Presentation on the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the

jetties and breakwater at Dean Quarry

January 2015

www.tidallagoonswanseabay.com

Introduction

Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay plc (TLSB) is building the world’s first purpose built tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay, in order to harness the power of the tide to generate renewable electricity. The principal material required for the construction of the lagoon is rock armour, a durable and dense rock which will ensure the longevity of the lagoon.

We need in the region of 5million tonnes of rock to complete the lagoon walls, as armour stone and quarry run. Up to 3.1million tonnes of this rock is anticipated to come from Dean Quarry.

We already have consent to quarry rock at Dean Quarry, but we intend to submit an application to the Marine Management Organisation and Cornwall Council for the development of new jetties and a breakwater to allow us to remove rock by sea.

Why Dean Quarry?We identified Dean Quarry as a suitable source of material for the new lagoon for a number of reasons.

n It is located on the coast, meaning we can move material by sea rather than by road.

n It has enough suitable rock (specifically gabbro) for Swansea Bay lagoon, but also future projects.

n It was operational until 2008

n It allows us to support British industry and jobs rather than seeking material from further afield.

n It has valid planning consent - subject to conditions. The consented area can be seen in figure 1.

n There is the potential for additional resource within the existing quarry boundary this would of course be subject to obtaining further planning consent.

The Current ConsentThe conditions on the existing permission consent allow operation and blasting within the following times:

Operating hours: 0700 – 1900hrs Monday to Friday, 0700 – 1300hrs Saturday

Blasting times: 0900 – 1700hrs Monday to Friday, 0900 – 1200hrs on Saturday

No working or blasting on Sundays or Public/Bank holidays.

Shiploading: at any time as dictated by local tides

All pre-commencement conditions on the consent have been discharged, however, in order to implement the consent TLSB will need to bring plant and equipment to the site and build a number of temporary structures that will be required to operate the quarry. A planning application for this was submitted to Cornwall Council in November 2014.

Quarry operations The quarry will be run by experienced quarry operators to the standards set out in ISO 14001 and in accordance with the conditions that have been set out in the existing mineral consent with regard to the operation including blasting methods, noise, vibration and the movement of vehicles to and from the site.

The quarry will be operated to produce rock armour, which requires specific methods of blasting, using less explosive than in conventional quarrying. In practice this means that blast influence should be less than experienced under the previous operation for the production of aggregate.

The danger zone for blasting will be within the quarry limits. During this time, which will last in the region of half an hour, it will be necessary to stop pedestrians accessing the coastal path in the immediate vicinity of the quarry. Sentries will be posted at either end of the path as it enters the quarry frontage once it has been inspected and is clear of walkers. Every effort will be made to notify the public of intended blasting times in advance and this notification will also identify alternative routes – this will be achieved by using the internet and also, in agreement with Cornwall Council, information will be posted at appropriate points along the footpath in the vicinity of the Quarry.

         

Introduction  Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay plc (TLSB) is building the world’s first purpose built tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay, in order to harness the power of the tide to generate renewable electricity. The principal material required for the construction of the lagoon is rock armour, a durable and dense rock which will ensure the longevity of the lagoon.   We need in the region of 5million tonnes of rock to complete the lagoon walls, as armour stone and quarry run.  Up to 3.1million tonnes of this rock is anticipated to come from Dean Quarry.    We already have consent to quarry rock at Dean Quarry, but we intend to submit an application to the Marine Management Organisation and Cornwall Council for the development of new jetties and a breakwater to allow us to remove rock by sea.   Why Dean Quarry? We identified Dean Quarry as a suitable source of material for the new lagoon for a number of reasons.  

It is located on the coast, meaning we can move material by sea rather than by road.   It has enough suitable rock (specifically gabbro) for Swansea Bay lagoon, but also future 

projects.   It was operational until 2008   It allows us to support British industry and jobs rather than seeking material from further 

afield.  • It has valid planning consent ‐ subject to conditions.  The consented area can be seen in 

figure 1. • There is the potential for additional resource within the existing quarry boundary this would 

of course be subject to obtaining further planning consent.  Please insert the Dean Quarry existing consent map (with the blue and red boundary)  The Current Consent The conditions on the existing permission consent allow operation and blasting within the following times:   Operating hours ‐  0700 ‐1900hrs  Monday to Friday,  0700 ‐1300hrs  Saturday Blasting times      ‐ 0900‐1700hrs Monday to Friday,  0900‐1200hrs on Saturday No working or blasting on Sundays or Public/Bank holidays.  Shiploading      ‐ at any time as dictated by local tides 

Proposed marine works Proposed marine works

Existing quarry boundary (consent to operate until 2035)

Extent of Current Mineral Consent (Ref NR/09/00504/ROMPS)

Public Right of WayHours of Quarry Operations (Condition 4):The operations hereby permitted shall only be carried out during the period 0700 hours to 1900 hours Mondays to Fridays inclusive, 0700 hours to 1300 hours on Saturday. There shall be no working at any other time or on Public or Bank Holidays except for the purpose of maintenance, or in an emergency affecting the safety of the quarry. For the avoidance of doubt maintenance shall be restricted to the repair and servicing of fixed and mobile mechanical plant.

Hours of Shiploading Operations (Condition 5): Notwithstanding the provisions of Condition 4, shiploading operations may take place at any time outside the hours specified therein as dictated by local tides. For the purpose of this condition shiploading operations shall not include quarry operations or the operation of the processing plant on the jetty.

Blasting Hours (Condition 6): Notwithstanding the provisions of Condition 4, and except where necessary for emergency reasons, there shall be no blasting except between 0900 hours to 1700 hours Monday to Friday and 0900 hours to 1200 hours on Saturday. There shall be no blasting on Sundays, Bank or Public Holidays.

Figure 1

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SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTALINFORMATION

In addition to the hazards/risks normally associated with the types of workdetailed on this drawing, note the following:

CONSTRUCTION1. Exposed location, waves and currents

OPERATION1. Public access2. 24 hour working (Loading only)3. Exposed location, risk of grounding, pilot may be required

DECOMMISSIONING/DEMOLITION

It is assumed that all works will be carried out by a competent contractorworking, where appropriate, to an approved method statement

Rev. Date Description By Chk'd App'd

- 10/10/2014 PLANNING RJM OW IDR

A 22/10/2014 FINAL ISSUE - FOR PLANNING RJM OW IDR

B 29/10/2014 FINAL ISSUE - FOR PLANNING HD OW IDR

C 14/01/2014 FINAL ISSUE - FOR PLANNING RJM JE IDR

NOTES:

1. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN METRES (m) UNLESS STATEDOTHERWISE.

2. ALL LEVELS ARE IN METRES TO CHART DATUM, (CD).CHART DATUM IS 2.9m BELOW ORDNANCE DATUMNEWLYN (OD).

3. TIDAL LEVELS:HAT = + 5.8mCDMHWS = + 5.3mCDMHWN = + 4.2mCDMSL = + 3.1mCDMLWN = + 1.9mCDMLWS = + 0.6mCDLAT = +0.0mCD

4. CO-ORDINATE GRID SYSTEM TO OSGB

5. BATHYMETRIC AND TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY CONTOURSTAKEN FROM CHANNEL COASTAL OBSERVATORY (CCO)PUBLICLY AVAILABLE DATA SET

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Project Title

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Client

Copyright C Atkins Limited (2014)

Woodcote GroveAshley RoadEpsomSurreyKT18 5BW

www.atkinsglobal.com

Original Size

Suitability

Tel:Fax:

Drawing Number

+44 (0)1372 726140+44 (0)1372 740055

Revision

TIDAL LAGOON(SWANSEA BAY) PLC

Scale 1:1000

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Vibration.

All properties within 1km will be visited prior to the start of operations and, with the permission of the occupants, a survey will be carried out to assess the structural condition of those properties, in accordance with standard practice. This is a precautionary measure and will enable the condition of the properties to be monitored during the operational period. During blasting, all properties within 500m of the quarry will be monitored to ensure that the vibration levels arising from the blasting do not exceed the Peak Participle Velocity as set out in condition 16 of the planning consent.

Quarry Restoration.

The current permission requires the site to be restored and provisions made for the aftercare of the site. In 2014, a plan was submitted to Cornwall Council detailing the proposed final restoration plan for the entire quarry. It is also proposed that an interim restoration plan will be developed as working in the quarry progresses and areas become redundant. This interim plan, which will be developed and implemented following advice from ecologists, will include provision for the creation of new habitats, such as waterbodies, to mitigate any loss/deterioration in existing habitats.

Employment.

The operation of the quarry and removing the rock from the site will create in excess of 50 jobs. These will include a variety of disciplines including skilled and semi-skilled machine operators, plant maintenance engineers and fitters, together with more administrative roles. There is a firm commitment to recruit workers, wherever possible, from the local area.

Current application The current proposal, referred to as the ‘Project’ does not therefore relate to the permission for the quarry as outlined above, but is for solely for additional works that will enable the removal of rock from the quarry by sea, which is felt to be the shortest, safest and quickest route and preferable to the alternative, which is to transport the rock by road. The existing jetty, once used to export aggregate from the site, is inappropriate for the export of rock armour.

Project description

The Project involves the building of a breakwater and jetties to create safe loading facilities that will enable barges to be loaded at all states of the tide, whilst providing protection from adverse weather conditions at the quarry and avoiding significant environmental impacts. The final design has been reached through a combination of operational requirements and advice from statutory and non-statutory consultees.

Lighting

In order to meet the construction timescales for the lagoon, there will be times that loading will take place during the night. There is therefore a requirement for lighting to be installed to ensure safe working practices. The quarry area has been classified as an environmental zone 1 as per ILP guidance notes for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light and BS EN 12464-2:2007. The lighting has been designed to these classification, ensuring that there will be no upwards light pollution and no excessive light spill from any luminaires installed. The classification also takes into account the effects of artificial lighting on wildlife such as bats, and the marine environment.

 Project description  

The Project involves the building of a breakwater and jetties to create safe loading facilities that will enable barges to be loaded at all states of the tide, whilst providing protection from adverse weather conditions at the quarry and avoiding significant environmental impacts. The final design has been reached through a combination of operational requirements and advice from statutory and non‐statutory consultees. 

 

(Map to the left replace with newer version) 

.                

The project includes: 

1. Breakwater – approximately 535m long  2. Two jetties 3. Gravity based dolphin piles (moorings for barges) 4. Linkspan bridges (to allow   loading at all states of the tide) 5. Pedestrian bridges over            coastal footpath 6. Haul roads 7. Weighbridges 

8. Stockpile area     

In order to meet the construction timescales for the lagoon, there will be times that loading will take place during the night. There is therefore a requirement for lighting to be installed to ensure safe working practices.   The quarry area has been classified as an environmental zone 1 as per ILP guidance notes for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light and BS EN 12464‐2:2007. The lighting has been designed to these classification, ensuring that there will be no upwards light pollution and no excessive light spill from any luminaires installed. The classification also takes into account the effects of artificial lighting on wildlife such as bats, and the marine environment  

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 The project includes:

1. Breakwater – approximately 535m long 2. Two jetties3. Gravity based dolphin piles (moorings for

barges)

4. Linkspan bridges (to allow loading at all states of the tide)

5. Pedestrian bridges over coastal footpath6. Haul roads7. Weighbridges8. Stockpile area

Proposed Restoration Plans

Environmental Statement

An application for a marine licence for the Project will be submitted to the Marine Management Organisation and an application for planning permission will be submitted to Cornwall Council. As part of this application, an Environmental Statement will be produced. The following provides a brief overview of the findings of key topics that have been covered within the Environmental Impact Assessment process. The Environmental Statement will present full details of all topics and will include a description of the baseline environment, the assessment methodology and the findings of the assessments.

Coastal Processes, Sediment Transport and Contamination – assessment undertaken by ABPmerThe coastline is a dynamic environment which is exposed to the regular rise and fall of the tide, the seasonal behaviour of winds and waves and the combined influence of these processes on the movement of sediments. The coastline will continually respond to these processes and evolve towards an equilibrium position with natural variations likely year to year. Some areas of coastline may be highly sensitive and evolve quickly whereas other rocky coastlines may be more resilient and show no obvious change in the short-term. Over the longer-term, coastlines are also predicted to respond to climate change factors, including sea level rise and increased storminess.

The location of new marine facilities for Dean Quarry is an easterly facing rocky coastline bounded by headlands, to the north by Manacle Point and to the south by Lowland Point. Offshore the seabed is mostly rocky seabed. The special character of this area is recognised by the Marine Conservation Zone designation known as The Manacles MCZ.

Characterisation of local coastal processes has been developed by existing data and information, combined with new surveys, to develop baseline understanding of the seabed and of the water column. This evidence has helped establish the relative influence of waves and tides and the type and distribution of seabed sediments present. Improved seabed mapping shows that interspersed between widespread rocky areas are patches of coarse sands and gravels.

The irregular form of the easterly facing coastline includes indentations between headlands with sufficient shelter from prevailing southerly waves to form isolated local beaches, such as Godrevy Cove. For this stretch of coastline, however, these beaches remain exposed to less frequent but potentially more severe easterly wave conditions.

Construction of the breakwater is not expected to lead to the development of any sediment plumes given that fine sediments are neither present in the seabed or in the locally sourced construction materials which will be screened.

When built, the marine facilities will act in a similar manner to the adjacent headlands

and create additional local sheltering, particularly from easterly and southerly waves. Given the area has limited amounts of mobile sands and the inshore tides between the headlands are generally weak, there is unlikely to be any increased risk of loss of beach materials apart from the continued long-term climate change risks from sea level rise and increased storminess.

In summary, the development is expected to have negligible influence on coastal processes during construction, operation or decommissioning apart from very localised effects. Any effects are expected to be contained with the local coastal cell, defined here as Manacles Point to Lowland Point.

Marine Ecology – assessment undertaken by APEM Ltd.The construction of the proposed structures, and operation of the jetties and breakwater, will interact with the marine ecology at Dean Quarry.

The coastline at Dean Quarry consists of areas of cobble and boulder foreshore and sandy beaches, and the subtidal environment within the development area consists of rock/boulder habitat with areas of coarse sand and gravels. Wave action, as opposed to tidal movements has the greatest influence on the movement of sediments.

The Dean Quarry development site is within the Manacles Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) which has been designated due to the presence of a range of species and habitats of conservation importance. Marine receptors considered to be potentially impacted by the proposed works and which were considered in the Environmental Impact Assessment were plankton, intertidal and subtidal invertebrates, fish and fisheries (including basking sharks), and marine mammals.

Data were available from a range of sources including conservation organisations, scientific papers, public sightings, and previous surveys. To obtain up-to-date data targeted to the area of potential impact and reduce uncertainty in the assessments, the following surveys were conducted: biotope surveys to characterise intertidal habitats and shore species; a grab survey to assess invertebrates within subtidal sediments; and an underwater video survey to record species present on the seabed surface.

The intertidal zone was dominated by barnacle and seaweed dominated habitats which are characteristic of shores with moderate or high exposure to wave action. Subtidal sediments were characterised by polychaete worms, and rocky subtidal habitats were dominated by kelp and a limited number of animal species. None of the species recorded in the intertidal or subtidal zone were species of general conservation focus. Four of the MCZ habitats were present, however, none of the MCZ designated species features were recorded during the surveys.

Potential effects were considered for the construction and operational phases. Assessments were based on construction detail including construction methods and development plans, and ecological data from the desk based review and field surveys.

The outputs of the coastal processes assessment, undertaken by ABPMer, were considered during the marine ecology assessment, which indicated any effects on

sediment transport and local hydrodynamics would be negligible or highly localised. Overall, it was considered that the effects of the jetties and breakwater on marine ecology would be negligible or of minor significance, which included consideration of embedded mitigation for some potential effects. For the MCZ assessment, measures have been proposed to offset a reduction in the extent of one of the MCZ habitats including measures to enhance local biodiversity. A monitoring programme will be implemented which will include assessment of colonisation of the introduced structures to provide data to inform management of the MCZ. With these measures in place and based on the potential for natural variation in habitat extent, it is considered that the MCZ habitat features will maintain their current ecological function and value.

Noise – assessment undertaken by Clarke Saunders AssociatesThe Dean Quarry site is located on a remote section of the Lizard Peninsula, subject to a wide range of ambient noise levels primarily depending on weather and sea conditions.

Receptor locations are all more than 500m away from the proposed jetty and breakwater works, which enables vibration effects to be ruled out, but noise impacts can occur at significant distances.

During calmer conditions, ambient noise levels can be very low indeed, and it is in this context that the potential noise impact on nearby receptors has been considered.

The historical use of the quarry facilities on site has recently been renewed following a Review of Mineral Permission. This led to the imposition of noise limits by Cornwall Council based on the worst case predictions made at the time by the applicant.

Noise levels generated by the construction of the new marine facilities at Dean Quarry are predicted to be higher than during the operational phase (for which more onerous restrictions apply), but in both cases, when also considered in combination with the proposed quarry operational case, the combined levels fall within the required limits.

The greatest potential for impact will be at night, as it is proposed to allow for both construction and operation of the jetties at any time. Construction noise at night has been highlighted as the aspect of the project likely to generate the greatest impact, with the closest dwellings exposed to noise levels identified in the British Standards code of practice above the lowest threshold which would be suitable for a quiet rural environment. It should be noted that construction of the Project will only last for approximately 4 months and as a result, this effect will be temporary in duration.

Mitigation of this impact takes the form of restrictions on the construction activities which will be allowed at night and the noise ratings of the materials handling plant used.

Reversing/movement ‘bleeper’ sounders have also been identified as a potential source of disturbance, although the absolute noise levels predicted are relatively low. Restraint in the deployment and use of such equipment will also assist in minimising adverse community response.

Underwater noise impacts have also been considered, as the area in the immediate vicinity of Dean Quarry’s new marine facilities will change in character through the project, although further afield noise levels will not be noticeably different from existing marine activity. More detailed species specific assessments have been undertaken by the project’s marine biologists.

In summary, the development would be expected to give rise to some moderate noise impacts in the immediate vicinity, for which restraint and mitigation measures are to be applied, especially during construction activities at night.

Dust – assessment undertaken by Wardell Armstrong An assessment has been undertaken to consider the potential air quality and dust effects associated with the construction, operational and decommissioning phases of the Project. In addition, the cumulative effects of the Project and the operation of Dean Quarry has also been assessed. The assessment followed the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) guidance on the assessment of dust from demolition and construction. In relation to air quality, road traffic and onsite plant emissions have been considered during the construction, operational and decommissioning phases of the Project and the operation of Dean Quarry, taking into account the guidance within the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (2007).

Materials for the infrastructure will be delivered to the site and transported offsite by sea, where possible, and therefore road vehicle movements will be mainly limited to employees, contractors, suppliers and visitors. It is proposed that all rock will be transported from the quarry via sea. Onsite plant will be limited in numbers and will be located at a significant distance from the closest highly sensitive receptor locations. Works, such as blasting, hours of operation etc. will be carried out in accordance with planning conditions for the Quarry and the jetties/breakwater.

As a result of the Project design, the potential effects associated with road traffic and onsite plant emissions are not considered to be significant, even when the operation of the quarry is taken into account.

For dust and particulates, the risk of dust soiling and human health effects is classed as low for both the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project and Dean Quarry according to IAQM guidance. As a result, site mitigation measures will be implemented, such as the use of water spray bowsers on vehicles or haul routes, dust collection equipment on drilling rigs and appropriate storage of materials.

Taking into account the site specific mitigation measures and the planning conditions, the effects of dust and PM10 at existing sensitive receptor locations during the construction, operational and decommissioning phases of the Project and the operational quarry, are not considered to be significant

Landscape and Seascape Effects – assessment undertaken by Wardell ArmstrongThe proposed development would introduce new features in the local landscape and seascape and involve partial removal of the existing rocky foreshore. This would have an impact upon local landscape character for the life of Dean Quarry. The proposals would therefore have significant local landscape and seascape effects primarily within 1km of the development and limited to areas along the coastline to the north and south due to the existing topography providing containment and screening.

The proposals would not have a significant impact upon landscape characteristics of the wider landscape (i.e. CA08: North-East Lizard Peninsula) due to the enclosure of the development by the surrounding topography. Inter-visibility with the wider landscape is limited. Therefore the magnitude of the impact upon wider landscape character is low and would not give rise to significant effects.

The site sits within the South Coast Western area of the Cornwall AONB. The sensitivity of the AONB to the development is assessed as medium and, due to the containment of the site and lack of inter-visibility with the surrounding landscape, the magnitude of the impact of the development proposal is low in the context of the AONB. The development proposal would therefore not have a significant impact upon the unique characteristics of the AONB.

The proposed development would have impacts upon perceptual aspects of the seascape including increased local ship movements, reducing tranquillity, and the proposed lighting scheme impacting locally upon the perceived naturalness and tranquillity of the intrinsically dark seascape.

Visual effectsViews of the development have been assessed from a range of visual receptors within the study area: properties, settlements, users of the transport and rights of way network and recreational receptors. The visual envelope of the site is broadly limited to within 1km of the site on land and over a wider area to sea. Visual receptors likely to experience effects within this area are limited.

Only users of the South West Coast Path would experience significant adverse visual effects as they pass through Dean Quarry adjacent to the development. The magnitude of the visual impact in close proximity to the development would be high due to the operational jetties and breakwater occupying much of the view at close range. Additionally, the construction of two footbridges upon the South West Coast Path would provide a substantial visual impact upon users of the footpath. Effects would, however, be localised, within approximately 1km to the north and south of the development.

Outside of 1km of the development on land there would be no significant effects due the strong visual containment of the development provided by the surrounding topography.

The addition of the proposed jetties and breakwater to the operational Dean Quarry would result in some localised significant cumulative effects on the seascape due to the combined effects of the increased activity at the jetties and breakwater and operations and proposed buildings at the quarry. However, the presence of the existing dormant quarry and jetty would mean that the proposal would not be uncharacteristic of the area, and it would not significantly change the character of the seascape.

Only users of the South West Coast Path would experience cumulative visibility of the addition to the proposed jetties and breakwater that, within 1km, would be significant due to the close proximity to extraction operations in combination with loading activities at the jetties. Beyond 1km there would be no significant cumulative effects.

If you require any further information please contact us on 01792 274006

www.tidallagoonswanseabay.com

Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay plc Suite 6, J Shed, Kings Road, Swansea SA1 8PL Tel 01792 274006