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Infrastructure Planning (Applications: Prescribed Forms and Procedure) Regulations 2009 Regulation 5(2)(l)
VOLUME 5: FOLDER 3
Natural Features Report Document 5.4
www.tidallagoonswanseabay.com www.tidallagoonswanseabay.com Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay plc
Contents 1.0 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 2 1.2 The Proposed Development ...... 4 1.2.1 Introduction ...... 4 1.2.2 Consenting Process ...... 5 1.3 Natural Features Assessment ...... 5 1.4 Statutory and non-statutory sites or features of nature conservation ...... 6 2.1 Introduction ...... 6 2.2 Zone of Influence ...... 7 2.3 Construction ...... 7 2.4 Operation ...... 8 2.5 Decommissioning ...... 8 2.6 Natural Features within the Zone of Influence ...... 8 2.7 Assessment of Effects Prior to Mitigation ...... 10 2.8 Mitigation Measures ...... 13 2.9 Residual Impacts ...... 13 3.0 Conclusion ...... 15 4.0 References ...... 15
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Natural Features Report 1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background
1.1.0.1 Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay plc (TLSB) is submitting an application ("Application") to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change for development consent to construct and operate a tidal powered generating station on land in and adjacent to Swansea Bay, between the dredged channels of the Rivers Tawe and Neath (the "Project"). The Project has a nominal rated capacity of 240MW, and, consequently, constitutes a nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) for the purposes of the Planning Act 2008 ("PA 2008").
1.1.0.2 Regulation 5(2)(l) of the Infrastructure Planning (Applications: Prescribed Forms and Procedure) Regulations 2009 requires that an application for development consent should be accompanied by:
Where applicable, a plan with accompanying information identifying -
i) Any statutory or non-statutory sites or features of nature conservation such as sites of geological or landscape importance;
ii) Habitats of protected species, important habitats or other diversity features; and
iii) Water bodies in a river basin management plan, together with an assessment of any effects on such sites, features, habitats or bodies likely to be caused by the proposed development.
1.1.0.3 The likely effects of the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project on the natural environment have been assessed as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and are set out in the Environmental Statement (ES) that accompanies the application (Doc. ref. 6.2). Chapters 6 (Coastal Processes, Sediment Transport and Contamination); 7 (Marine Water Quality); 8 (Intertidal and Subtidal Benthic Ecology); 9 (Fish, including Recreational and Commercial Fisheries); 10 (Marine Mammals and Turtles); 11 (Coastal Birds), 12 (Terrestrial Ecology); 13 (Seascape & Landscape Visual Impact Assessment); 17 (Hydrology and Flood Risk); and 18 (Hydrogeology and Land Quality) of the ES; the Report to inform Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) (Doc. ref. 5.5) and the Water Framework Directive Assessment (WFD) (Doc., ref. 8.3) assess the impacts on valued ecological receptors that are considered likely to be affected by the Project.
1.1.0.4 The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) Guidance ‘Planning Act 2008: Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects: Application Form Guidance’ provides advice on this in paragraphs 33-35. The Guidance states that to satisfy Regulation 5(2)(l) the following is required:
i) Information on any effects, not only those that are classed as significant and therefore required to be covered by the ES;
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ii) Information on other effects i.e. those other than significant effects identified in the ES set out in a separate document;
iii) An assessment that is set out to an appropriate level of detail which is proportionate to those effects.
1.1.0.5 The EIA was extensive and, following a wide-ranging baseline study, effects on all natural features were considered in order to identify and assess which of the effects, resulting from the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project, are likely to be significant as set out by the EIA Regulations. The ES (Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17 and 18), the WFD and the HRA produced for the Project present the findings of the EIA process. On this basis, the requirement of Regulation 5(2)(l) is met by the ES, the WFD report and the HRA report. However, an assessment of the likely effects of the Project on natural features is set out separately in this Report for ease of reference in respect of the effects on natural features.
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1.2 The Proposed Development
1.2.1 Introduction
1.2.1.1 TLSB is proposing to construct and operate a tidal energy lagoon, located in Swansea Bay, South Wales (Figure 1.1). The tidal lagoon will generate renewable energy in the form of electricity using the large tidal range (the difference between high and low water) which is a distinguishing feature of the Bay. The generating station lagoon will have a nominal rated capacity of 240 Megawatts (MW), generating 400GWh net annual output. This is sufficient electricity for the equivalent of some 121,000 homes: more than Swansea’s annual domestic electricity use (109k households); c.70% of Swansea Bay’s annual domestic electricity use (Swansea, Neath & Port Talbot, 173k households); or c.9% of Wales’ annual domestic electricity use (based on 1,369k households).
Figure 1.1: Location of Project
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1.2.1.2 In addition to generating electricity, the Project also aims to provide visitor facilities and other amenities including art, education, mariculture and sporting/recreational facilities. The seawall comprised in the Project is expected to be open to the public during daylight hours for walking, running, cycling etc, though access will be controlled in extreme weather.
1.2.1.3 The Project is described in greater detail in other application documents, particularly Section 4, Project Description of the ES.
1.2.2 Consenting Process
1.2.2.1 As the Project is an offshore electricity generating station of more than 100MW, it is a nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) under the Planning Act 2008 (PA 2008). Construction of such a project requires that a development consent order (DCO) is made by the relevant Secretary of State, in this case the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, under PA 2008.
1.2.2.2 The DCO for the Project will include a number of consents formerly required separately for a project of this type. Section 33 of PA 2008 dispenses with the need for separate planning permission or deemed planning permission under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (TCPA 1990) and consents under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. Any additional permissions required under TCPA 1990 will be sought following the grant of development consent, as such elements would not form an integral part of the Project as authorised by the DCO.
1.2.2.3 The DCO will authorise construction and operation of the generating station itself, and its component parts. These include both offshore and onshore elements of the Project, including the integral electrical grid connection works.
1.2.2.4 As the Project lies within Welsh waters, an application for a marine licence will be made to the appropriate licensing authority, under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, in this case Marine Licensing Team within Natural Resources Wales (NRW). The requirement for a marine licence (ML) is broadly defined by works taking place in the offshore environment that affect the seabed or the movement of materials related to it. In order to deliver the Project, TLSB will be carrying out licensable activities, including the construction of marine energy works and dredging and disposal of dredged material.
1.2.2.5 An application for a marine licence will be submitted concurrently with the application for development consent. Given the nature of the two regulatory regimes, elements of the offshore Project that are subject to the DCO application are also subject to a separate marine licence application.
1.3 Natural Features Assessment
1.3.0.1 An EIA has been undertaken in relation to the Project, which has included an Ecological Impact Assessment. The Ecological Impact Assessment was carried out for terrestrial habitats and species in accordance with the EIA Regulations and the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) Guidelines on Ecological Impact Assessment (IEEM, 2006). For marine mammals and fish, Guidance on Impact Assessment in Marine and Coastal Environments (IEEM, 2010) was also used. Any
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relevant information set out in the HRA Report and WFD Assessment is also relevant to this assessment.
1.3.0.2 Within the ES, effects on all natural features were considered and significant effects identified. CIEEM Guidelines state that ‘an ecologically significant effect is defined as an impact (negative or positive) on the integrity of a defined site or ecosystem and/or the conservation status of habitats or species within a given geographical area.’
1.3.0.3 Therefore, if an effect is to take place then the integrity of the relevant receptor must change. If an ecological effect is not significant, and the integrity of a receptor is unaffected, there will be no ecological effect.
1.4 Statutory and non-statutory sites or features of nature conservation
1.4.0.1 This term includes European protected Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation, biological Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), statutory Local Nature Reserves, and non-statutory designated sites in proximity to the Project. There is no mechanism for effects of the Project upon features of geological interest and, as such, statutory and non-statutory geological sites are not included in this assessment.
1.4.0.2 Habitats of protected species is interpreted to mean the habitats of species protected under the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (i.e. the species present on Schedule 1, Schedule 5 and Schedule 8 including those species that receive only partial protection), the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (i.e. the species present on Schedule 2 and Schedule 5) and the Protection fo Badgers Act 1992. It also includes the habitats of species present on the list of species that are of principal importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity as referred to in Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.
1.4.0.3 The term "important habitats" is interpreted to include: those habitats that are present on the list of habitats that are of principal importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity in England as referred to in Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 ; and habitats identified in a Biodiversity Action Plan.
1.4.0.4 Consideration of water bodies in a river basin management plan is within the scope of this assessment. It is addressed more fully in the WFD that accompanies the application. 2.0 Assessment of Effects on Natural Features
2.1 Introduction
2.1.0.1 The construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project have the potential to result in adverse effects on natural features through the loss, damage or degradation of habitats and the direct or indirect mortality, injury or disturbance of protected or notable species.
2.1.0.2 For the purposes of this report, natural features are defined as: (i) any statutory or non- statutory sites or features of nature conservation such as sites of geological or landscape importance; (ii) habitats of protected species, important habitats or other
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diversity features; and (iii) water bodies in a river basin management plan. These features are presented on plans at document 2.3.1, 2.3.2, and 2.3.3; also appended. 2.1.0.3 Notwithstanding that the Project is not located within, nor is it adjacent to, any site designated as being of European importance for nature conservation, given the potential presence of mobile qualifying species within the application site and relevant study area (such as migratory fish and overwintering birds), and the possible effects from changes in coastal processes on nearby European sites, it was considered appropriate for the potential for effects on such sites to be considered.
2.2 Zone of Influence
2.2.0.1 The assessment of effects on natural features considered the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project, as described briefly above and in detail in Chapter 4, Project Description of the ES. The assessment relied upon a zone of influence for the Project which encompassed Swansea Bay and the majority of the coastline of South Wales, from the Severn Estuary to Pembrokeshire. For mobile species such as fish, birds and marine mammals, the study area was defined by the potential impact pathways on these receptors, as defined in Chapters 9, 10 and 11 of the ES. With respect to marine mammals, this extended the zone of influence to cover the Celtic/Irish Sea.
2.2.0.2 No effects on natural features outside the identified Zone of Influence are anticipated.
2.3 Construction
2.3.0.1 During construction, the Project has the potential to result in effects upon natural features that would be caused by various site activities. These include: i. Changes in sediment deposition and erosion (coastal processes) due to construction activities (dredging, installation of seawalls and associated infrastructure) affecting the distribution and extent of species and habitats; ii. Permanent and temporary loss of terrestrial, intertidal and subtidal habitat from all elements of construction; iii. Mortality and injury to terrestrial and marine species during all elements of construction; iv. Disturbance to fish and marine mammals through construction underwater noise and vibration; v. Changes in water quality due to sediment re-suspension (including potentially contaminated sediments) during dredging and construction works; and vi. Changes in water quality from accidental spills of contaminants from construction vessels/plant.
2.3.0.2 Effects on natural features were assessed with regard to: i. Statutory and non-statutory designated sites; ii. Habitats; and iii. Flora and fauna.
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2.4 Operation
2.4.0.1 For the purposes of assessing potential impacts during the operational phase for the Project, anticipated to be approximately 120 years, the following potential effects on natural features were identified: i. Changes in sediment deposition and erosion (coastal processes) during operation as a result of the presence of the seawall and through maintenance dredging; ii. Disturbance and re-deposition of contaminated sediments during any more frequent maintenance works and/or dredging; iii. Changes in water quality due to sediment re-suspension during maintenance and/or dredging works; iv. Changes in water quality from accidental release of contaminants from maintenance vessels/plant; v. Changes in water quality due to storm water discharges into the lagoon/wider Swansea Bay area; vi. Change in groundwater levels as a result of tidal displacement within lagoon; and vii. Direct impacts on the fish and marine mammal population through mortality (due to collision with turbine structures) and/or disruption to migration activity; and viii. Disturbance to species through the operation of the turbines and other operational activities.
2.5 Decommissioning
2.5.0.1 During decommissioning, effects on natural features may arise due to: i. Changes in sediment deposition and erosion (coastal processes) as a result of the removal of the turbines and sluice gates structure; ii. Changes in water quality from accidental release of contaminants from decommissioning vessels/plant; and iii. Disturbance to species as a result of decommissioning activities.
2.6 Natural Features within the Zone of Influence
2.6.0.1 A combination of targeted field surveys in 2011, 2012 and 2013, in addition to desk- based ecological studies, were utilised to inform the scope of the Ecological Impact Assessment, and therefore the scope of the assessments of potential effects on natural features. Through this process, the natural features outlined in Table 2.1 were identified as being potentially at risk of effects as a result of the Project. These are shown on documents 2.3.1, 2.3.2, and 2.3.3 Table 2.1: Natural Features within the Zone of Influence Designation Natural Feature Burry Inlet Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Carmarthen Bay SPA Statutory Designated Sites Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries SAC Cleddau Rivers SAC Crymlyn Bog SAC and Ramsar Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay Natural Features Report Page 8
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Designation Natural Feature Dunraven SAC Kenfig SAC Limestone Coast of South and West Wales SAC Lundy SAC Pembrokeshire Marine SAC River Twyi SAC River Usk SAC River Wye SAC Severn Estuary SAC, SPA and Ramsar Blackpill Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Bracelet Bay SSSI Crymlyn Bog SSSI Crymlyn Burrows SSSI Earlswood Road Cutting and Ferryboat Inn Quarries SSSI Langland Bay (Rotherslade) SSSI Oxwich Bay SSSI Oystermouth Old Quarry SSSI Pant-y-Sais SSSI Crymlyn Bog National Nature Reserve (NNR) Pant- y-Sais NNR and Local Nature Reserve (LNR) Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Red Jacket Fen Wildlife Trust Reserve (WTR) Baglan WTR Fabian Way Conservation Verge Non-statutory Designated Sites Dune habitat west of the Tawe Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) Heritage Coast Sand dunes (outside designated sites) Saltmarsh (outside designated sites) Scrub and woodland Rocky shore (artificial) Habitat Grassland Bare ground, ephemeral and short perennial vegetation Sabellaria reef Intertidal habitat Subtidal habitat Vascular plants Terrestrial invertebrates Benthic invertebrates Overwintering birds Breeding birds Amphibians Reptiles Species Water vole Otter Bats Other terrestrial mammals Marine mammals Migratory fish (outside European sites) Other fish species Swansea Bay (coastal) WFD Waterbodies Bristol Channel Outer North (coastal)
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Designation Natural Feature Tawe Estuary (transitional) Neath Estuary (transitional) Swansea Carboniferous Coal Measures (groundwater) River Neath – confluence with Nedd Fechan and Mellte to tidal limit River Tawe – confluence with Twrch to tidal limit River Tawe – confluences with Nant Cwmgelli to tidal limit Crymlyn Brook – headwater to confluence with Tennant Canal Neath and Tennant Canal
2.7 Assessment of Effects Prior to Mitigation
2.7.0.1 The significance of any effect was characterised based on the value of the receptor and the predicted magnitude of the effect. It was determined in the assessment of effects (as detailed in Chapters 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the ES, the HRA Report and the WFD Assessment) that a number of natural features would be subject to ‘no effect’ as a result of the Project. A number of natural features were assessed as being subject to ‘insignificant effects’. The distinction between ‘Insignificant Effect and ‘No Effect’ is shown in Table 2.2 below.
2.7.0.2 However, where an effect on a natural feature was identified prior to implementation of mitigation, this has been classified as ‘Effect’ in Table 2.2 below. With respect to the HRA Report, European Sites that were identified at the screening stage as being potentially subject to a ‘significant effect’ and taken through to the next stage in the HRA process (appropriate assessment), have been classified as ‘Effect’ in Table 2.2 below. So far as the WFD waterbodies are concerned, the effects were identified in line with the WFD Assessment, and are also set out below.
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Table 2.2: Assessment of Effects on Natural Features (Prior to Mitigation) Designation Natural Features Assessment Cross Reference for further detail Burry Inlet SPA and Ramsar Effect HRA Report, ES Chapter 11 Cardigan Bay SAC Effect HRA Report ES Chapter 10 Carmarthen Bay SPA No Effect HRA Report, ES Chapter 11 Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries No Effect HRA Report SAC ES Chapter 9 Cleddau Rivers SAC No Effect HRA Report ES Chapter 9 Crymlyn Bog SAC and Ramsar No Effect HRA Report, ES Chapters 12, 17 and 18 Dunraven SAC No Effect HRA Report Kenfig SAC No Effect HRA Report, ES Chapter 6, 8 and 12 Limestone Coast of South and No Effect HRA Report West Wales SAC Lundy SAC Effect HRA Report, ES Chapter 10 Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Effect HRA Report, ES Chapters 9 and 10 River Twyi SAC No Effect HRA Report Statutory Designated Sites River Usk SAC Effect HRA Report ES Chapter 9 River Wye SAC Effect HRA Report ES Chapter 9 Severn Estuary SAC, SPA and Effect HRA Report Ramsar ES Chapter 9 Blackpill SSSI Effect ES Chapters 6, 8, 11 and 12 Bracelet Bay SSSI No Effect ES Chapter 12 Crymlyn Bog SSSI No Effect ES Chapters 12, 17 and 18 Crymlyn Burrows SSSI Effect ES Chapters 6, 11 and 12 Earlswood Road Cutting and No Effect ES Chapter 12 Ferryboat Inn Quarries SSSI Langland Bay (Rotherslade) No Effect ES Chapter 12 SSSI Oxwich Bay SSSI No Effect ES Chapter 12 Oystermouth Old Quarry SSSI No Effect ES Chapter 12 Pant-y-Sais SSSI No Effect ES Chapter 12 Crymlyn Bog NNR No Effect ES Chapter 12, 17 and 18 Pant- y-Sais NNR and LNR No Effect ES Chapter 12 Gower AONB No Effect ES Chapter 13 Red Jacket Fen WTR No Effect ES Chapter 12 Baglan WTR No Effect ES Chapter 12 Non-statutory Designations Fabian Way Conservation Effect ES Chapter 12 Verge
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Designation Natural Features Assessment Cross Reference for further detail Dune habitat west of the Effect ES Chapter 12 Tawe, Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) Heritage Coast No Effect ES Chapter 13 Sand dunes (outside Effect ES Chapter 12 designated sites) Saltmarsh (outside designated Effect ES Chapter 12 sites) Scrub and woodland No Effect ES Chapter 12 Rocky shore (artificial) Insignificant ES Chapter 12 Habitat Effect Grassland Effect ES Chapter 12 Bare ground, ephemeral and Insignificant ES Chapter 12 short perennial vegetation Effect Sabellaria reef Effect ES Chapter 8 Intertidal habitat Effect ES Chapter 8 Subtidal habitat Effect ES Chapter 8 Vascular plants No Effect ES Chapter 12 Terrestrial invertebrates Effect ES Chapter 12 Benthic invertebrates Effect ES Chapter 8 Overwintering birds Effect ES Chapter 11 Breeding birds Insignificant ES Chapter 12 Effect Amphibians No Effect ES Chapter 12 Reptiles Insignificant ES Chapter 12 Effect Species Water Vole No Effect ES Chapter 12 Otter Insignificant ES Chapter 12 Effect Bats Insignificant ES Chapter 12 Effect Other terrestrial mammals No Effect ES Chapter 12 Marine mammals Effect ES Chapter 10 Migratory fish (outside Effect ES Chapter 9 European sites) Other fish species Effect ES Chapter 9 Swansea Bay (coastal) Effect WFD Assessment ES Chapter 7 Bristol Channel Outer North Effect WFD Assessment (coastal) ES Chapter 7 Tawe Estuary (transitional) Effect WFD Assessment ES Chapter 7 Neath Estuary (transitional) Effect WFD Assessment ES Chapter 7 WFD Waterbodies Swansea Carboniferous Coal No Effect WFD Assessment Measures (groundwater) ES Chapter 18 River Neath – confluence with No Effect WFD Assessment Nedd Fechan and Mellte to tidal limit River Tawe – confluence with No Effect WFD Assessment Twrch to tidal limit River Tawe – confluences with No Effect WFD Assessment
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Designation Natural Features Assessment Cross Reference for further detail Nant Cwmgelli to tidal limit Crymlyn Brook – headwater to No Effect WFD Assessment confluence with Tennant Canal Neath and Tennant Canal No Effect WFD Assessment ES Chapter 17
2.8 Mitigation Measures
2.8.0.1 Where significant adverse effects are considered likely, measures to mitigate these effects were proposed in order to reduce their significance. In addition, where protected species and/or valuable habitats are present, and expected to experience an insignificant effect as a result of the Project, mitigation was nonetheless recommended to ensure compliance with legislation and/or planning policies.
2.8.0.2 Mitigation is one aspect of a hierarchy of measures that may be undertaken to prevent or reduce adverse impacts as follows:
a) Avoidance/prevention: measures taken to avoid or prevent adverse effects e.g. layout of associated infrastructure, timing of dredging.
b) Reduction/mitigation: measures taken to reduce adverse effects e.g. translocation of grassland turf, provision of herring spawning habitat.
c) Compensation/offsetting: measure taken to offset residual effects that cannot be entirely avoided or mitigated for example: creation of saltmarsh, creation of high tide roost.
2.8.0.3 A range of mitigation measures have been identified in order to address the adverse effects that may result from the Project. These are explained in detail in Chapters 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the ES and in the HRA Report. Mitigation measures with respect to the specific aspects of the WFD Assessment are cross-referred in that document to the relevant ES chapters.
2.9 Residual Impacts
2.9.0.1 Residual impact is the significance of the effects considered after mitigation measures have been taken into account. The effects of mitigation measures on those natural features included for legislative purposes (see para 2.8.0.1) are also included in Table 2.3 below.
2.9.0.2 With respect to the HRA, impacts are assessed following the "Appropriate Assessment" stage of the HRA process.
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Table 2.3: Residual Effects on Natural Features Assessed Following Implementation of Mitigation Measures Designation Natural Features Assessment Cross Reference for Further Detail Burry Inlet SPA and Ramsar No Effect HRA Report, ES Chapter 11 Cardigan Bay SAC No Effect HRA Report ES Chapter 10 Lundy SAC No Effect HRA Report ES Chapter 10 Pembrokeshire Marine SAC No Effect HRA Report ES Chapters 9 and Statutory Designated 10 Sites River Usk SAC No Effect HRA Report ES Chapter 9 River Wye SAC No Effect HRA Report ES Chapter 9 Severn Estuary SAC, SPA and No Effect HRA Report Ramsar ES Chapter 9 Blackpill SSSI No Effect ES Chapters 6, 8, 11 and 12 Crymlyn Burrows SSSI No Effect ES Chapters 6, 11 and 12 Fabian Way Conservation No Effect ES Chapter 12 Non-Statutory Verge Designated Sites Dune habitat west of the Tawe No Effect ES Chapter 12 SINC Sand dunes (outside Beneficial Effect ES Chapter 12 designated sites) Saltmarsh (outside designated Beneficial Effect ES Chapter 12 sites) Rocky shore (artificial) Beneficial Effect ES Chapter 12 Habitats Grassland Effect ES Chapter 12 Bare ground, ephemeral and No Effect ES Chapter 12 short perennial vegetation Sabellaria reef Effect ES Chapter 8 Intertidal habitat Effect ES Chapter 8 Subtidal habitat Effect ES Chapter 8 Terrestrial invertebrates No Effect ES Chapter 12 Benthic invertebrates Effect ES Chapter 8 Overwintering birds No Effect ES Chapter 11 Breeding birds No Effect ES Chapter 12 Species Reptiles No Effect ES Chapter 12 Marine mammals No Effect ES Chapter 10 Migratory fish (outside Effect ES Chapter 9 European sites) Other fish species Effect ES Chapter 9 Swansea Bay (coastal) No Effect WFD Assessment ES Chapter 7 Bristol Channel Outer North No Effect WFD Assessment WFD Waterbodies (coastal) Tawe Estuary (transitional) No Effect WFD Assessment Neath Estuary (transitional) No Effect WFD Assessment
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2.9.0.3 Following the implementation of mitigation, there would be no residual impacts on any statutory or non-statutory designated sites. Beneficial effects are predicted for sand dunes outside designated sites, saltmarsh outside designated sites and artificial rocky shore, due to habitat creation schemes and beach nourishment activities (importing sand) where required.
2.9.0.4 The residual effects on grassland habitat are anticipated to be minor as habitat retention and recreation are expected to mitigate for the loss of approximately 4.2 hectares of grassland in the long term.
2.9.0.5 A moderate adverse residual impact is predicted for protected intertidal and subtidal features, namely Sabellaria reef, hydroid rockpools and intertidal mudflat and sandflat, resulting from the direct loss of habitat and potential changes in habitat suitability. Mitigation measures for the loss of Sabellaria reef and impacts on intertidal ecology include translocation of Sabellaria reef and opportunities to encourage the settlement of Sabellaria larvae, and design of the lagoon seawall to promote and enhance ecological subtidal diversity. Encouraging the re-introduction of native oyster through spatting ponds are mitigation proposals which would serve to reduce effects on subtidal ecology and benthic invertebrates.
2.9.0.6 Residual effects on migratory fish (not associated with European sites) and other fish are also expected to be minor. Mitigation measures proposed to reduce impacts are the use of soft-start piling, use of acoustic fish deterrents (AFDs), and the provision of herring spawning substrate. 3.0 Conclusion
3.1.0.1 It is concluded that, for the majority of natural features, no residual effects are anticipated throughout the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project. Where residual effects have been identified following the implementation of mitigation measures, the effects are predicted to be of a minor nature, except for a moderate effect on protected subtidal and intertidal features. It is considered that, overall, construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project will not adversely affect the integrity of the natural features in the long term. 4.0 References Legislation 2007 No. 1518, The Marine Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2007 (www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/1518/contents/made) 2009 No. 2264 The Infrastructure Planning (Applications: Prescribed Forms and Procedure) Regulations 2009 2009 No. 2263, Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2009 (http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/wp- content/uploads/2009/08/uksi_20092263_en.pdf) Chartered Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM), 2006. Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom.
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Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM), 2010 Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in Britain and Ireland. Marine and Coastal, Final Document Electricity Act (1989) Marine Coastal Access Act 2009. Planning Act 2008 (http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/wp- content/uploads/2009/08/ukpga_20080029_en.pdf)
Town and Country Planning Act (1990)
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Estuarine water bodies
Coastal water bodies
Groundwater
TIDAL LAGOON SWANSEA BAY PROJECT
Doc Ref: 2.3.3
Non-Statutory Designated Sites
TIDAL LAGOON SWANSEA BAY PROJECT
Doc Ref: 2.3.2
TIDAL LAGOON SWANSEA BAY PROJECT
Doc Ref: 2.3.1