GEOLOGY AND THE WATER ENVIRONMENT 9 CONTENTS Introduction .............................................................................................................. 9-1 Scoping and Consultation ........................................................................................ 9-1 Planning Policy & Regulatory Framework ................................................................ 9-3 Policy Context ...................................................................................................... 9-3 Assessment Methodology ........................................................................................ 9-6 Sources of Information ............................................................................................. 9-8 Baseline Overview ................................................................................................... 9-9 Soils and Geological Setting ............................................................................... 9-10 Hydrogeological Setting ...................................................................................... 9-12 Hydrological Setting and Flood Risk ................................................................... 9-19 Summary of Potential Receptors ........................................................................ 9-26 Assessment of Effects ............................................................................................ 9-27 Summary of the Proposed Development ............................................................ 9-27 Mitigation by Design ........................................................................................... 9-30 Potential Effects ................................................................................................. 9-34 Proposed Mitigation ............................................................................................... 9-37 Residual Effects ..................................................................................................... 9-37 Cumulative Effects ................................................................................................. 9-37 Conclusions ........................................................................................................... 9-37 Appendices Appendix 9/1 Non Residential coal Authority Mining Report Appendix 9/2 Licensed Abstractions Drawings Drawing TL9/1 Local Hydrology Drawing TL9/2 Superficial Geology Drawing TL9/3 Solid Geology Drawing TL9/4 Generalised Vertical Section and Proposed Exploratory Well Construction Details Drawing TL9/5 Hydrogeological Map Drawing TL9/6 Regional Hydrogeology GEOLOGY AND THE WATER ENVIRONMENT 9 INTRODUCTION 9.1 This chapter considers the potential for the proposed exploratory well at Tinker Lane to impact the geology and water environment in the vicinity of the well. 9.2 The water environment refers in principal to hydrogeology, hydrology and flood risk, although details of the regional and local geology have also been provided to aid in understanding the site setting in relation to its hydrology and hydrogeology. 9.3 The assessment is based on a detailed baseline description of the local and regional geological, hydrogeological, hydrological and flood risk regimes. This is followed by an assessment of potential significant effects, a review of appropriate mitigation measures and an assessment of cumulative impacts. 9.4 Prior to preparing this assessment a detailed site walkover survey was undertaken by a SLR Technical Director who specialises in geological, hydrogeological and hydrological assessments. SCOPING AND CONSULTATION 9.5 A scoping opinion has been submitted by Nottinghamshire County Council and comments relating to the water environment and flood risk are summarised in Table 9-1. Table 9-1 Summary of Scoping Opinion Responses Consultee Summary of Response Date of Response Coal Authority The proposed Tinker Lane 1 Exploratory Well would be 17th located within the defined coalfield, but outside the November Development High Risk Area. No Coal Mining risk 2015 assessment would be required. Given that the proposals are likely to result in drilling activities to significant depth the proposed well would be located within a licence area of past underground coal mining activity. Due consideration needs to be afforded to the potential for these deep drilling activities to intersect old underground coal mine workings and the need for these drilling activities to be undertaken safely. Public Health When considering a baseline (of existing water quality) 19th England and in the assessment and future monitoring of impacts November these: 2015 Should include assessment of potential impacts on human health and not solely focus on ecological impacts; Should identify and consider all routes by which emissions may lead to population exposure (e.g. surface watercourses, recreational waters, sewers, Tinker Lane 1 Exploratory Well P a g e | 9-1 Dart Energy (East England) Ltd GEOLOGY AND THE WATER ENVIRONMENT 9 Consultee Summary of Response Date of Response geological routes etc.) Should assess the potential off-site effects of emissions to groundwater (e.g. on aquifers used for drinking water) and surface water (used for drinking water abstraction) in terms of the potential for population exposure. It should be considered that controlled surface waters may be affected by surface activities or by lateral migration of contaminants in groundwater. Should include consideration of potential impacts on recreational users (e.g. from fishing, canoeing etc.) alongside assessment of potential exposure via drinking water. Details of any hazardous contamination present on site (including ground gas) as part of the site condition report. Nottinghamshire The County archive does not indicate the presence of any 29th County Council contaminative former land use, nor does the archive October (Landscape and indicate the presence of landfill. However it is known that 2015 Reclamation) a former MOD establishment was located some 1.8km to the north-east. Whilst no readily identified environmental risks have been identified it is considered most prudent to undertake a more comprehensive search of data archives to validate the greenfield status or otherwise of the site. A conceptual site model should be developed for the site and should be developed through the preparation of the Phase 1 desk study to assess the environment and human health risks posed by the pollutant linkages at the site. Health and It is recommended that the following information is 28th Safety submitted in the ES: October Executive - A stratigraphic column describing the age and 2015 types of formation to be drilled with depths; - Locations of proposed monitoring boreholes; - A schematic of proposed monitoring boreholes; - A schematic of the exploratory borehole; - The likelihood of lost circulation whilst drilling; - If possible, a list of the likely mud and cement chemicals; and - Proposed monitoring procedures. Environment Hazardous substances must be prevented from entry into 25th Agency ground and surface water and the entry into groundwater November of all other pollutants must be limited to prevent pollution. 2015 These environmental considerations should be addressed during the development, construction and operational/appraisal phases of this proposal. Table 4-1 of the Scoping Report (IGAS Reference 402.05891.0001 October 2015) identifies the significant environmental topics to be addressed by the Environmental Statement. We agree that the Tinker Lane 1 Exploratory Well P a g e | 9-2 Dart Energy (East England) Ltd GEOLOGY AND THE WATER ENVIRONMENT 9 Consultee Summary of Response Date of Response Environmental Statement should consider potential effects from pollution of surface and groundwater from site operations, siting of and alteration of catchment areas and surface water flows. The Environment Agency would also expect the EIA to consider the following: - cumulative, short, medium and long term effects on water and land. Permanent and temporary effects should also be addressed - description of the management of the development to prevent soil and water contamination - the requirement for water during the operation and the percentage of water that will be re-used or recycled - hydrogeological risk assessment of the potential impacts on groundwater and surface water, including impacts on any aquifers or groundwater sensitive receptors - monitoring and site management plan The Environment Agency would recommend undertaking a desk study for the site as a minimum and establishing the baseline quality of the land. We note the proposals to construct up to three sets of monitoring boreholes to sample groundwater and gas. We would like to review the detail of these proposals as they become available. The investigation for and eventual exploitation of hydrocarbon minerals will require several permits from the Environment Agency, the exact nature of these will vary depending on what activities are proposed, as such we recommend early engagement with the Environment Agency regarding the permitting process. 9.6 The scoping responses received have informed the scope and content of this assessment. 9.7 In addition to the scoping exercise details of local water use, water quality and flood risk have been obtained from the Environment Agency and Bassetlaw District Council. PLANNING POLICY & REGULATORY FRAMEWORK Policy Context 9.8 A discussion of planning policy that relates to the proposed development is outlined in Chapter 4. Summary