12. flora and fauna 12.1 introduction · the ga1 habitat supports a low overall diversity of flora...

Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals, Dk Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Aseptic Production Expansion EIS

12. FLORA AND FAUNA

12.1 Introduction

This flora and fauna impact assessment has been prepared by Robertson & Associates. It qualitatively assesses the expansion of the existing Pfizer facility on Pottery Road, Dun Laoghaire, within the context of the potential direct, indirect, secondary and cumulative impacts upon the flora and fauna currently existing on-site, and in the immediate environs.

The study area comprises a 1 O-hectare (approximately) parcel of land, which is located on Pottery Road, Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin. The lands comprise the existing Pfizer Sterile Products Facility and two agricultural fields with hedgerows. The site is set within an urban context and the surrounding land uses include a hospital, a sports grounds and residential development.

The majority of the site is classified as brownfield containing the existing Pfizer facility and an infilled area. However the two fields are greenfield and have been historically in use for agriculture. Access to the site is gained from Pottery Road.

The site is characterised by buildings as well as a number of habitats. Detailed habitat descriptions are provided later in section 12.3, Receiving Environment. No protected or rare species of flora or fauna were found on-site and all habitats recorded are of low to moderate ecological value.

The development is expected to have a low ecological impact.

12.2 Methodology

12.2.1 Baseline Study

Qualitative baseline studies of the subject site were carried out on 24th October 2003 and 5th February 2004. During these site visits detailed and comprehensive accounts of the floral and faunal composition encountered were recorded. These, combined with desktop consultations of the following sources produced the finalised baseline report as presented.

l O.S. maps for Dublin City

0 Site Layout Plan

l The National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

The site was surveyed using methodology outlined in the Joint Nature Conservancy Council’s Phase I Habitat Survey Techniques (JNCC, 1993). The principal habitats present within the site were identified and classified using the Heritage Council’s A Guide to Habitats in Ireland (Fossitt, 2000). The dominant species were noted and a species list compiled for each habitat represented.

Floral nomenclature follows An Irish Flora (Webb, Parnell & Doogue, 1996) for Latin names and the Census Catalogue ofthe Flora of Ireland (Scannell & Synnott, 1987) for common names. Nomenclature for horticultural species follows the Royal Horticultural Society’s Encyclopaedia of Garden Plants (Brickell, 1998).

Fauna1 identifications were confirmed using the following sources:

l The Macmillan Guide to Birds of Britain & Europe, Macmillan 1998,

l The Complete Guide to Ireland’s Birds, Dempsey 8z O’Cleary, 2002,

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Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals, Dlin Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Aseptic Production Expansion EIS

0 Exploring Irish Mammals, Duchas The Heritage Service 2001, and

e Guide to the Dragonflies of Ireland, Ulster Museum & The Heritage Council, 2001.

In contrast to floral investigations, the surveying of fauna1 usage of the subject lands cannot be based upon direct sightings alone. The presence of fauna was substantiated through the detection of field signs such as tracks, habitats, markings, feeding signs, and droppings, as well as by direct observation. Likewise, bird species present on site were recorded along with any notable avifauna habitats, droppings, or tracks. The likely species were assessed in relation to the habitats present within the site.

12.2.2 Designated areas and protected species

The subject site is not under any Regional, National or European Environmental Designation as per the Wildlif (Amendment) Act 2000 (S.I. No. 38 of 2000) and European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997).

A number of green areas including urban parks, sports grounds and golf courses lie within the vicinity of the site. A stream runs south west of the site, parallel to Pottery Road. While none of these is under any environmental designation, they may provide refuges for wildlife within an urban landscape.

12.3 Receiving Environment

12.3.1 introduction

The subject site is situated on Pottery Road, Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin. The majority of the site is classified as brownfield and has been in use as a manufacturing facility. An area of infilled land lies to the east of the existing buildings. Two agricultural fields with hedgerows lie to the north of the existing facility. The topography of the land slopes gently upwards in an easterly direction with the infilled area in the eastern portion of the site having its own distinct topography.

The lands surrounding the site are characterised by urban and residential development. A house containing greenhouses and a large garden with dense vegetation lies immediately east of the site and the National Rehabilitation Hospital lies to the north of the site.

The study area is characterised by buildings, disturbed ground, grassland, hedgerow and landscaped habitats. The habitat types identified during the survey fall under the following categories:

* Grassland Habitat

o Woodland Habitat

0 Disturbed Ground

e Built Land.

There is low habitat diversity within the site and low to moderate overall diversity of native plant species. Floral species lists for each habitat is given in Appendix 12.1. Figures 12.1, 12.2 and 12.3 illustrate the habitats found within the site.

12.3.2 Grassland Habitat

12.3.2.1 Improved Agricultural Grassland (GAl)

The northern portion of the subject site is taken up by this habitat type in the two fields. This habitat has been intensively managed as agricultural land and as a result contains very low

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Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals, D&I Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Aseptic Production Expansion EIS

species diversity. It has probably been in use as pasture for grazing livestock and shows evidence of past intensive fertiliser treatment in areas.

The sward is dominated by cock’s foot (Dactylis glomerata), wild oat (Avenafatua), perennial rye grass (L&urn perenne) and creeping red fescue (Festuca rubru). The broadleaf component is dominated by ribwort plantain (Plan&go Zanceolata), red clover (Trifolium pretense), white clover (T. repens), dandelion (Turaxacum spp.), hogweed (HerucZeum sphondylium), meadow buttercup (Rununculus ucris), broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtuszjblius) and curled dock (R. crispus), with occasional creeping buttercup (R. repens) and ragwort (Seneciojucobueu) recorded. Towards the edges of the fields creeping thistle (Cirsium uwense), black knapweed (Centuureu nigru) and nettle (Urticu dioicu) were present.

The sward is taller in parts of the more easterly of the two fields, with denser growth of grass species and as a result has sparser representation of broadleaf herb species. Within this field there are sporadic clumpy outcrops of nettle, hogweed and dock, which would indicate pockets where heavy fertiliser application has occurred in the past.

There are a number of pockets of disturbed ground within the agricultural fields where site investigation works have been carried out. These are described in section 12.3.4 below.

A second area of this grassland habitat lies to the east of the existing buildings, between them and the infilled area. The species composition is similar to that found in the fields as described above, however it additionally includes common bent (Agrostis gigunteu), rough meadow grass (Pou trivialis), meadow thistle (C. pulustre), creeping cinquefoil (PotentiZZu reptuns), daisy (BeZZisperennis), yarrow (AchiZZeu millefolium) and mallow (Mulvu sylvestris). There are patches of scrubby gorse (UZex sp.), bramble (Rubus fruticosus ugg.), butterfly bush (BuddZeju duvidii) and ivy (Hederu helix).

12.3.2.2 Amenity Grassland (GA2)

Small strips of this habitat run east and west of the existing buildings and beyond the site fence out towards Pottery Road.

This habitat is species-poor and is intensively managed as a landscaped lawn. It is regularly mown and the sward is kept extremely short. Due to the time of year and recent mowing of this area, identification of the grass species was not possible but it would typically contain just a few commonly occurring species. The broadleaf herb component was represented by meadow buttercup, red and white clover, dandelion, groundsel (Senecio vuZguris) and pineapple mayweed (Mutricuriu discoidea).

Close to the buildings inside the site fence, this area contains young planted cherry (Prunus spp.), sycamore (Acerpseudopluknus), Norway maple (A. plutunoides) and large leaved lime (Tiliu plutyphyllos) trees as well as some rows of Leyland cypress (Cupressocypuris Zeylundii).

No rare or protected species were recorded within either of these grassland habitats. All species recorded are commonly occurring species found throughout the country.

The GA1 habitat supports a low overall diversity of flora and fauna species due to its historic use as intensively managed agricultural land. It is a commonly occurring habitat throughout Ireland, and has little value in terms of its ecology.

The GA2 habitat is unlikely to be of any value to fauna species. It has a very low diversity of flora and is of little ecological value due to its open and exposed nature.

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Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals, Drin Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Aseptic Production Expansion EIS

12.3.3 Woodland Habitat

12.3.3.1 Hedgerows (WLl)

A number of field boundary hedgerows are located within the study area. Six hedgerows fall within the study area itself; four within the agricultural fields, one along the eastern site boundary and one along the southern site boundary. However an additional three hedgerows which do not fall within the study area exist in association with the two agricultural fields in the northern portion of the site. For the sake of thoroughness these three hedgerows were also surveyed. Figure 12.1 illustrates where all the hedgerows are located.

Field One

Northern Hedgerow

This hedgerow is intact and supports good tree growth with a reasonably dense understorey of ivy and bramble. The trees present are mainly ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) with occasional elder (Sambucus nigra).

Southern Hedgerow

This hedgerow contains almost no tree specimens and is represented largely by scrub growth of hazel (Covylus avellana) and sycamore. Towards its eastern portion it is represented entirely by bramble and ivy. The bindweeds Calystegia sepium and Convolvulus arvensis were noted growing throughout.

Eastern Hedgerow

This long hedgerow contains three breaks. Apart from these small breaks, it is well structured and supports good growth. The trees present are young specimens and it is largely dominated by scrub growth. The dominant species is blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) but hawthorn, sycamore, elder and alder (Alnus glutinosa) are also present. The under-storey is characterised mainly by bramble and ivy but traveller’s joy (Clematis vitalba) was also recorded. Ground flora is represented by wild carrot (Daucus carota), ivy, nettle, bramble, bush vetch (Vicia sepium), creeping thistle and cleavers (Galium aparine).

Western Hedgerow

This can barely be described as a hedgerow and is very sparse in its cover. It has many large gaps and a very low proportion of vegetation cover. It supports mainly scrub growth and the only tree specimens present were a single common birch (Be&la pubescens) and a single cherry at its southern extent. Scrub species present include hawthorn and elder with some sycamore saplings. There is no under-storey and ground flora is represented by bramble, creeping thistle and nettle.

Field Two

Northern Hedgerow

This hedgerow does not fall within the study area itself. Its eastern extent runs along a private residence and is comprised of Leyland cypress alone. The remainder of the hedgerow is more species diverse with scrubby growth of hawthorn, ash, alder, blackthorn, bramble and ivy. As this hedgerow is mainly represented by scrub growth there is no understorey.

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Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals, Dti Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Aseptic Production Expansion EIS

Southern Hedgerow

This hedgerow forms two sections with very different characteristics. The western extent is sparse with no tree specimens. It is dominated by thick bramble and ivy growing along a wall. The eastern portion forms a good quality hedgerow. It contains mature trees and a good diversity of species. The tree species are mainly ash and sycamore with some alder and blackthorn. Bramble is found throughout as the under-storey. Ground flora is represented by bramble, ivy, dog rose (Rosa canina) and bush vetch. The hedgerow adjoins a neighbouring garden which has dense growth of trees and scrub dominated by sycamore, ash, blackthorn, bramble and ivy. This adds to its ecological value.

Eastern Hedgerow

The southern section of this hedgerow is dominated by bramble and ivy. Moving northwards the species diversity improves including sycamore, ash, alder and elder however, growth is still scrubby with many gaps. The best growth is towards the northern extent where some tree specimens are present.

Eastern Site Boundary Hedgerow

This hedgerow runs just outside of the eastern site boundary fence. It represents the longest and best quality hedgerow within the site. It contains many mature trees, has good growth and a good diversity of species including ash, hawthorn, blackthorn, elder and sycamore. Under- storey and ground flora could not be accessed for identification because of the site fence.

Southern Site Boundary Hedgerow

Moving from west to east, this hedgerow starts off containing planted species including evenly-spaced young sycamore trees with privet (Ligustrum vulgare) and ivy. Towards its eastern extent it becomes more natural with many scrub species but little or no trees. It contains traveller’s joy, ivy, bramble, butterfly bush, some elder and other garden escapees climbing along the fence. There is some dumped material at the base of the hedge, including metal and glass laboratory equipment and animal remains (a horse jaw was noted).

The hedgerows surveyed vary in their ecological value. On the whole they support reasonable flora species diversity and would provide good shelter for a range of fauna species. The most ecologically valuable hedgerows in terms of vertical structure, vegetation cover and species diversity are the Eastern Site Boundary Hedgerow and the Field Two Southern Hedgerow. However it should be noted that the poorer western section of the latter of these two, which is the only section of this hedgerow that falls within the study area, is amongst the least valuable sections of hedgerow. The Field One Western Hedgerow is also of very low ecological value.

Of the areas of hedgerow that fall within the study area one is of high ecological value (Eastern Site Boundary Hedgerow), one is of good to moderate ecological value (Field One Eastern Hedgerow), two are of low ecological value (Field One Western and Southern Hedgerows) and one is of no ecological value (Field Two Southern Hedgerow), although its more easterly section which falls outside of the study area is of high ecological value.

12.3.3.2 Treeline (wL2)

A row of well-spaced whitebeam (Sorbus hibernica) lies in the south eastern area of the site as shown on Figure 12.1. This treeline provides little value to fauna species, although it provides some limited feeding and nesting opportunities for birds.

12.3.4 Disturbed Ground

12.3.4.1 Recolonising Bare Ground (ED3)

The majority of the eastern portion of the site is infilled land, which is now largely colonised by grassland habitat similar to that already described under Improved Agricultural Grassland

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Pfizer lreland Pharmaceuticals, D6n J-aoghaire, Co. Dublin Aseptic Production Expansion EIS

GAZ. The majority of the infill area has a more or less even, sloping surface, which is in keeping with the topography of the rest of the site. However an area of approximately 0.5 hectares in the north east of the site rises steeply and distinctly above the surrounding land levels and is classified as Recolonizing Bare Ground ED3. It appears that this area of infilling was undertaken more recently. This area has been recolonised by species similar to those described under Improved Agricultural Grassland GA1 .

12.3.4.2 Spoil and Bare Ground (ED2)

An area of approximately 0.25 hectares of this habitat is located in the north east corner of the site. It is made up of gravel and stones and has been poorly colonised by dandelion, rosebay willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium) , butterfly bush, common bent, scutch, ribwort plantain and clover. Some large tanks, containers and rubble are stored on this gravel surface.

Additionally a number of small mounds exist in the western most of the agricultural fields (Field One), where site investigation works have taken place. They are temporary in their nature and have been very recently created. As such they are bare and have not yet been colonised by any vegetation. They will be quickly colonised by species found within the grassland habitat in the next growing season.

These habitats are of no value to fauna species and overall are of no ecological value.

12.3.5 Built Land

12.351 Buildings and Artificial Surfaces (BL3)

Approximately 2.5 hectares of the site is taken up by this habitat type. This includes the existing facility buildings, access roads and a hard-surfaced car park in the east of the site. No vegetation is growing in association with these habitats. Landscaped planting, borders and flower beds are described separately below.

This habitat is of no value to fauna species and overall is of no ecological value. The buildings were not considered to be suitable for use by bats.

12.3.6 Cultivated Land

12.3.6.1 Flower Beds and Borders (BC4)

There are considerable areas of landscaped borders and flowerbeds dispersed throughout the site. These vary widely in their nature and species composition but contain almost exclusively non-native exotic species. Species which appear throughout the site include hebe spp., cherry laurel (Prunus laurocevasus), Aucuba japonica, Leyland cypress, privet (Ligustrum vulgare), primrose (Primula spp.), cotoneaster spp., dogwood (Cornus spp.), cherry (Prunus spp.), snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), narcissus spp., box (BLLWS spp.), ornamental ivy (Hedera spp.), and heathers (Calluna spp. and Erica spp.). Fuller species lists for this habitat are provided in Appendix 12.1.

This habitat is of no value to fauna species and overall is of low ecological value.

12.3.7 Mammals

No direct sightings of mammals were made within any of the habitats during the walkover survey. However, species which are likely to make use of the grassland habitats in the fields in the northern area may include fox (Vulpes vulpes), hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) and brown rat (Rattus norvegicus).

Mammalian tracks were noted in most of the hedgerows. Apart from the few very poor sections of hedgerow habitat, these hedgerows are likely to be of use to some mammal

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12.4

0 12.5

12.6 Potential Impact of the Development

4

0

species. Species which are likely to make use of the hedgerows include hedgehog, wood mouse, pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus), and fox may be present.

12.3.8 Avifauna

Feral pigeon (Columba Ziviu), rook (CowusfrUgZegus), hooded crow (C. corone) and magpie (Picapica) were the only species noted within the grassland habitat in the fields to the north. The overall presence of birds at the time of survey was low, however a range of species typically found within grassland and hedgerow habitats would also be expected to be present. Starling (Stumus vdgaris) and house sparrow (Passer domesticus) were noted within the hedgerows.

12.3.9 Invertebrates

Very little invertebrate activity was recorded at the time of survey, which can largely be explained by the time of year. A number of invertebrate groups would be expected to make use of the grassland habitat including earthworms and other annelids, beetles, flies, dragonflies, butterflies, moths, grasshoppers, ants, bees, wasps and spiders.

Hedgerow habitat generally contains a good diversity of invertebrate life and a mature hawthorn can support over one hundred species of invertebrates.

12.3.10 Habitats in the Surrounding Area

As stated previously, the lands surrounding the site are characterised by residential and urban development. They are of correspondingly low ecological value apart from a hedgerow adjoining a private residence immediately to the east of the study area.

A number of green areas including urban parks, sports grounds and golf courses lie within the vicinity of the site. A stream runs south west of the site, parallel to Pottery Road.

Evaluation of Habitats

None of the habitats within the study is are of regional, national or international ecological importance. No protected or rare species were recorded on the site and most of the habitats within the site are of low conservation value.

Characteristics of the Proposal

It is proposed to expand the existing facility by constructing two production buildings, a warehouse, a laboratory and canteen building, a utilities building and car parking as well as the necessary site infrastructure provisions. Most of the buildings will be located in the south eastern portion of the site, adjacent to the existing buildings and the car parking and utilities building will be located in the north of the site within the existing agricultural fields. The buildings will be constructed on the infilled area, which will require the removal of some of this material. None of the hedgerows on the site will be removed.

12.6.1 Construction Phase

The potential negative impacts associated with the construction phase of this proposed development will involve the physical and direct disturbance of four habitats types within the study area, as well as potential indirect impacts to the remaining habitats and adjacent properties.

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Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals. Dti Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Aseptic Production Expansion EIS

Direct Impact

There will be a direct impact on the following areas which will result in their complete and permanent loss; the Improved Agricultural Grassland (GAI) and Amenity Grassland (GA2) areas to the east of the existing buildings, the whitebeam treeline, the existing hard surfaced car parking, the Recolonising Bare Ground (ED3) and Spoil and Bare Ground (ED2) in the south east of the site and areas of Improved Agricultural Grassland (GAI) in the agricultural fields in the north of the site. The impact due to the loss of these areas will be of low ecological significance.

There will be a direct impact on the two of the hedgerows within the study area. These are the field one southern and eastern hedgerows.

Indirect Impact

It is often the indirect and secondary impacts associated with a proposed development that can be of major environmental concern. In this instance potential indirect impacts of concern include disturbance to the hedgerows through; construction run-off, spoil and materials storage, diesel spills, etc.

A 2m construction buffer zone from the drip line of mature trees, within those hedgerows to be retained, will need to be implemented to avoid any damage to tree roots. This is particularly the case in the east of the site where there is a well-developed hedgerow in the south of Field Two which adjoins woodland growth within an adjoining neighbouring property, as well as a valuable hedgerow along the eastern site boundary. Care will be taken to avoid any construction impacts to these two hedgerows.

While it is unlikely that any of the adjacent green areas or the stream would be impacted on, care would need to be taken during the construction phase to avoid any impact to surrounding lands from surface water run-off.

There is potential for the release of contaminated soils when the infill material is being removed from the site.

12.6.2 Operational Phase

Direct Impact

Once operational all surface and foul water will be adequately treated and/or discharged to the town sewer and as such will not present an ecological impact.

A direct small positive impact will arise due to the introduction of additional landscaping.

indirect impact

There will be no indirect ecological impacts associated with the operation of the proposed development.

12.7 Do-nothing Scenario Should the proposed development not proceed the lands would remain in their current state. The areas of grassland in the two fields would not be lost. However the opportunity to enhance the site with landscaping would not be realised.

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Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals, ti Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Aseptic Production Expansion EIS

12.8 Avoidance, Remedial or Reductive Measures

12.8.1 Mitigation by Avoidance

The adequate treatment of all surface and foul water will mean that there will be no ecological impact on adjacent habitats or residential properties. Refer to chapters 13 and 10 for information on surface water and process and sanitary effluent systems.

12.8.2 Mitigation by Reduction

By setting the working area back from the hedgerows and site boundaries, impacts from construction run-off to the hedgerow habitats within the study area as well as to neighbouring properties, will be avoided.

The construction area will be clearly fenced and machinery will operate only within the fenced area. All construction operations, including the temporary storage of excavated materials must occur within this fenced area.

During the construction period dust control measures will be put in place as outlined in chapter 7, to prevent any dust blow to areas outside the fenced construction areas, which would occur during dry windy days.

All construction-related fuel will be contained within specially constructed bunds to ensure that fuel spillages, whether accidental or otherwise, are fully contained. Refer to chapter 13 for details of the measures to prevent contamination from spills and leaks.

Surplus excavated material should be removed from the site and disposed of to a licensed facility. It should not be mounded, heaped or stored on site within 5m of any hedgerows. Refer to chapter 13 for details of the control measures for surplus materials.

During construction any mounded soils must be properly sited so that run off from these mounds will not enter any hedgerows.

12.83 Mitigation by Enhancement

The landscape planting will involve the use of native tree and hedgerow species, as listed in Appendix 12.3, as far as possible. Where hedgerow enhancement planting takes place appropriate native species will be used. The use of invasive exotics such as rhododendron and other species must not be employed. This will be particularly important for any proposed planting near the hedgerows.

12.9 Residual Impact

12.9.1 Construction Phase

With the incorporation of the use of fuel bunding, excavated soil control, and construction exclusion zones, the potential indirect effects f?om the construction phase to hedgerows and neighbouring properties, will be minimised to the extent that they will form a non-significant impact.

The removal of areas of Improved Agricultural Grassland (GAI) habitat, the whitebeam treeline, the existing car park and infilled land will be of very low ecological impact.

12.9.2 Operational Phase

There will be a positive impact arising from the landscaping proposals.

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12.10 Monitoring Monitoring will not be required.

12.11 Difficulties in Compiling Specified Information Ideally ecology surveys should cover a full year in order to account for all seasonal species. In this instance however the highly influenced nature of the habitats within the study area would indicate that this is not necessary. The ecological characteristics and significance of the study area have been adequately described within this report.

12.12 References Brickell C (ed.) (1998) Encvclooaedia of Garden Plants Royal Horticultural Society

Curtis T G F and McGough H N (1988) The Irish Red Data Book. 1. Vascular Plants. The Stationery Office, Dublin

Dempsey E and O’Cleary M (2002) The Comulete Guide to Ireland’s Birds Gill & Macmillan

European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997) a

Fossitt J A (2000) A Guide to Habitats in Ireland The Heritage Council, Kilkenny

Hammond N and Everett M (1998) Birds of Britain and Europe Macmillan

Hayden T and Harrington R (2001) Exulorina Irish Mammals Dtichas The Heritage Service

Joint Nature Conservancy Council (1993) Phase I Habitat Survey Techniques JNCC

Nelson B, Thompson R and McFerran D (2001) Guide to the Dragonflies of Ireland National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland

Scannell M J P and Synnott D M (1987) Census Catalogue of the Flora of Ireland. (2”d Edition) The Stationery Office, Dublin

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Arup Consulting Engineers Issue I 7 May 2004

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12. flora and fauna 12.1 introduction · the ga1 habitat supports a low overall diversity of flora...

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