Newhaven East Quay and Port Expansion Area Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary

Transcription

1 Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd January 2015 Final Report PB1453

2 HASKONINGDHV UK LIMITED INDUSTRY, ENERGY & MINING 2 Abbey Gardens, Great College Street Westminster London SW1P 3NL United Kingdom Telephone Fax info@london.royalhaskoning.com Internet Document title Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary Document short title Status Final Report Date January 2015 Project name Project number Client PB1453 Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd This Non-Technical Summary was undertaken in line with the environmental impact assessment Quality Mark Commitments. The environmental impact assessment Quality Mark is a voluntary scheme, operated by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), through which environmental impact assessment activity is independently reviewed, on an annual basis, to ensure it delivers excellence in the following areas; environmental impact assessment Management, environmental impact assessment Team Capabilities, environmental impact assessment Regulatory Compliance, environmental impact assessment Context & Influence, environmental impact assessment Content, environmental impact assessment Presentation, and Improving environmental impact assessment practice. Drafted by David Tarrant Checked by Ruth Henderson Date/initials check 09/01/2015 RH Approved by Jackie Lavender Date/initials approval 16/01/15 JL Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement - i - January 2015

3 CONTENTS Page 1 INTRODUCTION Background Newhaven Port Masterplan The Proposal Need and Location for the Project The Purpose of this Document Access to the Project Documents 5 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Introduction Construction Phase Operational Phase Decommissioning Phase Consideration of Alternatives Project Programme 16 3 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS Legislative Requirements Assessment Methodology 16 4 CONSULTATION Introduction Previous Consultation Current Consultation Public Exhibition 19 5 OPTIONS FOR USE OR DISPOSAL OF DREDGED MATERIAL Overview 20 6 NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS Introduction Internationally and Nationally Protected Sites Locally Protected Sites 21 7 COASTAL PROCESSES Introduction Existing Environment Assessment 29 8 WATER AND SEDIMENT QUALITY Introduction Environmental Baseline Assessment 31 9 WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE ASSESSMENT Background Methodology Baseline Environment 32 Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement - ii - January 2015

4 9.1 Assessment MARINE ECOLOGY Introduction Existing Environment Assessment Marine Conservation Zone Assessment FISH AND SHELLFISH RESOURCE Introduction Existing Environment Assessment ORNITHOLOGY Introduction Existing Environment Assessment COASTAL AND TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY Introduction Existing Environment Assessment COMMERCIAL FISHERIES Introduction Existing Environment Assessment LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT Introduction Assessment Methodology Existing Environment Assessment ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING Introduction Existing Environment Assessment of Effects COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL NAVIGATION Introduction Existing Environment Assessment GEOLOGY, SOILS AND LAND QUALITY Introduction Existing Environment Assessment WASTE MANAGEMENT Introduction Assessment Methodology 53 Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement - iii - January 2015

5 Existing Environment 54 Assessment TRAFFIC AND ACCESS Introduction Existing Environment Assessment NOISE AND VIBRATION Introduction Assessment Methodology Existing Environment Assessment AIR QUALITY Introduction Existing Environment Assessment ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT Introduction Existing Environment Assessment TOURISM AND RECREATION Introduction Existing Environment Assessment SOCIO-ECONOMICS Introduction Existing Environment Assessment FLOODING AND CLIMATE CHANGE Introduction Existing Environment Assessment CUMULATIVE IMPACTS Introduction Assessment FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES 68 APPENDIX 1 Summary of s Considered for the Construction and Operational Phase Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement - iv - January 2015

6 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background Newhaven Port is located on the south coast of England at the mouth of the River Ouse, to the south of the town of Newhaven in East Sussex (Figure 1.1). The port is owned and operated by Newhaven Port & Properties Ltd who are also the statutory harbour authority and responsible for the management and safety of the port. 1.2 Newhaven Port Masterplan Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd has prepared and published the Port Masterplan for Newhaven Port to form a strategic framework from which the port would develop over the next 20 to 30 years (Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd, 2012). Its starting point was the recognition that Newhaven needs a higher level of economic activity, leading to longterm job creation, in order for both the town and the port to have a sustainable future. The Masterplan identifies the following five strategic objectives: Maintain the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry route and increase utilisation whilst improving the customer experience through a sensitive re-development of the Railway Quay area, making it an extension of, and complementary to Newhaven town centre; Invest in infrastructure to establish a clean technology and renewable energy business cluster, building on the success of existing local businesses and the current opportunities in offshore wind; Increase the volume of international trade through the port with a focus on renewable energy supplies; Invest in infrastructure for the continued development of the fishing and leisure marine sectors; and Enhance the natural marine environment by establishing a public access conservation area on port land. 1.3 The Proposal In line with the Port Masterplan, Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd is in final contract negotiations with E.ON Climate & Renewables to establish Newhaven Port as the Construction Project Management and Operations & Maintenance Base for the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm. The proposed development at Newhaven Port centres on the construction port requirements for offshore wind. Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd propose to refurbish and extend their existing multi-purpose berth to support both the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm s construction and operation and existing port activities. A Land Development Area would provide the Construction Project Management and Services Base for the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm and additional general storage areas. In addition, capital dredging would be undertaken to deepen the berthing pocket and to deepen, widen and extend the existing approach channel. The multi-purpose berth at East Quay is already used for general cargo (as recognised within the Port Masterplan) and this is expected to continue at existing levels once the East Quay has been refurbished and the new multi-purpose berth is constructed. The Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015

7 facilities created by the proposed development would allow Newhaven to remain competitive by offering first class modern facilities to future investors and customers and allow the port to welcome larger vessels with deeper drafts should the opportunity arise. The footprint of the proposed development, including the multi-purpose berth, Land Development Area, breakwater, capital dredging footprint and offshore disposal site, is displayed in Figure Need and Location for the Project Offshore wind is now widely accepted as a key focus in the UK s plans to increase the contribution of energy from renewable sources over the next decade (Renewable UK, 2011). The expected development of large-scale offshore wind farms following The Crown Estate s launch of the Round 3 offshore wind zones has placed the UK at the forefront of the world s offshore wind market and is attracting key industrial companies to set up manufacturing facilities in the UK to supply and service the sector. Newhaven Port is ideally placed to support both the construction project management and Operation and Maintenance activities for the proposed Rampion Offshore Wind Farm, which is planned to cover a sea area of approximately 139km 2 off the Sussex coast (E.ON, 2012). Newhaven Port has already been selected by E.ON Climate & Renewables as the location for these activities, and the proposed development has been based on extensive discussions with E.ON about their needs and requirements. The port has a number of physical and logistical features which make it suitable for supporting the offshore wind industry including: Adequate land and waterside access, with up to 12ha of the port s land available; Proximity to Round 3 wind farm zones; 24/7 quayside access; Limited traffic conflicts; Limited tidal constraints; and Flexible site configuration. Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015

8 ± Legend: Dredge Footprint NPP Land Development Area Multi-Purpose Berth Area Footprint Breakwater Footprint Client: Project: Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd Newhaven East Quay and Port Expansion Area Title: Location of Newhaven Port Figure: 1.1 Drawing No: PB1453/002/ Revision: Date: Drawn: Checked: Size: 02 03/12/14 JE JG A /02/14 JE JG A4 Scale: 1:400,000 1:400,000 Co-ordinate system: British National Grid Kilometres Source: Natural England 2014, English Heritage 2014 HaskoningDHV UK Ltd. Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey ROYAL HASKONINGDHV MARITIME & WATERWAYS BURNS HOUSE HARLANDS ROAD HAYWARDS HEATH RH16 1PG +44 (0)

9 1.5 The Purpose of this Document This Non-Technical Summary document provides an overview of the findings of the Environmental Assessment process, as reported in the Newhaven East Quay and Port Expansion Area Environmental Statement. The Non-Technical Summary is a standalone document which aims to use non-technical language where possible to describe the background to and need for the project, and how it complies with the current consenting and regulatory regime. It outlines the proposed works and describes the main predicted positive (beneficial) and negative () environmental impacts and the key mitigation measures that are to be put in place to prevent or reduce impacts. The Environmental Statement and Non- Technical Summary have been prepared in accordance with the Marine Works (Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2007 (as amended by the Marine Works (Environmental Assessment) (Amended) Regulations 2011), so as to provide the necessary supporting information for the required consents, permissions and licences. The Non-Technical Summary summarises the Environmental Statement and, although its format broadly follows that of the Environmental Statement, some changes have been made so as to provide a more readable and concise summary. Photographs, tables and figures have been provided to illustrate certain points or features; it should be noted that the figures are exactly the same as those provided in the Environmental Statement. This section of the Non-Technical Summary (Section 1) provides an introduction and details of how to access or request copies of the Environmental Statement, while Section 2 of the Non-Technical Summary provides a summary of the proposed works. Section 3 of the Non-Technical Summary provides a summary of the relevant legislation and consenting requirements and explains why an environmental impact assessment was necessary. Consultation undertaken with key stakeholders is summarised in Section 4 of the Non-Technical Summary. Section 5 of the Non-Technical Summary presents information on the different options that have been investigated for the disposal of sediments that would result from the dredging. Sections 6 to 26 of the Non-Technical Summary provide a summary of each technical area assessed in the Environmental Statement, in the following order: Nature conservation designations; Coastal Processes; Water and sediment quality; Water Framework Directive Assessment; Marine Ecology; Fish and shellfish resource; Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015

10 Ornithology; Coastal and terrestrial ecology; Commercial fisheries; Landscape and visual impact; Artificial Lighting; Commercial and recreational navigation; Land quality and hydrogeology; Waste management; Traffic and access; Noise and vibration; Air quality; Archaeology and historic environment; Tourism and recreation; Socio-economics; and Flooding and climate change. Section 27 of the Non-Technical Summary summarises the cumulative impacts predicted (that is, the combined impacts of the proposed works and also the impacts of the proposed works in combination with the impacts of other plans and proposed projects about which sufficient information is available to inform the assessment). Finally, Section 28 of the Non-Technical Summary presents the overall conclusions of the environmental impact assessment process. All predicted impacts and proposed mitigation measures are presented in a summary table within Appendix 1 of this Non- Technical Summary. 1.6 Access to the Project Documents Copies of the Planning Application, Marine Licence Application and full Environmental Statement with other supporting documentation can be viewed at the following address: Lewes District Council Offices Southover House Southover Road Lewes East Sussex BN7 1AB Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015

11 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.1 Introduction The construction phase of the proposed Newhaven Port development would comprise of the following elements: Capital dredging of the existing approach channel (deepening and localised widening and extension) (see Figure 2.2 and Figure 2.4); Capital dredging of the berthing pocket alongside East Quay (see Figure 2.2 and Figure 2.4); Demolition of part of the East Pier structure; Refurbishment of the existing multi-purpose berth at East Quay including the construction of a new multi-purpose berth and slipway at the southern end of the East Quay (see Figure 2.2, Figure 2.3 and Plate 2.1); Levelling the backshore area to the east of the new multi-purpose berth to create a new Land Development Area (see Figure 2.1 and Figure 2.2); Use of dredged material, where possible, as fill for levelling the Land Development Area. Material not suitable for use as fill or for an alternative use would be disposed of at Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd s existing licensed offshore disposal ground (see Figure 2.4); and Establishment of a 3.5ha nature reserve above Mean High Water Springs to the east of the Land Development Area (See Figure 2.1, Figure 2.2 and Figure 2.4). Details of each of these elements are provided in the following sub-sections. Figure 2.1 displays the first phase of the project. Figure 2.2 displays the proposed development at East Quay, including the multi-purpose berth and Land Development Area. Figure 2.3 displays the multi-purpose berth in more detail and Figure 2.4 provides an overview of the whole project area, including the multi-purpose berth, Land Development Area capital dredge footprint and offshore disposal site. Finally, Figure 2.5 provides a visualisation of the project upon completion. Plate 2.1 View of the existing East Quay berth at Newhaven Port Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015

12 ± Legend: Planning Boundary Land Development Area Phase Proposed Nature Reserve Client: Project: Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd Newhaven East Quay and Port Expansion Area Title: Phase 1 Figure: 2.1 Drawing No: PB1453/002/035 Revision: Date: Drawn: Checked: Size: Scale: 01 08/12/14 LB AC A4 1:5,000 Co-ordinate system: British National Grid Metres Source: Lewes District Council, 2013 HaskoningDHV UK Ltd. Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey ROYAL HASKONINGDHV MARITIME & WATERWAYS BURNS HOUSE HARLANDS ROAD HAYWARDS HEATH RH16 1PG +44 (0)

13 ± Legend: Planning Boundary Dredge Footprint NPP Land Development Area Multi-Purpose Berth Area Footprint Breakwater Footprint Proposed Nature Reserve Client: Project: Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd Newhaven East Quay and Port Expansion Area Title: Phase 2 Figure: 2.2 Drawing No: PB1453/002/036 Revision: Date: Drawn: Checked: Size: Scale: 03 14/01/15 GC AC A /12/14 LB AC A4 Co-ordinate system: British National Grid 1:10,000 1:10, Metres Source: Lewes District Council, 2013 HaskoningDHV UK Ltd. Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey ROYAL HASKONINGDHV MARITIME & WATERWAYS BURNS HOUSE HARLANDS ROAD HAYWARDS HEATH RH16 1PG +44 (0)

14 ± Legend: Mulit-Purpose Berth Multi-Purpose Berth Slipway Client: Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd Project: Newhaven East Quay and Port Expansion Area Title: Multi-Purpose Berth Figure: 2.3 Drawing No: PB1453/002/026 Revision: Date: Drawn: Checked: Size: Scale: 02 15/12/14 LB DC A /03/14 LB DC A4 Co-ordinate system: British National Grid 1:3,000 1:3, Metres HaskoningDHV UK Ltd. Crown copyright and database rights 2014 Ordnance Survey ROYAL HASKONINGDHV MARITIME & WATERWAYS BURNS HOUSE HARLANDS ROAD HAYWARDS HEATH RH16 1PG +44 (0)

15 ± Legend: Dredge Footprint NPP Land Development Area Multi-Purpose Berth Area Footprint Breakwater Footprint Proposed Nature Reserve Disposal Ground Client: Project: Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd Newhaven East Quay and Port Expansion Area Title: Onshore works and dredge footprint and offshore disposal ground Figure: 2.4 Drawing No: PB1453/002/027 Revision: Date: Drawn: Checked: Size: Scale: 04 08/12/14 LB AC A4 1:20, /12/14 LB DC A4 Co-ordinate system: WGS84 UTM Zone 30N 1:20, Metres Source: Cefas, 2014 HaskoningDHV UK Ltd. Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey ROYAL HASKONINGDHV MARITIME & WATERWAYS BURNS HOUSE HARLANDS ROAD HAYWARDS HEATH RH16 1PG +44 (0)

16 Figure 2.5 Visualisation of the completed project Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015

17 2.2 Construction Phase Phased construction There would be a phased approach to the works to enable Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd and the town of Newhaven to begin capitalising on the project as soon as possible and to encourage investment and new businesses to the area without delay: Phase 1 is shown in Figure 2.1 and entails the first stage of development of the Land Development Area (the 3.5ha nature reserve would also be started in Phase 1); and Phase 2 is shown in Figure 2.2 and consists of capital dredging, demolition of part of the East Pier, construction of the breakwater and multi-purpose berth and development of the Land Development Area Construction of the Land Development Area A Land Development Area would be constructed over an area of approximately 3ha which would extend eastwards from East Quay (see Figure 2.1). The Land Development Area would be levelled and increased in height to approximately 5.3m above Ordnance Datum, Newlyn. The site would then be cleared by excavators and other tracked vehicles and a temporary road constructed to enable access. A final capping layer of imported gravel would be used to top-off the site, which would be delivered by road. Through the use of dredged and excavated sediments and gravel capping the Land Development Area would be permeable to rainwater Capital Dredging of the Approach Channel and Berthing Pocket At present the harbour channel adjacent to East Quay and the approach channel are dredged to provide a minimum depth of 6m of water at low tide. However to allow larger vessels to use the port the depth of water would be increased to 7m in the approach channel and 8m in the berthing pocket and the length of the dredged area would be extended by 200m beyond the area sheltered by the Western Breakwater (see Figure 2.3) Multi-Purpose Berth construction The multi-purpose berth would comprise a suspended level deck on load bearing piles over a sloped breakwater. Construction of the berth would require the land to the south of the existing East Quay berth to be excavated and dredged to remove soil and sediment to allow the new berthing pocket to be formed to the east of the river channel. All material above the high water mark would be removed using land based excavators. If the material has suitable chemical and geotechnical properties it would be used as fill for the Land Development Area. If it is not suitable then it would be transported offsite and disposed of. Once constructed the multi-purpose berth would incorporate two mobile cranes up to 40m in height to the top of the crane arm. Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015

18 2.2.5 Changes to East Pier The East Pier structure to the north (landwards) of the point of connection to the southern wall of the new quay would be demolished to allow for the construction of the new multi-purpose berth. The demolition works would provide a widened entrance to the berth to accommodate the clearance required for the proposed expansion of port activities. The most southerly section of the East Pier would be retained and may need refurbishment, but this is likely to constitute a like for like replacement. Part of the existing small pier (known as East Knuckle) at the southern end of the existing East Quay berth would be demolished and a new wave attenuation pier structure would be constructed. The existing communication tower on East Knuckle would be relocated Breakwater To the south and east of the multi-purpose berth the beach slope would be re-profiled to match the existing ground level and a coastal defence breakwater would be constructed running from close to the seaward end of East Pier north-east along the boundary of the Land Development Area to the beach at Seaford Bay (see Figure 2.2). The breakwater would connect up with the East Pier to allow access to the southern end of the East Pier. Where the breakwater meets the East Pier, the rocks would create a barrier to wave penetration; however, the remaining length of the East Pier which would be unaffected by the works would remain as an open structure Beach re-profiling A small area of beach crest at the western end of Seaford Bay would be levelled to enable access for berth construction, with a total cut volume of approximately m 3. This area of works is above Mean High Water Springs and would be completed with land based plant Land reclamation In addition to the beach re-profiling, an area of the seabed adjacent to the existing East Pier would need to be reclaimed to create the southern end of the quay and the Land Development Area during Phase 2. The area to be reclaimed covers a total area of 8,000m 2 and can be seen on Figure Establishment of a Nature Reserve A nature reserve area would be established to the east of the Land Development Area (see Figure 2.1). This would be established on existing scrubland and would be progressed in co-operation with East Sussex County Council ecologists, South Downs National Park Authority and Friends of Tide Mills. 2.3 Operational Phase The existing multi-purpose berth at the East Quay is presently used for general cargo. This would continue using the new multi-purpose berth with no increases in levels of use for general cargo for the foreseeable future. The Land Development Area would be approximately 3ha. The Land Development Area is expected to act as the base for the Rampion s Construction Project Management Services as well as provide space for Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015

19 relocation of existing port activities for general storage as detailed below. The proposed development would therefore include: Up to 3,000m² of floor space for modular office buildings, warehouses, workshops, services and welfare facilities for staff/contractors, spares, storage, equipment and construction tooling; Up to 4,500m² of levelled gravel area for incidental laydown, handling, storage and logistics; Up to 2,000m² of floor space designated for both short and long term parking on the Land Development Area, to accommodate 150 vehicles; The presence of up to 200 staff during peak offshore wind farm construction, with an average of 100 during ; Up to 8 HGV movements per day during peak wind farm construction, averaging 2 HGV movements per day (a movement is a return journey, so arriving and departing site is one movement), 4 LGV movements per day on average, and 75 light vehicle movements per day on average during (assuming this excludes use of forklift trucks for handling); Fencing with suitable security provisions and temporary and task lighting 24 hours per day, 7 days a week; The presence of up to10 staff during the Operation and Maintenance phase of the Rampion Wind Farm; and General storage/relocation of general port storage (including cargo) as well as cargo handling. In addition to providing a base for the Project Management Services element of the wind farm development, the new multi-purpose berth would also facilitate its construction and operation in the following ways. The new quay and multi-purpose berth would provide: Support of up to 10 Crew Transfer Vessels during the construction and the Operation and Maintenance phases of the Rampion offshore wind farm; Support of short term additional construction vessel requirements. This could include berthing for re-fuelling, providing a safe haven during weather conditions, loading and unloading, incidental buffer storage and other activities during the construction and early operational period; and Occasional support to the maintenance and repair of Crew Transfer Vesselss and other workboats throughout the construction and operational period. 2.4 Decommissioning Phase Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd are currently considering options for long term uses for the area and its facilities in line with its Port Masterplan (Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd, 2012). The Operation and Maintenance phase of the Rampion Wind Farm would last at least 25 years. Therefore no decommissioning is proposed. Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015

20 2.5 Consideration of Alternatives The Port Masterplan (described above) was developed over the course of three years and was informed by a large number of supporting studies and by extensive local and regional consultation. The purpose of the Masterplan was to set out NPP s vision for Newhaven Port in supporting new industries and boosting local employment. The Masterplan clarified strategic planning for the medium and long-term through a series of Port Masterplan proposals, which were accepted and publicly endorsed by the County, District and Town Councils. The Masterplan identified renewable energy industries, and offshore wind in particular, as being one of the major commercial opportunities for Newhaven. This was strongly supported by the County, District and Town Councils which have been positively engaged in the process to get E.ON to select Newhaven as its main construction management and operational base for Rampion. E.ON chose Newhaven for a combination of factors including deep sea access, proximity to the windfarm, and rail and road links. However, two of the most important factors were the availability of sufficient expansion land to support their activities, and the positive and supportive approach taken by the three councils towards their plans. The proposed development is a continuation of the process of turning Newhaven into the long term home port for E.ON and the Rampion Wind Farm. Newhaven Port is already seeing a significant increase in demand from other companies who need to be co-located with E.ON, and this is expected to increase once E.ON have finalised contracts with their key equipment suppliers. The East Quay is the port s commercial and operational centre and was consequently the primary focus of the Masterplan s proposals; however, a number of alternatives were considered. A Strategic Location Study (Royal Haskoning, 2008) explored development opportunities and possible new layouts at the harbour entrance to enable the berthing of larger cross channel ferries. However, the cost of developing the south of the East Quay purely as a ferry terminal was considered to be prohibitive. With regard to the development of the multi-purpose berth and the configuration of the Land Development Area, Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd considered an alternative design to that currently proposed. The Land Development Area was initially designed as a narrow area which extended eastwards further into the Tide Mills Site of Nature Conservation Interest than the present proposal, as well as into the vegetated shingle habitat. However, this configuration was ruled out on the basis that this option did not provide sufficient space around the multi-purpose berth and potential environmental impacts could have been greater in magnitude. Through the evolution of the development the Land Development Area was reduced in area to 3ha. This is sufficient in size to accommodate the new proposed operational uses by Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd. The reduction in the Land Development Area has minimised the area of directly impacted vegetated shingle as well as moving the operational activities further away from Mill Creek and focusing work around the new multi-purpose berth. The reduction in area has also minimised the impact on the Public Right of Way (40a) that borders the Land Development Area. Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015

21 The Land Development Area was originally proposed to be covered with concrete across the whole site, to provide a firm surface for vehicles. This proposal was dismissed in favour of a gravel capping which would allow rainwater to permeate through the surface. 2.6 Project Programme The construction of the proposed development is currently scheduled to take place between 2015 and 2018 (following consent being obtained). 3 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS 3.1 Legislative Requirements Before proceeding with the proposed development Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd require planning permission from Lewes District Council (under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990) and a Marine Licence from the Marine Management Organisation (under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009). In support of the applications for these consents an environmental impact assessment is required. Environmental impact assessment requirements are established by European Directive on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment. The need for an environmental impact assessment to support the planning application was confirmed by Lewes District Council through their Scoping Responses provided in October The need for an environmental impact assessment was confirmed by the Marine Management Organisation in their Screening Opinion dated in January Assessment An environmental impact assessment is a tool for systematically examining and assessing the potential impact of development on the environment. It is a process that examines the environmental consequences of development actions before they receive consent. 3.3 Methodology The key environmental receptors are listed in Section 1.5 above and are considered, in turn in Sections 7 Coastal Processes, 8 Water and Sediment Quality and 10 Marine Ecology to 26 Flooding and Climate Change of the Environmental Statement. The project has also been assessed with specific regard to the requirements of the Water Framework Directive (Section 9 Water Framework Directive Assessment of the Environmental Statement). Cumulative impacts are assessed in Section 27 Cumulative s of the Environmental Statement in terms of activities proposed within the project envelope and in relation to other proposed plans and projects within and in the vicinity of Newhaven. identification and evaluation for this project was carried out using a number of methods and techniques, including reference to guidelines, research, literature review and consultation, as agreed during the scoping phase. The significance of each Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015

22 predicted impact has been identified. The definitions used for assigning significance (unless indicated otherwise for topic specific assessments) are set out in Table 3.1. Table 3.1 Terminology for classifying environmental impacts Significance of impact Major Moderate Definition The impact gives rise to serious concern and it should be considered as unacceptable The impact gives rise to some concern but is likely to be tolerable depending on scale and duration The impact is undesirable but of limited concern Negligible No impact beneficial The impact is not of concern There is an absence of one or more of the following: impact source, pathway or receptor The impact is of minor significance but has some environmental benefit Moderate beneficial The impact provides some gain to the environment Major beneficial The impact provides a significant positive gain Where moderate or major impacts are identified, potential and practicable mitigation measures have been recommended. These aim to reduce the impact, as far as possible, to environmentally acceptable levels. With mitigation in place, the residual impact is assessed. 4 CONSULTATION 4.1 Introduction Consultation is a key element of the environmental impact assessment process. The main aim of consultation is to identify, at an early stage, the specific concerns of all of the bodies and organisations with an interest in the proposed scheme or the local area. As part of the environmental impact assessment investigations, a number of organisations and individuals with a direct interest in the proposed scheme or the study area were contacted with respect to their local knowledge, comments and concerns. Any feedback from consultees has informed the environmental impact assessment process and allowed adjustments to be made to the proposed scheme where necessary. 4.2 Previous Consultation Prior to the submission of the Environmental Scoping Report a number of consultation meetings were held to discuss the proposed Newhaven Port development, consenting Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015

23 requirements and potential environmental issues. Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd met and consulted with the Marine Management Organisation in April 2012 and Lewes District Council in May Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd also supplied the outputs of the various ecological and geotechnical surveys undertaken to support the development design and environmental impact assessment to Lewes District Council and the Marine Management Organisation. Lewes District Council responded to this information by providing high level comments on their expectations for the scope of the environmental impact assessment. In addition, Royal HaskoningDHV met with and consulted the Environment Agency and Natural England in June This consultation and its outcomes are summarised in Section 4 Consultation of the Environmental Statement. The proposed development and the consultation built on the previous extensive consultation that took place during the formulation of the Port Masterplan. 4.3 Current Consultation Screening and scoping In order to be guided by Lewes District Council and the Marine Management Organisation and as part of the formal application process it was necessary to formally ask Lewes District Council and the Marine Management Organisation whether an environmental impact assessment was necessary for this development and if so what in their (and their consultees) opinion were likely to be the elements of the assessment that would require particular focus. Known as a screening and scoping request this request was submitted to both to Lewes District Council and the Marine Management Organisation in October 2012, accompanied by an Environmental Scoping Report (Royal Haskoning, 2012). Screening and scoping request responses were all received from Lewes District Council and the Marine Management Organisation by mid-january The Marine Management Organisation consulted with a range of organisations, listed in Table 4.1, almost all of which provided formal scoping responses. The comments were incorporated into the Marine Management Organisation s Scoping Opinion and are also provided as comments from each individual organisation in Appendix 4.2 of the Environmental Statement. For reference, Table 4.1 provides signposting to the comment numbers(s) for each individual consultee in Appendix 4.2. Table 4.1 Consultee Environmental scoping consultees and Appendix 4.2 comment number Appendix 4.2 Comment Number Marine Management Organisation (Marine Management Organisation) 1-45 Natural England Environment Agency Royal Yachting Association Trinity House Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015

24 Consultee Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) Appendix 4.2 Comment Number The Crown Estate (TCE) 100 English Heritage Lewes District Council (Lewes District Council) South Downs National Park (SDNP) Further consultation with key consultees has been undertaken following receipt of the scoping responses, throughout the preparation of the Environmental Statement. A number of consultation meetings have been held to discuss key comments arising through the Scoping Opinion in order to agree a scope for the Environmental Statement. These meetings first commenced in June 2013 and continued through to submission of the Environmental Statement in January A summary of the key agreements and comments made by the consultees through these meetings (and where these have been incorporated or addressed) is provided in Section 4 of the Environmental Statement. 4.4 Public Exhibition A public exhibition was held for the project in October 2014 in Newhaven. The aim of the public exhibition was to promote understanding of what the development would involve and include the local community in the planning process. At the public exhibition, information on the proposals was displayed and approximately 250 attendees were given the opportunity to ask questions or voice or document any concerns that they had. Everyone who attended the public exhibition was offered a feedback form which presented them with the opportunity to give specific feedback as well as to make general comments. Throughout the event many attendees also relayed verbal feedback. Stakeholders were also invited to their comments on the proposed development via a designated project . A total of 25 responses to the proposals were received from the feedback forms and also via . Of these responses 14 were in favour of the proposals, 7 responses were opposed and four had no clear opinion of the proposal. Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015

25 Views on the Proposals No opinion In favour Opposed Key opinions of consultees included: The proposed port expansion and local area development is a wonderful opportunity for the Port and Newhaven Town ; Possible eastern entrance passing through the proposed new housing development seems totally inappropriate ; Yes please for the next generation ; There is not enough promise or thought about improving facilities for the ferry ; We are a marine business based on East Quay and we think that it would be such a benefit having this built. It would put Newhaven back on the map ; When is it going to get started? The sooner the better ; The development is taking our only other part sandy beach, depriving the people of Newhaven another beach for leisure pursuits ; Fantastic. Nice to see Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd doing work on the port for the future ; and would like reassurances that jobs would be for local people. 5 OPTIONS FOR USE OR DISPOSAL OF DREDGED MATERIAL 5.1 Overview In accordance with Marine Management Organisation Marine Planning Portal (Marine Management Organisation, 2014), alternative means of disposal of dredged material need to be considered as part of the environmental impact assessment process. Disposal at sea should be the last resort where no other viable options are available. Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015

26 Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd plan, where possible, minimise the amount of dredged material and to use dredged material as fill for the Land Development Area during Phase 2 or for other alternative uses. These potential uses have been explored as part of the licensing application process and would continue to be explored during consenting and if appropriate post-consent. If no alternative uses can be found for the dredged material then the intention would be to dispose of the material at the licensed Newhaven disposal ground (WI010), which is situated 1.9km to the south of the harbour entrance (see Figure 2.3). This is the nearest suitable offshore disposal ground to Newhaven and currently receives material arising from maintenance dredging at the Port of Newhaven. 6 NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS 6.1 Introduction Newhaven and the surrounding area are protected by a number of international and national designated sites of conversation importance. All sites that are within 6km of the proposed site have been considered and are shown in Figure 6.1. This radius has been selected based on the distance from Newhaven Port to the furthest site which has the potential to be affected by the proposed works. This is considered to be the Lewes Brooks Site of Special Scientific Interest which is located on the River Ouse 6km upstream from the port. Sites within this 6km radius which are not considered to have the potential to be affected, e.g. sites which are several km from the proposed development area, onshore and not in close proximity to the River Ouse, have been scoped out. 6.2 Internationally and Nationally Protected Sites There are no internationally designated sites, such as Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas or Ramsar sites within the study area (6km radius from the port) and, accordingly, none are considered within the Environmental Statement. The closest internationally designated site is the Lewes Downs Special Area of Conservation, located 8.3km to the north of Newhaven. There are three nationally protected sites within a 6km radius of the proposed works: Brighton to Newhaven Cliffs Site of Special Scientific Interest; Lewes Brooks Site of Special Scientific Interest; and Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone. The SDNP overlaps with part of Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd s freehold title, within the Tide Mills Site of Nature Conservation Interest along the western end of Seaford Beach (see Figure 6.2). 6.3 Locally Protected Sites Locally protected sites within 6km of the proposed works include: Castle Hill Local Nature Reserve; Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015

27 Tide Mills Site of Nature Conservation Interest; Newhaven Cliffs Site of Nature Conservation Interest; Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve; and Lewes Brooks RSPB Reserve. The assessment of potential impacts on designated sites arising from the proposed scheme is presented within the sections relevant to the designated features of those sites, these being; Section 7, Section 8, Section 10, Section 11 Fish and Shellfish Resources, Section 12 Ornithology and Section 13 Coastal and Terrestrial Ecology. Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015

28 Balsdean Bottom Downs Balsdean Dowland North High Hill Down Kingston Escarpment & Iford Hill Breaky Bottom Downs Cliff Grassland, Cairo Avenue, Peacehaven Beachy Head West Peacehaven Grasslands Site 1 Peacehaven Grasslands Site 2 Halcombe Farm Lewes Brooks Lewes Brooks Peacehaven Golf Course Newhaven Refuse Tip Newhaven Ponds Covered Reservoir, Links Lane, Meeching Peacehaven Down Peacehaven Heights Brighton to Newhaven Cliffs Red Lion Down Asham Quarry Newhaven Cliffs Beddingham Hill Tarring Neville Downs Tide Mills Blackcap Farm Bishopstone Downs Seaford Green site, Marine Parade Well Bottom Denton Hill Downs Firle Escarpment Tilton Down Blatchington Reservoir Blackstone Down Seaford to Beachy Head Legend: ± Study Area Dredge Footprint NPP Land Development Area Multi-Purpose Berth Area Footprint Breakwater Footprint Proposed Nature Reserve Designated Sites Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) Local Nature Reserve (LNR) South Downs National Park Client: Project: Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd Newhaven East Quay and Port Expansion Area Beachy Head West Seaford Head Title: Designated sites within a 6km radius of the Port of Newhaven Figure: 6.1 Drawing No: PB1453/002/012 Revision: Date: Drawn: Checked: Size: Scale: 03 08/12/14 LB AC A /03/14 LB JG A4 Co-ordinate system: British National Grid 1:65,000 1:65, Kilometres Source: Natural England 2014, Lewes District Council 2014 HaskoningDHV UK Ltd. Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey ROYAL HASKONINGDHV MARITIME & WATERWAYS BURNS HOUSE HARLANDS ROAD HAYWARDS HEATH RH16 1PG +44 (0)

29 ± South Downs National Park Legend: Dredge Footprint NPP Land Development Area Tide Mills Multi-Purpose Berth Area Footprint Breakwater Footprint Proposed Nature Reserve Designated Sites Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve Local Nature Reserve (LNR) Castle Hill, Nehaven Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) Newhaven Cliffs National Park Brighton to Newhaven Cliffs Client: Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd Project: Newhaven East Quay and Port Expansion Area Title: Designated sites relative to the dredge and onshore work footprints Beachy Head West Figure: Revision: 6.2 Drawing No: PB1453/002/013 Date: Drawn: Checked: Size: Scale: Beachy Head West 03 08/12/14 LB JG A4 1:10, /03/14 LB JG A4 1:10,000 Co-ordinate system: British National Grid Metres Source: Natural England 2014, Lewes District Council 2014 HaskoningDHV UK Ltd. Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey ROYAL HASKONINGDHV MARITIME & WATERWAYS BURNS HOUSE HARLANDS ROAD HAYWARDS HEATH RH16 1PG +44 (0)

30 7 COASTAL PROCESSES 7.1 Introduction This section provides a summary of the existing coastal processes within the study area and provides a brief overview of the assessment of effects. 7.2 Existing Environment Geological setting The majority of the East Sussex coastline, between Shoreham-By-Sea and Beachy Head, is dominated by erosional landforms, excluding Newhaven Harbour and Seaford Beach (Bray et al., 2004). The coastline is composed of Upper Cretaceous chalk (which forms the South Downs) (Figure 7.1), formed into cliffs and wave cut platforms. Chalk cliffs occur along the coastline from Eastbourne to Brighton, interrupted by the narrow valleys of the Rivers Cuckmere and Ouse, which cut through the South Downs (JNCC, 1998). To the west of Newhaven Port, the Brighton to Newhaven Cliffs Site of Special Scientific Interest exhibits some of the best geological examples (and most extensively exposed) of the Offaster pilula Chalk Zone in England (Natural England, 1986). Figure 7.1 Coastal Geology of the south coast of England [JNCC, 1998] Bathymetry Directly east of Newhaven Port, the shingle beach of Seaford and the seabed immediately offshore from Newhaven is characterised by a near uniform, gently southerly dipping platform. The 10m depth contour is located about 875m offshore from the western end of Seaford Beach becoming progressively closer to the shore at the eastern end of Seaford Beach, where it occurs approximately 500m offshore. Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015

31 The seabed is uncharacteristically elevated to over 0m Chart Datum, and forms a sand bank in the lee of the West Breakwater, west of the approach channel Wave climate Tides Wave data collected from the Channel Coast Observatory s Seaford Buoy, located offshore approximately 2km southeast of the inner harbour entrance indicates that waves mainly approach from a west-south-west direction and are most frequently between 0.2 and 1.2m in height with a maximum significant wave height of 5.2m. The inner harbour and the majority of the approach channel are sheltered from westsouth-west waves by the West Breakwater. Waves approaching the coast from the south and south-east sectors are able to enter the approach channel, although they are less energetic due to their shorter fetch. The entrance to the inner harbour is protected from south-easterly approaching waves by the East Pier. Within the inner harbour the smallest tidal range is approximately 3.13m and the greatest tidal range is approximately 5.97m. The maximum tidal surge recorded within the inner harbour was 1.3m. Within the English Channel, approximately 200m offshore from Newhaven Port, the predominant tidal currents flow towards the east during the flood and towards the west during the ebb. During the flood tidal flow, water is driven around the West Breakwater creating a counter-clockwise eddy over the shallow area west of the dredged approach channel. The water then enters the inner harbour and the tidal section of the River Ouse. During the ebb tide, the flow within the English Channel is from east to west. Water from the Ouse Estuary and inner harbour (during the ebb tide) joins the east to west flow within the English Channel by way of the approach channel Seabed sediment composition Sediment within the inner harbour and approach channel are generally comprised of sands, clays and silts with varying organic content and occasional flint gravel. Sediment in the southern section of the approach channel consisted of chalk and sand, with the occasional presence of flint gravel also recorded. The seabed sediments offshore of the approach channel are predominantly fine to medium sands, sandy silts and silty clays Sedimentary processes To the east of Newhaven Port, at various unprotected sites along the coast the chalk cliffs are eroding (Bray et al., 2004). This erosion contributes flint which forms and maintains the shingle beaches along the East Sussex coastline. An estimated 2,682 tonnes per year of sediment also enters the coastal system via the River Ouse (Bray et al., 2004). The predominant south-westerly wave approach drives sediment eastward which is interrupted by a number of structures (Bray et al., 2004). The West Breakwater acts as a partial boundary for sediment transport, with sediment accumulation occurring on the western side of the structure (Figure 7.2). In the lee of the West Breakwater, sediment is carried in the recirculating eddy. Fluvial sediment enters the sea, and this is partially transported offshore. However, siltation of Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement January 2015