The Ockendon Landfill Solar Project

Transcription

1 Environmental Statement Volume I Non-Technical Summary July 2014 A Wells Mews London W1T 3HF United Kingdom T +44 (0) F +44 (0) W LDA Design Consulting LLP Registered No: OC Minster Precincts, Peterborough PE1 1XX

2 This page has been left intentionally blank A Wells Mews London W1T 3HF United Kingdom T +44 (0) F +44 (0) W LDA Design Consulting LLP Registered No: OC Minster Precincts, Peterborough PE1 1XX

3 July 2014 Contents 1.0 Introduction Application Site and Project Description Assessment Methodology Site Selection and Design Iterations Landscape and Visual Ecology and Nature Conservation Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Agriculture and Land Use Other Environmental Issues Considered Version: 1.1 Version date: Comment Insert today's date Insert comment about this version This document has been prepared and checked in accordance with ISO 9001:2008.

4 This page has been left intentionally blank A Wells Mews London W1T 3HF United Kingdom T +44 (0) F +44 (0) W LDA Design Consulting LLP Registered No: OC Minster Precincts, Peterborough PE1 1XX

5 1.0 Introduction An Environmental Statement (ES) has been prepared on behalf of Veolia ES Landfill Limited (Veolia) and REG Solarpower (REGSP) to support a planning application for a solar project to be located on a former landfill site to the east of the village of South Ockendon. The application site ( the site ) is outlined in red on Drawing OC002, whilst the main components of the proposed development are shown on Drawing OC004, both of which are included at the end of this document The ES comprises this Non-Technical Summary and the following Volumes: Volume II: ES Text and Drawings; and Volume III: ES Technical Appendices The Applicants Veolia, operates a number of landfill sites across the UK as well as non-active sites which it continues to monitor and maintain. Once a landfill site has reached the approved final levels, Veolia is responsible for capping it and undertaking restoration. The gradual restoration of landfill sites are generally phased in line with a restoration plan Veolia is working in partnership with REGSP, an experienced renewable energy developer having recently completed construction on its 4.5MW Goonhilly Solar Project in Cornwall REGSP is wholly owned by Renewable Energy Generation Ltd (REG) which also owns subsidiary company REG Windpower, who have 15 operational wind projects throughout the UK with a total installed capacity of 67MW Together, Veolia and REGSP are joint applicants for this project Public Consultation A public consultation exercise has been undertaken in support of the Ockendon Solar Project. During the pre-application phase, councillors and officers viewed the plans at 1

6 information sessions. Representatives from South Ockendon Forum and Centre were met to ask for their suggestions on the consultation process Two public consultation events were held in July The local community, a range of community groups and other stakeholders were notified of the events in advance. A project website was set up to communicate information and seek comment on the project Overall, 94% of responses thought that solar energy should be a part of the UK s energy provision with 81% of responses supporting the proposed solar project. These consultation exercises and a detailed review of responses is referred to in more detail in the Statement of Community Involvement, which is included in the planning application suite of documents. 2

7 2.0 Application Site and Project Description 2.1. Location and Description of the Site The site is located approximately 500m to the east of the village of South Ockendon. The land to the south, east and north east of the site is fenland and characterized by low-lying and level landform. Ockendon Hall and two Scheduled Monuments are located to the west of the site and a number of Listed Buildings to the south west Existing access to the site is via Medebridge Road, which is accessed directly from the A13. Beyond the entrance to the site is a private metalled road providing access between the various areas within the site. PRoW 136 runs in an east to west direction through the centre of the site and is only publicly accessible area within the site Drawing OC004 divides the site into different areas as follows: Areas A and A+ are currently arable fields and previously undeveloped agricultural land. Both are undisturbed by minerals extraction and landfill extraction; For clarity, Area B is not included with the site boundary as it was removed during the environmental appraisal and design process; Areas C, E and F are smaller, former landfill areas and capped with clay and topsoil. Area D, a large field, which has been landfilled and capped with clay and topsoil. It is currently in arable use. Area D+ is a small field located to the west of Area D and is previously undeveloped agricultural land, undisturbed by minerals extraction and landfill extraction. There is substantial planting around the boundary of this area. A weighbridge, landfill gas electricity generation plant and control building used by Veolia for site management and security are located at the southern extremity of site. There are small blocks of mature woodland and tree belt planting located within and along the periphery of the site, which include a mix of primarily deciduous species. 3

8 2.2. Project Description The solar project comprises rows of fixed PV panels, mounted on galvanized metal frames set on to the ground on concrete foundation blocks, and associated ancillary infrastructure. The proposal is a static design with no moving parts. The main purpose is to generate renewable electricity, which can then be fed into the local distribution network. The distribution network connection will be the responsibility of the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and does not form part of this planning application Agriculture will continue in the form of sheep grazing under the panels, where possible. The proposal will also enable improved public access to the countryside and landscape and biodiversity enhancements Key elements of the proposed development are outlined as follows: To achieve optimum solar gain the panels will be laid in east-west rows. Each panel will be tilted southwards at approximately 20 degrees from the horizontal; The height of the solar panels will be around 2.6 metres from ground level to the top of the panel frame. The lowest edge of the panels will be around 1 metre above the ground; A 2 metre high deer-proof stock fence will be constructed around each land parcel, fixed to the ground by concrete blocks; Installation of approximately 20 inverter-transformer stations are required to convert the electricity output into usable power. These stations will be housed in containers which are approximately 3 metres high, 2.5 metres wide and 6 metres long; Two pairs of switching stations (DNO and client-side switch-stations) are required which comprise of cabinets mounted on concrete plinths. DNO switch-stations measure approximately 3.5 metres high, 2.4 metres wide and 9.7 metres long and client switch-stations measure approximately 3.5 metres high, 3.5 metres wide and 10 metres long; A 132kV substation will be located in Area A to collect the electricity generated and transmit along an underground cable into the existing Warley 275kV substation (the cable and 275kV substation do not form part of this application see 2.2.1). The on-site 4

9 substation will be unmanned and visited only occasionally for monitoring and maintenance purposes; External lighting will not be required other than temporarily during construction and emergency lighting for the substation. Switch-stations will be provided with passive infrared sensor to ensure safety of staff if visits are required outside of daylight hours. Emergency lighting will be brought to site only as and when required; and The site will be accessed via the existing access on Medebridge Road. Construction and access roads will be required for each land parcel, and will generally extend from the vehicle gate to the centre of the site. Construction The total construction period will be up to 12 months including any pre-preparation of the site, fencing, assembly and erection of the photovoltaic arrays, installation of the inverters/transformers and local distribution network connection. Decommissioning The proposed development will be in operation for 25 years. After this period the proposed development will be decommissioned. However, biodiversity, public access and landscaping improvements delivered as part of the proposed development can be retained. The total decommissioning period will last approximately 12 months. 5

10 3.0 Assessment Methodology In accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 ( EIA Regulations ), an EIA is required if a proposed development constitutes either: Schedule 1 development; or Schedule 2 development which is likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its nature, size or location The Ockendon Solar Project is classed as a Schedule 2 development under the EIA Regulations as it falls within the description of development set out in Schedule 2 Part 3(a) Industrial installations for the production of electricity, steam and hot water In line with the EIA regulations, an EIA Screening Request was submitted to Thurrock Council in May 2014 who responded in June 2014 stating that the proposed development was EIA development and that an EIA was required This Non-Technical Summary is provided in accordance with the EIA Regulations. 6

11 4.0 Site Selection and Design Iterations This section provides an overview of environmental opportunities and constraints which fed into the design process, in addition to enhancement and mitigation measures which will be delivered as part of the proposed development Environmental Opportunities and Constraints Detailed environmental constraints and opportunities which fed into the design process are outlined below and shown on Drawing OC003: A small overall area within the site comprise undisturbed agricultural land. The majority of the site comprises restored landfill areas which although are no longer active, are subject to ongoing environmental control and aftercare and well-suited to this solar project; The area to the east of the Scheduled Monuments and Listed Building has been kept free from development to prevent any harm to the setting of the heritage assets; Existing mothballed landfill and clay extraction areas were avoided to safeguard landfill capacity and minerals; The area of land to the west of the mothballed landfill is indicated by provisional MAFF Agricultural Land Classification mapping to be Grade I. This area has been avoided. Areas except for Areas A+ and D+ have been subject to an agricultural land classification (ALC) survey in accordance with the current guidelines and criteria for England and Wales (MAFF 1988) and has been identified as subgrade 3B (moderate) quality agricultural land across the site, and are therefore not defined as best and most versatile land. The offset between Area D and PRoW 136 (No.5 on Drawing OC003) has been left free from solar panels to reduce visual impact, allowing space for a generous tract of woodland and habitat enhancements. All solar panels have been set away from roads and hedgerows, woodland, standing water and ditch features which could provide habitat for protected species. Plantation woodland and hedgerows on site will all be afforded a buffer of 5 m to prevent root compaction; 7

12 An underground gas pipeline passes under the north east parcel of land. An easement strip to the required width has been established along the route of the pipeline which will be kept free of development. Parts of Area A are located within Flood Zone 2 and Flood Zone 3. While solar panels are compatible with Zones 2 and 3, none of the essential infrastructure to support the solar project will be placed in these areas Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation The following habitat enhancement options will be delivered, as shown on Drawing OC005: Wildflower meadows will be provided to support a wide range of invertebrates, small mammals, brown hare, reptiles and birds; Pollen and nectar strips and wild bird seed mixes will be incorporated to provide food for pollinating insects and wild birds; Bare uncultivated strips will benefit ground active and warmth loving invertebrates; Habitat enhancement and management of pond P6 which will include provision for habitat piles whilst subjecting some areas of grassland to a management regime to provide optimal terrestrial habitat; and Provision of artificial refugia, hibernacula and management of grassland and scrub to provide physical structure to vegetation ranging from short open habitat to dense tussocky and scrubbed areas All of the above will benefit foraging bats and breeding birds, whilst grassland, pond and hedgerow enhancement measures will benefit reptiles. In addition, enhancement of existing hedgerows through gapping up with whips will benefit commuting and foraging bats, breeding birds, small mammals, hibernating reptiles and amphibians and terrestrial invertebrates Landscape Gapping up of the hedgerow along the northern boundary of area A+, which will prevent views into the north of field A+ from users of public footpath 135 north of the site. 8

13 New planting along the northern and western boundaries of area A, which will prevent views into the north of field A from the eastern end of footpath 135 and into the west of field A from the western end of footpath 135 in the location of The Grove; New native planting along parts of the northern and southern boundaries of footpath 136 to fill the gap in the planting between South Ockendon Hall and the edge of field D. This will prevent views into the lower areas of field D and D+ from this stretch of the footpath and will continue the green corridor character of the route; New native planting in a line across the northern part of field D, running parallel to the south of footpath 136, offset by 50m south. This will continue the green corridor character of footpath 136 whilst reducing views towards the lower parts of field D. New tree planting along the eastern edge of field C to reduce views in from the bridleway along Mar Dyke between gaps in existing tree belts. Reinstatement of hedgerows running perpendicular to each other across field D in the location of historic field boundaries that were lost as a result of the minerals extraction process Planning Policy Context A Planning Statement has been prepared which considers the acceptability of the development in terms of the current planning policy framework and the material considerations which should be taken into account in the determination of the planning application. The Planning Policy chapter in the ES provides an overview of the Planning Statement The development will deliver considerable benefit in respect of renewable energy generation, an objective strongly supported through national policy and guidance and specific local policies. Furthermore, the proposal will enable enhancements to the beneficial use of the Green Belt and implementation of the Greengrid Strategy, in particular promoting access and biodiversity enhancements It has been demonstrated that the proposals have been informed by, and are developed in accordance with, national and local planning policies. The proposed development will not have a significant impact on the Metropolitan Green Belt and meets the test of very special 9

14 circumstances. The development has been well located and can be made acceptable through effective mitigation measures and screening The social, economic and environmental impacts of the scheme are positive. It will contribute positively to the local area and its economy in terms of local investment and employment and help to sustain a well-established business and local employer As identified in the Planning Statement and the other supporting information, the solar project is considered to be a wholly acceptable development, which has been justified in accordance with the planning policy requirements The NPPF as a material consideration states that where development accords with the statutory development plan and specific policies in the Framework planning permission should be granted without delay. It is considered that the proposed development accords with this and that the presumption in favour of granting permission for sustainable development applies in this case. 10

15 5.0 Landscape and Visual A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) was undertaken following relevant industry guidelines. A study area of 4km was agreed with Thurrock Council as being appropriate to cover all potentially material landscape and visual impacts The LVIA assessed the effects that the proposed development would have on both landscape and visual receptors. The principal landscape and visual effects would occur during the operational lifetime of the solar farm. At the end of its lifespan, the solar farm will be decommissioned and the site restored to arable farmland The LVIA concludes that there will be Not Significant effects on the majority of landscape and visual receptors within the 4km study area. Significant effects are limited to views from users of public footpath 136 as it passes through the Site. Effects of moderate significance which are judged to be additional considerations are views from users of public footpaths to the west of the Site and east of South Ockendon and users of public footpath 135 to the north of the Site Mitigation has been included in the proposals as an integrated part of the design. From the wider area, the Site is generally well enclosed by existing surrounding vegetation and the underlying topography, with exception to site area D which rises above surrounding lowlying landform. New hedgerow and tree planting along the north, east and west of the site boundaries have been included to reduce effects on landscape and visual receptors. In addition, hedgerow reinstatement along historic field boundaries is proposed within site area D to break up the massing of the proposed solar arrays The site is located within the Green Belt. The proposed solar project would not have any effects on the five purposes of Green Belt, in landscape and visual terms. 11

16 6.0 Ecology and Nature Conservation An Ecology Impact Assessment of the proposed development was undertaken, which followed relevant industry guidelines. Existing ecological baseline conditions were retrieved through desk-top and onsite surveys undertaken during The site is dominated by arable land fringed by semi-improved neutral grassland, seminatural plantation woodland and species poor hedgerows Potential ecological receptors considered in the assessment comprised statutory and nonstatutory sites, habitats and species. Features of ecological interest identified within the site include semi-improved neutral grassland, standing water and swamp reedbed, bats, brown hare, skylark and other breeding birds, reptiles and great crested newt There will be a loss of arable land and associated semi-improved neutral grassland. However, mitigation and enhancement measures will result in an overall increase of permanent grassland habitats. Effects on foraging bats, skylark and other breeding birds are temporary and the creation and enhancement of grassland habitat across the site is likely to increase the suitability of the site for foraging bats and breeding birds Effects on reptiles and great crested newt are associated with habitat loss and disturbance, and mitigation strategies will be adopted to prevent disturbance to reptiles or amphibians that may be present. Habitat enhancement measures will increase the potential of the site for reptiles and amphibians When considering the mitigation and habitat enhancement measures, net increases in biodiversity value at the site level are expected. Therefore, residual effects upon all ecology features are deemed to be positive at the site level. 12

17 7.0 Cultural Heritage and Archaeology A Cultural Heritage and Archaeology assessment of the proposed development was undertaken, which followed relevant industry guidelines A review of the available historic environment records, held by Essex County Council and the National Heritage List, maintained by English Heritage, has indicated 89 sites of cultural heritage interest within 1 km of the ownership boundary (the study area). In addition, there are 64 archaeological sites within the study area, none of which lie within the red line boundary The site has been subject to intensive disturbance caused by recent mineral extraction, landfill and restoration. As the proposed solar panels are to be sited mainly on previously disturbed ground, there is no potential for archaeological remains and so no archaeological mitigation is required. Where solar panels are to be sited on previously undisturbed ground, the non-intrusive construction method means that there will be no effects on potential archaeological remains and so no archaeological mitigation is required There are no designated sites located within the site boundary. Two Scheduled Monuments are located to the west of the site boundary, in close proximity to each other. Both Scheduled Monuments are screened from the proposed development by existing vegetation There are 23 Listed Buildings within the Study Area. Five Grade II Listed Buildings were identified in proximity to the site. The development would be screened from these buildings by the existing vegetation and so their visual setting would not be affected. The proposed tree planting around the north of the site will mitigate and lessen distant views that may be afforded of the development from other receptors. 13

18 8.0 Agriculture and Land Use The EIA includes an assessment of the effect of the proposed development on agriculture and soil resources. The majority of the site is actively farmed at present, with only one area (Area D+) not used for agricultural purposes. A survey has been undertaken across the majority of the site area to assess land quality. The survey has shown that all land surveyed is of Subgrade 3b moderate quality and not, therefore, classified as best and most versatile agricultural land. A desk-based assessment has been undertaken of two areas (Areas A+ and D+), comprising 6% of the area, which were not investigated during the site survey. Analysis of published information and consideration of land quality on adjacent land indicates these areas are also of Subgrade 3b quality. The entire site is therefore identified or estimated as Subgrade 3b. The majority of land within the site area (Areas C, D, E and F) is controlled and farmed by the landowning business (Veolia). Arable operations are undertaken by a large firm of agricultural contractors. Two fields (Areas A and A+) are owned by Veolia and occupied by a tenant for arable cropping. The land is occupied on the basis that mineral extraction could commence at relatively short notice. Construction of the proposed solar development will have no direct impact upon land quality. At the end of the solar farm s operational life, the panels and cables will be pulled out and other small items of infrastructure removed. The land will be reseeded with pasture and be made available for the grazing of sheep throughout the duration of the solar tenancy. Once the panels are removed, the land could return to arable production. The proposed development will have a Negligible effect on agricultural land quality during the construction, operational and decommissioning phases. Arable production across the site will cease whilst the panels are in place but the effect of the proposed development on the landowning business is considered to be Minor Beneficial. The tenant farm business will no longer have access to the site for the production of crops, which may necessitate some re-organisation of its arable operations. However, the effects on the wider farm business are unlikely to be significant. The effect on the tenant farm business is assessed as Minor Adverse. 14

19 9.0 Other Environmental Issues Considered This section provides an overview of those environmental topics which did not form part of the EIA due to the proposed development not resulting in any related significant environmental effects Flood Risk Assessment A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) has been prepared to address flood risk at the site The Environment Agency flood maps indicate the site is predominately located in Flood Zone 1 with part of the north eastern section of the Site lying within Flood Zone 2 and Flood Zone Inverter transformers, switch-stations and the sub-station will be located on that part of the site, which is out of the floodplain and within Flood Zone 1. Therefore this infrastructure will not be at risk of fluvial flooding. A small number of solar panels are proposed to be located within Flood Zone 3, in the north eastern part of the site. The panels will be positioned 1m above ground so will not be at risk of flooding. Solar panel concrete foundation blocks will be expected to provide restraint against floatation if the site were to be inundated by flood water The solar project will lead to a minor increase in the impermeable area of the site from solar panel foundations, new access tracks and associated infrastructure. Post-development runoff volumes and rates will be restricted to those for the pre-development site. Attenuation on site will be provided within the existing surface water system by incorporating increased storage capacity Rainfall will flow freely off the solar panels onto the ground and foundation blocks beneath. The ground between concrete foundation blocks will be maintained as grass as long as is practical to reduce the velocity of surface water runoff Overall, given the proposed mitigation, the development is considered appropriate and will not increase flood risk to or from the Site or its users. 15

20 9.3. Ground Conditions In general, the geological setting of site is minor head or boulder clay overlying London Clay which is underlain at depth by the Lambeth Group The thickness of the London Clay varies, decreasing in thickness from west to east across the northern boundary of the site. The greatest thickness of London Clay was measured at 33.8 m decreasing to 24.1 m The site has been subject to mineral extraction under a number of planning permissions. The voids have then been filled with household, commercial and industrial waste since The waste is variable in its composition containing organic and inorganic fractions. Settlement occurs due to the self-weight of the waste reducing the void space in addition to the decomposition of organics. Landfill gas is a by-product of the waste decomposition which is collected in gas wells and transmitted through pipework to a gas utilisation plant to produce electricity The landfill is not currently receiving waste and is subject to various levels of restoration. Permanently restored areas of the site have a minimum 1 m clay cap acting as a low permeability barrier The proposed development is predominantly constructed above ground level with limited excavations undertaken for foundations and service connections where necessary. Excavation for shallow foundations and the loadings associated with structures located on natural ground will have negligible effects on geology Structures such as the solar panels located on permanently restored landfill will slightly increase the loading over the waste that is subject to settlement. The increase in loading is minor and is not expected to significantly increase the anticipated settlement Transport and Access A Transport and Access Appraisal has been prepared and submitted as part of the suite of planning application documents. This document refers to existing and proposed access arrangements, the proposed construction traffic route and construction traffic flows. 16

21 The proposed solar project is located on a site with a history of heavy vehicle flows associated with the site s extant and historic extraction and landfill uses It is proposed that the site will be accessed via the existing main access on Medebridge Road which is laid out and constructed to a high standard, suitable to accommodate large vehicles. The site connects to the A13 via Medebridge Road, Stifford Clays Road and High Road and access to the site is currently signed for HGVs. As a result, construction traffic will pass in close proximity to only one property between the A13 and the site The proposed solar project would result in a temporary increase in traffic on the approach route to the site along Medebridge Road. However, it is considered that this impact would be at a low level and within the range of daily fluctuations associated with the extant land uses on site; the clay extraction and landfill operations. Once constructed and operational, the proposed development will result in a negligible number of vehicle trips on the highway network. Consequently, no significant discernable environmental impacts are expected to arise as a result of the development proposals in terms of traffic and transport Air Quality The site was formerly a mineral extraction site which has since been used for waste management. As such, the site and wider area has experienced industrial scale working and associated traffic and transport requirements for many years The anticipated construction period is expected to take up to 12 months including site clearance and preparation works, construction of fencing, assembly and erection of the PV panels, installation of the inverters/transformers and grid connection During this period based on initial studies and typical delivery vehicle types it is expected that the construction and decommissioning traffic will equate (on average) to a total of approximately 13 delivery vehicles per day, based on a six day week, over the entire construction period. Therefore the construction works are expected to have some minor effects with regard to noise, dust and traffic but will be short term and local in nature and will be mitigated through a Construction Traffic Management Plan. There will be no hazardous, toxic or noxious substances emitted during the operational phase of the solar 17

22 project. The only traffic generated during the operational phase would be occasional visits from engineers and contractors for site maintenance, which would be no more than 4 to 6 times per year Noise Environment It is envisaged that during the construction phase there would be some minor impacts in terms of noise whilst the equipment is installed and through vehicle movements to and from the site. However, the site is located away from sensitive receptors and it is considered that any residual noise can be mitigated by limiting the installation phase to socially acceptable daytime hours. Any increases in noise levels during the construction phase will be shortterm in nature and minimal given the nature of the surrounding land uses and their associated noise emissions Once installed the solar panels will not generate any noise or vibrations. The only noise arising from the development will be associated with the fan units used to keep the inverter equipment cool in warm weather and will generally only occur during daytime hours. This will be low level noise and the units will be housed within a building and unlikely to be apparent from the surrounding areas Climate Change Climate change is not considered to be a significant environmental issue for this proposal due to its relatively short life span. Importantly, the generation of renewable energy from a solar PV development of this size will have a very positive effect on climate change. The Thurrock climate change evidence base indicates that Thurrock is particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change including water resource deficiencies, sea level changes, fluvial flooding and is also likely to be at risk from subsidence. Increasing renewable and low carbon energy generation is identified as a priority within the document for mitigating this impact. 18