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Overhead Line Connection

Environmental Statement

RSK Environment Ltd Non-technical Summary, of 11

RSK/CAR/P110259/07/05/Rev02

1 Introduction

Background to the Proposed Project

Nevis Power Limited was granted permission by Newport City Council to construct and operate a new biomass power plant on the land West of South Dock Lock, West Way, Alexandra Docks, Newport, South Wales in January 2009 under reference 08/1257. The development, known as the Nevis Biomass Power Plant, is designed to output 49MWe of electricity through the combustion of up to 370,000 tonnes per annum of biomass material comprising primarily woodchip, fruit-based biomass and energy crops.

The Nevis Biomass Power Plant responds to the Wales and wider UK targets that require a percentage of future energy production to be derived from renewable sources represents a significant renewable energy development opportunity.

The Proposed Overhead Line Connection

In order for the consented Nevis Biomass Power Plant to operate, a route of overhead cabling is required. The cabling will connect to an existing Western Power Distribution (WPD) 132kV distribution line, which in turn will feed

the national grid. WPD, an electricity distribution network operator for South Wales and South West England, will construct and maintain the connection.

The proposed overhead line connection will comprise the erection of approximately 1.055km of dual circuit 132kV overhead line of 300mm2, all aluminium alloy conductor, supported by five new, L4 (M)-type steel lattice towers. Each of the five towers will be constructed on concrete foundations to support its height of between 29m and 35m above ground level.

The overhead line connection will commence at a new tower (R142A) to be erected in the existing WPD Uskmouth/Trowbridge 132kV distribution line some 700m northeast of Fair Orchard Farm. The line will run in a south-easterly direction for approximately 800m via four towers, R142A to R142D, and then easterly across the River Ebbw where it will terminate at R142E in a new substation to be constructed within the Nevis Biomass Power Plant.

Legislative Framework

In February 2010 WPD submitted a planning application for the overhead line connection – under Section 37 (S37) of the Electricity Act 1989 – to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) for the proposed overhead line connection. It was agreed with




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the Consents Manager of DECC that this application be held in abeyance to allow additional ecological information to be obtained. Since February 2010 informal comments have been invited and received from the statutory consultees.

The requirements to undertake a statutory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), as part of the Section 37 application, are set out in the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations, 2000 (as amended). EIAs serve to identify the likely significant effects of a proposed scheme on the receiving environment. Under the EIA Regulations, all developments listed as Schedule 1 must be subject to an EIA in every case, and developments listed as Schedule 2 may be required to be subject to an EIA if they are deemed to constitute ‘relevant projects’

This proposed overhead line connection falls within Schedule 2 of the regulations owing to the fact that it meets both qualifying criteria that require an EIA, namely:

• Construction of an overhead power line with a voltage of 132kv or more, and

• Construction of an overhead power line in a sensitive area (in this case the Severn Estuary Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Area (SPA), Ramsar, Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and Gwent Levels – St Brides, SSSI).

Whilst the requirement to undertake a statutory EIA can be established through a Screening Opinion from DECC, WPD has volunteered to submit an ES for approval by DECC who will consult local planning authorities and other statutory consultees.

The resulting Environmental Statement (ES) presents the results of a comprehensive EIA for the proposed overhead line connection. The assessment has been done in accordance with the requirements of the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment), Regulations 2000 (as amended).

Several other consents are required for the construction and operation of the overhead line connection such as those required for crossing watercourses (from the Environment Agency (EA)) and those relating to the protection of habitats and animals (from Countryside Council for Wales). These will be

applied for as required following consultations with these and other statutory authorities.

Consultation

Consultation has formed an important part of both the EIA and ongoing development of the proposed scheme.

Extensive consultation has been undertaken with agencies, organisations and individuals by way of correspondence and meetings to obtain environmental background data and information on the proposed development site and immediate surroundings; consultation has also provided interested parties with an opportunity to influence both the scope of the EIA and the development of the proposed scheme.

2 Environmental

Statement

Structure of the Environmental Statement

The Environmental Statement (ES) has been prepared to accompany the planning application made by WPD. The ES reports the findings of the EIA and serves to inform the decision-making process, the content of which is structured and reported in two volumes.

Volume 1: Environmental Statement

It contains information on: the need for the proposed scheme, its objectives, its key components, and the alternatives considered during its development; the consents’ procedure and statutory processes; the scope of the EIA and consultation undertaken; the receiving environmental context of the proposed development site and immediate locality; the likely environmental effects (both beneficial and adverse) identified through the EIA process predicted to occur; and the proposed environmental mitigation measures to be implemented and adopted as part of the development of the proposed scheme.

Volume 2: Appendices

They comprise a series of detailed technical appendices comprising a number of specialist




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reports, reference documents, explanatory notes and calculations in support of Volume 1.

Non-Technical Summary of the Environmental Statement

This Non-Technical Summary of the ES outlines the approach to the identification of the proposed development site, the development and final design of the proposed scheme, and the likely significant environmental effects that would arise should the proposed scheme be granted consent.

Development of the Project

The proposed overhead line connection between the Newport Biomass Power Plant and the WPD distribution line has been identified following a detailed feasibility study, which included a consideration of the environmental, technical and economic constraints in the area. The study comprised a number of key stages and included consideration of a number of alternative technologies and connection routes.

Consideration of Alternatives

An essential part of the development and EIA process has involved consideration of alternatives for the location and design form for the proposed overhead line connection.

Following identification of the need to export electricity to the national distribution system, WPD considered overhead and underground cables, and a number of cable routes.

Underground cabling

WPD’s initial feasibility study took into account both overhead lines and underground cabling. The latter could be buried beneath the road network of Alexandra Docks, the primary advantage of which would be a reduction in the impacts on landscape character and visual amenity. However, underground cables would also impact on ground cover, vegetation, drainage, land use, habitats and natural heritage interests. A buried cable was deemed an undesirable option owing to the:

• Disruption to industry and road networks at Alexandra Docks during construction;

• Requirement for site investigation to locate unknown cables and pipes;

• Intrusive nature of construction that could result in potential ecological disturbances;

• Requirement for a large trench width to bury individual cables resulting in large volumes of excavated material, which can effect landscape during construction; damage environmentally sensitive habitats, and logistically affect the operation of the docks;

• Restrictions on future land use;

• Expensive nature of the construction making it economically unviable;

• Longer construction period and thus a delay in the connection to national electrical transmission system; and

• Logistical difficulties during maintenance.

Given the amount of economical and logistical disruption caused by a buried cable, it was deemed that an underground connection would be neither efficient nor economical and thus would prevent WPD from fulfilling its statutory duties under the Electricity Act 1989.

Alternative connection route

Once it was established that overhead lines would be used, WPD considered a number of alternative routes to the national distribution system. Four routes were considered to connect the Nevis Biomass Power Plant to the existing national distribution system:

Route 1: Connection to the existing line south of the Nevis Biomass Power Plant, which extends across the River Usk. However, this line is too tall for connection and, at a higher voltage of 400kV, would not be compatible with the 132kV line from the biomass power plant;

Route 2: Connection to the existing line north of the Nevis Biomass Power Plant close to the Newport Transporter Bridge. This would require a line to run through the main arterial routes of Alexandra Dock, causing disruption to existing industry and road networks at Alexandra Docks and through Pillgwenlly;

Route 3: Crossing the River Ebbw directly west of the Nevis Biomass Power Plant site and connecting to the existing line, which runs




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parallel to the train line, northwest of New Dairy Farm; and

Route 4: Crossing the River Ebbw directly west of the Nevis Biomass Power Plant site as in Route 3, but with the towers on the western bank of the River Ebbw situated further north. This route would necessitate an increase in the length of cabling over the River Ebbw, and would require taller towers on either side of the River Ebbw.

The position of the proposed M4 relief road was also considered by WPD as it crosses the River Ebbw and Alexandra Docks via a motorway bridge. Sufficient distance from the existing SIMS facility and overhead clearance of the M4 relief road bridge further refined the height, design and route of the overhead line connection.

Overhead Line Connection Construction and Operation

An overhead line connection was chosen as the most economically viable technological design. Route 3 was chosen as it will cause the least disruption to adjacent industry and will be the shortest technically feasible route.

Programme

Overhead line connection construction is programmed for the summer of 2011, which will take advantage of good weather and light conditions. It is anticipated that the complete construction phase will last 12 weeks (including preparatory works).

Construction Phase

An experienced contractor would be appointed by WPD, and would be required to employ best practice in respect of quality, health, safety and environmental conservation.

Construction work would be limited to Monday to Saturday 08:00 to 17:00hrs (although work hours may continue until 19:00hrs during periods of critical cabling works). Other than in exceptional circumstances, no work would be undertaken on Sunday or Bank Holidays.

Construction activities would comprise:

• Pre-construction works – the route will be surveyed and working areas pegged out in consultation with the landowner/occupier;

• 30m2 working areas around each tower

location will be a minimum of 5m away from the reens;

• Enabling works – topsoil stripping to establish temporary access roads, working areas and site compound. Typically, the ground surface will consist of a layer of crushed stone or sand overlaying a geotextile membrane, or bog mats;

• Foundation works – by means of raft or piled foundations;

• Tower erection and backfilling of excavations; and

• Cable pulling.

Where possible, local suppliers of concrete, aggregate, and surfacing materials would be used. These would be transported along major haul routes (to be identified by the appointed contractor) to reduce local disruption.

The types of plant anticipated to be used during the construction phase are anticipated to include, but are not limited to, HGVs, low loaders, a crane, a piling rig (if required), concrete lorries, vans and 4 x 4 vehicles.

Safety during construction

The main works contractor (MWC) will construct the overhead line connection in accordance with the current health and safety legislation, applicable standards and design codes. Method statements, accompanied by safety risk assessments, will be produced to cover all construction activities.

Operational Phase

The life span of the overhead line connection depends on that of the Nevis Biomass Power Plant, which is anticipated to have a life span of 25 years. The overhead line connection will be owned and maintained by WPD who will be responsible for keeping the overhead lines in a safe condition. WPD will ensure that the foundations, steel towers, insulators, fittings, conductors and cables are all maintained in accordance with the Electricity Safety Quality and Continuity Regulations, 2002.

Decommissioning

At the end of its life, the overhead line connection will be decommissioned safely, with due regard for the environment. This




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would seek to maximise all possible opportunities to recycle associated equipment and materials, and would be submitted to the relevant regulatory authority prior to decommissioning, in accordance with regulations pertinent at that time.

3 Environmental

Effects

Scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Scoping was undertaken as part of the EIA process to provide a basis for ensuring that the assessment was appropriately limited to issues of potential significance.

Identification of potential environmental issues involved consideration of the physical and operational aspects of the proposed scheme and its components against the prevailing environmental conditions of the proposed development site and immediate locality. The process was informed by targeted consultation, resulting in following aspects being considered in the EIA .

• Planning;

• Physical Environment;

• Water Resources;

• Agriculture;

• Ecology;

• Archaeology and Cultural Heritage;

• Landscape and Visual;

• Transport;

• Emissions including Noise; and

• Electro-magnetic Field.

Planning

Details of planning applications and extant planning consents within the route corridor have been obtained and have been taken into account fully during the routeing and design of the overhead line connection.

National, regional and local planning policies relevant to the form, location and nature of the proposed scheme were identified and reviewed to establish overall compliance. Other developments within the locality (either consented, under construction, or in the planning process) were also identified to determine the potential contribution of the proposed scheme to the generation of cumulative environmental effects.

The proposed overhead line connection has been routed to avoid large existing or planned residential areas and industrial sites.

Land disrupted during construction of the overhead line connection route will be reinstated fully to its former use, post-construction. There will be minimal permanent loss of land for each of the towers, although there may be some permanent restrictions on agricultural operations that can be undertaken within the permanent easement (the area over which WPD has rights to construct, operate and maintain the overhead line connection).

Physical Environment

A desk-based assessment of the existing physical conditions (including topography, soils, superficial and solid geology, minerals, hydrogeology, history of potentially contaminative site uses, site sensitivity to contamination, climate change, seismicity, subsidence or ground movement and unexploded ordnance) at the site has been undertaken.

Geological mapping indicated that the proposed development site and the surrounding area is underlain by Mercia Mudstone, covered with superficial tidal flat deposits comprising clay, silt, sand and gravel. These conditions were confirmed by a series of intrusive site investigations.

No designated sites of geological significance were identified on or within the vicinity of the proposed development site. No known exploitable mineral resources were identified as likely to be underlying the proposed development site. No historic contamination has been identified along the proposed route.

The foundation design for the towers will be an important factor in ensuring ground stability, but has not yet been finalised. The two options being considered are piled or raft foundations.




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Further geotechnical investigations will take place to ensure that the riverbank stability will not be significantly affected and that the best foundation solution is used.

Water Resources

Factors such as flood risk, drainage design and water resource management will affect the development in terms of its sustainability, safety and integrity.

The route will cross one main river (River Ebbw) and five drainage reens. Method statements for crossing the River Ebbw and its associated catchments will be prepared and discussed with the EAW.

Site staff will be briefed to ensure that all excavations are regularly inspected for any visible contamination or odour, to provide an early indication of unforeseen contamination.

In accordance with Caldicot and Wentlooge Internal Drainage Board and EAW requirements, all tower bases will be located at least 12m from watercourses. No stockpiling of materials will take place within 10m of a watercourse. In addition, the EAW will be consulted, and discharge consents obtained, for any proposals to discharge water from the foundation excavations to watercourses. Therefore, significant impacts on the watercourses and any associated fisheries are not anticipated.

Groundwater

No designated Groundwater Source Protection Zones (SPZs) exist in Newport Docks or wider Newport area, and there are no licensed groundwater abstractions within 1km of the site.

Should the foundations be piled, construction could introduce vertical migration pathways through the superficial geology for surface contamination to the deep groundwater regime. To prevent pollution of groundwater and any risk to water supply, a detailed pollution prevention plan and emergency response plan will be produced by the contractor, for agreement with the EAW.

Flood Risk

The site is located within the Gwent Levels (St Brides), which is a natural flood plain and

relatively flat. Towers R142A – R142D, west of the River Ebbw are at potential risk of tidal flooding from the Severn Estuary (as denoted by the EAW Flood Zone 2 (dark blue in the following figure)). However, the current EAW flood defences along the eastern and northern boundaries of the River Ebbw (black hashed line) provide protection for the site.

(Source: Environment Agency Wales Flood Map)

Land at the Nevis Biomass Power Plant Site (at the location of tower R142E) is being raised to a height of 9.25m above Ordnance Datum to address potential flood risk from the estuary. Construction of the overhead line connection will take place during summer months; therefore, the worst periods of flooding will be avoided.

Water Quality Monitoring

A programme of water quality monitoring will be implemented to assess the impact of the construction activities on the SSSI, in conjunction with existing activities/works. Baseline water quality will be measured and data collated prior to construction, and for an agreed time period, post-construction.

Agriculture

Land to the west of the River Ebbw, which the majority of the overhead line connection crosses, is primarily used for agriculture and pasture.

Inevitably, there will be some temporary disruption to farming activities. This will occur principally during the construction phase when there will be a temporary loss of use of




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agricultural land and the potential removal of sections of boundaries. WPD will remain in close contact with landowners throughout the construction process to ensure that disruption to landowners is kept to a minimum.

Once the overhead line connection is operational, some restrictions may be placed on agricultural operations that can take place immediately under the proposed line connection route.

Ecology

The proposed overhead line connection route crosses a number of statutory and non-statutory designated sites. These include:

• Severn Estuary SAC, SPA, Ramsar and SSSI (cable span from tower R142D to R142E);

• Gwent Levels – St Brides, SSSI (foundations of towers R142A to R142D);

• Afon Ebbw, candidate Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (cSINC) – cable span from tower R142D to R142E.

In addition, the following statutory non-statutory designated sites are within 5km of the proposed route:

• River Usk/Afon Wysg, SSSI;

• Newport Wetlands, National Nature Reserve (NNR);

• Gwent Levels – Nash and Goldcliff, SSSI;

• Allt-yr-yn, Local Nature Reserver (LNR);

• Gwent Levels – Rumney and Peterstone, SSSI;

• Pilots Pill, cSINC;

• Warehouse Yard, cSINC;

• Gwent Wetlands Reserve, cSINC; and

• Julians Gout Land, cSINC.

Surveys have comprised wintering and breeding bird visits, a background data search, Phase 1 habitat and animal walkover survey, botanical survey and otters. As agreed with DECC, a robust ecological impact assessment took place between March and July 2010. This assessment has shown that the route is predominantly heavily improved grassland (with the exception of R142E on the Biomass Power Station site) with the reens dominated by dense stands of reeds and sedges.

No invasive species were found along the route although an aquatic invasive species, Azolla filiculoides (Water Fern), was found within one reen crossed by the route. No construction is anticipated within the reens and so the potential for impact is minimal.

The route is outside the designated area for wintering birds and that the proposed period for construction is outside the breeding and wintering bird season, in addition to the migration of the shad, the impact upon the designated sites is minimal.

No protected species were found along the route.




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Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

As a reclaimed landscape, the Wentlooge Levels have an intrinsic potential for the presence of buried archaeological remains. A desk-based assessment identified 38 sites of archaeological interest, including 25 sites from the post-medieval period (1485–1899) and four from the modern period (1900 to date). However, no sites were identified in the areas where the tower foundations will be excavated; therefore, there will be no significant direct impact through the construction programme. The overhead line connection does not cross any statutory protected sites.

Although the character area of Eastern St Brides is considered of high value and integrity within the Gwent Levels Historic Landscape, the overhead line connection is situated at its eastern periphery. Alexandra Docks and the existing electrical distribution lines have already degraded the appearance of the landscape; therefore, the overall indirect visual impact has been rated as slight to moderate.

The route of the overhead line connection is considered an area of archaeological potential, and a programme of further assessment and mitigation has been outlined to address this potential. All fieldwork will be undertaken in full consultation with Gwent and Glamorgan Archaeological Trust. Any sites deemed to be of archaeological interest or significance will be subject to archaeological recording, where preservation in situ is not feasible. Full excavation of sites will take place for those that cannot be avoided or preserved. An archaeological watching brief will be maintained to monitor all ground-disturbing activities with contingency for rapid excavation if required.

Landscape and Visual

The overhead lines are situated on the Gwent Levels where the topography is flat with a general feeling of openness. There are distant views northwards to the hills that form the backdrop to Newport conurbation available, particularly from the sea wall. Views southwards are essentially rural or coastal, with a sense of remoteness, although detracting features such as numerous

electricity towers and lines are present on the east banks of the Usk.

In the vicinity of the proposed development, there is a substantial amount of industrial elements, and energy production and distribution infrastructure, as well as other detracting features and vertical elements; including Alexandra Docks that contains associated cranes, buildings, wind turbines and power stations.

There are a number of high-voltage overhead electricity lines and associated towers emanating from Uskmouth power station, crossing both the Gwent Levels and the mouth of the River Usk a short distance south of the proposed development site. Views inland in all directions feature overhead lines and towers.

The overhead line does not pass over any areas internationally or nationally designated for protection owing to their landscape qualities or characteristics.

A landscape and visual impact assessment was undertaken to examine the potential effects of the proposed development, and ancillary features on the landscape and visual amenity.

During the construction phase of the project, there will be temporary visual effects experienced in the short term, which would last for approximately 12 weeks. These will mainly be experienced by users of the All Wales Coastal Footpath and public rights of way which pass south of the proposed development site.

Permanent visual impacts will result in those fields within which the towers are located. The qualities and characteristics for which the local landscapes are valued will remain intact, such as the visual qualities and experience of the views over the coast and the River Usk and River Severn, and the features and characteristics of the historic landscape such as the existing pattern of drainage ditches, despite the presence of the proposed development.

The local landscape is already degraded and influenced somewhat by the presence of existing overhead lines and towers, and such features are deemed to be a key characteristic of the landscape and of views and experience of the local landscape.




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No significant effects are anticipated as a result of the overhead line, and therefore no specific landscape mitigation measures are proposed.

Transport

The construction of the overhead line connection will result in a short-term increase in traffic flow with potential impacts on other road users and community facilities. The majority of site traffic will be used by construction staff: HGVs delivering concrete for tower foundations; 3.5-tonne low-loaders transporting the tower parts, and cranes delivered as mobile units on low-loaders.

The towers are to be transported in individual sections and stockpiled at a site compound (location to be determined once a main works contractor is appointed). The towers will be constructed on site.

An access strategy, prepared for deliveries, states that deliveries for towers R142A to R142D will exit the M4 at Junction 28 for Newport, and will access the B4239 from the Ebbw Bridge roundabout before accessing Lighthouse Road and travelling down Heol Pont-y-cwcw. Temporary access roads across fields will minimise the risk of sediment release to watercourses and other environmental impacts, from surface-water run-off, including archaeological and ecological sensitive sites.

Deliveries for R142E at the Nevis Biomass Power Plant site will travel along the A4042 Docks Way from Ebbw Bridge Roundabout A4042/A48/B4239 to West Way Road from the Docks Way/West Way Road priority junction.

A traffic management plan (TMP) will be developed, prior to construction, by the MWC once appointed. The TMP will detail the number of anticipated traffic movements and assess the effects of increased traffic flows on the road networks. It will be discussed and agreed with the local highways authorities and the emergency services.

Emissions

The majority of potential emissions will occur during the construction phase of the overhead line connection.

Noise and vibration

An assessment calculated that noise levels during construction would be within acceptable limits for both human and avian receptors. Noise emissions from construction plant and machinery will be controlled in accordance with British Standards 5228 (1997: Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites).

Operational, high-voltage overhead power lines can sometimes generate noise in the form of a ‘crackling’ sound associated with a low-frequency hum, which is typically exacerbated by damp weather conditions.

An assessment has been carried out in accordance with British Standard 4142 (1997: Method for rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial areas) to assess the impact of the operation of the proposals on the closest noise-sensitive receptors. The assessment also showed that under worst-case conditions, predicted levels

View from west side of River Ebbw facing west, adjacent from Biomass Site




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are comfortably within Newport City Council’s criterion and below the lowest measured background levels at the closest receptors.

Air quality

Releases to air may result from:

• Combustion emissions from construction vehicles, plant and equipment;

• Dust generation principally from earthworks and vehicles passing over dry ground that may affect vegetation growth and amenity; and

• Transfer of mud onto public highways, which can pose a potential safety hazard to traffic.

These emissions are anticipated to occur only during the construction phase of the overhead line. A project environmental management plan will be drawn up prior to construction, and will set out mitigation measures for reducing emissions to air, some of which are given in the paragraph below.

In order to control the emission of excessive exhaust fumes and smoke, all construction vehicles and items of plant will be correctly adjusted and maintained. Drivers will be instructed to turn off their engines when not in use.

Construction traffic and soil stripping procedures may lead to increased amounts of dust, but every effort will be made to control the generation of dust emissions. Water will be sprayed onto the working width to moisten the surface, as required, and vehicle speeds will be restricted along the working width to minimise dust generation.

Road sweeping on public highways will be carried out as required during construction. This will also assist in reducing the potential for silt run-off to enter surface waters.

Waste

A waste management plan (WMP) will be prepared before construction begins. An important aspect of the WMP will be the collection and control of waste at site. Waste will be regularly collected from the working areas and placed in covered skips or similar containers. Hazardous wastes will be disposed of in accordance with the Hazardous Waste Regulations, 2005.

Pollution prevention and emergency response plans will also be prepared. All three plans will be agreed with the EAW and NCC.

Lighting

Should lighting units be required during construction, they will be designed and positioned to minimise glare and noise. In the event of lighting units being used for overnight works, local residents will be given adequate warning.

Unplanned spillages

During construction, fuels and lubricants will be stored in accordance with the oil storage regulations, in appropriately bunded static tanks at the site establishment area, which will be located away from watercourses and other sensitive receptors and above the predicted flood level.

Electro-magnetic Field

Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are lines of force produced by electrically charged objects, which are often associated with the production, distribution, and use of electric power such as high-voltage distribution lines.

WPD recognise that EMFs are of concern to the general public. Extensive research has been undertaken worldwide but suggestions of negative impacts on health remain unsubstantiated. Although there is at present no UK legislation specific to EMFs, there are a number of guidelines published by bodies including those by the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

The EMF produced by power lines peaks underneath the conductors and falls rapidly with distance either side. A WPD desk-based assessment undertaken by WPD for the proposed overhead line connection shows that the maximum electric field that will be produced directly below the proposed line will be significantly weaker than the ICNIRP maximum guidelines for the public. In addition, and as the fields weaken rapidly over distance, the overhead connection is unlikely to pose any risk to public health.




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Project Environmental Management Plan

During the detailed design and construction stages of the project, the project environmental management plan (PEMP) will be the key mechanism ensuring that the mitigation measures identified in the ES are implemented, and that best environmental practices are followed. Environmental staff will be on site to guide and monitor construction activity.

In addition, six subject plans will be produced in support of the PEMP, namely the:

• Waste management plan;

• Water management plan;

• Traffic management plan;

• Pollution prevention plan;

• Emergency response plan; and

• Dust management plan.

The PEMP and the plans bulleted above provide a system in which to monitor and audit environmental performance.

In addition to the above, method statements and a variety of detailed, site-specific plans will be produced to cover all main construction activities. Where appropriate, these will be discussed and agreed with relevant statutory and non-statutory consultees prior to construction commencing.

A comprehensive programme of staff training and briefing will be carried out, and activities will be conducted in such a way that impacts on the environment are kept to an absolute minimum.

4 Conclusion

In accordance with its duties as the Transmission Licence holder, WPD has developed an overhead line that is technically and economically feasible on balance whilst having minimal environmental impact. The EIA has found the proposed overhead line connection is subject to limited significant effects within localised areas in relation to landscape and visual amenity.

It is recognised that landscape and visual impacts are inherent in a development of this type. The alternative route through Alexandra Docks would require a significant increase in the length of the route and could greatly disrupt nearby industries. The chosen route is the shortest possible travelling west from the Nevis Biomass Power Plant across the River Ebbw. Whilst in this locality the effects are considered to be significant, in the context of the area as a whole the line connection is not predicted to result in an overall deterioration in visual amenity.

5 Further

Information

Copies of the Planning Application, ES and other supporting documentation, are available for inspection at the following locations:

Newport City Council, Civic Centre, Godfrey Road, Newport NP20 4UR; and

Western Power Distribution, Ty Coch Way, Ty Coch, Cwmbran, Torfaen NP44 7HF.

Further copies (fees may be applicable) can be obtained from:

Catherine Mackay, RSK Environment Ltd, Regus House, Malthouse Avenue, Cardiff Gate Business Park, Cardiff CF23 8RU.

Further information regarding the proposed development can be obtained from:

Peter Trussler, Development Director, Ground Floor, Tuscan House, 5 Beck Court, Cardiff Gate Business Park, Cardiff CF23 8RP.

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