Natural Resources Wales Ammanford Flood Risk Management Scheme Environmental Action Plan

Doc Ref.: 272967-ARP-XX-XX-RP-EN-0004 Ammanford Flood Risk Management Scheme Environmental Action Plan

Project name Ammanford Flood Risk Management Scheme Project code 272967 Area Ammanford, Carmarthenshire Date 08/01/2021 Version number 1.2 Author Ian Meyrick / Gareth McIlquham [Arup]

Revision history Revision Summary of changes Author Version date number 01/09/2020 First Draft Ian Meyrick / Gareth 1.0 McIlquham [Arup] 06/01/2021 Incorporation of NRW Review Comments Ian Meyrick / Gareth 1.1 McIlquham [Arup] 08/01/2021 Pre-Application Consultation Issue Ian Meyrick / Gareth 1.2 McIlquham [Arup]

EAP Approvals Name Signature Title Date Version Heilyn Williams / Marianne Jones

Distribution Name Title Date Version Susie Tudge

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Ammanford Flood Risk Management Scheme Environmental Action Plan

Purpose This Environmental Action Plan (EAP) summarises the actions required to implement the environmental mitigation for Ammanford Flood Risk Management Scheme. It sets out specific objectives and actions defining the way in which environmental risks should be minimised. It also details roles and responsibilities of those involved in the proposal.

These actions form part of the contract documentation and must be adhered to. Roles Each action in the table below has one named person who is responsible for ensuring that the action is implemented. It is ultimately the contractor’s responsibility for ensuring the EAP commitments, which may include planning conditions, are delivered.

The Environmental Assessment Team (EAT) are responsible for agreeing any changes to the EAP and for signing off, or agreeing to the signing off, of the actions.

The contractor and Project Manager are responsible for advising EAT on any changes to method statements or the planned construction work as these may result in changes to the EAP or additional consultation with statutory consultees. EAT will assess the significance of these changes and determine the appropriate course of action.

The contractor is also responsible for implementing good environmental practice on site, in line with their own Environmental Management System (EMS). Typical issues include: • any working hour restrictions. • dust suppression measures. • traffic management. • site waste management. • materials management. • vehicle maintenance and management. • pollution prevention and control (including storage, refuelling and incident response). • response procedures e.g. services strike, contaminated land. • hazardous materials handling and storage. • noise management. • securing and delineation of working areas including signage. Environmental Audits It is not anticipated that any audits will be undertaken during the working period, but the work will be supervised. Environmental Incident Reporting system Procedure 1. STOP Before you report the incident, stop the work 2. CONTAIN Where safe to do so, carry out any local site pollution prevention or emergency incident measures 3. NOTIFY

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Ammanford FRM – Environmental Action Plan Report the incident to the (24 hour) NRW incident hotline 0300 065 5111, stating that it is an NRW caused incident and giving full details of the incident, including location and contact details. Also request, and note, the incident number. 4. REPORT Report the incident (including the incident number) to: the EMS team ([email protected])

All environmental incidents must be reported at the earliest opportunity to the ECC Project Manager, Site Supervisor, NRW Project Manager and NRW Environmental Project Manager. In addition, near misses must be reported via the hotline where there was/is the potential for a significant impact and where lessons can be learned.

Initial reports for such incidents and near misses must be followed by a written report using the contractor’s in-house forms. This must include the following information: • project/location. • date. • contractor. • details of what happened. • cause of incident. • lessons learned.

This final and comprehensive investigation report is to be provided by the contractor to the ECC Project Manager, NRW Project Manager and Safety, Health and Environment Manager within 14 days. Summary Scope of Works

The proposed flood defence improvements comprise a series of flood walls and embankments along the banks of the River Loughor, from Coleg Sir Gar at the southernmost extent to Parc Henry Lane at the northernmost extent, together with small-scale sediment removal from a section of the channel under and immediately adjacent to the A483 road bridge. The scheme proposals are shown in the planning drawings of the Pre-Application Consultation pack and summarised as follows (south to north):

Flood Defence Improvements: • Coleg Sir Gâr Flood Wall – located on the western riverbank of the River Loughor south of Dyffryn Bridge, adjacent to Coleg Sir Gâr Ammanford Campus. Construction of an 80m, 1.2m high flood wall with brickwork cladding and concrete copings. The works would include replanting of 11no. trees, 2no. bulb planting areas, and public realm improvements. • Tir-y-Dail Weir and Fish Passage Improvements – located within the River Loughor watercourse south of Dyffryn Bridge. Installation of 5no. pre-barrage notches, reinforcements to the existing Tir-y-Dail Weir and installation of rip-rap protection. The barrages comprise of block stones shaped in convex curves incorporating concrete notches. The pre-barrages will be installed with deep streaming flow notches to allow fish passage. • Cwmllwchwr Mill Flood Wall & Ground Lowering – Commercial units situated to the immediate south of Dyffryn Bridge upon the eastern riverbank. Construction of a 90m long, 0.6m-1.4m high flood wall adjacent to commercial units, rip-rap covering, ground lowering, cellular paving with grass infill, reinstated path and mitigation Page 4 of 31 Ammanford FRM – Environmental Action Plan planting comprising 59no. trees and wet woodland mix planting. The wall is accompanied by an area of ground lowering (c. 80m x 20m) to the east of the pre- barrage fish pass to improve conveyance during flood events. The lowered area will include a 1:3 slope back up to existing ground level. Erosion protection consisting of rip-rap and concrete cellular units will be installed to the riverbank along the new wall. • Heol Haydn Flood Wall – located on land on the western riverbank of the River Loughor adjacent to Gwyn Fryn Estate properties. Construction of a 200m long, 1.0m high reinforced concrete flood wall with brick cladding on the dry side and concrete copings and reinstated pathway. The proposals would include mitigation planting of 39no. trees and 9no. areas of spring flower planting and public realm improvements. • Shands Road Flood Wall – located on land situated between light industrial units at Shands Road on the eastern bank of the River Loughor. Construction of 4no. flood walls (87m, 12.1m, 16m and 30m in length, 1.5m high) to tie into existing industrial units to create a continuous flood wall. Waterproofing will be applied to the external river side walls of the industrial units where they form part of the defence line. Mitigation planting, comprising 27no. trees, wet woodland mix and two interpretation boards. • Tir-Y-Dail Flood Bund – a 137m long, 20m wide and 2.0m high flood bund and will be gently sloped (1V:3.5H to 1V:5H) to enable the bund to fit with the local character. Located within agricultural land situated between Shands Road and Heart of Wales Railway Line. Proposed flood bund with a typical 2m crest width and associated landscaping. Each bund terminus would be installed with cellular with grass infill. Minor ground raising (c.100mm) will be provided along the northerly tie-in to Shands Road to cut off a potential flood path. • Railway Bridge Flood Wall – located immediately east of railway bridge on the southern bank of the River Loughor within Bonllwyn Farm. Construction of a 45m long, 1.2m high reinforced concrete flood wall. • Bonllwyn Farm Flood Wall – located in Bonllwyn Farm on the southern bank of the River Loughor. Construction of an 80m, 0.8m high mass concrete flood wall tying into the railway bridge parapet. • Bonllwyn Farm Landscape Planting – located on the southern bank of the River Loughor between the proposed Bonllwyn Farm and Railway Bridge flood walls. Mitigation planting of 13no. trees and wet woodland mix to mitigate riparian vegetation loss upon the River Loughor. • A483 Flow Deflector and Access Ramp (Llandybie Bridge) – located on the southern riverbank of the River Loughor, immediately adjacent (east) of the A483 road bridge, with a 67m long access track connecting to the dead end of Heol Llwyd. Installation of a timber flow deflector to avoid further build-up of gravel and scour protection within the watercourse, small-scale sediment removal from under the bridge and a vehicle access ramp constructed of reinforced concrete and cellular paving with grass infill. The side slopes to the vehicular ramp would be lined with blockstones. Works would include a gated access, vehicle bollards and reinstated pedestrian path. • Bonllwyn Flood Wall – 105m long, 1.0m high flood wall, located on the southern bank of the River Loughor to the rear of properties fronting Ffordd-Yr-Afon. Construction of reinforced concrete flood wall with dry side brick cladding and concrete copings. The proposed development would include an interpretation board,

Page 5 of 31 Ammanford FRM – Environmental Action Plan 12no. replacement trees upon the riverbank and 2no. large bulb planting areas with the adjacent existing footpath reinstated along its existing alignment. • Bonllwyn Green Landscape Planting – located south of the River Loughor, adjacent to Llandybie Road to the west. Tree mitigation planting and public realm enhancements including 57no. trees, 4no. timber benches, an interpretation board and wildflower meadow planting. • Parc Henry Lane Flood Bund – 127m bund between 0.3m and 0.7m in height, located at the northern bank of the River Loughor wrapped around the existing and proposed properties at Parc Henry Lane. Proposed grass flood bund to tie into existing riverbank north of the River Loughor. The works would include areas of minor ground raising, a bund with a typical 2m crest width, 1V:3H slopes and cellular paving with grass infill at the terminus. Further details are embedded with the planning drawings for each component; including proposed mitigation planting and amenity improvements.

An Ecological Constraints and Opportunities Plan (ECOP) includes primary environmental constraints and locations required for replacement and enhancement planting; Appendix A.

Sensitive features include the following: • River Loughor; River Lash, River Marlas. • Local receptors directly adjacent to the scheme are Coleg Sir Gar, the industrial buildings at Cwmllwchwr Mill and Shands Road and residential properties on Gwyn Fryn Estate, Bonllwyn Farm, Bonllwyn Estate, Bonllwyn Green, Llandybie Road, Ffordd-Yr-Afon, Llwyn-Y-Bryn and Parc Henry Lane. • Public Rights of Way (PRoW). • Trees and vegetation along the riparian corridor. • Historic Environment Records: o Tir-y-Dail Motte and Bailey Castle Scheduled Monument (NGR: SN 6241 1247), 100m SE of Cwmllwchwr Mill. o Unknown Archaeology: Potential unknown archaeology in undeveloped areas; Moderate to High Potential.

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Relevant Contact Details

Project Sponsor Mandy Richard

Project Executive Paul Isaac

NRW Project Manager Susie Tudge

NRW Environmental Heilyn Williams Project Manager Ecological Supervision: Vegetation Clearance - TBC ECW Archaeological Watching Brief - TBC

Contractor TBC

Consultant Project Jamie Lancaster [Arup] Manager

Consultant Ecologist Kathryn Jones [Arup – Ecology Lead]

Other Specialists Gareth McIlquham [Arup – Environmental Lead]

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Environmental Action Plan

Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information Pre-construction

Humans

No PRoW affected by the proposed works. Contractor

Heol Haydn Wall – Temporary closure of the footpath (not PRoW) along the riverbank will be necessary; consultation with Contractor Carmarthenshire County Council (CCC) will be undertaken in advance.

Coleg Sir Gar Wall - Sensitive management of local access and schedule works to Contractor Minimise disruption to commence and complete during the holidays. A1.1 Public Right of Way (PRoW) and Local Bonllwyn Estate Wall, Flow Deflector and Footpaths. New Access – Temporary closure of the footpath (not PRoW) between the flow deflectors and Bonllwyn Wall may be Contractor necessary; consultation with CCC will be undertaken if required.

Tir-y-Dail Embankment - Temporary Contractor construction access to be provided during installation of the Tir-y-Dail Embankment to allow access to the adjacent fields.

Informal path network affected; alternative access routes to be provided.

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Ammanford FRM – Environmental Action Plan

Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information Minimise disruption to the Contractor to liaise with Carmarthenshire Contractor local road network. County Council Highways as required. Aim to: • Maintain vehicle access. CTMP A1.2 • Limit period of obstruction. Review Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) which includes measures for pedestrian safety and transport of materials. To communicate Inform the local community, affected NRW information about the businesses and Coleg Sir Gar of the proposed scheme. proposed scheme objectives and program of works; including NRW contact name and number. A1.3 Inform adjacent and local landowners / NRW, Contractor tenants of the nature and duration of construction and provide contact name and

number. Contractor to arrange site access through NRW. To prevent damage to Undertake a pre-construction survey of local Contractor A1.4 structures and the local roads and structures along the route that may road network. be impacted by works Archaeology

Archaeological Desk Study to be used to Archaeological Desk- Identify all potential risks inform Archaeological Watching Brief and NRW Based Assessment A3.1 to archaeological features Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI). (DAT, 2018). Archaeological watching brief required for all invasive works in undeveloped areas to NRW – commission mitigate risk of unknown archaeology. suitably qualified Undertake archaeological watching archaeologist to brief on all invasive works. An Archaeological Watching Brief will be undertake an Minimise the risk of undertaken following an approved Written archaeological watching Archaeological Desk- potentially damaging Written Scheme of Investigation Scheme of Investigation (WSI) for all works brief Based Assessment A3.2 uncovered archaeological (WSI) to be submitted to Dyfed requiring excavation / topsoil strip in (DAT, 2018). features Archaeological Trust (DAT): undeveloped land (Tir-y-Dail Embankment) Contractor – Development Management for and by exception the access track from Heol accommodate approval prior to the works. Llwyd to the flow deflectors at the A483 archaeological watching Llandybie Road bridge due to the potential for brief Roman activity. Page 9 of 31 Ammanford FRM – Environmental Action Plan

Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information Surface Water Bodies http://www.netregs.org.u Compliance with relevant Guidance for k/environmental- Pollution Prevention: in particular, GPP 5: topics/pollution- Maintain water quality of Works and maintenance in or near water prevention-guidelines- Guidance to be integrated into A4.1 surrounding watercourses Contractor ppgs-and-replacement- Contractor Risk Assessment Method – River Loughor. Any fuel / plant storage or refuelling to series/guidance-for- Statement (RAMS). undertaken in accordance with relevant pollution-prevention- GPPs. Refer to B5.1 for details. gpps-full-list/

NRW Flood Maps: https://maps.cyfoethnatu Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP) to be riolcymru.gov.uk/Html5V completed and submitted to NRW. iewer/Index.html?config To prevent flooding caused Permanent works and temporary applications Base=https://maps.cyfoe by obstructions in a main required for fish passage improvements and thnaturiolcymru.gov.uk/ NRW, Contractor A4.2 river or works to flood flow deflector / maintenance access ramp. Geocortex/Essentials/R defences. EST/sites/Flood_Risk/vi Contractor to comply with FRAP ewers/Flood_Risk/virtual requirements. directory/Resources/Con fig/Default

Ecology

Ecological supervision and confirmation of presence of invasive species, in areas of clearance (including areas of access). NRW – INNS

Management; Ecological Any disturbed / removed invasive species To minimise the risk of Supervision / Pre- must be treated and disposed of spreading Invasive Non- Construction Ecological A5.1 appropriately, to ensure none are illegally Native Species (INNS) Survey (ECoW) spread from the site.

Contractor - RAMS Appropriate biosecurity measures to be detailed in Contractor RAMS in advance of works including washing of equipment and footwear upon leaving site.

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Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information Where possible undertake vegetation clearance outside bird nesting season (March to September).

Pre-construction breeding bird checks to be NRW – Ecological To prevent killing or injury carried out by ECoW (including areas used Supervision / Pre- of breeding birds for access) if vegetation clearance required in Construction Ecological A5.2 (including destruction of nesting season. Survey (ECoW) nests or eggs).

If nests found exclusion zone to be set up until young have fledged (size as directed by ECoW). If clear, clear vegetation immediately to prevent use. Submission of a European protected Species NRW – Ecological (EPS) Licence for the disturbance risk Supervision / Pre- associated with the layup identified at the Construction Ecological Shands Wall site. Survey (ECoW)

Contractor to integrate requirements into Contractor - RAMS RAMS.

Pre-clearance / construction checks will be NRW – Ecological undertaken, in accordance with best practice Supervision / Pre- To prevent killing or injury survey guidance for otter resting / breeding Construction Ecological A5.3 of otters places, within 50m of the works. Survey (ECoW)

To ensure no change in range or new resting places since baseline survey.

If any otter breeding / resting areas are found during pre-construction checks, further survey work and mitigation measures may be required, in addition to a European Protected Species (EPS) Licence from NRW. A5.4 No action.

To prevent killing or injury Bat Roost Inspection Surveys provided

of bats negative results; as such no mitigation is proposed for bats beyond standard good construction practice.

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Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information A5.5 A pre-construction (including enabling works) NRW – Ecological inspection of suitable habitat for badger, Supervision / Pre- within 50m of the works, will be carried out to Construction Ecological ascertain whether any setts have expanded Survey (ECoW) in range. Should new setts be identified within 30m of the proposed works at risk of damage To prevent killing or injury or disturbance, further monitoring will be of badgers undertaken in accordance with best practice survey guidelines and a badger licence obtained from Welsh Government (WG).

To ensure no change in range or new setts since baseline survey. No action. A5.6 To prevent killing or injury

of water vole No evidence of water vole was identified. NRW – Ecological Supervision / Pre- Should signs of any protected species be Construction Ecological identified, all works will stop, NRW consulted Survey (ECoW) and a Protected Species Licence application

submitted to enable works to progress. To avoid effects on other Contractor - Site A5.7 protected species. Supervisor NRW – Ecological Toolbox Talks will be provided by a suitably Supervision / Pre- experienced ecologist to all site personnel to Construction Ecological inform them of ecological features at the Site. Survey (ECoW)

Tree and shrub removal should be NRW – Ecological undertaken in accordance with the Supervision / Pre- Any trees or vegetation arboricultural plans. Construction Ecological should be inspected prior Survey (ECoW) A5.8 to removal for roosting Undertake pre-construction surveys for nests

bats and breeding birds. of breeding birds prior to any significant Contractor - Site vegetation clearance between March and Supervisor September. To avoid effects on locally No action - all works proposed outside of

A5.9 protected sites local sites; e.g. SINCs

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Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information NRW to commission Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) following grant of planning permission to inform construction requirements.

Arboricultural requirements to be integrated into Contractor RAMS prior to works. Arboricultural Impact

Assessment, Tree Protection of vegetation to Consult Arboriculturalist on further NRW, Contractor Protection Plans, A5.10 be retained requirements based on construction Arboricultural Method techniques; refer to Arboricultural Impact Statement Assessment (AIA) / AMS for details.

Specific areas on the margins of the Site which are to be retained / protected during the works, to be demarcated prior to construction using temporary fencing (e.g. Heras fencing). No in-river works will be permitted during the fish embargo period between 15th October and 15th April to avoid the migration and Construction Method spawning season. Statements, a Pollution To prevent killing or injury Incident Response Plan Contractor A5.11 of fish The Contractor will be required to develop and Silt and Water method statements, a Pollution Incident Quality Management Response Plan and Silt and Water Quality Plan Management Plan for NRW approval in advance of any in-river works. Land use

To minimise deterioration A pre-construction photographic record Contractor Design Drawings to land quality. should be made of all working areas and the A6.1 site compound to ensure that they are reinstated to pre-construction conditions as a minimum. Nuisance

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Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information Liaise with residents and businesses in close proximity to works in advance of construction To minimise disturbance to phase. local residents and NRW, Contractor A7.1 businesses Coleg Sir Gar works should be programmed during the holidays.

During construction

Humans

Implement fencing, footpath diversions Ensure safety of (formal and informal) and temporary closures B1.1 pedestrians using the as agreed with Council. Contractor PRoW and local footpaths

To minimise disruption to Contractor to confirm traffic management, Contractor the local road network. liaise with CCC Highways. Construction Traffic B1.2 Avoid blocking or restricting access to Coleg Management Plan Sir Gar, residential and industrial areas. (CTMP)

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Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information Amenity The proposed Tir-y-Dail embankment will be seeded with a grassland / meadow mix’ or similar approved. Meadow grassland should be managed as a traditional meadow with a main summer cut after flowering in July or August in combination with autumn and spring mowing to circa 50mm. The flood wall structures at Bonllywn, Heol Haydn, Coleg Sir Gar and Shands Road should be capped with a concrete coping Landscape and Visual stone that matches Dyffryn Bridge and clad Assessment with a brick material that matches existing B.1.3 material found on site. This will help to Planning Drawings integrate the structures into the residential setting. Informal pillars along the wall will Planting Schedule provide visual interest helping to break up sections of expansive wall. Additional shrub and herbaceous planting at Heol Haydn should be considered as an enhancement opportunity to improve the visual streetscape and enhance biodiversity within this area. The palisade steel fencing at Heol Haydn will be removed along this section of the river.

Access

Contractor to adhere to Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) [Document Construction Traffic Minimise disruption to 272967-ARP-XX-XX-RP-EN-0002 in the Pre- B2.1 Contractor Management Plan local road network Application Consultation Pack] and requirements of CCC Highways. (CTMP)

Soils

Topsoil shall not be handled or trafficked British Standard Minimise damage to topsoil during, or shortly after, heavy precipitation; in 3882:2007: Specification and subsoil from incorrect B3.1 a waterlogged condition; when the ground is Contractor for topsoil and storage, handling and frozen or covered by snow; and when there requirements for use will trafficking of soils. are pools of water on the ground surface. be applied. Page 15 of 31 Ammanford FRM – Environmental Action Plan

Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information Topsoil spreading, levelling and loosening should not be carried out during or immediately after heavy rain. Soils generally gain strength and become more resistant to damage as they lose moisture; they shall thus be handled only in the appropriate conditions of weather and soil moisture, and with suitable machinery. Topsoil and subsoil must be stored separately and covered to prevent runoff, minimise handling of any soils. Material excavated and intended as waste should be stored separately and labelled accordingly. When stockpiling topsoil, heaps should be tipped loosely; the surface firmed and shaped to shed water. Stockpiles of topsoil should be as long, narrow and shallow as possible (as an adequate oxygen supply is unlikely to penetrate more than 1m from the stockpile surface). Keep stockpiles clear of injurious or pernicious weeds and sharps, plastics and other non-soil forming materials. Topsoil should be reinstated over loosened subsoil (it is particularly important that the subsoil is not over compacted. This should ensure that plant roots can extend into it and excess water can drain away through it). Trafficking of soils should be kept to a minimum.

To minimise the risk of An earthworks specification will be produced polluting soils. for the construction of the scheme which will include chemical limits to ensure soils do not pose a risk to the environment or site end B3.2 users. This will be verified through regular Contractor sampling and laboratory testing of soil samples. This will apply to both imported soils and any excavated soils to be reused on site. Any soils which do not meet the limits of the Page 16 of 31 Ammanford FRM – Environmental Action Plan

Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information earthworks’ specification will be taken off site to a licensed waste disposal or soil recycling facility. Any material encountered during construction displaying visual or olfactory evidence of contamination will be safely stockpiled to ensure there is no leaching of contamination to other areas prior to appropriate disposal. See actions in Section B5.1

Archaeology

An Archaeological Watching Brief will be undertaken following an approved Written Archaeological Desk- Scheme of Investigation (WSI) for all works Based Assessment Maintain archaeological requiring excavation / topsoil strip in Post-Investigation Report to be Contractor, Archaeology (DAT, 2018). B4.1 value of features affected undeveloped land (Tir-y-Dail Embankment) submitted to DAT to record Consultant by the proposed works. and by exception the access track from Heol Written Scheme of outcomes. Llwyd to the flow deflectors at the A483 Investigation (WSI) - Llandybie Road bridge due to the potential for PENDING Roman activity.

Surface Water Bodies Prior to commencement of works, the CIRIA C741 Construction Phase Plan to be Contractor Contractor will produce a Method Statement ‘Environmental Good approved by NRW NRM Team. to ensure pollution to the River Loughor is Practice On Site’; Fourth avoided. Method Statements are to include Edition (2015). NRW NRM Team to be notified good practice measures, such as adherence seven days prior to works to CIRIA and Pollution Prevention Guidance. PPG 1 Understanding commencing. Dewatering and partial diversion - the works your Environmental

Maintain water quality of will be undertaken outside the fish embargo Responsibilities – Good B5.1 surrounding watercourses period to reduce the impacts on fish species Environmental and River Loughor within the waterbody and the construction Practices. methodology will require consent from NRW via the flood risk activity permitting process. GPP 5 Works and The Contractor will be required to develop Maintenance in or Near method statements, a Pollution Incident Water. Response Plan and Silt and Water Quality

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Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information Management Plan for NRW approval in PPG 6 Working at advance of any in-river works. Construction and Demolition Sites. • Ensure that equipment and any fuel storage facilities are protected by secure PPG 7 Safe Storage – fences and locked where possible to The Safe Operation of prevent accidental spillages as a result of refueling Facilities. vandalism. • Drip trays to be used underneath GPP 8 Safe Storage and standing equipment. Disposal of Oils. • Any drip tray with a mixture of water and contaminant will be emptied into a 25l GPP 13 Vehicle plastic container using a funnel. The Washing and Cleaning. container will be disposed of at the end of construction or when full. GPP 20 Dewatering • Emergency spill kits and trained Underground Ducts and personnel will be available. Chambers. • All vehicles, including fuel bowsers, will carry emergency spill kits. GPP 21 Pollution • Bulk fuel will be stored in a double Incident Response bunded tank inside the compound. The Planning. tank will be covered to prevent rainwater build up in the bund. Filling hose and GPP 22 Dealing with nozzle will be kept within the bunded Spills. area and locked when not in use. Diesel and petrol in clearly marked suitable http://www.netregs.org.u k/environmental- containers will be stored in bunded areas topics/pollution- inside the secure storage container. prevention-guidelines- There should be no refueling outside of ppgs-and-replacement- the site compound. All refueling to be series/guidance-for- done over hardstanding away from pollution-prevention- watercourses. gpps-full-list/ • Any stockpiles of clay will be managed to shed rainwater and avoid run off to watercourses. • All stockpiles should be sealed to contain runoff. • All mechanical plant to use minimal safe fuel quantities for in-watercourse works. Page 18 of 31 Ammanford FRM – Environmental Action Plan

Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information • Concrete pouring takes place in the dry and suitable measures are in place to contain, treat or remove any contaminated waters. • Suitable measures (e.g. Aquadam, sedimats, silt fencing, bubble curtains) are installed when working in or along watercourses to contain any disturbed sediment.

Ecology

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Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information No works will be undertaken within 7m of Japanese knotweed. Where this is unavoidable, or in the vicinity of other INNS, INNS management as per the EAP will be required. INNS Extent Mapping: Biosecurity measures will be employed as Document 272967-ARP- required to ensure that no invasive species XX-XX-RP-EN-0007 in such as Japanese knotweed are imported to the Pre-Application the site. Biosecurity measures to be Consultation pack. integrated into Contractor RAMS and adhered to on site. Check Clean Dry protocol: The Contractor should prepare a Biosecurity http://www.nonnativespe Risk Assessment to evaluate potential risks cies.org/checkcleandry/i at each site and relevant biosecurity ndex.cfm precautions. The transfer of amphibian and fish diseases as well as INNS should be Chalara (Ash die-back): minimised by undertaking cleaning and https://www.forestresear disinfection of equipment. All debris, plant ch.gov.uk/tools-and- fragments and mud should first be scrubbed resources/pest-and- To minimise the risk of disease-resources/ash- B6.1 off footwear and rinsed with water. Contractor spreading invasive species Disinfection should comprise soaking in a dieback- bleach solution (1 measure of household hymenoscyphus- bleach to 9 measures of water) for 15 fraxineus/chalara- minutes or using Virkon solution (1mg/ml) for manual-1-introduction- 1 minute. Fabrics can be washed on a 40' C and-contents/ cycle (with detergent, ensuring sufficient https://www.gov.uk/gove rinsing). All used disinfectants should be rnment/publications/chal disposed of appropriately. ara-management-plan To minimise the risk of spreading Phytophthora at woodland sites, scrub Amphibian Disease: all visible soil and debris from footwear using https://www.arguk.org/inf water, spray with Propeller and leave until it o-advice/advice- has evaporated. Vehicle access along tracks notes/324-advice-note- should be kept to a minimum and mud should 4-amphibian-disease- be cleaned from car wheels, wheel arches precautions-a-guide-for- and footwells of cars. This should be uk-fieldworkers-pdf-2 repeated at each site visited. Biosecurity advice on ash dieback disease. Chalara, can be found via the link in the further information column.

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Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information Vegetation clearance within the breeding bird season (March-August inclusive) should be avoided to prevent damage or destruction of occupied nests or harm to breeding birds. If this cannot be achieved, works within the core bird nesting season will require an inspection for breeding birds and their To prevent killing or injury occupied nests by a suitably experienced of breeding birds B6.2 ecologist no more than 24 hours prior to any Contractor (including destruction of works commencing. If nesting birds are found nests or eggs). during the pre-construction checks, a buffer around the nest will be implemented of at least 5m as agreed with the ecologist and further work within the immediate and surrounding area will be delayed until young have fledged and left the nest, and the nest is no longer in use. If any resting / breeding places (e.g. otter, badger) of a protected species is found, a licence will be obtained from NRW / Welsh Contractor / ECoW Government to cover the works and which will include appropriate mitigation. If any task lighting is required outside daylight hours (typically 30 minutes after sunrise and up to 30 mins before sunset), directional lighting (towards the ground and way from watercourse where possible) with minimal Contractor To avoid effects on other B6.3 upward spill will be implemented, to avoid protected species. light spill into adjacent habitats to avoid disturbance to commuting and foraging protected species. Materials or plant will not be left overnight in an area that may prohibit access for commuting otters or badgers and excavations will not be left uncovered overnight. If any Contractor excavations are required to be left open overnight, a ramp will be provided to allow any animals to escape. B6.4 Arboricultural Impact Retained trees will need to be protected by Assessment: (Document the provision of suitable barriers as outlined To prevent damage to trees Contractor 272967-ARP-XX-XX- in the Tree Protection Plans, AIA (Document RP-EN-0001 in the Pre- 272967-ARP-XX-XX-RP-EN-0001 in the Pre- Application Consultation Page 21 of 31 Ammanford FRM – Environmental Action Plan

Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information Application Consultation Pack) and Pack) subsequent Arboricultural Method Statement (to be commissioned). This will ensure there Tree Protection Plans are no excavations or ground disturbance Arboricultural Method within the Root Protection Areas (RPAs) of Statement trees to be retained. RPAs are to be interpreted as Construction Exclusion Zones Landscape and Visual (CEZ). Access within the CEZ should be Assessment prevented through the erection of barriers, Planning Drawings constructed in accordance with BS5837:2012. Flood walls have been designed to accommodate foundations away from RPAs to reduce impact and enable retention of more trees. Construction will also implement steeper batters to reduce encroachment into RPAs during construction. Where access within an RPA is unavoidable, appropriate ground protection should be installed. Outline details of the design of suitable barriers and ground protection are given in the AIA; Appendices A and B. These protection measures should be put in place prior to any site clearance or construction work commencing on the site and they should remain in situ until all works have been completed. Some activities within the CEZs may be acceptable but should not commence until appropriate arboricultural advice has been sought; refer to AIA. Updated Tree Protection Plans and an Arboricultural Method Statement will be prepared following the appointment of a Contractor and will be informed by construction method statements. The Contractor will be required to implement arboricultural requirements in full in full during construction. Flow Deflectors and Maintenance Access – Installation of the cellular concrete paving between the Flow Deflectors and the Bonllwyn Wall, must be undertaken as a no-

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Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information dig construction to avoid impacts to the Category B alder (T117); alternatively crown reduction works will be required under the supervision of an experienced arboriculturalist. Replacement Planting: Mitigation planting will be delivered at a 2.5:1 ratio to offset the unavoidable tree removal and coppicing required to deliver the flood protection improvements. A total of 219 trees will be planted to offset the 86 impacted trees (49 removals and 37 coppiced). This will be supplemented by wet woodland planting using ‘transplants’ or similar to provide more tree planting, initially as an understory to the specimen trees and ‘feathers’. Long-term this will raise the offsetting ratio well above 3:1. Native species will be of local provenance avoiding species at risk of prevalent disease; e.g. ash die-back, Phytophthera, etc. Refer to the Planning Drawings and LVA for details; a summary for each area is provided below.

Coleg Sir Gar – 11 trees are to be planted at this location. Six specimen oak trees (Quercus robur) are to be planted in the amenity area in front of the wall to complement the retained oak. To avoid impacts on retained trees, planting options behind the wall are limited. Five trees are proposed to the rear of the wall comprising three crab apple (Malus ‘John Downie’) near the bridge, one downy birch and one rowan. This area will be supplemented by native riparian scrub comprising ‘feathers’ of alder, birch, hazel, goat willow, hawthorn, blackthorn and guelder rose to reinforce the riparian corridor without impacting the root protection zones of existing trees. Spring bulb planting (comprising crocus, daffodil and snowdrops) and informal seating will be provided in amenity areas that will be reseeded with Emorsgate EM23 shade- tolerant grass mix during reinstatement. A 1m

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Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information strip of EM23 shade-tolerant grass mix will remain behind the wall to allow for inspection and maintenance.

Cwmllwchwr Mill – replacement planting will be provided along the eastern and southern banks of the flood storage area. 59 feathered trees comprising 23 alder, 19 downy birch and 17 willow are to be planted at low density 3m spacings in the southern extent of the storage area and denser (1.5m centres) along the northern embankment.

Heol Haydn – 39 replacement trees will be provided, alongside informal seating areas and a privet hedgerow to delineate the public and residential areas. Any disturbed areas will be reseeded with Emorsgate EM23 shade-tolerant grassland mix to reinstate amenity areas. Avenue planting of 24 small- leaved lime (Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’) specimens will be planted alongside the flood wall to give instant visual impact. Amenity areas will be supplemented by three Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua 'Worplesdon') in the south, three groups of three ‘snowy mespil’ (Amelanchier lamarckii) and two birch and one alder at the northern end of the wall. A 1m strip of EM23 shade-tolerant grass mix will remain behind the wall to allow for inspection and maintenance, backed by mixed native species hedgerow comprising hawthorn, holly, blackthorn and guelder rose. To the rear of this hedge, ‘feathers’ of alder, birch, hazel, goat willow, hawthorn, blackthorn and guelder rose will be planted to reinforce the riparian corridor.

Shands Road Wall – 27 trees will be planted behind the industrial units and alongside Station Road. Two oaks (Q. robur) alongside Station Road, 10 alder, 10 downy birch and 5 willow, with three groups supplemented with a wet woodland mix of alder, downy birch and willow. Further replacement planting was Page 24 of 31 Ammanford FRM – Environmental Action Plan

Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information limited by the presence of existing utilities.

Railway Wall and Bonllwyn Farm Flood Wall – a woodland block of 13 trees is proposed to connect the two flood walls and provide connectivity along the riverbank. Three groups comprising 5 alder, 5 willow and three birch with an understorey of alder, birch and willow ‘feathers’ to create a robust riparian corridor, all avoiding RPAs.

Bonllwyn Estate Flood Wall – 12 trees will be planted comprising a mixture of riparian and amenity tree planting. Two alder and one downy birch located along the riverbank alongside ‘feathers’ of alder, birch, hazel, goat willow, hawthorn, blackthorn and guelder rose and shrub planting. A 1m strip of Emorsgate EM23 shade-tolerant grass mix will remain behind the wall to allow for inspection and maintenance. To the north of the wall, two groups of three crab apple (Malus ‘John Downie’) specimens are proposed supplemented by spring bulb planting within EM23 grassland. The amenity grassland off Heol Llwyd will be remediated, planted with EM23 grass and a group of three Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua 'Worplesdon') planted, supplemented by spring bulbs.

Bonllwyn Green – [Llandybie Road / Old Road, Ammanford, NGR: SN 62586 13197] – 58 trees are proposed as a mixture of avenue planting, native fruiting trees and urban forest. The current park is a flat grassed area with several stands of trees and a network of paths dividing the green into three areas. Each area is designed to be distinct: [1] the northern area will be planted as an urban forest to provide a space for nature with a new path and seating helping people reconnect with nature, [2] the west along Old Road will retain it’s open nature maintaining opportunity for informal exercise and games, Page 25 of 31 Ammanford FRM – Environmental Action Plan

Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information and [3] a wildflower meadow and smaller fruiting trees will provide a rich habitat for invertebrates and pollinators, [4] through the centre of the park, new avenue tree planting will help draw people through the park and into each of the three spaces. New seating along the central path will provide opportunities to rest, whilst interpretation and specimen tree planting at the northern end of the park provide another gateway drawing people into the Green. B6.5 Clearance of vegetation suitable for smaller species (long grass, hedges and scrub) will be avoided or kept to a minimum during the active season (March to October). If required Amphibian Disease: during this time, clearance will be subject to a https://www.arguk.org/inf o-advice/advice- To avoid effects to Section Toolbox Talk and Precautionary Methods of Contractor notes/324-advice-note- 7 Species and Amphibians Working written and overseen by a suitably experienced ecologist. This is likely to include 4-amphibian-disease- two-staged directional strimming towards precautions-a-guide-for- retained habitat. uk-fieldworkers-pdf-2 Biosecurity measures to be applied as per Section B6.1.

Land Use Maintain the quality of the subsoil and topsoil To minimise deterioration Contractor British Standard within all working areas by following the to land quality. 3882:2007: Specification B7.1 mitigation measures outlined in B3.1. for topsoil and requirements for use

Nuisance • Working hours will be restricted to the To minimise noise Contractor British Standard hours of 7am-7pm on weekdays and disturbance to local guidelines BS5228:2009 residents. 7am-1pm on Saturdays. There will be no – Code of practice for working on Sundays or Bank Holidays. noise and vibration B8.1 Local residents, Coleg Sir Gar and control on construction businesses will be consulted in advance and open sites by NRW on any requirements for out-of- hours work. Page 26 of 31 Ammanford FRM – Environmental Action Plan

Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information • No works will be undertaken at Coleg Sir Gar outside the holiday period. • Deliveries will only be made during working hours. • Plant used during construction will be suitably sized for the works to limit noise and vibration. • Plant will be of a good modern standard and maintained to ensure unnecessary vibration or noise from exhaust systems or loose panels is eliminated. • Any stationary plant (e.g. generators and compressors) will be positioned as far as practically possible away from residential properties and screened to reduce noise emissions. • All plant will be shut down when not in use to eliminate any unnecessary noise. • Where possible, quieter electrically powered plant will be used as opposed to diesel or petrol-driven equipment. • Avoid unnecessary revving of engines and switch off equipment when not required; • Use rubber linings in, for example, chutes and dumpers to reduce impact noise. • Minimise drop height of materials. • Start-up plant and vehicles sequentially rather than all together. • Working areas will be kept neat and tidy. To minimise the effect on Contractor • air quality to the local Road going vehicles will be restricted to Construction Traffic residents running on hard surfaces where feasible. Management Plan • Wheel cleaning facilities will be available (CTMP): Document B8.2 (hose pipe, brush) and if required a jet 272967-ARP-XX-XX- wash will be employed. RP-EN-0002 in the Pre- Application Consultation • Vehicles travelling off site will be Pack. observed to minimise mud/debris on the

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Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information road. • Control measures will be in place for disposal of rubbish. • Machinery/vehicles to be well maintained, regularly serviced and comply with MOT emissions standards. • Deliveries to site will be controlled via the Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) [Document 272967-ARP-XX-XX- RP-EN-0002 in the Pre-Application Consultation Pack] to avoid queuing. • Engines will be switched off when not in use.

Climate • Source lower carbon products where Minimise impact on climate NRW / Contractor practicable and appropriate. change • Minimise traffic movements. • Reuse material where practicable and appropriate; e.g. aim to reuse ground lowering arisings at Tir-y-Dail Embankment (dry-side construction). NRW Sustainable B9.1 • The NRW Sustainable Procurement Procurement Policy Policy will be applied to further minimise carbon emissions associated with the proposed scheme. In addition, local contractors and materials will be used where possible to minimise transportation emissions.

Material Assets Material management will be secured via the Contractor and will be controlled by a Materials Management Plan to be produced by the Materials Management B10.1 appointed contractor. Plan

Where appropriate, excavated materials to be

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Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information reused on the dry side of the Tir-y-Dail bund implanting the CL:AIRE protocol for material reuse; e.g. Cwmllwchwr Mill ground lowering arisings.

See section B3.1 Soils

Post-construction

Humans

To keep public informed of Notify local residents / businesses once work NRW C1.1 work progress. is complete.

Prevent permanent Re-instate footpaths to baseline condition or C1.2 disruption to PRoW / better. Contractor to liaise with the Council as Contractor footpaths needed.

Ecology All areas affected by construction works to be remediated appropriately.

Where appropriate, habitats will be replanted Landscape and Visual Re-vegetate areas that are using native tree, shrub and wildflower Assessment C2.1 within the proposed area of NRW, Contractor species of local provenance avoiding species Planning Drawings vegetation clearance. at risk of prevalent disease; e.g. ash die- back, Phytophthera, etc. in accordance with Planting Schedule the Landscape and Visual Assessment, Planning Drawings and Planting Schedule. A post-construction inspection of the work NRW C2.2 Post construction area to be undertaken by a Suitably Qualified inspection Ecologist for signs of compaction and agree a plan with NRW to remediate if required.

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Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information Maintenance - Newly created habitats, as NRW detailed in the Planning Drawings, required for both mitigation planting and enhancement, will be subject to long-term management measures. The Tir-y-Dail and Parc Henry Lane bunds should be managed as a traditional meadow with a main summer cut after flowering in July or August in combination with autumn and spring mowing to circa 50mm or as required to facilitate inspection and maintenance.

Monitoring – The Landscape and Visual Assessment details the monitoring and maintenance required to ensure the landscaping establishes successfully. Specifically monitoring will include: Landscape and Visual Monitoring for signs of scrub colonisation and Assessment C2.3 Planting monitoring encroachment into grassland areas. Where there is encroachment, scrub should be Planning Drawings cleared sensitively. Planting Schedule Monitor the establishment of new tree planting and replace any that fail or are damaged within the first five years. The Contractor is to ensure that no Invasive Non- Native Species colonise the area including Japanese knotweed and Himalyan balsam. If these species or any other which are listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) are recorded they will be removed immediately in line with guidance from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra, 2003)1.

Land Use

1 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent-the-spread-of-harmful-invasive-and-non-native-plants (accessed on 21.01.2019) Page 30 of 31 Ammanford FRM – Environmental Action Plan

Reference to Progress and Further Sign off Ref no Objective Action Responsibility further Action and date information To reinstate site compound Access routes and site compound areas to be Contractor all other working areas. subject to post-construction inspection C3.1 (against pre-construction survey details) to ensure that reinstatement has been carried out to an acceptable level.

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