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Gowy Landfill on behalf of Axis Ltd. Ecological Assessment

Gowy Landfill Ecological Assessment

Document Control

Project Name: Gowy Landfill

Project Number: AxisL-043-788

Report Title Ecological Assessment

Issue Date Notes Prepared Reviewed

V1 21/06/16 Draft for client approval C. Baldock U Maginn

V2 23/06/2016 Final C Baldock U Maginn

This report has been prepared in accordance with the terms and conditions of appointment [on request]. Avian Ecology Ltd. (6839201) cannot accept any responsibility for any use of or reliance on the contents of this report by any third party.


CONTENTS

SUMMARY .............................................................................................. I

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................. 1

1.1 Background ........................................................................................................ 1

1.2 Site Overview ..................................................................................................... 1

1.3 Legislative Framework, Planning Policy and Guidance ....................................... 2

2 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................. 3

2.1 Desktop Study .................................................................................................... 3

2.2 Field Survey ....................................................................................................... 3

3 BASELINE ....................................................................................... 4

3.1 Designated Sites for Nature Conservation ......................................................... 4

3.2 Habitats ............................................................................................................. 5

3.3 Protected and Notable Species .......................................................................... 6

3.4 Invasive Non-native Species ............................................................................... 8

4 DISCUSSION ................................................................................... 8

4.1 Overview............................................................................................................ 8

4.2 Designated Sites and Habitats............................................................................ 8

4.3 Protected and Notable Species .......................................................................... 9

5 SUMMARY - ECOLOGY PRIORITY MATRIX ..................................... 11

FIGURES

Figure 1: Phase 1 Habitat Plan

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Photographs


Appendix 2: eDNA survey results

Gowy Landfill Ecological Assessment i

SUMMARY

Avian Ecology Limited was commissioned to undertake an Ecological Assessment in relation to the proposed 6-year extension of consented operations at Gowy Landfill, on behalf of Axis Ltd. The land subject to survey comprised a land parcel in the north eastern corner of the landfill, where tipping works are currently already consented.

This report subsequently presents baseline information on habitats and ecological features both within the Site and the immediate surrounding area. The potential presence of protected species and habitats is identified, in the context of information from previous ecological surveys and mitigation and enhancement works undertaken as part of previous consents.

The Assessment has been informed by a desk-based review and Extended Phase 1 habitat survey, and eDNA survey and with reference to the Environmental Statement prepared for a 2008 application to increase the landfill capacity (Axis, 2008).

The Site comprised a parcel of land in the north eastern corner of the Gowy Landfill Site, to the north of Cell 4.3 as shown on the Proposed General Arrangement (Drawing Number 1757-01-02). This land had been subject to recent clearance, but now supported natural regeneration comprising damp semi-improved grassland and tall ruderals, with areas of rush and reed cover and scattered willow scrub at the time of survey.

Two waterbodies were also present (ponds 1 and 2). Pond 2 was subject to an eDNA survey to test for the presence of great crested newt. Pond 1 was too shallow to obtain samples for testing and was similarly unsuitable for conventional survey.

As a precaution, it is proposed that pre-construction checks for badger and water vole will be undertaken prior to deferred works commencing to ensure that no effects will occur on notable and protected species.

With the implementation of these measures, the potential for adverse impacts on protected and notable species or habitats is considered to be negligible.

Gowy Landfill Ecological Assessment 1

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

1.1.1 Avian Ecology Limited was commissioned by Axis Ltd. to undertake an Ecological Assessment in relation to the proposed 6-year extension of the operational life of the Gowy Landfill site. The proposed extension would be under a Section 73 application and relates to a specific area of the landfill lying to the north of Cell 4.3 as shown on the Proposed General Arrangement (Drawing Number 1757-01-02), and is referred to hereafter as the ‘Site’.

1.1.2 The proposal Site is encompassed within the currently consented landfill operations. This is a parcel of land in the northern extent of the landfill, in which future waste tipping operations are already consented.

1.1.3 The objectives of the Assessment are:

Provide baseline information on the current habitats and ecological features both within the Site and in the immediately surrounding area;

Identify the proximity of any designated sites for nature conservation interest and provide an assessment of any potential effects the proposed time extension may have on these;

Identify the presence or potential presence of any protected species or habitats and provide an assessment of any potential effects the proposed time extension may have on these; and,

Provide recommendations for further pre-construction checks and / or mitigation measures, if required, and provide an outline of proposed habitat enhancements, if applicable.

1.1.4 The Assessment has comprised a desk based review of accessible online resources, Extended Phase 1 habitat survey and e-DNA survey for great crested newts. Reference is made to the Environmental Statement prepared for the 2008 application to increase the landfill capacity (Axis, 2008).

1.1.5 The Assessment refers to relevant legislation, planning policy and guidance as appropriate.

1.2 Site Overview

1.2.1 The Site comprises a parcel of land in the northern extent of the landfill. The area supports semi-natural habitats including tall ruderals, damp grassland and waterbodies, on land that has been subject to extensive human disturbance. The River Gowy lies c. 290m west of the land parcel and adjacent to the Gowy Landfill and the wider landscape predominantly comprises farmland, with the hamlet of Wimbolds Trafford c. 360m east. The Gowy Meadows Site of Biological Interest (SBI), which supports unimproved acidic damp grassland, is situated adjacent to the Site to the north.


1.3 Legislative Framework, Planning Policy and Guidance

1.3.1 Reference has been made to the following key pieces of legislation, planning policy and guidance listed in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1: Key legislation, planning policy and guidance.

European

Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (hereafter referred to as the ‘Habitats Directive’); and,

Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conservation of wild birds (codified version of Directive 79/409/EEC as amended) (hereafter referred to as the ‘Birds Directive’).

National

The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, as amended (hereafter referred to as the ‘Habitat Regulations’);

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended);

Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000;

Protection of Badgers Act 1992;

Hedgerow Regulations 1997

Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (2006);

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF);

‘Birds of Conservation Concern 4’ (Eaton et al., 2015)1;

The United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP);

The Bat Conservation Trust - Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (3rd

Ed.). (Collins et al., 2016

2); and

BS 42020:2013 Biodiversity – Code of Practice for Planning and Development.

Local

The Cheshire West and Cheshire Local Plan (adopted 29 January 2015).3

The Cheshire Biodiversity Action Plan (Cheshire LBAP) is not currently available on-line (June 2016).

1.3.2 The ‘UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework’ succeeds the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) and

‘Conserving Biodiversity – the UK Approach’. The lists of priority species and habitats agreed under UK BAP still form the basis of much biodiversity work and are therefore considered within this report in the context of the objectives of the Biodiversity Framework. BAPs identify habitats and species of nature conservation priority on a UK (UK BAP) and Local (LBAP) scale. UK BAPs formed the basis for statutory lists of priority species and habitats in England under Section 41 (England) of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006, and so are also relevant in the context of this legislation.

1 Eaton, M., Aebischer, N., Brown, A., Hearn, R., Lock, L., Musgrove, A., Noble, D,. Stroud, D. and Gregory, R (2015).

Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the population status of birds in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. British Birds, 108, pp708-746. 2 Collins et al. (2016) Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines. 3

rd edition, BCT: London

3http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/your_council/policies_and_performance/council_plans_and_strategies/p

lanning_policy/local_plan.aspx


2 METHODOLOGY

2.1 Desktop Study

2.1.1 A desktop study was undertaken to identify any known existing features or species of ecological importance within the study area (as defined below).

2.1.2 The desk study included a review of relevant policy and guidance and sought to identify any statutory designated sites for nature conservation through a review of the Natural England, JNCC and Multi Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC)4. A 2km search radius was adopted for all statutory designated sites.

2.1.3 The following data search parameters were used:

All statutory designated sites within a 2km radius; and

Special Protected Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) located within a 10km radius.

2.1.4 Reference was made to Ordnance Survey maps of the wider area and online aerial images (www.google.co.uk/maps) in order to determine any features of nature conservation interest in the wider area.

2.1.5 The Cheshire Wildlife Trust website was accessed to obtain information on the Gowy Meadows SBI5.

2.2 Field Survey

Extended Phase I Habitat Survey

2.2.1 An Extended Phase 1 habitat survey of the Site was undertaken on the 7th June by C Baldock MRes ACIEEM. The survey followed UK industry standard Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Phase 1 Habitat Methodology (JNCC, 2010) and with reference to the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland (CIEEM, 2016). The extent of the survey area is detailed in Figure 1 and Site photographs are presented in Appendix 1.

2.2.2 Habitats within the survey area were mapped and described using a series of ‘target notes’ (TNs). The survey was extended to include the additional recording of specific features indicating the presence, or likely presence, of protected species, invasive species and other species of conservation significance.

eDNA Survey – Great crested newts

2.2.3 Two waterbodies were identified within the Site. One of these supported very shallow water with deep mud at the time of survey, with most of its area being exposed wet mud and was not suitable for survey.

2.2.4 The other waterbody, present within the north eastern corner of the Site, was subject to environmental DNA (eDNA) survey by C Baldock MRes ACIEEM, a licensed great crested newt surveyor, assisted by U Maginn MSc MCIEEM, to ascertain the presence/ likely absence of great crested newts Triturus cristatus. Samples were collected following Natural England’s advice note

4 http://www.magic.gov.uk.

5 http://www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves/gowy-meadows.


WC1067: Appendix 5. Technical advice note for the field and laboratory sampling of great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) environmental DNA (2014). Laboratory analysis was undertaken by SureScreen Scientifics.

Limitations of Survey

2.2.5 Access was only available for habitats within the land ownership boundary and therefore habitats outside of this were not subject to a full habitat survey, although broad habitat types and boundary features were recorded and no significant constraints were encountered.

2.2.6 Part of the perimeter of the pond subject to eDNA survey supported dense bramble cover and was therefore not accessible, however samples could be obtained from over 80% of the pond’s perimeter.

3 BASELINE

3.1 Designated Sites for Nature Conservation

3.1.1 A review of MAGIC confirmed that the proposed Site is not located within any statutory designated site for nature conservation.

3.1.2 Statutory Sites are detailed within Table 3.1 and presented on Figure 2. No statutory sites are present within 2km of the Site.

Table 3.1: Statutory designated sites. SAC: Special Area of Conservation; SPA: Special Protection Area.

Site name and Code

Distance and direction

Details

Mersey Estuary SPA

c. 4.3km N Qualifying features:

Common shelduck Tadorna tadorna;

Teal Anas crecca;

Pintail A. acuta;

Golden plover Pluvialis apricaria;

Dunlin Calidris alpina;

Black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa;

Redshank Tringa tetanus; and

Waterbird assemblage.

River Dee and Bala Lake SAC

c. 6.4km SW Designated for the following:

Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculiun fluitantis and Calitricho-Batrachion vegetation;

Atlantic salmon Salmo salar; and

Floating water-plantain Luronium natans.

With the following species present as qualifying interests:

Sea lamprey Petomyzon marinus;

Brook lamprey Lampetra planeri;

River lamprey L. fluviatilis;

Bullhead Cottus gobio; and


Site name and Code

Distance and direction

Details

Otter Lutra lutra.

3.1.3 The Gowy Meadows SBI is located adjacent to the Site. This SBI is an extensive area of lowland grazing marsh, supporting aquatic invertebrates including mud snail Omphiscola glabra and lesser silver water beetle Hydrochara caraboides and several locally uncommon plant species.

3.2 Habitats

3.2.1 This section should be read in conjunction with the Phase 1 Habitat Plan presented as Figure 1, Target Notes (TNs) presented in Table 3.2 and photographs presented in Appendix 1.

3.2.2 The Site comprised a parcel of land in the north eastern corner of the Gowy Landfill Site, to the north of the Phase 4 operational area. This land had been subject to recent clearance, but now supported natural regeneration comprising semi-improved damp grassland and tall ruderals, with areas of rush and reed cover and scattered willow Salix sp. scrub at the time of survey. An area with large tussocks of soft rush Juncus effusus was present, with stands of reedmace Typha latifolia in the wettest areas. A flood defence bund ran along the northern perimeter (TN1).

3.2.3 Tall ruderals included cleavers Galium aparine, rosebay willowherb Chamerion angustifolium, spear thistle Cirsium vulgare and nettle Urtica dioica and the grasses included cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata, tufted hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus and false oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius.

3.2.4 Scattered wild turnip Brassica rapa plants were also present and patches of redshank Pesicaria maculosa and fat hen Chenopodium album and occasional celery-leaved buttercup Ranunculus sceleratus in more sparsely vegetated disturbed ground along the southern edge of the Site (TN2).

3.2.5 Two waterbodies were present. The largest of these (pond 1) was very shallow at the time of survey, with all but the central area comprising exposed wet mud. Gulls (lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus, common gull Larus canus) and a grey heron Ardea cinerea were present and the waterbody itself was devoid of aquatic plants. The second (pond 2) was a deeper roughly rectangular manmade waterbody surrounded by a dense stand of reedmace.

3.2.6 A dry ditch was present along the eastern Site margin and a well vegetated wet ditch was present in the south western corner, connected to the larger waterbody pond 1. This supported species including callitriche, soft rush and reedmace. Additionally, a wet ditch was present along the southern boundary, adjacent to the working tip, and this was open with limited vegetation and some refuse which had spilled over from the tip. It did not offer any suitability for protected species.

3.2.7 A line of trees was present along the eastern margin, with species including aspen Populus tremula, willow, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and elder Samcucus nigra, and a line of aspen trees was present to the north.

Table 3.2: Target Notes

Target Note

Comment

TN1 Flood defence bund present along northern perimeter. This was built to prevent storm inundation. It supported coltsfoot Tussilago farfara and lesser trefoil Trifolium dubium.

TN2 Patches of redshank Pesicaria maculosa, fat hen Chenopodium album and occasional celery-leaved buttercup Ranunculus sceleratus in more sparsely vegetated disturbed


Target Note

Comment

ground along the southern edge of the Site.

TN3 c. 1.5m wide ditch with shallow, well vegetated banks. This supported species including callitriche, soft rush Juncus effusus and reedmace Typha latifolia.

TN4 Marginal vegetation around pond 2, predominantly reedmace.

TN5 Dead standing tree trunk with low potential for roosting bats.

3.3 Protected and Notable Species

Flora

3.3.1 Ditches within the adjacent Gowy Meadows SBI are moderately species-rich and known to contain several locally uncommon species including water violet Hottonia palustris, bladderwort Utricularia australis and whorl-grass Catabrosa aquatica. The ditches within the SBI are being managed on a rotational basis to provide favourable conditions for the colonisation of these species and new ditches have been created to compensate for the loss of ditches as a result of the landfill operations.

3.3.2 None of these species were observed within, or on the banks of, the on-Site ditch. Previous mitigation works have included the transplantation of individual water violet plants from the wider landfill site to the adjacent SBI and therefore the potential for the presence is considered low.

Birds

3.3.3 The Site is considered likely to support a suite of breeding birds typical of the region and habitats. This is likely to include some ‘red-listed’ or ‘amber-listed’ species of local conservation value, as detailed in Eaton et al., ( 2015), such as dunnock Prunella modularis and fieldfare Turdus pilaris. Most breeding species will be restricted to the line of trees along the Site boundary, although the scattered willow shrubs also provide some potential. Lapwing has been recorded at the Gowy Meadows SBI, with the presence of one or two breeding pairs. This species is very unlikely to nest within the Site due to the high levels of human disturbance and height of the ruderal vegetation.

3.3.4 The Site was not considered to provide suitable nesting habitat for species listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

3.3.5 Barn owls Tyto alba are known to frequent the local area and the Site provides suitable habitat for foraging individuals but does not contain any features suitable for nesting barn owl.. As part of the mitigation and enhancement for the original planning application, 3 nesting boxes were erected for barn owl on nearby land associated with the landfill, one of which was occupied by breeding barn owls in 2007.

Bats

3.3.6 The Site provides some foraging interest for bats, with the highest value features being the line of trees along the eastern boundary and the poplar plantation to the north.

3.3.7 Several dead standing tree trunks were present along the line of poplar trees north of the Site. One of these had linear cracks which provided low potential for roosting bats (TN5). No mature trees were present within the Site and no other roost potential was noted within trees just beyond the Site margins, although a detailed inspection was not carried out.


Badger

3.3.8 No field signs of badgers or evidence of setts was identified during habitat survey.

3.3.9 Badgers are likely to be present in the vicinity of the Site and may be present on the Site on an occasional basis.

Otter and Water Vole

3.3.10 Water voles have been relocated from several ditches within the Gowy Landfill site as part of the originally consented works. These were relocated into purposefully created ditches within the adjacent Gowy Meadows SBI, with subsequent monitoring indicating that the translocation was a success.

3.3.11 The wet ditch adjoining pond 1 had a suitable bank structure and good vegetation cover and was therefore considered to provide suitable habitat for water vole. A single small mammal hole was observed in the northern bank, but no associated definitive signs of water vole such as latrines, footprints or feeding lawns were present along the ditch. Exclusion fencing is present along the northern boundary of the Site to prevent water voles moving onto the Site and wider landfill area from the adjacent SBI.

3.3.12 Otter is known to be present along the adjacent stretch of the River Gowy and may frequent the ponds and ditch occasionally. No suitable resting up or holt locations were observed on Site during the survey. Mammal footprints were observed along the on-site ditch; these were indistinct but c. 3-3.5cm wide, and of a size and shape indicative of mink Mustela vison.

Amphibians

3.3.13 Previous surveys at the Gowy Landfill site identified the presence of a small breeding population of great crested newts Triturus cristatus. These were from ponds located in the Woodland Park to the south of the landfill site. Ten individuals were also found within one of the working areas and were translocated to Woodland Park under licence. Great crested newts are also present in the Gowy Meadows SBI in the area to the north of the M56.

3.3.14 The eDNA test result for the pond in the north eastern corner of the Site (pond 2) was negative (Appendix 2). Although not conclusive, the eDNA test indicates that this pond does not support great crested newts.

3.3.15 The waterbody along the western margin (pond 1) largely comprised exposed wet mud and the water was too shallow to obtain samples for eDNA testing. Any sample of this pond would also have likely contained high levels of sediment which can cause inhibition of the PCR analysis used to detect GCN eDNA within samples which can lead to an indeterminate result. This waterbody was subject to high levels of disturbance from gulls and was devoid of macrophyte cover and therefore considered unsuitable for breeding great crested newt.

3.3.16 The tall ruderals, damp grassland and scattered scrub provide potetially suitable temporary cover and foraging habitat for amphibians, but given the negative result from the pond, the likely presence of this species is considered low.

Reptiles

3.3.17 The ditch margins and tall grassland offer potential for reptiles such as grass snake Natrix natrix and individuals may be present on a temporary basis.


Other Notable Species

3.3.18 The Gowy Meadows SBI are known to support several notable invertebrate species; mud snail Omphiscola glabra and lesser silver water beetle Hydrochara caraboides. Neither species is considered likely to be present within the on-Site ditch.

3.3.19 No other protected or notable species are considered likely to be regularly present.

3.4 Invasive Non-native Species

3.4.1 No invasive non-native species were identified on Site or adjacent areas during the field survey.

4 DISCUSSION

4.1 Overview

4.1.1 The Site lies within land on which is covered by the currently consented operations and the planning permission relates solely to the extension in the operational lifetime of the working period. No additional land take is required and no new or different activities to those already consented are proposed. The direct effects of the landfill works on habitats and protected species would be broadly in line with those covered by a previously consented application and for which extensive mitigation and enhancement works have already been implemented, particularly within the Gowy Meadows SBI adjacent to the Site.

4.1.2 The potential effects therefore relate to the longer period of operational works and delayed completion of site restoration, and the potential effects of this delay where there have been changes to on-Site baseline habitat and species conditions over time.

4.1.3 The potential effects of the extension of the lifetime of the project on habitats and on protected and notable species is discussed within this section. The proximity of statutory and non-statutory designated sites and potential effects on their qualifying interests is discussed where relevant. Measures are proposed for the protection of sensitive habitats and recommendations are made for further pre-construction surveys and mitigation, if required.

4.1.4 This section also introduces opportunities for post-development habitat enhancement as part of the proposed project for the benefit of local biodiversity.

4.2 Designated Sites and Habitats

4.2.1 The Site does not form part of any statutory designated site for nature conservation. No statutory designated sites are located within the 2km search radius.

4.2.2 The potential for the extension of the lifetime of the project to affect qualifying interest species of the Mersey Estuary SPA is discounted due to the absence of suitable habitat and the absence of direct pathways of linkage between the Site and the River Dee and Bala Lake SAC.

4.2.3 No additional direct impacts are anticipated on habitats within the Site or on the adjacent Gowy Meadows SBI as a result to the proposed change to the project timescale.

4.2.4 The prolonged works would delay completion of the restoration of the Gowy Landfill site; however a progressive restoration of habitats will be undertaken as part of a phased approach and much of the wider landfill site has already been filled and restored. The effects of this delay on the local ecological resource are therefore anticipated to be minor. The Gowy Meadows SBI also provides favourable habitat of a similar nature within the adjacent landscape.


4.2.5 The infill of land within the Site is also proposed on a phased basis, with the northern extent being the last to be infilled. In the meantime, short term management measures are proposed for pond 2, including pond enlargement and the installation of a valve to control water levels, although the waterbody will remain as a positive habitat feature over its lifetime.

4.2.6 The discharge of water from the Gowy Landfill would continue to be subject to stringent controls in agreement with the Environment Agency and as such would not be anticipated to have a discernible effect on the River Gowy or the Gowy Meadows SBI. The design and management of restoration areas has been designed to ensure that runoff from these areas does not cause eutrophication of sensitive habitats within the adjacent SBI.

4.2.7 Ongoing practices to reduce the numbers of gulls at the landfill site and to minimise the generation and spread of dust onto adjacent land will be continued during the extended lifetime of the project. These measures have been successful in preventing observable adverse effects on the adjacent SBI to date and the effects of the prolonged operation of the landfill are therefore considered negligible.

4.3 Protected and Notable Species

Birds

4.3.1 In order to avoid impacts on nesting birds and to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), it is recommended that operational works requiring soil stripping and vegetation removal takes place outside of the bird breeding season (March-August inclusive). If vegetation works are unavoidable during the breeding season, suitable nesting areas should be inspected by a suitably experienced ecologist prior to works commencing. Only when the ecologist is satisfied that no offence will occur under the legislation will works be permitted to proceed.

4.3.2 No species listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) are considered likely to be present and no additional measures are considered necessary other than those already stated.

Bats

4.3.3 The effect of the prolonged operational lifetime of the landfill on bats is anticipated to be negligible. No features with bat roost potential were identified within the Site and the line of trees adjacent to the Site will not be affected by the proposed works.

4.3.4 The on-going progressive nature of the restoration works across the landfill will ensure that broadly equivalent grassland and tall ruderal foraging habitats of a similar nature to those within the Site gradually become available for bats during the extended period of operation.

Badger

4.3.5 No setts were identified within or immediately adjacent to the Site; however badgers are likely to be locally present.

4.3.6 A pre-construction check for badger setts should be completed by a suitably qualified ecologist immediately prior to commencement of works. If evidence of an active badger sett is found, then measures to ensure no harm or damage ensue should be implemented in accordance with the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. If an active sett is to be lost as a result of the development, a derogation licence from Natural England may be required.


Otter and Water Vole

4.3.7 No signs of either species were observed within the Site and the presence of water vole within the on-Site ditch is considered unlikely given the presence of exclusion fencing preventing the movement of individuals from the SBI to the north. No additional effects are anticipated on either species as a result of the prolonged period of these consented works.

4.3.8 As a precautionary measure, a pre-construction check for the presence of water vole is proposed immediately prior to the commencement of infill operations that will affect the ditch.

4.3.9 Previously implemented mitigation, in the form of the creation of new ditches within the Gowy Meadows SBI provides suitable equivalent habitats within adjacent land and no net loss of water vole and otter habitat is anticipated.

Amphibians

4.3.10 Great crested newts have not been recorded in the area of the Site proposed for infill works during previous survey effort, although known to be present locally. The eDNA survey result indicated that great crested newts are not present within pond 2, and pond 1 was not considered suitable for breeding due to the absence of macrophytes and high disturbance levels from gulls.

4.3.11 The potential effects on amphibians, resulting from the extended lifetime of the landfill operations, are considered to be negligible.

Reptiles

4.3.12 No additional effects are anticipated on reptiles as a result of the prolonged period of the consented works.

Other species

4.3.13 No other species are considered pertinent in relation to the proposed development.


5 SUMMARY - ECOLOGY PRIORITY MATRIX

Feature Status / Legal Protection Recommended Further Actions Recommended Mitigation / Enhancement Measures

Designated Sites BHS n/a n/a

General Habitat n/a n/a Implementation of proposed measures to enhance pond 2.

Birds Annex 1, WCA, S41, UKBAP

Nest searches / pre-commencement surveys if construction works including site clearance activities are proposed during breeding/nesting season (01st March to 31st August).

Vegetation clearance to avoid breeding season.

Bats WCA, Habitat Regs. 2010 n/a n/a

Badger Protection of Badgers Act 1992 Pre-construction search for new badger setts

n/a

Otter and Water Vole WCA, Habitat Regs. 2010 Pre-construction check for water vole.

n/a

Reptiles and Amphibians WCA, Habitat Regs. 2010 n/a n/a

Other Species S41, UKBAP n/a n/a

Invasive species n/a n/a n/a Ecology Priority Matrix Key BHS – Biological Heritage Site Annex 1 – Listed on Annex I of the Birds Directive WCA – Listed on Schedule 1, 5, 8 or 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)

Habitat Regs. 2010 – Listed on Schedule 2, 3, or 4 of the Habitats Regulations S41 – Species listed on Section 41 of the NERC Act UK/LBAP – UK/Local Biodiversity Action Plan


FIGURES:

Figure 1: Phase 1 Habitat Plan


APPENDIX 1

Photographs


Photo 1: General view of Site.

Photo 2: Pond 1.

Photo 3: Pond 2.


Photo 4: Wet on-site ditch adjoining pond 1.

Photo 5: Dry ditch along eastern margin.


Photo 6: Ditch along southern margin.

Photo 7: General vegetation across the Site.


APPENDIX 2

eDNA Survey Results

Technical Report

Confidential

Forensic Scientists and Consultant Engineers

SureScreen Scientifics Division Ltd, Morley Retreat, Church Lane, Morley, Derbyshire, DE7 6DE, UK Tel: +44 (0)1332 292003 Email: [email protected]

Company Registration No. 2733607

Page 1 of 3

Folio No D1856

Report No: 1

Client: Avian Ecology

Order No: Attn: Emma Ratcliffe

Date: 13th June 2016

TECHNICAL REPORT

EXAMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL DNA

IN POND WATER FOR THE DETECTION OF

GREAT CRESTED NEWTS

T.Wood

Technical Report

Confidential




Page 2 of 3

Methodology

When Great Crested Newts (GCN) inhabit a pond, they deposit traces of their DNA in the water as evidence of their presence. By sampling the water we can analyse these small environmental traces to detect GCN inhabitation.

The laboratory testing is conducted in two phases. The sample first goes through an extraction process where all 6 tubes are pooled together to acquire as much eDNA as possible. The pooled sample is then tested via real time PCR (or q-PCR). This process amplifies select part of DNA allowing it to be detected and measured.

qPCR combines PCR amplification and detection into a single step. This eliminates the need to detect products using gel electrophoresis. With qPCR, fluorescent dyes specific to the target sequence are used to label PCR products during thermal cycling. The accumulation of fluorescent signal during the exponential phase of the reaction is measured for fast and objective data analysis.

The primers used in this process are specific to a part of mitochondrial DNA only found in GCN ensuring no other DNA is amplified.

Samples are tested in a clean room and the different phases of testing are kept separate to reduce any risk of cross contamination.

Each pooled sample is replicated 12 times to ensure results are accurate. If one of the twelve replicates tests positive the sample is declared positive. The sample is only declared negative if no replicates show amplification.

Inhibition and degradation checks are also carried out on each sample using a known DNA marker. Results of these quality control tests are recorded with each sample.

Technical Report

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Page 3 of 3

Results

Lab Ref Sample Co-Ordinates

Inhibition Check

Sample integrity

Result

eDNA22613 AEL-030 - Acceptable Acceptable Negative

Advice Negative results may not indicate the absence of GCN just the presence of eDNA below the detection limits of the method. However this method is extremely sensitive. It is still advised to survey a pond using traditional methods within 2km of a positive result or a known habitat for GCN. Positive results may be true positives but also may be due to contamination of samples from another pond or improper sampling technique. Please ensure traditional surveys are performed on positive ponds and care is taken to avoid spreading GCN DNA. Samples undergo integrity scores to check for degradation post sampling. Samples which are not acceptable should be re-sampled. Sample integrity scores are based on the amount of degradation of an artificial DNA marker placed in the kits and analysed by qPCR.

PCR inhibitors can cause false results. Every effort is made to clean the sample pre-analysis however some inhibitors cannot be extracted. An unacceptable inhibition check will cause an indeterminate sample and must be sampled again.

Analysed and reported By: Thomas Wood

Checked and approved: Andy Penny

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