1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 OVERVIEW

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1 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 OVERVIEW This document is the Environmental Statement (ES) produced by ERM on behalf of Abernedd Power Company Limited (APCL) a wholly owned subsidiary of BP Alternative Energy International Limited (BPAE) and a member of the BP Group. The document is submitted by APCL with its Section 36 consent application to construct a gas fired combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT), grid connected power generation plant at a site on the former BP Chemicals Baglan Bay Works at Seaway Parade, Port Talbot, in South Wales. The project will be capable of generating up to 870 megawatts (MW) of electricity. It will be constructed in two distinct stages starting in 2011, with an interim period and finishing in Consent for the scheme will be sought under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989, which comprises consent from the Department of Enterprise, Business, and Regulatory Reform (DEBRR), formally the Department of Transport and Industry (DTI) to construct and operate a power station of greater than 50 MW. 1.2 THE NEED FOR THE PROJECT BP Alternative Energy s Business Strategy BPAE has identified a business case at the Baglan Bay site to meet its commitment of closing the previous chemicals facilities in a manner that provides opportunity for further employment to the local community. This business case coincides with, and is in harmony with, a national need for new power generation capacity. The Baglan Bay site already has access to an existing gas spur line to the gas national transmission system (which has the additional capacity to provide for the proposed scheme) and hence no disruptions associated with way-leaves, safety issues or construction of this infrastructure are required. A CCGT plant has been identified as the most appropriate type of generation for the development of the Baglan Bay site because of its high energy conversion efficiency, high availability and relatively low CO 2 emissions, to offset emissions from existing coal-fired and oil-fired plant in the UK. It is also advantaged by the availability of the existing gas pipeline Meeting a Growing Demand The need for the project is driven by a requirement for new generating capacity in the UK. This is due to the significant power plant closure programme envisaged over the next ten years (which will reduce supply), 1-1

2 combined with a forecast increase of ~1 % per annum in UK electricity demand. To maintain sufficient generation capacity through peak winter periods, National Grid requires generating plant capacity above the expected level of peak winter demand. The excess (reserve margin) has been shown by NGC to be less now than in the past due to improved demand side management but a healthy margin is still beneficial to security of supply. This allows for extremely high peak demand, unexpected outages or maintenance to occur without threatening the supply of power. Figure 1.1 illustrates the plant margin that has been maintained historically since Figure 1.1 Reliability gas and electricity capacity margins maximum supply and maximum demand 1993/94 to 2006/07 Source: DBERR. UK Energy in Brief July BERR/Pub 8573/4.5k/07/07/NP. URN 07/220. Over the next decade, there is expected to be significant closure of currently operational plant, particularly nuclear, oil and coal plant. This is due to a combination of stations reaching the end of their operational life and tightening environmental controls. New power stations including this proposal at Baglan Bay are therefore required to replace those closing. Without new power stations the plant margin could drop. Figure 1.2 illustrates that since 1993 it has been new CCGT power stations that have been replacing the decommissioned coal fired and oil fired generating capacity. 1-2

3 Figure 1.2 Generating Capacity of Major Power Producers Source: DBERR. Digest of UK Energy Statistics URN No. 07/87 Chart 5.4. Generating Capacity of Major Power Producers p119. Table 1.1 lists the nuclear power stations and their corresponding installed capacity that are scheduled for closure during the period from 2006 to Table 1.2 shows the installed capacity of the oil and coal fired power stations that will close by Table 1.1 Schedule of Nuclear Power Stations for Closure Power Station Installed Capacity (MW) Closure Date Sizewell A Dungeness A Oldbury Wylfa Hinkley Point B 1, Hunterston B 1, Hartelpool 1, Dungeness B 1, Capacity decommissioned by ,904 Capacity decommissioned between 2015 and 2018 Total Capacity to be Decommissioned 1,110 3,630 7,014 9,

4 Table 1.2 Oil and Coal Fired Power Stations that have Opted out of the LCPD Power Station Installed Capacity (MW) Fuel Ferrybridge 2,000 (1) Coal Didcot A 2,000 Coal Tilbury 1,520 Coal Kingsnorth 2,000 Coal Ironbridge 1,000 Coal Cockenzie 1,152 Coal Littlebrook 2,000 Oil Fawley 1,000 Oil Total installed capacity 11,672 Notes: (1) Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) will be fitted to 1,000 MW of this power station, which will allow 1,000 MW to continue operation after Table 1.1 shows that there will be 5,904 MW of nuclear power decommissioned by 2014 (the date when APCL intends to commence electricity generation from the Baglan Bay site) with an additional 1,110 MW to 3,630 MW between 2015 and In addition, the implementation of the Large Combustion Plant Directive (LCPD), which is Europe-wide legislation limiting the emissions from thermal generation plant, will by 2015 lead to the closure of significant quantities of coal fired and oil fired generating plant. Around 8.4 GW of coal plant and 3.4 GW of oil plant have opted out of the provisions of the LCPD, which means these plants will need to close by the end of Furthermore, during the period leading up to 2015, each of the coal and oil fired power stations that have opted out will have its running time limited to a total of 20,000 hours over that period. Table 1.2 shows the installed capacity of the oil and coal fired power stations that have opted out of the LCPD and will close by the end of This is a total of 11,672 MW that will no longer be operating after 2015, and furthermore, will have their operating hours restricted until then. To place this issue in context, the current total installed capacity of coal and oil fired power stations in the UK is 33,669 MW. By 2015, therefore, almost 35 % of this generating capacity will be closed down. This, combined with the closing of the nuclear power stations, and the restriction of the running hours of the plant listed in Table 1.2 until 2015, means that power companies are developing new generating plant to ensure that a reliable electricity supply is maintained. In total, these closures will reduce UK generation capacity by around 19 GW by Coupled with estimates of demand growth over the period, the requirement for new plant is significant and immediate as is referenced in the Government White Paper which was released on 23 rd May 2007 which stated: Over the next two decades, the UK will need substantial investment in new generation capacity to replace the closing coal, oil and nuclear power stations, and to meet expected increases in electricity demand. Our analysis shows that 1-4

5 22.5GW of existing power stations may close by Of this, 8.5GW of coal-fired capacity will close to meet the requirements of the EU Large Combustion Plant Directive (LCPD) by end of 2015; as will about 2.5GW of oil power stations. Around 7GW of nuclear power stations are also scheduled to close between now and 2020, on the basis of their currently published lifetimes. In addition the White Paper states: If we are to maintain levels of electricity generation capacity equivalent to those available today, then new power stations need to be built in good time to replace these closures and to meet increases in demand. On this basis, around 20-25GW of new power stations will be needed by Sources of New Generating Capacity Although renewable energy generation is becoming a more significant part of the energy mix, this shortfall cannot be met by renewables alone. Growth in renewable sources of generation is expected to provide an additional 4 to 6 GW of peak generation by 2015 and BPAE is committed to becoming a leading international renewables operator. Tightening environmental constraints, such as the LCPD, and the increasing importance of carbon reduction in the context of global warming, favour cleaner fuels such as gas fired CCGT. The shorter build times associated with gas fired plant will allow CCGTs to make a major contribution to filling the emerging plant margin gap, alongside a growing renewable portfolio, within the timeframe required Location of New Generating Capacity The location of new generation projects is driven by proximity to fuel sources and fuel transportation infrastructure, availability of water and centres of demand. In general terms, the disposition of demand and generation across the transmission system is such that much of the generation capacity is located in or towards the north of England, while much of the demand is located in the south. The resultant power therefore broadly flows from the northern parts to the southern parts of the system, particularly at times of the system peak demand. In recent years South Wales has been notable as an importer of electricity. For this reason, National Grid has encouraged new generation to be built near centres of demand, generally in the south. This is through the application of differential charging for transmission, resulting in the lowest charges being in the south and southeast. The cost of transmission in the south is lower than in the north. Gas supplies are also an important element of siting a new CCGT. Specifically, the Baglan Bay site offers a location where the necessary infrastructure is already in place. The future completion of the Milford Haven 1-5

6 (Liquefied Natural Gas) LNG terminals will also make gas supply a key factor in this part of the country. Baglan Bay also benefits from the proximity to sources of freshwater for cooling purposes (the Neath and Tennant Canals) which avoid the need for dry cooling and increases the potential efficiency of the plant. The site is brown-field and will re-use industrial land and is sufficient to allow a well-sited layout optimised for ease of operation. DEBRR guidance suggests in article 6 of Directive 2001/80/ED that An assessment of the technical and economic feasibility of providing for the combined generation of heat and power should be made. The Energy Park may require a heat supply although this has been sought by the existing GE plant for several years with no demand becoming apparent. The UK does not have the required all-year-round climate to lend itself to district heating and the efficiency of CCGT means that most of the heat is used within the cycle with very low quality heat that could be exported. However APCL is prepared to add a connection point on the steam cycle and / or water cycle for any such future demand (without altering the standard high efficiency cycle design) and to make the plant ready for Combined Heat and Power (CHP)) in the event that any material and commercially viable demand becomes apparent. 1.3 SITE LOCATION The site for the proposed development is located within the Neath and Port Talbot County Borough Council (NPTCBC) administrative area. The plot is located to the south of the existing GE Power Station and, in the past, housed a petrochemicals complex, owned by BP Chemicals Limited. The petrochemical complex included large concrete cooling towers and associated main utilities and power generation plant. The plot is now considered a brownfield site for re-development purposes. This site has excellent road access from the M4, at Junction 41 and then via the Baglan Energy Park adopted highway. This is the same route that was used during the construction of the existing GE Power Station. The site also has an alternative access route adjacent to the entrance to the Sandfields housing development which will be used infrequently for abnormal loads. Figure 1.3 shows the redline boundary of the scheme for the purposes of the planning application. 1-6

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8 1.4 SCHEME OVERVIEW The proposed Abernedd Power Plant will involve the construction of a base load, grid connected, gas fired combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant with no dual fuel option which will be connected to the existing zone 13 National grid system. It will be rated to provide not more than 870 MW of generation capacity at an ambient air temperature of 0 o C. 1.5 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS Overview The regulatory requirements that are relevant to this scheme are as follows: Approval to construct the power station will need to be obtained from DBERR under Section 36 of the Electricity Act The Section 36 application will need to be accompanied by an Environmental Statement (ES) setting out the results of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), as required by the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 (hereafter referred to as the EIA Regulations). A permit to operate the power station will need to be obtained from the Environment Agency under the Pollution Prevention and Control (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 (SI 2000/1973) (hereafter referred to as the PPC Regulations). Approval to burn gas will need to be obtained from the Department for Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR) under Section 14 of the Energy Act Any activities affecting surface water and groundwater will need to adhere to the requirements of the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations, A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) is required under Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk, 2004 (TAN 15). Discussions with the Environment Agency confirm that a high level assessment summarising the findings of existing FRA for the Baglan Energy Park will be sufficient to satisfy this requirement. A generation licence will need to be obtained from Ofgem under Section 6 of the Electricity Act This licence gives the applicant authority to generate electricity for the purpose of giving a supply to any premises or enabling a supply to be given. 1-8

9 1.5.2 The EIA Directive The EIA Directive sets the thresholds for projects that require an EIA and also outlines the impacts on the environment to be assessed in the EIA process. With regard to power projects, it is mandatory that all thermal power stations greater than 300 MW e shall be subject to an EIA, as is the case with the proposed plant IPPC Directive The purpose of the IPPC Directive is to achieve integrated prevention and control of pollution arising from certain potentially polluting processes. Measures are laid down to prevent, or, where that is not practicable, to reduce emissions to air, water and land in order to achieve a high level of environmental protection of the environment as a whole whilst having regard to the Best Available Techniques (BAT). With regard to power projects, combustion installations with a rated thermal input of greater than 50 MW e are subject to the IPPC Directive, therefore an application for an IPPC permit is required for the proposed plant. This is required prior to operation, rather than prior to planning consent being granted and so will be applied for after 2009 and when the details of the plant design are finalised. In addition to the IPPC Directive, the PPC application for the proposed plant will draw from the UK s IPPC Sector Guidance note for Combustion Activities Public Participation Directive The Public Participation Directive implements the obligations arising from the Århus Convention and amends the EIA and IPPC Directives to improve public participation. The amendments require information provided to the public concerned to also be provided to non-governmental organisations charged with the protection of the environment. In addition, any supplementary voluntarily information submitted following the submission of the Environmental Statement will be subject to the same public consultation as the original ES. Finally, following determination of the application, information about the public s participation and the right to challenge the validity of the decision must be made publicly available. These changes came into effect in the UK from 25 June Large Combustion Plant Directive (LCPD) The purpose of the LCPD is to limit the emissions of certain pollutants into the atmosphere from large combustion processes. The LCPD applies to combustion plants with a rated thermal input equal to or greater than 50 MW and therefore will apply to the proposed plant. The emissions of nitrogen oxides will therefore be controlled to the stringent limit stipulated in the LCPD for gas turbine power plant. The LCPD will be effective from 1 st January

10 1.5.6 Habitats Directive The aim of the Habitats Directive is to contribute towards ensuring biodiversity through the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. Measures taken pursuant to this Directive by the Member States shall be designed to maintain or restore, at conservation status, natural habitats and species of wild fauna and flora of community interest whilst also taking into account economic, social and cultural requirements and regional and local characteristics Emissions Trading Directive The Emissions Trading Directive imposes a limit for the emission of greenhouse gases by EU Member States to help the EU achieve its overall emissions reduction objectives as part of the Kyoto Protocol. The Directive required all EU Member States to submit a National Allocation Plan (NAP) for approval to the EU detailing the provision of CO 2 allocations made to specific industrial installations. The Directive also created the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) that currently has two phases. Phase I will run from 1 st January 2005 to the 31 st December 2007 and will impose less onerous limitations than Phase 2 that will run from 1 st January 2008 until 31 st December 2012 and will impose more stringent limits. 1.6 THE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT The Department of Enterprise, Business and Regulatory Reform (DEBRR) administers the provisions of the Electricity Act 1989 for developers seeking development consents from the Secretary of State. Section 36 of the Act details the procedures for the construction of onshore electricity generating stations of over 50 MW. The development of any thermal power stations over 300 MW require an EIA as it falls within the terms of Schedule I of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations. These regulations require that an EIA is carried out and an ES accompanies the application for consent under Section 36. This ES details the findings of the EIA in accordance with the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 ( the EIA Regulations ). The term EIA describes a process that must be followed for certain types of project before they can be granted development consent. The process is a means of drawing together, in a systematic way, an assessment of the project s likely significant environmental effects. EIA is a positive management tool to enable the best possible project outcomes in terms of achieving economic and social objectives balanced against environmental objectives. 1-10

11 This ES outlines the methodologies used to assess the beneficial and adverse environmental impacts arising from the proposed scheme and, where appropriate, sets out mitigation measures designed to prevent, reduce and, if possible, offset significant adverse environmental impacts. The residual impacts (ie the environmental impacts following mitigation measures) are also presented. The findings and conclusions outlined in this ES are summarised in an accompanying Non-Technical Summary (NTS). 1.7 ALTERNATIVES Introduction The Regulations require an ES to describe alternatives considered by the developer during development of the proposals and to explain the reasons for selecting the proposed scheme, including environmental reasons Technology Alternatives APCL considered alternative technologies in the following three areas: carbon capture and sequestration; gas turbine technology; and cooling system technology. Carbon Capture & Sequestration Initial studies concluded that no realistic option for carbon capture and sequestration is possible at the site at this time although land will be retained should such an opportunity arise in future. Any such development would be the subject of future studies, additional planning and separate approvals processes. Gas Turbine Technology Studies looked at two gas turbine types - the F and H technologies. The F- class gas turbines achieve net combined cycle efficiencies of over 58%, whereas the H-Technology gas turbines are designed to achieve 60% thermal efficiency whilst operating on natural gas. However, the latest variants of the F-technology gas turbines have efficiencies approaching that of the H- technology and are reliable and proven technology. At this stage, the plant, therefore, proposes to use F-technology equipment. Cooling System Rationale Studies examined both mechanical draft cooling towers and once through cooling system. Mechanical draft cooling towers were chosen because they use a fraction of the water required for once through cooling and because 1-11

12 they require much less significant infrastructure. Moreover, once through cooling takes sea or river water and passes it once through the unit s condensers before discharging the same (although warmer) water further downstream. Its use at this location, while offering improved efficiency, would therefore have a much greater environmental impact and has been discounted Alternative Site Locations BPAE wish to use brownfield sites where possible and particularly those that other BP companies have owned. For such sites BPAE attempts wherever possible and practicable to encourage or lead developments which bring benefit to the local community in addition to profitable business. In the South Wales region, BP Chemicals and (BP Oil) have decommissioned sites and are in the process of assessing options for redevelopment this provided BPAE with a number of options for locating the proposed power plant development: Llandarcy refinery site; Baglan Bay: plot to the north of GE plant (Plot Option 1 in Figure 1.4); and Baglan Bay: plot to south of GE plant (Plot Option 2 in Figure 1.4) (herein referred to as the site ). Llandarcy was not considered appropriate because a major residential development ( Coed Darcy ) w as being discussed for this site and planning permission has since been granted and the scheme is currently in development. The site adjacent to the north perimeter of the GE plant was originally set aside as a potential phase 2 plot. However the size of this plot was based on a potential single follow-up H -class gas turbine. The current proposal is for two units of F-class gas turbines. The site to the south perimeter of the GE plant was chosen because it benefits from access to the infrastructure advantages of the GE-adjacent site (gas line with sufficient capacity for a new plant, substation, cooling water pipelines) and yet is brown-field. The site is of sufficient acreage for a well laid out plant with adjacent plots for temporary construction laydown and will also allow landscaping and tree planting to be maximised. When the technology becomes available and circumstances permit, carbon capture and sequestration may be included on adjacent land set aside for such purpose. Such development, should it happen, will be subject of a future and separate application. 1-12

13 Plot Option 1 Plot Option 2 KEY: Site Footprint CLIENT: SIZE: TITLE: APCL A4 Figure 1.4 Site Footprint ERM Llandarcy House 11A The Courtyard Llandarcy Swansea Bay, SA10 6EJ Tel: Fax: SOURCE: Unspecified PROJECTION: British National Grid ERM This print is confidential and is supplied on the understanding that it will be used only as a record to identify or inspect parts, concepts or designs and that it is not disclosed to other persons or to be used for construction purposes without permission. DATE: 29/05/2008 CHECKED: SL DRAWN: CO DRAWING: APPROVED: SD PROJECT: SCALE: NTS REV: SiteFootprint.mxd 0 File: BaglanBayGIS\mxds\NewBoundary_ES\SiteFootprint.mxd

14 1.8 GOOD PRACTICE IN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Overview In undertaking the EIA for the proposed scheme, current best practice in EIA has been followed, and in particular the guidance set out in Environmental Impact Assessment: A Guide to Procedures, (1) and IEMA (2) Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment Consultation and Scoping In developing the EIA, the project team consulted with the following statutory consultees to ensure that all the relevant issues were addressed: Countryside Council for Wales (CCW); Environment Agency Wales (EAW); and Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council (NPTCBC). The approach has been to request informal scoping comments on the project, to obtain information relevant to the assessment and identify any issues of concern to the consultees, which should then be addressed in the EIA. In addition, a number of non statutory bodies were consulted on the proposals throughout the development of the EIA, with a view to obtaining views on the approach to the EIA and to gather available data to support the EIA. A copy of the Scoping Report and copies of consultees responses can be found in Annex A Identification of Impacts This ES provides a comprehensive description of how the scheme will affect the physical, natural, human and cultural environment. Table 1.3 at the end of this chapter indicates where in the ES impacts on different aspects of the environment are discussed. In accordance with the EIA Regulations these impacts include: primary impacts of the scheme on the environment and secondary impacts resulting from these changes (eg development of the site could affect surface drainage with consequent effects on river flows and downstream flooding and ecology); direct impacts from the development itself and indirect impacts that could result from other developments stimulated or encouraged by the main development (eg requirements for extending sewage treatment or road capacity in the surrounding area); (1) taken from The guide provides a general explanation of EIA procedures transposed into UK legislation as required by Council Directive 85/337/EEC as amended. (2) Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment 1-14

15 permanent and temporary impacts, (ie those caused by irreversible loss or damage to features in the environment, or over the long term as a result of the CCGT power plant operating, and those that may arise only temporarily during construction activity); and cumulative impacts that may arise either as a consequence of different impacts affecting the same receptors or as a consequence of other developments occurring alongside the proposed scheme. It is important to note that the ES describes not only the negative impacts which the development could have on the environment, but also the beneficial impacts of creating an efficient power generating facility on the brownfield site Evaluation of Significance Mitigation The EIA Regulations require an ES to describe the likely significant effects of a development on the environment. For the purposes of this ES, we have adopted the following definition for significant : An effect is significant if, in isolation or combination with others, it should, in the judgement of the EIA team, be taken into account in the decision- making process. In most cases effects have been defined as either significant or not significant. In assessing whether an effect is significant, reference has been made, where appropriate, to criteria on which we base our evaluation of how significant an impact is. These may include legal standards, policy guidance or accepted practice. They are identified as appropriate in later chapters of the ES. The prevention or reduction of environmental impacts of a project is seen as one of the major benefits of EIA. An essential purpose of the EIA process is to identify means of avoiding unnecessary damage to the environment and to identify practicable ways by which adverse impacts can be avoided or reduced or by which environmental benefits can be provided. These measures are commonly referred to as mitigation measures. A widely accepted strategy for mitigation uses the following components (1) : Avoidance. This implies the need for some level of redesign of the project. Avoidance is usually best achieved by consideration of alternatives and is likely to be more successful the earlier consideration is given to it. Reduction. Reduction should only be considered when all options for avoidance of impacts have been exhausted or have been deemed to be impracticable. (1) Taken from IEMA Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment. 1-15

16 Compensation. When the potential for avoiding or reducing impacts has been exhausted, then consideration may need to be given to compensating for the residual impacts to make the proposal environmentally acceptable. Where possible, it is preferable to provide compensation in a form that is related to the environmental impact of the proposal rather than in monetary terms. This is because the benefit of financial compensation may only be realised in the short term whereas the adverse impacts of a proposal may be experienced for a much longer term. Remediation. When adverse impacts are unavoidable, it may be possible to limit the duration of an effect by undertaking remedial works. For example, the impact on the landscape of mineral extraction is largely unavoidable, but the land can be restored following the completion of extraction to complement or enhance the character of the landscape. Enhancement. In addition to reducing the adverse impacts of a project, many proposals provide the opportunity for environmental improvement. This is particularly true for projects that are located on brown field or contaminated sites. To this end, the measures that will be incorporated into the way the new development will be built and operated in the long term, have been designed to avoid or reduce adverse environmental impacts or create environmental benefits. These mitigation measures are described in the ES and they have been taken into account in the assessment of impacts. A summary of mitigation and monitoring is outlined in individual chapters Dealing with Uncertainty EIA is a process which deals with the future and there is, inevitably, always some uncertainty about what will actually happen. Impact predictions have been made with the most appropriate data and methods available, but where significant uncertainty remains, this is acknowledged, and an indication of its scale is provided. Where appropriate, limits on the maximum likely impact have been reported and these could be secured by conditions if required. Where the magnitude of impacts cannot be predicted the EIA team has used its professional experience to judge whether a significant impact is likely to occur or not and this is reported accordingly Requirements of the EIA Regulations The table below provides an overview of the requirements of the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England & Wales) Regulations 2000 and where these can be found within the ES. 1-16

17 Table 1.3 Matters for Inclusion in Environmental Statements as required by Schedule 4 of the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations Requirement Location of Information in the ES 1 A description of the development including in particular: Chapter 2 (a) a description of the physical characteristics of the whole development and the land-use requirements during the construction and operational phases; (b) a description of the main characteristics of the production process, for instance, nature and quantity of the materials used; (c) an estimate by type and quantity, of expected residues and emissions (water, air, and soil pollution, noise, vibration, light, heat, radiation etc) resulting from the operation of the proposed development. 2 A description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the development, including, in particular: Population fauna and flora soil water air and climatic factors material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage landscape the inter-relationship between the above factors 3 A description of the likely significant effects of the development on the environment, which should cover the direct effects and any indirect, secondary or cumulative, short, medium and long-term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects of the development resulting from: Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Chapter 3-14 Chapter 3-14 Chapter 3-14 Chapter 3-14 (a) the existence of the development; Chapter 3-14 (b) the use of natural resources; Chapter 3-14 (c) the emission of pollutants, the creation of nuisances and the elimination of waste; (d) the description by the applicant of the forecasting methods used to assess the effects on the environment. 4 A description of the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and where possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment. 5 A non-technical summary of the information provided under Paras 1-5 of this Part. Chapter 3-14 Chapter 3-14 Chapter 3-14 NTS 1-17

18 Requirement 6 An indication of any difficulties (technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered by the applicant in compiling the required information. Location of Information in the ES Chapter THE EIA TEAM ERM is a multi disciplinary consultancy providing a wide spectrum of environmental services to clients in the public, private and voluntary sectors, including EIA, environmental appraisals and environmental consenting for major projects such as transport, energy and infrastructure developments. ERM s team for undertaking this EIA consisted of an environmental specialist for each environmental topic that was scoped into the EIA, co-ordinated by a Project Manager and Project Director STRUCTURE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT The remainder of the ES is structured as follows: Chapter 2 describes the development, including its location, layout, design, its construction and long term operation. Chapter 3 reviews the proposal against the relevant planning policy context, including national, regional and local policies. Chapters 4 to 13 deal with each of the topics scoped into the EIA. Each chapter contains a review of the relevant policy context, outlines the assessment scope and methodology, sets out the existing baseline,, examines temporary, permanent and cumulative impacts, sets out mitigation measures and summarises residual impacts. These chapters are as follows: Chapter 4 Land Use; Chapter 5 Traffic and Transport; Chapter 6 - Socio-Economics; Chapter 7 - Landscape and Visual; Chapter 8 Noise & Vibration ; Chapter 9 Ecology; Chapter 10 Ground Quality, Contamination; Chapter 11 Waste; Chapter 12 Air Quality; Chapter 13 The Water Environment; Chapter 14 - Associated Works - Electrical Power Transmission; and Chapter 15 Abbreviations and Glossary. 1-18

19 The main text of the ES is supported by more detailed information presented in annexes. These are listed below: Annex A Scoping Report; Annex B - Noise; Annex C Ecology; and Annex D Water NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY In accordance with the requirements of the Regulations, the findings of the assessment have been summarised in a Non-Technical Summary (NTS). 1-19