NORTH BLYTH BIOMASS PROJECT THE …...consent under Section 31 of the Planning Act 2008 to construct and operate a biomass fuelled power station with an electrical output of approximately

NORTH BLYTH BIOMASS PROJECTTHE PROPOSED NORTH BLYTH BIOMASS POWER STATION ORDER

APFP Regulation: 5(2)(a)

Document Title: Non-technical Summary (Environmental Statement)

Date: 05 March 2012

Author: SKM Enviros

Document Number: 6.4.1

Document Ref: 02377-000798 Issue: 02

Revision HistoryDocument Title: Title: Non-technical SummaryRevision Date Author

01 24 October 2011 SKM Enviros02 05 March 2012 SKM Enviros



North Blyth Renewable Energy ProjectVolume I Non Technical Summary

Non Technical Summary – Page 1

PREFACE

This Non Technical Summary (NTS) has been prepared in support of an application to develop a Biomass Power Station, located at Battleship Wharf, Port of Blyth, North Blyth, Northumberland (referred to as the Project).

Power stations with an electrical output of more than 50 Megawatts (MWe), such as the Project, are defined as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, within the Planning Act 2008. As such, an application for a Development Consent Order has been prepared and submitted to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC).

The NTS is Volume I of the Environmental Statement which is contained within four separate volumes:

Volume I: Non-technical Summary (NTS) (i.e. this document) (Document 6.4);

Volume II: Environmental Statement Main Text (Document 6.1);

Volume III: Environmental Statement Figures (Document 6.2); and

Volume IV: Appendices (Document 6.3).

In addition to the Environmental Statement, the Development Consent Order application contains several other documents to meet the requirements of the Planning Act 2008, all of which have been submitted to the IPC.

The Environmental Statement has been prepared by North Blyth Energy Limited (NBEL), a whollyowned subsidiary of RES UK & Ireland Ltd, in consultation with the IPC, Northumberland County Council and many other consultees and interest groups, and in collaboration with the following specialist consultants:

Topic Area AuthorEnvironmental Impact Assessment Project Management, Air Quality, Terrestrial Ecology, Socio-Economic and Population Issues, Local Heating Study and Health Impact Assessment

SKM Enviros

Landscape Character And Visual Amenity, Transport, Traffic And Access, Surface Water Hydrology and Flood Risk, Hydrogeology, Geology, Ground Contamination and Soils, Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

W. A Fairhurst & Partners

Noise And Vibration Spectrum Acoustics

Aquatic Ecology Pisces Conservation

Ornithology Ecology Consulting

Contaminated Land Desk Study Scott Doherty Associates

Navigation Impact Assessment Marico Marine

Archaeological Desk Based Assessment TWM Archaeology

Commercial fishing assessment RSS Marine




Copies of the full Environmental Statement may be viewed during normal opening hours at the following locations:

Blyth Library, Bridge Street, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 2DJ

Cambois Welfare, Ridley Terrace, Cambois, Northumberland, NE24 1QS

East Bedlington Parish Council Offices, Bedlington Station, 16-19 Station St. Bedlington

Station, Northumberland, NE22 7JN

Morpeth County Hall, County Hall, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 2EF

Copies of the full Environmental Statement are available from NBEL priced £150 each. Copies of the Environmental Statement are available on CD-ROM free of charge. Copies of the non-technical summary are available free of charge. The non technical summary and other details of the Project can be viewed at http://www.northblythproject.co.uk/. Requests for documents should be made in writing, including payment if purchase of the full Environmental Statement is required.

North Blyth Biomass Project

RES UK & Ireland Ltd

Beaufort Court

Egg Farm Lane

Kings Langley

Hertfordshire

WD4 8LR

Tel: 0800 032 0420

e-mail: [email protected]


http://www.northblythproject.co.uk/

mailto:[email protected]



1 INTRODUCTION

1.1.1 North Blyth Energy Limited (NBEL) a wholly owned subsidiary of RES UK & Ireland, is seeking consent under Section 31 of the Planning Act 2008 to construct and operate a biomass fuelled power station with an electrical output of approximately 99.9 Megawatts (MWe), located at Battleship Wharf within the Port of Blyth (hereafter referred to as the Project). Figure 1 shows the proposed location for the Project.

1.1.2 The Project will use wood-based biomass fuels in the form of wood chip, pellet or briquette or non recyclable recovered wood waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill. Sustainably sourced biomass is a recognised source of low carbon, renewable energy and will be the fuel used by the Project to generate electricity. Biomass fuel will be delivered to the Project by sea, rail and road transport with 80% of the biomass fuel expected to be delivered by ship.

1.1.3 The Project will contribute to the reduction of emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) nationally, and help achieve the UK Government policy objectives that are aimed at reducing the amount of carbon produced from electricity generation. The Project will also provide a valuable contribution to meeting the UK Government’s renewable energy targets, supplying enough renewable energy to meet the annual electricity needs of 170,000 average UK homes.

1.1.4 NBEL is submitting the application for the Project to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC). The application is called a Development Consent Order. The IPC will first examine that the Development Consent Order application meets the requirements of the Planning Act 2008, and will then seek to determine the application. Northumberland County Council will be directly consulted by the IPC and will prepare a Local Impact Report on the Project and provide this to the IPC.

1.2 RES UK & Ireland Ltd (RES)

1.2.1 RES is a member of the Renewable Energy Systems Group (RES Group) who have been leaders in renewable energy for over 25 years. The RES Group is a sister company of the Sir Robert McAlpine Group of engineering companies, a British firm with over 100 years’ experience in the construction industry. RES has been at the forefront of wind energy development since the early 1980s and has developed and or built more than 5 GW of wind energy capacity worldwide, with a large portfolio currently under construction and in development, both onshore and offshore.

1.2.2 RES is active in a range of renewable energy technologies for heat and power generation, including biomass, wind and solar and offers consultancy in the design and delivery of sustainable built environments.

1.2.3 RES has offices across the UK and worldwide, and in 2008 opened an office in Gateshead to expand its operations in the North East. RES is keen to draw on the skilled workforce of the North East and contribute to its growing reputation as a leader in renewable energy.

1.3 The need for the Project

1.1.1 There is clear evidence that the global climate is changing as a result of human activities, primarily as a consequence of burning fossil fuels. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change made the following statement within their projections for global warming (2007) [Ref 1]. “Most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic GHG concentrations”.

1.3.1 Global emissions of CO2 have grown by approximately 80% between 1970 and 2004 and represent about 77% of the total green house gas emissions arising from human activity.




1.3.2 As CO2 emission levels continue to rise at an increasing rate, associated changes in temperature, sea level and other natural systems on earth are now becoming more apparent. Current climate model predictions suggest that we can expect a rise in average global temperatures of approximately 2ºC by the end of this century [Ref 2], depending on how quickly we reduce our CO2 emissions. This will result in further rises in global sea levels of between 20 and 60 cm, with associated changes in rainfall patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events. For the UK, these changes will be seen through hotter, drier summers and wetter, milder winters with associated higher sea levels and an increased risk of flood events. Across the world, climate change may cause severe problems for those people who are particularly vulnerable to changes in the weather.

1.3.3 This highlights the huge potential environmental, social and economic cost of climate change, the importance of acting to curb emissions now and to reduce our use of finite fossil fuel resources.

1.3.4 As noted earlier, the Project will provide approximately 99.9 MWe of renewable energy generating capacity. This will be a significant contribution to the UK’s targets for renewable energy. The savings made by the operation of the Project, would be of the order of 300,000 tonnes per annum of CO₂.

1.3.5 The reductions in CO2, when compared to other forms of electricity generation, will be substantial. The Project, in combination with other renewable energy projects throughout the rest of the UK, will cumulatively assist in the UK meeting its commitments to combating climate change.

Security and Diversity of Supply

1.3.6 In addition to the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the UK also requires new electricity generating plants to secure the supply of energy into the future. With the current and planned closures of a large number of power plants, a new generation of development is required to ensure energy security. The UK will, therefore, need rapid and substantial investment in new generation capacity to replace these closures, and to meet expected increases in electricity demand.

1.3.7 The Project will provide energy diversification through the large scale use of a renewable fuel, drawing biomass fuel supplies from a potentially large number of national and international sources, securing a mix and diversity of energy supply to the national grid.

Reliability of Energy Supply

1.3.8 The Project is designed to continuously generate approximately 99.9 MW of renewable electricity, except for limited periods of maintenance. It will provide a consistent source of electricity, considerably assisting the National Grid in balancing short term electricity supply with demand, and maintaining the integrity of the national electricity transmission system.




International, EU, UK and Local Policy on Renewables

1.3.9 A number of international and national legal agreements and initiatives, aimed at reducing CO2

and other greenhouse gas emissions, have been developed.

1.3.10 The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997 and is an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to which 37 industrialised countries have set binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The target is to reduce greenhouse gasemissions by 12.5% (against 1990 levels), by 2012. Further to this the UK Government has committed itself to a more stringent domestic goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 [Ref 3].

1.3.11 The need for renewable energy projects is set out in the UK Government’s overall strategy, as described in the Energy White Paper “Meeting the Energy Challenge” [Ref 4]. This is reinforced by the 2009 UK Renewable Energy Strategy [Ref 5] which identified how to increase the use of renewable energy in the UK, to tackle climate change and meet the UK’s obligation of providing 15% of its total energy needs from renewable sources by 2020. It is further reinforced by the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan [Ref 6], published by DECC in July 2009, which outlines how the UK will meet the 34% cut in greenhouse gas emissions on 1990 levels by 2020. The increase in the UK’s renewable energy capacity, through generating stations such as the Project, works towards the Government’s objectives of ensuring the short and long term security of energy supply and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in tackling climate change.

1.3.12 National Policy Statements have recently been adopted by the UK Government which places a high level of importance on renewable energy generation. National Policy Statement, Overarching National Energy Infrastructure Policy, EN-1 [Ref 7] expects 30% of UK electricity to be drawn from renewable sources by 2020 and National Policy Statement, Renewable Energy Infrastructure, EN-3 [Ref 8] has been prepared specifically in regard to renewable energy infrastructure.

1.3.13 At a local level, the Wansbeck District Local Plan 2007 [Ref 9], prepared by the former Wansbeck District Council, represents the local level planning policy for the Project. This will be superseded in 2013 by the Northumberland-wide Local Development Framework. A recurrent theme throughout local policy is the need to make renewable energy generation commonplace. Policy CF5 of the Wansbeck District Local Plan, ‘Renewable Energy’ states that renewable energy projects will be encouraged and supported, where well designed and sustainable. The Policy also suggests that projects should consider landscape and visual effects, impacts on living conditions, nature conservation, archaeological and built heritage interests and wider social, economic and environmental benefits. Policy GP34, ‘Resource Conservation’, of the Wansbeck District Local Plan requires developers to demonstrate that their developments have been designed to conserve energy.

1.4 Environmental Statement

1.4.1 An Environmental Statement has been prepared as a formal written statement on the findings of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This Environmental Statement accompanies theapplication to the IPC for a Development Consent Order. The EIA identifies the predicted impacts on the environment arising from the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project. The Environmental Statement contains a description of the Project, along with an evaluation of the positive and negative potential environmental impacts to aid the decision-making process, and presents information in a readily accessible form.

1.4.2 The North Blyth Biomass Project Environmental Statement comprises four separate volumes:

Volume I: Non-technical Summary (NTS) (i.e. this document);




Volume II: Environmental Statement Main Text;

Volume III: Environmental Statement Figures; and

Volume IV: Appendices.

1.4.3 Details on how to view or purchase copies of the Environmental Statement are provided within the Preface of this NTS.

1.4.4 NBEL will also submit an application for an Environmental Permit to the Environment Agency. This Environmental Statement will help to inform that process. The Environmental Permit application will describe the plant layout, its operation and the biomass fuels in greater detail than in the Environmental Statement. It will provide the basis for the detailed conditions that the plant should operate within. The Project will not be able to enter into operation without an Environmental Permit.

1.5 Non-technical Summary

1.5.1 This NTS presents, in non-technical language, the findings of the EIA. The publication and circulation of this NTS is hoped to further assist stakeholders in understanding the impacts of the Project in relation to its surrounding environment.

1.6 Cumulative Impact

1.6.1 In line with the EIA Regulations and best practice, the Project EIA has taken into account other relevant planned developments and has considered the cumulative impacts (positive and negative) associated with these developments. For the purpose of this Environmental Statement, the assessment of cumulative effects focuses on operational developments, those that have been granted planning permission but are not operational, and those that are currently within the planning system.

1.7 Consultation

1.7.1 To date, NBEL has undertaken consultations with the IPC, its consultees (organisations such as the Environment Agency, Natural England and Northumberland County Council), local residentsand a number of other stakeholders including the fishing community, wildlife groups, landowners and the emergency services. Full details of the consultations undertaken for the Project are provided in the Consultation Report that accompanies the Development Consent Order application.

1.7.2 At the beginning of the EIA process, NBEL published a statement explaining how they intendedto carry out the consultation in a report called a Statement of Community Consultation (SOCC). This was submitted to and approved by Northumberland County Council and subsequently published in the Newcastle Journal and the News Post Leader and also on the Project website (http://www.northblythproject.co.uk/consultation/socc.aspx).

1.7.3 As set out in the SOCC, NBEL has used a variety of methods to engage with the community including two rounds of public exhibitions. The first round, in September 2010, was aimed at presenting the community with early stage design options and preliminary environmental information (PEI). The second round in January 2011 provided an update on the EIA process, architectural development and on the Project in general. The main areas of concern highlighted by attendees to the public exhibitions and face to face presentations were, job opportunities, increased traffic, visual impact, noise and emissions from the Project. Other concerns included the impact on house prices, community liaison and Project timescales.

1.7.4 Other methods of consultation used have included the following:


http://www.northblythproject.co.uk/consultation/socc.aspx



NBEL exhibited at the Blyth Renewables Festival in August 2010 and June 2011 to introduce NBEL and the Project to the wider community;

Documentation, posters and leaflets related to the Project has been made available at a number of public locations in the Blyth area;

A website (www.northblythproject.co.uk) has been set up providing information on the Project to the community and any interested stakeholder;

A Facebook forum (http://www.facebook.com/northblythproject) has also been established to provide information and garner feedback from stakeholders.

Newsletters have been mailed to local households and businesses;

A number of face-to-face presentations and meetings have been held with local community groups, individuals and representatives; and

Articles have been published in the local media presenting: the background to the Project; the initial design concepts; details of how to engage in the community consultation; and to find out more about the Project.

1.7.5 NBEL will continue to consult with stakeholders throughout the Development Consent Order process, to address any queries, and to assist in the on-going detailed design of the Project. NBEL will publish, a community newsletter outlining the progress of the Project and future planned activities in addition to providing updates on the website. A Community Liaison Group has been established, allowing for two-way communication with local residents and stakeholders.

1.8 Agreeing the Scope of the EIA

1.8.1 In order to agree with consultees and the IPC what potential environmental impacts would be assessed, and how this would be done, a Scoping Study was carried out and a Scoping Report was issued to the IPC, setting out how NBEL proposed to conduct the EIA. The IPC passed this on to consultees and requested feedback from them on the proposed EIA. This feedback was subsequently collated by the IPC, who issued NBEL with a formal Scoping Opinion.

1.8.2 Following the receipt of the Scoping Opinion from the IPC, NBEL has undertaken a programme of formal consultation with consultees which has included site visits and other meetings. The Scoping Report has also been available for the local community via the Project website with hard copies available at local public buildings.


http://www.northblythproject.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/northblythproject



2 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

2.1.1 The location of the Project is shown within Figure 1 with the proposed layout of the Projectshown in Figure 2. The Project will generate up to 99.9 MWe of renewable electricity from approximately 500,000 - 900,000 tonnes of biomass fuel per annum (the tonnage is dependent upon the biomass fuel moisture content).

2.1.2 The Project will comprise the following main elements: a boiler house (up to 65 m in height); steam turbine building; chimney stack (proposed to be up to 105 m in height); a water treatment plant; control building; cooling water intake and outfall; grid connection by underground cable; biomass fuel storage buildings, a biomass fuel preparation area and conveyors. Figure 3 provides a 3D perspective view of the Project. The construction period for the Project will be approximately 30 months.

2.2 The Facility Site and Surroundings

2.2.1 The main Project buildings is referred to as the Facility Site. The Facility Site is located on the spit of land between the River Blyth Estuary and the North Sea, within the southern half of the Port of Blyth’s Battleship Wharf (Figure 4 provides an aerial photograph showing the existing site conditions at Battleship Wharf), which is currently dominated by bulk warehouses, external storage areas, hardstanding and made ground, part of which is used for coal storage and handling.

2.2.2 The Port of Blyth comprises port operations on both the north and south sides of the River Blyth Estuary and includes the Bates Wharf site to the west, Battleship Wharf to the north east and South Harbour to the south west.

2.2.3 Battleship Wharf, in which the Facility Site is located, is currently used for a range of activities including the import and export of coal, the import of biomass material and for the export of aluminium and stone. Additionally cargo’s such as wind farm components are handled through the facility. Former land uses at Battleship Wharf include railway sidings and engine sheds, port and harbour facilities, ship breaking yards, coal storage facilities and cargo storage and distribution. Battleship Wharf is served by the North Blyth Road which enters the Facility Sitefrom the southeast and Port of Blyth mineral rail link which forms its eastern boundary.

2.2.4 Further west of the Facility Site is the location of the former Blyth Power Station, which has been demolished and removed from the site. Adjacent to this site is the existing Northern Powergrid substation.

2.2.5 To the east of the Facility Site is an area of sand dunes and beach, comprising part of the Northumberland coastline, and beyond this the North Sea. Just offshore to the north east is an area of exposed rocks known as the Rockers. Further offshore to the south east are two offshore wind turbines.

2.2.6 The area to the south west of the Facility Site and across the River Blyth Estuary, the former Bates Colliery, has been partly redeveloped by the Coal Authority as a water treatment facility for minewater extracted from the former Bates Colliery No. 3 shaft. Adjacent to this water treatment facility is Bates Wharf which is presently used for the export of recycled glass. To the south of the Facility Site, a port facility is operated as Alcan’s Bulk Terminal for import of raw materials for the Alcan smelter which is located further to the north.

2.2.7 To the south east of the Project is the residential area of North Blyth, approximately 100 m from the Facility Site. On the south side of the River Blyth Estuary, the nearest residential properties of Blyth are located approximately 260 m from the boundary of the Facility Site.Residential properties are also located approximately 500 m to the north west of the Facility Site at Cambois.




2.2.8 The Northumbria Coast Ramsar Wetland and Special Protection Area (SPA) is the closest internationally designated site to the Project, located approximately 150 m to the east. This has been designated for its population of wintering birds; Western Palearictic Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) and Eastern Atlantic Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima) in addition to its breeding bird population of the Eastern Atlantic Little Tern (Sterna alnifrons).

2.2.9 The Northumberland Shore Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is the closest nationally designated site to the Project. The SSSI partly overlaps with the Northumbria Coast Ramsar/SPA but also includes mudflats in the River Blyth Estuary, approximately 100 m to the west of the Facility Site, and intertidal sand areas on the coast, approximately 100 m to the east of the Facility Site. The River Blyth Estuary also has a local Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) for its ornithological interest and estuarine habitats. This site is referred to as a non-statutory designation conservation site.

2.3 Biomass Fuel

2.3.1 The Project will use primarily wood-based biomass fuels in the form of wood chip, pellet or briquette. These will be produced from sustainably-sourced domestic or imported forestry material, dedicated energy crops or non-recyclable waste wood. Non-recyclable waste wood will be drawn from sources that would otherwise be landfilled. NBEL will also be looking to use UK-sourced forestry material that is appropriate for this type of project.

2.3.2 As noted earlier in this NTS, the use of biomass as a large-scale source of power offers significant opportunities to reduce overall emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere. However, the benefits in terms of reduction in power plant emissions must be achieved in a way which does not cause significant adverse effects in other parts of the biomass supply chain (e.g. during transportation or at source). Adverse impacts can be avoided if supply criteria include consideration of environmental and social issues during production, processing and transport of the biomass fuel as well as its life cycle CO2 emissions.

2.3.3 The Project will use only sustainably sourced biomass and NBEL will regularly audit biomass suppliers against emerging national and international standards. All biomass fuel will comply with the requirements and definitions of biomass as defined in the Renewables Obligation [Ref 10]. The Renewables Obligation is the main support mechanism for renewable electricity projects in the UK. It places an obligation on UK electricity suppliers to source an increasing proportion of electricity they supply to customers from renewable sources.

2.3.4 It is NBEL’s intention to source as much of the biomass fuel from UK sources as possible if these biomass fuels are commercially and sustainably available. However, it is recognised that with the current limited availability of biomass in the UK, the majority of the biomass fuel may be sourced from overseas. As the UK bioenergy industry matures and supply chains develop, it is likely that a larger domestic resource of biomass will become available. The Project will be well positioned to support the development of these supply chains and will accept these biomass fuels when they come to market.

2.4 Biomass Fuel Storage and Handling

2.4.1 It is anticipated that 80% of the biomass fuel will be delivered to the Project by ship via the Port of Blyth. It will be offloaded at Battleship Wharf using the Port’s offloading handling equipment and transferred to the main storage buildings via an enclosed conveyor system. It is anticipated that the remaining biomass fuel will be delivered by road or rail. Rail deliveries will use the existing rail sidings and a new enclosed reception facility with biomass fuel transferred to the main storage buildings by an enclosed conveyor. Road deliveries of biomass fuel will be by trucks with their loads covered to prevent dust and debris loss.

2.4.2 The Project will store biomass fuel in two blocks of enclosed fuel storage buildings, forming the main biomass fuel stores, that will be located to the north west and south east of the Facility




Site (as shown in Figure 2). There will be up to 200,000 m3 of biomass fuel storage capacitywithin these buildings. This will provide sufficient fuel to allow continuous operation of the Project for up to a month should delivery of biomass fuel by ship be delayed due to poor weather.

2.5 Power Generation

2.5.1 Biomass fuel will be combusted within the boiler building to produce radiant heat which in turn will heat hot water to produce superheated steam. This high pressure and high temperature steam will be passed through a steam turbine and drive a generator to produce electricity.

2.5.2 The biomass fuels intended for use in the Project will have a low ash content (around 2% whereas coal would typically have 10%). The plant is anticipated to produce up to 30,000 tonnes per year of ash once the fuel is burnt.

2.6 The Cooling System

2.6.1 After passing through the steam turbine the remaining low pressure steam is passed to a condenser in order to cool it so it can be returned to the boiler. The condenser will need to be cooled, which will be achieved using water abstracted from the River Blyth Estuary. Once used for cooling the water will then be discharged to the North Sea, at a temperature up to 10°C warmer than when it was abstracted. This method of cooling the plant is called once-through water cooling.

2.6.2 Once-through cooling provides the highest plant efficiency compared to other options available,such as using an air cooling system, allowing the largest amount of energy to be generated from the smallest amount of biomass fuel.

2.6.3 Figure 5 shows the indicative location of the outfall used to discharge the cooling water into the North Sea located approximately 770 m from the mean low water level. A pipeline will connect the steam turbine building to the outfall and this will be installed under the sea bed, beach, dunes, rail and road using directional drilling techniques. This means that no trenching is required to lay this pipeline, and so the dunes, beach and intertidal area will be unaffected by the construction of the outfall pipe. The inlet, through which water for the cooling system will be abstracted, will be located under the existing Berth 4 at Battleship Wharf. This is partly constructed over the River Blyth Estuary. The main intake structures will be sited on land adjacent to and connected to the inlet pipe.

2.6.4 The position of the outfall will not interfere with current maritime traffic. An assessment of commercial fishing shows that the outfall position would not interfere with current activities. As a safety precaution a surface marker will be installed to indicate the outfalls’ position on the sea bed and its position will be added to admiralty charts.

2.6.5 A small amount of process effluent will be generated by the Project and will be discharged, with the cooling water, to the North Sea. This discharge will comply with limits stipulated in the Environmental Permit, that will be issued by the Environment Agency, who will also monitor and enforce (if necessary) any discharges from the plant. This will comprise:

boiler blow-down (water and chemicals extracted from within the closed boiler water circuit)

water from the water treatment plant (this will contain salts that have been removed from towns water by the plant to produce very pure water to replace water within the boiler); and

emptying of the steam water circuit during maintenance and other minor discharges.




2.7 Flue Gas Treatment

2.7.1 During the combustion process of the biomass fuel, gases are generated which are referred to as flue gases. Within the boiler these gases are exposed to very high temperatures (at least 850 ºC for a minimum of 2 seconds), to destroy potentially polluting substances. Remaining gases pass through the boiler and enter a flue gas treatment plant, where they are cleaned before beingreleased into the atmosphere via a stack which will be up to 105 m in height. The flue gas treatment equipment will be designed to ensure that emission limits set by the Environment Agency for the Project will be met.

2.8 Electricity Export

2.8.1 Electricity generated by the Project will be exported from the plant via underground cables to the Northern Powergrid substation, adjacent to the National Grid substation at the former Blyth Power Station site (Figure 5 shows the location of the grid connection). The cable installation is expected to be laid using the traditional open-cut method with cables buried directly in the ground. This will require a trench approximately 1 m deep and 1.2 m wide to be dug, the cables laid and the trench backfilled.

2.9 Carbon Capture

2.9.1 The Project is a low carbon technology and it is not therefore proposed to design or build the plant to be Carbon Capture Ready. The plant is also below 300 MWe, the European Union threshold [Ref 11] for the consideration of Carbon Capture Ready power stations.

2.10 Site Selection

2.10.1 RES has undertaken a UK wide study to identify suitable sites for the construction and operation of biomass energy projects, with the intention of developing a number of plants at sites which meet technical, commercial and environmental criteria.

2.10.2 The Project will require large volumes of biomass fuels to be delivered to site. Transporting such volumes can add to the Project’s ‘carbon footprint’ and commercial sustainability. Therefore, a site with a variety of transport options was required so that the Project is environmentally and commercially sustainable over its lifetime.

2.10.3 Port locations with operational deep-water berths are ideal for the installation of biomass-fired power stations as they have existing infrastructure in place to handle the large quantities of bulk materials, are often rail connected, and tend to have good road access. Ports are also mainly found within industrial locations where there is usually provision for industrial development within local planning policy. Being adjacent to large stretches of water, portlocations also offer the opportunity for the consideration of water steam cooling options. Other considerations include the availability of a grid connection so that electricity can be exported, the potential for local supplies of biomass fuel and the availability of skilled labour and/or training establishments.

2.10.4 The Port of Blyth was identified at an early stage due to its deep water facilities, an emerging track record in renewable energy generation and for the presence of a nearby suitable grid connection.

2.10.5 Initially it was proposed to use the Bates Colliery site, on the south bank of the River Blyth Estuary adjacent to the town of Blyth. A number of environmental concerns were identified with the development of the Bates Colliery site, and through discussions with the Port of Blyth, the Battleship Wharf site was identified as a suitable alternative. The Battleship Wharf site offers the following beneficial characteristics;




Battleship Wharf already handles a range of dry cargos, including biomass, and offers deep water berths, road and rail access for the Project;

Battleship Wharf is designated as part of the port related employment area in the Wansbeck District Local Plan, within the newly designated Blyth Estuary Renewable Energy Zone (BEREZ), and within the area Northumberland County Council are investigating for the provision of district heating;

the existing use of Battleship Wharf for the discharge and storage of coal and other bulk materials, mean that the Project will be in keeping with the character of this area.

a grid connection can be made to the Northern Powergrid sub-station;

the area benefits from an existing pool of power generating and engineering expertise;

there are established areas of forest such as Kielder Forest in Northumberland and forests and woodlands within the Scottish Borders that have been highlighted as having the potential to supply the Project with biomass; and

non-recyclable waste wood from major urban areas within the North East of England, such as Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and its conurbations is potentially available within 32km of the Site.




3 SUMMMARY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

3.1.1 The following sections summarise the environmental impacts arising from the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project. Where significant environmental impacts are identified, suitable control measures (mitigation measures) are identified and discussed and the resulting impacts that would occur once the mitigation measures are in place, is predicted.

3.2 Air Quality

3.2.1 Chapter 7 of the Environmental Statement considers the potential for long-term impact on air quality arising from emissions from combustion, of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, as well as other potential pollutants from the Project. Shorter term potential impacts associated with traffic emissions from construction and operation phases are also assessed. The assessment identifies the relevant environmental quality standards for the protection of air quality for the above potential pollutants and provides a review of the existing ambient air quality within the area.

3.2.2 A suite of controls on emissions to air will be implemented as an integral part of the Project design, these are identified within the assessment, including the use of modern, efficient combustion technology and combustion controls, the injection of air into the combustion process to limit the formation of oxides of nitrogen and a fabric filter system to control the emissions of particulates and metals. Emissions of acid gases including sulphur dioxide, hydrogen chloride and hydrogen fluoride will be limited because of the low concentration of sulphur and halogens in the biomass fuel and, if required, through the use of lime injection into the exhaust gas stream.

3.2.3 Computer based atmospheric dispersion modelling has been undertaken adopting a conservativeapproach with some parameters. This ensures that the model predictions are over-estimates rather than under-estimating emissions from the stack. In addition, a number of different scenarios (e.g. different blends of Fuel and traffic emissions from HGVs assuming 100% of the Fuel is delivered by road rather than 80% by ship) were looked at to ensure the dispersion modelling methodology and predictions were robust.

3.2.4 Even with the use of conservative assumptions, the modelling results indicated that no Environmental Quality Standards, specified for the protection of human health, were forecast to be exceeded due to emissions from the Project during the operational phase. The potential impact due to air emissions generated by road traffic, shipping and rail during the construction,operational and decommissioning phases is also forecast to be insignificant.

3.2.5 There is a potential for dust to be generated during the construction and decommissioning phases, however this will be short-term and temporary in nature. During operation of the Project, dust also has the potential to be generated from ship unloading activities, conveying of fuel or any handling of loose bulk Fuel outside the storage buildings.

3.2.6 A number of mitigation measures, such as damping down soils during construction and the use of hoppers with dust suppression systems to be used during ship unloading and covered conveyors,are identified to reduce or remove potential impacts relating to dust control and monitoring measures. With the use of mitigation measures the impacts of dust generation on sensitive receptors (such as residential properties) in the area will be minimal and no significant impact is predicted during the construction, operational or decommissioning phases on the local air quality.

3.2.7 In addition to the consideration of human health issues, the assessment considered potential impacts upon sites designated for their ecological importance within 15 km from the Project.




This involved the calculation of maximum levels of oxides of nitrogen and acid that would be deposited at these sites as a result of emissions from the Project.

3.2.8 The assessment, again made using a number of conservative assumptions, found that the maximum contribution of acid and nitrogen deposition from the Project would be more than 1% of the relevant critical load levels (published levels for important ecological sites) at the nearby Northumbria Coast SPA (acid deposition was found to be 3.6% and nitrogen 4%). However, these areas are regularly covered and inundated by tidal water that will rapidly dilute any pollutants. Therefore, it is concluded that there would be little or no impact from airborne concentrations or deposition of pollutants at this location.

3.2.9 Overall, the impact on air quality when the mitigation measures have been incorporated has been assessed and it is concluded that the Project will not have a significant impact with respect to all pollutants. The predicted environmental concentration (i.e. emissions from the Project when added to the existing background levels), are within the relevant Environmental Quality Standards for each pollutant considered. Therefore, no significant residual effect with respect to local air quality is predicted. Taking the above considerations into account, it is concluded that the overall impact due to the Project is insignificant with respect to local air quality.

3.2.10 It should be noted that NBEL will be required to obtain an Environmental Permit from the Environment Agency prior to the commencement of operations at the Project. The Environment Agency will stipulate the levels of different gasses that can be emitted from the stack. TheEnvironment Agency will continually monitor these gas levels ensuring the operation of the Project to ensure NBEL work within its agreed limits, which will be safe for human health and the environment.

3.3 Noise and Vibration

3.3.1 Noise and Vibration impacts are covered in Chapter 8 of the Environmental Statement, which assessed potential traffic noise, noise from construction and commissioning activities; noise arising from the Project when operational and during decommissioning.

3.3.2 The assessment has included the measurement of existing noise levels at nearby residential properties and computer modelling of noise from the Project in order to quantify the potential impacts. The methodology and monitoring locations were agreed with Northumberland County Council prior to carrying out the assessment. Cumulative noise impacts arising from the Project and the Wansbeck Blyth Harbour Wind Farm proposal are also considered.

3.3.3 Mitigation measures are proposed for the construction phase of the development including ensuring modern plant is used, where possible; limiting the noisiest activities to daytime periods only; and ensuring regular and effective maintenance of plant and machinery on the site. The resulting predicted noise levels are below levels in the relevant British Standard (BS 5228-1), and are therefore not considered to be significant. Commissioning works on power station development projects are normally considered as an extension to the construction works with a similar level of noise expected to be produced through this phase.

3.3.4 The impacts of traffic noise during the construction and operational phases are predicted to be negligible assuming that 20% of Fuel is delivered by road. Even if 100% of the Fuel is delivered by road, the impact of the corresponding increase in traffic noise would be classed as minor and so is regarded as insignificant.

3.3.5 It is proposed that operational noise levels are controlled by setting night time noise limits at sensitive locations around the facility. These limits will be set marginally above the predicted noise levels from the Project but will be below guideline noise (British Standard BS4142:1997) values. It should be noted that the predicted levels for the Project are in line with recommendations identified in recent research published by the World Health Organisation




specifically relating to sleep disturbance. Noise will be measured at these locations to make sure these noise levels are not exceeded.

3.3.6 The assessment also concludes that vibration levels associated with the construction, operation and demolition of the Project are not expected to be significant at the nearest residential properties.

3.4 Landscape and Visual Impact

3.4.1 The scale of the Project will have an influence on the landscape resource and visual amenity of the surrounding area. There will be an isolated number of significant visual impacts to some visual receptors within close proximity to the Facility Site. The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA), in Chapter 9 of the Environmental Statement, considers the likely effects of the Project upon the existing landscape character of a 25 km area around the Project, and also the impact upon the visual amenity of the Facility Site and surrounding area.

3.4.2 The LVIA considers impacts within a 25 km study area, using computer modelling to identify a Zone of Theoretical Visual Impact (TZVI) to illustrate where the two most prominent elements(the 105 m tall stack, and the 65 m tall boiler house) of the Project are theoretically visible.

3.4.3 The TZVI for the stack is more expansive due to it being the highest element of the Project. However, it is considered that the boiler house will be the most visually dominating element due to its size and shape compared to the tall narrow stack. From a number of close range receptors, the building will form a significant new element within the skyline. The design of the building has therefore been sensitive to these close range views to minimise adverse effects. This is described within the mitigation section of the assessment and the Design and Access Statement that is submitted with the Development Consent Order Application.

3.4.4 The assessment concludes that the Project is in keeping with the existing industrial character of the River Blyth Estuary. The town of Blyth has a history of large scale industrial development along the banks of the River Blyth Estuary, being in close proximity to the town. The close range settlements of North Blyth, Cambois and Blyth have also been highly influenced by historic industrial trends in the landscape, and large scale industrial elements being introduced within close proximity. This has reduced the sensitivity of surrounding landscape receptors, which are already influenced by other large scale, man-made structures. Therefore, there are few landscape receptors that will be significantly impacted by the Project, and as such, effects will be limited to changes in the pattern and the scale of existing urban areas in proximity to the Facility Site.

3.4.5 There will not be any significant impacts on National, Regional or Local Landscape Character areas as a result of the Project. The most significant impacts upon landscape character are integration issues relating to the location of the Project at the edge of the industrial character area of the estuary, adjacent to the residential area at North Blyth and in proximity to the small scale Town Centre of Blyth.

3.4.6 With regard to impacts upon visual amenity, it is likely that the potential negative visual impacts will be more significant than for the landscape impacts. The proximity of the Project to small isolated residential areas, combined with the size and scale of some elements within the Project will be of principal concern. Therefore, a detailed visual assessment has been carried out, with the assessment of over 90 Visual Receptors, to determine a detailed understanding of likely visual impacts. Short to mid distance views from surrounding receptors within South Cambois to the north, North Blyth to the southeast, and Blyth to the south and west are considered to have the most significant impacts resulting from the Project.

3.4.7 Following a cumulative assessment of the Project with other planned projects in the area, onlytwo receptors are identified as having a higher level of impact than with just the Project. Only where the Blyth Harbour Wind Farm, NaREC Blade Test 2, Project Fujin and Nautilus developments and the consented Biomass Handling facility are prominent within the existing




panorama with the Project, is there a noticeable increase in magnitude of impact that is greater than the impact of the Project alone. In the majority of the receptors these are not considered to be significant and will not add to impact of the Project on the local landscape.

3.5 Terrestrial Ecology

3.5.1 Potential impacts on terrestrial ecology are considered in Chapter 10. The assessment has included consultation with Natural England, Environment Agency, Northumberland County Council and also the Butterfly Conservation. A desk study and field surveys have been carried out to establish the current ecological status of the Facility Site and surrounding areas. These have included habitat surveys, a grayling butterfly survey and a reptile survey.

3.5.2 The assessment identifies a number of potential impacts during construction including temporary disturbance to “open mosaic habitat on previously developed land” during construction of grid route. This is identified as a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority habitat. Habitat reinstatement following construction will restore these areas to their current quality.

3.5.3 There is a potential for temporary disturbance to grayling butterfly habitat during construction work. A 3 m stand off from the railway line to protect habitats here will be implemented. All other grayling habitat affected will be reinstated. Restoration will also provide enhanced habitat creation resulting in a positive impact of the Project. The approach to restoration has been developed in consultation with Butterfly Conservation.

3.5.4 Prior to construction works measures are required to reduce the chances of inadvertently killing or injuring individual common lizards on the emergency access and grid connection. Given the very limited scale of this works and that most of the suitable habitat will remain unaffected, moving individuals to another area is not considered appropriate. Proposed mitigation therefore involves habitat management and removal of potential hiding and resting places.

3.5.5 Disturbance to bats caused by increased light levels during operation of the Project is mitigated by a commitment to provide a lighting scheme that will be sympathetic to bats though the use of appropriate shields to prevent the escape of light from the Facility Site, and to reduce glare from the Project lighting.

3.5.6 No significant cumulative impacts to terrestrial ecology have been predicted in relation to theProject and other nearby proposed developments.

3.6 Aquatic Ecology

3.6.1 The potential aquatic impacts of the Project are provided in Chapter 11, and mainly relate to the abstraction and discharge of cooling water and the use of piling to construct the Project foundations.

3.6.2 The River Blyth Estuary is tidal with large water movements in relation to the proposed volumes of water that will be abstracted and discharged (3.77 metres cubed per second (m3/s)). The River Blyth Estuary in the vicinity of the Project supports a range of fish species, with several species of conservation concern living in or using the area. Many of the fish species are part of larger coastal stocks, but some species, particularly those using the rivers flowing into the River Blyth Estuary as breeding grounds, are from much smaller stocks.

3.6.3 The invertebrate fauna of the River Blyth Estuary is typical of that found in British estuarine soft sediments. The fauna at the discharge location is typical of inshore North Sea fauna. The main focus for long-term impacts on aquatic life arises from the need for the cooling water abstraction and discharge. The abstraction will entrain some planktonic life forms, but no significant effect is predicted. Although the discharge will be a maximum of 10°C above the temperature of the abstracted water. The discharge is small in relation to the size of the receiving water (i.e. North Sea), and therefore the thermal impact of the discharge on aquatic life of the area is predicted to be negligible.




3.6.4 Although it is anticipated that piling will be required for the construction of the Project, it is not currently known what piling method would be used. Where possible, quieter methods of piling (such as Continuous Flight Auger or rotary displacement), will be used. Percussion piling, the nosiest method of piling, will only be used when these quieter methods are not suitable to achieve the required construction integrity. A detailed method statement will be submitted to Northumberland County Council, Natural England and the Marine Management Organisation, in advance of any pile driving, for approval.

3.6.5 If percussion piling is required, an impact is possible on marine species of European importance, including Atlantic salmon, sea and river lamprey, harbour porpoise and common and grey seals. Due to the time constraints and the noise reduction measures that will be employed, no lethal impacts are considered likely, but short-term behavioural changes are possible.

3.6.6 The likely zone of impact of percussion piling has been assessed to be a maximum of 500 m from the construction site. A range of mitigation measures will be adopted to further reduce the impact of percussion piling, should this be required at all. These are likely to include soft-starting up of any percussion piling activity, the use of a non-metallic pad between the hammer and the driving helmet and the identification of appropriate time restrictions.

3.6.7 It is therefore concluded that no significant effect from percussion piling is likely on any species of European importance.

3.6.8 In conclusion, assuming a worst case piling approach and with the small volumes of waterabstraction and discharge, it is predicted that no significant impacts on aquatic life will occur.

3.7 Ornithology

3.7.1 Potential impacts on ornithology are considered in Chapter 12. The assessment has included consultation with Natural England, RSPB and the MMO. A desk study and field surveys have been carried out to establish the current ornithological status of the Facility Site and surrounding areas. These have included breeding bird surveys and wintering bird surveys.

3.7.2 The breeding bird community did not include any very high or high sensitivity species. No species was found breeding that is listed on Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive or specially protected from disturbance during breeding under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Eleven breeding species were found and this is classed as medium sensitivity. Numbers within the potential impact zone of the Project were low.

3.7.3 The non-breeding bird community included 13 very high sensitivity species: two of the Northumbria Coast SPA species (turnstone and purple sandpiper) and 11 of the Northumberland Shore SSSI species. Two of these (golden plover and bar-tailed godwit) are also listed on Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive. Three further species were classed as high sensitivity as a result of their listing on Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive (red-throated diver, Sandwich tern and common tern). Ten non-breeding species were classed as medium sensitivity.

3.7.4 Neither of the two SPA species was seen in the survey area in particularly important numbers in relation to their respective SPA populations. For several SSSI species, however, particularly ringed plover, oystercatcher, knot, dunlin, curlew and redshank, the survey area held a substantial proportion of the SSSI peak population.

3.7.5 The assessment identifies a number of potential impacts during construction/decommissioning including (i) disturbance from noise, traffic, the physical construction of the power station and increased human activity, (ii) installation of the cooling water intake (adjacent, but linked to the River Blyth Estuary) and outfall pipe (into the sea), with impacts including possible piling work, oil spills from mobile equipment, and generation of runoff containing high suspended solids, and (iii) impacts of lighting (if very bright lighting were used to illuminate the Project at night this could result in a ‘lighthouse’ type effect, attracting migrants into the site and away from their usual migration route).




3.7.6 Potential operational phase impacts of the proposal on birds include (i) disturbance from noise, traffic, the structure of the power station and increased human activity, (ii) potential impacts on air quality, (iii) impacts on aquatic ecology resulting in effects on the bird food resource, including water temperature change (cooling discharge into the sea), biocide release and water extraction from the River Blyth Estuary, (iv) impacts on bird flight activity and (v) impacts of lighting (the possible ‘lighthouse’ type effect described above).

3.7.7 Mitigation measures would be implemented to ensure compliance with nature conservation legislation and to reduce impacts on birds, including pre-construction checks for breeding birds (for any ground clearance works during the bird breeding season), lighting management, the agreement and implementation of a piling method statement to include restrictions on piling noise during the winter and the agreement and implementation of a Construction Environmental Management Plan.

3.7.8 It is considered unlikely that the Project would have any long-term impact on the integrity of the study area’s ornithological features or the conservation status of the species found here. Overall, the predicted residual ornithological impacts would be of low/negligible magnitude and at most low significance, and hence not significant with regard to the EIA Regulations.

3.7.9 It is concluded that the Project would comply with relevant planning policies to ornithology. Overall, no ornithological impacts are likely to occur as a result of the Project that would be considered significant under the EIA Regulations, nor any that would result in any breach of the Habitats Regulations.

3.8 Road Traffic and Access

3.8.1 An assessment is provided in Chapter 13 of the potential environmental impacts arising from changes in road traffic and transportation resulting from the Project. The approach to this assessment was agreed in consultation with Northumberland County Council and the Highways Agency.

3.8.2 The Project will be served by the existing road access to Battleship Wharf from the roundabout on the North Blyth Road (the C403) just north of North Blyth.

3.8.3 Construction of the Project is due to commence in 2013/14, with an estimated 30 month programme to commissioning in 2015/16. The construction workforce is expected to peak at approximately 300 staff. At other times the workforce is likely to be significantly lower than this level. A construction phase Traffic Management Plan will be agreed with Northumberland County Council and implemented to control traffic movements and parking throughout the construction phase.

3.8.4 When the Project is operational it is anticipated that 80% of the fuel will be delivered directly to the site via ship, with the remaining 20% delivered by road and/or rail. However, NBELrequires a contingency for additional deliveries by road, if necessary, to ensure that the Projectcan remain operational if ship deliveries are delayed, although this is unlikely to occur.

3.8.5 Road traffic to the Project is via a preferred route for freight. It is expected that road deliveries (and ash removal) would take place from Monday to Friday (0700 – 1900) and Saturday (07:00 to 13:00), although for assessment purposes all traffic movements are considered to take place Monday to Friday, which represents a worst case scenario. When fully commissioned the Project will operate 24 hours a day, employing approximately 60 people spread across a 5 shift system.A Travel Plan, aimed at reducing car traffic to/from the Project, will be implemented to encourage staff to travel by sustainable modes of transport.

3.8.6 The main transport impacts from the Project would be due to the generation of additional traffic. The assessment has considered the impact during the construction phase, during normal operations when 20% of fuel could be delivered by road and also a ‘worst case’ scenario where all fuel is delivered by road for short periods of time.




3.8.7 The receptors assessed were local road users and local communities of Cambois, through which traffic would be passing via the C415.

3.8.8 Due to the low levels of traffic generation no significant impacts are predicted on the Strategic Road Network (the main A road nearby). All impacts on the local highway network, and to other road users and pedestrians are considered to be Neutral or Slight and no mitigation measures are proposed beyond the construction phase Traffic Management Plan and Travel Plans for the construction and operational phases.

3.9 Surface Water Hydrology and Flood Risk

3.9.1 Chapter 14 of the Environmental Statement sets out the potential impacts upon surface water and flood risk issues of relevance to the Project. A detailed flood risk assessment has beenundertaken as part of this study. The key consultee for this aspect of the Project was the Environment Agency.

3.9.2 The assessment considers the potential impacts of a range of potentially contaminating substances and activities associated with the Project. These can be controlled through the implementation of closely controlled site processes, based on best industry practice and guidelines (such as Environment Agency Pollution Prevention Guidance notes) to reduce and in most cases eliminate any impacts. These measures will be formalised in the form of a Construction Environment Management Plan and Operational Environment Management Systems, which will be agreed with Northumberland County Council and the Environment Agency. Operational activities will also be regulated by the Environment Agency as part of the site’s Environmental Permit.

3.9.3 With regards to impacts to or from flooding, topographic data shows that levels on the Facility Site range from around 3.5 m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD) in the south to over 6.5 m AOD in the east. The Facility Site is separated from the North Sea by sand dunes and an embankment (approximately 2 m above surrounding ground level) upon which a road and railway are located.

3.9.4 The Environment Agency flood map indicates the majority of the Facility Site to be located in Flood Zone 1 (low probability of flooding). Flood Zone 1 indicates the site is not at risk from inundation from a 1 in 100 chance river flood event or a 1 in 1000 chance tidal event.

3.9.5 To reduce and minimise flood risk and the effects of flooding on the Project a range of mitigation measures have been considered, these include the following:

Operational floor levels within Project buildings are to be constructed at a level that would not flood in any flood event that is less than a 1 in 1000 chance flood event (5.39 m AOD);

Any infrastructure that is to be located directly on the waterfront of Berth 4, and therefore within the flood zone will be designed to be submerged in water to account for the potential flood risk;

Provision of an emergency access to provide a direct link to the C403, North Blyth Road, in case the roundabout at North Blyth is inundated by flooding; and

A Flood Action Plan will be developed for the Project and agreed with the Environment Agency and Northumberland County Council.

3.9.6 The assessment concluded that the majority of the Facility Site is at a low risk of flooding.Furthermore, mitigation measures will ensure that the Project can be operated and accessed safely during extreme flood events. The residual risks remaining after the implementation of these mitigation measures are predicted to be extremely low.




3.10 Hydrogeology, Geology, Ground Contamination and Soils

3.10.1 Chapter 15 assesses the potential impacts on the groundwater, geology, ground contamination and soils.

3.10.2 The Facility Site has historically contained contaminating land uses, and was remediated in 1993. Only isolated hotspots of residual contamination are expected to remain. Further site investigation prior to construction will confirm this and help aid the detailed design of the Project’s foundations. The risks presented by any residual contamination which may remain will be assessed after detailed site investigation and appropriate control measures will be implemented to prevent adverse impact on human health, controlled waters and ecological receptors. It is predicted that the residual risks to soils and controlled waters will be low.

3.10.3 The generation of dust from the site works could cause a risk to site workers and Port of Blyth workers. With the residual risk of contamination on site there is the potential for this dust to be contaminated, although this risk is evaluated to be of low likelihood. With the application of mitigation measures, such as the use of a construction vehicle wheel wash, which will be controlled through a Construction Environment Management Plan, the resulting risk is predicted to be very low. The Construction Environment Management Plan will be developed to control the risks of contamination occurring as a result of the construction activities and will be a requirement of the Development Consent Order.

3.10.4 Once developed the site will either have removed any residual contamination or it will be assessed as safe to remain covered by the Project. Either method will be agreed with Northumberland County Council and the Environment Agency.

3.10.5 There are no predicted effects on the groundwater regime beneath the site by the development of the Project. The dominant impact upon groundwater is seawater and continual changes in tide that has a direct influence upon groundwater levels.

3.10.6 The operation of a cooling water intake is not expected to have an adverse impact on surface water flows in the River Blyth. A pumping station will be constructed onshore at Battleship Wharf and an intake pipe will be installed through the port river wall to abstract cooling water. The construction and operation of the cooling water outfall, into the North Sea, is not expected to have an adverse impact on human receptors and controlled waters as the pipeline will be constructed by directional drilling. This is an underground drilling technique protecting the shore line and connecting to the outfall location approximately 770 m offshore.

3.10.7 The Project will be decommissioned in a planned and controlled manner which will be designed and implemented to prevent the uncontrolled release of fuels, lubricants and process chemicals which may still be present after the closure of the plant.

3.11 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

3.11.1 Chapter 16 considers the potential impacts of the construction of the Project upon archaeological and cultural heritage features and impacts upon the setting of features during the operational phase. The assessment is based upon a 500 m study area from the Facility Site.

3.11.2 Research has revealed that Blyth has its origins in the medieval period, where it developed from small communities at Cowpen and Hartley to become an important north-east port. Its main commerce relied on salt manufacture, fishing, and coal export which were controlled initially by monastic communities from Newminster Abbey, Tynemouth Priory and Durham. A study of historical Ordnance Survey mapping shows that the Facility Site area was subject to significant disturbance throughout most of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

3.11.3 A desk-based study and walkover survey have been carried out to identify archaeological or cultural heritage features that may remain and be impacted upon by the Project. No significant archaeological features were found within the Facility Site. There is only one known cultural




heritage feature of National/International importance the study area, which is the Grade II Listed Coal Staithes located within the River Blyth Estuary to the north west of the Project. The Coal Staithes were built between 1910 and 1923 and facilitated the loading of ships from coal wagons by allowing coal to be dropped from the wagons directly into the ships. The assessment concludes that there will be a Moderate Adverse impact upon the setting of the Coal Staithes as a result of the Project.

3.11.4 The National Heritage List for England is the official database which provides access to up to date information on all nationally designated heritage assets. The National Heritage List describes the staithes as being ‘coal staithes at Blyth Power Station’ stressing their setting and association with power generation. As the Coal Staithes are industrial in nature and as the site and surroundings are industrial in nature, it is considered that there is no requirement for mitigation measures in this instance.

3.11.5 The assessment has shown that medieval salt pans were located within the immediate environs of the Facility Site. The scale and development of modern heavy industry on the Facility Sitemakes it highly unlikely that archaeological deposits associated with medieval industry survive within the Facility Site. No further archaeological evaluation is therefore deemed appropriate. Similarly with the Grid Connection route to the north no impacts are predicted and no further evaluation is necessary and no archaeological or cultural heritage features are predicted to be effected by the installation of the cooling water outfall pipe.

3.12 Socio-economics

3.12.1 Chapter 17 focuses on the socio-economic impacts considering potential direct, indirect and wider socio-economic impacts.

3.12.2 The assessment identifies a number of positive impacts arising from the Project. It is expected that approximately 200 temporary jobs will be created during construction (increasing to 300 during the peak period), and approximately 60 full time positions once operational. Additional positive impacts are identified resulting from additional economic investment in the Blyth area arising from employee’s spending money locally and NEBL purchasing local services. During operation of the Project it is expected that the Project could create approximately four off-site employment opportunities (as a minimum) arising from increased business activity, leading to increased purchasing by individuals and companies, some of which would be captured locally. This excludes jobs in the fuel supply chain, such as in haulage and forestry work.

3.12.3 The Project will also provide an opportunity to provide education to local schools, colleges and the community about the Project and renewable energy through visits to the site.

3.12.4 The potential for an influx of construction workers taking jobs from those locally seeking employment, and the loss of permanent employment when the Project ceases to operate (in at least 25 years time) represent potential negative impacts. NBEL provide a commitment that they will require contractors and sub-contractors to prioritise local recruitment. NBEL will alsoaim to recruit from within the local area for operational workers and will build relationships with local employment agencies and unemployment programmes to do this.

3.12.5 NBEL commit to putting in place supplier engagement processes to ensure opportunities are advertised locally to ensure the most able suppliers are selected and make it easier for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises to work on the Project. Training opportunities for employees will be available at all levels of employment, from basic training through to management courses.

3.12.6 Health and well-being is linked to socio-economic performance of a development and a Health Impact Assessment for the Project is provided within the Environmental Statement. This assessment has been carried out in consultation with Northumberland Care Trust Community Services and the Director of Public Health and Protection. The evidence from the Environmental Statement and associated documentation is that any changes to the physical environment (e.g.




changes in air quality or noise levels) would be very small in magnitude and predominantly insignificant, and so effects on health are not expected to occur as a result of the Project.




4 CONCLUSIONS

4.1 An EIA has been completed in accordance with EU and UK regulations. In parallel with this RES has carried out a detailed and comprehensive consultation process with statutory, non statutory bodies, interested parties and the public.

4.2 The EIA assessments have addressed the worst case scenario that would have the greatest potential effect on the environment. Through mitigation measures, potential environmental effects have been removed.

4.3 The Project has the potential to contribute substantially towards both the Governments’national renewable energy target for 2020 and local authority development aspirations. All relevant consents will be obtained and potential adverse effects would be fully avoided through the inclusion of appropriate and adequate mitigation in the development.




REFERENCES

1. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 2007. Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) of the IPCC. Synthesis Report, Topic 3

2. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projections for global warming (2007)

3. UK Climate Change Act, 2008

4. The Energy White Paper (EWP) “Meeting the Energy Challenge” May 2007.

5. The UK Renewable Energy Strategy, July 2009.

6. UK Low Carbon Transition Plan, July 2009.

7. Draft Overarching NPS for Energy (EN-1): A Framework Document for Planning Decisions on NSIP (EN-1), November 2009July 2011, DECC

8. Draft National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure NPS (EN-3), November 2009July 2011, DECC

9. Wansbeck District Local Plan 2007, Wansbeck District Council,

10. The Renewables Obligation Order 2002.

11. Directive 2009/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the geological storage of carbon dioxide and amending Council Directive 85/337/EEC, European Parliament and Council Directives 2000/60/EC, 2001/80/EC, 2004/35/EC, 2006/12/EC, 2008/1/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006.




FIGURES

Figure 1 Site Location

Figure 2 Site Layout

Figure 3 3D Perspective View of the Project.

Figure 4 Aerial photograph showing the existing site conditions

Figure 5 Aerial Photograph showing the Proposed Grid Connection and Outfall.


Documents

NORTH BLYTH BIOMASS PROJECT THE …...consent under Section 31 of the Planning Act 2008 to construct and operate a biomass fuelled power station with an electrical output of approximately