HS2 Environment. Protecting the environment

Transcription

1 HS2 Environment Protecting the environment

2 Approach to mitigation EIA Regulations require an ES to include a description of the measures envisaged in order to avoid, reduce and, if possible, remedy significant adverse effects. Such measures are generally described in the ES as mitigation measures.

3 HS2 mitigation hierarchy The approach to mitigation adopted for HS2 has a hierarchy, whereby priority is given to avoiding or preventing effects Avoid Reduce Abate Repair Compensate Designing the proposed scheme so that a feature causing effects is avoided (e.g. through changing alignment) Designing the proposed scheme so that a feature causing effects is reduced (e.g. design changes to reduce visual effect) Abating, either at the railway (e.g. noise barrier) or at receptor (e.g. screening a property) Restoring or reinstating a feature after effects have occurred (e.g. to address temporary construction effects) Compensation for loss or damage (e.g. Planting new woodland elsewhere, or compensation for loss of amenity)

4 Approach to mitigation The mitigation approach is driven by the HS2 Sustainability Policy: We will strive to limit the negative impacts through design, mitigation and by challenging industry standards, and we will look for environmental enhancements and benefits. Further, the EMRs will impose a general requirement on the Nominated Undertaker (NU) to use reasonable endeavours to adopt measures to reduce the adverse effects reported in the ES (as long as this does not add unreasonable cost or delay to construction and operation).

5 HS2 is an integrated design Environmental design is a consideration throughout design, not an add-on at the end of the process. Troika+LCR

6 Over two million trees to be planted for habitat creation and screening. Planting will reflect local landscapes, including broad-leaved woodland, shrubs and hedgerow. c. 1,000 ha of landscaping/screening areas will be created (not including areas for ecological mitigation and public realm surrounding the stations) c. 520 ha of habitat of principal importance will be created for ecological mitigation, including: - lowland mixed deciduous woodland (c. 280 ha) - lowland meadows (c. 165 ha)

7 Balancing ponds and flood compensation measures will be integrated into the landscape to alleviate flooding and also provide opportunities for biodiversity New hedgerow and woodland creation will be undertaken to bolster and help connect existing habitats within the landscape as part of the compensation measures. The linking of new hedgerows and habitats to culverts, viaducts and over-bridges will help to funnel wildlife across or under the route to help provide habitat continuity both along and across the railway. The provision of green bridges will provide multifunctional crossing points Habitat planting and reinstatement will be undertaken in accordance with the principles of mitigation.

8 HS2 design approach Integrated - noise mitigation Visual screening Landscape integration Return to agriculture Minimise Rail Land Protecting environmental/ heritage features

9 Option 1. Do minimum (1:4 return slope) Option 2. Grading out (1:8, restoration to agriculture) Option 3. Grading out (full restoration to agriculture) Option 4. Maximum use to limit off-site haulage

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12 HS1: Woodland soil translocation Eurostar Meadows Green Tunnel at Mersham

13 HS1 - Woodland soil translocation

14 HS1 - Habitat creation

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19 Brentbat FlickR HS1 - Reducing maintenance improving biodiversity value

20 Thank you

21 HS2 Environment Protecting the Environment and Communities through a Code of Construction Practice

22 Aims Brief history Outline what is typically included in CoCP Describe purpose of document Give examples of typical control measures 22

23 Brief history Draft to be prepared based on Phase One document. Builds on direct experience from other major programmes such as HS1, Crossrail, Thames Tideway, London Approach developed through engagement with statutory bodies and local authorities. 23

24 Purpose of document Document relates to the route-wide principles governing construction. Contains strategic control measures and the standards that will be implemented as a minimum throughout the project. Local measures will be applied through a range of local underpinning plans. 24

25 General requirements of CoCP CoCP sets out our required standards for construction. Underpinned by Local Environmental Management Plans and local authority agreements. Supports the Environmental Statement. Implemented through construction contracts. 25

26 Keeping communities informed The CoCP is a key part of community relations during construction: a stakeholder liaison approach which seeks to include all parts of local communities; information for communities in advance of works; HS2 website to provide up-to-date information; and 24 -hour helpline / contact. 26

27 General requirements of CoCP To reduce the likelihood of incident or nuisance Typical measures include: Considerate Constructor practice good site management practice core working hours noise and air quality controls pollution incident control measures small claims procedure contractor qualifications and experience 27

28 Other topics included The CoCP covers all environmental topics discussed in the Environmental Statement, for example: Agriculture and soils; Air quality; Cultural heritage; Ecology; Landscape, townscape and visual impact; Noise and vibration; and Traffic and transport. 28

29 Example of a CoCP control Air quality Document sets out the high-level objective Lists measures that can be implemented (where appropriate) to reduce impacts for construction activities: Mechanical plant Transportation/handling of materials Demolition/excavation, etc Ongoing monitoring and compliance 29

30 Summary The CoCP covers the key principles of construction at a route-wide level. It will be underpinned by Local Environmental Management Plans and agreements with local authorities which will set the requirements for specific construction sites and activities. It will be a contractual requirement for our supply chain. 30

31 Thank you

32 HS2 Consultations Involving communities and stakeholders in shaping HS2

33 Why consult? Improve the scheme Legal and moral obligation Engagement will carry on throughout the project; consultations have to comply with legal framework 33

34 Story so far Eleven national public consultations (nine for Phase One, two for Phase Two) Over 150,000 responses Over 150 consultation events attended by over 50,000 people. 34

35 What we consult on Four broad topic areas: Policy Route Safeguarding Environmental 35

36 Who is targeted in our publicity? People and businesses (typically up to 1km away) Local communities e.g. action groups, community groups and local representative groups Organisations e.g. local authorities and environmental groups Elected representatives We welcome responses from everyone. 36

37 Information is shared in a number of ways Website Document order line Libraries and local venues Public events Helpdesk Newspaper and online advertising Mail-outs We are always looking to improve, and welcome your feedback. 37

38 Responding to consultations Dedicated response channels Online (usually) Hardcopy by freepost Dedicated channels reduce the risks of missing responses. 38

39 What happens to responses Logged and Analysed Independent response analysis report Consider responses Publish reports and results Evidence-based, not a vote. 39

40 What difference does it make? Quite a lot, actually! For example, on Phase One: Chiltern tunnel moved/extended to avoid aquifer; route moved away from Edgcote House, the nearby Roman villa and the battlefield; retaining wall to reduce impacts on Cubbington Woods; and discretionary property schemes. 40

41 We welcome your input in consultations Respond to HS2 Ltd consultations Help us improve accessibility 41

42 Thank you

43 Next Steps Phase Two announcement at the end of 2014 Local Authority data survey Summer 2014 Safeguarding 43

44 Thank you If you have any further questions, please contact the Stations and Route Engagement Team Route-wide - philippa.garden@hs2.org.uk Western leg - james.wynne@hs2.org.uk Eastern leg - victoria.wallace@hs2.org.uk 44

45 Thank you