river humber gas pipeline replacement project statement volume 6 environmental statement document...

6.1

Introduction

River Humber Gas Pipeline Replacement Project

Under Regulation 5(2)(a) of the Infrastructure Planning (Applications: Prescribed Forms and Procedure) Regulations 2009

D O

C U

M E

N T

Application Reference: EN060004

April 2015

Environmental Statement Volume 6 Environmental Statement Document 6.1

The River Humber Gas Pipeline Replacement Project Page i

CONTENTS

Tables ........................................................................................ ii Figures ....................................................................................... ii DCO Documents Referenced ..................................................... ii Abbreviations ............................................................................ iii 1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................. 1

1.1 Background to the Scheme ...................................... 1 1.2 Site Context and the Surrounding Area .................... 2 1.3 The Consenting Process .......................................... 3 1.4 Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment ... 4 1.5 Scheme Team .......................................................... 9 1.6 Viewing of the Environmental Statement .................. 9 1.7 References ............................................................. 10 1.8 Figures ................................................................... 10


The River Humber Gas Pipeline Replacement Project Page ii

Tables

Table Title

Table 1-1 Introduction - Structure of the Environmental Statement

Table 1-2 Introduction - Other Relevant Supporting DCO Documents

Table 1-3 Introduction - The Scheme Team

Figures

Figure Number Title

Figure 1.1 Site Location and Environmental Constraints Plan

DCO Documents Referenced

DCO Document Reference

Title of Document

6.4 Chapter 4: The EIA Methodology and Construction Environmental Management

6.19 Non-Technical Summary

7.4 Need Case


The River Humber Gas Pipeline Replacement Project Page iii

Abbreviations

AGI Above Ground Installation

DCO Development Consent Order

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

ES Environmental Statement

NPS National Policy Statement

NSIP Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project

PINS Planning Inspectorate

PRoW Public Right of Way

UXO Unexploded Ordnance


The River Humber Gas Pipeline Replacement Project Page 1

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Scheme

1.1.1 National Grid Gas (the Applicant) owns and operates the national high-pressure gas transmission pipeline network in the UK and owns and operates the national electricity transmission network in England and Wales.

1.1.2 Transmission of gas is a licensable activity in Great Britain under the Gas Act 1986. Section 9 of the Gas Act states a Gas Transporter has general duties in the planning and development of their system, which include; to develop and maintain an efficient and economical pipeline system for the conveyance of gas.

1.1.3 National Grid Gas is bound by the terms of its Gas Transporter Licence. This contains a number of conditions that National Grid Gas must comply with in developing and operating the network and in conducting its transportation business.

1.1.4 National Grid Gas is proposing to construct a replacement gas pipeline crossing under the Humber Estuary to ensure the long term security of the Feeder 9 Gas Transmission Pipeline. The river bed where it covers the existing crossing is currently being eroded by the Humber Estuary. The Feeder 9 pipeline carries a high level of importance within the National Transmission System as a strategic pipeline conveying significant volumes of natural gas away from the Easington Importation Terminal south towards the Hatton Compressor Facility.

1.1.5 National Grid Gas is therefore proposing to replace the section of the Feeder 9 pipeline under the Humber Estuary with the construction of a new pipeline crossing, hereinafter referred to as the Scheme.

1.1.6 The Scheme would comprise a new high pressure gas pipeline installed within a bored tunnel that would run between the existing Goxhill Above Ground Installation (AGI) on the south bank of the Humber Estuary within North Lincolnshire to the Paull AGI on the north bank within East Riding of Yorkshire.

1.1.7 The total length of the pipeline route would be up to 6km from the Goxhill AGI to the Paull AGI. Approximately 120m of new pipeline would be laid onshore at Goxhill from the Goxhill AGI to the start of the tunnelled section and approximately 400m would be laid onshore at Paull to connect the new pipeline into Paull AGI. The tunnel would be approximately 5.03km in length based on the provisional drive pit and reception shaft locations. The bored tunnel would have a minimum internal diameter of 3.65m and a maximum internal diameter of 4m. The tunnel would be laid at a depth of a minimum of 7m below the true bed of the Humber Estuary and the crossing of the Humber Estuary would be 3km.

1.1.8 A ‘Need Case’ has been prepared by National Grid Gas (DCO Document Reference 7.4). This document informs statutory consultees and other stakeholders of the need to replace the existing pipeline crossing under the Humber Estuary to ensure National Grid Gas complies with its licence requirements (in particular its safety obligations).



1.2 Site Context and the Surrounding Area

1.2.1 The Scheme lies within the local authorities of North Lincolnshire on the southern side of the Humber Estuary and within the East Riding of Yorkshire on the northern side of the Humber Estuary (refer to Figure 1.1).

1.2.2 The Scheme lies adjacent to and runs beneath the Humber Estuary. This is of high biodiversity value, being designated a Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area, Ramsar Site, Important Bird Area and Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Southern Side of the Humber Estuary

1.2.3 On the southern side of the Humber Estuary within and adjacent to the Scheme redline boundary (i.e. the area for which consent is being sought to construct and operate the Scheme), the land use is open, arable agricultural land with isolated residential and farm premises. This is in contrast to the industrial features to the south at North Killingholme and Immingham Docks and the view of Saltend to the north across the Humber Estuary.

1.2.4 The existing Goxhill AGI which lies within the redline boundary is located in the corner of a field bounded by an access track and a field boundary. The nearest Listed Building to the Scheme is Chapel Farm Stable and Granary which lies to the south. The nearest Public Right of Way (PRoW) to the Scheme is Footpath 50 (within the parish of Goxhill) which runs along a flood embankment that borders the Humber Estuary.

Northern Side of the Humber Estuary

1.2.5 On the northern side of the Humber Estuary, the Scheme is located approximately 3km east of Kingston upon Hull. The Humber Estuary near Kingston upon Hull is bordered by industrial land uses including Saltend, which comprises chemical and renewable energy industry and is a dominant feature in the landscape when viewed from the southern bank of the Humber Estuary. The closest settlement to the Scheme is Paull which is a small settlement comprising residential properties and local services. The land use surrounding the Scheme near to Paull is primarily agricultural with some isolated residential properties in the vicinity.

1.2.6 The Paull AGI which is situated within the redline boundary lies to the south of Thorngumbald Road and adjacent to a small car park used by visitors to the Paull Holme Strays Wildlife Trust Reserve. PRoWs 1, 2 and 6 (all within the parish of Paull) lie within or immediately adjacent to the Scheme redline boundary and the Scheme would run beneath Paull Holme Strays Wildlife Trust Reserve. This reserve, which provides inter-tidal saltmarsh and mudflat habitat, was the first major managed realignment scheme on the Humber Estuary and was breached by the Environment Agency in 2003.

1.2.7 Two Scheduled Monuments comprising Paull Point Battery (which is also a tourist facility) and Paull Holme Moated site and tower are located on the northern side of the Humber Estuary near to the Scheme and are shown on Figure 1.1.



1.3 The Consenting Process

1.3.1 Under Sections 14 and 20 of the Planning Act 2008, construction of a gas transporter pipeline is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) if:

(1) “The construction of a pipe-line by a gas transporter is within section 14(1) (f) only if (when constructed) each of the conditions in subsections (2) to (5) is expected to be met in relation to the pipe-line.

(2) The pipe-line must be wholly or partly in England.

(3) Either –

(a) The pipe-line must be more than 800 millimetres in diameter and more than 40 kilometres in length, or

(b) The construction of the pipe-line must be likely to have a significant effect on the environment.

(4) The pipe-line must have a design operating pressure of more than 7Bar

gauge.

(5) The pipe-line must convey gas for supply (directly or indirectly) to at least 50,000 customers, or potential customers, of one or more gas suppliers.”

1.3.2 In relation to the above, criteria 1, 2, 4 and 5 are met. Criterion 3 (a) is not met by the Scheme and, therefore, the determining factor regarding whether the project is deemed an NSIP is whether the pipeline is likely to have a significant effect on the environment.

1.3.3 In accordance with Regulation 6(1) (a) of the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)) Regulations 2009 (as amended) (the EIA Regulations), National Grid Gas submitted a request to the Secretary of State – via the National Infrastructure Directorate of the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) – to adopt a Screening Opinion as to whether the Scheme would be likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its nature, size or location.

1.3.4 A parallel environmental determination was sought from the Secretary of State via the Department for Energy and Climate Change under Regulation 6 of the Public Gas Transporter Pipeline Works (EIA) Regulations 1999.

1.3.5 In accordance with Regulation 7 (1) of the EIA Regulations, the Secretary of State issued the opinion on 1 April 2014 that the Scheme is EIA development and is likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of the characteristics of the development, the location of the development and the characteristics of the potential impact. Further details regarding the screening process can be found in Chapter 4: EIA Methodology and Construction Environmental Management (DCO Document Reference 6.4).

1.3.6 Therefore, a DCO is required for this Scheme in accordance with the Planning Act 2008. The Planning Act 2008 required the preparation of new policy to inform



decisions made on NSIPs in England and sets out the principles that should be applied in the assessment of DCO applications. In July 2011 the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change designated the Energy National Policy Statement (NPS) under the provisions of Section 5(1) of the Planning Act. NPSs set out the preliminary basis for decisions by PINS for NSIPs. NPSs relevant to the Scheme comprise are:

Overarching National Policy Statement for Energy (EN-1), which sets out general principles that are relevant to the full range of energy technologies; and

National Policy Statement for Gas Supply Infrastructure and Gas and Oil Pipelines (EN-4), which concerns impacts and other matters which are specific to gas supply infrastructure and gas and oil pipelines.

1.4 Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment

1.4.1 EIA is the process of compiling, evaluating and presenting environmental information about the likely significant effects, both adverse and beneficial of a Scheme. The purpose of the assessment is to identify and mitigate likely environmental impacts and to provide decision-makers (in this case PINS) and statutory consultees with the environmental information they require to determine an application for consent.

1.4.2 This Environmental Statement (ES) has been prepared as part of the DCO application for the Scheme. It has been prepared in accordance with the EIA Regulations.

1.4.3 The ES provides a description of the Scheme, outlines the alternatives to the Scheme, details the EIA methodology and the methods proposed for environmental management throughout the Scheme’s construction. These sections are followed by a series of detailed environmental topic chapters that present the current and future baseline conditions, the measures that have been integrated into the Scheme design and are proposed during construction to avoid and minimise potential adverse environmental effects and the residual environmental effects of the Scheme.

1.4.4 Sections 4.4 and 4.5 of Chapter 4: The EIA Methodology and Construction Environmental Management (DCO Document Reference 6.4) provide details of how consultation has informed the preparation of the ES.

1.4.5 Further details about the EIA process and the methodology are also presented in Chapter 4: The EIA Methodology and Construction Environmental Management (DCO Document Reference 6.4).

Structure of the Environmental Statement

1.4.6 The structure of the ES is outlined in Table 1-1. Each chapter of the ES is presented as a separate DCO document including the relevant supporting figures. Some of the chapters also need to be read in conjunction with other Technical Appendices and their Document Reference Numbers are also outlined in Table 1-1.



Table 1-1 Introduction - Structure of the Environmental Statement

DCO Document Reference Number

Chapter of the ES Summary of Contents

6.19 Non-Technical Summary

ES (all supporting figures form part of the documents identified below).

6.1 Chapter 1 – Introduction

Provides an introduction to the Scheme along with details of the requirements of the ES and the ES structure.

6.2 Chapter 2 – Scheme Description

Provides details of all components of the Scheme. This chapter also includes a description of the construction and operation phases.

6.3 Chapter 3 - Design Iterations and Alternatives Considered

This chapter outlines the various feasibility and optioneering stages along with the design iteration processes that has culminated in the Scheme (as presented in this ES).

6.4 Chapter 4 – The EIA Methodology and Construction Environmental Management

This chapter sets out the EIA process followed within this ES. It describes the screening, scoping and consultation process along with consultations undertaken at the various stages of the Scheme, and provides a general background to the methodology used within the EIA. Details are also provided of the Construction Environmental Management Plan and other documents that will be used to control the works during construction.

6.5 Chapter 5 – Air Quality All of these chapters provide an assessment of the Scheme by environmental topic.

All of these chapters provide an assessment of the Scheme by environmental topic.

6.6 Chapter 6 – Cultural Heritage

6.7 Chapter 7 – Ecology and Nature Conservation

6.8 Chapter 8 – Geology and Soils

6.9 Chapter 9 – Landscape and Visual Amenity





6.10 Chapter 10 – Noise and Vibration

6.11 Chapter 11 – Socio-Economics and Land Use

6.12 Chapter 12 – Traffic and Transport

6.13 Chapter 13 – Water Resources

6.14 Chapter 14 – Cumulative Effects

6.15 Glossary

Technical Appendices to each ES Chapter

6.3.1 Appendix 3.1: Strategic Options Report

The appendices provide technical information that supports the ES and the environmental assessments undertaken.

The appendices provide technical information that supports the ES and the environmental assessments undertaken.

6.3.2 Appendix 3.2: Route Corridor Investigation Study

6.3.3 Appendix 3.3: Crossing Options Report

6.4.1 Appendix 4.1: PINS Scoping Opinion Comments

6.4.2 Appendix 4.2: Section 42 Consultation Comments

6.5.1 Appendix 5.1: Dust Risk Assessment

6.6.1 Appendix 6.1: Desk-based Assessment

6.6.2 Appendix 6.2: Aerial Photograph Analysis at Paull

6.6.3 Appendix 6.3: Geophysical Surveys undertaken at Paull





6.6.4 Appendix 6.4: Geophysical Surveys undertaken at Goxhill

6.6.5 Appendix 6.5: South End Bypass Geophysical Survey

6.7.1 Appendix 7.1: Technical Appendix

6.7.2 Appendix 7.2: Potentially Excepted Information

6.8.1 Appendix 8.1: Environment Agency and Local Authority Responses

6.8.2 Appendix 8.2: Capita Desk Study Report

6.8.3 Appendix 8.3: Capita Ground Investigation Report

6.8.4 Appendix 8.4: Paull Holme Strays Investigation Report

6.8.5 Appendix 8.5: Capita Chalk Report

6.8.6 Appendix 8.6: Geophysical Survey Report

6.8.7 Appendix 8.7: Information relating to Stoneledge Field Investigation

6.8.8 Appendix 8.8: Responses from Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre / East Yorkshire RIGS group





6.8.9 Appendix 8.9: Unexploded Ordnance Report

6.10.1 Appendix 10.1: Noise Monitoring Installation Sheets and Time History

6.10.2 Appendix 10.2: Noise Model Inputs

6.10.3 Appendix 10.3: Noise Model Outputs

6.11.1 Appendix 11.1: Agricultural Land Survey

6.13.1 Appendix 13.1: Water Framework Directive Assessment

6.13.2 Appendix 13.2: Initial Site Water Management Plan

6.13.3 Appendix 13.3: Hydrogeological Impact Assessment

Other Relevant DCO Documents

1.4.7 A number of other documents that have been submitted with the DCO application are referred to and need to be read in conjunction with the ES. The relevant documents and their corresponding DCO Document Reference Number are listed in Table 1-2.

Table 1-2 Introduction - Other Relevant Supporting DCO Documents


DCO Document Name

2.2 Works Plans

2.4 Indicative Site Layout Plans

3.1 Draft Development Consent Order

5.2 Flood Risk Assessment




DCO Document Name

5.3 Statement of Statutory Nuisance

5.4 Habitats Regulations Assessment

7.2 Transport Assessment

7.2.1 Initial Traffic Management Plan

7.3 Initial Construction Environmental Management Plan

7.4 Need Case

1.5 Scheme Team

1.5.1 The EIA process has been managed and the ES compiled by Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited. The Scheme team, including contributors to the ES, are provided in Table 1-3.

Table 1-3 Introduction - The Scheme Team

Organisation Role

National Grid Gas Applicant

Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited

EIA Co-ordinator and ES Author

Network Archaeology Geophysics Survey for the Goxhill side of the Scheme

Archaeological Services WYAS

Geophysics Survey for the Paull side of the Scheme and the Soff Lane Diversion

Alison Deegan Air Photo and Lidar Mapping and Interpretation for the Paull side of the Scheme

Capita Front End Engineering Design

Camargue Public Relations

Bell Ingram Land Agent

Eversheds LLP Legal Advisor

Bruton Knowles / LRS

Land Referencing Agents

1.6 Viewing of the Environmental Statement

1.6.1 Following acceptance of the application by PINS, Consultees and the local community will be able to review the documents and provide representations. Copies of the ES will be made available for inspection at the following locations.



Hedon Customer Service Centre, 2 New Road, Hedon, HU12 8EN. Mon – Thurs 9am – 5pm, Friday 9am - 4.30pm;

Goxhill Library, The Parish Room, Howe Lane, Goxhill, Barrow upon Humber, DN19 7HS. Mon 3.30pm – 7pm, Wed 2pm – 5pm, Fri 3pm – 6pm;

North Lincolnshire Council, Civic Centre, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, DN16 1AB. Mon – Thurs 9am – 5pm, Friday 9am - 4.30pm; and

National Grid Strand Office, 1-3 Strand, London, WC2N 5EH. Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm.

1.6.2 Copies will also be available directly from National Grid Gas. Paper copies will be made available at a reasonable cost to cover printing and postal costs. Electronic copies of this ES and hard copies of the Non-Technical Summary (DCO Document Reference 6.19) can be made available on request for free. An electronic copy will also be available on the PINS website http://infrastructure.planningportal.gov.uk/projects/yorkshire-and-the-humber/river-humber-pipeline-replacement-project/ as well as the Scheme website http://www.riverhumberpipeline.com/. Further details about making a representation and how to get involved in the planning process are provided in PINS Advice Note 8 (April, 2012) How to get involved in the process.

1.7 References

Department for Energy and Climate Change (2011) National Policy Statement for Gas Supply Infrastructure and Gas and Oil Pipelines (EN-4). Available at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/37049/1941-nps-gas-supply-oil-en4.pdf (online).

Department for Energy and Climate Change (2011) Overarching National Policy Statement for Energy (EN-1). Available at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/37046/1938-overarching-nps-for-energy-en1.pdf (online).

National Grid (April, 2015) Need Case

PINS (April, 2012) How to get Involved in the Planning Process.

The Infrastructure Planning (EIA) Regulations 2009. Available at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/2263/contents/made (online).

The Planning Act 2008. Available at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2008/29/contents (online).

The Public Gas Transporter Pipeline Works (EIA) Regulations 1999. Available at http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1672/pdfs/uksi_19991672_en.pdf (online)

1.8 Figures

2

50

2

4

7&8

3

1

5

2

1

72

73

3

1

6

6

6

7

7&8

72

73

71

70

9

3

BOREAS HILL FARM

THORNGUMBALD DRAIN

HUMBER ESTUARY

EAST HALTON BECK

DAWSON CLAY PITS

GOXHILL MEADOWS

NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE

EAST RIDING

OF YORKSHIRE

FORT PAULL

PAULL HOLME STRAYS

RAMSAR SITE

SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST

SPECIAL AREA OF CONSERVATION

SPECIAL PROTECTION AREA

PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY

HISTORIC LANDFILL

PAULL HOLME QUARRY

KEY

LOCAL WILDLIFE SITE

LOCAL WILDLIFE SITE (DELETED)

WILDLIFE TRUST RESERVE

CONSERVATION AREA

SCHEDULED MONUMENT

LISTED BUILDING

ALTHOUGH SITES OF LOCAL ECOLOGICAL VALUE

KEY RESIDENTIAL RECEPTOR

EAST MARSH FARM

LYNTON STUD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

SPRING FARM

MARSHLANDS COTTAGE

CHAPEL FARM

FIR TREE FARM

SOUTH PASTURE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

LAKES FARM

LOW PAULL

ROSE HILL FARM

DEM'S WOOD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

PAULL HOLME RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

LODGE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

THORNGUMBALD ROAD

RED LINE BOUNDARY

ABOVE GROUND INSTALLATION SITE

GOXHILL

PAULL

GOXHILL AGI

PAULL AGI

LISTED BUILDINGS

1. CHURCH OF ST ANDREW

2. THE HALL

3. STABLES AND ADJOINING

COACH HOUSE ASSOCIATED

WITH THE HALL

4. THORNGUMBALD CLOUGH

LOW LIGHTHOUSE

5. THORNGUMBALD CLOUGH

HIGH LIGHTHOUSE

6. THE OLD LIGHTHOUSE AND

ADJOINING KEEPER'S HOUSE

7. CHAPEL FARM HOUSE

8. STABLE/GRANARY

ASSOCIATED WITH CHAPEL

FARM HOUSE

9. GOXHILL HALL

SCHEDULED MONUMENTS

1. PAULL HOLME MOATED SITE

AND TOWER

2. PAUL POINT BATTERY

3. GOXHILL MOATED SITE WITH

ITS ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE

SYSTEM, FISHPONDS AND

FIELD SYSTEM

N.T.S

SEE INSET