ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 2005 NATIONAL RENEWABLES INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN: STAGE 2 STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

Transcription

1 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 2005 NATIONAL RENEWABLES INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN: STAGE 2 STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT SCOTTISH ENTERPRISE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS ENTERPRISE 31 AUGUST 2010

2 CONTENTS NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY Page i 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 Purpose of the Environmental Report 1 Structure of the Environmental Report NATIONAL RENEWABLES INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN 2 Relationship with other relevant plans, programmes and strategies 2 The National Renewables Infrastructure Plan ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE AND CONTEXT 8 Biodiversity, flora and fauna 8 Population and human health 9 Water 9 Climatic factors 10 Air 11 Soil, geology and coastal processes 11 Cultural heritage 12 Landscapes and seascapes ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY 13 Approach to the assessment 13 Alternatives 14 SEA Objectives 14 Scoping 14 Assessment results ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS/ MITIGATION 17 Common issues - assumed mitigation 17 Summary of results 18 Potentially significant environmental effects 23 Disturbance and/or loss of biodiversity 23 Decreases in water quality and/or ecological potential 28 Detrimental changes to coastal processes 29 Emission of greenhouse gases 29 Mitigation measures: summary 30 Likely evolution of the baseline in the absence of the N-RIP MONITORING NEXT STEPS REFERENCES LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS August 2010 i

3 APPENDICES 1: Environmental Protection Objectives 39 2: Potential for Impact on the Environment from N-RIP Activities 53 3: Short-Term Site Assessment Tables 56 4: Medium-Term Site Assessment Tables 135 TABLES AND FIGURES Table 1. Key facts about the N-RIP 3 Table 2. National Renewables Infrastructure Plan Potential Sites for Investment 6 Table 3. SEA Objectives 15 Table 4: Assessment table 16 Table 5. Potentially significant effects of N-RIP Phase 1 sites on environmental interests (before and after mitigation) 20 Table 6. Potentially significant effects of N-RIP Phase 2 sites on environmental interests (before and after mitigation) 21 Table 7. Potentially significant effects of N-RIP Phase 1 sites on biodiversity interests 26 Table 8. Potentially significant effects of N-RIP Phase 2 sites on biodiversity interests 27 Table 9. Summary of mitigation measures 33 Figure 1. EU, UK and Scottish Government energy and climate change policy 2 Figure 2. Short-term sites 7 Figure 3. Medium-term sites 7 31 August 2010 ii

4 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY At the request of Scottish Ministers, Scottish Enterprise (SE) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) have led the development of the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan (N-RIP). This was identified as a key action in the Scottish Government s Renewables Action Plan published in June The purpose of the N-RIP is to support the development of a globally competitive offshore renewables (wind, wave and tidal) industry based in Scotland. It aims to establish how port owners can provide sites in the locations that the offshore renewables industry favours and in a way that fits with the principles of sustainable development and the timescales for use that the industry requires. Developments on sites identified in the N-RIP have the potential to generate significant environmental effects. It was considered, therefore, that a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) was required. The purpose of the SEA is to integrate environmental factors into the N-RIP, by identifying potential environmental effects and measures for their mitigation, and ensuring that this information is made available as the plan is progressed. This Environmental Report documents the assessment undertaken to date and has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act Relationship with other plans and programmes The N-RIP supports the development of the offshore renewable energy sector in Scotland. This sector has gained significant prominence in light of the challenges posed by climate change and the requirement to shift to more sustainable energy sources. This is reflected in targets for renewable energy in European, UK and Scottish Government energy and climate change legislation and/or policy. As well as these targets, there are several key drivers of offshore renewables: the draft Plan for Offshore Wind Energy in Scottish Territorial Waters prepared by the Scottish Government and published for consultation in May The draft plan has been subject to SEA; the award to developers of exclusive development rights for offshore wind farms in Scottish territorial waters by The Crown Estate in early 2009; the announcement by The Crown Estate of its Round 3 Offshore Wind Development Partners in January 2010; and the lease agreements for wave and tidal projects in the Pentland Firth and Orkney waters announced by The Crown Estate in March The environment and relevant issues in relation to the N-RIP The focus of the N-RIP is on ports and harbours located around the coast of Scotland. The SEA has therefore looked at potential environmental effects of the N- RIP on the coastal and marine environment surrounding the identified sites. This environment has the following characteristics: 31 August 2010 i

5 The Scottish coast is rich in biodiversity, and includes many areas which are designated for their international and national importance. These areas contain an array of species, including birds, some of which are protected. There is pressure on coastal habitats and species from a range of human activities. Many ports and harbours are located in or near cities and towns, often less than 1 km from residential areas. These areas are used for a variety of industrial and, in some cases, recreational activities. The majority of coastal waters in Scotland are in a good condition, including bathing and shellfish waters. However, some water bodies are affected by diffuse and point source pollution, and around a third are affected by pollution from transport. Ports will be more vulnerable in the future as a result of increased risk of storm surges. Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) have been declared in Scotland, generally within Scotland s inland urban areas, and they largely result from transport emissions. Of these, five are located in or around sites identified in the N-RIP. Coastal geology is diverse and often highly visible on exposed cliffs and along open shores. Sediments range from boulders to fine muds and silts. Parts of Scotland's coastline are already subject to erosion and this may increase in future. There are approximately 38,000 historic features around Scotland s coast. In these coastal areas, these features are threatened by damage from erosion and, in some cases, coastal development. Scotland s landscapes and seascapes are highly valued, with diverse character and widely perceived scenic quality. There are pressures on landscapes and seascapes from a range of human activities. What would happen to the environment without the N-RIP? Without the N-RIP, the development of these sites to support the offshore renewable energy industry would continue, though potentially in a more uncoordinated fashion. At the project level, it is likely that much of the mitigation of significant environmental effects would be progressed. However, opportunities for environmental improvements or to deal with cumulative environmental issues associated with specific locations could be lost. Alternatives The SEA has considered all the short-term (Phase 1) and medium-term (Phase 2) sites which would support offshore wind activities to be reasonable alternatives. These sites were identified in the N-RIP Stage 1 report. Ports which would support the wave and tidal sector have not been considered in this assessment, as specific industry requirements are still evolving. Effects of the N-RIP The environmental assessment identifies potential significant adverse effects and recommends measures to mitigate these effects. These are as follows: 31 August 2010 ii

6 disturbance and/or loss of biodiversity resulting from disturbance to birds, fish, seals and otters, bottlenose dolphins, other cetaceans, and habitat loss. decreases in water quality and/or ecological potential resulting from dredging and the effects on sensitive species in or near the area to be dredged detrimental changes to coastal processes resulting from land reclamation which has the potential to affect coastal processes, through changes to sediment erosion and/or deposition patterns, with a consequent potential effect on habitat. emission of greenhouse gases resulting from increased vessel movement during operations and maintenance activities. For these issues, potential measures for the mitigation of these adverse effects will need to be integrated into port and harbour planning and design. Consultation with organisations with responsibility for the environment at an early stage of project development is key to successful mitigation of adverse effects. It is important to note that two issues remain uncertain: the amount of waste material which will be sent to landfill after site clearance and/or building demolition. For this issue, mitigation has focused on the reduction of waste volumes, through the re-use of existing buildings and/or construction or site material, where this is feasible. However, much depends on the characteristics of the individual site as well as the extent of the activities to be progressed. This issue will need to be considered in detail when undertaking the planning and design phases of projects for the individual sites. the contribution of NOx emissions (from vessels undertaking operations and maintenance activities) to total Scottish emissions of NOx, as well as to local pollutant loadings. For this issue, mitigation, in terms of emission reduction, has already begun through the implementation of international obligations. Monitoring The significant environmental effects of the N-RIP will require to be monitored, as will unanticipated effects. Monitoring will be identified in the Post-Adoption Statement prepared for the N-RIP. Next Steps We now invite your views on the N-RIP Stage 2 report and the findings of the SEA. Consultees are invited to review the documents. At the end of the consultation period, responses will be reviewed and used to inform the implementation of the N-RIP. Once the consultation period is complete and the contents of the N-RIP Stage 2 report have been reviewed, a Post-Adoption SEA Statement will be produced which will set out the key findings from the SEA, consultees views on the Environmental Report, and Scottish Enterprise/Highlands and Islands Enterprise s response(s) to the issues that have been raised. 31 August 2010 iii

7 1.0 INTRODUCTION Purpose of the Environmental Report 1.1 At the request of Scottish Ministers, Scottish Enterprise (SE) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) have led the development of the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan (N-RIP). This was identified as a key action in the Scottish Government s Renewables Action Plan published in June It was concluded the N-RIP falls under Section 5(3) of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act Given that developments on sites identified in the N-RIP have the potential to generate significant environmental effects, it was considered that a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is required. The SEA proceeded directly to scoping and a scoping report was issued to the Consultation Authorities on 6 May The purpose of the SEA is to integrate environmental factors into the plan, by identifying potential environmental effects and measures for their mitigation, and ensuring that this information is made available when decisions are made about the plan. In the case of the SEA of the N-RIP, the SEA will also assist in providing site developers and investors with information regarding the potential environmental issues pertaining to the development of the sites, and how they can best be overcome. This Environmental Report documents the assessment undertaken to date and has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act Structure of the Environmental Report 1.4 The remainder of this report sets out the results of the assessment, and is structured as follows: a description of the N-RIP, including its relationship with other plans, programmes and strategies; a review of baseline environmental characteristics, including environmental protection objectives; a description of the methods used in this SEA; a summary of the results of the assessment, including proposed mitigation measures; and conclusions and next steps. Supporting information is provided in the appendices. 31 August

8 2.0 NATIONAL RENEWABLES INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN Relationship with other relevant plans, programmes and strategies 2.1 The development of offshore renewable energy is being taken forward in the context of European, UK and Scottish Government energy and climate change policy (Figure 1). The Scottish Government has set a target for 20% of total Scottish energy use to come from renewable sources by 2020, including a target for gross electricity consumption of 50% from renewable sources by 2020, with an interim target of 31% by The offshore renewable energy industry (wind, wave and tidal) is viewed as being a key contributor to the achievement of these targets. In support of this, the Scottish Government has prepared a draft Plan for Offshore Wind Energy in Scottish Territorial Waters 1 ; this draft plan has been subject to SEA. Another key driver in the development of offshore renewables has been the award to developers of exclusive development rights over ten sites for offshore wind farms in Scottish territorial waters by The Crown Estate in early 2009, followed by the announcements by The Crown Estate of its Round 3 Offshore Wind Development Partners in January 2010 and of lease agreements for wave and tidal projects in the Pentland Firth and Orkney waters in March Figure 1. EU, UK and Scottish Government energy and climate change policy 1 published for consultation on 19 May August

9 The National Renewables Infrastructure Plan 2.3 The development of a National Renewables Infrastructure Plan (N-RIP) was identified as a key action in the Scottish Government s Renewables Action Plan published in June Its preparation also takes forward the action agreed by the Scottish Government s Energy Advisory Board, co-chaired by the First Minister. The N-RIP has been prepared by Scottish Enterprise (SE) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), at the request of Scottish Ministers. Its purpose is to support the development of a globally competitive offshore renewables industry based in Scotland. It therefore sits alongside the draft Plan for Offshore Wind Energy in Scottish Territorial Waters. Key facts about the N- RIP are summarised in Table 1. Responsible Authority Title Purpose Table 1. Key facts about the N-RIP What prompted the strategy? Subject Period covered Frequency of updates Area covered Summary of nature/ content Are there any proposed objectives? Scottish Enterprise/ Highlands and Islands Enterprise (at the request of Scottish Ministers) National Renewables Infrastructure Plan (N-RIP) The N-RIP process aims to establish how port owners can provide sites in the locations that the offshore renewables industry favours and in a way that fits with the principles of sustainable development and the timescales for use that the industry requires. The development of the N-RIP is a key action identified in the Scottish Government s Renewables Action Plan published in June It also takes forward the action agreed by the Scottish Government s Energy Advisory Board. Renewable Energy Industry/ Ports and Harbours in the first instance or as required Date August 2010 Scotland-wide The N-RIP will establish a spatial framework of onshore sites for development. These sites will support the development of the offshore energy industry through supporting the provision of appropriate locations for use by the industry. The objective of the N-RIP is set out under purpose above. 2.4 The N-RIP has three stages: Stage 1: development of a spatial framework of first-phase sites. This work was published in the N-RIP Stage 1 Report in February This report reviewed Scottish port locations on the basis of offshore renewable August

10 industry needs. Best fit locations against industry requirements for construction/installation and manufacturing supply chain use were identified. Stage 2: development of investment plans for first-phase sites, further development of funding approaches, and clarity on site investment needs. Stage 2 has also reviewed priorities for investment to support the wave and tidal sector in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters area. Stage 3: delivery of phased investment at sites, based on industry demand. 2.5 At Stage 1 of the N-RIP process, port locations in Scotland were reviewed for their capacity to support offshore energy development. The key criteria considered in identifying and reviewing suitable sites included: proximity to development (relates to the distance from Round 3 and STW sites); site (potential available area); location (based on labour market catchment derived from drive time data); and timescale (investment plan developed and costed, or site ready). The review of suitable sites also included their ability to support the following activities (alone or in combination): manufacturing of components and assembly of wind turbines and marine devices (either through integrated sites or distributed sites); construction/installation; and operations and maintenance, including inspection and repair. 2.6 A number of sites (i.e. port locations) were identified as having the potential for investment: eleven first-phase sites, comprising best fit locations to be focused on in the short-term to meet the needs of the offshore wind industry; eleven sites with potential to support the wave and tidal sector; twenty sites, inclusive of the eleven first-phase sites, to be taken forward in the medium-term, some of which could support both the offshore wind and wave and tidal sectors. These sites are identified in Table 2 and their locations are shown on Figures 2 and 3. Figure 3 also identifies an area of the west coast of Scotland where there may be further demand for port infrastructure, particularly to support operations and maintenance activities. 2.7 There is no site currently fully ready to meet the future needs of the supply chain. To make these sites fit for use will require investment, either in enabling infrastructure or in buildings. The focus of the Stage 2 report has therefore been on the eleven first-phase sites. These first-phase sites are viewed as potential regional groups or clusters, centred around: the Firths of Forth/Tay; the Moray Firth; and the West Coast. A sub-sea cluster also exists, focused on Aberdeen and Peterhead. 2.8 In terms of infrastructure investment, the Stage 2 report has considered the following: quayside infrastructure: this includes creation, renewal and strengthening of quaysides for load-out of equipment. 31 August

11 improving water depth at quayside: depending on the installation or delivery vessels that are utilised during the lifetime of the industry, some of the first-phase locations may require dredging to ensure that vessels are able to load up from the quayside. land remediation: a range of the first-phase sites require available land to be made ready for fabrication buildings. 3 land reclamation: for some sites, part of the phased infrastructure development may involve the reclamation of land to create larger areas for use. demolition/site clearance: on some sites, existing (but redundant) buildings will need to be cleared to enable development. utilities upgrade: depending on use, there will be a need to upgrade basic utilities to some of the sites. site access: some sites require internal accesses to be improved/created to enable movement within the site. In addition, there is a need to ensure that those components which are not being moved by sea are able to access the site by land-based modes. manufacturing facilities: some of the first-phase sites have existing fabrication sheds; however, in the main it has been assumed that new fabrication facilities will be required. bespoke equipment/facility requirements have also been reviewed but, given the difficulty of predicting these elements, will need to be considered at the project stage. 3 The remediation of contaminated land is a benefit and has been included in the assessment where this information is known. 31 August

12 Table 2. National Renewables Infrastructure Plan Potential Sites for Investment Phase Site Local Authority 1 2 Activity Site Local Authority Offshore Wind Wave & tidal potential location Leith City of Edinburgh Council X X integrated manufacturing; O&M Sella Ness Shetland Islands Council Dundee Dundee City Council X X distributed manufacturing; O&M Lerwick Shetland Islands Council Energy Park Fife * Fife Council X X distributed manufacturing Lyness Orkney Islands Council Nigg The Highland Council X X integrated manufacturing Kirkwall (Hatston) Orkney Islands Council Ardersier The Highland Council X X integrated manufacturing Scrabster The Highland Council Aberdeen Aberdeen City Council X X distributed manufacturing; O&M Wick The Highland Council Peterhead Aberdeenshire Council X X distributed manufacturing; O&M Arnish Comhairle nan Eilean Siar/Western Isles Council Hunterston North Ayrshire Council X X integrated manufacturing Energy Park Fife Fife Council Arnish * Comhairle nan Eilean X X distributed manufacturing; O&M Inverclyde Inverclyde Council Siar/Western Isles Council Campbeltown / Argyll & Bute Council X X distributed manufacturing; O&M Campbeltown / Machrihanish Argyll & Bute Machrihanish * Kishorn The Highland Council X X distributed manufacturing Stranraer / Cairnryan Dumfries & Galloway Council Inverclyde * Inverclyde Council X distributed manufacturing; O&M Burntisland Fife Council X distributed manufacturing Rosyth Fife Council X distributed manufacturing Montrose Angus Council X distributed manufacturing; O&M Grangemouth Falkirk Council X distributed manufacturing Highland Deephaven The Highland Council X distributed manufacturing Ayr South Ayrshire Council X distributed manufacturing Troon South Ayrshire Council X distributed manufacturing Stranraer / Cairnryan * Dumfries & Galloway Council X distributed manufacturing; O&M * also wave & tidal potential location O&M: operations & maintenance 31 August

13 Figure 2. Short-term sites Figure 3. Medium-term sites 31 August

14 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE AND CONTEXT 3.1 The purpose of this chapter is to: provide an overview, at the national level, of the environmental characteristics of the areas likely to be significantly affected. More detailed descriptions of the environmental characteristics of the sites and their environs are included in the assessment tables in Appendices 3 and 4; describe existing environmental problems relevant to the plan; and summarise those environmental protection objectives relevant to the baseline environment and the plan. Details of the policy and legislation giving rise to these objectives are set out in Appendix The ways in which these interests could be affected by the types of development and activities in the N-RIP are set out in Appendix 2. Biodiversity, flora and fauna 3.3 The Scottish coast is rich in biodiversity, and includes many areas which are designated for their international and national importance. These designations include Ramsar sites, Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), and will be expanded to include Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the future. Work is currently underway to identify important offshore areas for seabirds 4, including important feeding areas in the open sea used by aggregations of waterfowl during the non-breeding season Habitats of interest include (amongst others) sandbanks, sea caves, estuaries, mud flats, salt marsh, coastal lagoons, shallow inlets and bays and reefs. Species of interest include wildfowl and waders, cetaceans (e.g. bottlenose dolphin), other marine mammals (e.g. grey and common seal), fish (e.g. Atlantic salmon, sea lamprey) and freshwater pearl mussels. 3.5 There is pressure on coastal habitats and species from a range of human activity, including (amongst others) shipping, tourism and recreation, energy generation and infrastructure developments (both on- and off-shore), fishing (including aquaculture) and industry. The cumulative effects of these activities are of particular importance for biodiversity. Biodiversity policies, from international to local levels, aim to protect and conserve habitats and species. Details of the international and national legislation and policy which set these environmental protection objectives are provided in Appendix 1. 4 by JNCC 5 by Marine Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and JNCC 31 August

15 Population and human health 3.6 Many ports and harbours are located in or near cities and towns, within 1 km of residential areas. 3.7 A review of coastal and marine recreation commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) (Land Use Consultants, 2006) showed that the quality of the coastal environment is a key draw for visitors. Whilst confidence levels for data collected are qualified, the survey suggested that the most popular activities (in order) were: walking or hiking, sea angling, shoreline angling, sailing, kayaking and canoeing, bird watching and wildlife tours and cycling. For those undertaking informal recreation activities, the survey showed that the most popular areas were Argyll and the Islands, the Firth of Clyde, Lochaber and Skye and the Firth of Forth. For formal activities, there were identified concentrations in Argyll and the Islands, the Firth of Clyde, Lochaber and Skye, and the Solway Firth. Environmental protection objectives for recreation relate to the protection of existing recreational uses and assets, e.g. coastal footpaths (see Appendix 1 for details). 3.8 High levels of noise exposure can have adverse effects on health, e.g. through sleep disturbance and stress. Noise mapping in Scotland has shown that approximately 416,900 people are exposed to daytime noise of greater than >55dB in industrial Glasgow and Edinburgh, with higher numbers exposed when major roads, railways and airports are taken into account. At the national level, environmental noise policy is working towards identifying residential areas in Scotland affected by noise from major roads, railways, airports and industry, and implementing measures for action Seventy-eight coastal areas have been designated as shellfish waters by the Scottish Government (as of June 2009). In 2008 all of Scotland s shellfish waters complied with the minimum environmental quality standards. About 63% of these waters met the more stringent guideline standards 7. The aim of the protection of shellfish waters is to improve the quality of waters where shellfish grow and to contribute to the high quality of directly edible shellfish products, thereby (amongst other things) protecting human health. Water 3.10 Ninety per cent of coastal waters classified by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in Scotland are in excellent or good condition (grade A or B), with a significant improvement having been achieved in the period between 2000 and However, some coastal and transitional SEPA (2009) 2007 Water Environmental Classification Report 31 August

16 water bodies 9 remain at risk of not meeting the objectives of the Water Framework Directive by These water bodies are affected by diffuse and point source pollution, and around a third are affected by pollution from transport. One issue is the use of anti-fouling paint on hulls which generates toxic substances (tributyl tin), although more recent regulatory controls over the use of these substances have already led to an improvement in coastal water quality 10. Other pollution risks arising from shipping include the release of oil in ballast water discharges or through accidental spillage. Dredging also raises environmental issues, as does marine litter (SEPA, 2007) Of the 80 official bathing waters in Scotland, 77 are in coastal locations. The quality of Scotland s bathing waters has steadily improved. In 2009, 75 of Scotland s 80 bathing waters met EU standards, and of these 56% also met the stricter guideline standard. Environmental protection objectives for water are aimed at protecting and improving ecological status and water quality (e.g. bathing water quality, the quality of shellfish waters). Details are provided in Appendix 1. Climatic factors 3.12 Climate change is predicted to lead to an increase in water temperatures, sea level rise, changes to the coastline, storm intensity and wave heights. Observed long term increases in salinity and acidification, as a result of CO 2 emissions, also raise issues for the marine ecosystem. The UKCP09 scenarios include details on sea-level rise, which is predicted to be in the range cm by 2095, not taking into account the uplift of land during the scenario period. Lower probability scenarios suggest this could be greater. Information on storm surges is also provided in the recent scenarios, and further information on the marine environment will be made available. Sea temperature increases are also predicted, with potentially significant implications for marine ecosystems As well as climate change mitigation (reducing emissions), the Scottish Government is committed to adapting to the impacts of climate change which will arise regardless of the success of future action. The second consultation on a Scottish Climate Change Adaptation framework (Scottish Government, April 2009) states that ports will be more vulnerable in the future as a result of increased risk of storm surges, and that there will be greater pressure arising from increased service demand as global shipping routes open. At the same time the natural environment, including marine areas, will be changing, with adaptation required to minimise the loss of some species and habitats. The framework notes the need for further information gathering, and refers to work undertaken by the Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership as an example of this. This research has highlighted important evidence about the 9 Defined as extending out to 3 nautical miles for the purposes of the WFD. 10 For example, the IMO International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships, which entered into force on 17 September 2008 ( 31 August

17 ways in which the marine environment is and will be changing in the future as a result of climate change. 11 Climate change policy aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere, and to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Details are provided in Appendix 1. Air 3.14 Air pollution can have repercussions for many aspects of quality of life, including human health and biodiversity. Air quality objectives outlined in the updated Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (Defra et al, 2007) 12 have been met over much of the country, but there are still a number of pollution hotspots in some urban areas where objectives for nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter continue to be exceeded. 13 In Scotland, the energy sector and transport are key sources of air pollution Twenty-one Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) have been declared in Scotland, generally within Scotland s inland urban areas, and they largely result from transport emissions. Of these, five are located in or around sites identified in the N-RIP (Aberdeen, Dundee, Grangemouth and Leith, which has two AQMAs nearby). Air quality legislation and policy aims to achieve the air quality objectives which have been set to protect human health, improve quality of life and help to protect the environment. Details are provided in Appendix 1. Soil, geology and coastal processes 3.16 Coastal geology is diverse and often highly visible on exposed cliffs and along open shores. Sediments range from boulders to fine muds and silts Scotland's coastline is already subject to erosion and this is likely to increase in future. Coastal erosion is estimated to be affecting around 12% of Scotland s coastline. 14 The areas most vulnerable to coastal erosion include Montrose-Dunbar; the Firth of Clyde; the inner Moray Firth; and the Northern and Western Isles (SNH, 2002). There is a strong interaction between the energy within coastal seas, in the form of waves, tides and currents, and the processes of erosion and sedimentation. Climate change could see an increase in frequency and the intensity of storm events which in turn could affect associated wave heights and the energy within coastal seas. Erosion and sedimentation of sandbank structures are expected to increase. Engineered sea defences, built as part of any future climate change adaptation strategy, can have adverse effects on the coast. As a result, softer 11 For further information see August

18 solutions including managed realignment are likely to become increasingly important in the future Marine and coastal transportation interacts with coastal processes, adding to the challenges of the natural environment, for example through vessel wash exacerbating erosion 15. Most environmental protection in this area relates to soil quality and quantity. However, the protection of habitats extends to the prevention of increased erosion patterns at protected coastal features such as mud flats, salt marsh etc. Cultural heritage 3.19 It is estimated that there may be around 38,000 historic features around Scotland s coast (Baxter et al, 2008). Some of these are protected, including scheduled monuments, gardens and designed landscapes, archaeological remains, listed buildings, and those within conservation areas. For example, Scotland has 15 statutory designated underwater historic wrecks (eight designated wreck sites around the coast and seven scheduled wrecks in Scapa Flow), but there are many more unprotected sites of interest Along much of Scotland s coast, archaeological and historic sites are threatened by damage from erosion and, in some cases, from coastal development such as industry or housing. The overall aim of historic environment legislation and policy is to protect and, where appropriate, enhance the historic environment. Appendix 1 provides details. Landscapes and seascapes Scotland s seascapes are highly valued, with diverse character and widely perceived scenic quality. Their features include machair plains; cliffs, dunes and sandy beaches; islands, sea lochs and firths; and rocky headlands on the open coast. Although many settlements are on the coast, less than 15% of its length has been developed. This means that much of the coast has a natural character, with some areas providing a sense of wildness. Many of Scotland s National Scenic Areas (NSAs), mainly on the west coast, include coastal elements The pressures on coastal zones identified in Paragraph 3.5 apply equally to landscape and seascape. Environmental objectives aim to protect Scotland s landscape and seascape from inappropriate development or development that will have secondary effects, e.g. increased coastal erosion. Details are provided in Appendix See for example reference to activities at Loch Ryan, as noted in 16 information primarily drawn from SNH Natural Heritage Futures: Coasts and Seas updated August

19 4.0 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY Approach to the assessment 4.1 The approach taken for this SEA reflects the staged approach taken to development of the N-RIP. 4.2 The N-RIP Stage 2 report reviews the results of the evaluation of the firstphase sites contained in the Stage 1 report, with consideration given to the need for infrastructure enhancement and/or development, and the financial investment needed to support this. The SEA aims to identify, at a strategic level, the potential environmental effects of development at each of the firstphase sites along with measures to mitigate adverse effects and/or enhance benefits. This information will inform the N-RIP as it moves to Stage 3 (implementation). 4.3 The SEA also considers, at a strategic level, the potential environmental effects of the medium-term sites identified to support offshore wind projects. The focus has been on offshore wind, as the wave and tidal energy sector is at an earlier stage of development. Accordingly, its requirements for port infrastructure are still evolving. In the light of this uncertainty, it has not been possible to assess the potential environmental effects of port development in support of the wave and tidal energy sector at this stage. SEA of port developments to support the wave and tidal energy sector will be taken forward in due course. 4.4 The SEA has focused on the effects arising from each of the following, at a strategic level: infrastructure improvement and/or enhancement, e.g. new buildings, new quays, land reclamation, dredging etc; manufacturing and/or assembly of turbine components; onshore facilities to support construction and/or installation 17 ; and operations and maintenance activities. It has been assumed that raw materials, components, turbines, etc. will be transported to and from the sites by sea. 4.5 The SEA of the N-RIP has assessed the development proposals for each site. The information gathered for each of the sites (e.g. water depth) has been reviewed and a number of assumptions have been made regarding the need for dredging, quay strengthening, etc. These assumptions are set out in the assessment tables (Appendices 3 and 4). It should be noted, however, that the details of future development will become more certain as the industry evolves. These current assumptions about industry needs are based on N- RIP dialogue with the industry. 17 the construction and/or installation of wind turbines at the offshore wind farm sites has been considered at a strategic level by the SEA of the draft Plan for Offshore Wind Energy in Scottish Territorial Waters 31 August

20 4.6 The SEA is therefore based on the following information: assumptions about the potential infrastructure development and/or enhancement required at each site (where this information is available); assumptions about the activities and facilities needed to support the activities at each site; and information about the baseline environmental characteristics of each site and its environs. 4.7 Effects have been considered in terms of whether they are positive or negative, and permanent or temporary. At this strategic level permanent effects are considered to be long-term and temporary effects to be short-term. Alternatives 4.8 The focus of the Stage 2 report is on the short-term sites (the Phase 1 sites identified in the N-RIP Stage 1 Report). All of these are considered to be reasonable alternatives, along with the medium-term offshore wind sites identified in the Stage 1 report. The SEA has therefore taken all these sites to be the reasonable alternatives over the long term. 4.9 At this stage there is no absolute certainty regarding the time at which the different sites may start development, as this is dependent on confidence in market interest. The level of development at each site is also indicative, for the same reason. Accordingly, alternatives which would have involved different development schedules or level of development have not been considered in this SEA. SEA objectives 4.10 The short- and medium-term offshore wind sites identified by the N-RIP have been assessed against SEA objectives (Table 3). These objectives were modified in light of the scoping responses provided by the Consultation Authorities. Scoping 4.11 The Scoping Report proposed to scope in all the SEA topics, apart from material assets. It was suggested by the Consultation Authorities that material assets should be included. Accordingly, material assets have been included to cover issues of waste disposal. Foul water discharges have been considered under water. Effects on infrastructure have been considered to be planning and engineering matters, and therefore not within the scope of this environmental assessment Following the submission of the Scoping Report, a further detailed scoping exercise was undertaken to identify the key environmental issues at each site and to scope out the SEA topics which were not applicable. The Consultation Authorities were consulted in the course of this exercise. The assessment tables therefore include only those topics which have been scoped into the SEA, i.e. those for which there could be potentially significant environmental 31 August

21 SEA Topics Biodiversity, flora and fauna Population and human health effects. Information has been provided as to which topics have been scoped out at the site-specific level and why. Table 3. SEA Objectives Assessment Objectives To protect and where appropriate enhance protected habitats. To avoid generating disturbance of key species. To safeguard marine and coastal ecosystems. To avoid adverse effects on coastal processes. To avoid adversely affecting recreational users. To avoid secondary adverse effects on health arising from air pollution and other nuisance effects. Water To prevent deterioration and, where possible, restore and/or enhance water body status. To avoid pollution of the coastal and marine water environment. To identify sites that are at risk of flooding. Climatic To reduce greenhouse gas emissions e.g. from vessels. factors To ensure that adaptation to climate change impacts is built into plans for future infrastructure. Air To reduce air pollution from activities (including vessel movement) Soil, geology and coast at ports. To avoid exacerbating coastal erosion. To remediate contaminated land where appropriate and/or feasible. Cultural heritage To avoid damaging known and unknown coastal and marine archaeology. To avoid adversely affecting the historic environment. Landscape To avoid adversely affecting landscape/seascape. Assessment results 4.13 The assessment results are set out in tables (see Table 4 for format) which provide the following information: site use; assumptions about potential development; information about the environmental baseline on and in the environs of each site; information as to which environmental topics have been scoped out and why; a description of each identified environmental effect, potential mitigation, and residual effect. Effects are reported in terms of whether they are negative or positive, temporary or permanent, and construction or operational effects; other known or proposed development in the area (proposed development is considered to be that where a planning application has been made); and cumulative (including synergistic) effects The tables are provided in Appendices 3 and August

22 Table 4: Assessment table SITE NAME SITE USE Integrated Manufacturing/ Distributed Manufacturing/ Operations and Maintenance POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT Information about land which could be used, where known. The following activities have been assumed: ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE Biodiversity, flora and fauna Population and human health Climatic Factors Water and marine environment Air Soil, Geology and Coastal Processes Cultural heritage Landscape/seascape Issues Scoped Out: environmental factor and reason for scoping out Environmental Receptor Effect Characteristic Mitigation Residual Effects OTHER DEVELOPMENT Cumulative Effects Implications for development (including need, if any, for Habitats Regulations Appraisal). 31 August

23 5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS/ MITIGATION 5.1 The SEA assessed 20 sites in total for their potential environmental effects. These sites comprised: eleven first-phase sites to be progressed in the short-term; and twenty sites to be progressed in the medium-term, inclusive of the eleven first-phase sites. The results of the SEA for each site are provided in the assessment tables in Appendices 3 and The results of the SEA show that, dependent on the way sites are developed, there is the potential for significant adverse environmental effects at each location. Many of these potential effects could be avoided and/or reduced at the project planning and design stage, if appropriate measures are integrated into the process. 5.3 Accordingly, the purpose of this chapter is to: provide an overview, at the national level, of the potential environmental effects of the N-RIP and its activities; identify the measures which could be implemented to avoid and/or reduce potential adverse effects; describe the residual environmental effects; and highlight areas of uncertainty where additional considerations may be needed. This will be followed by a description of the likely evolution of the baseline in the absence of the N-RIP. Common Issues - Assumed mitigation 5.4 During the SEA, a number of potential environmental effects were identified which require to be acknowledged in the SEA, but are likely to be mitigated by port operators and/or industry at the project level as a routine part of port operations. These are issues with which port owners are familiar, and are not specific to the potential offshore renewables use. These are discussed in the following paragraphs. 5.5 Activities at ports, by their nature, have the potential to give rise to adverse effects on water quality/ecological potential, for example as a result of accidental spills of oil and/or chemicals. As well as affecting water quality, spills can affect the ability of water to support aquatic organisms, including fish, and coastal habitat and the species which use it. For the purposes of this SEA, we have assumed that ports and vessels will work to avoid spills and will implement contingency plans should spills occur 18. Accordingly, these effects have not been included in the assessment tables. 18 See, for example, Forth Ports plc s website: 31 August

24 5.6 Construction and operational activities at ports can give rise to dust, with consequent effects on local residents and biodiversity interests (including species and habitats). For the N-RIP this could include, for example, dust arising from building demolition or from the storage of aggregates as part of concrete production. As with water quality, for the purposes of this SEA we have assumed that port operators will ensure that mitigation measures will be built into construction and operation (e.g. dust suppression systems) such that these effects can be avoided and/or reduced. Accordingly, these effects have not been included in the assessment tables. 5.7 The discharge of ballast water has the potential to adversely affect water quality and/or ecological potential, through the discharge of oil and/or the accidental introduction of non-indigenous species (Fisheries Research Services, 2006). This is an issue for the N-RIP, given that vessels will be involved in transporting raw materials and components, in construction/installation activities, and in operations and maintenance. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) agreed the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments in This convention regulates the discharge of ballast water and will come into effect between , depending on the characteristics of the individual vessel. The SEA has therefore assumed compliance with this convention, and has not included such effects in the assessment tables. 5.8 Depending on location, type of dredging, characteristics of sediment, etc., dredging can affect the environment during the dredging process and/or the disposal of dredged material. The former can result in (amongst others) the loss of benthic habitat, increased suspended sediment concentrations, and smothering of benthic habitat as sediments settle. The latter can also result in the smothering of habitat, increases in contaminant concentrations, and changes to coastal processes 19. The effects of disposal are taken into account by the FEPA licensing process 20 and have therefore not been further considered in the assessment tables. The SEA has focused on the water quality issues arising from the dredging process. 5.9 The increase in activity at ports may result in increased foul water discharges. However, as such discharges require to be licensed 21, we have assumed that effects on water quality will be dealt with at the site level. Equally, we have assumed that atmospheric emissions from manufacturing of wind farm components will require to be licensed, and will be dealt with at site level. Accordingly, these effects have not been included in the assessment tables. Summary of results 5.10 The environmental issues that may result from development on sites identified in the N-RIP are identified in Table 5 (Phase 1, short-term sites) and Table 6 19 For further information, consult the UK Marine SAC project website 20 under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 Part II 21 under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations August