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ESIA Italy Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact Assessment Methodology

E.ON New Build & Technology GmbH

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Project Title: Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP IAL00-ERM-643-Y-TAE-1000 Rev.: 00 / at06 Document Title: ESIA Italy - Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact

Assessment Methodology

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 BASELINE AND IMPACT ASSESMENT METHODOLOGY 5

Baseline Data Collection Methodologies 5 1.11.1.1 Introduction 5 1.1.2 Offshore and Nearshore - Physical Environment 6 1.1.3 Offshore and Nearshore - Biological Environment 11 1.1.4 Offshore - Socioeconomic and Cultural Heritage Environment 15 1.1.5 Onshore - Physical Environment 16 1.1.6 Onshore - Biological Environment 33 1.1.7 Onshore - Socioeconomic Environment 37 1.1.8 Onshore - Cultural Heritage 44

Topic-Specific Assessment Methodology 46 1.21.2.1 Introduction 46 1.2.2 Physical Environment 48 1.2.3 Biological Environment 84 1.2.4 Socioeconomic Environment 95 1.2.5 Cultural Heritage 101

2 APPENDIX 1 – AIR MODELLING SET UP AND DATA 106

Dispersion Modelling Tool 106 2.1 Model Domain 108 2.2 Meteorological Data 114 2.3


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LIST OF TABLES Table 1-1 MEET input information 7 Table 1-2 Average fuel consumption at full power and linear regression equations of

consumption at full power as a function of gross tonnage 8 Table 1-3 Fraction of maximum fuel consumption in different mode 8 Table 1-4 Proposed cruising emission factors (kg/ton of fuel) 9 Table 1-5 Proposed manoeuvring emission factors (kg/ton of fuel) 9 Table 1-6 Proposed hoteling emission factors (kg/ton of fuel) 9 Table 1-7 Characteristics of the National Air Force station of Lecce-Galatina used for

climate data 17 Table 1-8 Definitions of Acoustical Terms 20 Table 1-9 Noise Monitoring Sites 21 Table 1-10 National Noise Limits in Absence of the Acoustic Zoning Plan 23 Table 1-11 IFC World Bank Group Noise Level Standards 23 Table 1-12 Landscape Sensitivity Assessment – Synthesis of the Considered Elements 31 Table 1-13 Field Tools 40 Table 1-14 List of Key Informants 42 Table 1-15 Summary of Significance Criteria for the ESIA 48 Table 1-16 IFC, EU and National NO2 air quality standards 55 Table 1-17 IFC, EU and National NOx air quality standards 55 Table 1-18 IFC, EU and National PM air quality standards 56 Table 1-19 IFC, EU and National CO air quality standards 56 Table 1-20 Criteria for Assessing the Magnitude of Short-term Impacts on Air Quality 57 Table 1-21 Criteria for Assessing the Magnitude Long-term Impacts on Air Quality 57 Table 1-22 Evaluation of the Significance of Impacts on Local Air Quality 58 Table 1-23 Noise Limits in Absence of the Acoustic Zoning Plan 60 Table 1-24 Noise Level Standards 60 Table 1-25 Construction Noise Impact Assessment Criteria 65 Table 1-26 Operational Noise Impact Assessment Criteria 66 Table 1-27 Evaluation of Impact Significance for Noise 66 Table 1-28 Evaluation Criteria for Water Resources Importance and Sensitivity 69 Table 1-29 Significance Criteria for Assessing Impacts on Water Resources 73 Table 1-30 Evaluation of Impact Significance for Water Resources 74 Table 1-31 Evaluation Criteria for Soil Importance and Sensitivity 77 Table 1-32 Summary of Impact Magnitude 79 Table 1-33 Evaluation of Impact Significance for Geology, Geomorphology and Soil

Quality 80 Table 1-34 Evaluation Criteria for Impacts of the Project on Landscape and Visual

Amenity 82 Table 1-35 Evaluation of Impact Significance for Landscape and Visual Amenity 83 Table 1-36 Criteria to be used in Evaluating Plant Community Importance and

Sensitivity 86 Table 1-37 Evaluation of Impact Significance for Flora and Vegetation 88 Table 1-38 Species Evaluation Criteria 90 Table 1-39 IUCN Red List Categories 91 Table 1-40 Evaluation of Impact Significance for Fauna and Habitats 94 Table 1-41 Evaluation of Impact Significance for Protected Areas 95 Table 1-42 Characteristics that Underpin Vulnerability 97 Table 1-43 Evaluating Significance of Social Impacts 100 Table 1-44 Characteristics of Heritage Sites 104 Table 1-45 Cultural Heritage Site Quality/Importance Criteria 104 Table 1-46 Evaluation of Impact Significance for Ecology - Habitats 105


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LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1-1 Location of Lecce-Galatina National Air Force Station – Source of Climate

Data 17 Figure 1-2 ARPA Puglia air quality monitoring station in the province of Lecce 19 Figure 1-3 Evaluation of Significance 47 Figure 1-4 Livelihoods Framework 96 Figure 1-5 Evaluating the Magnitude of Socioeconomic and Health Impacts 99 Figure 2-1 CALPUFF modelling system INPUTS 107 Figure 2-2 Dust dispersion modelling study Meteorological and Sampling Domains 110 Figure 2-3 Hydrotesting Air Dispersion Modelling Study Meteorological and Sampling

Domains 111 Figure 2-4 PRT Air Dispersion Modelling Study Meteorological and Sampling Domains 112 Figure 2-5 Model Vertical Resolution 113 Figure 2-6 2010 Wind Rose at the PRT site - CALMET 115

LIST OF BOXES Box 1–1 Methods of Data Collection 37 Box 1–2 Focus Groups: Definition 41 Box 1–3 Key Informant Interviews: Definition 41 Box 1–4 Field Observations and Ground-Truthing: Definition 43 Box 1–5 Features of the Modelling System Components 53 Box 1–6 Features of the Noise Modelling System Components - SoundPlan 7.2 62 Box 1–7 European Water Directive and Italian Standards 70 Box 1–8 Magnitude Criteria for the Impact Assessment of Flora and Vegetation 87 Box 1–9 Magnitude Criteria for the Impact Assessment of Fauna and Habitats 93 Box 2-1 Features of the pre-processor CALMET, CALPUFF and post-processor

CALPOST 108


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1 BASELINE AND IMPACT ASSESMENT METHODOLOGY

Baseline Data Collection Methodologies 1.1

1.1.1 Introduction

A wide range of methodologies was employed in gathering the environmental, socioeconomic and cultural heritage baseline for the TAP Project in Italy.

This Annex provides a summary of the methodologies used to establish baseline information for each of the biological, physical, socioeconomic and cultural heritage environments within the area of influence of the Project, as well as criteria to evaluate the current quality and importance of the features. As the method for each particular analysis (i.e. water sampling) can be technical, this Annex should be read in conjunction with Annex 7 Baseline Data and Maps. Furthermore, maps showing the Study Area and sampling points are provided in Annex 7.

Baseline data collection methodologies are presented for the following:

• Offshore and Nearshore - Physical Environment (Section 1.1.2);

• Offshore and Nearshore - Biological Environment (Section 1.1.3);

• Offshore and Nearshore - Socioeconomic and Cultural Heritage Environment (Section 1.1.4);

• Onshore - Physical Environment (Section 1.1.5);

• Onshore - Biological Environment (Section 1.1.6):

• Onshore - Cultural Heritage (Section 1.1.8).


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1.1.2 Offshore and Nearshore - Physical Environment

1.1.2.1 Oceanography

The oceanographic data are based upon a range of long-term data sets including region wide circulation models, baroclinic current modelling, temperature, current speed and direction modelling from the literature. Further data are derived from long-term data sets for the wave and tide regimes, providing important height and directional information.

1.1.2.2 Climate and Air Quality

Climate data are derived from offshore wind stations, providing average wind speed and directional data. Specific air quality information is not available for the offshore environment therefore general conclusions have been drawn based upon the nature of offshore emissions and the onshore coastal datasets. Concentration levels for key atmospheric pollutants are provided as background from literature sources including:

• Instituto Superiore di Sanità; and

• Floccia M., Gisotto, G. & Sanna M (1985, 2003) Dizionario dell’inquinamento: cause, effetti, rimedi e normative.

The calculation of ship transport emissions was based on the Methodology for Estimate Air Pollutant Emissions from Transport (MEET here after). The latter has been developed by the UK Transport Research Laboratory, under the Transport RTD programme of the 4th Framework programme, funded by the European Commission. The MEET provides two methods, a simplified method and one that is more detailed. The choice of method for a particular application depends mainly on the amount of information that is available to describe the shipping activity.

The detailed methodology has been applied in the present study. According to the MEET detailed vessels’ emissions estimation method, the ship transport emissions for each pollutant of interest, have been calculated as a function of fuel consumption, number of working days, operating modes and pollutant-specific emission factor, and have been obtained as:

mljimlkjmkjlkji

mlkj mlkjii

FtGTSE

EE

,,,,,,,,,,,

,,, ,,,,

)( ××=

=∑

Where:

i is the pollutant

j is the fuel

k is the ship class


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l is the engine type class

m is the operating mode or phase of the journey (cruising between ports, manoeuvring in the harbour area, and hoteling at the dockside)

Ei is the total emissions of pollutant i

Eijklm is the total emission of pollutant i from use of fuel j on ship class k with engine type l in operating mode m

Sjkm (GT) is the daily consumption of fuel j in ship class k in operating mode m as a function of gross tonnage.

tjklm is the number of days in navigation of ships of class k with engine type l using fuel j in operating mode m

Fijlm is the average emission factor of pollutant i from fuel j in engines type l in operating mode m

Detailed tables provided by the MEET, (presented in the following part of this paragraph), have been used in order to identify the daily fuel consumption for a specific fuel, ship class and operating mode as a function of gross tonnage [Sjkm (GT)], and to identify a pollutant specific emission factor for a specific fuel, engine type and operating mode [Fijl]. Therefore, in order to apply the MEET methodology, the following input information has been identified for the Project vessels and is presented in Table 1-1:

• Ship class (Gross Tonnage);

• Operating mode;

• Engine type class; and

• Type of fuel.

Table 1-1 MEET input information

Type of Vessel GT Operating mode Engine / Fuel Backhoe dredge 1389 Tug ship assistance/ Hotelling. Medium speed diesel engine Motopontoon 6200 Hotelling Medium speed diesel engine Pipelay barge 40000 Hotelling Medium speed diesel engine Anchor Handling Tug 2922 Tug ship assistance/Hotelling Medium speed diesel engine Pipe carrier Barge 3702 Cruising Medium speed diesel engine Supply vessel 2922 Cruising Medium speed diesel engine Survey vessel 4200 Manoeuvring Medium speed diesel engine Crew boat 500 Cruising Medium speed diesel engine Dive Support Vessel 3000 Manoeuvring Medium speed diesel engine Fall pipe vessel 30000 Hotelling Medium speed diesel engine


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On the basis of the information provided in Table 1-1, for each vessel involved in the offshore pipeline construction, the daily consumption at full power of fuel j in ship class k (Cjk), has been calculated as a function of gross tonnage as indicated in Table 1-2; subsequently the daily consumption of fuel j in ship class k in operating mode m (Sjkm) has been obtained by multiplying the consumption at full load (Cjk) by the fraction of maximum fuel consumption in different modes indicated in Table 1-3.

Table 1-2 Average fuel consumption at full power and linear regression equations of consumption at full power as a function of gross tonnage

Ship type Average Consumption (t/day) Consumption at full power (t/day) as function of gross

tonnage (GT) General cargo 33.80 Cjk = 20.186 + .00049 * GT Liquid bulk 41.15 Cjk = 14.685 + .00079 * GT Solid bulk 21.27 Cjk = 9.8197 + .00143 * GT

Container 65.88 Cjk = 8.0552 + .00235 * GT Passenger/Ro-Ro/Cargo 32.28 Cjk = 12.834 + .00156 * GT Passenger 70.23 Cjk = 16.904 + .00198 * GT

High speed ferry 80.42 Cjk = 39.483 + .00972 * GT Inland cargo 21.27 Cjk = 9.8197 + .00143 * GT

Sail ships 3.38 Cjk = .42682 + .00100 * GT Tugs 14.35 Cjk = 5.6511 + .01048 * GT

Fishing 5.51 Cjk = 1.9387 + .00448 * GT

Other ships 26.40 Cjk = 9.7126 + .00091 * GT All ships 32.78 Cjk = 16.263 + 0.001 * GT

Table 1-3 Fraction of maximum fuel consumption in different mode

Mode Fraction Cruising 0.80 Manoeuvring 0.40 Hotelling 0.20 Passenger 0.32 Tanker 0.20 Other 0.12 Tug Ship assistance 0.20 Moderate activity 0.50 Under tow 0.80

The average emission factor of NOX, CO, CO2, VOC, PM, SOX, expressed in kg of pollutant emitted for ton of fuel burned, has been determined for a specific fuel, engine type and operating mode, Fijlm , according to the following Table 1-4, Table 1-5 and Table 1-6. The latter refer to the cruising, manoeuvring and hoteling phase respectively and express sulphur oxides as a function of the sulphur content of the fuel, and particulate emissions as the total particulate mass.


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All tables presented in this section are provided by MEET and are derived from information supplied by EPA, IMO, CONCAWE, Lloyd's Register and organisations that work on maritime activities such as Marintek and Mariterm.

Table 1-4 Proposed cruising emission factors (kg/ton of fuel)

Engine type NOX CO CO2 VOC PM SOX

Steam turbines - BFO engines 6.98 0.431 3200 0.085 2.5 20S

Steam turbines - MDO engines 6.25 0.6 3200 0.5 2.08 20S

High speed diesel engines 70 9 3200 3 1.5 20S

Medium speed diesel engines 57 7.4 3200 2.4 1.2 20S

Slow speed diesel engines 87 7.4 3200 2.4 1.2 20S

Gas turbines 16 0.5 3200 0.2 1.1 20S

Inboard engine – pleasure craft - diesel 48 20 3200 26 Neg. 20S

Inboard engine –pleasure craft -gasoline 21.2 201 3200 13.9 Neg 20S

Outboard engines – gasoline 1.07 540 3000 176 Neg 20S

Table 1-5 Proposed manoeuvring emission factors (kg/ton of fuel)

Engine type NOX CO CO2 VOC PM SOX Steam turbines - BFO engines 6.11 0.19 3200 0.85 2.5 20S


High speed diesel engines 63 34 3200 4.5 1.5 20S

Medium speed diesel engines 51 28 3200 3.6 1.2 20S

Slow speed diesel engines 78 28 3200 3.6 1.2 20S

Gas turbines 14 1.9 3200 0.3 1.1 20S

Inboard engine – pleasure craft - diesel 48 20 3200 26 Neg. 20S

Inboard engine –pleasure craft -gasoline 21.2 201 3200 13.9 Neg 20S

Outboard engines – gasoline 1.07 540 3000 176 Neg 20S

Table 1-6 Proposed hoteling emission factors (kg/ton of fuel) Engine type NOX CO CO2 VOC PM SOX

Steam turbines - BFO engines 4.55 0 3200 0.4 1.25 20S


High speed diesel engines 28 120 3200 28.9 1.5 20S

Medium speed diesel engines 23 99 3200 23.1 1.2 20S

Slow speed diesel engines 35 99 3200 23.1 1.2 20S

Gas turbines 6 7 3200 1.9 1.1 20S

Inboard engine – pleasure craft - diesel Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg.

Inboard engine –pleasure craft -gasoline Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg Neg.

Outboard engines – gasoline Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg Neg.


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The detailed MEET method for the calculation of ship transport emissions has been applied based on the Project data on vessels activity for the construction of the offshore pipeline (Tables 8-9 and 8-10 in Section 8 and Table 1-1). The total emissions from vessels for each macro pollutant have been calculated. Results are presented in Section 8.

1.1.2.3 Seabed Geology and Morphology

The seabed geology and morphology data are provided from a combination of literature sources and survey data from the 2011 and 2012 / 2013 environmental and geophysical surveys. The following sources provide the baseline data:

• 2011 sediment analysis conducted as part of the 2011 environmental survey presented in Section 6.2 of the ESIA and in Annex 7;

• 2012 / 2013 seabed observation and investigation conducted as part of the 2012 / 2013 geophysical and geotechnical surveys and sediment analysis conducted as part of the 2013 environmental survey, presented in Section 6.2 of the ESIA and in Annex 7; and

• Desk-based review presented in Section 6.2 of the ESIA.

1.1.2.4 Water Quality

Water quality is described in line with the Water Framework Directive. The physico-chemical and bacteriological qualities were assessed through a combination of field surveys as laid out in Section 6.2 of the ESIA (also see previous section 1.1.2.3) and an analysis of long-term data sets available for bathing water quality and the TRIX index (trophic index of marine and coastal water).

1.1.2.5 Summary of Activities Performed in the Field

The following activities were performed in the field with regard to the Offshore Physical Environment:

• Confirmation and identification of sediment type through sampling and laboratory analysis;

• Identification of water and sediment physico-chemical properties through field sampling and laboratory analysis;

• Morphological analysis conducted through a preliminary assessment using Side Scan Sonar (SSS) followed by the use of the Sub Bottom Profiler (SBP) and Multi-Beam Echo Sounder (MBES) to provide precise geo-morphological data; and

• Identification of possible crossings with cables and mapping magnetometer anomalies through acquiring magnetometer data using a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).


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1.1.2.6 Key Methodological Elements

The key methodologies utilised for the offshore physical environmental assessment are laid out in Section 6.2 of the ESIA and in Annex 7 and include:

• Sediment sampling for analyses of physico-chemical parameters;

• Seawater sampling for analyses of physico-chemical parameters; and

• Seawater profiling.

1.1.3 Offshore and Nearshore - Biological Environment

The methodology for baseline data collection for the biological environment involved two key elements 1) desk-based literature review and gap analysis; and 2) baseline field surveys undertaken in the nearshore landfall area of the pipeline and wider area of influence.

It is key to evaluate the importance locally, nationally and internationally of those species and habitats recorded both in the literature and in field surveys. The first phase of this was an analysis of protected sites within the area of influence and wider region and protected species and habitats that occur within the area.

1.1.3.1 Designated Sites and Sensitive Habitats

Desk-based survey revealed the presence of protected areas of European Community importance in the region and a number of protected habitats and species. Of immediate relevance for the pipeline route was the presence of the Le Cesine SCI that has a number of conservation features of interest of which the seagrass Posidonia oceanica is an important marine habitat. Other species include migratory fish and cetaceans, the majority of which will not interact with the pipeline itself but will have an eventual short-term, localised impact during the construction phase.

A video survey of the nearshore seabed north-west of San Foca harbour was conducted among other field surveys, in order to map the extent of potential habitats comprised by sensitive or protected species. The survey was in the vicinity of the proposed pipeline route corridor, and conducted between the 3rd and the 5th of November 2011.

In addition, benthic sampling, digital stills and video investigations of the nearshore and offshore areas were performed to identify potentially important, ‘priority’, threatened and protected habitat and/or species. The investigations were undertaken from December 2012 to February 2013 using a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).


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1.1.3.2 Nutrients and Plankton

The nutrients and plankton communities play a fundamental ecological role in the Study Area. Data for the plankton baseline was acquired through a review of available literature and the collection of field samples and subsequent analysis to ascertain the levels of dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll-a.

Most of the desk-based review information is provided from data collected in October 2000 and May 2001, within the framework of the Interreg II project (CoNISMa, 2002). The study focussed on specific planktonic groups, namely copepods, ostracods and coccolithophorids.

1.1.3.3 Marine Benthos

The marine benthos in the region supports a wide range of fisheries and habitats, some of which are considered sensitive and protected. A desk-based review provided an initial baseline data of the communities present in the offshore biological environment and concentrated on European projects such as the INTERREG (Italy – Greece) Project that lead to the production of a detailed biocenotic map. The following biocenoses were highlighted within the Salentino area:

• Coralligenous biocenosis;

• Biocenosis of well sorted fine sands;

• Biocenosis of coastal terrigenous mud;

• Biocenosis of encrusting Corallinaceae (maerl);

• Biocenosis of Posidonia oceanica meadows;

• Biocenoses of infralittoral algae comprising overgrazed facies with encrusting algae and sea urchin and photophilic algae on hard bottom.

A review of the data relating to the deeper offshore region highlighted the presence of deepwater corals in the wider Adriatic Sea. The literature focussed primarily on the findings of the Friewald et al 2009 paper summarizing the R/V Meteor cruise exploring several deep-water coral sites, including the Santa Maria di Leuca Reef and the Bari and Gondola Reefs.

1.1.3.4 Fish and Crustacea

A desk-based review was initially conducted to ascertain the presence of rare and endangered species in the wider area using the IUCN red list as the primary source of information. Further to these key sources were reviewed to provide a thorough baseline of species of commercial importance.

Sources of information for the commercial species, and the communities within which they exist, included Adriatic specific regional data from the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and national fisheries surveys conducted at an Italian level.


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1.1.3.5 Marine mammals and reptiles

The baseline for the mammals and reptiles using the wider area concentrated purely on a thorough review of the literature including IUCN red list and sightings and stranding data for both cetaceans and reptiles derived from International sources such as the FAO and regional monitoring programmes for the Mediterranean and the Technical-Scientific Report ‘Fish Nursery potential, cetaceans and sea turtles in the area of the trans Adriatic pipeline (San Foca-Torre Specchia Ruggeri, Lecce SE Apulia)’, compiled by Antheus S.R.L. (spin-off company of the University of Salento).

1.1.3.6 Seabirds

A desk-based review was undertaken on available information regarding the costal nesting, wintering areas, migration paths, etc. of seabirds. Data sources included local and international literature, such BirdLife International.

1.1.3.7 Key Methodological Elements

The key methodologies utilised for the offshore physical environmental assessment are laid out in Section 6.2 and Annex 7 and include:

• Sediment sampling for characterisation of the benthic community; and

• Video analysis for characterisation and extent mapping of sensitive habitats.

1.1.3.8 Summary of Activities Performed in the Field

In addition to the desk-based review:

• A thorough field survey was conducted within the area of influence of the pipeline within the shallow water (<35 m) zone (2011). This field survey included triplicate samples from 16 sample stations (one of them was control station) each of which has undergone laboratory analysis. The benthic samples were obtained using a 0.1 m2 Hamon grab, each of which was preceded by a drop down video survey of the station to provide field notes of the area of confirmation of the station as suitable for grab sampling i.e. rock or soft substrate. Later in 2011 video footage was acquired to determine the presence and extension of Posidonia Oceanica habitats in the wider landfall and approach area


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• Given that the Project design amendments and changes, and the route refinement process, occurred subsequently to the first ESIA submission on 15 March 2012, to complement the 2011 campaign related to the coastal/nearshore section, another environmental campaign was carried out between December 2012 and February 2013 along the whole Albania to Italy route. This included the Italian offshore Project area. 45 sampling stations were selected: 36 stations were located in the shallower part of the Italian offshore Project area (from water depths between 25 mbsl to 100 mbsl approximately), while the remaining 9 were located in the deeper offshore Project area. This field survey included sediment sampling for physico-chemical parameters and benthic analyses, using a Day Grab or a Box Core. The water samples were obtained using Niskin bottles for physico-chemical parameters analysis and with a Valeport Midas CTD probe for seawater profiling. In addition to the environmental survey, an assessment of the marine habitat was conducted: seabed sampling observations and seabed photographs and video footage were acquired for identification of threatened or declining or protected or ‘priority’ habitat/species seawater profiling.


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1.1.4 Offshore - Socioeconomic and Cultural Heritage Environment

1.1.4.1 Offshore Socioeconomic Environment

Refer to Section 1.2.4.

1.1.4.2 Offshore Cultural Heritage Environment

The cultural heritage team investigated evidence of submerged archaeological / cultural heritage sites in the wider landfall, approach and offshore areas as a means of determining cultural heritage constraints for the Project. Baseline data collection took place in two phases:

• Desk study;

• Fieldwork.

Desk Review 1.1.4.2.1

Desk-based research was carried out to identify both cultural heritage sites in the wider landfall, approach and offshore areas, as well as to ascertain the treatment of cultural heritage under Italian national legislation. The desk study involved the collection and analysis of relevant data from the “Register of underwater archaeological sites in the Southern Italian regions of Campania, Basilicata, Puglia and Calabria” of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities (http://www.archeomar.it/), archaeological and historical literature, historic and topographic maps as well as consultation with experts and other knowledgeable individuals in Italy. The archaeological sites were collected in the form of catalogue entries containing short descriptions of the remains, the location and the type of the archaeological evidence (i.e. shipwreck, structure, amphora) and, where available, the degree of risk.

1.1.4.3 Field survey methodology

The Archaeological Underwater assessment has been performed based on the interpretation of the geophysical and geotechnical studies performed along the offshore route that included the Instrumental Surveys (Multibean Echosounder System, Side Scan Sonar and Sub Bottom Profiler equipment). The analysis has been completed by the analysis of available satellite images and aerial photographs.

http://www.archeomar.it/


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1.1.5 Onshore - Physical Environment

In order to define the baseline conditions of the Onshore Physical Environment the following components were assessed:

• Climate (Section 1.1.5.1);

• Ambient Air Quality (Section 1.1.5.2);

• Acoustic Environment (Section 1.1.5.3);

• Freshwater Resources – Surface and Groundwater (Section 1.1.5.4);

• Geology, Geomorphology and Soil Quality (Section 1.1.5.5); and

• Landscape and Visual Amenity (Section 1.1.5.6).

Studying this set of components provided a thorough understanding of Onshore Physical Environment baseline conditions, in line with common ESIA practice, and according to Italian and International Standards.

1.1.5.1 Climate

The climate characterising the Project area was identified by means of desktop analysis (climatic characterization is possible only when a historical set of data are available). Climatic conditions were identified for the entire Province of Lecce based on the available data, although it must be noted that the Project might only affect a very localised area.

A qualitative description of climatic conditions was based on publications developed by the National Institute of Atmospheric Science and Climate and the Environmental Department of the Province of Lecce (ISAC-CNR & Provincia di Lecce 2007). Quantitative data on local climatic conditions were taken from long-term meteorological data observed by the Italian Air Force Climate monitoring station of Lecce – Galatina, and taken from the Italian Air Force Climate Atlas 1971÷2000.

The Lecce-Galatina station is located 20-25 km west of from pipeline route, and can therefore be considered representative of the climatic conditions of the Project area. Statistics over the reference period 1971-2000 were taken from the Lecce-Galatina station for the following meteorological variables, including:

• mean temperature;

• precipitation;

• in relative humidity ;

• wind roses;

• percentage of wind calms.


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Table 1-7 provides a brief description of the Lecce-Galatina Station and Figure 1-1 shows its location with respect to the Project area.

Table 1-7 Characteristics of the National Air Force station of Lecce-Galatina used for climate data

Meteorological station Lat (degree) Lon (degree) Altitude (m)

Lecce galatina 40° 17’ 18°17’ 53

Source: Italian Air Force Climate Atlas 1971-2000

Figure 1-1 Location of Lecce-Galatina National Air Force Station – Source of Climate Data

Source: ERM (2013)


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1.1.5.2 Ambient Air Quality

The ambient air quality baseline was carried out by means of the following activities:

• Desktop analysis using available data; and

• Field survey in the project area.

Desktop analysis aimed to provide general information on the concentration of any main pollutants over the province of Lecce, whilst the results of the field survey aimed at providing a more detailed characterisation and analysis of ambient air quality. The field survey focused on the actual Project area; in particular, a 100-m wide corridor centred on the proposed pipeline route and the PRT site. In particular, the field survey monitored levels of NO2, given is ubiquity and prominence as an air pollutant.

Desktop Analysis

The main objective of the desktop analysis was to gather data on the atmospheric concentrations of any major macro-pollutants and was based on the following publicly available data and sources:

• The most recent regional State of the Environment Report published by ARPA Puglia (2012) which provides air quality data at a provincial level; and

• The Air Quality Monthly Reports for the year 2012, available from the ARPA Puglia website, which provide monthly data for each regional air quality monitoring station. Analysis has been limited to the stations of the regional air quality monitoring network located in the proximity of the project area and thus representative of its air quality conditions.

Figure 1-2 shows the locations of the regional air quality monitoring network stations in the Province of Lecce, highlighting the stations of Galatina and Maglie.


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Figure 1-2 ARPA Puglia air quality monitoring station in the province of Lecce

Source: ERM (2013)

Field survey

The air quality field survey was carried out along a 100-m wide corridor of the proposed pipeline route and at the PRT site, focusing on the monitoring of NO2. The monitoring equipment used consisted of diffusion tubes, with an exposure period of one week.

Given the extension of the Project area, eight (8) suitable locations for diffusion tubes were selected. Locations were selected, after adequate site inspections and consultations with local authorities, on the basis of their proximity to sensitive receptor and to avoid local punctual emissions, which could compromise the measurement of the NO2 background concentration.

http://www.arpa.puglia.it/


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Evaluation Criteria 1.1.5.2.1

In order to define the air quality conditions, monitored background levels were compared with in force normative threshold concentrations for air pollutants. These limits are set at an international and national level in order to guarantee clean air conditions and avoid harmful effects on flora, fauna and human receptors deriving from short-term and long-term exposure to polluted air.

At the international level, air quality standards are defined by the Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines: General EHS Guidelines: Environmental Air Emissions and Ambient Air Quality; the latter refers to Air Quality Guidelines published by World Health Organization (WHO). At the European level Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe establishes a common framework for air quality, defining air quality standard.

At a national level, the Legislative Decree 155/2010 harmonises the Italian Environmental Law with the European Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality, setting air quality limits for main atmospheric pollutants.

Reference to the aforementioned air quality standards is made in the ESIA Section 6.5.1.

1.1.5.3 Acoustic Environment

Given the lack of available data, a noise baseline investigation was conducted to characterise existing ambient noise levels. Additional scope of the field activities was to identify potential noise-sensitive receptors within the Project area.

As noise levels can vary over a given time period, various descriptors were used. The noise descriptor used in this report is the ‘equivalent sound level’ (Leq). Definitions of technical noise terms used in this section are summarised in Table 1-8.

Table 1-8 Definitions of Acoustical Terms

Term Definitions

Decibel, dB A unit describing the amplitude of sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm10 of the ratio of the pressure of the sound wave to a reference pressure (which is 20 micropascals or 20 micronewtons per square metre).

A-Weighted Sound Pressure Level, dBA

The sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-weighted filter network. The A-weighted filter de-emphasises the very low and very high frequency components of the sound in a manner similar to the frequency response of the human ear and correlates well with subjective reactions to noise. All sound levels in this report are A-weighted.

Equivalent Noise Level, Leq The average (on a sound energy basis) A-weighted noise level during the measurement period.

Ambient Noise Level The noise generated by all sources in a specific area, in order to define the existing level of environmental noise at a given location.

Source: California Department of Transportation (1998)

The following sections describe the Methodology used to perform the survey.

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32008L0050:EN:NOT


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Noise Survey Methodology 1.1.5.3.1

In order to perform the noise survey a desktop cartographic analysis was deemed necessary, aimed at identifying sensitive receptors.

On-site verification was then performed to confirm that the selected sensitive noise receptors were actually adjacent to the proposed pipeline route and the landfall. These receptors may potentially be affected especially by the pipeline construction works.

Noise receptors in proximity of the PRT were also identified, given the potential impact near this area during the operation phase.

As a result, a total of 10 noise monitoring sites were selected in order to establish the baseline conditions of the ambient acoustic environment within the Project area of influence. Table 1-9 provides details of these monitoring sites.

Table 1-9 Noise Monitoring Sites

Noise Monitoring Site Coordinate System WGS84 UTM 34N Measurement Time Easting [m] Northing [m] Receptors along the pipeline and around hydrotest area

Receptor n.5 272700.00 4463045.00 short-term measurement



Receptor n. 21 278682.00 4464861.00 short-term measurement

Receptor n. 22 277600.00 4464992.00 short-term measurement

South of microtunnel / hydrotest area 277927.00 4464903.00 long-term measurement

North of microtunnel / hydrotest area 277854.00 4465221.00 long-term measurement

Receptors around PRT area



Measurement location near PRT 271657.00 4461297.00 long-term measurement

Source: Genest und Partner Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH (Field survey 2013)


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Noise levels in the proximity of each source or receptor were monitored through the use of a sound meter level Type 1, in compliance with EN 60651/94 and 60804/94 regulations (as stated by DM 16/03/98).

The sound level meter was calibrated prior to use with a portable certified acoustical calibrator and the calibration was checked and verified after each period of use.

The noise measurements allowed determination of the Equivalent Noise Pressure Level (LeqA) corresponding to a receptor in a specific reference time. The LeqA is defined as:

= ∫

T

dtpp

TALeq

020

2

101log10)(

where: p is the instantaneous noise pressure level corresponding to the receptor;

p0 is the reference noise pressure level; and

T is the integration period.

Noise measurements were performed according to DM 16/03/1998 and the following prescriptions:

• Absence of precipitations (rain, snow, etc.);

• Wind speed < 5 m/sec;

• Microphone with anti-wind foam cap;

• Microphone orientated vertically (random incidence) in order to record sources coming from all directions; and

• Microphone positioned at a proper height (assumed receptors’ height), in this case 1.5 meters above ground level.


In order to characterize the acoustic environment of the Project area the background noise levels monitored during the field survey were compared with relevant in force legislation (national and international) on noise pollution.

Considering that the acoustic zoning in the area has not yet been approved, noise limits are established by DPCM 01/03/91 (as stated in Law 447/95). They are reported in Table 1-10.


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Table 1-10 National Noise Limits in Absence of the Acoustic Zoning Plan

Zone

Absolute Noise Limits Leq dB(A)

Differential Noise Limits(2) Leq dB(A)

Day (06:00-22:00)

Night (22:00-06:00)

Day (06:00-22:00)

Night (22:00-06:00)

All national territory 70 60 5 3

Zone A (D.M. 1444/68) (1)

65 55 5 3

Zone B (D.M. 1444/68) (1)

60 50 5 3

Industrial areas 70 70 - -

Notes: (1) Zones as for DM 2 April 1968, article 2

• Zone A: residential areas with historic, artistic and environmental value; • Zone B: residential areas, totally or partially developed, different from Zone A.

(2) Defined as the increase of noise above background level due to project’s activity. It is calculated at the receptor as the difference between cumulative noise level (background+project contribution) and background level (residual noise).

Source: DPCM 01/03/91

In order to allow a full comprehensive baseline noise evaluation, monitored levels were also compared to the Noise Level Standards identified by the IFC, as set out in Table 1-11.

Table 1-11 IFC World Bank Group Noise Level Standards

Period IFC World Bank Group

Industrial and commercial Residential, institutional and educational

Day-time (07:00 -22:00) 70 dBA 55 dBA Night-time (22:00 - 07:00) 70 dBA 45 dBA

Source: IFC 2007


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1.1.5.4 Freshwater Resources – Surface and Groundwater

Baseline characterization of freshwater resources was performed by analysing the following components:

• Surface Waters;

• Hydro-morphology;

• Water Quality; and

• Groundwater.

Surface Waters 1.1.5.4.1

The analysis of surface waters was performed by:

• Desktop study of available data; and

• Detailed field survey in the Project area.

The desktop study was aimed at characterising the hydro-morphology of the area; mapping watercourses within the 2 km pipeline corridor and providing a description of their channel morphology (such as width, flow type etc). The geographical data were derived from the SIT Regione Puglia database.

The field survey was aimed at assessing local water quality in the area of the proposed Project. In order to achieve this scope, relevant Italian Guidelines (Manuale per le indagini ambientali nei siti contaminati, APAT) were applied.

The direct method technique was used. Physical, chemical and bacteriological quality indicators were analysed by means of visual analysis and standard sampling of running water with appropriate equipment. With the direct method, the sample taker fills a vial or bottle directly from the water body, with the sample taker facing upstream.

The following measurements were taken before sampling (in order not to compromise the quality of the sampling):

• pH;

• dissolved oxygen;

• redox potential; and

• conductivity.


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Samples were sent under the appropriate chain-of-custody procedures to a qualified laboratory (ACCREDIA registered), for the remaining chemical analysis. Water samples conservation was based on APAT criteria and US-EPA methods (Methods for chemical analysis of water and wastewater, Ohio-USA, 1983). Water samples for BOD, nutrients and bacterial contamination were stored in refrigerators at a temperature of 4° C and were analysed within 48 hours from sampling. The remaining samples were stored under the same conditions and were analysed in accordance with the APAT CNR IRSA methodology.

Groundwater 1.1.5.4.2

The methodology applied for groundwater sampling followed the Italian guidelines for such activities (i.e. Manuale per le indagini ambientali nei siti contaminati, APAT).

In order to characterise the multilevel aquifer (semi-confined and shallow aquifer), all existing wells within 500 m of the pipeline route were monitored. The scope of this selection also included identifying wells located upstream of the Study Area in the groundwater flow, in order to characterize the upstream quality conditions and identify possible monitoring points.

Sampling was conducted at each of the wells as per the following procedure:

• Measure the depth to groundwater in each well by means of a dip meter. Measure depth from top of well. Decontaminate dip meter after measurements at each well to avoid any possibility of cross-contamination;

• Sample in dynamic conditions following the purging of the well. Purging operations continue until pH, temperature, conductivity, redox potential and dissolved oxygen are stabilized. All the wells to be purged by the pump already present in the well. For wells not equipped with a pump, purging to be performed with a submersible pump (Grundfos MP1 ø2”, specific equipment for groundwater sampling);

• At the end of purging operations, prior to sample collection, reduce the flow to a rate of about 1 litre per minute;

• During purging, pump groundwater through a flow-cell suitable for continuous measurements of groundwater parameters by a specific multiparametric probe (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, redox potential and conductivity), in order to evaluate parameter stabilization to confirm that appropriate conditions had been established for groundwater sample collection. Collect samples directly from a pipe connected with the pump outlet, pack in appropriate containers (provided by the lab) and send under chain of custody procedures to the Certified Laboratory (Theolab);

• In addition to the standard groundwater samples, also collect a quality control (QC) sample. Water samples conservation based on APAT criteria and US-EPA methods (Methods for chemical analysis of water and wastewater, Ohio-USA, 1983).


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• Store water samples for BOD, nutrients and bacterial contamination in ice boxes at 4° C and analyse within 48 hours of water sampling.

Evaluation Criteria

In order to assess the quality of freshwater resources the parameters analysed through the sampling campaign were compared against Italian environmental quality standards for surface and groundwater and also against the European Water Directive, Directive 2008/105/EC and the European Directive (2000/60/EC), as detailed below:

• Annex 1, Environmental quality standards for priority substances and certain other pollutants, Directive 2008/105/EC;

• Tables 1/A and 1/B, Annex 1, Part III of D.Lgs. 152/2006 and amendments (Ministerial Decree 260/2010);

• Water Directive (2000/60 EC), which provides a strategic framework for community action on the subject, constitutes a major advance in European environmental policy, given that it regulates the concepts of ‘ecological status’ regarding water-body quality in terms of local responsibilities and of the “planning, management and governance of water on the watershed level”; and

• Legislative Decree 152/2006 transposes the European directives into Italian.

Furthermore, groundwater parameters were analysed using the so-called ‘Dutch Standards’. Dutch Standards are environmental pollutant reference values (i.e. concentrations in environmental medium) used in environmental remediation, investigation and clean-up. Water intervention values were drawn up separately in the Soil Quality Regulations (Dutch Government Gazette 20 December 2007, no. 247) and in the Circular on the remediation of water bottoms 2008 (Dutch Government Gazette 2007, no. 245). These values are widely accepted in Europe as a benchmark.


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1.1.5.5 Geology, Geomorphology and Soil

Geology and Geomorphology 1.1.5.5.1

The characterization of the geology and geomorphology of the wider Project Study Area was performed by desktop analysis and specific fieldworks. Furthermore, sampling activities have been carried out in order to provide comprehensive soil quality baseline data.

The desktop analysis is based on following sources of information:

• Geological map of Italy, scale of 1:100,000 used to obtain data on the tectonics and the stratigraphy of the Study Area,

• CPTI04 Parametric Catalogue of Italian Earthquake used to obtain data on the earthquake (271 b.C – 2002 A.D.) in Italy; and

• Geo-hazards Map of Italy (INGV Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia).

Previous geological studies on the Salento (1), carried out by University of Pisa, Lecce and Bari were used to obtain data on the stratigraphy, geology and hydrogeology.

According to the MoE Scoping Advice (prot. DVA-2011-0029847 dated 29 November 2011) TAP AG undertook the following field survey activities:

• Geophysical investigation: the investigation uses seismic waves to map the consistency of the subsoil and bedrock. By measuring how quickly the waves bounce back to sensors on the surface, the instrument is able to detect underground cavities. The sensors are linked by cable along the whole pipeline route.

o Electric resistivity method: the processing of the field data allows trends in subsurface resistivity to be identified, which depends on: mineralogical composition and porosity of the subsoil and presence of water in the subsoil and its degree of salinity. In this way, a profile of the ground can be obtained and then correlated with available geological information to allow the plotting of a geological cross-section of the area.

o Seismic refraction method: this method is based on the propagation of elastic waves, caused by physical phenomena of reflection and refraction that take place on the various discontinuities in the subsoil. Such discontinuities divide layers with different geological (type of soil or rock layers) or mechanical (degree of fracturing, degree of consolidation, etc.) features.

(1) Salento (Salentu in local dialect) is the south-eastern extremity of the Apulia region of Italy.It encompasses the entire administrative area of the province of Lecce, a large part of the administrative area of Brindisi and part of that of Taranto.


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• Borehole: investigative boreholes planned for the Project will be installed by a specialist geotechnical contractor using a rotary coring drilling rig with continuous sampling of rock or soil in the form of cylinders called ‘cores’. By this means the specialist contractor is able to:

o Plot the stratigraphic profile of the subsoil and the depth at which the groundwater table is present;

o Collect samples to be analysed in the laboratory for the determination of values for soil and subsoil parameters required for the design such as porosity, bulk weight, water content, friction angle, cohesion, bearing capacity (the soil resistance to vertical loads), etc.; and

o Install slotted pipes, screened and cemented at the bottom and the surface, called ‘piezometers’, through which groundwater levels can be monitored and water samples collected which will be subjected to chemical analysis.

• Cone Penetration Test (CPT): A Cone Penetration Test (CPT) measures the total penetration resistance of the soil when a steel cone is pushed by hydraulic rams into the ground at a controlled speed (between 1.5 -2.5 cm/s). The penetration resistance is measured by an instrumented cone of standard size and shape. These tests allow the on-site measurement of soil parameters required for the geotechnical design purposes, such as angle of friction, cohesion, bearing capacity etc. and to help delineate the stratigraphic profile.

In the Interpretive Reports, reported in Annex 7, the specialists provide:

• Outcomes of the investigations in terms of ground conditions identified along the pipeline route and at the PRT site;

• A summary of geomorphological and hydrogeological conditions along the pipeline route; and

• Consideration of the above with respect to Project design and construction.

Soil Quality 1.1.5.5.2

The soil of the Study Area was surveyed by visual assessment of soils including sampling of upper layers of soil. The aim of the campaign was to:

• Provide comprehensive Soil Quality baseline data of the pipeline route; and

• Evaluate potentially contaminated soils along the pipeline route;

The campaigns were performed using ERM internal procedures that follow and integrate the provisions on Environmental Characterization set by Legislative Decree No. 152/06 and its subsequent amendments.


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Samples were collected at regular intervals (500 m) along the routes and in relation to potential future location of the PRT. The samples were collected and placed directly into laboratory-supplied sample containers (glass jars), and were sealed, labelled, and placed inside a cooler with ice packs for shipment. Samples were shipped, under the proper chain of custody, to a certified Laboratory (Theolab).

The following parameters were analysed in each soil sample in accordance with Italian guidelines for the soil quality (Manuale per le indagini ambientali nei siti contaminati, APAT):

• Residue at 105° C as total;

• Fraction sieved 2 mm dry basis at 105°;

• Heavy metals;

• Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPHs);

• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); and

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).


The analytical determinations were performed on the fine fraction of each sample following the relevant Italian and international standards listed below:

• Threshold contamination concentrations as set by Table 1-A, Annex 5, Part IV, Title 5 of D.Lgs, 152/2006, for residential use of the area; and

• ‘Dutch Intervention Values’ or ‘New Dutch List’ widely accepted in Europe as a benchmark for soil pollution and remediation (Annex A of the 2009 Soil Remediation Circular: ‘Target Values, Soil Remediation Intervention Values and Indicative Levels for Serious Contamination’).

Laboratory Certificates, Theolab S.p.A. laboratory quality certificates as well as a description of analytical methods used are included in Annex 5.

1.1.5.6 Landscape and Visual Amenity

The characterization of the landscape and visual amenity baseline along the proposed pipeline route have been undertaken in accordance with accepted methodologies derived from best practice guidelines.

In the absence of published guidelines on landscape and visual impact assessment in Italy (the only legislative reference is D.P.C.M. 12 December 2005, which specifies the purposes, standards and contents of the landscape report), the assessment was conducted with reference to the “Guidelines for Landscape Assessment of the projects”, approved by the Lombardy Region with D.G.R. n. 7/II045 dated 8 November 2002.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycyclic_aromatic_hydrocarbon


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Key steps for the baseline are the following:

• Identification of the Study Area; and

• Definition of Study Area sensitivity.

These steps were completed through a detailed desktop analysis and direct site visit.

The desktop studies aimed to define the landscape macro area within the Study Area, whilst the site visits aimed to confirm this assessment in detail and the landscape characterization.

The Study Area 1.1.5.6.1

The characterisation of the landscape baseline before starting the construction was conducted on the geographic extent defined as the ‘Study Area’. This is the area inside which the Project could potentially interfere with morphological, visual and naturalistic components as well as with historical and cultural assets of the territory. The Study Area was defined considering the landscape characteristics of the territory involved and the Project structures.

The proposed pipeline and the PRT will be placed in an essentially flat land, almost completely surrounded by olive groves and therefore characterised by very limited visual basins. The pipeline will be positioned by means of a construction technique that involves excavation, laying down the pipeline and then immediately burying it. Full reinstatement of land cover and vegetation will be undertaken following burial of the pipeline.

The PRT is a permanent Project structure. Different buildings are expected to be built inside the PRT area. Almost all of them will not be higher than 6 m, except for the boiler room, which will have a height of 8 m and the chimneys/vents that will be 10 m high.

Taking into account the characteristics of the surrounding environment and in light of the magnitude of the expected works, the Study Area identified for landscape and visual amenity baseline assessment, includes a 2 km corridor centred on the route alignment and a 2 km buffer of the PRT site.

Evaluation Criteria (Study Area Sensitivity) 1.1.5.6.2

The landscape of the Study Area was evaluated by means of both a desk-based analysis and field survey in order to define the main features of the local landscape that may be affected by the Project.

Based on above mentioned analysis, the Study Area has been categorized into morphological and structural systems (naturalistic and anthropic) in order to determine its landscape sensitivity. Symbolic values conferred by the local communities to these places were considered as well as the assessment of the conditions of visibility between the intervention sites and the surrounding reference points.


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More specifically, landscape sensitivity was evaluated on the basis of the following components:

• Morphologic and Structural component - the landscape sensitivity assessment is carried out elaborating and aggregating intrinsic and specific values of the following basic landscape patterns: morphology, natural features and level of protection;

• Visual component – takes into account the landscape perception of panoramic values and significant views of the landscape. The characterising elements of this component are the identified scenic viewpoints known and used by tourists or locals as privileged observation point for panoramic observation reasons, the landscape peculiarity and the anthropic detractors; and

• Symbolic component - refers to the symbolic value of the landscape, as perceived by local communities. The main elements of this component are the land use and the historical and cultural values.

Table 1-12 Landscape Sensitivity Assessment – Synthesis of the Considered Elements

Components Landscape features Evaluation criteria

Morphological and structural

Morphology Visible peculiar landform elements

Natural features Visible landscape system of natural interest (presence of ecological network or significant natural areas)

Protection Level and number of protected landscape and cultural elements

Visual

Scenic viewpoints Visibility of a wide landscape area/inclusion in scenic views

Landscape peculiarity Rarity of landscape elements and notoriety for artistic, historical or literary reasons (tourist attraction)

Anthropic detractors Elements which degrade landscape value since they are incongruous

Symbolic

Land use Sign of human presence in the territory

Historical and cultural values Presence of visible settlement elements of historical interest and visible signs of the cultural elements of the landscape

ERM (2013)

The following constitutional and representative elements of the landscape were identified and defined in the maps presented in Annex 8:

• Elements of environmental importance, such as highly natural areas, wetlands, dunes, watershed dolines / depressions, woods, etc.;

• Elements of historical and cultural significance, such as cultural assets and archaeological areas, dolmens / ancient stone constructions, farmhouses and lodges, dry stone buildings / pagghiare;

• Elements that characterize an agrarian landscape, such as dry stone walls and olive groves; and


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• Elements of human pressure on the environment, such as urban areas and transportation systems.

The visual component was analysed (refer to Map 9 included in Annex 8 - Analysis of visual conditions) to identify all elements that define the visual space that the observer can see (residents, tourists, users of roads, etc.) in the Study Area. For example:

• The axes of visual perception such as roads used by landscape observers;

• Visual references at territorial scale (those elements characterizing the landscape that are perceptible at short and long distances due to their own characteristics such as position and size);

• Local visual references (those elements characterizing the landscape that can be only observed from short-medium range distances, due to their small size); and

• Areas of visual interference (all parts of the territory from which the Project would be visible) whose boundaries represent visual barriers, being the extreme limits of the horizon of a potential viewer of the landscape.

A sensitivity value (score) was assigned to each of the aforementioned components of the landscape and the sum of all these scores defined the overall landscape value (landscape sensitivity) of the Study Area.

The following classification was applied for the assessment of landscape sensitivity:

• 1 = Very low landscape sensitivity;

• 2 = Low landscape sensitivity;

• 3 = Medium landscape sensitivity;

• 4 = High landscape sensitivity;

• 5 = Very high landscape sensitivity.

Sensitivity values were assigned based on the intrinsic quality of the landscape addressed by professional judgement and experience, even if no absolute boundaries exist between levels of sensitivity.


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1.1.6 Onshore - Biological Environment

1.1.6.1 Terrestrial Ecology

Methodology for baseline data collection for terrestrial ecology involved two key elements:

• Desktop based literature review, including examination of GIS datasets; and

• Additional baseline field surveys undertaken in the Study Area, which includes the range of 2 km corridor (1 km on either side of the pipeline alignment).

However, to assist in producing the baseline data it was important to evaluate the importance (locally, nationally and internationally) of those habitats and species recorded within the Study Area. Section 1.2.3.1.4 outlines this procedure in more detail.

Desktop Study 1.1.6.1.1

Three levels of investigation were defined for terrestrial ecology:

• Level 1 (Site Area): the highest level of detail found within close proximity to the planned Project works;

• Level 2 (Study Area): the intermediate level of detail, which includes a 2 km corridor (1 km on either side of the pipeline alignment);

• Level 3 (Regional Area): the minimum level of detail, which includes the Province of Lecce. The Apulia Region was focused on for some taxonomic or ecological groups of species.

A bibliographic review of existing information (scientific literature, technical reports, web sources, etc.) was undertaken to collect data on habitats, flora and fauna. The data was classified according to local level (data collected in the Study Area and, where available, in the Site Area) and regional level (data collected in the Regional Area). The data was also related to the following areas:

• Natura 2000 (SCI and SPA);

• Nationally Protected Areas;

• Regionally Protected Areas; and

• Other locally important areas for biodiversity conservation.

In addition to this study, a cartographic GIS-based study was carried out to record habitats. This exercise involved the use of satellite imagery within the Study Area (‘National geoportal’ at http://www.pcn.minambiente.it/GN/) to provide mapping layers of vegetation types and land uses as well as to identify European habitats, where possible. This exercise was also undertaken to prepare field surveys by highlighting areas with greater potential for nature conservation interest and where further survey should be undertaken according to the bibliographic data.


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Field Survey 1.1.6.1.2

All proposed Project sites (pipeline, construction camps, etc.) were inspected through the use of maps loaded onto a hand-held GPS device, thus the presence of various plants and signs of animal species were precisely located. In addition, photographs to document the status of habitats and signs of the presence of species were taken within the entire Study Area.

The components analysed during the field survey were:

• Habitats and Flora; and

• Fauna.

Habitats and Flora

The habitats and flora survey was undertaken by a team of specialists. It was conducted to describe the existing habitat types and to identify floral species of interest from an international and national perspective. The main tasks included:

• Ground-truthing of the habitat cartography (from satellite imagery and bibliographic data);

• Providing details of locally important areas for biodiversity conservation;

• Providing a description and distribution of main vegetation types and habitats in the Study Area;

• Identification and distribution of flora species of interest, indicating endemic, rare, endangered and threatened plants. For instance, endangered/protected species at the national level and endangered/protected species at the international level (e.g. Habitats Directive); and

• Providing details of any existing local impacts on plant species and communities.

Field surveys were conducted during early October 2011 and updated in the month of April 2013. It should be noted that it was not possible to undertake these surveys during the optimum time of year for this type of survey. Therefore, data collected during these survey efforts should not be considered fully comprehensive.

Flora

Where features such as endangered / protected or endemic / important flora species, woodlands and their relative communities, wetlands, coastland communities etc. are present, these were surveyed, to the extent possible. Such data was based on the areas visited during the field surveys, existing desktop data and according to the following for the Study Area:

• Species of interest including endemics (predominantly Apulia endemics as reported from Medagli et al., 2007); and


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• Flora nomenclature according to the Flora of Italy (Pignatti, 1982) and the threat level for species based mainly on the Atlas of endangered species in Italy (Scoppola & Spampinato, 2005).

The analysis was qualitative (i.e. no species abundance was provided).

Habitats

In general, vegetation surveys focused on plant communities of conservation interest (e.g. wetlands) and the European Habitats classification. Habitats were classed using the Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitat (European Commission DG Environment, 2007) and the Italian Interpretation Manual (http://vnr.unipg.it/habitat/index.jsp).

Where appropriate, the condition of the vegetation was assessed according to the degree to which it resembled relatively natural, undisturbed vegetation using the following criteria:

• Species composition (species richness, degree of naturalness, level of weed invasion); and

• Vegetation structure (representation of each of the original layers of vegetation).

Fauna

The fauna field survey was undertaken by a team of specialists. Fauna surveys were undertaken to record (i) species richness of the Study Area, (ii) status and distribution of observed or potentially present animal species, (iii) habitat requirements and preferences of selected species of special conservation interest, and (iv) legal protection of the animal species by national legislation and regulations.

The fauna field surveys were designed to verify and complement existing scientific literature (i.e. potential for species presence, direct and indirect observations). Therefore the field activities are considered qualitative analyses (i.e. no quantitative data, such as population dynamics or densities, will be derived from the field studies). In addition field work focused on areas of interest selected by means of bibliographic data and the habitat map from the desk study.

Specific species features or locations, such as nests and breeding sites, burrows, etc. were provided based on available information and field survey findings (i.e. no specific extensive surveys along the route were proposed).


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The main aim of the surveys was to compose the fauna species list and habitat preference with regard to environments being crossed by the pipeline route and to outline the primary sensitive faunal habitats. Before the field activities were carried out a survey plan was prepared to identify the route and corridor of interest and the sections to be surveyed. The survey considered all environments being crossed by the route: (e.g. mixed agricultural matrix, forest areas, pastures, coastal wetlands, grasslands, etc). The survey prioritised those areas where endangered/protected species need to be ground-truthed to confirm/validate desktop data. The selection of the survey areas took into account the entire Project footprint. Field activities included direct observation, tracks and signs survey (investigation on the presence of animal tracks, droppings and other signs), sourcing local knowledge, and noting of killed/hunted individuals.

The results of the survey consisted of:

• Fauna species list and habitat preference in regard to environments being crossed by the pipeline route and other Project components;

• Characterisation of fauna and habitats at survey locations; and

• Location of sites of interest along the route (based on availability) such as: breeding areas, mammal burrows, small wetlands ponds, etc.

The survey was completed in an unfavourable period (April 2013), in particular for the sampling of the nesting birds and amphibians. Therefore, data collected during these survey efforts should not be considered fully comprehensive.

1.1.6.2 Protected and Designated Areas

Within the Project area, a review of existing information through desktop analysis was undertaken, and information on current and potential protected area sites in the vicinity was compiled. This included all protected areas (i.e. Natura 2000 sites). Additional data was also gathered on current and proposed protected areas within the national context.

A search buffer area of 5 km from the site area was considered as requested by the Ministry of Environment Scoping Advice (Advice prot. DVA-2011-0029847 dated 29 November 2011). Only sites within this limit were considered in the assessment.


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1.1.7 Onshore - Socioeconomic Environment

1.1.7.1 Objectives of Baseline Data Collection

The socioeconomic baseline was prepared in order to fulfil the following objectives:

• Understand the socioeconomic context of the Study Area including the social, historical, political and economic conditions;

• Provide data that informs the impact assessment in order to predict and explain potential impacts of the Project as well as establish mitigation measures; and

• Understand the expectations and concerns of potentially affected communities with regard to the Project.

To meet these objectives, a variety of primary and secondary, qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were used and broadly divided into two key components: pre-fieldwork activities and primary social survey. Further detail on these components is provided in Box 1–1.

Box 1–1 Methods of Data Collection

Field data collection activities took place during 01-13 July, 2013.

The ESIA fieldwork was designed to use the existing knowledge to assess relevant issues in greater detail and to address gaps in the existing secondary data. The methods employed to collect primary data were tailored to suit the needs of the project area. Thus, fieldwork included focus groups, key informant interviews, and field observation, instead of the Household survey.

1. Pre-fieldwork activities • Desktop Study which included a mapping exercise to confirm settlements within the Study Area and sites of

‘social’ interest to be visited which may be impacted by the project, such as buildings, agricultural land, local water supply points, transmission lines etc. A baseline gap analysis was also conducted using data collected from the previous phases of the project (route selection and scoping) and other secondary sources to identify primary data needs.

• Field planning and adaptation of field tools designed to gather information required for the study. • Workshop to brief local and international consultants on field activities and community relations. 2. Survey activities • Focus group discussions to gain information from specific groups otherwise difficult to access and to have

targeted discussions on issues of concern with regard to the project. • Key informant interviews to gain detailed information that is otherwise difficult to obtain, such as local

development plans, tourism development plans, and statistics; and to have targeted discussions on issues of concern with regard to the project.


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Pre-Fieldwork Activities 1.1.7.1.1

These activities included:

• Desktop Study;

• GIS Mapping Exercise;

• Field Planning and Field Tools; and

• Workshops.

The above activities are described in the following paragraphs.

Desktop Study

The desktop study was the initial step in field planning and baseline development. Relevant data collected for the route appraisal exercise performed in the ESIA Scoping process have been taken in consideration during this analysis. The desktop study was used to define information gaps at regional and local levels which must be bridged in order to further understand the key issues identified during the ESIA Scoping Stage. The study was comprised of two elements: a mapping exercise and a baseline gap analysis.

GIS Mapping Exercise

The Study Area includes parts of the municipalities of Melendugno and Vernole and the San Foca settlement (Melendugno).

Prior to field work activities, a GIS mapping exercise was conducted to identify key features and sensitivities within the Study Area. The social Study Area for primary data collection was delineated as a 2 km corridor Study Area along the pipeline route (1 km on either side of the pipeline centre line) and around permanent and temporary facilities. Major settlements or other significant features that are within a wider buffer, i.e. 3 km corridor (1.5 km on either side of the pipeline centre line) have also been considered. Additional work was carried out within a 500 m corridor along the pipeline route (250 m on either side of the centre line). This is considered to be the corridor in which the main direct impact may occur (main area of impact); therefore, it was studied in greater detail.

Areas of ‘social’ interest and sensitivity which may be impacted by the Project such as schools, water sources, transmission lines, agricultural land, buildings etc. were also identified during the mapping exercise so that they could be visited where possible during primary data gathering.

Baseline Gap Analysis

A baseline gap analysis was prepared using data gathered during the previous scoping phase of the Project.


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The key information gaps identified were a result of:

• Information that was previously unavailable or inconsistent;

• New issues reported during the scoping disclosure process;

• Updated project planning in terms of the location of Project related infrastructure (PRT, BVS, worksites);

• Economic activities, especially at the landfall site and offshore (e.g. fisheries); and

• Impacts to existing features such as rivers, road crossings, bike paths and irrigation channels.

This exercise fed into further review of available secondary information sources and the development of the field plan (identification of stakeholder and key informants to be met with and focus groups to be held) and design of field tools to gather the information as described in the following paragraph (field planning and field tools).

Further secondary data was gathered where available from both national and international sources. These sources included national and international non-government organisations, academic texts, government ministries and departments, in particular the Italian National Statistical Institute (ISTAT), Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), EUROSTAT, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), European Food Security Authority (EFSA), International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nation data (UNdata), United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), International Monetary Fund (IMF), Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), and reports from international organisations such as the World Bank and European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). References to applicable documents are made throughout the baseline.

Field Planning and Field Tools

Based on the information collected from the desk study, primary data collection needs were identified within the Study Area. The following field planning activities were carried out in preparation for the consultation and surveys:

• Preparation of a list of stakeholders to be consulted including key informants and types of focus groups; and

• Adaptation of field tools to capture the relevant information required for the ESIA.

The tools were designed to enable teams to record information clearly and concisely whilst in the field. The tools used are outlined in Table 1-13.


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Table 1-13 Field Tools

Name of Tool Description

Waypoint and Photo logbook

• Excel spreadsheet recording waypoints and photos for ground-truthing within 500 m corridor.

• Records field observations such as visits to proposed campsites and storage yards and existing infrastructure.

• Present a photo of each site, name of site, location, description of surroundings, key receptors and significance to the project.

Focus Group Records • Word documents recording who was met, what was discussed; qualitative baseline data gathered and any key issues/points for discussion.

Key Informant Interview Records

• Word documents recording who was met, what was discussed; qualitative baseline data gathered and any key issues/points for discussion.

Source: ERM (2013)

Workshops

Workshops were held on 01 and 02 July, 2013 with ERM Team Leaders, local consultants and TAP AG representatives. Topics included:

• Health and safety;

• TAP Code of Conduct training;

• Community relations;

• Project description;

• Discussion of the tools; and

• Field schedule.

Training was delivered to local consultants in preparation for Key Interviews and Focus Group sessions. This training covered background and objectives of the designed tools, detail on the methodology and action steps, and concluded with detailed review and roll-play on conducting the interviews.

Survey Activities 1.1.7.1.2

Survey activities included:

• Focus Group Discussions;

• Key Informant Interviews; and

• Field Observations and Ground-truthing.

The methodology for the above activities is described in detail in the following paragraphs.


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Focus Group Discussions

Box 1–2 Focus Groups: Definition

Source: Bryman, .A. (2008) Social Research Methods (3rd Edition). Oxford University Press.

In total, two focus groups were held in the Study Area, one with women, and one with fishermen. These focus groups were held to better understand potential impacts to:

• Groups that may be significantly impacted or represent an impacted group, in order to understand information with regard to the group in more detail and to explore diversity. These groups included fishermen.

• Groups that may be vulnerable to project impacts and therefore potentially more subject to negative impacts or have a limited ability to take advantage of positive impacts. Such groups included women, elderly and youth.

The focus groups began by informing the group about the Project and purpose of the ESIA study. Participants were asked a series of open-ended questions on topics specifically related to the group of individuals. All information collected was recorded in note form and then written up in the focus group records.

Key Informant Interviews

Box 1–3 Key Informant Interviews: Definition


Key informant interviews were conducted in each municipality (Melendugno, and Vernole).

A total of 18 key informant interviews (in addition to 4 focus groups) were held, amounting to 57 interviewees. A team of local social experts and TAP representatives were in charge of initiating contacts with key informants and potential focus group participants. Table 1-14 summarises types of stakeholders interviewed and the information discussed with each stakeholder category.

A focus group is a form of group interview in which: there are several participants (including the facilitator), there is an emphasis on questioning regarding a particular defined topic and on interaction within the group and the joint construction of meaning. Interaction within groups is an area of interest and is more focused than a group interview.

Key informants are select individuals who have knowledge of a specific subject or are informed members of the community. They include government representatives, lawyers, local leaders, religious leaders, school teachers, healthcare professionals, NGOs etc. The purpose of these interviews is to obtain qualitative data and / or quantitative data that are otherwise difficult to obtain.


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Table 1-14 List of Key Informants

Key Informant Number of Interviews

Purpose

Local authority, municipalities 3

Discuss planned and on-going expansions of communities near the planned pipeline route; Discuss the importance of the cycling path that is located within the corridor; Discuss the presence of vulnerable groups, ethnicities, religions, etc. ; Discuss employment and economic growth in the area; Collect information on livelihood and local economy with specific reference to the 2 km corridor; Discuss any Project-related impacts; Discuss appropriate mitigation measures.

Agriculture 7

Discuss water use systems and issues; Discuss crop type and production, seasonality, techniques, animal-farming, sheep-farming , etc.; Discuss the importance of agriculture and farming activities for livelihood; Discuss agricultural and farming practices in the area, type of land rights, agricultural methods, disputes and development plans and projects; Discuss any Project-related impacts on local businesses; Discuss appropriate mitigation measures.

Health care workers or authorities 2

Discuss the main health care issues faced by the local community; Discuss access and availability of health care; Discuss health care provision; Discuss potential Project impacts relating to health.

Tourism operators 3

Discuss tourism activities in the area, seasonality, profile of visitors/users, nationality, age, place and duration of stay, size of group, reason for selecting the place etc.; Discuss potential Project impacts on local businesses, Discuss appropriate mitigation measures.

Skills, labour and employment 3

Discuss current skill types and levels in surrounding communities; Discuss economic immigrants; Discuss access to training opportunities; Discuss relevant employment standards; Discuss future labour and employment projects.

Fishermen representatives, and organizations (focus group)

1

Discuss recreational use of rivers in the Project area; Collect information about fleet and fisheries organisations, fishing methods, areas, seasons, capture revenues, illegal fishing etc.; Discuss any Project-related impacts to local businesses; Discuss appropriate mitigation measures.

Youth (focus group) 1

Discuss recreational activities in the Project area Collect information about employment opportunities and future perspectives in the Study Area Discuss any Project-related impacts Discuss potential mitigation measures

Elderly (focus group) 1

Discuss issues facing elderly population in the project area; Discuss access, availability and quality of health care; Discuss any Project-related impacts; Discuss potential mitigation measures.


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Key Informant Number of Interviews

Purpose

Women (focus group) 1

Discuss access to training and employment opportunities; Discuss gender issue; Discuss access, availability and quality of health care; Discuss current issues; Discuss how the Project may impact women and children; Discuss appropriate mitigation measures Discuss any other issues.

Source: ERM (2011)

Information collected during interviews was recorded using Key Informant Interview Forms.

Field Observations and Ground Truthing

Box 1–4 Field Observations and Ground-Truthing: Definition


Information was gathered on existing sites of interest within the 500 m corridor, including where the pipeline crosses roads, irrigation systems and near developed areas. Additionally, the social team visited the sites of the proposed Project infrastructure such as PRT, campsites and storage yards to understand these sites’ interactions with people living in the area and how local land users may be impacted by the Project.

Field observation confirmed the desktop satellite mapping analysis conducted, particularly in close proximity to the centre line as well in the 500 m pipeline corridor. Any sensitive spots that may require rerouting analysis or areas that require the application of special mitigation measures were identified. In addition, the social team observed the trends and speed of growing settlements, and any areas of future planned activity.

GPS way points were taken at each site in order to ground truth key receptors to be mapped on the GIS for inclusion in the ESIA. The field team also completed a way point and photo log to record the site name, location, description of surroundings, key receptors and significance to the project.

Field observations involve visiting sites of interest which may be impacted by the Project. Observations also include assessing the environment in which those affected by the Project live in terms of infrastructure, quality of life etc.


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1.1.8 Onshore - Cultural Heritage

The cultural heritage team identified cultural heritage resources within a 100 m corridor (centred on the proposed pipeline route). This corridor provided a relevant and manageable study unit with opportunities to recognize both constraints and constraint-free areas on either side of the centreline.

The baseline data collection took place in two phases:

• Desk study; and

• Fieldwork.

It should be noted that establishing the definitive cultural and scientific value of sites is the prerogative of the Ministry of Culture and other local stakeholders.

1.1.8.1 Desk Review

Desk-based research was carried out to identify both cultural heritage sites within and near the 2 km corridor, as well as to ascertain the treatment of cultural heritage under Italian national legislation. The desk study involved the collection and analysis of relevant data from government agencies, databases, archaeological and historical literature, historic and topographic maps as well as consultation with experts and other knowledgeable individuals in Italy. The archaeological sites were collected in the form of catalogue entries containing short descriptions of the remains included under the heading “archaeological evidence.” The catalogue entries contain information on the place-names of known sites; cartographical references; the types of archaeological evidence (i.e. area with pottery shards, settlement, burial mounds, etc.), the chronology and possible function of the sites, and their current preservation status. All sites within the area which are already currently protected by an archaeological or architectural constraint are included in this catalogue.

1.1.8.2 Field Survey Methodology

Field work consisted of a vehicle-assisted, pedestrian survey along the base case route. No intrusive methods were used. The field investigation involved field confirmation of known sites and selective pedestrian reconnaissance to identify additional sites. The degree of visibility of archaeological data on the ground were evaluated and graphically defined. Cataloguing archaeological evidence on the ground was conducted by preparing computerized bibliographical charts.

The archaeological evidence was located and georeferenced through a hand-held GPS device. Any archaeological finds (ceramic materials, metals, etc.) were photographed, catalogued by class and chronology and left in situ.


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1.1.8.3 Inventory Summary

Based on the methodologies described above, an inventory summary of the terrestrial sites was developed, describing the significant findings identified through the aforementioned methodology.

This inventory was used as a basis for the impact assessment.


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Topic-Specific Assessment Methodology 1.2

1.2.1 Introduction

This Section presents the impact assessment methodology and impact significance criteria used for the main topics to be assessed in the ESIA:

• Physical Environment (Section 1.2.2);

o Air Quality (Section 1.2.2.1)

o Noise (Section 1.2.2.2)

o Water Resources – Surface and Groundwater, Marine Waters (Section 1.2.2.3)

o Geology, Geomorphology, Soil Quality and Seabed (Section 1.2.2.4)

o Landscape and Visual Amenity (Section 1.2.2.5)

• Biological Environment (Section 1.2.3);

o Flora and Vegetation (Section 1.2.3.1)

o Fauna and Habitats (Section 1.2.3.2)

o Protected Areas (Section 1.2.3.3)

• Socioeconomic Environment (Section 1.2.4); and

• Cultural Heritage (Section 1.2.5).

Additional topics may also become important in the course of the assessment. Where this occurs, respective topic-specific criteria will be presented in the main body of the ESIA.

The assessment methodology for each of the topics was developed in line with the overarching philosophy presented and described in Section 5 ESIA Approach and Methodology and in particular, Figure 5-2 Evaluation of Significance, where impact significance is assessed based on the following:

• Impact magnitude (and stakeholder concerns) on a scale from Small to Large; and

• Value/Sensitivity of Resource/Receptor on a scale from Low to High.

Therefore, in order to properly address this assessment, each methodology is presented (where applicable) as follows:

• General Considerations;

• Background Quality (see also Section 1.1 Baseline Methodology);

• Potential Impacts;

• Importance and Sensitivity of Resource/Receptor;


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• Magnitude of Impact; and

• Significance of Impact.

A summary of the significance criteria is given in Figure 1-3 and related description of each level of significance in Table 1-15.

Figure 1-3 Evaluation of Significance

Source: ERM (2011)


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Table 1-15 Summary of Significance Criteria for the ESIA

(1)Note: The impact may, however, be major where the spatial or temporal scale of the impact is significant.

1.2.2 Physical Environment

This Section describes the assessment methodology for the following components:

• Noise;

• Air Quality;

• Water Resources (Surface and Groundwater, Marine Waters);

• Geology, Geomorphology, Soil Quality and Seabed; and

• Landscape and Visual Amenity.

1.2.2.1 Air Quality

General Considerations 1.2.2.1.1

The impacts of the Project phases on ambient air quality were assessed in accordance with internationally accepted methodologies, and based on national and international air quality standards and guidelines.

All the emission sources connected to the Project construction and operation phases were identified, and where possible internationally recognised EPA emission factors and modelling systems were used to qualitatively and quantitatively define the Project’s contribution to local air quality. This contribution was compared against applicable national guidelines and international air quality standards such as World Bank / IFC, World Health Organisation (WHO) and National guidelines. The background condition was also considered in order to assess cumulative impacts.

Impact Significance

No impact or Not Significant Impacts are indistinguishable from the background / natural level of environmental and social / socioeconomic change.

Minor Significance

Impacts of low magnitude, within standards, and /or associated with low or moderate value / sensitivity resources / receptors, or impacts of moderate magnitude affecting low value / sensitivity resources / receptors.

Moderate Significance

Broad category within standards, but impact of a low magnitude affecting high value / sensitive resources / receptors, or moderate magnitude affecting moderate value / sensitivity resources / receptors, or of high magnitude affecting moderate sensitivity resources / receptors.

Major Significance Exceeds acceptable limits and standards, is of high magnitude affecting high or moderate value / sensitivity resources / receptors or of moderate magnitude affecting high value / sensitivity resources / receptors.


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The impact magnitude was evaluated according to the comparison with air quality standards, spatial coverage of the impact and distance from receptors.

This Section aims to set the main criteria used for the assessment of the Project impact on air quality, focusing separately on the construction and operation phases.

Background Air Quality 1.2.2.1.2

Knowledge of background air quality conditions for the Project area is useful to assess the Project’s impact on air quality and estimate cumulative impacts produced by the Project over the background air quality level.

Potential Impacts 1.2.2.1.3

Air emissions will result from a number of sources during construction and operation.

Project Construction

During Project construction, potential impacts on local air quality are related to the following activities:

• Temporary dust emissions from earth movements, excavation, vehicles movement, stockpiles, unpaved surfaces, etc. along the working strip, access roads, yards and camps;

• Temporary emissions of flue gases to the atmosphere from vehicles during the construction of the onshore part of the Project (i.e. excavators, bulldozers, side booms, trucks, cars.) and from marine vessels during the construction of the offshore part of the Project; and

• Temporary emissions of flue gases to the atmosphere from engine driven machinery.

The main air pollutants produced will be nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM10) and carbon monoxide (CO). These pollutants can be of concern in terms of human health and vegetation receptors. Sensitive receptors can include the residential population of nearby settlements and workers, fauna and flora species, cultural and historic values, water quality, etc.

Project Operation

During the operation phase the PRT Gas Heating System will produce atmospheric emissions of NOx and CO, whose impact has been evaluated by mean of a dedicated modelling study – refer to Appendix 1 of this document. Moreover, during the operation phase, general pipeline operation maintenance will produce minor emissions, the atmospheric impacts of which will be negligible.

Importance and Sensitivity of Resource/Receptor 1.2.2.1.4

In line with best practices regarding the assessment of impacts on air quality, these impacts must be performed on the most sensitive receptor (humans). As a consequence the value of the receptor is always considered high.


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Magnitude of Impact 1.2.2.1.5

The magnitude of the impacts induced by the Project on local air quality will be determined by comparing the air emissions it is expected to generate (during both construction and operation phases) against normative guidelines. The background concentration will be taken into account in order to estimate cumulative impacts.

The methodology used is presented in the following sections:

• Assessment of air emissions during construction of the Project;

• Assessment of air emissions during operation of the Project; and

• Comparison with air quality standards;

Assessment of Air Emissions during Construction of the Project 1.2.2.1.6

The main emissions sources during construction site preparation consist of:

• Vehicle exhaust (during the construction of the onshore part of the Project) and marine vessels exhaust (the construction of the offshore part of the Project);

• Dust generating activities; and

• Engine driven machinery.

The following section presents the impact assessment criteria for the impacts produced by the above mentioned pollution sources on local air quality during the Project construction phase.

Vehicle and Vessel Exhaust

The key concern regarding vehicle exhaust emissions sources is human health, due to exposure to NO2, PM10 and CO. It should be noted that SO2 will not be produced as sulphur free fuels will be used.

The impacts produced by vehicular emissions were qualitatively and quantitatively identified through a modelling study. The latter will estimate the maximum ground level concentration of pollutants produced by vehicular traffic at the closest receptor, and will be carried out by means of the CALINE model. The CALINE is a line source Gaussian plume dispersion model developed by the state of California, Department of Transportation. The model predicts air pollutant impacts near roadways based on user defined proposed roadway geometry, worst-case meteorological parameters, anticipated traffic volumes, pollutant emission factors and receptor positions.

Once the ground level pollutant concentration caused by vehicular traffic was identified, it was compared against air quality standards. Background concentration will be taken into account in the impact assessment.


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With regards to Marine vessels emissions, the impact on local air quality produced by the Project induced ship transport emissions has been qualitatively assessed by mean of an estimation of vessels emissions followed by a comparison with the regional emission inventory and with international and national guidelines on atmospheric emissions. The calculation of ship transport emissions was based on the Methodology for Estimate Air Pollutant Emissions from Transport (MEET). The latter has been developed by the UK Transport Research Laboratory, under the Transport RTD programme of the 4th Framework programme, funded by the European Commission.

Dust Generating Activities

The estimate of dust production and related impacts was performed using an EPA emission factors and atmospheric dispersion modelling tool.

A quantitative assessment of dust production has been performed using the EPA AP-42 methodology on Aggregate Handling and storage Piles. Following this methodology, dust emissions from the construction phase, including dust emissions due to wind and vehicles’ transit re-suspension, have been calculated on the base of the following inputs:

• Construction site area dimensions;

• Quantity of soil being moved;

• Number of working days;

• Average wind speed; and

• Number of vehicle/day and average distance covered by the single vehicle.

The identified value of emitted dust has subsequently been used as input for a dust dispersion modelling study, carried out with the EPA modelling system CALMET-CALPUFF (presented in the following part of this Section). The dispersion study simulated the dust ground level concentration at receptors, enabling the assessment of the construction phase impacts on local air quality due to dust emissions.


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Engine Driven Machinery

The Project envisages the activity of engine driven machinery and power generators in order to supply energy for the offshore and onshore construction activities. In particular a high number of engine driven compressors will be needed for the hydro-testing phase, and their activity is likely to have an impact on local air quality, which was assessed by means of a dedicated air dispersion modelling study. The emissions produced by the engine driven machinery and generators envisaged by other phases of the Project are negligible when compared with the contribution of the compressors needed for offshore hydro-testing (Labelled ht-compressors hereafter) and were therefore not considered.

The atmospheric dispersion of emissions produced by dust generating activities (as explained before) and engine driven machinery was modelled through two dedicated modelling studies. Air quality simulations were performed using the CALMET– CALPUFF modelling system (version 5.8)1, adopted and recommended by US-EPA. The chosen modelling system is non-steady-state meteorological and air quality modelling system representing a puff modelling for assessing impacts of the long-range transport of certain air pollutants.

The modelling system consists of three main components, including a set of pre-processing and post-processing programs (which are further detailed in Box 1–5). The meteorological pre-processor CALMET produces the three-dimensional fields for the main meteorological variables (temperature, wind speed and direction) over the simulation domain. The CALPUFF processor is a non-steady-state Lagrangian Gaussian puff model containing modules for complex terrain effects, overwater transport, coastal interaction effects, building downwash, wet and dry removal, and simple chemical transformation.2 The post-processor CALPOST statistically analyses CALPUFF output data and produces datasets suitable for further analysis.

The model system requires the following input data:

• meteorological variables’ surface data and height profile, to build a three-dimensional wind field (with CALMET); and

• source characteristics and emission data, to simulate the atmospheric dispersion of pollutants(with CALPUFF).

Post-processed CALPUFF outputs consist of matrices containing concentration values. Receptors in the simulation domain can be discrete or gridded. The values calculated at each receptor could be related to one or more sources.

The results can be processed by any GIS software, creating iso-concentration maps.

1 http://www.epa.gov/ttn/scram/dispersion_prefrec.htm#calpuff 2 A User’s Guide for the CALPUFF Dispersion Model (Version 5), Scire, Strimaitis, Yamartino 2000


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Box 1–5 Features of the Modelling System Components

Source. CALPUFF CALMET and CALPOST User’s Guides

Assessment of Air Emissions during Operation of the Project 1.2.2.1.7

During the operation and maintenance phase atmospheric emissions will be mainly related to the activity of PRT gas heating system which consist of two gas fired boilers, moreover negligible atmospheric emissions will be related to the general pipeline operation and maintenance.

Impacts on local air quality arising from the activity of the PRT gas heating system have been assessed by mean of a dedicated atmospheric dispersion modelling study; the following section presents the criteria followed in the above mentioned modelling study.

PRT Gas Heating System

The PRT gas heating system consists of two gas fired boilers. The 20 bcm/year case has been considered for conservative reasons. In the 20 bcm/year case will be operative for approximately 97% of the operation time (8500 h per year), and will produce atmospheric emissions of NOx and CO.

1 In marine coastal areas, CALPUFF considers breeze phenomena in order to model efficiently the Thermal Internal Boundary Layer (TIBL) as in case of coastal sources, the TIBL causes a quick fall of pollutants to the ground.

CALMET is a diagnostic meteorological pre-processor able to reproduce three-dimensional fields of temperature, wind speed and direction along with two-dimensional fields of other parameters representative of atmospheric turbulence. CALMET is able to simulate wind fields in complex orography domains characterized by different types of land use. The final wind field is obtained through consecutive steps, starting from an initial wind field often derived from geostrophic wind. The wind field is linked to the orography, since the model interpolates the monitoring station values and applies specific algorithms to simulate the interaction between ground and flow lines. The module contains a micro-meteorological module determining thermal and mechanical structures (turbulence) of lower atmospheric layers.

CALPUFF is a hybrid dispersion model (commonly defined ‘puff model’). It is a multi-layer and non-steady-state model. It simulates transport, dispersion, transformation and deposition of pollutants, in meteorological conditions varying in space and time. CALPUFF uses the meteorological fields produced by CALMET, but for simple simulations an external steady wind field, with constant values of wind speed and direction over the simulation domain, can be used as input. The module contains different algorithms to simulate different processes, such as: • buildings downwash and stack-tip downwash; • wind vertical shear; • dry and wet deposition; • atmospheric chemical transformations; • complex orography and seaboard.1 Besides, CALPUFF allows the selection of the source geometry (point, linear or areal), improving in this way the accuracy of the emission input. Point sources simulate emissions coming from a small area while areal sources describe a diffuse emission coming from a wider area; emissions from linear sources are distributed along a main direction (i.e. roads).

CALPOST processes CALPUFF outputs producing an outputs’ format suitable for further analysis. In particular, enables the calculation of statistical parameters to compare against in force air quality standards (percentile of hourly concentrations, annual average concentrations, etc.). CALPOST outputs consist of matrices of concentration values calculated at points called receptors. Receptor can be defined by mean of a regular grid or discrete.


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The potential impact of the PRT gas heating system was assessed by means of a dedicated air dispersion modelling study. The air quality simulation was performed using the CALMET– CALPUFF modelling system; the latter has been introduced and briefly described in the previous section.

Conservative Approach to Study 1.2.2.1.8

The study will follow a conservative approach characterised by the following main aspects:

Simulated NOx will be considered as NO2; however, in reality only a part of NOx converts to NO2 depending on different factors (e.g. solar radiation, temperature, hydrocarbon atmospheric concentration). Hence, NO2 simulated concentrations will be overestimated.

The model does not account for dry and wet deposition or photochemical reactions of the pollutants which in reality takes place and would reduce the concentrations of NOx and CO in the atmosphere. Thus results overestimate the likely actual contribution of the sources. The approach is again on the safe side of assumptions and gives a conservative picture, maximising pollutants’ modelled concentration values over the simulation domain.

Comparison with Air Quality Standards 1.2.2.1.9

Air quality can be assessed by comparing observed, estimated or simulated pollutant concentrations against normative threshold concentration values. The latter are set at international and national levels in order to guarantee the best air quality standards and avoid harmful effects on flora, fauna and human receptors deriving from short-term and long-term exposure to polluted air.

The importance of impacts induced by the Project on local air quality conditions will be evaluated through the comparison of expected pollutant level with normative air quality standards in force.

At the international level, air quality standards are defined by the Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines, General EHS Guidelines: Environmental Air Emissions and Ambient Air Quality (Air Quality Guidelines published by World Health Organization).

At the European level Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe establishes a common framework for air quality, defining air quality standards.

At a national level Legislative Decree 155/2010 harmonises Italian Environmental Law with European Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality, setting air quality limits for NOX, SO2, PM10, PM2.5, Benzene, Pb, O3 and CO.

Table 1-16, Table 1-17, Table 1-18, and Table 1-19, below, summarise the normative concentration value limits at international, European and national levels for the macro pollutants emitted by the Project, NO2, NOX, PM and CO.

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32008L0050:EN:NOT


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Table 1-16 IFC, EU and National NO2 air quality standards

Averaging Period IFC EU Directive 2008/50 Italian Decree D.Lgs 155/2010

Value [µg/m³ ] Type Value

[µg/m³ ] Type Value

[µg/m³ ] Type

One hour 200 guideline 200

Not to be exceeded more than 18 times per calendar

year

200 Not to be exceeded more than 18 times per calendar year

Three consecutive hours 400 Alert threshold 400 Alert threshold

Calendar year (1) 40 guideline 40 40

Notes: (1)Calendar year: arithmetic mean of minimum 183 and maximum of 365 measurements per year, from 24 hours each (covering 50 to 100 per cent of the year)

Collated by ERM (2013)

Table 1-17 IFC, EU and National NOx air quality standards

Averaging Period IFC EU Directive 2008/50 Italian Decree D.Lgs 155/2010


[µg/m³ ] Type Value

[µg/m³ ] Type

Calendar year (2) 30 (1) 30 (1)

Notes: (1) Protection of Vegetation and natural Ecosystem (2)Calendar year: arithmetic mean of minimum 183 and maximum of 365 measurements per year, from 24 hours each (covering 50 to 100 per cent of the year)



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Table 1-18 IFC, EU and National PM air quality standards

Averaging Period

IFC EU Directive 2008/50 Italian Decree D.Lgs 155/2010 Value

[µg/m³ ] Type (1) Value [µg/m³ ] Type

Value [µg/m³ ] Type

24-hours (2)

150 interim target 1 50

Not to be exceeded more than 35 times per calendar year

50 Not to be exceeded

more than 35 times per calendar year

100 interim target 2

75 interim target 3

50 guideline

Calendar year (3)

70 interim target 1 40 40

50 interim target 2

30 interim target 3

20 guideline

Notes: (1) Interim targets are provided in recognition of the need for a staged approach to achieving the recommended guidelines. (2)Calendar year: arithmetic mean of minimum 183 and maximum of 365 measurements per year, from 24 hours each (covering 50 to 100 per cent of the year) (3)24 hour/8 hour values should not be exceeded during 98% of the year. However, in the remaining 2% they may exceed these values (a total 7 days/year , but not two successive days)


Table 1-19 IFC, EU and National CO air quality standards

Averaging Period

IFC EU Directive 2008/50 Italian Decree D.Lgs 155/2010


[µg/m³ ] Type Value [µg/m³ ] Type

8-hours (1) 10 8-hours daily maximum 10 8-hours daily

maximum Notes: (1) 24 hour/8 hour values should not be exceeded during 98% of the year. However, in the remaining 2% they may exceed these values (a total 7 days/year , but not two successive days)


Pollutant ground level concentrations generated by the atmospheric emissions produced during the construction and the operation phases (dust, vehicles’ exhaust, hydrotesting exhaust, PRT gas heating system atmospheric emissions), and simulated by mean of dedicated modelling studies were compared against International, European and national air quality standards in force for the modelled macro- pollutants.


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The magnitude of potential air quality impacts of the project associated with predicted short-term (1 hour, 8 hour and 24 hour) and long-term (annual) ground level concentrations (GLCs, hereafter) were assessed by reference to the International assessment criteria. The magnitude criteria for short-term and long-term impacts are presented in the following Tables.

Table 1-20 Criteria for Assessing the Magnitude of Short-term Impacts on Air Quality

Not Significant Significant – Small Impact Significant – Medium Impact

Significant – Large Impact

Predicted short-term incremental GLCs are < = 25% of the assessment criterion

Predicted short-term incremental GLCs > 25% but < = 50% of the assessment criterion

Predicted short-term incremental GLCs > 50% but < = 75% of the assessment criterion

1. Predicted short-term incremental GLCs > 75% of the assessment criterion OR 2. When added to existing baseline concentrations, the total concentration exceeds the assessment criterion

Source: ERM (2013)

Table 1-21 Criteria for Assessing the Magnitude Long-term Impacts on Air Quality

Not Significant Significant – Small Impact Significant – Medium Impact

Significant – Large Impact

Predicted long-term incremental GLCs are < = 1% of the assessment criterion

1. Predicted long-term incremental GLCs > 1% but < = 25% of the assessment criterion OR 2. When added to existing baseline concentration, the total concentration is < 50% of the assessment criterion

1. Predicted long-term incremental GLCs > 25% but < = 50% of the assessment criterion OR 2. When added to existing baseline concentration, the total concentration is > 50% but < 100 % of the assessment criterion

1. Predicted long-term incremental GLCs > 50%of the assessment Criterion OR 2. When added to existing baseline concentration, the total concentration exceeds the assessment criterion

Source: ERM (2013)

As a general rule, project emissions should not contribute significantly to the attainment of relevant air quality guidelines or standards. The IFC General EHS Guidelines for Air Emissions and Ambient Air Quality suggests that only 25% of the applicable air quality standards pollutants should be emitted to allow additional, future sustainable development in the same “airshed”.

As a result, 25% of the criterion was used as the threshold below which short-term impacts are defined as being not significant. For short-term releases, differences in spatial and temporal variations usually mean that the incremental GLCs, rather than the background air concentration, would dominate at the point of greatest impact over one hour.


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Small, medium and large impacts are categorized as follow:

• A Small Impact generally requires no mitigation;

• A Medium Impact should be looked into, as some additional mitigation measures may be necessary; and

• A Large Impact is considered unacceptable, assuming that current mitigation measures are insufficient; further mitigation measures would be required to decrease the level of impact.

Significance of Impact 1.2.2.1.10

As stated in Section 1.2.2.1.1, the air quality impact assessment assumes the most sensitive receptor by default. As a consequence, applying the philosophy presented in Figure 5-2 of Section 5 ESIA Approach and Methodology, the criteria presented in previous Section 1.2.2.1.9 already represent the significance of the impact as summarized in Table 1-22.

Table 1-22 Evaluation of the Significance of Impacts on Local Air Quality

Magnitude of Impacts

Not significant Small Medium Large

Sens

itivi

ty

High Not Significant Minor Moderate Major

Source: ERM (2011)

It should be noted that in the case of the component ‘Air’, Table 1-22 is slightly different from what is presented in Table 1-15, due to the introduction of an additional level of magnitude (‘not significant’).

1.2.2.2 Noise


Noise impacts due to the Project were assessed in accordance with national regulations- as well as relevant and recognised international Standards (e.g. World Bank/IFC and World Health Organisation).

Noise pollution associated with the Project was estimated through qualitative (in terms of offshore environment) and quantitative analysis, identifying all the potential noise sources involved during the Project construction and operation phases. The magnitude of noise impact was evaluated and compared with international noise quality standards in force (i.e. IFC, WHO and European legislation) and national limits.

This Section aims to set the main criteria used for the assessment of any impact on noise quality associated with the Project, focusing on the construction and operation phases.


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Quality of Background Acoustic Environment

Knowledge of the existing background acoustic environment throughout the Project Study Area is necessary to assess any potential impacts resulting from the planned activities.

Information on background noise levels is useful to estimate cumulative impacts (impacts produced by the Project plus the background level). Furthermore, background noise levels might highlight existing criticalities over the Study Area not directly related to the Project.

In order to evaluate noise quality conditions over the Study Area, a total of 10 noise monitoring sites were identified, corresponding to the PRT and at sensitive receptors along the pipeline route (for further detail please refer to Section 1.3.5.2). Offshore noise background conditions were not measured but estimated to be background.

The baseline and background noise conditions, estimated during a noise survey at sensitive receptors identified along the route, were considered in order to assess cumulative impacts.


Potential impacts will arise from a number of different sources during the construction and operation phases. During Project construction, potential impacts are related to the following activities:

• Realisation of onshore pipe yards, construction sites and the PRT. The potential impacts on noise quality are related to the activities of machinery and vehicles, such as generators, excavators, loaders, side-booms, trucks, pumps and compressors;

• Vessel movements and marine construction activities; and • Hydrotesting activities. The potential impacts are related to the use of several motorized

compressors.

During Project operation, noise emissions are likely to be confined to the PRT and gas transport through the marine pipeline.


Noise quality in the Project area can be assessed by comparing observed, estimated or simulated noise levels against limits established by international standards, set in order to avoid harmful effects on human receptors and fauna deriving from short-term and long-term exposures to high noise levels. The importance of the impacts induced by the project on local noise quality conditions will be evaluated through the comparison of expected noise levels with normative noise limits in force. As a consequence of the absence of a zoning plan for the Municipalities of Vernole and Melendugno, the estimated noise levels were compared with the noise limits defined by DPCM 01/03/91.


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Table 1-23 Noise Limits in Absence of the Acoustic Zoning Plan

Zone Absolute Noise Limits- Leq dB(A) Differential Noise Limits-Leq dB(A)

Day (06:00-22:00)

Night (22:00-06:00)

Day (06:00-22:00)

Night (22:00-06:00)

All national territory 70 60 5 3

Zone A (D.M. 1444/68) (*) 65 55 5 3

Zone B (D.M. 1444/68) (*) 60 50 5 3

Industrial areas 70 70 - -

Notes: Zones as for DM 2 April 1968, article 2 • Zone A: residential areas with historic, artistic and environmental value; • Zone B: residential areas, totally or partially developed, different from Zone A.

Source: DPCM 01/03/91

Considering the agricultural nature of the site, the territories of Melendugno and Vernole potentially affected by the project belong to Zone 1 “All national territory” characterised by the following noise limits:

• 70 dB(A) for daytime; and

• 60 dB(A) for night time.

Furthermore, International Standards (IFC, 2007) set two levels of sensitivity for the area where the Project could be implemented:

• Industrial and commercial; and

• Residential, Institutional and educational.

IFC indicates that different noise levels should be considered during daytime and night time hours, as presented Table 1-24.

Table 1-24 Noise Level Standards

Period IFC World Bank Group

Industrial and commercial Residential, institutional and educational

Day-time (07:00 -22:00) 70 dBA 55 dBA Night-time (22:00 - 07:00) 70 dBA 45 dBA

Source: IFC 2007


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The standards for impact on marine fauna are 180 dB 1 uPascal (USA National Marine Fisheries Service & Southall 2007). This is the standard used in the international scientific and technical community and is derived from the work of Southall et al (2007) of the Marine Mammal Criteria Group, within the US National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). This group set out criteria for damage and behavioural reactions of marine mammals to noise. The mentioned level has been included in the mentioned US NMFS guidance. The Fisheries Hydro Acoustic Working Group (FHWG) of the same service has included the same level for fishes by default.


Noise levels will be predicted at nearest receptor locations according to internationally recognised methods and standards (ISO 9613-2: 19961). The background noise levels will be taken into account in order to consider a reliable scenario, and particular attention will be given to sensitive receptors.

The methodology used is presented in the following sections:

• Assessment of noise impact during the construction phase;

• Assessment of noise impact during the operation phase; and

• Comparison with noise quality standard.

Assessment of Noise during the Construction Phase

The assessment of noise during the construction phase was performed taking into consideration the following activities:

• Construction Activities; and

• Hydrotesting.

Details are given in the following paragraphs.

Construction Activities

During Project construction of onshore pipe yards, work sites, and the PRT, the potential impacts to noise quality are related to the activities of machinery and vehicles, such as generators, excavators, loaders, side-booms, trucks, pumps and compressors. Construction noise is generally characterised by a variable and short-term duration.

Based on the sound power levels of the identified noise sources, the noise levels at the monitored receptors and in the environment were estimated through the noise propagation model SoundPlan. Details on the noise model are reported in Box 1–6.

(1) ISO 9613-2:1996. Acoustics - Attenuation of Sound During Propagation Outdoors - Part 2: General Method of Calculation


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Box 1–6 Features of the Noise Modelling System Components - SoundPlan 7.2

Mathematic Model

SoundPlan 7.2 is one of the most widely recognised noise prediction tools used extensively in road, railway and industry noise modelling.

The industrial model is comprehensive and allows:

• modelling of sound power sources in third of octave;

• modelling of noise sources as point, line or area sources;

• 2D and 3D directivity of sources;

• 3D topography;

• noise sources ranking;

• use of various noise model standards (ISO, Concawe, Nordic, etc.);

• screening and meteorological effects.

This software applies the “ray tracing” method. Sources are simulated as surfaces, lines or points: each source propagates sound waves. The resulting acoustic field depends on the absorptions and reflections characteristics of all existent obstacles between the source and the receptor.

Every ray carries a part of the acoustic energy of the sound source. The energy decreases along the way, as a result of the absorption of surfaces, geometrical divergence and atmospheric absorption.

The absorption of sound energy by air is related to the dispersion of energy caused by the collisions of air molecules among them. Every collision scatters one small part of the energy and causes more impacts.

In the area of interest, the acoustic field will be the result of the acoustic energies sum of “n” rays which reach the receiver. The levels in the entire area are indicated by iso-phones with equivalent steps, at a conventional height (1.5 meters a.g.l.).

The mathematical model uses international standards for sound attenuation in the environment. In this study ISO 9613 Acoustics – Attenuation of Sound During Propagation Outdoors – Part 2: General Method of Calculation has been applied. This standard has many equations regulating the propagation and it allows calculation of noise levels in the Study Area with a defined accuracy.

The aim of such methodology is to determine the equivalent continuous A- weighted sound pressure level, as described in ISO 1996/1-2-3, under meteorological conditions favourable to sound propagation from sources of known power emission. As all the receivers are considered to be downwind from the source, the propagation takes place under the worst wind conditions, as specified in ISO 1996/2 (part 5, 4, 3).

Method of Calculation

The medium level of sound pressure to the receiver in the propagation direction (downwind conditions) is calculated for every source with:

LP = LW – A

The factor A is the attenuation that the sound energy endures during the propagation and it is composed of the following contributors:

A = Adiv + Aatm + Aground + Arefl + Ascreen + Amisc

where:

• Adiv = attenuation due to geometrical divergence;

• Aatm = attenuation due to atmospheric absorption;

• Aground = attenuation due to the ground effect;

• Arefl = attenuation due to reflections from obstacles;


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• Ascreen = attenuation due to screen effects;

• Amisc = attenuation due to other effects.

The factor A can be applied singularly to every contributor or, in a second moment, to the sum calculated for every octave band. The continuous equivalent sound level is the result of the sum of the single pressure levels, obtained for each source in each frequency, if requested.

The resulting sound power level in the direction of propagation depends upon the power level in free field conditions and upon a term that specifies the directivity (D). D quantifies the variation of the radiation towards more directions of one directional source in comparison to the same non-directional one:

LP = LW + D

For a non-directional point source the contribution of D is 0 dB. The correction of D comes out from the index of directivity of the source, adding a K index that considers the emission in a defined solid angle.

For a source with spherical propagation in a free space K=0dB; when the source is near to a reflecting surface that is not the ground, K=3dB; when the source is in front of two perpendicular reflecting surfaces, one of which is the ground, K = 3 dB; if none of them is the ground, K=6dB; with sources in front of three perpendicular surfaces, one of which is the ground, K=6dB; with sources in front of three reflecting surfaces and none of them is the ground, K=9dB.

Geometric Divergence Attenuation

The attenuation for geometric divergence can be evaluated theoretically as:

Adiv = 20 log (d/d0) + 11

where:

• d is the distance between the source and the receiver, calculated in meters;

• d0 is the reference distance, 1 m.

Atmospheric Attenuation

The absorption of the air is defined as:

Aatm = a*d/1000

where:

• d is the distance of propagation, expressed in meters;

• a is the coefficient of atmospheric attenuation, in dB/km.

The coefficient of atmospheric attenuation depends mainly on sound frequency, environmental temperature, relative air humidity and atmospheric pressure.

Ground Effect Attenuation

The attenuation due to the ground effect comes from the interference between the sound reflected from the ground and the sound with direct propagation from the source to the receiver.

For this methodology of calculation, the surface of the land between the source and the receiver must be flat, horizontal or with one constant slope. Alternatively, a breaking line must be drawn in the model.

There are three main regions of propagation: one for the source, one for the receiver and an intermediate one. Each of these zones can be described with a factor related to the characteristic detailed lists of reflection.

The methodology for the calculation of land attenuations can make use of one more simplified formula, which considers the distance d receiver-source and the medium height from the ground of the propagation way (hm):

Aground = 4.8 - (2 hm/d) (17 + (300/d))

Reflection Effect Attenuation

The attenuation by reflection refers to surfaces like facades of buildings, which cause an increase of the sound pressure level to the receiver.


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An important term is the attenuation due to the presence of obstacles (a little deep backs, barrier or screen).

The barrier must be considered a close and continuous surface without interruptions. Its perpendicular horizontal dimension to the line source-receiver must be greater than the wavelength to the frequency of centre band for the considered octave band. According to the standards, the attenuation due to the shielding effect will be given by “insertion loss”, which is from the difference between the levels of pressure measured to the receiver in a specific position with and without the barrier.

Mixed Effects Attenuation

The term of mixed attenuation is the result of many effects:

• attenuation due to propagation through leaves;

• attenuation due to the presence of obstacles with large dimensions, for diffraction due to buildings or plants;

• attenuation due to the propagation through an obstacle, for shield effect or house reflection.

Hydrotesting To estimate the impact due to hydrotesting, a quantitative noise assessment was performed, by using a noise propagation model. Considering all the potential noise sources involved in this specific project phase, the main impacts to noise quality will be produced by compressors, generators and dryers. All the equipment was assumed to operate continuously for 24 hours.

Based on the sound power levels of the identified noise sources, the noise levels at the monitored receptors and in the environment were estimated through the noise propagation model SoundPlan. The resulting acoustic field depends on the topography and absorptions and reflections characteristics of all existent obstacles between the source and the receptor, and all sound attenuation due to atmospheric conditions, ground effect, screens effect, etc. is taken into account. Details on the noise model are reported in in the following Box 1–6.

Assessment of Noise during the Operation Phase

To estimate the impact from the operation phase, a quantitative onshore noise assessment was performed, considering all the potential noise sources involved in this specific project phase. During project operation, noise emissions are likely to be confined to the PRT. A minor contribution derives from vehicular traffic associated with general pipeline operational maintenance. All the equipment was assumed to operate continuously for 24 hours.

Based on the sound power levels of the identified noise sources, the noise levels at the monitored receptors and in the environment were estimated through the noise propagation model SoundPlan. Details on the noise model are reported in Box 1–6.

Comparison with Noise Quality Standards

Construction Phase

At the national level, in the absence of Acoustics Zoning Plan noise limits for the construction phase are defined by the DPCM 1991 (70 dBA for the daytime, 60 dBA for night time). The National Legislation provides the possibility to request a temporary exemption for exceeding in force noise limits set for the construction activities.


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The World Bank does not specify noise limits related to the construction phase, though it recommends practical methods of noise reduction that should be adopted in order to limit the associated impact. It is common European/UK practice to adopt a daytime criterion of LAeq, period 70/75 dB outside of dwellings and commercial buildings. Thus, daytime construction phase significance can be defined by absolute limits qualified by specified hours of working. In rural areas, where disturbance is lower, 70dB level is appropriate; in urban areas or near to main roads and other noise sources where construction noise impacts are more significant, a noise limit equal to 75 dB is used. Construction activities during night time can cause sleep disturbance, which is considered a major environmental impact, unless over a very brief period. The WHO recommends a cautious noise level of LAeq equal to 45 dB outside dwellings with open windows to avoid sleep disturbance. As mentioned the marine fauna exposure level is 180 dB uPascal broadband (Southall, 2008).

Taking into account the guidelines explained above, the construction noise impact significance criteria used in this ESIA can be summarised – refer to Table 1-25.

Table 1-25 Construction Noise Impact Assessment Criteria

Period Group Small Medium Large

Day-time (07:00 -23:00)

Residential and Industrial LAeq, period < 70dB

LAeq, period > 70dB Duration < 4 week

LAeq, period > 70dB(1) Duration > 4 week

Night-time (23:00- 07:00)

Industrial LAeq, period < 55dB LAeq, period > 55dB Duration < 1 week

LAeq, period > 55dB Duration > 1 week

Residential LAeq, period < 45dB LAeq, period > 45dB Duration < 1 week

LAeq, period > 45dB Duration > 1 week

1. By virtue of their temporary nature, Major construction noise impacts during ‘day-time’ will not always be deemed as unacceptable, but the main focus for mitigation and monitoring actions will be on where they may potentially occur. 2. ‘Night-time’ is the period in which most people are asleep.

Source: IFC 2007

Operation Phase Operation noise is generally characterised by sources in continuous activity. The noise levels at the monitored receptors were estimated through a quantitative analysis adopting a noise propagation model. According to the World Bank guidance and Italian legislation, noise abatement for an operating facility should achieve either the levels specified in Table 1-23 or a maximum increase in the ambient noise level of 5dB(A) for daytime and 3dB(A) for night-time hours. (This is generally interpreted as the level measured outside the property in an open field location). According to IFC standards, a noise level of LAeq equal to 45 dB outside dwellings with open windows is required to avoid sleep disturbance for night time, or a maximum increase in the ambient noise level of 3dB(A). Taking the above standards into consideration, the following impact assessment criteria for Operational Noise were developed.


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Table 1-26 Operational Noise Impact Assessment Criteria

Minor Moderate Major

Operation phase (assumed continuous 24 hrs) – noise levels at receptor

Leq (one hour) <45 dB(A) and <3 or 5 dB(A) above ambient – no project action required

Leq (one hour) <45 dB(A ) and >3 or 5 dB(A) above ambient – impacts to be reduced the greater they are above ambient

Leq (one hour) >45 dB(A), or if ambient is already above 45dB(A) then >3 or 5dB(A) above ambient – impacts to be mitigated (1)

1. For residential receptors a Leq (one hour) of 70dB(A) for day-time and 60dB(A) for night-time is allowed.

Source: ERM (2011)


As presented in Section 1.2.2.2.3, IFC presents two different groups. As a consequence, applying the methodology presented in the ESIA Section 5 - ESIA Approach and Methodology, the criteria presented in the previous sections already represent the ranking of the impact as summarized in Table 1-27 (the table shows 3 categories as it includes marine fauna).

Table 1-27 Evaluation of Impact Significance for Noise

Magnitude

Small Medium Large

Sen

sitiv

ity

Industrial and commercial Minor Moderate Major

Residential, institutional and educational

Minor Moderate Major

Marine Fauna Minor Moderate Major

Source: ERM (2011)

1.2.2.3 Water Resources (Surface and Groundwater, Marine Waters)


The potential impact on water resources, due to the Project was assessed in accordance with national regulations- as well as relevant and recognised international Standards (i.e. IFC, WHO, Europe Directive and Dutch Standards).

Potential impacts to water resources from the planned Project activities during the construction, operation and decommissioning phases was estimated through qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Impact significance for freshwater resources is derived as a function of the following factors:

• Sensitivity - the result of the quantitative and qualitative analysis detailed in the baseline (refer to Sections 6.4.3 and 6.4.4 in the main ESIA and Section 1.2.2.3.4 below); and


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• Magnitude - resulting from the following factors: Scale, Duration, and Intensity. Section 1.2.2.3.5 describes in detail the determination of magnitude. In particular, the intensity was evaluated and compared with appropriate international water quality standards and national limits. The magnitude value of the residual impacts assumes that mitigation measures have been implemented.

The assessment of Project impacts on water resources is based upon site-specific met-ocean, hydrological and hydrogeological characteristics, along with experience and professional judgement.

Background Conditions of Water Resources 1.2.2.3.2

Knowledge of baseline conditions over the Project area is necessary to assess the Project’s impact on water quality. These data collection methodologies are described in Section 1.1.2.4 (marine waters) and Section 1.1.5.4 (fresh water).


Two main mechanisms that have the potential to significantly impact the quality of marine and freshwater resources were identified:

• Degradation in water quality; and

• Physical effects.

The above mentioned potential impacts are analysed below.

Degradation of Chemical Water Quality

A number of activities will occur during the different Project phases that may impact the chemical quality of marine and freshwater sources (surface water and groundwater).

Key Project activities that might affect water activities will be:

• Excavation, trenching, diversion or dewatering activities which could increase suspended sediments in marine waters or surface runoff; draining into surface water features, and leading to sediment plumes (i.e. increasing water turbidity).

In particular during the construction phase micro-tunnelling technology will be used. Marine water quality could be affected by dredging and other marine water construction which could increase suspended particulate load, nutrient or trace metal releases.

Storage, transport, and any activities which could lead to pollution of marine, surface and groundwater due to accidental spillage of substances such as fuels, oils, lubricants or solvents.

Groundwater can also be affected, not only during the construction and decommissioning phases (from the presence of a significant amount of machinery, trucks, etc.), but also during the operation phase, due to the presence of fixed installations (particularly at the PRT and Block Valve sites) at which tanks or drums for storing oils and other chemical compounds are stored.


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Physical Effects on Water Sources

The proposed pipeline route will not cross any watercourses its onshore path. However, where such surface waters are located within the vicinity of the pipeline corridor, the water environment is vulnerable to impacts relating to the Project’s construction phase and associated excavation, diversion or dewatering activities which may, under some circumstances, have potential local sub-catchment or catchment-level.


The evaluation criteria given in Table 1-28 were created to provide a standardised way to characterise the importance and sensitivity of the various freshwater features within the Study Area. These criteria should be analysed along with criteria set for Offshore and Terrestrial Ecology applying to species and habitats associated with marine and surface water – refer to Section 1.1.3.2 and Section 1.2.3.2 respectively.


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Table 1-28 Evaluation Criteria for Water Resources Importance and Sensitivity

Measure Low Medium High

The extent to which the water resource plays a supporting role in maintaining soil characteristics and quality.

The water resource plays little or no role in maintaining soil quality or is effectively isolated from surrounding soils.

The water resource plays some role in maintaining local soil quality, e.g. through periodic spilling onto a floodplain.

The water resource is critical to the maintenance of structure and quality of surrounding soils.

The extent to which the water resource plays an ecosystem role in terms of supporting flora and fauna. This includes its role as a migration route or in supporting a lifecycle stage.

The water resource, for whatever reason, is of low interest with regard to flora and fauna.

The water resource supports populations of flora and fauna.

The water resource supports important (e.g. protected, high provisioning importance, large populations, etc.) of flora and fauna.

The extent to which the water resource provides a utilitarian service (drinking water, washing and other domestic or industrial uses) to local communities and businesses, or is important in terms of national resource protection objectives, targets

The water resource has little or no role in terms of providing services for the local community.

The water resource has a local importance in terms of providing services, but there is ample capacity and/or adequate opportunity for alternative sources.

The water resource is wholly relied upon locally, with no suitable alternatives, or is important at a regional or trans-boundary level for providing services.

The extent to which the water resource provides a physical regulating service in the hydrologic cycle. This includes its flood plain.

The water resource plays little or no, or at most a highly localised, regulating role in the hydrologic cycle.

The water resource plays a local regulating role in the hydrologic cycle in terms of storage, flows and flood alleviation.

The water resource plays a regional regulating role in the hydrologic cycle in terms of storage, flows and flood alleviation, and one which may have trans-boundary (international) influence.

The extent to which the water resource provides cultural services, e.g. in terms of recreation and amenity.

The water resource plays little or no role in terms of such matters as amenity or recreational use.

The water resource plays a small or occasional role in terms of such matters as amenity or recreational use.

The water resource is formally recognised as being important in an amenity or recreational use context.

Source: ERM (2011)

Water quality is an important parameter for identification of resource sensitivity. This was investigated during the different field surveys. The parameters were judged in the first instance against local, Italian environmental quality standards for marine, surface and ground waters, according to the different European Directives.

The standards list, Italian and the international standards considered for the water quality limits are (in brackets whether they apply to all water resources, marine, surface freshwater or groundwater)

• Annex 1, Environmental quality standards for priority substances and certain other pollutants, Directive 2008/105/EC. (fresh surface water)

• Tables 1/A and 1/B, Annexes I (for freshwater) and II (for marine waters), Part III of D.Lgs. 152/2006 and amendments (Ministerial Decree 260/2010).


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Box 1–7 European Water Directive and Italian Standards

The Water Directive (2000/60 EC), which provides a strategic framework for Community action on the subject, constitutes a major advance in European environmental policy, given that it regulates the concepts of “ecological status”, regarding water-body quality in terms of local responsibilities and of the “planning, management and governance of water on the watershed level”. Legislative Decree 152 (environmental measures), approved in Italy in April 2006, transposes the European Directive into Italian.

If the water body has additional receptors, i.e. is a fishery or sensitive habitat, or the surface is used for domestic water supply, specific Italian/European directive standards should also be applied in determining significance.

• Directive of Quality of Bathing Water (EC Directive 76/160), providing mandatory and guide reference values for bathing waters.(marine and surface freshwater)

• Classification of Quality Status for Nutrients and General Parameters in Rivers, according to European Environment Agency (1995) (surface freshwater). According to this classification river quality is classified as follows:

o Good quality - nutrient-poor water, low levels of organic matter, saturated with O2, rich in invertebrate fauna, suitable spawning ground for salmonid fish.

o Fair quality - moderate nutrient content and organic pollution, good O2 conditions, rich flora and fauna, large fish population.

o Poor quality - water with heavy organic pollution, low O2 concentration, sediment locally anaerobic, small or absent fish population, occasional blooming of organisms insensitive to O2 depletion.

o Bad quality - water with excessive organic pollution, prolonged periods of very low O2 or total de-oxygenation, anaerobic sediment, severe toxic input, devoid of fish.

• NIVA-1997 (Norwegian environmental research institute that works to monitor and protect water resources), which provides a classification of the quality status for nutrients and general parameters in rivers.

• Classification of the Quality Statues for Heavy Metals in Water, Sediment and Fish of the Norwegian Water Institute (NIVA), which provides a classification of the quality status for heavy metals in water, sediment and fish.

• Guidelines on River Water Categorization Based on the Quality Indicators of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).


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For groundwater, the parameters were judged in first instance against local Italian environmental quality standards for groundwater, according to European directive (2000/60/EC). The Italian standards are used as long as aquifers are not used for provision of drinking water (Table 2, Annex 5, Part IV, Title 5 of D.Lgs. 152/2006 and amendments). If aquifers are used for provision of drinking water, WHO drinking water standards must be used as the main reference supporting local standards. Furthermore, to be consistent with the international standards, the Dutch Standards were used. Indeed, from an international point of view the ‘Dutch Intervention Values’ or ‘New Dutch List’ is widely accepted in Europe as a benchmark for soil pollution and remediation (Annex A of the 2009 Soil Remediation Circular: Target Values, Soil Remediation Intervention Values and Indicative Levels for Serious Contamination).


Magnitude is determined as a combination of the impact:

• Scale;

• Duration; and

• Intensity.

In line with Figure 5-2 of Section 5 ESIA Approach and Methodology, the magnitude can be classified as low, medium or high.

Scale

The impact scale was defined as:

• Local - refers to those impacts affecting an extension within 5 km of the working strip or the activity that caused the impact.

• Regional - refers to those impacts affecting an extension between 5 and 50 km of the working or the activity that caused the impact.

• National - refers to those impacts which affect an extension of more than 50 km of the working or the activity that caused the impact, but falling within the limits of Italy.

• International - referred to those impacts affecting an area outside the limits of Italy.

Duration

Impact duration was defined as:

• Short - those impacts having an effect during a time less than the Project lifetime

• Medium - those impacts having an effect during the lifetime of the Project.

• Long - those impacts having an effect during a time longer than the lifetime of the Project (considered in the same way as was for short-term duration).


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Intensity

Impact intensity was defined in relation to the following criteria:

Freshwater and groundwater:

• Low - concentrations of chemical substances in freshwater below the respective Dutch Target Value or 50% of other limit criteria.

• Medium - concentrations of chemical substances in freshwater between the corresponding Dutch Target Value and Dutch Intervention Value, or between 50 and 100% of other limit criteria.

• High - concentrations of chemical substances in freshwater above the respective Dutch Intervention Value, or above 100% of other limit criteria.

In the absence of quantitative criteria, intensity is defined by the following narrative descriptions:

• Low - impacts from which freshwater resources recover their original conditions within a short-term (about one week or less) once the origin of the impact ceases.

• Medium - impacts from which freshwater resources recover their original conditions within a medium-term (in a period of more than one week and less than one month) once the origin of the impact ceases.

• High - those impacts from which freshwater resources cannot recover their original conditions or they are recovered only after a period longer than one month.

Marine water:

For assessing impact intensity on marine water quality, in particular to what refers to sediment suspension in the water column a mathematical model has been used. The modelling study has been performed using the MIKE by DHI software package, developed by DHI – Danish Hydraulic Institute.

The methodology for sediment dispersion analysis is based on three modules:

• MIKE 3 HD FM for hydrodynamics;

• MIKE 21 SW for wave analysis; and

• MIKE 3 MT FM for sediment dispersion.

MIKE 3 HD FM model has been applied in order to study the hydrodynamic field taking into account the vertical stratification of currents, salinity and temperature. The model has been set up to obtain at the same time a good representation of the sea bed, a detailed representation of the vertical stratification of the sea water column with a reasonable computational time. The model domain covers a coastal stretch of about 30 km centred along the pipeline track, with an offshore extension of approximately 15 km.


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MIKE 21 SW is a state-of-the-art third generation spectral wind-wave model developed by DHI. The model simulates the growth, decay and transformation of wind-generated waves and swell in offshore and coastal areas. MIKE 21 SW solves the spectral wave action balance equation formulated in either Cartesian or spherical co-ordinates. At each element, the wave field is represented by a discrete two-dimensional wave action density spectrum.

MT is a specific module developed to simulate the suspension and sedimentation of cohesive and mixed sediments under hydrodynamics forcing and external actions.

The mud transport model includes the following physical phenomena:

• Flocculation due to concentration;

• Flocculation due to salinity;

• Density effects at high concentrations;

• Hindered settling;

• Consolidation; and

• Morphological bed changes.

According to the description given of the previous factors, the impact magnitude will be defined as follows:

Table 1-29 Significance Criteria for Assessing Impacts on Water Resources

Scale

Local Regional National International

Dur

atio

n

Short-term

Small Small Small Small Low

Intensity Small Medium Medium Medium Medium

Large Large Large Large High

Medium-term



Large Large Large Large High

Long-term


Intensity Small Medium Large Large Medium

Large Large Large Large High Notes: yellow impact magnitude defined as small; orange impact magnitude defined as medium; red impact magnitude defined as large.


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The above criteria are combined for water resources affected by Project activities to determine the significance of the impact, which will depend on the following considerations:

• The degree of sensitivity of the receiving environment; and

• The impact magnitude causing changes to the environment.

The value of impact significance obtained is classified as described in Section 5 - ESIA Approach and Methodology.

Table 1-30 Evaluation of Impact Significance for Water Resources

Magnitude

Small Medium Large

Sens

itivi

ty Low Not significant Minor Moderate

Medium Minor Moderate Major

High Moderate Major Major

Source: ERM (2011)

1.2.2.4 Geology, Geomorphology, Soil and Seabed


Excavation works will be carried out during the construction of the Project (i.e. micro-tunnelling and trenching). It is considered that these works will predominantly affect the soil and seabed resources at the sites of these construction activities.

The impact of the Project on soil quality was assessed in accordance with national regulations as well as relevant and recognised international Standards (IFC, WHO, Europe Directive and Dutch Standards). While the impacts on seabed quality and morphology were assessed according to its character of support to biological communities and indirect effects on hydrodynamics, using expert judgement.

Potential Project impacts to soil quality were estimated through qualitative and quantitative analysis, identifying all the potential impacts involved during the Project construction, operation and decommissioning phases.

Impact significance for soil quality was derived as a function of the following main factors:

• Sensitivity of resource/receptor - the result of the quantitative and qualitative analysis explained in the baseline. The criteria for calculating it are reported in Section 1.2.2.4.4;


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• Magnitude of impact - results from the factors of Scale, Duration, and Intensity. Section 1.2.2.4.5 describes in detail the determination of magnitude. In particular, intensity was evaluated and compared with appropriate international standards and national limits. The magnitude value of residual impacts assumes that mitigation measures were applied.

The assessment of the Project impact on soils is based on site-specific soil characteristics, the analytical results of samples collected along the route during the field survey, and professional judgement and experience regarding Project activities.

Background Geology, Geomorphology and Soil Quality 1.2.2.4.2

Knowledge of background conditions over the Project Study Area is necessary to assess the Project’s impact on the existing environment and was assessed in line with the specification presented in ESIA Section 5.


The mechanisms that were identified as having the potential to significantly impact the quality of soils within the Project Study Area are the following:

• Direct physical disturbance and degradation during construction (clearance of the vegetation layer and excavation);

• Pollution of soils during construction; and

• Reanimation of contaminants within the soil and seabed profile (where the route passes near contaminated land or otherwise polluted soils or sediments).

Physical Disturbance and Degradation during Construction

Site preparation and construction will result in levelling of landscape for the PRT and soil stripping and excavation in the working strip. This may entail removing or burying entire soil profiles, excavating bedrock, and covering large areas under soil/rock stockpiles and eventual sealing of surfaces (soil loss) at the fixed, above-ground installations. In addition, two new access roads will be constructed to access to PRT. A new permanent road will be built to access the BVS and it is also foreseen the enlargement of an existing road. The works will likely result in zones of soil damage caused by compaction or erosion by construction vehicles. Construction activities in the marine environment will result in some degree of physical alteration of the seabed, by trenching and potentially rock-dumping.


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Soil Pollution

Soil may potentially be polluted by accidental spills from vehicles, storage tanks and chemical stores, pipeline flushing or leaks (with biocide or seawater), dust settling from land levelling, metalworking and welding residues, process wastes and effluent, runoff from waste rock and soil stockpiles, and by influx of leakage (e.g. from contaminated sites, landfill) through the surface and groundwater. These risks are particularly prevalent during the construction phase, but to some extent they may also occur during maintenance or repair works.


The EU Commission recognises soil as a non-renewable resource that performs many vital functions: food and other biomass production, storage and filtration and transformation of many substances including water, carbon, and nitrogen. Soil has a role as a habitat and serves as a platform for human activities, landscape and heritage, and it acts as a provider of raw materials. These functions are worthy of protection because of their socioeconomic as well as environmental importance (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/soil/index_en.htm).

The following guidelines are used to assess soil quality, including importance and sensitivity:

• Guidelines for Soil Quality Assessment in Conservation Planning (United States Department of Agriculture – 2001)1 .

The evaluation criteria used to assess the importance and sensitivity of soil quality are shown in Table 1-31.

(1) http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/assessment/files/sq_assessment_cp.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/soil/index_en.htm


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Table 1-31 Evaluation Criteria for Soil Importance and Sensitivity

Criteria / Measure Low Medium High Soil structure and sensitivity

Robust to physical disturbance and/or impermeable to contamination.

Vulnerable to physical disturbance but able to reinstate by mitigation measures within a period of 10 years. Moderately leachable.

Highly vulnerable to physical disturbance, structurally prone to compaction or erosion, and taking years to decades to reinstate. Highly leachable and amenable to contamination.

Ecosystem function – Supporting service - flora and fauna

The soil constitutes no particular favourable substrate for the development of floral habitats, invertebrates and other fauna.

The soil provides a substrate that has the physical qualities and degree of productivity to support the development of species of flora and fauna in some abundance and levels of diversity.

The soil provides a substrate that has the physical qualities and/or degree of productivity to support the development of important (in terms of nature conservation or concentration of biomass) or specialist species of flora and fauna. It must be noted that a number of protected and Natura 2000 habitats rely on marginal land with either poor soil substrate or groundwater influenced soils.

Ecosystem function – regulating service – water regulation

The soil plays little or no role in the hydrological cycle or regulation of water.

The soil has some capacity for water retention and regulation and plays some role in the hydrological cycle in terms of a degree of water regulation and as a substrate for channelling run-off.

The soil is intrinsically linked to the hydrological cycle; water is fundamental to its own structure; and the soil plays a key ecosystem role in water regulation.

Source: ERM (2011)

The standards which exist in Italy regarding soil pollution are set by Table 1-A, Annex 5, Part IV, Title 5 of D.Lgs, 152/2006, for residential use of the area. From an international point of view, the ‘Dutch Intervention Values’ or ‘New Dutch List’ is widely accepted in Europe as a benchmark for soil pollution and remediation (Annex A of the 2009 Soil Remediation Circular: Target Values, Soil Remediation Intervention Values and Indicative Levels for Serious Contamination). Further, IFC standards refer to a risk-based methodology for a variety of receptors, as in the US EPA Region 3 Criteria(1).

Marine sediments are also non-renewable resource that performs vital functions in the marine ecosystem: support for the marine food-chain, physical habitat for benthic organisms, marine geochemical sink, provider of raw materials, etc. Criteria used to assess importance and sensitivity are based on generally accepted practice in the scientific and technical community, and focused on the seabed as a support for marine biota.

(1) http://www.epa.gov/reg3hwmd/risk/human/index.htm, http://www.epa.gov/superfund/health/conmedia/soil/index.htm

http://www.epa.gov/reg3hwmd/risk/human/index.htm


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Magnitude is determined by the combination of scale, duration, and intensity of an impact being classified as being low, medium or high.

Scale

Scale of the impact will be defined as:

• Local - those impacts affecting an extension within 5 km of the Project boundary or the activity that caused the impact.

• Regional, - those impacts affecting an extension between 5 and 50 km of the Project boundary or the activity that caused the impact.

• National - those impacts which affect an extension of more than 50 km of the Project boundary or the activity that caused the impact, but falling within the limits of Italy.

• International, - those impacts affecting an area outside the limits of Italy.

Duration

Duration of the impact will be defined as:

• Short - those impacts having an effect during a time less than the lifetime of the Project.

• Medium -to those impacts having an effect during the lifetime of the Project.

• Long - those impacts having an effect during a time longer than the lifetime of the Project (considered in the same way as it was considered for short-term duration).

Intensity

Intensity of impact will be defined in relation to the limit criteria considered:

• Low - concentrations of chemical substances in freshwater below the respective Dutch Target Value or 50% of other limit criteria.

• Medium, - concentrations of chemical substances in freshwater between the corresponding Dutch Target Value and Dutch Intervention Value, or between 50 and 100% of other limit criteria.

• High - concentrations of chemical substances in freshwater above the respective Dutch Intervention Value, or above 100% of other limit criteria.


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According to the description given to each impact for the previous factors, the impact magnitude will be defined as follows:

Table 1-32 Summary of Impact Magnitude

Scale Local Regional National International

Dur

atio

n

Shor

t-ter

m Small Small Small Small Low

Intensity Small Medium

Medium

Medium Medium

Medium Medium Large Large High

Med

ium

-term

Small Small Small Medium Low


Medium Medium Large Large High

Long

-term

Medium Medium Large Large Low

Intensity Medium Large Large Large Medium

Medium Large Large Large High

Notes: yellow impact magnitude defined as small; orange impact magnitude defined as medium; red impact magnitude defined as large.


The above criteria are combined for the soils affected by Project activities to determine the significance of the impact, which will depend on the following considerations:

• The degree of sensitivity of the receiving environment.

• The magnitude of the impact causing changes to the environment.



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Table 1-33 Evaluation of Impact Significance for Geology, Geomorphology and Soil Quality

Magnitude

Small Medium Large

Sens

itivi




Source: ERM (2011)

1.2.2.5 Landscape and Visual Amenity


The assessment of impacts on landscape and visual amenity deriving from the presence of the proposed Project was undertaken in agreement with accepted methodologies derived from best practice guidelines.

Considering the lack of published guidelines on landscape and visual impact assessment in Italy (the only legislative reference is the DPCM 12 December 2005, which specifies the purposes, standards and contents of the landscape report), the evaluation was conducted with reference to the ‘Guidelines for Landscape Assessment of Projects’, approved by Lombardy Region with DGR n. 7/II045, dated 8 November 2002. This methodology is more stringent than other international standards (even if respecting their fundamentals and assumptions) and therefore was selected.

Significance of impacts on landscape and visual amenity is generally assessed based on the following main factors:

• Quality and importance of the landscape as a potentially affected resource;

• Sensitivity of the landscape towards project activities; and

• Magnitude of change to the landscape as a result of the project.

The assessment of impacts on landscape and visual amenity deriving by the proposed Project is based upon professional judgement and experience developed on similar projects.

Landscape and Visual Amenity Baseline 1.2.2.5.2

Baseline knowledge of the Project area is required to assess the Project’s impact on existing environment, based on the technical specifications presented in Section 1.1.5.6.


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Potential impacts on landscape can be grouped into two categories:

• Direct impacts relate to the physical changes that will arise as a result of the Project. These include the loss of landscape elements such as vegetation and land cover, habitat loss required to build the project and the physical insertion of new structures into the receiving landscape.

• Indirect impacts relate to changes in landscape character due to the visibility of new structures associated with the Project. Visual impacts will arise both during the construction phase as the landscape, even if reinstated, in the first years will not yet be consolidated in terms of vegetation and land cover. Indirect impacts will also arise due to the visibility of the proposed permanent structures, such as the PRT and the BVS.


The magnitude of the impact is usually defined as the magnitude of change on landscape caused by the presence of the project. The magnitude of change affecting landscape or visual receptors depends on the nature, scale and duration of the particular change that is envisaged in the landscape, and the overall effect on a particular view.

In a given landscape, the loss or change of any of its significant features or main characteristics has to be considered as well as the portion of the landscape that is affected by the presence of the project.

The magnitude of change in scenic views depends on the following parameters:

• project size and its distance from the viewpoint,

• view angle occupied by the project,

• Screening effect (barrier) deriving by project structures,

• degree of obstruction of existing features,

• degree of contrast with the existing view,

• frequency or duration of visibility.

The magnitude of change caused by the Project as experienced from a given viewpoint was illustrated by photomontages.

The criteria used to evaluate the magnitude of change are reported in Table 1-34.


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Table 1-34 Evaluation Criteria for Impacts of the Project on Landscape and Visual Amenity

Components Evaluation Criteria

Morphology and structural impacts

Conservation of or change in the morphological characteristics of the area

Adoption of building techniques (materials, type of building etc) in line with similar land use destination in the surrounding area

Conservation or change of the historical, cultural and natural relationship

Visual impact

Impacts on panoramic views

Visual obstruction

Light impact during night

Symbolic impact Landscape elements having a symbolic value for the local community

Source: ERM (2013)

In order to define the impacts, a value (score) was assigned to each landscape component, and the sum of these scores defined the magnitude of change on landscape.

The following classification was applied for the synthetic assessment of the impact magnitude:

• 1 = Very low impact magnitude;

• 2 = Low impact magnitude;

• 3 = Medium impact magnitude;

• 4 = High impact magnitude; and

• 5= Very high impact magnitude.


The assessment of impact on landscape and visual amenity was based on three stages:

• Classification of the sensitivity of landscape or visual receptors;

• Prediction of the magnitude of change in landscape or in the view of the site, deriving by the presence of the project, taking into account embedded and committed mitigation; and

• Evaluation of the significance of residual landscape and visual impacts, depending on the sensitivity of the landscape to change and related magnitude.

The final impact on landscape, due to the presence of the Project, was assessed based on the landscape value of the area, defined as Study Area Sensitivity (see Section 1.1.5.6.2), and the value of the landscape impacts associated with the project, defined as Impact Magnitude (see Section 1.2.2.5.4).


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The significance of the impact was established as a function of Sensitivity and Magnitude – refer to Table 1-35.

Table 1-35 Evaluation of Impact Significance for Landscape and Visual Amenity

Magnitude

1 – Very low 2 - Low 3 - Medium 4 - High 5 – Very high

Sens

itivi

ty

1 – Very low 1 2 3 4 5

2 – Low 2 4 6 8 10

3 – Medium 3 6 9 12 15

4 – High 4 8 12 16 20

5 – Very High 5 10 15 20 25

Notes: Green = Not significant impact; Yellow = Minor impact; Orange = Moderate impact; Red = Major impact.

Key thresholds illustrated in the previous table are represented by the following values:

• The threshold of significance, equal to 4; and

• The threshold of tolerance, equal to 16.

If the result is less than or equal to 4, which corresponds to a not significant or minor level of impact, the impact of the project on landscape and visual amenity is below the threshold of significance; therefore, the project is considered acceptable.

If the result is between 5 and 15, which corresponds to a level of moderate impact, the impact of the project on landscape and visual amenity is significant, but tolerable.

If the result is above 15, which corresponds to a level of major impact, the impact of the project on landscape and visual amenity is over the threshold of tolerance. In this case the project should be subject to further evaluations.

Professional judgement and experience are applied on a case by case basis in order to identify broad levels of significance for each receptor. Each case is assessed on its own merit, as specific factors should be considered.

Several viewpoints were selected for the visual impact assessment of the PRT based on their importance (i.e. the main roads) or based on the amount of tourists visiting or locals using the place / location.


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Photomontages were prepared to evaluate the changes on landscape deriving from the presence of the Project. In interpreting the photomontages, two important aspects must be considered:

• There is an element of judgement inherent to the representation of changes shown in a photomontage. While the data sources are largely factual, or based on the judgement of independent professionals, the final image is ultimately what the developer and/or consultant believe to be a reasonably accurate visual impression of the completed project under similar conditions.

• Each photomontage incorporates the lighting characterising the original photograph, only truly representing the appearance of the project as it would appeared at that time on that day. The perception of the changes and the visual character of the elements of the project will undoubtedly be different under different weather or lighting conditions.

1.2.3 Biological Environment

This Section describes the assessment methodology for the following components:

• Flora and Vegetation;

• Fauna and Habitats;

• Protected Areas.

1.2.3.1 Flora and Vegetation


Potential impacts of the Project on flora and vegetation were assessed according to commonly accepted methodologies and based on International and National Standards and Plans (i.e. National Red List).

The magnitude of each impact was evaluated comparing the conservation importance of species, spatial distribution and coverage and finally, distance from the source of the potential impact.

This section sets out the main criteria used to assess impacts on flora and vegetation, focusing separately on the construction, operation and decommissioning phases.

Background Ecology Quality 1.2.3.1.2

Establishing baseline conditions throughout the Project area is necessary to assess the Project’s impact on the existing environment and was assessed in line with the specification presented in Section 1.1.6.


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Potential impacts on plant species and communities will primarily stem from the temporary and permanent Project footprints. Further potential impacts in terms of habitat degradation may occur due to localised alteration of abiotic factors in the ecosystems. Potential impacts to plant species and communities may also occur as a result of increased accessibility (from road improvements) as well as the potential introduction of alien species. The significance of these potential impacts will be assessed according to the conservation value of the plant species or community involved and the impact magnitudes it is predicted to experience.


In order to consider the most important plant species of greatest conservation value present within the Study Area, the following criteria were considered:

• Species included in Annex II of EU Directive 92/43, "Habitat;"

• Species considered at high risk of extinction in Italy (Scoppola & Spampinato, 2005);

• Endemic species of Salento (Medagli et al., 2007).

Species are assigned to a priority group accordingly to the following scheme:

• High Priority Species - Species matching at least two criteria;

• Medium Priority Species - Species included in Annex II of EU Directive 92/43, or species critically endangered (IUCN Red List category: CR) or endangered (EN) in Italy;

• Low Priority Species - Species not listed under any of the previously designated combinations of criteria.

Criteria were developed to determine the overall quality and/or importance of different plant communities (Table 1-36). Plant communities were listed as High, Medium or Low priority based on criteria 2 to 8 outlined below. The first criterion (Protection Status) was only applied to Palude di Cassano, since it is a Conservation Priority Area (CPA) with high conservation importance. The first criterion was accordingly integrated into the map showing the priority distribution in the Study Area.


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Table 1-36 Criteria to be used in Evaluating Plant Community Importance and Sensitivity

Criteria Low Quality / Importance

Medium Quality / Importance

High Quality / Importance

Conservation and Protection Status The evaluation for each criterion will provide descriptions of what would constitute low, medium and high quality/importance. For each criterion the habitat quality or importance will be evaluated based on factual baseline data, scientific knowledge, professional judgement and stakeholder perspective. Low, medium or high will be designated for that criterion and highlighted accordingly based on this evaluation with additional information and brief rationale for the decision.

1. Protection Status The extent to which the plant community is protected: Protected Areas (PA); Conservation Priority Areas or Proposed Protected Areas not currently under legal protection (CPA); and Rest of World (RoW). • PA: areas especially dedicated to protecting and

maintaining biological diversity and managed through legal and other effective means e.g. Habitats Directive (SCI), Bird Directive (SPA), Regional Protected Areas.

• CPA: areas that are not currently under protected status but have been identified by governments and/or the scientific or conservation community as having a high conservation priority e.g. Important Plant Areas (IPAs).

• RoW: the remaining areas not specifically included in PAs or CPAs, which may contain plant communities of high quality or importance that are yet to be identified or which are important at a local level, for example.

Plant Community Structure and Functioning 2. Naturalness The 'naturalness' of a plant community is related to the degree of alteration by man in terms of frequency and intensity in the removal of plant biomass or destructive events (e.g. fire).

3. Fragility The fragility and sensitivity of the habitat and its ability to recover (either naturally or with assistance) from disturbance, including invasion by alien species, must be assessed. 4. Representativeness The extent to which the habitat is considered an excellent example of important natural or semi-natural vegetation types in Apulia. 5. Species rarity The extent to which the habitat contains and is relied upon by concentrations of “rare” plant species (e.g. endemics, threatened in Red List, included in the Annexes of Habitats Directive).

6. Species richness The number of plant species typically occurring in a plant community.

7. Maturity The ‘distance’ from the climatic vegetation, e.g. the vegetation that would exist at a given location had human forms of land use never existed.


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Criteria Low Quality / Importance

Medium Quality / Importance

High Quality / Importance

8. European Habitat Plant communities listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directives.

Overall Evaluation

The overall habitat evaluation will be based on an aggregate of the individual ratings for each criterion. This process will involve an application of professional judgement in terms of weighting some criteria higher than others, where appropriate, and will note whether a habitat is critical or not.


The significance of the potential impacts on flora/vegetation will be assessed according to the quality or importance of the species/plant communities involved. Determining magnitude is typically a combination of quantifying the change and applying professional judgment and past experience:

• The spatial extent over which the impact is experienced;

• The duration of the impact and/or the extent to which it is repeated;

• The magnitude of the aspect (noise, light, number of vehicle movements).

Box 1–8 Magnitude Criteria for the Impact Assessment of Flora and Vegetation

Impact of Large Magnitude

The Project (either on its own or together with other projects) may adversely affect the integrity of a plant community or population by substantially changing ecological features or population distribution or recruitment, across all or most of the area in the long-term.

Impact of Medium Magnitude

The integrity of the plant community or population will not be adversely affected in the long-term, but the effect is likely to be significant to some of their biological features in the short- or medium-term. The plant community or population may be able to recover to its condition at the time prior the Project through natural regeneration and restoration.

Impact of Small Magnitude

Neither of the above applies, but some minor impacts of limited extent or to some biological features are predicted; however, the plant community or population will readily recover to its condition at the time prior the Project.


The above criteria are combined to determine the significance of the impact.



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Table 1-37 Evaluation of Impact Significance for Flora and Vegetation

Magnitude

Small Medium Large

Sens

itivi




ERM (2011)

1.2.3.2 Fauna and Habitat


Potential impacts on wildlife and their habitats from the implementation of the Project were evaluated according to commonly accepted methods and based on international and national standards and plans (e.g. IUCN Red List Categories, National Red List). The scale of the impact was accordingly assessed to compare the conservation importance of species and natural habitats, their spatial distribution and coverage, and finally, the distance from the source of potential impacts. This Section will establish the main criteria used to assess the Project impact on fauna and habitats.


Establishing baseline conditions throughout the Project area is necessary to assess the Project’s impact on the existing environment and was assessed in line with the specification presented in Section 1.1.6.1.


Potential impacts on fauna species will include various degrees of disturbance as a result of Project construction and operation, including noise, human movements and the movements of vehicles and may also suffer direct physical harm. Fauna will also be affected by loss and fragmentation of habitat upon which they rely or that they use substantially and by the introduction of barriers to movement. Fauna will also be impacted by changes to their environment including:

• Noise, light and visual impacts (during construction and, to a lesser degree, operation);

• Water quality degradation;

• Soil degradation;

• Barrier effects (during construction)

• Habitat fragmentation;

• Direct incidental loss of fauna species during construction (from traffic accidents or other).


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Secondary impacts may occur from increased accessibility (from road improvements) resulting in increased recreational disturbance or removal of habitat.

The significance of these potential impacts will be assessed according to the importance of the species involved and the impact magnitude it is predicted to experience.


Species importance is assessed according to accepted criteria, such as rarity and the extent to which they are under threat. The importance of species to wider ecological communities and the ecosystem (e.g. predator/prey relationships) is also considered, as is the degree of protection of species under Italian and international legislation is also taken into account. Table 1-38 presents some criteria for deciding the importance of individual species. IUCN categorisation at a global and national level was used as the primary method to identify priority species, where appropriate. For reference to IUCN status for species see Table 1-39.

IUCN Threat categories are fully adopted by Italian law and are reflected in the national Red Data Book of animals (Bulgarini et al., 1998).

The distribution and types of protection were taken into account as well as regional lists, especially with reference to amphibians and reptiles (Blasi et al., 2005; Scillitani et al., 2001), birds (La Gioia et al., 2010) and mammals (Bux et al., 2001; Bux et al., 2003).


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Table 1-38 Species Evaluation Criteria

Importance: Low Medium High Criteria Protection status

Not protected or listed. Introduced or alien species.

• Listed as Vulnerable (VU), Conservation Dependant (CD), Near Threatened (NT) or Least Concern (LC) on Global IUCN Red List

• Nationally Protected Species • Annex III species listed in the

Bern Convention • Listed as VU, NT, LC, in the Red

Data Book of Italy • Species either listed as Data

Deficient (DD) or Not Evaluated NE) at a Global or National level for which conservation is likely to be required

• Listed as Critically Endangered (CR) or Endangered (EN) on either Global IUCN list or on National Red List

• Decreasing number of species listed as VU or lower in the Italian Red Data Book

• Listed as Rare, Threatened or Endangered by IUCN

• Annex II species listed in the Bern Convention

• Annex II,IV species listed on the EU Habitats Directive

• Annex I listed species of the Birds Directive

Conservation Status

Common / abundant

• A species common globally but rare in this part of Italy

• Rare or population in decline. • Locally endemic or locally distinct

subpopulations. • At the limits of its range. • Species subject to an active

management programme. • Groups that have been or are

under active scientific study.

• Protected as above

Genetic Diversity

High Genetic Diversity as numerous in number with highly interconnected populations

• A species that has limited connectivity between populations.

• A species that has only a moderate or small population size.

• Species with low fecundity

• Species with limited or no connectivity between populations.

• Populations are low in number. • Species has very low fecundity and

produces minimal number of young which remain dependent for a number of years.

Ecosystem Functioning:

Not critical to ecosystem functions.

One of several species playing a role in ecosystem functions.

Critical keystone species (1) or ecosystem engineer (2) to ecosystem functions.

Ecosystem Services – supporting services

No or minimal role in terms of being iconic, or important for recreational or other cultural reasons.

Culturally iconic species for local human populations; species playing an important role in recreational activities; species important for local culture; certain species or groups considered to have specific value for the general public simply by virtue of their existence.

Culturally iconic species for indigenous, national and/or international human populations (e.g. certain birds of prey or Caretta caretta); species essential to recreational activities and of national cultural importance.

Note: (1) A keystone species is a species that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community and whose impact on the community is greater than would be expected based on its relative abundance or total biomass. (2) A species that modifies the resource availability for other members of the community by changing the habitat.

Source: ERM (2011)


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Table 1-39 IUCN Red List Categories

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) List of Threatened Species (the IUCN Red List) is a widely recognised, global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species. It provides taxonomic, conservation status and distribution information on taxa that are facing a high risk of global extinction. Species are categorised as:

*Critically Endangered (CR): A taxon is Critically Endangered when it is considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild;

*Endangered (EN): A taxon is Endangered when it is considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild;

*Vulnerable (VU): A taxon is Vulnerable it is considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild;

Near Threatened (NT): A taxon is Near Threatened when it has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future;

Least Concern (LC): A taxon is Least Concern when it has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for the higher categories. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category;

Other categories including Conservation Dependent (CD), Data Deficient (DD) and Not Evaluated (NE) are also referred to, although these categories are not of key importance when evaluating species for this Project.

Note: Sub-categories for CR, EN and VU have not been fully listed in this document and the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (Version 3.1) (IUCN, 2001) should be referred to for further details.

All *ed status (CR, EN, VU) are grouped as Threatened when referring to species (as given for all Species Richness tables in Chapter 6.7.1).

Source: IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (Version 3.1) (2001)

In some cases both international and national threat status of the species are the same, but in most cases, the international threat status differs from the national threat status.

Protection of species of wild fauna in Italy is regulated by a number of laws, bylaws and regulations, some of the most important of which are:

• National Law on the Protection of Wild Fauna and Hunting (no. 157, dated 1992);

• Regional Law (Apulia) on the Protection of Wild Fauna and Hunting (no. 27, dated 1998);

• Ministry of the Environment Decree, 14 March 2011: Fourth updated list of sites of Community importance for the Mediterranean biogeographical region in Italy, according to Directive 92/43/EEC;

• Ministry of the Environment, Land and Sea Protection Decree, 19 June 2009: List of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) classified under Directive 79/409/EEC;

• Decree of the President of the Italian Republic, 8 September 1997, n. 357: Regulation implementing Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora;

• Ministry of the Environment Decree, 3 September 2002: Guidelines for management of Natura 2000 sites.


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In addition to national legislation, reference was made to the Habitats Directive (for Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates) and Birds Directive (for Bird Species).

Protection under the Habitats Directive is as follows:

• Annex II: Species of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation.

• Annex IV: Species of community interest in need of strict protection.

• Annex V: Species of interest, the taking of which in the wild and exploitation may be subject to management measures.

Annexes II and IV are key in relation to species protection and in evaluating species in a European context.

Protection under the Birds Directive is as follows:

• Annex I - birds that are the subject of special conservation measures regarding their habitat in order to ensure their survival and reproduction in their area of distribution. As appropriate, Special Protection Areas shall be established to assist conservation measures.

• Annex IIa - birds that may potentially be hunted under national legislation within the geographical land and sea area to which the Directive applies.

• Annex IIb - birds that may potentially be hunted under national legislation only within certain specified Member States.

Annex I is key in relation to species protection and evaluating species importance in a European context.

In summary, the following categories will apply to species under all the above evaluation criteria and for the future impact assessment:

• High Priority Species - species listed either Nationally or Internationally under (Critically Endangered or Endangered) or on Habitats Directive (Annex II and IV) or the Birds Directive (Annex I);

• Medium Priority Species - species listed as (Vulnerable, Conservation Dependent, Near Threatened, Least Concern or Data Deficient) or nationally protected, listed under Annex 1, 2 or 3 of the Bern Convention or listed under any national protection;

• Low Priority Species – those species not listed under any of the previously listed criteria.


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Impact magnitude is a combination of several factors, including:

• The area over which the impact is experienced;

• The extent to which habitat relied upon by the species is impacted;

• The population, or proportion thereof, affected;

• The duration of the impact and/or the extent to which it is repeated;

• The magnitude of the aspect (noise, light, number of vehicle movements);

• The size of the footprint in the context of the wider range over which a species lives;

• The scale of change induced, e.g. to water quality; and

• The extent to which a new physical or chemical feature is introduced to the environment, e.g. the size of a structure or the toxicity of a chemical.

Determining magnitude is typically a combination of quantifying the change and applying professional judgement and past experience. Criteria that were used to assess the magnitude of ecological impacts are presented in Box 1–9 below:

Box 1–9 Magnitude Criteria for the Impact Assessment of Fauna and Habitats

A Impact of Large Magnitude affects an entire population or species in sufficient magnitude to cause a decline in abundance and /or change in distribution beyond which natural recruitment (reproduction, immigration from unaffected areas) will not return that population or species, or any population or species dependent upon it, to its former level within several generations*. An Impact of Large Magnitude a species may also adversely affect the integrity of a site, habitat or ecosystem. A large magnitude secondary impact may also affect a subsistence or commercial resource use to the degree that the well-being of the user is affected over a long-term.

An Impact of Medium Magnitude affects a portion of a population and may bring about a change in abundance and / or distribution over one or more generations*, but does not threaten the integrity of that population or any population dependent on it. An Impact of Medium Magnitude may also affect the ecological functioning of a site, habitat or ecosystem but without adversely affecting its overall integrity. The size of the consequence is also important. An impact of medium magnitude multiplied over a wide area will be regarded as large. A short-term effect upon the well-being of resource users may also constitute a secondary medium impact.

An Impact of Small Magnitude affects a specific group of localised individuals within a population over a short time period (one generation* or less), but does not affect other trophic levels or the population itself.

*These are generations of the animal/plant species under consideration not human generations.





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Table 1-40 Evaluation of Impact Significance for Fauna and Habitats

Magnitude

Small Medium Large

Sens

itivi




ERM (2011)

1.2.3.3 Protected Areas


Impacts to Protected Areas are almost the same as reported in the discussion on Section 1.2.3.1 and in the Section 1.2.3.2.


Establishing baseline conditions throughout the Protected Areas is necessary to assess the Project’s impact on the existing environment and was assessed in line with the specification presented in Section 1.1.6.2.


Potential impacts are the same as reported in Section 1.2.3.1 and in the Section 1.2.3.2.


The receptors are placed in Protected Areas in close proximity to the Study Area. The Protected Areas are four SCI (IT9150032 “Le Cesine”, IT9150022 “Palude dei Tamari” and IT9150004 “Torre dell'Orso”) and one SPA (IT9150014 "Le Cesine"). Resources and receptors are the same as reported in Section 1.2.3.1 and in Section 1.2.3.2. However, other conservation species and habitats are considered, as reported in the SCI Management Plan.


No Protected Area is placed in the Study Area; as a result, the impact magnitude is proportionally smaller than the distance of the Protected Area from the Study Area.

Magnitude levels of impact are the same as reported in the previous Sections 1.2.3.1 and 1.2.3.2.





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Table 1-41 Evaluation of Impact Significance for Protected Areas

Magnitude

Small Medium Large

Sens

itivi




ERM (2011)

1.2.4 Socioeconomic Environment

1.2.4.1 General Considerations

This Section provides the methodology used to evaluate socioeconomic and health impacts on people and communities. It details the key stages in the evaluation, including:

• Determination of the vulnerability of people, households or communities which is a central characteristic of their sensitivities to socioeconomic change;

• Determination of the impact magnitude;

• Evaluation of the impact significance.

1.2.4.2 Background Social Context

The characteristics of the social context at a national, district, community and settlement level in the Project area are established by the baseline that was prepared through a combination of secondary data sources and focused fieldwork. This is presented in Section 1.1.7. The results of stakeholder engagement are also central to establishing the social context, both in terms of the importance that stakeholders place on different aspects of the social context and also in understanding how those directly affected are likely to perceive, be affected by and respond to changes resulting from the Project.

1.2.4.3 Potential Impacts

Potential social impacts may arise from any changes related to the Project that affect what is referred to as the livelihoods framework of individuals, households, communities or societies. This is shown in Figure 1-4.


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Figure 1-4 Livelihoods Framework

Impacts on people may be direct, indirect or induced as follows:

• Direct impacts result directly from project activities. An example is land take by the project removing agricultural land upon which a household depends. Commonly a project has significant control in terms of avoiding or otherwise mitigating direct impacts.

• Indirect social impacts commonly occur when environmental quality is impacted by project activities which then cause impacts on people. For example, the health of those with pre-existing respiratory problems may worsen should air quality reduce as a result of dust caused by construction. Indirect impacts on people are often taken account of in the evaluation criteria for the direct environmental impact (e.g. air quality, noise, etc.).

• Induced social impacts are those that the project does not directly cause, but are encouraged or stimulated by the project. A potential example is in-migration by job-seekers into local communities hoping to gain employment on the project. Typically a project is unable to fully control induced impacts, although mitigation may be applied to reduce the likelihood and or scale of the impact.


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Social impacts may also be positive. Positive impacts will include potential employment, skills development, infrastructure improvements and economic contribution to the economy. It is important to identify and evaluate positive impacts and also to identify whether the project is able to take measures to enhance the positive nature of such impacts.

1.2.4.4 Importance and Sensitivity of Resource/Receptor/Vulnerability

Vulnerability of people to social impacts is understood as their ability to adapt to socioeconomic/cultural or bio-physical change. Vulnerable individuals will tend to have an increased susceptibility to negative impacts or a limited ability to take advantage of positive impacts. Vulnerability is a pre-existing status that is independent of the Project under consideration.

Heightened vulnerability may be reflected by an existing low level of access to key socioeconomic / cultural or environmental resources or a low status in certain socioeconomic / cultural indicators. Table 1-42 identifies aspects that should be considered for a given project, recognising that for each social setting the characteristics that underpin vulnerability will be specific and that these characteristics and the indicators would need to be refined.

Table 1-42 Characteristics that Underpin Vulnerability

Access / Status Aspects to be considered Sensitivity Indicators Human Receptors’ (individuals, groups, households, communities etc.) access to: Livelihoods • Diversity of livelihoods

• Legality of livelihood • Productivity of livelihood

• Reliance on one principle livelihood • Principle livelihoods are relatively

unproductive • Principle livelihoods are unsustainable,

fragile or illegal. Resources

• Water • Non-Timber Forest Products • Land

• Access limited to few resources • Resource shortages are frequent and

serious • Resources available are legally

protected and use is illegal Services and Infrastructure • Health

• Education • Transport • Recreation • Savings and support networks • Fair Policing and Security

• Minimal access to key services and infrastructure

• Provision of key services and infrastructure is poor.

Participation in Political and Civil Institutions and Decision Making

• Freedom of association • Freedom from corruption

• Minimal ability to participate in orthodox governance and decision making systems

• Subject to high levels of corruption • Restrictions on rights of association,

ability to participate freely in governance

Community and Social Inclusion and Cohesion

• Security • Freedom from inter and intra

community cohesion

• Subject to marginalisation and discrimination.

• Subject to violence and conflict.


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Access / Status Aspects to be considered Sensitivity Indicators Human Receptors’ (individuals, groups, households, communities, etc.) status: Health • Health status including

malnutrition, infectious diseases, disability, etc.

• Acute illness • Chronic illness • Maternal mortality • Child mortality.

Knowledge, Skills and Education • Levels of knowledge skills and education

• Ability to participate in orthodox economic and social systems.

• Literacy • School attendance • Education levels achieved

Financial resources • Income generation • Savings

• Income levels relative to expenditure • Ability to pay for food, key services,

resources and infrastructure Independent Cultural Identity • Desire to maintain strong

independent cultural identity. • Desire to avoid all sociocultural

change

Labour Rights • Forced labour • Child labour • Right to association • H&S standards • Minimum wage, etc.

Source: ERM (2013)

1.2.4.5 Magnitude of Impact

The magnitude of a social impact will be defined by estimating:

• The degree of change that will be experienced by affected individuals, households and societies;

• The extent to which initial impacts which result in further secondary or tertiary changes that may become unmanageable; and

• The temporal extent of the impact: its duration, frequency, reversibility, etc.

The numbers of people / geographic extent of the change is explained separately, because although an impact may be severe for only a few households, it still requires a high degree of attention from decision makers.

Determination of the magnitude of each impact is undertaken using Figure 1-5 as a guide. The key determinants of the impact magnitude are described and, through a combination of quantifying the change and applying professional judgement, an impact magnitude is assigned.

Initially the assessment of the impact is evaluated for the “general” population. The evaluation then takes into account whether any identified vulnerable groups will be impacted differentially. Where this is the case, the impact on this group is specifically considered.


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Figure 1-5 Evaluating the Magnitude of Socioeconomic and Health Impacts

Source: ERM (2013)

1.2.4.6 Significance of Impact

In order to assess the significance of the impacts, the impact is reflected within the frame of reference of the local setting as articulated in stated policy or development objectives and/or the view of the local population. For example, communities with strong cultural norms may be more greatly disturbed by effects of a non-local workforce than people living in a cosmopolitan location.

In this way stakeholder views on impacts are explicitly brought into the evaluation, for example by referencing development policies and plans and/or reporting the results of stakeholder workshops, including quotes from consultation, etc.

The value of impact significance obtained is classified following the philosophy of Figure 5-2 of Section 5- ESIA Approach and Methodology. However in the case of socioeconomic impacts, the significance of the impact is evaluated through consideration of the impact magnitude and the importance placed on the impact by stakeholders. This is visualised in Table 1-43.

IMPACT MAGNITUDE (NEGATIVE IMPACT)

LOW HIGH

IMPACT MAGNITUDE (POSITIVE IMPACT)

LOW HIGH

Inconvenience caused but with no long term

consequences

Annoyance, minor injury or illness that does not

require treatment

Short term

Those affected generally able to adapt to the

changes with relative ease, and maintain pre-

impact livelihoods, culture, quality of life and

health

Those affected will generally experience long term deterioration to their

livelihood, culture, quality of life and health

+-

Diverse Primary and secondary impacts likely to be impossible to reverse or

compensate for

Loss of life, severe injuries or chronic illness requiring

hospitalisation

Long term and irreversible

Incremental benefits

Benefits to a numberof households

Short term

Beneficiaries will enjoy increased well being, but

overall community or wider scale benefits difficult to perceive

Tangible benefits to livelihood, culture, quality of life and/or health at the community or wider scale

Permanent

Benefits throughoutaffected communities

and beyond

Substantial improvements to quality of life for

livelihood

+ Specific Consideration of Vulnerable Groups


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Table 1-43 Evaluating Significance of Social Impacts

Source: ERM (2013)

As shown in Table 1-43, the significance of positive impacts are evaluated taking into account similar factors as negative impacts, but with ‘minor’, ‘moderate’ and ‘major’ representing benefits to the socioeconomic environment.

It is common for the public to have a different perception of an impact (either lower or higher) than what will actually be the case. This is commonly referred to as a perceived impact. Perceived impacts are captured, but clearly differentiated from impacts as evaluated above.


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1.2.5 Cultural Heritage

The archaeological impact assessment, based on information and evidences collected according to baseline methodology presented in Section 1.1.8, can be identified through the following phases:

1. The identification of the risk, by mapping areas where the Project might interfere and generate a negative impact on the presence of objects and artefacts of archaeological interest. For each mapped area, the main characteristics are reported in a chart including cartographical references, land use description, constraints, results of photointerpretation, literature or official archive references if applicable, field survey analysis, potential relation with other sites, conclusive observations;

2. Assessment of impacts generated by the project.

1.2.5.1 Archaeological Risk Mapping

The description of the archaeological risk is illustrated by thematic cartography of the areas affected by the Project. For each mapped area an evaluation of the risk level has been based on several characteristics as reported above (such as land use, presence of constraints, urban planning documents, field survey results, potential relations with other sites and professional archaeological judgement):

• High archaeological risk: archaeological sites that are well documented and will be disturbed by the Project.

• Medium archaeological risk: 1) archaeological evidence that may or may not indicate a site that will be disturbed by the Project; or 2) archaeological evidence that most likely indicates a site but with low archaeological importance that will definitely be disturbed by the Project.

• Low archaeological risk: scattered archaeological evidence observed in insignificant discoveries and identified as being in the Project area; indicative evidence of modern structures with little or no archaeological potential intercepted by the Project.

1.2.5.2 General Considerations

Significance of impact to cultural heritage is measured as a product of the importance of a specific cultural heritage site and the impact magnitude on that site. In cases where the impact is non-physical, the significance will be measured as a product of the importance of the disturbance of the site to its users, and the duration of the disturbance. Importance of impact, except for intangible heritage impacts, is judged based on international heritage preservation and academic standards and must be validated by the appropriate national authorities and by local community stakeholders. Direct physical impacts are typically irreversible and spatially discrete. Cultural heritage impacts can also multiply, irrespective of their importance, due to the sensitivity of non-specialist stakeholder opinion. Cultural heritage sites are highly vulnerable and sensitive to construction activities and are often, in the public mind, subject to callous disregard by external actors, such as large international projects.


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Background Cultural Heritage Quality

The quality/importance of cultural heritage in the Project area is established by the baseline inventory of known heritage sites and by the potential of the area to contain undiscovered sites or site components that are not readily visible on the surface and thus may be subject to unintended impact during construction.

Table 1-44 lists the types of heritage sites considered, their characteristics, and aspects of their quality and importance.

Archaeological sites and historic monuments are unique and most often irreplaceable evidence of a nation or a people’s past achievements and present identity. Archaeological sites are also a scientific and historical record of past social, technological and cultural developments of a region or country. Information and artefacts contained in archaeological sites provide a valuable, materially-based compliment to historic documents and records. Further, in cases where no specific documentation exists for a site, archaeological evidence provides the only record of the people or culture that created it. Historic monuments and monumental archaeological sites also contribute visually to an area’s uniqueness and character, providing benefit to residents and visitors, and also supporting the economy through tourism. Archaeological sites and monuments are protected by national laws and the EBRD’s Performance Requirements1.

Sites with intangible cultural heritage (ICH) value take a variety of forms, including: natural features such as mountains, trees and rivers; architectural structures such as churches, houses and neighbourhoods; and simply constructed features such as roadside accident memorials. What these sites all have in common is that they are important to stakeholders for reasons that are not necessarily apparent from their physical characteristics. Sites with ICH value are often not documented and therefore must often be identified from consultation with stakeholders. ICH serves an integrative and uniting function for stakeholder communities, sometimes through local religious practice and belief. In most cases, ICH sites are not protected by national law, but they are highlighted as significant by the EBRD Performance Requirements treatment of cultural heritage. The importance and sensitivity of ICH sites in the Performance Standards is intended in part to compensate for their lack of legal recognition in many countries. Stakeholders for intangible heritage are most often traditional people or local communities.

1 European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Performance Requirement 8 for Cultural Heritage


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1.2.5.3 Potential Impacts

Potential impacts could arise from any Project activities which affect the quality, character, function, or appearance of cultural heritage sites. Three mechanisms that have the potential to significantly impact cultural heritage sites are:

• Direct physical disturbance to sites during construction;

• Indirect physical impacts, like vibration and pollution from 1) the movement of heavy vehicles

and equipment during construction or operation or 2) the operation of equipment;

• Affecting access to sites by their users during construction or operation.

Direct Physical Impacts

This type of impact could diminish or eliminate the scientific and/or historical value of a site by disturbing both the physical structures or artefacts and the integrity of spatial and/or stratigraphic relationships of artefacts, features and/or the landscape of the site. This could be caused by the inadvertent excavation or grading of the site or by the compression or distortion of the site caused by drive-over of heavy equipment, especially in soggy or muddy ground conditions. Artefacts from the disturbed portion of such a site, even if recovered intact, would be of greatly reduced scientific value. Damage to monuments or sites with ICH value could cause stakeholder and/or government approval issues. Physical disturbance is most likely to occur as a result of earth-moving activities during construction.

Indirect Physical Impacts

Indirect physical impacts, such as vibration and pollution, could diminish the scientific, historical or aesthetic value of a site by affecting its state of preservation and the quality. These impacts could be caused by the movement of heavy vehicles and equipment during construction and operation phases and by the use of heavy equipment. If heavy equipment and vehicle traffic occur too close to a site, the nearby vibration and pollution from equipment and vehicles could affect its quality, appearance and preservation. This kind of physical impact may occur during construction and operation.

Effects on User Access

This type of impact is applicable to sites with intangible heritage value and to monuments and archaeological sites that receive public visitors. Project construction activities or logistic sites could potentially block pedestrian or vehicular access to religious, touristic or other heritage sites. It is possible for this impact to occur during construction and operation.


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Table 1-44 Characteristics of Heritage Sites

Type of Heritage Site

Definition/Example Quality/Importance

Archaeological Site

Ruined and/or buried occupation sites, fortifications, mosques and churches, prehistoric refuse or storage pits, villages, etc.

Sites contain scientific, cultural and historic information which also has public value as the information base and public validation of national history with its identity. Value should be formally recognized and validated by government authorities

Historic Monument

Standing structure with historic aesthetic or monumental value. Examples are castles, fortifications, churches and graveyards.

Sites contain cultural, artistic, historical and aesthetic value based on their appearance and contribution to the look and feel of a particular location. Value should be recognized formally and validated by government authorities.

Site with Intangible Cultural Heritage Value

A structure, place or landscape feature with special often unexpected importance to a community or larger stakeholder group. (example: informal or modern place of worship; location or landscape feature associated with an important event; informal accident shrine; informal marked and unmarked burials and reputed burials locations).

Sites embody the local cultural and historical traditions contributing to community and local group identity and cohesion. Value may not be validated or recognized but, as with archaeological sites and monuments, is recognized by international academic and heritage preservation standards.

Source: ERM (2013)

1.2.5.4 Importance and Sensitivity of Resource/Receptor

Criteria were developed to determine the overall quality and/or importance of different Cultural Heritage sites present in the Project area. The quality/importance of cultural heritage in the Project area is established as part of the baseline inventory of known heritage sites and by the potential of the area to contain undiscovered sites or site components that are not readily visible on the surface and thus may be subject to unintended impact during construction. Quality/importance, also called sensitivity, of heritage sites will be judged by different criteria for each of the three types of sites. The criteria are shown in Table 1-45.

Table 1-45 Cultural Heritage Site Quality/Importance Criteria

Low Medium High

Archaeological Site

Limited informational value and/or cultural significance based on content and condition of site.

Moderate informational value and/or cultural significance based on content and condition of site.

High informational value and/or cultural significance based on content and condition of site.

Historic Monument

Limited visual, commemorative or art historical interest based on architectural style or degree of preservation.

Moderate visual, commemorative or art historical interest based on architectural style or degree of preservation.

High visual, commemorative or art historical interest based architectural style or degree of preservation.

Site with Intangible Heritage Value

Limited cultural or religious significance to site users based on user criteria.

Moderate cultural or religious significance to site users based on user criteria.

High cultural or religious significance to site users based on user criteria.

Source: ERM (2013)


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1.2.5.5 Magnitude of Impact

Magnitude of impacts to cultural heritage is determined in the following ways. For physical damage to an archaeological site, the magnitude will be determined by the portion of the site that is disturbed in comparison with the area of the entire site. This will apply to accidental excavation of all or part of a site, especially with mechanical equipment. Artefacts recovered from a disturbed site will mitigate the damage only in a minor way since, once a site is disturbed, the artefacts will lack reliable archaeological context. Restoration of a damaged archaeological site is not always possible.

Magnitude of the accidental destruction of a monument will be measured by the structural extent of the damage. Repair of a damaged historic monument is very challenging and expensive if possible at all.

Impact to a site with intangible value will be measured by the physical extent and the permanence of the damage or impact and, if the impact involves blocking of site access, then by the duration of the blockage.

1.2.5.6 Significance of Impact



Table 1-46 Evaluation of Impact Significance for Ecology - Habitats

Magnitude

Small Medium Large

Sens

itivi




Source: ERM (2013)


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2 APPENDIX 1 – AIR MODELLING SET UP AND DATA

Three air dispersion modelling studies have been carried out in order to quantify the ground level pollutants’ concentration induced by dust emissions during the construction phase, engine driven machinery emissions during the hydrotesting phase and by the PRT gas heating system during the operation phase. These studies are labelled as dust emission dispersion study, hydrotesting dispersion study and PRT study in the following part of this annex.

This annex describes the modelling set up - dispersion modelling tool, model domain and meteorological data – for both modelling studies.

Dispersion Modelling Tool 2.1

The above mentioned modelling studies have been carried out with the CALPUFF modelling system (version 5.8); the latter is adopted and recommended by US-EPA since 06/29/2007 (http://www.epa.gov/scram001/dispersion_prefrec.htm#calpuff).

The chosen modelling system represents the state-of-the–art in Lagrangian puff modelling for assessing impacts of the long-range transport of certain air pollutants.

The CALPUFF modelling system consists of three main components, including a pre-processor and post-processor.

• The meteorological pre-processor CALMET produces the three-dimensional fields for the main meteorological variables, temperature, wind speed and direction, over the simulation domain.

• The processor CALPUFF is a non-steady-state Lagrangian Gaussian puff model containing modules for complex terrain effects, overwater transport, coastal interaction effects, building downwash, wet and dry removal, and simple chemical transformation.(1)

• The post-processor CALPOST statistically analyses CALPUFF output data and produces datasets suitable for further analysis. Post-processed CALPUFF outputs consist of matrices of concentration values. Receptors in the simulation domain can be discrete or gridded. The values calculated at each receptor could be referred to one or more sources.

The results can be processed by any GIS software, creating iso-concentration maps as presented in Section 8 of the ESIA.

The CALPUFF modelling system requires the following input data:

• Meteorological variables’ surface data and height profile, to build the three-dimensional wind field, with the meteorological pre-processor CALMET; and

• Source characteristics and emission data, to simulate the pollutants atmospheric dispersion, with CALPUFF.

[1] A User’s Guide for the CALPUFF Dispersion Model (Version 5), Scire, Strimaitis, Yamartino 2000

http://www.epa.gov/scram001/dispersion_prefrec.htm#calpuff


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The following Figure 2-1 presents o flow chart of the CALPUFF modelling system inputs, while the Box 2-1 gives a summary of the CALMET CALPUFF and CALPOST characteristics.

Figure 2-1 CALPUFF modelling system INPUTS

Source: ERM (2013)

CALMETMeteorology

Orography

Land Use

Meteorological hourly surface

and upper air data

AtmosphericEmissions

CALPUFF

CALMETMeteorology

Orography

Land Use

Meteorological hourly surface

and upper air data

AtmosphericEmissions

CALPUFF


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Box 2-1 Features of the pre-processor CALMET, CALPUFF and post-processor CALPOST

CALMET is a diagnostic meteorological pre-processor able to reproduce three-dimensional fields of temperature, wind speed and direction along with two-dimensional fields of other parameters representative of atmospheric turbulence. CALMET is able to simulate wind fields in complex orography domains characterized by different types of land use. The final wind field is obtained through consecutive steps, starting from an initial wind field often derived from geostrophic wind. The wind field is linked to the orography, since the model interpolates the monitoring station values and applies specific algorithms to simulate the interaction between ground and flow lines. The module contains a micro-meteorological module determining thermal and mechanical structures (turbulence) of lower atmospheric layers.

CALPUFF is a hybrid dispersion model (commonly defined ‘puff model’). It is a multi-layer and non-steady-state model. It simulates transport, dispersion, transformation and deposition of pollutants, in meteorological conditions varying in space and time. CALPUFF uses the meteorological fields produced by CALMET, but for simple simulations an external steady wind field, with constant values of wind speed and direction over the simulation domain, can be used as input. The module contains different algorithms to simulate different processes, such as:

• buildings downwash and stack-tip downwash;

• wind vertical shear;

• dry and wet deposition;

• atmospheric chemical transformations;

• complex orography and seaboard.1

Besides, CALPUFF allows the selection of the source geometry (point, linear or areal), improving in this way the accuracy of the emission input. Point sources simulate emissions coming from a small area while areal sources describe a diffuse emission coming from a wider area; emissions from linear sources are distributed along a main direction (i.e. roads).

CALPOST processes CALPUFF outputs producing an outputs’ format suitable for further analysis. CALPOST output files can be fed into graphic software to create concentration or deposition maps

Source. CALPUFF CALMET and CALPOST User’s Guides

Model Domain 2.2

The CALMET meteorological domain represents the area in which the CALMET pre-processor computes all the meteorology variables (i.e. temp. wind directions wind speed, atmospheric stability) needed to perform the pollutants air dispersion.

The CALMET meteorological simulation domain used in the performed modelling studies, is a 25 km x 25 km square, centred on the analysed emission sources characterised by a resolution of 500 m. The wideness of the domain (625 km2) has been set according to the features of the emissive sources simulated and their capability to spread the plume of pollutant.

1 In marine coastal areas, CALPUFF considers breeze phenomena in order to model efficiently the Thermal Internal Boundary Layer (TIBL) as in case of coastal sources, the TIBL causes a quick fall of pollutants to the ground.


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The sampling simulation domain represents the matrix of gridded receptors at whose locations the model CALPUFF calculates the pollutant concentrations. The sampling domains used in the dust dispersion modelling study is a 10 km x 8 km subsets of the meteorological domain, whereas the sampling domain used in the hydrotesting and PRT dispersion modelling studies is a 20 km x 20 km subset of the meteorological domain. All sampling domains have a resolution of 250 m.

The central point of each cell in the sampling domain represents a gridded receptor, whose elevation depends on the local orography and is given by the Digital Elevation Model of the area.

Therefore, CALMET-CALPUFF system requires an accurate geophysical characterization of the meteorological domain. In particular the model needs site specific information about:

• Orography; and

• Land Use.

For the performed modelling studies Land Cover data were downloaded from the Corine land Cover Database (http://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/landuse/clc-downloand), whereas the regional orography was reproduced with the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) Global Digital Elevation Model (ASTER GDEM) provided by The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) of Japan and the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The following Figure 2-2, Figure 2-3, and Figure 2-5 present meteorological and sampling domains used for the dust, for the hydrotesting and for the PRT modelling studies respectively, highlighting the emission sources’ locations.


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Figure 2-2 Dust dispersion modelling study Meteorological and Sampling Domains

Source: ERM (2013)


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Figure 2-3 Hydrotesting Air Dispersion Modelling Study Meteorological and Sampling Domains

Source: ERM (2013)


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Figure 2-4 PRT Air Dispersion Modelling Study Meteorological and Sampling Domains

Source: ERM (2013)


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The CALMET-CALPUFF models operate in a terrain following vertical coordinate system and the terrain following vertical coordinates are given by the Cartesian vertical coordinate minus the terrain height.

The same vertical resolution has been adopted in the performed modelling studies – dust, hydrotesting and PRT - consist of 12 terrain following vertical layers, from the ground level up to 4000 m elevation (located at 20 m, 50 m, 100 m, 200 m, 350 m, 500 m, 750 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, 2000 m, 3000 m, 4000 m from the ground level).

The vertical layers resolution (see Figure 2-5) is higher near the surface, (Planetary Boundary Layer), where the transport and the dispersion of air pollutants take place, in order to investigate more accurately these dynamics and their interactions with the local orography.

Figure 2-5 Model Vertical Resolution

Source: ERM (2013)

The dispersion modelling temporal domain or simulation period is the time period simulated by the model; in the performed modelling studies the entire year 2010 (8760 hours) was chosen as temporal domain for both air dispersion modelling studies.

0

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Meteorological Data 2.3

The meteorological pre-processor CALMET requires hourly surface data and upper air data as input (Wind speed and direction, Temperature, Atmospheric pressure, Relative humidity, Cloud cover and ceiling height).

Input Meteorological data are usually taken from surface weather stations, if these stations are sufficiently close to the Study Area to be considered representative of its meteorological conditions.

Due to the lack of representative weather stations monitoring meteorological variable over the above presented meteorological domain, CALMET input data for this study have been taken from Cosmo Lami meteorological model. The latter is a non-hydrostatic model developed within the framework of the COSMO Consortium among Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Greece. Poland and Romania (COnsortium for Small-scale MOdelling, www.cosmo-model.cscs.ch), and it is maintained by UGM, ARPA-SMR and ARPA Piemonte.

CALMET also requires upper air data of pressure, temperature, wind speed and wind direction, at least every 12 hours; these data are necessary to characterize the wind regime and the atmosphere diffusive parameters (stability class, mixing height, thermal inversion, etc.), and to produce a three-dimensional simulation. The upper air data, as the surface data, were also taken from the COSMO- LAMI.

Figure 2-6 shows the wind rose extracted from the CALMET model run performed for both modelling studies at the PRT location.


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Figure 2-6 2010 Wind Rose at the PRT site - CALMET

NOTE: according to WMO (World Meteorological Organization) standards, the wind direction plotted in the wind rose is the wind provenance direction. Source: ERM (2013)

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Tel.: +39 06 45 46 941 Fax: +39 06 45 46 94 444

[email protected] [email protected]

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