Affinity Water Draft Water Resources Management Plan. Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Report. Prepared by Jacobs for Affinity Water

Transcription

1 Affinity Water Draft Water Resources Management Plan Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Report Prepared by Jacobs for Affinity Water October 2012

2 Document Control Sheet BPP 04 F8 Version 14 July 2012 Project: Affinity WRMP (PR14) Project No: B Client: Affinity Water Document Title: Affinity Water Central and South East Areas Draft Water Resources Management Plan SEA Scoping Report Ref. No: Originated by Checked by Reviewed by Approved by ORIGINAL NAME NAME NAME NAME Cheryl White Sarah Kenyon Ros Vincent Andy Ball DATE INITIALS CW INITIALS SK 18 Oct 2012 Document Status Draft for Client Review INITIALS RV INITIALS AB REVISION NAME NAME NAME NAME DATE INITIALS INITIALS INITIALS INITIALS Document Status REVISION NAME NAME NAME NAME DATE INITIALS INITIALS INITIALS INITIALS Document Status REVISION NAME NAME NAME NAME DATE INITIALS INITIALS INITIALS INITIALS Document Status Jacobs U.K. Limited This document has been prepared by a division, subsidiary or affiliate of Jacobs U.K. Limited ( Jacobs ) in its professional capacity as consultants in accordance with the terms and conditions of Jacobs contract with the commissioning party (the Client ). Regard should be had to those terms and conditions when considering and/or placing any reliance on this document. No part of this document may be copied or reproduced by any means without prior written permission from Jacobs. If you have received this document in error, please destroy all copies in your possession or control and notify Jacobs. Any advice, opinions, or recommendations within this document (a) should be read and relied upon only in the context of the document as a whole; (b) do not, in any way, purport to include any manner of legal advice or opinion; (c) are based upon the information made available to Jacobs at the date of this document and on current UK standards, codes, technology and construction practices as at the date of this document. It should be noted and it is expressly stated that no independent verification of any of the documents or information supplied to Jacobs has been made. No liability is accepted by Jacobs for any use of this document, other than for the purposes for which it was originally prepared and provided. Following final delivery of this document to the Client, Jacobs will have no further obligations or duty to advise the Client on any matters, including development affecting the information or advice provided in this document. This document has been prepared for the exclusive use of the Client and unless otherwise agreed in writing by Jacobs, no other party may use, make use of or rely on the contents of this document. Should the Client wish to release this document to a third party, Jacobs may, at its discretion, agree to such release provided that (a) Jacobs written agreement is obtained prior to such release; and (b) by release of the document to the third party, that third party does not acquire any rights, contractual or otherwise, whatsoever against Jacobs and Jacobs, accordingly, assume no duties, liabilities or obligations to that third party; and (c) Jacobs accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage incurred by the Client or for any conflict of Jacobs interests arising out of the Client's release of this document to the third party. - 1-i - Prepared by Jacobs October 2012

3 Executive summary Affinity Water is committed to producing a reliable, safe supply of high quality drinking water to customers both now and in the future. Affinity Water is split into three areas supplying around 940 million litres of water every day: Central provides water to the north London Boroughs and extends into rural parts of Essex, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, with a population of approximately 3.2 million people. South East provides water to the towns of Folkestone and Dover, together with surrounding rural areas including Romney Marsh and Dungeness, with a population of approximately 160,000 people. East provides water to north east Essex including the towns of Harwich and Clacton on Sea, with a population of approximately 156,000 people. As a Water Undertaker, Affinity Water has a statutory duty to prepare and maintain a Water Resources Management Plan (the Plan) showing how Affinity Water intends to maintain the balance between supply and demand for water over the next 25 years. The Plan will include options for both water resource development and for reducing water demand. Due to forecast population growth, housing growth, sustainability reductions and climate change, Affinity Water anticipates a supply demand deficit after the next wave of sustainability reductions takes affect after This will require the implementation of options to close the gap. As a result, the Plan will require a Strategic Environmental Assessment under both the European Directive (2001/42/EC) and the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (SI ). This Scoping Report forms part of SEA and is required to be sent out to Statutory Consultees as a recognised and appropriate way of consulting with them about the proposals for the environmental assessment. The report outlines information on the Plan area, the potential options being considered to meet the anticipated supply demand deficit and how the environmental assessment will influence the appraisal of schemes during the assessment process. This will include consideration of sensitivity of the local environment to water resource options. Affinity Water is also seeking wider comments on the overall Plan and proposed approach. The Scoping report asks questions about the Plan and SEA processes and approach being adopted by Affinity Water and your comments upon this approach are invited so that these may be taken into account in preparing the Plan. Comments will be considered during the assessment stage when deciding upon the choice of preferred options. Comments should be returned to Katherine Finn by Wednesday 5 th December 2012 at: Affinity Water, Tamblin Way, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9EZ WRMPconsultation@affinitywater.co.uk - i - Prepared by Jacobs October 2012

4 Page kept blank for printing purposes - ii - Prepared by Jacobs October 2012

5 Contents 1 Introduction and Background Introduction to this Report Introduction to Affinity Water Water Resource Management Plans Objectives of the Plan Legislative Requirements The SEA Process Habitats Regulation Assessment Purpose of the Scoping Report 6 2 Water Resource Management The Study Area and Temporal Scope of the SEA Current Sources of Water in the Affinity Water Operating Area The Need for the Plan 10 3 Review of Relevant Policies, Plans and Programmes Introduction Summary of the Review 11 4 Baseline Environment Introduction Population, Economy and Human Health Tourism and Recreation Material Assets Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna Landscape, Townscape and Visual Amenity Air Quality and Noise Climate Surface Water Groundwater Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Geology and soils Summary of the Scope of the SEA 42 5 Proposed SEA Methodology Introduction Generic Assessment (Screening the generic option types) Initial Assessment (Screening to the Constrained List ) Environmental Assessment Methodology Cumulative effects Habitats Regulation Assessment 50 Prepared by Jacobs October 2012 iii

6 6 Consultation Consultation requirements Consultation to Date Future Consultation 51 7 Next Steps SEA Development The Environmental Report Further Information 52 Table 2-A Generic option types 9 Table 3-A Summary of the Policy, Plan and Programme review 11 Table 3-B Summary of the Policy, Plan and Programme review continued 12 Table 4-A Population estimate based on 2011 census data 15 Table 4-B International and nationally designated sites within Central Area 23 Table 4-C International and nationally designated sites within South East Area 25 Table 4-D Scope of the SEA 43 Table 5-A Proposed SEA Assessment Process 44 Table 5-B SEA Objectives 45 Table 5-C Description of the Option Types 46 Table 5-D Data collected for the initial screening of the options 47 Table 5-E Traffic light scoring system 47 Table 5-F Constrained list of options as of October Table 5-G Identifying the sensitivity of the baseline 48 Table 5-H Scale of effects 49 Appendices (See separate document) Appendix A Plan, Policy and Programme Review Appendix B List of Water-dependent SSSIs Appendix C Comparison between Objectives Appendix D Generic Assessment Prepared by Jacobs October 2012 iv

7 1 Introduction and Background Section 1 introduces: Affinity Water Water Resource Management Plan Objectives of the Plan Legislative Background Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Purpose of this Scoping Report 1.1 Introduction to this Report Water is a resource that is often taken for granted and yet it is essential for our health and well being. In the United Kingdom we each consume on average 150 litres of water every day in our homes 1. We also use water for many other purposes including growing crops, producing electricity and for manufacturing goods. These activities rely on a balance between water supply (sources of water) and water demand (users of water) to ensure that there is enough water for everyone. Water resource management is fundamental to the service provided by Affinity Water to its customers. Government ensures the regulators framework operates to ensure supplies to customers are resilient and affordable. As a Water Undertaker, Affinity Water has a statutory duty to prepare and maintain a Water Resources Management Plan (the Plan) showing how the Company intends to maintain the balance between supply and demand for water over the next 25 years. Due to forecast population growth, housing growth, sustainability reductions and climate change, Affinity Water anticipates a supply demand deficit after the next wave of sustainability reductions takes affect after This will require the implementation of options to close the gap. As a result, the Plan will require a Strategic Environmental Assessment under both the European Directive (2001/42/EC) and the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (SI ). This Scoping Report forms part of SEA and outlines information on the Plan area, the potential options being considered to meet the anticipated supply demand deficit and how the environmental assessment will influence the appraisal of schemes during the assessment process. This will include consideration of sensitivity of the local environment to water resource options. Affinity Water is also seeking wider comments on the overall Plan and proposed approach. 1.2 Introduction to Affinity Water Affinity Water serves a population of over 3.5 million people with around 940 million litres of water every day. Affinity Water is committed to producing a reliable, safe supply of high quality drinking water to customers both now and in the future. 1 Statistic taken from the Environment Agency website Save Water accessed 7 th September Prepared by Jacobs October

8 The operating system is split into three geographical areas (Figure 1): Central: provides water to the north London Boroughs and extends into rural parts of Essex, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, with a population of approximately 3.2 million people. The supply area is 3,700 km 2 covering rural catchments including the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the urban outer suburbs of Greater London. The company is bordered by four water supply companies; Essex and Suffolk Water, Cambridge Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water and South East Water. It is also bordered by three water companies that supply water and treat sewage; Anglian Water, Thames Water and Southern Water. South East: provides water to the towns of Folkestone and Dover, together with surrounding rural areas including Romney Marsh and Dungeness, with a population of approximately 160,000 people. The supply area is 420km², stretching from the coast to the outer suburbs of Ashford and Canterbury inland. It is bordered by two water companies; Southern Water and South East Water. Southern Water provides sewerage services in the area. East: provides water to north east Essex including Harwich and Clacton on Sea. It has a population of approximately 156,000 people, which increases by visitors during the holiday season. The supply area is 352km 2 and is bordered by Anglian Water which also treats sewage within East area. Figure 1: Affinity Water Company Supply Area Prepared by Jacobs October

9 1.3 Water Resource Management Plans Clean water is essential for health and hygiene, agriculture and industry and habitats. The water environment is also a source of recreation, relaxation and natural beauty. Water resources need to be managed to ensure that there are sufficient resources to meet demand for water without detriment to the environment. There are many pressures associated with delivering sustainable public water supplies 2 including: There has been a trend of increasing water consumption per person; Population growth and fewer people in each home; Reducing abstraction to improve the environment; Pollution; and Climate change. The 2003 Water Act, which came into effect in April 2007, places a duty on water companies to develop, consult and publish Water Resources Management Plans (WRMPs). These look at the balance between water supplies and water demands (herein referred to as the supply demand balance ) to see if there is any deficit. The Affinity Water Resource Management Plan (hereafter referred to as the Plan ) will outline the recommended options to reduce any deficit, both by reducing the amount of water that is required (demand) and by providing more water (supply), over a 25 year period from 2015 to This forms the basis of their business planning and funding and is reviewed and updated every 5 years. 1.4 Objectives of the Plan Affinity Water supply high quality drinking water to its customers tap. In providing this service, they believe they are meeting four important expectations: Making sure our customers have enough water; Supplying high quality water our customers can trust; Minimising disruption in the community; and Providing a value for money service. For further information please see the Affinity Water consultation document Investing for your community on the Affinity Water website. The overall objectives and purpose of Affinity Water s draft Plan are to: Using sound data and assumptions establish estimates of the supply demand balance over the Plan's lifetime and test it to see if a longer planning period might affect the Plan; In consultation with our key stakeholders, communities and customers, develop a final Plan which meets the supply demand balance and is resilient to different possible futures and which considers a range of options to mitigate uncertainty about the future; Identify and evaluate a broad range of option, including third party proposals, to help ensure adequate supply of water against a backdrop of future uncertainty; and additionally, consider ways of further reducing demand where it meets regulators' and customers acceptance; 2 Water for People and the Environment, Environment Agency (2009) Prepared by Jacobs October

10 To maintain stable serviceability of our network and improve resilience, levels of service and reduce leakage where it meets regulators and customers acceptance; To work closely with Water Resources in the South East (WRSE) to consider all viable water trading, licence trading, and third party provisions as options to balance supply and demand and such that the WRSE outcomes inform our Plan. Consider the risks of obtaining supplies from third parties and make sound judgments, following discussion and consensus with key stakeholders, to ensure that third party supplies are incorporated into the plan if appropriate; Is socially and environmentally sustainable so that future generations are not prejudiced by our plans, taking into account water scarcity and the potential for long term environmental damage; Meets the company's statutory requirement to put in place resilient and cost effective plans to meet customers' demands for water, and which allow us to maintain levels of service and put in place enhancements to service where cost beneficial and it meets regulators and customers acceptance; and Is consistent with: other aspects of the company's business plans; the company's vision; the company's strategic direction statement; government policy and neighbouring water companies' plans. The Plan will set out a baseline forecast of demand for water over the period to 2040 using 2011/12 as the base year. The baseline forecast will then be compared against a baseline forecast of water supply including the effects of climate change and taking into account uncertainties in the assessment. The Plan will outline the water management options that Affinity Water has chosen to meet the difference between demand for water and available resources over the planning period. Affinity Water anticipates that due to the combination of pressures outlined in Section 1.2, there will be a deficit between supply and demand within the planning period for Central and South East. Therefore, measures will need to be taken to close the supply demand deficit before Current predictions suggest that there will not be a deficit within East during the same period. Question 1: Do you have comments that you would like Affinity Water to consider in preparation of their next draft Water Resource Management Plan, which will be published for consultation in May 2012? 1.5 Legislative Requirements The Plan is a statutory document that is required to comply with the Water Act (2003). It assesses the balance between supply and demand, and outlines recommended measures to address any deficit. The Plan will recommend future projects and therefore falls under the scope of the European Directive (2001/42/EC) on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment, known as the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive. This was implemented in England on 20 July 2004 through the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (SI ). These Regulations require that certain plans and programmes, which are likely to have significant effects on the environment, are subject to an environmental assessment to determine what those effects are likely to be. Prepared by Jacobs October

11 Affinity Water anticipates a supply demand deficit for Central and South East areas which will require the implementation of options to meet the difference. Therefore, Affinity Water has determined that the Plan falls under the scope of the SEA legislation and an SEA of the draft Plan is therefore necessary. This includes a requirement to produce an Environmental Report to accompany a draft Plan and which, together with the draft Plan, is then consulted upon. The Plan must also consider the effects with regards to other environmental legislation including the Habitats Regulations 3 and the Water Environment Regulations 4. These transpose the Habitats Directive and Water Framework Directive (WFD) respectively. 1.6 The SEA Process SEA is a process for assessing the impacts of a plan or programme on the environment against a baseline situation 5. The SEA process forms part of options and Plan appraisal to ensure that the environment is taken into account when identifying the preferred options for the Plan. It considers a wide range of receptors including ecology, the historic environment, landscape, material assets and human beings. The SEA involves an iterative process of collecting information, defining alternatives, identifying environmental effects, developing mitigation measures and revising proposals in light of the predicted environmental effects. The intention is that the SEA is fully integrated into the plan-making process from the earliest stages. The SEA includes five main stages based on the steps, which are shown alongside the Plan steps in Figure 2 6. This Scoping Report is the final output of Stage A. 1.7 Habitats Regulation Assessment As a competent authority under the Habitats Regulations, Affinity Water must ensure that its Plan meets the requirements of the Habitats Regulations prior to implementation. If the Plan (i.e. one or more schemes within it) may cause a likely significant effect on one or more Natura 2000 site (Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Areas or Ramsar sites), either alone or in-combination with other schemes, plans or projects, the Plan must be subject to Appropriate Assessment. In accordance with Regulation 61 of the Habitats Regulations, Affinity Water is undertaking Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) of its Plan. The process, as defined by Regulation 61, has four stages: 1. Screening, which identifies likely impacts, alone or in-combination with other projects or plans, and considers whether these are likely to be significant. Subject to the findings of the HRA screening process, and the selection of schemes for the Draft Plan, Appropriate Assessment may need to be undertaken and mitigation or alternatives developed. The scope and approach for Appropriate Assessment, if required, will be determined in consultation with Natural England. 3 The Conservation of habitats and Species Regulations 2010 SI490 4 The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2003 SI The baseline describes the condition of the environment in the absence of the plan 6 Based on the steps outlined in Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment Guidance for Water resources Management Plans and Drought Plans UKWIR 2012 Prepared by Jacobs October

12 2. Appropriate Assessment, specifically the assessment of the impacts of the Plan (alone and in combination with other plans) on European sites such that a conclusion can be made as to whether the Plan will affect site integrity, taking into account potential alternative solutions and mitigation measures. 3. Assessment of alternative solutions, where they are identified and consideration of their impacts in comparison to those in the WRMP. 4. Assessment where no alternatives exist and adverse impacts remain, which provides an assessment of imperative reasons of overriding public interest and compensatory measures required. 1.8 Purpose of the Scoping Report This document is the Affinity Water Scoping Report produced as the first stage in the SEA for the Plan (Figure 2). The Scoping Report sets out the baseline conditions of the study area and the key issues relevant to the Plan. The report is also recognised as being an appropriate way to consult with people and organisations about the scope of the environmental assessment as required by legislation. The legislation requires the Scoping Report to be sent to statutory organisations; Natural England, English Heritage and the Environment Agency. However, Affinity Water recognises the benefits of consulting a wider audience including: Receiving comments from a broad range of perspectives; Potential for partnerships and support for Plan objectives; Reducing the risk of objection at draft Plan stage. Therefore, Affinity Water has also contacted the following organisations to draw attention to the Scoping Report published on their website and invited comments: County Councils, Local Authorities and Greater London Authority; Defra, Ofwat, the Consumer Council for Water and the Drinking Water Inspectorate; National Farmers Union; National Trust; Royal Society for the Protection of Birds; Countryside Land and Business Association; and Local Wildlife Trusts. Affinity Water has also published a copy of this SEA Scoping Report on their website and invited comments from their customers and stakeholders generally. All comments will be considered during the assessment stage when deciding on the choice of preferred options. There are questions throughout the report to act as prompts. Comments should be returned by Wednesday 5 th December 2012 to WRMPconsultation@affinitywater.co.uk Question 2: Do you have any comments on the SEA Process? Question 3: Are there any other organisations that we should consult with regarding the Plan and SEA? Prepared by Jacobs October

13 Figure 2: The Plan and the SEA Process Prepared by Jacobs October

14 2 Water Resource Management Section 2 introduces the: Study area Need for the Plan 2.1 The Study Area and Temporal Scope of the SEA The Plan covers Affinity Water s operating area: Central, South East and East (Figure 1). The environment can be affected directly by the construction and operation of measures or indirectly through changes to water quality or quantity. The SEA study area includes a 5km buffer around the Company boundary and downstream water bodies that could be affected by the proposed options. The Plan and SEA use a 25 year time frame, as this allows us to take a holistic approach to water resource management. It is recognised that there are also links between the Affinity Water Plan and the Plans produced by neighbouring water companies, including the options involving water transfer from neighbouring water companies. The trans-boundary options will be partly addressed by the Water Resources in the South East (WRSE) Group. The WRSE Group includes representatives from all of the water companies located within the south east of England, with the aim to explore opportunities for bulk supplies (transfers between water companies) and to encourage the development of shared resources. The WRSE Group is currently working on the development of a strategy for the management of shared resources, which include reservoirs and other substantial resource developments. Affinity Water will be contributing to the shared strategy within the Plan and are also working in partnership with Anglian Water and Cambridge Water to consider regional water resource options. Question 4: Has the study area been adequately defined? 2.2 Current Sources of Water in the Affinity Water Operating Area Central area takes 60 percent of its water supply from groundwater sources including boreholes into the Chalk aquifer. The remaining 40 percent comes from surface water sources including the River Thames. Central also import water from Thames Water (up to 12 million litres per day (Mld)), Anglian Water (up to 90 Mld) and Cambridge Water (up to 0.2 Mld) and export water to South East Water (up to 36 Mld). South East area sources water from groundwater borehole sources in either the Chalk or Greensand aquifers, with a minor component from the Denge gravels. Water is also imported from South East Water (up to 2Ml/d) and Southern Water (up to 1.33Ml/d). East area currently take 100 percent of the water supply in East area from groundwater sources but can also import water from Ardleigh reservoir, which is joint owned with Anglian Water. Prepared by Jacobs October

15 To meet future demand and maintain security of supply, Affinity Water will need to either increase supply capacity or reduce demand in order to ensure supply remains greater than demand at all times for Central and South East areas. Table 2-A includes a list of the generic option types for balancing supply and demand. Option Group Option Type Option-Type sub-divisions and descriptions Demand Management Transfer Surface Water Groundwater Table 2-A Other Education and awareness Water Efficiency Tariffs Metering Leakage management Company Transfer Inter-company transfer International Import Abstraction 7 Abstracting water from a river in winter when flows are high and storing it in a reservoir until summer demand. Closing the gap Purchasing a licence Extending licence New source Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Water recycling Desalination (treating saltwater for supply) Catchment Management Generic option types The use of press campaigns and marketing to raise awareness of water management and to encourage water savings. Reducing consumption by encouraging efficient devices such as dual flush toilets and low water use showers. Setting different tariffs to encourage water savings. Installation of water meters to encourage water savings. Assessment and repair of pipelines to reduce leakage from existing network. Improvements to the network to allow transfer of water within AW company area. Increasing the water imported from adjacent water company areas. May also include network improvements to move the additional water around AW network. International importing of water through ports or channel tunnel links. Abstracting (taking) water from a river. Extending or raising an existing reservoir to increase storage capacity. Creating a barrier across a river or valley to use the natural topography to create an impoundment. Constructing bunds / banks to create a reservoir Increasing abstraction within an existing licence at an existing borehole by addressing a constraint. Purchasing an existing licence and borehole from a third party. This will require the licence to be transferred to AW. Extending an existing licence at a borehole to allow for additional abstraction. Abstracted water from a new borehole and groundwater source. This will require a licence. Storing of water in groundwater aquifers for extraction during increased demand periods Improving the water treatment works efficiency to reduce water losses. Improving treatment processes at existing treatment works. New treatment works to capture treated water from future developments. Estuarine - taking estuary water Coastal - taking coastal water Brackish water - boreholes near the coast or estuaries A range of long term management activities with third parties to improve water quality and water retention in a catchment; combined with contributions to Water Framework Directive and flood management objectives. 7 Abstraction is a term used to extract water from a river or aquifer Prepared by Jacobs October

16 2.3 The Need for the Plan Affinity Water has estimated that the amount of additional water that will be required over the life of the plan is likely to increase. This is due to an increase in population and reduction of yields from some existing sources due to licence changes or climate change. The Plan sets out the proposed options that could be implemented to reduce the deficit and balance supply and demand. Central: Currently supplies approximately 870Ml/d of water. This rises to 1115 Ml/d in peak periods for example during hot weather. The deficit is estimated to be up to 137Ml/d at average and 129.3Ml/d at peak by South East: Currently supplies 43 Ml/d water at average and 49 Ml/d in peak periods. The deficit is estimated to be up to 14.7Ml/d at average and 15.7Ml/d at peak by East: Currently supplies 29 Ml/d water at average. This rises to 43 Ml/d in peak periods. Demand is not expected to exceed supply within the lifetime of the Plan. Therefore, there is no deficit forecast and Affinity Water will not require options within this area. The south east of England currently has the highest regional population in the UK. The population throughout the Plan area is predicted to increase during the life of the Plan. The number of residents is predicted to increase by 14.8 percent by 2040 (to over 313,000 people). New development is likely to be focussed on existing urban areas including Woking, Harlow, Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage, Watford, Luton, Dunstable, Folkestone and Dover. Future increases in household growth are predicted, at a higher rate than actual population increases. This is because there is an ongoing trend of fewer people occupying each household on average. Average household size is expected to decrease from 2.33 persons in 2008 to an average of 2.16 persons in The number of households within the Plan area is likely to increase by 23 percent to over 155,000 by This will add to the existing pressure upon water resources. Water demand per person (per capita consumption (PCC)) has historically increased at a rate of about one percent per annum. It is very difficult to predict future demands for water given changes in lifestyle and appliances, however Affinity Water expect PCC to broadly remain constant now (although the Plan looks at options to reduce consumption). The Environment Agency undertakes studies to assess water quality and quantity within rivers and water bearing rocks called aquifers. The aim of the studies is to manage water resources in a sustainable way for both people and the natural environment. Many habitats and species are dependent on rivers to contain water of sufficient depth, flow and quality. Aquifers can be damaged by saltwater intrusion and pollutants if the groundwater movements are altered. Aquifers and rivers also depend on rainfall to naturally recharge and are therefore affected by climate change. Drier winters may reduce the amount of water available and hotter summers may increase demand from other abstractors. Through these studies, it is sometimes necessary to reduce the amount of water that is abstracted from a water source so that the surrounding environment can be protected. These Sustainability Reductions can result in a reduction in abstraction from a water source or for it to be withdrawn from use completely. 8 Household projections in England and the Regions: Prepared by Jacobs October

17 3 Review of Relevant Policies, Plans and Programmes Section 3 introduces the: Plan, Policy and Programme review Links between the Plan and other PPPs 3.1 Introduction SEA requires a review of other plans, policies and programmes (PPP) as these contain baseline information and will identify potential conflicts between the Plan objectives and other organisations aims. The purpose of reviewing other plans and programmes as part of the SEA is to ensure that the relationship with these other documents and requirements is explored. This allows Affinity Water to take advantage of any potential synergies and to deal with any inconsistencies and constraints that may arise. 3.2 Summary of the Review The list of relevant PPPs and a summary of the key documents reviewed can be found in Appendix A. Table 3-A and 3-B summarise the key themes from the PPP review and their relevance to the Plan. These also form a summary of the relevant international and national environmental protection objectives. Question 5: Do you know of any other relevant PPPs that should be considered? Please provide details and sources. Question 6: Are there any other themes that we should be considering? Key Themes and Objectives Population, Economy and Human Health Developing our economy, creating jobs and increasing prosperity. Promote a green economy in which economic growth and the health of natural resources sustain each other and better reflect the value of nature. Support sustainable development. Ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to benefit from and contribute to the region s sustainable prosperity. Improving health and well-being of people living within the region. Tourism and Recreation Promote the use of open spaces as part of healthier and more active lifestyles Provide more opportunities for tourism and recreation within the region. Material Assets Promote sustainable levels of resource use and minimising waste. Table 3-A Potential influence on the Plan The Plan should not adversely impact on the economy. The Plan will need to comply with this theme. The Plan will need to comply with this theme. The Plan should not adversely impact on the economy. The Plan is supportive of this theme. The Plan will need to comply with this theme. The Plan will need to comply with this theme. The Plan should not adversely impact on resource use and waste. Summary of the Policy, Plan and Programme review PPP sources EU sustainable development strategy, National Planning Policy Framework, County and Local Development Plans. AONB Management Plans, County-based recreation strategies. County based waste management strategies and mineral plans. Prepared by Jacobs October

18 Key Themes and Objectives Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna Move from net biodiversity loss to net gain, by supporting healthy, well-functioning ecosystems and coherent ecological networks. Protect habitats and species of conservation importance Landscape, Townscape and Visual Amenity Protect and enhance the region s nationally designated landscapes and important distinctive landscape and visual features. Conserve and enhance the network of ancient and new woodland for its landscape, wildlife and historic value and maintain its extent. Air Quality and Noise Improve the quality of the environment and people s health by reducing air and noise pollution. Climate Reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Become more adaptive to climate change. Surface Water To improve ecological status of water bodies including restore the natural function of river catchments and reducing water pollution. Promote the efficient use of water resources and replacement of old assets. Continue to aim for sustainable levels of abstraction. Groundwater To improve ecological status of water bodies Continue to aim for sustainable levels of abstraction. Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Protect and enhance the historic environment and heritage assets, both designated and non-designated, including the settings of these sites. Geology and soils Protect the viability of land use and mineral resources. Improve the quality of the environment by reducing soil pollution and the extent of contaminated land. Table 3-B Potential influence on the Plan The Plan will need to comply with this theme. The Plan will need to comply with this theme. The Plan will need to comply with this theme. The Plan will need to comply with this theme. The Plan should not adversely impact on air quality and noise. The Plan will need to comply with this theme. The Plan will need to comply with this theme. The Plan will need to comply with this theme. The Plan is supportive of this theme. The Plan is supportive of this theme. The Plan will need to comply with this theme. The Plan is supportive of this theme. The Plan will need to comply with this theme. The Plan will need to comply with this theme. The Plan will need to comply with this theme. Summary of the Policy, Plan and Programme review continued Key PPP sources relevant for this theme The Habitats Directive, National BAP, Local BAPs, National Planning Policy Framework, Wildlife and Countryside Act Freshwater Fisheries Directive, Salmon and Freshwater Act. AONB Management Plans, Natural Area descriptions, Countybased landscape assessments. Noise Directive, air quality action plans. Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change, UK Climate Change Programme, National Planning Policy Framework, State of the Environment. Water Framework, Urban Waste Water Treatment and Nitrates Directives (and relevant Acts), Bathing and Drinking Water Quality Acts, RBMPs, CAMS Strategy, Water Resources for the Future, Maintaining Water Supply. Water Framework and Nitrates Directives (and relevant Acts), RBMPs, CAMS Strategy, Water Resources for the Future, Maintaining Water Supply. National Planning Policy Framework, Ancient Monuments and Archaeology Act. National Planning Policy Framework, Pollution Prevention Guidance, Soil Strategy, Land Use Futures. Prepared by Jacobs October

19 4 Baseline Environment Section 4 introduces the: Environmental baseline and trends Key environmental considerations 4.1 Introduction This chapter describes the baseline environment of the study area. The baseline is simply the situation in the absence of the proposed plan at a defined point in time. This provides a benchmark to which the predicted environmental effects can be assessed. The Scoping Report outlines the environmental sensitivities and trends that are considered relevant to water resource management at the strategic scale. This was based on readily available baseline data from web based searches and GIS information. The following sections are split into geographical areas: Central Area Central area covers a supply area of 3,700 km 2 including parts of the counties of Hertfordshire, Essex, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Berkshire and Surrey (Figure 3). The study area includes the northern boroughs of London and large parts of the commuter belt of London with high pressure for further development. Central area is split into six water resource zones 9. The Wey catchment, in the south has little deficit while Lee and Stort catchments in the north have the greatest deficit forecast. Most of the main rivers drain towards the River Thames including the Lee, Colne, Wey Rivers and their tributaries. The study area also includes a number of major transport links including parts of the M25, M1 and M4. It also includes Heathrow, Luton and Stansted Airports South East Area South East area covers a supply area of 420 km 2 and lies entirely within Kent (Figure 4). It includes the urban areas of Folkestone and Dover and the lower lying areas of the Denge peninsula. The English Channel provides a natural boundary to the south and east of the area. There is a single water resource zone covering South East. The area includes the river catchments of the Dour and Stour. The Royal Military Canal is another significant water body within South East area East Area There is no forecast deficit within East area and no new resources or transfer options will need to be implemented over the Plan timescales. In addition, East will not be required to provide water to other water companies outside the WRSE region. As there are no options required, there are unlikely to be any significant effects and East area has been scoped out of the baseline and the SEA. 9 A Water Resource Zone is the largest possible zone in which all resources, including external transfers, can be shared and hence the zone in which all customers experience the same risk of supply failure from a resource shortfall. Prepared by Jacobs October

20 Figure 3: Central Operating Area 4.2 Population, Economy and Human Health Introduction The population is expected to increase within the Plan area as outlined in section 2.3. This will put increased demand on water supplies Central Area The principal urban areas and size of the population recorded in the 2011 census are listed in Table 4-A. The area is popular due to its good transport networks and commuting distance to London. Central area in general is prosperous but there is a wide range of social deprivation and economic disparities. Some people on benefits and suffering from certain medical conditions are protected from paying large water bills under Government Regulations. Prepared by Jacobs October

21 Urban Areas over 75,000 people Population in 2011 Luton/Dunstable 251,733 Stevenage 85,244 St Albans/Hatfield 128,537 Harlow/Sawbridgeworth 90,274 Slough Urban Area 152,351 High Wycombe Urban Area 120,003 Table 4-A Population estimate based on 2011 census data There are approximately 13,500 households falling into the category of vulnerable groups within Central area. The areas with the lower deprivation scores have been highlighted as priority areas for regeneration including the Thames Gateway, Luton and Dunstable, Harlow and the Lee Valley and Stevenage. This is mainly due to a loss of the traditional manufacturing industries. The regeneration in these areas will help to reduce the numbers of unfit and poor quality housing and increase access to services. There are opportunities for water resource options such as capturing rainwater systems to be installed in the new developments. Overall the health of the population is generally good (between 71 and 74 percent in good health), and above the UK average (68 percent) South East Area The principal urban areas include Folkestone (population of 61,060 in 2011 census) and the city of Dover (population of 38,959 in 2011 census). South East area also includes Hythe on the coast and the outskirts of Ashford and Canterbury, which lie to the north. The area is a popular choice of location due to its good transport networks both to London and the continent. Some wards within Dover and Folkestone are amongst the most deprived in England; and there are areas of deprivation in Romney Marsh, Hythe and New Romney. There are approximately 600 households falling into the category of vulnerable groups within South East area. The regeneration in Dover and Folkestone will help to reduce the numbers of unfit and poor quality housing and increase access to services. Overall the health of the population is generally good (between 69.3 percent in good health). This is about the same as the UK average (68 percent) Future Baseline The population throughout the study area is predicted to increase during the life of the Plan. The number of residents is predicted to increase by 14.8 percent by 2040 (to over 313,000 people). In addition, household size is expected to decrease. Both of these factors are likely to increase the number of households by 23 percent to over 155,000 by This will add to the existing pressure upon water resources. There is predicted to be a deficit in water in the absence of the Plan. This has the potential to affect regeneration and development, as new properties will not be possible without access to sufficient water. The deficit could also have a detrimental effect on health if there was reduced access to clean and affordable water Data from: Prepared by Jacobs October

22 Figure 4: South East Operating Area and Environmental Designations Scope of the Assessment Population increases affect water demand and contribute to the deficit. The provision of water resource options is unlikely to have a significant effect on population but could affect potential regeneration if there is insufficient water available for further development. The options are unlikely to have a significant impact on the local economy. However, there are linkages with the Material Assets discussed in Section 4.4 of this report. Affordable water is also linked to health as water is used in washing and cleaning. Therefore, the provision of clean, affordable water is important to maintaining health across the Plan area. There is also a need to keep water affordable, especially for deprived and vulnerable groups. This is scoped into the assessment. Therefore, population is seen as a driver for water resource management but is not scoped into the assessment, whereas economy and health are potentially impacted by water resource options and are therefore scoped into the SEA. Prepared by Jacobs October

23 4.3 Tourism and Recreation Introduction Tourism and recreation are important to the health and well-being of people living within the study area. They also contribute to the local economy through tourism. Some recreation activities are dependent on water quality and quantity. Boating, canoeing and other water sports rely on certain flows of water and the water quality is essential for the health of bathers and other water users. The quality of the water environment is also important for other recreation activities including walking and relaxation and water quantity and quality play a role in this. Key recreational activities include walking, fishing and water sports. The picturesque landscape and long distance footpaths offer many opportunities for such pursuits and attract visitors from across the country to the area (Figure 5). Figure 5: Environmental Designations within Central Prepared by Jacobs October

24 4.3.2 Central Area Central area includes several strategic tourist routes, with Heathrow, the M4 corridor and the city of London all within close proximity. The Chilterns AONB on the northwest fringes of Central area is also another tourist hotspot, with 10 million people living within one hours travelling distance. The Surrey Hills AONB lies to the south of Central area. There are Significant Areas for Sport (SASP) at Weybridge (canoeing), Dunstable airfield (Gliding) and Chertsey and Wraysbury (water skiing). Currently, there are over 55 rowing, sailing and canoe clubs, and 8 water sports centres along the river, with more proposed for the future. Each year, more than 3 million visitors, including pleasure boat passengers and private boat owners use the Thames. Wildlife reserves and national trails (including the Thames Path and The Ridgeway) attract day trippers and tourists to the area. The main focal points for water based recreation within the area include the Thames National Trail, which is one of the most popular trails in England, and the various watercourses within Central region, including the Grand Union Canal, Colne Valley Park and the Lee Valley. The 2012 Olympics and Paralympics have increased the number of sporting venues and tourist facilities within the area and helped to regenerate the Lower Lee Valley. It has also raised awareness of the region to national and international visitors. Affinity Water owns four sites that allow public access: Hilfield Park Reservoir, near Watford; Stockers and Springwell Lakes in the Colne Valley; and, Wraysbury Lakes South East Area South East area is popular with tourists due to the good transport links with London and the continent with the ports and Eurostar connections. Tourism is important for the local economy within the area, which impacts on water resource management because of the influx of people in summer demand water when supplies are often low. These pressures are greatest around the tourist hotspots including the seaside towns of St Mary s bay, including Dymchurch and Hythe and the villages close to the Kent AONB and the White Cliffs. The National Nature Reserve and RSPB reserve around the Denge Peninsula attract people who enjoy the levels for walking and bird watching. One of the main focal points for water based recreation within the area is the Royal Military Canal. Other areas include the long distance footpaths crossing through the area including the North Downs Way, Saxon Shore Way and Elham Valley Way Future Baseline Domestic tourists to the south east make over 16 million trips and contribute 2,232 million to the regional economy 11. Tourism and its contribution to the regional economy has increased over recent years and this trend is likely to continue. This will put increasing demands on water resources. Recreation is also likely to increase as population numbers increase in the Plan area and as there is an increasing trend for walking and outdoors activities. 11 GB Tourism Survey, Visit England, 2011 Prepared by Jacobs October

25 4.3.5 Scope of the Assessment The Plan options could affect the enjoyment of areas for tourism and recreation either directly or indirectly. Direct impacts include the severance of footpaths or changes to the water level or quality within rivers affecting navigation or boating. Indirect changes can be more subtle and include changes to the landscape character, which can alter the attraction or perception of the area. Some water resource options have the potential to create opportunities for further recreation, such as boating. Therefore, tourism and recreation are scoped into the assessment. 4.4 Material Assets Introduction Material assets include infrastructure such as roads, rail, ports and airports. It also includes value of land and viability of land for farming and businesses. Airports and ports are high consumers of water due to the number of people passing through these hubs. Agriculture is also a large consumer of water in terms of irrigation of crops. Infrastructure and land use can also affect water quality in aquifers and rivers, which can increase the amount of treatment required prior to consumption. Material assets also include the use of raw materials and the generation of waste. Construction projects can consume significant quantities of non-renewable resources such as primary aggregates, processed materials including mechanical and electrical infrastructure, landscaping materials and packaging. There is potential for using recycled materials in construction activities, which reduces the consumption of raw materials. Construction projects can generate significant amounts of waste through demolition of existing structures, the excavation of spoil at a site and through packaging or other materials. In 2009, 47.9 million tonnes of waste were generated by businesses with 52% being recycled and 24% being sent to landfill. Wastes can be reduced by following a waste hierarchy of prevention, reusing and recycling materials before considering disposal to landfill. The EU Waste Framework Directive requires the UK to reduce waste going to landfill to 35 percent on 1995 levels by It also requires 70 percent of construction and demolition waste to be recycled by Figure 6: The Waste Hierarchy Taken from Government Review of Waste Policy in England 2011 Defra 2011 Prepared by Jacobs October