Natura Impact Statement (NIS) · screening process, that significant impacts on a Natura 2000 site...

Natura Impact Statement (NIS)

St.Coleman’s Church refurbishment and ancillary

works, Ballycotton, Co. Cork

18902-6004-A Natura Impact Statement June 2018


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ISSUE FORM

Project number 19033

Document number 6004

Document revision A

Document title Natura Impact Statement (NIS)

Document status Final

Document prepared by MKy-MWP-June 2018

Document checked by CoN-MWP-June 20th 2018


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Table of contents

1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 2

1.1 Background ...................................................................................................................... 2

2 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ................................................................................... 2

2.1 Appropriate Assesment Guidance ..................................................................................... 2

2.2 Desk Study ........................................................................................................................ 2

2.3 Field Surveys ..................................................................................................................... 3

2.4 Consultation ..................................................................................................................... 3

2.4.1 Data request NPWS ............................................................................................................................... 3

2.4.2 Data request from BWI ......................................................................................................................... 3

2.5 Assessment of Potentially Significant Effects ..................................................................... 3

3 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT .......................................................................................... 4

3.1.1 Site Location .......................................................................................................................................... 4

3.1.2 Description of site ................................................................................................................................. 5

3.1.3 Purpose of the project .......................................................................................................................... 6

3.1.4 Characteristics of the proposal ............................................................................................................. 6

3.1.5 Identification of Other Projects or Plans or Activities ........................................................................... 8

4 IDENTIFICATION OF NATURA 2000 SITES .................................................................... 9

4.1 Characteristics of Natura 2000 Site .................................................................................... 9

4.2 Description of Ballycotton Bay SPA (004022) ................................................................... 10

4.3 Identification of Potential Impacts ................................................................................... 10

5 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIALLY SIGNFICANT EFFECTS ................................................ 15

5.1 Water quality and resource ............................................................................................. 15

5.2 Habitat Loss/alteration ................................................................................................... 17

5.3 Disturbance/displacement of Species .............................................................................. 18

5.4 habitat or species fragmentation ..................................................................................... 20

5.5 Assessment of Potentially Significant Cumulative Effects ................................................. 20

5.5.1 Plans .................................................................................................................................................... 21

6 MITIGATION ............................................................................................................ 22

6.1 Seasonal timing of the works .......................................................................................... 22

6.2 Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) ............................................ 22

6.3 Watercourses (General Measures) ................................................................................... 22

6.3.1 Runoff and sediment control .............................................................................................................. 23

6.3.2 Concrete .............................................................................................................................................. 23


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6.3.3 Fuel and Oil Management Plan ........................................................................................................... 23

6.3.4 Plant management .............................................................................................................................. 24

6.4 Emergency Plans and Procedures .................................................................................... 24

6.5 Construction of coastal protection rock revetment .......................................................... 25

6.6 Disturbance to fauna (general measures)......................................................................... 25

6.7 Invasive Species Management ......................................................................................... 25

6.8 Maintenance of WWTP and surface water drainage ......................................................... 25

7 RESIDUAL IMPACTS.................................................................................................. 26

8 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................ 27

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Site location map ..................................................................................................................... 4

Figure 2: Site boundary ........................................................................................................................... 5

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Qualifying features of the Ballycotton Bay SPA ........................................................................ 9

Table 2: Identification of potentially significant impacts to the SCI of Ballycotton Bay SPA (004022) 11

Table 3: Rationale for no significant water quality impact to Ballycotton Bay SPA during

construction phase ............................................................................................................................... 16

Table 4: Non-breeding waterbirds included as SPA Species of Conservation Interest of Ballycotton

Bay and their principle supporting wetland habitat types within the SPA ........................................... 17

Table 12: Non-breeding waterbirds including SCI and non SCI species and their principal supporting

habitat types within the SPA. ................................................................................................................ 19

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1 Coastal Processes Study

19033-6004 Natura Impact Statement May 2018

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Summary of Findings of Natura Impact Statement

Project Title St. Coleman’s Church Refurbishment and ancillary works, Ballycotton, Co. Cork

Project Proponent Kiosk Architects

Project Location Ballycotton, Co. Cork

Natura Impact

Statement

In cases where an Appropriate Assessment is required a Natura Impact

Statement (NIS) is prepared and includes a report of a scientific examination of

evidence and data, carried out by competent persons to identify and classify any

implications of a project/plan, individually, or in combination with other plans or

projects, for Natura 2000 sites in view of the conservation objectives of the site.

Conclusion

A Natura Impact Statement has been undertaken to determine the significance

of the impact on Natura 2000 sites selected for further assessment in the

screening stage. Provided that the recommended mitigation measures are

implemented in full, it is considered that the project will not affect the integrity

of the Natura 2000 site assessed in this document;

Ballycotton Bay SPA


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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

The proposal consists of refurbishment and modifications to St. Coleman’s Church of Ireland for

flexible use as a hall including removal of the rear vestry annex and construction of an extension to

provide an entrance/linkage to the adjacent schoolhouse building, and ancillary services to include;

Refurbishment and modifications to former schoolhouse building and change of use from

residential to restaurant

Construction of a store buildings

Construction of open space and car parking area, including playground, picnic and seating

areas, vehicular and pedestrian entrances, pedestrian crossings, site grading, fencing and

rock armour to the northern site boundary (200m length)

Construction of a temporary wastewater treatment plant, surface water drainage and water

utility surfaces

All ancillary site development and landscape works

A Screening for Appropriate Assessment has been completed for the project. The Screening for

Appropriate Assessment was undertaken to determine the potential for likely significant effects of

the project, individually, or in combination with other plans or projects, on Natura 2000 sites in view

of those sites conservation objectives. It has been concluded during the Appropriate Assessment

screening process, that significant impacts on a Natura 2000 site may potentially occur, and could

not be ruled out at stage 1 for one Natura 2000 site; Ballycotton Bay SPA.

Thus a Natura Impact Statement is required to inform the Appropriate Assessment, which will be

carried out by the competent authority. This Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been undertaken by

Malachy Walsh and Partners ecologists. The test of the assessment is whether the plan or project

will have ‘an adverse effect on the integrity of the site’. Where potentially significant effects are

identified proven mitigation measures will be recommended.

Appropriate Assessment is the consideration of the impact on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site of

the project, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, with respect to the site’s

structure and function and its conservation objectives. Mitigation of these impacts can be

considered.

2 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

2.1 APPROPRIATE ASSESMENT GUIDANCE

This Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been undertaken in accordance with the European

Commission Methodological Guidance on the provision of Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the ‘Habitats’

Directive 92/43/EEC (EC, 2001) and the European Commission Guidance ‘Managing Natura 2000

sites’ (EC, 2000) and guidance prepared by the NPWS (DoEHLG, 2009).

2.2 DESK STUDY

In order to complete the NIS certain information on the existing environment was required. A desk

study was carried out to collate available information on the site’s natural environment. This

comprised a review of the following publications, data and datasets:


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OSI Aerial photography and 1:50000 mapping

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)

National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) (on-line map-viewer)

BirdWatch Ireland (BWI) on-line data sets

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water quality data

Southwestern River Basin District datasets (Water Framework Directive).

Geological Survey Ireland (GSI), area maps

Other information sources and reports footnoted in the course of the report

2.3 FIELD SURVEYS

An ecological site walkover was undertaken on the 16th April 2018 by Malachy Walsh and Partners

ecologist and coastal engineer. Habitats and ecological resources potentially impacted by the

development were identified. Habitats were categorised as per Fossitt (2000). Birds observed and

heard calling were recorded.

2.4 CONSULTATION

The local NPWS representative contacted regarding the proposed development highlighted the

importance of the shoreline and the bay for wintering bird species.

2.4.1 Data request NPWS

A data request was submitted to NPWS for records of any rare or protected flora and/or fauna,

2.4.2 Data request from BWI

The Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS) is the scheme that monitors wintering waterbirds in Ireland.

I-WeBS is jointly run by BWI and the NPW. The survey runs from September to March each winter.

Wetlands of all types and sizes are monitored, including estuaries, coastlines, bays, rivers, turloughs,

lakes, streams and flooded fields. I-WeBS involves conducting counts of all waterbirds at wetland

sites once per month from September to March on predefined count days.

A request for IWeBS data was submitted to BWI for the most recent monthly count data of winter

birds available for the Ballycotton Bay SPA.

2.5 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS

As set out in the NPWS guidance, the task of establishing whether a plan or project is likely to have

an effect on a Natura 2000 site(s) is based on a preliminary impact assessment using available

information and data, including that outlined above, and other available environmental information,

supplemented as necessary by local site information and ecological surveys. This is followed by a

determination of whether there is a risk that the effects identified could be significant. The

precautionary principle approach is required.

Once the potential impacts that may arise from the proposal are identified the significance of these

is assessed through the use of key indicators:

Habitat loss/alteration

Disturbance and/or displacement of species

Water quality and resource

Habitat or species fragmentation


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As mentioned, Stage 2 of Appropriate Assessment, otherwise known as Natura Impact Statement,

involves the consideration of the impact on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site of the project,

either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, with respect to the site’s structure and

function and its conservation objectives. Additionally, mitigation of these impacts can be considered.

In cases where an Appropriate Assessment is required a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) shall be

prepared and shall include a report of a scientific examination of evidence and data, carried out by

competent persons to identify and classify any implications for Natura 2000 sites in the view of the

conservation objectives of the site. The aim of the assessment is to provide a sufficient level of

information to the competent authority on which to base their appropriate assessment of the plan

or project. The plan or project should be fully described particularly in relation to the aspects that

could interact with the surrounding environment.

3 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

3.1.1 Site Location

The project development site is located adjacent to Ballycotton Bay, Co. Cork, to the north and south

of the R629 as it enters Ballycotton village. It encompasses the St. Colemans Church of England and

adjacent schoolhouse to the south as well as the agricultural fields to the north adjacent to the

shoreline of Ballycotton Bay. Figure 1 shows the site location map. Figure 2 shows the proposed site

boundary.

Figure 1: Site location map


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Figure 2: Site boundary

3.1.2 Description of site

The former St Colman’s Church of Ireland is situated at the junction of a local road with the R629

approximately 350m west of the centre of Ballycotton village. The church and the adjacent

schoolhouse and grounds are classified as buildings and artificial surfaces (BL3).

The proposed car parking area to the north of the main road opposite the church comprises two

improved agricultural grassland fields (GA1) delineated by stone walls (BL1) adjacent to the road.

The eastern most field is dominated by winter heliotrope (Petasites fragrans) a garden escape

invasive weed. This parcel of land is narrower than the western section owing to erosion. The length

of the site varies between approximately 45-80 metres north to south with the western parcel

noticeably wider than the eastern.

Rock revetment is proposed for the length of sedimentary cliff (CS3) associated with the proposed

car park (approximately 200m). The adjoining shoreline which is abutted by the sedimentary cliff is a

shingle and gravel shore (LS1) grading into a rocky shoreline. A sea wall (CC1) occurs on the shoreline

to the north east of the proposal site, while rock armour occurs along the shoreline for a length of

approximately 500m to the north-west. The mid to low shoreline is classified as a moderately

exposed rocky shore (LR2) dominated by barnacles Semibalanus balanoides, Chthamalus montagui

and the introduced Austrominius modestus, and seaweeds (Fucus spp.). Periwinkles (Littorina


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littorea), topshells (Osilinus lineata) and dogwhelks (Nucella lapillus) were abundant with frequent

limpits (Patella spp.). The upper shingle and gravel shore was delineated by a narrow band of

ephemeral green algae (Enteromorpha spp.) while the lower shoreline was dominated by reefs of

honeycomb worm (Saballaria alveolata). Overall species diversity and abundance was low, and there

was a distinct lack of mobile species on all zones of the shoreline.

The development area is underlain by sandstone and mudstone bedrock. The Corine1 landcover

category for the development area is ‘Discontinuous Urban Fabric’ with the surrounding lands to the

west and south categorised as ‘Pasture’ and ‘Arable Lands’.

3.1.3 Purpose of the project

The project forms part of local focused initiatives to promote visitor activities in the area and the

provision of community uses (playground and potential flexible hall use).

3.1.4 Characteristics of the proposal

The project will comprise several elements as described hereunder. Owing to the degree of exposure

of the area, rock armour is required to protect the proposed open space and car park and the

adjacent R629 from erosion. It is proposed to install rock armour for a length of approximately

200m to the northern site boundary.

A surface water drainage system will be established within the carparking area. This will be fitted

with a petrol interceptor and will discharge to the sea north of the site through rock armour which

will attenuate and control the rate of run-off from the site.

A temporary Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) designed to serve a population equivalent of 50

will also be constructed to service the proposed church and restaurant development until the

proposed new Ballycotton WTTP is commissioned. Effluent will be treated to an agreed standard of

20:30:20. The temporary WWTP will connect treated effluent to the municipal network (EPA

Regulation No. D0516-01). Emergency storage will also be provided on the temporary WWTP in

event of a power outage, which will pump to the main sewer.

Size, scale, area, land-take

Refurbishment and modifications to church and schoolhouse: 298m2

existing buildings, 19 m

2 demo. 120 m

2 new build within existing buildings and yards.

Construction of open space and car parking area: Change of use of 4850m2

improved agricultural grassland to car parking, picnic area, green area and playground. Construction of rock revetment: Total area of revetment 1600m

2. Rock

revetment will be placed within the boundary of the Ballycotton Bay SPA (004022) above the mean high water mark c. 15m from the cliff edge. The habitat in this location is described as shingle and gravel shore along the upper shoreline, grading to moderately exposed rocky shore from mid to lower shoreline.

Details of physical changes that will take place during the various stages of implementing the proposal

Church and schoolhouse - Demolition of existing annex between church and schoolhouse and

removal of various existing additions to schoolhouse. - Construction of new entrance and services including glass junction to rear

wall of church and grass roof to south east of church. This annex will link the church and schoolhouse and provide toilets, storage and offices.

- Formation of new fire escape from church

1 https://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/Map


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- Alteration of schoolhouse to a 60 seater restaurant - Modification of two schoolhouse walls to provide additional glazing. - All existing windows onto west boundary to be blocked; with rooflights

introduced in lieu. - Refurbishment of existing church into flexible hall. Open space and car parking - Excavation of 2880m

3 soil and topsoil to reduce existing ground levels to

0.6 - Construction of 68 space car park - Construction of a public playground (300m

2 to the north west of the site)

- Grassed areas along cliff Rock revetment Construct a rock armour revetment along the eroding cliff face north of the car park to a crest height of 4.95m AoDM and at a slope of 1 in 1.5. The revetment will be sloped from bottom to top and will comprise;

3m rock armour

Loose rock

Grass slope The top 1m of the cliff will be r-graded to a safe slope of 1 in 2 to avoid any sudden collapses during construction and thereafter Ancillary works - Construction of an on-site waste water treatment system to the east of the

carpark with connection to public mains - Construction of surface water drainage system to serve the carparking area

with outfall to sea. The drainage system will be fitted with a petrol interceptor.

- Construction of a new pavement and pedestrian crossing to the north of the church

Description of resource requirements for the construction/operation and decommissioning of the proposal (water resources, construction material, human presence etc)

Church and schoolhouse 1.7m

3 glass

100 m3 masonry (sourced county cork)

30m3 gypsum

20m3 timber

4m3 ceramics

2m3 metals (structural steel, aluminium windows and flashings)

No. of construction personnel during construction – 10-20 personnel No. of personnel during operation – 15-20 personnel Carpark and amenities 1 no. Excavator to remove soil and subsoil 970m

3 granular fill 1800 tonnes in 72 trucks

160m3 tarmacadam

Rock revetment To construct the revetment a long reach excavator will be required. The following materials will be imported into the site: - 6000 T of Primary Rock Armour 220Trucks - 5000T Underlayer Rock -200Trucks - 5000T Granular fill material -200 Trucks - 500T Topsoil 25 Trucks - 4000m

2 of Geotextile 1 truck delivery

Ancillary works - Surface water drainage and outfall to sea - A temporary WWTP to serve 50 p.e. will connect directly to the municipal

network at the boundary of the car park site.

Description of timescale for the various activities that will take place as a result of implementation (including likely start and finish date)

- The rock armour Revetment is likely to take 8-10weeks - The car park works will take approximately 12 weeks - The drainage works will take approximately 8 weeks - The wastewater works will take approximately 6 weeks - The structural works will take approximately 35 weeks


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Commencement of development is dependent on planning permission, it is anticipated that the construction period will last approximately 12-15months with the intention to complete in a single phase

Description of wastes arising and other residues (including quantities) and their disposal

- There will be no waste associated with rock armour revetment: 300mm3 of

topsoil will be removed to facilitate construction of revetment and will be reused for landscaping

- There will be no waste associated with carpark works. Any soil removed during excavation not required for landscaping will be removed from the site.

- Waste associated with general construction activities is estimated to be 40 tonnes of mixed waste including glass, masonry, gypsum, timber, ceramics, metals.

Drainage - A new surface water drainage system serviced by a petrol interceptor will

serve the open space and car parking area. Discharges will outfall directly to the sea.

WWTP - Operation of the WWTP will include pre-treatment of 2700l of effluent

water and 2.7kg of BODs (pre-treatment). Effluent will be treated to 20/30/20 standard and discharged to Irish Water sewers (municipal network – EPA Reg No. D0516-01)

Identification of wastes arising and other residues (including quantities) that may be of particular concern in the context of the Natura 2000 network

Fuels and oils will be present on-site which pose a risk to Natura 2000 sites were a fuel spill or oil leak to occur. A fuel management and spill contingency plan will be in place.

Description of any additional services required to implement the project or plan, their location and means of construction

A temporary site compound will be located on the proposed carpark site. A landscaping plan will be incorporated into the proposed development.

Additional criteria as described

N/A

3.1.5 Identification of Other Projects or Plans or Activities

Plans

The relevant plans that could interact with the project are;

Cork County Development Plan; and

Cork County Local Area Plan – East Cork Municipal District.

Other projects

A search of the recent planning applications in the area was carried out using the Cork County

Council online planning system. Planning applications in the immediate area relate to extensions and

renovations to existing dwellings, an extension to the local primary school as well as extension and

retention of a local seafood plant.

Ballycotton Sewerage Scheme

It is proposed to build a new Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) to serve a population equivalent

of 1,100 along with new pumping stations and sewer pipes to accommodate the increase in


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population and to facilitate future growth and development in the area. The Ballycotton Sewerage

Scheme is scheduled for completion in 2021.

On-going activities

Ballycotton hosts a number of recreational activities including the Ballycotton cliff walk and

Ballycotton Island and lighthouse tours which bring high numbers of visitors to the village annually.

The Ballycotton Bay is a popular fishing and angling location, as well as a water sports destination.

The surrounding landscape is dominated by arable and pastureland with agriculture being the

predominant landuse activity.

4 IDENTIFICATION OF NATURA 2000 SITES

The Screening for Appropriate Assessment was undertaken to determine the potential for likely

significant effects of the project, individually, or in combination with other plans or projects, in view

of the conservation objectives of the site on a Natura 2000 Site. It has been objectively concluded

during the screening process the proposed development, whether individually or in combination

with other plans or projects, beyond reasonable scientific doubt will not have significant effects on

the following European Sites:

Ballymacoda, Clonpriest and Pillmore SAC (000077)

Ballymacoda Bay SPA (004023)

Cork Harbour SPA (004030)

Great Island SAC (001058)

The screening for AA undertaken for this project concluded that significant effects on the

Conservation Objectives of one Natura 2000 site could, potentially, ensue from the proposed

development in Ballycotton. Therefore, further assessment is required to determine whether the

project is likely to adversely affect the integrity of the following Natura 2000 site: Ballycotton Bay

SPA (Site Code: 004022).

4.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF NATURA 2000 SITE

Table 1, below, lists the qualifying features of special conservation interest (SCI) for the Natura 2000

sites selected for inclusion in the NIS. Information pertaining to the Natura 2000 sites is from site

synopses, conservation objectives and other information available on www.npws.ie.

Table 1: Qualifying features of the Ballycotton Bay SPA

Designated Site Qualifying features of conservation interest Proximity

Ballycotton SPA

(004022)

Species

A052 Teal (Anas crecca)

A137 Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)

A140 Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria)

A141 Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)

A142 Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

A156 Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)

A157 Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)

A160 Curlew (Numenius arquata)

A169 Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)

The sedimentary cliff associated with the open space and car parking area abuts the SPA

http://www.npws.ie/


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Designated Site Qualifying features of conservation interest Proximity

A182 Common Gull (Larus canus)

A183 Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus)

Habitats

A999 Wetlands

4.2 DESCRIPTION OF BALLYCOTTON BAY SPA2 (004022)

Ballycotton Bay is an east-facing coastal complex situated on the south coast of Co. Cork. The

designated site stretches northwards from Ballycotton to Ballynamona, a distance of c.2 km. The site

comprises two sheltered inlets which receive the flows of several small rivers. The southern inlet had

formerly been lagoonal (Ballynamona Lagoon) but breaching of the shingle barrier by erosion has led

to the habitat becoming estuarine in nature since 1991 (Smiddy, 2005). The principal habitat within

the site is intertidal sand and mudflats. The bay has a range of littoral sediments, ranging from the

exposed eastward facing shores of the outer Bay characterised by mobile sands and shingle, to the

mid to low shore and inner bay that supports muddier sediments, with a richer species diversity

(MERC/ERM, 2012).

Saltmarsh and marsh habitat is best represented at Shanagarry and at Ballynamona, while rocky

shore (reef) is exposed at low tide in various locations. Near Ballynamona Lagoon, peat exposures

derived from former lake sediments occur. These exposures have a well-developed gallery of

burrows from a former piddock population but were not found to contain live piddocks (boring

bivalves) when surveyed in 2011. Peat and clay exposures with either existing or historical evidence

of piddock activity are unusual communities of limited extent, adding to the biodiversity interest

where they occur (MERC/ERM, 2012). The relict burrows provide a potential micro-habitat for

species such as small crabs and anemones and the bivalve Ruditapes decussatus is also frequent

(NPWS, 2014). While relatively small in area, Ballycotton Bay supports an excellent diversity of

wintering waterfowl and has nationally important populations of eleven species, of which two,

Golden Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive.

4.3 IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS

The following Table 2 lists the SCI’s of the Ballycotton Bay SPA (004022) and evaluates through a

scientific examination of evidence and data whether or not these features should or should not be

selected for further assessment in the NIS. The SCI that are selected for further assessment are

discussed further in the section followed by an assessment of potentially significant effects arising

from the project.

2 Ballycotton Bay SPA Conservation Objectives Supporting Document (NPWS, August, 2014)

19033-6004 Natura Impact Statement June 2018

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Table 2: Identification of potentially significant impacts to the SCI of Ballycotton Bay SPA (004022)

Qualifying Feature Potential for

Significant Impacts Rationale

Teal (Anas crecca) Yes

The site is designated for wintering Teal, which are a very common winter visitor

Teal is amber-listed due to a decline in the breeding population.

Site population trend: numbers are declining locally but are considered increasing at a national level and

stable at an international level

Conservation condition: Unfavourable

Winter distribution is very widespread; feed on intertidal mud and sand flats, sheltered and shallow subtidal

and lagoons

There is potential for significant habitat loss/alteration, disturbance and water quality impacts as a result of

the project, which could affect habitat and prey distribution

Ringed plover (Charadrius hiaticula) Yes

The site is designated for wintering Ringed plover, which are a very common winter visitor.

Ringed plover is green-listed

Site population trend: numbers are broadly stable with slight decline in the short-term locally but are

considered to be stable at a national level and fluctuating at an international level


Winter distribution is very localised; feed on intertidal mud and sand flats



Golden plover (Pluvialis apricaria) Yes

The site is designated for wintering Golden plover, which are a very common winter visitor.

Golden plover is red-listed due to a decline in the breeding and wintering population.

Site population trend: numbers are broadly stable with slight decline in the short-term locally and

considered to be declining at a national level and at an international level

Conservation condition: Highly unfavourable

Winter distribution is intermediate; feed on intertidal mud and sand flats



Grey plover (Pluvialis squataroia) Yes

The site is designated for wintering Grey plover, which are a very common winter visitor.

Grey plover is amber-listed due to a decline in the wintering population.

Site population trend: numbers are declining at a local level considered to be declining at a national level


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and at an international level


Winter distribution is localised; feed on intertidal mud and sand flats



Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) Yes

The site is designated for wintering Lapwing, which are a very common winter visitor

Lapwing is red-listed due to a decline in the breeding and wintering population

Site population trend: numbers are declining at a local level considered to be declining at a national level

and stable at an international level


Winter distribution is widespread; feed on intertidal mud and sand flats



Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) Yes

The site is designated for wintering Black-tailed godwit, which are a very common winter visitor

Black-tailed godwit is amber-listed due to a decline in the wintering population

Site population trend: numbers have been increasing at a local level, and have been increasing nationally

and internationally

Conservation condition: Favourable




Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) Yes

The site is designated for wintering Bar-tailed godwit, which are a very common winter visitor

Bar-tailed godwit is amber-listed due to a decline in the wintering population

Site population trend: numbers have been declining at a local level, and have been broadly stable at a

national level and have been increasing internationally






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Curlew (Numenius arquata) Yes

The site is designated for wintering Curlew, which are a very common winter visitor

Curlew is red-listed due to a decline in the breeding and wintering population

Site population trend: numbers have been declining at a local level, and have been steadily declining at a

national level but have been increasing internationally


Winter distribution is widespread; feed on intertidal mud and sand flats



Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) Yes

The site is designated for wintering Turnstone, which are a very common winter visitor

Turnstone is green listed

Site population trend: numbers have been declining at a local level, and have been increasing at a national

and international level

Conservation condition: Intermediate - Unfavourable




Common gull (Larus canus) Yes

The site is designated for wintering Common gull, which are a very common winter visitor

Common gull is amber-listed due to a decline in the breeding population

Site population trend has not been assessed


Winter distribution is localised; feed on intertidal mud and sand flats, sheltered and shallow subtidal



Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) Yes

The site is designated for wintering Lesser Black-backed gull, which are a very common winter visitor

Lesser Black-backed gull is amber-listed due to a decline in the breeding population

Site population trend has not been assessed


Winter distribution is localised; feed on intertidal mud and sand flats, sheltered and shallow subtidal



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Wetland and Waterbirds Yes

There will be no direct impacts to the principal wetland habitats associated with this SPA. There is no overlap

between the site and principal wetland habitats.

There is potential for water quality impacts as a result of the operation of the project, which could affect

habitat and prey distribution.


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5 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIALLY SIGNFICANT EFFECTS

This section considers the list of sites identified in section 4 above together with the potential

significant ecological impacts identified in the previous section and determines whether the project

is likely to have significant effects on a Natura 2000 site.

The likelihood of significant effects to a Natura 2000 site from the project was determined based on

a number of indicators including:

Habitat loss/alteration

Water quality and resource

Disturbance and/or displacement of species

Habitat or species fragmentation

The potential likely ecological impacts arising from the project are identified below. The likelihood of

significant cumulative/in-combination effects is assessed in Section 5.5.

5.1 WATER QUALITY AND RESOURCE

Construction phase

The greatest potential sources of water quality impacts during the construction phase of the project

are considered to be excavations to accommodate the open space and car parking area. However,

there are no watercourses within the development site to act as a conduit of potentially polluting

material to the SPA. While deep excavations will be required to facilitate the installation of the car

park to the south and the new surface water drainage system to serve the new hard surface area,

these excavations will be limited in extent within the overall area. The car parking area will be

positioned to the southern end of the existing fields only. The northern section of the site will

remain a ‘green area’ with the existing vegetation being retained along the northern section of the

car parking site, adjacent to the cliff edge/shoreline. These green areas will provide vegetated

buffers which will provide further protection from release of silt/sediment to the bay. Excavations

will not be required to facilitate the placement of rock armour.

The potential exists for accidental fuel and oil spills to reach the SPA through existing groundwater

seepage. The Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will make provisions for

fuel management and surface water management during the construction phase of the

development. Section 5.5, below, outlines a programme of mitigation measures designed to control

and eliminate the point and diffuse pollution sources identified and to ameliorate the potential

adverse water quality impacts that might ensue. Water quality protection measures will be

inspected and monitored regularly and records will be maintained of same. The table below gives

the rationale for no significant water quality impacts to the Ballycotton Bay SPA during the

construction phase.


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Table 3: Rationale for no significant water quality impact to Ballycotton Bay SPA during construction phase

Designated Site

Distance Features of interest Potential for significant impact

Rationale for Assessment

Ballycotton

Bay SPA

(004022)

Receiving waterbody

- Wintering waders - Wetland and

Waterbirds [A999]

No

CEMP in place

No excavation works required within SPA

Existing physical separation between area of works and receiving environment will be retained (vegetated buffer).

No requirement for new subtidal infrastructure

Works adjacent to the SPA will be temporary

Operation phase

Surface water

Existing surface water at the proposed open space and car parking site percolates to ground. The

current hydrological regime will not be significantly altered as a substantial area of green field to the

north of the car park site will not be developed. The new surface water drainage system will collect

surface water from the newly hardsurfaced areas and will discharge it to the sea through one

discharge point located to the west of the site within the revetment structure. Tarmac will only be

associated with the car parking spaces and the access road within the carpark. The new drainage

system will only serve the tarmac areas of the development area. The surface water drainage system

has been designed to retain the natural drainage regime of the site by maintaining the natural

percolation of surface water through the green field area to the north, while allowing surface water

collected in the new drainage system to percolate through the revetment structure, mimicking the

current natural attenuation and control of surface water from the site. The drainage system will be

fitted with a petrol interceptor.

Foul water

Waste water from the on-site WWTP will not be discharged directly to the sea. Treated foul water

from the new WWTP will be connected to the municipal sewer. Foul water from the site will be

treated to a standard of 20mg/l Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and 30mg/l Total Suspended Solids

(TSS) and 30mg/l Ammonia. The WWTP is designed to serve a p.e. of 50, with emergency storage

provided to pump to the main sewer in the event of a power outage. Significant water quality

impacts owing to the proposed on-site WWTP are not envisaged. As a precaution, mitigation

measures are included in 6 below.


17

Conclusion

With the appropriate mitigations in place, the physicochemical properties of the receiving

environment will not be significantly impacted by the proposed discharges, thus prey habitat and

abundance is not envisaged to be significantly impacted. It is concluded that significant water

quality impacts to the Ballycotton Bay SPA during either the construction or operational phases of

the proposal are not likely to occur as a result of the proposed works.

5.2 HABITAT LOSS/ALTERATION

Construction Phase

The Ballycotton Bay SPA is of special conservation interest for a number of intertidal wetland bird

species (See Table 2 above). The principal habitat within the site is intertidal sand and mudflats.

These are mostly well exposed and the sediments are predominantly firm sands. In the more

sheltered conditions of the inlets, sediments contain a higher silt fraction. The intertidal flats provide

the main feeding habitat for the wintering birds. Sandy beaches are well represented. Salt marshes

fringe the flats in the sheltered inlets and these provide high tides roosts. A small area of shallow

marine water is also included3.

The principal wetlands within the SPA are of Conservation Interest of the Ballycotton SPA site, as a

foraging resource for the SCI bird species of the Ballycotton Bay SPA.. The Conservation Objectives

for wetlands within this SPA are to maintain the favourable conservation condition of the wetland

habitat in Ballycotton Bay SPA as a resource for the regularly occurring migratory birds that utilise it.

Table 4: Non-breeding waterbirds included as SPA Species of Conservation Interest of Ballycotton Bay and

their principle supporting wetland habitat types within the SPA

Species Principal supporting habitat within siteC

Teal Intertidal mud and sand flats. Sheltered & shallow

subtidal and lagoons

Ringed Plover Intertidal mud and sand flats

Golden Plover Intertidal mud and sand flats

Grey Plover Intertidal mud and sand flats

Lapwing Intertidal mud and sand flats

Black-tailed Godwit Intertidal mud and sand flats

Bar-tailed Godwit Intertidal mud and sand flats

Curlew Intertidal mud and sand flats

Turnstone Intertidal mud and sand flats

Common Gull Intertidal mud and sand flats & sheltered &

shallow subtidal

Lesser Black-backed

Gull

Intertidal flats & sheltered & shallow subtidal

The rock revetment will be confined to the upper shoreline immediately adjacent to the sedimentary

sea cliff, for a length of 200m east to west, which is located above the high water mark of the

shoreline. An existing band of ephemeral shingle and gravel occurs adjacent to the sea cliff at this

location. This habitat is not considered as important a food resource to birds as the rocky shoreline

3 https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/synopsis/SY004022.pdf


18

that extends from the mid shore to the lower shore. The rock revetment will be placed along the cliff

for a total length of 200m and will extend approximately 15m from the sea cliff. Rock revetment will

not encroach into the rocky reef habitat that dominates the shoreline in this location. There will be

no direct impacts to the principal wetland habitats listed above, as a result of the proposed

development. Principal wetland habitats associated with the SPA, namely, sand flats, mud flats and

salt marshes are located to the north west of the site approximately 740m from the site location.

There will be no direct impacts to these habitats during the construction phase of the development.

The preceding section 5.1 concluded that significant water quality impacts during the construction

phase were not expected with the appropriate mitigations in place, therefore habitat loss or

alteration through water quality impairment is not reasonably foreseeable.

Operation phase

The principal wetland habitats located north west of the proposal site have potential to be indirectly

altered or lost through changes in coastal processes owing to the placement of rock revetment. Rock

revetment has potential to alter the sediment transport regime of the bay thereby altering the

supply of sediments to these habitats. There will be no disruption or alteration to the natural coastal

processes of the Ballycotton Bay owing the proposed development; in particular the placement of

rock revetment will not alter the sediment transport regime of the Ballycotton Bay. Refer to

Appendix 1 for the Ballycotton Coastal Process Study. Models were run to simulate the wave

climate, the tidal current and sediment transport regime to determine the movement of sediment

along the beach. Coastal process modelling shows that the primary driver of erosive sediment

transport is wave action which approaches the shoreline directly and so results in cross shore

movement of sediment. These models showed that there is very little tidal driven movement of

sediment outside the immediate flow path of the estuary, located approximately 740 m north west

of the site and since the new revetment works are outside the active transport zone they are not

likely to have any impact beyond their immediate location.

The preceding section 5.1 concluded that significant water quality impacts during the operation

phase were not expected with the appropriate mitigations in place, therefore habitat loss or

alteration through water quality impairment is not reasonably foreseeable.

Conclusion

With the appropriate mitigations in place, it is concluded that significant habitat loss or alteration

impacts to the Ballycotton Bay SPA during either the construction or operational phases of the

proposal are not likely to occur as a result of the proposed works.

5.3 DISTURBANCE/DISPLACEMENT OF SPECIES

Prey availability for SCI species within the receiving waterbody and shoreline will not be altered as

the preceding sections 5.1 and 5.2 concluded that the water quality and habitat availability and thus

the prey community within the receiving environment will not be significantly impacted as a result of

the project. As shown in Table 4, the majority of SCI species feed in the intertidal flats. Table 9 below

lists the preferred trophic guild and prey requirement for the SCI species of the Ballycotton Bay SPA.


19

Table 5: Non-breeding waterbirds including SCI and non SCI species and their principal supporting habitat types within the SPA4.

Species Principal supporting habitat within siteC Trophic Guild

A Food/Prey Requirement

B

Teal Intertidal mud and sand flats. Sheltered & shallow subtidal and lagoons

Surface swimmer Wide

Ringed Plover Intertidal mud and sand flats Intertidal walker Wide

Golden Plover Intertidal mud and sand flats Intertidal walker Wide

Grey Plover Intertidal mud and sand flats Intertidal walker Wide

Lapwing Intertidal mud and sand flats Intertidal walker Wide

Black-tailed Godwit Intertidal mud and sand flats Intertidal walker Wide

Bar-tailed Godwit Intertidal mud and sand flats Intertidal walker Wide

Curlew Intertidal mud and sand flats Intertidal walker Wide

Turnstone Intertidal mud and sand flats Intertidal walker Wide

Common Gull Intertidal mud and sand flats & sheltered & shallow subtidal

1,2,4,6,7 (see explanatory notes)

Wide

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Intertidal flats & sheltered & shallow subtidal 1,2,4,6,7 (see explanatory notes)

Wide

As discussed in the preceding sections 5.1 and 5.2, the water quality of the receiving environment will not be significantly impacted by the proposed discharges,

thus prey habitat and abundance is not envisaged to be significantly impacted.

Construction phase

Since the SCI species listed in the Conservation Objectives of the Ballycotton SPA are non breeding populations, impacts on their breeding are not expected.

The proposed construction works to facilitate development will be conducted at the eastern extremity of the Ballycotton SPA. There is the potential for some very

localised and temporary disturbance and/or displacement of SCI bird species potentially foraging in the area. A certain amount of activity already exists in the

area, including the village/dwellings to the east and south, vehicular/traffic associated with the main Ballycotton road, and agricultural activities in the area

(agricultural grassland/silage harvesting/arable land etc). The scale of the proposed works, the level of activity currently in the area, in addition to the fact that the

proposed works are situated at the eastern extremity of this SPA site outside the principal wetland habitats, indicates that any potential disturbance/displacement

impacts during the construction phase will be localised and temporary in nature.

4 Ballycotton Bay Special Protected Area (Site Code 4022) Conservation Objectives Supporting Document VERSION 1


20

Operation phase

After the construction phase, all foraging bird species are expected to utilise the shore habitats

adjacent to eh development area. The green field area that will be maintained tot eh north of the

open space and car parking area will buffer the potential noise and visual disturbance emanating

from the site. Birds are expected to become habituated to the increased levels of activity within a

short period of time. The change of use of the existing grassland fields to car park and open space is

not expected to have a significant impact on wintering birds within the SPA as the site is considered

sub-optimal for roosting SCI species. In the event that the site is used by either foraging or roosting

species, the change of use is not expected to have a significant impact on SCI’s as there is an

abundance of similar and higher value habitat in the overall area. Furthermore, in the absence of

coastal protection the fields/cliff are expected to be lost to erosion in a number of years. Therefore

the habitat will be unavailable to foraging and roosting birds. Owing to the proximity to the local

road and passing traffic It is expected that the SCI’s of the Ballycotton SPA choose higher value

foraging and roosting habitat located within the principal wetland habitats of the SPA site. . The SCI’s

of the Ballycotton SPA that rely on the principal wetland habitats extending away from the

development site to the north west, are not expected to exclusively rely on the existing sub optimal

habitats at or adjacent to development site.

Conclusion

It is therefore concluded that significant disturbance/displacement impacts to the SCI habitat or

species of the Ballycotton Bay SPA during either the construction or operational phases of the

development are not likely to occur as a result of the proposed works.

5.4 HABITAT OR SPECIES FRAGMENTATION

Given the nature and location of the works, and due to the fact that the proposed development is

situated towards the eastern extent of the Ballycotton SPA, habitat or species fragmentation is not

envisaged as a result of either the construction or operational phases of the proposal. Therefore,

significant habitat or species fragmentation impacts are not likely to occur.

The preceding sections have concluded that significant habitat loss or alteration impacts to the

Ballycotton SPA are not likely, with mitigations in place, no significant water quality impacts are

predicted and significant disturbance or displacement to any species are not expected to ensue.

Having regard to the location, existing activities at the site, nature and scale of the proposed works,

and the conclusions of the preceding sections, it is considered that significant habitat or species

fragmentation impacts are not reasonably foreseeable as a result of the proposal.

5.5 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

As well as singular effects, the potential for in-combination or cumulative affects also need to be

considered. A cumulative impact arises from incremental changes caused by another past, present

or reasonably foreseeable future actions together with the proposed developments. The EC (2001)

guidelines on the provision of Article 6 of the Habitats’ Directive state that the phrase ‘in

combination with other plans or projects’ in Article 3(3) of the Habitats Directive refers to the

cumulative impacts due to plans or projects ‘that are currently under consideration together with

the effects of any existing or proposed projects or plans.’ Relevant plans and projects have been

identified in Section 3.1.5, above. There is the potential for significant ecological impacts at large

distances from the proposed development. A distance of 15km from the subject site has been

considered in this assessment of cumulative impacts.


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5.5.1 Plans

The proposal was considered in combination with other plans and projects in the area that could

result in cumulative impacts on the Ballycotton SPA. Other plans considered include:

Cork County Development Plan 2014

Cork County Local Area Plans- East Cork Municipal District

No significant cumulative impacts are predicted with the plans listed above, as each plan has a range

of environmental and natural heritage policy safeguards in place. These safeguards to protect the

natural environment and Natura 2000 Sites will also apply to the proposal described in this report.

The assessments completed in the preceding subsections have concluded that no significant direct

or indirect impacts on the Ballycotton Bay SPA are expected to ensue from the proposed project.

Development within the SPA will be confined to the 200m stretch of sea cliff associated with the

development site that is currently affected by coastal erosion along the coastline.

The main impacts that could ensue on the SCI species comprise those that could result from

potential impacts to water quality. A search for relevant plans and projects completed in section

3.1.5 above, determined that there are no current planning applications or grants of permission for

any large scale projects or plans in the area adjacent to the proposed development.

The main threats to water quality in the area, are on-going agricultural and recreational landuses

and domestic wastes. The temporary on-site WWTP is proposed to serve the development as the

Ballycotton WWTP does not currently have the capacity to do so. The main potential cumulative

water quality impact would be in terms of a potential increase in nutrient levels in the principal

wetland habitats within the Ballycotton SPA. There is limited potential for the proposed

development to contribute to a cumulative impact on water quality in the Ballycotton Bay SPA.

Effluent will be treated to a 20:30:20 secondary standard. Upgrading works at the Ballycotton WWTP

are expected to be complete by 2021, by which time the on-site WWTP will be decommissioned and

the development area will be connected directly to the municipal network.

It is considered that in the presence of mitigation that no significant cumulative impacts to water

quality within the Ballycotton Bay SPA will arise as a result of the construction/operational phases of

the proposed development.

It is concluded therefore, bearing in mind the scope, scale, nature and size of the development and

having regard to the mitigation measures outlined in Section 6 below, that significant cumulative or

in-combination impacts to the Ballycotton Bay SPA are not reasonably foreseeable.


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6 MITIGATION

6.1 SEASONAL TIMING OF THE WORKS

In order to avoid impacts on the populations of wintering bird species for which the Ballycotton Bay

is designated the placement of rock armour will take place outside the months of peak wintering

bird activity. Advice on suitable timing of coastal works shall be sought from NPWS prior to

placement of rock revetment.

6.2 CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (CEMP)

The final CEMP will be implemented by the appointed contractor and will manage the environmental

commitments of the project. The implementation of proposed mitigation measures, as well as the

monitoring and supervision of these measures will be managed through the CEMP. Mitigation

measures to prevent significant negative impacts on the Conservation Objectives of the BAllycotton

Bay SPA will be incorporated into the project through the CEMP. The finalised CEMP will take

cognisance of CIRIA technical guidance on water pollution control (Murnane, E., Heap, A., and Swain,

A., 2006) and will include the following:

Noise, Vibration, Dust and Air Control

Management of Construction and Demolition Waste

Water Quality/Sediment and Erosion Control

Fuel and Oils Management

Management of Concrete

Emergency Response Plan

Site Clearance Plan

Construction method statements will be prepared prior to commencement of construction

and incorporated into the CEMP.

6.3 WATERCOURSES (GENERAL MEASURES)

The main risk to the water quality results from the potential for ingress of sediment or accidental

fuel or oil spillages discharging to watercourses during construction. Sediments can be released

during excavation and construction works. The following measures will be incorporated so as to

ensure no significant negative water quality impacts occur. These measures will be incorporated into

the finalised CEMP;

Raw or uncured waste concrete / cementitious material will be disposed of by removal from

the development area;

Suitable excavated soil will be re-used as backfill and landscaping. Temporary stockpiles will

not be permitted along the cliff edge. Silt fences will be installed on the seaward side of

temporary stockpiles to prevent run-off in the event of an adverse weather event;

The site compound will be situated at least 25m from the cliff edge;

Fuelling and lubrication of equipment will be carried out under controlled conditions in

bunded areas within the site compound and away from the cliff edge;

Any spillage of fuels, lubricants or hydraulic oils will be immediately contained and the

contaminated soil removed from the site and properly disposed of;

Sufficient oil booms and oil soakage pads will be kept on site to deal with any accidental

spillage;


23

Waste oils and hydraulic fluids will be collected in leak-proof containers and removed from

the site for disposal or re-cycling;

Prior to any work it will be ensured that all construction equipment is mechanically sound to

avoid leaks of oil, fuel, hydraulic fluids and grease; and

Overnight parking of plant machinery and site vehicles will only take place in the designated

site compound area away from the cliff edge.

6.3.1 Runoff and sediment control

Measures to ensure erosion control, where runoff is prevented from flowing across exposed ground,

and sediment control, where runoff is slowed in order to allow suspended sediment to settle, will be

implemented into the finalised CEMP to prevent transport of sediment to the Ballycotton Bay should

any unforeseen delays or unexpected weather events occur. These measures will include the

following:

Existing vegetation within the proposed green areas to the south of the open space/car park

will be retained. Exclusion zones will be set up around these green areas. Vegetation will not

be removed.

Implement control measures to prevent runoff flowing across exposed ground within the

working areas and become polluted by sediments;

Regularly inspect and maintain surface water and sediment controls. Inspection and

maintenance is especially important after prolonged or intense rainfall;

Additional protection by silt trapping apparatus such as a geotextile silt fence to prevent

contaminated runoff;

Temporary silt fences should be erected to trap sediment particles when work is taking place

during a prolonged wet weather period or intense rainfall event;

6.3.2 Concrete

It is important to prevent concrete/tarmacadam from entering the Ballycotton Bay. The following

measures will be implemented during construction of the development:

Washout of concrete trucks will not occur within the development area. Trucks will return to

the supplier’s yard for wash out;

A designated trained operator, experienced in working with concrete will be employed

during any concrete pouring ;

Any small volumes of incidental wash generated from cleaning hand tools, cement mixers or

other plant, as required, will be trapped on-site to allow sediment to settle out and reach

neutral pH before clarified water is released to the surface water drains or allowed to

percolate into the ground. Settled solids will need to be appropriately disposed of off‐site.

The total volume will be reduced by only permitting concrete chutes to be washed on site.

6.3.3 Fuel and Oil Management Plan

Fuel oils must not, under any circumstances, discharge into the aquatic zone. The fuel and oil

management plan outlined in this statement will be incorporated into the conduct of the works.

These measures to prevent fuel and oil from entering any surface water body and will describe the

emergency procedures designed to control any accidental spillages. All site plant and machinery e.g.

excavators, dumpers etc, will be refuelled in a, bunded, designated area at least 50m from any water

body. No servicing or repair of plant, machinery or vehicles will be undertaken outside the site

compound area. The management of fuel on site will have regard to the following elements:


24

Machinery will be confirmed as being mechanically sound and without fuel or oil leaks and

fit for purpose prior to project start

To minimise the requirement for refuelling during operations, plant will be refuelled prior to

the start of each day’s works program

Fuelling and lubrication of equipment will be carried out in bunded areas

Use of biodegradable products where possible, e.g. hydraulic fluid

Mobile bowsers, tanks and drums will be stored in secure, impermeable storage area within

the site compound

Fuel containers must be stored within a secondary containment system e.g. bund for static

tanks or a drip tray for mobile stores

Ancillary equipment such as hoses, pipes must be contained within the bund

Taps, nozzles or valves must be fitted with a lock system

Fuel and oil stores including tanks and drums will be regularly inspected for leaks and signs

of damage

Only designated trained operators will be authorised to refuel plant on site and emergency

spill kits will be present at equipment for all refuelling events

Procedures and contingency plans will be set up to deal with an emergency accidents or

spills

An emergency spill kit with oil boom, absorbers etc. will be kept on site in the event of an

accidental spill

Fuels, lubricants and hydraulic fluids for equipment used will be carefully handled to avoid

spillage, properly secured against unauthorised access or vandalism and provided with spill

containment according to current best practice

Procedures and contingency plans will be set up to deal with emergency accidents or spills

6.3.4 Plant management

Plant and machinery management measures shall be implemented to ensure that plant

machinery is appropriately managed for the duration of the progamme of works. Operators

shall adhere to the following practices:

Vehicle and equipment operators must have appropriate training and qualifications for

proper and safe use of their equipment

Operation of all vehicles, vessels and equipment will be carried out in a safe and professional

manner

The fuel management plan as outlined at XXXXwill be adhered to at all times

To avoid risk of spills or leakages into the marine environment continuous care and

maintenance of vehicles and equipment will be maintained

All filters, oils, lubricants and other related materials will be disposed of properly

Plant will be parked in the secure compound when not in use

6.4 EMERGENCY PLANS AND PROCEDURES

The contractor will prepare an emergency response plan and set of procedures for incidents/events

likely to cause pollution including the pollution of Ballycotton Bay with silt/sediment, fuels/oils, etc.

The contingency plan in place during construction and displayed at appropriate locations.


25

6.5 CONSTRUCTION OF COASTAL PROTECTION ROCK REVETMENT

Coastal protection works will be restricted to the area above the mean high water mark.

Temporary access to the shoreline will be clearly demarcated for vehicles and personnel.

Exclusion zones will prevent access to the rocky habitats within the mid and low shore.

Natural re-vegetation of the cliff top from the existing seed bank will be facilitated.

6.6 DISTURBANCE TO FAUNA (GENERAL MEASURES)

Habitat disturbance to fauna will be limited by controlling the movement of vehicles and

personnel. Construction vehicles and personnel will not encroach onto habitats beyond the

proposed development footprint. Exclusion zones will be established on the shoreline to

protect the reef habitats that extend from the mid shore to the low shore. Vehicles and

personnel accessing the shoreline during construction of rock armour will follow a

designated route along and within the upper 15m of shoreline. Vehicles, plant and personnel

will not be permitted outside this 15m exclusion zone.

To reduce the level of disturbance to fauna, construction activities will be restricted to

between 7.30am and 7.30pm, Monday to Friday and between 8am and 6pm on Saturdays.

Construction work will not take place outside of these hours unless in exceptional

circumstances.

6.7 INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT

To reduce the likelihood of invasive species being introduced to the site from construction works on

other sites, it will be required that vehicles and tools will arrive on site already steam washed. Work

boots will be dipped in or scrubbed with a disinfectant solution and thoroughly dried afterwards

before being used on the site for the first time. All PPE will be visually inspected and any attached

vegetation or debris removed. PPE and tools will remain on site for the duration of construction.

Any machinery or equipment returning from a different construction site will cleaned, steam washed

and visually inspected again before re-entering the site.

To reduce the likelihood of invasive species being introduced to the site from quarries, the

aggregate will be crushed stone which will be biologically inert and would not be expected

to have a seed bank.

To reduce the likelihood of invasive species spreading throughout the site, the construction

personnel involved in works will be trained in basic relevant invasive species prevention and

management.

Invasive species management methodologies and plans outlining Best Available Techniques

(BAT) will be sourced from current best practice/TII (The Management of Noxious Weeds

and Non-Native Invasive Plant Species on National Roads).

6.8 MAINTENANCE OF WWTP AND SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE

In order to prevent water quality impairment in the Ballycotton Bay SPA/wetland habitats during

operation, the following shall be undertaken:

Regular maintenance of the on-site WWTP shall be undertaken;

The WWTP will be serviced by a licensed operator;

Silt traps will be included on the new surface water drainage system;

Petrol interceptor will meet a minimum requirement of Class 1 “by-pass” separator with

trigger alarm (UK Environmental Agency PPG3, 2006).


26

7 RESIDUAL IMPACTS

Residual impacts are impacts that remain, once mitigation has been implemented or, impacts that

cannot be mitigated.

Provided all mitigation measures are implemented in full and remain effective throughout the

construction phase/operational phase, no significant residual impacts on the Ballycotton Bay SPA are

expected from the proposed development.

Conclusion

It is objectively concluded, provided the recommended mitigation measures are implemented in full,

that the impacts identified in Section 4.3 above, will not result in adverse effects on the integrity of

the Ballycotton Bay SPA (Site Code: 004022), either as a standalone project, or in combination with

other project/plans.


Appendix

8 REFERENCES

Colhoun, K. and Cummins, S. (2013). Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2014 2019. Irish Birds

9(4): 523-544.

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG) (2009). Appropriate

Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland: Guidance for Planning Authorities. Department of

Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

EC (2000). Managing Natura 2000 Sites: The provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive

92/43/EEC. Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities.

EC (2001). Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 Sites:

Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive

92/43/EEC. Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities.


Appendix

Appendix 1

Coastal Processes Study


Appendix

Natura Impact Statement (NIS) · screening process, that significant impacts on a Natura 2000 site...

Documents

Transcript of Natura Impact Statement (NIS) · screening process, that significant impacts on a Natura 2000 site...