Preliminary Environmental Information Report

Wey Weirs Refurbishment - Project Appraisal Preliminary Environmental Information Report Version: Final October 2014 Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report i

We are the Environment Agency. We protect and improve the environment and make it a better place for people and wildlife. We operate at the place where environmental change has its greatest impact on people s lives. We reduce the risks to people and properties from flooding; make sure there is enough water for people and wildlife; protect and improve air, land and water quality and apply the environmental standards within which industry can operate. Acting to reduce climate change and helping people and wildlife adapt to its consequences are at the heart of all that we do. We cannot do this alone. We work closely with a wide range of partners including government, business, local authorities, other agencies, civil society groups and the communities we serve. Published by: Environment Agency Horizon house, Deanery Road Bristol BS1 5AH Email: enquiries@environmentagency.gov.uk www.environment-agency.gov.uk Environment Agency 2011 All rights reserved. This document may be reproduced with prior permission of the Environment Agency. Further copies of this report are available from our publications catalogue: http://publications.environmentagency.gov.uk or our National Customer Contact Centre: T: 03708 506506 Email: enquiries@environmentagency.gov.uk. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report ii

Quality Assurance Project name Wey Weirs Refurbishment Project 1B1S reference IMTH001658 Date October 2014 Version number FINAL 7.10.14 Author Stuart Tweedy (Jacobs) Approvals Name Signature Title Date Version Nigel Widgery Jacobs Project Director Paul Warrington Tony Kirstein EA NEAS Project Manager EA ncpms Project Manager EIA Quality Mark This Environmental Report, and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out to identify the significant environmental effects of the proposed development, was undertaken in line with the EIA Quality Mark Commitments. The EIA Quality Mark is a voluntary scheme, operated by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), through which EIA activity is independently reviewed, on an annual basis, to ensure it delivers excellence in the following areas: EIA Management EIA Team Capabilities EIA Regulatory Compliance EIA Context & Influence EIA Content EIA Presentation Improving EIA practice To find out more about the EIA Quality Mark please visit: www.iema.net/qmark Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report iii

Contents 1 Background 1 2 Project development 5 3 The preferred options 8 4 Key issues 10 5 Additional Issues 28 6 Issues scoped out 33 7 Next steps 32 Appendix A: Scoping Consultation Letter and Tables of Responses Appendix B: Scoping Technical Note and Appraisal Summary Tables Appendix C: Environmental Site Appraisal Plans Appendix D: Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report Appendix E: Natural England Correspondence and File Note Appendix F: Cultural Heritage Study Appendix G: Fish Pass Scoping Note Appendix H: Options Workshop Minutes Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report iv

1 Background 1.1 Introduction The River Wey passes through the urban centres of Farnham, Godalming, Guildford, Old Woking, Byfleet and Weybridge where flood risk is concentrated. The river is navigable from Godalming to the Thames at Weybridge on both Natural River and man-made sections. The navigations are owned and operated by the National Trust. The River Wey Improvement Scheme (RWIS) was undertaken between 1931 and 1935 by Surrey County Council (SCC) in partnership with riparian and navigation owners as a Government-funded work creation scheme, to resolve flooding issues along the River Wey. A number of standard pattern weirs were installed at key locations along both the navigable and non-navigable reaches of the river, to improve conveyance of flood water. In some locations this involved the replacement or extension of an existing weir; in others the construction of an entirely new weir and flood relief cut. The weirs installed by Surrey County Council, were ultimately transferred into the ownership of the Environment Agency as successor to the Thames Conservancy. This report provides information on the possible environmental issues surrounding six priority weir sites based on inspection records and observations during site visits undertaken in 2013. The purpose of this Preliminary Environmental Report (PEI) is to: Consult with statutory bodies and interested parties for their views and to obtain any additional baseline data about the study area; Identify the issues that have been scoped in and scoped out of the future environmental assessment; Outline the methodology for undertaking the assessment stage; Identify opportunities for partnership working; and Provide a record of the scoping stage and the options appraisal. More detailed environmental studies undertaken by Jacobs environmental specialists have been appended to this report. The appendices include a Scoping Consultation Letter for the six priority sites (Appendix A) and associated Scoping Technical Note (Appendix B); Environmental Site Appraisal Plans (ESAPs) (Appendix C); Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report (Appendix D); a Natural England File Note on Natura 2000 sites (Appendix E); and a Cultural Heritage Study for the six priority sites (Appendix F). 1.2 The Problem The Wey catchment and weir locations as set out in the Wey Flood Risk Management Strategy are illustrated in Figure 1. The Strategy identified a programme of works over the next 100 years for 18 weirs located across 15 sites. 12 of these weirs were considered to require more urgent investigation into refurbishment, replacement or preparation for potential transfer of ownership. The Strategy also recommended project initiation as a package project. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 1

Figure 1: Wey Catchment and Weir Locations We have maintained regular monitoring of the condition of the weirs and associated structures, including diver surveys and craft preventive maintenance reporting. In recent years the fabric of the weirs, bridges and riverbank walls has shown evidence of decay in a number of locations, supported by annual Fitters and Divers surveys. A review of data and Visual Condition surveys during previous project planning phases (see the Scoping Technical Note in Appendix B) identified six priority sites, and investigated another eight, where maintenance and refurbishment work is required. The highest priority sites are: Hamm Oil Mills (NGR:TQ 0724 6547); Walsham (TQ 0502 5778); Newark & Abbey (TQ 0395 5751); Broadmead (TQ 0155 5620); Bowers Mill (TQ 0118 5291); and Millmead (SU 9970 4890) The other locations are: High Mill (SU 8570 4722); Elstead Mill Bypass (SU 9029 4385); Elstead Mill (SU 9036 4383); Stoke Mill (SU 9988 5104); Ockham (TQ 0392 5739); and Bluegates Hole (TQ 0713 6088) Outline option design has been carried out on these weirs. The preferred options for these weirs are to confirm riparian ownership or transfer High Mill, Elstead Mill Weirs and Ockham to riparian owners as their condition is less critical. Piling repairs are Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 2

proposed at Stoke Mill as there is currently corrosion of the sheet piling downstream of the existing weir. Fish pass options have also been reviewed for the High Mill, Elstead, and Bluegates Hole sites that can be progressed outside of the project in future years under other Environment Agency projects or partnerships discussed later in the report. The current project considered management options, and this PEI Report presents these along with preferred options for the six priority weirs, and a programme of intervention to maximise asset life, reduce liability and life-cycle costs whilst considering flood risk and environmental constraints. 1.3 Project Objectives We commissioned Jacobs to carry out feasibility investigations on the six priority weirs and eight others identified as in need of repair in the Wey Flood Risk Management Strategy and an Investment Plan. The Strategy did not gain approval, but initiation of the project was recommended by the Large Projects Review Group. The main objectives of the project are outlined in Table 1. Specific project objectives relating to this PEI report focus on the environmental considerations for the six priority sites as the works for the other weirs are more minor and transfer is an option. For example, there is potential to transfer responsibility for both Elstead weirs, and High Mill to riparian owners as key beneficiaries if agreements can be reached. Overall Objective To identify and implement a long-term sustainable strategic management approach for the Wey Weirs identified as needing refurbishment whilst Objective 1 delivering a business case for works to meet the minimum need to fulfil legal obligations. Specific Objectives Objective 2 Objective 3 Objective 4 To carry out an options appraisal to investigate strategic repair and replacement and fish/eel pass options for weir structures identified in the Wey Strategy and confirmed by current investigation as requiring urgent works. Produce a Project Appraisal Report to initiate works for a Sustain or Change project. Investigate and initiate partnership negotiations and obtain funding where available. To investigate operational efficiencies including the Weir Operating Agreement with the National Trust including statutory dredging operations. To investigate transfer of High Mill, Elstead Bypass & Mill and Ockham Objective 5 weirs to riparian owners. Table 1: Project Objectives 1.4 Legislative and Regulatory Requirements The proposed works fall within the administrative areas of Guildford Borough Council (GBC), Woking Borough Council (WBC), Runnymede Borough Council and Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC), all within Surrey. The preferred options are minor refurbishment works and are likely to be undertaken under the Environment Agency permitted powers and will fall under the Environmental Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 3

Impact Assessment (Land Drainage and Improvement) Regulations SI 99/1783. However the works are unlikely to give rise to significant environmental effects and will therefore not require a Statutory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and therefore an Environmental Statement (ES) would not be required. An Environmental Report (ER) will be produced in the next stage to document the non-statutory EIA. These works will be subject to the requirements of legislation set out by the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Eel Regulations and the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act. 1.5 Scoping Methodology This PEI report identifies the existing baseline environment for the six priority weirs with recommendations for further assessment where necessary. The following sections elaborate on the scope for each receptor and outline the further work that will be undertaken to fill any gaps within the baseline data. Professional judgements as to whether an issue should be scoped in or scoped out of the assessment were made accordingly. In the next stage of the project, an environmental report will be produced which will include a detailed assessment of the likely impacts. The environmental assessment identifies, describes and assesses the likely significant effects which may arise, either directly or indirectly by the project. In the context of this PEI report, the baseline assessment was based on a desk study and site visits in 2013. Each receptor (a component of the environment) was broadly assessed for the sensitivity to the project based on the following criteria: Importance: Is it a feature of national, regional or local importance? Is it well preserved / in good condition? Sensitivity to change: Is there a direct or indirect pathway from the source of the impact? Would it recover with time? These features have been taken into account during the development of the options and have helped inform the scope of the assessment that will be undertaken at the next stage. The terminology is defined in Table 2. Terminology: Sensitivity of the baseline environment High Highly sensitive sites can include sites that are designated of national or international importance or large numbers of people. Generally highly sensitive sites are those of high quality / in good condition or highly regarded by people. Moderate Sites of moderate sensitivity can include sites of regional or local interest or importance, or a small number of people. Generally moderate sensitive sites are in moderate condition or locally regarded in value or quality. Low Sites of low sensitivity are unlikely to be designated. They are unlikely to be considered of value by either the local population or stakeholders. Table 2: Definition of terms Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 4

2 Project development Development of Options The 6 priority sites where maintenance and refurbishment work are immediately required are as follows: Hamm Oil Mills; Walsham; Newark & Abbey; Broadmead; Bowers Mill; and Millmead Separate options Appraisal Summary Tables (ASTs) for each of the six priority sites were developed at the start of the project and the eight others (Appendix B). These involved a combination of weir, fish pass and piling options depending on the condition of each weir structure. The provisions of the WFD 1 and European Eel Regulations 2 have led to consideration of fish/eel passage in the River Wey for these and around six other sites which are a lower works priority. Our current policy for FDGiA funded projects is to provide fish passes for major replacement works (considered to be nominally >50% weir replacement), with Eel Regulations a stronger driver for eel passes for implementation now. With the stronger eel legislation in force at this time, eel passes have been incorporated in the proposed works at each of the 6 weir sites. With the provision of two priority fish passes and provision of designs for progression by the associate Wey Forward Project, this is considered to balance the requirements and timescales of the Legislation at this time since the proposed works are weir refurbishments. Maintaining the navigation and protecting water levels at each of the priority weir sites is also a requirement under the legal agreements we have inherited with the weirs. In development of the options at each site, fish passes would be highly beneficial in environmental terms and necessary to get the River Wey (Shalford to the River Thames confluence at Weybridge) and Thames (Egham to Teddington) to Good Ecological Potential (GEP) by 2027 (see Section 5.1). The Wey Valley Fisheries Action Plan states that there are also wide ranging social and economic benefits from the presence of high quality fisheries 3. The current FDGiA funded project does not incorporate fish passes at all of the six priority sites due to the relative costs compared to the small scale refurbishment works being proposed. Therefore after a workshop (see Minutes of the Options Workshop held on 19 th 1 European union The EU Water Framework Directive integrated river basin management for Europe, http://ec.europa.eu/ 2 Pisces Conservation Ltd The Eel Regulations 2009, http://www.eelregulations.co.uk/ 3 Environment Agency The Wey Valley Fisheries Action Plan: Working Together for the Future of our Fisheries, http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 5

September 2013 4 ) and subsequent investigation of costs and options for fish passes and priority, the most important weirs for fish pass installation have been identified as Hamm Oil Mills and Walsham. Of the weirs within the project, other key sites that have the potential for fish pass installation would occur outside of the project only with Levy, European or partnership funding or works as part of development proposals in the future, since the timescale for partnership funding does not match the project timescale. Our Fisheries and Biodiversity team has also submitted a funding application for an Integrated Environmental Planning project entitled The Wey Forward. This may receive funding as a non flood alleviation scheme FCRM MTP Grant-in Aid project. This includes fish passes as well as tackling other WFD and BAP targets including for a fish pass near Bowers Weir. The sites that are not within this project are at Abbey/Newark, and Millmead. Broadmead is not within the project due to funding constraints. A pass here would be in addition to a new technical fish pass already installed on a parallel side channel and would benefit a relatively short length (2.5km), but key, flow channel downstream. A fish pass could also be developed and installed as part of an access and environmental improvement scheme planned for the area by Woking Borough Council. Other non-key site outline designs have been provided to the Wey Forward project for Bluegates, Abbey, High Mill, Elstead Mill and Bypass, Ockham. In development of the options, another important consideration is the incorporation of sustainable opportunities that focus on habitat creation, in line with the Surrey Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) 5 and the England Biodiversity Strategy 6. These potential opportunities are explained in Section 4.5. Consultation to date Early in planning phase of the project, an initial screening opinion was sought from Natural England (NE) and an e-mail response is contained in Appendix E. NE identified that water level affects were a key concern at that time, and that they would need to see detailed proposals. The internal Scoping Consultation Letter (Appendix A), the Scoping Technical Note and the accompanying options ASTs (Appendix B) produced by Jacobs were circulated to Environment Agency consultees between 26 th May 2013 and 12 th June 2013. A response table is included in Appendix A. This enabled stakeholders to gain an understanding of the project and gave them an opportunity for any initial comments so that further environmental information could be incorporated if necessary. Biodiversity comments have been incorporated into the ESAPs (Appendix C), the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report (Appendix D), and this PEI Report following this consultation process. The fish pass advice was used to inform the design team of the most effective solutions at each of the priority weirs. Partnership Meetings have also been held with the National Trust as a landowner and Navigation Authority and owner of associated weirs. 4 Information taken from Jacobs meeting notes for the Wey Weirs Refurbishment Options Workshop held on 19 th September 2013. 5 Surrey County Council Surrey Biodiversity Action Plan, http://new.surreycc.gov.uk/ 6 Natural England England Biodiversity Strategy, http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 6

The Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, the ESAPs and a heritage data search (Appendix F) conducted by various Jacobs environmental specialists supported the optioneering process. The options were developed further at an options workshop held in September 2013 to determine the preferred option for each of the six priority sites. The preferred options are explained in Section 3. A draft of this Preliminary Environmental Information Report was circulated to internal consultees and a further table of responses is included in Appendix A. Future consultation Further consultation will be undertaken at the environmental assessment stage. This will include further meetings with relevant organisations. Landowners and local residents will also be consulted about the details of the project and to discuss mitigation proposals. Potential partnership working As discussed previously, there are opportunities for partnership working through the development of other projects within the vicinity of the priority weirs and through other partners such as the National Trust who own and manage the Wey Navigation. The NT have indicated in meetings that they are willing to assist in non-financial partnership working, for instance allowing use of land, weir assets (including for the fish pass designs not currently being progressed), access and wharves. Surrey Wildlife Trust is the Water Framework Directive catchment host and as such is able to assist in access to other partners. There is a long term proposal for Guildford Borough Council (GBC) to redevelop Debenhams close to the Millmead site in Guildford, although this is someway downstream. The weir is located alongside public land owned by GBC so further consultation with GBC on potential partnership working at this location would be necessary going forward with a fish-pass only included within the construction phase of the project if this can be developed in time to make use of construction synergies. Some small scale funding is available, but is time constrained and limited to construction activities. For Bowers, GBC is also developing plans for the Slyfield site regeneration which includes looking at the area for a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) opportunities to increase floodplain capacity just upstream of the Bowers Mill site. GBC countryside contact GBC has also indicated that they would be keen to work in partnership for a fish bypass channel here and at the site at Millmead. For Broadmead, WBC is developing a project for environmental enhancements and landscaping at Millmoor Common on the left bank in the vicinity of Broadmead weir as a longer term aim. This gives the opportunity to approach Woking Borough Council (WBC) for potential partnership funding, outside of the project. WBC own the land on the left bank of the weir only and this is proposed to be part of a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) which comes with its own funding. This funding is primarily for access so may not be accessible, but WBC is keen to promote access, biodiversity and flood risk benefits. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 7

3 The preferred options A long-list of options and outline designs were developed culminating in Options Workshop had the aim of confirming the preferred weir construction option and fish/eel pass scope and solutions at each priority site (see Appendix H). The preferred fish pass designs and options were discussed prior to the Options Workshop with input from Jacobs and Environment Agency Fisheries technical specialists. The extent to which fish passes will be developed beyond those included in the project scope or the Wey Forward Project depends on any partnership funding becoming available and the WFD commitments. Although the significant funding required is unlikely to be available, the fish pass options will be developed at Hamm Oil Mills and at Walsham within the project, funded as an appropriate percentage of construction cost from FDGiA. As stated three of the other priority sites (Abbey/Newark, Bowers and Millmead) also have opportunities to develop fish passes as described below, however these will not be taken forward by the project (primarily due to budget constraints), but may be progressed within the Wey Forward Project or partnership projects in the future. Eel passes as a higher statutory priority will be incorporated on all priority weirs being refurbished under the project where there is a fixed crest section (i.e. Broadmead, Newark and Hamm Oil Mills and potentially Bowers - on the National Trust Weir and Millmead possibly on the GBC weir) as well as being integrated into the fish passes on Coleson s Channel (Hamm Oil Mills) and Walsham. A cost effectiveness procedure for flood risk management was developed prior to the workshop and presented for each of the proposed options to help identify the preferred options taking into account the site constraints and risks at each of the priority sites. A full description of the options is documented in the options ASTs (Appendix B). The preferred options for the priority sites that were agreed at the options workshop are described below: a) Hamm Oil Mills The preferred weir option for Hamm Oil Mills is Hamm_W01 Do Minimum: Refurbishment. This is the least cost option. The preferred fish pass option for Hamm Oil Mills is Hamm_F01 Convert Coleson s Channel, which is owned by the National Trust and runs alongside the River Wey Navigation. This would include a pre-barrage (creation of additional staged pools downstream) on the stepped and sloping apron at the confluence with the River Wey Navigation, and at the downstream stepped weir at the confluence with the River Thames. The preferred fish passes are proposed to meet WFD objectives. b) Walsham The preferred weir option for Walsham is Walsh_W02 Do Minimum: Refurbishment and Maintain. The preferred fish pass option for the Walsham site is Walsh_F03 to create a natural channel. c) Abbey / Newark The preferred weir option for Abbey/Newark is also the refurbishment option (Abb_W03 and New_W02 respectively). These are the least cost options. However, work on Abbey Weir is unlikely to be included in the project as the structure is not owned by the Environment Agency, but the details will be passed to the WFD Project team. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 8

There is an existing fish pass adjacent to Abbey weir. The fish pass option (subject to available funding) is Abb_F02 Fish Pass Upgrade Existing. A fish pass option for Newark weir was not considered for this project due to the fact that Abbey and Newark weirs are situated adjacent to each other and due to limited funding. The existing fish pass at Abbey could be upgraded in partnership outside of the project using the outline designs developed by the project. d) Broadmead The preferred weir option for Broadmead is Broad_W02 Do Minimum, retain and maintain as at present. This is the least cost option. A fish pass option for Broadmead weir was not considered for this project as there is an existing fish pass on a weir connecting to a side stream to the north-west of Broadmead weir and due limited funding. A fishpass at Broadmead would benefit approximately 2.5km of the flood relief channel downstream and this could be progressed in partnership with WBC outside of the project. e) Bowers Mill The preferred weir option for Bowers Mill is Bow_W05 Do Minimum: Refurbish. The preferred fish pass option for Bowers Mill is Bow_F03 Naturalised bypass channel around the National Trust weir, as this would be the most effective and sustainable solution. This would not reduce the National Trust weir discharge capacity. This will not be funded as part of the Bowers refurbishment, however, due to restricted funds, but could be progressed in partnership outside of the project f) Millmead The preferred weir option for Millmead is Mill_W01 which involves refurbishment. The preferred fish pass option for Millmead is Mill_F01, a Larinier pass, which is the least cost option. This could be progressed in partnership outside of the project (see section 2 Potential Partnership Working. Working methods The outline working methods at the six priority sites have been confirmed as part of cost effectiveness appraisal. These will be formalised in the next stage of the project after PAR approval. This would include finalisation of the currently proposed construction details such as preferred access routes, compound areas and methods. Construction, operation and decommissioning preferred contractor methods are to be further detailed in the next stage of the project. Working methods would require agreement with statutory organisations following consultation and engagement in the next stages of the project. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 9

4 Key issues Environmental baseline information has been sourced from Ordnance Survey (OS) mapping, the Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) website, Environment Agency website, local authority websites and other sources as referenced in the footnotes within the following sections. In addition, site visits were conducted by Jacobs s environmental specialists in May and June 2013. Methods used to predict the magnitude of impacts are based on professional judgement from the baseline information and first hand information gained at the site visits. The scoping methodology has been explained in Section 1.5. A file note has been prepared for Natural England which explores the Natura 2000 sites within 5km of the six priority sites (Appendix E). This document follows up on previous screening correspondence and satisfies any legal requirements associated with the Habitats Regulations and non-statutory EiA, and will be sent to Natural England along with this report. In discussion with Environment Agency specialists, it has been agreed that WFD issues will not be detrimental at the six priority sites. This is further described in Section 5.1. The issues that have been scoped into the assessment are as follows: Access; Traffic and Transport; Noise; Recreation; Flora and Fauna; Landscape and Visual Amenity; Heritage and Archaeology; Water Quality; and Flood Risk Issues scoped out include: Air Quality; Geology and Soils; and Groundwater and Hydrogeology For the description of the environmental issues, each priority weir has been referred to separately. For each issue, the potential effects, methods of assessment, justification for inclusion, and proposed management approach have been explored for each priority site. 4.1 Issue 1: Access Potential effects For all six priority sites, access is expected to be a key issue. Some of the sites are likely to face a greater challenge in gaining access to the weirs than others; however it is important that this issue is scoped in for all sites. Public footpaths and other access routes are generally of local importance to the nearest residents. The importance of the local roads is discussed in Section 4.2. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 10

The sensitivity of the baseline environment for people close to the six priority sites has been assessed as Moderate. Methods of assessment Site visits were carried out for all 14 weir sites in September and October 2012 and a Scoping Technical Note produced (see Appendix B). This report formed the basis of a subsequent walkover site visit undertaken by Jacobs in May 2013 for the six priority weirs and possible access routes were appraised. This was also informed by a deskbased study, input from the Cost Consultant and ECI Contractor as well as discussions at the Options Workshop in September 2013. Justification for inclusion a) Hamm Oil Mills Private access to the site is via Jessamy Road which is a narrow route. There is a public footpath running alongside Jessamy Road which runs northwards towards a footbridge. Machinery access at this location would be difficult and floating plant/working pontoon is likely to be required. The weir structure itself has an integrated walkway (both are in poor condition due to concrete spalling and corrosion) and these are owned by the Environment Agency. An access road bridge is forms part of this structure and that section is owned by Latchmere Homes. The channel and two weirs for the proposed fish passes at Coleson s Channel are on land shown on Land Registry plans as being largely in National Trust ownership. Access to Coleson s channel is very restricted and lands negotiation will be required. b) Walsham Access is via Warren Lane through a National Trust gate along an unmade access track that is 500m in length. The weir is located on a National Trust lock complex 1km east of the B367 Newark Lane and the site is surrounded by third party land. Parking is available at the end of the long track on Warren Lane. River access may be possible at mooring docks located at the end of the track. Some vegetated areas may need to be removed to gain access to the weir vicinity. Public footpaths run from Warren Lane to the weir. A narrow pedestrian bridge with heritage value provides only limited access across the Navigation to the Lock Island and towpath from the north. The public footbridge associated with the weir is very small and is subject to corrosion of the side beams; therefore there are access issues here. Access by foot is available via a public footpath to the south of the weir, however this route is highly vegetated and may require tree and scrub removal. Access to Walsham weir for construction would be via the river utilising floating plant. c) Abbey / Newark There is currently debate as to the ownership of Abbey weir which is unregistered and is to be confirmed in due course. Enquiries are being made with the weir-keeper. Accesses to Newark and Abbey weirs (including the Abbey fish pass on the left bank) are constrained. Access to the weirs is via Newark Lane off of the B367 or through third-party land accessed via a National Trust car park. Parking is available in a lay by approximately 200m south of Newark Bridge. Access for the weirs themselves would be difficult and would need to be via the river using the floating plant mentioned previously. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 11

Surrey County Council Highways are understood to be planning the replacement of the road bridge on the B367 in the vicinity of these structures, possibly within 2 years, which may provide some opportunity for partnership working. d) Broadmead The weir is located 300m to the west of the A247 Broadmead Road and 700m south of the A247 High Street. Access to the weir is via Fishers Farm Lane from A247 across third party land. The road bridge on Fishers Farm Lane from the west is in very poor condition and not safe for pedestrian access or for moving heavy plant machinery. The likely land access route is via an access through the recently completed Gresham Mill development who also own land on the left bank. Access utilising the floating plant is likely to be required. There is parking available at Gresham Mill and also a public footpath runs from this point southwards towards the weir channel. e) Bowers Mill At Bowers Mill, the weir and parts of the channel are owned by the Environment Agency. The area occupied by a wide towpath bridge is registered to the National Trust. Access to the weir is along the towpath from Bowers Lane and via Burpham Bridge. Parking is also available on Bowers Lane. There is a residential property overlooking the weir so there are potential access issues which will need to be discussed with the landowner. The area is rural and walkers use the towpath along the riverside. Access for construction at Bowers is potentially the most problematic at any of the other sites. Access for medium sized plant via the Mill (but restricted by the towpath bridge weight limit) may be possible, however not with large machinery and conversations with the land owner are necessary. Access for large machinery in the construction period is likely to be required by the floating plant as the access route along the towpath is also too narrow and constrained by an ancient hollow oak tree which requires protection. For the proposed fish pass at the National Trust weir, access could potentially be via the Slyfield site to avoid crossing the River Wey or the navigation. Consultation with GBC would be required for this. There is an opportunity to carry out channel maintenance or enhancement on the river channel downstream to enhance habitat whilst also improving flow. This could be carried forward with the riparian owners. f) Millmead At Millmead, the Environment Agency owns the weir footprint and most of the channel downstream, and part of the left bank downstream. GBC owns the land on the right bank which may include parts of the channel bank. The weir can be accessed by pedestrians along the towpath or via the public footpath. There is also a public car park at the start of this access route. An additional public footpath runs from Quarry Street across the River Wey towards the weir. In the construction phase, access with small machinery could be across weir from the field on the left bank of the River Wey owned by the National Trust. Floating plant and transfer of piling plant to the Millmead public park is likely to be necessary at this site. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 12

Proposed management approach For each of the six priority sites, the most effective access routes in terms of minimising disruption for local receptors (local residents) will have to be agreed prior to construction on site. 4.2 Issue 2: Traffic and Transport Potential effects Depending on the preferred options at each individual priority site and the nature of the existing environment, construction traffic is likely to affect areas to different extents. Generally speaking, the Wey Navigation is a busy waterway particularly in the summer months with potentially twenty boat movements a day. Traffic information from Surrey Highways would have to be obtained in the next stage for a more detailed baseline assessment. There is potential for traffic issues at some of the priority sites, e.g. the already busy A247 and B382 roads close to the Broadmead site and on Newark Lane B367 at Newark. The Wey Navigation is a recreational boating route of national importance. The sensitivity of the baseline environment has been assessed as Low for people close to Hamm Oil Mills, Walsham, Abbey/Newark and Bowers Mill. The baseline environment has been assessed as Moderate for people close to Broadmead and Millmead as transport routes are of higher value to local residents. Methods of assessment The traffic and transport baseline was assessed by a Jacobs s environmental specialist on the site visit in May 2013 and desk-based studies helped to inform this. Justification for inclusion a) Hamm Oil Mills Access for personnel, moderately sized equipment and plant to the weir itself is via Jessamy Road which runs through a quiet private residential area. The access area here is limited in size and would need to be negotiated with Latchmere Homes and residents. Alternatively a compound could be set up on the Bull-Dogs Island. There is therefore likely to be minor disruption in terms of construction traffic at this location at times when vehicles enter and leave site. The preferred fish passes at Coleson s Channel would require work barges and floating plant to transport materials, equipment and machinery across the River Wey Navigation which could cause minor impacts to recreational boat users which also occasionally use the lock approach for mooring. Access to the channel could also be arranged via Hamm Court Estate access road to the North-West and residential landowners. An area of open land alongside could be used should a compound be required. b) Walsham Walsham weir is located in a rural setting so is not likely to affect any existing terrestrial traffic flows. If barges are required to access the weir, there could potentially be minor impacts to recreational boat users along the River Wey Navigation. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 13

c) Abbey / Newark Newark Lane (B367) runs adjacent to Newark and Abbey weirs. Just south of the weirs, there is single lane traffic flow over Newark Bridge. There could therefore be minor traffic impacts at this location when construction vehicles access the site. d) Broadmead Construction traffic and machinery could enter the site via Fishers Farm Lane and land access would be via the recently completed Gresham Mill development who also own land on the left bank. There could be temporary minor impacts in the construction period for residents of the new housing complex at this location. e) Bowers Mill Construction traffic could enter through a residential property at Bowers Mill subject to land owner agreement. In this case, this property would experience significant disturbance over the construction period. f) Millmead Millmead weir is located in the centre of Guildford. Construction traffic and machinery is likely to have a minor impact, e.g. for users of the A281 (Quarry Street) which is of regional importance. Proposed management approach Although traffic generation as a result of the works is likely to produce minor impacts, a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) (previously the Environmental Action Plan) would lessen the effects associated with the construction phase. Typical measures to be covered in the plan could include the following: Agree the number of construction movements during peak traffic periods, through agreement with SCC; Direct construction vehicles to the strategic road network to minimise travel on less suitable roads and avoid delays occurring at pinch points where two large vehicles experience difficulty in passing; Optimise vehicle utilisation so as to avoid unnecessary journeys; and Maximise the re-use of materials on site to reduce transportation off site. In order to ensure the construction works do not have an adverse impact on the boat users, a boom could be placed across the watercourse where necessary which would allow boat access through the various locks, and also ensure boats cannot access the construction area. 4.3 Issue 3: Noise Potential effects The site visit to the six priority sites in May 2013 confirmed that noise levels are relatively low, although some sites experience more noise than others depending on whether their location is within an urban or rural setting. The works at this stage are anticipated to include for piling for coffer dams, with breaking out of concrete, steel cutting and surface preparation of steel and concrete. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 14

Local generators are likely to be needed. The sensitivity of the baseline environment has been assessed as Low for local residents at Millmead and Abbey/Newark as they already experience high noise levels from local roads. The sensitivity of the baseline environment for local residents at all other sites has been assessed as Moderate as existing background noise levels are relatively low and they are therefore likely to be temporarily affected by construction noise. Methods of assessment The noise baseline was assessed on the site visit in May 2013 and desk-based studies helped to inform this. A more detailed assessment of noise and vibration will be undertaken in the next stage of the project. Justification for inclusion A number of the priority sites are located adjacent or near to residential homes or residential areas. Others are more remote in open land accessed past residential or urban areas. Therefore local residents are likely to experience higher than normal noise levels due to the influence of construction machinery and construction vehicles. The possible impact for residents is expected to be minor at each priority site during the construction period as described below. a) Hamm Oil Mills The weir at Hamm Oil Mills is adjacent to a development of flats on the island and a cluster of private properties on Jessamy Road and further residential properties on Radnor Road and Glencore Road. The Lockkeepers Cottage is opposite the Coleson s Channel. Residents in the Hamm Hall Estate may be affected. Boats using the towpath moorings alongside Coleson s channel may be impacted. b) Walsham Walsham Lockkeeper s cottage is expected to experience higher than normal noise levels as it is directly adjacent to the Walsham weir complex. Boats in the mooring docks may also be affected. c) Abbey / Newark Abbey and Newark weirs are located close to Newark Lane (B367), a reasonably busy road, so background noise levels are relatively high due to the vehicles crossing the bridge over the weirs. It is therefore expected that construction traffic and machinery will have a negligible impact on the Mill houses which are approximately 100m due south of Abbey and Newark weirs. d) Broadmead Broadmead weir is located in an area of open countryside. The nearest residential receptors include the new housing development at Gresham Mill to the north of Broadmead weir. e) Bowers Mill Bowers Mill weir is located immediately adjacent to Bowers Mill and upstream piling supports the building; therefore construction noise and vibration would affect residents significantly at this location. Repairs of piling will need to consider impacts to the Mill Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 15

building and mitigate for this. Use of the navigation, towpath land and construction management around the lock would need to be finalised with the National Trust to reduce impacts. f) Millmead Millmead weir is located on open public space in an urban setting within the town of Guildford. The background noise level would be greater at this location than the other priority sites due to traffic within the town, so residential properties would not be significantly impacted. The weir is however close to recreational sites including local footpaths, Guildford rowing club, Guildford boathouse and users of the public open space and an area of picnic benches. Proposed management approach It is anticipated that the following measures would also be contained in any CEMP to ensure that noise and vibration levels are attenuated as far as possible: The use of best practicable means during all construction activities; Consideration of vibration levels and mitigation close to buildings; Switching off plant and equipment when it is not in use for longer periods of time; Establish agreement with the local authority on appropriate controls for undertaking significantly noisy works or vibration-causing operations close to receptors; All construction work would be undertaken in accordance with the appropriate codes of practice for construction work. Programming works so that the requirement for working outside normal working hours is minimised; Use of low noise emission plant where possible; and Regular plant maintenance. 4.4 Aspect 4: Recreation Potential effects All priority sites have recreational activities associated with them to some degree. There is potential that some of these will be affected during the construction period, therefore it is important to gain knowledge of the recreational activities that currently take place at each site. The recreational assets (e.g. local footpaths) at the six priority sites are of local importance. The Wey Navigation is of national importance for recreational boat users. The sensitivity of the baseline environment has been assessed as Moderate for the nearest people at the six priority sites. Methods of assessment Assessment of recreation issues was carried out on the site visit in May 2013 and informed by desk-based studies. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 16

Justification for inclusion a) Hamm Oil Mills A footpath runs on a raised embankment between the River Wey Navigation and Coleson s Channel. Walkers were observed to use this route in the site visit in May 2013, so these receptors could experience minor impacts in the construction period. Weybridge rowing club which is situated on the River Thames further downstream is not expected to be affected. Likewise, recreational boating activities using the River Wey Navigation are not expected to be affected by the project. Boats using the towpath mooring upstream of the lock would need to be managed. The National Trust Lock and visitor centre downstream is not expected to be heavily affected. b) Walsham According to SCC 7, footpaths 80, 81, 123 and 34 run towards Walsham weir. A public footpath also crosses the weir so this route will need to be supplemented. There is also a route which runs along the south bank of the River Wey which is used by local walkers. People using these routes could have minor impacts in the construction phase. Boating activities on the River Wey Navigation are not expected to be affected by the refurbishment works. c) Abbey / Newark Barges moor on private land on the River Wey immediately upstream and just downstream of Abbey and Newark weirs, however recreational boating activities are not likely to be affected by the construction works. Visitors to the National Trust car park and people using the towpath would need to be considered in the construction phase. Third party land on the right bank at Newark is used for river access and occasionally mooring. These users would also need to be considered in the construction phase. d) Broadmead According to SCC, footpath 45a runs southwards and crosses the River Wey over a footbridge just downstream of Broadmead weir. Recreational walking activities could potentially be affected depending on the location of vehicle access to the weir. These impacts are expected to be minor in the construction period. e) Bowers Mill Cyclists, dog walkers and navigation/lock users use the towpath running along the south bank of the River Wey. These activities could be affected during the construction period depending on the access route for construction vehicles. Again, minor impacts are anticipated. 7 Surrey County Council Surrey Interactive Map, http://surreymaps.surreycc.gov.uk Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 17

f) Millmead There are several recreational activities that take place close to Millmead weir. According to SCC, footpath 49 runs in between the River Wey and the Wey Navigation. This route is used by cyclists and walkers. Guildford rowing club is located on the opposite side of the River Wey from Millmead weir and Guildford boathouse is slightly further downstream. Canoeists use the downstream weir at SU 99631 49054. Picnic tables are located on the grassed public area in between the navigation route and the River Wey. There is potential for these activities to be impacted by the construction works due to the potential disruption caused by access for construction vehicles and machinery. These impacts are expected to be minor in the construction period. Proposed management approach Appropriate management approaches are required to ensure the safety of cyclists and walkers who are using the various footpaths close to the six priority sites. Navigation and towpath users should also be considered. Suggested measures include: Signage on site to warn workers of the potential presence of cyclists and walkers; Increased signage outside the site to warn cyclists and walkers of new temporary site entrances; and If footpaths have to be closed during construction, signage should be placed at either end of the closure to notify local residents of the duration of works and any alternative routes. Permission will need to be sought from the National Trust for towpath and operations affecting Navigation. 4.5 Issue 5: Flora and Fauna Potential effects Various floral and faunal species exist within and around the six priority weirs which will need to be protected during construction where possible. For more information on the ecology of each site (including non-priority sites), including ecological plans, refer to the Phase 1 habitat survey report in Appendix D. The ESAPs in Appendix C also document the main ecological constraints. The Chinese Mitten Crab species is already present in the River Wey, so is not a substantive concern for any of the sites 8. Further assessments would be required to gain evidence for presence of protected species at the six priority sites. As the refurbishment works are small scale works to existing structures with temporary works at each of the priority sites, it is expected that there would only be minor impacts on the potential ecological issues mentioned. Key constraints include ancient trees at 8 Natural History Museum The Wey Navigation System, a fish and wildlife channel across Bulldogs Island and large burrowing invasive decapod species, http://www.nhm.ac.uk/ Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 18

the Hamm Oil Mills and Bowers Mill weirs which are required to be protected during the construction works. The preferred options will not result in any change to the upstream or downstream water levels at any of the 6 sites which was an area of concern for Natural England, particularly on protected habitats. Some disturbance to fish is envisaged as a result of the creating of coffer dams, and on some sites piling to create these. Allowances for fish-rescue have been included in the construction estimates. Ecological constraints identified in the ESAP s will need to be mitigated according to the ecological calendar in the next phase of the project before construction can commence. Opportunities for biodiversity enhancements at the priority sites are outlined in the following section. These are in line with Surrey BAP 9 as they seek to enact conservation and enhancement as well as develop opportunities for partnership working with local stakeholders. Papercourt SSSI and Wey Valley Meadows SSSI are of national importance and the habitats that they contain are sensitive to changes in water level. These designations are located close to Abbey/Newark and Millmead respectively so the baseline environment has been assessed as High. These receptors are far enough from the weir sites and would not be affected by the refurbishment works. There are two ancient trees at Hamm Oil Mills and Bowers Mill so the baseline environment for these receptors has been assessed as Moderate. The baseline environment for ecological receptors at Broadmead and Walsham has been assessed as Low. Methods of assessment The assessment of the local flora and fauna was carried out on the ecology site visit in June 2013 and desk-based studies helped to inform this. Inputs from the Environment Agency specialists provided information on potential ecological enhancements at each priority site. Justification for inclusion a) Hamm Oil Mills Designations The River Wey Navigation and Whittet s Ait are all part of the local wildlife site known as River Wey Elmbridge. Hamm Oil Mills is approximately 4km due south of South-west London Waterbodies Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar sites 10. These comprise a series of embanked water supply reservoirs and former gravel pits that support a range of manmade and semi-natural open water habitats. The reservoirs and gravel pits function as important feeding and roosting sites for wintering wildfowl, in particular Gadwall and 9 Surrey County Council Surrey Biodiversity Action Plan, http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/ 10 Natural England Nature on the map, http://www.natureonthemap.co.uk/map.aspx?map=sssi Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 19

Shoveler, both of which occur in numbers of European importance. 11 The South-west London Waterbodies SPA and Ramsar sites are not expected to be impacted. Phase 1 habitat survey summary The site supports a variety of habitat types including amenity grassland, broadleaved woodland, scattered trees, tall ruderals and semi-improved neutral grassland. The existing area is highly vegetated. There are several mature broad-leaved trees located between Coleson s Channel and the Wey Navigation as well as along the banks of Bulldog Island. Of the species present, alder, ash, sycamore, and pedunculate oak are widespread. There is an ancient tree situated on the confluence of Coleson s Channel and the River Thames which is adjacent to a potential fish pass location. This is a veteran London plane, and there is also a mature sweet chestnut on the left bank of the Wey Navigation close to Thames Lock. Grassland habitats are restricted to small areas of amenity grassland. Cracks in the concrete at the weir and several of the surrounding trees (e.g. the mature London plane and sweet chestnut) could support roosting bats. All areas of grassland and associated tall ruderals have the potential to support common species of reptile, notably grass snake, slow-worm and common lizard. All trees and areas of woodland are suitable for nesting birds. The entire river corridor and adjacent areas of broadleaf woodland are suitable for otters. In terms of invasive species, a small stand of Himalayan balsam is located on Bulldog Island and the watercourse and riparian habitat have potential to support American mink and signal crayfish. Floating pennywort, a non-native, invasive species, occurs in this location, so any works must not cause the spread of this aquatic plant. Ecological Opportunities There is potential for wet woodland, reed bed and floodplain grazing marsh creation. There is also potential for bat boxes and song bird nest boxes on nearby trees and the nearby National Trust building. In addition, a wagtail nest box could be installed beneath the weir structure itself. Reptile refugia in the form of log piles are possible at various locations close to the weir structure. Installation of otter holts within woodland and dense scrub away from the towpath would be possible. Finally, as part of the fish pass option at Coleson s Channel, marginal planting and inclusion of gravels could be provided. b) Walsham Designations Papercourt Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is located approximately 1.1km upstream of the site which is composed of a series of wetland habitats, with unimproved meadows, marshes, streams and gravel pits supporting a number of 11 Defra Joint Nature Conservation Committee, http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/ Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 20

habitats and diverse species. 12 The River Wey is designated as a local wildlife site known as River Wey Woking. The area is highly vegetated and deciduous woodland is present on the west bank and further downstream. There are two parts of Thames Basin Heaths SPA that are situated within 5km of Walsham. These are approximately 1km to the north-east and 4km to the north-west of the site. Thames Basin Heaths SPA comprises open heathland habitats that overlie sand and gravel sediments which give rise to sandy or peaty acidic soils; supporting dry heathy vegetation on well-drained slopes; and wet heath on low-lying shallow slopes and bogs in valleys. The site supports important breeding populations of a number of birds including nightjar and woodlark, both of which nest on the ground, often at the woodland/heathland edge 13. Thames Basin Heaths SPA is not expected to be impacted on as the proposed options involve only small scale localised works Phase 1 habitat survey summary The habitats within and adjacent to the weir include scattered scrub and scattered broadleaved trees, tall ruderal vegetation, semi-natural broadleaved woodland, amenity grassland and marginal vegetation. The dominant habitats adjacent to the Wey Navigation and River Wey comprise semi-natural broadleaved woodland with abundant pedunculate oak and alder. Scattered mature specimens of pedunculate oak, alder and crack willow are also present at various locations throughout the site. A ditch is located to the south of woodland situated on the right bank of the River Wey, upstream of the sluices. The northern bank of the ditch supports broadleaved woodland and a line of mature pedunculate oaks. The southern bank of the ditch supports grassland. The on-site habitats are suitable to support water voles, otters, reptiles, and roosting bats, nesting birds, great crested newts and dormice. A mature oak adjacent to the lock on the left bank provides several potential bat roost sites. Cracks in the concrete retaining wall of the sluice are also suitable for supporting bats. The ditch to the south of woodland on the right bank of the River Wey provides suitable aquatic habitat for great crested newts. This ditch was considered for modification to a fish pass. In terms of invasive species, an area of Himalayan balsam is located on the right bank of the River Wey upstream of the sluices. Scarce Himalayan balsam growth is evident on the concrete pillow bank protection on the left bank of the River Wey immediately downstream of the sluice. The watercourse and riparian habitat also have potential to support American mink and signal crayfish. Ecological Opportunities The fish bypass will provide significant habitat creation opportunities, and also provide a route for otters around the weir. There is also potential at this location for wet woodland, reed bed, floodplain grazing marsh, purple moor grass and rush pasture creation to enhance the existing habitat. Ecological opportunities may include a wagtail nest box beneath the weir structure itself and bat boxes on nearby mature trees. Barn 12 Andrews Ward Associates: Consultant Ecologists Water Level Management Plan for Papercourt SSSI, June 1997. 13 Defra Joint Nature Conservation Committee, http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/ Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 21

owl boxes could be incorporated onto mature trees adjacent to open grassland, and song bird nest boxes on trees close to the weir structure. Installation of otter holts within woodland and dense scrub, away from the towpath and public access would be possible. Creation of reptile refugia in the form of log piles would also have potential at this site, particularly as tree removal will be required. c) Abbey / Newark Designations Land to the south-west of the weirs, before the channels split from the combined River Wey and Wey Navigation, forms the Papercourt SSSI. This is located to the south (right bank) of the combined River Wey and Wey Navigation. The main habitat present at unit 4 of Papercourt SSSI, which is closest to Abbey and Newark weirs is neutral grassland (lowland) which was last assessed in 2006 and had a condition of unfavourable recovering. 14 The Wey Navigation is designated as a local wildlife site known as River Wey Woking and on the left bank is the local wildlife site Roundbridge Farm Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI). Abbey and Newark weirs are also situated relatively close to two parts of Thames Basin Heaths SPA. These are located approximately 2.5km to the north-east and 3.5km to the north-west of the site. Thames Basin Heaths SPA is not expected to be impacted. Phase 1 habitat survey summary The terrestrial habitats recorded within the immediate vicinity of the weirs are dominated by scrub and mature trees. Of the trees, mature alder, pedunculate oak and willow are abundant on the right bank. Localised elm scrub is also present. On the left bank, alder trees and mature hawthorn scrub are located immediately adjacent to Abbey weir. The habitat on the left bank is dominated by open flood plain grassland that falls within the area designated as Papercourt SSSI. The banks within the vicinity of the Abbey weir have potential to support water vole. The entire riparian corridor within this area is also suitable for otter. Several of the mature trees within the vicinity of the weirs have potential to support roosting bats. Newark weir also provides bat roosting potential. All areas of scrub and trees provide suitable nesting habitat for birds. The bankside habitats, including a log pile, are suitable for supporting common species of reptile, notably grass snake, slow-worm and common lizard. In terms of invasive species, Himalayan balsam is likely to be present in nearby riparian habitats. The watercourse and riparian habitat also have potential to support American mink and signal crayfish. Ecological Opportunities At Abbey/Newark, bat boxes or wagtail nest boxes are possible underneath the roofs of the Newark weir structures. There is also potential for bat boxes to be installed on 14 Natural England Papercourt SSSI http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/ Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 22

nearby mature oak trees. It would be possible for installation of barn owl boxes on mature oak trees adjacent to open grassland. In addition, there could be potential for excavation of wader scrapes and/or ponds within Roundbridge Farm SNCI on the left bank. Finally, creation of reptile refugia in the form of log piles would also have potential at this site. d) Broadmead Designations An island situated close to the right bank downstream of Broadmead weir contains Priority BAP wet woodland habitat which should remain protected. Papercourt SSSI is located 1.5 km downstream of the weir, between the Wey Navigation and the river channels. The river itself is designated as a local wildlife site known as River Wey Woking. Thames Basin Heaths SPA is situated approximately 3km to the south-west of Broadmead weir. Thames Basin Heaths SPA is not expected to be impacted. Phase 1 habitat survey summary The terrestrial habitats at Broadmead weir are dominated by semi-improved neutral grassland meadow. The banks of the flood relief channel downstream of Broadmead weir support scattered trees comprising of sycamore, goat willow, crack willow and alder. The left bank of the River Wey within the vicinity of the bypass channel is dominated by semi-natural broadleaved woodland with abundant ash and willow. Downstream of the bypass channel, areas of tall ruderal and dense bramble scrub are present. The bankside areas supporting reed sweet grass, sedge and herb vegetation are suitable for water vole. The River Wey and flood relief channel are also suitable for otter. All areas of grassland and associated tall ruderals have the potential to support common species of reptile, notably grass snake, slow-worm and common lizard. All of the habitats recorded on site are suitable for nesting birds. A mature crack willow supporting dense ivy growth is located on the left bank of the River Wey close to the bypass channel which could provide potential bat roost habitat. Cracks within the weir structure itself could also support roosting bats. In terms of invasive species, a small stand of Japanese knotweed is present downstream of the bypass channel on the left bank of the River Wey. The watercourse and riparian habitat have potential to support American mink and signal crayfish. Ecological Opportunities There is potential for reed bed, floodplain marsh and eutrophic fen creation at this site. There is an area of land between the River Wey and Broadmead Cut where ecological enhancements could be carried out in partnership with WBC as part of the Sustainable Alternative Natural Green space (SANG). WBC has already produced draft plans that include reed bed creation and seasonal ponds in this area. Other potential ecological enhancements at Broadmead include excavation of wader scrapes; extending existing sedge bed on the right bank of the River Wey; creation of reptile refugia; and installation of wagtail nest boxes beneath the weir structure. An existing fish pass at Broadmead has been upgraded as part of the Gresham Mill site development. Excavation of a fish bypass channel would create additional habitat for other aquatic and riparian species. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 23

e) Bowers Mill Designations A flood meadow part of the Riverside Park Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is located immediately adjacent to the National Trust weir on the left bank of the Wey Navigation. Other parts of the LNR further upstream on the right bank are maintained as open water with large reed beds. The site is managed for breeding birds, terns, sedge warbler, reed bunting, water rail, redshank, snipe and lapwing. The river is designated as a local wildlife site known as River Wey Woking. Thames Basin Heaths SPA is situated approximately 1km to the north-west of Bowers Mill weir. Thames Basin Heaths SPA is not expected to be impacted. Phase 1 habitat survey summary The banks of the Wey Navigation located between the National Trust weir and Bowers Lock supports areas of scattered trees, marginal vegetation, broadleaved woodland, tall ruderals and scattered scrub. Large areas of grassland are also present on the left bank of the Wey Navigation at the National Trust weir, as well as on the left bank downstream of Bowers Lock. The bankside areas on both banks of the Wey Navigation support a large number of mature trees, including alder, sycamore, horse chestnut, willow and pedunculate oak. Notable trees within the survey area include a group of mature lime and London plane on the right bank downstream of Bowers Lock, and a veteran oak on the right bank footpath upstream of Bowers Lock. The veteran oak tree on the towpath, being hollow, supports excellent habitat for roosting bats, hole-nesting birds, fungi and specialist deadwood invertebrates and should be protected. Downstream of the National Trust weir on the left bank of the River Wey Navigation, areas of emergent marginal vegetation provide suitable habitat for water vole. The entire riparian corridor, including adjacent woodland, is also suitable for otter. All mature trees have the potential to support bats. All areas of trees, scrub and marginal vegetation provide nesting opportunities for breeding birds. The woodland habitats adjacent to the left bank of the Wey Navigation provide suitable habitat for badgers and dormice. In addition, the areas of floodplain grassland provide suitable habitat for common species of reptile, such as slow-worm, grass snake and common lizard. In terms of invasive species, Himalayan balsam is present on the left bank of the Wey Navigation close to the National Trust weir. The watercourse and riparian habitat also have potential to support American mink and signal crayfish. Ecological Opportunities There is potential for wet woodland, reed bed, floodplain grazing marsh and eutrophic fen creation. Ecological opportunities include creation of reptile refugia in the form of log piles. Installation of otter holts within woodland and dense scrub, away from the towpath and public access would be possible. Barn owl boxes are possible on mature trees adjacent to open grassland, and there is also potential to incorporate bat boxes onto mature trees. For future partnership projects likely to be carried out outside of the project, there is potential for wetland habitat creation in Guildford Borough Council (GBC) owned fields on the left bank of the National Trust weir including Slyfield Meadow and Burpham Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 24

Court Farm. These areas are being considered as part of the Slyfield Regeneration Scheme so further consultation with GBC would determine the most suitable enhancements and opportunities. There are opportunities at Burpham Court Farm for enhancements, mainly within the fields on the left bank of the River Wey. These could include restoration of the main ditch to a two-stage channel; extension of the backwater to create a larger wetland area;; de-silting of the side ditches to restore them to open water, and to encourage a more diverse flora; excavation of shallow scrapes to creating feeding areas for wintering wading birds; excavation of ephemeral ponds; and enhancements to the natural River Wey such as tree thinning and the incorporation of gravels. Opportunities for Slyfield Meadow could include creation of wetland features such as scrapes and ponds; enhancements to the constructed reed bed in the backwater; and planting of a more extensive reed bed to create further BAP habitat. A fish bypass channel excavated around the National Trust weir would be within both Burpham Court Farm and Slyfield Meadow and would create additional habitat for other aquatic and riparian species. f) Millmead Designations The Wey Valley Meadows SSSI is located approximately 800m upstream of the site. The upstream meadows on the right bank of the navigation (opposite the weir) were subject to an Environment Agency enhancement scheme in collaboration with GBC in 2011/2012. Wey Valley Meadows SSSI consists of unimproved meadows adjacent to the Wey and Godalming Navigations 15 which support rare plant communities. 16 Thames Basin Heaths SPA is situated approximately 4km to the north of the Millmead site. Thames Basin Heaths SPA is not expected to be impacted. Phase 1 habitat survey summary On-site habitats are dominated by amenity grassland with several scattered broadleaved trees including ash, alder, white willow, sycamore and lime present around the public open space boundary and on the left bank of the Millmead Stream. There is a large willow on the right bank adjacent to the failing piling. Localised areas of tall ruderal habitat are present along the banks of the Wey Navigation and Millmead Stream. All trees, scrub and marginal macrophyte vegetation has the potential to support nesting birds; all mature trees have potential to support roosting bats; earth banks and the area of ruderal vegetation on the left bank of the Wey Navigation downstream of the weir have limited potential to support water voles. In terms of invasive species, the watercourse and riparian habitat have potential to support American mink and supports a large population of signal crayfish. 15 Andrews Ward Associates: Consultant Ecologists Water Level Management Plan For Wey Valley Meadows SSSI, March 2004. 16 Natural England Wey Valley Meadows SSSI, http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/ Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 25

Ecological Opportunities There is potential for wet woodland, purple moor grassland rush, reed bed, floodplain grazing marsh and fen creation at this site, including in the field owned by the National Trust on the left bank. There is potential to incorporate bat boxes onto mature trees and song bird nest boxes on other trees. In addition, pond creation on the left bank within National Trust owned grassland would be possible. The creation of the fish pass at this site would create habitat for aquatic species. Proposed management approach The necessary species surveys will be informed by the results of a data search from the Local Biological Records Centre and from surveys such as the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey that recommends further ecological surveys required; Any works likely to affect scrub, woodland, rough grassland, marginal macrophyte vegetation or built structures should be scheduled to take place between 1st September and the end of February (subject to seasonal variations), to avoid the bird nesting season; If water voles are present on site, works should be designed to avoid damage or disturbance of habitat within 5m of banks; If otters are present on site, all of the habitat should be surveyed, and works should be designed to avoid damage or disturbance to banks, woodland, scrub and mature bankside trees; The works should avoid mature trees which will help to protect potential bat roosts. Repairs to cracks in concrete should also be preceded by a bat survey. These could include a ground based visual assessment or a climbing inspection by a qualified ecologist to determine the suitability for supporting bat roosts; Proposals should be designed so that wherever possible works are avoided within 10m of Himalayan balsam. If works within 10m of Himalayan balsam are unavoidable, then a management plan should be produced to ensure compliance with the provisions of the relevant legislation and best practice guidelines; For fish and other aquatic fauna, the scope of works should be confirmed and further assessments of potential impacts to protected species undertaken if necessary. There would also be a need to avoid disturbance and injury to fish, especially in times of spawning and migration; and Best practice measures for combating the invasive species should be included in the Construction Phase Environmental Management Plan. Refer to the Phase 1 habitat survey report in Appendix D for recommendations for individual priority sites. 4.6 Issue 6: Landscape and Visual Amenity Potential effects The landscape of the six sites varies as some are located in urban environments and some in rural environments. For example, Walsham weir and Broadmead weir are located in rural locations, and Millmead weir is located in the centre of Guildford urban area. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 26

The landscape features are of local importance at the six priority sites. The baseline sensitivity has been assessed as Low for the nearest people at all sites as the work involves repairs to existing structures. Methods of assessment The assessment of the local landscape was carried out on the site visit in June 2013 and desk-based studies helped to inform this. ESAPs (Appendix C) were produced by the Jacobs Landscape Specialist. Justification for inclusion a) Hamm Oil Mills The private properties to the north are not screened from Hamm Oil Mills weir. Temporary visual impacts are therefore possible during the construction period. Properties to the south of the weir are partly screened by mature trees and some of these are expected to experience temporary visual impacts. The properties to the west of the site are screened by trees along Coleson s Channel and the River Wey. b) Walsham The site at Walsham is well screened by extensive vegetation of oak and birch wood. The Lock cottage directly to the north of Walsham weir would experience temporary visual disturbance. The incorporation of a fish pass would require the removal of vegetation either side to Walsham weir which change the visual appearance of the local area for local walkers and recreational boat users, however with good design, the fish pass will enhance the landscape and visual amenity, and bring more varied flora and fauna to the area. c) Abbey / Newark There is a private residence just to the south of Newark weir that would experience visual impacts during the construction period. The mill house is approximately 100m to the south-east of the weir structures so could experience visual impacts. Mature willow and alder trees screen views of Newark and Abbey weirs from the road. There is a band of pedunculate oak and alder immediately adjacent to Newark weir which is important to the local setting of the area. Visual receptors using the footpath to the south are likely to be sensitive to change. Newark Weir includes a distinctive wooden canopy which should be protected and re-instated after works. d) Broadmead The new housing development to the north of Broadmead weir is located on raised ground and would be sensitive to change and temporary visual impacts arising from access of construction vehicles. Willow trees screen views of the weir itself from this development. Views of residential properties to the east of Broadmead weir are screened and filtered by trees so are unlikely to be affected in terms of visual impact. e) Bowers Mill Bowers Mill weir is located directly adjacent to Bowers Mill so would experience minor visual impacts in the construction period. Close to the site at Bowers Mill there are extensive areas of broad leaved woodland including mature sycamore and alder. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 27

f) Millmead The weir is open public space, and there are a number of well used public footpaths in the local area, and local residents using these would experience temporary visual impacts in the construction period. Guildford rowing club, directly to the south-east of Millmead weir may also experience some short term minor visual impacts. The band of mature willow and alder trees close to the weir structure screen views from other sensitive receptors. Incorporation of particularly a natural bypass channel could enhance the landscape and visual amenity value of the open space supported by interpretation boards etc. There is also the possibility for canoe portage integrated with the fish pass design. Proposed management approach In the operation phase, planting and landscaping would be undertaken where appropriate to replace that lost during construction and to enhance the visual amenity of the six priority sites. With planting, the overall impact at the priority weirs is expected to be negligible. WBC are currently developing plans for environmental enhancements and landscaping at Millmoor Common on the left bank of the weir at Broadmead, with the aim to improve flood plain storage and recreation. 4.7 Issue 7: Heritage and Archaeology Potential effects There are numerous known heritage features along the River Wey, especially at the Millmead weir site in Guildford town centre. It is important to identify these features to ensure that none of these will be affected by the project. All designated and non-designated heritage and archaeological features for the six designated sites can be seen in the Cultural Heritage Study in Appendix F. The sensitivity of the baseline environment at Millmead has been assessed as High due to the listed buildings in close proximity to the weir. For example, Old Cottage and The Weir House Grade II Listed Buildings are approximately 150m to the north and 200m to the north-west of the weir structure respectively. However, these are not expected to be impacted by the minor refurbishment works. The whole of the Wey Navigation is designated as a Conservation Area which has statutory protection. The sensitivity of the baseline environment has therefore been assessed as Moderate for the nearest receptors at all other priority sites. This Conservation Area is also not expected to be impacted by the minor refurbishment works proposed. Methods of assessment The study area was defined as a 300m buffer around each of the six weirs. Baseline data was gathered from the following sources: Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 28

The National Heritage List for information on statutorily designated heritage assets 17 ; SCC Historic Environment Record (SCCHER) 18 GBC website for information on Conservation Areas 19 EBC website for information on Conservation Areas 20 Information contained in the Scoping Technical Note (Appendix B) was used to inform the background to the scheme and initial heritage assets picked up within this report. The significance of heritage assets was assessed on a five point scale of Very High, High, Medium, Low and Negligible based on professional judgement informed by the guidance provided in Conservation Principles (English Heritage, 2008) and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Justification for inclusion a) Hamm Oil Mills There are no Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings or Registered Historic Parks and Gardens within 300m. The site is located within the Wey Navigation Conservation Area within EBC. Within the study area there are 11 non-designated heritage assets recorded on the Historic Environment Record for Surrey. b) Walsham There are no Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings or Registered Historic Parks and Gardens within 300m of the Walsham site. The site is situated within the Wey and Godalming Navigation Conservation Area. To the east of the study area is the Ockham Mill Conservation Area. There are also 9 non-designated heritage assets recorded on the Historic Environment Record for Surrey. c) Abbey / Newark Within the study area one Scheduled Monument and two Listed Buildings have been identified. These are the Newark Augustinian Priory Scheduled Monument, north of the River Wey; Newark Mill House Listed Building and the ruins of Newark Priory, Listed Building. The site is situated within the Wey and Godalming Navigation Conservation Area. Within the study area there are also 12 non-designated heritage assets recorded on the Historic Environment Record for Surrey. d) Broadmead 17 English Heritage Statutory designated heritage assets, http://www.english-heritage.org.uk 18 Surrey County Council Historic Environment Record Exploring Surreys past, http://www.exploringsurreyspast.org.uk/map/ 19 Guildford Borough Council Conservation Areas, http://www2.guildford.gov.uk/planaccess/ 20 Elmbridge Borough Council Conservation Areas, http://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/planning/heritage/conareas.htm Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 29

There are no Listed Buildings, Scheduled Monuments or Registered Historic Parks and Gardens within 300m of the Broadmead site. The Wey and Godalming Navigation Conservation Area is located on a separate stretch of water to south of the study area. It would not be affected by the project. Within the study area there are 9 nondesignated heritage assets recorded on the Historic Environment Record for Surrey. e) Bowers Mill There are no Listed Buildings or Scheduled Monuments within 300m of Bowers Mill. There is one Registered Historic Park and Garden, the Grade II Sutton Place, situated to the north of the study area which has non-statutory protection. The Wey and Godalming Navigation Conservation Area is located within the study area. Within the study area there are 8 non-designated heritage assets recorded on the Historic Environment Record for Surrey. f) Millmead There are no Scheduled Monuments or Registered Historic Parks and Gardens within 300m of the Millmead weir. There is one Scheduled Monument, Guildford Castle (Monument 12787), situated to the north-east of the site, just outside the study area. There are two Conservation Areas located within the study area, which have statutory protection. The Millmead weir site is located within the Millmead and Portsmouth Road Conservation Area and to the west of the site Guildford Town Centre Conservation Area, which would not be directly affected by the works. There are a total of eight Listed Buildings within the 300m study area. Within the study area there are also 17 non-designated heritage assets recorded on the Historic Environment Record for Surrey. Other heritage assets within the study area are not designated and are of low or negligible significance so are not likely to be impacted by the project. For example, there is a clay pipe kiln within Millbrook car park to the north-east of Millmead weir. Proposed management approach Best practicable means would ensure that the heritage assets in close proximity to the priority weirs will not be impacted by the works. Due to the potential to affect statutorily protected heritage assets e.g. Conservation Areas, it is recommended that a Heritage Statement is prepared should it be required for the works, in accordance with the NPPF (DCLG 2012) 21. 21 Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) National Planning Policy Framework, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 30

5 Additional issues 5.1 Issue 1: Water Framework Directive Potential effects The Water Environment Regulations implement the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The regulations cut across different receptors in the water environment and include water quality, ecological status and geomorphology. The WFD stipulates in the first cycle River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) that all WFD designated water bodies should meet Good Ecological Status (GES) or Good Ecological Potential (GEP) by a set timeframe. The six priority weirs are within water bodies that should reach these quality levels by 2027. Following completion of the Water Framework Directive Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) there is a second cycle River Basin Management Plan planned from 2015 to 2021. In the first cycle RBMP the objective was GEP by 2027. However, due to the options appraisal and the CBA work, the new objective that is being put forward but yet to be agreed is Good Status for mitigation measures by 2021. The sensitivity of the baseline environment has been assessed as Low for the River Wey at all sites. Methods of assessment The WFD inputs to the study were compiled by a desk based assessment of the current status of the relevant water bodies. The Wey Strategy WFD Assessment (June 2010) was also used to inform the current status of the water-bodies. Justification for inclusion According to the Thames River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) 22, a large number of rivers in the Wey catchment are heavily modified which has the potential to give rise to poor water quality and varied biological quality. Five of the six priority weirs are part of the Shalford to River Thames confluence at Weybridge 23. These sites include Walsham, Abbey/Newark, Broadmead, Bowers Mill and Millmead. The current ecological potential of this section is of moderate potential. Barriers to fish and eel migration are a confirmed reason for failure. Hamm Oil Mills is part of the Thames (Egham to Teddington) section at the confluence with the River Wey. The current ecological potential of this reach is of poor potential. Both water bodies currently have to reach GEP by 2027. Currently the relevant Fisheries Legislation is stronger for eels than fish, but strengthened Fish Pass Legislation is planned, possibly in 2015. 22 Environment Agency Thames River Basin Management Plan (RBMP), http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ 23 Environment Agency River Quality, http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk/ Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 28

The drivers are recognised by inclusion of a commitment in the Thames River Basin Management Plan and subsequent work. Furthermore, we have identified 6 of the weirs along with others on a national list of super critical structures. As a result, under responsibilities to deliver the WFD, we must currently implement fish pass solutions on all of these structures and others on the Wey by 2027 unless mitigating circumstances prevail or risk sanctions from the European Union. Where fish passes have been included (i.e. Hamm Oil Mills and Walsham) and with provision for eel passes at all 6 priority locations, the works would play a significant part in improving the ecological potential for the water body. However, with the new WFD ecological status target, additional partnership funding will be required to progress measures to enhance fish passage at key sites on the Wey before these can be progressed outside of this project. According to the Wey Strategy WFD Assessment (June 2010) 24, maintaining weirs would not cause deterioration of WFD water body status but contribute to retaining the current condition status due to retaining water levels near protected habitats in some locations. As the preferred options for the six priority weirs are for relatively minor refurbishment work to retain weirs in their current form, a detailed WFD assessment has not been undertaken. Due to the nature of the proposed works, it is unlikely that there will be a deterioration of any of the identified water bodies following appropriate management approaches, and if anything, there will be a minor beneficial impact on the ecological status (especially with inclusion of fish and eel passes). A number of opportunities for enhancements within the study area will be pursued, both within and outside of the project, which would contribute towards good ecological status or potential of the water bodies and contribute towards achieving good ecological status or potential by 2027. This would include a range of resources and partnerships to restore adequate connectivity to the Wey catchment. This is discussed below. Proposed management approach In terms of water quality, best practicable means would be applied in the CEMP and the construction phase to ensure no pollution to or deterioration of the water-body. For provision of fish passes, Environment Agency Policy recognises that funding is limited and so dictates that expenditure for this must be prioritised to gain most benefit. For the Wey, the distance from the Thames confluence is a factor. This means that priority is given to the main channels to provide a linked network starting from Thames, although removal of inter-reach obstructions is a consideration. With limited funding identified and available, Hamm Oil Mills site is the highest priority site in this project for inclusion of a fish pass as there is currently no provision for fish passage from the Thames at Weybridge to the entire Wey catchment. Walsham weir is the next fish passage priority site upstream as it has a large attractive flow and it is highly unlikely that fish passage is possible at this site through the main river past any of the structures at this site. 24 Environment Agency Wey Strategy WFD Assessment June 2010, Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 29

With the legislative and policy background, outline concepts for fish passes were developed at all locations were considered except for Broadmead and Stoke (where there is some existing provision for fish passage between downstream and upstream reaches) and at Newark, where there is an existing fish pass on the adjacent Abbey Overfall which was considered for improvement or replacement. The outline concepts for fish passes at High Mill, Elstead, Millmead, Bowers, Abbey, Ockham and Bluegates, have therefore been provided to the Asset Performance Team and Fisheries and Biodiversity Team for potential progression. The EASE West Area Fisheries and Biodiversity team currently have a bid in place through the new Integrated Environment Programme (IEP) to secure fish passage and create priority habitat on the River Wey Catchment. This is known as the Wey Forward Project. This bid was originally lodged to secure fish passage at other priority structures namely Broadoak, St Catherine s, Unstead, the Hell Ditch, and Bowers. We will continue to explore partnership opportunities for fish passage. 5.2 Issue 2: Flood Risk and Water Level Management Potential effects Under the permissive powers of the Environment Agency, the River Wey is managed to prevent damage to people and property 25. The project is not likely to have a significant impact on flood risk. If anything, refurbishment works at the weirs in the operation phase will produce a minor improvement in terms of flood defence as weir or associated structure failure will be averted. In terms of water level management, within the study areas of the priority sites, SSSIs are particularly vulnerable to changes in water levels. Papercourt SSSI and Wey Valley Meadows SSSI (national importance) are in close proximity to the River Wey. Changes in water level at Abbey / Newark (approximately 100m to the north of Papercourt SSSI) and Millmead (approximately 20m to the north of Wey Valley Meadows SSSI) in particular have the potential to affect the unique species that they support as outlined in Section 4.5. The sensitivity of the baseline environment has been assessed as High for the SSSIs close to Abbey/Newark and Millmead. These receptors are far enough from the weir sites and would not be affected by the refurbishment works. The risk of the refurbishment works increasing the flood risk at all sites is Low based on the anticipated mitigation for obstructions to river flows which will need to be planned particularly for river operations and temporary dams. 25 Andrews Ward Associates: Consultant Ecologists Water Level Management Plan For Wey Valley Meadows SSSI, March 2004 Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 30

Methods of assessment A desk based assessment of the current flood risk was based on Environment Agency mapping 26. Justification for inclusion a) Hamm Oil Mills The river flow at Hamm Oil Mills and the urban nature of the site makes flood risk a key driver. There is a complicated system of channels and the existing flood risk without defences (i.e. 1% or greater chance of occurring each year) currently affects properties on the left and right bank of the River Wey. The extent of the extreme flood (i.e. 0.1% chance in any year) extends slightly further, especially to properties to the south-east of the weir. b) Walsham The area around the Walsham site is largely open countryside, so the number of properties currently at risk from flooding is small. c) Abbey / Newark The area around the Abbey / Newark site is largely open countryside, so the number of properties currently at risk from flooding is small. d) Broadmead Broadmead has a very complicated river system and there is some concern over the flood risk at Old Woking. The existing flood risk without defences (i.e. 1% or greater chance of occurring each year) currently affects the new housing development to the north of Broadmead weir. e) Bowers Mill The current flood risk without defences (i.e. 1% or greater chance of occurring each year) affects open areas to the north of Bowers Mill weir and the area to the west of the National Trust weir. The extent of the extreme flood (i.e. 0.1% chance in any year) affects part of Bowers Mill itself. GBC is looking at the feasibility of reducing flood risk as part of the Slyfield site regeneration just upstream of the Bowers Mill site; however these plans are in very early stages currently. 26 Environment Agency Risk of Flooding from Rivers and Sea, http://maps.environmentagency.gov.uk Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 31

f) Millmead The current flood risk without defences (i.e. 1% or greater chance of occurring each year) and the extent of the extreme flood (i.e. 0.1% chance in any year) affects a number of properties in the urban area of Guildford. 5.3 Environmental Management Issues The Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) is a tool that is used to manage the environmental impacts set out in this report. The objectives, actions and targets set out in the CEMP will be monitored throughout the detailed design, construction and post-construction stages of the project to ensure that the impact avoidance and future mitigation are carried out. 5.4 Uncertainties The project has a number of uncertainties which could affect the future scope of the project. At this stage, construction details including preferred access routes, compound areas and working methods have not been fully developed and would need to be agreed and confirmed in the next stage through consultation and engagement with land owners, relevant authorities and contractors. This would include temporary access arrangements, such as applications for closures of nearby footpaths before starting construction on site. Furthermore, further surveys (e.g. ecological species surveys) may need confirmation at the next stage of the project including mitigation measures. An ongoing consultation process aims to raise awareness and support for the proposals. Business case approval is an uncertainty, as is the linkage to the Wey Forward Project for potential fish passes, which could provide procurement efficiencies. There is no evidence that the Abbey Overfall Weir (which pre-dates the RWIS works of the 1930s) is in fact in our ownership as successors to Surrey County Council. Finally, possible partnership funding to fund the potential ecological enhancements is identified at each site is also uncertain at this stage. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 32

6 Issues scoped out 6.1 Issue 1: Air Quality The construction works are expected to produce negligible emissions; therefore the air quality of the six sites will not be compromised. This issue has been scoped out of the assessment. 6.2 Issue 2: Geology and Soils The existing geology at the priority weirs is largely composed of sands and gravels adjacent to the River Wey. 27 These are likely to be unaffected by the works. The refurbishment works would be confined to the weirs themselves, so it is unlikely that there would be potential for disturbance of contaminated material. Best practicable means would ensure that the impact on existing soils would be negligible. This issue has been scoped out of the assessment. 6.3 Issue 3: Groundwater and Hydrogeology The groundwater and hydrogeology at the six priority sites would be unaffected by the construction works. This issue has been scoped out of the assessment. 27 British Geological Society Geology of Britain, http://www.bgs.ac.uk/ Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 33

7 Next steps The refurbishment works are unlikely to give rise to significant environmental effects and will therefore not require a statutory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and therefore an Environmental Statement (ES) will not be required. The sensitivity of the baseline environment has mostly been assessed as Low for the nearest receptors at the six priority sites. Some receptors e.g. the two SSSIs and the Grade II listed buildings have been assessed as High sensitivity as they are of national importance; however these are not expected to be impacted by the minor refurbishment works. The biggest issue is likely to involve access arrangements as landowners involved have to be made aware of the works and agree to use of their land. Without the necessary consent, this could cause significant legal and financial risks. The refurbishment works at the six priority sites will be discussed with the relevant planning authorities. An Environmental Report (ER) will be produced in the next stage to document the non-statutory EIA. This PEI report will be submitted to Natural England so that they can make an assessment on whether they agree with the Environment Agency s conclusion that Appropriate Assessment is not required for the works at the six priority sites. Further consultation is required to be undertaken in particular with the National Trust, GBC and WBC on possible partnership development. For example, opportunities at Millmead and Bowers Mill weirs could be undertaken in conjunction with other proposed developments including Slyfield site regeneration, the Guildford Town Centre Plan and Debenhams expansion. Similarly, there are opportunities for Broadmead in the context of the WBC Millmoor Common project. Opportunities for WFD and River Restoration funding will also be explored in the next stages of the project. Further consultation also needs to be undertaken to confirm the ownership at Abbey Weir. A more comprehensive communications and engagement plan is to be developed to support these works going forward. The name and address of the Environment Agency National Environmental Assessment Service (NEAS) officer is as follows: Paul Warrington Environment Agency Kings Meadow House Kings Meadow Road Reading RG1 8DQ Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 32

Appendix A: Scoping Consultation Letter and Tables of Responses Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 33

Responses to Scoping Consultation Letter Environment Agency Consultee Paul Warrington (NEAS) Main Comments The Preliminary Environmental Information Report should be sent to relevant stakeholders for comment; We need to know the land owners for all of the sites; and Debbie Cousins (Biodiversity) Steve Sheridan (Fisheries) More detail on heritage issues required going forward. There is a large willow tree at Millmead that has potential for roosting bat and nesting bird habitats. There is also a veteran oak tree on the towpath at Bowers Mill which is hollow and is an excellent habitat for roosting bats, hole-nesting birds, fungi and specialist deadwood invertebrates. It should be protected from any damage or disturbance; and Floating pennywort, a non-native, invasive species, occurs in Hamm Oil Mills, so any works should not cause the spread of this aquatic plant. Broadmead weir: Works to this weir should include a fish passage solution. While there is a fish pass being constructed on the Millmore Stream as part of the Gresham Hydro development this serves the left hand channel and associated fish passage obstruction. Broadmead weir obstructs fish passage on a completely different channel. Fish will be attracted into the Broadmead cut and their upstream migration will be completely impeded by the existing structure. In certain flow conditions it is likely that this would be the preferred route for migratory species. We cannot maintain this 2.5km channel as a dead end to fish if substantial works are to be undertaken on Broadmead weir; Abbey weir: The naturalised stream pass option would have extended habitat benefits as well as providing effective multispecies fish passage. To discount it / assume premium cost due to land purchase may not be realistic. For other EA by-pass channel schemes, negotiated land agreements and purchase is generally very reasonable; Newark weir: Fixed crest weir option should include a fish pass. Installation of eel pass should be minimum requirement of any option; Paul St Pierre Hamm Oil Mills: Agree that Coleson s channel fish passage option should be developed. There should be reference to the bypass channel option across Bulldogs Island; a previously favoured option progressed by Jacobs to feasibility and outline design. We have to carefully consider the option of either doing nothing or creating a weir that impounds less and causes less geomorphology issues. It all depends on what the flood risk is and what our navigation responsibilities are; There is a statutory requirement under the Eel regulations for Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 34

eel passage; WFD does give us a significant driver to fit fish passes on weirs being worked on. If we don t do it now, we could be hit with requirements to retro-fit in the future when fish pass regulations finally come into force; and Reconnection to the floodplain where possible and creation of backwater refuges and an increase in in-stream habitat diversity should always be considered. Catherine Grindey (Archaeology) No additional heritage issues other than those raised already in the scoping document. Newark & Abbey and Hamm Oil Mills sites look like they might have archaeological interest in the area, but we will know more when we have the HER data. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 35

Responses to Draft PEI Report Environment Agency Consultee Tony Kirstein (Project Manager) Comment 1. (Section 1.2, final paragraph) Add text on work at Stoke Mill. 2. (Section 1.3, second paragraph) Expand on the project objectives. 3. (Section 2, fourth paragraph) Add reference relating to the workshop minutes. 4. (Section 2. Sixth paragraph) Add table of responses to Scoping Technical Note and PEI report. 5. (Section 4.2d) Revise text at Broadmead on access. 6. (Section 4.3a) Revise conclusions based on the text added. 7. (Section 4.4, penultimate paragraph) What about navigation and towpath users? 8. (Section 4.5e, final paragraph) Is the main ditch, the river channel? 9 (Section 4.5e, final paragraph) Where is the wetland area? 10 (Section 4.5f, final paragraph) Detail requirements for bat survey. Addressed in PEI report 1. Addressed in Section 1.2. 2. Addressed in Section 1.3 by providing an example of Elstead Mill. 3. Reference for the workshop meeting notes (19 th September 2013) added in Section 2. 4. Tables of responses to the Scoping Technical Note and PEI report added in the Appendices. 5. Broadmead section revised to reflect access through the Gresham Mill development. 6. Potential effects not amended as conclusions still apply. 7. Text added to consider navigation and towpath users. 8. The ditch is within the fields on the left bank of the River Wey. 9. The wetland area is associated with the backwaters. 10. Requirements added in the text under bullet point 5. Paul Warrington 11. (Section 4.7, para 4) Any issues on potential listing of 1930s structures? 12. (Section 4.7, first paragraph) Are there any heritage features in the vicinity of the weir? 13. (Section 4.7, third paragraph) Which are the Listed Buildings in close proximity to the weir? 14. (Section 5.4) Which data from further surveys are uncertain? 1. Section 2 could add an outline on future consultation. 11. No additional issues on potential listing of 1930s structures. 12. No heritage features in the vicinity of the weir. 13. Text added regarding the Old Cottage and Weir House Grade II Listed Buildings. 14. Ecological surveys added to the text. 1. Text on future consultation added to Section 2. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 32

(NEAS) 2. Working methods sections can say briefly what consultation/engagement and information will confirm working methods. Could link to the consultation section. 3. Methods of Assessment to be before the justification for inclusion for each chapter. 2. An overall working methods section added to Section 3. 3. Methods of Assessment moved to before the justification for inclusion for each issue. Steve Sheridan (Fisheries) 4. Potential mitigation to be changed to proposed management approach for each issue. 5. Take out reference to outstanding risks. Add to uncertainty section if necessary. 6. Change subtitle Description of Issue to Potential Effects throughout. In addition, replace Issue with Aspect for the Recreation section. 7. Make sure that the structure of each section should be: what the baseline is, additional work to resolve this, what this told us, what the potential effects of the works could be, proposed management approach, opportunities (where relevant), uncertainties (where relevant). 8. General point about terminology (as discussed in previous comments). General: Numerous comments and proposed additional text relating to the scope of the project relating to fish passage. 4. Potential mitigation changed to proposed management approach for each issue. 5. References to outstanding risks removed and added to text in Section 5.4 Uncertainties. 6. Subtitles changed accordingly and Issue replaced with Aspect for the recreation section. 7. Structure for each issue altered accordingly. 8. Previous comments address this point. Text on WFD context and fish passage studies incorporated into a separate document: Note on extent of fish pass works included in the project. This provides a timeline as to how fish passes have been considered as part of the Wey Weirs Refurbishment Project and provides a justification as to why the fish pass scope of works included in the PAR is limited to fish passes at Hamm and Walsham. The PEI report relates specifically to the scope of works now being proposed in the PAR. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 33

Steve Sheridan (Fisheries) 1. (Section 1.4) Should Eel regulations, SAFFA and WFD be mentioned under this heading? 2. (Section 2, paragraph 4) Scale is irrelevant for WFD. Fish passes are necessary for the waterbody to reach GEP. 3. (Section 2, paragraph 4) second part of the paragraph needs to be rewritten. 4. (Section 2, paragraph 4) All weirs were identified as high priority sites requiring effective fish passes. 5. (Section 2, potential partnership working) no mention of National Trust 6. (Section 3) Fish passes mentioned but not weir options. 7. (Section 3, first paragraph) This was about design options for each site, not site options. 8. (Section 3) An explanation on how the partnership funding might happen would be useful. 9. (Section 3, paragraph 1) Broadmead is also a priority site where there is opportunity to develop fish passage. 10. (Section 3, paragraph 1) The last part of the paragraph needs rewriting. 11. (Section 3) Eel passes should be mentioned. 12. (Section 3, paragraph 3) More detail need for Hamm Oil Mills 1. These are all added into this section. 2. This has been added to the text. 3. The second part of this section was removed as costs should not be part of this document. 4. Walsham and Hamm Oil Mills explained as the most important weirs for fish passes, the other key sites explained to have potential for fish passes in the future with partnership funding. 5. National Trust mentioned in this paragraph. 6. The preferred weir options for each site are now stated first. More details are provided in the appraisal summary tables in Appendix B. 7. This point is addressed in Section 4 (Options Appraisal Stage) of the Note on extent of fish pass works included in the project. 8. Partnership funding is addressed in Section 2. 9. Opportunities for a fish pass at Broadmead weir are explained in Section 5d of the Note on extent of fish pass works included in the project. 10. Explained that fish passes may be progressed as WFD projects in the future. 11. Eel passes now mentioned in this section and also in Section 2 (para 3). 12. The Appraisal Summary Tables in Appendix B should be referred to for more detail of options considered. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 34

Debbie Cousins (Biodiversity) 13. (Section 3, paragraph 4) More detail for Walsham would be useful. 14/15. (Section 3, paragraph 4) How do the timescales for Walsham fit with WFD? 16. (Section 3, paragraph 7) Why are there no fish pass options at Broadmead weir? 17. (Section 3, paragraph 8) A bit more detail needed on weir option at Bowers Mill. 18. (Section 3, paragraph 8) Fish pass construction in 20 years for Bowers Mill does not fit with WFD timescales. 19. (Section 3, paragraph 9) A bit more detail needed on Millmead. 20. (Section 3, paragraph 9) The fish pass to be added in 2060 for Millmead does not fit with WFD timescales. 21. (Section 4.5, penultimate paragraph) Include something on the need to avoid disturbance/injury to fish. 22. (Section 5.1) Change to Water Framework Directive 23. (Section 5.1, paragraph 6) Is the Shalford to River Thames confluence and Thames (Egham to Teddington) heavily modified? If so, what is said about mitigation measures? 24. (Section 6.3) Need to check issues to do with groundwater and hydrogeology 1. (Section 1.4) Add WFD, Eel Regulations and the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act. 13. More detail provided in text and Appraisal Summary Tables (Appendix B) should be referred to). 14/15. Fish pass at Walsham now included as part of the Wey Weirs Refurbishment Project. 16. There is an existing fish pass to the north-west of Broadmead weir. Opportunities for a fish pass at Broadmead weir are explained in Section 5d of the Note on extent of fish pass works included in the project. 17. Refer to Appraisal Summary tables in Appendix B. 18. Reference to timescales deleted. Note added that fish pass could be progressed in partnership outside of the project. 19. Refer to the Appraisal Summary Table in Appendix B. 20. Reference to timescales deleted. Note added that fish pass could be progressed in partnership outside of the project. 21. This has been addressed within the text 22. This has been changed accordingly. 23. Mitigation measures are not yet in place. Relevant to this project is mitigation measure 16 this is explained in the Note on extent of fish pass works included in the project under WFD Context. 24. The refurbishment works are small scale so would not affect this issue. 1. These have been added accordingly to the text. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 35

2. (Section 2, paragraph 3) Add reference. 3. (Section 2, paragraph 3) What defines major works? 4. (Section 2, paragraph 3) Reference to lower costs of eel passes does not make sense 5. (Section 2, paragraph 4) add text on getting waterbodies to GEP 6. (Section 2) As the EA, we should be setting an example by providing fish passage wherever we are carrying out works on our own structures. 7. (Section 2, paragraph 5) Fisheries agreed that out of the priority sites, Hamm Oil Mills and Walsham should be targeted first, but fish passage for the other four are also necessary. 8. (Section 3) There is no detail on the preferred weir options. 9. (Section 3) Eel passage not mentioned. 10/11 (Section 3) What about our WFD commitments? 12. Would be helpful to assess the NGR for each priority site. 13. (Section 3, paragraph 4) Why will the fish pass construction be in 25 years? 14. (Section 3, paragraph 5) What about eel passage? 15. (Section 3, paragraph 7) Have WBC been approached about possible fish/eel passage at Broadmead? 2. Reference added. 3. Addressed in Note on extent of fish pass works included in the project. 4. Reference to lower costs taken out. 5. Text has been added. 6/7. This is explained in Section 2, paragraph 5 with reference to the outcome of the options workshop. Further details are provided in the Note on extent of fish pass works included in the project which provides the background on the decision to only include fish pass works at Hamm Oil Mills and Walsham. 8. The preferred weir options for each site are stated first and more details of the options included in the appraisal summary tables in Appendix B. 9. This is now mentioned in Section 3 paragraph 1. 10/11 This is also now mentioned in Section 3, paragraph 1. 12. The NGR are included in Section 1. 13. Reference to timescales deleted. Note added that fish pass could be progressed in partnership outside of the project. 14. Eel passage has been incorporated in the proposed works at each of the 6 weirs as now referred to in Section 2 (para 3) and Section 3 (para 1). 15. Potential partnership with WBC is referred to in Section 2 in (final paragraph). Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 36

16. (Section 3, paragraph 8) Fish pass construction in 20 years for Bowers Mill does not fit with WFD timescales. 16/17. Reference to timescales deleted. Note added that fish pass could be progressed in partnership outside of the project. 17. (Section 3, paragraph 9) The fish pass to be added in 2060 for Millmead does not fit with WFD timescales. 18/19/20. (Section 4.5a/4.5b and 4.5e) Otters could be found without leaving obvious signs such as spraint. 21. (Section 4.5f) Glyceria maxima is not a rare species. 22. (Section 4.5f, penultimate paragraph) No need for confirmation of designated sites as we already have this information. 23. (Section 4.5f, penultimate paragraph) If water voles are present, the works area should be designed to avoid damage of disturbance of habitat within 5m. 24. (Section 4.5f, penultimate paragraph) The works area to avoid otters should be expanded to avoid otters if they are found to be present. 25. (Section 5.1, paragraph 7) Qualify the potential beneficial impact on ecological status. 26. (Section 5.1, paragraph 8) Which opportunities for enhancements are available. 27. (Section 2, paragraph 3) This isn t to do with flood risk, it is water level management. 18/19/20. The text if otters are seen to be present was removed. 21. This has been removed from the text. 22. This has been removed from the text. 23. The Ecology Report refers to a 5m distance with reference to the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended). 24. This has been amended within the text. 25. This refers to the potential inclusion of fish passes. 26. These include a range of resources and partnerships to restore adequate connectivity to the Wey catchment. 27. This has been changed within the text. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 37

Appendix B: Scoping Technical Note and Appraisal Summary Tables Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 32

Appendix C: Environmental Site Appraisal Plans Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 33

Appendix D: Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 34

Appendix E: Natural England Correspondence and File Note Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 35

Appendix F: Cultural Heritage Study Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 36

Appendix G: Fish Pass Scoping Note Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 37

Appendix H: Options Workshop Minutes Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 38

References British Geological Society, Geology of Britain. Available from: http://www.bgs.ac.uk/ [Accessed on 19 July 2013] Clark, P. F., and Robbins, R. S., 2008. The Wey Navigation System, a fish and wildlife channel across Bulldogs Island and large burrowing invasive decapod species, Department of Zoology: Natural History Museum, 1-28 Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework [Accessed on 3 October 2013] Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Available from: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/ [Accessed on 19 July 2013] Elmbridge Borough Council, Conservation Areas. Available from: http://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/planning/heritage/ [Accessed on 9 September 2013] English Heritage, Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance (2008). Available from: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk [Accessed on 23 August 2013] English Heritage, Statutory designated heritage assets. Available from: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk [Accessed on 9 September 2013] Environment Agency, Wey Strategy WFD Assessment (June 2010) Environment Agency, The Wey Valley Fisheries Action Plan: Working Together for the Future of our Fisheries. Available from: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ [Accessed on 7 October 2013] Environment Agency, Risk of Flooding from Rivers and Sea. Available from: http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk/ [Accessed on: 7 October 2013] Environment Agency, River Quality. Available from: http://maps.environmentagency.gov.uk/ [Accessed on: 21 August 2013] Environment Agency, Thames River Basin Management Plan (RBMP). Available from: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ [Accessed on 3 October 2013] European Union, The EU Water Framework Directive Integrated River Basin Management for Europe. Available from: http://ec.europa.eu/ [Accessed 8 April 2014] Guildford Borough Council, Conservation Areas. Available from: http://www2.guildford.gov.uk/planaccess/ [Accessed on 9 September 2013] Natural England, England Biodiversity Strategy. Available from: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ [Accessed on 8 April 2014] Natural England, Nature on the map. Available from: http://www.natureonthemap.co.uk/ [Accessed on 19 July 2013] Natural England, Papercourt SSSI. Available from: http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/ [Accessed on 20 August 2013] Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 39

Natural England, Wey Valley Meadows SSSI. Available from: http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/ [Accessed on 20 August 2013] Pisces Conservation Ltd, The Eels (England and Wales) Regulations 2009. Available from: http://www.eelregulations.co.uk/ [Accessed 8 April 2014] Surrey County Council, Surrey Biodiversity Action Plan. Available from: http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/ [Accessed on: 7 October 2013] Surrey County Council Historic Environment Record, Exploring Surreys past. Available from: http://www.exploringsurreyspast.org.uk/map/ [Accessed on 9 September 2013] Surrey County Council, Surrey Interactive Map. Available from: http://surreymaps.surreycc.gov.uk [Accessed on 10 July 2013] Ward, D., 1997. Andrews Ward Associates: Consultant Ecologists Water Level Management Plan for Papercourt SSSI, 1-16 Ward, A., 2004. Andrews Ward Associates: Consultant Ecologists Water Level Management Plan for Wey Valley Meadows SSSI, 1-28 Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 40

List of abbreviations Acronyms AST BAP CEMP Defra DCLG EBC EIA ESAP ER ES FCRM GBC GEP GES LNR MAGIC NEAS NPPF OS PEI RBMP RWIS SANG SCC SCCHER SNCI SPA SSSI WBC WFD Appraisal Summary Tables Biodiversity Action Plan Construction Environmental Management Plan Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Department for Communities and Local Government Elmbridge Borough Council Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Site Appraisal Plan Environmental Report Environmental Statement Flood and Coastal Risk Management Guildford Borough Council Good Ecological Potential Good Ecological Status Local Nature Reserve Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside National Environmental Assessment Service National Planning Policy Framework Ordnance Survey Preliminary Environmental Information River Basin Management Plan River Wey Improvement Scheme Sustainable Alternative Natural Greenspace Surrey County Council Surrey County Council Historic Environment Record Site of Nature Conservation Importance Special Protection Area Site of Special Scientific Interest Woking Borough Council Water Framework Directive Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 41

Glossary Ancient Woodland Archaeological Priority Areas Baseline Baseline studies/ survey Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Catchment Character area Conservation Area Cumulative Impacts Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Ecosystems Services English Heritage (EH) Environmental Action Plan (EAP) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Land continuously wooded since 1600 in England and Wales or 1750 in Scotland. An area specified by Local Planning Authorities to help protect archaeological remains that might be affected by development. A description of the present state of the environment with the consideration of how the environment would change in the future in the absence of the plan/programme/project as a result of natural events and other human activities. Collection of information about the environment which is likely to be affected by the project An agreed plan for a habitat or species, which forms part of the UK s commitment to biodiversity in response to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Rio de Janeiro 1992 A surface water catchment is the total area that drains into a river. A groundwater catchment is the total area that supplies the groundwater part of the river flow. An area of land with distinctive landscape features resulting from an interaction of wildlife, landforms, geology, land use and human activity as defined by the Countryside Agency. An area designated under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1990 to protect its architectural or historic character. The combined impacts of several projects within an area, which individually are not significant, but together amount to a significant impact. The government department responsible for flood management policy in England The services that ecosystems provide which can provide value to people and the wider environment. Includes: Supporting services (e.g. oxygen production), Provisioning services (e.g. fuel), Regulating services (e.g. climate), Cultural services (e.g. recreation). Government statutory advisor on the historic environment, funded jointly by the government and by revenue from properties and members. A standalone report or section within another environmental impact assessment document which ensures that constraints, objectives and targets set in the main Environmental Report/Statement are actually carried out on the ground. Actions are separated into those to be carried out before, during and after construction. EIA is an assessment process applied to both new development proposals and changes or extensions to existing developments that are likely to have significant effects on the environment. The EIA process ensures that potential effects on the environment are considered, including natural resources such as water, air and soil; conservation of species and habitats; and community issues such as visual effects and impacts on the population. EIA provides a mechanism by which the interaction of environmental effects resulting from development can be predicted, allowing Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 42

Environmental Report (ER) Environmental Statement (ES) Flood risk management strategy (FRMS) Habitats Directive Indicative landscape plan (ILP) Land Drainage Regulations Local Nature Reserve (LNR) Main river Mitigation measures Natural England them to be avoided or reduced through the development of mitigation measures. As such, it is a critical part of the decisionmaking process. www.iema.net/eiareport (1) The document produced for projects that do not require statutory environmental impact assessment, but where environmental impact has been carried out. This includes projects that require planning permission from the local authority but the effects of the proposal will not be significant. An ER usually follows the same template as an Environmental Statement, but is less detailed. (2) The document produced to describe the strategic environmental assessment process carried out for strategies. This report can be standalone or contained as an appendix to a strategy. The document produced to describe the environmental impact assessment process where statutory environmental impact assessment is required. A long term (50 years or more) plan for coastal or river management to reduce the risk of flooding and carry out. They are more detailed than CFMPs. EC Directive (92/43/EEC) on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna. Implemented (with the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC)) in the UK as the Conservation (Natural habitats and wild flora and fauna) Regulations (1994). This establishes a system of protection of certain flora, fauna and habitats considered to be of International or European conservation importance. Sites are designated as Special areas of conservation (SACs), special protection areas (SPAs) and/or Ramsar sites. Any developments in or close to these designated areas are subject to the Habitat Regulations for approval of English Nature. Together these sites are referred to as the Natura 2000 network. Overlay of existing environment and scheme proposals to highlight environmental constraints and opportunities including designated sites and landscape character. The Environmental Impact Assessment (Land Drainage Improvement Works) Regulations (SI 1999 No. 1783) apply to improvement works to land drainage infrastructure undertaken by land drainage bodies, including the Environment Agency. Such works are permitted development and therefore not subject to the Town and Country Planning EIA requirements. Nature reserves designated under the National Parks and Countryside Act (1949) for locally important wildlife or geological features. They are controlled by local authorities in liaison with English Nature. A watercourse designated by DEFRA. The Environment Agency has permissive powers to carry out flood defence works, maintenance and operational activities on main rivers. Responsibility for maintenance rests on the riparian owner. Actions that are taken to minimise, prevent or compensate for adverse effects of the development. Natural England is an Executive Non-departmental Public Body responsible to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Their purpose is to protect and improve England s natural environment and encourage people to enjoy and get Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 43

Ramsar site Riparian Scheduled monument Scoping Screening Screening opinion Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Special Area for Conservation (SAC) Special Protection Area (SPA) and proposed Special Protection Area (pspa) Washland Water Framework Directive (WFD) Water level management plan (WLMP) involved in their surroundings. Their aim is to create a better natural environment that covers all of our urban, country and coastal landscapes, along with all of the animals, plants and other organisms that live with us. Wetland site of international importance listed under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance under the Conservation of Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar) Convention 1973. Area of land or habitat adjacent to rivers and streams Nationally important historic sites, buildings or monuments identified by English Heritage and designated by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Any work affecting a scheduled monument must gain consent from English Heritage under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act (1979). The process of deciding the scope or level of detail of an EIA/ SEA. During this stage the key environmental issues (likely significant effects) of a project/strategy are identified so that the rest of the process can focus on these issues. Issues may result from the proposal itself or from sensitivities of the site. (1) For environmental impact assessment, the process of deciding which developments require an environmental impact assessment to be carried out and whether this will be statutory. (2) For strategic environmental assessment, the decision on which plans, strategies or programmes require strategic environmental assessment to be carried out and whether this will be statutory. Statutory opinion from the competent authority as to whether a proposed project requires statutory environmental impact assessment according to the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations. Nationally important sites designated for their flora, fauna, geological or physiographical features under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended) and the Countryside Rights of Way (CRoW) Act (2000). Sites of European importance for habitats and non bird species. Above mean low water mark they are also SSSIs. An area designated for rare or vulnerable birds, or migratory birds and their habitats, classified under Article 4 of the EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC). They are also SSSIs. Proposed sites receive the same protection as fully protected sites Area of land adjacent to a watercourse, which is allowed to flood when the watercourse overtops its banks. EC Directive (2000/60/EC) on integrated river basin management. The WFD sets out environmental objectives for water status based on ecological and chemical parameters, common monitoring and assessment strategies, arrangements for river basin administration and planning and a programme of measures in order to meet the objectives. A plan that sets out water level management requirements in a defined floodplain area (usually an SSSI) which is designed to reconcile different needs for drainage. Wey Weirs Refurbishment, Preliminary Environmental Information Report 44