Project information paper

Environment
We are undertaking an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to understand the environmental benefits and impacts the construction and operation of the Thames Tunnel project may have. It will also inform the projects design.

The main benefit of the project will be the substantial reduction of untreated sewage discharged into the River Thames, which will protect human and ecological health and improve water quality.

An EIA studies the effects of a proposed development on the environment, both positive and negative. We are looking at the effects of temporary and permanent works at each of the sites along the preferred route, as well as the overall effects of the Thames Tunnel project. The EIA is helping us develop the projects design. We will submit an Environmental Statement, documenting the EIA findings, with our planning consent application in late 2012.

What does an EIA involve?

Data gathering, consultation and engagement

Establish an environmental baseline

EIA scoping report

Preliminary environmental information report

Environmental Statement
Design changes

Environment

Data gathering, consultation and engagement

EIA scoping report

We have drawn on existing data and are undertaking surveys to ensure our information about the local environment is fully up-to-date. We are engaging with stakeholders throughout the projects development via regular forums and working groups. These cover issues such as environmental health, air management, biodiversity and flood risk. We are working with local authorities, the Environment Agency, Transport for London, English Heritage, the Port of London Authority and interest groups to help us better understand local issues and to agree how we are doing our assessments. The results of these assessments are informing our understanding of the sewage overflow problem and the projects design.

This report, published in March 2011, sets out how we will undertake the EIA and what it will cover. It was sent to all potentially affected local authorities and other technical consultees for their comment and review.

How does the EIA influence the project?

The EIA is integral to the projects development. It ensures the projects design incorporates measures that eliminate or reduce any adverse environmental effects. The project-wide Code of construction practice (CoCP) will ensure that potential environmental impacts during temporary works are managed appropriately. The EIA is essential to the development of the CoCP. We are working with environmental health officers from local authorities to produce the CoCP. We are also learning from other London-based major infrastructure projects, such as Crossrail.

Preliminary environmental information report

This report sets out our provisional assessments of the environmental effects of the project, based on information we have gathered so far. It does not present the final findings of the EIA as we are still gathering data. The report is available as part of phase two consultation.

Environmental Statement

Determining an environmental baseline

To assess the potential environmental effects of the project, we need to understand the existing environmental conditions at each site and in the surrounding area. By assessing the project against a baseline, we can determine what changes to the environment are likely to occur. Surveys, existing information, future development proposals, and consultation with stakeholders all inform the baseline.

The Environmental Statement will present the findings of the completed assessment work, taking into account comments received during our consultation phases. It will be submitted with our planning consent application in late 2012.

What will the EIA cover?

Water resources
At most of our foreshore sites, temporary structures, such as cofferdams, will be required in the river during construction. In most cases this would be followed by smaller permanent structures. We are carrying out modelling work to understand what the effect of placing these structures in the river will be on the foreshore and river flows. We are using computer and physical modelling to understand the change in levels in the tidal River Thames. A scale model of the river and three shaft structures has also been built to allow us to understand any impacts on water flows and flow speeds adjacent to these sites. Based on the results of the modelling, we will undertake a detailed assessment to determine whether any scouring (movement of the riverbed materials due to the force of the water) is likely.

Londons geology consists mainly of clay in the west, sands and gravel in central London, and chalk in the east. Chalk, sands and gravels tend to contain groundwater, while clay does not. We will need to temporarily remove groundwater at some of our sites to allow the tunnel to be built safely. We are looking at what effect this will have on groundwater resources.

Transport

We are looking at the potential effects the project may have on road traffic, rail and river services, pedestrians and cyclists. Using Transport for Londons traffic models, we will assess the potential effects on the road network. We will supplement the modelling with site surveys and desk-based research to provide an understanding of existing and future transport conditions. Our assessment will help us minimise effects on the local and regional transport network, bus services and pedestrians.

Ecology

We are assessing the effects on both land (terrestrial) and water-based (aquatic) ecology, including the positive effects of improved water quality on the aquatic ecology of the River Thames. We have been carrying out water and land based surveys, including surveys of fish, invertebrates, bats, birds, plants and habitats. These will help us understand the existing wildlife and how best to protect it during the construction and operation of the tunnel.

The scale model of the River Thames at HR Wallingford.

Environment

Air quality

We are assessing emissions from road transport, river barges and construction activities. Modelling to assess the potential nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, including dust concentrations around each site, will inform what measures are needed to minimise environmental impacts. We are working with local authorities to identify issues and sensitive locations the assessments need to cover.

by the Environment Agency. This modelling is being used to inform the design and location of the ventilation systems. For more information about our air management plan, see our Odour project information paper.

Results of the noise and vibration modelling will allow us to manage activities during construction, and to develop the projects design to minimise potential impacts.

Flood risk

Noise and vibration

We are completing noise surveys to understand the existing noise levels at each site. This will allow us to assess potential noise levels during construction and operation of the project. Modelling is also being used to understand possible vibration impacts. We are working with local authorities and site owners along the route to identify issues and sensitive locations the assessment needs to cover.

Our flood risk assessment of the tidal River Thames is analysing the current sources of flooding, the status of the flood defences and flood level data. It will assess local changes to water levels as a result of our proposed works at each site. If there are significant changes in flood risk, we will include measures to address this.

Odour

We are undertaking modelling to assess the air released from the ventilation structures proposed at our sites. The modelling predicts the likely odour concentrations around each site, for comparison with odour thresholds set

Noise monitoring opposite Victoria Embankment to assess receptor locations.

Waste

A large volume of material will be excavated to create the main tunnel, connection tunnels and shafts. We are undertaking an assessment to identify a number of sustainable and beneficial uses for these materials. We are developing a draft strategy, which will outline our approach to managing this material.

Historic environment (cultural heritage and archaeology)

Townscape and visual

The historic environment includes above ground historic buildings and structures, and below ground archaeological features. The findings of our assessment will guide what measures are required to protect buried archaeology, which may be identified during construction, and protect above ground historic structures from possible impacts. Our assessment is drawing on existing sources of information, including maps and the findings of previous archaeological investigations. We are also undertaking visual surveys, analysing borehole samples and carrying out selected foreshore surveys.

Townscape and visual effects can occur when new features are introduced to an area. Surveys allow us to build up a picture of the existing townscape around each site and identify key views, experienced by a range of people from residents to tourists, which may change as a result of the project. The assessment will ensure the project respects the character of local areas and includes high quality, low impact design for permanent structures and landscaping, to enhance sites and provide screening where appropriate.

Land quality

Land can be contaminated due to previous use and these contaminated substances can be disturbed during construction. To understand existing ground conditions and identify potential sources of contamination, we have reviewed historical information and are undertaking ground investigations. This will help us define measures to ensure that existing contamination is not released into the wider environment during construction.

Socio-economics

We are considering the effects of the project on resources, such as social and community infrastructure, local businesses and the local economy, as well as effects on local amenity. Site visits, desk-based research and detailed surveys, including studies of how parks are used, are helping us understand the local socio-economic environment and general levels of amenity around our sites.

Environment

Other environmental factors being considered

Sustainability
We are developing a sustainability strategy focused on a wide range of areas including: energy and climate change materials water use and quality biodiversity and land use society and the community legacy. It will set targets to maximise performance and highlight opportunities for the project across these areas.

Health impact

We are undertaking a health impact assessment scoping exercise to identify the potential effects of the scheme on human health and wellbeing. Working with public health stakeholders, we will develop a health impact assessment report, which will be submitted with our planning consent application in late 2012.

Related documents
Project information papers Odour Managing construction Transport Technical reports Preliminary environmental information report Code of construction practice Draft waste strategy Air management plan

Energy

We are investigating ways to reduce energy usage and carbon from materials used, while also looking at ways to minimise the projects carbon footprint. The opportunities for energy efficiency and the potential use of renewable energy are being explored.

For further information see our website: www.thamestunnelconsultation.co.uk or call us on 0800 0721 086. Phase two consultation (Autumn 2011)

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