Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant - Environmental Statement. Non-Technical Summary

Transcription

1 Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant - Non-Technical Summary

2 Sustainable Energy Plant Lostock, Northwich, Cheshire : Non-Technical Summary Prepared by: On behalf of Brunner Mond and E.ON Energy from Waste UK Limited Planning & Development Mallams Court 18 Milton Park Abingdon Oxon OX14 4RP Tel Fax rpsox@rpsgroup.com

3 Contents Page 1 Introduction S1 2 Why the Project is Needed S2 3 The Project S4 Project Site and Description Alternatives 4 Consultation, Scoping and Methodology S8 Consultation Further Consultation Scoping Methodology 5 Environmental Effects S10 Introduction Traffic and Transportation Air and Climate Landscape and Visual Effects Ecology and Nature Conservation Hydrology and Flood Risk Hydrogeology and Ground Conditions Noise and Vibration Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Socio-Economic Effects 6 Further Information S18 Figure Figure 1.1 Figure 1.2 Figure 2 Figure 3 Site Location Site Boundary Proposed Site Layout Plan Photomontage of Proposed SEP S-i

4 1 Introduction 1.1 On behalf of Brunner Mond and E.ON Energy from Waste UK Limited (the applicants), has been instructed to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and produce an (ES) for a proposed Sustainable Energy Plant (SEP) on the site of the former Lostock Power Station, near Northwich, Cheshire. 1.2 The ES accompanies an application to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for development consent for the SEP. 1.3 The ES has been prepared under the requirements of the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 (the Regulations), as amended. Schedule 4 of those regulations requires that a summary of the ES be provided in nontechnical language. 1.4 This Non-Technical Summary includes a summary of key information regarding the proposed SEP and how environmental and social issues will be addressed during the construction and future operation of the proposed SEP. 1.5 The SEP would have an output of up to 60 Megawatts of electricity (MWe). The SEP would also be capable of producing up to 100 tonnes of steam per hour for supply to Brunner Mond. In order to produce this output, the SEP would require about 600,000 tonnes of fuel, in the form of non hazardous pre-treated waste derived fuel a year. 1.6 The SEP would improve the overall sustainability of energy use by Brunner Mond, providing approximately one third of the required heat energy at the site and therefore displacing a significant quantity of fossil fuel. Operation of the proposed SEP would contribute to the reduction in greenhouse gases. S-1

5 2 Why the Project is Needed Need for the Project 2.1 The proposed SEP would improve the overall sustainability of energy use at the Brunner Mond sites providing approximately one third of the required heat energy and therefore resulting in a significant reduction in the use of fossil fuels and production of renewable energy from a good quality facility. 2.2 Energy policy highlights the need for energy from waste projects. The most recent guidance, draft National Policy Statements for Energy set out the Governments position on energy infrastructure. The Draft National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure (EN- 3) states that there is a significant need for new major energy infrastructure. 2.3 In addition to providing a substantial part of the required energy for Brunner Mond s operations, the proposed SEP would contribute towards the aims of waste policy by reducing the UK's reliance upon landfill as a final destination for waste. This aim is set out in policy at European, national and regional levels. At each level, measurable objectives for that reduction are provided with incremental targets set over time. 2.4 It is recognised that the continuing practice of large scale landfilling of waste represents a missed opportunity and the potential to reuse a large proportion of that waste is being overlooked. In the case of waste that cannot be recycled, its use as a fuel material is the next most appropriate in terms of the waste hierarchy. Alternatives Considered 2.5 A review of possible alternative sites for the project has been carried out. A key consideration is that a primary purpose of the proposed energy from waste facility would be to supply steam to the Lostock site. Given that it is not practical to transport steam over long distances, sites on or close to the Lostock or Winnington sites were considered to be preferable. 2.6 Sites at both Lostock and Winnington owned by Brunner Mond were considered for the proposed SEP. 2.7 The Lostock site has an existing rail link from the Manchester-Chester railway line. In addition, the site has existing rail sidings that could be used to receive and off-load fuel. The site can also be accessed from the A530, which connects to the M6 south at Junction 18 (Middlewich), with the A559 to the north, the A556 east to the M6/M60 north and Manchester and to the west to Chester and North Wales. 2.8 The Winnington site also has a rail connection, but suitable off loading facilities would be more difficult to achieve. In addition, the site s location in relation to the Northwich urban area is less favourable in traffic terms. S-2

6 2.9 In terms of the likely environmental effects, it is noted that the land at Lostock is previously developed land currently occupied by the former Lostock Power Station. The site has therefore been previously used for energy generation purposes and is currently occupied by buildings formerly used for that purpose. The new SEP would thus continue with a similar land use, replacing a former power station with a modern plant operated to current standards Sufficient land would be available at both sites. Following demolition of the existing power station, the site at Lostock would be large enough to accommodate the project with a suitable layout for efficient plant operation. There is an adjoining area of land that is suitable for temporary use as a laydown area for construction materials In terms of local planning policy, much of the land required at the Lostock site is also allocated in the Cheshire Waste Local Plan 2007 for waste management uses, including thermal treatment. The land at Winnington is not allocated in the Waste Local Plan On balance, the Lostock site was chosen as the preferred site for a number of reasons. The site benefits from better road access with appropriate rail facilities more easily provided. Use of the Lostock site would continue the former land use and involve similar features to the former power generating station. These reasons are considered to be sufficient, but are strongly reinforced by the fact that land at Lostock is allocated in the Waste Local Plan for waste management purposes including thermal treatment Alternative site layouts and technologies have also been considered within the Environmental Statement. A number of site layouts were considered, leading to the selection of the current design and site layout as most appropriate for the site. No more suitable alternative technologies were identified. S-3

7 3 Project Key Characteristics of the Project 3.1 The applicants propose to develop a Sustainable Energy Plant (SEP) on the site of the former power station on the existing Brunner Mond site at Lostock. The proposed SEP would have a total gross maximum electricity capacity of up to 60 MWe gross (53 MWe net) and would be capable of producing approximately 100 tonnes of steam per hour directly to Brunner Mond. The SEP would consume approximately 600,000 tonnes of pre-treated waste derived fuel per annum (tpa). The plant would improve the overall sustainability of energy use by Brunner Mond, providing approximately one third of the required heat energy at the site and therefore displacing a significant quantity of fossil fuel. 3.2 The application site, as shown in Figures 1.1 and 1.2, occupies an area of approximately 9.2 ha. This includes the following components: Main SEP site, including Ash Handling Facility and Rail Reception Facility: 6.4 ha; Construction laydown area for main site: 1.9 ha; Relocated coke store: 0.9 ha. 3.3 The main SEP site comprises an area of approximately 6.4 ha on the site of the former Lostock Power Station site (now redundant). The site is bounded to the east by the Trent and Mersey Canal and to the north by the adjoining Brunner Mond chemical works and the brine purification plant owned by Ineos. The main site includes land to the west of the SEP which would provide an Ash Handling Facility and the Rail Reception Facility for the waste derived fuel. This area is currently occupied by the existing rail connection for the site and a coke store. 3.4 In addition to the main SEP site, an area of approximately 0.9 ha of land to the north of the site is included in the red line boundary for the project. This land is required to provide for the relocated coke store for the existing Brunner Mond facility. 3.5 A further 1.9 ha of land to the east of the SEP site has been identified for temporary use as a construction laydown area. 3.6 The SEP would consume approximately 600,000 tonnes of pre-treated waste derived fuel per annum (tpa). The waste sources would include pre-treated Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Commercial and Industrial Waste (C&I) and Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF). Treated municipal waste, such as MSW and RDF, is the product of the processing of raw municipal waste by, for example, mechanical and biological treatment (MBT). MBT facilities do not form part of the project subject to the current application. S-4

8 3.7 In addition, the applicants may wish to use the facility to burn other non-hazardous materials, such as biomass, subject to the approval of the Environment Agency and grant of the necessary Environmental Permit. Proposed Site Layout 3.8 Figure 2 provides a proposed layout plan for the SEP. The main SEP building would have a height of up to 48 m, with two co-located emissions stacks 90 m in height. The Ash Handling Facility would be located to the west of the main SEP site adjacent to the rail connection. 3.9 In addition to the SEP and Ash Handling Facility, the following associated infrastructure would be provided as part of the project: On-site pipelines for the collection and distribution of steam; Ancillary development including internal roads, parking, gatehouse weighbridge, rail connection, water treatment, fuel store, fencing, landscaping and offices; Grid connection for electricity export, including transformer and an indicative cable route to the existing substation at Hartford; Relocated coke store (relocating the existing coke store currently adjacent to the rail connection to an area to the north of the SEP site). Site Operation 3.10 The SEP would produce heat and power 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It would therefore operate continuously throughout the year, except during shutdowns for maintenance Deliveries of fuel to the site would be scheduled to match available routings and the needs of the fuel suppliers (i.e. waste processing plants). It is anticipated that the majority of fuel would be delivered between Monday and Saturday. The incoming fuel would be stored in sealed containers (for rail deliveries) and in the fuel bunkers to supply the plant during the night and over the weekend and bank holidays The SEP would employ approximately 50 full time employees comprising operator shift staff, maintenance employees, weighbridge operators, clerical and administrative staff and plant management The balance between office and plant workers and shift patterns have yet to be precisely determined. However, for the purposes of the ES it is assumed that the plant would have 4 shift teams. Each day there would be 3 shifts, operating from 7am to 3pm, 3pm to 11pm and 11pm to 7am. Eight of the 50 employees would be office staff working a typical 9am to 5pm shift with the remainder covering four shifts with one of these shifts being a rest day. S-5

9 Traffic 3.14 The site is accessed via Griffith s Road (the A530) which connects directly to the M6 south at Junction 18 and to M6 North (Junction 19) and the M56/M60 via the A556. However, traffic from the A559 to the north is restricted due to the low bridge under the railway A main line standard rail connection to the site already exists and is used for a daily delivery of limestone by rail from Buxton During operation, traffic would arise from the following activities: Delivery of fuel; Import of materials for the flue gas treatment chemicals (although it should be noted that the majority of such chemicals are manufactured on site and would be provided via on site transfer); Export of residues from the flue gas treatment process; Export of bottom ash; Export of fuel not meeting plant specifications; Deliveries of materials in support of the day-to-day operation of the plant (e.g. spares, office consumables); Employee vehicles It is anticipated the most likely scenario for fuel deliveries to the site would be approximately two thirds of fuel delivered by rail and the remaining one third by road. This scenario equates to approximately 1-2 trains and 35 HGVs associated with fuel deliveries per day For the purposes of the assessment, a worst case scenario has also been modelled to consider the effects of all fuel imported by road. This is very much a worst case as it is likely that the majority of fuel would be transported by rail as set out above. This would equate to 105 HGVs associated with fuel deliveries per day. Construction 3.19 The main focus for construction work for the project would be within the main SEP site. During construction, an additional area of land to the east of the main site and canal (between Griffiths Road and the canal) would be utilised as a construction laydown area and for temporary construction facilities. In addition, construction works would be required for the grid connection The following timescale is anticipated: Construction, including demolition of the former Lostock Power Station, commencement: Q4 2011; S-6

10 Construction completion: Q1, 2015; Commissioning: Q2, 2015; Operation: Q3, The first stage in the construction works would be the relocation of the existing coke store and of the existing Brunner Mond buildings and pipebridges on site. Construction of the facilities on the main site is anticipated to take approximately 3.5 years, including demolition of the existing buildings Construction operations would generally take place between the following hours: 07:00 18:00 Monday to Friday 07:00 13:00 Saturday 3.23 Intrusive work outside of these hours would be by prior agreement of the Local Planning Authority, except in the case of any emergency. However, it is envisaged that non-intrusive activities (such as electrical installations, plumbing and similar activities) would be undertaken outside of these hours in order to minimise overall construction time. HGV movements associated with such activities would be insignificant. S-7

11 4 Consultation, Scoping and Methodology Consultation 4.1 Consultation has been carried out throughout the evolution of the project. Brunner Mond and E.ON planned a consultation programme to ensure that the views of all stakeholders, including residents, are sought and considered. 4.2 All residents within a 2 mile radius (approximately) of the site were sent an information leaflet notifying them to the project proposal and the rationale behind it. A community exhibition was held locally on 1 st and 2 nd December Ongoing consultation has been supported by a webpage attached to the Brunner Mond website which provides additional detail, building upon the initial leaflet distribution. 4.4 Consultation will remain open and continue throughout the consideration of the application. Scoping 4.5 The process of identifying the issues to consider in an is known as scoping. A Scoping Report for the project was issued in October It provided an initial view of the effects likely to be associated with the project and the broad approach to be taken to environmental assessment. Consultation began with the relevant planning authority, Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWCC) and DECC. CWCC, DECC and statutory consultees such as Natural England and the Environment Agency had the opportunity to comment on the topics to be included in the ES and the methods of assessment to be used. Responses from the authorities and consultees were used to inform the ES. 4.6 As a result of this exercise, the following topics were identified as requiring consideration within the ES: Traffic and transport; Air quality; Ecology and nature conservation; Hydrology and flood risk; Hydrogeology and ground conditions; Noise & vibration; Archaeology and cultural heritage; Socio-economic effects. S-8

12 4.7 Summaries of each of the above topics are provided in Section 5 of this Non-Technical Summary. Methodology 4.8 The assessment of each environmental topic forms a separate chapter of the ES. For each topic, the methodology adopted has been set out, together with a description of existing (baseline) environmental conditions. The likely effects of the project have then been identified and their significance assessed. 4.9 The significance of an effect has been assessed taking into account factors such as extent and magnitude of effect, duration and sensitivity of the receiving environment. The following levels of significance have been used for assessment: Substantial; Major; Moderate; Minor; Neutral 4.10 Where an effect is described as neutral this means that there is either no effect or that the effect is considered to be negligible. All other levels of significance apply to both adverse and beneficial effects. S-9

13 5 Environmental Effects Introduction 5.1 The environmental effects have been addressed for each of the specialised topics of the ES. These are summarised below. Traffic and Transport 5.2 The traffic and transport chapter in the ES sets out an assessment of the environmental effects of the transport associated with the project. The assessment has been undertaken in accordance with relevant national guidelines. Existing transport conditions have been established through site visit, relevant traffic survey data and other data sources. The transport baseline conditions in the opening year (2015) have been established by taking into account background traffic growth and traffic associated with other committed developments in the area. 5.3 It is considered likely that a significant proportion (up to two thirds) of pre-treated waste derived fuel for the SEP would be delivered by rail using the existing rail connection, with approximately one third being delivered by road. However, a worst case scenario of all fuel delivered by road has also been considered. 5.4 The assessments undertaken have demonstrated that as a worst case the project would increase total daily traffic flows by approximately 3% on the A530 south of the site access in With respect to the Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) component of traffic, in the worst case scenario, the project traffic would lead to an increase the HGV content on the A550 south of the site. Therefore, in accordance with the IEMA guidelines, further more detailed assessments were undertaken. These established that such increases are unlikely to create any significant effect upon the road network. The environmental assessments undertaken have demonstrated there would be no significant impact with respect to visual effects, noise or vibration, severance, driver delay, pedestrian delay, pedestrian amenity, accidents and safety, hazardous loads, air pollution or dust and dirt. 5.6 Although the assessment indicates that the effects would not be significant, the applicants would consider measures to minimise further the effects of the project or support enhancements to the local road network, such as contributions towards the junctions in the local area that are currently overcapacity or routing agreements. Air Quality 5.7 An assessment of the air quality effects associated with the construction and operation of the proposed SEP has been undertaken. Assessment of the existing conditions has identified S-10

14 that the application site is not located within any designated Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). 5.8 During the construction phase, dust nuisance effects and emissions from plant associated with on-site construction and the potential effects associated with emissions from construction vehicles on the local road network have been considered. The London Best Practice Guide has been used to establish the risk of causing potential air quality impacts during the construction phase. Measures to minimise the risk of dust nuisance during the construction phase are adopted as part of the project. Any such effects would be short-term and no nonreversible effects during construction are expected. The overall effect during the construction phase is considered to be neutral. 5.9 During the operational phase, the principal source of atmospheric emissions from the SEP would be pollutants emitted from the stacks after treatment in the flue gas cleaning system Modelling has been undertaken to consider the appropriate stack height for the SEP, based on which the stack height of 90 m has been determined. Based on this stack height, detailed atmospheric dispersion modelling has been undertaken to predict the effects of the operation of the SEP on ground level pollutant concentrations at a range of locations. This assessment has identified effects of neutral to minor adverse significance The assessment has shown that the air quality effects associated with operational traffic are likely to be neutral The combined air quality effects associated with the stacks and traffic have been calculated at nearby sensitive receptors. The modelling has identified that such effects are likely to be neutral The large separation distance between the SEP and the nearest residential receptors is anticipated to ensure that the risk of odour nuisance would be low and effects are considered to be of neutral significance. Any odours that may occur are likely to be confined to delivery of the fuel and, therefore, would be localised and of short duration Stack emissions from other proposed industrial operations have been considered qualitatively. An analysis of the point of maximum concentration from each process concludes that the maximum cumulative contributions are likely to be very small and the significance would be neutral. Cumulative pollutant concentrations are expected to be below the relevant criteria set for the protection of human health Ammonia emissions from the existing Bedminster Bio-Energy Plant have been modelled to determine the combined effect of operating both plants simultaneously. Emissions from the Bedminster Plant have been taken from an air quality assessment submitted as part of the planning application. There are not anticipated to be significant cumulative effects. S-11

15 Landscape and Visual Effects 5.16 The project is located on the site of the former Lostock Power Station. The context of the site is divided between the contrasting environments of the industrial landscape of the existing and former industrial area, the townscape of Northwich and its adjacent settlements to the southwest and northwest, and the farmed and previously mined landscape to the east The study area for the assessment of landscape, townscape and visual effects extends to a 15km radius from the site. The extent of potential visibility has been established for the stacks and buildings by producing Zones of Theoretical Visibility There are no designated landscapes or features of note which lie within the site area. However, the Trent and Mersey Canal runs immediately adjacent to the site, and the site is located within an area of the Mersey Forest, an environmental regeneration initiative, of which the Northwich Woodlands to the north of the River Weaver form part. The Northwich Woodlands provide more than 350 hectares of parkland open to the public and includes Marbury Country Park, Anderton Nature Park and Neumann s Flashes The project site forms part of the Lostock Plain landscape character area as defined in the Vale Royal Landscape Character Supplementary Planning Document Landscape proposals have been included as an integral part of the SEP. The assessment of landscape/townscape and visual effects has been undertaken based on the scheme at year one after completion, when the planting proposals would be newly established The changes that would occur in the Lostock Plain character area as a result of the development of the SEP could be accommodated within the landscape. The poor condition of the industrial landscape of the site and the lack of significant features or designations, provide the opportunity for introducing the new elements of the proposals without unacceptably significant adverse effects. The project would not result in the loss of any key landscape elements From many viewpoint locations, the existing edge of the Griffiths Road industrial area is prominent or dominates views towards the project site within its urban fringe location. The replacement of the redundant power station with development of a similar nature would not be uncharacteristic or at odds with the adjoining landscape, although this project presents an opportunity of enhancement through modern industrial architecture and design In close and medium range views from the south, including Griffiths Park and the Trent and Mersey Canal Path, people would gain views of the proposed buildings and structures as prominent and sometimes dominant elements in front of an extensive backdrop of existing industrial development in the area In close range views from the east people would see the tops of buildings and stacks, above intervening industrial development and lime beds, as prominent new elements. S-12

16 5.25 In mid-distance views from the south at the edge of Rudheath the stacks would be visible alongside existing industry above housing or landform. Distant views of the proposals would be seen as part of a broad area of visually complex industrial development Distant views would likely contain the taller elements of the SEP including the proposed stacks in a view that does not already contain existing views of industry The overall visual effect during operation can be summarised as moderate to minor adverse (generally where the stacks are introduced to a view that contains no industry or the addition of new buildings such as the ash handling facility) to neutral to minor beneficial (such as where existing industry and the characteristics of industry exist and where the project would add a modern facility within the existing industrial landscape). Ecology and Nature Conservation 5.28 The proposed SEP has been subject to a desktop study to identify any features of ecological or nature conservation importance. This study has confirmed that the site itself is not subject to any nature conservation designation The nearest statutory designated site is Witton Lime Beds (partly reinstated lime waste over capped domestic waste) which is a site of national importance and is located over 1.5 km to the north west of the SEP site. The site is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The manmade lime beds are being colonised by a wide range of plant species many of which are rare in Cheshire and more typical of dune systems The nearest site designated for its international ecological importance is Midland Meres & Mosses Phase 1 RAMSAR site, which is located some 8 km from the project site near Knutsford. The site is designated for its diverse range of habitats from open water to raised bog. The site supports a number of rare species of plants associated with wetlands including five nationally scarce species together with an assemblage of rare wetland invertebrates. No effects on any designated sites are likely to result from the project A Phase 1 Habitat Survey of the project site was undertaken to identify the habitat types present and the potential for any notable species. These surveys, together with the information received from consultees, concluded that there are no habitats of nature conservation significance within the proposed site boundary Three protected species have been recorded within the SEP site, these being: Two pipistrelle bat roosts located within the power station and turbo alternator buildings; Barn owl nesting site located within a disused building on the main site; and Peregrine falcon nesting sites located immediately outside the site boundary and recorded using the former power station buildings. S-13

17 5.33 It should also be noted that for the purpose of the submission it has been assumed that a population of reptile species are present on the SEP site. The desk study records also confirm that other protected species are known to be present within the local area, such as otters, water voles, badgers and amphibians A number of measures are included as part of the project to avoid or reduce effects in relation to ecology and nature conservation. These include retention of features or elements of value as far as practicable, adoption of a Construction Environmental Management Plan to control effects arising during the construction phase and measures to minimise the effects on the local wildlife Measures have been provided for all the protected species recorded on the development site. These measures would create habitats, provide connectivity, and safeguard the existing wildlife on site Taking into account the above, no significant ecological effects have been identified by this assessment. Hydrology and Flood Risk 5.37 The hydrology and flood risk chapter of the ES assesses the likely significant environmental effects of the project on the water environment, including flood risk, water quality and drainage Construction works for the SEP would be undertaken in accordance with a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), which would include measures to prevent adverse effects on water resources A Flood Risk Assessment has been undertaken which shows that the site is located outside the 1 in 1000 year flood plain and is therefore at a low risk of flooding As part of the project, environmental enhancement measures would be incorporated in to the design, including: A new drainage system incorporating pollution prevention measures to meet current requirements; Surface water attenuation storage; and Bunding to any chemical or material storage areas in accordance with current requirements The proposed SEP would operate under an Environmental Permit which would include the requirements to monitor discharges to the water environment Taking account of the measures forming part of the project, it is considered that the SEP would have a neutral to moderate beneficial effect on the water environment. S-14

18 Hydrogeology and Ground Conditions 5.43 Ground and groundwater conditions have been reviewed in the context of the historical land uses of the site. This has comprised a walk over survey and assessment of previous desk studies and site investigation records, including review of historical maps and plans for the site The site is located on land at the former Lostock Power Station, constructed in the early 1960s. The site was previously used for the disposal of lime waste but between 1940 and 1950 the lime deposits were cleared from the area and the land redeveloped for the coal fired power station. The site also includes a coke storage yard, rail sidings and an area of undeveloped land on the east bank of the Trent and Mersey Canal which would be used as the laydown area for construction materials. The surrounding area has been used for the production of caustic soda, chlorine, bleach and soda ash since the late 19th century and much of the surrounding land has also been used for lime waste disposal. As a result of the previous use of the site and surrounding area potential sources of contamination have been identified Previous investigations have shown the presence of made ground consisting variously of sandstone, ash, concrete, clinker, brick, coke, slag, cobble and asphalt. Contamination sampling included within the scope of the previous investigations found concentrations of calcium and high ph considered likely to be associated with waste from historical activities. Slightly elevated concentrations of hydrocarbons were also identified although the contamination was not widespread Additional contamination investigations would be required following the demolition of the existing structures and clearance of the site. It is envisaged that the scope of such investigations and reporting of the findings would be undertaken as a condition of development consent. In the event that contamination is identified by further site investigations, a remedial strategy would be developed whereby excavation would be avoided where feasible within the design. However, where such avoidance is not possible, options would be considered for the re-use of material on-site, treatment of contaminated soils and / or removal of material to appropriately licensed disposal facility off site. The approach would however be to minimise the need to remove material off site Brunner Mond s existing site, of which the project site is part, is currently regulated by the Environment Agency. The proposed use of the site as an SEP would also be a regulated activity. Consequently it will be necessary to apply for a partial surrender and new permit, or partial transfer and subsequent modification to reflect the proposed activities. In order to accept a surrender application the Environment Agency would need to be satisfied that the site does not represent an unacceptable risk to the environment and that site conditions have not materially changed since the original baseline investigation. S-15

19 5.48 Development of the site provides the opportunity to address any existing contamination. Excavation of contaminated soils and remediation, if required, as part of the project would mitigate existing risks associated with contamination which would result in an overall moderate beneficial effect. Noise and Vibration 5.49 The noise and vibration effects of the construction and operation of the proposed SEP on residential and recreational receptors have been predicted and assessed in accordance with international, national and local standards and guidance. Attended short-term and unattended long term surveys have been undertaken to determine the baseline noise levels at locations representative of the potentially most affected noise sensitive receptors. Survey locations comprised two long term unattended noise surveys and two short-term attended surveys at separate locations in the area: Location LT1 (Long term): 4 St John s Close (about 370m south of the site) Location LT2 (Long term): Lostock Gralam Bridge (about 650m east of the site) Location ST1 (Short term): James Street/Hargreaves Road (about 480m west-southwest of the site) Location ST2 (Short term): Griffiths Park (adjoining the westernmost part of the site) 5.50 Noise emissions during the construction and operation of the facility have been predicted using a detailed computer noise model. The results of the noise and vibration assessment indicate that significant adverse noise or vibration effects would not be expected to occur at sensitive residential receptors during either the construction or operational phases of the project, provided that (in the operational phase) appropriate measures are taken for noise control at the ash handling facility. Archaeology and Cultural Heritage 5.51 The archaeology and cultural heritage chapter of the ES deals with the potential effects of the project on cultural heritage resources, including buried archaeological remains, historic buildings and historic landscapes. The assessment addresses temporary (construction) effects as well as any permanent effects resulting from the operation of the project The project site lies partially within and also adjacent to the Trent and Mersey Canal Conservation Area, designated by the former Vale Royal Borough. A Grade II listed structure, a milestone on the canal, is also directly adjacent to part of the project site The route of a Roman road passes through the project site, which also contains the site of a small farmstead depicted on early detailed maps of the area. More recently, there has been considerable industrial development within the project site, starting in the late 19th century and continuing throughout the 20th century. S-16

20 5.54 The assessment has concluded that all of the effects of the project on historic environment resources would be neutral. Socio-Economic Effects 5.55 The potential social and economic effects of the project were examined. Two principal areas of such effects were identified: Likely job creation in the construction and operational stages of the project; and The possible effects in those stages on amenity in the area Baseline conditions were established using a number of sources of information, notably the 2001 Census and the NOMIS Labour Market Profiles. These covered topics such as car ownership, occupation, economic activity rates, unemployment and travel to work. For amenity, local sources of information were used. The summary of baseline conditions concluded that the former Vale Royal area of Cheshire, in which Northwich is the largest town, displayed some characteristics, for example in health, occupation, industry and economic activity rates, which were similar to England and Wales. However, this part of Cheshire, within relatively easy reach of Manchester and Liverpool, shows very high levels of travel to work by car. Vale Royal depends heavily on other areas for jobs; net out-commuting was equivalent to nearly 20% of the resident working population This part of Cheshire is heavily industrialised and does not contain areas designated for their landscape quality. Amenity issues were confined to the locality in particular the use of the Trent and Mersey Canal and the footpath alongside it In terms of effects, it was concluded that the effects on employment would be moderately beneficial in the construction stage, and provide minor benefits in the operational stage Much of the chemicals industry including the manufacture of soda ash is highly energy intensive, and energy represents a higher proportion of costs than in many other manufacturing industries. Leaving aside any benefits to the environment arising from a reduced reliance on fossil fuels, the project would help to ensure Brunner Mond s continuing viability and therefore its position as a mainstay of the local and wider economy. This is considered to be an effect of moderate beneficial significance. S-17

21 6 Further Information 6.1 Representations regarding this application should be directed to: John Swift Department of Energy and Climate Change 3 Whitehall Place London SW1A 2AW 6.2 Copies of the, including the Non-Technical Summary, can be viewed at the offices of the relevant planning authority or at Northwich Local Library. The address for viewing copies is: Cheshire West and Chester Council Wyvern House, The Drumber Winsford CW7 1AH And Northwich Local Library Witton Street Northwich, Cheshire CW9 5DR 6.3 Comments, queries or requests for information concerning the should be addressed to: Mallams Court 18 Milton Park Abingdon Oxford OX14 4RP Quoting reference JNP2227B. 6.4 Further copies of the ES are available from (at the address above) at a cost of 250. The ES is also available on CD Rom at a cost of 10. Copies of the Non Technical Summary are available free of charge. S-18

22 Figures

23 Figure 1.1 Site Location

24 Legend Proposed Site Boundary Rev: Date: Amendment: Name: Checked: Data Source: 2010 File: O:\2227B Sustainable Energy Plant\Tech\GIS\2227D_100204MP_SiteLocation.mxd Status: FINAL Mallams Court T Client: 18 Milton Park Abingdon F Oxon Ox14 4RP E rpsox@rpsgroup.com W Brunner Mond & E.ON Project: Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant Title: Site Location Scale: 1:50, Date: Feb 2010 Datum: OSGB36 Projection: BNG Drawn: MP Checked: AR Job Ref: JNP2227 Figure No: Crown copyright, All rights reserved License number km 1.1 Revision: -

25 Figure 1.2 Site Boundary

26 Legend Proposed Site Boundary Relocated Coke Store SEP Site Construction Laydown Area File: O:\2227B Sustainable Energy Plant\Tech\GIS\2227D_100204MP_SiteBoundary_ES.mxd Crown copyright, All rights reserved License number Rev: Date: Amendment: Name: Checked: Data Source: 2010 Status: FINAL Mallams Court 18 Milton Park Abingdon Oxon Ox14 4RP T F E rpsox@rpsgroup.com W Client: Brunner Mond & E.ON Project: Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant Title: Scale: 1:5, m Date: Feb 2010 Datum: OSGB36 Projection: BNG Drawn: MP Checked: AR Job Ref: JNP2227 Figure No: Site Boundary 1.2 Revision: -

27 Figure 2 Proposed Site Layout Plan

28 Legend Site Boundary Proposed Buildings Buildings to be retained Fuel Reception Hall Office & Amenities Switch Building Combustion Residues Handling Fuel Storage Boiler House Switch Gear House Steam Turbine Room Air Cooled Condenser Ash Handling Facility Flue Gas Treatment Building Double Stacks Rev: Date: Amendment: Name: Ckd: Data Source: 2010 Status: FINAL O:\2227B Sustainable Energy Plant\Tech\AutoCAD\design dwgs\16384_p_0100.dwg Crown Copyright, All rights reserved License Number Mallams Court 18 Milton Park Abingdon Oxon OX14 4RP T F E rpsox@rpsgroup.com W Client: Brunner Mond & E.On Project: Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant Title: Proposed Site Layout Plan 1:2, m Date: Feb 2010 Datum: OSGB36 Projection: BNG Drawn: MP Checked: AR Job Ref: JNP2227 Figure Number: 2 Rev: - N

29 Figure 3 Photomontage of Proposed SEP

30 Existing view Ref: O:\6769b Lostock EFW LVIA\Tech\Graphics\CS\Phom\ 6769D_100202RM_Phoms.indd Proposed view Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant Date of photograph: 09/12/2009 Lens type: 50mm Distance to site: 0.6km OS reference: , Direction to site: North Viewpoint height: 28m AOD Horizontal field of view: 75 0 Viewing distance: A3 Figure 3 Existing/Proposed Viewpoint Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant