Borth Coastal Defence Scheme - Phase 2 Environmental Statement - Non Technical Summary Cyngor Ceredigion Council. 7 May 2013

Transcription

1 Borth Coastal Defence Scheme - Phase 2 Environmental Statement - Non Technical Summary Cyngor Ceredigion Council 7 May 2013

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3 Non-Technical Summary INTRODUCTION Ceredigion County Council () proposes to apply for planning permission and marine consents to construct Phase 2 of a coastal defence scheme at Borth. Phase 1 of the scheme was constructed during 2011/12 and was opened by the Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development in March Figure 1 - Borth coastal defence scheme Phase 1 and 2 The development of Phase 2 requires planning permission from Planning and a marine licence from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) 1. Permission is also needed from the Crown Estate Commission (CEC), which manages much of the foreshore and seabed on behalf of the Crown. EU legislation (Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 85/337/EEC) requires that projects that could have a significant effect on the environment are assessed to determine these effects before permission is granted for their development. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was carried out for Phase 1 of the scheme. At this time, was advised that future phases of the scheme would also need an EIA. appointed Atkins to carry out the EIA for the Phase 2 proposals. This document is the non-technical summary of the Environmental Statement for the Phase 2 Environmental Impact Assessment. There are a number of conservation sites in or near the proposed Phase 2 works that are protected under the European Habitats (92/43/EEC) and Birds (79/409/EEC) Directives and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites). The Habitats and Birds Directives require competent authorities to carry out a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) to determine if the proposals could have a significant effect on any of these protected sites. Information relevant to the HRA has been included in the Environmental Statement in Sections 6.2, 6.3, 6.5, 6.6, 6.12, 7, 8 and Appendices D and J. An assessment is also needed under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) to make sure that the proposals do not adversely affect water quality and the aims of the WFD. The aim of the WFD is for all 1 Natural Resources Wales was created on 1 April 2013 from a merger of the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), Environment Agency Wales (EAW), Forestry Commission Wales (FCW) and some functions of the Welsh Government, including the Marine Consents Unit (MCU). 1

4 inland and coastal waters in the EU to be in good condition by The WFD assessment is set out in Appendix I. This concludes that the proposals are not likely to adversely affect water quality. BACKGROUND Borth is a small seaside village on the west coast of Wales in the county of Ceredigion. It is in Cardigan Bay, approximately 4km south of the Dyfi Estuary. The beach at Borth is a wide, gently sloping sandy beach backed by a steep shingle ridge. The beach extends northwards from the cliffs of Craig y Wylva at the south end of Lower Borth to the sand dunes north of Ynyslas. The village is made up of a mix of residential properties, cafes, pubs and tourist accommodation. The area of the proposed Phase 2 development works extends from the northern end of Phase 1 (the northern-most rock breakwater) to an area approximately 400m northwards of the entrance to the Borth and Ynyslas Golf Club (see Figure 1). There are a number of coast defence structures along the length of the beach: A shingle ridge. This is the main defence. The shingle ridge has been re-built in the area of the Phase 1 works; 2 x rock breakwaters in Lower Borth (constructed as part of Phase 1 works); 2 x rock groynes in Lower Borth (constructed as part of Phase 1 works); A series of timber groynes; A 2-tier stretch (upper and lower) of timber breastwork supporting the shingle ridge extending from Lower Borth northwards approximately 1km; Concrete seawall / promenade from the end of the 2-tier timber breastwork in Lower Borth northwards approximately 200m; A single tier timber breastwork from the end of the 2-tier timber breastwork in Lower Borth northwards to the end of the built defences in Ynyslas. Timber breastwork is only absent where it has been replaced by the concrete seawall (see above), and; An offshore rock reef (constructed as part of Phase 1 works). The defences have been built, repaired and added to since the 1930s. The timber groynes and 2-tier timber breastwork fronting Lower Borth was built in the early 1970s ( ). The shingle ridge is the main defence to the village. The position of the shingle ridge has historically been kept in place by the groynes and breastwork (wooden planking along the top of the beach, parallel to the sea). The losses of sand and shingle during storms combined with the ageing defence structures are allowing greater wave heights to break further up the beach slope. Over the last 12 years, has commissioned a number of studies to develop a coastal defence scheme for Borth. The aim of the proposed scheme is to achieve a 1:100 year defence against breaching. This means that the scheme will afford protection to an event that has 1% chance of occurring at any time. The scheme alone will not eliminate the risks from flooding and erosion. Other community resilience actions to help the community adapt to climate change and reduce the impacts of flooding and erosion to the people and environment of Borth will also be needed. Development of the scheme following completion of Phase 1 In order to consider developments in long term management of flood risk from all sources coastal, rivers and rainfall / runoff the and aims of Phase 2 works have been updated and take into account some key changes that have taken place since the original Borth Coastal Strategy was produced in In particularly, the following issues have informed the development of the Phase 2 design: Production of the Shoreline Management Plan 2 (SMP2) (Royal Haskoning, 2011) Development of the Dyfi Estuary Flood Risk Management Strategy (DEFRMS) Management of Borth Bog Management of other coastal assets, such as the railway line 2

5 commissioned Royal Haskoning DHV to carry out a study to review the Borth Coastal Strategy, draw together other management issues in the area and consider how coastal management may interact with other issues. The Strategic Review (RHDHV, 2012) concluded that: The Borth Coastal Strategy (Royal Haskoning, 2001), remains valid over the main extent of Borth village, but requires review over the northern section of the coast (golf course and Ynyslas area). Management of the northern section of the coast is closely linked to and depends on management decisions being developed under the Dyfi Estuary Flood Risk Management Strategy (FRMS). Any review of the Borth Coastal Strategy for the northern section should be carried out after the DEFRMS has been completed. Between the southern village section and northern golf course/ynyslas section of the coast there is a need for a transitional approach to coastal defence. The findings and recommendations of the Strategic Review have been used to help update the design of Phase 2 of the coastal defence, as this spans the transitional area between the southern and northern areas of the beach. The design and layout of Phase 2 is shown in Error! Reference source not found.. This reflects the following approach: The standard of defence and the design of the structures changes from south to north. At the southern end, the standard of defence is the same as those for the Phase 1 structures providing a wide beach, protecting against erosion and overtopping. At the northern end, the standard of defence is reduced to provide protection against a breach, but a lower degree of protection against overtopping. The northernmost rock breakwater is smaller than the other rock breakwaters allowing for a more gradual change between the wide shingle beach and a narrower beach to the north of the village. The Strategic Review recommends that any future review of the Borth Coastal Strategy should include an examination of the benefits/impacts of restoring the historic location of the outfall of the Leri. It also recommends that any structures further north of Phase 2 should be designed taking account of the possible need for their future adaptation / removal. Figure 2 Layout of Phase 2 3

6 THE PROPOSED SCHEME The proposed scheme to be taken forward and that considered in this ES comprises: Phase 1 (already constructed): An offshore rock reef 2 x 60m long rock groynes along the Borth Village frontage 2 x rock breakwaters Beach nourishment with shingle Removal of existing timber groynes as new rock groynes and breakwaters are constructed Phase 2: 1 x approx. 60m long rock groyne (groyne 1) 3 x rock breakwaters 1 x approx 30m long, angled rock groyne (groyne 2) Removal of existing timber groynes as new rock groynes and breakwaters are constructed Repairs to surface water drain outfall in the location of breakwater 1 Addition of shingle beach nourishment material (of up to 5,000 m 3 / 10,000 tonnes material) Future phases are not considered as the Borth Coastal Strategy is no longer valid for the coast to the north of Phase 2 and no decisions on the management of this area have been made. A brief summary of the structures and construction programme for Phase 2 is set out below. More detail is set out in Section 3 of the Environmental Statement. Rock Groynes Phase 2 includes the construction of one 53m long (at the crest level) rock groyne (groyne 1) and shorter rock groyne at the northernmost end of Phase 2 (see Figure 2). Groyne 1 will be of the same design as those constructed in Phase 1. Groyne 2 will be smaller and built at an angle to the shore. The smaller size, lower height and angle of groyne 2 are part of the design for the transitional area between the Borth Village and golf course areas along the coast. Rock Breakwaters Phase 2 includes the construction of three rock breakwaters. Two of these (breakwater 1 and breakwater 2) will be the same design as those built in Phase 1. The northernmost rock breakwater (breakwater 3) will be smaller and lower to help create the transitional area between the Borth Village and golf course areas along the coast. Removal of Existing Timber Groynes The timber groynes in the area of Phase 1 have been removed to make way for the construction of the new rock structures. Timber groynes in the area of Phase 2 will also be removed to make way for the rock structures proposed for Phase 2. The new rock structures act to control the movement of shingle on the beach in the area where the timber groynes are currently located. Timber groynes to the north of Phase 2 will remain in place. Repairs to surface water drain outfall There is an existing surface water drain outfall on the beach in the area where breakwater 1 will be built. The outfall is in a very poor state of repair. During the construction of breakwater 1, the outfall will be repaired and built into the breakwater to make sure that it continues to work properly. Beach Nourishment Shingle was added to the beach during the construction of Phase 1. Adding shingle to the beach in the Phase 2 area is not expected to be needed. The width of the shingle in the Phase 2 area is wider than it was 4

7 at the southern end of the beach before Phase 1 was built. Material excavated from the beach during the construction of the rock structures will be re-used to help raise the height of the shingle in the Phase 2 area. This would follow the same process as used during Phase 1. Excess rock buried under the beach will be reexcavated and used in Phase 2. A relatively small amount of shingle (approximately 5,000m 3 / 10,000 tonnes) has been included in the assessments in the EIA in case that some nourishment material may be needed. This will help ensure that the assessment includes any possible effects that might arise as a result of the need to add shingle. It was difficult to source material that matched exactly the size, colour and geology of the existing beach material during Phase 1. Shingle used in Phase 2 will match as closely as possible that already on the beach naturally and placed as a result of Phase 1 construction. If shingle is needed, the preference is for material to match in descending order of preference: 1. Geology, colour and shape (e.g. similar to material dredged from the Rheidol river) 2. Geology and colour (e.g. similar to material sourced from Ystrad Meurig and used in Phase 1) 3. Colour and shape 4. Colour Site compounds and access The same site compound as used during Phase 1 will be used during construction of Phase 2 (see Figure 3). This will be the main site compound and the location of site offices and car parking for site staff, contractors and visitors. During works the car park will not be available for use by the public. A second site compound is proposed in the area opposite the entrance to the golf club. It is proposed that this area would be used for plant and some materials. The site compound(s) will be used to store plant, machinery and materials. They will also be used as a storage area for diesel and fuel and for the refuelling of plant and machinery. The majority of fuels and chemicals will be stored in the main compound. Rock, shingle and excavated material will be stored on the beach, in the area used during construction of Phase 1. All access to the Phase 2 works area will be via the access point located adjacent to the public toilets on the beach front near Cambrian Terrace (see Figure 3). All rock and bulk materials for Phase 2 works will be delivered to site by road via the northern route from Tre r ddol. It is possible that some materials (most likely rock) will be delivered by sea, in which case vessels will beach as far up the beach as possible. Only one delivery of materials per tide will be permitted to ensure that vessels beach as near to high water as possible. Vehicles used to retrieve materials delivered by sea will collect materials from the landward side of the delivery only. This is to protect the clay, peat, forest beds from damage, and to reduce the risk of any pieces of rock that may break off during delivery and retrieval from being lost and remaining in the beach sand. Delivery of materials by sea will require larger stockpiles of material. The height of any stockpile will be restricted to a maximum 3m. The contractor will be required to produce a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), or similar, which will take full account of the environmental issues identified in the Environmental Statement and any conditions attached to the planning permission and marine licence. The CEMP will include methods for maintaining a tidy, safe site and set out an emergency response procedure in the event of a chemical leak or spill. The contractor will be required to comply with the CEMP. Once construction has been completed, site compounds will be removed and restored to their previous condition and the car parks reopened for public use. 5

8 Figure 3 Site compounds and access arrangements 6

9 Construction Schedule Phase 1 has been constructed. It is proposed that Phase 2 would be constructed in 2013, with works starting in the summer and continuing through to completion of the scheme in autumn/winter If funding is not available to build Phase 2 in 2013, construction would start in spring 2014 and finish in autumn Construction will start at one end of the beach and work along the beach to the other, e.g. from south to north. Each structure will be completed before the next begins. This will limit the area of the beach on which works are being carried out. It is possible that funding for Phase 2 may become available in two separate lots. If this were the case, breakwater 1, breakwater 2 and groyne 1 would be built first (effectively Phase 2a) and breakwater 3 and groyne 2 would be built as the remaining money became available (effectively Phase 2b), ideally in the next financial year. The intention is for the whole of Phase 2 to be built in a single project, without splitting construction over two years, however, this is entirely dependent on when and how much funding is available from Welsh Government and. There are no plans for any future works beyond Phase 2. CONSULTATION The development of the proposed Scheme has taken place over several years, with the involvement of various stakeholders. To take forward the Phase 1 works, formed a Working Group made up of representative from different departments, the Environment Agency Wales (EAW), Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and Welsh Government. As part of the Phase 1 works EIA, additional consultation was carried out with a wide range of consultees, including a public meeting in the Borth Community Centre on 4 December During the construction of Phase 1, the contractor BAM Nuttall maintained on-going consultation and engagement with the public, residents and visitors. In addition, an Environmental Clerk of Works (ECoW) was appointed by for the Phase 1 construction works. The ECoW also engaged with the public, residents and visitors as well as liaising with the contractor, Royal Haskoning, Atkins, CCW, EAW and other consultees. The contractor kept a record of the complaints, correspondence, issues and meetings during the construction of Phase 1. These are summarised in Appendix B1. As the Phase 2 works proposals have developed, a number of meetings have taken place between, Haskoning DHV, Atkins, Welsh Government and CCW to understand any issues that may be associated with the development of Phase 2. Consultation and engagement with these organisations and other stakeholders has continued throughout the EIA process. A copy of the EIA scoping report was sent to the Welsh Government MCU and Ceredigion Planning Dept., which was sent to statutory consultees as part of the scoping consultation process. A copy of the scoping report was also ed to all those stakeholders that had been sent a copy of the Phase 1 EIA scoping report. Responses to the Scoping Report consultation are contained in Appendix B2. PLANNING POLICY ASSESSMENT A review of the national, regional and local planning policy documents and other strategies determined that the Phase 2 proposals are consistent with national policy by aiming to protect the Borth community from the unavoidable consequences of climate change. The proposals also consistent with the new Shoreline Management Plan (SMP2). More information on the planning policy assessment is set out in Section 5. 7

10 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS Scope of the EIA The scope of the EIA has been determined by seeking a formal Scoping Opinion from the Welsh Government MCU and Ceredigion Planning Dept. and through the preparation of a scoping report. This process scoped out air quality, which is not considered further in the ES. The following receptors have been included in the scope of the assessment: Geology and Coastal Processes Ecology including conservation sites, terrestrial ecology, intertidal ecology, subtidal ecology, marine mammals, fish and birds Traffic and transport Water including water quality and flooding Sediment quality Noise and vibration Landscape, seascape and visual amenity Tourism and recreation Fishing Historic environment A considerable amount of background work has been undertaken over the 12 years during the development of the Borth Coastal Strategy, feasibility studies, Phase 1 design works, EIA and construction of the Phase 1 works. The environmental assessment has been based on these previous studies and other background information, along with on-going discussions with CCW,, the Environmental Clerk of Works (ECoW), scheme designers, Welsh Government and contractor. The Phase 2 EIA does not replicate or reproduce all the detail of previous studies, but set out briefly the background information, potential impacts that may arise as a result of the proposed works and proposed mitigation measures. All references used are included in Section 9. Assessments have been made with reference to the Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment (IEMA, 2004). Table 1 - Classification of Potential Impacts Term Effect Adverse Beneficial Magnitude of Impact Major Moderate Minor Negligible Unknown Definition An impact that would have a detrimental impact of a given magnitude on the existing environment An impact that would have a positive impact of a given magnitude on the existing environment Substantial impact on an environmental feature; adverse impacts likely to result in loss of integrity of the feature; beneficial impacts likely to result in addition to or enhancement of the feature Impact on a noticeable proportion of an environmental feature; adverse impacts will represent a risk to the feature; beneficial impacts could result in enhancement The impact will be measurable but of limited proportion, degree or extent; adverse impact will not represent a significant risk to the environmental feature No measurable impact will occur The magnitude of the impact cannot be assessed due to a lack of sufficient information on the value of the environmental feature Duration of Impact Short term The impact and effects will last only as long as the duration of the construction / decommissioning period. Medium term Long term Permanence of Impact Reversible Irreversible The impact and effects last for the duration of the life of the Scheme The impact and effects last beyond the life of the Scheme The impact can be reversed by reduction / mitigation or by natural environmental recovery within a reasonable time period (5 10 years) The effects of the impact cannot be reversed 8

11 Assessment of impacts Potential impacts are considered under the following headings: Post Phase 1 impacts - Construction of Phase 1 is complete. Survey work was carried out to inform both the design and the EIA for the Phase 1 works. Survey and monitoring was undertaken during construction of Phase 1. In addition, some post construction surveying and monitoring has also been carried out. It has been less than 12 months since Phase 1 construction was finished and the amount of data that has been collected on the performance and effect of Phase 1 on the environment is limited. Information on construction processes, delivery and the conditions of the beach was collected as part of the construction process and lessons were learned. All the information collected during the construction of Phase 1 has been used to inform the assessment of impacts for the Phase 2 works. Phase 2 construction impacts - The rock breakwaters and rock groynes proposed for the Phase 2 works will be of the same or very similar design as those constructed in Phase 1. Construction methods, sites compounds, traffic management, delivery methods and material sources are also the same or very similar to those used in Phase 1. The assessment includes any combined or cumulative effects with Phase 1. It also includes a consideration of potential impacts if materials are delivered by road or sea. Post Phase 2 impacts - Post Phase 2 impacts consider those impacts that may occur from the presence and management of Phase 1 and Phase 2. This includes operational and maintenance activities and any combined or cumulative effects of the two Phases. The assessment considers the combined and cumulative effects of the effects to all the environmental receptors. It will also take account of the impact of the Phase 2 works with other known proposed works on the coastal frontage, including the replacement of timber breastwork and repairs to the slipway in Lower Borth, to be carried out by. It is not possible to consider all possible alternative management options in combination with the Phase 2 works and future scheme elements. Only those works which are known to be planned are taken into account. GEOLOGY AND COASTAL PROCESSES Post Phase 1 impacts Prior to Phase 1 it was assumed that the beach was entirely sand with peat, clay, forest only in some areas. During construction it was found that peat, clay and forest underlay most of the beach. This suggests that the submerged forest beds are much more widespread than had previously been thought. Several potential impacts post Phase 1 were identified in the Phase 1 EIA: Reduced erosion of the foreshore; Impact to the submerged peat forest beds as a result of the presence of the new structures on the beach; Sediment starvation of the beach; Risks to Borth-Clarach SSSI and cliffs if beach recharge material was transported south; The development of a salient in the lee of the reef structure affecting coastal processes and possibly blocking the Glan Wern outfall; Sediment becoming trapped in the new rock structures; Local erosion at the end of the Phase 1 area; Impacts as a result of adding sediment to the beach, and; Affects to coastal processes and sediment deposits in the Dyfi estuary. With any coastal defence scheme, there are always uncertainties about the changes that might be seen. For the Phase 1 works the uncertainty was mainly about how much sediment the new structures would draw in and trap. A monitoring plan was discussed and agreed with CCW and EAW and as a result baseline and ongoing monitoring of beach levels have been carried out and will continue to be undertaken by. 9

12 The additional shingle added to the beach during the construction of Phase 1 has altered the makeup of the sediment on the beach as it was not possible to exactly match the shingle already on the beach. The Phase 1 EIA assumed that a closer match to the existing beach sediment would be possible than was actually achieved. As such, post construction of Phase 1, impacts to sediment are considered to be moderate adverse, long term and permanent. It is not possible to mitigate the loss of submerged forest beds within the footprint of the new structures. This impact, therefore, remains minor adverse, long term and irreversible. The monitoring and observations of the beach during construction and following completion of the building works, do not show any adverse impacts to coastal process and geomporphology, including transportation of sand and shingle. These impacts are considered to be negligible. Phase 2 construction impacts The construction of Phase 2 will be similar to Phase 1 and the impacts are likely to be similar to those experienced during Phase 1. Phase 1 EIA mitigation and conditions attached to the planning permission and marine consents in relation to minimising adverse effects to geology and coastal processes were reviewed and the following impacts identified: Loss of submerged peat forest beds as a result of the presence of the new structures on the beach; Change to the make up of beach sediments from using poorly matched sediment; Release of sediment into the sea; Changes to local patterns of sediment transport and consequently the erosion and accretion patterns on the beach. Mitigation measures similar to those in Phase 1 have been proposed, although these have been updated to take account of the larger deposits of clay, forest and peat and other practical lessons learned during the construction of Phase 1 to limit the area of beach used by plant, vehicles and machinery and any deliveries by sea. The Phase 2 works are smaller than those for Phase 1 and no working in the water is needed (unless materials are delivered by sea). With all of the proposed mitigation measures in place the impacts of construction during Phase 2 to geology are considered to be minor adverse and irreversible in areas where excavation is required (in the footprint of the rock breakwaters and, potentially, the rock groynes). In other areas, the impacts are considered to be negligible. With all of the proposed mitigation measures in place the impacts of construction during Phase 2 to coastal processes are considered to be minor adverse and irreversible if shingle nourishment is needed. If no shingle nourishment is required during Phase 2, impacts are considered to be negligible. Post Phase 2 impacts Post Phase 2 construction the impacts on geology are likely to be moderate beneficial. This is because the Scheme will promote the natural transport of sand material on the lower foreshore, leading to ongoing exposure/recovering of the features of interest, which is consistent with the current approach to the management of geological features of interest (allowing them to be exposed to enable access and study). The new rock groynes built during Phase 2 will behave in a similar fashion to those built in Phase 1 and act to trap shingle in the spaces between the rocks. The northernmost rock structures are designed to aid the transition from the southern to northern parts of the shore and reduce the likelihood of erosion at the northernmost end of the Phase 2 area. Post construction monitoring and analysis is an important mitigation measure to ensure that the structures are working in the way they are expected. With these mitigation measures in place, the residual impacts on coastal processes and geomorphology are considered to be negligible. 10

13 ECOLOGY Post Phase 1 impacts The Phase 1 EIA suggested that impacts to terrestrial ecology, marine mammals and birds post construction of Phase 1 would be negligible. Monitoring of Sabellaria has continued since the completion of Phase 1. There is no evidence to suggest that this assessment is not longer valid. Impacts to terrestrial ecology, marine mammals and birds post construction of Phase 1 are considered to be negligible. Post construction impacts to intertidal and subtidal ecology were considered to be minor, beneficial and medium term, due to the provision of a new substrate type in the form of the rock groynes, breakwaters and reef. These assessments are considered to remain valid. Impacts to fish were considered to be between negligible and minor beneficial. This assessment is considered to remain valid. The presence of the reef and of the increased width of the beach in the lee of the reef has resulted in a change in the composition of fish and invertebrates used by anglers as bait in this area. Discussion with a local angling representative suggests that there is a significantly increased abundance of lugworm (Arenicola marina), sandeel (Ammodytes tobianus) and baitfish in the area around the reef (H. Pearce, pers. comm. 2013). It is unclear if this is a temporary or permanent change, as only a few months have passed since completion of the Phase 1. Post construction impacts to ecology from changes to coastal processes were considered to be negligible. This assessment is considered to remain valid. Phase 2 construction impacts Impacts to ecology during the construction Phase 2 are considered to be similar to those identified during the construction of the rock breakwaters and rock groynes in Phase 1. Risks during construction of Phase 2 are considered to be a lower magnitude, as the scale of the works is smaller and would be carried out over a shorter time period. Potential impacts that could arise from Phase 2 works include: Disturbance to both coastal and marine habitats and species, including temporary or permanent loss, both within and outside of designated sites during construction, from movement of machinery and vessels, location of site compound and excavation works. The permanent loss of habitat features from an SAC cannot be mitigated and must be avoided. Disturbance to species from noise, light or other visual stimuli from operation and movement of machinery, vehicles and vessels on the beach and in the water. Disturbance to marine species from changes to water quality resulting from pollution caused by spills or leakages and/or increased turbidity from sediment disturbance. Smothering of species on the shingle ridge and beach due to stockpiling of materials and / or beach recharge activity. Removal of species such as barnacles (Semibalanus balanoides) and limpets (Patella vulgata) that have colonised the timber groynes when the groynes are removed. These species are commonly found on UK beaches. Changes to coastal processes, with knock on impacts to protected sites and species. Conservation sites The Phase 2 works are located outside of all protected sites, and direct impacts during construction are considered to be negligible. The works are, however, close to these sites and could adversely affect the them or species in the sites. Indirect impacts to the protected sites could arise as a result of changes to the coastal processes and geomorphology in the area. The assessment of the impacts on the coastal processes and geomorphology of the area considers that coastal processes will be maintained. This suggests that impacts on the protected features and sites are also likely to be negligible. Risks to Borth Bog SAC as a result of changes in water levels or salt water intrusion during construction of Phase 2 are also considered to be negligible as works are not considered to significantly affect coastal processes (see Section Error! Reference source not found.) or flood risk (see Section Error! Reference source not found.). 11

14 Overall, the impacts to the nature conservation sites from construction of Phase 2 are considered to be negligible. See Appendix J for information to support a Habitats Regulation Assessment. Terrestrial ecology The potential impacts arising as a result of the construction of Phase 2 are likely to be similar to those predicted and experienced during Phase 1 construction. The sand dunes at Ysyslas and the golf course are unlikely to be affected, as there are no proposed works within these areas and impacts are considered to be negligible, as are potential impacts to the species of lichen associated with Borth cliffs. Mitigation measures to manage potential risks to water and soil quality (including disturbance of Japanese Knotweed) and any knock-on impacts to terrestrial or other ecology are set out in Sections Error! Reference source not found. and Error! Reference source not found. respectively. Overall, with appropriate mitigation measures in place, the impacts to the terrestrial ecology are considered to be negligible. Intertidal ecology Potential impacts to the Sabellaria reef are not considered to be an on-going concern by CCW, as monitoring throughout the Phase 1 construction works and since completion of Phase 1 have indicated no smothering, additional scouring or other adverse effects to the reef. It is likely that the construction of Phase 2 will adversely affect potentially all the shingle vegetation in the area of the works. Although the area is not in a protected site, vegetated shingle is a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitat and priority habitat listed under s42 Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act, which local authorities have a duty to conserve. It is not considered possible to completely remove impacts to the vegetated shingle due to the need to carry out works within the area where vegetated shingle is present and to avoid plant, machinery and vehicles from tracking on the soft sediment areas of the beach as much as possible. With mitigation measures in place, residual impacts on intertidal ecology during the construction of phase 2 are considered to be moderate adverse, short - medium term and reversible, the majority of adverse effects are considered to be focussed on the vegetated shingle habitat and species. Subtidal ecology Comments raised in the MCU response to the Phase 2 Scoping Report include the inclusion of video and benthic sampling in the areas where vessels may anchor / beach to deliver materials by sea. It is not certain that materials will be delivered by sea, however, in the event that it does take place, the evidence suggests that no scarce or important habitats or species would be affected by such activity. This assessment concludes that video survey or benthic sampling in the area where vessels may anchor is not necessary. Impacts to subtidal ecology are considered to be negligible, however, vessels delivering materials should restrict their anchoring to a single location to further reduce the likelihood of any potential adverse effects. Marine mammals Although the majority of the work is taking place above MLW, there is the potential for noise to be transmitted underwater, particularly during the placement of rock for the construction of the groynes and breakwaters or during the tipping of rock onto the shore if it is delivered by sea. Although it is not certain that materials will be delivered by sea, in the event that it does take place, movement of vessels to/from the site could present a collision risk to marine mammals. No piling works are anticipated during the construction of Phase 2, except to install the navigational markers for the rock structures. There is no evidence to suggest that marine mammals were adversely affected by the Phase 1 construction works. With mitigation measures in place, residual impacts to marine mammals are considered to be negligible. 12

15 Fish Comments raised in the MCU response to the Phase 2 Scoping Report include the inclusion of the need for baseline fish surveys. The Phase 2 construction works are unlikely to affect fish as all works will be on the beach, not in the subtidal area. It is not certain that materials will be delivered by sea, however, in the event that this does take place, there is nothing to suggest that this activity will adversely affect fish species that may be in the area. Release of sediment or polluting materials into the water column could result in damage to fish species. Mitigation measures to reduce the loss and re-suspension of sediment and to manage potential impacts to water quality are set out in Section 6.5. With these measures in place, residual impacts to fish are considered to be negligible. Birds Comments raised in the MCU response to the Phase 2 Scoping Report include the inclusion of the need for a wintering bird assessment on the shingle beach. There is some evidence that the beach and dunes are used by overwintering birds, however, they are not considered important for breeding. The intention is that works would be carried out during the spring/summer/autumn period of either 2013 or If works are timed outside of the winter period, overwintering birds would not be disturbed. Other works planned to take place during 2013 (to the timber breastwork and the slipway) would also take place during summer months. All works will be restricted to the Phase 2 area of the beach. Works, vehicles and activity would be prohibited in the area of the Dyfi SSSI, which would leave over 2km of beach and the dunes at Ynyslas free from any construction-related activities for overwintering birds. As the shingle ridge extends along the whole frontage, there would be both shingle and sand habitat for use by overwintering birds. This assessment concludes that a wintering bird assessment is not necessary and that with mitigation measures in place to reduce noise and disturbance (see Section 6.7), residual impacts to birds during construction of Phase 2 are considered to be minor adverse, short term and reversible. Post Phase 2 impacts The Phase 2 works are not located within any of the designated conservation sites and their presence will not result in the loss of any habitat within any of the sites. Post construction impacts on coastal processes are considered to be negligible, such that knock on impacts to the protected sites are also considered to be negligible. Terrestrial ecology Post construction, impacts to the terrestrial ecology could arise as a result of changes in the coastal processes, however, these are considered to be negligible. Impacts to terrestrial ecology post construction of Phase 2 are, therefore, considered to be negligible. Intertidal ecology Changes to the shape of the beach caused by the presence of the Phase 2 structures may affect the physical characteristics of the beach and the conditions in which intertidal species live. These changes are, however, not expected to be so great that they would significantly affect intertidal species. The presence of the new structures will lead to the direct loss of some of the habitats, however, they will also create new habitat rock instead of sand and timber groynes. Species such as limpets, barnacles and algae are able to live on both rocks and the timber groynes. Similar impacts to those anticipated during construction of Phase 2 can be expected during maintenance activities, but on a smaller scale. Ongoing maintenance impacts will depend on the frequency of any maintenance activity. Similar mitigation measures to those set out during construction of Phase 2 are proposed during maintenance activities. Post-construction monitoring of the vegetated shingle area is also recommended. With these measures in place, residual impacts on intertidal ecology are considered to be moderate adverse, short - medium term and reversible, the majority of adverse effects are considered to be focussed on the vegetated shingle habitat and species. 13

16 Subtidal ecology Post construction impacts on coastal processes are considered to be negligible. Given that the maintenance of dominant coastal processes is considered important to maintain the features of the protected sites, knock on impacts to the marine protected site and sub-tidal ecology are also considered to be negligible. No further impacts are expected to arise as a result of the operation of Phase 2. Maintenance activities will be in the intertidal area and are not expected to affect the subtidal ecology. Marine mammals No further impacts are expected to arise as a result of the operation of Phase 2. Maintenance activities will be in the intertidal area and are not expected to affect marine mammals. Fish No further impacts are expected to arise as a result of the operation of Phase 2. Maintenance activities will be in the intertidal area and are not expected to affect fish. Birds Some areas of beach habitat will be lost as a result of the presence of the new structures, however, this is considered to be a small compared to the overall area of the beach. The new structures will provide a new substrate type on the beach, potentially providing roosting and feeding opportunities for some species. However, the significance of any benefits depends on the numbers and types of birds present in the area, as well as the colonisation of the new structures. Birds may be disturbed by any maintenance activities that take place. Activities taking place during the winter could disturb overwintering species. Any such activities are anticipated to be small scale and restricted to the Phase 1 and Phase 2 areas of the beach, leaving other areas of the beach undisturbed for use by birds. Similar mitigation measures to those set out during construction of Phase 2 are proposed during maintenance activities. With these measures in place, residual impacts to birds post construction of Phase 2 are considered to be negligible. TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT Post Phase 1 impacts The Traffic Assessment (TA) prepared in support of the EIA for Phase 1 suggested that the reef could attract additional surfers to Borth. It was considered likely that these surfers would arrive by car and therefore would generate additional vehicular traffic. However, it was forecast that only 5 additional car trips would be generated per day and therefore the overall impact would be negligible. No traffic survey information is available to support this forecast and it is not possible to therefore determine if the Phase 1 works have generated any additional surfer related traffic post completion of the works. There is no evidence to suggest that this assessment is no longer valid. Impacts to traffic and transport post construction of Phase 1 are considered to be negligible. Phase 2 construction impacts The volume of material required for the Phase 2 works is approximately one third of that transported by road for Phase 1. A Traffic Assessment (TA) has been carried out as part of the EIA. This is set out in Appendix E and has considered impacts on: Traffic Flows and Junction Capacity; Parking Availability; Carriageway Condition; Public Transport Services; The Pedestrian Network; Residents and Businesses, and; Environmentally Sensitive Areas. 14

17 It is likely that a significant proportion of the required materials will be delivered by road via the B4353 and A487. Anecdotal evidence suggests that traffic flows between the site access and site compound were higher than anticipated during construction of Phase 1. During Phase 2 there will be a greater distance between the site compound and site access, potentially leading to more operational traffic routing through the town. Use of a public car park as the site compound, will result in the loss of approximately 70 parking spaces, while a further 18 spaces will be lost from the proposed second compound near the entrance tot he golf course. In combination, this will result in a reduction of approximately 28% of the overall public parking provision in the town. An increase in traffic flows through the town has the potential to cause delay to bus services. There is a bus stop near to the site of the possible secondary site compound north of the site access. Using this area as a site storage / vehicle compound could adversely affect the use of this by member of the public. There will be a requirement for vehicles to cross the promenade footway to get on / off the beach. In addition, the Public Right of Way (PRoW) at the southern end of Phase 2, near the site entrance to the beach will need to be closed temporarily during works. During Phase 1 of the works, complaints were received from local residents concerning disturbance and potential structural damage related to vibration caused by the tipping of materials and the movement of HGVs. Impacts as a result of noise and vibration are considered in Section 6.7. The mitigation measures used during construction of Phase 1 were reviewed for their effectiveness and have been updated to recommend mitigation measures during Phase 2 construction, including the creation of a traffic management plan and use of beach marshals. With these measures in place, impacts to traffic and transport are minor moderate adverse and short term. Post Phase 2 impacts There are no post-construction traffic and transport impacts anticipated for the completion of the Phase 2 works (negligible). WATER Post Phase 1 impacts Water Quality The Phase 1 EIA considered that impacts to water quality following construction of Phase 1 would be negligible, with no additional mitigation measures proposed. Bathing water quality and WFD water quality has continued to be monitored throughout the construction and post construction period. There is nothing to suggest that there have been any adverse effects to water quality as a result of the construction of Phase 1. Post phase 1 impacts to water quality are considered to be negligible. Flooding Based on discussions with and consultation with EAW, the risk of fluvial (river) flooding to the village or to the site compound has not changed as a result of the Phase 1 works and no works have been carried out or are planned to reduce the risk to the site compound area. It is understood that BAM Nuttall surfaced the car park near to the Church of St Matthew s to compensate for lost parking spaces during Phase 1 construction. This is not considered to have significantly affected the ability of the car park to absorb or drain water or to have significantly affected the flood risk to the village. The risk of flooding from the sea has been reduced as a result of the presence of Phase 1. Risks from other sources of flooding have not been affected. Residual impacts to flooding or from flooding as a result of the presence of Phase 1 are considered to be major, beneficial and medium term. 15

18 Phase 2 construction impacts Water Quality Impacts to water quality during the construction Phase 2 are considered to be similar to those identified during the construction of the rock breakwaters and rock groynes in Phase 1. Risks are considered to be a lower magnitude of risks during construction of Phase 2 as the scale of the works is smaller and would be carried out over a shorter time period. Activities are also located further from the sea and do not require such significant amounts of working within the water column as did Phase 1. There is a risk of the release and re-suspension of sediment, which could increase levels of turbidity in the water column. This could impact marine ecology and coastal processes. The activities that could affect turbidity are: Delivery of rock by sea and beaching of barges, if materials are delivered by sea Tracking of plant across the beach Plant working in shallow water Construction of rock structures excavations, placement of rock Beach nourishment pumping of sand / shingle ashore from vessels, re-profiling of the beach Removal of existing timber groynes Sediment excavated during construction could contain contaminants or be contaminated by activities during the construction of the scheme e.g. spills, leaks from plant, while material brought onto site could introduce contaminants from elsewhere. This would impact directly on the sediment quality of the site and indirectly impact on the water quality of the surrounding area, with knock-on impacts on the ecology. A pollution incident could arise if materials, equipment or plant stored either on the beach or in the site compound(s) are affected by flooding, causing chemicals or other materials to be washed into watercourses or the sea. There are no records of any pollution incidents or adverse effects to water quality as a result of Phase 1 construction activities or arising from the flood event in June 2012, which affected the site compound. The mitigation measures used during construction of Phase 1 were reviewed for their effectiveness and have been updated to recommend mitigation measures during Phase 2 construction, including the creation of emergency response procedure in the event of a chemical leak or spill both, safe storage of potentially polluting materials and compliance with EAW guidance. Works should be carried out outside the Bathing Water season, if possible. With these measures in place, impacts to water quality are considered to be minor adverse, short term during construction only and reversible. Flooding The car park that will be used as a site compound at the south of Borth flooded during June During construction of Phase 2, flood events that are less extreme than the June 2012 (as well as those that are equally or more severe) can be expected to flood the site compound area. The presence of site offices, materials, vehicles, etc. in areas that may be at risk of flooding may themselves be at risk of damage from flooding, with potential knock-on impacts to water and sediment quality and ecology. Options to raise part of the compound have been considered, however, this would result in a loss of floodplain and require compensatory flood storage to be provided elsewhere. Mitigation measures therefore focus on minimising the impact that any flooding of the car park might have on the site compound and knockon impacts to the environment. With these mitigation measures in place, the impact to flooding from the construction of Phase 2 is considered to be minor, adverse and short term. Post Phase 2 impacts Water Quality Post construction and during operation, some of the sediment from any beach nourishment will be released into the water column from the natural washing and sorting of the beach recharge material. Beach nourishment is not expected to be needed for Phase 2 construction. Any material that is used will a have low fines content, with material specification and certification to be checked to ensure compliance. 16

19 Other risks to water quality are associated with normal use of the beach (e.g. litter, spills, etc. by beach users) and during any maintenance operations. Risks associated with normal use of the beach are not anticipated to change post completion of Phase 2. No additional mitigation measures are proposed. Risks associated with maintenance activity are considered to be similar to those during construction and related to the presence and operation of plant on the beach. Similar mitigation measures to those proposed during construction of Phase 2 are recommended during any maintenance works. With these mitigation measures in place, residual impacts to water quality in terms of sediment release, contamination or pollution are considered to be negligible. Bathing water quality and WFD quality indicators will continue to be monitored by Natural Resources Wales. Flooding Following completion of Phase 2, all site compounds will be returned to their original use (car parking) and will be reinstated to their previous state. No additional mitigation measures are proposed, although it is suggested that signs are installed in the car park used as the main site compound to highlight the potential risk of flooding to car park users, particularly visitors that may not otherwise be aware of this risk. The risk of flooding from the sea will be reduced as a result of the presence of Phase 2. Risks from other sources of flooding will not be affected by the presence of Phase 2. Residual impacts to flooding or from flooding as a result of the presence of Phase 2 are considered to be major, beneficial and medium term. SEDIMENT QUALITY Post Phase 1 impacts Potential impacts to sediment quality could have arisen as a result of contamination brought to the construction site or pollution incidents during the construction of Phase 1. Mitigation measures were put in place to reduce the potential of such incidents and there is no record of sediment quality being adversely affected as a result of Phase 1 construction or since its completion. Impacts to sediment quality post Phase 1 are considered to be negligible. Impacts to the geology of the area are set out in Section 0. Phase 2 construction impacts Impacts to sediment quality during the construction of Phase 2 are likely to result from similar activities to those carried out during the construction of Phase 1. The potential for impacts to sediment quality during Phase 2 construction is considered to be lower than during Phase 1, as the scale of the works is smaller and they would be carried out over a shorter time period. Contamination could be introduced in materials and sediment brought to site during construction. Sediment excavated during construction could contain contaminants or be contaminated by activities during the construction of the scheme e.g. spills, leaks from plant, while material brought onto site could introduce contaminants from elsewhere. This would impact directly on the sediment quality of the site and indirectly impact on the water quality of the surrounding area (see Section Error! Reference source not found.), with knock-on impacts on the ecology (see Section Error! Reference source not found.). A pollution incident could arise if materials, equipment or plant stored either on the beach or in the site compound(s) are affected by flooding, causing chemicals or other compounds to be washed onto the beach contaminating the sediment. Mitigation measures are recommended based on those successfully implemented during Phase 1 construction, conditions applied during construction of Phase 1 and lessons learned from the construction of rock groynes and breakwaters in Phase 1. With these mitigation measures in place, residual impacts to sediment quality are considered to be minor adverse, short term during construction only and reversible. Post Phase 2 impacts Post construction and during operation risks to sediment quality are associated with normal use of the beach (e.g. litter, spills, etc. by beach users) and during any maintenance operations. Risks associated with normal use of the beach are not anticipated to change post completion of Phase 2. No additional mitigation measures are proposed. 17

20 Risks associated with maintenance activity are considered to be similar to those during construction and related to the presence and operation of plant on the beach. Similar mitigation measures to those proposed during construction of Phase 2 are recommended during any maintenance works. With these mitigation measures in place, residual impacts to sediment quality are considered to be negligible. NOISE AND VIBRATION Post Phase 1 impacts During construction of Phase 1 several complaints were received concerning noise and vibration caused by the works. Complaints recorded by the contractor during construction of Phase 1 are set out in Appendix B1. Increased noise and vibration levels returned to normal following completion of Phase 1. As a result of complaints during construction of Phase 1 and property inspections carried out to properties that complained of vibration and damage, the contractor undertook minor works to some properties. These works have been carried out as a gesture of goodwill and with no admission of liability on the part of the contractor. As no property surveys were carried out before construction started, it was not possible to compare the condition of properties before and after the works. Any activities that took place during Phase 1 construction, which led to adverse impacts have not continued. As such, post-phase 1 impacts are considered to be negligible. Phase 2 construction impacts Phase 2 construction impacts are anticipated to be similar to those experienced during the construction of Phase 1, although of a smaller magnitude, as the scale of the works is smaller than those in Phase 1. Approximately one-third of the amount of material is needed for Phase 2, compared with Phase 1, however, almost all materials are expected to arrive by the northern route via Tre r ddol if materials are delivered by road. Larger sized rock is not required for the construction of Phase 2. As such, only the use of 20 tonne and 30 tonne lorries are expected. Delivery of all materials by road would be expected to result in greater noise and vibration impacts than delivery by sea. As delivery by road is considered the worst case scenario, it is this option that is considered in the assessment of impacts. If all materials are delivered by road from the north to the single access point, overall impacts from material delivery to the north of the town may be similar to those experienced in this area during Phase 1. The mitigation measures set out in the draft EAP in the Phase 1 EIA were reviewed and updated based on the additional measures put in place during the construction of Phase 1, as a result of the complaints. Mitigation measures for Phase 2 include pre and post-construction inspections / surveys of properties that may be at risk from adverse impacts as a result of increase. It is advised that properties near to site entrances and rock delivery / tipping / stockpiles areas should be surveyed. Vibration monitoring will also be carried out during construction, with transient vibration levels to be kept to 3mm/s. Additional mitigation measure in relation to minimising noise and working hours are also recommended. With these mitigation measures in place, residual impacts to noise and vibration are considered to be minor adverse, short term during construction only and reversible. Post Phase 2 impacts Noise and vibration levels are expected to return to normal following completion of Phase 2. Maintenance activities during the operation of Phase 2 may, however, lead to impacts similar to those during construction and related to the presence and operation of plant on the beach. Noise / vibration generated during maintenance activities are anticipated to be much lower than during construction as the delivery of large quantities of material and tipping of rock would not be needed. Similar mitigation measures to those proposed during construction of Phase 2 are recommended during any maintenance works. With these mitigation measures in place, residual impacts to noise and vibration are considered to be negligible. LANDSCAPE, SEASCAPE AND VISUAL AMENITY Post Phase 1 impacts A number of Landscape and Visual impacts were identified in the Phase 1 LVIA of the Borth Coastal Protection Scheme, 28 th June This 2010 assessment identified the site and surrounding study area, 18

21 landscape character types and a theoretical zone of visual influence. A site visit by a landscape consultant was carried out in November As a result the assessment of landscape and visual impacts in the Phase 1 EIA was reviewed and it was concluded that the findings remain valid. Iimpacts to Landcover, Landform and Landscape are considered to be slight beneficial and permanent and to visual receptors are considered to be slight adverse. Phase 2 construction impacts The sources of potential impact likely to arise from the following during construction: Phased removal and replacement of the natural shingle and beach sediments during excavation and construction Phased removal of the timber groynes and clay Phased construction of breakwaters and rock groynes and re-profiling of the beach Phased replacement of the natural shingle (including any additional shingle) General delivery and storage of materials including stockpiling of excavated materials and of imported shingle (if required) General construction activities and site compounds Restricted access to part of Borth beach During construction, substantial adverse effects are expected to those receptors close to the works site, as the works would cause an obvious temporary deterioration in the existing visual amenity. Due to the low lying position of the site, it will be possible to see the works from a number of vantage points including Public Rights of Way (PRoWs) and properties around Cardigan Bay. These impacts are considered to be slight adverse effects. It is difficult to minimise these impacts as they are as a result of the coastal, low lying position of the construction site and are required in order to progress the coastal defence scheme. However, mitigation measures are proposed to minimise the effects, where possible, including limiting the size of material stockpiles. The residual effects range between no change and substantial adverse. These impacts are, however, all short term and reversible. Post Phase 2 impacts Post construction of Phase 2 the works would result in an improvement to the landscape through the removal of the dilapidated timber groynes. The new rock structures would have a slight adverse impact. Overall, impacts range between slight adverse and slight beneficial and medium term, persisting as long as the structures remain in place. TOURISM AND RECREATION Post Phase 1 impacts The main post construction impacts originally identified as a result of phase 1 were; Improved protection to the village from erosion and flooding Improved tourism potential as a result of the new structures Increased numbers of surfers to the area as a result of the new reef and thus an increase in visitors Improved visual appearance of the beach and area as a whole resulting in increased tourism Periodic maintenance of the structures and beach would result in some disturbance to holiday makers In general the expected impacts have been observed or would still be expected to occur. There is no information available at this time regarding increased tourism as either a direct or indirect result of the new structures and the improved visual appearance and increased availability of beach area for recreational activities. It is likely that more time is required before this information will be available. The Phase 1 EIA assessed the overall impact of the scheme on tourism to be moderate beneficial and medium term, however, in the absence of any evidence of an increase in tourism numbers, it is considered that the post Phase construction impacts are negligible. 19

22 Phase 2 construction impacts The construction of Phase 2 is likely to have similar impacts upon tourism and recreation to those identified during the construction of Phase 1, although the scale of this phase requires less construction activity than previously, and no working in the sea. Tourists and visitors to Borth are likely to experience disturbance as a result of the construction works, from noise, visual impacts and the presence and movement of plant, machinery and vehicles to and from the beach. Tourists and residents are also likely to be affected by the increased traffic associated with the works and the loss of parking areas. Recreational beach activities are likely to be affected during the works due to the presence of plant and machinery on the beach, restricting access to certain areas and causing noise and nuisance. Water-based activities may also be affected during the construction of Phase 2, particularly if materials are delivered by sea. The Phase 1 contractors made an effort to get involved with and integrate with local community activities to contribute to, rather than detract from the local area, including enabling school and college visits to the site and getting involved with the Borth Carnival and other community events that took place during the construction period. It appears that mitigation measures and conditions during construction of Phase 1 worked well in managing potential impacts to tourism and recreation. Similar mitigation measures are, therefore, proposed during the construction of Phase 2. With these measures in place, impacts are considered to be minor - moderate adverse, short term and reversible. Provision of good quality information and engagement with the public about the scheme (e.g. through a community liaison officer or similar point of contact) could further reduce adverse impacts. Post Phase 2 impacts Following construction a greater area of Borth will be provided with improved protection from erosion and flooding from the sea. This will benefit tourism through the protection of holiday accommodation and services, as well as providing a wider and more stable beach area for recreational users. The rock groynes and rock breakwaters will be accessible to the public from the beach and people will be able to walk around them. There is a potential risk of injury from people climbing on these structures. Following construction, any maintenance works could cause similar impacts to those experienced during construction, but on a much smaller scale. The impacts depend on the frequency of the works. It is unclear at present how often maintenance could be expected, but may arise following heavy storms or after several years of operation. Similar mitigation measures to those proposed during construction are recommended during maintenance activities. Post Phase 2 impacts are overall anticipated to be moderate beneficial and medium term, with episodes of minimal, adverse, short term impacts during maintenance activities. The implementation of beach zoning or a Beach Management Plan was suggested in the Phase 1 EIA to reduce any conflict between beach / sea users. This option should be considered if conflict between beach users appears to increase in the future. FISHING Post Phase 1 impacts The presence of the offshore reef has resulted in a small loss of subtidal area, while the removal of the existing timber groynes has removed them as anchor points for fixed nets (although it is possible to use a land anchor instead (L. Jellett. Pers. Comm. 2010)). It has not been possible to confirm whether or not this has led to adverse impacts. It was also proposed that there could be negative impacts upon recreational fishing associated with restricted area available for casting lines due to the presence of the new rock structures and a decreased area of beach from which to fish. Consultation with local stakeholders suggests that there have been no adverse comments by users regarding reduced space, either on the beach or in the subtidal area. 20

23 The presence of the reef and of the increased width of the beach in the lee of the reef has resulted in a change in the composition of fish and bait in this area. Discussion with local angling and fishing stakeholders suggests that there has been a change in the presence and abundance of some species. It is unclear if these are temporary or permanent changes, as only a few months have passed since completion of the Phase 1 works. There is no evidence of the potential increase in beach and water users resulting from the reef and improved beach amenity or of any increase in conflict between beach users. However, it was suggested that the quality of recreational fishing at Borth has improved following the construction and increased numbers of recreational fisherman may be observed in the future (H. Pearce & Asa Owen Pers. Comm. 2013) Post phase 1 impacts are considered to be minor beneficial. It is unclear, however, if these are short term or will persist for longer. Phase 2 construction impacts One of the six commercial vessels based in Borth launches directly from the beach opposite the Golden Sands Holiday Park using a tractor. This area is within the Phase 2 construction site and will be directly affected by the construction works as it will no longer be able to launch from here while construction takes place. Other vessels are unlikely to be affected by the Phase 2 construction, as no works are planned in the offshore area. If any deliveries are made by sea, these could disturb fishing activity (commercial or recreational) in the area. Recreational anglers that launch their vessels from the slipway will not be affected by the Phase 2 works. Angling takes place along the length of the frontage, with different areas attracting different species of fish. There remains a considerable length of frontage available as alternate locations for anglers that would usually fish in the area of the Phase 2 works. There were no recorded complaints in from commercial fishermen or recreational anglers in relation to the Phase 1 construction. As such, it is considered that the mitigation measures used during construction of Phase 1 were generally successful at mitigating and reducing adverse impacts to fishing. Similar measures are recommended during construction of Phase 2. In addition, will contact the boat owner that launches within the Phase 2 construction area to agree alternative launching arrangements. With these mitigation measures in place, impacts to fishing are considered to be minor, adverse, short term and reversible. Post Phase 2 impacts Post Phase 2, the new rock structures will be located in the intertidal area and will not result in any loss of subtidal habitat. The removal of timber groynes will mean they are no longer available for use as anchor points for fixed nets. Breakwater 3 will be located in the area where one of the commercial fishing boats launches (opposite Golden Sands Holiday Park, however, there will be access either side of the new breakwater that should allow launching from the beach in the same approximate area to continue. will contact boat owner that launches within the Phase 2 construction area to agree alternative launching arrangements for when breakwater 3 is completed. Although there is no evidence of any increase in users or in conflict between users, if beneficial changes to fishing continue, it is possible that the number of anglers could increase and this may become a problem in the future. Maintenance activity post construction of Phase 2 could result in similar impacts to those experienced during construction of Phase 2 as a result of the presence and activity of plant, vehicles and machinery on the shore. These activities are likely to be much smaller in scale and unlikely to result in closures of the beach. They are, therefore, unlikely to significantly interfere with either commercial or recreational fishing. Overall, impacts to fishing are considered to be negligible to minor adverse and short term, restricted only to those times when maintenance activity is taking place. Similar mitigation measures to those during construction of Phase 2 are proposed during maintenance periods. With these mitigation measures in place, impacts to fishing are considered to be negligible. 21

24 HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT Post Phase 1 impacts Peat and forest beds disturbed during the construction of Phase 1 are permanently damaged, however, the extent of damage will not have increased post construction. It could be argued that the construction activity that took place in Phase 1 increased the knowledge of the peat and forest beds and hence the general understanding of the archaeology of the area, as it is unlikely that any archaeological investigations on the scale of the Phase 1 construction excavations of the shore would have otherwise taken place. Impacts to coastal processes, geology and geomorphology post Phase 1 are considered to be negligible. Post Phase 1 impacts are, therefore, considered to be negligible. Phase 2 construction impacts Impacts during the construction of Phase 2 can be expected to be similar to those during Phase 1, although as more structures are being built on the beach, they might be of a greater magnitude than those in Phase 1. During construction of Phase 1, the greatest quantities of peat and submerged forest deposits were found in the footprints of the breakwaters. As the Phase 2 breakwaters are located in a similar position on the foreshore, a similar distribution of peat and forest beds can be expected in the Phase 2 construction area. It should be noted that even the largest extents of peat revealed within the Phase 1 coastal defence area were not as great as those that have been seen further north on the beach towards Ynyslas (Meek, 2012). As there appears to be more peat and forest deposits progressing northwards along the beach, there may be more within the footprints of the Phase 2 breakwaters than within the Phase 1 breakwaters. The HER map shows few recorded features in the Phase 2 section of the village, with all being located in the village itself, not the foreshore. The lack of findings during the Phase 1 construction activity suggests that few items can be expected during construction of Phase 2 with negligible impacts. The greatest impacts are considered to be those to the peat beds and submerged forest, as was experienced during Phase 1. The exact location and extent of the peat and submerged forest remains are unknown, however, the significance of the peat and clay deposits and the submerged forests and their likely presence on the foreshore within the footprint of the rock breakwaters is much better understood than prior to Phase 1 construction. The excavation of the foreshore in the footprint of the rock structures, and particularly the breakwaters, will disturb and damage any underlying peat and submerged forest beds. The Phase 1 archaeological watching brief report states that the Phase 1 written scheme of investigation did not address the need for surveys for ship wrecks or fish traps. Potential impacts to such features are not considered likely to arise during construction of Phase 2, as there will be no working in the sea. Impacts to such submerged features could result from changes to coastal processes, however, these are considered to be negligible minor adverse during Phase 2 construction. Direct or indirect impacts to ship wrecks or fish traps are, therefore considered to be negligible. The positioning of the breakwaters and groynes in Phase 2 are driven by the need to place structures such that they will help maintain the width of the shingle berm. While recognising the advice given in the archaeological watching brief for the location of structures to take account of and avoid the location of peat and submerged forest deposits, significantly altering the location of the structures would not achieve the primary aim of the scheme, namely the protection of the village. It is not possible to completely remove any impacts to peat and clay deposits and submerged forests within the footprint of rock groynes and breakwaters. Based on the recommendations from the Archaeological Coastal Forum Group and lessons learned from the Phase 1 construction, following mitigation measures are recommended during construction of Phase 2. These include limiting the presence of plant, vehicles and machinery on the lower shore as much as possible and discussions between and Cadw, the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historic Monuments Wales (RCAHMW) and Dyfed Archaeological Trust (DAT) regarding surveying requirements prior to and during construction. With these mitigation measures in place the residual impacts are considered moderate adverse, long term and permanent, but limited to the immediate areas of excavation. Archaeological information collected prior to, during or after Phase 2 construction should be passed on to DAT and Cadw for storage and dissemination as appropriate. 22

25 Post Phase 2 impacts Following completion of Phase 2, impacts to historic environment features may arise as a result of changes to coastal processes, which may alter the movement of sediment, with knock on impacts to peat and clay deposits or submerged forest beds. Such changes could also affect ship wrecks or fish traps located in the subtidal area. Impacts to coastal processes, geology and geomorphology are considered to be negligible moderate beneficial and any knock on impacts to the historic environment are considered to be negligible. Maintenance activities following completion of Phase 2 may have similar impacts to those which may arise during construction, as a result of the presence and activity of plant, machinery and vehicles on the beach. The scale of impacts will depend on the frequency and size of maintenance works, which are currently unknown. Maintenance activities are expected to be minor compared to Phase 2 construction activity and likely to involve the re-positioning of rocks in the breakwaters and groynes, with little, if any excavation works. Any movement of sediment will most likely be restricted to the re-profiling of the shingle and/or sand, which would not disturb or damage underlying peat, clay or submerged forest beds. Impacts to historic environment post Phase 2 are considered to be negligible. CUMULATIVE AND IN-COMBINATION IMPACTS The impacts on the various receptors need to need to be considered all together as well as separately. No feedback loops have been identified during the assessment of impacts, where impacts on one receptor could have knock on impacts to other receptors and increase the significance of potential impacts. Impacts on coastal processes have the potential to have knock-on impacts to other receptors, notably conservation sites, however, no significant impacts capable of generating knock on impacts have been identified. The cumulative impacts of the Phase 2 works with the Phase 1 works are not considered to have a greater impact than the individual impacts of the two phases considered separately. The design of Phase 2 has been informed by that of Phase 1 and the two phases are considered to be inter-related and part of the wider management of the frontage. Longer term impacts of both phases on the coastal processes (and knock-on effects to other receptors) depend on the way that the beach reacts to the presence of the new structures. These reactions have been predicted by numerical and physical modelling and their influence on the conceptual model of the coastal processes. Adverse long term impacts are not predicted, however, it is recognised that there is uncertainty in the models and predictions. To take account of the uncertainty, on-going monitoring of the beach is recommended and, should adverse effects to protected sites be observed, amendments to the structures should be made, including possibly removing the structures completely. There are no plans to continue with any works beyond Phase 2 at present, however, EAW, CCW, and other stakeholders are developing a strategy for the management of the Dyfi Estuary in relation to flood defences and water levels, through the Dyfi Estuary Flood Risk Management Strategy. This is at an early stage of development and is due to report its findings and recommendations during Any shoreline management measures further north of Phase 2 should be informed by a review of the Borth Coastal Strategy (Royal Haskoning, 2001), taking account of the Dyfi Estuary Flood Risk Strategy. It is not possible to say how these other management decisions will interact with the Phase 1 and Phase 2 defences at this point in time. Decisions made in relation to the Dyfi Estuary Flood Risk Strategy in relation to their impacts on conservation sites should be assessed in their own right and with interaction with the Phase 1 and Phase 2 structures. is replacing the timber breastwork in the same area as the Phase 2 works and is replacing the slipway in Lower Borth. These works are not part of the Phase 2 works, but are related to the overall refurbishment of the defence works and improvements to the beach. It is assumed that the breastwork repairs in the Phase 2 area and the slipway replacement would be permitted development (under Part 12 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995). Furthermore, it is also assumed that they do not require an EIA or an appropriate assessment. CCW have also been consulted on the breastwork repairs in the Phase 2 area and have no objections to them, or the replacement of the slipway. There is potential for the work to the timber breastwork and the slipway replacement works, when combined with the proposed Phase 2 works, to combine with the impacts from the Phase 2 works. 23

26 The works to the timber breastwork and slipway replacement works are considered to be minor. The amount of material, plant and staff required to undertake the works are relatively small. The works to replace the timber breastwork in the Phase 2 area is likely to disturb / damage vegetated shingle habitat in this area. This is not anticipated to have a greater impact than the Phase 2 works in the area, as the Phase 2 works are considered to result in damage / disturbance to most, if not all of the vegetated shingle due to the need for plant, machinery, etc. to be present and work throughout the whole of the Phase 2 area. Mitigation measures are proposed to reduce the potential impact to the vegetated shingle from the Phase 2 works, and to promote recovery from damage / disturbance. should ensure that pre-construction vegetated shingle surveys are carried out in the Phase 2 area before any breastwork replacement work takes place, if this is to start before the Phase 2 works are planned to begin, to ensure that baseline information relating to the type and extent of shingle vegetation is collected before any damage / disturbance takes place. Once completed, the timber breastworks will have a beneficial impact on the visual amenity of the immediate area, having replaced the rotten timber coping currently along frontage in the Phase 2 area. In addition, the refurbished breastworks will have improved the flood defence functionality and will contribute to the functioning of the coastal defences by holding the rear of the shingle ridge in place. The replacement of the slipway will also have a beneficial impact on the visual amenity of the immediate area, having replaced the damaged timbers that currently form the slipway. The works will also have a beneficial impact to amenity and fishing activity, making it easier and safer for vessels to launch and beach. Any contractor appointed to carry out the breastwork and slipway works will need to be made aware of the Phase 2 works and the potential impacts that their works could have on the environmental receptors highlighted in the Environmental Scoping Report and the Environmental Statement. Consideration should be given to the contractor for the breastwork and slipway works using actions set out in the Environmental Action Plan (EAP). Other than the timber breastworks and slipway replacement, there are no other coastal protection schemes known to be taking place along the frontage or to the north or south of the Phase 2 works that could contribute to and increase the magnitude of the impacts from the proposed Scheme. There are no other known developments or projects planned along the Borth frontage. In-combination impacts are, therefore, considered to be of no greater significance than the individual and cumulative impacts identified. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMNEDATIONS Summary Table 2 sets out a summary of the impacts of the Phase 2 works considered in the Environmental Impact Assessment. Significant impacts are highlighted in the table. Significant impacts are considered to be those identified as minor, moderate or major and either adverse or beneficial. Impacts that have been identified as negligible are not considered to be significant. Conclusions The construction of Phase 2 would give rise to adverse impacts to most of the environmental receptors examined. These adverse impacts are, in general, localised in the area of construction and short term i.e. lasting only as long as the construction activity. Impacts will be minimised through mitigation measures. The lessons learned from the construction of Phase 1 have been used to inform the assessment of Phase 2 construction impacts and appropriate mitigation measures. Long term, permanent adverse impacts to the historic environment (clay, peat and submerged forest beds) are likely in the footprint and excavation area for the rock structures, particularly the rock breakwaters. These impacts are not avoidable, but can be limited by ensuring that excavation works are kept to a minimum and archaeological recording and sampling is carried out. 24

27 Post construction, most impacts are considered to be negligible, with slight adverse impacts to landscape, seascape and visual amenity and moderate adverse impacts to intertidal ecology. Beneficial impacts are delivered post Phase 2 construction to flooding, tourism and recreation and geology. Recommendations Recommendations for managing the environmental impacts identified have been made in the Environmental Statement. These mitigation measures have been informed by lessons learned during Phase 1 construction and the implementation of these measures are proposed in order to minimise adverse environmental impacts. Mitigation measures are summarised in Table 3. A draft Environmental Action Plan (EAP) has been produced (see Table 4).Error! Reference source not found.the archaeological monitoring and sampling during construction of Phase 1 should continue in Phase 2. The findings from the archaeological watching brief and the carbon dating and paleo-environmental analysis (yet to be reported) from Phase 1 should be disseminated to DAT, Cadw and RCAHMW, as should the results of archaeological study and sampling recommended during Phase 2 construction. The impacts beyond completion of Phase 2 are considered, however, they assume no further works along the shore. Decisions relating to the management of the shore further north of Phase 2 have not yet been made. When such decisions are being made, the potential impacts of the decision choices and of their interactions with the Phase 1 and Phase 2 works should be taken into account. The level of uncertainty concerning the long term beach levels and management of the frontage, the continuation of beach monitoring, as agreed during the Phase 1 construction, is considered a key on-going mitigation action. Regular analysis of the results of beach surveys should be carried out to compare with pre-construction levels. This should be used to inform the need for beach management, including nourishment, recycling/re-profiling or removal of sediment, if deemed necessary. Table 2 - Summary of impacts Geology, geomorphology and coastal processes Geology Sediments Post Phase 1 Phase 2 construction Post Phase 2 Negligible - minor adverse, long term and irreversible Moderate adverse, long term and permanent Negligible - minor adverse, long term and irreversible With shingle nourishment - minor adverse and irreversible With no shingle nourishment - negligible Moderate beneficial Negligible Coastal processes sand Negligible Minor adverse and short term Negligible Coastal processes shingle Negligible Minor adverse and short term Negligible Geomorphology Negligible Negligible Negligible Ecology Nature conservation sites Negligible Negligible Negligible Terrestrial ecology Negligible Negligible Negligible Intertidal ecology Minor, beneficial and medium term Moderate adverse, short - medium term and reversible Moderate adverse, short - medium term and reversible Subtidal ecology Minor, beneficial and Negligible Negligible medium term Marine mammals Negligible Negligible Negligible Fish Negligible and minor Negligible Negligible beneficial Birds Negligible Minor adverse, short term and reversible Negligible Traffic and transport Negligible Negligible Traffic flow and junction capacity Minor adverse, short term and reversible Parking availability Moderate-major adverse short term, reversible Carriageway Condition Minor adverse, short term and reversible Public transport Negligible Pedestrian network Minor adverse, short term and reversible 25

28 Residents and Businesses Environmentally Sensitive Areas Post Phase 1 Phase 2 construction Post Phase 2 Minor-moderate adverse, short term, reversible Negligible Water and Sediment quality Water quality Flooding Negligible Major, beneficial and medium term Minor adverse, short term and reversible Minor adverse, short term Negligible Major, beneficial and medium term Sediment quality Negligible Minor adverse, short term and reversible Negligible Noise and vibration Noise Vibration Negligible Negligible Minor adverse, short term and reversible Minor adverse, short term and reversible Negligible Negligible Landscape, seascape and visual amenity Landcover, landform and landscape character Visual amenity Slight beneficial Slight adverse No change - moderate adverse No change - substantial adverse Slight adverse slight beneficial No change - slight adverse Tourism and recreation Negligible Minor - moderate adverse, short term and reversible Moderate beneficial and medium term Fishing Minor beneficial Minor, adverse, short term and reversible Negligible Historic environment Negligible Moderate, adverse, long term and permanent Negligible 26

29 Table 3 - Summary of mitigation measures Post Phase 1 Phase 2 construction Post Phase 2 Geology, geomorphology and coastal processes Geology Sediments Coastal processes sand Regular monitoring of beach levels and on-going analysis of the results. Adaptive management informed by monitoring and analysis. No additional mitigation is proposed. Regular monitoring of beach levels and on-going analysis of the results. Adaptive management informed by monitoring and analysis. All vehicles plant or equipment to remain on the shingle area of the beach. No vehicles, plant or equipment to track across the lower shore (sandy/mud/clay area) unless to unload materials delivered by sea; work directly on the rock structures or deliver rock to the working areas (see Error! Reference source not found.). An access buffer of 10m around the footprint of each rock structure will be allowed and marked out on the beach. Vessels shall beach as far up the beach as possible and must be landward of the seaward extent of the rock structures. Vehicles to collect materials from the landward side of the delivery only. Only one delivery of materials per tide. No vehicles, plant or equipment to enter the water at any time even during the delivery of materials by sea. to minimise use of beach area as much as possible. Geotextile membrane to be placed in the footprint of the rock breakwaters prior to construction. Ensure the beach/foreshore is returned to the original profile following completion of the works. Rock used for construction must be inert and free from fines; the source of the material must be approved by the Licensing Authority. No works, construction activities, parking or vehicular access in the SSSIs. Minimise impacts to sediment (see below) Re-use excavated clay, peat and shingle to minimise importation of shingle and maximise original beach material. Quarried material to be buried and covered with naturally occurring shingle. Shingle used in Phase 2 should match as closely as possible that already on the beach naturally and placed as a result of Phase 1 construction. Minimise the quantity of rock and shingle stored on the beach. No more rock than is required to construct one rock breakwater to be stored on the beach at any time, unless rock is delivered by sea. If rock is delivered by sea, stockpiles shall be less than 3m high. Minimise the quantity of sand, shingle, clay, peat and forest beds No additional mitigation is proposed. No additional mitigation is proposed. Post construction monitoring and analysis should continue in line with the agreed beach monitoring plan agreed with CCW. Regular monitoring of beach levels 27

30 Coastal processes shingle Post Phase 1 Phase 2 construction Post Phase 2 excavated and stored on the beach. No more than is excavated from one rock breakwater should be stored on the beach at any and on-going analysis of the results. time. Adaptive management informed Beach recharge to take place as structures are built. by monitoring and analysis. Equipment, temporary works and/or debris to be removed from the Should unforeseen / foreshore upon completion of the works. Undertake all Phase 2 works as a single project. If the works are split into two parts, the time between Phase 2a and Phase 2b should be minimised (less than 2 years). unforeseeable adverse impacts on the SAC, SSSI or GCR features occur post-construction that are the direct or indirect result of the onshore rock groynes, breakwaters or offshore multipurpose artificial reef(s) / breakwaters, the responsible structure(s) must be modified or if necessary removed completely. Regular monitoring of beach levels and on-going analysis of the results. See Coastal processes sand See Coastal processes sand Adaptive management informed by monitoring and analysis. Geomorphology No additional mitigation is proposed. No additional mitigation is proposed. No additional mitigation is proposed. Ecology Nature conservation sites No additional mitigation is proposed. No additional mitigation is proposed. No additional mitigation is proposed. Terrestrial ecology No additional mitigation is proposed. No additional mitigation is proposed. No additional mitigation is proposed. Intertidal ecology No additional mitigation is proposed. Pre construction survey of the vegetated shingle area. Construction processes to limit as much as possible the area of vegetated shingle that is damaged through both breastwork replacement and during construction of Phase 2. Determine the areas to fence off during construction to retain shingle vegetation. Post construction surveys of the vegetated shingle area. No vehicles, plant or equipment to track across the lower shore (sandy/mud/clay area) unless to unload materials delivered by sea; work directly on the rock structures or deliver rock to the working areas (see Error! Reference source not found.). An access buffer of 10m around the footprint of each rock structure will be allowed and marked out on the beach. Post construction surveys of the vegetated shingle area to monitor the recovery and regeneration If recovery is not observed within two years of completion of works within the Phase 2 area, additional action should be taken to promote recovery. CCW and biodiversity officers should be consulted on such activities. Recovery measures should be followed by further monitoring. 28

31 Post Phase 1 Phase 2 construction Post Phase 2 Vessels shall beach as far up the beach as possible and must be landward of the seaward extent of the rock structures. Vehicles to collect materials from the landward side of the delivery only. Only Any areas of shingle that are reseeded / re-planted should be protected from disturbance. one delivery of materials per tide. All vehicles, plant or equipment to No vehicles, plant or equipment to enter the water at any time even during the delivery of materials by sea. to minimise use of beach area as much as possible. remain on the shingle area of the beach. No vehicles, plant or equipment to track across the lower shore (sandy/mud/clay area). No vehicles, plant or equipment to enter the water at any time. Subtidal ecology No additional mitigation is proposed. No additional mitigation is proposed. No additional mitigation is proposed. Marine mammals All vessel operators to be briefed on the possible presence of marine mammals in the area, and the guidelines for safe vessel operation in the presence of cetaceans. Vessel operators to use predefined and regular routes. Periodic re-assessment of mitigation measures for marine mammals No additional mitigation is proposed. and their effectiveness. No additional mitigation is proposed. The use of competent observer to spot marine mammals along the Borth frontage. If cetaceans are observed, works will be delayed until they have left the area. The generation of underwater sounds at night should be avoided / kept to a minimum and limited only to the delivery of rock. Fish No additional mitigation is proposed. No additional mitigation is proposed. No additional mitigation is proposed. Birds No additional mitigation is proposed. No works or construction activities in the Dyfi SSSI. Materials or machinery/plant must not cross or be stored within the Dyfi SSSI. Environmental Site Supervisor (or similar) must be appointed. No works or construction activities in the Dyfi SSSI. Materials or machinery/plant must not cross or be stored within the Dyfi SSSI. Environmental Site Supervisor (or similar) must be appointed. Traffic and transport Traffic flow and junction capacity No additional mitigation is proposed Prepare a CTMP containing: HGV routing restrictions (avoiding High Street and the B4572 Clarach Road) HGV timing restrictions (avoiding movements during anti-social hours in residential areas and on the TR487/A4120 around Aberystwyth in the peak period 08:00-09:15) No additional mitigation is proposed 29

32 Post Phase 1 Phase 2 construction Post Phase 2 Designating HGV holding areas Providing pool bikes or shared transport (pool cars / minibuses) to reduce single occupancy vehicle trips between the site compound and site Scheduling work where possible to avoid peak periods of movement on the surrounding highway network. Parking availability No additional mitigation is proposed Provide additional temporary parking during construction. No additional mitigation is proposed Carriageway Condition CTMP to include: No additional mitigation is proposed Road sweeping / damping down undertaken as required, Bridge and carriageway inspections to identify any damage and repair as appropriate. No additional mitigation is proposed Public transport to agree the need to temporarily move the bus stop or make No additional mitigation is proposed other arrangements to ensure it remains operational. No additional mitigation is proposed Pedestrian network Supervision of HGV movements across the footway to and from the No additional mitigation is proposed site Signing used to provide warnings where required Temporary closure of PRoW No additional mitigation is proposed Residents and Businesses Environmentally Sensitive Areas No additional mitigation is proposed No additional mitigation is proposed No HGV movements through the centre of Borth Inspection of properties to identify any structural damage from vibration Tipping methods adopted to reduce vibration impact Lower speed limits enforced on HGV traffic Beach Marshalls to ensure that plant & traffic is kept clear of sensitive environmental areas Haul routes over beach agreed by Project Ecologist and Countryside Council for Wales No HGVs to pull up on grass verges No additional mitigation is proposed No additional mitigation is proposed Water Water quality No additional mitigation is proposed. Works to be carried out outside of the bathing waters season, if possible. Temporary relocation of Bathing Water monitoring point if it is not possible to carry out the works outside of the bathing waters season. Works to be carried out in a way that minimises discolouration of the sea. Works to stop if discolouration affects bathing water. No vehicles, plant or equipment to track across the lower shore (sandy/mud/clay area) unless to unload materials delivered by sea; work directly on the rock structures or deliver rock to the working Works to be carried out outside of the bathing waters season, if possible. Works to be carried out in a way that minimises discolouration of the sea. Works to stop if discolouration affects bathing water. All vehicles plant or equipment to 30

33 Post Phase 1 Phase 2 construction Post Phase 2 areas (see Error! Reference source not found.). An access buffer of 10m around the footprint of each rock structure will be allowed and marked out on the beach. Vessels shall beach as far up the beach as possible and must be landward of the seaward extent of the rock structures. Vehicles to collect materials from the landward side of the delivery only. Only one delivery of materials per tide. No vehicles, plant or equipment to enter the water at any time even during the delivery of materials by sea. to minimise use of beach area as much as possible. A geotextile layer will be placed at the base of all rock structures before rocks are placed. Beach nourishment and removal of groynes must take place at MLW. No refuelling on the beach either the shingle or sand/mud/clay areas. The contractor to have emergency response procedures in place. All staff on site will be briefed on the emergency procedures before commencing works. Emergency procedures to include: o Oil spill procedure cards issued to site operatives at induction o All plant suppliers to be briefed and signed onto plant charter o Emergency spill procedures to briefed at site induction. o All machines to use environmentally friendly bio-degradable oils. o Spill kits to be located in all machines, site stores, supervisors transport and beachfront welfare cabins. o Plant and machinery to be maintained daily with plant inspection sheets to be filled in regularly. o Fitter on site for all working hours. o Sea water samples to be taken prior to construction works commence and throughout construction to monitor suspended solids within seawater. All oils, fuels and chemicals will be sited on and surrounded by impervious bund walls of at least 110% of the tank/ container capacity. Machinery and equipment stored in the site compound will be locked away at night and when works are not being undertaken. All chemicals to be stored in secure locked container. remain on the shingle area of the beach. No vehicles, plant or equipment to track across the lower shore. No vehicles, plant or equipment to enter the water at any time. Works to take place at MLW. No refuelling on the beach. All plant operators to be briefed on pollution risks, operating and emergency procedures. All machines to use environmentally friendly biodegradable oils. Spill kits to be located in all machines Those carrying out the works must follow EAW advice and guidance in relation to pollution control, prevention and response planning. Site roads, access roads, paths and other roads to be kept free from mud, dust and excessive sand. 31

34 Flooding Post Phase 1 Phase 2 construction Post Phase 2 Individual bunds to be provided for any large drums. The contractor must follow EAW advice and guidance in relation to pollution control, prevention and response planning. Beach nourishment material to have low fines content. The source of the material must be approved by the Licensing Authority. The contractor must have on site a marine pollution contingency plan approved by the EAW. Storage of machinery, plant and materials must be out of reach of high tides taking account of extreme high tides and storms. Site roads, access roads, paths and other roads to be kept free from mud, dust and excessive sand. Measures to reduce the impacts from flood risk of construction and storage sites to be implemented. Update the site action plan to include identified fluvial flood risk. Position all site cabins such that their floor level is 600mm above ground level. This should not be achieved by raising the height of No additional mitigation is proposed. the ground. No additional mitigation is proposed. Minimise the amount and location of materials stored on site. Consider the need for a localised flood bund along the east and part of the northern boundary of the compound. Sediment quality No additional mitigation is proposed. See Water water quality See Water water quality Noise and vibration Noise No additional mitigation is proposed. Core working hours to be 08:00 19:00 Monday to Saturday (unless otherwise agreed with EHO). Ambient noise survey to be carried out over a 48 hour period prior to construction. Noise monitoring to be carried out during construction. to adhere to: o Relevant British Standards, including BS5228:1997, Part 1, Annex B Noise Control on Construction and Open Sites o Technical Advice Note 11 (TAN 11) Noise o Control of Pollution Act 1974 Section 72 Plant and machinery to be turned off when not in use. Static machines to be sited as far away as practicable from inhabited buildings or other receptors. All machinery to be well-maintained and fitted with appropriate muffling or silencing equipment in accordance with manufacture s Core working hours to be 08:00 19:00 Monday to Saturday (unless otherwise agreed with EHO). / plant operators to adhere to: o Relevant British Standards, including BS5228:1997, Part 1, Annex B Noise Control on Construction and Open Sites o Technical Advice Note 11 (TAN 11) Noise o Control of Pollution Act 1974 Section 72 Plant and machinery to be turned off when not in use. 32

35 Vibration Post Phase 1 Phase 2 construction Post Phase 2 recommendations and not to exceed construction noise limits. Static machines to be sited as far Signs and notices to be erected along the frontage, site compound and working area during construction providing information of the works. Letter drops and personal calls to local residents where away as practicable from inhabited buildings or other noise sensitive locations. required are also to be carried out. All machinery to be wellmaintained CEMP to include noise reduction measures in accordance with best practice guidelines. to adhere to Method Statement / CEMP on noise and working hours. and fitted with appropriate muffling or silencing equipment in accordance with manufacture s recommendations and not to exceed construction noise limits. Pre and post construction inspections / surveys of properties that may be at risk from adverse impacts as a result of increase No additional mitigation is proposed. vibration. Vibration monitoring to be carried out during construction. Transient See Noise and Vibration - noise vibration levels to be kept to 3mm/s (unless otherwise agreed with EHO). Landscape, seascape and visual amenity Landcover, landform and landscape character Visual amenity No additional mitigation is proposed. No additional mitigation is proposed. Considerate working practices including for ensuring a clean site. Dampening or covering of all delivered materials, including shingle to limit dust and debris. Prior notification to properties and businesses that may be affected by the works see Traffic and transport. Minimise the quantity of rock and shingle stored on the beach. No more rock than is required to construct one rock breakwater to be stored on the beach at any time, unless rock is delivered by sea. If rock is delivered by sea, stockpiles shall be less than 3m high. Minimise the quantity of sand, shingle, clay, peat and forest beds excavated and stored on the beach. No more than is excavated from one rock breakwater should be stored on the beach at any time. See Landcover, landform and landscape character Improved access to the beach Improvements to adjoining public realm, including for green spaces and site furniture throughout Borth See Landcover, landform and landscape character Tourism and recreation No additional mitigation is proposed. Ensure that stakeholders, including residents, businesses, tourists, visitors, fishermen, beach users and sea users are made aware of the works in advance and that up to date information is provided. This should include: Fencing / signs will be used to restrict access to working and storage areas and to direct members of the public to alternate 33

36 Post Phase 1 Phase 2 construction Post Phase 2 o Information boards to be erected, and updated regularly. contact number must be displayed. access points and safe areas of the beach and frontage. o Appointment of a Community Liaison Officer or similar. Banksmen / marshals to be used o Project information centre in the site offices. during works activities o Location of project information centre displayed at sea Any contractor / plant operators frontage. will adhere to good practice o Bilingual project information and signage. guidelines relating to noise Fencing and signs to be used to restrict access to working and storage areas and to direct members of the public to alternate access points and safe areas of the beach and frontage. Appointment / use of beach marshals. Beach marshals to be suitably briefed so they can relay project information. All beach minimisation and maintaining a tidy site and to be signed up to the Considerate s scheme, if appropriate to the scale of works. marshals to be in touch with each other and machine operators via radio at all times. This will ensure works may be controlled or stopped if public enter working area on beach Navigation and safety markers should be included on structures: o Each offshore breakwater to be marked at each end and at the outermost point of the breakwater by means of a green pole beacon, surmounted by a green conical shaped topmark, carried at a height of at least 2 metres above MHWS. o Rock groynes may also require similar marking to breakwaters at their seaward end. Details should be checked and agreed with MCA. o All moorings, anchors and equipment to be adequately marked and lit by night and completely removed when the works are finished. o Notify UKHO of navigational issues. The contractor will adhere to good practice guidelines relating to noise minimisation and maintaining a tidy site and to be signed up to the Considerate s scheme. Fishing No additional mitigation is proposed. to contact boat owner that launches within the Phase 2 construction area to agree alternative launching arrangements. Fishermen and anglers to be notified of works in advance and information updated as necessary. This should include: o Local mariner s and fishermen's organisations are notified. o Ongoing liaison with the fishing industry. o The District Inspector of Fisheries to be notified 5 days before the commencement of works. to contact boat owner that launches within the Phase 2 construction area to agree alternative launching arrangements for when breakwater 3 is completed. Fishermen and anglers to be notified of maintenance works in 34

37 Post Phase 1 Phase 2 construction Post Phase 2 o A notice to mariners must be published at least 10 days before advance. This should include: work commences. o Local mariner s and o In the case of deliveries by sea, the final method and route of delivery must be submitted to and approved by the District fishermen's organisations are notified. Inspector of Fisheries at least 5 days prior to the arrival of the delivery barge. o The District Inspector of Fisheries to be notified 5 o See also Tourism and Recreation days before the Navigation and safety markers should be included on structures: commencement of works. o Each offshore breakwater to be marked at each end and at the outermost point of the breakwater by means of a green pole beacon, surmounted by a green conical shaped topmark, carried at a height of at least 2 metres above MHWS. o o A notice to mariners must be published at least 10 days before work commences. o Rock groynes may also require similar marking to breakwaters at their seaward end. Details should be checked and agreed with MCA. o All moorings, anchors and equipment to be adequately marked and lit by night and completely removed when the works are finished. o Notify UKHO of navigational issues. Equipment, temporary works and/or debris associated with the works are removed from the foreshore upon completion of the works. See also Tourism and Recreation Equipment, temporary works and/or debris associated with maintenance works to be removed from the foreshore upon completion of the works Historic environment No additional mitigation is proposed. The location of any exposed peat and clay deposits and forest remains should be noted during on-going beach monitoring. The location should be accurately recorded by GPS and photographic record. to discuss with Cadw/RCAHMW the need to undertake geophysical survey in the Phase 2 construction area and to carry out if required. to discuss with Cadw/RCAHMW/DAT the development of an archaeological watching brief and palaeo-environmental and dendrochronology sampling to take place during Phase 2 construction. No vehicles, plant or equipment to track across the lower shore (sandy/mud/clay area) unless to unload materials delivered by sea; work directly on the rock structures or deliver rock to the working areas (see Error! Reference source not found.). An access buffer of 10m around the footprint of each rock structure No additional mitigation is proposed. 35

38 Post Phase 1 Phase 2 construction Post Phase 2 will be allowed and marked out on the beach. Vessels shall beach as far up the beach as possible and must be landward of the seaward extent of the rock structures. Vehicles to collect materials from the landward side of the delivery only. Only one delivery of materials per tide. No vehicles, plant or equipment to enter the water at any time even during the delivery of materials by sea. to minimise use of beach area as much as possible. Geotextile membrane to be placed in the footprint of the rock breakwaters prior to construction. Beach/foreshore to be returned to the original profile following the completion of the works No works, construction activities, parking or vehicular access in the SSSIs. 36

39 Table 4 - Draft Environmental Action Plan (EAP) ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN Ref. No. Objective Action Target Responsibility PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION Pr1 GEOLOGY, GEOMORPHOLOGY AND COASTAL PROCESSES Reference to further information Monitoring and Observation Further Action Required (Y/N) Pr1.1 Pr1.2 Pr1.3 Pr2 Minimise damage to submerged forests Appoint Ecological Clerk of Works prior to be in place for duration of works Programme works to take place with the shortest possible delay between the construction of different structures. ECOLOGY Mitigation measures to be developed and built into CEMP in discussion with ECoW. Appoint Ecological Clerk of Works. Undertake all Phase 2 works as a single project, if possible. Mitigation measures established. Ecological Clerk of Works to be appointed and in place before construction starts. The time between Phase 2a and Phase 2b to be minimised (less than 2 years). / Welsh Govt. Pr2.1 Pr2.2 Pr2.3 Reduce risk of damage to adjacent designated conservation sites. Reduce risk of damage to intertidal habitats Reduce risk of damage to vegetated shingle habitat Environmental Site Supervisor to be appointed and to make s aware of designated conservation sites and environmental constraints. All vehicles plant or equipment to remain on the shingle area of the beach. Access arrangements to be communicated to contractor and procedures in place to make all site staff, subcontractors and visitors aware of details. Pre construction survey of the vegetated shingle area, when plants are more visible and identifiable (April - August) to identify the species that are present and estimate their relative abundance within the vegetated shingle area. Agree any areas of vegetated shingle that can be fenced off during construction. s fully informed of location of designated sites and the environmental constraints. Access routes to be adhered to. No valid complaints. Vegetated shingle survey to have taken place. ECoW and contractor to agree any areas that can be fenced off. / / / / ECoW 37

40 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN Ref. No. Pr2.4 Pr2.5 Pr3 Objective Action Target Responsibility Reduce risk of damage to intertidal habitats from rock delivery by sea. Reduce disturbance to marine mammals (see D2.5) TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT Vessel operators and contractor to be made aware of the arrangements for delivery of rock to the beach i.e. only one delivery per day. Defined routes to / from site for vessels to be agreed. Marine mammal observers to be arranged. Guidance for vessel operators and working to be agreed. Delivery arrangements to be adhered to. No valid complaints. Routes to be agreed and adhered to. Marine mammal observers to be appointed /arranged, as necessary. / / vessel operator / Reference to further information Monitoring and Observation Further Action Required (Y/N) Pr3.1 Pr3.2 Minimise the impact of construction traffic on the local transport network. Minimise parking problems in Borth during busier summer months. A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) to be produced prior to construction. The plan should include: Confirmation of access route (B4353 south from A487) and type of construction vehicles. Time of day construction traffic on network. Source of construction materials. Frequency of deliveries. Consideration of use of convoy working at peak times, particularly along the A487 into Borth (to include liaison with police). Confirmation of all areas to be used for site and storage compounds and staff / contractor / visitor parking. Nature and frequency of traffic movements between storage and site compounds. Use of temporary public car parks at Borth Community Hall and St. Matthews Church to be agreed before construction starts. CTMP produced. Temporary public car parking provision agreed / 38

41 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN Ref. No. Pr3.3 Pr3.4 Pr3.5 Objective Action Target Responsibility Manage and minimise traffic related impacts during construction Minimise carriageway damage Ensure bus stops remain operational during construction. Create Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP). This should include / address: HGV routing restrictions (avoiding High Street and the B4572 Clarach Road) HGV timing restrictions (avoiding movements during anti-social hours in residential areas and on the TR487/A4120 around Aberystwyth in the peak period between 08:00 and 09:15), Designating HGV holding areas to prevent congestion if several lorries arrive at the same time, Providing pool bikes or shared transport (pool cars / minibuses) to reduce single occupancy vehicle trips between the site compound and site access, Scheduling work where possible to avoid peak periods of movement on the surrounding highway network. Bridge and carriageway inspections, including footpaths to be inspected / surveyed prior to construction. to agree with the bus service providers on the need to temporarily move the bus stop or make other arrangements to ensure safe operation of the bus stop. CTMP to be prepared, with agreement of Highways Dept. Carriageway condition survey to be carried out. Arrangements in place prior to construction starting. to be made aware of arrangements. / Reference to further information Monitoring and Observation Further Action Required (Y/N) 39

42 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN Ref. No. Pr3.6 Pr4 Pr4.1 Pr4.2 Pr4.3 Objective Action Target Responsibility Make local business, residents, etc. aware of the works and potential disruption to traffic and transport. WATER QUALITY and FLOODING Minimise impacts to Bathing Water Quality. Ensure imported sediment (for beach nourishment) does not contain contaminants harmful to human health and the marine environment and has low fines content. Ensure no water pollution from leaks and spills from construction plant and machinery to make residents, businesses and other property owners aware of the start and predicted end dates of the works before they begin. A range of methods should be used, such as: Letter drop Public notice in local newspaper Notice/sign on beach noticeboard Public meeting Consider timing of works and programme to avoid Bathing Water season (May September), if possible. If works take place within Bathing Water season, relocate Bathing Water sample point, with agreement from EAW. Contamination testing to be carried out of sourced material prior to construction. Should harmful contaminants be found, an alternative source of sediment is to be identified All staff on site to be briefed on the emergency procedures before commencing works. Marine pollution contingency plan to be in place and approved by EAW All properties have had some contact to make them aware of works. Some form of public notice has been displayed. Works take place outside Bathing Water season, if possible, or Bathing Water sample point is relocated temporarily. Sediment to be sourced from an uncontaminated source. Evidence of contamination testing to be produced Staff fully briefed on emergency procedures Approved marine pollution contingency plan to be in place Reference to further information Monitoring and Observation Further Action Required (Y/N) 40

43 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN Ref. No. Pr4.4 Pr5 Pr5.1 Pr5.2 Objective Action Target Responsibility Reduce the consequences of fluvial flood events during construction. SEDIMENT QUALITY Ensure imported sediment does not contain contaminants harmful to human health or the environment and has low fines content. Ensure no water pollution from leaks and spills from construction plant and machinery Position all site cabins such that their floor level is 600mm above ground level. This should not be achieved by raising the height of the ground. Determine the amount and type of materials to be stored in the main site compound and the need to create a temporary bund to protect them from any flood event. Ensure site action plan makes reference to the identified fluvial flood risk. Contamination testing to be carried out of sourced material prior to construction. Should harmful contaminants be found, an alternative source of sediment is to be identified. All staff on site to be briefed on the emergency procedures before commencing works. Marine pollution contingency plan to be in place and approved by EAW. Site cabin floor level are at least 600mm above ground level. Need for temporary bund has been assessed. If necessary bund has been constructed, taking account of presence of Japanese Knotweed. Site action plan includes flood risk. Sediment to be sourced from an uncontaminated source. Evidence of contamination testing to be produced. Staff fully briefed on emergency procedures. Approved marine pollution contingency plan to be in place. Reference to further information Monitoring and Observation Further Action Required (Y/N) 41

44 Pr6 Pr6.1 Pr6.2 Pr6.3 Pr6.4 Pr6.5 NOISE AND VIBRATION Ensure local residents and tourists are aware of when and why the works are being undertaken. Ensure disturbance from noise is minimised Ensure disturbance from noise is minimised Ensure disturbance from noise is minimised Ensure disturbance from vibration is minimised. Signs and notices to be erected along the frontage prior to construction and to include the: Programme of works Roads and car parks affected and alternative arrangements Access restrictions to/from the beach and alternate arrangements Contact details for further information Letter drops and personal house/telephone calls to local residents where required are also to be carried out. Production of a method statement to include: Identification of expected noise levels from the agreed working methods and chosen plant and equipment. Measures to minimise noise emissions. Content of the method statement to be agreed with Environmental Health Officer (EHO) as well as noise emission levels. Core working hours to be 08:00 19:00 Monday to Saturday. Working hours outside core hours be agreed with EHO prior to construction. Ambient noise survey to be carried out over a 48 hour period prior to construction to form baseline for future construction monitoring. Inspections / surveys of properties that may be at risk from adverse impacts as a result of increase vibration to be surveyed before construction starts. No valid complaints regarding lack of information prior to construction. Method statement to be agreed with EHO Additional working hours agreed with EHO and no valid complaints of work outside the agreed hours. Record of survey results Property inspections / surveys completed. / / 42

45 Pr7 Pr7.1 Pr7.2 Pr8 Pr8.1 Pr8.2 LANDSCAPE, SEASCAPE & VISUAL AMENITY Ensure local residents and tourists are aware of when and why the works are being undertaken. Ensure minimal disruption to existing landscape character and views. TOURISM AND RECREATION Ensure local residents and tourists are aware of when and why the works are being undertaken. Reduce the risk of adverse impacts on tourism and recreation. Signs and notices to be erected along the frontage prior to construction and to include the: Programme of works Roads and car parks affected and alternative arrangements Access restrictions to/from the beach and alternate arrangements Contact details for further information Letter drops and personal house/telephone calls to local residents where required are also to be carried out. Selection of materials (type, scale, colour) to be sympathetic to the existing coastal landscape character and suburban setting. Materials should be sourced as early as possible to ensure a good match and sufficient quantities can be delivered during the construction programme. Signs and notices to be erected along the frontage prior to construction to include the: Programme of works Roads and car parks affected and alternative arrangements Access restrictions to/from the beach and alternate arrangements Contact details for further information Letter drops and personal calls to local residents where required are also to be carried out. to sign up to the Considerate s scheme. No valid complaints regarding lack of information prior to construction. Material sourced is similar to existing beach material natural and from Phase 1 construction in accordance with relative preferences of physical characteristics. No valid complaints regarding lack of information prior to construction. No valid complaints. 43

46 Pr8.3 Pr8.4 Pr8.5 Pr9 Ensure local residents and tourists visiting Borth are informed of construction progress and questions and comments are addressed. Ensure health and safety of water sport users. Ensure navigation routes are maintained. FISHING Contact details will be provided on all information sources in the event of complaints and requests for further information Consideration to be given to the benefit of appointing a community liaison officer. Notice to mariners to be issued, if necessary (if deliveries by sea are to take place). Appointment of beach marshals to operate during construction works. Notice to Mariners to be issued prior to commencement of works. Signs to be erected by slipways, in local harbours (with permission of Harbour Masters) and in boat yard (with owner s permission) Inform local fishermen / representatives of works. No valid complaints regarding lack of communication. Notice to mariners issued, if necessary. Beach marshals appointed and briefed. No valid complaints of lack of information prior to construction.. / Pr9.1 Pr9.2 Reduce disruption to fishing and angling activities Reduce disruption to fishing and angling from deliveries by sea. Signs to be erected at entrances to the beach and Ynyslas Boat Yard prior to construction informing of location and timing of work and any restricted access areas The District Inspector of Fisheries to be notified 5 days before the commencement of works. A notice to mariners must be published at least 10 days before work commences providing a description of the location and the timing of the work. to contact boat owner that launches within the Phase 2 construction area to agree alternative launching arrangements. The final method and route of delivery must be submitted to and approved by the District Inspector of Fisheries at least 5 days prior to the arrival of the delivery barge. No valid complaints of lack of information prior to construction. Alternate launching arrangements in place prior to construction starting. No valid complaints of lack of information prior to construction 44

47 Pr10 Pr10.1 Pr10.2 HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT Location of peat and clay deposits to be determined more accurately Reduce disturbance and damage to features of historic interest The location of any exposed peat and clay deposits and forest remains should be noted during ongoing beach monitoring (as a condition of the Phase 1 construction consents). to discuss the need for a geophysical survey with Cadw/RCAHMW submerged forest deposits prior to construction beginning. Archaeological Watching Brief and palaeo-environmental and dendrochronology sampling to be agreed with Cadw / RCAHMW / DA The location of any exposed peat and clay deposits and forest remains are accurately recorded by GPS and photographic record. Discussion and agreement on the need for geophysical survey. Geophysical survey to have been completed prior to construction starting, if necessary. Archaeological Watching Brief and archaeological sampling programme agreed. 45

48 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN Ref. No. Objective Action Target Responsibility DURING CONSTRUCTION D1 GEOLOGY, GEOMORPHOLOGY AND COASTAL PROCESSES Reference to further information Monitoring and Observation Further Action Required (Y/N) D1.1 Minimise damage to clay, peat and submerged forests from construction. No vehicles, plant or equipment to track across the lower shore (sandy/mud/clay area) unless to unload materials delivered by sea; work directly on the rock structures or deliver rock to working areas. Working area to be restricted to a 10m buffer around each structure. Vessels to beach as far up the beach as possible - must be landward of the seaward extent of rock structures. Vehicles to collect materials from landward side only. Only one delivery by sea per tide. No vehicles, plant or equipment to enter the water at any time. to minimise use of beach area as much as possible. Geotextile membrane to be placed in the footprint of rock structures prior to construction. Beach/foreshore to be returned to the original profile after completion of works. Rock material used for construction of groynes and breakwaters must be inert and free from fines. Source of rock and shingle to be approved by the Licensing Authority prior to use. No works, construction activities, parking or vehicular access in the SSSIs. Materials or machinery/plant must not cross or be stored in the SSSIs. All measures implemented. No valid complaints. 46

49 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN Ref. No. Objective Action Target Responsibility D1.2 Minimise damage to clay, peat and submerged forests from rock delivery by sea (if appropriate). D1.3 Minimise the need to import shingle and maximise the retention of original beach material. D1.4 Minimise the impact of imported shingle (if needed). Vessels to beach as far up the beach as possible - must be landward of the seaward extent of rock structures. Vehicles used to retrieve materials delivered by sea will collect materials from the landward side of the delivery only. Only one delivery of materials per tide to be permitted. No vehicles, plant or equipment to enter the water at any time. Re-use excavated clay, peat and shingle to minimise. Quarried material to be buried and covered with naturally occurring shingle. Shingle used in Phase 2 should match as closely as possible that already on the beach naturally and placed as a result of Phase 1 construction. Imported shingle should match in descending order of preference: Geology, colour and shape (e.g. similar to material dredged from the Rheidol river) Geology and colour (e.g. similar to material sourced from Ystrad Meurig and used in Phase 1) Colour and shape Colour If first or second choice material cannot be sourced, further discussion with CCW should take place to ensure that all practical options have been explored before less appropriately matching material is used. Agreement on source of material should be reached with CCW, prior to use. All measures implemented. No valid complaints. Shingle matches the natural shingle / Reference to further information Monitoring and Observation Further Action Required (Y/N) 47

50 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN Ref. No. Objective Action Target Responsibility D1.5 Minimise the impact to coastal processes. Minimise the quantity of rock and shingle stored on the beach. Minimise the quantity of sand, shingle, clay, peat and forest beds excavated and stored on the beach. No more rock than is required to construct one rock breakwater should be stored on the beach at any time, unless rock is delivered by sea. If rock is delivered by sea, stockpiles shall be less than 3m high. No more material than is excavated from one rock breakwater should be stored on the beach at any time. Reference to further information Monitoring and Observation Further Action Required (Y/N) D2 ECOLOGY Beach recharge to take place as soon as possible following completion of each rock structures. D2.1 No damage to protected sites. D2.2 Reduce risk of damage to intertidal habitats. D2.3 Reduce risk of damage to vegetated shingle habitat. D2.4 Reduce risk of damage to intertidal habitats from rock delivery. No vehicles to enter the SSSIs. No vehicles to enter the water. All vehicles plant or equipment to remain on the shingle area of the beach. to minimise use of beach area as much as possible. Pre-construction surveys to be completed (see Pr2.3). Agreed areas to be fenced off (see Pr2.3). Vessel operators and contractor to be made aware of the arrangements for delivery of rock to the beach i.e. only one delivery per day. s fully informed of location of designated sites and the environmental constraints. Access routes to be adhered to. No valid complaints. Minimise area of vegetated shingle damaged Delivery arrangements to be adhered to No valid complaints / / / / ECoW / / vessel operator 48

51 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN Ref. No. Objective Action Target Responsibility D2.5 Reduce disturbance to marine mammals (see Pr2.5). D3 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT Defined routes to / from site for vessels to be agreed. Marine mammal observers to be used during vessel deliveries. Periodic re-assessment of mitigation measures for marine mammals and their effectiveness. The generation of underwater sounds at night should be avoided / kept to a minimum and limited only to the delivery of rock. Routes to be agreed and adhered to. Marine mammal observers to be appointed /arranged. No valid complaints. / Reference to further information Monitoring and Observation Further Action Required (Y/N) D3.1 Minimise the impact of construction traffic on the local transport network. D3.2 Minimise impacts to parking provision. D3.3 Minimise impacts to carriageway D3.4 Ensure bus stops remain operational during construction. D3.5 Minimise impacts to pedestrian network. Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) to be implemented. Provision of alternative temporary car parking (see Pr3.2) s instructed to park in site compound to avoid occupying other public parking spaces. Road sweeping and dust suppression to be undertaken as required. Bridge and carriageway inspections on B4353. Access to bus stop to be maintained as per agreement (see Pr3.5). Supervision of HGV movements across the footway to and from the site. Signing used to provide warnings where required. Temporary closure of PRoW H. CTMP to be adhered to. No valid complaints. Temporary public car parking provision provided (see Pr3.2). No valid complaints regarding dust or dirty carriageway. Damage repaired as appropriate. Bus stop remains operational throughout the construction of Phase 2. No valid complaints. No valid complaints. 49

52 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN Ref. No. Objective Action Target Responsibility D3.6 Make local business, residents, etc. aware of the works and potential disruption to traffic and transport. D3.7 Minimise impacts from noise and vibration from deliveries and construction plant / vehicles. D4 D4.1 Minimise impacts to Bathing Water quality. WATER QUALITY AND FLOODING to make residents, businesses and other property owners aware of the start and predicted end dates of the works before they begin. A range of methods should be used, such as: Letter drop Public notice in local newspaper Notice/sign on beach noticeboard Public meeting All properties have had some contact to make them aware of works. Some form of public notice has been displayed. See D6.1, 6.2 See D6.1, 6.2 See D6.1, 6.2 Works to be carried out in a way that minimises discolouration of the sea. If discolouration affects bathing water, works should stop and working practices be reviewed and amended. No impacts to Bathing Water quality. Reference to further information Monitoring and Observation Further Action Required (Y/N) 50

53 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN Ref. No. Objective Action Target Responsibility D4.2 Minimise impacts to water quality from disturbance of sediment. No vehicles, plant or equipment to track across the lower shore (sandy/mud/clay area) unless to unload materials delivered by sea; work directly on the rock structures or deliver rock to working areas. Working area to be restricted to a 10m buffer around each structure. Vessels to beach as far up the beach as possible - must be landward of the seaward extent of rock structures. Vehicles to collect materials from landward side only. Only one delivery by sea per tide. No vehicles, plant or equipment to enter the water at any time. to minimise use of beach area as much as possible. A geotextile layer will be placed at the base of all rock structures before rocks are placed. Beach nourishment and removal of groynes must take place at Mean Low Water. No pollution incidents. No valid complaints. Reference to further information Monitoring and Observation Further Action Required (Y/N) 51

54 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN Ref. No. Objective Action Target Responsibility D4.3 Ensure no water pollution from leaks and spills from construction plant and machinery. No refuelling on the beach either the shingle or sand/mud/clay area. Emergency response procedure to be in place Procedures to include the following: Oil spill procedure cards issued to site operatives during induction. All plant suppliers to be briefed and signed onto plant charter. Emergency spill procedures to briefed at site induction. All machines to use environmentally friendly biodegradable oils. Spill kits to be located in all machines, site stores, supervisors transport and beachfront welfare cabins. Plant and machinery to be maintained daily with plant inspection sheets to be filled in regularly. Fitter on site for all working hours. Sea water samples to be taken prior to construction works commence and throughout construction to monitor suspended solids within seawater. to follow EAW advice and guidance in relation to pollution control. Marine pollution contingency plan to be in place. Staff fully briefed on emergency procedures. No pollution incidents. No valid complaints. Reference to further information Monitoring and Observation Further Action Required (Y/N) 52

55 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN Ref. No. Objective Action Target Responsibility D4.4 Ensure no water pollution from stored chemicals, fuel, plant, vehicles or materials. D4.5 Reduce the consequence of fluvial flood events. D5 SEDIMENT QUALITY D5.1 Ensure no pollution of sediment from leaks and spills from construction plant and machinery. D5.2 Ensure no pollution of sediments from stored chemicals, fuel, plant, vehicles or materials. D5.3 Minimise disturbance of Japanese Knotweed. All oils, fuels and chemicals to be sited on and surrounded by impervious bund walls with a volume at least equivalent to 110% of the tank/ container capacity. Storage of machinery, plant and materials must be out of reach of high tides taking account of extreme high tides and storms. Minimise the amount and location of materials vulnerable to impact from flooding that are stored on site. No pollution incidents. No valid complaints. No loss of materials as a result of flood events. See D4.3 See D4.3 See D4.3 See D4.4 See D4.4 See D4.4 The area of Japanese Knotweed in the site compound area should not to be disturbed and if necessary should be fenced off to prevent disturbance and spread of the Japanese Knotweed. Japanese Knotweed is not disturbed. Reference to further information Monitoring and Observation Further Action Required (Y/N) 53

56 D6 NOISE AND VIBRATION D6.1 Ensure disturbance from vibration is minimised. D6.2 Ensure disturbance from noise is minimised Vibration monitoring to be carried out during construction. Transient vibration levels to be kept to 3mm/s (unless otherwise agreed with EHO). Post construction surveys of properties surveyed before construction to be carried out and any repairs / compensation made as appropriate (see Pr6.5) Core working hours to be 08:00 19:00 Monday to Saturday Working hours outside core hours be agreed with EHO prior to construction. to adhere to: Relevant British Standards, including BS5228:1997, Part 1, Annex B Noise Control on Construction and Open Sites Technical Advice Note 11 (TAN 11) Noise Control of Pollution Act 1974 Section 72 Plant and machinery to be turned off when not in use. Static machines to be sited as far away as practicable from inhabited buildings or other receptors. All machinery to be well-maintained and fitted with appropriate muffling equipment in accordance with manufacture s recommendations. Machinery not to exceed construction noise limits. Provision of information regarding works see D3.6 See also Pr6.2, 6.4 No valid complaints. Additional working hours agreed with EHO and no valid complaints of work outside the agreed hours. to adhere to Method Statement / CEMP on noise and working hours. See also D3.6 54

57 D7 LANDSCAPE, SEASCAPE & VISUAL AMENITY D7.1 Ensure local residents and tourists visiting the Borth frontage are aware of when and why the works are being undertaken D7.2 Ensure minimal disruption to existing landscape character and views D8 TOURISM AND RECREATION D8.1 Ensure local residents and tourists visiting Borth are aware of when and why the works are being undertaken D8.2 Reduce the risk of adverse impacts on tourism and recreation D8.3 Ensure local residents and tourists visiting Borth are informed of construction progress and questions and comments are addressed Provision of information regarding works. Information to be reviewed and kept up to date regularly. See D3.6 Selection of materials see Pr7.2. Considerate working practices including for ensuring a clean site Dampening or covering of all delivered materials, including shingle to limit dust and debris. Minimise the quantity of rock and shingle stored on the beach. Minimise quantity of rock stored on the beach. Minimise the quantity of sand, shingle, clay, peat and forest beds excavated and stored on the beach. Provision of information regarding works. Information to be reviewed and kept up to date regularly. See D3.6 to sign up to and adhere to the Considerate s scheme. to appoint a community liaison officer or similar. See also D8.1 No valid complaints regarding lack of information during construction See D3.6 See Pr7.2 No valid complaints regarding working practices See also D3.3 No more rock than is required to construct one rock breakwater should be stored on the beach at any time, unless rock is delivered by sea. If rock is delivered by sea, stockpiles shall be less than 3m high. No more material than is excavated from one rock breakwater should be stored on the beach at any time. No valid complaints regarding lack of information during construction. See D3.6 No valid complaints. No valid complaints regarding lack of communication. See also D8.1 / 55

58 D8.4 Ensure health and safety of beach and sea users D8.5 Ensure navigation routes are maintained Appointment of beach marshals to operate during construction works. Beach marshals to be suitably briefed so they can relay project information to members of the public if questioned. All beach marshals to be in touch with each other and machine operators via radio at all times. (see D3.5 D3.6) Notice to Mariners to be issued prior to commencement of works No health and safety impacts to beach and sea users. No valid complaints of lack of information. D8.6 Ensure navigational safety around new structures. Signs to be erected by slipways, in local harbours (with permission of Harbour Masters) and in boat yard (with owner s permission) Inform local fishermen / representatives of works Each breakwater to be marked at each end and at the outermost point by means of a green pole beacon, surmounted by a green conical shaped topmark, carried at a height of at least 2m above MHWS. Rock groynes may also require marking by similar means to breakwaters at their seaward end. Details should be checked and agreed with MCA. All moorings, anchors and equipment must be adequately marked and lit by night and completely removed when works are finished. Notify UKHO of navigational issues. No navigational safety issues. No valid complaints. / 56

59 D9 FISHING D9.1 Reduce disruption to fishing and angling activities D9.2 Reduce disruption to fishing and angling from deliveries by sea D10 Ensure navigation routes are maintained Ensure navigational safety around new structures. HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT D10.1 Location of peat and clay deposits to be determined more accurately D10.2 Collection of information on the archaeological features in the Phase 2 construction area. Signs to be erected at entrances to the beach and Ynyslas Boat Yard prior to construction informing of location and timing of work and any restricted access areas The District Inspector of Fisheries to be notified 5 days before the commencement of works. A notice to mariners must be published at least 10 days before work commences providing a description of the location and the timing of the work. to contact boat owner that launches within the Phase 2 construction area to agree alternative launching arrangements. See also D3.6 The final method and route of delivery must be submitted to and approved by the District Inspector of Fisheries at least 5 days prior to the arrival of the delivery barge. See D8.5 See D8.5 See D8.6 See D8.6 The location of any exposed peat and clay deposits and forest remains should be noted during ongoing beach monitoring (as a condition of the Phase 1 construction consents). to discuss the need for a geophysical survey with Cadw/RCAHMW submerged forest deposits prior to construction beginning. Archaeological Watching Brief and palaeo-environmental and dendrochronology sampling to be carried out as agreed. No valid complaints of lack of information. Alternate launching arrangements in place prior to construction starting. See D3.6 No valid complaints of lack of information. All measures implemented. No valid complaints. Archaeological Watching Brief and sampling completed. 57

60 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN Ref. No. Objective Action Target Responsibility POST CONSTRUCTION Po1 GEOLOGY, GEOMORPHOLOGY AND COASTAL PROCESSES Reference to further information Monitoring and Observation Further Action Required (Y/N) Po1.1 Po 1.2 Po 2 Minimise changes to coastal processes and beach Minimise damage to protected sites ECOLOGY Post construction monitoring and analysis should continue in line with the agreed beach monitoring plan agreed with CCW. On-going analysis of the results of beach surveys should be carried out to compare with pre-construction levels. Post construction monitoring and analysis should continue in line with the agreed beach monitoring plan agreed with CCW. On-going analysis of the results of beach surveys should be carried out to compare with pre-construction levels. Results of beach surveys and analysis to be used to inform the need for beach management, including nourishment, recycling/re-profiling or removal of sediment, if deemed necessary. Results of beach surveys and analysis to be used to identify unforeseen / unforeseeable adverse impacts on the SAC, SSSI or GCR features and modify or, if necessary, remove rock structures. Po 2.1 Reduce risk of damage to adjacent designated conservation sites. See measures under Po1.1 and Po1.2. See Po1.1 and Po1.2. / 58

61 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN Ref. No. Objective Action Target Responsibility POST CONSTRUCTION Po 2.2 Reduce risk of damage to vegetated shingle habitat Po2.3 Po2.4 Po3 Reduce risk of damage to vegetated shingle habitat during maintenance activities. Reduce risk of damage to intertidal habitats during maintenance activities. TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT Post construction surveys of the vegetated shingle area to be carried out. If recovery is not observed within two years of completion of Phase 2 works, additional action should be taken to promote recovery. Additional measures should be followed by a further two year period of monitoring. Any areas of shingle that are reseeded / re-planted should be protected from disturbance until regeneration of vegetated shingle has returned to pre-construction state. CCW and biodiversity officers should be consulted on any reseeding / re-planting activities and any re-profiling of the beach while vegetated shingle recovers. All vehicles, plant or equipment to remain on the shingle area of the beach or within 10m of the rock structures. No vehicles, plant or equipment to track across the lower shore (sandy/mud/clay area). No vehicles, plant or equipment to enter the water at any time. Regeneration of vegetated shingle to pre-construction state. Routes to be adhered to. No valid complaints. Routes to be adhered to. No valid complaints. Reference to further information Monitoring and Observation Further Action Required (Y/N) No significant impacts anticipated. No post-construction mitigation proposed. 59

62 Po4 Po4.1 Po4.2 Po5 Po5.1 WATER QUALITY and FLOODING Minimise impacts to Bathing Water Quality. Reduce risk of water pollution from maintenance activity. SEDIMENT QUALITY Reduce risk of sediment pollution from maintenance activity. Time maintenance works to take place outside of Bathing Water season (May September), if possible. Works to be carried out in a way that minimises discolouration of the sea. If discolouration affects Bathing Water quality, works should stop and working practices reviewed and amended. All vehicles, plant or equipment to remain on the shingle. No vehicles, plant or equipment to track across the lower shore (sandy/mud/clay area). No vehicles, plant or equipment to enter the water at any time. Works to take place at MLW. No refuelling on the beach. All plant operators to be briefed on pollution risks, operating and emergency procedures. All machines to use environmentally friendly biodegradable oils. Spill kits in all machines Those carrying out the works must follow EAW advice and guidance in relation to pollution control and response planning. Site roads, access roads, paths, etc. to be kept free from mud, dust and excessive sand. Works take place outside Bathing Water season, if possible. Staff fully briefed on emergency procedures. No pollution incidents. No valid complaints. See Po4.2 See Po4.2 See Po4.2 60

63 Po6 Po6.1 NOISE AND VIBRATION Ensure disturbance from noise and vibration is minimised during maintenance Core working hours to be 08:00 19:00 Monday to Saturday and should not take place on Sundays or Bank Holidays. If possible, maintenance activity should be scheduled outside of the peak tourism season. / plant operators to adhere to: Relevant British Standards, including BS5228:1997, Part 1, Annex B Noise Control on Construction and Open Sites Technical Advice Note 11 (TAN 11) Noise Control of Pollution Act 1974 Section 72 Plant and machinery to be turned off when not in use. Static machines to be sited as far away as practicable from inhabited buildings or other noise sensitive locations. All machinery to be well-maintained and fitted with appropriate muffling or silencing equipment in accordance with manufacture s recommendations and not to exceed construction noise limits / plant operators to adhere to standards and practices. No valid complaints. 61

64 Po7 Po7.1 Po7.2 Po8 Po8.1 Po8.2 LANDSCAPE, SEASCAPE & VISUAL AMENITY Ensure local residents and tourists visiting Borth are aware of when and why maintenance works are carried out Ensure minimal disruption to existing landscape character and views Signs and notices to be erected along the frontage prior to construction and to include the: Programme of works Roads and car parks affected and alternative arrangements Access restrictions to/from the beach and alternate arrangements Contact details for further information Letter drops and personal house/telephone calls to local residents where required are also to be carried out. Selection of materials (type, scale, colour) to be sympathetic to the existing coastal landscape character and suburban setting. No valid complaints regarding lack of information prior to construction. Material sourced is similar to existing coastal landscape character and suburban setting. TOURISM AND RECREATION Ensure local residents and See Po7.1 See Po7.1 tourists visiting Borth are aware of when and why maintenance works are carried out Reduce impacts to tourism Fencing / signs to be used to No valid complaints. and recreation during restrict access to working and maintenance activities. storage areas and to direct members of the public to alternate access points and safe areas of the beach and frontage. Banksmen / beach marshals to be used during works activities. Any contractor / plant operators to adhere to good practice guidelines relating to noise minimisation and maintaining a tidy site and to be signed up to the Considerate s scheme, if appropriate to the scale of works. 62

65 Po8.4 Ensure health and safety of beach and sea users See Po8.2, Po9.1 No health and safety impacts to water sport users. Po8.5 Po8.6 Po9 Po9.1 Po9.2 Po10 Po10.1 Po10.2 Ensure no disruption to or risk to navigation during maintenance activities Reduce conflict between beach and sea users. FISHING Reduce disruption to fishing and angling activities during maintenance activities. Reduce conflict between beach and sea users. HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT Location of peat and clay deposits to be considered in decision making process for management of shoreline further north of Phase 2. Archaeological information to be disseminated. A notice to mariners must be published at least 10 days before maintenance work, if necessary. Equipment, temporary works and/or debris associated with maintenance works to be removed from the foreshore upon completion of works. Consider the implementation of beach zoning / management plan if conflict between users becomes an issue. No valid complaints No complaints of conflict between different users groups. Fishermen and anglers to be notified in advance of maintenance works that could cause disruption. The District Inspector of Fisheries to be notified 5 days before the commencement of maintenance works. See Po8.5 No valid complaints. See Po8.6 See Po8.6 DAT, Cadw and RCAHMW to be consulted on shoreline management options. Archaeological watching brief reports and reports on the analysis of dedrochronology and paleoenvironmental analysis to be sent to DAT, Cadw and RCAHMW. DAT, Cadw and RCAHMW are consulted. Reports disseminated. 63

66 Kath Winnard Atkins West Glamorgan House 12 Orchard Street Swansea SA1 5AD Atkins Ltd except where stated otherwise. The Atkins logo, Carbon Critical Design and the strapline Plan Design Enable are trademarks of Atkins Ltd.