ below (Figure 1).
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 5 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Figure 1 Schematic of the Onshore Scheme
1.2.3 As the length of the proposed Cross Country Pipeline will exceed 16.093km (10 miles) it constitutes a nationally significant infrastructure project (“NSIP”) pursuant to the Planning Act 2008. This requires an application to be made to the Planning Inspectorate (“PINs”) for a Development Consent Order (“DCO”).
1.2.4 The Cross Country Pipeline will have an external diameter of approximately up to 610 mm and will be sized to accommodate up to 17 million tonnes (mt) of Carbon Dioxide emissions per year. The Multi-junction would enable the connection of multiple pipelines from regional Carbon Dioxide emitters to the Project. At present one installation for the capture of Carbon Dioxide streams, the White Rose CCS Project adjacent to Drax Power Station at Selby, being promoted by Capture Power Limited, would require a pipeline connection into the Cross Country Pipeline. An interconnecting pipeline between the White Rose CCS Project and the Multi-junction will form part of the DCO application for the Onshore Scheme.
1.2.5 Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG) traps would be sited at the start and end of each pipeline to launch PIGs. These facilities are required to support the periodic
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 6 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
inspection of pipelines as part of National Grid’s planned pipeline inspection and maintenance programme. Block Valves would be required at regular intervals along the length of the pipeline to support the operation of the system, and a Pumping Station is presently proposed to be constructed near to the coast to re- pressurise the Carbon Dioxide before it is transported offshore.
1.2.6 The offshore elements of the Project are collectively termed the Yorkshire and Humber CCS Sub-Sea Pipeline and Geological Storage Site (shortened to the “Offshore Scheme”) and are proposed to comprise the construction of a 90 km sub-sea pipeline to a geological storage site. This is subject to a separate consenting regime requiring authorisation by the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change in accordance with the Petroleum Act 1998 and the Energy Act 2008 respectively.
1.2.7 The sub-sea pipeline will have an external diameter of approximately up to 610 mm and would be sized to accommodate up to 17 mt of Carbon Dioxide emissions per year. The geological storage site presently proposed would comprise the permanent storage of captured Carbon Dioxide in a saline aquifer located approximately 1000 m below the seabed. National Grid has been granted an agreement to lease area 5/42 in the southern North Sea for the purpose of geological storage of Carbon Dioxide. The capacity of the storage site is subject to on-going investigations but it is expected to accommodate at least 200 mt of captured Carbon Dioxide. It is anticipated that once this site has reached capacity further storage sites would be identified and utilised.
1.2.8 The Onshore and Offshore Schemes would be joined at the Mean Low Water Spring Mark using appropriate landfall techniques; this is also the juncture of the Onshore and Offshore consenting regimes.
1.2.9 The Onshore Scheme will transport Carbon Dioxide captured from the proposed White Rose CCS Project at Drax, near Selby through a Cross Country Pipeline and associated infrastructure including a PIG Trap, Multi-junction, three Block Valves and a Pumping Station to join with the Offshore Scheme at the Mean Low Water Spring on the Holderness Coast north of Barmston.
1.3 NEED FOR THE PROJECT
1.3.1 The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 2007 Fourth Assessment Report states that global surface temperature increased during the 20th century. This increase in temperatures has been linked to “greenhouse
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 7 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
effect” which is being exacerbated by anthropogenic emissions Carbon Dioxide, amongst other greenhouse gasses.
1.3.2 There is now a wide consensus that to mitigate the effects of climate change steps should be taken to reduce global Carbon Dioxide emissions and a number of countries and global organisations have polices and initiatives in place aimed at delivering positive results.
1.3.3 In November 2008, the UK Government enacted the Climate Change Act, making the UK the first country in the world to have a legally binding long-term framework to cut carbon emissions. The aim is to reduce greenhouse gases by 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 against 1990 levels.
1.3.4 A major source of Carbon Dioxide emissions into the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) in power stations for electricity production, accounting for 40% of global energy-related Carbon Dioxide emissions.
1.3.5 If reductions are to be made in total Carbon Dioxide emissions then technology applied to fossil fuel power stations will have a major role to play.
1.3.6 EU and UK Government policy supports the reduction in Carbon Dioxide emissions and a number of initiatives have been put in place, including financial incentives supporting the development of new technologies to deliver low carbon economy.
1.3.7 One such technology is CCS which entails the capture, transportation and permanent storage of Carbon Dioxide by injection under high pressure into depleted oil and gas fields or saline geological formations, hundreds or thousands of meters below ground level.
1.3.8 Within the UK, Yorkshire and Humber is one of the most energy intensive regions. Its power stations provide 18% of the nation’s electricity generation, which together with other industry in the region collectively comprise the largest cluster of Carbon Dioxide point source emitters (i.e. static emitters) in the UK.
1.3.9 CCS has been widely recognised as part of a package of potential solutions to tackling climate change and securing our future energy supply. CCS can reduce the Carbon Dioxide emissions of existing power stations by as much as 90% and up to 97% from new power stations. It could help increase domestic security of supply of energy in the UK by allowing us to retain fossil fuel energy generation, but using it in a cleaner and more responsible manner. It could also support renewable energy development for example by providing a reserve to cope with any intermittent electricity supply from wind or solar power.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 8 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
1.3.10 National Grid's expertise in building and running safe and effective pipeline networks could play a critical role in helping the UK to meet its obligation to cut carbon emissions through provision of Carbon Dioxide transportation to support deployment of CCS technology.
Policy Context
National Policy Statements
1.3.11 National Policy Statements (NPSs) set out Government policy for the delivery of major energy infrastructure projects. The NPSs include an explanation of how national policy takes account of Government policy relating to the mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change.
1.3.12 The Government’s Overarching National Policy Statement for Energy (EN-1) identifies CCS as a technology that can help the UK reduce its dependence on unabated fossil fuel consumption whilst maintaining security of electricity supply. It identifies CCS as a technology that can help diversify and decarbonise electricity generation but recognises that before it can be widely deployed there is a need to demonstrate the whole chain of CCS to better understand the commercial viability of the technology. EN-1 also advises that given the potential value of CCS, the construction of infrastructure needed to support the provision of the technology should be sized and located both for the purposes of demonstration and to take account of future demand beyond demonstration.
1.3.13 NPS EN-1 states at paragraph 3.6.4 that:
“to meet emissions targets, dependency on unabated fossil fuel generation stations must be reduced. To help achieve this reduction but maintain security of supply, it is necessary to reduce carbon emissions, particularly from coal-fired generating stations. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%.”
1.3.14 It goes on to recognise that (at paragraph 3.6.8):
“A number of fossil fuel generating stations will have to close by the end of 2015. Although this capacity may be replaced by new nuclear and renewable generating capacity in due course, it is clear that these must be some fossil fuel generating capacity to provide back-up for when generation from intermittent renewable generating capacity is low and to help with the transition to low carbon electricity generation. It is important that such fossil fuel generating capacity should become low carbon, through development of CCS, in line with carbon reduction targets. Therefore there is a need for CCR fossil fuel generating stations and the need for the CCS demonstration projects is urgent”.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 9 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
1.3.15 With regard to transportation, paragraph 4.7.7 states:
“The most likely method for transporting the captured Carbon Dioxide is through pipelines. These will be located both onshore and offshore. There are currently no Carbon Dioxide pipelines in the UK and considerable future investment in pipelines will be required for the purpose of the demonstration programme. If CCS is deployed more widely, it is likely that these initial investments could form the basis of a wider Carbon Dioxide pipeline network, which is likely to require greater capacity pipelines. In considering applications the IPC should therefore take into account the Government wants developers to bear in mind foreseeable future developments when considering the size and route of their investments and may therefore propose pipeline with a greater capacity than necessary for the project alone.”
1.3.16 An application for a DCO for the development must be decided in accordance with the relevant NPS save in certain defined circumstances.
National Planning Policy Framework
1.3.17 In March 2012, the Government (Department for Communities and Local Government) published the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The NPPF replaces Planning Policy Guidance Notes (PPGs) and Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) that were previously pertinent as material considerations in relation to planning decisions in England.
1.3.18 The NPPF states that:
“this Framework does not contain specific policies for nationally significant infrastructure projects for which particular considerations apply. These are determined in accordance with the decision-making framework set out in the Planning Act 2008 and relevant national policy statements for major infrastructure, as well as any other matters that are considered both important and relevant (which may include the National Planning Policy Framework). National policy statement form part of the overall framework of national planning policy, and are a material consideration in decisions on planning applications.”
1.3.19 With regard to climate change however the NPPF states, in seeking to achieve sustainable development under Planning’s’ environmental role, that
“contributing to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment; and, as part of this, helping to improve biodiversity, use natural resources prudently, minimise waste and pollution, and mitigate and adapt to climate change including moving to a low carbon economy.”
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 10 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
1.3.20 The NPPF also maintains the national policy support, as previously set out in relevant preceding PPSs, for the transition to a low carbon economy.
Marine Policy Statement and Marine Plans
1.3.21 The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 introduced marine planning, with the aim of ensure a sustainable future for seas around the UK. The first step in marine planning was the development of The Marine Policy Statement (MPS). The MPS was adopted in March 2011 and sets the framework and high level policy context for the marine planning system, in order to deliver the UK Government’s vision of “clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas”. The MPS sets policy objectives for key offshore activities, and provides the context and considerations that should be taken into account in the next stage of marine planning (regional level inshore and offshore Marine Plans). Marine Plans aim to inform and guide decisions by regulators managing the development of industry in marine and coastal areas, while conserving and enhancing the environment. The first two Marine Plans, for the East Inshore and East Offshore marine areas, were adopted in April 2014 and are of relevance to the intertidal elements of the Onshore Scheme.
1.4 REQUIREMENT FOR A HABITAT REGULATIONS ASSESSMENT
Legislative Context
1.4.1 European Directive 92/43/EEC on the ‘Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora’, referred to as the ‘Habitats Directive’, and Council Directive 2009/147/EC (Birds Directive) the Conservation of Wild Birds (the codified version of Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds), provide legal protection for habitats and species of European importance. Article 2 of the European Directive 92/43/EEC requires the maintenance or restoration of habitats and species of European Community interest, at a favourable conservation status. Articles 3 - 9 provide the legislative means to protect habitats and species of Community interest. In particular, Article 6 (3) of the Directive states:
“Any plan or project not directly connected with, or necessary to, the management of the [European] site, but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives ”.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 11 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
1.4.2 These directives are transposed into domestic law by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (England and Wales) (as amended).
1.4.3 The Regulations enable the protection of sites that host habitats and species of European Importance. These sites are listed below and are collectively referred to as Natura 2000 Sites.
• Special Areas of Conservation (SAC);
• Special Protection Areas (SPA); and
• Ramsar Sites
Special Areas of Conservation
1.4.4 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) are high quality conservation sites that have been given strict protection under the European Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). These important sites are selected to conserve rare and vulnerable animals, plants and habitats (excluding birds) that are listed in Annexes I and II of the Directive (as amended).
Special Protection Areas
1.4.5 Special Protection Areas (SPA) are strictly protected sites that have been implemented to protect rare and vulnerable bird species and their habitats. They are classified in accordance with the Council Directive 2009/147/EC (Birds Directive) the Conservation of Wild Birds (the codified version of Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds) and aim to safeguard bird species and populations that are listed in Annexes I and II of the Directive.
1.4.6 Part II, Paragraph 10 of The Conservation of Habitat and Species Regulations 2010 (England and Wales) provides a definition of the term “European Site” which it identifies as including SAC and SPA sites, as well as candidate / proposed sites (cSAC and pSPA) which are being consulted on or are pending a European Commission decision. However, the Habitats Regulations do not provide statutory protection for pSPAs or to cSACs before they are agreed with the European Commission. For the purpose of considering development proposals and their likely impacts on such sites, as a matter of policy, the UK Government wishes those pSPAs and cSACs that have been included in a list sent to the European Commission, to be considered in the same way as if they have already been classified or designated.
Ramsar Sites
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 12 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
1.4.7 Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance that have been designated under the Ramsar Convention (1971). Sites are selected for their international significance relating to all ecology, botany, zoology, limnology or hydrology wetland components. The designation recognises the importance of wetlands as economic, social and environmental entities and the need to conserve them.
HRA Within the Planning Act 2008
1.4.8 The 2010 Habitat Regulations require the competent authority, before authorising a project likely to have a significant effect on a European Site, to make an ‘appropriate assessment’ of the implications for that site in view of that site’s conservation objectives. The applicant must provide the competent authority (in this case the Secretary of State) with such information as the competent authority may reasonably require to determine whether an appropriate assessment is required.
1.4.9 This Report screens the Onshore Scheme for Likely Significant Effect under the requirements of Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of Natural Habitat and Wild Fauna and Flora and Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of Wild Birds. This Report identifies the Natura 2000 sites that may be affected by the Onshore Scheme their interest features and conservation objectives and provides sufficient information to demonstrate that the Onshore Scheme will not result in a likely significant effect on a Natura 2000 site either alone or in combination with other plans and projects. This report takes the form of a “No Significant Effects Report (NSER)”. Screening Matrices for each of the individual sites, as advised by Appendix 1 of Advice Note 10, are set out in Appendix 5.4.9 (Document 5.4.9). Each Screening Matrix is proceeded by a Summary Matrix which summaries each of the Screening Stages taken.
1.5 IN COMBINATION EFFECTS OF THE ONSHORE AND OFFSHORE SCHEMES
1.5.1 This Screening Report has been produced for the Onshore Scheme. A separate HRA process will be undertaken for the Offshore Scheme. A review of the Onshore and Offshore Schemes has been undertaken. A separate report has been produced which provides a summary of the likely significant environmental effects of the Offshore Scheme and reports the assessment of any potential effects that the Onshore Scheme may have when considered in-combination with the Offshore Scheme. This report is the Statement of Combined Effects (SoCE) (Document 6.21).
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 13 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
1.5.2 The SoCE concludes that there are very few combined effects between the Onshore and Offshore Schemes. Receptors identified as having potential to be affected by a combination of the Onshore and Offshore Schemes are limited to those relating to the coastal area and include coastal water quality, coastal geomorphology, coastal birds and marine mammals from noise and visual disturbance and sediment disturbance leading to increased turbidly and sediment flux with the potential to affect water quality and coastal geomorphology downdrift. The SoCE goes on to conclude that the relative isolation of the landfall point, the naturally dynamic nature of the coast and the short duration of effects with no effects extending beyond the construction season has limited the potential for any effects to be significant.
1.5.3 This NSER has however included a description of the Offshore Scheme for the purposes of screening the Onshore Scheme for Likely Significant Effects and supporting the conclusion that the Onshore Scheme in-combination with the Offshore Scheme will not result in a likely significant effect. .
1.6 CONSULTATION ON THE HRA
1.6.1 A draft version of this No Significant Effects Report was provided to PINS, Natural England and the Marine Management Organisation in December 2013. Please refer to Appendix 5.4.10 (Document 5.4.10) for a copy of the responses. Table 1.1 below summarises the responses and explains how comments received have been addresses.
Table 1.1 Summary of Consultation Responses Consultee Summary of Response How it has been addressed PINS Effects may not be fully Effects associated with the avoided at the Pumping Pumping Station have now been Station as the construction taken through to Stages 1d, 1e and season for this AGI 1f please refer to Chapters 7 and 8 extends overwinter of this NSER and Figure 3, Screening Methodology. The assessment has not In combination effects have been considered any potential considered were avoidance has in combination effects not been possible please refer to Chapters 7 and 8 of this NSER and Figure 3, Screening Methodology.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 14 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 1.1 Summary of Consultation Responses Consultee Summary of Response How it has been addressed The report should cross Cross references to requirements reference to the DCO have been included throughout. requirements to provide Table 5.1. assurance they will be met. The planning inspectorate Cross references have now been requires more information included in Table 5.1 where more on discrete activities to be details on specific activities can be able to agree no significant found within the DCO. effects will occur. Recommends the report Table 5.1 has now been updated includes cross references to include cross references to to relevant sections of the relevant sections of the ES to ES to support statements support statements made. made. Recommends the report Justification for the 15 km is explains what guidance the presented in Section 5.3.8. 15 km has been based on Natural England have been and that this distance is consulted on the draft no agreed with Natural significant effects report. No England. comments were raised as to the sites which have been included. Recommends that the These have been added to conservation objectives for Appendix 5.4.3 (Document 5.4.3). Skipworth Common SAC are added to Appendix 5.4.3 (Document 5.4.3). The meaning of adjacent in Further explanation has been measurable terms included in Section 5.3.21. (distance) has not been defined. The report does not This has now been included in quantify the percentage Table 5.4. loss (temporary or otherwise) of habitat. Table 5.4 makes limited Table 5.4 has been based on data use of data obtained via collected during both desk based surveys it would be useful searches and field surveys. It
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 15 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 1.1 Summary of Consultation Responses Consultee Summary of Response How it has been addressed to include reference to identifies where particular interest relevant information. features have been recorded in relation to the Onshore Scheme. A summary of the detailed surveys results in relation to the SPAs are presented in Appendices 5.4.4 to 5.4.8. Welcomes consideration of Please refer to Figure 3; in- the Offshore Scheme but combination effects should only be notes that consideration considered were avoidance is not has not been given to any possible. Avoidance is possible other plans or projects. with the exception of the construction of the Pumping Station. Please refer to Chapters 7 and 8. The screening matrices The screening matrices have been should depict the overall designed to summarise the overall outcome of the screening process illustrating at what stage process. each site / interest feature has been screened out. These have been re-titled Summary Matrices. A further Screening Matrix has been added depicting the overall outcome. The footnote text in the Footnotes have been amended. matrices should provide references to paragraphs in the NSER. Natural Advised that further Please refer to the responses to England clarification is provided on the individual points in the rows the following points of the below. onshore proposal (longshore drift, Humber Estuary / Lower Derwent valley SPA birds and in- combination impacts) they would be confident that they could agree with the
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 16 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 1.1 Summary of Consultation Responses Consultee Summary of Response How it has been addressed conclusions of the report should these points be addressed. Advises that details of the A description of the cofferdam and nature and duration of the duration of the works has now cofferdam construction been included in Section 4.6. Table works at the landfall are 5.1 and Appendix 5.4.1 (Document included in the scheme 5.4.1) further explain how the description to support the works associated with the conclusions that the works cofferdam will not result in a likely are not likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 significant effect on Site. habitats within the Humber Estuary SPA due to longshore drift. Advises that further detail The works associated with the is provided on the extent of construction of the Pumping the construction works at Station have now been considered the pumping station, if in-combination; please refer to construction works were to Chapters 7 and 8. occur over winter this would need to be considered in-combination. Advises that further A description of the Offshore information of the offshore Scheme and duration of the works scheme and evidence to has now been included in Section support this conclusion. 4.8 and this has been used to support the conclusions reached in Sections 5.3.7 to 5.3.14 and in Table 5.4. MMO Appendix A (now Noted Document 5.4.1), the studies that have been referenced are appropriate and timeline, the evidence used is consistent with similar landfall assessments involving
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 17 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 1.1 Summary of Consultation Responses Consultee Summary of Response How it has been addressed temporary cofferdams, the descriptions of longshore transport and sediment supply to Spurn Head appear accurate. It is recommended that Please refer to Section 4.6 and additional information is Table 4.2. provided regarding the relative sizes of the cofferdams used for Langeled and York Field pipelines compared to that for the Yorkshire and Humber CCS cross country pipeline. Recommended that A description of the cofferdam and additional information is duration of the works has now provided on the likely been included in Section 4.6. duration the temporary cofferdam will be in place. Recommended that A description of the cofferdam and additional information is duration of the works has now provided on the extent of been included in Section 4.6. sediment trapping, whether there is a threshold at which point sediment transport downdrift is initiated, how any trapped sediment will be moved.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 18 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
2 HRA Process
2.1 INTRODUCTION
2.1.1 The methodology for HRA takes cognisance of the EU guidance document ‘Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites, Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC’.
2.1.2 It has become generally accepted that a staged approach should be followed for a HRA as proposed by the latest European Commission guidance and as set out in Advice Note Ten: Habitat Regulations Assessment relevant to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. These stages are:
Stage 1 Screening — the process which identifies whether there are likely to be any effects upon a Natura 2000 site as a result of the Onshore Scheme, either alone or in combination with other projects, and considers whether these effects are likely to be significant.
Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment — the consideration of the effect on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site, with respect to the site’s structure and function and its conservation objectives. Additionally, where significant adverse effects on site integrity exist, an assessment of potential mitigation will be made.
Stage 3 Assessment of Alternative Solutions — the process which examines alternative ways of achieving the objectives of the Onshore Scheme that avoids significant adverse effects on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site identified at Stage 2.
Stage 4 Assessment of IROPI – where no alternative solutions exist and where significant adverse effects remain an assessment of compensatory measures where, in the light of an assessment of imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI), it is deemed that the Onshore Scheme should proceed.
2.1.3 Each stage determines whether a further stage in the process is required. If, for example, the conclusions at the end of Stage 1 are that there are no likely significant effects on a European Site, there is no requirement to proceed to further stages. This process is illustrated in Figure 2 below, with each stage being broken down into a number of steps.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 19 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Figure 2: HRA Process Yes Step 1 Management Test: Is the onshore scheme directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site(s) for nature conservation? No
Step 2 LSE Test: Is the Onshore Scheme likely to have a significant effect on the internationally important interest features of the site, along or in combination No with other plans and projects. Stage 1 1 Stage
Screening Yes
No
Step 3 Appropriate Assessment: Are there implications on the site’s conservation objectives?
Yes
Stage 2 2 Stage Yes Appropriate Appropriate Assessment Step 4 Integrity Test: Can it be ascertained that the proposal will not adversely affect the integrity of the site?
No / Uncertain Yes
Would compliance with conditions / other restrictions enable it to be ascertained the Onshore Scheme would not adversely affect the integrity of the site.
No / Uncertain
Stage 3 3 Stage Alternatives
of Assessment Step 5: Are there alternative solutions that would have a lesser effect, or avoid an adverse effect, on the integrity of the site?
No
Step 6: Might a priority habitat or species on the site be adversely effected by
the proposal?
No Yes
IROPI Stage 4 4 Stage Step 7: are there IROPI which Step 8: Are there IROPI relating
Assessment of Assessment could be of a social or economic to human health, public safety or nature? important environmental benefits?
No Yes No Yes
Permission must not Step10: Authorisation Permission be granted Step 9 : Permission may be may be granted following may be granted subject to the consultation between the granted Secretary of State securing Government and the necessary compensatory European Commission, measures subject to securing compensation measures
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 20 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
3 Screening Methodology
3.1 INTRODUCTION
3.1.1 This Chapter presents the screening methodology that has been used to determine whether the Onshore Scheme will result in a Likely Significant Effect (LSE).
3.1.2 The screening methodology considers the sources, pathways, and receptors. Each of these elements is considered, and used to screen out/in sources/pathways and receptors.
3.1.3 The process commences with the identification of possible sources or causes of effects relating to the Onshore Scheme.
3.1.4 The screening methodology then takes these causes/sources into account when screening in / out sites and interest features. The screening methodology is set out on Figure 3 below this is based on Scottish Natural Heritage guidance (Ref 1) and internal unpublished guidance provided by Natural England. Whilst screening constitutes Stage 1 of the overall HRA process, as illustrated on Figure 2, screening has been broken down into a series of sub stages to clearly demonstrate how conclusions have been reached.
3.1.5 When screening in / out sites and interest features it needs to be established whether there is a potential pathway between the possible causes of effects and the features of the Natura 2000 site. Where there are no sources or pathways to affect a Natura 2000 Site from the construction, operation or decommissioning of the Onshore Scheme the sources and pathways are considered no further. For example a SAC remote from the Onshore Scheme, where the only pathway to affect the interest features would be from air quality / deposition, does not have a source from the Onshore Scheme so will be screened out.
3.1.6 Where a source of effect, a pathway and a target are identified, consideration is then given to whether there is a ‘mechanism’ for an effect. This takes into account the sensitivity of the interest feature to the source of effect.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 21 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Figure 3 Screening Methodology
Yes Stage 1a: Are any sites within the Application Boundary of the Onshore Scheme?
No Stage 1b: Identify the potential sources/causes of indirect effects –
1) Are there any sites / interest features that could be affected by them? and No 2) Is there a pathway for the effect to occur? and 3) Is there a mechanism for the effect to occur?
Yes
No Stage 1d: Can Stage 1c: Can reduction measures be avoidance measures be included / introduced? included / introduced?
Yes
Stage 1e: Will the Onshore Yes Scheme have a significant
Yes effect alone? No Stage 1f : Will in the Onshore No Scheme have a significant No potential for effect in-combination? LSE
Yes
Proceed to Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment
3.2 DATA SOURCES AND SURVEYS
3.2.1 This screening assessment has used a combination of desk based and site surveys undertaken to inform the Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 22 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Desk Study
3.2.2 The initial ecological desk study which was undertaken in 2012 based upon the original Preferred Route Corridor (PRC). This initial desk study was undertaken to establish the presence of ecological designations within the early PRC.
3.2.3 In the summer of 2012 a more detailed desk study was undertaken relating to protected and notable species data which may be held by more specialist data sources such as The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS), specialist species interest groups, county recorders and other wildlife organisations.
3.2.4 The following online ecological resources were consulted to gain information on designated sites:
• Natural England website (www.naturalengland.org.uk) was consulted to identify statutory designated sites of nature conservation interest by using the tool ‘Nature on the Map’.
• The ‘Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside’ (MAGIC) website (www.magic.gov.uk) was consulted to confirm the location of designated sites of nature conservation interest.
• Joint Nature Conservation Committee website (http://jncc.defra.gov.uk) was consulted to obtain information regarding any European designations within the initial desk study search area.
• National Biodiversity Network's Gateway (http://data.nbn.org.uk) was searched for records of protected and notable species in the initial desk study search area.
3.2.5 A detailed desk study was undertaken. A number of the groups contacted either do not hold data for the detailed desk study search area or provide their records to national or regional record centres, thus their records have been obtained via those sources. Records were requested from those specialist species/habitat groups where it was concluded they held relevant records to the Onshore Scheme, and which have not been obtained by the data centre, comprising:
• Yorkshire Wildlife Trust;
• Yorkshire Mammal Group;
• North Yorkshire Bat Group;
• East Yorkshire Badger Protection Group;
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 23 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
• Butterfly Conservation - Yorkshire branch; and
• Hull Valley Wildlife Group.
3.2.6 Birds:
• Yorkshire Naturalist Union – Bird recorder;
• BTO;
• WeBS database;
• Wildlife Conservation Partnership (Barn Owl);
• Wolds Barn Owl Group; and
• York Ornithology Club;
Ecological Surveys
3.2.7 The Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey was completed in 2012. Since the latter part of 2012, a number of the protected species have been conducted. In all cases the aim has been to ensure that the collated baseline ecological data is sufficiently robust and widespread to inform the EcIA and this HRA Screening Assessment.
3.2.8 The following lists the surveys which have been used to inform this HRA.
• 2012 Breeding Bird Surveys – Survey Area included - All AGI Site Options (subject to access) plus seven 1km² grid squares located throughout the PRC.
• 2012 - Wetland Bird Surveys (WeBS) Surveys at – Coast – Count Sectors based upon PRC (included areas within the two coastal landfalls options)
• 2012/2013 - Wintering Bird Surveys – Survey Area included all Preferred AGI sites plus 500m
• 2013 Breeding Bird Surveys – All Preferred AGI sites (6 AGI’s) plus three (of the former seven) 1km² grid squares selected as those located within or closet to the Scoping Corridor.
• 2012 - Initial assessment of watercourses undertaken across entire PRC in combination with the Extended Phase 1 Surveys.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 24 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
• 2012 – Specific main watercourses (based upon results of Extended Phase 1 Survey and desk study) located within more focussed surveys area based upon evolving engineering and environmental constraints.
• 2013 – Specific main watercourses either not surveyed during 2012 or not survey effectively in 2012 (i.e. due to water levels) located within the Scoping Corridor.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 25 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
4 Scheme Description
4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.1.1 This Chapter sets out a description of the construction and operation and decommissioning of the Onshore Scheme including the landfall. Section 4.8 describes the Offshore Scheme which has been used to support the conclusions of this NSER that the Onshore Scheme in combination with the Offshore Scheme will not give rise to a likely significant effect on a Natura 2000 site identified for the purpose of this NSER.
4.2 ONSHORE SCHEME DESCRIPTION
4.2.1 The Scheme Description is presented in Chapter 3 Onshore Scheme Description of the Environmental Statement (ES) (Document 6.3) and the following provides a summary.
4.2.2 The Cross Country Pipeline and Local Pipeline between the Pumping Station and Mean Low Water Spring (MLWS) mark will have an external diameter of up to 610 mm. The Local Pipeline connection from the White Rose CCS Project to Drax PIG Trap and from there to the Camblesforth Multi-junction will have an external diameter of up to 324 mm. Both Pipelines will be buried not less than 1.2 metres below ground surface, not less than 1.7 metres below ordinary watercourses, not less than 2 metres below the true clean bottom of main rivers and canals and not less than 2 metres below public highways. Please refer to Figure 3.2 of Document 6.3 which illustrates the location of the Onshore Scheme.
4.2.3 In addition to the Cross Country Pipeline the Onshore Scheme comprises six Above Ground Installations (AGIs) comprising a PIG Trap adjacent to the White Rose CCS Project, near Drax, North Yorkshire and known as Drax PIG Trap, a Multi-junction to the south of Drax Power Station near Camblesforth, North Yorkshire known as Camblesforth Mulit-Junciton, three Block Valves known as Tollingham Block Valve, near Holme upon Spalding Moor, East Riding of Yorkshire, Dalton Block Valve, near South Dalton, East Riding of Yorkshire and Skerne Block Valve, near Skerne, East Riding of Yorkshire and a Pumping Station to the north of Barmston, East Riding of Yorkshire known as Barmston Pumping Station.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 26 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Drax PIG Trap
4.2.4 Drax PIG Trap site is located adjacent to the eastern boundary of the proposed White Rose CCS Project, is centred on Grid Reference SE 667 281 and is illustrated in Document 2.17. The site is located immediately to the north of the existing Drax Power Station complex and west of New Road (unclassified minor road). Carr Dike is to the northwest and the site of the Drax Abbey Augustinian Priory to the north.
Camblesforth Multi-junction
4.2.5 Camblesforth Multi-junction site is centred on Grid Reference SE 668 253 and illustrated in Document 2.24. The site is located within an agriculture field to the south of the A645 and south east of Wade House Lane (unclassified minor road).
4.2.6 The site is within an agricultural field surrounded by a line of mature trees on all boundaries. Deep ditches run along the eastern and southern boundaries. A track runs adjacent to the eastern and northern field boundaries and connects north to Wade House Lane and the A645.
Tollingham Block Valve
4.2.7 Tollingham Block Valve site is centred on Grid Reference SE 824 361 and illustrated in Document 2.31. The site is located within the southeast corner of a field south of Skiff Lane (unclassified minor road) and west of the former RAF Holme-upon-Spalding-Moor airfield.
4.2.8 The site is flat low lying agricultural land and is bordered to the east by Throlam Drain and a mature woodland plantation. Field boundaries to the north and south are composed of patchy hedgerow and individual trees. Skiff Lane is located to the north of the site and Drain Lane to the South.
Dalton Block Valve
4.2.9 Dalton Block Valve site is centred on Grid Reference SE 950 478 and illustrated in Document 2.38. The site is located in the south east corner of a field to the south of Lund Wold Road (unclassified minor road) and north of Holme Wold Road (unclassified minor road).
4.2.10 The site is located within an agricultural field and bordered to the south by Bulmers Triangle Plantation and a PRoW located along the eastern boundary of the site leading to the plantation. The field boundaries which surround the site are composed of species poor intact hedgerows.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 27 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
4.2.11 The site is at an elevation of approximately 40 m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD) and slopes down to the south to a shallow valley at approximately 35 m AOD. Some levelling and cut and fill will be required to create a level site.
Skerne Block Valve
4.2.12 Skerne Block Valve site is centred on Grid Reference TA 058 546 and illustrated in Document 2.45. The site is located to the southeast of the village of Skerne. The site is located in the northeast corner of a field to the south of an access track from Main Street (unclassified minor road) to Copper Hall.
4.2.13 The site is within agricultural land bordered to the north and east by the access track to Copper Hall which also accommodates a PRoW. A woodland block is located to the east of the site and a drain which discharges into the River Hull is located approximately 200 m to the south of the site.
Barmston Pumping Station
4.2.14 The Pumping Station site is centred on Grid Reference TA 159 609 and is illustrated in Document 2.9. The site is located on relatively flat agricultural land approximately 1.3 km to the north of Barmston and 0.75 km to the southeast of Fraisthorpe.
4.2.15 The site comprises of approximately 14.74 ha of land, made up from three agricultural fields, accessed off the A165 Bridlington Road via Sands Road.
4.2.16 The topography is relatively flat, with the exception of Hamilton Hill which acts as a distinctive landscape feature within the area.
4.2.17 The site comprises three agricultural fields with field drains and gappy remnant hedgerows. The field boundaries are typical of the coastal landscape setting and forms part of the wider coastal farmland landscape. An existing drain runs south to north through the centre of the site. This drain will be retained and enhanced as part of the Barmston Pumping Station.
4.3 CONSTRUCTION OF THE ONSHORE SCHEME
4.3.1 The Pipeline will be constructed in accordance with PD8010 Code of Practice for Pipelines – Part 1 Steel Pipelines on Land.
4.3.2 Cross Country Pipeline construction is a well-established technique that can be applied to all welded steel pipelines, whether they carry natural gas or Carbon Dioxide. Construction is undertaken on a “production line” basis i.e. by a series
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 28 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
of different specialist ‘crews’ who each perform a specific function and move along the Pipeline route. In general terms the following crews will be employed for the construction of a pipeline including but not limited to:
• survey (to peg the route and locate and mark existing services);
• working width preparation;
• fencing;
• pre-construction drainage;
• topsoil strip;
• archaeological surveys and watching brief;
• levelling and benching;
• breaking up rock (if rock is encountered);
• pipe stringing (lay out the pipe along the working width);
• field bending (i.e. pipes bent to angles previously determined by the bending engineer);
• welding and inspection (front end welding, back end welding, fabrication welding);
• non-destructive weld testing;
• joint coating;
• trench excavation;
• lower and lay;
• backfill;
• pipeline tie-ins;
• re-grading of soil;
• post-construction drainage;
• reinstatement (cross-ripping of subsoil and reinstatement of topsoil, boundary walls hedges and fences);
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 29 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
• hydrostatic testing and final tie-ins (swab and gauge pipeline test sections, fill, test and dewater); and
• commissioning (final gauge plate and calliper surveys, drying and commissioning). .
4.3.3 In addition, special crews will be established for operations such as road, rail, river and canal crossings. These activities are normally carried out independently of the normal sequence of works.
4.3.4 Where elements of the above list are particularly relevant to the understanding of likely environmental effects, further information is provided below.
Pre-Construction
4.3.5 Prior to construction the location and condition of existing land drainage will be established and a record of condition compiled. Where necessary, new field drains will be installed.
Working Width
4.3.6 All construction activities will normally be undertaken within a fenced strip of land, known as the working width. This will generally be 36 m wide although this may be narrowed in areas with particular constraints or to minimise impacts to sensitive sites. A wider working width is necessary at some locations for example road, watercourse, railway and service crossings, in areas of side slopes, at some hedge crossings and at some intersection points (IPs) where the pipeline route changes direction, in order to facilitate safe working, storage, manoeuvring and parking.
4.3.7 At special crossings, the working width would be increased to 51m (on both sides of the crossing) so as to provide a laydown area for pipe The length of the widened section of working width will be 1.5 times the width of the crossing, with a minimum length of 30 m. For special crossings such as the River Ouse and River Hull larger working areas will be required.
4.3.8 Access points will be created onto the working width at road crossings. The access opening at road crossings will generally be a double gate width of approximately 12 m. This width, together with a set-back, will provide adequate turning radii for HGV’s at access points to the right-of-way. Areas of hardcore will be provided to allow parking for construction vehicles off public roads.
4.3.9 Working width preparation involves the clearance of field boundaries and the ‘fluming’ or bridging of watercourses. The cleared section of hedges or walls will
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 30 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
be less than the total working width. The length of the gap will depend on the angle of the boundary to the working width. At field boundaries this will typically be 20 m where hedgerows are crossed at right angles and greater where hedges are crossed at an angle. At major roads approximately 25 m will be required where access is required for pipe and plant delivery, however, a 15 m gap is more likely at small road crossings. Hedgerows and scrub within the working width will be removed or flailed / coppiced in winter to deter nesting birds.
4.3.10 If appropriate, ditches / small streams will be flumed by the installation of temporary pipes and ramped over to create a continuous running track for construction vehicles and allow continuous flow of water within the ditch, with permission of the regulatory authority. Where necessary, imported materials will be laid on geotextile sheet to facilitate their removal at the end of construction.
Topsoil Stripping
4.3.11 The topsoil will be stripped across the working width, using appropriate earth moving equipment. The width of topsoil to be stripped should generally be that required to contain the trench, the pipe sections, the excavation plant, the temporary running track and the width required for stacking the subsoil. The full depth of the topsoil will be stripped and stored carefully to one side of the working width in such a way that it is not mixed with subsoil or trafficked over by vehicles or plant. Typically the topsoil bunds will be 8 m wide and up to 3 m high to avoid compaction from the weight of the soil. Storage time will be kept to a practicable minimum to reduce the risk of physical damage and compaction. Gaps are left in the topsoil heap to prevent flooding and ponding. Uncultivated soil, for example topsoil stripped from hedgerow banks, conservation road verges, the banks of watercourses or woodland strips will be stored separately from other excavated material.
4.3.12 Following topsoil stripping, some areas of the working width may be benched (levelled) or graded to enable safe working.
Temporary Access Roads
4.3.13 In general, access will be restricted to the fenced working width and vehicles will use the running track. Access will be gained to and from the public highway at road crossings. Where the proposed pipeline route crosses a public road a temporary access will be created.
Trench Excavation
4.3.14 The pipe trench will be dug either with trenching machines or mechanical excavators straddling or standing alongside the pipeline centreline. The depth
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 31 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
will be variable but will allow a minimum reinstated cover of 1.2 m over the top of the pipeline in agricultural land.
4.3.15 The material excavated from the pipe trench will generally be stored on the opposite side of the working width from the topsoil to prevent mixing of subsoil and topsoil, which might hinder reinstatement. If during the excavation of the trench, the upper layers of the subsoil are of significantly better quality than the lower layers, the layers will be excavated and stored separately to allow them to be replaced in the same position as prior to removal.
4.3.16 The pipe trench will be left open for the minimum length of time as is practicable.
4.3.17 In areas where angular rocks or sharp stones are encountered, the pipe will need to be bedded on and surrounded by sand or similar material to prevent damage to the pipe and coating.
4.3.18 Should ground conditions warrant it, trench supports and close sheet piling along the sides of the pipeline trench would be used to aid construction and provide a safe working environment.
4.3.19 In some wet areas, or areas of high water table, de-watering of the pipe trench and excavations may be required.
Lower and Lay
4.3.20 Following trench excavation the welded pipe sections will be carefully lowered into the trench in a continuous operation using sideboom tractors or equivalent plant. The lengths of pipeline are welded together to form a continuous pipe string ready for hydro-testing operations
Backfilling
4.3.21 The pipe trench will then be backfilled, where possible with the material taken from the trench in the reverse order in which it was excavated. Sand (or similar material) padding and surround may be used to protect the pipe if the backfill material is particularly unsuitable and in areas of rock.
4.3.22 The backfilled materials will be consolidated in layers by tamping or rolling to ensure consolidation comparable with the adjacent subsoil. Any excess material may be spread within the working width, and to ‘crown’ the trench to allow for settlement and to aid consolidation.
4.3.23 Where necessary, outfall drains will be re-connected across the trench as part of the backfill operation.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 32 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
4.3.24 Where necessary additional post construction drainage will be laid within the working width to ensure that the integrity of the drainage infrastructure affected by construction is adequately restored. Detailed drainage design will have regard to soil type, existing drainage systems and land levels. Where drains have to cross the working width drainage pipes will be adequately supported across the reinstated trenchline.
4.3.25 Where there is a risk of the trench itself acting as a drain, with the risk of undermining the pipe, impermeable barriers will be installed to prevent water migration along the trench line. These barriers may be tied into the post construction drainage scheme if necessary.
Reinstatement
4.3.26 After re-grading of the working width to reflect the original profile, subsoil will be ripped to relieve compaction and stones (greater than 50 mm) and debris will be removed prior to topsoil replacement. Topsoil will be re-spread across the working width to its former depth. After replacement, the topsoil will be cultivated and stone picked as necessary. The separately stored topsoil from uncultivated areas including hedgerow banks and banks of watercourses will be spread back over the areas from which they were taken.
4.3.27 Agricultural areas will be returned to their former land-use as rapidly as possible. Generally on arable land the fences are taken down to allow the cultivation of the field as a whole whereas on permanent pasture the fences are retained in order to restrict access to livestock until the re-seeded sward has sufficiently recovered to withstand grazing pressures. National Grid will seek to agree these procedures with the landowner/occupier before work begins.
Integrity Testing and Inspection
4.3.28 The pipeline will be internally cleaned in sections to ensure removal of all debris. It will then be hydrostatically tested to prove its integrity in accordance with the relevant specifications. Water required for testing will be sourced and discharged from the same catchment location or sourced from groundwater and discharged with the agreement of the Environment Agency and the quality of the water being discharged will be monitored.
Programme of Pipeline Construction
4.3.29 Pipeline construction ‘season’ will be programmed for completion in one ‘season’ (beginning of April to the end of September). With some preliminary works being undertaken prior to construction such as hedgerow removal which needs to be conducted before March to avoid the bird nesting season.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 33 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
4.4 SPECIAL CROSSINGS
4.4.1 The trenching methodology described in Section 4.3.14 is modified for road, railway, river, canal, ditch and service crossings. The crossing schedule is provided in Appendix 6.3.1 (Document 6.3.1) of Document 6.3 and illustrated on Figure 3.4 of Document 6.3. Typical methods of construction fall into two categories, open cut and non-open cut (or trenchless).
4.4.2 The adopted methods of construction will depend on topography, existing services, and site investigation information and on the requirements of the appropriate consenting authorities.
Open Cut Crossings
4.4.3 Details of open cut crossing techniques are included in Appendix 6.3.2 (Document 6.3.2) of Document 6.3.
Watercourses – Dry Open Cut 4.4.4 Most minor watercourse/ditch crossings will be carried out using a dry open cut trench methodology. In dry open cut methods water flow is maintained by damming and over pumping or using temporary “flume” pipes installed in the bed of the watercourse.
Roads – Open Cut 4.4.5 The majority of roads will be crossed by a non-open cut technique. Open cut methods are proposed to cross the following minor roads:
• Pear Tree Avenue, Long Drax (Work No. 3B / ST1- ST2)
• Brickhill Lane, Drax (Work No. 3F / ST3 – ST4)
• Kiplingcotes Lane, Market Weighton (Work No. 8H / ST5 – ST6)
• Kiplingcotes Racecourse Road, Etton (Work No. 8J / ST7 – ST8)
• Park Road, South Dalton (Work No. 8K . ST9 – ST10)
• Holme Wold Road, Holme on the Wolds (Work No. 8L / ST11 – ST12)
• Unnamed Road from Bracken Lane to Burnbutts Lane, Watton (Work No. 10F / ST13 – ST14)
4.4.6 These will require a temporary road closure during the crossing works.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 34 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Non Open Cut (Trenchless) Crossings
4.4.7 There are several non-excavation pipeline construction techniques. These include auger boring, grundoram, tunnelling including pipe-jacks, microtunnelling, direct pipe and horizontal directional drilling (HDD). These techniques vary in the method used to install the pipeline without disturbing the surface. The various trenchless methods are briefly described in Document 6.3.2.
4.4.8 Trenchless methods will be used to cross the majority of the roads, live railways, and the main watercourses. Generally, all non-open cut crossings are constructed at a minimum depth of 1.7 m under small watercourses and ditches, 2 m below roads and main rivers and 4.3 m below railways. However, the actual design will be submitted to the appropriate body for approval prior to construction.
4.4.9 All main rivers and, where practicable, Water Framework Directive (WFD) designated watercourses will be crossed using non-open cut methods.
4.4.10 The River Ouse is likely to be crossed using HDD. This will require a large area of temporary land take on either side of the proposed crossing to accommodate the equipment, drilling fluid management system and laydown area for the pipe. A length of pipe the width of the crossing has to be laid out and welded above ground before being pulled through the drilled bore in one continuous operation.
4.4.11 The River Hull / Driffield Canal are likely to be crossed in one operation. Tunneling and HDD techniques are currently under consideration for this crossing, which would install the pipeline under Main Drain, the River Hull, Driffield Canal and the B1249 Frodingham Road in one operation. Geotechnical borehole surveys conducted to date have indicated that extensive de-watering would be required to allow excavation of shafts and for tunneling to be carried out in dry conditions. Allowance has been made within the Application Boundary to accommodate the water management systems that would be required, in terms of both storage to provide control over discharge to Main Drain and treatment of any sediment.
4.5 ABOVE GROUND INSTALLATIONS
Construction Process for PIG Trap, Multi-junction and Block Valves
4.5.1 Construction will follow the following sequence:
• Site preparation / temporary access and laydown areas;
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 35 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
• ground works/below ground bases and plinths/ below ground pipework (piping bridles and by-passes, insulation joints, valves);
• civils (concrete base for instrument building, concrete blocks to support above ground pipework, ducting);
• above ground pipework (actuators and thermal relief valves);
• instrument building and associated photovoltaic cells and turbine;
• electrical and instrumentation installation (instrumentation, electrical cables, earthing protection, satellite dish, control and telecommunications cables, utility metering);
• service connections (electricity and telecommunications);
• cathodic protection;
• finishing (vehicular access, turning areas and pedestrian access surfacing, security fencing);
• permanent access road from public highway;
• post and rail fencing, landscape works and planting;
• demobilisation and reinstatement of temporary works areas;
• testing and commissioning.
4.5.2 Post and rail fencing will be installed and the area surrounding the compound will be seeded and planted in the first appropriate season following the completion of construction.
Programme
4.5.3 The construction period for each of the above ground installations is estimated as follows:
• Drax PIG Trap AGI 4 months
• Block Valves 4 months
• Camblesforth Multi-junction 6 months
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 36 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Construction of Barmston Pumping Station
Phasing of Construction 4.5.4 Barmston Pumping Station will be designed to allow its capacity to be increased over time. To achieve an initial capability of 2.6mt per year would require 2-3 pump units and Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), only one pump housing enclosure, the PIG Trap arrangements, filtration, metering and analysers need be installed. The pump housing for additional pump units can be installed at a later date if required, with the buildings designed in such a manner that they can be phased for construction.
4.5.5 The later works can all be installed within the initial security fence, without the need to extend the site.
4.5.6 Adequate isolation valves are provided to allow the following construction phasing of the Barmston Pumping Station:
4.5.7 Phase 1
• Installation of PIG Trap arrangements, inlet from Onshore Pipeline and outlet to Offshore Pipeline, filters, meters and analysers;
• Installation of pipework (suction and discharge headers and pipework, plus recycle arrangements / cooling); and
• Building for first four pump units. The actual pumps can be installed as and when needed.
4.5.8 Phase 2
• Installation of the pipework (suction and discharge headers / pipework); and
• building for the final four pump units. The actual pumps can be installed as and when needed.
4.5.9 If required phases 1 and 2 can be constructed within the same period. The Barmston Pumping Station will be an electric drive station which would initially require a single 66kV connection from the District Network Operator and a substation within the site. Sufficient space will be allowed within the substation design to accommodate additional transformers as future demand requires.
Construction Process 4.5.10 Construction will involve the following:
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 37 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
• Site preparation (levelling, temporary access and laydown areas);
• Service connections (water supply works, foul drainage provision, surface water management system and culverting);
• Ground works/ below ground pipework (piping bridles and by-passes, insulation joints, valves), tanks and troughs;
• Civils (foundations for buildings, concrete blocks to support above ground pipework, building structures, security fencing, ducts);
• Earthworks (gabion walls, landform profiling);
• Pump and VSD installation;
• Above ground pipework (PIG Traps, meters, filtration and vents);
• Electrical and instrumentation installation (instrumentation, electrical cables, earthing protection, satellite dish, control and telecommunications cables, utility metering etc);
• Finishing (vehicular access, turning areas and pedestrian access surfacing);
• Permanent access road from public highway;
• Post and rail fencing, landscape works and planting demobilisation and reinstatement of temporary works areas;
• Testing and commissioning.
Programme 4.5.11 The construction period for the Barmston Pumping Station is programmed for 24 months.
4.6 LANDFALL
4.6.1 A number of options remain available for achieving the landfall crossing of the Pipeline. The cliffs will be crossed by non-open cut, however once on the beach, there are a range of variables but the key variables in terms of likely significant effects are:
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 38 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
A) Exiting in a piled pit on the beach, which then connects to a cofferdam running offshore to connect to the offshore trench.
B) Exiting into a piled cofferdam (shallow caisson) below MLW (i.e. no work on the beach) and then connects into the offshore trench.
4.6.2 Scenario A represents the largest scale of works for landfall in terms of temporary habitat loss and risk to coastal processes therefore this scenario has been used as the likely worse case in both this report and the Environmental Statement.
4.6.3 The parameters for this likely worse case are set out in Table 4.1 below:
Table 4.1 Likely Worse Case for the Landfall Assessment Element Likely Worse Case Cofferdam 6 m width Cofferdam 3 m depth (trench) Cofferdam 200 m – 130 m dry, 70m below MLW length Volume of 3000m 3 excavation for Cofferdam. Reception Pit 20 m wide width x length 25 m long Reception Pit 3 m Depth Volume of 1500 m 3 excavation for reception pit. Height of piles c.1 m above beach level Promontory Yes – built up on both sides of the piled cofferdam.
Working area No need for a platform to be constructed to keep plant above on beach MHWS
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 39 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 4.1 Likely Worse Case for the Landfall Assessment Element Likely Worse Case Isolation valve Within the Pumping Station. No need for any other permanent maintenance or inspection features between the Pumping Station and the sub-sea pipeline. Sequencing • Install access track at low grounds • Creation of causeway/promontory adjacent to proposed cofferdam location • Piling of reception pit and cofferdam – low tides • Excavation of reception pit - excavated material stored on upper shore. • Excavation of cofferdam – excavated material stored on upper shore. • Installation of 500T pipe winch • Pulling pipe through micro-tunnel into pit • Excavation of offshore pipeline trench. • Pumping of dry cofferdam (until backfilled). • Pipe lay vessel arrives • Pipe pulled through cofferdam • Tie in in the reception pit (on beach or below MLW) • Backfill including use of vibrating roller • Remove piles • Remove promontory material
Remove access track Extent of 200 m beach closure Form of beach Demarcation fence, with security guards presen4 24/7 to closure. ensure the construction area is not accessed. Working hours Possibly 24 hours due to the need to work with low tides.
Overall 6 months maximum for beach works. 8 months for tunnelling. Duration
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 40 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 4.1 Likely Worse Case for the Landfall Assessment Element Likely Worse Case Construction Yes – 24 hours Lighting Access From the Low Grounds area
4.6.4 A cofferdam will be of sheet piled construction and have likely dimensions of 6 m wide, 200 m long and be excavated to a depth of 3 m. The cofferdam will comprise a “dry section” above the mean low water mark and a “wet” section extending into the nearshore area. A Pipeline tie-in pit of likely dimensions 25 m wide, 20 m long and 3 m deep, may be required at the landward end of the cofferdam to accommodate Pipeline connection works on the beach, and be similarly constructed of sheet piles. The Pipeline installation method will be via either directional drilling or microtunnelling, avoiding interactions with the cliff and exiting through the reception pit/cofferdam into the intertidal/nearshore area. Installation work using these methods, including reinstatement, are expected to take a total of 6 months on the beach and would be undertaken during summer months during calmer annual sea states.
4.6.5 An minimum depth of burial has been calculated based on the estimated rate of shore platform lowering over the 40 year lifespan of the project (0.7 m assuming a cliff retreat rate of 1.8 m/year) and the seasonal beach level variation which has been recorded for the landfall area in topographic surveys undertaken by East Riding of Yorkshire Council since 2008 (up to 1.25 m). It is estimated that a minimum depth of cover of 2 m is required, or 2.41 m taking into account shoreline management plan adjustments for enhanced erosion rates due to sea- level change (see Scott Wilson 2009 (Ref 2)) based on the Bruun (1998) (Ref 3) rule (see Pilkey et al. (1993) for a critique of this method, and Castedo et al. (2012) (Ref 3) for a more recent approach).
4.6.6 The cofferdam which could be used is comparable to those previously used for pipeline landfalls on the Holderness Coast (see Table 4.2 below), though with a slightly deeper depth of cover to ensure that no pipeline exposure occurs following installation.
4.6.7 Table 4.2 details the size of cofferdams used at landfalls for the York and Langeled pipelines, Easington and the indicative size of that which could be used at the Barmston landfall.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 41 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 4.2 Sizes of other Cofferdams used for similar pipelines Project Excavated Dimensions Volume of Width Length Depth excavated sediment (m 3) York 6 m 201 m 2 m 2520
Langeled 5 m 240 m 2 m 2400
Onshore 6 m 200 m 3 m 3600 Scheme
4.6.8 The beach at the landfall location has a thin veneer of sand (~0.5 m thick) overlying Skipsea tills (~15 m thick). The excavated volume of sand and till would likely to be in the region of 600 m3 and 3,000 m3 respectively (or a total of 850 m3 sand and 4,250 m3 till should a beach tie-in pit be used). These sediments would be retained adjacent to the cliff edge, however, some sediment could be lost at times when wave runup interacts with stored material at high water springs. Of the sediment excavated, most would be fine sands and silts, (~67% of the till is comprised of sediment <63 µm, Blewett & Huntley 1998) and as with natural erosion on this section of the coast, these would be transported offshore under suspension to sediment sinks including the Humber and The Wash. Bell & Forster (1991) estimated that around 25% of the sediment yield from the Skipsea tills eroded at Holderness was sand of sufficient size (0.25 mm) to be retained on the beach, equating to approximately 1,950 m3 of the excavated material, assuming that the surficial beach sediments are all of at least this size.
4.6.9 Estimates of losses of nearshore excavation from the Langeled pipeline were 10%, which would result in the construction activities in the intertidal area contributing approximately 600 m3 of sediment to the annual sediment yield from this area. In the context of the total estimated sediment yield from Holderness (1.68 million m 3 year for sediment derived directly from cliff and shore platform erosion), the potential contribution to sediment mobility in the area would be small.
4.6.10 In addition to potential losses of sediment, there is the potential for material to be trapped by the cofferdam on its updrift side due to interruption of longshore transport (as experienced during the Langeled construction works). Longshore drift rates along the Holderness coast are estimated to vary from between 50,000
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 42 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
m3/year and 250,000 m3/year (see Sutherland et al. 2002). At Barmston, tidal sand transport was estimated to be negligible by Halcrow (1988), and the area to the north of Barmston was estimated to have a drift rate in the region of 50,000 m3/year. The predominant longshore drift direction at Holderness is to the south, however, a sediment parting zone may be present near Barmston, with net drift to the north under moderate conditions (see HR Wallingford 2002, Halcrow 2002 as cited in Scott Wilson 2009).
4.6.11 The quantity of material retained by the cofferdam and beach tie-in would be limited by its vertical expression on the beach face (~1 m high), and some sediment is likely to be re-suspended during tidal cycles and also pass around the end of the structure which would be in the surf zone – fine sands and silts are not likely to be in trapped by the cofferdam. In view of the lower erosion rates and longshore transport rates at this section of Holderness, and the temporary nature of the works (approximately 6 months), it is not considered likely that appreciable quantities of sediment would be trapped. Monitoring of sediment trapping and any notable downdrift sediment starvation would be in accordance with the construction and monitoring programme to be agreed with the MMO as a condition of the Deemed Marine Licence (Document 3.1). Should sediment require to be moved, this would be done mechanically using existing construction plant.
Construction of the Landfall
4.6.12 Two options are currently under consideration for landfall construction, subject to the completion of further surveys: these are tunnelling and horizontal directional drill (HDD). The identification of the preferred option will be determined through the subsequent Front End Engineering Design (FEED) phase. At this stage, however, open cutting the beach cliff has been discounted due to the expected nature of the cliff substrates.
4.6.13 The landfall options consider both a ‘wet tie-in’ location for the connection of the Offshore Pipeline (beyond mean low water (MLW)) and a ‘beach tie-in’. For the beach tie-in arrangement a conservative distance of 10m seaward of the cliff for the reception pit has been assumed. Open cutting on the beach has not been discounted, although every effort will be made to avoid this option.
Landfall Temporary Construction Area
4.6.14 For the landfall crossing a temporary construction compound and working area capable of supporting either the tunnelling or HDD crossing technique set up is required onshore. This would be located at the landward end of the landfall crossing.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 43 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
4.6.15 Typically the construction compound and temporary working area would accommodate the following as appropriate:
• drive pit, • tunnel boring / horizontal directional drill rig, • control cabin, • crane working areas, • dewatering systems, • water tanks, • spoil storage, • spoil separators, • settlement lagoons, • materials and pipe storage area, • waste storage area, • workshops and stores, • generators and switchgear, • air receivers and compressors, • oil stores, • welfare facilities, • offices, security, • access to the drive pit, and • parking.
4.6.16 A low section of the cliff line at Low Grounds has been included within the Development Consent Order Limits to facilitate beach access. Access from the public highway would be along the pipeline working width or via the access for Barmston Pumping Station.
Cliff Crossing Technique -Tunnel Option 4.6.17 The tunnel option would involve the construction of a concrete sleeved tunnel beneath the landfall cliff line within which the pipeline would then be installed.
4.6.18 The tunnel alignment would be identified following the completion of further surveys. In recognition of this some flexibility has been allowed for within the Limits of Deviation shown on the Works Plans.
4.6.19 A dewatering system and drive shaft would be constructed. Hydraulic rams would be used to push the concrete sections and tunnel boring machine (TBM) forward
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 44 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
to form the tunnel. The tunnel spoil would be collected in purpose built settlement lagoons.
4.6.20 The tunnelling would be a 24 hour a day operation and 24 hour construction lighting would be required. It is anticipated the tunnelling operations could take up to 8 months, depending on the final length and rate of progress in the given ground conditions.
4.6.21 In summary the tunnelling option would typically include the following:
• Mobilise to Site & Establish Compounds • Install Drive Shaft • Install and Commission Dewatering System • Excavate Drive Shaft and Install Support Frames & Base • Construct headwall for launch • Set Up and Install Tunnel Boring Machine • Install Reception Shaft • Drive Tunnel to Reception • Survey Tunnel • Install Pipeline Rollers and Brackets • Install Pipeline to tie-in pit
Cliff Crossing Technique - Horizontal Directional Drill Option 4.6.22 HDD involves the drilling of a hole through which the pipeline would be installed. A HDD drilling rig would be set up inland from the cliff and drill towards the connecting/tie-in point which would be located either on the beach, or beyond the low tide level for subsea connection. A drilling compound would be set up on the landward end of the drill. Activities may include the casting of anchor blocks to stabilise the HDD rig. Potentially a shallow slip trench would be excavated to facilitate the launch of the HDD.
4.6.23 The HDD option is usually a series of 24 hour operations and 24 hour construction lighting would be required. Works would commence with the drilling of a pilot bore, a reamer is then connected to the drill string and the pilot hole is reamed out by progressively larger reamers until the diameter of the hole is sufficiently large to accommodate the pipeline. The hole remains uncased. Pressurised bentonite slurry (bentonite mixed with freshwater) is utilised to assist the drill, flush cuttings from the hole and stabilise the borehole walls.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 45 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
4.6.24 It is anticipated the HDD operation could take up to 3 months, depending on the final length and rate of progress in the given ground conditions.
4.6.25 In summary the HDD Option would typically include the following:
• Mobilise to Site & Establish Compounds; • Establish HDD Anchor Blocks; • Set Up HDD Rig; • Install Reception Pit; • Install Pilot Bore; • Ream Bore; • Weld Pipeline String (onshore or offshore); • Install Winch; • Place Pipeline on Rollers / Offshore Floatation or Barge; • Install pipeline under cliff; • Install reception pit/ cofferdam; Tie-in Works. 4.6.26 Two options exist for subsequent pipeline installation. The pipeline could be welded on land and pulled towards the sea or alternatively the pipe could be welded offshore and pulled towards the land.
4.6.27 A dredged channel would be required to enable a vessel and associated winch system to be established to be able to pull the pipe through the tunnel.
4.6.28 The tunneling/HDD reception pit may be located on the foreshore or beyond Mean Low Water Spring mark. The sheet piled (or similar) reception shaft would be sized to enable the safe recovery of the TBM/HDD reamers as well as facilitate the connection/tie-in to the offshore pipeline. The TBM/HDD reamers would enter the reception pit via a hole cut out of the sheet piled wall.
4.6.29 A cofferdam as described in Sections 4.5.3 to 4.5.6 may be required to provide a channel within which the offshore pipeline can be brought onshore to the tie-in point within the reception pit.
4.6.30 Following the tie-in connection the cofferdam will be backfilled and the cofferdam piles will either be cut back to an agreed depth below beach level or preferably removed completely.
4.6.31 A ‘wet’ tie-in location (beyond the mean low water spring mark) would require a piled reception pit, but no cofferdam or a much shorter cofferdam would be required. It would also avoid the need for works on the beach.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 46 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
• Dredge channel; • Pull in offshore pipeline to tie-in pit; • Tie-in weld; • Test Pipeline; • Backfill excavations; • Reinstatement ; • Demobilise.
4.7 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE ONSHORE SCHEME
Pipeline
4.7.1 The Pipeline will be operated and maintained in accordance with PD8010 Code of Practice for Pipelines – Part 1 Steel Pipelines on Land.
4.7.2 Once the Pipeline is in operation, National Grid will carry out a programme of inspection and maintenance so as to maintain a high level of safety. Regular air and ground surveillance will be conducted to ascertain if there has been any third party interference and to check on the condition of installed corrosion protectors and general progress of site reinstatement. Where issues are found, these would be corrected by appropriate remedial works. The pipeline would be inspected internally periodically using an intelligent PIG.
Above Ground Installations
4.7.3 All AGIs will be unmanned and operated remotely from a control centre. Drax PIG Trap, Camblesforth Multi-junction and the three block valves will be typically visited monthly for checks and inspections. Monthly visits would include visual inspections, electrical checks and possibly lubrications.
4.7.4 Planned maintenance of the AGIs would be undertaken up to twice a year. In order to undertake maintenance, the AGI would first be isolated from the upstream and downstream pipelines. Any Carbon Dioxide within the AGI internal inventory would then be vented to atmosphere through the vent stack prior to the any maintenance taking place. The Carbon Dioxide would be vented at a rate whereby noise emissions are limited to a maximum of 70dB LAeq, 1hr at the nearest existing noise sensitive receptor, the duration of the vent activity will not exceed one hour and will only be between the hours of 07:00hrs and 19:00hrs Monday to Friday. These noise levels will be achieved through the appropriate design of the vent or venting method.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 47 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
4.7.5 The venting of the internal inventory of Carbon Dioxide at PIG Traps within the AGIs for the purpose of the internal inspection of the Pipelines will be set at once every five years. Over time the frequency will be adjusted following examination of previous inspection data. That is, the inspection intervals could be extended or reduced to meet the needs of maintaining a safe operating Pipeline. Venting for this purpose will vented at a rate whereby noise emissions are limited to a maximum of 70dB LAeq, 1hr at the nearest existing noise sensitive receptor, the duration of the vent activity does not exceed one hour for each site which may be repeated on multiple days over a period which does not exceed 14 days at each AGI and only between the hours of 07:00hrs and 19:00hrs Monday to Friday.
4.7.6 The design life of the project is 40 years; however through regular maintenance this period could be extended.
4.7.7 Upon decommissioning the Pipeline will be decommissioned in situ. Standard practice is to flush and clean a pipeline, fill it with nitrogen and then cap and seal it. Where possible removable structures will be recovered for re-use or recycling. The cathodic protection system would remain in place, therefore there will be no degradation of the Pipeline.
4.7.8 Following decommissioning the AGI sites will be returned to agricultural use. The plant and equipment will be dismantled, all concrete, roads and hard standing removed and the land remediated. Habitats that have been created as part of the Onshore Scheme will be left in situ.
4.8 OFFSHORE SCHEME
4.8.1 A summary of the Offshore Scheme is presented in the Statement of Combined Effects (Document 6.21), however the information is presented here for the purpose of supporting the conclusions of this NSER.
4.8.2 Certain elements of the Offshore Scheme are subject to ongoing options appraisal, and the Project in its entirety is at a pre-Front End Engineering Design (FEED) stage. The description below is a “worst case” development scenario given the facts available the time of writing, for instance the footprint of the final Offshore Scheme is unlikely to be larger than that presented below.
4.8.3 The Offshore Scheme comprises a Pipeline linking the landfall to a Normally Unmanned Installation (NUI) and related infrastructure (e.g. wells, platform power generation facilities etc.).
4.8.4 The Offshore Scheme is illustrated on Figure 2 below.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 48 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Figure 2 Location of the Offshore Scheme
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 49 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Offshore Pipeline
4.8.5 The offshore Pipeline will comprise of approximately 90 km of 610 mm concrete coated carbon steel Pipeline and will be laid from the landfall to a NUI located at the geological storage site (see Figure 2).
4.8.6 The proposed Pipeline route has been selected on the basis of desk-based options appraisal and subsequent offshore survey, and has been optimised based on, for instance, the occurrence and orientation of large sand ridges, the avoidance of outcropping bedrock, and the avoidance of conservation sites, including Natura 2000 sites and Marine Conservation Zones.
4.8.7 Analysis of Particle Size Distribution (PSD) patterns from grab samples collected during the entire pipeline route survey indicates that the dominant textural groups are gravelly sand to sand, with muddy sandy gravel present in some nearshore samples (Ref 5). Geotechnical cores reveal that the material to be excavated during trenching would be a combination of such surficial sands and underlying boulder clay, the latter being part of the Bolders Bank Formation, the offshore extension of the tills found to comprise much of the cliffs and beach of Holderness.
4.8.8 The proposal is for the pipeline to be buried in the nearshore out to the 30 m depth contour (see Figure 2) and subsequently surface laid to the offshore platform (NUI) at the storage site. A geophysical survey and subsequent geotechnical survey of the pipeline route indicate that there are no obstructions which would prevent such an approach to installation, and similar techniques have been employed for existing pipelines associated with the Easington gas terminal, such as York (Ref 6) and Langeled (Ref 7).
Offshore Pipeline Installation
4.8.9 The Offshore Pipeline installation is not expected to exceed 4 months in duration and will include the following activities:
• Dredging of an access channel, followed by cutting a nearshore pipeline trench to the 30 m depth contour (approximately15 km offshore); • Nearshore and offshore pipelay vessel movements; • Backfilling of nearshore trench; and • Post-lay survey. 4.8.10 The installation of the nearshore Pipeline will require up to four vessels 1 x dredger, 1 x lay barge and 2 x anchor handlers. The installation of the offshore
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 50 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Pipeline will be require up to three vessels 1 x lay barge and 2 x anchor handlers, however an additional pipe supply vessel may be required (when required) depending on the amount of pipe which can be stored on the lay barge.
Buried Nearshore Pipeline
4.8.11 The depth and width of the trench into which the Pipeline will be laid is yet to be finalised, though other similar installations have used trenches of dimensions up to 15 m wide and 2.5 m deep. Assuming a continuous trench from the cofferdam end to the 30 m depth contour, this would result in the sidecasting of approximately 562,500 m3 of material.
4.8.12 In addition to the nearshore Pipleine trench, there is likely to be the requirement to cut an access channel for the shallow water lay vessel to be able to get sufficiently close to the shore. Previous experience (e.g. in relation to Langeled) has shown that such a channel may need to be approximately 6 m at its deepest point (e.g. at the interface with the cofferdam (if used) and reflecting the operating depth of the barge), have a length to meet the 6 m depth contour (approximately 640 m at Easington) and a width of approximately 160 m. This would result in an additional movement of up to 614,000m 3 of primarily boulder clay.
4.8.13 In the nearshore area the likely depth of the surficial sediment (sand) cover over the length of the trench is thin, and nearshore survey results indicate that the underlying boulder clay is often exposed from the shore out to approximately 8-9 km where there is a layer of sand up to approximately 8 m thick. Further offshore from this point, the seabed surface has numerous boulders and surface undulations interpreted to reflect sub-cropping or outcropping boulder clay to 15 km offshore, confirmed through the collection of clay material from surface grab samples the majority of excavated material is likely to be of this sediment type.
4.8.14 The sidecast material would be left on the seabed and backfilled as soon as possible following Pipeline installation. Given the nature of the principal substrate being excavated (cohesive boulder clay), much of the sidecast material is not expected to significantly break down over the duration of operations. A conservative estimate (not expected to be exceeded) of sediment lost to the water column for the Langeled pipeline installation on this section of coast was 10% (Ref 8). Assuming the above trenched volume, this may amount up to a maximum in-combination amount with the 600 m 3 contribution from the Cofferdam (please refer to Section 4.6.9) of 118,560 m3 being transported in suspension away from the pipeline location and the access channel. This represents a small additional input of sediment in the context of wider erosion of fine-grained (i.e. very fine sand, silt and clay) sediment from the Holderness
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 51 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
coast (approximately 2.5 million m 3 per year, or 3 million m 3 including coarser sediment fractions). Resuspension of material during such activities would be in the context of existing high levels of suspended sediments experienced during storm events (Ref 9), and would therefore not represent significantly higher levels of turbidity than that seasonally experienced.
4.8.15 Additionally, the work will be undertaken in summer months at which time natural sediment movement will be at a minimum, and the potential for loss of sidecast sediment will be reduced. Seasonal turbidity from sediment movement will also be at a minimum (Ref 10), and therefore any contribution to this variable by the trench excavation and sediment loss will similarly be minimised (note that the sediment plume from the Humber Estuary mouth maintains a naturally highly turbid environment (Ref 10)). It should be noted that the excavation will take place over a number of weeks, and any resuspended sediment will not become available in a single event. In addition this contribution will be temporary during one six month period and not be repeated in consecutive years.
4.8.16 Due to the depth of pipeline burial, and that the majority of sidecast material would be retained and backfilled, it is not proposed that rock dump, concrete or frond mattressing will be required for the nearshore section of Pipeline.
4.8.17 Once the nearshore pipeline trench has been backfilled it is not expected that there will be any continued interference with the natural transport of such material along the Holderness Coast during the operation of the Offshore Pipeline.
Offshore Pipeline
4.8.18 The Offshore Pipeline will be surface laid from the 30 m depth contour mark to the NUI. The surface laid offshore section will have a progressively thickening concrete coat to provide pipeline stability.
Programme
4.8.19 Overall the duration of pipelay activities for the nearshore and offshore Pipeline are not expected to exceed 4 months. The pipelay activities are transient, the lay rate of the nearshore installation out to the 30 m depth contour is approximately 500m/day and the offshore surface lay Pipeline up to 4km a day.
The Normally Unmanned Installation (NUI)
4.8.20 The Carbon Dioxide storage site (5/42) comprises a saline aquifer within a domed structure which is part of the wider Triassic Bunter Sandstone Formation.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 52 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
4.8.21 The NUI is located approximately 70 km from the coast and will comprise of a steel jacket platform which will either be piled to the seabed, or alternatively drill and grout fixing may be required due to hard seabed conditions (e.g. where chalk and limestone bedrock are in close proximity to, or at, the seabed). The platform will have a control system, refuge and life support facilities, a helideck, boat landing deck, diesel power generation and facilities for diesel, chemical and hydraulic fluid storage. There will also be facilities for chemical injection and hydraulic control. There will be no drilling facilities on the platform and drilling will be undertaken by a mobile “jack-up” rig.
4.8.22 Three wells are to be drilled for Carbon Dioxide injection in the first phase of operations, with a further two being kept spare for future injection and one to be used for monitoring or water production.
4.8.23 The proposed Pipeline route and platform location is shown in Figure 2. The area within which the Offshore Scheme is proposed to be installed has been subject to survey. At the storage site location, survey was undertaken towards two notional platform locations, with an area between them infilled using the same survey methods as the Pipeline route. This provides sufficient data for a range of potential platform and well site locations and pipeline approaches to be considered through FEED.
Operation of the Offshore Scheme
4.8.24 An as-laid Pipeline survey will be undertaken following Pipeline installation. During operation it is standard practice for a Pipeline inspection survey to be undertaken at 1-2 yearly intervals as part of routine maintenance activity. This is undertaken for safety reasons to minimise any snagging hazards.
4.8.25 The burial of the nearshore pipeline will be at a sufficient depth to avoid exposure out to the 30 m depth contour. There is the potential for scour to occur around the exposed offshore Pipeline during the operational term of the project. The degree of scour is related to seabed current velocity, direction and sediment type. The peak orbital velocity at the seabed associated with the one year maximum calculated wave height for shallow depths (16 m) in the offshore Easington area is 3.57 m/s. If the tidal current is aligned with the wave direction then bottom current velocities in the shallow waters could reach up to 5 m/s during a storm surge (Statoil 2004). This value is however, significantly higher than those predicted for combined extreme tidal, wind and surge induced velocities (>2 m/s) at the York gas platform (42 m water depth) reflecting the influence that water depth has on especially extreme wind, wave and surge forced velocities. Based on bottom currents in the area, it was concluded that scour effects would not be present at depths below 50 m for Langeled (a surface laid 44” pipeline) (Ref 7).
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 53 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
This is consistent with data collected during the pipeline route survey for the Offshore Scheme, which did not reveal any noticeable scour in the vicinity of the Langeled pipeline, recorded at a depth of 50-51 m below lowest astronomical tide. Any potential scour would be restricted to the exposed length of pipe between the exit of the trench and a depth of at least 50 m. Interpreted sonar data from the Pipeline route survey indicates that numerous large boulders up to 4.4 m in diameter are located on the seabed increasing in number seawards of 9 km from the shore and are probably associated with the exposure of underlying boulder clay. Should Pipeline monitoring reveal a requirement for stabilisation materials between the exit of the trench and the 50 m contour the use of stabilisation materials would not be usual within this area of the seabed.
4.8.26 The platform will be operated from a control room onshore. Regular supply trips are not envisaged and the platform is expected to be unmanned for 6-7 weeks at a time. In keeping with other project elements, the platform is expected to have a 40 year lifespan.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 54 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
5 Screening Stages 1a and 1b: Natura 2000 Sites
5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.1.1 This Chapter identifies the Natura 2000 sites which could potentially be affected by the Onshore Scheme, comprising Screening Stages 1a and 1b as set out on Figure 3.
5.2 STAGE 1A
5.2.1 There are no Natura 2000 sites within the Application Boundary of the Onshore Scheme. Therefore the Onshore Scheme will not result in the direct loss, temporary or permanent of any habitat within the boundary of a Natura 2000 site.
5.3 STAGE 1B
5.3.1 Stage 1b can be broken down into a number of further stages these are illustrated on Figure 4. Each stage of the process seeks to screen out either whole sites or interest features of the site where it is concluded that there is no potential for a Likely Significant Effect.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 55 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Figure 4: Detail of Screening Stage 1b
Step 1b a: Determine the possible sources of potential effects.
Yes sources exist
Step 1b b: Determine whether a pathway for an effect exists. Identification of those Sites : No • Which are downstream or upstream of the Onshore mechanism Scheme and have locally mobile interest features exists which could be subject to disturbance. • Where the Onshore Scheme could result in disturbance to interest features using supporting habitat. • Where the Onshore Scheme could result in the loss or fragmentation of habitat (temporary or permanent) which support s interest features of the site . Yes pathways and receptors exist
Step 1b c: For those sites where a pathway exists determine
whether a mechanism for effect exists on each of the sites Interest Features .
Yes mechanism exists No potential for LSE Continue to Stage 1c
Screening Stage 1ba
5.3.2 This section identifies the potential effects which could occur as a result of the construction and operation of the Onshore Scheme.
5.3.3 Potential effects on Natura 2000 sites have been categorised into the following:
Habitat Loss or Fragmentation – direct loss of habitat or supporting habitat, either temporary or permanent, due to the placement of works, structures or machinery within the habitat.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 56 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Disturbance – sites that are designated for Fauna (birds / fish / mammals) can be affected by disturbance arising from construction and operation. General construction works (noise, vehicles, vibration, lighting, and presence of construction workers) has the potential to cause displacement of qualifying features from the affected areas. Operational disturbance can result from maintenance activities, such as movement of people and machines and any associated noise or lighting requirements. The degree of disturbance will depend on the time of year, the species affected, the duration of the source of the disturbance, the nature of the surrounding habitats and the availability of suitable habitat for species to move into.
Pollution – The release of pollutants (for example through fuel/hydraulic oil spills) generated during construction or operational activities could have adverse effects on qualifying features by changing, for example, the oxygen / chemical levels of their habitat. Pollutants may also be airborne and effects associated with deposition levels.
Alternation in Physical Regime / Structure – this can be caused by increased or decreased erosion / deposition rates, for example the placement of a structure on the foreshore may prevent or accelerate longshore drift which could affect the physical makeup of protected sites up or down drift of the structure. Likewise discharging large volumes of water onto an area of sandbank may have an effect on the morphology of that sandbank.
5.3.4 There are a number of measures built into the Onshore Scheme which will ensure some of the sources of effects described above will be avoided completely. These are set out in Table 5.1 and have been taken into account within the screening process.
Table 5.1 Potential for the Onshore Scheme to result in an effect. Source/ Potential effect Onshore Scheme Potential Cause for effect Y/N Direct loss of habitat within a The Onshore Scheme has Natura 2000 site been designed to avoid N Habitat Loss (permanent / Natura 2000 sites. or temporary) Fragmentation Interest features may use Direct loss of supporting habitat within and supporting habitat Y adjacent to the Application / (permanent / Boundary for feeding,
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 57 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.1 Potential for the Onshore Scheme to result in an effect. Source/ Potential effect Onshore Scheme Potential Cause for effect Y/N temporary) foraging, breeding and roosting. The Onshore Scheme could result in loss or fragmentation of supporting habitat during the construction and operation of the Onshore Scheme.
Temporary Interest features may use disturbance supporting habitat within and (construction / adjacent to the Application decommissioning Boundary. noise, vibration, The Onshore Scheme could lighting, presence Y result in disturbance to of personnel) interest features during the working within or construction / adjacent to decommissioning of the supporting Onshore Scheme. habitat. Once constructed, the Pipeline will be buried and all Disturbance land reinstated. All AGIs will be operated remotely with Permanent regular maintenance, please Disturbance to refer to Sections 4.7.3 to interest features 4.7.4. using adjacent There is no permanent noise supporting habitat source at the PIG Trap, Multi- N from maintenance junction or the three Block activities, e.g. Valves as there is no flowing noise and above ground pipework at lighting. these AGIs. Permanent noise sources at Pumping Station will be attenuated and will not exceed background levels at the nearest existing sensitive
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 58 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.1 Potential for the Onshore Scheme to result in an effect. Source/ Potential effect Onshore Scheme Potential Cause for effect Y/N receptors, please refer to Section 15 of Schedule 3 of Document 3.1) Maintenance venting operations will be undertaken up to twice a year, please refer to Section 4.7.4. Venting for the purpose of Pipeline Inspection will be undertaken every five years, please refer to Section 4.7.5 and venting for the purpose of Pipeline Inspection will be undertaken once every 5 years, please refer to Section 4.7.5. There will be no permanent lighting at the AGIs other than Barmston Pumping Station. The lighting at the Pumping Station will only be used if required, during maintenance. There is no potential for the operation of the Onshore Scheme to result in disturbance. The Onshore Scheme Release of includes committed trenchless pollutants and silt crossings for all main rivers laden runoff into which include the Rivers surface water Ouse, Hull and Kelk Beck Pollution during the N which discharge into the construction / Humber Estuary. Trenchless decommissioning crossings will be set back at of the Onshore least 9 m from the top of the Scheme banks and pollution
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 59 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.1 Potential for the Onshore Scheme to result in an effect. Source/ Potential effect Onshore Scheme Potential Cause for effect Y/N prevention measures and included within the Onshore Scheme. A silt management plan and spillage emergency response plan will be implemented across all construction areas, please refer to the CoCP Document 7.5. It is very unlikely that the Onshore Scheme will result in pollution during construction. Effects on air quality are detailed in Chapter 12 Air Quality of the ES (Document 6.12). Effects during construction will be temporary (1 year (up to 2 years for the Pumping Station)). The predicted increases in traffic flows during the construction Temporary phase will not exceed the effects on the on EPUK criteria for any air quality / construction routes. Therefore N deposition during effects associated with construction / vehicle emissions are decommissioning. considered insignificant, please refer to Section 1.1.5 of Chapter 12 of the ES (Document 6.12). Effects from dust and track out during the construction phase will be temporary and considered to be negligible please refer to Section 9 of Chapter 12 of the ES
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 60 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.1 Potential for the Onshore Scheme to result in an effect. Source/ Potential effect Onshore Scheme Potential Cause for effect Y/N (Document 6.12). There is no potential for temporary effects on air quality / deposition to affect a Natura 2000 site. Drainage methods for all AGIs will use SUDS. Chemicals, diesel and other substances will be stored on site at the Pumping Station only. These Release of will be appropriately bunded pollutants to and stored. The DCO surface water includes the requirement for a during the post DCO submission of a N operation of the detailed drainage design. The Onshore drainage strategy will include Scheme. appropriate treatment and containment measures. There are no potential effects from pollution of surface water during the Operation of the Onshore Scheme. The Onshore Scheme does not give rise to any operational emissions. There will be periodic Effects on air maintenance venting of a quality / small amount of Carbon deposition during Dioxide from the AGIs, please N the operation of refer to Sections 4.7.4 and the Onshore 4.7.5 this will not give rise to Scheme an adverse effect. There are no potential effects on air quality / deposition generated by the Onshore
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 61 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.1 Potential for the Onshore Scheme to result in an effect. Source/ Potential effect Onshore Scheme Potential Cause for effect Y/N Scheme. The Onshore Scheme is committed to abstracting and discharging water used for hydrostatic testing from the same catchment, please refer to Section 9 of Schedule 3 of Document 3.1. This will be carried out in accordance with the Environment Agency agreement and subject to abstraction licences and environmental permits. Water will only be sourced where effects on the abstraction do Abstraction and not have significant effects on discharge of the water resources and Alteration in water for aquatic ecology which N Physical hydrostatic depends on the river flow. Regime / testing. Discharges will be attenuated Structure in storage lagoons (if necessary) to prevent excessive flows being released and affecting the channel morphology, please refer to Document 7.5. Water quality will be tested and treated prior to discharge. Hydostatic Testing will be controlled as set out above therefore there is no potential for the Onshore Scheme to result in an effect on a Natura 2000 site as a result.
Temporary The installation of a cofferdam N effects on may result in temporary
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 62 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.1 Potential for the Onshore Scheme to result in an effect. Source/ Potential effect Onshore Scheme Potential Cause for effect Y/N longshore drift trapping of sediment having a during similar effect to groynes on construction if a longshore sediment transport, cofferdam is please refer to Section 4.6. used. The direction of sediment transport along this section of coast is north to south, please refer to Appendix 5.4.1 (Document 5.4.1). Therefore there is no potential for the works to effect Natura 2000 sites to the north of the landfall e.g.Flamborough Head) ads the works will not result in the interference of sediment supply to these sites. The magnitude of such sediment trapping and effect on sediment supply along the coast will be limited and it is not considered likely that appreciable quantities of sediment would be trapped (please refer to Section 4.6). The trapping of sediment will be temporary, maximum of 6 months and will be monitored during construction. Should monitoring identify any noticeable down drift sediment starvation, sediment would be moved mechanically from up drift. Normal coastal processes would continue after the cofferdam has been
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 63 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.1 Potential for the Onshore Scheme to result in an effect. Source/ Potential effect Onshore Scheme Potential Cause for effect Y/N removed. Additional information on the potential effects of the cofferdam in relation to Spurn head is provided in Appendix 5.4.1 (Document 5.4.1). The Onshore Scheme will result in temporary, very localised effects on sediment transport from the cofferdam, please refer to Section 4.6, Due to the temporary nature of the works (6 months) and the localised effects there is no potential for this localised effect to propagate to the Humber Estuary (Spurn Head) located 50 km to the south. The pipeline will be buried for Permanent the first 15 km offshore and effects on therefore will not interfere with longshore drift sediment movement along the during the Holderness Coastline. N operation of the There are no potential effects Onshore on longshore drift from the Scheme. operation of the Onshore Scheme.
5.3.5 The Onshore Scheme has the potential to affect Natura 2000 sites through the following means:
• Temporary Disturbance;
• Temporary loss or fragmentation of supporting habitat; and
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 64 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
• Permanent loss or fragmentation of supporting habitat.
5.3.6 All other potential effects set out in Table 5.1 are designed out of the Onshore Scheme and therefore there is no possible source/and or pathway through which the scheme could affect a Natura 2000 site.
Possible Sources of Potential effects from the Offshore Scheme
5.3.7 In addition to the Onshore Scheme this NSER has considered the potential for the Offshore Scheme to result in a potential effect on a Natura 2000 site considered for the purpose of this NSER. The Offshore Scheme is described in Section 4.8 and of the potential effects described above has the Offshore Scheme has the potential to result in disturbance and the alternation of the physical regime / structure of a Natura 2000 site considered for the purpose of this NSER.
Alteration in Physical Regime / Structure
5.3.8 The installation of the Offshore Pipeline could theoretically result in effects on the physical regime or structure of a site, in two ways:
• Reduction or increase of the down drift sediment supply during construction as a result of the trenching and creation of an access channel for the nearshore Pipeline
• Interference with down drift sediment supplies during operation.
5.3.9 The shore duration of the construction works means that there is no potential for a reduction in sediment supply. The nearshore pipeline will be buried and will therefore not interfere with the sediment supply along the Holderness Coast in the long term. Any potential effect on the physical regime / structure to the Humber SAC / SPA to the south (which is the direction of sediment supply along the Holderness Coast) could therefore only be associated with the supply of additional sediment during the temporary trenching operations.
5.3.10 During trenching of the nearshore pipeline the sidecast material would be left on the seabed and backfilled as soon as possible following pipeline installation. The principal substrate to be excavated is cohesive boulder clay. The cohesiveness of the clay means that very little of the excavated material is expected to break down over the duration of the temporary trenching operations. In addition the trenching operations will be undertaken in the summer months at which time natural sediment movement, and the erosive power of the waves and currents will be at a minimum. A worst case estimate for the loss of sidecast material to the water column is 10% (Ref 8 This represents a small additional input of
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 65 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
sediment in the context of wider erosion of fine-grained (i.e. very fine sand, silt and clay) sediment from the Holderness coast (approximately 2.5 million m3 per year, or 3 million m3 including coarser sediment fractions).
5.3.11 Seabed scour is only possible on the exposed length of pipe between the exit of the trench and a depth of at least 50m. It is not anticipated that any scour will occur and rock placement is not proposed. However, should monitoring surveys reveal any localised scour, localised placement of stabilisation materials will be considered. Interpreted sonar data from the pipeline route survey indicates that numerous large boulders up to 4.4m in diameter are located on the seabed, increasing in number seawards of 9km from the shore, and are probably associated with exposure of underlying boulder clay. The effects of locally placed scour protection would be no different from these naturally occurring boulders.
5.3.12 It is estimated that only 3% of material eroded from the Holderness Coast is deposited at Spurn Head each year, (please refer to Appendix 5.4.1), and this mainly comprises of the coarse fraction of the eroded sediment. Of the 3% deposited, the material is primarily derived from the southern portion of the Holderness Coast (from Barmston southwards) (Ref 2). Longshore transport rates have previously been estimated at Barmston for which it was noted that sediment transport was minimal and confined to peak spring flows (Ref 11). Therefore of the 3% contribution of sediment to Spurn Head from erosion of the Holderness Coast, the amount contributed from the section of coastline where the Onshore and Offshore Schemes are located is likely to negligible.
5.3.13 The trenching operations will be undertaken in the summer months at which time natural sediment movement will be at a minimum, (please refer to Section 4.8.15). The principal substrate excavated will be cohesive boulder and that any contribution to sediment supply from trenching will be temporary mean that the supply of additional sediment is likely to be minimal. Coupled with the fact that very little material from this part of the Holderness coast contributes to the 3% supply to Spurn Head the Offshore Scheme, it is considered to be very unlikely that significant effects will result due to an alteration in the physical regime or structure of Spurn Head
Disturbance
5.3.14 Once installed the Offshore Scheme will be operated remotely. A Pipeline inspection survey will be undertaken at 1-2 yearly intervals for safety reasons and to minimise snagging hazards. The NUI will be unmanned and maintenance vessel transits to the NUI are expected to have a frequency of once every 6-7 weeks. Therefore due to the limited potential the Offshore Scheme is not likely to
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 66 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
result in a significant adverse effect from disturbance during the operation of the Offshore Scheme.
5.3.15 The Interest features of sites may use habitat within and adjacent to the Offshore Scheme. Therefore the Offshore Scheme has the potential to affect Natura 2000 sites through the following means:
• Temporary Disturbance.
Screening Stage 1bb
5.3.16 This section identifies those Sites where a pathway exists between the sources of effects, as defined in Section 5.3.5, and a Natura 2000 Site. It was established at Stage 1a that no Natura 2000 sites are located within the Application Boundary of the Onshore Scheme.
5.3.17 In order to identify the sites and interest features that could reasonably be affected, a distance from the Onshore Scheme of 15 km was selected in addition to those sites which were upstream and downstream. It is unlikely that beyond 10 km a functional link with a locally mobile SPA feature for feeding and foraging exists. Therefore out of an abundance of caution a 15 km buffer has been used to ensure all sites which have locally mobile interest features have been included.
5.3.18 A review of Natura 2000 sites in proximity of the Onshore Scheme has been undertaken and those sites which are in proximity of the Onshore Scheme and are designated for interest features that could use supporting habitat within the Application Boundary for feeding, roosting and breeding or are up / downstream or along the coast from the Onshore Scheme are set out in Table 5.2 below. The sites listed in Table 5.2 are presented west to east in relation to the Onshore Scheme. These are also illustrated on Figure 5.1. The Onshore Scheme will not result in any operational emissions, nor does it include any structures which will interfere with migratory routes, therefore it has no potential to affect sites which are remote from the Application Boundary.
Table 5.2 Screening Step 1bb - does an effect pathway exist between the Onshore Scheme and a Natura 2000 site? Site Proximity to the Pathway to result in a potential to Onshore Scheme effect
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 67 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
2.4 km to the southeast at the Potential for loss (temporary / closest point. The permanent) of habitat which supports Onshore Scheme interest features of the SPA. crosses both the River Potential for temporary disturbance to Humber Ouse (4.6 km interest features which use habitat Estuary SPA upstream) and the within or adjacent to the Onshore River Hull Scheme. (approximately 35 km upstream) which both Potential effects only relate to the discharge into the Onshore Scheme. Humber Estuary. 2.4 km to the southeast at the closest point. The Potential for temporary disturbance to Onshore Scheme transient interest features which use crosses both the River habitat within or adjacent to the Humber Ouse (4.6km Onshore Scheme. Estuary SAC upstream) and the Potential for temporary disturbance River Hull relates to both the Onshore and (approximately 35km Offshore Schemes. upstream) which both discharge into the Humber Estuary. 2.4 km to the southeast at the Potential for loss (temporary / closest point. The permanent) of habitat which supports Onshore Scheme bird assemblages. crosses both the River Humber Potential for temporary disturbance to Ouse (4.6 km Estuary interest features which use habitat upstream) and the Ramsar within or adjacent to the Onshore River Hull Scheme. (approximately 35 km upstream) which both Potential effects only relate to the discharge into the Onshore Scheme. Humber Estuary.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 68 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
480 m to the northeast at the closest point. Potential for temporary disturbance to The Onshore Scheme transient interest features which use River also crosses the Old habitat within or adjacent to the Derwent SAC Derwent and a Onshore Scheme. number of smaller Potential effects only relate to the tributaries which drain Onshore Scheme. into the River Derwent Potential for temporary disturbance to interest features which use habitat Lower 2.75 km to the within or adjacent to the Onshore Derwent northwest at the Scheme. Valley SAC closest point. Potential effects only relate to the Onshore Scheme. Potential for loss (temporary / permanent) of habitat which supports interest features of the SPA. Lower 2.75 km to the Potential for temporary disturbance to Derwent northwest at the interest features which use habitat Valley SPA closest point. within or adjacent to the Onshore Scheme. Potential effects only relate to the Onshore Scheme. Potential for loss (temporary / permanent) of habitat which supports bird assemblages. Lower Derwent 2.75 km to the Potential for temporary disturbance to Valley northwest at the interest features which use habitat Ramsar closest point. within or adjacent to the Onshore Scheme. Potential effects only relate to the Onshore Scheme.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 69 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
The site contains no transient interest features therefore there is no pathway Skipwith to affect any of the interest features of Common 9k km to the north at this site. No potential Likely Significant SAC the closest point Effect and the site can be screened out. Please refer to Table C1 in Appendix 5.4.3 (Document 5.4.3) for the interest features of this site. Potential for loss (temporary / permanent) of habitat which supports interest features of the SPA. Potential for temporary disturbance to 7 km to the southeast. Thorne and interest features which use habitat South of the River Hatfield within or adjacent to the Onshore Ouse at the closest Moors SPA Scheme. Please refer to Table C1 in point. Appendix 5.4.3 (Document 5.4.3) for the interest features of this site. Potential effects only relate to the Onshore Scheme. The site contains no transient interest features therefore there is no pathway 7 km to the southeast to affect any of the interest features of Thorne Moor South of the River this site. No potential Likely Significant SAC Ouse at the closest Effect and the site can be screened point out. Please refer to Table C1 in Appendix 5.4.3 (Document 5.4.3) for the interest features of this site. The site contains no transient interest features therefore there is no pathway 5.9 km north of Flamborough to effect any of the interest features of Onshore Scheme at Head SAC this site. No potential Likley Significant the closest point Effect and the site can be screened out.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 70 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Potential for loss (temporary / permanent) of habitat which supports interest features of the SPA. Flamborough Potential for temporary disturbance to 5.9 km north of the Head and interest features which use habitat Onshore Scheme at Bempton within or adjacent to the Onshore the closest point Cliffs SPA Scheme. Potential for temporary disturbance relates to both the Onshore and Offshore Schemes. Potential for loss (temporary / permanent) of habitat which supports interest features of the SPA.
Hornsea 11 km south of the Potential for temporary disturbance to Mere SPA Onshore Scheme the interest features which use habitat closet point within or adjacent to the Onshore Scheme. Potential effects only relate to the Onshore Scheme. NB – the term ‘transient’ refers to locally mobile interest features that make use of surrounding habitats, which are themselves not protected as a Natura 2000 site. Examples include golden plover and lapwing that assemble to roost on the protected mudflats of the Humber SPA, but forage on surrounding farmland, that is unprotected.
5.3.19 Of the sites in Table 5.2 above, no effect pathway has been identified with the following sites and the Onshore Scheme and therefore these sites have been screened out and will not be considered further:
• Skipwith Common SAC;
• Thorne Moor SAC; and
• Flamborough Head SAC.
5.3.20 The following provides a site description of those sites where a potential source and pathway has been identified at Screening Stage 1bb (again, in order from West to East).
Humber Estuary Protected Sites 5.3.21 The Humber Estuary is located in the east of England and comprises extensive wetland and coastal habitats. The estuary drains a catchment of some 24,240
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 71 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
square kilometres and provides the largest single input of freshwater from Britain into the North Sea. It has the second-highest tidal range in Britain (7.2 m) and approximately one-third of the estuary is exposed as mud- or sand-flats at low tide. The inner estuary supports extensive areas of reedbed with areas of mature and developing saltmarsh backed by grazing marsh in the middle and outer estuary. On the north Lincolnshire coast, the saltmarsh is backed by low sand dunes with marshy slacks and brackish pools. The estuary supports important numbers of waterbirds (especially geese, ducks and waders) during the migration periods and in winter. It also supports important breeding populations of terns and raptors in summer 1.
River Derwent SAC 5.3.22 The River Derwent rises on Fylingdales Moor in the North York Moors National Park joining the River Ouse at Barmby on the Marsh. The catchment covers 2,057 square kilometres which is bounded by the Cleveland Hills, North York Moors and Hambleton Hills to the north and the Yorkshire Wolds to the east, the Valve of York to the west and the River Ouse and the Humber Estuary to the South.
Lower Derwent Valley Protected Sites 5.3.23 The Lower Derwent Valley is a major floodplain system located in East and North Yorkshire. The valley holds a series of neutral alluvial flood meadows, fens, swamps, valley mires, Alder Alnus glutinosa woodlands and other freshwater habitats lying adjacent to the River Derwent, Pocklington Canal and The Beck. The Lower Derwent Valley is one of the largest and most important examples of traditionally managed species-rich alluvial flood meadow habitat remaining in the UK. These grasslands, which were formerly widespread in the UK, are now very restricted in distribution due to agricultural intensification. The character and species composition of the grassland, fen and swamp communities is largely controlled by topography, differences in the extent of winter flooding and by the type of agricultural management. The site is of outstanding importance for a diverse range of waterbirds throughout the year. In winter the site supports large numbers of swans, ducks and waders, as well as Bittern Botaurus stellaris , whilst in summer the floodplain holds breeding waders, Corncrake Crex crex and Spotted Crake Porzana porzana 2.
Thorne and Hatfield Moors SPA 5.3.24 Thorne and Hatfield Moors SPA is an extensive lowland raised mire system adjacent to the Humber estuary on the north-east coast of England and is the
1 http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=1996 2 http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=1994
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 72 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
largest remaining lowland peatland in England. Despite a long history of extensive peat extraction since the late nineteenth century, the site retains substantial areas of Sphagnum bog, which has been changed by succession to wet scrub woodland dominated by Birch Betula sp., sallows and Alder Alnus glutinosa . Where the peat surface has been removed, subsequent restoration of active bog has depended upon shallow flooding to allow Sphagnum and other bog plants to re-colonise. The mire communities are dominated by Hare's-tail Eriophorum vaginatum and Common Cottongrass E. angustifolium , Cross- leaved Heath Erica tetralix , Soft-rush Juncus effusus and Sphagnum mosses, and include a variety of scarcer bog plants such as Bog-rosemary Andromeda polifolia and Cranberry Vaccinium oxycoccos . Drier heath is dominated by Heather Calluna vulgaris , Bracken Pteridium aquilinum and Purple Moor-grass Molinia caerulea . Birch Betula sp. scrub, some of it dense, occurs throughout both moors. The diverse mosaic of habitats contribute greatly to the ornithological interest, which comprises breeding species, notably Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus 3.
Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs SPA 5.3.25 Flamborough Head is located on the central Yorkshire coast of eastern England. The cliffs project into the North Sea, rising to 135 m at Bempton Cliffs, and exposing a wide section of chalk strata. The cliff-top vegetation comprises maritime grassland vegetation growing alongside species more typical of chalk grassland. The site supports large numbers of breeding seabirds including Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla and auks, as well as the only mainland-breeding colony of Gannet Morus bassanus in the UK. The seabirds feed and raft in the waters around the cliffs, outside the SPA, as well as feeding more distantly in the North Sea. The intertidal chalk platforms are also used as roosting sites, particularly at low water and notably by juvenile Kittiwakes 4.
Hornsea Mere SPA 5.3.26 Hornsea Mere is the largest freshwater lake in Yorkshire, situated less than 1 km from the sea on the East Yorkshire coast in northern England. It is of glacial origin, shallow (1-2m deep), eutrophic and fringed with reedbeds, fen and carr. Its shallowness has encouraged the development of extensive marginal swamps of Common Reed Phragmites australis , Bulrush Typha latifolia and Common Club- rush Schoenoplectus lacustris . These are best developed at the west end of the mere, where they grade into Alder Alnus glutinosa and willow Salix spp . carr. There are also fen communities, rich in plant species, as well as aquatic plants of open water such as Canadian Waterweed Elodea canadensis , Fennel Pondweed
3 http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=1988 4 http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=1995
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 73 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Potamogeton pectinatus , Spiked Water-milfoil Myriophyllum spicatum , Rigid Hornwort Ceratophyllum demersum and Yellow Water-lily Nuphar lutea . Dense algal blooms occur in summer as a result of eutrophication. The reedbeds, swamp communities and wet woodland support a diverse invertebrate fauna. Hornsea Mere supports breeding and wintering waterbirds, which feed on the open water and use the marginal vegetation for feeding and roosting 5.
Qualifying Features 5.3.27 Table 5.3 lists the qualifying species and habitats and the conservation objectives of each of the sites where a pathway with the Onshore Scheme has been identified. The qualifying features and conservation objectives of Thorne Moor, Skipwith Common and Flamborough Head SACs where no pathway has been identified are presented in Appendix 5.4.3 (Document 5.4.3) for completeness.
5 http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=1999
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 74 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.3 Qualifying Species and Conservation Objectives Site Qualifying Features Conservation Objectives Article 4.1 Qualification (79/409/EEC) during the breeding Avoid the deterioration of the habitats of season the area regularly supports: the qualifying features, and the Great bittern Botaurus stellaris significant disturbance of the qualifying features, ensuring the integrity of the Eurasian marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus site is maintained and the site makes a Pied avocet Recurvirostra avosetta full contribution to achieving the aims of Little tern Sterna albifrons the Birds Directive. Over winter the area regularly supports: Subject to natural change, to maintain or Great bittern Botaurus stellaris restore: Hen harrier Circus cyaneus The extent and distribution of the Humber habitats of the qualifying features; Estuary SPA Bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica The structure and function of the European golden plover Pluvialis apricaria habitats of the qualifying features; Pied avocet Recurvirostra avosetta The supporting processes on which On passage the area regularly supports: the habitats of the qualifying features Ruff Philomachus pugnax rely; Article 4.2 Qualification (79/409/EEC) Over winter the The populations of the qualifying area regularly supports: features; Dunlin Calidris alpina alpina The distribution of the qualifying Red knot Calidris canutus features within the site.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 75 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.3 Qualifying Species and Conservation Objectives Site Qualifying Features Conservation Objectives Black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa islandica Common shelduck Tadorna tadorna Common redshank Tringa totanus On passage the area regularly supports: Dunlin Calidris alpina alpina Red knot Calidris canutus Black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa islandica Common redshank Tringa totanus Article 4.2 Qualification (79/409/EEC) An Internationally Important Assemblage of Birds In the non-breeding season the area regularly supports 153,934 waterfowl (5 year peak mean 1996/7 to 2000/1) Including : Anas crecca, Anas penelope, Anas platyrhynchos, Arenaria interpres, Aythya ferina, Aythya marila, Botaurus stellaris, Branta bernicla bernicla, Bucephala clangula, Calidris alba, Calidris alpina alpina ,Calidris canutus, Charadrius hiaticula, Haematopus ostralegus, Limosa lapponica, Limosa limosa islandica, Numenius arquata, Numenius phaeopus, Philomachus pugnax, Pluvialis apricaria, Pluvialis squatarola, Recurvirostra avosetta, Tadorna tadorna, Tringa nebularia, Tringa totanus, Vanellus vanellus
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 76 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.3 Qualifying Species and Conservation Objectives Site Qualifying Features Conservation Objectives Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection Avoid the deterioration of the qualifying of this site: natural habitats and the habitats of Estuaries qualifying species, and the significant disturbance of those qualifying species, Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low ensuring the integrity of the site is tide maintained and the site makes a full
contribution to achieving Favourable Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site: Conservation Status of each of the Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all qualifying features. the time Subject to natural change, to maintain or Coastal lagoons * Priority feature restore: Humber The extent and distribution of Estuary SAC Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand qualifying natural habitats and Atlantic salt meadows ( Glauco-Puccinellietalia habitats of qualifying species; maritimae ) The structure and function (including Embryonic shifting dunes typical species) of qualifying natural Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila habitats and habitats of qualifying arenaria (`white dunes`) species; Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation (`grey The supporting processes on which dunes`) * Priority feature qualifying natural habitats and Dunes with Hippophae rhamnoides habitats of qualifying species rely; The populations of qualifying species; Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not The distribution of qualifying species
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 77 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.3 Qualifying Species and Conservation Objectives Site Qualifying Features Conservation Objectives a primary reason for site selection within the site. Sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus River lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis Grey seal Halichoerus grypus Ramsar criterion 1 Ramsar interest features are covered by the The site is a representative example of a near-natural estuary conservation objectives for the SAC, with the following component habitats: dune systems and Special Protection Area (SPA) or Site of humid dune slacks, estuarine waters, intertidal mud and sand Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as flats, saltmarshes, and coastal brackish/saline lagoons. appropriate. Please refer to the Humber Estuary SPA and SAC. Ramsar criterion 3 The Humber Estuary Ramsar site supports a breeding colony of grey seals Halichoerus grypus at Donna Nook. It is the Humber second largest grey seal colony in England and the furthest Estuary south regular Ramsar breeding site on the east coast. The dune slacks at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe on the southern extremity of the Ramsar site are the most north-easterly breeding site in Great Britain of the natterjack toad Bufo calamita. Ramsar criterion 5 Assemblages of international importance: 153,934 waterfowl, non-breeding season (5 year peak mean 1996/97- 2000/2001)
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 78 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.3 Qualifying Species and Conservation Objectives Site Qualifying Features Conservation Objectives Ramsar criterion 6 Species/populations occurring at levels of international importance for breeding, non breeding and on passage species. Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a Avoid the deterioration of the qualifying primary reason for selection of this site: natural habitats and the habitats of Watercourses of plain to montane levels with the qualifying species, and the significant Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion disturbance of those qualifying species, vegetation ensuring the integrity of the site is maintained and the site makes a full Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection contribution to achieving Favourable of this site Conservation Status of each of the River lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis qualifying features.
River Derwent Subject to natural change, to maintain or SAC Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not restore: a primary reason for site selection: The extent and distribution of Sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus qualifying natural habitats and Bullhead Cottus gobio habitats of qualifying species; Otter Lutra lutra The structure and function (including typical species) of qualifying natural habitats and habitats of qualifying species; The supporting processes on which
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 79 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.3 Qualifying Species and Conservation Objectives Site Qualifying Features Conservation Objectives qualifying natural habitats and habitats of qualifying species rely; The populations of qualifying species; The distribution of qualifying species within the site. Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection Avoid the deterioration of the qualifying of this site natural habitats and the habitats of Lowland hay meadows ( Alopecurus pratensis, qualifying species, and the significant Sanguisorba officinalis ) disturbance of those qualifying species, ensuring the integrity of the site is
Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a maintained and the site makes a full primary reason for selection of this site contribution to achieving Favourable Conservation Status of each of the Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus qualifying features. Lower Derwent excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae ) Valley SAC * Priority feature Subject to natural change, to maintain or restore:
Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not The extent and distribution of a primary reason for site selection qualifying natural habitats and habitats of qualifying species; Otter Lutra lutra The structure and function (including typical species) of qualifying natural habitats and habitats of qualifying species;
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 80 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.3 Qualifying Species and Conservation Objectives Site Qualifying Features Conservation Objectives The supporting processes on which qualifying natural habitats and habitats of qualifying species rely; The populations of qualifying species; The distribution of qualifying species within the site. This site qualifies under Article 4.1 of the Directive Avoid the deterioration of the habitats of (79/409/EEC) by supporting populations of European the qualifying features, and the importance of the following species listed on Annex I of significant disturbance of the qualifying the Directive: During the breeding season: features, ensuring the integrity of the Corncrake Crex crex site is maintained and the site makes a full contribution to achieving the aims of Ruff Philomachus pugnax the Birds Directive. Spotted Crake Porzana porzana , Lower Derwent Subject to natural change, to maintain or Over winter: Valley SPA restore: Bewick's Swan Cygnus Columbianus bewickii The extent and distribution of the Bittern Botaurus stellaris habitats of the qualifying features; Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria The structure and function of the Ruff Philomachus pugnax habitats of the qualifying features; This site also qualifies under Article 4.2 of the Directive The supporting processes on which (79/409/EEC) by supporting populations of European the habitats of the qualifying features importance of the following migratory species. Over rely;
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 81 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.3 Qualifying Species and Conservation Objectives Site Qualifying Features Conservation Objectives winter: The populations of the qualifying Teal Anas crecca features; Assemblage qualification: Over winter, the area regularly The distribution of the qualifying supports 39,936 individual waterfowl (5 year peak mean features within the site. 1991/2 - 1995/6) including: Lapwing Vanellus vanellus , Pochard Aythya ferina , Shoveler Anas clypeata , Mallard Anas platyrhynchos , Wigeon Anas penelope , Teal Anas crecca , Ruff Philomachus pugnax , Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria , Bewick's Swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii , Bittern Botaurus stellaris . This site qualifies under Article 4.1 of the Directive Avoid the deterioration of the habitats of (79/409/EEC) by supporting populations of European the qualifying features, and the importance of the following species listed on Annex I of significant disturbance of the qualifying the Directive: features, ensuring the integrity of the European nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus ; (Breeding) site is maintained and the site makes a Thorne and full contribution to achieving the aims of Hatfield Moors the Birds Directive. SPA Subject to natural change, to maintain or restore: The extent and distribution of the habitats of the qualifying features; The structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying features;
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 82 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.3 Qualifying Species and Conservation Objectives Site Qualifying Features Conservation Objectives The supporting processes on which the habitats of the qualifying features rely; The populations of the qualifying features; The distribution of the qualifying features within the site. Ramsar criterion 1 Ramsar interest features are covered by the The site represents one of the most important examples of conservation objectives for the SAC, traditionally managed species-rich alluvial flood meadow Special Protection Area (SPA) or Site of habitat remaining in the UK. The river and flood meadows Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as play a substantial role in the hydrological and ecological appropriate. Please refer to the Lower functioning of the Humber Basin. Derwent Valley SPA. Ramsar criterion 2 Lower Derwent Valley Ramsar The site has a rich assemblage of wetland invertebrates including 16 species of dragonfly and damselfly, 15 British Red Data Book wetland invertebrates as well as a leafhopper, Cicadula ornata for which Lower Derwent Valley is the only known site in Great Britain. Ramsar criterion 4 The site qualifies as a staging post for passage birds in spring. Of particular note are the nationally important
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 83 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.3 Qualifying Species and Conservation Objectives Site Qualifying Features Conservation Objectives numbers of Ruff, Philomachus pugnax and Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus. Ramsar criterion 5 Assemblages of international importance for breeding and non breeding species. This site qualifies under Article 4.2 of the Directive Avoid the deterioration of the habitats of (79/409/EEC) by supporting populations of European the qualifying features, and the importance of the following migratory species: During significant disturbance of the qualifying the breeding season: features, ensuring the integrity of the Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla site is maintained and the site makes a full contribution to achieving the aims of A seabird assemblage of international importance the Birds Directive. The area qualifies under Article 4.2 of the Directive Flamborough Subject to natural change, to maintain or (79/409/EEC) by regularly supporting at least 20,000 Head and restore: Bempton Cliffs seabirds. During the breeding season, the area regularly The extent and distribution of the SPA supports 305,784 individual seabirds including: Puffin Fratercula arctica , Razorbill Alca torda , Guillemot Uria aalge , habitats of the qualifying features; Herring Gull Larus argentatus , Gannet Morus bassanus , The structure and function of the Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla . habitats of the qualifying features; The supporting processes on which the habitats of the qualifying features rely; The populations of the qualifying
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 84 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.3 Qualifying Species and Conservation Objectives Site Qualifying Features Conservation Objectives features; The distribution of the qualifying features within the site. This site qualifies under Article 4.2 of the Directive Avoid the deterioration of the habitats of (79/409/EEC) by supporting populations of European the qualifying features, and the importance of the following migratory species. Over significant disturbance of the qualifying winter: features, ensuring the integrity of the Gadwall Anas strepera site is maintained and the site makes a full contribution to achieving the aims of the Birds Directive. Subject to natural change, to maintain or restore: Hornsea Mere The extent and distribution of the SPA habitats of the qualifying features; The structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying features; The supporting processes on which the habitats of the qualifying features rely; The populations of the qualifying features; The distribution of the qualifying
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 85 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.3 Qualifying Species and Conservation Objectives Site Qualifying Features Conservation Objectives features within the site.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 86 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Screening Stage 1bc
5.3.28 Table 5.4 sets out whether a mechanism for effect exists between the sources of effect from the Onshore Scheme and the interest features of those sites where a pathway was identified at Stage 1bb. A mechanism is identified where there is a source of effect, a pathway identified, and a receptor present which is sensitive to the potential effects. Those interest features where the cell is highlighted blue will be taken through to screening stage 1c, as a mechanism for effect has been identified.
5.3.29 Appendices D to H provide more detail on the Humber Estuary SPA, Lower Derwent Valley SPA, Hornsea Mere SPA, Thorne Moor SPA, and Flamborough Head SPA respectively. These tables summarise the results of the data search and field surveys undertaken for the Onshore Scheme in relation to these designations.
5.3.30 The Study Area used in the Environmental Statement are described in Section 4 of Chapter 9 Ecology and Nature Conservation (Document 6.9). They are considered to be appropriate to effectively assess the potential effects upon ecological receptors and pay due regard to best standard guidance as set out by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), Professional guidance series, Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, CIEEM, April 2013 (Ref 5). For both breeding and wintering birds the Study Area includes the Application Boundary plus a 500 m buffer and a 2 km buffer at the coastline to ensure effects on disturbance are assessed. Beyond this distance it is unlikely a disturbance will result. Therefore where the interest features of the SPAs listed in Table 5.4 have not been recorded within or within 500 m or within 2 km at the coastline of the Application Boundary or are unlikely to use land within this area it is concluded there is no mechanism to affect these interest features. Where interest features have been recorded within the Study Area during field surveys and data searches, professional judgement based in known habits of these interest features have been used to determine whether that feature is likely to be associated with the Natura 2000 site as the presence of a feature does not automatically mean it is associated with the Natura 2000 site population.
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect No records of this interest feature or Humber Great bittern Botaurus suitable habitat have been recorded Estuary SPA stellaris (Non-breeding within or within 500 m of the
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 87 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect and breeding) Application Boundary during data searches and field surveys. There is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect this interest feature as there is no evidence that this interest feature is using land within the Application Boundary or within 500 m of the Application Boundary. This species is unlikely to forage away from the coasts, pools and estuaries during the non-breeding season. No records of this interest feature have been recorded during the non-breeding season within or within 500 m of the Application Boundary during data searches and Common shelduck field surveys. Tadorna tadorna (Non- Due to the foraging habits of this breeding) species during the non-breeding season and limited records and numbers, it indicates that there is no associated SPA population of this species within or within 500 m of the Application Boundary. Therefore there is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect this interest feature. This species has been recorded during field surveys conducted during the breeding season on the site of Drax PIG Trap and at one Eurasian marsh harrier Pipeline Envelope survey location. Circus aeruginosus (Breeding) Suitable breeding habitat occurs within the Application Boundary (eg. oil-seed rape fields) and the breeding status within the Application Boundary hasn’t been confirmed
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 88 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect although no breeding records of this interest feature have been recorded within or within 500 m to the Application Boundary during the field surveys and data searches. This species does forage on land away from the SPA however, considering the relative remoteness of the Application Boundary and the nearest known breeding site at Blacktoft sands RSPB Nature Reserve (>10 km distance) it is considered highly unlikely that the Onshore Scheme will result in temporary disturbance to this interest feature or that there is a functional link relating to polygamous birds associated with nest sites at the SPA, Blacktoft Sands and any nest sites within the Application Boundary. Therefore no mechanism exists for the Onshore Scheme to affect the SPA population of nesting marsh harrier. No records of this interest feature have been recorded or within 500 m of the Application Boundary during data searches and field surveys. Hen harrier Circus There is no mechanism for the cyaneus (Non- Onshore Scheme to affect this breeding) interest feature as there is no evidence that this interest feature is using land within the Application Boundary or within 500 m of the Application Boundary. Pied avocet No records of this interest feature Recurvirostra avosetta have been recorded or within 500 m
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 89 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect Breeding and Non- of the Application Boundary during breeding data searches and field surveys. There is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect this interest feature as there is no evidence that this interest feature is using land within the Application Boundary or within 500 m of the Application Boundary. Field surveys have recorded this species adjacent to Tollingham and Dalton Block Valves and Barmston Pumping Station and at Pipeline Envelope survey locations. The surveys have recorded them infrequently and in low numbers. This species does forage on land away from the SPA therefore there is potential for the Onshore Scheme to result in temporary disturbance to this interest feature. European golden As the pipeline is installed the land is plover Pluvialis reinstated. The sizes of the AGI apricaria (Non- sites have been reduced to the breeding) minimum necessary for safe operation. The temporary and permanent land take required for the construction and operation of the Onshore Scheme is a relatively small area of farmland habitat in comparison to the availability of similar habitat which is prevalent in the wider locality. The temporary land take required to construct the Onshore Scheme represents 0.042% of agricultural land within the Yorkshire Humber Region of which 0.002% would be permanent land
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 90 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect take associated with the AGIs therefore as only a very small amount of temporary and permanent land take is required there is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to effect the SPA population of this species. This species is usually confined to estuaries and no records of this interest feature have been recorded within or within 500 m of the Application Boundary during data searches and field surveys. Red knot Calidris There is no mechanism for the canutus (Non-breeding) Onshore Scheme to affect this interest feature as there is no evidence that this interest feature is using land within the Application Boundary or within 500 m of the Application Boundary. Field surveys have recorded this species at the coast. The numbers present are not significant at a national level and there is no evidence they are using Dunlin Calidris alpina man made or natural features that alpina ; (Non-breeding) are important for significant numbers of roosting waders associated with the SPA. There is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect the SPA population of this species. This species is usually confined to coasts and lagoons and no records Ruff Philomachus of this interest feature have been pugnax (Non-breeding) recorded within or within 500 m or 2 km at the coast of the Application Boundary during data searches and
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 91 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect field surveys. There is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect this interest feature as there is no evidence that this interest feature is using land within the Application Boundary or within 500 m or 2 km at the coast of the Application Boundary. This species is usually confined to estuaries, coastal lagoons and wetland sites and no records of this interest feature have been recorded within or within 500 m of the Application Boundary or 2 km at the Black-tailed godwit coast during data searches and field Limosa limosa surveys. islandica ; (Non- There is no mechanism for the breeding) Onshore Scheme to affect this interest feature as there is no evidence that this interest feature is using land within the Application Boundary or within 500 m of the Application Boundary or 2 km at the coast. This species is usually confined to estuaries and no records of this interest feature have been recorded within or within 500 m of the Application Boundary during data Bar-tailed godwit searches and field surveys. Limosa lapponica ; There is no mechanism for the (Non-breeding) Onshore Scheme to affect this interest feature as there is no evidence that this interest feature is using land within the Application Boundary or within 500 m of the Application Boundary.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 92 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect Field surveys have recorded this species at the coast. The numbers present are not significant at a national level and there is no evidence they are using Common redshank man made or natural features that Tringa totanus ; (Non- are important for significant numbers breeding) of roosting waders associated with the SPA. There is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect the SPA population of this species. No records of this interest feature have been recorded within or within 500 m of the Application Boundary during data searches and field surveys. Little tern Sterna There is no mechanism for the albifrons ; (Breeding) Onshore Scheme to affect this interest feature as there is no evidence that this interest feature is using land within the Application Boundary or within 500 m of the Application Boundary.
Over winter, the area The following assemblage features regularly supports have been recorded within or 187,617 individual adjacent to the Application Boundary waterfowl (5 year peak through data searches and field mean 1991/2 - 1995/6) surveys: including: Mallard Anas Mallard, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, platyrhynchos , Golden Curlew, Ringed Plover, Teal, Plover Pluvialis Wigeon, Sanderling, Shelduck, apricaria, Bar-tailed Dunlin, Redshank, Cormorant, Brent Godwit Limosa Goose and Grey Plover. lapponica, Shelduck Ringed plover, Teal, Wigeon and the Tadorna tadorna , Knot rest of the waders are unlikely to Calidris canutus , Dunlin forage away from the coasts, pools Calidris alpina alpina , and estuaries, therefore where
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 93 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect Redshank Tringa records have been identified at totanus , Cormorant Pipeline Envelope survey locations Phalacrocorax carbo , these records are unlikely to be Dark-bellied Brent associated with the SPA population, Goose Branta bernicla and are more likely to be individuals bernicla, Bittern passing through the area. Botaurus stellaris , Teal Anas crecca , Curlew These waders and waterfowl are Numenius arquata , recorded on the intertidal habitat and Pochard Aythya ferina , high tide roosts near the mouth of Goldeneye Bucephala Earl’s Dike and coastal fields clangula , Oystercatcher adjacent to the intertidal habitat. The Haematopus numbers present are not significant ostralegus , Ringed at a national level and there is no Plover Charadrius evidence they are using man made hiaticula, Grey Plover or natural features that are important Pluvialis squatarola , for significant numbers of roosting Lapwing Vanellus waders associated with the SPA. vanellus , Sanderling Calidris alba , Black- tailed Godwit Limosa There is no mechanism for the limosa islandica , Onshore Scheme to affect the Wigeon Anas assemblage populations of the SPA. penelope, Whimbrel Lapwing occurs fairly regularly within Numenius phaeopus . the Application Boundary. This species does also forage on land away from the SPA, therefore there is potential for the Onshore Scheme to result in temporary disturbance to this interest feature.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 94 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect As the pipeline is installed the land is reinstated. The sizes of the AGI sites have been reduced to the minimum necessary for safe operation. The temporary and permanent land take required for the construction and operation of the Onshore Scheme is a relatively small area of farmland habitat in comparison to the availability of similar habitat which is prevalent in the wider locality. The temporary land take required to construct the Onshore Scheme represents 0.042% of agricultural land within the Yorkshire Humber Region of which 0.002% would be permanent land take associated with the AGIs therefore as only a small amount of temporary and permanent of farmland habitat is required there is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect the SPA population of this species. This feature is not transient beyond the boundary of the SAC, and there Estuaries is no pathway for an effect, therefore no mechanism for effect exists. Mudflats and sandflats This feature is not transient beyond not covered by the boundary of the SAC, therefore Humber seawater at low tide no mechanism for effect exists. Estuary SAC Sandbanks which are This feature is not transient beyond slightly covered by sea the boundary of the SAC, therefore water all the time no mechanism for effect exists. This feature is not transient beyond Coastal lagoons Priority the boundary of the SAC, therefore feature no mechanism for effect exists. Salicornia and other This feature is not transient beyond
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 95 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect annuals colonising mud the boundary of the SAC, therefore and sand no mechanism for effect exists. Atlantic salt meadows This feature is not transient beyond (Glauco-Puccinellietalia the boundary of the SAC, therefore maritimae ) no mechanism for effect exists. Embryonic shifting No mechanism for effect as the dunes Onshore Scheme will not result in any effects on longshore drift that would propagate as far as this designation. Shifting dunes along No mechanism for effect as the the shoreline with Onshore Scheme will not result in Ammophila arenaria any effects on longshore drift that (`white dunes`) would propagate as far as this designation. Fixed dunes with No mechanism for effect, as the herbaceous vegetation Onshore Scheme will not result in (`grey dunes`) any effects on longshore drift that would propagate as far as this designation. Dunes with Hippophae No mechanism for effect as the rhamnoides Onshore Scheme will not result in any effects on longshore drift that would propagate as far as this designation. Sea lamprey migrate into rivers in the spring / early summer and spawn in May – July in areas of pebble / cobble substrate. Potential for disturbance during construction of Sea lamprey the Onshore Scheme from Petromyzon marinus construction lighting and noise where construction works take place adjacent or beneath the River Ouse when this species is migrating in the River Ouse. River lamprey River lamprey spawn during the
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 96 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect Lampetra fluviatilis autumn and the spring on pebble / gravel substrates. They migrate upstream at night taking cover during the day. Potential for disturbance during construction of the Onshore Scheme from construction lighting and noise where construction works take place adjacent to the River Ouse when this species is migrating. Onshore Scheme There are a number of harbour and grey seal colonies along the east coast of England. However, the landfall location is not a known haul out site for seals. The nearest seal haul out site is Donna Nook on the entrance to the Humber Estuary (approximately 70 km to the south). Grey seal also show limited use of the coast in proximity to the landfall. There is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect this Grey seal Halichoerus interest feature, as the interest grypus feature is rarely recorded within habitats within the Application Boundary. Offshore Scheme The Humber SAC is approximately 50 km from the Offshore Scheme at its closest point. The nearest seal haul out site is Donna Nook on the entrance to the Humber Estuary (approximately 70 km to the south). A Grey seal usage map is presented in Appendix 5.4.11 which is derived based on seal tag telemetry data indicates limited usage of the Offshore Scheme area. This shows
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 97 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect a very low usage of this area by grey seals with numbers typically 0-1 and 1-5 for the 5 km grid squares along the route of the Offshore Pipeline compared with numbers around haul out areas which are typically 50 – 150. The Offshore Pipeline route passes through one 5 km grid square where the typical numbers are 5 -10 however the majority of the Offshore pipeline will be installed at a rate of 4 km / day through this area so any disturbance will be limited to 2 days in this area which will not result in a likely significant effect. There is no mechanism for the Offshore Scheme to affect this interest feature as the Humber SAC is 50 km from the Offshore Scheme and there is limited usage of the Offshore Scheme area by this interest feature. Humber Estuary Please refer to the Humber Estuary SPA Ramsar Watercourses of plain to montane levels with This feature is not transient beyond the Ranunculion the boundary of the SAC, therefore fluitantis and no mechanism for effect exists. Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation River Derwent SAC Sea lamprey migrate into rivers in the spring / early summer and spawn River lamprey in May – July in areas of pebble / cobble substrate. Potential for Lampetra fluviatilis disturbance during construction of the Onshore Scheme from construction lighting and noise where
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 98 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect construction works take place adjacent and under the River Ouse when this species is migrating. River lamprey spawn during the autumn and the spring on pebble / gravel substrates. They migrate upstream at night taking cover during Sea lamprey the day. Potential for disturbance Petromyzon marinus during construction of the Onshore Scheme from construction lighting and noise where construction works take place adjacent/under the River Ouse when this species is migrating. Bullheads are particularly sedentary fish (Tomlinson ML and Perrow MR (2003)) (Ref 14) with one study measuring a maximum movement of 48 m in an eight month study. There Bullhead Cottus gobio is therefore no likelihood of bullhead from the River Derwent population being mobile enough to be affected by the non-open cut crossing of the River Ouse. There are no records of otter on any connecting watercourses that are within the Application Boundary and which also connect with this designation. In addition, the Otter Lutra lutra connecting watercourses do not contain any suitable otter habitat. Therefore there is no mechanism to affect otters which are associated with this designation. No mechanism for effect and no Lower Lowland hay meadows pathway exists between the Onshore Derwent Scheme and this interest feature. Valley SAC Alluvial Forests No mechanism for effect and no pathway exists between the Onshore
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 99 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect Scheme and this interest feature. There is an absence of records, and surveys have not identified Otter on any connecting watercourses that are within the Application Boundary and which connect with this Otter Lutra lutra designation. Connecting watercourses do not contain any suitable otter habitat. Therefore there is no mechanism to effect otters which are associated with this designation. No records of this interest feature have been recorded within or within 500 m of the Application Boundary during data searches and field surveys. Corncrake Crex There is no mechanism for the crex ,(Breeding) Onshore Scheme to affect this interest feature as there is no evidence that this interest feature is using land within the Application Boundary or within 500 m of the Application Boundary. Lower Derwent This species is usually confined to Valley SPA coasts and lagoons and no records of this interest feature have been recorded within or within 500 m or 2 km at the coast of the Application Boundary during data searches and Ruff Philomachus field surveys. pugnax (Breeding and Non Breeding) There is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect this interest feature as there is no evidence that this interest feature is using land within the Application Boundary or within 500 m or 2 km at the coast of the Application
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 100 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect Boundary. No records of this interest feature have been recorded within or within 500 m of the Application Boundary during data searches and field surveys. Spotted Crake Porzana There is no mechanism for the porzana (Breeding) Onshore Scheme to affect this interest feature as there is no evidence that this interest feature is using land within the Application Boundary or within 500 m of the Application Boundary. Very low numbers of this species have been recorded adjacent to Skerne Block Valve. This record is unlikely to be associated with the SPA as their range from night roosts is likely to be less than 5 km which is the estimated range of the Whooper swan, a closely related species Bewick's Swan Cygnus which is likely to exhibit similar columbianus bewickii behaviour to Bewick’s Swan. (Non Breeding) Skerne Block Valve is greater than 5 km from the Lower Derwent Valley SPA. Therefore no associated SPA population of this species has been identified within or adjacent to the Onshore Scheme and no mechanism for effect has been identified. No records of this interest feature have been recorded within or within 500 m of the Application Boundary Bittern Botaurus during data searches and field stellaris (Non Breeding) surveys. There is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect this
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 101 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect interest feature as there is no evidence that this interest feature is using land within the Application Boundary or within 500 m of the Application Boundary. Field surveys have recorded this species adjacent to Tollingham and Dalton Block Valves and Barmston Pumping Station and along the Pipeline. The surveys have recorded them infrequently and in low numbers. This species does forage on land away from the SPA therefore there is potential for the Onshore Scheme to result in temporary disturbance to this interest feature.
As the pipeline is installed the land is reinstated. The sizes of the AGI sites have been reduced to the Golden Plover Pluvialis minimum necessary for safe apricaria (Non operation. The temporary and Breeding) permanent land take required for the construction and operation of the Onshore Scheme is a relatively small area of farmland habitat in comparison to the availability of similar habitat which is prevalent in the wider locality. The temporary land take required to construct the Onshore Scheme represents 0.042% of agricultural land within the Yorkshire Humber Region of which 0.002% would be permanent land take associated with the AGIs therefore as only a small amount of temporary and permanent farmland habitat is required there is no
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 102 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect the SPA population of this species.
This species has been recorded during field surveys onsite at Drax PIG Trap and adjacent to Skerne Block valve and Barmston Pumping Station. Teal Anas crecca (Non Teal are unlikely to forage away from Breeding) the coasts, pools and estuaries therefore these records are unlikely to be associated with the SPA population and no mechanism for affect has been identified. Assemblage The following assemblage features qualification: Over have been recorded within or winter, the area adjacent to the Application Boundary regularly supports through data searches and field 39,936 individual surveys: waterfowl (5 year peak Mallard, Lapwing and Wigeon. mean 1991/2 - 1995/6) Wigeon are unlikely to forage away including: Lapwing from the coasts, pools and estuaries Vanellus vanellus , therefore where terrestrial records Pochard Aythya ferina , have been identified within the Shoveler Anas Application Boundary these records clypeata , Mallard Anas are unlikely to be associated with the platyrhynchos , Wigeon SPA population. Anas penelope , Teal Anas crecca , Ruff There is therefore no mechanism for Philomachus pugnax , the Onshore Scheme to affect the Golden Plover Pluvialis assemblage populations of the SPA.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 103 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect apricaria , Bewick's Swan Cygnus Lapwing occur fairly regularly within columbianus bewickii , the Application Boundary. This Bittern Botaurus species does also forage on land stellaris . away from the SPA therefore there is potential for the Onshore Scheme to result in temporary disturbance to this interest feature where they are using land affected by the Onshore Scheme.
As the pipeline is installed the land is reinstated. The sizes of the AGI sites have been reduced to the minimum necessary for safe operation. The temporary and permanent land take required for the construction and operation of the Onshore Scheme is a relatively small area of farmland habitat in comparison to the availability of similar habitat which is prevalent in the wider locality. The temporary land take required to construct the Onshore Scheme represents 0.042% of agricultural land within the Yorkshire Humber Region of which 0.002% would be permanent land take associated with the AGIs therefore as only a small amount of temporary and permanent farmland habiat is required there is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect the SPA population of this species. Lower Derwent Please refer to the Lower Derwent Valley SPA Valley Ramsar
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 104 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect No records of this interest feature have been recorded within or within 500 m of the Application Boundary during data searches and field surveys. Thorne and European nightjar Hatfield Caprimulgus There is no mechanism for the Moors SPA europaeus (Breeding) Onshore Scheme to affect this interest feature as there is no evidence that this interest feature is using land within the Application Boundary or within 500 m of the Application Boundary. Onshore Scheme No records of this interest feature have been recorded within or within 500 m of the Application Boundary during data searches and field surveys. There is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect this interest feature as there is no evidence that this interest feature is using land within the Application Flamborough Boundary or within 500 m of the Head and Kittiwake Rissa Application Boundary. Bempton tridactyla Offshore Scheme Cliffs SPA The Offshore Scheme is located 4 km from the site at its closest point. The installation of the Offshore Scheme will be temporary and transient and at the closest point will be installed at a rate of approximately 500 m / day and very limited in duration. In total the Offshore Pipeline will take 4 months to install, using up to four vessels for the nearshore Pipeline and up to three vessels, plus a supply vessel
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 105 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect (when required) for the offshore Pipeline. There is no mechanism for the Offshore Scheme to affect this interest feature as the Offshore Scheme is outside of the SPA, the installation will be temporary and discrete to the Offshore Pipeline Route and therefore will not result in a likely significant effect on the SPA population of this species. No records of these interest features have been recorded within or within 500 m of the Application Boundary during data searches and field surveys. The area qualifies There is no mechanism for the under Article 4.2 of the Onshore Scheme to affect this Directive (79/409/EEC) interest feature as there is no by regularly supporting evidence that this interest feature is at least 20,000 using land within the Application seabirds. During the Boundary or within 500 m of the breeding season, the Application Boundary. area regularly supports Offshore Scheme 305,784 individual seabirds including: The Offshore Scheme is located 4 Puffin Fratercula km from the site at its closest point. arctica , Razorbill Alca The installation of the Offshore torda , Guillemot Uria Scheme will be temporary and aalge , Herring Gull transient and at the closest point will Larus argentatus , be installed at a rate of Gannet Morus approximately 500 m / day and very bassanus , Kittiwake limited in duration. In total the Rissa tridactyla . Offshore Pipeline will take 4 months to install, using up to four vessels for the nearshore Pipeline and up to three vessels, plus a supply vessel (when required) for the offshore Pipeline.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 106 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.4 Screening Stage 1bc - does a mechanism for effect exist between the Onshore Scheme and sites interest features? Site Name Interest Feature Mechanism for Effect There is no mechanism for the Offshore Scheme to affect these interest features as the Offshore Scheme is outside of the SPA, the installation will be temporary and discrete to the Offshore Pipeline Route and therefore will not result in a likely significant effect on the assemblage SPA populations of these species. Unlikely to forage away from the coasts, pools and estuaries. Low numbers of Gadwall were irregularly recorded within the Application Boundary (peak count 11) and therefore populations of this Hornsea species occurring within the Gadwall Anas strepera Mere SPA Application Boundary are not considered to be significant in terms of the SPA population. Therefore there is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect this interest feature, please refer to Document 6.9.9.
5.3.31 There is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect the following sites and therefore have been screened to have no Likely Significant Effect and will not be reported on further:
• Lower Derwent Valley SAC;
• Thorne and Hatfield Moors SAC;
• Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs SPA; and
• Hornsea Mere SPA.
5.3.32 In addition Screening Stage 1bb has concluded that the temporary and permanent land take required for the construction and operation of the Onshore
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 107 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Scheme is a relatively small area of farmland habitat in comparison to the availability of similar habitat which is prevalent in the wider locality. The temporary land take required to construct the Onshore Scheme represents 0.042% of agricultural land within the Yorkshire Humber Region of which 0.002% would be permanent land take associated with the AGIs. Therefore there is no potential for a likely significant effect associated with either the temporary or permanent loss or fragmentation of supporting habitat.
5.3.33 A number of interest features of the remaining Natura 2000 sites have also been screened to have no Likely Significant Effect and will not be reported on further. Table 5.5 identifies, following Screening Stage 1bb, the sites, their relevant interest features and the potential for effects in each case that have been taken through to Screening Stage 1c.
Table 5.5 Summary of Screening Stage 1bb. Site Name Potential for an effect / type Interest features taken through to Stage 1c
Potential for temporary Golden Plover Pluvialis disturbance as the apricaria (Non Breeding) Humber Application Boundary Estuary SPA contains foraging habitat used by these interest Lapwing Vanellus vanellus features. (over winter assemblage)
Potential for disturbance to Sea lamprey Petromyzon the transient interest features marinus Humber which use water bodies that Estuary SAC are within the Application Boundary and are connected River lamprey Lampetra to the Humber Estuary. fluviatilis
Humber Please refer to the Humber Please refer to Humber Estuary Estuary SPA Estuary SPA. Ramsar River Potential for disturbance to River lamprey Lampetra Derwent SAC the transient interest features fluviatilis
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 108 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 5.5 Summary of Screening Stage 1bb. Site Name Potential for an effect / type Interest features taken through to Stage 1c which use water bodies which are within the Application Sea lamprey Petromyzon Boundary that are connected marinus to the River Derwent. Lower There is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect any Derwent of the interest features of this site. The site has therefore been Valley SAC screened out. Potential for temporary Golden Plover Pluvialis disturbance as the apricaria (Non Breeding) Lower Application Boundary Derwent contains foraging habitat Valley SPA Lapwing Vanellus vanellus used by these interest (over-winter assemblage) features. Lower Derwent Please refer to the Lower Please refer to the Lower Valley Derwent Valley SPA Derwent valley SPA Ramsar Thorne and There is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect any Hatfield of the interest features of this site. The site has therefore been Moors SPA screened out. Flamborough There is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect any Head and of the interest features of this site. The site has therefore been Bempton screened out. Cliffs SPA There is no mechanism for the Onshore Scheme to affect any Hornsea of the interest features of this site. The site has therefore been Mere SPA screened out.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 109 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
6 Screening Stage 1c Application of Avoidance
6.1 INTRODUCTION
6.1.1 This Chapter sets out those interest features where the Onshore Scheme has a mechanism to effect, identified during Screening Stage 1bb, and identifies the avoidance measures that will be applied.
6.2 APPLICATION OF AVOIDANCE
6.2.1 Avoidance, such as construction outside of certain seasons, has been applied to the Onshore Scheme. These measures are set out in Table 6.1 below against each of the interest features where Screening Stage 1bb has identified an effect. Where the results of this stage conclude that the avoidance measure is sufficient to conclude that there will be no Likely Significant Effect this site or interest feature is screened out in accordance with the methodology presented in Figure 3. Where avoidance is not possible that site or interest feature is taken through to Screening Stage 1d.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 110 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 6.1 Screening Stage 1c, Can the effect be avoided? Significant Site Effect Interest Feature Potential Effect Avoidance Measures Name successfully avoided?
Temporary The pipeline including the landfall and all the disturbance arising AGIs with the exception of the Pumping from general Station will be constructed within the construction noise, pipeline construction season April – vehicles, vibration, September, please refer to the CoCP lighting, presence of (Document 7.5) avoiding the wintering bird European golden construction workers, season (typically October to March). Yes plover Pluvialis ground excavations Therefore potential for temporary apricaria (Non- affecting birds using Humber disturbance of these non-breeding interest breeding) and agricultural habitat Estuary features is avoided by the Onshore Scheme Lapwing Vanellus and intertidal coastal SPA during the construction of the Pipeline and vanellus (over habitat near the AGIs (excluding the pumping station). winter Barmston assemblage) Temporary The programme for the construction of the disturbance arising Pumping Station is two years, however the from general intensity of work within this period will vary. construction noise, As the construction works cannot be No vehicles, vibration, completed outside of the wintering bird lighting, presence of season these interest features will be taken construction workers, through to Screening Stage 1d with regards
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 111 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 6.1 Screening Stage 1c, Can the effect be avoided? Significant Site Effect Interest Feature Potential Effect Avoidance Measures Name successfully avoided? ground excavations to the construction of the Pumping Station. affecting birds using agricultural habitat at the Pumping Station Lamprey are hearing generalists, and previous detailed analysis undertaken by Subacoustech Ltd for National Grid has demonstrated that they are unlikely to be Temporary Sea lamprey affected by noise and vibration caused by disturbance during Humber Petromyzon trenchless techniques (see Appendix 5.4.2 the construction of Estuary marinus and River (Document 5.4.2) for supporting information) Yes the Pipeline from SAC lamprey Lampetra Light usage will be limited to times when it is noise and fluviatilis required for health and safety purposes. construction lighting. Lighting will be directional and any light spillage will avoid illumination of the watercourse and banks, please refer to Section 3.4 of the CoCP (Document 7.5).
European golden Temporary The pipeline including the landfall and all the Humber plover Pluvialis disturbance arising AGIs with the exception of the Pumping Estuary apricaria (Non- from general Station will be constructed within the Yes Ramsar breeding) and construction noise, pipeline construction season April – Lapwing Vanellus vehicles, vibration, September, please refer to the CoCP
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 112 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 6.1 Screening Stage 1c, Can the effect be avoided? Significant Site Effect Interest Feature Potential Effect Avoidance Measures Name successfully avoided? vanellus (over lighting, presence of (Document 7.5) avoiding the wintering bird winter construction workers, season (typically October to March). assemblage) ground excavations Therefore potential for temporary affecting birds using disturbance of these non-breeding interest agricultural habitat features is avoided by the Onshore Scheme and intertidal coastal during the construction of the Pipeline and habitat near the AGIs (excluding the pumping station), Barmston. Temporary disturbance arising The programme for the construction of the from general Pumping Station is two years, however the construction noise, intensity of work within this period will vary. vehicles, vibration, As the construction works cannot be lighting, presence of completed outside of the wintering bird No construction workers, season these interest features will be taken ground excavations through to Screening Stage 1d with regards affecting birds using to the construction of the Pumping Station. agricultural habitat at the Pumping Station
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 113 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 6.1 Screening Stage 1c, Can the effect be avoided? Significant Site Effect Interest Feature Potential Effect Avoidance Measures Name successfully avoided? Lamprey are hearing generalists, and previous detailed analysis undertaken by Subacoustech Ltd for National Grid has demonstrated that they are unlikely to be Temporary Sea lamprey affected by noise and vibration caused by disturbance during River Petromyzon trenchless techniques (see Appendix 5.4.2 the construction of Derwent marinus and River (Document 5.4.2) for supporting information) Yes the Pipeline from SAC lamprey Lampetra Light usage will be limited to times when it is noise and fluviatilis required for health and safety purposes. construction lighting. Lighting will be directional and any light spillage will avoid illumination of the watercourse and banks, please refer to Section 3.4 of the CoCP (Document 7.5) . The pipeline including the landfall and all the European golden Temporary AGIs with the exception of the Pumping plover Pluvialis disturbance arising Station will be constructed within the Lower apricaria (Non- from general pipeline construction season April – Derwent breeding) and construction noise, September, please refer to the CoCP Yes Valley Lapwing Vanellus vehicles, vibration, (Document 7.5) avoiding the wintering bird SPA vanellus (over lighting, presence of season (typically October to March). winter construction workers, Therefore potential for temporary assemblage) ground excavations disturbance of these non-breeding interest effect including the features is avoided by the Onshore Scheme The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 114 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 6.1 Screening Stage 1c, Can the effect be avoided? Significant Site Effect Interest Feature Potential Effect Avoidance Measures Name successfully avoided? intertidal coastal during the construction of the Pipeline and habitat near the AGIs (excluding the pumping station). Barmston.
Temporary disturbance arising The programme for the construction of the from general Pumping Station is two years, however the construction noise, intensity of work within this period will vary. vehicles, vibration, As the construction works cannot be lighting, presence of completed outside of the wintering bird No construction workers, season these interest features will be taken ground excavations through to Screening Stage 1d with regards affecting birds using to the construction of the Pumping Station. agricultural habitat at the Pumping Station
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 115 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 6.1 Screening Stage 1c, Can the effect be avoided? Significant Site Effect Interest Feature Potential Effect Avoidance Measures Name successfully avoided?
Temporary The pipeline including the landfall and all the disturbance arising AGIs with the exception of the Pumping European golden from general Station will be constructed within the plover Pluvialis construction noise, pipeline construction season April – Lower apricaria (Non- vehicles, vibration, September, please refer to the CoCP Derwent breeding) and lighting, presence of (Document 7.5) avoiding the wintering bird Yes Valley Lapwing Vanellus construction workers, season (typically October to March). Ramsar vanellus (over ground excavations Therefore potential for temporary winter effect including the disturbance of these non-breeding interest assemblage) intertidal coastal features is avoided by the Onshore Scheme habitat near during the construction of the Pipeline and Barmston. the AGIs (excluding the pumping station).
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 116 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 6.1 Screening Stage 1c, Can the effect be avoided? Significant Site Effect Interest Feature Potential Effect Avoidance Measures Name successfully avoided?
Temporary disturbance arising The programme for the construction of the from general Pumping Station is two years, however the construction noise, intensity of work within this period will vary. vehicles, vibration, As the construction works cannot be lighting, presence of completed outside of the wintering bird No construction workers, season these interest features will be taken ground excavations through to Screening Stage 1d with regards affecting birds using to the construction of the Pumping Station. agricultural habitat at the Pumping Station
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 117 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
6.3 CONCLUSIONS OF SCREENING STAGE 1C
6.3.1 This Chapter identifies the avoidance measures that have been applied. As the Onshore Scheme will be constructed, with the exception of the Pumping Station outside of the Wintering Bird Season effects on Golden Plover and Lapwing have been avoided with the exception of the construction of the Pumping Station. In addition effects on SAC interest features have been avoided by the use of directional lighting where lighting is required. Therefore the following have been screened out at Screening Stage 1c
• Humber Estuary SAC
• River Derwent SAC
6.3.2 The following sites are also screened out with regards to all elements of the Onshore Scheme with the exception of the construction of the Pumping Station
• Humber Estuary SPA
• Humber Estuary Ramsar
• Lower Derwent Valley SPA
• Lower Derwent Valley Ramsar
6.3.3 European golden plover Pluvialis apricaria (Non-breeding) and Lapwing Vanellus vanellus (over winter assemblage) have therefore been taken forward to screening Stage 1d with regards to the construction of the Pumping Station.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 118 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
7 Screening Stage 1d and 1e
7.1 INTRODUCTION
7.1.1 This Chapter sets out those interest features where avoidance measures cannot be applied by the Onshore Scheme and reduction / mitigation measures need to be applied.
7.2 SCREENING STAGE 1D
7.2.1 European golden plover Pluvialis apricaria (Non-breeding) and Lapwing Vanellus vanellus (over winter assemblage) have been brought forward to this Screening Stage with regards to the construction of the Pumping Station only. The programme for the construction of the Pumping Station is two years therefore this element cannot be constructed outside of the wintering bird season.
7.2.2 Table 7.1 sets out reduction / mitigation measures which will be employed during the construction of the Pumping Station.
Table 7.1 Screening Stage 1d, Can the effect be reduced / mitigated? Site Reduction / mitigation Interest Feature Potential Effect Name measures The programme for the construction of the Humber European Pumping Station is two Estuary golden plover years, however the SPA and Pluvialis intensity of work within Ramsar apricaria (Non- Temporary this period will vary. The and the breeding) and disturbance construction site for the Lower Lapwing arising from Pumping Station will be Derwent Vanellus construction of the fenced off and there will Valley vanellus (over Pumping Station be strict adherence to SPA and winter construction working Ramsar. assemblage) zones and fencing around zones with
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 119 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 7.1 Screening Stage 1d, Can the effect be reduced / mitigated? Site Reduction / mitigation Interest Feature Potential Effect Name measures access restricted outside of these zones. Where lighting is required for certain activities this will be directional and limited to the required period, please refer to Section 3.4 of the CoCP (Document 7.5).
7.3 SCREENING STAGE 1E
7.3.1 With these measures in place the residual effects will be no effect on European golden plover Pluvialis apricaria (Non-breeding) and Lapwing Vanellus vanellus (over winter assemblage) and not significant. In accordance with the screening methodology the Onshore Scheme will not result in a significant effect alone, however will be considered in combination, please refer to Chapter 8.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 120 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
8 Screening Stage 1f
8.1 INTRODUCTION
8.1.1 As effects associated with the construction of the Pumping Station cannot be avoided, rather reduction / mitigation measures have been applied and has concluded that the Onshore Scheme will not result in a significant effect alone this needs also to be tested in-combination.
8.1.2 Only effects relating to the construction of the Pumping Station were taken through from Stage 1c to 1d as stage 1c concluded the all other effects could be avoided. Therefore only in-combination effects associated with the construction of the Pumping Station are considered.
8.2 SOURCES OF POTENTIAL CUMULATIVE EFFECTS
8.2.1 The main sources of potential cumulative effects with other developments in the vicinity have been identified as the following, please refer to the Environmental Statement Chapter 17 Cumulative Effects (Document 6.17) for further details.
• The Don Valley Power Project in Stainforth
• The White Rose CCS Project at Drax
• Dogger Bank Offshore Wind Farm;
• Hornsea Offshore Wind Farm;
• Fraisthorpe On-shore Wind Farm;
• River Humber Pipeline Project; and
• Thorpe Marsh Gas Pipeline.
8.2.2 There is no potential for The Don Valley Power Project in Stainforth, the White Rose CCS Project at Drax, Hornsea Offshore Wind Farm, the River Humber Pipeline Project and Thorp Marsh Gas Pipeline to result in in-combination effects with the construction of the Pumping Station as the closest of these other developments is 1.2 km from the Pumping Station.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 121 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
8.2.3 Fraisthorpe on-shore wind farm is located approximately 1.2 km to the north and the Onshore elements of Dogger Bank Creyek Beck 3 km to the south of the Pumping Station.
Fraisthorpe on-shore wind farm
8.2.4 Fraisthorpe on-shore wind farm consists of nine wind turbine generators, a substation building, a permanent meteorological mast, and ancillary infrastructure.
8.2.5 The operational lifetime of the project would be 25 years, after which it will be decommissioned or subject to a new planning application for its continuation.
8.2.6 The proposed site is 184 hectares (ha) in area. Each turbine will be up to 130 metres (m) in height to blade tip and will have a power rating of some 2-3 Megawatts.
8.2.7 This development has been consented, pre construction surveys commenced in September 2013, construction is due to commence in 2014. Construction is expected to take between 6 and 12 months (Ref 15) and will constructed by the time the construction commences at the Pumping Station. Therefore there is no potential for in-combination effects resulting from construction as neither development will be constructed at the same time.
Dogger Bank Creyek Beck Offshore Wind Farm
8.2.8 There is no potential for in-combination effects with the Offshore elements of this development due to the distance from the Pumping Station. However the Onshore elements which consist of: a Cable landfall in an area along the Holderness coastline, north of Ulrome; High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cable from the landfall to the converter station; Converter station; and High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) cable from the converter station to the existing substation at Creyke Beck are located approximately 3 km to the south of the Pumping Station.
8.2.9 Given the distance from the Onshore Scheme to this project it is not considered that any cumulative effects upon ecological receptors would occur. There are no direct links between receptors for the Onshore Scheme and this project.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 122 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
9 Conclusion
9.1.1 The HRA Screening Report for the Onshore Scheme has adopted a robust approach to identifying the potential for significant effects on the interest features of a number of Natura 2000 sites.
9.1.2 The Screening Report has screened the Onshore Scheme for Likely Significant Effect under the requirements of Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of Natural Habitat and Wild Fauna and Flora and Council Directive 2009/147/EC (Birds Directive) the Conservation of Wild Birds (the Codified version of Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of Wild Birds). The report takes the form of a No Significant Effects Report (NSER).
9.1.3 The screening exercise was split down into six Stages 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e and 1f with Stage 1b being split down into a further three steps. This staged approach has been used to clearly demonstrate how conclusions have been reached.
9.1.4 No Natura 2000 sites are located within the Onshore Scheme Application Boundary.
9.1.5 The focus of this screening exercise has therefore been to consider the sources of effect that could theoretically arise as a result of the Onshore Scheme, and to then look at the potential pathways through which these could have an effect on the interest features of the Natura 2000 sites.
9.1.6 During this exercise three sites were screened out from having a likely significant effect during Stage 1bb as no pathway was identified between these sites and the sources of effect identified at Stage 1ba. These sites were Skipwith Common SAC, Thorne Moor SAC and Flamborough Head SAC.
9.1.7 Once Stage 1bc was completed, there was only a limited number of interest features identified that could potentially be affected by the Onshore Scheme and taken through to Stage 1c. These were:
• River lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis
• Sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus
• European golden plover Pluvialis apricaria
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 123 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
• Assemblages of Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
9.1.8 The above are interest features of the Humber Estuary SAC, SPA and Ramsar and Lower Derwent Valley SPA and Ramsar and the River Derwent SAC only and therefore the Onshore Scheme was not considered to result in a likely significant effect on all the other sites and these were screened out at Stage 1bc.
9.1.9 Table 9.1 below summarises the interest features that were taken through to Stage 1c and the avoidance measures included within the Onshore Scheme.
Table 9.1 Summary of Potential Effects of the Onshore Scheme Sites Interest Summary of Potential Effects of Likely feature / the Onshore Scheme Significant sites Effect Lamprey could migrate up and down the River Ouse between the Humber Estuary SAC and the River Derwent SAC. Although noise has been proven to have no River mechanism for affecting river Humber lamprey lamprey, there was some potential Estuary Lampetra for disturbance from lighting. SAC and fluviatilis in However, light usage will be No River the Humber limited to times when it is required Derwent Estuary and for health and safety purposes. SAC River Lighting will be directional and any Derwent light spillage will avoid illumination of the watercourse and banks, please refer to Section 3.4 of the CoCP (Document 7.4). There is therefore no likelihood of effects on this species Lamprey could migrate up and Sea lamprey Humber down the River Ouse between the Petromyzon Estuary Humber Estuary SAC and the marinus in SAC and River Derwent SAC. Although the Humber No River noise has been proven to have no Estuary and Derwent mechanism for affecting river River SAC lamprey, there was some potential Derwent for disturbance from lighting. However, light usage will be
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 124 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 9.1 Summary of Potential Effects of the Onshore Scheme Sites Interest Summary of Potential Effects of Likely feature / the Onshore Scheme Significant sites Effect limited to times when it is required for health and safety purposes. Lighting will be directional and any light spillage will avoid illumination of the watercourse and banks, please refer to Section 3.4 of the CoCP (Document 7.5). There is therefore no likelihood of effects on this species Field surveys have recorded this species adjacent to Tollingham and Dalton Block Valves and Barmston Pumping Station and along the Pipeline. The surveys have recorded them infrequently and in low numbers. This species does forage on land European Humber away from the SPA therefore golden No Estuary there is potential for the Onshore plover SPA and Scheme to result in temporary Pluvialis Lower disturbance. However, the apricaria Derwent avoidance of construction during (Non- Valley SPA the over wintering season breeding) removes the potential for temporary disturbance effects as a result of construction with the exception of the Pumping Station. The construction programme for Taken the Pumping Station is over two through to years therefore the wintering bird stage 1d -1f season cannot be avoided. Lapwing occur fairly regularly Humber Assemblages within the Application Boundary. Estuary of Lapwing This species does also forage on SPA and No Vanellus land away from the SPA therefore Lower vanellus, . there is potential for the Onshore Derwent Scheme to result in temporary
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 125 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Table 9.1 Summary of Potential Effects of the Onshore Scheme Sites Interest Summary of Potential Effects of Likely feature / the Onshore Scheme Significant sites Effect Valley SPA disturbance and loss and fragmentation of habitat which supports this species. However, the avoidance of construction during the over wintering season removes the potential for temporary disturbance effects as a result of construction with the exception of the Pumping Station. The construction programme for Taken the Pumping Station is over two through to years therefore the wintering bird stage 1d- 1f season cannot be avoided.
9.1.10 Following the application of avoidance at Stage 1c no likely significant effect was concluded for all two of the remaining interest features River lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis and Sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus. For European golden plover Pluvialis apricaria and Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, no significant effects were also concluded with the exception of at the Pumping Station where the construction season extends over the wintering period.
9.1.11 European golden plover Pluvialis apricaria and Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, were taken through to stage 1d in relation to the construction of the Pumping Station the results of which concluded that the Onshore Scheme will not result in significant effect alone. Stage 1f was undertaken for these two interest features with regards to the construction of the Pumping Station the outcome of which concluded that the Onshore Scheme in-combination will not result in a significant effect.
9.1.12 Figure 6 below re-illustrates the screening methodology and the path taken by this Report. The cells highlighted in yellow illustrate the path taken by European golden plover Pluvialis apricaria and Lapwing Vanellus vanellus in relation to the construction of the Pumping Station. Figure 6 illustrates that screening has concluded that the Onshore Scheme will not result in a Likely Significant Effect.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 126 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Figure 6 Screening Methodology Path Taken
Yes Stage 1a: Are any sites within the Application Boundary of the Onshore Scheme?
No Stage 1b: Identify the potential sources/causes of indirect effects –
4) Are there any sites / interest features that could be affected by them? and No 5) Is there a pathway for the effect to occur? and 6) Is there a mechanism for the effect to occur?
Yes
No Stage 1d: Can No Stage 1c: Can reduction measures be avoidance measures be included / introduced? included / introduced?
Yes
Stage 1e: Will the Onshore Yes Scheme have a significant Yes effect alone? No Stage 1f : Will in the Onshore No Scheme have a significant No potential for effect in-combination? LSE
Yes
Proceed to Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment
9.1.13 This Report has concluded that the Onshore Scheme will not result in a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site alone or in combination with other plans and projects therefore an Appropriate Assessment is not required.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 127 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
10 References
(Ref 1) David Tyldesley and Associates, Scottish Natural Heritage, Habitat Regulations Appraisal of Plans, Guidance for Plan Making Bodies in Scotland, Version 2.0, August 2012
(Ref 2) Scott Wilson (2009). HECAG: Humber Estuary Coastal Authorities Group. Flamborough Head to Gibraltar Point shoreline management plan: Appendix C – assessment of coastal behaviour and baseline scenarios.
(Ref 3) Bruun P (1998). The Bruun Rule of Erosion by Sea-Level Rise: A Discussion on Large-Scale Two- and Three-Dimensional Uses. Journal of Coastal Research 4: 627-648.
(Ref 4) Castedo R, Murphy W, Lawrence J & Paredes C (2012). A new process- response coastal recession model of soft rock cliffs. Geomorphology 177-178: 128-143.
(Ref 5) Folk RL (1954). The Distinction Between Grain Size and Mineral Composition in Sedimentary Nomenclature, Journal of Geology 62: 344-359
(Ref 6) RPS 2011 York Field Development Project: Offshore Environmental Statement Addendum. DECC Reference Number: D/4094/2010, 52pp+Appendicies.
(Ref 7) Metoc 2004, Langeled Project Marine Pipeline. UK/Norway Median Line to the UK Mean Low Water Mark at Easington, East Riding of Yorkshire. Environmental Statement.
(Ref 8) Royal Haskoning 2011, York Field Development Project: Coastal Impact Assessment. 25 November 2011, 37pp+Appendicies.
(Ref 9) Prandle D, Hargreaves JC, McManus JP, Campbell AR, Duwe K, Lane A, Mahnke P, Shimwell S & Wolf J (2000). Tide, wave ans suspended sediment modelling on an open coast – Holderness, Coastal Engineering 41: 237-267.
(Ref 10) Blewett & Huntley (1998) note a strong dependence on storm wave conditions for re-suspension of sediment in the Holderness region
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 128 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
(Ref 11) Halcrow 1988, Holderness Joint Advisory Committe for Coastal Protection. Nearshore Environmental Studies Phase 2. Field Studies 1987/1988.
(Ref 12) Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, CIEEM, April 2013.
(Ref 13) Arthur N. Popper, Environmental BioAcoustics LLC, A Review of Hearing by Sturgeon and Lamprey.
(Ref 14) Tomlinson ML & Perrow MR (2003). Ecology of the Bullhead . Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology Series No. 4. English Nature, Peterborough.
(Ref 15) Tci Renewables Fraisthorpe Wind Farm, Non Technical Summary.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
No Significant Effects Report 5.4: No Significant Effects Report 129 Reports and Statements Document 5.4
Figure 5.1 Natura 2000 Sites
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS Cross
Country Pipeline
This document has been prepared by AECOM for the sole use of our Client (the "Client") and in accordance with generally accepted consultancy principles, the budget for fees and terms of reference agreed between AECOM and the Client. Any information provided by third parties and referred to herein has not been checked or verified by AECOM, unless otherwise expressly stated in the document. No third party may rely upon this document without the prior and express written agreement of AECOM.
Flamborough Head & Bempton Cliffs SAC & SPA Ü
PROJECT LOCATION
Skerne to Barmston Section
Legend Hornsea Mere SPA Pipeline Centreline South Dalton to Section Break Skerne Section Pipeline Envelope
Application Boundary
Likely Pipeline
Above Ground Installation Site (AGI) Lower Derwent Valley Temporary Construction Area - AGI RAMSAR, SPA & SAC Temporary Construction Area - Pipeline Temporary Construction Compound Skipwith Common Tollingham to SAC Flexible Drainage Areas South Dalton Section Ecological Designations Ramsar
Special Protection Area (SPA)
Special Area of Conservation River Derwent SAC
Camblesforth to Tollingham Section
Humber Estuary RAMSAR, SPA & SAC
Thorne & Hatfield Moors SPA & SAC
0 5 10 km
Client: Title: Design: DAM Drawn: DAM Co-financed by the European Union's European Energy P rogramme for Recovery. Chk'd: CM App'd: CM NATURA 2000 SITES Project: Date: 01/05/2014 Scale at A1: 1:125,000 YORKSHIRE AND HUMBER CCS 5th Floor, Tel: +44 (0) 113 391 6800 2 City Walk, Fax: +44 (0) 113 391 6899 PINs Reference: Figure Number: CROSS COUNTRY PIPELINE LEEDS, LS11 9AR www.aecom.com EN070001 5.1 A1
Reproduced from 1:10,000 Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. ©Crown Copyright. License Number 100055005