Applying the proposed Strategic Siting Assessment Criteria: a study of the potential environmental and sustainability effects Appendices

Transcription

1 Towards a nuclear national policy statement Applying the proposed Strategic Siting Assessment Criteria: a study of the potential environmental and sustainability effects Appendices JULY 2008

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3 Contents Appendices Appendix A Amendments to the SEA Objectives, Guide Questions and Indicators Appendix B Review of Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives Appendix C1 Baseline Data Collation Appendix C2 Results of Radioactivity Monitoring Around Existing Nuclear Power Station Sites Appendix C3 Summary of Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities Appendix D Assessment Matrices Appendix E - Abbreviations Figures Figure 1 Nature Conservation Features Figure 2 Heritage Features Figure 3 Landscape Features Figure 4 Flood Areas Figure 5 Transport and Settlement 1

4 The environmental study appendices has been prepared with expert input from specialist planning and environmental consultancy Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited 2

5 Appendix A Amendments to the SEA Objectives, Guide Questions and Indicators Text in bold indicates a change made since the scoping consultation. The guide question and indicator column present those guide questions and indicators that have been developed since the scoping consultation and which will be used in addition to those presented in the Scoping Report. SEA Directive Original SEA Objectives Revised SEA Objectives Original Guide Guide Questions (only Original Indicators Additional Indicators (only Topic (presented in Scoping Questions(presented in (presented in Scoping Report) Scoping Report) Report) additional or modified guide questions are identified which will be used in addition to those identified in the Scoping Report) additional or modified indicators are identified which will be used in addition to those identified in the Scoping Report) Biodiversity, Flora 1. To avoid adverse 1. To avoid adverse Will it result in the loss Will it affect the Location of the following Collated for the and Fauna impacts on designated impacts on the integrity of habitats of structure and internationally and Environmental Study wildlife sites of of wildlife sites of international/national function/ecosystem nationally designated Presence and location of international and international and importance? processes that are sites: the following national importance national importance. essential to restoring, SPAs internationally and 2. To avoid adverse impacts on valuable ecological networks 3. To avoid adverse impacts on protected habitats and species 2. To avoid adverse impacts on valuable ecological networks and ecosystem functionality. 3. To avoid adverse impacts on Priority Habitats and Species including European Protected Species. Will it affect other statutory or nonstatutory wildlife sites? Will it result in harm to internationally or nationally important species? Will it adversely affect the achievement of favourable conservation status for internationally and nationally importance wildlife sites? Will it maintain BAP habitats and species in line with UK BAP targets? Will it result in the release of harmful substances e.g. oil, fuel and other pollution into watercourses which could affect aquatic securing and/or maintaining favourable condition of a feature or a site? Will the proposal enable the BAP targets for maintenance, restoration and expansion to be met? Will the proposal result in changes to coastal evolution that is needed to sustain coastal habitats? SACs Ramsar Sites NNRs MNRs SSSI/ASSIs (Northern Ireland only) MCAs AoSPs (England, Scotland and Wales) and Wildlife Refuges (Northern Ireland). Biosphere Reserves Areas of Ancient Woodland Location of Sensitive Marine Areas Location of Local Wildlife Sites Location of LNRs (England, Scotland, Wales) and LANRs in Northern Ireland. Limestone Pavement Orders Collation of local level nationally designated sites: SPAs (and pspas) SACs (and csacs and dsacs/psacs) To be collated for Environmental Report Condition of designated sites 3

6 SEA Directive Original SEA Objectives Revised SEA Objectives Original Guide Guide Questions (only Original Indicators Additional Indicators (only Topic (presented in Scoping Questions(presented in (presented in Scoping Report) Scoping Report) Report) ecosystems? Will it result in the accidental migration of radionuclides which could harm aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems? additional or modified guide questions are identified which will be used in addition to those identified in the Scoping Report) species records e.g. protected species records from Local Wildlife Trusts and local authority records. additional or modified indicators are identified which will be used in addition to those identified in the Scoping Report) Will it result in changes to stream hydrology and morphology that could affect aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems? Will it result in thermal discharges that could adversely affect aquatic ecosystems? Will it result in soil contamination that could damage aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems? Population and 4. To create employment 4. To create employment Will it create both Will it adversely affect Population Whilst no additional human health opportunities opportunities temporary and the health of the The location of major indicators are proposed 5. To encourage the 5. To encourage the permanent jobs in areas workforce? settlements and areas of for human health and development of development of of need? population population it is sustainable communities 6. To protect physical sustainable communities 1 6. To avoid adverse Will it result in inmigration Will it impact upon different vulnerable Age structure working age population of population? communities locally? health impacts on physical 7. To protect mental health. Unemployment important to note the overlaps with other topic areas e.g. landscape. 1 The Egan Review states that sustainable communities meet the diverse needs of existing and future residents, their children and other users, contribute to a high quality of life and provide opportunity and choice. They achieve this in ways that make effective use of natural resources, enhance the environment, promote social cohesion and inclusion and strengthen economic prosperity (ODPM (2004) The Egan Review, Skills for Sustainable Communities) 4

7 SEA Directive Original SEA Objectives Revised SEA Objectives Original Guide Guide Questions (only Original Indicators Additional Indicators (only Topic (presented in Scoping Questions(presented in (presented in Scoping Report) Scoping Report) Report) health 7. To avoid adverse impacts on mental health. Will it result in outmigration of population? Will it affect the population dynamics of nearby communities (age-structure)? Will it result in changes to services and service capacity in population centres? Will it adversely affect the health of local communities through accidental radioactive discharges or exposure to radiation? Will the storage of radioactive waste result in adverse physical and mental health effects for local communities? Will exposure to noise and vibration as a result of plant activities lead to physical and mental health impacts on nearby communities? Will the perceptions of adverse risk as a result of activities lead to adverse additional or modified guide questions are identified which will be used in addition to those identified in the Scoping Report) Will it help to reduce health inequalities? Economic activity rates Job density Average earnings by residence Radiation exposure to the public Radioactivity levels in the environment Life expectancy at birth and age 65 Index of Multiple Deprivation overall domain and sub-domains where relevant Rates of Leukaemia (Crude rate per 100,000 population) Perinatal, infant and neonatal mortality rates Healthy life expectancy at age 65 Standardised Mortality Ratio Cancer mortality statistics per 100,000 population Age standardised incidence and mortality statistics for most common cancers Percentage of population in not good health Ten most common causes of cancer deaths in males and females additional or modified indicators are identified which will be used in addition to those identified in the Scoping Report) The Rates of Leukaemia (crude rate per 100,000 population) has been removed from the SEA. 5

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9 SEA Directive Original SEA Objectives Revised SEA Objectives Original Guide Guide Questions (only Original Indicators Additional Indicators (only Topic (presented in Scoping Questions(presented in additional or modified (presented in Scoping additional or modified Report) Scoping Report) guide questions are Report) indicators are identified which Material Assets 8. To avoid adverse impacts on the function and efficiency of the strategic transport infrastructure 9. To avoid disruption to basic services and infrastructure 10.To avoid adverse impacts on property and land values and to avoid planning blight 11. To avoid the loss of recreational and amenity land 8. To avoid adverse impacts on the function and efficiency of the strategic transport infrastructure 9. To avoid disruption to basic services and infrastructure To avoid adverse impacts on property and land values and to avoid planning blight 11. To avoid the loss of access and recreational opportunities, their quality and user convenience Will it result in the direct loss of strategic road/rail/air/port infrastructure? Will it result in increased congestion/pressure on key transport infrastructure? Will it result in a decrease in property and land values as a result of a change in perceptions or blight? Will it result in the loss of recreational and amenity land? identified which will be used in addition to those identified in the Scoping Report) Will it result in loss or disruption to basic services and infrastructure? the location of recreational land, Woodland Parks, Country Parks. Collation of more regional/localised data in relation to access to services, housing and public transport infrastructure. Location of strategic rail links Location of strategic road network Location of airports Location of ports Average property values Collation of more regional/localised data in relation to access to services, housing and public transport infrastructure will be used in addition to those identified in the Scoping Report) To be collated for the Environmental Report as appropriate Presence and location of COMAH Sites Presence and location of Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Air and Climatic 12. To avoid adverse 12. To avoid adverse Will it result in the Will it take account of Location of AQMAs To be collated for the Factors impacts upon air quality impacts upon air quality release of low level future effects and risks Regional distribution of Environmental Study as 13. To minimise 13. To minimise radionuclides that may of climate change e.g. net greenhouse gas appropriate greenhouse gas emissions greenhouse gas emissions adversely affect human sea level rise? emissions Radiation exposure to 14. To avoid increased 14. To avoid increased health or biodiversity? Contribution of sectors the public (from RIFE flood risk (including flood risk (including Will it result in increased Will future changes in to greenhouse gas 12) vehicular emissions Sites 2 Basic services include GP surgeries, post offices, primary schools, food shops and bus stops. 7

10 SEA Directive Original SEA Objectives Revised SEA Objectives Original Guide Guide Questions (only Original Indicators Additional Indicators (only Topic (presented in Scoping Questions(presented in (presented in Scoping Report) Scoping Report) Report) Water coastal flood risk) 15. To avoid adverse impacts on surface water hydrology and channel geomorphology (including coastal geomorphology) 16. To avoid adverse impacts on surface water quality (including coastal water quality) 17. To protect the supply of water resources 18. To avoid adverse impacts on groundwater quality, distribution and flow coastal flood risk) and seek to reduce risks where possible 15. To avoid adverse impacts on surface water hydrology and channel geomorphology (including coastal geomorphology) 16. To avoid adverse impacts on surface water quality (including coastal and marine water quality) and assist achievement of Water Framework Directive objectives 17. To avoid adverse impacts on the supply of water resources 18. To avoid adverse impacts on groundwater quality, distribution and flow and assist achievement of Water Framework Directive objectives (particularly carbon dioxide)? Will it contribute to an increase in the number or expansion of AQMAs? Will it result in the loss of floodplain? Will it increase surface water runoff and therefore increase flood risk? Will it result in the increased sedimentation of watercourses? Will it adversely affect channel geomorphology? Will it cause deterioration in surface and groundwater quality as a result of accidental pollution, for example spillages, leaks? Will it cause deterioration in surface and groundwater quality as a result of the disturbance of contaminated soil? Will it increase the sediment loading of watercourses? Will it adversely affect water supply as a result of abstraction? Will hydrology and flow regimes be adversely additional or modified guide questions are identified which will be used in addition to those identified in the Scoping Report) weather patterns be considered? Are there alternatives to reduce the risk of flooding through secondary defences or design of the station? Will it result in demand for higher defence standards that will impact on coastal processes? Can the higher defence standards be achieved without compromising habitat quality and sediment transport? Will it increase turbidity in watercourses? Will it increase the temperature of watercourses? emissions Location of fluvial and tidal floodplain Areas benefiting from flood defences Flood water storage areas Chemical and biological water quality (further details to be collated at nominated sites stage where applicable) Freshwater Fish Directive Sites Bathing Water Quality Designated Shellfish Waters Groundwater Source Protection Zones (England and Wales) Groundwater vulnerability additional or modified indicators are identified which will be used in addition to those identified in the Scoping Report) Radioactivity levels in the environment (from RIFE 12) To be collated for the Environmental Report as appropriate Location of coastal defences Whilst no additional indicators have been identified, there will be considerable overlap at the nominated sites stage with the air and climate topic in relation to coastal defences and flood water storage areas. 8

11 SEA Directive Original SEA Objectives Revised SEA Objectives Original Guide Guide Questions (only Original Indicators Additional Indicators (only Topic (presented in Scoping Questions(presented in (presented in Scoping Report) Scoping Report) Report) affected by water abstraction? Will it affect designated Shellfish Waters? Will it affect Freshwater Fish Directive Sites? additional or modified guide questions are identified which will be used in addition to those identified in the Scoping Report) additional or modified indicators are identified which will be used in addition to those identified in the Scoping Report) Soils and Geology 19. To avoid damage to 19. To avoid damage to Will it result in the No additional guide Location of geological Location of Geological (Geology is not an important geological geological resources compaction and erosion questions identified. SSSIs/ASSIs Conservation Review SEA Directive sites 20. To avoid the use of of soils? Location of Geoparks Sites topic but is linked to the soil resource and is essential to consider) 20. To avoid the use of greenfield land and encourage the re-use of brownfield sites greenfield land and encourage the re-use of brownfield sites 21. To avoid the contamination of soils and adverse impacts on soil functions Will it lead to the removal or alteration of soil structure and function? Will it lead to the contamination of soils which would affect biodiversity and human health Will it compromise the future extraction/use of geological/mineral reserves? Will it result in the loss agricultural land? Will it lead to damage to geological SSSIs and other geological sites Will it result in the loss of greenfield land? Will it adversely affect land under land management agreements? Location of RIGS Recorded mineral sites Areas of known mining instability COMAH Sites Collation of data in relation to the importance of soil functions and quality e.g. data about contamination, the location of areas of peat. Cultural Heritage 21. To avoid adverse 22. To avoid adverse Will it adversely affect No additional guide Location of World Collated for the 9

12 SEA Directive Original SEA Objectives Revised SEA Objectives Original Guide Guide Questions (only Original Indicators Additional Indicators (only Topic (presented in Scoping Questions(presented in (presented in Scoping Report) Scoping Report) Report) additional or modified guide questions are identified which will be used in addition to those identified in the Scoping Report) additional or modified indicators are identified which will be used in addition to those identified in the Scoping Report) including impacts on the impacts on the historic sites of questions identified. Heritage Sites Environmental Study architectural and internationally and internationally and international/national Location of Scheduled The number of Listed archaeological nationally important nationally important importance and their Monuments Buildings heritage features of the historic features of the historic setting? Location of Historic To be collated for the environment environment. Will it adversely affect Battlefields Environmental Report as 22. To avoid adverse 23. To avoid adverse other historic sites of Location of Designated appropriate impacts on the setting impacts on the setting known value? Protected Wrecks Location of and quality of built and quality of built Will it adversely affect heritage, archaeology heritage, archaeology Location of Registered Conservation Areas landscapes of historic and historic landscapes. and historic landscapes. Parks and Gardens Location of Listed importance? Buildings Conservation Areas The Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest in Wales will be consulted as necessary The relevant Sites and Monuments records will be consulted. Landscape 23. To avoid adverse impacts on internationally and nationally important landscapes 24. To avoid adverse impacts on landscape character, quality and tranquillity 24. To avoid adverse impacts on nationally important landscapes 25. To avoid adverse impacts on landscape character, quality and tranquillity, diversity and distinctiveness Will it adversely affect landscapes within or immediately adjacent to a National Park? Will it adversely affect landscapes in or immediately adjacent to an AONB or NSA? Will it adversely affect Heritage Coast or Preferred Conservation Zones? Will it adversely affect local landscapes of value? Will it adversely affect local landscapes/townscapes of value? Will it affect the levels of tranquillity in an area? Will it adversely affect landscape character or distinctiveness? Will it result in increased levels of light pollution? Location of National Parks Location of AONBs (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) and NSA (Scotland) Heritage Coast (England and Wales) and Preferred Conservation Zones (Scotland) Location of Country Parks Location of Regional Parks Location of Woodland Parks Identification of To be collated for the Environmental Report as appropriate Landscape Character Areas (further details) 10

13 SEA Directive Topic Original SEA Objectives (presented in Scoping Report) Revised SEA Objectives Original Guide Questions(presented in Scoping Report) Guide Questions (only additional or modified guide questions are identified which will be used in addition to those identified in the Scoping Report) Original Indicators (presented in Scoping Report) landscapes of local importance Additional Indicators (only additional or modified indicators are identified which will be used in addition to those identified in the Scoping Report) 11

14 Appendix B Review of Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives Table B1 - International Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives Key objectives or requirements of the plan, programme or environmental objective Key targets and/or indicators relevant to the plan or programme (if applicable) How objectives might be taken on board in SEA and/or plan/programme Aarhus Convention (Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters) (1998) The Convention addresses the need to guarantee the rights of access There are no specific targets or indicators of relevance. to information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters. There is a requirement for these provisions to be implemented in the Member States. Air Quality Framework Directives (96/62/EC) and Daughter Directives (1999/30/EC), (2000/69/EC), (2002/3/EC), (2004/107/EC) The SEA process is consistent with the principles of the Convention. Enough time needs to be provided for in the SEA process to permit consultation in accordance with Aarhus requirements. The NPS will be subject to public consultation. The Framework Directive establishes a framework under which the Thresholds for pollutants are included in the Directives. The SEA framework should include objectives that address EC will agree air quality limit values or guide values for specified the protection of air quality. pollutants in a series of Daughter Directives. The development of new nuclear power stations has the The Directives contain limit values relating to the pollutants and it potential to contribute to a reduction in certain air is necessary for these targets to be translated into UK legislation. emissions by reducing the reliance on other energy facilities which might typically contribute to adverse air quality. Other air emissions from nuclear power stations would have to be appropriately monitored and controlled. Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (1979) The main objectives of the Convention are to conserve wild flora and fauna and their natural habitats, especially those species and habitats whose conservation requires the co-operation of several States, and therefore the Convention promotes such co-operation. Particular emphasis is given to endangered and vulnerable species, including migratory species. In order to achieve this the Convention imposes legal obligations on contracting parties, protecting over 500 wild plant species and more than 1000 wild animal species. Each Contracting Party is obliged to: Promote national policies for the conservation of wild flora, wild fauna and natural habitats, with particular attention to endangered and vulnerable species, especially endemic ones, and endangered habitats, in accordance with the provisions of this Convention. Undertake, in its planning and development policies and in its measures against pollution, to have regard to the conservation of wild flora and fauna. Promote education and disseminate general information on the There are no specific targets or indicators of relevance. 12 The SEA should take into account the habitats and species that have been identified under the Convention, and should include provision for the preservation and protection of the environment. Information about the location of internationally designated sites should be collated. If inappropriately developed, new nuclear power stations have the potential to adversely affect wildlife and habitats both directly and indirectly. The siting criteria developed as part of the NPS should carefully consider the location of potential sites in relation to European Designated Sites. Such sites include those designated within the Natura 2000 network. These are Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and their draft/potential/possible equivalents including Sites of Community Importance. Ramsar sites are also of international importance.

15 Key objectives or requirements of the plan, programme or environmental objective need to conserve species of wild flora and fauna and their habitats. Key targets and/or indicators relevant to the plan or programme (if applicable) How objectives might be taken on board in SEA and/or plan/programme Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (1979) The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (also known as the Bonn Convention) was adopted in Bonn, Germany in 1979, and is an intergovernmental treaty under United Nation s Environment Programme. The aim is for contracting parties to work together to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species and their habitats (on a global scale) by providing strict protection for endangered migratory species. The overarching objectives are: Promote, co-operate in and support research relating to migratory species. Endeavour to provide immediate protection for migratory species included in Appendix I. Endeavour to conclude Agreements covering the conservation and management of migratory species included in Appendix II. There are no specific targets or indicators of relevance. Children s Environment and Health Action Plan for Europe (CEHAPE) 2004 This Plan is a document for policy makers, addressing the There are no specific targets or indicators of relevance. environmental risk factors that most affect the health of European children. It was adopted by European Minsters at the Fourth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health (2004), the subject of which was the Future for our Children, and is led by the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe (WHO Euro). The aim of the CEHAPE is to protect the health of children and young people from environmental hazards. It recognises that children s exposure to such hazards is influenced by the state of the physical environment, and socioeconomic conditions, and individual and group behaviour. It therefore states that effective action for protecting children s health should emphasise: Primary prevention (through specific policies, programmes and plans) Equity (giving priority to children at highest risk) Poverty reduction Health promotion These principles, together with the need to focus on the main causes of the environment related burden of disease, frame the contents of the four Regional Priority Goals: The SEA should include objectives protecting biodiversity and protected species. If inappropriately developed, new nuclear power stations have the potential to adversely affect wildlife and habitats both directly and indirectly. The siting criteria developed as part of the NPS should carefully consider the location of potential sites in relation to European Designated Sites. Such sites include those designated within the Natura 2000 network. These are Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and their draft/potential/possible equivalents including Sites of Community Importance. Ramsar sites are also of international importance. Adverse effects on these sites should be avoided. The SEA will consider impacts to human health and an objective to seek to protect human health should be included in the SEA framework. The baseline data collation process should also characterise the existing health profiles of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland using appropriate health determinants relevant to the siting focus of the study. New nuclear power stations could result in a range of direct and indirect impacts upon human health, for example the potential contamination of drinking water or the loss of land used for recreational purposes. The process of developing the siting criteria as part of the SSA need to ensure that potential human health impacts that could be affected by siting are fully considered. 13

16 Key objectives or requirements of the plan, programme or environmental objective RPG I: ensure safe water and adequate sanitation RPG II: ensure protection from injuries and adequate physical activity RPG III: ensure clean outdoor and indoor air RPG IV: aim at chemical-free environments A Children s Environment and Health Strategy for the UK is currently out for consultation for feedback from interested parties. The consultation period began in March 2008, extending for a period of 12 weeks. Following the consultation a final Strategy will be published, which will provide recommendations for the way forward to the UK Government. Key targets and/or indicators relevant to the plan or programme (if applicable) How objectives might be taken on board in SEA and/or plan/programme Convention on Nuclear Safety The Convention on Nuclear Safety came into force in Autumn Its aims is to legally commit participating States operating land based nuclear power stations to maintain a high level of safety by setting international benchmarks. The Convention is an incentive instrument designed to achieve higher levels of safety. There are no specific targets or indicators of relevance. The SEA and the process of developing the NPS will take account of issues relating to the safety of nuclear power stations in respect of both workers at new nuclear power stations and also the wider population. Council Directive 96/29/EURATOM laying down basic safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionising radiation The Directive applies to all practices which involve a risk from ionising radiation resulting from an artificial source or from a natural radiation source. The Directive identifies a number of practices that each Member State will require prior authorisation for, which includes the operation and decommissioning of the nuclear fuel cycle and exploitation and closure of uranium mining. The Directive also outlines the requirement to ensure that all new classes or types of practice resulting in exposure to ionising radiation are justified in advance of being adopted or approved. The fundamental principles governing operational protection of exposed workers and the need for radiation protection arrangements to be made in workplaces are outlined. The Directive defines dose limits for workers stating that the limit shall be 100 millisieverts (msv) in a consecutive five-year period, subject to a maximum effective dose of 50 msv in any single year, and Member States may decide an annual amount. For members of the public, the limit for effective dose shall be 1mSv in a year. However, in special circumstances, a higher effective dose may be authorised in a single year provided that the average over five consecutive years does not exceed 1mSv per year. There are also limits defined for apprentices and students and during pregnancy. The SEA will consider impacts to human health and an objective should be included in the SEA framework that seeks to protect physical health. Risks associated with exposure to ionising radiation will be an integral element of the SSA criteria and the SEA. This could be covered in the SEA through a high-level assessment of radiation exposure risks to human health and safety as a result of developing new nuclear power stations in certain locations. The Government is also running a Justification process in accordance with the Justification of Practices Involving Ionising Radiation Regulations Article 37 the Euratom Treaty 1957 relating to changes in emissions Every time a Member State alters the way in which it plans to There are no specific targets or indicators of relevance. The SEA will consider impacts to human health and an dispose of radioactive waste or has a new facility which may objective should be included in the SEA framework that increase emissions it must make a submission to the Commission, seeks to protect physical health. known as an Article 37 submission. This must provide enough data to Risks associated with exposure to ionising radiation will 14

17 Key objectives or requirements of the plan, programme or environmental objective make it possible to determine whether the implementation of such plans is liable to result in the radioactive contamination of the water, soil or airspace of another Member state. The Commission deliver its opinion within six months, after consulting the group of experts referred to in Article 31. Until the opinion of the Commission has been received an authorisation to carry out the work cannot be given. The details of how this system operates are set out in Commission Recommendation 1999/829/Euratom of 6 December 1999 on the application of Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty. Key targets and/or indicators relevant to the plan or programme (if applicable) How objectives might be taken on board in SEA and/or plan/programme be an integral element of the SSA criteria and the SEA. The Government is also running a Justification process in accordance with the Justification of Practices Involving Ionising Radiation Regulations Directive on the Assessment and Management of Flood Risks (2007/60/EC) This Directive aims to reduce and manage the risks that floods pose to human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity. It requires Member States to assess whether all water courses and coast lines are at risk from flooding, to map the flood extent and assets and humans at risk in these areas, and to take adequate and coordinated measures to reduce this flood risk. It also reinforces the rights of the public to access this information and to have a say in the planning process. The Directive shall be carried out in coordination with the Water Framework Directive, most notably through flood risk management plans and river basin management plans, and also through coordination of the public participation procedures in the preparation of these plans. There are no specific targets or indicators of relevance. The SEA will include objectives that promote the reduction and management of flood risk. Information in relation to floodplains etc needs to be gathered through the baseline data collection process. Adapting to the impacts of flood risk will be considered as part of the siting process and avoiding flood risk areas will be considered through the process of developing the SSA criteria. Directive on the Conservation of European Wild Birds (79/406/EEC) This Directive relates to the conservation of all species of naturally occurring birds in the wild state in the European territory of the Member States to which the Treaty applies, including the designation of certain habitats as Special Protection Areas (SPA). It covers the protection, management and control of these species and lays down rules for their exploitation, and also the prevention of pollution / deterioration of habitats or any disturbances affecting the birds. The main provisions are the maintenance of favourable conservation status of all wild bird species, the identification and classification of Special Protection Areas for rare/vulnerable species and the establishment of schemes for the protection of wild birds. Member States are required to define Special Protection Areas for rare or vulnerable species listed in the Directive. There are no specific targets or indicators of relevance. The SEA should include objectives which protect biodiversity and protected species. If inappropriately developed, new nuclear power stations have the potential to adversely affect wildlife and habitats both directly and indirectly and the NPS should carefully consider the location of potential sites in relation to European Designated Sites. The process of developing the criteria, as part of the SSA, should seek to avoid significant adverse impacts on wild birds and their vulnerable habitats including SPAs. Directive to Promote Electricity from Renewable Energy (2001/77/EC) The purpose of this Directive is to promote an increase in the contribution of renewable energy sources to electricity production Member States shall take appropriate steps to encourage greater consumption of electricity produced from 15 Whilst nuclear power stations are not categorised as renewable facilities owing to their use of uranium, these

18 Key objectives or requirements of the plan, programme or environmental objective in the internal market for electricity and to create a basis for a future Community framework. Key targets and/or indicators relevant to the plan or programme (if applicable) renewable energy sources in conformity with the national indicative targets. How objectives might be taken on board in SEA and/or plan/programme facilities would reduce reliance on other non-renewable forms of energy. Directive 2006/7/EC concerning the management of bathing water quality and repealing Council Directive 76/160/EEC The Directive sets standards for the monitoring and classification of Classifications in accordance with the new Directive must The SEA framework should include objectives and bathing water quality, the management of bathing water quality and be carried out by baseline information relating to coastal water quality. the provision of information to the public on bathing water quality. The development of the criteria as part of the SSA should consider the impact of the siting of nuclear power stations on coastal water quality. Directive on the Conservation of European Wildlife and of Wild Fauna and Flora (92/43/EEC) The objective of the Directive is to contribute towards ensuring the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora within the European Community. Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC) The Directive sets standards for a range of drinking water quality parameters. The target for Member States is to take measures to maintain or restore at favourable conservation status, natural habitats and species of Community importance. This includes Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and it is usually accepted as also including Ramsar sites. These are known as European Sites. In undertaking these measures Member States are required to take account of economic, social and cultural requirements and regional and local characteristics. Plans that may adversely affect the integrity of European Sites may be required to be subject to Appropriate Assessment under the Directive. The Directive includes standards that constitute legal limits. Directive on Environmental Noise (2002/49/EC) The aim of the Directive is to define a common approach intended There are no specific targets or indicators of relevance. to avoid, prevent or reduce the harmful effects including annoyance due to exposure to environmental noise. Each Member State is expected to determine exposure to environmental noise through noise mapping, ensure that information on environmental noise and its effects is made available to the public and to adopt action plans based upon noise mapping results with a view to preventing and reducing environmental noise where necessary, and particularly where exposure effects could induce harmful effects on human health. The SEA should include objectives that address issues such as protection of biodiversity and habitats, and notably relate to the effects on European Designated Sites. The location of European Designated Sites should be identified through the baseline data collection process. The NPS should have regard to the objectives of the Directive and the strength of protection given to European Designated Sites. A screening exercise in accordance with the Habitats Directive requirements should be considered to determine whether Appropriate Assessment should be undertaken of the NPS. The SEA framework should include objectives that address water quality. The criteria developed as part of the SSA should consider the impact on water quality of the siting of nuclear power stations. New nuclear power stations could result in noise disturbance to local populations as a result of the movement of construction traffic and construction works. During the operation of the facilities there would also be operational noise generated by traffic and machinery. Noise would also be generated during decommissioning when dismantling structures. Noise and vibration can affect human health and disturb wildlife. Suitable objectives need to be developed as part of the SEA Framework. Noise and vibration impacts should be considered in the SEA. 16

19 Key objectives or requirements of the plan, programme or environmental objective Directive on Waste 75/442/EEC (as replaced by Directive 2006/12/EC) The 1975 framework Directive on waste was revised by a number of amendments and a new codified version came into force in This is the only legally valid version of the Waste Framework Directive. The Directive establishes a framework for the management of waste across the European Community. It requires Member States to Give priority to waste prevention and encourage re-use and recovery of waste Prohibit the uncontrolled disposal of waste Establish an integrated network of disposal installations Prepare waste management plans Ensure that the cost of disposal is borne by the waste holder Ensure waste carriers are registered Ensure that waste is recovered or disposed of without endangering human health. The Directive s overarching requirements are supplemented by other Directives for other waste streams. Directive on the Landfill of Waste (99/31/EC) The Directive is intended, by way of stringent operational and technical requirements on the waste and landfills, to prevent or reduce the adverse effects of the landfill of waste on the environment, in particular on surface water, groundwater, soil, air and human health. Key targets and/or indicators relevant to the plan or programme (if applicable) There are no specific targets or indicators of relevance. The Directive establishes guidelines and targets for the quantities of biodegradable waste being sent to landfill. These are not directly relevant to this study. How objectives might be taken on board in SEA and/or plan/programme The development and operation of the facilities would generate non-radioactive that will need appropriate management. Radioactive waste is not addressed in this Directive The SEA should take account of the fact that nonradioactive waste will be created which will have to be managed. The development and operation of the facilities would generate non-radioactive waste. The SEA should take account of the fact that nonradioactive waste will be created which will have to be managed. Environmental Liability Directive 2004/35/EC The Directive focuses upon the prevention and remedying of environmental damage specifically damage to habitats and species protected by EC law, damage to water resources and land contamination which presents a threat to human health. The Directive is based on the polluter pays principle. Polluters would, therefore, be responsible for remediating the damage they cause to the environment or for measures to prevent imminent threat of damage. Local authorities would be responsible for enforcing the regime in the public interest. The Directive provides specific criteria to determine when damage is significant. Annex I of the Directive includes criteria for determining whether effects are significant. This could be used to inform the SEA process. 17 The principles of environmental protection are of direct relevance to the SEA and the NPS, although damage from nuclear and maritime accidents falls outside the scope of this Directive. The SEA framework should include a number of objectives addressing environmental protection in particular recognising the need to prevent pollution to air, land and water. The process of developing the SSA criteria should consider environmental protection.

20 Key objectives or requirements of the plan, programme or environmental objective Damage from nuclear and maritime accidents falls outside the scope of the regime. Key targets and/or indicators relevant to the plan or programme (if applicable) How objectives might be taken on board in SEA and/or plan/programme Espoo Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (1991) The Convention was adopted in 1991 and entered into force in September The UK is party to the Convention. The Convention sets out the obligations of Parties to assess the environmental impact of certain activities at an early stage of planning. It also lays down the general obligations of Parties to consult each other on all major projects under consideration that are likely to have significant transboundary effects. A revision to the Convention in 2004 indicated that affected Parties should be allowed to participate in scoping as appropriate. The Protocol on SEA (Kiev, 2003) augments the Espoo Convention and requires Parties to assess the environmental effects of their plans and programmes. The protocol also proposes extensive public participation in Government decision-making. EU Sixth Environmental Action Plan ( ) The EAP reviews the significant environmental challenges and provides a framework for European environmental policy up to The four priority areas are: Climate change Nature and biodiversity Environment and health Natural resources and waste The action plan highlights that ambitious action is needed to reduce global emissions particularly after 2012 when Kyoto s targets expire. This is needed to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius. Protecting, conserving, restoring and developing the functioning of natural systems, natural habitats, wild flora and fauna is needed to halt desertification and the loss of biodiversity, including the diversity of genetic resources, both in the European Union and on a global scale. There is a need to contribute to the high level of quality of life for citizens by providing an environment where the level of pollution does not give rise to harmful effects on human health and the environment. Sustainable urban development should also be promoted. Better resource efficiency and resource and waste management is needed to bring about more sustainable production and consumption patterns, thereby de-coupling the use of resources and the There are no specific targets or indicators of relevance. There are no specific targets or indicators of relevance. An SEA is being undertaken in accordance with the SEA Directive that will determine the significant effects of the NPS and the integral SSA. Transboundary consultation will also be undertaken as part of this SEA. The SEA should include objectives that address the protection of biodiversity, adapting to climate change and the sustainable use of resources. The development of new nuclear power stations has the potential to adversely affect biodiversity resources both directly and indirectly if inappropriately developed. The SSA should take into consideration issues relating to biodiversity when considering the siting of new facilities. The SEA should take account of the fact that radioactive waste will be created which will have to be managed. 18

21 Key objectives or requirements of the plan, programme or environmental objective generation of waste from the rate of economic growth and aiming to ensure that the consumption of renewable and non-renewable resources does not exceed the carrying capacity of the environment. The Action Plan introduced the concept of developing thematic strategies for particular fields that build upon the existing EU regulatory framework and include new knowledge on threats to the environment and human health. The fields for which the strategies are developed are: Air Key targets and/or indicators relevant to the plan or programme (if applicable) How objectives might be taken on board in SEA and/or plan/programme Waste prevention and recycling Marine environment Soils Pesticides Natural resources The urban environment EU Biodiversity Strategy (1998) The Biodiversity Strategy aims to anticipate, prevent and attack the causes of significant reduction or loss of biodiversity at the source, which will help both to reverse present trends in biodiversity decline and to place species and ecosystems, including agro-ecosystems, at a satisfactory conservation status, both within and beyond the territory of the EU. There are no specific targets or indicators of relevance. The SEA framework should include objectives and baseline information relating to biodiversity. Baseline data should be collated about the location of internationally designated sites. If inappropriately developed, nuclear power stations have the potential to adversely affect wildlife and habitats both directly and indirectly. The process of developing criteria for the SSA should consider biodiversity protection. EU Thematic Strategy on Air Quality The thematic strategy on air quality identifies that despite significant improvements in air quality across the EU, a number of serious air quality issues still persist. The strategy promotes an approach which focuses upon the most serious pollutants and that more is done to integrate environmental concerns into other policies and programmes. The objective of the strategy is: To attain levels of air quality that do not give rise to significant negative impacts on and risks to human health and the environment. The strategy emphasises the need for a shift towards less polluting modes of transport and the better use of natural resources to help reduce harmful emissions. There are no specific targets or indicators of relevance. The SEA framework should include objectives that address the protection of air quality. New nuclear power stations have the potential to contribute to a reduction in certain air emissions by reducing the reliance on coal and gas-fired power stations which might typically contribute to adverse air quality. Other air emissions from nuclear facilities would have to be appropriately monitored and controlled. 19