Sample Scoping Report

Scoping Report
Albury Gas Storage Project

May 2007 www.erm.com
Delivering sustainable solutions in a more competitive world
Star Energy
Scoping Report: Albury Gas Storage Project

May 2007
Reference 0056641
Prepared by: Kevin Murphy, Lauren Osmond and Laura Street
For and on behalf of Environmental Resources Management Approved by: Kevin Murphy
Signed: Position: Partner Date: 25th May 2007
This report has been prepared by Environmental Resources Management the trading name of Environmental Resources Management Limited, with all reasonable skill, care and diligence within the terms of the Contract with the client, incorporating our General Terms and Conditions of Business and taking account of the resources devoted to it by agreement with the client. We disclaim any responsibility to the client and others in respect of any matters outside the scope of the above. This report is confidential to the client and we accept no responsibility of whatsoever nature to third parties to whom this report, or any part thereof, is made known. Any such party relies on the report at their own risk.
Environmental Resources Management Limited Incorporated in the United Kingdom with registration number 1014622 Registered Office: 8 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0ER
CONTENTS
1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10 1.11 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 3 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 5 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5
INTRODUCTION THIS DOCUMENT BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT ABOUT STAR ENERGY GAS STORAGE THE REQUIREMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT THE ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING REPORT THE EIA TEAM EIA PACKAGE OVERVIEW OF THE CONSENTING REGIME NEED FOR THE PROJECT STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT OVERVIEW OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT WELLSITE GAS PROCESSING FACILITY GAS PIPELINES KEY POTENTIAL RECEPTORS THE PROPOSED PROJECT INTRODUCTION GAS STORE WELLSITE GAS PROCESSING FACILITY (GPF) GAS PIPELINES ABOVE GROUND INSTALLATION SUMMARY OF THE MAIN ALTERNATIVES INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW OF SITE SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY OPTIMAL WELLSITE GAS PIPELINE ROUTE SELECTION OPTIMAL GPF SITE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY INTRODUCTION BASIS OF THE ASSESSMENT DEFINING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS MITIGATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS THE TEMPORAL SCOPE OF THE EIA
1 1 1 2 3 7 8 9 9 10 11 13 15 15 17 17 18 19 19 19 20 25 27 29 31 31 31 33 36 37 38 45 45 45 45 47 47
5.6 5.7 6 6.1 6.2 7 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 7.9 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.14 7.15 8
SPATIAL SCOPE OF THE EIA TECHNICAL SCOPE OF THE EIA ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE EIA
47 48 51
OVERVIEW 51 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF THE EIA 53 METHODOLOGIES FOR ASSESSING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS INTRODUCTION PREDICTION METHODOLOGIES AND EVALUATION CRITERIA PLANNING FRAMEWORK SAFETY LAND USE SOILS AND AGRICULTURE WATER RESOURCES AND FLOOD RISK ECOLOGY AND NATURE CONSERVATION AIR QUALITY, DUST AND CLIMATE CHANGE NOISE AND VIBRATION CONTAMINATED LAND AND WASTE MANAGEMENT LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SOCIOECONOMICS PREPARATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT 55 55 55 55 55 57 57 58 60 65 66 69 70 76 78 81 83
INTRODUCTION
1.1 1.1.1
THIS DOCUMENT This document is a Scoping Report for an Environmental Impact Assessment for the Albury Gas Storage Project the Project. It provides an outline of the Project, identifies key environmental and social issues and describes how any potential environmental and social benefits and impacts will be addressed by the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Process. It is intended to facilitate consultation and wider stakeholder engagement in the EIA process.
1.2 1.2.1
BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT Star Energy Gas Storage Services Ltd (hereafter referred to as Star Energy) is proposing to develop the Project to store gas underground in the Purbeck Sandstone, an existing naturally formed gas reservoir that underlies an area of approximately four square miles (10 km2) between Albury, Bramley, Chilworth and Wonersh in Surrey. The Project comprises the following components. The location of these components is illustrated on Figure 3.1: gas store in the existing underground depleted hydrocarbon reservoir in the Purbeck Sandstone; 4 development wells and associated piping manifold at the existing Albury Wellsite; a Gas Processing Facility (GPF) and associated temporary construction camp adjacent to Furze Copse near HM Prison Send; an 8.3 km gas pipeline (with associated Staple Lane Temporary Pipe Store and Contractors Yard) from the Albury wellsite to the GPF; a 1.8 km gas pipeline from the GPF to Scotia Gas Networks (SGN) Ripley Above Ground Installation (AGI); and an AGI within or adjacent to the existing SGN Ripley AGI.
1.2.2
1.2.3
Depleted oil and gas fields can offer ideal gas storage opportunities, provided they have suitable reservoir properties because they are known to have secure seals which have contained hydrocarbons for millions of years. The Purbeck Sandstone reservoir underlying the Albury area is known to be gas-bearing and of suitable reservoir characteristics for storing gas. This area therefore offers one of the few locations in the UK where a gas storage project can be undertaken; at present there are three operating depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs which are used to store gas in the UK: Rough Gas Storage
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT
(offshore), Hatfield Moor (Yorkshire) and Humbly Grove Gas Storage (Hampshire). 1.2.4 The operation of the Project will involve the injection of natural gas from the Scotia Gas Network into the Purbeck reservoir for storage. Subsequent withdrawal of the gas back to the Scotia Gas Network will involve the gas entering a drying process to reduce the water and natural gas liquids content gained from the indigenous reservoir gas.
1.3 1.3.1
ABOUT STAR ENERGY The Star Energy Group plc is an integrated energy company operating in the UK onshore sector combining oil, gas and electricity production with a developing gas storage business that makes efficient use of depleted natural oil and gas reservoirs to support the Governments aim of improving the security of energy supplies, thus contributing to economic sustainability for the UK. It is now the second largest onshore operator in the UK. Star Energy has been operating the existing Albury appraisal wellsite since 1999 without concern from local residents and recreational visitors to the area. The Company has undertaken extensive liaison with the local community and has participated fully in a Local Liaison Group set up by Albury Parish Council involving representatives from several Councils, community and amenity groups. This, together with a public exhibition in January 2006, has enabled the Company to assess local opinion in the Albury area and to respond accordingly. Star Energy proposes to undertake similar consultation and liaison with local communities in the Parishes of Ripley, Send, East Clandon, West Horsley and Shere. Consultation with these communities will be initiated in May 2007 and shall include public exhibitions and meetings with Parish Councils and other elected representatives. Star Energy has developed and continues to operate a successful partially depleted hydrocarbon reservoir gas storage facility at Humbly Grove in north Hampshire.
1.3.2
1.3.3
1.3.4
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT
1.4
GAS STORAGE Introduction
1.4.1
Natural gas, a colourless, odourless, gaseous hydrocarbon, can be stored in a number of different ways. In most large gas markets it is most commonly stored under pressure in large underground storage reservoirs in three types of facilities: depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs in oil and/or gas fields; salt formations; and aquifers.
1.4.2
Where geology allows, the majority of gas storage facilities and the bulk of gas storage capacity is provided by onshore partially depleted hydrocarbon fields. According to data published by the International Energy Agency of the over four hundred gas storage facilities in the UK, US, France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands over three quarters by storage capacity and number of facilities are depleted hydrocarbon fields. In addition to underground storage, natural gas is also stored in liquid form in above ground tanks, e.g. as liquefied natural gas or under pressure in gas holders, which are still a familiar site in many towns and cities. The Practice Guide (1) supporting Minerals Planning Statement 1 recognises that underground storage of natural gas is established technology, stating (paragraph 150) that: Natural gas can be stored at the surface or underground, but it is more economical and safer to place large volumes underground. Use of underground gas storage facilities in the UK has been limited to date, although a number of new projects are currently under consideration. Underground storage of gas is not new. There are several hundred facilities in use world-wide, especially in the USA, Canada and mainland Europe. Some in the USA have been operating safely since the early 20th century. The technology is well developed for the most widely used types of facilities.
1.4.3
1.4.4
1.4.5
Each underground storage type has its own physical characteristics (such as porosity, permeability and retention capacity) and economics (site preparation and maintenance costs, deliverability rates and cycling capability), which govern its suitability to particular applications. Two of the most important characteristics of an underground storage reservoir are its capacity to hold natural gas for future use and the rate at which the stored gas can be withdrawn. A critical factor in determining the location of the surface operations is the presence of suitable geology. Other important factors include accessibility to the gas pipeline system.
(1) Department for Communities and Local Government, Planning and Minerals Practice Guide, November 2006. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT
Gas Storage using Depleted Hydrocarbon Reservoirs 1.4.6 Figure 1.1 illustrates a typical gas storage facility from the depleted hydrocarbon reservoir to the connection to the gas distribution network. Oil and gas occur naturally. Having been created millions of years ago by the burial of organic matter, the oil and gas has since been held under pressure in the minute pores of certain rocks several thousand feet beneath the earths surface. The porous rock holding the oil and gas is referred to as a hydrocarbon reservoir. Above the reservoir is a layer of cap rock which is non-porous and prevents the oil and gas from escaping to the earths surface. The fact that the oil and gas has been contained within the reservoir for such a long time is testament that the reservoir provides reliable pressure containment. If this were not the case, the oil and gas would have long since escaped. Drilling into the reservoir and extracting oil and gas reduces the residual quantity of oil and gas in the reservoir and the pressure under which it is held, creating what is termed a depleted reservoir. It is the depleted reservoir which provides the capacity for gas storage. By injecting natural gas back into the depleted pores, a situation which previously existed naturally is reproduced. Gas storage involves injecting gas into, as well as extracting gas from, a depleted reservoir, thus cycling the pressure within the reservoir. To ensure that such pressure cycles do not affect the integrity of the porous rock or the cap rock, checks are undertaken by independent expert consultants. At all stages of a gas stores design, construction and operation, risk assessments are conducted to make certain that safety is never compromised. The construction of a gas store involves constructing plant, laying pipelines and drilling gas wells. A gas store is connected, via an underground pipeline, to the nearest access point to the national or local gas distribution network, for example National Grids National Transmission System (NTS) in the UK. The pipeline routes are returned to their natural condition once the pipelines are in place. In many major gas markets e.g. the USA, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK, depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs are the most commonly used method of underground gas storage because of their wide availability. Countries with appropriate geology commonly use onshore depleted oil and gas fields as gas storage facilities. The US is the largest gas market in the world and according to the International Energy Agency has over 300 depleted oil and gas field gas storage reservoirs. Germany, which has similar gas consumption to the UK, has 14 facilities, while Italy (which has lower consumption than the UK) has 10. There are to date three depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs used to store natural gas in the UK: Rough Gas Storage (Offshore), Hatfield Moor (Yorkshire) and Humbly Grove Gas Storage (Hampshire).
1.4.7
1.4.8
1.4.9
1.4.10
1.4.11
1.4.12
Figure 1.1 Illustration of a Typical Gas Storage Facility
Gas Processing Facility where gas is compressed and treated, for injection to the gas store or export to the AGI.
Above Ground Installation (AGI) connecting the pipeline to the local or national gas distribution network.
Wellsite where gas is injected to, or withdrawn from, the subsurface gas store.
Well bore lined with cemented steel casings leading to storage reservoir rocks.
Impervious cap rocks
Gas is stored in the existing natural pore spaces in the depleted hydrocarbon reservoir rock.
Underground pipeline connecting the AGI to the GPF and the Wellsite.
Gas Storage Using Salt Caverns 1.4.13 The large majority of salt cavern storage facilities have been developed in naturally occurring underground salt dome formations. A salt cavern is essentially created by drilling a well down into the formation and flushing large amounts of water through the completed well. This water will dissolve some of the salt in the deposit, and be cycled back up the well, leaving a large empty space that the salt used to occupy. The salt is disposed of. This process is known as 'salt cavern leaching'. Salt caverns are used to store gas in the UK and provide very high withdrawal and injection rates relative to their working gas capacity. Gas Storage Using Aquifers 1.4.15 Aquifers are underground, porous, permeable rock formations that act as natural water reservoirs. These water-containing formations may be reconditioned and used as natural gas storage facilities by drilling down into the aquifer and injecting natural gas. Since aquifers are naturally full of water, in some instances powerful injection equipment must be used in order to allow sufficient injection pressure to push down the resident water and replace it with natural gas. There are no aquifer gas stores in the UK although they are widely used in France and Germany.
1.4.14
1.4.16
1.5
THE REQUIREMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Gas Storage Project
1.5.1
The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 (EIA Regulations) describe some categories of development as EIA development, meaning development that is either named in Schedule 1, or described in Schedule 2 by reference to applicable thresholds and criteria. The Albury Gas Storage Project is classified as a Schedule 2 development under the EIA Regulations due to the applicability of the following sections under Regulation 2 (1): Table 3(b) Industrial installations for carrying gas, steam and hot water; Table 3(d) Underground storage of combustible gases; Table 10(k) Oil and Gas pipeline installations (unless included in Schedule 1); sensitive area (h) an area of outstanding natural beauty designated as such by an order made by the Countryside Commission, as respects England, or the Countryside Council for Wales, as respects Wales, under section 87 (designation of areas of outstanding natural beauty) of the
1.5.2
National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 as confirmed by the Secretary of State. Connecting Pipelines 1.5.3 Pipelines laid by a designated Gas Transporter, such as Star Energy, do not require consent under the Pipelines Act 1962. Such works benefit from permitted development rights under the Town & Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995. The Public Gas Transporter Pipeline (EIA) Regulations 1999 apply to Gas Transporter projects and these Regulations constitute a detailed and self contained EIA Code for such projects. For pipelines with a diameter of more than 800 mm and a length of more than 40 km, the developer must give the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry notice of preparation of an Environmental Statement (1) before commencing works (2). For other projects where either the whole or any part of the pipeline or its working width will be within a sensitive area (3) or where the pipeline will have a design operating pressure exceeding 7 bar gauge, the developer must either give notice to the Secretary of State of the preparation of an Environmental Statement before commencing works or request an environmental determination whereby the Secretary of State advises whether an EIA is required. The above requirement applies to the pipelines proposed as part of the Albury Gas Storage Project and Star Energy shall notify the Secretary of State that an Environmental Statement shall be submitted (2).
1.5.4
1.5.5
1.5.6
1.5.7
1.6 1.6.1
THE ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING REPORT This Scoping Report has been prepared by Environmental Resources Management Ltd (ERM) on behalf of Star Energy. It follows a preliminary investigation into the environmental opportunities and constraints presented by the Project. This Report is intended to inform statutory and other consultees of the topics that will be covered in the EIA and described in the Environmental Statement (ES) which will accompany the application(s) for planning permission and other development consents for all elements of the Project. It also describes how each topic will be assessed during the EIA. The purpose of this Report is to establish the scope and methodology to be followed in the EIA, based on a consideration of the potential environmental
1.6.2
(1) The report of an Environmental Impact Assessment. (2) The Public Gas Transporter Pipeline (EIA) Regulations 1999 (3) Regulation 2 (1) Public Gas Transporter Pipeline (EIA) Regulations 1999 The definition of sensitive area includes areas of special scientific interest, national parks, scheduled ancient monuments, an area of outstanding natural beauty, European site within the meaning of Regulation 10 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT
effects and opportunities arising from the construction and operation of the Project. A scoping study is not a statutory requirement (1) but it gives the consenting authorities and consultees an opportunity to highlight any areas of concern not already identified and thereby influence the ES in the early stages of preparation. 1.6.3 The Report has been produced in accordance with the guidance provided by the European Commission (2). The output will feed into and inform the ongoing Project design and will also form a common basis for consultation on the scope and methodology for the EIA process. A list of those bodies and organisations to be consulted during the EIA and who are being copied with this Report is set out in Annex A.
1.7 1.7.1
THE EIA TEAM The EIA is being carried out by ERM, with specialist input on the following topics: planning and land use: ecology and protected species: archaeology and cultural heritage: landscape and visual (pipeline): reservoir integrity: well integrity: pipeline EIA: Alliance Environment & Planning Ltd Bioscan UK Ltd Wessex Archaeology Ltd Nicholas Pearson Associates Atkins Ltd NRG Consultancy Ltd Penspen Ltd
1.8 1.8.1
EIA PACKAGE The Project, which is outlined in Section 3, involves the development of five main work packages including the Gas Store, the Wellsite, the GPF, the gas pipelines and the AGI. One ES is being prepared which will address all aspects of the development. The following documents will be prepared: Environmental Statement Non Technical Summary
1.8.2
The ES will comprise a number of technical reports which together will be in accordance with the EIA Regulations. The ES will accompany the Application, along with a Planning Statement, which sets out the national and regional policy context and need case for the Project as well as providing an overview of the planning history of the site, the nature of operations associated with the proposed development, a summary of alternatives, and a summary of the main environmental impacts foreseen.
1.8.3
(1) See, for example, Department of the Environment (1995) Preparation of Environmental Statement for Planning Projects that require Environmental Assessment: A Good Practice Guide. (2) ERM (June 2001) Guidance on EIA: Scoping, Prepared for the European Commission. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT
1.9
OVERVIEW OF THE CONSENTING REGIME Development Consent
1.9.1
Consent to develop the Gas Storage Facility and related subsurface and surface infrastructure will be sought, as appropriate, from either the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under the Gas Act 1965 or from Surrey County Council, as the Mineral Planning Authority for the area, under the Planning Acts. Consent shall be required for the use of the existing underground depleted hydrocarbon reservoir for gas storage, the four development wells, the wellsite, the Gas Processing Facility (GPF) and the Above Ground Installation (AGI). Star Energy, as a Gas Transporter, has permitted development rights for the laying of pipelines and associated temporary works. However, it may not commence the pipeline works without obtaining the consent of the Secretary of State under Regulation 14 of the Public Gas Transporter Pipeline (EIA) Regulations 1999. Such consent shall be required for the 8.3 km gas pipeline from the wells to the GPF and the 1.8 km gas pipeline from the GPF to the AGI. All of the above applications will be accompanied by the same single project ES. Hazardous Substances Consent
1.9.2
1.9.3
1.9.4
In addition to planning permission there is a requirement under the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 to obtain Hazardous Substances Consent (HSC) from the relevant Hazardous Substances Authority (HSA), which in this case could be either the DTI or Surrey County Council. The presence of a hazardous substance on, over or under land above certain prescribed quantities requires the consent of the HSA. For natural gas the prescribed quantity is 15 tonnes and consequently a HSC shall be required for the Albury Gas Storage Project. Before determining an application for HSC, the HSA is required by the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1992 to consult with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the parish council concerned, the Environment Agency (EA) and other statutory bodies including fire and civil defence authorities (where this is not also the HSA) and public utilities etc. Although not a statutory requirement, Star Energy will commission a quantified risk assessment (QRA) which will be submitted in support of the HSC application. In considering HSC applications, HSAs must have regard to the provisions of the development plan so far as it is material.
1.9.5
10
Other Consents and Regulations 1.9.6 In addition to the above consents, the Project will be subject to a number of other licensing and regulatory regimes. The major ones include the following. The Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) regime controls pollution from certain industrial activities. The regime introduces the concept of Best Available Techniques (BAT) (1) to environmental regulations. Operators must use this concept to control pollution from their industrial activities. Star Energy must apply to the Environment Agency for a PPC permit to operate the GPF. This is so that the Environment Agency can set permit conditions for pollution to air, land and water as well as for noise and waste arisings. The Control of Major Accidents Hazards (COMAH) Regulations 1999 (as amended) do not apply to natural gas storage in underground strata. However, Star Energy will undertake the necessary risk assessments and prepare documentation and plans consistent with the principles of the COMAH regime. The Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996(PSR) place safety related legal obligations on pipeline operators in the UK including additional requirements for major accident hazard pipelines such as the connection to the Scotia Gas Networks.
1.10 1.10.1
NEED FOR THE PROJECT Applicants do not normally have to prove need for their proposed development or discuss the merits of alternative schemes. In this case there is, however, a strategic need for gas storage that is widely recognised at a national level. There is also a general policy requirement to consider need and alternatives for sites within the Green Belt and the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The need for the development will be dealt with by the Supporting Planning Statement accompanying the application, and not in the ES. On 13 February 2006 in the House of Commons, Mr Crabb asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Malcolm Wicks) what steps he is taking to increase the UK's gas storage capacity. Malcolm Wicks responded that: The Government's policy is to ensure an effective gas market, to provide the price signals that incentivise commercial gas storage projects. Some 10 new projects are currently being developed, which (if they all proceed to commissioning) would more than double GB's gas storage capacity;
1.10.2
1.10.3
(1) BAT aims to prevent, and where that is not practicable, to reduce to acceptable levels, pollution to air, land and water from industrial activities. It also seeks to balance the cost to the operator against benefits to the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT
11
the projects are listed in my Right Hon. Friend the Secretary of States First Report to Parliament on Security of Gas Supply and Electricity Supply in Great Britain", available at www.dti.gov.uk/energy. The reports of JESS (the Joint Energy Security of Supply Working Group), also on the Departments website, help the market to work effectively by publishing information about the potential contribution of proposed gas infrastructure projects to gas supply. My Right Hon. Friend the Secretary of State has announced that the Government are reviewing the onshore consents regime for gas supply infrastructure, with new legislation if appropriate; and that the Government propose to introduce legislation to facilitate the construction of offshore salt caverns for gas storage. In addition, my Right Hon. Friend is preparing for submission to Parliament a statement of the national need for additional gas supply infrastructure, including storage facilities, to reinforce the existing arrangements for informing planning authorities. The Energy Review, and the Barker Review of the Planning and Land Use System, are also considering related issues. 1.10.4 The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry subsequently advised that the Country requires:
timely and appropriately sited gas supply infrastructure to be delivered to the market because: Great Britain is becoming increasingly dependent on gas imports and requires new gas supply infrastructure to help ensure security of supply; new projects enable extra supply and storage options if they proceed without avoidable delays; there are limited locations currently suitable for much needed gas storage projects; onshore storage is needed to enable slow-moving gas to be available close to market when consumers require it; and new energy infrastructure projects provide national benefits, shared by all localities
Ministerial Written Statement, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, 16th May 2006, Energy Statement of Need for Additional Gas Supply Infrastructure.
1.10.5
The UK Government has set out the national need to maintain an active and successful oil and gas industry in the UK, in recognition of significantly declining domestic production, together with a forecast increase in demand. Storage capacity is an important part of meeting demand as it allows suppliers to deal with swing the seasonal variation in demand between summer and winter. This swing capacity has historically been provided by the gas fields of the Southern North Sea but these are, like gas production from the North Sea as a whole, in decline. The decline in swing capacity will continue, broadly in line with the decline of indigenous gas production, for the next 1520 years.
12
1.10.6
In comparison with many European countries, the UK has substantially less gas storage capacity (4% of consumption, compared with 25% for France and 21% for Germany). The latest report (1) of the Joint Energy Security of Supply Working Group identifies a number of proposed new gas storage projects, including Albury, which are projected to be necessary to meet average and severe winter gas demand in the next decade. In addition, gas travels through pipelines relatively slowly and because of this it is important for the market to have access to supply-side flexibility that is relatively close-to-market. Otherwise, there would be a risk that a sudden increase in demand by end-consumers would cause pressure in the gas distribution network to fall to low levels, jeopardising safety and requiring the disconnection of supplies to non-household customers in order to maintain pressure. The absence of close-to-market gas storage facilities would therefore jeopardise security of supply into the non-household gas market, including gas supplies to power stations.
1.10.7
1.11 1.11.1
STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT Following this section, the remainder of the Report is structured as follows: Section 2 gives a brief overview of the existing environment; Section 3 outlines the Project for which consents will be sought; Section 4 describes the main alternatives; Section 5 describes the broad principles of the EIA methodology and defines the scope of the EIA; Section 6 sets out the environmental issues to be addressed in the EIA; Section 7 explains the methodologies that will be used to assess the significance of these environmental issues as part of the EIA; Section 8 describes how the ES will be prepared and its main headings; Annex A: List of Consultees; to be copied with this Report; and Annex B: Typical Pipeline Construction Photographs.
(1) JESS Long-Term Security of Energy Supply, December 2006 Report ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT
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14
OVERVIEW OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
2.1
WELLSITE Existing Environment
2.1.1
The site of the proposed Project is located within the area administered by Surrey County Council. The proposed Wellsite is located in Albury Park near the village of Albury approximately 7.5 km to the south east of Guildford city centre. The site is located within Albury Park Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI), Surrey Metropolitan Green Belt, the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, an Area of Great Landscape Value and an area of Historic Parkland. The surrounding countryside contains numerous small villages such as Shere, Blackheath, Gomshall, Burrows Cross and Farley Green, and is interspersed with pockets of mixed woodland. Access to the project area is via minor roads which lead from the A25 and A248. Site access is via a private road 200 m east from New Road (see Figure 2.1). The proposed site is an existing gas well site and currently contains one borehole from which appraisal studies are carried out by Star Energy (see Figure 2.1). It is bordered on all sides by mixed woodland (owned and managed by the Albury Estate) and a purpose built PVC lined ditch. The compound comprises an area of hard-standing constructed over an impermeable membrane designed to seal the site for pollution prevention and control purposes. The ditch is bounded by a soil storage and screening/acoustic bund some 3 m high and covered with young deciduous vegetation. The bunded compound is surrounded by further screening of mature mixed woodland. Planning History of the Proposed Wellsite
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
The planning history on the existing site extends back to 1987. Planning permission (GU87/422) was granted for the construction of a drill site (including sealed cesspool drainage) and associated access road, drilling an exploratory borehole and subsequent testing in the event of hydrocarbons being present, on a site of 1.97 ha for a temporary period of five years on land at Albury Park, east of New Road, Albury. Planning permission (GU91/14089) was granted in December 1991 for the retention of the exploratory well site of about 1.97 ha for a further temporary period expiring on 30 June 1992. Information proved inconclusive and a further permission (GU93/0503) was granted in June 1993 for the retention of the existing borehole site and access road, appraisal of the existing well by extended testing involving electrical power generation from gas and the placing on site of plant, buildings
2.1.5
2.1.6
15
equipment and structures, all for a temporary period and subsequent restoration to forestry. 2.1.7 Planning permission (GU98/1082) was then granted in August 1998 for an extension of the period of hydrocarbon testing for a further period expiring on 12 July 2000. An application to extend the permission further was submitted in 2000. This was never determined and, therefore, a further planning application to regularise operations on the site was then submitted in March 2005 (GU05/0637). This was granted consent in August 2005. Seismic studies carried out during 2005 identified that further appraisal was required from the western area of the likely gas field and this would require two further boreholes for testing and extended into different geological strata from the existing borehole. Star Energy investigated various options for new wellsites and the company applied for planning permission for a drilling, testing and appraisal site on Blackheath Common in November 2005 (GU05/02357). This application was withdrawn in August 2006. As a result of consultation and the identification of a new drilling rig, Star Energy submitted proposals in October 2006 for temporary planning permission for two boreholes and continued appraisal at the existing wellsite. The application was withdrawn in April 2007 as detailed noise measurements of the drilling rig are ongoing at a site in Hampshire. Photographs of the Existing Site at Albury Park
View of Existing Site
2.1.8
2.1.9
Figure 2.1
Existing Borehole
Entrance Track to Existing Site
16
2.2
GAS PROCESSING FACILITY The optimal location of the GPF is adjacent to Furze Copse (see Figure 2.2). The site is arable land and is bordered on the northern, eastern and southern boundaries by trees. Access to the site is via an existing track (which is also a bridleway) from the east or west of the site. The nearest villages are West Clandon and West Horsley. HM Prison Send is situated approximately 800 m to the west. Two farms, Holride Farm and Jury Farm, are also in the vicinity of the site.
Figure 2.2
Optimal Identified GPF Location at Furze Copse
2.3 2.3.1
GAS PIPELINES The area through which the pipelines would need to pass will be through land used principally for agricultural activities which are predominantly combinable and livestock grazing. Parts of the pipeline routes are located within an Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) and the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) where the landscape quality is derived from chalk and greensand hills. Approximately 75% of the route would need to cross land which is in agricultural use (Grades 3 and 4) and would cross eight different soil types. Additional key environmental receptors identified within the pipeline Study Area from preliminary investigations are presented in Table 2.1.
2.3.2
2.3.3
17
2.4 2.4.1
KEY POTENTIAL RECEPTORS Baseline surveys will be undertaken to provide a greater understanding of the sensitivity of the local environment and enable the EIA to focus on those receptors that are likely to experience potentially significant change due to the Project and are therefore relevant to the assessment. The different baseline surveys to be undertaken are detailed throughout Section 7 of this Report. Key receptors in the vicinity of the different elements of the Project are described in Table 2.1. Key Potential Receptors
Receptor Type Receptor Name In the Vicinity of Albury Wellsite Environmental Receptors Residential properties located within 500 m of the proposed project and areas to which the public has access. Surrey Metropolitan Green Belt, the Surrey Hills AONB and an Area of Great Landscape Value. Cultural Heritage Resources The site is located in an English Heritage Grade I Registered Park and Garden and consideration will need to be given not only to the archaeological resource but also the historic landscape, for instance issues of setting. Protected and other species and habitats. Albury Park Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI). In the Vicinity of the Furze Copse GPF Site and Access Route Environmental Receptors Residential properties located within 500 m of the proposed project and areas to which the public has access and within 200 m of the proposed access. Surrey Metropolitan Green Belt, receptors using the footpaths to the north and south of the site Cultural Heritage Resources Natural Resources Sites listed on the National Monument Records throughout Surrey County, and unknown archaeological sites. Protected and other species and habitats. Furze Copse SNCI which is situated to the east of the site. In the Vicinity of the Gas Pipelines, Staple Lane Temporary Pipe Yard and Ripley Above Ground Installation (AGI) Environmental Receptors Residential properties located within 500 m of the proposed pipeline routes and areas to which the public have access. Surrey Metropolitan Green Belt, Surrey Hills AONB and an Area of Great Landscape Value. Cultural Heritage Resources Natural Resources Sites listed on the National Monument Records throughout Surrey County, and unknown archaeological sites. Protected and other species and habitats. Chantry Wood SNCI and Humphrey Copse SNCI.
2.4.2
Table 2.1
Natural Resources
18
THE PROPOSED PROJECT
3.1 3.1.1
INTRODUCTION The Project will comprise the following key components; these are described further in the sections which follow and are shown on Figure 3.1: the underground gas store; the Wellsite, comprising: drilling and operation of four development wells at the existing Albury Wellsite; and construction and operation of an above ground piping manifold at Albury Wellsite.
construction and operation of a Gas Processing Facility (GPF) and associated temporary construction camp adjacent to Furze Copse approximately 800 m east of HM Prison Send; the gas pipelines, comprising: construction and operation of an 8.3 km gas pipeline from the Albury Wellsite to the GPF at Furze Copse; construction and operation of a 1.8 km gas pipeline from a new Above Ground Installation (AGI) adjacent to Scotia Gas Networks (SGN) existing AGI near Ripley to the GPF at Furze Copse; Staple Lane Temporary Pipe Store and Contractors Yard; and
construction and operation of an AGI adjacent to the existing SGN Ripley AGI.
3.1.2
Henceforth the Project is discussed in terms of the gas store the Albury Wellsite the Furze Copse gas processing facility (GPF), Staple Lane Temporary Pipe Yard, the Pipelines and Ripley above ground installation (AGI).
3.2 3.2.1
GAS STORE The gas store, approximately 2,100 ft (640 m) below sea level, is the Purbeck sandstone reservoir and is estimated to provide up to 6 Billion Cubic Feet (BCF) (170 million m3) of working natural gas storage. This is equivalent to the annual consumption of about 90,000 households. Above the sandstone are impermeable shales that have contained gas in the Purbeck reservoir for millions of years. The Purbeck reservoir is a 10 ft (3 m) thick sandstone body
19
that extends over an area of approximately four square miles (10 km2): from west to east it lies between Bramley and Albury villages and from north to south between Chilworth and Wonersh villages. 3.2.2 Access to the gas store will be provided by drilling four new wells from the existing Albury Wellsite.
3.3
WELLSITE Overview
3.3.1
The wellsite comprises the four new development wells and the piping manifold. These will be located at the existing Albury Wellsite although some site extension will be required for the piping manifold. The gas store will be accessed from the wellsite. Once operational the wellsite would not normally be manned. Drilling Overview
3.3.2
The wells will be drilled from the surface and, together with the associated wellhead equipment, will provide the link between the subsurface gas store and the above ground piping manifold connection to the gas pipeline. The wellsite is not located directly above the geological target within the gas reservoir and therefore the wells will be drilled at an inclination from the well site to the gas reservoir. The total well path will be approximately 10,000 ft (3,048 m) in length compared to the gas store vertical depth of approximately 2,100 ft (640 m) below sea level. Drilling Process
3.3.3
3.3.4
Site preparation will be minimal comprising the construction of new well cellars as the site is an existing wellsite. Installation of the drilling rig (see Figure 3.2) and associated equipment will include mobilisation of the drilling rig and all associated drilling equipment needed to construct the wells. The drilling rig will be equipped with state of the art technology promoting a quieter, faster, safer and more efficient operation than conventional drilling rigs available in the UK at this time. During the drilling process, drilling fluids (both water-based and oil-based) will circulate through the drill string and drill bit, returning to surface via the well annulus in a closed circulating system. The purpose of the fluid is to cool the drill bit, to carry and remove the drilled cuttings from the borehole as it is being drilled and to provide sufficient density to control well bore pressures as the well is deepened. The drilled cuttings generated from the drilling process will be dried and transported offsite in sealed containers to a licensed waste management facility.
3.3.5
3.3.6
20
3.3.7
As the borehole is deepened, lengths of steel drill pipe are added to the drill string until total depth is reached. The drill pipe is stored in a racking system, which forms part of the drilling rig, and is used to house the pipe during trips in and out of the hole. Once a particular hole section has been drilled, the drill string is recovered from the hole which is then permanently lined with steel pipe called casing. The casing is cemented in place providing a permanent seal between the borehole and surrounding geological formations. On completion of drilling operations the well is completed by running a dedicated completion string. This completion string incorporates various profiles and sealing elements, which collectively provide the conduit for gas production and injection. Once the completion is installed within the wellbore the wellhead equipment is installed. The drilling phase is anticipated to take approximately 36 weeks. Once drilling is completed, to test and commission the wells equipment will be mobilised to site. Testing of the wells will involve limited periods of gas flaring using a temporary shrouded ground flare. Upon completion of all drilling and associated testing and commissioning activities, all equipment will be demobilised, leaving the site clear of all such related equipment. The only physical additions to the well site at this stage will be the wellhead equipment which will be located below ground level. Piping Manifold
3.3.8
3.3.9
3.3.10
The piping manifold will link the wells with the gas pipeline. The piping manifold will consist of some above ground pipework with valves, pigging equipment, an equipment room to house the control equipment, a small substation for the dedicated electricity supply, two skid-mounted packages to provide necessary utilities and lighting required for maintenance purposes. The majority of the existing wellsite must remain clear to accommodate the drilling rig should a workover (refurbishment) of the wells ever be required. Therefore some site extension will be required to accommodate the manifold equipment, although the existing site will be utilised where possible. The site extension will require clearance and profiling of the site, provision of foundations, and installation of the piping and associated equipment. Existing water and telecommunications facilities will be utilised and a new dedicated power supply will be provided by the relevant network supplier.
3.3.11
23
Figure 3.2
Example Drilling Rig
24
3.4
GAS PROCESSING FACILITY (GPF) Overview
3.4.1
The GPF component of the Project comprises the above ground equipment and facilities required to compress and process the gas during injection and withdrawal. The GPF will be located adjacent to Furze Copse approximately 800 m east of HM Prison Send and will occupy an area of approximately 3 ha. It is anticipated that the tallest parts of the plant will not exceed the existing tree line in the vicinity of the GPF site. Operation
3.4.2
The operation of the gas store depends upon the gas demand in the national gas market which determines whether the gas is injected or withdrawn from the gas store. Although the GPF must be available all year, with the exception of approximately 3 weeks set aside for a maintenance shutdown, it is expected to operate for approximately 70% of the year. The GPF will be permanently manned and operated from a dedicated control room within the GPF site. The same control room will also remotely operate all other project components from the Albury Wellsite to Ripley AGI. Injection
3.4.3
Natural Gas taken from the SGN will be metered as it enters the GPF. The small quantity of odorising agent present in the SGN gas will be removed by using a process which chemically reacts the odorising agent with a solid granular catalyst resulting in a spent and stable product. This product will be replaced on an annual basis with the spent product removed for regeneration by a specialist external contractor. The gas will then be compressed to raise the pressure to reservoir pressure. The reservoir pressure will vary as it is filled. Figure 3.3 depicts the injection process. Gas Injection Process
GPF Furze Copse SGN AGI Ripley
Figure 3.3
Dewpoint Plant
LDZ
1.8km Odourant Removal

M
Metering DOSING 8.3km Import/Export Compression
Wellsite Albury Park
Wellheads Reservoir
25
Withdrawal 3.4.4 During withdrawal, and depending on reservoir pressures, gas will initially free flow from the wellhead to the GPF but as the reservoir pressure falls, gas will be compressed to meet SGNs pressure specification. When in the reservoir, the gas will contact water and natural gas liquids (NGLs). After compression the gas will therefore enter a dew point control process to reduce the water and NGL content to the level specified for entry into SGNs local gas distribution system. Silica gel used in the dew point control process is a proven technology for this purpose and essentially works on the same principle, albeit at a greater scale, as the small packets of silica gel used in packaging of items such as cameras. The water and NGLs are recovered from the silica gel by passing a heated gas stream through the silica gel bed, condensed in a fin-fan air cooler and subsequently transported via tanker and processed at the existing Humbly Grove Oil Gathering Station. After dew point control the gas will be metered to fiscal/SGN standards in the same metering unit as was used during injection, and re-odorised to meet the SGN specification prior to delivery back into the local gas distribution system. Figure 3.4 depicts the withdrawal process. Figure 3.4 Gas Withdrawal Process
GPF Furze Copse SGN AGI Ripley
3.4.5
Dewpoint Plant
LDZ
1.8km Odourant Removal

M
Metering DOSING 8.3km Import/Export Compression
Wellsite Albury Park
Wellheads Reservoir
Utilities 3.4.6 New dedicated utilities including electricity, potable water and telecommunications will be provided by the relevant network supplier.
26
Construction 3.4.7 The first phase of construction of the GPF will involve clearance and profiling of the site, provision of foundations for the major structures and an engineered drainage system. A temporary construction camp will also be set up including workforce welfare and office facilities, security fencing and hard standing areas for laydown, stores and fabrication. The GPF area of approximately 3 ha will accommodate some of the temporary construction camp requirements and the Project is evaluating the requirements for possible temporary off-site areas. Process plant will be transported to the site for erection and installation on an as needed basis to avoid long term site storage. Off-site fabrication and preassembled units will also be utilised where possible to minimise work at the site. Approximately 35 items of major equipment are anticipated as well as four buildings comprising a Compressor House, a Switchgear Room, a Local Equipment Room and an Office Building that will accommodate the dedicated Control Room as well as office, maintenance and welfare facilities. A substation associated with the new dedicated electrical power supply will also be required. The construction phase of the GPF will take approximately 18 months. The Project will evaluate access routes to provide minimal disruption. Once installation of all project components is completed the Project will enter a commissioning phase when gas from the Scotia Gas Network will be slowly introduced with the pressure gradually rising to the operating level. The commissioning phase will take approximately 3 months.
3.4.8
3.4.9
3.4.10
3.5
GAS PIPELINES Overview
3.5.1
Gas will be taken from Scotia Gas Networks (SGN) local gas distribution system during periods of low gas demand and, via the GPF, will be stored in the gas store and exported back to the SGN during periods of high gas demand. Thus, the pipelines will flow in both directions. The pipelines will be buried throughout their length. At the above ground facilities at each end of each pipeline, equipment will be installed to enable inspection of the pipelines. Other test post facilities will be located at major crossing points of the pipelines such as road and river crossings. An extension to SGNs existing Ripley AGI will be required. Construction
3.5.2
The pipelines will be buried, throughout their length, with a minimum cover of 1.1 m. Standard open cut construction techniques are proposed with the exception of crossings of major traffic routes and the Tilling Bourne watercourse where trenchless construction techniques will be used.
27
3.5.3
Pipeline construction will take place within a designated area referred to as the working width of approximately 26 m. However, the working width will be restricted in areas through mature tress and hedgerows, to a maximum of 15 m. Figure 3.5 illustrates a typical cross-section across the working width. Typical Cross Section through a Pipeline Spread
Figure 3.5
3.5.4
The maximum area of land that could be expected to be affected by the pipeline installation is 24.5 ha. Additionally, the temporary piles of spoil which would be generated are estimated at a maximum of 2 m high. The pipelines will be constructed sequentially and this includes, but is not limited to, fencing, topsoil stripping, pipeline stringing and welding, and pipeline trenching. Pipeline testing, commissioning and permanent reinstatement are the final activities. Typical pipeline construction is shown in photographs in Annex B. All boundaries of the working width and all accesses to the site will be temporarily fenced for the duration of the works. The topsoil will be stripped over the full working width and extra working areas, with the exception of the area to be used for soil storage. Any existing installed agricultural land drainage crossed by the pipeline will be either maintained or reinstated. The pipeline string will be in a manner designed to prevent rolling, and pipes will not be placed on the ground, but raised on timbers. The pipeline will be constructed by aligning and welding each joint of each pipe to the preceding joint to form the maximum continuous length of pipeline allowable within physical constraints. The continuous lengths will be supported on padding and skids with wedges to prevent rolling. The pipeline trench will be carefully excavated and the trench bottom will be graded such that the pipeline will be evenly supported throughout. The welded pipe will be lowered into the trench ensuring that any bending
3.5.5
3.5.6
3.5.7
28
stresses are minimised. Once lowered, the pipe will be in a naturally curved unstressed state. The trench will be carefully backfilled using materials from excavation or, where required, imported material. Any excavation material not used will be disposed of at a licensed landfill. 3.5.8 The pipeline will be cleaned and gauged using pigs. A pig is a mechanical device driven through the pipeline by water or compressed air to provide either an in-line inspection or to clean the pipeline. A hydrotest will be performed with the water pressurised to a predetermined level. Once the pipeline has been sufficiently tested and the integrity of the system accepted, it is ready to be commissioned. The pipeline is dried following the hydrotest and a slug of inert gas (Nitrogen) used to separate the air and natural gas. The natural gas is introduced slowly into the pipeline with the pressure gradually raised to the Maximum Operating Pressure (MOP). Full, permanent reinstatement of the land is performed following testing and commissioning of the pipeline. All such reinstatement shall be to the approval of the Authorities, owners and occupiers concerned. The construction phase of the pipeline will take approximately six months. It is anticipated that pipeline construction will take place between the beginning of April and the end of October to protect the land from surface damage by vehicular traffic. The linepipe is procured in 12 m/18 m long sections. It is estimated that up to 1 km of pipeline will be laid in the trench per day. The maximum number of vehicles required for pipeline construction is 30; however, following completion of each phase of work the number of vehicles will reduce. Temporary Pipe Store and Contractors Yard 3.5.10 Staple Lane Temporary Pipe Store and Contractors Yard will be located in an arable field near Staple Lane which is well screened from the adjoining road and from receptors (see Figure 3.1). The site will cover approximately 1.8 ha. The area will be in use for a minimum of six months for pipe storage and pipeline construction activities.
3.5.9
3.6 3.6.1
ABOVE GROUND INSTALLATION The proposed Ripley AGI will comprise of a minimum offtake facility which will be constructed as part of a modification to the existing AGI within the SGN security fence. The landtake required is estimated to be no greater than 40 m x 40 m and the site is well screened. Access to the site will require some modification. The proposed AGI will comprise some above ground pipework with valves, an instrumentation kiosk (approximately 3 m x 3 m) and lighting which is only required for emergency maintenance work. Once operational the new AGI would not normally be manned.
3.6.2
29
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30
SUMMARY OF THE MAIN ALTERNATIVES
4.1 4.1.1
INTRODUCTION Where alternative approaches to the development have been considered, the EIA Regulations require (1) that there should be an outline of these and an indication of the main reasons for the choice, taking into account the environmental effects. Star Energy has considered alternative methods of gas storage and has also carried out an assessment of siting and routing alternatives resulting in the identification of the Project which is the subject of this Scoping Report (2). Assessment of alternatives is also a part of the design of the project (e.g. process technology, mitigation options) and this will be investigated further in the EIA. It is important to understand that when it comes to selecting development locations it is not always practicable to deliver the preferred technical option. Instead a compromise is sought by taking into consideration the constraints that exist. These constraints can comprise a number of factors (such as ecology, visibility, access, proximity of receptors and planning designations). A balance needs to be struck between the technical project requirements and the different environmental constraints. The way in which technical considerations and constraints have shaped decisions are described in more detail in the remainder of this section, together with the alternatives considered and the outcomes in terms of the optimal sites and routes.
4.1.2
4.2
OVERVIEW OF SITE SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS Geographic Considerations
4.2.1
The basic geographic factors considered in making siting and routing decisions for the Project were as follows. 1. The gas store itself is an existing underground geological structure and its location and underground extent (in three dimensions) is therefore fixed by geological characteristics. 2. The location of the AGI is constrained by the most suitable tie-in point to the gas transmission system. 3. The location of the wellsite is constrained by the location of the gas store. 4. The locations of the gas pipelines are influenced primarily by the situation of suitable termination points (the wellsite and the AGI).
(1) Schedule 4, Part II, paragraph 4. (2) ERM (May 2007) Star Energy Site Selection Report ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT
31
5. The location of the GPF is influenced by the chosen gas pipeline routes as the facility must be located close to these routes. 4.2.2 Box 4.1 This sequential site selection process is presented in Box 4.1. Sequential Component Siting Process
Identification of a Suitable Tie-in Point to the Local Gas Transmission Network 4.2.3 The location selected for the Project AGI is adjacent to the existing AGI at the Scotia Gas Networks (SGN) site near Ripley. This location was identified following consultation with National Grid and SGN which concluded that the site is the closest and therefore most suitable to transfer gas to and from the proposed gas store at Albury. Installing the AGI at the site of an existing AGI also has the advantage that the existing AGI can be extended, thus making use of the existing facility and minimising additional land take.
32
Identification of Locations for the Wellsite, Pipeline and GPF 4.2.4 Once the location of the gas store and AGI were finalised, the assessment essentially proceeded sequentially (see Box 4.1) with iterations at each stage of the process.
4.3 4.3.1
ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY Alternative locations for the wellsite and GPF were considered through the application of a detailed site selection process. The stage-based methodology which was applied is illustrated in Box 4.2 below. The first stage involved identifying the Search Area for each project component, as follows. Wellsite: Ideally the surface wellsite would be located directly above the desired subsurface geological reservoir target area but this is not always possible because of environmental, planning and land availability issues. Therefore if the surface wellsite cannot be located directly above the desired reservoir target the well can be drilled on an inclined trajectory which steps out laterally from the surface wellsite at the same time as drilling downwards. This is often referred to as extended reach drilling. However, in practice the lateral step out distance which can be achieved in a particular circumstance is governed by the depth of the reservoir target, the nature of the rocks which have to be penetrated and the technical specification of the drilling rig. It is also generally the case that drilling costs rise in proportion to the distance drilled. These technical and commercial constraints define a practical limit, the Wellsite Search Area, to how far the surface wellsite can be located from the reservoir target. The Wellsite Search Area for the Project is shown on Figure 4.1. GPF: the Search Area for the GPF was defined by the selected pipeline route corridor (the GPF must be situated within this corridor or close to it). This is shown on Figure 4.2. As explained further in Section 4.5, this pipeline route corridor was determined by the location of the proposed wellsite location, the proposed project AGI location and potential pipeline routes between the two.
4.3.2
33
Box 4.2
Methodology Applied for Selection of Wellsite and GPF
Stage 1: Define Search Area.
AONB covers large area Stage 2: Identify nationally designated sites within the Search Area.
Stage 3: Identify locally designated sites within the Search Area and provisionally apply 200 m buffer zone to residential areas.
Greenbelt covers both Search Areas
Viable sites identified for site visit
Wellhead Search Area constrained by AGLV
Stage 4: Sites visited during a site survey. Some sites discarded Stage 5: Remaining sites are considered in a comparative analysis.
4.3.3
Having defined these Search Area(s), constraints mapping was a key tool applied through the next three stages (1). This involved mapping nationally designated sites as follows: Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB); Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) (2); and Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs).
4.3.4
The principal nationally designated site constraining development in the Search Areas is the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Locally designated sites were also noted, including Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCIs), areas of Ancient Woodland, Listed Buildings, Areas of Great Landscape Value (AGLV), heavily built-up areas and planning policy constraints such as flood plain.
4.3.5
(1) Constraints mapping involves mapping the locations of features such as designated conservation areas, residential areas, hydrological features, footpaths, or any other features deemed relevant to map for the particular purpose of the exercise. (2) There are no Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) or Ramsar sites within the Search Areas. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT
34
4.3.6
It should be noted that Green Belt covers the entirety of both Search Areas and so was not applied as a criterion in the constraints mapping; rather it was acknowledged as a policy constraint for the Project. At this stage a nominal 200 m buffer zone was provisionally applied to residential areas on the constraints maps. These were defined as areas within which there was a significant possibility of construction and/or operation impacts. After these constraints were mapped, it was possible to identify areas where no environmental constraints exist. A small number of these areas were excluded and were not carried forward to the site visit if it was clear from the constraints maps and other information on land contours that: the area of land is not of an appropriate size or shape; and / or the area of land is on sloping topography which would render the location unsuitable.
4.3.7
4.3.8
4.3.9
It was clear once all constraints had been mapped that there were limited opportunities to locate the wellsite outside of the AONB. The assessment therefore went on to include potentially acceptable opportunities to locate the wellsite within the AONB (i.e. locations that avoided the other constraints, avoided loss of landscape features and could be readily screened). The remaining areas were identified as potential sites and were visited and were assessed against the following criteria (1): Size confirmation that the site would be large enough to accommodate the equipment required. Screening ideally the site should already be screened (either due to topography or existing trees and hedgerows). Alternatively, it should be possible to effectively screen the site from nearby sensitive receptors (residents and important amenity areas) by the addition of bunding and /or new tree planting. Access the site should ideally have an existing access point that will minimise the requirement for the construction of a new access road and/or minimise impacts to sensitive receptors (e.g. villages) from construction and operational traffic. Residential Receptors the number of residential receptors in close proximity to the site should be minimised. Topography confirmation that the site has a reasonably flat terrain, avoiding the need for extensive earthworks.
4.3.10
(1) All sites were identified on the basis that all were possible on safety grounds and were in suitable proximity to tie-ins into the gas pipeline network ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT
35
Hydrology and Hydrogeology the site should not impinge directly on water resources e.g. ponds and streams. Noise the site visit should verify that the areas within the 200 m buffer zones identified at Stage 3 are residential buildings.
4.3.11
After the site visit, some sites were discarded and the remaining sites were assessed in a comparative analysis. Alternative gas pipeline routes between Albury and the Scotia Gas AGI at Ripley were investigated by desk study and route visit. A slightly different approach from that applied to the wellsite and GPF was possible since the pipeline working areas once constructed can be reinstated. In comparison with permanent above ground development this factor reduces the effect of certain constraints on decision-making. However, the following criteria in selecting the pipeline route are worth highlighting: to cross road and railways where they are on flat land or on embankment and not where they are in cutting; to route the pipeline to avoid woodland, most of which are Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCIs) and are identified in the Structure and Local Plans; and to avoid areas with a high population density and individual buildings. Where close proximity to individual buildings is unavoidable then heavy wall pipe shall be used in accordance with code requirements.
4.3.12
4.3.13
4.4 4.4.1
OPTIMAL WELLSITE The comparative analysis applied to the wellsites that were deemed viable after the site visit identified WS11 at Albury (see Figure 4.1 for location) as the optimal location for the wellsite. This recommendation was made on the following grounds: Nature Conservation: WS11 is located within an SNCI, replanted ancient woodland and a Historic Park. However, the majority of the area of land required at the site is currently covered with hard-standing under mineral use and would not affect the integrity of the SNCI, replanted ancient woodland or Historic Park. Sites not located near any designations (i.e. WS4, 6 and 7) have other disadvantages including visibility or the requirement to construct/upgrade an access route involving development of current agricultural land. Access: Albury has good existing access to the site and from the wider road network which bypasses local villages such as Albury and Shere. All other
36
sites considered required either a new access track to be built or an existing track to be upgraded. AONB/AGLV: Despite being within the AONB/AGLV, WS11 is very well screened, non-visible to residential receptors, and would not remove any significant landscape components. Sites not within the AONB/AGLV (notably WS4 and WS6) were in fact more visible to receptors than WS11. Land Use: WS11 is under current mineral use as opposed to all other alternative sites considered which are currently agricultural. This temporary mineral use of the land has not caused any disturbance to the locality.
4.5
GAS PIPELINE ROUTE SELECTION Pipeline Route
4.5.1
Several basic options for the pipeline route with variations were studied. This demonstrated that there was one feasible route option for the pipeline from Albury to Staplit Road. However, two route corridors were identified between Staplit Road and Ripley AGI. The widening of the Study Area at this point (illustrated in Figure 4.3) demonstrates the area where the two route options were under consideration. The routes were fully investigated by the engineers and environmental specialists. However, during consultation with the landowners it was established that the rights to land in the vicinity of Hatchlands Park, in the ownership of National Trust, would not be granted. Since compulsory acquisition is not possible with the National Trust, of the two alternatives from Staplit Road and Ripley AGI, the eastern route could not be pursued and only the proposed western route was taken forward. Temporary Pipe Store and Contractors Yard
4.5.2
4.5.3
A site will be required for a minimum of 6 months for pipe store and pipe pipeline construction activities. A suitable site for the temporary pipe store and contractors yard was identified according to the following criteria: the site should be approximately 2 ha in size; the site should be flat and well drained; the site should have good access from or be near major roads with limited adverse traffic impact; the site should have land owner approval; and the site should be environmentally acceptable with respect to visual and noise impact.
4.5.4
An initial desk and field study was undertaken by the pipeline engineers who proposed five possible sites. The locations of these sites are shown on Figure 4.3. The location and general function of the sites was assessed by
37
archaeological, ecological and landscape specialists. Consultations were also held with Surrey County Council Highways Department who confirmed their preferences of the options from a traffic perspective. 4.5.5 None of the sites were assessed as being unacceptable; however it was proposed to seek planning consent for Site 1, at the junction of the A246 and the west side of Staple Lane, since it has the best access to major roads, is the closest to the Albury site, with no adverse environmental issues.
4.6 4.6.1
OPTIMAL GPF SITE The comparative analysis for the location of the GPF identified Site E, adjacent to Furze Copse as the optimal site for the GPF (see Figure 4.2 for location). Sites B-G were all identified as suitable sites; however, the selection of Site E in particular was made on the following grounds: the site is located outside the AONB & AGLV; the site is not within other environmental designations; the site is not near any known archaeological sites; the site has existing access that can be upgraded; the site is screened from residential receptors on several sides; the site is amenable to further landscaping for further screening purposes; the site is one of the furthest from any residential receptors which is advantageous for mitigating noise impacts; the site is preferred by the landowner (over and above the other sites within the group of sites B G) the site is better screened than Sites B D, requiring only minimal additional screening at the western edge; and from an agricultural land management perspective this site can be developed most appropriately in terms of such matters as access to other land parcels/fields, severance etc. (in comparison to the other sites within the group B - G).
38
.
Metres
KEY:
Wellsite Search Area WS1 Area in which 0.5 hectare hardstanding for a Wellsite could be sited
500
WS2
WS3
WS5
WS4 WS10
WS11
WS12
WS7
WS8
TITLE:
WS9 WS6
WS13
Figure 4.1 Alternative Wellsites
CLIENT:
SIZE:
A3
DATE: 22/05/2007 DRAWN: SGR DRAWING: CHECKED: APPROVED: PROJECT: 0056641
File: 0056641AlburyGasStorageGIS\MAPS\MapFiles_Scoping\Scoping_0407\SC0407_WellSites.mxd
SCALE: 1:20,000 REV:
WS14
SC0407_WellSites.mxd
ERM Eaton House Wallbrook Court North Hinksey Lane Oxford OX2 0QS Telephone: 01865 384800 Facsimile: 01865 204982
SOURCE: Reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data. Crown copyright 2006. All Rights Reserved. License number AL52820A001. 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.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
5.1 5.1.1
INTRODUCTION This section describes the broad principles of the EIA methodology. In so doing, it describes the approach that will be used to identify, evaluate and mitigate environmental effects, and defines the scope of the EIA, to be reported in the ES.
5.2 5.2.1
BASIS OF THE ASSESSMENT The criteria against which the effects to the local environment will be assessed are as set out in Schedule 3 of the EIA Regulations. The Regulations require that the proposal be assessed against three broad criteria, namely: the characteristics of the proposed development (e.g. size, use of natural resources, quantities of pollution and waste generated); the sensitivity of the areas likely to be affected by the development; and the characteristics and significance of the potential effects (magnitude and duration).
5.2.2
The environmental effects of the Project will therefore be predicted for each relevant environmental topic (e.g. ecology, landscape, noise) by comparing baseline environmental conditions (i.e. the situation without the Project) with the conditions that would prevail were the Project to be constructed and operated. The environmental effects of the Project will also be predicted in relation to environmental receptors, that is, people (e.g. residents of buildings etc.), built resources (e.g. a listed building) and natural resources (e.g. a site of ecological interest).
5.2.3
5.3 5.3.1
DEFINING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS While there is no statutory definition of what constitutes a significant effect, it is clear that the primary purpose of identifying the significant effects of a project is to inform the decision-makers such that an informed and robust consent decision can be reached. On this basis, a significant effect has been defined for the purposes of this Project as an effect that, either in isolation or in combination with others, breaches standards, legislation or guidance and should be taken into account in the decision-making process.
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5.3.2
In generic terms, three stages are required to enable the significance of impacts to be identified. These are as follows: 1. Identification of the baseline conditions and the sensitivity and importance of the receptors. 2. Identification of the magnitude of change (impacts) upon the receptor. 3. Identification of the impact significance, which is the product of a combination of the above two variables.
5.3.3
The process for combining the sensitivity of the receptor with the magnitude of change to evaluate the significance is shown as a matrix in Table 5.1 (although in some cases this process may be implicit rather than explicit, for example ambient noise standards take account of receptor sensitivity): Matrix for the Evaluation of Significant Environmental Impacts
Magnitude of Change High Moderate Low None Sensitivity of Receptor Moderate Low Significant Significant/ Not Significant Significant Significant/ Not Significant Significant/ Not Not Significant Significant Not Significant Not Significant
Table 5.1
High Significant Significant Significant Not Significant
Negligible Not Significant Not Significant Not Significant Not Significant
5.3.4
The following types of significant effects will be considered on the basis of their nature and duration (although it is not normally necessary to define which of these categories each impact falls into):
Site-specific effects. Effects that result from a geographically localised impact and which are significant primarily at a neighbourhood or district level. Wider effects. Effects that are individually significant at a regional level, but which are unlikely to be significant locally. Positive effects. Effects that have a beneficial influence on receptors and resources. Negative effects. Effects that have an adverse influence on receptors or resources. Temporary effects. Effects that persist for a limited period only, due for example to particular construction activities (e.g. noise from construction plant). Where possible, the likely duration of effects is identified. Permanent effects. Effects that result from an irreversible change to the baseline environment (e.g. landtake) or which persist for the foreseeable future (e.g. noise from operation). Direct effects. Effects that arise from the impact of activities that form an integral part of the Project (e.g. new infrastructure). Indirect effects. Effects that arise from the impact of activities not explicitly forming part of the Project (e.g. increased road traffic in neighbouring authorities due to changes in uses). Secondary effects. Effects that arise as a result of an initial effect of the Project (e.g. reduced amenity of a community facility as a result of construction noise). Cumulative effects. Effects that arise from the combination of different effects at a specific location, the recurrence of effects of the same type at different locations and the interaction of different effects over time.
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5.3.5
Significance criteria for all relevant impacts are outlined in Section 7 and will be further developed by the EIA.
5.4 5.4.1
MITIGATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS The EIA Regulations require (1) that where significant effects are identified, a description of the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and where possible remedy any significant adverse effects on the environment should be included in the ES. For each significant adverse effect, therefore, the specialists undertaking the EIA will propose mitigation measures consistent with best practice in their respective field. Residual effects (assuming mitigation options are applied) will be classified as non-significant or still significant (albeit reduced), as appropriate.
5.4.2
5.5 5.5.1
THE TEMPORAL SCOPE OF THE EIA The temporal scope of the EIA for the construction phase will be outlined and assessed accordingly in the EIA. The temporal scope will also take into account the time of day during which works are undertaken, notably whether they are undertaken during daytime, evening or night-time periods.
5.6 5.6.1
SPATIAL SCOPE OF THE EIA The geographical coverage of the EIA will take into account the following factors: the physical extent of the works to be undertaken within the application site boundary; the nature of the baseline environment and the manner in which impacts are likely to be propagated beyond the application site boundary; and the pattern of administrative boundaries which provide the planning and policy context for the Project.
5.6.2
To explain, the significance of effects can vary spatially. For example, any potential effects on archaeology would be likely to be confined to those areas physically disturbed by construction works, whilst the effects of noise or visual intrusion could be experienced at some distance. In addition, potential effects may only be significant locally (e.g. in the immediate vicinity of the site), whilst others may be significant at a project-wide or regional level, as described above.
(1) Schedule 4, Part II, paragraph 2. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT
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Table 5.2
Spatial Scope of the EIA

Project Asset Wellsite Study Area Project boundary plus sensitive receptors within 500 m, and sensitive receptors within 200 m of the routes for construction traffic (1). Project boundary plus sensitive receptors within 500 m, and sensitive receptors within 200 m of the routes for construction traffic including the proposed access track to the west of the site (1). Up to 500 m on both sides of the pipeline route, Staple Lane Temporary Pipe Store and Contractors Yard and AGI. A detailed study of up to 200 m on both sides will be undertaken of the finalised pipeline route (2).
Gas Processing Facility
Gas Pipeline, Staple Lane Temporary Pipe Store and Contractors Yard and AGI
(1) A Study Area of 500 m will be set from the Wellsite and the GPF site to enable the collection of detailed baseline information for topics such as ecology and archaeology etc. Some topic areas will conduct a wider search as appropriate such as landscape and visual, traffic and transport. (2) The detailed study corridor will be set at 200 m on either site of the proposed pipeline route as this is the limit of deviation which will be requested in the planning application. This limit of deviation is typical in planning applications for pipelines of this size.
5.6.3
The spatial scope of the EIA is illustrated in Figure 5.1.
5.7 5.7.1
TECHNICAL SCOPE OF THE EIA The range of environmental topics to be addressed in the EIA is referred to as its technical scope. Potential environmental issues have been evaluated as part of the scoping exercise in order to determine whether any might be wholly or partially omitted from the EIA on the grounds that they are unlikely to give rise to significant effects (i.e. scoped out). Those issues which are not scoped out as a result of this exercise form the technical scope of the EIA. The basis on which issues have been scoped in or out is explained in Section 6. An assessment will be undertaken by specialists for each of the environmental topics that have not been scoped out of the EIA.
5.7.2
5.7.3
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Kilometres
KEY:
Proposed Facilitity Locations Proposed Study Areas Proposed Pipeline Route Assumed Access Pending Traffic Assessments
CLIENT:
SIZE:
TITLE:
A4
ERM Eaton House Wallbrook Court North Hinksey Lane Oxford, OX2 0QS Telephone: 01865 384800 Facsimile: 01865 204982
SOURCE: Reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data. Crown
copyright, All rights reserved. 2007 License number 0100031673.
Figure 5.1 Proposed Study Areas
DATE: 21/05/2007 CHECKED: DRAWN: SGR DRAWING: APPROVED:
PROJECT: 0056641 SCALE: 1:30,000 REV:
PROJECTION: British National Grid
SC0407_StudyAreas.mxd
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.
File: 0056641AlburyGasStorageGIS\MAPS\MapFiles_Scoping\Scoping_0407\SC0407_StudyAreas.mxd
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE EIA
6.1 6.1.1
OVERVIEW Schedule 4 of the EIA Regulations specifies a range of environmental issues, the significant effects of which should be addressed as part of an EIA. These issues comprise effects on population, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets (including the architectural and archaeological heritage), landscape, and the inter-relationship between these. As discussed in Section 1.8, there will be one stand alone ES, addressing the impacts of the proposed gas store, wellsite, gas processing facility, related infrastructure including the AGI and the proposed gas pipelines. For the purposes of this report, the following list of issues has been refined and adapted with reference to good EIA practice: safety; land use; soils and agriculture; water resources and flood risk; ecology and nature conservation; air quality, dust and climate change; noise and vibration; contaminated land and waste management; landscape and visual; archaeology and cultural heritage; traffic and transport; and socioeconomics.
6.1.2
6.1.3
6.1.4
Descriptions will be given, under each topic heading, of the construction and/or operational activities that will give rise to effects at the main sensitive receptors and resources, together with the duration of effects and the ways in which effects can be mitigated. The environmental issues that comprise the technical scope of the EIA are set out in Box 6.1.
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Box 6.1
Environmental Issues Comprising Technical Scope of the E IA

Safety: The storage and transportation at high pressures of significant quantities of flammable natural gas (predominantly methane), requires consideration of safety issues. A safety document will be prepared to accompany the applications for planning permission and hazardous substances consent. This will include an assessment of the major hazards, estimates of risk to people and a description of the safety measures that will be adopted. The integrity of the reservoir will also be addressed. Land Use: The pipelines will be constructed largely under agricultural land. The wellsite will be constructed at the existing Albury Wellsite with a small area of additional landtake. The AGI will be located adjacent to the existing SGN Ripley AGI with a small amount of additional landtake within the existing boundary. The proposed GPF will be constructed on agricultural land. Some land loss will be temporary, and a temporary change in land use will occur at Staple Lane Temporary Pipe Store and Contractors Yard location. Soils and Agriculture: The pipelines and GPF will be constructed largely under agricultural land and will require the excavation of large amounts of soil. Water Resources and Flood Risk: Potential water impacts may relate to intrusion into the groundwater or aquifers by excavations or drilling. Impermeable surfaces have the potential to generate surface water run-off. The effect of surface and underground waters which influence the proposed pipeline route options, and the effect the presence and construction of the pipelines might have on them will be identified. Ecology and Nature Conservation: The development of the Project will give rise to limited loss or disturbance of habitats, some of which could potentially be occupied by protected species. Careful siting, timing of works, surveys and provision of alternative habitats can mitigate impacts. Following the construction of the Project, biodiversity measures will be implemented. Air Quality, Dust and Climate Change: Construction work has the potential to generate dust, in varying amounts, which can create nuisance and health effects. Construction of the Project will cause temporary increases in traffic, which has the potential for localised increases in emissions. Minimal emissions from the GPF during operation will be assessed for their impact on air quality and climate change. Odour will also be addressed. Noise and Vibration: Construction and operational works can give rise to noticeable changes in the noise environment, particularly for activities at night. Ambient vibration levels are not usually of concern in either urban or rural residential areas. Contaminated Land and Waste Management: Where earthworks and excavation are necessary during construction there is potential for contaminated land to be encountered dependent on the current or previous land uses. The Project may give rise to potentially significant waste streams during construction, and some minimal waste streams during operation Landscape and Visual: The introduction of new structures and activities can cause permanent impacts which could be either positive or negative. Temporary visual impacts will result during construction. Archaeology and Cultural Heritage: Construction projects can affect archaeological sites where earthworks and excavations are necessary and can sometimes result in disturbance to features of archaeological and cultural heritage importance. Traffic and Transport: During construction there will be an increase in traffic to and from the site(s). During operation, the increase in traffic will be very limited, comprising personnel and occasional maintenance traffic (including deliveries). A Traffic Management Plan will be produced before construction commences. Socioeconomics: The key socioeconomic issues are employment effects during construction and operation and the wider effects of the Project such as security of gas supply. Additional jobs arising from the construction of the Project will occur; a limited number of skilled permanent jobs will be created for the operation of the facility. Construction Environmental Management: Although not a topic itself, minimisation of the environmental impacts of the Project will depend on the environmental control of the various construction works associated with the development. The ES will therefore describe the environmental management measures that will be required to mitigate the construction impacts identified during the EIA.
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6.1.5
Preliminary investigation of the potential environmental effects of the Project has concluded that the topics described in Box 6.2 can be excluded from the EIA. Topics Scoped Out of the EIA and Rationale for Their Exclusion
Micro-climate: The microclimate around the Project will not change significantly from that currently prevailing in the local area. Safety during Construction: The construction of the Project does not pose a significant risk or hazard to the public requiring assessment under the EIA regulations. Construction safety will be addressed under occupational health and safety regulations, specifically through compliance with the new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. Onsite Personnel Risk: For the purposes of Hazardous Substances Consent, it is not necessary to determine the risks to personnel working on the site. Consequently, the safety document submitted at this stage will concentrate on offsite risks. Contaminated Land during Operation: No earth moving works are anticipated to take place during operation of the Project. Archaeology during Operation: No activities with the potential to significantly disturb or damage archaeological resources are anticipated to take place during operation of the Project. Soils & Agriculture: No activities with the potential to significantly disturb or damage soils or agriculture are anticipated to take place during operation of the Project
Box 6.2
6.2 6.2.1
SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF THE EIA This Report has identified potential effects during both the construction and operational phases of the Project and these potential effects will be addressed in detail during the EIA process. Of these potential effects, some will be short term, prevailing for a specific period during the construction phase (e.g. construction noise impacts); others may persist in the longer term (for example effects arising from the emissions to air). Mitigation and other protective measures agreed by Star Energy will be designed into the Project to reduce or ameliorate significant adverse effects. The key environmental issues that have been identified during the scoping exercise are summarised in Table 6.1.
6.2.2
53
Table 6.1
Potential Environmental Issues Included in the Scope of the EIA

Construction Significant Significant Effect Unlikely Effect Possible
GPF/ Wellsite PipeLines /AGI GPF/ Wellsite Pipelines /AGI
Operation Significant Effect Significant Effect Unlikely Possible

GPF/ Wellsite Pipelines /AGI GPF/ Wellsite Pipelines /AGI
Land Use Air Quality, Dust and Climate Change Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Landscape and Visual Noise and Vibration Safety Socio-economics Contaminated Land and Waste Management Traffic and Transport Soils and Agriculture X X
+/+ -
+/+ X X X
X X X
+/-
X +/X X X X X X + +
-
Ecology and Nature Conservation Water Resources and Flood Risk Topic included in EIA + positive effect. - negative effect. +/- both positive and negative effects possible. X Topic scoped out.
6.2.3
As a first step in undertaking the EIA, a validation of the environmental topics scoped in and out will be carried out, taking account of developments in the design of the Project, which have occurred since the preparation of this Report. The EIA methodologies which will be used to assess the significance of potential environmental issues identified in Table 6.1 are set out in Section 7.
6.2.4
54
METHODOLOGIES FOR ASSESSING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
7.1 7.1.1
INTRODUCTION As explained in Section 5, the EIA Regulations require an ES to report on those environmental effects that are considered likely to be significant. A significant effect has been defined for the purposes of this Project as an effect, which, either in isolation or combination with others, should - in the opinion of the EIA team - be taken into account in the decision-making process. This definition will provide a common framework within which to predict the significance of effects for all environmental topics. A set of criteria for each environmental topic identified in Table 6.1 will be used to predict any significant effects arising from the Project. These criteria are described below.
7.1.2
7.1.3
7.2
PREDICTION METHODOLOGIES AND EVALUATION CRITERIA Introduction
7.2.1
The prediction methods set out in the following sections are based on previous experience of similar environmental studies and ERMs professional judgement. In addition, account has been taken of pertinent statutory requirements, Government advice and professional guidance on best practice. Basis of the Assessment
7.2.2
For each relevant environmental topic (e.g. ecology, landscape, noise), the environmental effects of the Project will be predicted by comparing baseline environmental conditions (i.e. the situation without the Project) with the conditions that would prevail were the Project to be constructed and operated.
7.3 7.3.1
PLANNING FRAMEWORK A Planning Statement will accompany the Environmental Statement. Where relevant, the ES will reference specific items of local and national planning policy.
7.4 7.4.1
SAFETY The Project will comply with a range of safety-related legislation throughout the design, construction and operational phases, including the Borehole Sites and Operations Regulations, the principles of the COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) regulations (although it is not regulated under this regime), the Pipeline Safety Regulations and the Planning (Hazardous
55
Substances) Act, as well as the general provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act. Internationally recognised design codes and standards will be adopted as appropriate for the design, construction and operation of the Project. 7.4.2 An assessment of the major hazards associated with the Project will be carried out, together with a quantitative risk assessment based on the conceptual engineering design (which will be refined subsequently as the engineering design develops in detail). This analysis will cover major hazards, such as fires and explosions. The following tasks will be performed in support of this study: Hazard Identification (HAZID) study to systematically review the layout and operation of the site to identify potential release sources, together with their causes and the associated safeguards to prevent or mitigate major accidents. The method focuses specifically on major accident scenarios. Review of Major Hazard Incident Data Service (MHIDAS). Estimation of event frequencies by determining the individual failure rates and failure modes of the different equipment items. The failure rates and failure modes will be obtained from public and proprietary databases and consistent (where practicable) with those acceptable to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Consequence assessment to determine maximum harm ranges for each hazardous event identified. Risk analysis and assessment will combine the frequency and consequence data to determine the risks to offsite populations. Risk results will be generated to include individual risk contours, risk ranking prioritisation tables or charts, societal risk graphs for on-site and offsite areas/populations/buildings, and contour plots showing the frequency with which damaging levels of blast or thermal radiation are experienced, as appropriate. The results will be compared against HSE risk criteria for land-use planning and risk tolerability.
7.4.3
A Safety Document will be prepared to demonstrate that safety is taken into account throughout the design, construction and operation of the project. The report will have the same general format and content as a COMAH Safety Report. Contents will include a general site description, a review and discussion of the major accident hazards identified, a description of the site Safety Management System, the standards to which the facility has been designed and constructed and also the plans in place to respond to emergencies.
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7.4.4
As a result of the inherent in-built safety measures, gas pipelines have been demonstrated to provide an acceptably safe means of transporting gas, although there is inevitably a small residual risk attached to the operation of such a pipeline. National Grid and other authorities have carried out studies of pipeline systems in order to assess the risks involved and the consequences of a variety of failure scenarios. Since this pipeline equals or betters the standard used by National Grid (IGE/TD1) the same low failure rates can be applied. As a result of these studies the proposed pipelines will meet the levels of risk which are generally acceptable to society and safety measures taken will equal or exceed those prescribed by the HSE. An independent geological and geotechnical assessment of the integrity of the reservoir at all operating conditions will be presented taking into account the cyclic nature of reservoir pressures including identification and confirmation of the integrity of previously drilled and abandoned exploration wells which will or may be in contact with the reservoir.
7.4.5
7.4.6
7.5
LAND USE Assessment Methodology
7.5.1
The Project has the potential to alter some of the land uses within and adjoining the site. Reference will be made to the land uses within and surrounding the site which will each be described. This will include surface land use and the use of existing geological strata for gas extraction, exploration and storage. Potential Impacts of this Project
7.5.2
The impact of the Project on land use within and around the site will be considered, drawn on the conclusions from each of the separate topic areas (e.g. noise, traffic, landscape).
7.6 7.6.1
SOILS AND AGRICULTURE The soils and agriculture characteristics along the proposed pipeline route will be established to address potential impacts on agriculture in the widest sense, covering any agricultural practices which may be affected, and the impact of ground conditions which may affect pipeline construction. Information on the following will be gathered: soil types; agricultural land classification; cropping and pasture patterns;
7.6.2
57
7.6.3
known occurrences of important pests and diseases of crops and livestock; and land drainage.
A desk based study of existing information will provide a general description of the soils which are likely to be found along the pipeline route, their characteristics, and any likely impacts which need to be taken into account. The soil types crossed will be identified using the Soil Survey of England and Wales 1:250,000 map sheet 6. The soils are grouped into Soil Associations which contain soils of different properties and characteristics grouped together on the basis of their parent material (the superficial deposits on which they were formed). Each association contains different soil series which contain soils of similar properties which have been formed under similar conditions of climate, landform, organic matter input, relief and time. Land classifications are categorised into 5 different grades mapped at 1:250,000 scale. Land of Grade 3 and above is regarded as best and most versatile land. The DEFRA Agricultural Land Classification Maps, South East Region identifies the land classifications crossed for the proposed pipeline route. The need for agricultural under-drainage is determined by the climate, soil and site characteristics and economic factors that vary with the agricultural system implemented. Drainage design varies according to soil type, cropping practice, landform, climate, and available technology. Landowners and occupiers will be consulted as to the presence of, or need for land drains. If required, a survey will be carried out by a land drainage specialist during the engineering design stage. During the engineering design stage further soils investigations will be performed. These include trial pits, to a maximum depth of 2.5 m, and boreholes, to a maximum depth of 10 m, along the pipeline route. This will give further information on the soil characteristics along the proposed pipeline routes.
7.6.4
7.6.5
7.6.6
7.6.7
7.7
WATER RESOURCES AND FLOOD RISK Introduction
7.7.1
The assessment will cover potential impacts during construction and operation of the Project, in relation to surface water, groundwater, drainage and water supply. A review will be carried out of the design proposals for the treatment of surface water run off against available guidance and current best practice. The assessment of impacts on surface water and groundwater will be undertaken based on a desktop study and, where necessary, discussions with the Environment Agency. In assessing the significance of aquatic impacts reference will be made to the following:
58
relevant European Union and UK legislation; relevant water quality standards and objectives; Environment Agency Pollution Prevention Guidelines; policies relating to groundwater, including the aquifer protection policy of the Environment Agency; the degree and nature of use of surface and groundwater for potable or other abstraction purposes; and designated sites of nature conservation importance (local, national and international designations).
Sensitivity of Receptors 7.7.2 The sensitivity of water resources will be measured according to indicators of their attributes, quality and their grading and importance, which have been approved by the Environment Agency. Magnitude of Impact 7.7.3 Table 7.1 shows the methodology used to identify the magnitude of potential impacts. Significance Criteria 7.7.4 Table 7.2 shows the methodology used to identify the significance of potential impacts based on the magnitude of the impact and the importance of the attribute. Magnitude of Impact Criteria
Magnitude Major Criteria Results in loss of attribute Example Loss of EC designated Salmonid fishery Compromise employment source Pollution of potable source of abstraction Change in GQA grade of river reach Loss of flood storage / increased flood risk Loss in productivity of a fishery Contribution of a significant proportion of the effluent in the receiving river, but insufficient to change its GQA grade Measurable change in attribute, but of limited size and / or proportion
Table 7.1
Moderate
Results in impact on integrity of attribute or loss of part of attribute
Minor
Results in minor impact on attribute
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Magnitude Negligible
Criteria Example Results in an impact on Discharges to watercourse but no significant loss attribute but of insufficient in quality, fishery productivity or biodiversity magnitude to affect the use / No significant impact on the economic value of integrity the feature No increase in flood risk
Table 7.2
Significance Criteria of Potential Impacts

Magnitude of potential impact Major Moderate Minor Negligible Importance of attribute Very high High Medium Low Very Significant Highly Significant Significant Low Significance Highly Significant Significant Low Significance Insignificant Significant Low Significance Insignificant Insignificant Low Significance Insignificant Insignificant Insignificant
7.7.5
The Project elements will be designed and located to minimise any possibility of impacts on water quality. If the assessment indicates that significant impacts on water quality are likely, measures to mitigate such impacts will be proposed, which may include construction or operation management procedures. Flood Risk Assessment
7.7.6
The gas processing facility, wellsite and other surface infrastructure will be sited outside the flood plain. The pipeline routes lie partially within Flood Zone 2 and partially within Flood Zone 3. The Environment Agency has no records of flooding in this area. The EIA will determine whether the gas pipelines are within areas designated by the Environment Agency as having a significant chance of flooding, however the construction process of such works is only of a temporary nature. Where the potential for flooding is identified the pipeline will be weightcoated to avoid flotation.
7.7.7
7.7.8
7.8
ECOLOGY AND NATURE CONSERVATION Introduction
7.8.1
The ecological component of the EIA involves establishing the baseline ecological conditions, evaluating the existing resource and identifying any nature conservation constraints, identifying impact sources and magnitude and highlighting opportunities to mitigate identified impacts or enhance the nature conservation interest. Some aspects of work have been completed. Where this is the case this is highlighted below.
7.8.2
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Assessment Methodology General 7.8.3 For the purposes of the EIA, the ecological assessment will include the following: review of any relevant existing ecological information for the development area and immediate surrounds. Information has been obtained from the following sources to date: Surrey County Council Ecologist; Natural England (Sussex and Surrey Team); Surrey Biological Records Centre; County Recorders; Surrey Bird Club; Surrey Badger Group; Surrey Bat Group; and The BSBI Recorder for Surrey.
identification of any statutory and non-statutory nature conservation designations on or near to the site; identification of any habitats or species of importance; a review of Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAP); seeking views from consultees on the significance of the existing ecological resources; and identifying opportunities for mitigation or enhancement during the development.
GPF Site 7.8.4 Ecological surveys were carried out at the GPF Site (Furze Copse) which have highlighted the ecological issues which are likely to be most significant. No serious ecological impacts are foreseen. The anticipated ecological issues are as follows: The GPF site is situated on intensive arable farmland which will minimise the potential ecological impacts stemming from a change in landuse. The site is surrounded by woodland, some of which has ancient woodland characteristics. This woodland is not, however, anticipated to be directly affected by the GPF; any effects will be indirect. Badgers have been noted as present in the area; however, there is a negative risk of their being directly affected by the GPF.
61
There is a pond located within 100 m of the site which has the potential to support great crested newts, however, the GPF is not anticipated to affect this pond directly.
Wellsite 7.8.5 An Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey of the site was carried out in October 2006, following the methodology described in the Joint Nature Conservation Committees Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey (1993), and recommended for use in EIAs in the Institute of Environmental Assessments Guidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment (1995). The wellsite forms part of Albury Park, much of which is designated as a SNCI of particular value for lichens, with notable invertebrates and vascular plants also present. Much of the park, including the study site, is also identified as replanted or cleared ancient woodland in the Surrey Ancient Woodland Inventory. The wellsite is centred on an existing Star Energy compound with surrounding bunds and ditch. The surrounding habitats are mainly plantation woodlands, varying from even aged, dense blocks of relatively young Douglas fir, to more diverse, mature mixed woodlands dominated by beech, oak, sweet chestnut, birch and scattered mature conifers. Aside from the sites designated status, constraints identified to date include the presence of smaller subsidiary or outlier badger setts, and the possible presence of protected bird species. The need for further work to assess the potential value of the mature tree resource to bats, to assess the mycological, lichen and lower plant interest and to examine the ditch surrounding the site for the presence of great crested newts has also been identified. Once the ecological baseline has been established in detail, the impacts of the scheme on habitats and species of nature conservation value will be determined. The criteria which will be used in assessing the significance of the impacts are considered below. Where measures are required to mitigate or reduce significant impacts, these will be discussed and wherever possible incorporated into the scheme design. Pipeline Routes, AGI and Staple Lane Temporary Pipe Store and Contractors Yard 7.8.10 The field surveys of the proposed pipeline route include, but are not limited to, surveys for badgers and dormice. The surveys performed will check for the presence of protected habitats and species of Principal Importance as listed in Annex C of the Circular on Biodiversity and Geological Conservation. In this respect an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey was carried out in September 2006 covering the potential route options for the pipeline and the results of this survey were taken into account during route selection.
7.8.6
7.8.7
7.8.8
7.8.9
7.8.11
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7.8.12
The following areas containing ecological interest have been identified along the pipeline route options: Landscape Designation: Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Surrey Hills; Historic Heritage Designation: Historic Parks and Gardens at Albury Park; Built Heritage Designation: Conservation Area Boundary crossed at Albury; and Nature Conservation Designation: Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) Chantry Wood, Humphrey Copse and Clandon Woods.
Assessment Criteria 7.8.13 The potential effects on ecological resources will be identified and their significance assessed in line with Guidance published by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) (1). The approach to be taken is summarised below. Identification of Impact Type and Sources 7.8.14 The sphere of influence of the proposals, and likely individual impact sources will be identified on the basis of the detailed drawings and construction methodologies. The proposed construction and operation of the GPF, wellsite, gas pipelines and AGI has the potential to give rise to both direct and indirect ecological impacts: Direct Effects: These include loss of or damage to vegetation and habitat structure within the working width, and associated plant access points and routes to the working width from the road network. Where not controlled, encroachment of plant and personnel can also exert direct effects onto adjacent areas. Direct effects on fauna include displacement or damage as a consequence of habitat loss and/or disturbance. Indirect Effects: Indirect effects arising during the construction phase include potential disturbance from noise, traffic and increased human presence, which may impose stress on and disrupt normal behavioural patterns of fauna in adjacent areas, potentially leading to displacement. Pollution impacts can also arise from windborne dust, or silt-laden run-off, which can affect nearby vegetation or hydrological systems with knock-on effects on associated fauna. Pollution from accidentally spilt fuel or chemicals can similarly affect local hydrological systems.
7.8.15
(1) IEEM (2005) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment Consultation Draft July 2005 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT
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Assessing the Value of Receptors 7.8.16 In order to determine whether an individual impact is significant, the value and sensitivity of affected habitats, sites or species is first established. The current IEEM guidance recognises that professional judgement and a certain level of subjectivity is unavoidable when apportioning value to individual ecological receptors. However, certain parameters and points of reference can be used to help ensure consistency. In this assessment, the following points of reference and parameters will be used: Sites that are subject to statutory or non-statutory nature conservation designations will be assessed against relevant selection criteria, to reaffirm their qualifying attributes, or in some cases identify where a designation may no longer be appropriate. Outside designated sites, factors such as extent, naturalness, rarity, fragility and diversity are all relevant to the determination of ecological value, and these and other established criteria as described by Ratcliffe, may be applied. For individual species and habitat types the above approach is supplemented by consideration of whether individual species are subject to legal protection, or whether habitats or species are present which have been identified as priorities for conservation action, either at a national or local level, in order for the UK to meet international obligations. Consideration will also be given to species not necessarily subject to legal protection or identified as a priority for biodiversity conservation, but which nonetheless have an unfavourable conservation status as defined by the Red Data Book system or the Red and Amber lists for birds, or which are otherwise known to be rare or scarce in a local or regional context.
7.8.17
7.8.18
Geographic scales of comparison will be used where appropriate to define the measure of importance attached to individual features. The definition of geographic terms can vary, but in this evaluation the geographic frame of reference contained within the current IEEM guidelines will be used. Determining Sensitivity
7.8.19
The sensitivity of an individual receptor will be a product of various factors including: habitat extent or species population size; habitat or population fragility (including ability to recover); the rarity of a species or habitat; and susceptibility to environmental change (e.g. from disturbance or pollution).
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Determining Significance 7.8.20 Whether a potential impact is significant or not is determined by quantifying the magnitude of effect on each of the receptors identified. Large scale effects on receptors of high or very high sensitivity and value are likely to represent a significant impact that may be unacceptable in nature conservation terms. Equally, small scale effects on receptors of low or very low degrees of sensitivity are likely to be below significance thresholds, and thereby not a significant constraint to development. A key consideration is whether the integrity of a receptor (e.g. the ability of a population to maintain itself at current levels) will be compromised.
7.9
AIR QUALITY, DUST AND CLIMATE CHANGE Methodology and Evaluation Criteria for Construction Dust
7.9.1
Construction work has the potential to generate dust, in varying amounts. The extent to which this dust causes nuisance or an air quality impact is almost entirely dependent upon the efficacy of control measures and the proximity of people, residences or other receptors. The spatial extent of any impact is usually confined to within a few hundred metres at most of the dust sources, often much less. The approach that will be taken to the assessment of construction dust, as a nuisance, is first to identify any on site practices and activities that might be especially liable to generate dust. Mitigation measures will be proposed for these and other potentially dust generating activities that can be adopted by the contractor in the development of the Environmental Management Plan. Secondly, the surrounding area and land use will be evaluated with respect to the sensitivity of receptors. This will include commercial properties and residences. Methodology and Evaluation Criteria for Air Quality Impacts from Construction and Operational Traffic
7.9.2
7.9.3
It may be that the assessment of air quality effects from road traffic will not be significant and hence will be scoped out of the EIA. However, the results of the traffic assessment will be reviewed before this judgement is made. Should the results of the traffic assessment show that there is a need to undertake an assessment of the air quality effects of construction and operational road traffic, then local air quality impacts will be quantified for traffic. This will be done by using the methodology included in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) as a screening method using local traffic data and background air quality data. The DMRB method provides a robust estimate of ground level concentrations for direct comparison/evaluation with the standards included in the Air Quality (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2002.
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Operational Impacts to Air Quality 7.9.4 There will be emissions associated with the operation of the main plant. The substances released and their quantity is dependent on the technology employed for example for dehydration and compression. Where decisions on technology cannot be made in time to inform the EIA then the worst-case emissions scenario will be assessed. An initial screening assessment of impacts to air quality will be undertaken using the Environment Agencys H1 screening methodology (1). Should the results of the screening assessment indicate that the emissions from the facility cannot be considered insignificant then detailed dispersion modelling will be undertaken using ADMS 3.3 or Aermod. The global warming potential posed by these emissions will also be quantified using the Environment Agencys H1 methodology. During normal operation the pipelines will not have any effect on air quality.
7.9.5
7.9.6
7.9.7
7.10
NOISE AND VIBRATION Methodology and Evaluation Criteria for Construction Noise
7.10.1
Noise levels will be predicted using the methods set out in British Standard 5228 (2). Predictions will be made based on indicative plant teams representing the noisiest phases of the works. For general construction activities the exact plant details will be developed during detailed design; however, a reasonable worst case assessment would be represented by assuming that a noisy plant team with a sound power value of 125 dB(A) could be required. This is likely to represent several noisy plant items such as dozers or excavators, directional drilling plant or driven sheet piling. The approach that will be adopted in the assessment to determine the potential noise effect from construction activities will be to compare predicted noise levels for each construction phase with the noise criteria in Table 7.3. In cases where predictions show that these criteria will be exceeded for at least a few days, a significant potential effect will be reported. Where possible, noise measurements from similar construction activities will be used to inform this assessment.
7.10.2
7.10.3
(1) Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC), Environmental Assessment and Appraisal of BAT, Environment Agency, July 2003 (2) BS 5228: 1997 'Noise and vibration control on construction and open sites', BSI, 1997 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT
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7.10.4
Drilling noise will be predicted based on measurements of the same drilling rig to that which is being used at other Star Energy UK drilling sites. Therefore, the results of the detailed modelling undertaken for these other sites will be used to assess the worst-case noise impacts for the Project. Threshold Criteria for Evaluating the Effects of Noise during Construction
Period Building/Location Criteria for Assessment Lea, period 75 dB Purpose
Table 7.3
Daytime (0700 - 1900)
Dwellings/Offices (facade) Schools
To maintain speech intelligibility
65 dB
To maintain speech intelligibility in classrooms To avoid disturbance
Evening (1900 - 2300)
Dwellings (facade)
65 dB (1)
To avoid sleep disturbance Night-time (3) (2300 Dwellings (facade) 45 dB(2) 0700) (1) Although BS 5228 does not propose noise criteria for daytime periods, it suggests that acceptable noise levels in the evening may need to be 10 dB(A) lower than daytime levels. For the purpose of this assessment, the evening has been defined as 1900 to 2300 hours. (2) Or equal to ambient Lea levels if the ambient noise level is higher than 45 dB. (3) Only work that cannot be carried out at other times, and that is unlikely to cause disturbance at off-site receptors, would be carried out during the night.
7.10.5
Construction works will produce some ground vibration, with the possibility of driven piles for some foundations on the main plant. Vibrating rollers may also be used for compaction of ground and stone layers. Some other activities producing lower levels may also be required. However, vibration has not been considered in detail since no major sources of vibration are expected to be within 100 m of the nearest noise-sensitive receptors during either construction or operation. Consequently, vibration produced by construction and operation activities will not be a significant issue. There will also be increased noise disturbance during construction of the pipeline. However, such disturbance would be temporary in nature and of short duration. Best practice techniques would be adopted throughout the construction phase to ensure that all noise is kept to a minimum. Predicted daytime noise levels may be provided if deemed necessary. The number of occupied buildings within close proximity of the pipeline construction area will be identified, and the effect that noise disturbance will have on these receptors will be assessed. The assessment will compare noise levels against typical noise level ranges for the area along the proposed pipeline route. Methodology and Evaluation Criteria for Operational Phase
7.10.6
7.10.7
A baseline noise survey will be undertaken at the nearest noise sensitive receptors around the GPF site in order to determine the currently prevailing noise climate during day, evening and night. The results will be used to develop appropriate noise criteria.
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The assessment of fixed plant noise will be based on the criteria provided in British Standard 4142 (1). The guidance in BS 4142 will be used to determine suitable assessment criteria for the plant at the nearest noise sensitive receptors. 7.10.8 Surrey County Councils noise guidance (2) suggests that noise at any noise sensitive receiver should be inaudible, but recognises that this is difficult to define, and proposes the following objective tests: The new noise on its own should produce an Lea value 5 dB(A) below the existing night-time LA90. The acoustic spectrum (normally 1/3 octave) is 3 dB below the existing night-time spectrum at any frequency. The new noise does not exhibit any tonal or impact characteristics.
7.10.9
This guidance is a relatively stringent interpretation of BS 4142, which suggests that plant noise up to about 5 dB(A) above the background noise (LA90) would result in a marginal situation, i.e. a noise levels 4 dB(A) above background noise would not give rise to significant noise impacts. It is Surrey County Councils particular concern that parts of the county that currently have very low background noise levels (<20 dB(A)) should comply with the objective tests above. However, this would lead to conflicts with the current version of BS 4142 which notes that plant noise levels of 35 dB(A) are very low (for facilities that do not exhibit acoustic features) in terms of the likelihood of generating complaints. In summary, the Surrey County Council guidance appears to be considerably stricter than the nationally accepted guidance. Therefore, the predicted noise levels from the operational plant will be compared with Surrey County Councils proposed desirable standards and the limits based on plant noise 5 dB(A) above background noise levels. Changes in road traffic noise levels resulting from the scheme will be calculated using the Calculation of Road Traffic Noise (CRTN) methodology. Noise changes of greater than 3 dB(A) will be identified as a significant effect. This corresponds to the smallest noise change that is audible under normal conditions. A comparison of the predicted noise levels with the assessment standards will identify areas where impacts can be expected without further mitigation. Outline mitigation options will be identified, but their detailed design will be undertaken after the EIA during the detailed design phase.
7.10.10
7.10.11
7.10.12
(1) BS 4142: Method for Rating Industrial Noise Affected Mixed Residential and Industrial Areas, BSI, 1997. (2) Surrey County Council, Guidelines for Noise Control, Minerals and Waste Disposal, September 1994 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT
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7.11
CONTAMINATED LAND AND WASTE MANAGEMENT Contaminated Land
7.11.1
The existing soil, geological and hydrogeological conditions can impose constraints on a proposed development where land has been contaminated by wastes from a previous mineral use. Without mitigation measures, construction works which disturb contaminated land may present a risk of remobilising contaminants and causing additional contamination through leaching, drainage, surface run-off and to the air. In addition, exposure to contaminated material may present a potential risk to those in its immediate vicinity. The majority of land on which the Project will be constructed is currently in agricultural/forestry use, and therefore with the possible exception of areas that have been previously developed, it is unlikely that there are any sites of potential contamination in the close vicinity. Therefore an initial contaminated land assessment will comprise a review of information on historical and current land uses, including any geotechnical/geoenvironmental surveys already undertaken. It will be undertaken to categorise the potential for, and significance of, contamination within the vicinity of the scheme. In order to predict the extent and magnitude of impacts likely to arise during the construction and operation of the proposed scheme, the following key tasks will be undertaken: consultation with Surrey County Council to obtain details of potentially contaminated land uses within the Study Area; and determination of the exact operations that existed at such site and what, if any, potential contaminants were used in the operation.
7.11.2
Waste Management 7.11.3 Waste generated by the construction and operation of the Project will be quantified and suitable disposal routes and treatment methods will be identified. Waste that could arise during the construction and operation of the Project could include the following: Construction excavated material that cannot be reused; domestic and office waste; packaging from equipment and materials; offcuts of metals, insulation etc; concrete shuttering; and drilling cuttings and liquid drilling mud wastes.
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Operation 7.11.4 domestic and office waste; contaminated liquids from drain interceptors; waste oils from machinery; infrequent wastes from facility overhauls; and wastes recovered from the process (e.g. contaminated water).
The Contractor will develop a Waste Management Plan in line with the Waste Management Duty of Care Code of Practice for Waste Minimisation and Recycling in Construction A Site Handbook SP133. Consideration will also be paid to waste source, methods for recycling quantities, on site storage and disposal methods for all wastes.
7.12
LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL Introduction
7.12.1
The landscape and visual impact assessment will be carried out in accordance with the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment produced jointly by the Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2002), plus other relevant guidance notes and documentation e.g. guidance on assessing cumulative impacts. The methodology is applicable to the assessment of short term impacts during the construction of the Project (including the gas processing facility, the wellsite, the pipelines, the above ground installations and major items of temporary construction infrastructure such as the Staple Lane Temporary Pipe Store and Contractors Yard), and to long term impacts during its operation. The assessment will include producing a series of mitigation measures which will be presented on a concept landscape plan for the development. These measures may include earth mounding and planting. If planting is appropriate, then it will also be necessary to assess the residual effects of the proposals in about 15 years time when new vegetation will be deemed to have become sufficiently well established so as to screen/filter views and provide a landscape framework for the development. A clear distinction will be drawn between impacts on landscape resources and character and visual impacts. Landscape impacts relate to the effects of the proposals on the physical resources and other characteristics of the landscape and its resulting character and quality. Landscape resources and character are considered to be of importance in their own right and are valued for their intrinsic qualities regardless of whether they are seen by people. Visual impacts relate to the effects on the existing visual amenity and views experienced by people, e.g. residents, workers, tourists, from key viewpoints throughout the Study Area. Effects on visual amenity as
7.12.2
7.12.3
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perceived by people are therefore clearly distinguished from, although closely linked to, effects on landscape resources and character. 7.12.4 Key terms and definitions which will be used in the assessment are stated below. Landscape character is the distinct and recognisable pattern of elements that occurs consistently in a particular type of landscape, and how this is perceived by people. Landscape value is the relative value or importance attached to a landscape (often as a basis for designation or recognition), which expresses national or local consensus, because of its quality, special features including perceptual aspects such as scenic beauty, tranquillity or wildness, cultural associations or other conservation issues. Landscape quality (or condition) is based upon judgements about the physical state of the landscape and about its intactness from visual, functional, and ecological perspectives. It also reflects the state of repair of individual features and elements which make up the character in any one place. Landscape sensitivity is the degree to which a particular landscape character type or area is able to accommodate change without unacceptable adverse effects on its character.
Desk Study 7.12.5 A desk study will be carried out to review existing landscape character areas and types which have already been identified in the area (including the Countryside Character Areas identified by the Countryside Agency, the provisions of the Surrey Landscape Guidelines and the recent work undertaken by Guildford Borough Council work for the Surrey Hills AONB) and the guidance contained within the documents on landscape sensitivity and capacity to accommodate development. The baseline local landscape character areas are reported and an assessment made of landscape quality, capacity and sensitivity to change. A review of maps, structure and local plans will be undertaken to identify relevant policies and designations within the Study Area. For the purposes of the landscape and visual impact assessment, designated sites include relevant protected areas of landscape, townscape (e.g. Areas of Natural Beauty (AONBs), visible archaeological or cultural heritage resources including Conservation Areas and Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) and Listed Buildings. A field visit will be carried out to the Study Area to undertake reconnaissance, produce a photographic record, identify the landscape resources and character areas present across the Study Area, and identify proposed viewpoints to be
7.12.6
7.12.7
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used for the assessment, and for the preparation of photomontages and wirelines. The Study Area for this assessment will be taken to include representative areas of accessible land which would potentially be affected by views of the proposed development, and will extend to the zone of theoretical visual influence (ZVI). 7.12.8 Visual receptor locations will be identified and include residential properties, recreational areas, transport routes and places of work in the area. The predicted sensitivity of each receptor group to the anticipated change will be identified. Consultation will be undertaken with the local authority, the Countryside Agency and English Heritage to explain the proposals and to agree viewpoints for visualisations. Opportunities for generating photomontages will be considered which will inform the impact assessment. Prediction and Evaluation of Impacts Introduction 7.12.10 The criteria described below will be used in determining significance levels for the EIA. The assessment of landscape and visual impacts involves three steps: determining the sensitivity of the landscape or viewer group (i.e. the receptor) to the type of change envisaged; predicting the magnitude of change that would take place in the landscape or view; and evaluating the significance of that change taking into account the sensitivity of the affected receptor and the magnitude of change.
7.12.9
7.12.11
Receptor Sensitivity 7.12.12 The sensitivity of a landscape depends upon its inherent nature, quality, condition and capacity to accommodate change of the type envisaged, and on any specific values represented by protected features or designations that apply. It is also relevant to consider how widespread the type of landscape that is affected is in the wider area is, and the degree to which any impact would affect a unique resource. The sensitivity of a viewer group depends on their occupation and viewing opportunity. Hence a resident with a permanent view is considered to be of higher sensitivity than an office worker or traveller with only a passing interest in the environment. The number of people who may be affected within the viewing group is also relevant and this must be considered in the context of the numbers of people in the wider area and their frequency of
7.12.13
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viewing opportunity, for example, how often people travel along roads or visit footpaths. 7.12.14 Sensitivity is described as Low, Medium or High and these definitions are illustrated by the examples below. Landscape Sensitivity Low: a landscape that is not valued for its scenic quality and is tolerant of the type of change envisaged; Medium: a landscape with a local plan designation or one that is valued by local people as contributing positively to the character of their area, and one that has the capacity to accommodate a degree of the type of change envisaged; and High: a landscape protected by a regional (structure plan) or national designation and/or widely acknowledged for its value; a landscape with distinctive character that would be altered by the type of change envisaged.
Viewer Group Sensitivity Low: a group of viewers whose activity means they have only a passing interest in their surroundings such as travellers on busy roads not known for their scenic value, or employees in an office or factory; a rural road used for local non-recreational journeys; a footpath used only occasionally by local people; Medium: users of reasonably well used paths, bridleways and open spaces such as beaches; users of roads acknowledged as of scenic value; small numbers of viewers with a proprietary interest such as residents; and High: users of widely known and well-used recreational facilities; more than small numbers of residential viewers.
Magnitude of Change 7.12.15 The magnitude of change in a landscape or view depends on the nature and scale of the development, and its duration and reversibility. It may also be relevant to consider the likelihood of the change occurring if there is uncertainty and the degree of confidence with which the magnitude of change can be predicted. In the case of landscape impacts, other factors relevant to magnitude would include the extent of loss or change in important landscape features or characteristics, the degree of fit between any new features and those existing and the contrast they present with the character of the area in which the change is taking place, and the effect on the character and setting to neighbouring character areas.
7.12.16
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7.12.17
The magnitude of change to a view would also depend on the proportion of the view that is affected and the prominence of the new features taking into account distance and contrast in form, colour, cultural associations and the like. Magnitude is described as Low, Medium or High and these definitions are illustrated by the examples below. Magnitude of Landscape Change Low: just perceptible long term changes in components of a landscape or more noticeable temporary and reversible changes; Medium: clearly perceptible long term changes or losses in important features of a character area but which result in only relatively subtle changes in character; or changes in a small part of a character area of but which have a clear effect on the immediate locality. Clearly perceptible changes in the setting to a neighbouring character area which are sufficient to influence its own character; and High: clearly perceptible changes for example resulting from loss of features making an essential contribution to a character area, introduction of new large scale features into a character area where these are not typical, or changes exerting an overriding influence on a neighbouring character area.
7.12.18
Magnitude of Visual Change Low: just perceptible changes in view; Medium: clearly perceptible change in a view offering a either distinct contrast in part of the view or a wide ranging more subtle but still evident alteration; High: a notable change in a view affecting a substantial part of the view.
Evaluation of Significance 7.12.19 The significance of effects is determined by cross-referencing the sensitivity of the receptor (landscape or viewer group) with the magnitude of change expected as a result of the development. Impacts can be Minor, Moderate, or Major. They may also be positive or negative depending on whether the change is judged as likely to be perceived as adverse or beneficial by the majority of those experiencing it. Where the assessment team consider that there may be fundamentally contrasting perceptions of benefit or adverse impact by different constituencies this is also noted. The evaluation of significance in landscape and visual assessment requires the exercise of careful professional judgement and experience as there are no defined thresholds available comparable to those in some other areas of
7.12.20
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impact assessment. Each impact is evaluated on a case by case basis using the diagram shown below as a guide. Figure 7.1 Significance of Effects (Source: ERM)
7.12.21
All impacts evaluated as more than negligible are identified as significant (i.e. as warranting consideration in the consent decision) and the following degrees of significance are attributed to negative or beneficial (to be stated) impacts by the landscape and visual assessment team: Minor: mitigation should be explored but the impact should be a consideration of only limited weight in the decision; Moderate: every effort should be made to mitigate the impact and if moderate residual impacts remain these should feature in the balance of considerations in the decision; and Major: as above however if residual major effects remain these should carry considerable weight in the decision.
7.12.22
In terms of the direction of visual impacts, it is acknowledged that people vary in their attitude to the presence of certain developments in their views, with some people finding them attractive and interesting, and others disliking them.
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Mitigation Measures 7.12.23 Mitigation measures to reduce adverse impacts of the Project will be developed as part of an iterative process. Measures are likely to include hard and soft landscaping, as well as the details of any proposed new buildings and structures. The assessment of the significance of the permanent landscape and visual impacts will assume that agreed mitigation measures will be implemented. For developments where planting is proposed as mitigation it is appropriate to assess townscape and visual impacts both on the day of opening and at year 15, when new vegetation will be deemed to be reaching maturity. Mitigation measures can be expressed in the form of a concept landscape design in the form of a series of plans which are produced as part of the townscape and visual impact assessment. They may also go into further detail forming a detailed landscape design, depending upon the preferences of the client and statutory consultees. Cumulative Assessment Methodology 7.12.24 Cumulative landscape and visual impacts resulting from the proposed Project and any other significant developments (if relevant) in the area will be assessed from a selection of viewpoints.
7.13
ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE Methodology
7.13.1
Baseline information will be compiled in the first instance by means of deskbased assessment, utilising a variety of publicly available and accessible sources. The desk-based assessment will be compiled in accordance with the Institute of Field Archaeologists Standard and Guidance for an Archaeological Deskbased Assessment (IFA 1999). The aims of the desk-based assessment will be to: Establish the archaeological potential of the sites through collation of all known and relevant archaeological information within a defined Study Area, in order to provide a baseline study. Establish the existing and proposed impacts on potential archaeological remains and provide a consideration of the appropriate treatment of archaeological remains in accordance with national guidance, local planning policy and best practice.
7.13.2
7.13.3
The desk-based assessment will collate known archaeological information within a Study Area extending 500 m beyond the site boundaries for the proposed wellsite, gas processing facility and 500 m either side of the centreline of the proposed gas pipeline routes and AGI. The information will be drawn principally from the relevant County Sites and Monuments Records.
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Reference to known archaeological information that lies beyond the Study Area will be made in order to provide background information as necessary. 7.13.4 The assessment will include: consultation of the relevant County Sites and Monuments Records; building control/planning records for building plans and geo-technical information; primary and secondary sources; additional historical and archaeological information held by the County Record Office, Local Studies Library and the National Monuments Record, as appropriate; sources of local, regional and national statutory and non-statutory guidance; historical maps and plans; aerial photographs; and site visits to view sites/routes.
7.13.5
A watching brief will be carried out during construction activities. Geophysical surveys and/or trial trenching may also be carried out, depending on the results of the desk studies. Evaluation Criteria
7.13.6
The EIA will consider the significance of the known and potential cultural heritage resource. The importance of known cultural heritage features will be assessed with reference to the Secretary of States non-statutory criteria for the scheduling of ancient monuments, as modified by English Heritage as the basis for the designation of ancient monuments as part of its Monuments Protection Programme (MPP). The archaeological potential of the Site can be defined as a combination of the likely importance and likely survival of archaeological remains. This will be assessed taking into account the archaeological evidence/documentation, the likely state of preservation/condition, and the archaeological association of any potential remains. There is no standard scale of comparison against which the severity of impacts on cultural heritage may be judged. Severity of impacts will be judged taking into account their direct effect, their indirect effect on setting, and whether they are temporary or permanent. The cumulative effect of separate impacts will also been considered.
7.13.7
7.13.8
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7.13.9
Significance will be derived from a consideration of the importance of the resource/archaeological potential and the degree of the impact upon it. Consultations will be undertaken with relevant statutory and non-statutory agencies and will aim to confirm the scope and conclusions of the assessment and verify the need for and scope of any necessary mitigation.
7.13.10
7.14
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT Baseline
7.14.1
The traffic and transport baseline will present the peak two-way flows on the relevant road network and inter-peak flows where relevant, throughout the day, including an hour either side of working hours. Consultation will be undertaken with the local highways authority and will focus on any sensitivities in the local road network. The relevant road network is likely to be different for construction owing to origin and destination differences to operational traffic. Site access will be by public roads utilising wherever possible the A and B classified road networks. All road crossings of the pipelines will be constructed by trenchless techniques to ensure there will be no traffic disturbance. Site access will be by public roads utilising wherever possible the A and B classified road networks. Traffic entering the pipeline spread will do so only from the approved access locations. The crossing and paralleling of bridleways will occur. Subject to consultation with the relevant authority, measures will be taken to avoid disruption and closure of bridleways. If a closure is necessary, the correct procedure will be adopted, and consents sought. Generated Traffic
7.14.2
7.14.3
7.14.4
HGV flows generated during both construction and operation will be presented along with numbers of personnel and their modes of transport. The destination and origin of the construction and operation generated traffic will be identified allowing a proportion of generated traffic to be assigned to relevant construction and operation traffic routes. The Staple Lane Temporary Pipe Store and Contractors Yard will be established on a site adjacent to a main road in the area. Assessment Methodology
7.14.5
7.14.6
The main period of traffic generation will be during the drilling and construction period. The delivery of goods and materials, as well as the transport of construction personnel to and from the site will result in additional traffic on the network. This additional construction traffic has the potential to affect other road users, such as drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, as
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well as people living and working close to the affected road network. The following types of impacts will be assessed: changes in traffic conditions and their potential for delays and congestion; pedestrians and cyclist conditions and their potential conflict with road traffic; and changes in traffic related noise levels and air quality.
7.14.7
The overall objective of the assessment is to estimate the impact of changes in traffic resulting from the construction and operation of the scheme. Assessment Criteria
7.14.8
The guidance from the Department for Transport (1) has been used to consider the need for a full Transport Assessment. Given that the construction period is short and there will be negligible operational traffic a full Transport Assessment is not considered by ERM to be necessary. The assessment within the ES however will consider the potential for traffic related environmental impacts and highway capacity impacts during construction. Where there are residential properties or other sensitive receptors near roads, guidance provided by the former Institute of Environmental Assessment (2) (now the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, IEMA), suggests that significant traffic-related environmental impacts (i.e. air quality and noise) may occur if: traffic generated by the development increases baseline traffic flows by more than 30%; or site-related HGV traffic increases HGV flows by more than 30%.
7.14.9
7.14.10
7.14.11
The Institution of Highways and Transportation (IHT) (3) suggests that significant impacts to highway capacity may occur if: peak hour traffic flow increases by >10%; or peak hour traffic flow increases by >5% (where the network is sensitive).
7.14.12
While the IHT guidelines are slightly outdated, they are useful in determining to scope for highway capacity impacts.
(1) Department for Transport (2007) Guidance on Transport Assessment (2) Institute of Environmental Assessment (1993) Guidelines for Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic, Guidance Notes No 1, IEA. (3) The Institution of Highways and Transportation (1994), Guidelines for Traffic Impact Assessment, IHT ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT
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7.14.13
Although above criteria are designed for assessing the long term traffic impacts, they will be used for the assessment of the impacts of construction traffic. In the absence of criteria specifically for the assessment of construction traffic impacts on traffic conditions, a common sense approach and professional judgement will be used to identify whether or not an impact may occur in the event of an exeedance of criteria. These criteria are not prescriptive and consideration needs to be given to local conditions, the views of the local authority on the capacity of the road network, existing flows and the short-term nature of any potential impacts in determining the likely magnitude of traffic impacts. Construction
7.14.14
7.14.15
Construction traffic is likely to be generated by the following activities: construction workers accessing and egressing worksites; the supply of construction materials; the removal of waste; the mobilisation of plant; and other activities, including visitors and service vehicles.
7.14.16
In order to fully assess the impacts of construction traffic on the local road network, changes in existing traffic flows in the vicinity of the sites during construction working hours will be examined. The assessment will also address the construction traffic movements throughout the day, including an hour either side of working hours. Traffic count data and accident data will be obtained from SCC to compare the percentage increase of traffic flows on the road network during construction. The assessment will examine the impact of the scheme in terms of the magnitude of change of both total traffic and HGV flows generated. Particular focus will also be paid to periods of peak and low traffic flows for both the baseline and construction traffic. Operation
7.14.17
7.14.18
Operational traffic is likely to be generated by the following activities: operational workers accessing and egressing the sites; and shut down maintenance.
7.14.19
The assessment considers the effects of the operational traffic generated on the existing traffic flows. As with construction traffic, the impact of the total number of operational vehicles and the impact of operational HGV will assessed throughout the working day plus an hour either side. Particular focus will also be paid to periods of peak and low traffic flows for both the baseline and operational traffic. It is anticipated that once operational, traffic associated with the development will be low and therefore the impacts will be minimal.
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7.15
SOCIOECONOMICS Introduction
7.15.1
The key socioeconomic issues are the need for gas storage to support the local, regional and national economy, generating local employment, supporting the local economy and population and providing wider social benefits by contributing to the security of the supply of natural gas to domestic, commercial and industrial users. The assessment will examine the impact of construction and operation of the Project on these issues. Baseline
7.15.2
Establishing the baseline is primarily a desk-top exercise, drawing on national and regional economic data and nationally available sources such as the Census, Labour Force Survey and Indices of Deprivation. Key data sources will include: economic looking at levels of economic activity, structure of local industry; the role of gas supply in the local, regional and national economy, employment opportunities, level of unemployment and skills gaps; regeneration considering the policy context in terms of aspirations for economic growth and regeneration policy and programmes relevant to the area/scheme; and demographic census data looking at population growth/decline, age structure of the local population.
Assessment Methodology 7.15.3 The socioeconomic assessment is also primarily a desk top exercise, drawing on nationally available data sources such as the Census, Labour Force Survey and Indices of Deprivation. This assessment will also identify: 7.15.4 settlements and places of recreational interest; and economic activities and employment.
Building on the clear analysis of the socioeconomic baseline, there are a number of elements of the impact assessment: assess the likely direct and indirect effects on employment, effectively job creation during construction and operation and how much of that employment may be retained locally; indirect impacts on the economy, derived from increased economic activity, procurement and expenditure locally as a consequence of the scheme;
81
direct impacts on the economy, the extent to which the scheme adds value to the local, regional and national economy; contribution to economic development and regeneration policy, the extent to which the scheme adds value to regeneration and economic development policies relevant to the area/scheme; and potentially negative factors associated with temporary and permanent landtake or change of use, crop loss (and therefore the need for compensation for farmers), nuisance and disruption and public perception.
7.15.5
In order to assess the significance of impacts, statements can be used, against which a judgement on the degree of change can be assessed: Major intensive change to the local area, or noticeable change to extensive area e.g. due to change in expenditure or through job creation; Moderate clearly identifiable benefit or loss to the local economy over the long term; Minor - slight or short term changes to local economy; and Negligible no identifiable effects.
7.15.6
The assessment will consider the benefits of the Project.
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PREPARATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
8.1.1
The findings of the EIA, based on the application of the methodologies set out above, will be reported in an Environmental Statement for the Project. It is anticipated that the ES will comprise the following key sections: A Non-Technical Summary which will describe, in accessible and nontechnical language, the main findings of the EIA; Section 1 will be an introduction to the EIA and its role; Section 2 will explain the approach to the EIA; Section 3 will present the baseline environment; Section 4 will provide a description of the main alternatives considered; Section 5 will provide a description of the entire Project and supporting infrastructure including its operation and the construction programme; Section 6 will present a summary of the safety assessment undertaken for the Project; Section 7 will consider soils and agriculture, potential impacts and mitigation measures; Section 8 will consider water resources and flood risk, potential impacts and mitigation measures; Section 9 will consider ecology and nature conservation, potential impacts and mitigation measures; Section 10 will consider air quality, dust and climate change, potential impacts and mitigation measures; Section 11 will consider noise and vibration, potential impacts and mitigation measures; Section 12 will consider contaminated land and waste management, potential impacts and mitigation measures; Section 13 will consider landscape and visual impacts, potential impacts and mitigation measures; Section 14 will consider Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, potential impacts and mitigation measures;
8.1.2
83
Section 15 will consider traffic and transport, potential impacts and mitigation measures; Section 16 will consider socioeconomics, potential impacts and mitigation measures; and Section 17 will provide a summary of residual impacts.
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Annex A
List of Consultees
A1
LIST OF CONSULTEES
Department of Trade and Industry Surrey County Council Guildford Borough Council Waverley Borough Council South East Development Agency South East England Regional Assembly Health and Safety Executive Hazardous Installations Directorate Environment Agency Natural England The National Trust English Heritage Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Office Surrey Primary Care Trust Surrey Fire and Rescue Service Albury Parish Council Ripley Parish Council Shalford Parish Council West Horsley Parish Council East Clandon Parish Council West Clandon Parish Council Ockham Parish Council Shere Parish Council Send Parish Council St Martha Parish Council Wonersh Parish Council Surrey Countryside Access Forum Guildford Environmental Forum British Geological Survey Surrey Wildlife Trust West Surrey Badger Group Surrey Bird Club Forestry Commission Scotia Gas Networks Southern Gas Networks Three Valleys Water Thames Water Utilities Ltd Network Rail British Telecom Campaign to Protect Rural England The Ramblers Association British Horse Society Woodland Trust Save Blackheath Common Campaign Clandon Society
A1
Annex B
Pipeline Construction Photos
B1
PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS
All photographs are copyright to Penspen Limited.
Preparing the Right of Way
Topsoil Stripping
B1
Archaeology Surveys on the Right of Way
Pipe Stringing
Avoidance of Cutting Down Trees

B2
Trenching Machine
Front End Welding
B3
Welded Pipe Ready for Laying
B4
Lowering into Trench
Backfilling
B5
Backfilling and Compaction
Backfilled Pipeline
B6
Topsoil Replacement
Grass Reseeding
B7

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Scoping Report

Albury Gas Storage Project

Delivering sustainable solutions in a more competitive world

Scoping Report: Albury Gas Storage Project

Prepared by: Kevin Murphy, Lauren Osmond and Laura Street

Signed: Position: Partner Date: 25th May 2007

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT

GAS STORAGE Introduction

Figure 1.1 Illustration of a Typical Gas Storage Facility

Impervious cap rocks

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT

THE REQUIREMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Gas Storage Project

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

OVERVIEW OF THE CONSENTING REGIME Development Consent

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

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ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT

OVERVIEW OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

WELLSITE Existing Environment

Entrance Track to Existing Site

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT

Optimal Identified GPF Location at Furze Copse

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT

THE PROPOSED PROJECT

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT

Example Drilling Rig

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT

GAS PROCESSING FACILITY (GPF) Overview

1.8km Odourant Removal

Metering DOSING 8.3km Import/Export Compression

Wellsite Albury Park

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT

1.8km Odourant Removal

Metering DOSING 8.3km Import/Export Compression

Wellsite Albury Park

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT

GAS PIPELINES Overview

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT

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STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT

SUMMARY OF THE MAIN ALTERNATIVES

OVERVIEW OF SITE SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS Geographic Considerations

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

STAR ENERGY: SCOPING REPORT