Lessons Learnt from Biodiversity Offsetting for a Large Infrastructure Project in Scotland Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) Dr Peter Gilchrist CIEEM C Env peter.gilchrist@jacobs.com
This presentation will use the AWPR /B-T as a case study for the process of developing a biodiversity offsetting strategy and implementation for a project and conclude with lessons learned from the project.
The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is a 46 km dual carriageway new road and Balmedie Tipperty is a 9 km upgrade from single to dual carriageway As part of the AWPR s consenting process under the Road Scotland Act 1984 (as amended) an EIA was undertaken which identified the potential for significant negative residual effects on biodiversity from the project
Principles and Objectives A Scheme Mitigation Vision Statement was developed which acknowledged the need for larger-scale mitigation in recognition of the potential regional context of some adverse impacts. Key stakeholders signed up to the vision statement including statutory environmental protection bodies.
Offset Mitigation development Vision Statement gave the framework for the Scheme s offset mitigation strategy to fulfil the Scheme s objectives and to augment the mitigation set out in the AWPR Environmental Statement.
Offset Mitigation development The Vision Statement had specific objectives to identify: potential additional measures which could further ameliorate direct impacts of the scheme; or the opportunities that existed to enhance the environmental value of the wider area to meet the scheme objectives.
Strategic Approach The initiative also acknowledges and addresses the wider-area impacts for which a more strategic offset mitigation approach may be particularly effective.
Principles and Objectives The principles and objectives for mitigation have been developed in discussion with stakeholders: SNH SEPA Transport Scotland Aberdeenshire Council Aberdeen City Council.
Residual impacts from the Scheme were identified: Residual Impacts Environmental statement (Jacobs 2007) Cumbria University red squirrel extinction analysis Forest Research landscape connectivity research
Focus Areas Project selection was guided by mitigation objectives focussing on: Water vole (loss of habitat and connectivity) Red squirrel (loss of habitat and connectivity) Habitat loss and fragmentation Watercourses (particularly the loss of geomorphological diversity) Non-motorised user (NMU) access
FWAG were commissioned by Jacobs to identify projects in the Aberdeen region that could fulfil the objectives More than 90 projects identified.
Project Selection A Workshop was held in May 2007 more than 90 projects from various stakeholders were evaluated 35 projects selected as potentially suitable for achieving the offset mitigation objectives After further evaluation identified 8 projects as being the most suitable for providing the offset mitigation
The Offset Mitigation Projects Name of Project Mitigation Purpose Water Vole Red Squirrel Habitat Loss Water-courses NMU Access NE Scotland LBAP Community Based Water Vole Conservation Aberdeen Red Squirrel Conservation Craibstone Woodlands and Four Hills Walks Forestry Commission for Scotland Grey Squirrel Control Red Moss of Netherley Nature Reserve River Dee Invasive Plant Control and Habitat Creation River Don Invasive Plant Control Non-Motorised User Access Development
Contractual Obligations Contractually obliged as part of the funding agreement to: Deliver Mitigation Objectives Provide Evidence of Delivery
Monitoring and Evaluation Monitoring and evaluation information to be provided to enable monitoring of the success of the projects in delivering the Offset Mitigation Benefits.
Monitoring and Evaluation Watching Brief on behalf of AWPR Project Partners (Jacobs) Site Visits to suit early visit during mobilisation Evidence of success (survey results, reports etc.)
E Scotland LBAP Community Based ater Vole Conservation Project WP1: Maintain network of mink detection raft by volunteers in the lower reaches of the river catchments to detect and remove recolonising mink. WP2: to enhance the environmental value and accelerating the recovery of water voles through targeted translocation
Aberdeen Red Squirrel Project Project outcomes/objectives Part of the larger Saving Scotland s Red Squirrel Project in partnership with Forestry Commission Scotland Control of grey squirrel colonisation near AWPR corridor Elimination of grey squirrels in these woodlands and the whole of NE Scotland. Monitoring of red and grey squirrels Community involvement with trap loans and squirrel monitoring
Red Moss of Netherley Wildlife Reserve Project Scottish Wildlife Trust To improve and increase peat bog habitat To improve watercourses habitat To provide suitable habitat for water voles To return designated feature of the SSSI to a minimum of Favourable Recovering as designated by SNH
Lower Dee invasive plant control AIM: eradicate invasive plant species from the banks of the lower River Dee over the next three years Establish volunteer network Training (ID and pesticides) Control programme Monitoring (delivery and impact) Habitat restoration Raising awareness Promotion of project and achievements
River Don Invasive Plant Control River Don Trust and Don DSFB Enhance the value and connectivity of environment of the River Don catchment by promoting the rehabilitation of in stream and riparian habitats.
NMU Access Development Projects Aberdeen City Council & Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) Provide safe access to pedestrians and cyclists around AWPR proposed route corridors and address Non-motorised user (NMU) fragmentation
Lessons learned Buy in to the approach from the client and project team is essential to the success of a biodiversity offsetting strategy Statutory bodies and stakeholders need to be consulted and are part of the process in developing the biodiversity offsetting strategy Using independent and objective research to identify both key residual impacts and projects gives credibility to the strategy
When supporting the consent process it is a useful tool as it gives confidence to the consenting authority For large infrastructure projects it does not replace the required specific mitigation to address localised impacts from a project There can be wider benefits outwith the specific projects as a result of implementation and regional biodiversity funding
Delays in project mobilisation can influence the biodiversity offsetting projects Flexibility in the biodiversity offsetting delivery needs to be based on delivering the objectives and not focussed on individual organisations or projects
Any Questions? For more information about the Aberdeen Western Peripheral B-T Route visit: www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/projects/awprbt or contact the AWPR Managing Agent, Aberdeen Business Centre, Willowbank House, Willowbank Road, Aberdeen AB11 6YG Tel: 01224 332 322 Fax: 01224 332 361 Email: enquiries@awpr.co.uk